Hot Stove thread

[grapes911]

The big news of the day is that Houston didn't offer arbitration to Roger Clemens. Will he retire? Will any other club take a chance on him lasting another year?

Is it that much of a chance? He lead the league in ERA last year (1.87). Even if it jumps up a whole 2 points, he will still be very effective for a team with decent run support. Plus, because of his training and workouts they say he is in better physical condition than most players half his age. None of this guarantees a productive year, but I don't think he is any risker than any other player.

 

[Sayhey]

Although, I'm going to miss JT's great defense, and to some extend clutch hits, I actually think it's a good sign they didn't sign him. Sabean must have something up his sleeve, because they wouldn't have let him go with Lance and Pedro in mind. I have a feeling they're going to upgrade that postion with more power, but you never know as Sabean will not overpay for anyone ever since that 4 year 28 million dollar deal he gave to Alfonzo...

The Chronicle is reporting Sabean has Mark Sweeney in his sights. I'm not sure how this qualifies as much of an upgrade from JT. It's also going to cost them more to sign Sweeney than JT. Anyway, I'll keep watching for the Morris signing, because without at least one pitcher of his calibre, the Giants are going nowhere.

IJ, my guess is Clemens is finally ready to retire. No question he can still pitch, but why would he leave his hometown team (for which he came out of retirement) to go and pitch somewhere else? If he really wants to play for another team, he can land a gig anywhere he wants. Every team in baseball would take a chance on his continued ability, even if only a few could pay the salary he can demand.

 

[Josh396]

Is it that much of a chance? He lead the league in ERA last year (1.87). Even if it jumps up a whole 2 points, he will still be very effective for a team with decent run support. Plus, because of his training and workouts they say he is in better physical condition than most players half his age. None of this guarantees a productive year, but I don't think he is any risker than any other player.

I don't think he'll retire. I just think it will be interesting to see who he plays for. If the Astros try to get some bats to help him out a little I think he could come back. Other than that, I have no idea where he could go. It would be a shame to see him retire. He's a top 5 picture in the game and could be for probably another year or two at least.

 

[aloofman]

The big news of the day is that Houston didn't offer arbitration to Roger Clemens. Will he retire? Will any other club take a chance on him lasting another year?

Whatever happens, it's safe to say he'll jerk everyone around until he decides.

 

[aloofman]

Congrats, IJ, on some significant action by the new "boys in blue" regime. Furcal will help, but I still say a healthy Izturis is by far and away a better shortstop. If the arm doesn't come back and he plays second you will still have some great defense up the middle, with the best range in baseball. And, Kwyjibo, you haven't watched Izturis play much have you? Besides being a top glove man, he has developed into a pretty good hitter. Check his last full year stats.

Now, if the Giants would just get off their duffs and sign some starting pitchers we might have the makings of some real competition.

Offensively, Izturis is somewhat of a mystery. He did have a very good hitting season in 2004, but he regressed some last season even before the injury. The other issue is that he almost never walks. He'd rather ground out to second than take a pitch. The consensus in the L.A. media seems to be that he'll be moved to second when he returns in midseason and Kent will probably move to first.

This means that Choi basically has a three-month audition at first and it's probably make-or-break for his Dodger career. Tracy infuriated me last season by keeping Choi out of the lineup. Not because Choi was so great, but because the Dodgers had no better player to put at first. It's pretty much accepted that Tracy never liked Choi and left him out to piss off DePo.

What bothers me the most is that McCourt doesn't seem to know what the hell he's doing. Fire the manager because he can't get along with the GM. Fire the GM because you don't like the potential manager replacements. Stay in limbo with no one at either post while other teams make moves. Finally hire a GM who's good at negotiating contracts but isn't much for talent evaluation. Finally hire the manager with the best W-L record among the unemployed.

I thought last year was kind of a wash because there were so many injuries that it's hard to tell whether the GM or manager were performing poorly. (Although I could make a case for firing Tracy for his attitude alone.) It seemed worthwhile to me to keep the same front office for another year just to see how the new prospects pan out. 🙁

 

[IJ Reilly]

Is it that much of a chance? He lead the league in ERA last year (1.87). Even if it jumps up a whole 2 points, he will still be very effective for a team with decent run support. Plus, because of his training and workouts they say he is in better physical condition than most players half his age. None of this guarantees a productive year, but I don't think he is any risker than any other player.

He seemed pretty pooped out at the end, which is hardly surprising. I think if any club wants him enough to pay his price, they'll want him to be healthy and rested enough for the post season, which at his age, always has to be a question mark.

 

[Koodauw]

the Renteria trade is an interesting one. Perhaps Nomah is on his way back to boston.😛

 

[IJ Reilly]

Offensively, Izturis is somewhat of a mystery. He did have a very good hitting season in 2004, but he regressed some last season even before the injury. The other issue is that he almost never walks. He'd rather ground out to second than take a pitch. The consensus in the L.A. media seems to be that he'll be moved to second when he returns in midseason and Kent will probably move to first.

