The old thread has enough miles on it, so here's a new one.
those gentle voices I hear
explain it all with a sigh
those gentle voices I hear
explain it all with a sigh
If Texas has really offered 6 years and $17m per year to Zito, he should pack his bag now. No way anybody else matches that, unless they go seven at $16. It could have quite an effect on the market if he accepted quickly. Schmidt would go for four years at $15m. Lilly could get some late action, especially if the Mets missed out on both Zito and Schmidt.
Even worse is the speculation on Foxsports.com that the Royals have offered M.Batista 3 years $24 million. It is widely understood that Kansas City has to make an overwhelming offer to get almost anyone to play there, and this is no exception. My concern is that the Meche camp, knowing full well what I mentioned above, still try and use this as a measuring stick while discussing contract with JP. Even in this market, doesn't Miguel deserve at most something along the lines of 2 years $11 million?
I don't know - although Batista is a shade below Meche (perhaps due to age alone) it's not that far. Batista does have a bit more versatility (he sometimes closed games effectively) and certainly far more durability. I think if Batista gets 3/$24 he will make out like a bandit.
Despite spending all of 2005 and a bit of 2004 in the bullpen, Batista has pitched 22 more innings than Meche in the last 3 years (480 to 458), and beat him 104 to 90 in ERA+. Even given Meche's 8 year age advantage, I'd rather have Batista at 3 years $24M than Meche at 4 years $40M.
Off topic but worth the note. Cheek named Frick Award finalist
It could have quite an effect on the market
This is a pet peeve of mine, and I see lots of people saying it, including GMs.
I don't think contracts 'set' the market or have any effect on the market, I think contracts signed *reveal* the market. If Adam Eaton gets $8 million/year you can say that Ted Lilly or Padilla are worth 10-20% more than that, and that's likely to be the case when they sign. But that assumes everyone is valuing players in the same, rational manner.
Say that Adam Eaton signed for $15 million/year. Does that mean that Padilla or Lilly are still going to be getting 10-20% more than that? Of course not. Just because one team does something stupid doesn't mean that everyone else has to.
Last year Molina thought he was going to get a contract in the range that Ramon Hernandez got because he was a comparable player. Well, at the end of the day Hernandez didn't impact Molina at all, except to give him one fewer team to sign with. Supply and demand set the market and the supply just about ran out before Molina signed.
Henry Blanco got $2.5 million/year as a backup. Does that mean Gregg Zaun got a lot more than that because he's a lot more valuable? Nope, he got what a team was willing to pay him - $3.5 million. He's certainly more than $1 million/year more valuable than Blanco.
If teams are upset at what free agents are getting it's because they either didn't value them properly in the market or were hoping to get them for bargains (this, of course, ignors the ripple impact of signings on arbitration cases).
Frankly, I'm a little surprised that teams are being caught that offguard this offseason. It wouldn't be that difficult to know how much money every team would have available in free agency and be able to come up with a good estimate of what players would get. Which is why it's frustrating that the Jays didn't talk money with Zaun or Lilly prior to free agency. If the Jays offered Zaun $6 million over 2 years I'd bet he would have taken it. They're paying him more than that now (albeit only a little bit). If they offered Lilly 'Washburn money' there's a good chance they'd have him signed now, and at an amount lower than what he'll end up at. That extra $1-2 million could have helped in other areas.
This is a pet peeve of mine, and I see lots of people saying it, including GMs.
I don't think contracts 'set' the market or have any effect on the market, I think contracts signed *reveal* the market. If Adam Eaton gets $8 million/year you can say that Ted Lilly or Padilla are worth 10-20% more than that, and that's likely to be the case when they sign. But that assumes everyone is valuing players in the same, rational manner.
Say that Adam Eaton signed for $15 million/year. Does that mean that Padilla or Lilly are still going to be getting 10-20% more than that? Of course not. Just because one team does something stupid doesn't mean that everyone else has to.
Last year Molina thought he was going to get a contract in the range that Ramon Hernandez got because he was a comparable player. Well, at the end of the day Hernandez didn't impact Molina at all, except to give him one fewer team to sign with. Supply and demand set the market and the supply just about ran out before Molina signed.
