With JP saying that the Jays are done, barring some minor league signings to fill out the AAA roster (In Las Vegas now, fuckin eh).
I have decided that I am going to look at the roster, the entire 40-man roster, and see where certain guy fit in going forward, starting with the pitching, and working my way around positionally.
Pitchers
Doc is the obvious ace of the staff, and one of the best arms in baseball. There are retarded rumblings to trade him for a package of prospects, but fuck that. No way is that cool with me. He should remain a Blue Jay until it is his free agent year and let him walk, Carlos Delgado style, unless a deal can be reached.
Shaun Marcum has got plenty of time left untill free agency, and will be back in the fold in 2010, as he will miss all of 2009.
McGowan will start the season on the DL, and will probably miss 2 months. He should be carefully brought back and not rushed 1 second too soon. 2010 is the key due to the health of Marcum & McGowan.
Jesse Litsch turned himself around after his AAA demotion and may be a different pitcher than the round, pink, efficient he was in 2007 and early 2008. He can be effective with either approach, and should use 2009 to find out which method is most effective going forward.
David Purcey is still an enigma. A 1st round pick who has shown what a 1st round pick is capable of with 2 dominate showings against the Rays last season. He has also shown flashes of what he mostly is, a bust. He could end up a decent 5th starter or a quality bullpen arm, but I see a AAAA player who will end up on 12 different teams signing minor league deals every year.
Ricky Romero, another 1st round pick (the infamous one), is going to get a shot at some point in 2009. It will be nice to see what the still-young Romero will be able to do against AAA to start the year. He has 3 above average pitches and I see no reason why he can't be another Ted Lilly type. I see a good pitcher when I look at Romero's future.
Matt Clement is a 1 year option if he can be healthy. If I see this hillbilly goat fucker on the 2010 roster, he better be the BP pitcher.
Scott Richmond will be a AAA guy bouncing between Las Vegas and Toronto like a ping-pong ball at a bachelor party. He is a control guy, so his success is hard to predict. It could be Josh Towers part 2, the ups and downs.
Other guys who could get starts in 2009:
Robert Ray, Davis Romero, Dirk Hayhurst, Brian Bullington, Brett Cecil, Brad Mills. These guys figure more into 2010 with the exceptions of Hayhurst & Bullington, who are likely 1 year as AAA rotation fillers. Both could have a spot start or 2 if the other guys falter.
Casey Janssen is an interesting case. He comes in as a starter, isn't great (but played through injury). Then goes into the pen in 2007 and dominates. Misses all of 2008 with injury, and may not be 100% ready to start until 2010. I say through him in the bullpen to build up strength and maybe post all-star break chuck him in the rotation. A rotation in 2010 with Doc, Shaun, McG, Litsch, & Janssen could be very solid and pretty cheap.
The Definate Bullpenners
The Beej may be dealt (the smart move), but he remains our closer and best pitcher. 2008 was a shaky season, but you can't deny the results and stats. He should be 100% recovered in 2009, and could dominate and give the Jays a valuable trade chip next offseason.
Scotty Downs should stay away from the rotation at all costs. He emerged as a dominate set-up guy last season after progressing from a shit-bag swingman. He could be a valuable trade chip as a cost-effective closer for another club or the Jays in 2010 is Ryan is gone.
Brandon League is a guy I have always liked. He can be so good, but sometimes he can look fucking clueless. Should be a good 7th inning guy few a while.
Jesse Carlson came out of nowhere last season and almost got some legit ROY consideration, which would've been well-deserved. The 3rd lefty in the "big 4" for 2009, gives another reason why trading Ryans/Downs would be smart.
Jeremy Accardo is hopefully going to be healthy in 2009, but I wouldn't expect 2007 part 2. He should be good, but I expect some lingering control problems due to injuries and the splitter needs to be on.
Shawn Camp was effective last year, but is no more than a 7th guy in the pen.
