<font color=goldenrod>Yeah probably not. I certainly think that Scherzer is an upgrade over Zimmermann but the net improvement for the team is marginal if they basically just replace Zimmermann with Scherzer.

So probably Fister gets moved. Or they dump off Roark somewhere. I didn't realize Roark was like 28 already, just assumed he was younger because he's only been in the big leagues for a short while.</font>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Have heard <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/orioles?src=hash">#orioles</a> pushing for bigger value with compensation from jays in exchange for not filing tampering charges</p>&mdash; Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) <a href="https://twitter.com/masnRoch/status/558341779247083520">January 22, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Jays might have to give the Os Jeff Hoffman (2014 #9 pick #2 or 3 best prospect in Jays org) and Dalton Pompey (2010 pick OFer) for Dan Duquette if not more if they dont want tampering charges filed. Thats what tge Jays get for fucking around with a team owned by a former lawyer.

In the no-shit news file:

Pedro is going into the Hall of Fame as a Red Sox. He is the best there was and the best there ever will be.

Chatter going around the net is that the Brewers are close to getting Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies. Only hiccup is that Papelbon wants his $13 mil. coming up for this season guaranteed in order to waive his partial no-trade clause.

Ichiro Suzuki goes to Miami. 1-year, $2 mil.

Orioles got a minor leaguer from the Braves for cash consideration and someone tweeted

http://thefightins.com/wp-content/up...sideration.gif

R.I.P Ernie Banks

I met Ernie Banks 7 years ago. Waited in line. He greeted everyone, including me like they were family. One of the best things I've ever had happen to me.

<font color=goldenrod>In his first official day as Commissioner, Rob Manfred has said that he will give strong consideration to banning defensive shifts.

Why not ban curveballs and sliders while we're at it?</font>

<font color=goldenrod>The idea would be to create more offense. Of course they'd be doing that by basically rewarding all of those lefty hitters who have no fucking clue how to hit the ball to the left side of the infield.</font>

smdh

Blue Jays just ended their attempts to land Dan Duquette. Toronto didn't want to give up Jeff Hoffman and 2 other prospects as compensation.

Nor should they have done so.

Both teams got some fence mending to do.

After all the crap, Blue Jays announce they're keeping CEO/President Paul Beeston around for the 2015 season.

<font color=goldenrod>Cuban shortstop Yoan Moncada has been cleared to sign with any MLB team. It's expected that he'll get a contract of at least $30 million, which would actually cost teams around $60 million because teams need to pay a 100% tax for every dollar they pay over their international signing pool.

In unsurprising news, even though loads of teams are interested in him it's expected to come down to the Yankees, Red Sox, or Dodgers.</font>

2 young and unproven guys up the middle in Gregorius & Moncada could be interesting....

According to Peter Gammons, Dodgers currently interested in getting both Yoan Moncada and Hector Olivera. James Shield as their backup plan if they lose out on Oliveria.


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Tigers announce DH Victor Martinez suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee and will undergo surgery. » <a href="http://t.co/V2FdzonXRb">http://t.co/V2FdzonXRb</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/563417203970936833">February 5, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Won't know when his possible return will be until after the results from surgery.

Sounds like it won't be super serious but puts his Opening Day status in obvious jeopardy. Hope it's not 2012 all over again. They'll be stupid if they put him anywhere besides DH this year.

Also, may be going to Yankees' Opening Day... going to be in NY that weekend, trying to convince my (non-baseball-fan) buddy to go to the game. Will be super rad.

Sit in the bleachers, Section 203

Couple of MLB news today:
Padres were rumored to have been the frontrunners to get James Shield but something supposedly happened within the past 24 hours that they might have lost out on him.


<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>MLB to use bidding to determine ASG host <a href="http://t.co/FAfFIeyfvR">http://t.co/FAfFIeyfvR</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/BBTN">@bbtn</a> No day passes without Manfred expressing something mind-opening</p>&mdash; Peter Gammons (@pgammo) <a href="https://twitter.com/pgammo/status/563835821430939648">February 6, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


New MLB commish believes the Hall of Fame needs some tweaking in regards to how they've handled the Roid Era candidates. Currently thinks the Hall voters are too biased with assumptions in determining who was or wasn't a roid player and using it as the sole reason to not vote for someone.

http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2015/2/6...-fame-steroids

<font color=goldenrod>lol @ Shields. there's always gotta be somebody who gets completely fucked over by the qualifying offer.</font>

I hope the Padres sign him. There's a ton of questions heath wise in the current rotation.

