MLB Offseason 2014

[seabeachfred]

To play what position Fred?

 

For one year left field and then move Panda to first when the Red Sox led Napoli go and move him back to third........and find a way to undo that miserable signing of Hanley Ramirez. I insist this guy is a bad actor and a virus to any team. There are two guys in our lineup I cannot abide---Hanley because of his attitude and Bogaerts because of his lack of range, poor footwork on the defensive end and his utter ineptness hitting with men on base.

[Dojji]

If I have the choice of playing Panda or Longoria at third, that's no choice. Panda's a half decent 3B, but Longoria is a two time Gold Glover.

[User Name]

...and the better hitter.

[Dojji]

Well they'd both be in the lineup regardless, so I don't see that mattering much.

[seabeachfred]

If I have the choice of playing Panda or Longoria at third, that's no choice. Panda's a half decent 3B, but Longoria is a two time Gold Glover.

 

Well Dojii, I was playing a little game of miniature Russian Roulette. Longoria is not coming here but it would be great if he could. We'll get by with Panda; it is Ramirez who concerns me. Today in the LA Times, columnist Bill Plaschke called the guy out, calling him a malingerer and intimated that the Dodgers couldn't rid themselves of him fast enough. I think his signing has disrupted our lineup for the coming year and has weakened our defense, not to mention that the guy is a virus in the clubhouse who loafs and becomes a total ass when things start to go wrong. I really believe this was a choke and panic move by Cherington. We didn't need to do this.

[Divinity]

Markakis to the Braves for 4/45

[Youk Of The Nation]

Markakis to the Braves for 4/45

 

Not surprising. In fact, the only thing that surprises me is how long he was with the O's. I figured they wouldn't have been able to hold onto him once he was eligible to sign elsewhere. That was how many seasons ago now?

[jacksonianmarch]

Markakis was a consistent, above average RFer. He plays tremendous D, has a little pop, can hit for average and gets on base. This is about right for what I expected, and if we hadn't foolishly signed Beltran last yr, I would have loved to have seen him in NY

[Spudboy]

Are the O's idiots or do they have some stud OF prospect on the verge?

 

4/45 is very reasonable in my view. Granted, I am a Markakis fan.

 

Still, the O's must have wanted him gone because that is chump change to most MLB teams.

[seabeachfred]

Are the O's idiots or do they have some stud OF prospect on the verge?

 

4/45 is very reasonable in my view. Granted, I am a Markakis fan.

 

Still, the O's must have wanted him gone because that is chump change to most MLB teams.

 

Isn't Yaz's grandson someone high up in the Orioles organization who projects as a solid hitting prospect? I received from a friend on another board a picture of Yaz and his protégé a year or so ago. It is possible that who the O's have in mind for Markakis's successor, though that is just an educated guess on my part.

[BSN07]

Are the O's idiots or do they have some stud OF prospect on the verge?

 

4/45 is very reasonable in my view. Granted, I am a Markakis fan.

 

Still, the O's must have wanted him gone because that is chump change to most MLB teams.

 

From what I read they had the 2nd highest offer at 4/40M. Markakis took 4M more from his hometown Braves it would seem. Looks like the O's tried. 4/44M seemed risky to me for Markakis. He's still a useful player, but he's not what he once was.

[User Name]

Supposedly the Orioles had legitimate concerns about a neck problem that's the likely reason for Markakis' power all but evaporating.

[User Name]

Kevin Cash to be the new Rays manager.

[Spudboy]

Supposedly the Orioles had legitimate concerns about a neck problem that's the likely reason for Markakis' power all but evaporating.

 

That would be a legit reason to value him lower, I guess.

 

I'm just old timey. Not only have I been a Markakis fan, I saw him as an O and never thought he would leave. Especially for "just" 1 million / year more.

 

There is probably more than meets the eye here.

 

Oh well. I hope that the Os are weaker in 2015.

[Divinity]

Yankees agree to four-year, $36M deal with Andrew Miller

 

If they sign Robertson too they'll have one of best bullpens in baseball with Betances, Miller and Robertson.

[Spudboy]

Yankees agree to four-year, $36M deal with Andrew Miller

 

If they sign Robertson too they'll have one of best bullpens in baseball with Betances, Miller and Robertson.

 

And IF Tanaka comes back healthy and IF Sabathia pitches well and IF they sign Lester / Scherzer the Yankess will have a good deal of pitching.

 

Lots of ifs.

[Divinity]

And IF Tanaka comes back healthy and IF Sabathia pitches well and IF they sign Lester / Scherzer the Yankess will have a good deal of pitching.

 

Lots of ifs.

 

Yeah I agree, there starting rotation is full of question marks.

[Spudboy]

So, old friend Ryan Lavarnway has been claimed off waivers by the Dodgers.

[Spudboy]

Yeah I agree, there starting rotation is full of question marks.

 

Well at least the Yankees have MLB talent in their rotation!!!!! Even if some are not ready to go.

[Station 13]

So, old friend Ryan Lavarnway has been claimed off waivers by the Dodgers.

 

It was either that or Oakland, two places of sanctuary for former Red Sox.

[MDF3530]

Oakland close to trading Jeff Samardzija to the White Sox

[MDF3530]

White Sox acquire RP David Robertson

[Palodios]

Looks like Chris Sale is off the table.

[BSN07]

Looks like Chris Sale is off the table.

 

That's for sure. All those moves scream they are going for it. AL Central is gonna be tough. Twins are gonna get spanked all season.

[MDF3530]

The White Sox rotation is very lefty-dominant with Danks, Sale and Quintana. The righties they had last year were pretty putrid to watch.

 

I also like the fact they addressed the bullpen. Nate Jones was supposed to be the closer last year but got hurt in spring training. That does have a ripple effect on the bullpen.

[Palodios]

Meanwhile, the Astros have been stockpiling late inning relievers solely for the purpose of selling them to teams at the trade deadline. It would be genius if they didn't suck every year.

[Northern Star]

Marlins get Dee Gordon and Dan Haren (who might retire instead of pitching outside SoCal)

Dodgers get Andrew Heaney, Kike Hernandez, Austin Barnes and Chris Hatcher

 

I don't get why the Marlins threw in the extra players along with their top prospect. Dee Gordon had a breakout year, but it's also his only good season.

[BSN07]

Kemp to Padres is done.

[Bellhorn04]

Busy Dodgers also reportedly about to sign Brandon McCarthy.

[BSN07]

Add trade Dan Haren, Dee Gordon and traded for Howie Kendrick. Friedman with $ is gonna be scary.