Bellhorn04

Same here.

Just looking at the Yankees payroll commitments the next few years in light of Hal's insistence on getting it below 189 million for tax purposes, this is no secret, but the monster contracts are really tying them up. A-Rod, Tex and CC-that's a total of 73 million for 3 players. Figure Cano for 20 million plus and you're already at close to 100 million for 4 players, without even dealing with numerous positions and with one pitcher accounted for. And remember that the 189 million includes benefits of 10 million + and the full 40-man roster. Wow!

I dunno, he didn't rule it out.

If you break down Ross's season, he did most of his damage in Fenway, against lefties, in the first half. And he's not a good defender.

It's insane inflationary prices this year. How the hell did BJ Upton get 75 million after posting a .298 OBP?

jung, you've been pointing out, rightly, that we seemed to be getting weaker on defence. Victorino is a good defensive outfielder isn't he?

Man, the booze must really flow at these meetings.

They said Gomes would be playing a lot in left. I think they wanted an outfielder who could catch the ball. Gomes and Swisher as the corner OF's would be an adventure.

Well we can't just load up on big hairy, bad-fielding beasts like Gomes and Napoli can we?

The thought of Gomes and Swish in the outfield at the same time is not so funny.

He's not a good defensive catcher. And if he was signed to catch who's going to play first base?

I think they're going to sign one starter from a short list and they are moving on that right now. I agree Haren could have been a good sign. Mind you his medical records did scare off both the Angels and the Cubs.

Not sure nail is a strong enough word. I'm thinking a huge box of railroad spikes.

Yes...our imaginations really get fired up here sometimes.

Voting Hamilton just for fun. It's starting to sound like they might be in on him for real.

I have my doubts Sanchez is going to get that 6/90.

Could be. Right now I suspect everything and believe nothing.

Mets have a grudge against us for letting them have Jason Bay.

A statmeiester told me hitters like this are called TTO hitters. Stands for Three True Outcomes-Home Runs, Walks and Strikeouts. Adam Dunn is a prime example.

Good news.

Maybe Bailey will be motivated to come back strong this year. It's a pretty important one for his career.

It almost feels like we're moving toward a consensus here. A legit first baseman, a legit right fielder, maybe Drew for shortstop. Sign a pitcher like Haren on a one-year deal. Sign somebody like Brian Wilson. If they do those things I don't think there will be too much to complain about to start the season with.

Average OPS for AL cleanup hitters in 2012 - .811

Yeah, that's the 'we would have sucked anyway' defence which came in handy last year. People already have it lined up for 2013 as well.

Here's what I think, and you'll have to excuse for me for being philosophical but I get like that sometimes. To me it's a little strange how so many people, including people whose baseball knowledge I totally respect, are so easily dismissive of Papelbon's contributions. He's arguably the best at his position in team history. I think to a certain degree it reflects the new mentality of baseball fans. We're in an age where salaries are insane, fantasy gaming is huge, and fans get a chance to come on forums like this and play general manager, or fanager, on a daily basis. When a player like Papelbon is let go, the fanagers don't look at it from a baseball perspective as much as they once did. They look at it as 'How can we replace this guy and at what cost? Hey, we can spend that money better elsewhere. Good riddance!' I've been a fan since the late Sixties. In the late Seventies we had some great teams and then we let some great players like Fisk and Lynn go, and there was outrage that still exists to this day. Hardly any of us who were outraged were thinking about the money saved by letting those players go. Another thing that works against Papelbon is his personality, I think. Not the most likable guy, said some really stupid things, and seems to be a me first guy all the way. I think that adds to some bias against him.