Henry Blanco got $2.5 million/year as a backup. Does that mean Gregg Zaun got a lot more than that because he's a lot more valuable? Nope, he got what a team was willing to pay him - $3.5 million. He's certainly more than $1 million/year more valuable than Blanco.
If teams are upset at what free agents are getting it's because they either didn't value them properly in the market or were hoping to get them for bargains (this, of course, ignors the ripple impact of signings on arbitration cases).
Frankly, I'm a little surprised that teams are being caught that offguard this offseason. It wouldn't be that difficult to know how much money every team would have available in free agency and be able to come up with a good estimate of what players would get. Which is why it's frustrating that the Jays didn't talk money with Zaun or Lilly prior to free agency. If the Jays offered Zaun $6 million over 2 years I'd bet he would have taken it. They're paying him more than that now (albeit only a little bit). If they offered Lilly 'Washburn money' there's a good chance they'd have him signed now, and at an amount lower than what he'll end up at. That extra $1-2 million could have helped in other areas.
Hey guys,
You get your scoop here first...and I'm too cheap to even post anything on BVTN till I get back to my hotel
Just came out of a scrum with Lilly's agent...
-Toronto is a top choice because he has played there, he likes the familiar
-The most imporant thing is getting to the post-season
-3rd is money, 2nd was familiarity
-Toronto and Chicago are the top dogs(he just came out of a meeting with the Cubs and Pinella was calling Ted later today)
-Texas is obviously out after the Padilla
I think that's all, I'll let everyone know if I get anything more
Which is why it's frustrating that the Jays didn't talk money with Zaun or Lilly prior to free agency. If the Jays offered Zaun $6 million over 2 years I'd bet he would have taken it. They're paying him more than that now (albeit only a little bit). If they offered Lilly 'Washburn money' there's a good chance they'd have him signed now, and at an amount lower than what he'll end up at. That extra $1-2 million could have helped in other areas.
On the whole, this is a very compelling point and useful advice should the Jays be thinking about signing Wells to an extension now or in mid-season, rather than waiting for next off-season. I think, however, that a couple of caveats apply to these particular examples. The fact that it is only now during the offseason that the Jays' budget for 2007 and beyond is being set (it may not be even formally set now, if what I'm reading is correct) made signing these sort of extensions in-season somewhat difficult. This should not be seen as a criticism of Rogers, who it should be remembered made the right move going to a three-year rolling budget, and is providing the additional payroll room that is keeping the Lilly talks alive (had he not moved from the original $210 million commitment, none of these discussions would be taking place, at least not without passing on Frank Thomas). But the fact that this money was likely not available to Ricciardi until very recently I think makes it harder to criticize him for not inking a deal earlier.
Secondly, as it pertains to Zaun, signing him to a two-year extension and effectively anointing him the starter going forward while at the same time continuing to give Molina playing time may have been awkward.
The Jays had until Nov 12th to talk with their own free agents. That's what I was referring to, not in season.
I have nothing to prove it, but I believe that the Jays know as much about their payroll today as they did a month ago.
I have nothing to prove it, but I believe that the Jays know as much about their payroll today as they did a month ago.
The Jays had until Nov 12th to talk with their own free agents. That's what I was referring to, not in season.
I have nothing to prove it, but I believe that the Jays know as much about their payroll today as they did a month ago.
I don't doubt that to be true. Zaun is probably a special case who, based on his own testimony, probably would have wrapped up a deal with the Jays had the numbers been right without hearing any other offers. But I can't imagine Lilly - or more accurately, Lilly's agent - would have agreed to a deal before testing the waters first. The contours of the market should be at least as obvious to the player agents as the general managers.
Here's an article indicating the Jays had enough money to fill their holes, prior to free agency.
I agree that Lilly likely would have been a FA under any circumstance, but there was no reason not to explore what he might sign for prior to FA. His agent has been saying Washburn for weeks now (so I think he underestimated the market a bit). If he said '4 for $37' and the Jays said 'ok, deal' they would have been better off.
I agree that Lilly likely would have been a FA under any circumstance, but there was no reason not to explore what he might sign for prior to FA. His agent has been saying Washburn for weeks now (so I think he underestimated the market a bit). If he said '4 for $37' and the Jays said 'ok, deal' they would have been better off.
