Andy Pettitte is thinking more of retirement than return.

Not good.

Andy Pettitte is starting to become the Brett Favre of New York Baseball.

All the more reason that they need to make Lee happen.

because you don't want to be shot in the face

that bat actually broke from the very presence of Justin Upton

Jim Tracy collapsed at the Winter Meetings

I am blaming Scott Boras until otherwise informed

It all depends we have about 2 teams maybe even 3 above Baltimore that want Crawford.

1. Red Sox(After not getting Werth I think the Sox are gonna go hard after him.

2. Angels(They're still in the mix right?)

3. Yankees (Right now it's been said that Carl is our "Plan B" If Lee doesn't come here then the Yankees are going hard after Crawford. Now, who knows they could sign both Crawford and Lee. But, we have Gardner The Yankees love Brett Gardner and he's been doing better so it could go either way)

A's don't get a deal done with Hisashi Iwakuma. He goes back to Japan, A's get their $19 mil. back.

Kevin Towers doing work in Arizona. Signed J.J. Putz and Melvin Mora.

I forget who does Towers get for Mark Reynolds?

D-Backs get relievers David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio. O's get a PTBNL or Cash in the future to go along with Reynolds.

<font color=goldenrod>I was shocked tbh. I didn't realize he had been in the league that long.

Of course, his 2004 contract and subsequent dropoff screams steroids. Think that was the last year before they started a proper Wellness Program.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>Nationals are gonna offer a 7-year deal to Cliff Lee.

Holy shit.</font>

I'm liking this Nationals owner. he's going all out

Wow, Natinals grew a pair

The all time strike out record in baltimore is like 160, That will be broken :lol:

<font color=goldenrod>Better than him going to the Phillies at least. Halladay-Lee-Oswalt-Hamels. I could be the 5th starter and it'd still be the best rotation in baseball.</font>

http://americansportsblog.files.word...pg?w=440&h=350

Give em ALL SEVEN YEARS!!!!!

<font color=goldenrod>A team source said it isn't happening.

Looks like this might have been more typical Winter Meetings bullshit where rumors are reported as facts.</font>

Trading Reynolds saves Dbacks $13 million next two seasons, players coming back make a little more than league minimum of 400K each

Supposedly the Nat's ownership group is worth $3-5 billion. This is nothing for them.

http://americansportsblog.files.word...pg?w=440&h=350

Oh Fuck, that Werth kid took all my money

<font color=goldenrod>Looks like the Mets are gonna sign Ronny Paulino to be their backup catcher. Fine by me, he had great numbers against lefties. Nice compliment to Thole.

The main focus should still be to get a starter. Unfortunately Alderson said the price is steep right now at 1 year, $5 million for Chris Young and Jeff Francis.

$5 million steep for a NY team? Christ. I knew they weren't going to spend much this offseason, but goddamn. Madoff really must have fucked the Wilpons worse that they're willing to admit.</font>

Ty Wiggington to the Rockies. 2-years, $8 mil. with an option for '13.

Jays trade Shawn Marcum to the Brewers for 2b Brett Lawrie their top prospect.
AA is the best young up and coming GM in baseball.

ESPN is reporting the team and the owners are currently being sued by another group responsible for refunding money stolen by Madoff. Supposedly one group from the Mets managed to make a profit off of the ponzi scheme.

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/m...ory?id=5895743

lol Mets

<font color=goldenrod>I'm not entirely sure what the problem is. Sounds like they withdrew the money from that fund before anybody was aware that there was a Ponzi scheme going on. How could they get sued for that?

Guess that means anybody who happened to make money and withdrew early can get sued despite not doing anything wrong.</font>

This group might of had insider knowledge into the scheme or deal and found out it was a scam but took their money out before telling anyone else it was a fake deal. The only other way is if they were stupid enough to be in the lawsuit claim against Madoff and now got exposed for not loosing money.