Brian Tallet is a guy I absolutely fucking hate. It could be his pedophillia-like sideburns, or his douche afro popping out of his hat. It could also be his shit-bag qualities. He is fine as a 7th bullpenner, but I rather the Jays see his value is better served to a team like St. Louis who needs another lefty. I just want him gone before he blows an important game.
Brain Wolfe will probably be the swing-guy in 2009 doing some starting and relieving. His home will be the pen, but long outings should be common with Purcey as the 3rd starter.
AAA Guys Who Should Get A Look:
Reid Santos, Jean Machi, Bill Murphy, Rick Bauer. These guys may not be needed, but provide depth in AAA in the event that guys get hurt in bunches.
Saturday, I will look at infielders, and maybe outfielders too.
Peace, and Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Well, the signing of known goat-fucker Mark Teixeira is on the horizon. Welcome to the 3rd round, AJ compensation draft pick.
More than $20M per season, pushing the Yankee payroll above $200M. At least he is allready clean-cut. He is gonna tear the Jays up this year.
Fuck.
(Pic stolen from the Drunks @ DJF)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Non-Tenders
So, last night was the deadline for team to offer a contract to their pre-free agency players. There were some interesting names not given a contract. I want to run off a couple names that should be interesting to Toronto.
Ty Wigginton
Wigginton has hit 20 HR in each of the last 3 seasons without given 450 AB. He could be very valuable in that he is a good version of Jose Bautista. Ty has played 1B, 3B, 2B, LF, RF the last 2 seasons. He could fill in for Rolen, Overbay, Hill, and LF/DH. He is a perfect platoon guy to carry, who is really versatile. $5M should get it done, but $7-8M wouldn't be a bad idea.
Joey Gathright
Gathright has always been a favourite of mine. The Jays have lacked a speed guy since Otis Nixon almost died on the field of old age. Joey would make a solid 5th OF who could pinch run and play some solid defence. It could take a minor league deal, but a guaranteed deal at league min would be fine.
Chris Capuano
Coming off a serious injury, he would be a solid chance to take on a guy with a decent track record. I would prefer him over Clement. Capuano would probably some cheap with incentives as well.
Daniel Cabrera
Now, I know this is probably a terrible move, but I think Cabrera has incredible stuff, and watching him shut down the Jays offence makes me want to see what he can do as a Blue Jay. $2M? I would take that flier.
Jonny Gomes
Gomes has, pre-2008, mashed lefties. I see a younger Kevin Mench, when he was actually useful on this Continent. He would make a good 4th OF, who could fill in for Lind/Snider against tough lefties and would be fine if needed for a longer stretch in RF when Wells gets hurt. $2-3M would probably get it done.
Robby Hammock
I think he could be a decent back-up for dirt cheap or a quality player in AAA until needed when a catcher goes down. Minor League contract is what is coming for him.
I know that JP isn't going to sign them all, but 1 or 2 would be nice. Cabrera & Wigginton are my 2 preferences, with Gomes & Gathright on my long-time want list.
Make it happen JP.
Ty Wigginton
Wigginton has hit 20 HR in each of the last 3 seasons without given 450 AB. He could be very valuable in that he is a good version of Jose Bautista. Ty has played 1B, 3B, 2B, LF, RF the last 2 seasons. He could fill in for Rolen, Overbay, Hill, and LF/DH. He is a perfect platoon guy to carry, who is really versatile. $5M should get it done, but $7-8M wouldn't be a bad idea.
Joey Gathright
Gathright has always been a favourite of mine. The Jays have lacked a speed guy since Otis Nixon almost died on the field of old age. Joey would make a solid 5th OF who could pinch run and play some solid defence. It could take a minor league deal, but a guaranteed deal at league min would be fine.
Chris Capuano
Coming off a serious injury, he would be a solid chance to take on a guy with a decent track record. I would prefer him over Clement. Capuano would probably some cheap with incentives as well.
Daniel Cabrera
Now, I know this is probably a terrible move, but I think Cabrera has incredible stuff, and watching him shut down the Jays offence makes me want to see what he can do as a Blue Jay. $2M? I would take that flier.