This means that Choi basically has a three-month audition at first and it's probably make-or-break for his Dodger career. Tracy infuriated me last season by keeping Choi out of the lineup. Not because Choi was so great, but because the Dodgers had no better player to put at first. It's pretty much accepted that Tracy never liked Choi and left him out to piss off DePo.

What bothers me the most is that McCourt doesn't seem to know what the hell he's doing. Fire the manager because he can't get along with the GM. Fire the GM because you don't like the potential manager replacements. Stay in limbo with no one at either post while other teams make moves. Finally hire a GM who's good at negotiating contracts but isn't much for talent evaluation. Finally hire the manager with the best W-L record among the unemployed.

I thought last year was kind of a wash because there were so many injuries that it's hard to tell whether the GM or manager were performing poorly. (Although I could make a case for firing Tracy for his attitude alone.) It seemed worthwhile to me to keep the same front office for another year just to see how the new prospects pan out. 🙁

I suspect Izturis was nursing an elbow problem long before it turned into Tommy John surgery. I think this explains his steady deterioration at the plate after the first two months of the season. I think his average peaked at around .340, so we know he can bring it.

I thought Choi deserved a better shot at the game than Tracy was apparently willing to give him last season, but it looks like he'll get a better one this year (though he could still be platooned at first with Saenz, who was just resigned). Even in a limited role Choi performed pretty well. Now, if he could only learn to hit the breaking ball...

Don't get me started on McCourt. We're stuck with him and I want to hold out some hope.

 

[macbaseball]

The Chronicle is reporting Sabean has Mark Sweeney in his sights. I'm not sure how this qualifies as much of an upgrade from JT. It's also going to cost them more to sign Sweeney than JT. Anyway, I'll keep watching for the Morris signing, because without at least one pitcher of his calibre, the Giants are going nowhere.

They finalized the deal. According to ESPN.com, he's a role player not an everyday player. That's fine with me. For the [rice, he's exactly what the Giants need - a lefty of the bench.

 

[thedude110]

the Renteria trade is an interesting one. Perhaps Nomah is on his way back to boston.😛

I don't know what to make of this. Does anyone know anything about this Andy Marte kid? If he's a prospect that's going to make such an immediate impact, why does he have only 57 major league at bats? And why is he hitting .140? And who's going to play shortstop? Alex Cora?

This has gotta be about spiting Theo ... 😡

 

[Sox]

Marte may be the real deal. Baseball America rated him ahead of Hanley Ramirez and the much-ballyhooed Lastings Milledge.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/features/04top10s/braves.html

Peter Gammons was on WEEI earlier saying something to the effect of "Boston fans will remember where they were when the Sox got Andy Marte." Good enough for Ol' Hickory, good enough for me.

As far as SS goes, they may go after Alex Gonzalez (FLA). Otherwise, Dustin Pedroia may be ready.

 

[Sox]

From AP:

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic - Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada said Thursday he's unhappy with the team's direction and wants to be traded.

"I've been with the Orioles for two years and things haven't gone in the direction that we were expecting, so I think the best thing will be a change of scenery," Tejada told The Associated Press in a phone interview in his native Dominican Republic...

"...I've done many things with this team and I haven't seen results, and the other teams are getting stronger while the Orioles have not made any signings to strengthen the club," Tejada added.

Tejada's comments came as the Orioles and free agent catcher Ramon Hernandez and the Orioles agreed to a $27.5 million, four-year contract.

The addition of Hernandez will mean less time behind the plate for Orioles catcher Javy Lopez, who complained of sore knees toward the end of last season. Lopez is eager to spend more time as a designated hitter and at first base.

Baltimore also might trade the Puerto Rican for a starting pitcher, one of the team's biggest needs.

A source close to Tejada, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said Tejada would like to be traded to a team on the East Coast, and specifically mentioned the Boston Red Sox as his choice destination.



Yikes.

 

[macbaseball]

I'll keep watching for the Morris signing, because without at least one pitcher of his calibre, the Giants are going nowhere.

Accroding to ESPN.com, the Giants are the front runners to get Morris. Apparently, Morris is pissed that the Cardinals had their sights set on Burnett, so he informed them he wasn't coming back.

As for Tejada, I would love to see a Tejada for Manny trade. I think that would be a steal for the Sox, as Manny seems to be heading in a weird direction. (He would fit in great with the rest of the Orioles)

 

[eva01]

wooo Clemens maybe back to the Sox

maybe.....

 

[Sayhey]

Accroding to ESPN.com, the Giants are the front runners to get Morris. Apparently, Morris is pissed that the Cardinals had their sights set on Burnett, so he informed them he wasn't coming back.

I've all my fingers and toes crossed while wondering how the Giants are going to blow this one! Of course, if they do sign Morris I won't be satisfied. Next we need Washburn to round out the rotation, then signing Nomar to play third and bat in front of Barry, then perhaps Burnitz to provide left-handed pop off the bench ... 😉

Right now I'm also worried the Dodgers are going to sign Snow to fill their temporary gap at first. The sight of Kent and Snow playing the right side of the infield in Dodger blue just maybe more than I can stand!

 

[Counterfit]

wooo Clemens maybe back to the Sox

maybe.....

