MLB Hotstove 08

[Naimfan]

I hope so, on both counts. I don't know if Grady Little could have done more to keep Kent from mouthing off to the press like he did, but I expect Torre will bring instant respect to the table and forestall any public complaining when the going gets rough, as it always does.

I expected the Dodgers to be the favorites in the division last season, and those expectations were justified right into July. Now the division is so much more competitive, and the Dodgers have made so few upgrades, that I can't get my hopes up too high yet. The way things stand now, all the pieces need to fall into place -- and that rarely happens.

Well, they may not have made many upgrades, but they made one huge one in Andruw Jones. And I have to think Kemp and Ethier will continue to get better--I saw them a couple of times and they looked GOOD. It may be nostalgia, but I have to think Nomar will bounce back--perhaps not to the numbers when he was in Boston, but improve nevertheless (not to mention staying healthy!). So, granted, some things have to fall in place, but sometimes they do--like the Rockies' run at the end of last season. If you had told people that would happen, even in August, you'd have been laughed out of the room.

Offhand, I'd probably guess the division order like this: Dodgers, Padres, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Giants.

 

[gauchogolfer]

Tejada to the Astros!

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3151849

Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada finally got his wish for a change of scenery, as he was traded to the Houston Astros on Wednesday.

In return for the four-time All-Star, the Orioles will get outfielder Luke Scott, pitchers Matt Albers, Troy Patton and Dennis Sarfate, and third baseman Michael Costanzo.

The blockbuster trade was first reported by The Baltimore Sun.

I'm an Astros fan, and I'm not sure if Tejada is still worth 5 players, but I appreciate the team making a move to shake things up. Hopefully he'll get comfortable with the short porch in left.

Edit: I'm not sure where this leaves Loretta or Adam Everett, but I have to think Tejada is a major upgrade. Maybe they'll package them for more pitching or a good 3B...

Kaz Matsui and Tejada up the middle is looking pretty good.

 

[MacNut]

NEW YORK -- George Mitchell called a news conference for Thursday to announce the results of his 20-month investigation into drug use in baseball.

Bud Selig does not plan to attend the 2 p.m. ET news conference at a Manhattan hotel a few blocks from the commissioner's office.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3151479

 

[IJ Reilly]

Well, they may not have made many upgrades, but they made one huge one in Andruw Jones. And I have to think Kemp and Ethier will continue to get better--I saw them a couple of times and they looked GOOD. It may be nostalgia, but I have to think Nomar will bounce back--perhaps not to the numbers when he was in Boston, but improve nevertheless (not to mention staying healthy!). So, granted, some things have to fall in place, but sometimes they do--like the Rockies' run at the end of last season. If you had told people that would happen, even in August, you'd have been laughed out of the room.

Offhand, I'd probably guess the division order like this: Dodgers, Padres, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Giants.

I have to like your predictions, but I'm keeping my powder dry for now. Jones has to return to form to be a real impact player. Kemp or Ethier may well be traded. Nomar could bounce back, but he's likely to become a glorified pitch hitter this season no matter what else happens. Schmidt has to come back from surgery, or they have a big hole in the rotation. So many more question marks than we started with last season. If they'd found that big bat at third, I'd feel so much more confident!

 

[Silencio]

Giants sign CF Aaron Rowand for 5 years, $60 million.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-giants-rowand&prov=ap&type=lgns

I'm not terribly happy with this one. While it may be better than trading a good young arm for Matsui's bad knees and high salary, I think Rowand pretty much maxxed out his potential at the plate last year, plus he's vastly overrated defensively IMO. I highly doubt he'll hit .300 with 25 HR for the Giants. If he hit fifth for the Giants that would be all well and good, but they need to acquire two better bats than him to make that plan workable...

 

[aloofman]

I think Rowand pretty much maxxed out his potential at the plate last year, plus he's vastly overrated defensively IMO. I highly doubt he'll hit .300 with 25 HR for the Giants.

I agree. He's going from an extreme hitter's ballpark in Philly to a pitcher's park in SF. No way he repeats his 2007 numbers in 2008. I don't think he's as good as Torii Hunter, who also figures to decline before his big, new contract is over. It sounds like a desperation move to me.

 

[IJ Reilly]

Ouch. I would have been thrilled if the Dodgers had made this deal.

 

[Silencio]

Ouch. I would have been thrilled if the Dodgers had made this deal.

Yeah, in comparison to the Hunter and Jones deals, the Rowand deal doesn't look sooooo bad. And at least they didn't have to give up Tim Lincecum to get him.

But in the end, Rowand is a complementary player, not a guy you build a team around. All well and good, but we'll have to see what else Sabean can do -- at least he went on record stating he would not trade Cain or Lincecum, but he doesn't have many other bargaining chips aside from more pitching prospects. Jonathan Sanchez could turn out to be a very good pitcher, but apparently the Yanks turned their nose up at him. Gotta be a reasonable upgrade to first base out there somewhere...