Jonny Gomes
Gomes has, pre-2008, mashed lefties. I see a younger Kevin Mench, when he was actually useful on this Continent. He would make a good 4th OF, who could fill in for Lind/Snider against tough lefties and would be fine if needed for a longer stretch in RF when Wells gets hurt. $2-3M would probably get it done.
Robby Hammock
I think he could be a decent back-up for dirt cheap or a quality player in AAA until needed when a catcher goes down. Minor League contract is what is coming for him.
I know that JP isn't going to sign them all, but 1 or 2 would be nice. Cabrera & Wigginton are my 2 preferences, with Gomes & Gathright on my long-time want list.
Make it happen JP.
Monday, December 8, 2008
NEW RUMOUR WITH NO PROOF TO BACK IT UP!!!!111!!!
Michael Young is being quitely shopped. Him & V-Dub are best buds. They probably swing together.
Young makes $13M per year until 2013. Alex Rios makes about $11M per year. They are probably the same player offensively for the next few years, until Young starts to decline.
I would assume that he would be happy playing with his buddy Vernon though. Happyness does make people feel younger.
MAKE IT HAPPEN JP!!!!!!111!!!!
In all seriousness, make it happen.
Young makes $13M per year until 2013. Alex Rios makes about $11M per year. They are probably the same player offensively for the next few years, until Young starts to decline.
I would assume that he would be happy playing with his buddy Vernon though. Happyness does make people feel younger.
MAKE IT HAPPEN JP!!!!!!111!!!!
In all seriousness, make it happen.
Some Random Musings...Winter Meetings, Thoughts, etc.
First things first.
In a recent draft, I had hoped that JP would take a wild chance and draft Pat Venditte, from Creighton. He did not. The Yankees, of all teams, took him with the 620th pick of the draft. A little insight on Venditte that I thought was out-fucking-standing: 1. HE IS A SWITCH-FUCKING-PITCHER. 2. He can pitch with both arms. Now, Venditte is 2 completely different pitchers depending on which arm he is using. As a righty, he is Josh Towers. As a lefty, Trever Miller. Now, individually, not that impressive. Combine those abilities into 1 reliever and there is serious star potential, and a future key member of a bullpen. It is worth a shot is all I'm saying. I wasn't expecting his to get drafted in the top 10-15 rounds, but after that, a lot of teams start picking toolsy OF/SS high schoolers who have made strong commitments to Colleges.
So far in his Minor League career, Venditte saved 23 games in 30 appearances, putting up a .83 ERA and K'ing more than a batter per inning. He is 23 at low A ball, but could move fast once it is realized he is fucking legit.
Now, onto some more pressing matters: the Winter Meetings.
Some quick Jays-related stuff.
1. A.J. was offered and has rejected arbitration, guaranteeing 2 extra picks in the 2009 draft. Hopefully, a good team signs him so it's a first rounder.
2. A little rumour emerged that the Beej could land in New York with the Mets. It was quickly and emphatically shot down. I would enjoy the extra payroll flexibility for a hitter though.
3. Brian Tallet has been named by a Cardinals writer as a potential target for lefty bullpen help. It's not like the Jays need 4 lefties in the pen. Peace out Tallet.
4. Tom O'Connell, Carl Pavano's agent, is saying the Jays have "significant interest" in Pavano. I am not against this. He could be a very good risk-reward cheap signing. His upside is much better than Ohka/Thomson.
5. Tim Brown from Yahoo! is saying that the Jays could be in on Rafy Furcal with the money "put aside" for Burnett. As much as I want a legit SS and lead-off guy on the Jays, it ain't happening. The money put aside has been raped by my Country's plummeting dollar.
A though always crosses my mind when I look at rumours: how could the Jays get in on that? Well, this next segment has been brought to you by that. I will run off a rumour, then discuss how the Jays could potentially get in on it.
