Ever since A-Rod was able to get a $300 million deal, Pujhols agent has been using that against the Cards who want to give him a big deal but nothing that long.

No way he'd actually leave the Cards but him as a DH in an AL club could solve the problem of the later part of the years since all he'd need to do is hit.

Hanso's got it right, me thinks. Pujols means a lot to that town, but I think the Cards mean a lot to Albert as well. I think he's worth ARod money, and he will likely be a top 5 all time player if he continues his pace and stays healthy.

I don't think he's going to take a major discount though. He could easily command $25mil per year over the next 5 to 7 years.

How is he just now getting to a big deal? Isnt this like his 11th season? Shouldnt he have it the market already?

I mean, what kind of contract is he on now? He was an MVP at the point his arbitration years should have been up, why no big deal then?

Cards locked him up way early in his career. Kinda like what the Rockies are doing now with CarGo and Tulo. He signed an 8-year $111 million contract in '04.

I don't know why, but I look at Albert Pujols, and he's a great hitter, don't get me wrong, terrific ballplayer...but he looks to me like a hitter that will have one of his usual big seasons one year, and then the year after that will start to get injuries and will start to slow down, and basically all of a sudden, "overnight" is you will, is going to be worn out and age quickly. Similar to what has happened to Manny Ramirez, and what happened to Sosa.

Sosa isn't anywhere near the caliber of ball player Pujols is. And yea, what you described is pretty much how it works when a player is entering their mid 30s.

He's still just 31. Outside of minor elbow issues, he hasn't really battled much injuries in his career and has played at least 143 games every year of his career. Moving him to 1st base has only prolonged his career as he won't have the wear and tear he would've endured playing the outfield or 3rd base.

I think he's going to be extremely productive for the next 5 years. Once his hits 35 and beyond, the numbers will undoubtedly drop off, but that doesn't mean he's going to all of a sudden fall of a cliff.

I think he will. I dont know why, I just feel it.

Think he will what? Fall of a cliff offensively? I really have my doubts. He won't be having 45HR seasons in 6 or 7 years, but he will still be a middle of the order threat, IMO.

He's just one of those players that comes around a couple times a generation that, when healthy, becomes one of the greatest ever. And he is going to be the most prolific homerun hitter since ARod.

There is no way Pujols is 31.

Looks like he is, it says he was born January 16, 1980. He certainly looks older than 31, and if it wasn't for the fact he went to High School and College in the States, I would think there was something fishy.

Cubs trade Tom Gorzelanny to the Nationals for 3 prospects.

Poor Tom drew the short straw.

Gorzelanny's got really good makeup, but hasn't yet put it together consistently at the big league level. Low risk, high reward potential here, especially when you consider that he's under team control until 2014.

Jason Giambi goes back to the Rockies on a minor league deal. He'll get $1 mil. if he makes the team out of spring training.

Yankees and Andruw Jones are close to a 1-year deal. :(

Brian Fuentes to the A's on a 2-year deal.

A's are quietly having one of the better offseasons.

<font color=goldenrod>There it is. Mets sign Chris Young, pending physical.

Mike Pelfrey, R.A. Dickey, Jon Niese, Chris Young, Chris Capuano (or Dillon Gee)

I honestly like that rotation more than I like last year's Opening Day rotation which included Santana. That's how happy I am to see Maine and (presumably) Perez gone.</font>

Why are you sad about Andruw Jones on a 1 year deal? For one it's not like he is gonna be a starter. I think if Jones signs he will be a bench guy. And besides it's only a 1 year deal.

"Hey remember when Andruw Jones was a force in the World Series against us? Let's get him"

"Wait wasn't that 96?"

I'd rather give Golson a chance.

3G coverage in the outfield when Swisher needs a day off.

Personally I would of preferred Golson or the other CC as the 4th outfielder myself. But, I'm sure all 3 of them will have their chance in the outfield.

Other than some arb. signings here and there, Gil Meche has decided to hang them up.

Not sure why anyone would be upset about Andruw Jones. Pretty much what Thames is except he can actually play the outfield. Not like he once could but still a million times better than Marcus Thames.

Gil Meche retires @ 31. dam. very young

Detroit DFA'ed Armando Galarraga to make room for Brad Penny, and supposedly the Orioles are interested.

He's better then Kearns too right? That's why I don't understand how people can be upset. I am just a little pissed that Golson or Curtis aren't given a shot.

I think the Yankees should look into Armando now. We are gonna need another pitcher.

We will trade you Galragga for Granderson and Joba :shifty:

You can take Joba. We don't even want anything for him just take him.:lol:

<font color=goldenrod>Remember when Yankee fans were fellating Joba not too long ago?</font>

Remember the Mets?