 

[Naimfan]

Guillen to KC?

Any thoughts on Guillen to Kansas City? I'm kinda scratching my head on that one. Good player, but it strikes me as more of a move to placate the fans--"Look, we're doing something!"

That said, I don't know much about the Royals, so thoughts welcomed.

And Rowand got 5 years/$60 million? Wow.

 

[MacNut]

I thought the Royals have a lot of talented young kids just nobody to teach them.

 

[zioxide]

There are reports going around that one of the first names on the list is Clemens.. who will now be known as the Roid Rocket.

 

[IJ Reilly]

Separate thread on the Mitchell Report started:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/400388/

 

[Naimfan]

Separate thread on the Mitchell Report started:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/400388/

THANK YOU!

 

[IJ Reilly]

Yeah, in comparison to the Hunter and Jones deals, the Rowand deal doesn't look sooooo bad. And at least they didn't have to give up Tim Lincecum to get him.

But in the end, Rowand is a complementary player, not a guy you build a team around. All well and good, but we'll have to see what else Sabean can do -- at least he went on record stating he would not trade Cain or Lincecum, but he doesn't have many other bargaining chips aside from more pitching prospects. Jonathan Sanchez could turn out to be a very good pitcher, but apparently the Yanks turned their nose up at him. Gotta be a reasonable upgrade to first base out there somewhere...

And Rowand got 5 years/$60 million? Wow.

I guess I've learned not be shocked by free agent contracts since they're subject to constant inflation. Rowand is a solid player, perhaps not a franchise guy, but a player any team would be pleased to have I suspect. For somebody of that caliber, $12 million a year isn't shocking.

 

[Naimfan]

I guess I've learned not be shocked by free agent contracts since they're subject to constant inflation. Rowand is a solid player, perhaps not a franchise guy, but a player any team would be pleased to have I suspect. For somebody of that caliber, $12 million a year isn't shocking.

Yep, on further reflection I agree with you. Oh to have stayed in baseball!

So what else can the Giants do? They've said their best trading chips are not available--and it seems like they are in desperate need (still) of more hitting.

 

[aloofman]

Yeah, in comparison to the Hunter and Jones deals, the Rowand deal doesn't look sooooo bad.

I disagree. I think a short-term deal for Jones is better than a long contract for Rowand. I think the ballpark switch will reveal that -- by centerfielder standards -- Rowand is an average hitter. On the other hand, it's a bit unfair to make the contract comparison because Rowand's value went up after the other two were signed. This looks like a deal that the Giants felt like they had to make.

I guess I've learned not be shocked by free agent contracts since they're subject to constant inflation. Rowand is a solid player, perhaps not a franchise guy, but a player any team would be pleased to have I suspect. For somebody of that caliber, $12 million a year isn't shocking.

Did you ever think you'd see the day that a good (not great) player was making $12 million per? Crazy times.

 

[IJ Reilly]

Did you ever think you'd see the day that a good (not great) player was making $12 million per? Crazy times.

It's been going in this direction steadily for years now, so I suppose the answer has to be yes. Revenues grow, but the talent pool doesn't, making higher salaries for free agents virtually inevitable.

 

[IJ Reilly]

Dodgers reel in Kuroda with contract

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers won the bidding war for Japanese right-handed starter Hiroki Kuroda, reaching an agreement Saturday on a three-year, $35.3 million contract. He was formally introduced at Dodger Stadium in a Sunday afternoon news conference.

"Kuroda was arguably the best starting pitcher on the free-agent market and will be a great addition to our staff," said general manager Ned Colletti. "There was a lot of competition for a pitcher of his ilk, and we're thrilled that he's chosen to become a Dodger and to make Los Angeles his home."

Kuroda, 32, will join a rotation that already features Brad Penny, Derek Lowe and Chad Billingsley. The fifth starter will come from a group of candidates that includes Jason Schmidt and Esteban Loaiza.

Kuroda, who will become the seventh native of Japan to play for the Dodgers, was the Dodgers' primary pitching target this offseason, and his acquisition follows by a week the signing of free-agent outfielder Andruw Jones.

The Dodgers have now addressed their two biggest needs -- a power bat and a legitimate starting pitcher -- without trading any of their young talent.

Also in on the bidding for Kuroda were the Diamondbacks, Mariners and Royals.

Kuroda went 12-8 for the Hiroshima Carp last year and has a 103-89 career record in Japan.

His signing helps counter the Friday acquisition of Dan Haren by the Diamondbacks and allows Dodgers management to consider acquiring a veteran third baseman.

If Schmidt comes back in form, this looks to be a very good rotation. Now we could only do something about third base...

 

[Sayhey]

I disagree. I think a short-term deal for Jones is better than a long contract for Rowand. I think the ballpark switch will reveal that -- by centerfielder standards -- Rowand is an average hitter. On the other hand, it's a bit unfair to make the contract comparison because Rowand's value went up after the other two were signed. This looks like a deal that the Giants felt like they had to make.