Ramon Hernandez (Baltimore) for Ryan Freel (Cincinnati)
This deal makes a ton of sense for both sides. It could also make sense for the Jays. I am not comfortable with Barajas as the starter next year or with Jeroloman or especially Thigpen as back-ups. How about Lyle Overbay, or better yet, Scott Rolen, for Hernandez, who would add $1M if Overbay goes or would be $3M cheaper than Rolen. Overbay would be a good fit for Baltimore if Teix isn't an option. With that said, I would rather have Overbay for $7M than Hernandez for $8M.
Jermaine Dye (Chicago WS) for Homer Bailey (Cincinnati)
Another Reds rumour. Well, I for one think that if Dye could be enough, than Rios or Wells could work as well. Wells is in a ridiculous contract, but the Reds have a ton left over from Dunn/Griffey departures and the Jays could take a bad contract back in return as well (Arroyo and/or Freel). Bailey could need a change of scenery, and could flourish with some Arnsberg influence the way I imagine he helped Marcum & McGowan.
Huston Street (Colorado) for Aaron Heilman & Pedro Feliciano (New York Mets)
Surely, the Jays could top that offer for a quality reliever. The Jays need a righty at the end of games to help out BJ, Scotty, & Carlson. Accardo is coming back from injury and shouldn't be banked on. Brian Tallet is more valuable than Feliciano and Brian Wolfe is not much worse than Heilman. Accardo could be in there if Wolfe isn't enough. Street could be valuable late in games, then in July when the Jays are out it, prospects can be acquired.
Miguel Tejada (Houston) for Young Pitching
David Purcey and reliever and mid-prospect or 2. Just throwing it out there. I am convinced that Ricky Romero and Brett Cecil could have a better 2009 than Purcey. The Jays would need to unload some money after the deal, but it's not impossible. DFA'ing Bautista & trading McDonald would free up $4M right there. If Adam Everett can get $1M guaranteed, the Jays wouldn't have to eat any of his $1.9M. Plus, Miggy makes $13M in 2009, the final year of his deal. That money was "set aside" for A.J. anyways, if I am to believe what is reported.
Delmon Young (Minnesota) for Something
They want more than just Jason Donald for him. Let's start there. Justin Jackson is a SS prospect, much further away from the majors. Scott Campbell is a 2B who is probably as close as Donald is to the majors. Donald is the far superior prospect, but the Jays could add a couple more prospects or some relievers. Tallet, Wolfe, Frasor are all expendable but valuable bullpen arms. The Jays have plenty of young toolsy OF who could be involved. There isn't an obvious fit, but a fit could be forced with enough creativity.
Jason Marquis (Chicago Cubs) for Salary Relief?
It wouldn't be a good deal at all, but 1 year of Marquis for almost $10M may be better than playing the free agent gamble. Plus, the Cubs could pitch in $3M to make it possible. The relief arms could be parted with here as well. Tallet, Wolfe, Frasor, the usual.
Jorge Cantu (Florida) for Jon Sanchez (San Fransisco)
As much as I would like to acquire Cantu, this would be about getting Oliver Perez. Sanchez has Perez written all over in my eyes. I see so many similarities. If Cantu is almost enough, how about Lind, younger and maybe better. Or Rios, who would be overpaying for Sanchez, but some parts could come with Sanchez. Rios is losing ground to reach his potential. He could wake up and be 30 and be a .280 RF with 15HR. I would rather see him go while he can put that up while playing CF for someone else.
Well, that is it for now. It's been a lot of rumours with nothing happening today. It's late, and I have to work tomorrow morning, so I'm out.
Until next time, I'll be takin' it easy for all you sinners out there.
