rjortiz

I don't think it's that lopsided. I think people are underestimating Brett Gardner. He's a elite defensive outfielder, a great baserunner, and has good on-base skills. His WAR over his last three healthy seasons are 6.0, 4.9, and 3.2. He'd be a big upgrade if the Reds think that Hamilton isn't a great defender, and whether his sub .300 OBP would hurt his baserunning value. They could also use him in LF over Heisey/Ludwick. They'd also free up some money, so they could make a run at a free agent starter. Bailey had a breakout year in 2013, but he doesn't have an amazing track record. He's had a problem with home runs in his career and moving to the AL East won't help. Also, Yankee Stadium isn't kind to flyball pitchers. His HR/9 and K/9 numbers could easily regress to career levels, which would make him more of a mid-rotation starter. He'd still be a huge upgrade over Phelps/Pineda, but consider that the Yankees would be replacing Gardner with a 38 year old Alfonso Soriano. That would mitigate the upgrade the Yankees would be getting in their rotation. They'd also have to extend Bailey at over $100 million. Between him, Ellsbury, McCann, Sabathia, Teixeira, Beltran, and Rodriguez they have about $140 million locked into 7 players in 2015. Could they afford to pursue Tanaka with that much payroll already committed? I think it might take them out of the running, unless they are going to match the Dodgers in payroll. Also, would a team with that core be any good? I seriously doubt it. I also think that short-term Tanaka and Gardner is a better duo than Soriano and Bailey. That being said, I don't think this trade makes sense for either team.

Why wouldn't they extend Gardner a qualifying offer? He's a pretty good player. He'll have offers that are substantially larger than the QO the Yankees or Reds would tender him.

I think the absolute worst Bradley could do is still better than best Podsednik could do.

If Drew signs for 1/8, or something low like that, I'd do it. Might be able to flip him for a C prospect. Red Sox are probably worse with Drew at SS.

Pitching depth is OK. Dempster, Webster, Ranaudo, and Barnes is pretty quality depth. I'm most worried about the lack of depth in CF/RF.

This is complete lunacy. You wouldn't even make the postseason building a roster that way. I could see you trying to play Scott Brosius over Evan Longoria.

I'd offer him 6/126 if he pitches well this year. There was a long period of time last year when he pitched worse than Dempster. He also was not great in 2012. I think he still has to prove he can be an ace with diminished stuff.

That's going to be the worst contract of the offseason when he signs.

The Padres come to mind. Denforia would be a nice trade target if an injury happens.

Good f***ing lord. Did anyone see Anderson Silva break his leg?

That's what I'd be comfortable offering, but some people are talking about 6/126. I'd need to see him sustain his postseason run into the regular season before I pony up that kind of cash.

Not arguing his cost per win. I'm just saying he's a horrible fielder, which negates some of his batting ability.

How much should we give Jon Lester?

His WAR of 1.8 trailed every other Red Sox regular by a wide margin. He gave a lot of those runs back in the field.

Not because of Nava in RF.

I'd give Grady Sizemore a minor league deal. Although, it's likely that his knee injuries have taken a lot out of him.

Maybe as minor league depth. He doesn't hit enough to play in the major leagues. .590 OPS over three seasons at AAA, and the high strikeout numbers suggest that he'd be even more hopeless in the majors.

I don't think Daniel Nava was adding a lot to that when he was in RF.

I'd go 5/90 at the most. Don't like that his K's are down, and the rough stretches worry me.

I'd wait on Lester. He had a great postseason, which makes it easy to forget his horrible stretch during the 2013 season, and his awful 2012.

He hasn't played CF in 4 years.

Definitely not a lock, but good enough to be in the mix.

Three pitchers doesn't refute the fact that more mileage on an arm makes it more susceptible to damage. Keith Olbermann had a good video on this topic. http://sportsnetny.tumblr.com/post/60404112274/keith-olbermann-on-matt-harvey-tom-seaver-and

And if they did, you know Behindenemylines would be talking about the $panks buying all of baseball.

NBA really needs to start flexing games on Christmas.