Yankees and Mets got their hands on Russell Martin's medical records.

I'd sign off. Take some pressure of Posada, and we can wait on Montero just a bit longer.

<font color=goldenrod>I don't think they were aware it was a scheme, otherwise they would have withdrawn more than just that fund.

Anyway, from what I'm reading - sounds like anybody who made money on the scheme even without knowing it's a scheme are being forced to return some of the money so that people who were on the tail end can get some money back. Mets probably refused initially and so here's the lawsuit.

Can't blame them for refusing since, again, they didn't know it was a Ponzi scheme and had no way of knowing that they were actually getting money from people on the lower end. They'll wind up reaching a settlement or something.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>I'd be interested in Martin. He wants to play on the East Coast. Sounds like Paulino is the main catcher the Mets are targeting though and he'll come cheaper. Either one is fine by me.

Also sounds like the Mets are close to signing DJ Carrasco. Decent enough reliever, the only head-scratching part is that it's a 2 year deal. I figured Alderson would stay clear of all 2-year deals for relievers but my guess is he realized everybody is getting at least 2 so he'd get squeezed out.</font>

I think Martin is going to play in Toronto.

Montero/Martin behind the plate would be a solid fit. Montero has yet to catch a full season still so I imagine they'll be easing him in next year. If anything Martin is an upgrade from Cervelli and if he starts hitting anywhere like he was a couple years ago he'd be a huge upgrade.

Cashman has said that Posada is the everyday DH next year and would be a third option for catcher.

<font color=goldenrod>Wow. So apparently Cliff Lee has two 7-year offers on the table. It's not the Yankees, Rangers, or Nationals.

Business is about to pick up!</font>

I find it kinda hard to believe. Cashman was interviewed and said he has yet to even put an offer in because Lee's agent was waiting on bids. Yet the ever present mystery teams are offering 7 year deals already.

The Reds are the mystery team. At least one of them. I'm pretty sure. They don't have the money budgeted but I know the money's there if they could get Lee. But they're keeping it tight because if they don't get Lee they don't want the fans thinking the Reds are going to spend that money elsewhere. It's Lee or nothing.

From what I heard, Yankees offered a 6-year deal but Lee either wants more money or an extra year.

Rangers rumored to go after Greinke if they lose out on Lee since.

Pujols agent wants something in the range of A-Rod money ($200+ million) and is using the "best player in MLB/NL" that a lot of experts say about him as the leverage. Cardinals worried more about the deal being 7 years and if Pujols begins to decline after 3 years.

In other news:

Judge in California rules that Jamie and Frank McCourt are Co-owners of the Dodgers. Neither get full control of the team.

Well, that should make the divorce just as messy. Who's calling shots in that club?

OMG, if all the Jays had to give up was Travis Snider, I would faint.

I did say "Part of the deal" this is Grienke we're talking about he's a great pitcher just would work out better on a small market team with his problems.

Grienke would cost the Jays Drabek and Snider. I'd still do that deal.

Jays apparently looking at Carlos Pena. Lol Jays will lead the league in hour again this year and be last in avg again if this happens. It'd be better than Lind playing first that's for sure. Their lineup would be a home run machine.

lol @ the divorce shit going on with the Dodgers. God damn. We also signed Tony Gwynn Jr..... Thanks a lot Colletti!

Tony Gwynn Junior is the second best baseball player at all his family events. Imagine being a pro and not even being the best player at your dinner table.

that can be said for alot of 2nd generation players. jsut was crazy to think about. Liuke you do this amazing feat but am still 2nd fiddle.

Still better than being Cooper Manning

All of 'em except Bonds and Griffey Jr.

Carlos Pena agrees to a deal with the Cubs. 1-year, $10 mil.

Matt Diaz ends up with the Pirates with a 2-year deal.

I'm not really a fan of this move, tbh.

I know he's forward thinking and all, but Marcum is worth more than a prospect.