In a recent draft, I had hoped that JP would take a wild chance and draft Pat Venditte, from Creighton. He did not. The Yankees, of all teams, took him with the 620th pick of the draft. A little insight on Venditte that I thought was out-fucking-standing: 1. HE IS A SWITCH-FUCKING-PITCHER. 2. He can pitch with both arms. Now, Venditte is 2 completely different pitchers depending on which arm he is using. As a righty, he is Josh Towers. As a lefty, Trever Miller. Now, individually, not that impressive. Combine those abilities into 1 reliever and there is serious star potential, and a future key member of a bullpen. It is worth a shot is all I'm saying. I wasn't expecting his to get drafted in the top 10-15 rounds, but after that, a lot of teams start picking toolsy OF/SS high schoolers who have made strong commitments to Colleges.
So far in his Minor League career, Venditte saved 23 games in 30 appearances, putting up a .83 ERA and K'ing more than a batter per inning. He is 23 at low A ball, but could move fast once it is realized he is fucking legit.
Now, onto some more pressing matters: the Winter Meetings.
Some quick Jays-related stuff.
1. A.J. was offered and has rejected arbitration, guaranteeing 2 extra picks in the 2009 draft. Hopefully, a good team signs him so it's a first rounder.
2. A little rumour emerged that the Beej could land in New York with the Mets. It was quickly and emphatically shot down. I would enjoy the extra payroll flexibility for a hitter though.
3. Brian Tallet has been named by a Cardinals writer as a potential target for lefty bullpen help. It's not like the Jays need 4 lefties in the pen. Peace out Tallet.
4. Tom O'Connell, Carl Pavano's agent, is saying the Jays have "significant interest" in Pavano. I am not against this. He could be a very good risk-reward cheap signing. His upside is much better than Ohka/Thomson.
5. Tim Brown from Yahoo! is saying that the Jays could be in on Rafy Furcal with the money "put aside" for Burnett. As much as I want a legit SS and lead-off guy on the Jays, it ain't happening. The money put aside has been raped by my Country's plummeting dollar.
A though always crosses my mind when I look at rumours: how could the Jays get in on that? Well, this next segment has been brought to you by that. I will run off a rumour, then discuss how the Jays could potentially get in on it.
Ramon Hernandez (Baltimore) for Ryan Freel (Cincinnati)
This deal makes a ton of sense for both sides. It could also make sense for the Jays. I am not comfortable with Barajas as the starter next year or with Jeroloman or especially Thigpen as back-ups. How about Lyle Overbay, or better yet, Scott Rolen, for Hernandez, who would add $1M if Overbay goes or would be $3M cheaper than Rolen. Overbay would be a good fit for Baltimore if Teix isn't an option. With that said, I would rather have Overbay for $7M than Hernandez for $8M.
Jermaine Dye (Chicago WS) for Homer Bailey (Cincinnati)
Another Reds rumour. Well, I for one think that if Dye could be enough, than Rios or Wells could work as well. Wells is in a ridiculous contract, but the Reds have a ton left over from Dunn/Griffey departures and the Jays could take a bad contract back in return as well (Arroyo and/or Freel). Bailey could need a change of scenery, and could flourish with some Arnsberg influence the way I imagine he helped Marcum & McGowan.
Huston Street (Colorado) for Aaron Heilman & Pedro Feliciano (New York Mets)
Surely, the Jays could top that offer for a quality reliever. The Jays need a righty at the end of games to help out BJ, Scotty, & Carlson. Accardo is coming back from injury and shouldn't be banked on. Brian Tallet is more valuable than Feliciano and Brian Wolfe is not much worse than Heilman. Accardo could be in there if Wolfe isn't enough. Street could be valuable late in games, then in July when the Jays are out it, prospects can be acquired.
Miguel Tejada (Houston) for Young Pitching
David Purcey and reliever and mid-prospect or 2. Just throwing it out there. I am convinced that Ricky Romero and Brett Cecil could have a better 2009 than Purcey. The Jays would need to unload some money after the deal, but it's not impossible. DFA'ing Bautista & trading McDonald would free up $4M right there. If Adam Everett can get $1M guaranteed, the Jays wouldn't have to eat any of his $1.9M. Plus, Miggy makes $13M in 2009, the final year of his deal. That money was "set aside" for A.J. anyways, if I am to believe what is reported.