Last night, my cousin tried telling me that the Sox are going to have a ****** year because they lost the "core" of their team, and that Varitek is going to leave. He also said the Yankees are going to have an "awesome" year. Uh, right. 🙄

Then he ordered a sundae, even though I was paying for his broke ass 😡

 

[IJ Reilly]

Right now I'm also worried the Dodgers are going to sign Snow to fill their temporary gap at first. The sight of Kent and Snow playing the right side of the infield in Dodger blue just maybe more than I can stand!

I have my doubts about the Snow deal coming to pass. If it does, an infielder becomes surplus midseason, when Izturis returns to the lineup. Of course if it drive Giants fans crazy... that's almost a good enough reason to do it! 🙂

 

[Sayhey]

I have my doubts about the Snow deal coming to pass. If it does, an infielder becomes surplus midseason, when Izturis returns to the lineup. Of course if it drive Giants fans crazy... that's almost a good enough reason to do it! 🙂

With Colletti making decisions for the Dodgers I wouldn't be surprised if he signs a proven commodity like Snow to help his team through a rough patch. The question is will Snow find a team willing to give him a shot at playing every day without the prospect of losing his job half way through the season? I'm hoping it's with anyone other than the bums. 🙁

btw it is now official that Morris has signed with the Giants. It's a good start.

 

[Sox]

Last night, my cousin tried telling me that the Sox are going to have a ****** year because they lost the "core" of their team, and that Varitek is going to leave. He also said the Yankees are going to have an "awesome" year. Uh, right. 🙄

Then he ordered a sundae, even though I was paying for his broke ass 😡

Varitek is going to leave? Kevin Millar's and his nine HRs were the core of the team? I think your cousin owes you a sundae.

 

[IJ Reilly]

With Colletti making decisions for the Dodgers I wouldn't be surprised if he signs a proven commodity like Snow to help his team through a rough patch. The question is will Snow find a team willing to give him a shot at playing every day without the prospect of losing his job half way through the season? I'm hoping it's with anyone other than the bums. 🙁

The stove is getting pretty cold over here. Hey we signed Sandy Alomar Jr! So what am I complaining about?

True, Colletti probably has a bias towards a known quantity like Snow. The fact is, I don't think the Dodgers really need a first baseman at the moment. At worst they have a good platoon of Choi and Seanz at first, with the prospect of Kent moving over in July. It's the other corner of the infield that isn't covered.

 

[aloofman]

The stove is getting pretty cold over here. Hey we signed Sandy Alomar Jr! So what am I complaining about?

True, Colletti probably has a bias towards a known quantity like Snow. The fact is, I don't think the Dodgers really need a first baseman at the moment. At worst they have a good platoon of Choi and Seanz at first, with the prospect of Kent moving over in July. It's the other corner of the infield that isn't covered.

That's the biggest reason for it not to happen. Snow is not an improvement over the first base platoon they have now, and since he's a "veteran" player who will command a higher salary, he's really not an improvement. Doesn't mean Colletti won't still do it though.

 

[Sayhey]

That's the biggest reason for it not to happen. Snow is not an improvement over the first base platoon they have now, and since he's a "veteran" player who will command a higher salary, he's really not an improvement. Doesn't mean Colletti won't still do it though.

I have to disagree with you aloofman. Snow is the best defensive first baseman I've ever seen play the game. Better than Parker (Wes not Dave,) better than Hernandez, and better than Donnie Ballgame. As a hitter he has become solid if not spectacular. Is that better than the Dodgers' platoon? Choi has a hole in his swing the size of a mac truck. Saenz is a perennial bench player with no prospects as a starter. Only thing they have over Snow is age. Now if you're talking Kent as a alternative at first, then I give the nod to him because of his quality bat.

As to third, I read rumors the Dodgers are going for a trade involving David Bell. Heard anything?

 

[Koodauw]

I have to disagree with you aloofman. Snow is the best defensive first baseman I've ever seen play the game. Better than Parker (Wes not Dave,) better than Hernandez, and better than Donnie Ballgame. As a hitter he has become solid if not spectacular. Is that better than the Dodgers' platoon? Choi has a hole in his swing the size of a mac truck. Saenz is a perennial bench player with no prospects as a starter. Only thing they have over Snow is age. Now if you're talking Kent as a alternative at first, then I give the nod to him because of his quality bat.

As to third, I read rumors the Dodgers are going for a trade involving David Bell. Heard anything?

Are you kidding me?

Jason Giambi is by far the best 1st baseman in the game. At the plate or in the field. 😛

 

[Sayhey]

Are you kidding me?

Jason Giambi is by far the best 1st baseman in the game. At the plate or in the field. 😛

There was a day when Jason could hit a ton. Monster shots. Who knows he may get back to those days; there were moments last year when he looked like his old self. However, there is also a reason they have a DH in the American League and that reason is players like Jason Giambi. Now if the Yanks could just figure out a way to politely convince Giambi that half of the game is played in the field, they would win a lot more games. Catch the ball, Jason. That's a good boy! 😉

 

[Apple]

Finally the braves did something for themselves in signing Renteria