Padres ended up signing James Shield to a 4 year deal with an option for a 5th year. Money amount wasn't revealed but rumored to be in the $72-76 million range.

Dear God this is the greatest off-season of my life.

<font color=goldenrod>Padres win the Shields-for-Myers trade.</font>

Well Big Game Shields is dead.

Shields being abit overpaid wouldn't you say? No way you invest 72-75 mil on a 2 or 3 guy

That's his market value. He was expected to get a deal in the $20 mil per year range. He's durable, eats a ton of innings and puts up above average production. I think the fact that he settled for a deal far below what was expected is a plus.

<font color=goldenrod>I can't wait to see what the Padres do this season. Recent history (Boston '11, Miami '12, Toronto '13) shows that going crazy in the offseason is far from a sure thing for success...but it definitely will get a fanbase interested.</font>

Even if they're only marginally over.500, say 82-84 wins, that's a vast improvement over last season. By a mile.

I still see nothing about the Padres. They still won't beat the Giants. Maybe they have a slim shot to beat out the Dodgers, but that don't mean a wild card spot.

The NL central might be the most stacked division in the National League assuming the Cubs actually contend. We're talking Pirates, Cards. Who knows about the Reds. Pretty sure the Brewers are mailing it in after trading Galladro.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-cards="hidden" lang="en"><p>THIS JUST IN: 2017 All-Star Game will be played at Marlins Park in Miami. (via <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiHerald">@MiamiHerald</a>) <a href="http://t.co/EzHPJaQVJz">pic.twitter.com/EzHPJaQVJz</a></p>&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/565345574506209281">February 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<font color=goldenrod>NL gets 3 straight years from 2015-2017. Cincy, SD, Miami.</font>

Could have been 4 in a row had MLB given last year to Wrigley in honor of its 100th anniversary.

Then again they missed out on celebrating Fenway's 100th with the All-Star game a couple of years ago.

Well at least some good players will get to be the home team there for once.

I love Wrigley, but they weren't given that old piece an All Star game. Maybe after the renovations.

A-Rod and the Yankees had a sit down meeting yesterday. He apologized for being a fuck up the last couple years.

"There was an honest and frank discussion on all of the issues. As far as the Yankees are concerned, the next step is to play baseball in Spring Training."

Belichickian statement there.

we're looking ahead to grapefruits

Turns out the reason why the Padres talks with Shields stalled a bit before getting a deal done was due to them making a last ditch effort to get Cole Hamels instead.

Hamels agent and the Phillies refused so the Padres went right back to negotiating with Shields to get a deal done.

Phillies rumored to be interested in making a deal with the Red Sox for Hamels but the asking price is likely going to be too high to get anything done (Mookie Betts or Blake Swihart as the basis).

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2015/0...le-hamels.html

Ruin Tomorrow is gonna end up with his hands in his pockets. The starting pitcher market is ridiculously deep next year. If he doesn't move Hamels by the deadline he's fucked. Nobody is going to give up top prospects and take on that contract this time next year when they just go and sign Johnny Cueto or Jordan Zimmerman.

<font color=goldenrod>Pitchers and catchers report next week. :cool:

This feels like it's been the longest damn offseason ever but then again the Mets' only real significant move was signing Cuddyer and that was way back in November.

I'm still higher on that move than most. Yes losing the draft pick is unfortunate but they still have a top 5 farm system, badly needed an outfielder, and there were no realistic trade options. Since free agency was the way they were looking to go I'd much rather roll the dice on Cuddyer staying healthy/not declining a lot over the relatively inexpensive 2 year deal and not block Nimmo/Conforto when they're ready than give 4 or 5 years and a lot more money to Nelson Cruz.</font>

Buster Oloney just said Verlander put on 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason. If that's true, steroids is a helluva drug.

