The Official 2010 Hot Stove Thread.

[alphilip77]

Martin to the Yanks

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/yankees-reach-agreement-with-russell-martin.html

[BSN07]

Martin to the Yanks

 

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/yankees-reach-agreement-with-russell-martin.html

 

Yankees finally get their man

[Dipre]

I'm not so sure. It's not like they can't bring up a lesser roleplayer such as Daniel Nava or Jordan Parraz' date=' or sign Bill Hall for that matter to provide the same RHH off the bench a lot cheaper. If you can clear Cameron's salary for the price of putting up with a bench schlub playing the same role, I'd go for it. And a real bonus if you can get Hall back as a RHH platoon guy who can play infield or outfield. I love guys with true IF/OF ability and Hall is one of the few guys like that out there.[/quote']

 

STOP PIMPING DANIEL NAVA, Jordan Parraz is AAA fodder, Bill Hall is getting offers to start in San Diego.

 

The only way moving Cameron makes sense is if they get something of value for him. And the obvious replacement for him IMO would be Darnell McDonald.

[a700hitter]

After losing out on Lee, the Rangers have decided to go dumpster diving. They will have a tough time returning to the playoffs if they decide to take this road.

Rangers Interested In Chien-Ming Wang

By Tim Dierkes [December 14 at 10:39am CST]

 

The Rangers expressed interest in free agent righty Chien-Ming Wang, tweets ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. He says "they've discussed a low-base, incentive type deal."

 

Wang, 31 in March, was non-tendered by the Nationals this month after failing to make a pro appearance in 2010. He had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right shoulder capsule in July of 2009. Wang is said to be seeking a big league deal, and can at least build off a promising instructional league stint. The Rangers are also known to have an eye on another pitcher who missed the 2010 season due to shoulder issues: Brandon Webb.

[Palodios]

Wang had the potential of a #2 starter, and still only 30. No clue what he can do now, but I've always liked him.

[CanadianSox]

Tweet from Ken Rosenthal.

 

Ken_Rosenthal Sources: #Phillies were deep in discussions yesterday about sending Blanton to #RedSox. #MLB

[italstallianion]

That deal fell through. Boston isn't getting Joe Blanton. If they want to help the Phillies clear some payroll they can always get Jimmy Rollins.

[a700hitter]

Red Sox Considering Matt Albers

By Tim Dierkes [December 14 at 12:47pm CST]

 

The Red Sox are considering reliever Matt Albers as a depth signing, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. We've seen Boston linked to most high-profile relievers, but Albers would likely be signed cheaply.

 

Albers, 28 in January, posted a 4.52 ERA, 5.8 K/9, 4.0 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, and strong 56.5% groundball rate in 75 2/3 innings for the Orioles this year before being non-tendered. The Orioles had acquired Albers three years ago as part of the Miguel Tejada deal.

Yuk!

[Station 13]

Fat albers... no

[Cocos Disciples]

He would be a depth signing, as the article says. He's not replacing someone like Guerrier or Fuentes. Nothing wrong with that; not every signing is Carl Crawford.

[italstallianion]

He would be a depth signing' date=' as the article says. He's not replacing someone like Guerrier or Fuentes. Nothing wrong with that; not every signing is Carl Crawford.[/quote']

 

 

They should wait until after we have Guerrier and Fuentes, then people won't be as reactionary to an Albers signing. Granted, I doubt anyone would be excited for it, but if we already had Fuentes and Guerrier then I don't think anyone would be pissed about Albers. (Unless he finds significant playing time in 2011)

[a700hitter]

He would be a depth signing' date=' as the article says. He's not replacing someone like Guerrier or Fuentes. Nothing wrong with that; not every signing is Carl Crawford.[/quote']Why has depth become the code word for garbage roster filler?

[BSN07]

Yuk!

 

"Depth signing". They aren't bringing him into be the set up guy or something.

 

edit: I failed to look ahead and see that Coco had beaten me to it

[Cocos Disciples]

Why has depth become the code word for garbage roster filler?

He's not even a roster filler. He'll fight for a job in ST. I don't see the point in overreacting to these kinds of signings. Him and Brandon Duckworth won't be facing A-Rod in the 9th. It's not a big deal.

[BSN07]

Why has depth become the code word for garbage roster filler?

 

Because it has a more positive tone.