There are always thoughts of insider information when this type of thing happens. It's big time illegal. That stuff is always investigated.

Derek Jeter admits he was angry with Yankees

TAMPA, Fla. (AP)—Derek Jeter(notes) can admit it now: He was definitely getting steamed at the New York Yankees.

While Jeter tried to keep talks quiet as the sides negotiated, the Yankees went public with suggestions his increasing age and decreased numbers should result in a pay cut.
At one point, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said the 36-year-old shortstop should explore other options if he was dissatisfied with New York’s offer.

“I was pretty angry about it, and I let that be known,” Jeter said Tuesday after finalizing a $51 million, three-year contract that cut his salary. “I was angry about it because I was the one that said I didn’t want to do it. I said I was the one that wasn’t going to do it.”

[...] http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_yl...-yankees-jeter

<font color=goldenrod>Yeah but they had a ton of other funds that they kept in there and lost a shitload on. The decision to honestly move one of their funds cost them.

Like I said though, doesn't sound like they're the only people getting sued over this. Gonna be mad settlements.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>Figures for the new Mets signings are in. Ronny Paulino got 1-year for $1.3 million, DJ Carrasco got 2 years for $2.5 million

Wasn't a big fan of the two years for Carrasco but its a very low base salary so it's not that big a deal. Need to get some lefties in the pen now.</font>

Paul Konerko back with the White Sox. 3-years, $37.5 mil. Pierzynski and Dunn took backloaded deals so they could bring him back in.

Looks like Jeff Francoeur is headed to Kansas City.

Normally I'd say yeah, but Lawrie is projected to be damn good. Trading a #2 starter who I believe has reached his ceiling for a infield prospect who can hit for avg, power and has speed is pretty good, especially with the Jays having almost no infield prospects aside from Hechivarra.

I was hoping the Rockies would sign Konerko as part of their weird sign every available infielder this off season strategy.

Braves are trying to unload Kenshin Kawakami. Pirates are interested, but Atlanta wants them to eat some salary.

Dennys Reyes is on his way to Philly.

Big Vito, would you trade Beltran for Dice-K?

<font color=goldenrod>No thanks. Matsuzaka had a great 2008 but other than that he's been shit and he's under contract for 2 years at $20 million.

I'd be more open to trading Beltran for Scutaro. Beltran is a better player but Scutaro is a decent stopgap at 2B and it'd eliminate potential drama in whether or not Beltran will play RF. Plus Scutaro can play all around the infield and if he has a good year he can be brought back on an option. It'd also be another reason to send Castillo packing.

Beltran's 2011 salary is listed at $18.5 million but it's really $13 million since $5.5 million per year gets deferred. Maybe the Mets could send $5.5 million to the Red Sox to help them pay for the eventual deferrment. Scutaro's only making $5 million next year so it's a nearly even swap. Plus the Mets don't want to move Beltran unless they gain payroll flexibility for this year, which they would in my scenario.</font>

A bit surprised Pena signed this quickly considering there were a few teams bidding on him. If he waited until after Crawford or Lee signed, he could have potentially gained more money (and years if he wanted both).

Man, its wasnt but a few years back that Jeff Francoeur looked like the best rookie to hit MLB since Pujols

Rays trade Jason Bartlett to the Padres for Adam Russell and Cesar Ramos.

Braves sign George Sherrill. 1-year, $1.2 mil.

Pena had such a bad year last season that he had to sign with someone quick on a o e year deal, improve next season, and cash in next December.

Os first base situation is down to Derrek Lee or Adam Laroche which sucks.

In that case, why don't they just put Reynolds or Scott at first and give Josh Bell one last chance?

Yeah...Luke "Obama wasn't born here" Scott by the way..forgot to somehow work that into a post.

Cant wait to see how that pans out.

I think they gave up on Josh Bell. They lost Wigginton so they've got to make some sort of move. Scott isn't an everyday 1B.