Jays sign Jon Rauch for 1 year. If Chad Cordero is decent I kinda like our bullpen although I don't know just having Purcey as our only lefty. Dotel, Rauch, Frasor, Purcey, Camp, Janssen is better than I thought this bullpen would look. LOVE our offence this year. The Jays may hit more home runs than they did last year.

C: Arencibia
1b: Lind
2b: Hill
SS: Escobar
3b: Bautista
DH: Encarnacion
LF: Snider
CF: Wells
RF: Davis

Eric Chavez worked out for the Jays. If the Jays sign him and put him at 3rd and move Bautista to RF the Jays have the potential to have every player hit double digits in home runs.

They'd need Bautista to pretty much repeat last year if they want to hit more homeruns, and objectively, I don't see that happening.

Dodgers picking up Thames was an okay move. It will, at the least, give them an opportunity to platoon him and Jay Gibbons and keep Tony Gwynn Jr. out of the lineup.

I'm calling this now: Encarnacion will hit 35. He's so friggen strong and if he ever develops consistency he can hit 35. Remember though, Lind's power numbers were down, as were Hill, plus Arencibia has a ton of power, and Snider can easily hit 20-25.

He'll be back. He'll get the itch.

Glad Sean Marshall is locked up for two more years with the Cubbies.

Edwin Encarnacion will be lucky to hit 35 singles next year. He's garbage. Sorry.

I think I'm going to make it a point to participate in the TPWW baseball threads this year.

Sup people?

who is your team of rooting preference

And the Yankees sign Andruw Jones. Thanks to the Soriano signing the 40-man is now full so someone is getting bounced to make room for Jones. :mad:

Let's see if he can do what Marcus Thames did last year. That guy was money well spent.

FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK

Hey Yanks fans. What do you think about Cashman saying publicly he didn't want to sign Soriano?

Cashman feeling a little free nowadays, huh?

When George was in charge, he'd never have said that, 'cause he'd be fired on the spot.

...he IS right, however. Soriano shouldn't get paid "Mariano Rivera money".

More power to him. I don't think the fanbase in general wanted Raffy Soriano signed.

That's what I dont get. They fight with Jeter over money, yet they go out and sign Soriano for what, $15Mil a season?

I've heard Soriano was more of a reaction signing to all the news of the Red Sox improving a lot with their new players and loosing out on the Lee/Crawford and other big name races when the media and fans expect the Yankees to sign anyone they want.

Carl Pavano was rumored to be signed by the Yankees again until Minnesota gave him a 2nd year on his deal. This is a player the fans hated the first time and sort of liked then back to hated the 2nd time with the team.

Cashman was considering Pavano while rejecting Soriano while Hank wanted Soriano and rejected Pavano initially.

I was alright with 3-years, $45 mil. Cashman was the guy who kicked it up to a little over $50 and that was no big deal.

What you're missing is that president Randy Levine was the guy who wanted Soriano. And since President is a few rungs above General Manager on the executive ladder, you kinda don't have a choice but to take orders.

<font color=goldenrod>MLBN just listed David Wright as the 6th best 3B in baseball. WTF

Leiter and Millar both said he should be higher. They're right. Putting Beltre ahead of him is a joke.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>I also think it's pretty ridiculous that Levine and Hank went over Cash's head. Don't really see the point in having a GM if you're just gonna make signings he doesn't think should be made.</font>

The Twins of Minnesota

I cant believe the Os are on the verge of signing Vlad.

Really wanted him in 2003, didnt get him and now hes a washed up has been so "HEY, COME TO BALTIMORE!"

ugh

Weird I thought Luke Scott was doing a pretty good job as a DH. Either 2 things will happen Vlad will play the Outfield or Scott would play in the Outfield. I don't think I'm the only one who thinks it should be the latter.

Okay, Droford I got a question for you , who would you rather sign with the Orioles , Vlad or Manny?

Vlad won a silver slugger last year.

Love Vlad

<font color=goldenrod>Angels trade Mike Napoli and possibly Juan Rivera to the Blue Jays for Vernon Wells

The fuck?</font>

whoa

RAPE

The Rays just signed Manny AND Damon. Jesus.

Who fucked themselves worse today, Anaheim or Tampa?

I thought Damon wanted to stay with Detroit after he gave that speech about him wanting to stay in Detroit and help the "younger" players while taking less money.

Of course he really didn't want to go back to Boston (or New York) but it makes his speech a bit worthless now.

At least Tampa Bay was smart enough to give both players heavy incentive-laced contracts so if Manny starts to goof off, he hurts his chances at gaining more money.

I can't believe my Jays got rid of Wells's contract. Friggen awesome. We needed help at catcher and Napoli can flat out mash. Rivera will be a decent stopgap until Gose is ready.

I'm actually kinda worried about Manny and Damon on the same team. The Yankees will be fine but hitting wise they have gotten better. I'm guessing Damon is gonna be the Left Fielder. Manny is most likely gonna be DH. I thought Manny was gonna sign with the Pirates or something.