I have nothing to prove it, but I believe that the Jays know as much about their payroll today as they did a month ago.
On the last edition of WWJP, JP said he would probably know what next years payroll is before the World Series was over. He said it was important to know before free agency started so he could plan ahead and target specific players.
Godfrey has danced around the payroll question for over 2 months now. I believe the Jays knew about the payroll by late October but don't want to let the fans, other teams, agents, and players know about it. After all if the agents knew the Jays payroll was 100 million, then perhaps agents would be asking for more money knowing the team had the flexability to do it.
I personally like the Jays keeping the payroll figure internally, although it makes being an arm chair GM that much tougher.
On the last edition of WWJP, JP said he would probably know what next years payroll is before the World Series was over. He said it was important to know before free agency started so he could plan ahead and target specific players.
Godfrey has danced around the payroll question for over 2 months now. I believe the Jays knew about the payroll by late October but don't want to let the fans, other teams, agents, and players know about it. After all if the agents knew the Jays payroll was 100 million, then perhaps agents would be asking for more money knowing the team had the flexability to do it.
I personally like the Jays keeping the payroll figure internally, although it makes being an arm chair GM that much tougher.
I find it odd that nobody points to guys like Mark Loretta when the steroids talk comes up, if people think you can show drug use from statistics. A once-skinny, pencil-necked shortstop suddenly gains 100 points on his slugging average (at 31-32!), and then falls off a cliff the year they start testing seriously.
Anyway, Mark Loretta will be 36 years old when the pennant race starts and had an OPS of .666 in the second half last year as the regular job wore him down. I realize that he might catch lightning in a bottle again and have a great year (so he's worth the risk for an undistinguished team) but at this point I'd rather start Russ Adams in my infield.
Loretta's a perfect fit for the Reds who are trying to get themselves into the Guinness Book of World Records under "Franchise, Most Mediocre"
Also, I should mention that the Cincinnati Enquirer says that Jerry Narron denied that the Reds had made an offer to Loretta. They've talked. I like the Enquirer story's third para...
Loretta is a right-handed hitter. So he fits the bill for the Reds' top need. But he's not the only one on the list.
Johnny Mac is a right-handed hitter too... maybe J.P. should swoop in and offer him (do the Reds have any assets at all? Todd Coffey?)
Actually, that reminds me. Loretta is being talked to because the Reds are on the outs with Ryan Freel! There's talk that Freel is being offered to San Diego. I generally don't think much of NL players, but Freel is one guy I'd like to get my hands on. Gets his walks, get his singles, steals bases, can play all the infield and outfield positions and is versatile. Perfect AL bench guy. I'm hoping that Russ Adams can grow into that kind of guy, actually...
New Blair post is up
I'm not so sure you can believe that Lilly's number 1 priority is winning, if he's seriously considering the Cubs... who were far worse than the Jays this year.
I would love to see Freel back... I was disappointed when the Jays let him go.
I would love to see Freel back... I was disappointed when the Jays let him go.
The issue is not who's going to win the fight, but when it will happen.
Has Lou ever won a fight? He likes to throw fits, and start fights, but I don't remember him ever winning one. Carlton Fisk gave him the worst of their famous tussle.
Church is also on the outs with his club, which makes him attractive. He had an odd incident recently that some (mis-)interpreted as anti-Semitic and that might cool teams off him as a PR problem. If there really are spare arms, the Jays should approach Washington about swapping a AAA arm for Church. Might take a good one, but it beats paying money to a free agent.
The Jays, unlike a lot of teams, don't really need a capable centerfielder as their 4th OF because their starting three are all able to play center... nice if you can get it. The thing is, there aren't very many suitable corner outfield types available right now as free agents, for one reason or another, and those who are will be looking for starting jobs (Rondell White, Jay Payton, Craig Wilson, Bernie Williams, Shannon Stewart).
J.D. signs with the Red Sox. 5 years, 70 million. As reported by Boras, not Red Sox yet. Pending physical.
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061205&content_id=1751676&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp
(how do I post a link with those html tags?)
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061205&content_id=1751676&vkey=hotstove2006&fext=.jsp
(how do I post a link with those html tags?)
(how do I post a link with those html tags?)