It kind of depends on whether or not last year's .222 average is the start of a new trend, doesn't it? I think the Dodgers signing of Jones was a good gamble, but it is a gamble, even if it is for two years at 18 million per year.

With Rowand, the Giants get a premium defensive centerfielder, something they have lacked for quite a while, and a decent bat. I look for him to be marginally better than Randy Winn, not much more. That's a big plus for the Giants right now. The team still needs a 4 and 5 hole hitter and they need two players to fill the voids at first and third. If I was Sabean, I'd be looking to make trades for Scott Rolen and Richie Sexson. Both are gambles, for different reasons, but they would make the Giants line up respectable, and are likely trade possibilities that wouldn't cost them a lot in prospects.

 

[aloofman]

Now we could only do something about third base...

I'm higher on La Roche than most Dodger fans seem to be. I don't think he'll be a major lineup hole. He's a patient hitter and he's cheap. While I wouldn't object to getting a good-hitting third baseman, La Roche has a lot more bang for the buck than most out there, especially if Nomar doesn't bounce back.

With Rowand, the Giants get a premium defensive centerfielder, something they have lacked for quite a while, and a decent bat. I look for him to be marginally better than Randy Winn, not much more. That's a big plus for the Giants right now. The team still needs a 4 and 5 hole hitter and they need two players to fill the voids at first and third. If I was Sabean, I'd be looking to make trades for Scott Rolen and Richie Sexson. Both are gambles, for different reasons, but they would make the Giants line up respectable, and are likely trade possibilities that wouldn't cost them a lot in prospects.

The metrics for defense are pretty wobbly, but Rowand might save a dozen runs over last year in that big center field in SF. I just don't think he's going to hit anything close to his 2007 numbers again.

Actually, I think Rolen and Sexson are big gambles for the same reasons: both are overpaid and underperforming. Both are bigger gambles than Jones, in my opinion. Maybe Rolen is riskier because he seems to alienate managers wherever he goes.

 

[IJ Reilly]

I'm higher on La Roche than most Dodger fans seem to be. I don't think he'll be a major lineup hole. He's a patient hitter and he's cheap. While I wouldn't object to getting a good-hitting third baseman, La Roche has a lot more bang for the buck than most out there, especially if Nomar doesn't bounce back.

I'm prepared to withhold my judgement on La Roche until spring training at least, but since he hit only a shade over two bucks last season, he's got something to prove. I think we already know that Nomar isn't going to be an everyday third baseman, so if La Roche can't make the grade, then we're looking at another revolving door at third. Not a pretty prospect.

 

[Unspeaked]

Is it just me or did the Haren to Arizona news just kind of get lost last week.

If he went to NY or Boston, it would have been talked about for days.

The kid's young, he was the AL starter at the All-Star Game, he's got two years left on his contract and a club option for a third. I think he's a huge impact player. In a lot of ways, a better deal than Santana, who'll make three times as much over the next three years.

 

[aloofman]

...if La Roche can't make the grade, then we're looking at another revolving door at third. Not a pretty prospect.

In other words, the same situation we've had since Ron Cey left. We should be used to not having a stable third baseman by now.

 

[Naimfan]

It isn't just you. I meant to post about it earlier but got distracted by Christmas shopping--just HAD to find the Lego Star Wars MTT set.

Haren to Arizona gives them a formidable 1-2 on top of the rotation. That's obviously great. However: Pitching was not their big problem last year--hitting was. So although it is a great acquisition, I'll be interested to see how much of an impact he actually makes. IIRC, they were the first division winner to allow more runs then they scored.

In divisional terms: The one club that has been quiet so far is the Rockies, although they have the knowledge now of how good they can be--and how much better they need to be. They bring their core back (I don't count Matsui or Hawkins as being a part of their core) and have the experience of last year, which could be invaluable.

The Dodgers, in my view, are the scariest team because of Joe Torre, who I think will keep the natives in line and help the team reach its potential. Adding Jones, though a risk, is a very good move as he gives them a real power hitter and a truly gifted center fielder. The Dodgers just have to hope his .222 average was an aberration. The Padres again look solid, and the Giants, barring a major move, appear to be headed to the cellar.

Although my first inclination was to modify my initial prediction of the order of finish in the division, I'm inclined to leave it alone--with the Diamondbacks coming in fourth, even with Haren. Crazy division, though!

 

[IJ Reilly]

In other words, the same situation we've had since Ron Cey left. We should be used to not having a stable third baseman by now.

Yeah, the others just sort of fell over.

Anyway, Adrian Beltre does come to mind.

Although my first inclination was to modify my initial prediction of the order of finish in the division, I'm inclined to leave it alone--with the Diamondbacks coming in fourth, even with Haren. Crazy division, though!

Be prepared, some AL fan without a doubt will call it the "NL Worst." Happens every season.