I was gonna say that.

A.A. is a fucking genius now for unloading that contract, although the talk of Toronto sending the Angels money is still up in the air.

ManRam and Damon to the Rays.......didn't see that coming. Kinda pissed the Yankees gotta see Ramirez for ANOTHER 18 games this season.

A.A is doing a very under-rated job. Dealt an aging Gonzalez for Escobar, dealt Brandon League for Morrow who was killer stuff, got good value for Halladay (Drabek looks awesome and I've heard nothing but great things from D'arnaud and Gose), rebuilt the farm system and now just fleeced Anaheim. From what I heard no money is going to Anaheim. Even moves like trading for Miguel Olivo just so he could get a draft pick when he signs elsewhere is so smart. Really excited to see where this team is headed as they finally have some direction after Ricchardi fucked it up.

In late breaking news, the Tampa Bay Rays have invited Mark Bellhorn, Doug Mirabelli, Pokey Reese and Dave McCarty to Spring Training.

neither

Seriously, theres no need to retread Albert Belle/Sammy Sosa crap again signing washed up sluggers to contracts so fans of the Orioles can watch whats left of their careers fall off the cliff in a car crash. Vlad might of have won a Silver Slugger last year, big whoop.

Luke Scott finally adjusted to being the fulltime DH last year after being used as a DH and OF in 09. Im perfectly fine with the Pie/Jones/Markakis OF considering the other improvements theyve made.

Manny Ramirez, and Johnny Damon to the Rays.

Damon gets $5.25MM for one year, Ramirez gets $2MM

Decent pickups if they can perform, but Ramirez is on the quick decline so.

Damon was bad last year in Detroit. He's a waste of money.

Damon put up solid numbers. They're not bringing him in to carry the team. Just to try and help bolster the top of the lineup.

Manny DH'n every day is going to extend his season and maximize his value. I don't think anyone doubts that can still hit. The problem has been keeping him healthy, and playing left field everyday for the Dodgers wasn't helping.

I think Manny will do fine so long as he's motivated.

And, boy, what a terrible off season for the Angels. They missed out on their two top free agent choices in Beltre and Crawford. Then they give up some cheap, steady offense in Napoli for an overpaid Vernon Wells.

Detroit fans didn't like Damon. I'm from the area and people constantly bitched about him. He's slowed down and has no arm and his numbers aren't great. If Manny is the dh then I don't know where the hell Damon will play.

Damon will play in the outfield regularly despite the fact that he's been a bit of a mess defensively for quite some time now. They're not paying him close to 5.75 mil plus attainable incentives to ride the pine, as the Rays would never do such a thing, and he's less of a defensive liability than Manny.

That doesn't say much.

No, it really doesn't.

Word is The jays traded Wells to free money up to give a huge contract to batista...who will surely drop off the face of the earth.

If I'm a Rays fan I think I'd rather have Manny in the field than Damon.

The Jays are going to spend the money on the draft since they have 7 of the first 80 picks. I doubt Bautista will make anywhere near as much as Wells since A.A throws money like he throws manhole covers.

Damon has a terrible arm, but has speed and range at his disposal, has a general idea how to go about playing his position, and doesn't make mental mistakes. I'd take that over Manny's once average at best arm and no positives in those other categories.

Damon should probably be a designated hitter at this point in his career, but would need to play the field if he had a teammate who more needs to be a DH at this point in his career. Manny Ramirez is definitely one of those someones.

True story - Johnny Damon is closer to a Hall of Famer than most people realize. The 10 players through age 36 that his career lines most resemble include 4 Hall of Famers, Tim Raines (who probably should be one himself), and Pete Rose.

I've seen Damon make his fair share of mental mistakes in the field. I'm not really sure how they're gonna play it, though. Will they switch between DH/OF?

Would be pretty hilarious to see Manny and Damon platoon LF.

I wouldn't call Damon a HOF'er. He just seems like a guy who has kinda stuck around past his prime and accumulated stats rather than just flat out being dominant during his prime.

And Screech, you DO NOT want Manny in left field. Coming from a San Diego Padres fan who got to see Manny play left field for the Dodgers, he is absolutely horrendous. Not a good sight to see.

As for Bautista, I don't think one fluke year should earn him some huge contract. This is what got Riccardi in trouble. he handed Alex Rios and Wells these over bloated contracts for one elite offensive year and it came back to bite him and ultimately cost him his job.

If I'm the Jays, I see what Bautista does this year, and use it as a gage for the future. He's not going to hit 50 plus home runs. Every home run minus one went to left field. You would think he's going to get pounded on the outside third of the plate till he proves he can go with the pitch for power.

I know Manny isn't great, but Damon is awful too. Almost a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation there.

