iortiz

Got you jung. Hell, The scenario that I was thinking was: We needed room in our payroll (4-6 M or something) in order to bring the SP and keep us under the cap. Hopefully I'm right this time.

The only scenario where I would clap Ben at this point is: We stay under the cap and with Oswalt (or similar) in our rotation. They had the opportunity to let Ortiz walk (Let Lav take the DH) and use that money to sign the SP, and who knows... probably a couple of solid arms too or keep Wheeler. We'll see how this ends.

I'm not an expert/gambler but I bet once in a while. I'm curious, What made you think that?

Pfff....These were not the scenarios I was expecting. 1.- If scenario #1 is true and we are already over the cap (Lets say Ortiz @ 12 M), Ortiz strategy is a complete failure. We would have lost our SS and wouldn't have filled our holes in our rotation. If true I'll be very pissed off. 2.- If scenario 2 was true, Why did we give up Scutaro?

... For once and for all. :thumbsup:

Balance. All sings say that the SP is coming. Yes, You won't have the same production with Aviles/Punto but I see them batting combined something around 260. On the other hand, you will have a legit #2-3 (if healthy) taking the #4 hole in the rotation.

And after that, an OF If were the case...

I have no idea why this is directed to me

Yup, We have been saying this. Why put in high risk a season (2012) when you are so close (couple of moves) to put very good team in paper?... Anyway...If Oswalt is the guy, I only hope that he is healthy.

Even with Bard around 4.0 ERA/150 IP as SP I'll be very pleased. BTW SFF, do you or anybody know how is Oswalt (healthy) these days?

I'm crossing my fingers my friend.... BTW the deal is done. Scutaro was sent to Colorado for Mortensen.

Ok Gentlemen, Oswalt is coming... If true, Nice move by Ben.

The SP is coming... The money llne pays you -1000 if he comes.

Seems like Oswalt is coming....

Way to go Oswalt?

Since future is always uncertain, even with ""favorable conditions" (e.i. NY will win Los Astros at NY pitching CC) the key factor is how Casinos/betting shops/betting firms/betting web pages/etc. reward those odds. This is how they make tons of money. A bookie/gambler always is who makes the bet (try to predict the future), on the other hand betting houses put the conditions (reward), of course based on probabilities. There's the key. If the odd-makers realize (after their analysis -- whatever it means--) that an event's probability is very low in order to happen, the reward is big (e.i. Los Astros will win the 2012 WS 100/1). On the other hand, if an event's probability is very high, the reward is symbolic (You need to bet tons of money in order to win something atractive) Future odds are peculiar. Look at the Philli's line, they pay you 11/2. The reward is very attractive since this kind of bet is still a loooong shot because a lot of factors will be in effect next 8 months that could change the final result, but STILL, the Phillies are the most likely frontrunner in order to win the WS. TEX, LAA and NY are above us. According with odd-makers/experts they have better posibilities than us to win the ring, but still it is a loooong shot for each team. So yes, future odds are a good thermometer in order to rate the strength of a team (question marks).