Above the box you type your post in there's a number a toolbar with a number of editing buttons which makes everything really simple. If you don't see it click on the down arrow and it will appear.
To add a link the first thing you do is highlight the words you want to contain the link. From there you click on the button with the chain links. It will prompt you for an address and you just need to copy the address from your browser (ctrl-c) and paste it in the URL box (ctrl-v). You don't need to know html at all. Adding a link is as simple as italicizing a word.
Above the box you type your post in there's a number a toolbar with a number of editing buttons which makes everything really simple. If you don't see it click on the down arrow and it will appear.
To add a link the first thing you do is highlight the words you want to contain the link. From there you click on the button with the chain links. It will prompt you for an address and you just need to copy the address from your browser (ctrl-c) and paste it in the URL box (ctrl-v). You don't need to know html at all. Adding a link is as simple as italicizing a word.
With Drew's signing, the continued pursuit of Matsuzaka and the
inability to trade Manny, it might be that the Sox will not have the
funds for Lugo.
"Our talks with Chicago are very advanced," O'Brien said. "The Cubs indicated they're willing to pay what's going to be needed to be paid to get Ted Lilly."
I actually think this means that Lilly wants to sign with the Jays and they're just using the Cubs to extract more money from the Jays.The Jays are interested in Matt Stairs, as Blair noted in his latest blog. That's probably as good a fit as they could find. Ideally you'd like your 4th OF to have some defensive value and be able to play CF, but the Jays have the defense covered with the starters, both Rios and Johnson can play CF and would be available as a defensive replacement (how come that's not called pinch fielding?). So having someone on the bench that's LH and can hit is a nice fit for the Jays. He'd probably start no more than twice a week, but would likely get a lot of pinch hitting ABs for the middle infielders late in games. Stairs has hit RHs at a .270/.353/.453 clip the past three years and .252/.335/.429 last year.
Of course, Stairs hasn't played a lot in the OF recently - just 3 times last year and 15 times the year before. He'd likely be an option at 1B if Overbay was injured.
He made $1.35 million last year so he's probably in line to make $1.5-2.0 million. Ricciardi has talked about going real cheap with the 4th OF so it'll be interesting to see if he has room for 2 starters and Stairs, or if Stairs is just a luxury if only one starter is acquired.
He made $1.35 million last year so he's probably in line to make $1.5-2.0 million.
Less, I would have thought; his market value is really no more than Daryle Ward or Jason Phillips. $750,000 ought to do it, if Matt doesn't mind playing in Canada (he lives in the U.S. year-round, if I recall, and living in Canada can create problems for some Canadians if they intend to give up residenec here for tax reasons).
I can't agree about Stairs. I once liked him very much, but now he's 38 and you don't want him in the outfield or at first base either. I would rather Adam Lind be given at bats than Matt Stairs, for the simple reason that I think Lind is a much better hitter right now.
Less, I would have thought; his market value is really no more than Daryle Ward or Jason Phillips. $750,000 ought to do it, if Matt doesn't mind playing in Canada (he lives in the U.S. year-round, if I recall, and living in Canada can create problems for some Canadians if they intend to give up residenec here for tax reasons).
I'll split the difference and take dibs on 1-1.25 million. I've already called it on dibsregistry.com, so it's official.
Phillips isn't really a comparible player since he was arbitration eligible.
Clayton made $1.0 million last year and is getting $1.5 million this year. I think Stairs is in a similar spot - veteran bench player who could play regularly without killing a team in the event of injuries (or better alternatives in Clayton's case).
Clayton made $1.0 million last year and is getting $1.5 million this year. I think Stairs is in a similar spot - veteran bench player who could play regularly without killing a team in the event of injuries (or better alternatives in Clayton's case).
The last time I remember the Jays were interested in a couple of 3rd starter types with potential was 2 winters ago when they looked at Pavano and Clement. Clement, they were apparently close on and Pavano was priced out after a few meetings. They ended up signing Koskie that winter and are still paying for it, literally.
Which brings us to this winter. I just don't think it makes sense to spend large amounts of cash on slightly better than average talent. Slightly better than average is a lot closer to below average than it is to star. (No, I don't have a mathematical formula for that) While there is a certain pride as a fan that wants the Jays to land these guys, my gut says "I hope they miss."