I can't see them already giving up on one of their top prospects after half a season.

did anyone say Carl Crawford to the Red Sox? 7 years 142 million?

SOOOOOOOOOO MINT... sucha sick liney

What a good week

Ellsbury
Pedroia
Crawford
Gonzalez
Youkilis
Ortiz
Drew
Saltalamacchia
Scutaro


Lester
Bucholz
Beckett
Lackey
Matsuzaka


Jesus fucking Christ

<font color=goldenrod>Jesus. Yanks are probably gonna answer this by upping their offer for Lee. Crawford was their fallback option.

If they don't get Lee - I can see them looking into Greinke. But if not they may just stick with their guns, coax Pettitte to come back, and back the truck up for Fielder or *gulp* Pujols next year.</font>

Glad the Yankees didn't get him. Just don't think he's a $20M player. A lot of money for a leadoff hitter with a career .336 OBP.

Not hating on the Red Sox or anything, he's obviously a great player and makes their team better. Just that the contract might start looking bad when he loses some speed. That lineup should be absolutely ridiculous.

Once they announce that Gonzalez extension thats a $300M offseason though. So hopefully I can stop hearing Sox fans try to explain to me that they are nothing like the Yankees.

This definitely doesn't help the Yankees in getting Lee either. Angels lose their main target in Crawford so I'm guessing are going harder after Lee now.

<font color=goldenrod>Angels lose out on their Plan A every offseason. Teixeira, Lackey, Crawford.</font>

Apparently the Red Sox were one of the mystery teams offering Lee 7 years.

Offered him 7 years at a much reduced price to up the bidding for him.

<font color=goldenrod>Rule 5 draft tomorrow. Usually always brings some interesting results.

Mets RHP Elvin Rodriguez is expected to be taken, possibly with the first pick. He's been clocked as high as 98 MPH but his control is horseshit so he wasn't selected to be one of the four players to protect on the 40-man roster last month.

Definitely think the Mets will grab a bullpen arm or two. No risk in doing so. Given how empty the pen currently is it's not a stretch to say that the Mets could carry a Rule 5 draftee on the roster all year.</font>

:drool:

Should be an interesting 2011 season in the AL East.

Yea because one re-building offseason is the same as every offseason. And they're also in the same division.
Signing Crawford and/or Lee is just as much a defensive move as it is a talent decision.
The Red Sox are looking to replace a lot of key players leaving. Manny has been gone 2 years now, and Ortiz doesn't have much time left.
And the Drew contract is finally expiring. They needed a power hitter and a new outfielder. I don't think Gonzalez and Crawford are as much additions as they are the cornerstones of the next 10 years of Red Sox baseball. They're both in long contracts and fill crucial roles.
Plus Youk and Pedroia aren't going anywhere. It's a pretty exciting lineup.

I'm curious to see where their budget falls in 2011, and then in 2012. I bet it will still be beneath the Mets and Phillies.

The Yankees are obviously going to go all-in for Lee now

I would really love to see the Yanks get screwed on Lee and end up with nobody. Being a diesel hater (sorry Fake and Inno, much love)

Its possible they could since ESPN is saying the offer from the Yankees is 6 years at close to $140 million ($23.33 million per year) which would put him as less than CC Sabathia in cash value and about 2.5 million more than Santana on the Mets.

Problem is Lee and his agent wants $25 million a year and 7 years or at least the $150-175 million range. Angels and Red Sox were revealed to be the mystery teams offering the 7th year and the Rangers will get a decision in 2 days if they are still in the hunt (their offer is similar to Yankees).

If the Yankees lose out on Lee, Royals want players, prospects, and maybe cash just for any deal on Greinke.

The Red Sox are in on Greinke too. I'm not sure given Gonzalez and Crawford that they'd still go and land Lee or Greinke, but it would obviously please me.