There's a lot more ground to cover in Tropicana than Fenway. Damon is better suited for there. Although Manny played better off the green monster better than anybody else has in a while.

Bautista is in arbitration right now so I imagine he'll get 1 year 10.5 mill, play out the year and A.A will go from there.

Manny directly benefited from an almost impossible level of luck in regards to playing left at Fenway. He had a fairly ridiculous number of balls take improbable bounces right to him while an inexperienced, clueless or poor runner tried to stretch out a double. His immediate predecessor was Troy O'Leary, who played left substantially better. His immediate follow-up was Jason Bay, who committed all of one error in his year and a half in Boston (including a goose egg in '09) and who had nearly twice as many assists in '09 - mostly legit, non-wall aided assists at that - than Manny averaged during his time in Boston.

Manny being such a piss-poor overall outfielder and Johnny's spaghetti arm have to be one of the key reasons why many Red Sox fans continue to hold Trot Nixon in an insanely high regard. Nixon was certainly well above average defensively, but standing next to those two in the outfield, he looked like the next coming of Willie Mays.

Iteresting day in D'Backs land today. Acquired Armando "PG" Galarraga from Detroit for a couple middling minor leaguers and re-signed the best hitting pitcher I've ever seen, Micah Owings.

nats got todd coffey fuck yeah

I think I would rather have a ham sandwich in the field than either of them

That's a good point. If Bautista has another good year, and I'm talking 30 plus homers, someone might buy into him and overpay the Jays in prospects. I think Bautista's biggest value for the Jays comes at the trade deadline if he continues to hit well.

The funny thing about Jason Bay is that he is not considered a good outfielder. He's average at best from what I've gathered.

In Padres news, GM Jed Hoyer signed Jorge Cantu to a one year, $850,000 contract pending a physical. I love this signing. Gives the Padres a solid right handed bat off the bench who can cover 1st and 3rd base for guys who don't particularly hit well against LH pitching. Not to mention, the potential for the numbers he could produce is worth way more than $850k.

Looks like the biggest question mark for the Padres going into spring training is who gets the 5th spot in the rotation.

Adam LaRoche's little brother Andy goes to the A's on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training.

Jorge Cantu to the Padres on a 1-year deal.

Manny played so well off the monster because he just waited for the ball to come to him. Loved watching him play there.

I agree 100%. The Jays should be ready to make a run at around 2013. Bautista by all account should be tailing off. The Jays should deal him for some young position players.

Tampa's outfield could be the worst defensively now.

Jays deal Mike Napoli to the Rangers for Frank Francisco and cash.

Better bolt down the chairs at the Skydome.

Wow. Napoli couldn't even take his shoes off before A.A. flipped him.

But for Crazy Frank Francisco? Doesn't make sense.

Wandy Rodriguez stays in Houston. 3-years, $34 mil.

Could be even sooner considering the pitching pieces they still have. Ricky Romero, Brandon Morrow, Kyle Drabek (coming soon) etc. Not to mention, Arancibia looks like he's the guy this year, though he should've been getting Buck's ab's last September. They got a young shortstop who, if he changes his attitude, could blossom into a very good line drive hitter with solid d. It'll be interesting to see how the Jays do this year.

The Rangers look like they're going to run away with the division. Again. Napoli is prob. gonna DH for them. With a returning middle infield that's only getting better, an upgrade at third in Beltre, and another year of Hamilton/Cruz in the OF, the Rangers are looking better and better.

My only question concerning them is where does Micheal Young play? Mitch Mooreland is surely their opening day first baseman. Can Young move to left, or is there another player blocking him there? Pretty nice problem for the Express and co. to have.

Just read breifly that GM Brian Cashman expects Jeter to be in centerfield by the time his current deal runs out. I thought the outfield would be an option, but CENTERFIELD? His range is already dimished. Centerfield is a very range-driven position. I'd say a corner spot for the Captain is a more appropriate move when the time comes.

ESPN had the stat that Jeter, while winning a Gold Glove, costs about 61 defensive runs in a season which is #1 worst in MLB and #1 worst in AL. Only reason they never moved Jeter from SS when they got A-Rod was due to potential fan backlash and they don't have anyone of a Jeter-quality to replace him at SS without upsetting Jeter.

Cashman also said Red Sox are better than the Yankees and that Mariano is the best Yankee he's seen during his time with the team (he's soured on Jeter last few years).

I don't know what's going on with Cashman and the Steinbrenner's over there but it sounds like a fucking mess and getting worse

First off let's be fair. Mariano Riveria is the best Yankee of Brian Cashman's era. Since when did Cashman grow a pair btw? He's been really quiet these last few years, and now for him to suddenly come out and say these things is rather interesting.

Also there is no way Jeter is going to move to Centerfield. That's never happening.