I had no problem with the Ryan signing last year. He was coming off a year that said he deserved to be paid as an elite closer. The only question was that he had done the job for one year. With Burnett, there was never a question of how good he could be, it was more a question of his health. (That question is still there) The same is true with Frank Thomas who is an elite level talent. But with Meche and Lilly there is a lot of hope involved. Too much for my liking.
Which brings us to this winter. I just don't think it makes sense to spend large amounts of cash on slightly better than average talent. Slightly better than average is a lot closer to below average than it is to star. (No, I don't have a mathematical formula for that) While there is a certain pride as a fan that wants the Jays to land these guys, my gut says "I hope they miss."
I had no problem with the Ryan signing last year. He was coming off a year that said he deserved to be paid as an elite closer. The only question was that he had done the job for one year. With Burnett, there was never a question of how good he could be, it was more a question of his health. (That question is still there) The same is true with Frank Thomas who is an elite level talent. But with Meche and Lilly there is a lot of hope involved. Too much for my liking.
I actually think this means that Lilly wants to sign with the Jays and they're just using the Cubs to extract more money from the Jays.
If I were the GM, I would walk away and let Lilly play for Cubs, purely out of spite. Comments like (paraphrasing) the Jays are going to have to creative and Ted's priority is to make the playoffs really irk me (obviously not that he wants to make the playoffs, but that he's leaning towards the Cubs to do that).
I don't think I could ever be a good GM. Too much spite.
I would rather Adam Lind be given at bats than Matt Stairs, for the
simple reason that I think Lind is a much better hitter right now.
Well, I don't disagree that LInd would hit better. It's just a matter of whether you want Lind in a part time role. Ricciardi has mentioned that's not going to happen.
In the event that a starting OF went down I suspect the Jays would call up Lind and play him regularly and leave Stairs in the bench role.
Well, I don't disagree that LInd would hit better. It's just a matter of whether you want Lind in a part time role. Ricciardi has mentioned that's not going to happen.
In the event that a starting OF went down I suspect the Jays would call up Lind and play him regularly and leave Stairs in the bench role.
When you look at the Red Sox depth chart they look mighty impressive. With Willy Mo and Alex Cora on the bench they are very deep. This does not include Daisuke Matsuzaka. If the rumored interest of Eric Gagne is true I think they immediately become the team to beat in the East, if not the AL .
Speaking of Gagne and his "interest" in the Jays. I think the Jays could better off having Gagne, on a short team deal, pitching the eighth and ground ball machine Brandon League in the rotation. (Instead of Meche)
If the choices are Stairs and Lind, the decision to send Lind down on the basis that he won't get enough work is a significant mistake. Right now, the Jays have 3 outfielders and a right-handed DH whose health is far from a given. They need left-handed bats. If you cannot get a player of Lind's caliber 450 at-bats in these circumstances, you are doing something wrong.
What seems to be behind the apparent intention to send Lind down is to keep his service time clock from running. This is not the stage in the team's cycle for service time considerations to determine a decision. The club ought to be doing everything it can to win in 2007.
What seems to be behind the apparent intention to send Lind down is to keep his service time clock from running. This is not the stage in the team's cycle for service time considerations to determine a decision. The club ought to be doing everything it can to win in 2007.
Which brings us to this winter. I just don't think it makes sense to spend large amounts of cash on slightly better than average talent.
This whole free agency business is a laugh, isn't it? I would never argue that the players don't deserve their portion of the revenue pie, whatever those numbers look like. But that is entirely separate from the whole hyper-caffeinted eBay mentality of the free agent season and the reckless pursuit of mediocrity. Gil Meche? Ted Lilly? I'm just so excited I could burst. How much for that George Foreman grill? 4/40? 5/50? 5/55? Just tell me, I've got my chequebook out.
How many teams bend over backwards to unburden themselves of their ill-conceived multi-year commitments to players that seemed like a good (or at least marginally defendable) idea at the time, only to be obviously disastrous in hindsight? Mike Hampton? Denny Neagle? Chan Ho Park? Darren Dreifort?