I don't think Greinke would want to go to New York or Boston

I hope not Greinke. The guy is a really great pitcher. But with New York being a huge market team and the fans expect the best from you other wise they will let you know it. With all the reporters and Tabloids and what not. I really don't think that's the best place for someone with depression/major stress issues. He'd be better off in Toronto or Baltimore or a small market team like that.

And truth be told about Crawford we all ready have Gardner he has been doing real well and is younger then him.

I think I might prefer Fielder to Pujols. Why do I think if the Yankees signed Pujols some rumor that he's on steroids or something might "Accidently" get leaked out?

Mmmmmmm. The Empire is on red alert right now.

Glad we didn't get Crawford. Not so much him going to Beantown. But then again, he was plan b if they couldn't get Werth.

Today should be interesting.

I think what I love most about getting Crawford and Gonzalez is the hidden value that comes from their defense. They're both excellent in the field. Who'd have thought letting Beltre go could actually be a defensive upgrade? But it is.

Here's an interesting question Sawks fans: Carl Crawford is a wizard in left field. Ellsbury was phenomenal in 2008 but was terrible in 2009 (based on dWAR, not fielding %). Do you entertain a switch in position and try Crawford in center?

Crawford doesn't have the arm for center. He's said himself that he doesn't like playing there.

BTW, so mint on this offseason so far. :D

Still about $200 million less than what the Yankees spent in 2008. ;)

The Yankees are in a very tight situation right now. They better get Lee by any means necessary.

<font color=goldenrod>The Yankees have gone to 7 years on Lee. Can't see any way he turns that down. Knew the Yanks would get their Plan A guy. They always do.

Sox and Yanks could have some laughably bad contracts on their hands in a few years though. They make money hand over fist though so it really won't matter.</font>

<font color=goldenrod>The fuck? This Rule 5 draft goes ridiculously fast. I leave for 10 minutes and find the Mets already made 2 picks - 2B Brad Emaus from the Blue Jays and RHP Pedro Beato from the Orioles</font>

<font color=goldenrod>Oh, no wonder it went by fast - most teams skipped.

PIT: Josh Rodriguez, SS, Columbus (CLE)
SEA: Jose Flores, RHP, Columbus (CLE)
ARI: Joe Paterson, LHP, Fresno (SF)
BAL: Adrian Rosario, RHP, Nashville (MIL)
KC: Nathan Adcock, RHP, Indianapolis (PIT)
WAS: Elvin Ramirez, RHP, Buffalo (NYM)
CLE: No pick
CHC: Mason Tobin, RHP, Salt Lake (LAA)
HOU: Aneury Rodriguez, RHP, Durham (TB)
MIL: Patrick Egan, RHP, Norfolk (BAL)
NYM: Bradley Emaus, 2B, Las Vegas (TOR)
FLA: Pass
LAD: Pass
LAA: No pick
OAK: Pass
DET: No pick
COL: Pass
TOR: Pass
STL: Pass
CWS: Pass
BOS: Pass
SD: George Kontos, RHP, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (NYY)
TEX: Pass
CIN: Pass
ATL: Pass
SF: Pass
MIN: Scott Diamond, LHP, Gwinnett (ATL)
NYY: Robert Fish, LHP, Salt Lake (LAA)
TB: Cesar Cabral, LHP, Pawtucket (BOS)
PHI: Michael Martinez, IF, Syracuse (WAS)</font>

Fuck that was a whammy. I don't see Crawford being able to compete at the level he's at at the end of the contract, but it's gonna be hell for the first couple years. The Monster should serve him well.

Pettite is pushing for the Yanks to get Lee.

Am I the only one who is more scared of A-Gon on the Red Sox then Crawford?

....meanwhile the WSOX resigned Konerko for 3 years.

I do not like this off season.

Legend85, do you feel the Phillies aren't completely confident in Domonic Brown yet?

Yes I do. This leaving winterball because he was tired isn't good to hear.

Yeah and they need to act fast or else they will be shit out of luck on adequate right handed hitting outfielders.