[a700hitter]

He's not even a roster filler. He'll fight for a job in ST. I don't see the point in overreacting to these kinds of signings. Him and Brandon Duckworth won't be facing A-Rod in the 9th. It's not a big deal.

When I use the term roster filler, I am also referring to the minor league rosters. Someone needs to be the 5th guy out of the pen in Pawtucket and Portland. There is a need for garbage like this. I understand that. But they are still yukky.

[a700hitter]

Because it has a more positive tone.

Why do we need to be positive about guys that suck? The only positive thing about Albers is he will hopefully not pitch any innings for the big club.

[Cocos Disciples]

When Ii use the term roster filler' date=' I am also referring to the minor league rosters. Someone needs to be the 5th guy out of the pen in Pawtucket and Portland. There is a need for garbage like this. I understand that. But they are still yukky.[/quote']

I agree that they are nothing to get excited about and also that they are necessary. Someone has to come in when a reliever gets injured, and Albers will probably be one of those guys.

[Palodios]

With the Yankees having big money to spend on relievers, and the Sox being limited by Crawford's deal, it may be in their best interest to get some type A's on the cheap.

[italstallianion]

Looks like Kevin Gregg is signing with the Orioles, 2/12 million.

[Rdsxmbnt]

Why bother if your the Orioles to spend 6mil a year on an ok MR? I feel like that money is much better on the draft or on a younger FA who will actually be here when/if the team is ever competitive.

[BSN07]

Why do we need to be positive about guys that suck? The only positive thing about Albers is he will hopefully not pitch any innings for the big club.

 

Why be negative towards him? Just because he's not an elite talent? He's a roster filler type move. No reason to piss in his Cheerios after the guy just found out he get's to have a shot at playing baseball another season.

[Rdsxmbnt]

Depth signings are always s***** because good players have a starting spot on at least some team

[italstallianion]

Looks like Kevin Gregg is signing with the Orioles' date=' 2/12 million.[/quote']

 

 

Now there's reports that it fell through. Perhaps the Orioles realised their mistake.

[BSN07]

6M a year for a MR? Well from what I have read here and other places, it's estimated the Sox have like what 10M left to spend presumably? I think that means one of Fuentes/Guerrier. Then they could offer Oki a 1 year/Low base salary 1-3M? Then they could get a couple minor league deals with invite's to ST. I think they should try that with Delcarmen. That should be enough to get the started. They can add pieces later in the season if necessary. If the FA market falls out completely, then they will have to probably look for a trade. Scutaro's name has popped up a couple times this off season. He could be moved for a arm or 2. I wonder if SF would have interest for one of their BP arms?

[italstallianion]

Rays resign JP Howell, so there's another lefty off of the market.

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

Why bother if your the Orioles to spend 6mil a year on an ok MR? I feel like that money is much better on the draft or on a younger FA who will actually be here when/if the team is ever competitive.

 

You answered your own question.

[Jacoby_Ellsbury]

After losing out on Lee' date=' the Rangers have decided to go dumpster diving. They will have a tough time returning to the playoffs if they decide to take this road.[/quote']

Who's gonna take their place though? Matsui to Oakland isn't exactly a blockbuster signing. As for LAA, Scott Downs and (possibly) non-contract-year Beltre won't be the difference between below .500 and serious playoff contention.

 

Losing Lee is a blow but their excellent lineup is still intact.

[SoxSport]

The Red Sox go through relievers like water through a sieve. They just don't last with 60+ one-inning appearances for more than a couple years. Maybe Epstein doesn't pay enough for them relative to how much they are used--which is plenty.

 

Tito can do the bullpen a favor if he uses his starter another inning or two in a quality start, and doesn't use 3 relief pitchers in blowout win. Oftentimes, a mid reliever crapping the bed can turn a blowout into a close game, requiring more relievers.

 

The other suggestion is following Johnny Sain's old advice: use a reliever for two innings if he's sharp.

Heating up in the bullpen is wear and tear on a reliever. Sain was a very good pitcher in the 40s, and became one of the all-time great pitching coaches--stressing location for his pitchers, as Ted Williams did for hitters.

 

Maybe the new pitching coach,Young , will have some Sain ideas. Couldn't resist that one.

[Cocos Disciples]

On the topic of the AL West, I wouldn't be surprised if Oakland is a serious contender. They have an outstanding rotation which could be the best in the AL: Cahill/Braden/Anderson/Gonzalez/McCarthy or Mazzaro. If they can get Beltre, their offense isn't so awful either.