And how many teams, finally enjoying the lapsing of old albatross contracts, immediately get back into the same mess? Darren Dreifort off the books. Phew. Finally. Now let's sign Juan Pierre!
And even the long-term contracts to great players are seen as post hoc mistakes. Manny Ramirez trade talks occur every winter. And what of Alex Rodriguez, everyone's favourite lightning rod? Tom Hicks is paying Rodriguez $8M a year to not play for his team so remorseful is he of his once grand plan.
Are the Jays better off with Lilly and Meche than say Marcum and Janssen? Almost certainly. Do I how care how Ted Rogers spends his money? Not a whit. Do I begrudge pro athletes the money they make? Not at all.
And yet, while I am happy to see the team improve, I can't help but share Christopher's sense of spite. Grovelling at the feet of Ted Lilly, begging him to take 4/40 for his 180 innings of 4.50 ERA just seems so distasteful. Wining and dining Gil Meche to convince him that Toronto isn't the tundra, that we'd love, just love, his 5.00 ERA if he'd see fit to accept $8M a year. Blech. Ricciardi and staff are going to have to shower with steel wool to rid themselves of the dirty feeling their week at Disney World will leave behind. I know I feel dirty just reading about it every day.
The last time I remember the Jays were interested in a couple of 3rd
starter types with potential was 2 winters ago when they looked at
Pavano and Clement. Clement, they were apparently close on and Pavano
was priced out after a few meetings. They ended up signing Koskie that
winter and are still paying for it, literally.
Ugh, I remember that year. Looking at the free agents page from that year, it's got to rank up there as one of the weakest in a long time - a couple of superstars who haven't done much of anything, lot of flameouts, and even more bigtime busts (Beltre).
Ugh, I remember that year. Looking at the free agents page from that year, it's got to rank up there as one of the weakest in a long time - a couple of superstars who haven't done much of anything, lot of flameouts, and even more bigtime busts (Beltre).
My instincts are usually a guarantee that the opposite will happen, but right now, I tend to think the Jays will get Meche but not Lilly. I think Lilly will end up going to the highest bidder, and if the Cubs offer him five years, he'd be foolish not to take it. Conversely, I don't think anyone else is as high on Meche, rightly or wrongly, as the Jays are. FWIW, I think Meche would end up working out OK for the Jays as a mid-rotation starter.
I was sorry to see the Jays pass on Julio Lugo, and I'm sorry to see him in a Red Sox uniform for the next four years. His price tag was higher than I would've wanted to spend, no question, but a solid glove at shortstop who can reasonably hit leadoff is a rare commodity. Unless JP has a better shortstop option on the near horizon, I still don't see the sense is letting this one go by.
I agree with Mike Green that if there is a significant opportunity to give Lind time in the majors, the Jays should probably take it and be grateful.
Mike also said "What seems to be behind the apparent intention to send Lind down is to keep his service time clock from running" but actually I don't agree; I think it's a sensible decision for a team that wants to contend not to over-rely on rookie talent. I understand the Jays' position because if Lind struggles (and rookie struggles are always more likely than not) they won't have anyone, except whoever they can pick up in a minor league deal.
Jordan, I think your call is correct. Ted Lilly will embark on his journey of misery, closing out his career playing for a 70-win team. And Gil Meche will be modelling the Jays' ugly new hat at a press conference in the very near future.
As for Lugo, I hear you loud and clear. Does 4/36 feel like too much money? It sure does, but I'd rather have Lugo than Lilly or Meche. The delta between Lugo and Clayton far exceeds that between Lilly and Marcum.
Lugo could have solidified the middle infield for the next few years. He could have batted 9th, making the lineup sinkhole-free. He could have afforded the team the "luxury" of carrying just one backup middle infielder in a true backup role (Hill and Lugo are both 150-game types). His presence would have precluded any temptation to continue the Hill 2B/SS flip-flop, letting Hill totally commit to just one position. Nothing but good could have come from signing Lugo.
And his presence on the Jays would have had the added benefit of forcing the Red Sox to address their shortstop hole with a someone like Clayton, whose presence in their lineup would have gone a long way to negating the addition of Drew.
What seems to be behind the apparent intention to send Lind down is to keep his service time clock from running
I really don't think that's the case. Since JP has taken over they've been more prone to call someone up early than keep them in the minors for service time. Rios is probably the best example.