<font color=goldenrod>Even though the NL will host the All Star Game for 3 straight years from 2015-17, the AL will bat last in 2016 and be the "home" team in San Diego. Manfred is basically taking a Super Bowl approach to it now and no longer considering NL/AL difference. Any city can bid for the All Star Game and the official home team will strictly alternate as it's the only potential competitive advantage.

He also sees no reason to get rid of the stipulation that the winning league gets home field advantage in the World Series. Even though it's an exhibition game that a shitload of players pull out of playing in.

Manfred sucks.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>The Yankees are retiring Pettite, Posada, and Bernie Williams' numbers in different ceremonies this year, bringing their total number of retired numbers to 20. Jeter's number retirement hasn't been announced but is inevitable, so that'll bring it to 21.

Jesus christ.</font>

They might have to ask to have 3 numbered players.

Double zero?

white sox baby

maybe they are accounting for the 20 lbs of fat that are kate upton's tits that should be permanently attached to his face, if he is smart

<font color=goldenrod>Victor Sanchez, one of the Mariners' top pitching prospects, was in a boating accident. Was swimming in Venezuela and ended up getting hit in the head by a boat propeller. In critical condition. Terrible.</font>

Well played.

<font color=goldenrod>BJ Upton is now going to be introduced by his birth name of Melvin Upton, Jr.

Looks like he was tired of blowjob jokes.</font>

Red Sox expected to announce later today that they signed Yoan Moncada to a deal. No years or total amount was revealed yet but he's getting around $30 million as a signing bonus.

<font color=goldenrod>Supposedly the Red Sox' offer was $31.5 million. But with the 100% tax it was really a $63 million gamble.

Yankees offered $25 million with a willingness to go to $27 million.</font>

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2-T08e2XfHg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The Red Sox pitching staff.

Really gonna try to get back into baseball this year. Don't think I watched a single game last year.

Reasons given by one of ESPN's New York reporters on why the Yankees didn't bother getting Moncada.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>There was a feeling from some that Moncada wanted to be a Yankee, team viewed it as too risky to spend a total of $60M-$70M for a prospect</p>&mdash; Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewMarchand/status/569882188499578880">February 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Yanks feeling was they can buy a proven MLBer for $60M or $70M</p>&mdash; Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewMarchand/status/569882835068293120">February 23, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So the Red Sox signed this hot shot Cuban prospect who can play 2B and 3B.

You got Dustin Pedroia locked up for the foreseeable and plays 2B.

They signed Kung Fu Panda this offseason and plays 3B.

So, what's the point of this signing, I don't know. Unless Cherington is just gonna sit on him and flip him when they need a good arm.

Do you have a favorite team?

Some rumors of Panda could split time at the 1B spot or as possible insurance in case Pedroia gets hurt or struggles. Also works as possible insurance for next year if Mike Napoli leaves.

More likely someone else gets traded to make room for him on the main roster if its needed this season.

That's an expensive-ass insurance policy.

Reminds me of when the Tigers picked up Fielder after already having two statues (Cabrera and VMart) at 1B... just cannot end well

The Orioles sitting on their assets not making any moves this offseason but they're still going to repeat as AL East Champions. Its going to be great.

<font color=goldenrod>Jurickson Profar underwent season-ending shoulder surgery, meaning he's going to be missing his second straight season due to shoulder woes.

He'll only be 23 by Opening Day next year so it's not like he's a total lost cause...but it is a waste of most of his pre-arbitration years.</font>

Jurickson Profar coolest baseball player name ever... Jurassic Park

CC has beefed back up to 305 to "feel right"

Sounds good since less weight made him feel wrong.

New commish willing to consider the idea of shortening the season to the old 154 game schedule if there is enough interest by teams and players in doing it.

They be better off shortening the playoffs series. Best of 3 division series, best of 5 championship series, best of 7 world series.

Yankees and get a lot of Reds games on TV but just wasn't into any of it last year. Might have watched a few innings that's about it.

Makes me laugh every time I see it

MLB suspended Josh Hamilton although it wasn't leaked what he's being punished for.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Asked a baseball executive if Hamilton’s discipline was for PEDs. His response: “Worse.” The executive declined to elaborate.</p>&mdash; Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/570703393485934593">February 25, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Nah. I'm thinking big time relapse.