Rightly or wrongly, I think JP & company think Lind is better off starting the year in Syracuse. Lind still only has 132 AAA ABs under his belt. Granted, he hit like crazy in those ABs (and in the 65 ABs in TO), but it's still a limited number.
I really don't think that's the case. Since JP has taken over they've been more prone to call someone up early than keep them in the minors for service time. Rios is probably the best example.
Rightly or wrongly, I think JP & company think Lind is better off starting the year in Syracuse. Lind still only has 132 AAA ABs under his belt. Granted, he hit like crazy in those ABs (and in the 65 ABs in TO), but it's still a limited number.
According to a recent Blair article the Yankees are more likely than the Cubs to get Lilly.
Riccardi cleared up one item yesterday: if as reported Lilly's agent is angling for a five-year deal, he can look elsewhere.
The Blue Jays have offered a four year contract worth around $40 million (U.S.)
Chicago newspapers have confirmed that Ken Williams has had discussions with JP about Vernon's availability, but another report suggests those discsussions cooled before they really went anyway.
I know this rumour was talked about on the Box a couple of days ago, but until now I don't recall seeing print confirmation that discussions actually took place.
....went anywhere
Lesson: proofread your posts when running on limited sleep.
I just wonder how many teams are sitting on the sidelines this off-season because the FA class is weak. Next years list of FA's looks pretty impressive.
If the Jays do go out and sign Lilly and Meche, how much will this hurt the Jays payroll flexability next season. I wonder if Ted Rogers will continue to bump the payroll 20-25 million each off-season. I would hate to see the Jays have no money to spend on FA's next year partly because of Lilly and Meche's contracts.
If the Jays do go out and sign Lilly and Meche, how much will this hurt the Jays payroll flexability next season. I wonder if Ted Rogers will continue to bump the payroll 20-25 million each off-season. I would hate to see the Jays have no money to spend on FA's next year partly because of Lilly and Meche's contracts.
I think Chicago should be more than a 70-win team over the next five years. Their rotation could be Zambrano, Prior, Hill, Lilly, Marshall and they have the bats of Derek Lee, Ramirez and Soriano. I think they're headed in the right direction. So Ted could definitely consider the Cubs if playoffs were an issue. If the yanks come calling or a five-year deal is offered, we lose.
With regard to Lind, the desire to have him in AAA next year may have more to do with spending more time in left field than getting more exposure to AAA arms.
They are a good team with Manny, but rumours suggest the Red Sox are trying to get three prospects from names such as Broxton, Loney, Kemp, Elbert and LaRoche. While losing Manny would be a blow to their offence, I don't envy seeing several of those names in Red Sox uniforms for the next five years or more. With the Drew signing they won't lose as much production as some people think, although Nate Silver at BP is suprisingly negative on the Drew signing. He figures the league adjustment does not work in Drew's favour in terms of his hitter profile; he'll suffer against the AL's left-handed pitching and park effects. He says you may not see in 2007, but soon Drew's contract will become problematic.
I'll believe a Manny deal when I see it; every day the reports change. I read several articles stating a deal was relatively unlikely as of yesterday or the day before.
I just wonder how many teams are sitting on the sidelines this off-season because the FA class is weak. Next years list of FA's looks pretty impressive.
If the Jays do go out and sign Lilly and Meche, how much will this hurt the Jays payroll flexability next season. I wonder if Ted Rogers will continue to bump the payroll 20-25 million each off-season. I would hate to see the Jays have no money to spend on FA's next year partly because of Lilly and Meche's contracts.
I would suggest that, though next year's class may be better, they'll also be more expensive. If we were to sign both Lilly and Meche and include significant front end money (signing bonus or otherwise), the contracts of all of our pitchers would look pretty sweet on the trade market in future years. If our prospects step up, we should be able to move them for good youth in other positions.
Rosenthal reporting that the Dodgers went big with Schmidt. 3 years, $47M. Yikes.
Next years list of FA's looks pretty impressive.
Next year's list always does; then as a few of those guys re-sign with their current teams, it always looks worse than it did in December.
The phenomenon of the following year always looking like a better class is universal; don't read anything into it.