Yeup it was a relapse with this time being cocaine and alcohol. Broke the terms of his reinstatement deal when he first had these problems years ago.

Don't know if MLB should toss him out of the league for good. I think this makes relapse #3 since he's been back on this deal with all the drug tests and shit.

But he went and told MLB directly about this instead of them finding out their own way, maybe they might show some leniency on this.

As they should. He's not a steroid abuser. He has real problems. Banning him doesn't send a good message for a guy who has to literally take it day by day.

It's a disease. Punishment doesn't work. He needs help not people judging and punishing him.

Agreed. All banning him would do is create a more problematic situation for him. He needs help and support right now

Lots of hugs

<font color=goldenrod>Blue Jays left fielder Michael Saunders stepped on a sprinkler and tore his meniscus. Out until the All Star Break.</font>

I love David Ortiz. Telling everybody like it is with that stupid leaving the batters box shit.

Yea not a fan of his but that was boss.

There's been.numerous prior complaints about the field in Dunedin. Fuck sakes.

Brewers retain K-Rod. 2-years, $13 mil.

Saunders had surgery today, sounds like he'll be back by mid-April. Huge news for the Jays

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah lucky break for the Jays. Saunders was seriously undervalued in Seattle I think. With regular playing time he should be a solid contributor.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>Anyway after the bizarre Saunders injury, two more were reported today:

Chris Sale fractured his foot stepping out of his truck at home. Expected to be out 3 weeks or so, shouldn't be a huge deal overall but he'll be behind the other pitchers on the team by the time he's ready to go.

Ronald Belisario will also be out for a while after fracturing his left shoulder getting out of a swimming pool.

It's almost like anything other than playing baseball is too dangerous for these guys.</font>

love when players have a good sense of humour

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I do have one regret I finished with 18 homeruns really wanted to get 20 so if any team wants to sign me for 3yrs that should be enough time</p>&mdash; Juan Pierre (@JPBeastMode) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPBeastMode/status/571462459464290304">February 28, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

televised Spring training games start today.... so excited for the season to start and to watch games again.... and moving only a few hours away from Rogers Center, I think I may catch a few games this summer.....

Nice... I'm going to Jays home opener on the 13th, should be a good time even though I can't stand Rogers Center

<font color=goldenrod>Glad baseball of any type is back, even spring training. Feel like March is going to drag this year though. For the first time in ages the Mets have nearly their entire 25 man roster set before a single spring game has been played. Seriously there's like one bullpen spot open and that's it...and even then it's expected to be a temporary bullpen spot until Bobby Parnell gets back from TJS in late April.

Guess that's a good situation to be in. Guys don't need to really worry about competing for jobs. Just focus on getting ready for April.</font>

Harvey vs Price on Friday... even though it's preseason, heck yeah

<font color=goldenrod>Yessssss. Gonna miss the game but SNY usually shows a replay. I'll tune in for that just to see Harvey's 2 innings.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>Actually I'm a bit fussed about the Mets' plans for Harvey to start the year. They aren't considering him for Opening Day, which is fine because there's an off day right after and they don't want to throw him and the other starters off schedule. Instead they were gonna pitch him game 2 which lines him up for game 7 (the home opener) on completely normal rest.

But now they don't want him pitching the home opener either cause they're afraid he'll be "too amped up" or "try to do too much". Come on.

So he's now on track to pitch the third game of the season, which makes me salty as that's a Thursday day game I won't be able to watch. :mad: w/e there's plenty of baseball after that, I just love to watch that dude pitch and missed him last year.</font>

Orioles gave up 15 runs on 5 hits to the Tigers (so far)

Ugh

Cespedes baby

Ubaldo Jimenez in fine form as always.... lol

:| Red Sox's big signing Rusney Castillo out indefinitely due to an oblique muscle strain. Hurt it during the split squad game the Sox had yesterday.

Hunter Pence got HBP'd today. Ended up fracturing his ulna bone. Out 6-8 weeks.


Adjust your fantasy draft rankings accordingly.