Delmon Young (Minnesota) for Something
They want more than just Jason Donald for him. Let's start there. Justin Jackson is a SS prospect, much further away from the majors. Scott Campbell is a 2B who is probably as close as Donald is to the majors. Donald is the far superior prospect, but the Jays could add a couple more prospects or some relievers. Tallet, Wolfe, Frasor are all expendable but valuable bullpen arms. The Jays have plenty of young toolsy OF who could be involved. There isn't an obvious fit, but a fit could be forced with enough creativity.
Jason Marquis (Chicago Cubs) for Salary Relief?
It wouldn't be a good deal at all, but 1 year of Marquis for almost $10M may be better than playing the free agent gamble. Plus, the Cubs could pitch in $3M to make it possible. The relief arms could be parted with here as well. Tallet, Wolfe, Frasor, the usual.
Jorge Cantu (Florida) for Jon Sanchez (San Fransisco)
As much as I would like to acquire Cantu, this would be about getting Oliver Perez. Sanchez has Perez written all over in my eyes. I see so many similarities. If Cantu is almost enough, how about Lind, younger and maybe better. Or Rios, who would be overpaying for Sanchez, but some parts could come with Sanchez. Rios is losing ground to reach his potential. He could wake up and be 30 and be a .280 RF with 15HR. I would rather see him go while he can put that up while playing CF for someone else.
Well, that is it for now. It's been a lot of rumours with nothing happening today. It's late, and I have to work tomorrow morning, so I'm out.
Until next time, I'll be takin' it easy for all you sinners out there.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Offseason Forecaster: New York Fuckin Yankees
Next up in my little series are the Yanks.
As noted in my Orioles forecast, I don't see the Yanks signing Teixeira or Burnett. I also don't think they will sign CC Sabathia, who I think will end up as an Angel.
So, I'll run down their depth, then I will throw some free agent predictions & trade possibilities.
Catcher
Jorge Posada is locked in behind the plate if he is healthy, which is unlikely. They need, and have, a solid back-up in Jose Molina. I also think they need another catcher, possibally carrying 3 on the roster.
1B
Nick Swisher was recently acquired, and that looks good to me. Swish is going to need to be a little tamer with his personality and especially his facial hair, but he could become a beast with the short right field porch. Juan Miranda and Shelley Duncan are the depth here.
2B
Robinson cano should bounce back and break-out into a monster season. He should finally get his shot in the middle of the order.
3B
Gay-Rod is stuck here for the next decade. He is one of the best players in baseball, but a filthy cock sucker.
SS
Derek Jeter is no loger an acceptable SS, but there is no way he moves to another position just yet. He is still one of the best hitters for his position, so his defensive short comings are sometimes overlooked.
OF/DH
Johnny Damon & Hideki Matsui will need to splitt LF/DH, as both are injury cases. Depth is important here. Xavier Nady will probably play RF, which is the best possibilty here. Brett Gardner & Melky Cabrera will both see time here unless one can run away with it or if one blows it. If extremely neccessary, Swisher or Nady could play CF.
Starters
Chien-Ming Wang is an under-rated starter, which is rare for a Yankee pitcher. Phil Hughes is still a promising young pitcher. Ian Kennedy is quickly losig prospect status as he gets slammed all over the place by those doubting his ability. Alfredo Aceves came on strong at the end of last season. Alan Horne could push his way onto the staff if pitchers aren't added. Kei Igawa is still on the roster. Dan Giese made some solid starts last season.
Relievers
Mariano Rivera is still one the best in the game at shutting the door. Joba Chamberlain is must more suited to relieving, as his arm problems the end of last season suggest. Damaso Marte is a much needed lefty in the pen. There are a lot of good young arms as well; Brian Bruney, Jon Albaladejo, Chris Britton, Phil Coke, Edwar Ramirez, David Robertson, Humberto Sanchez, JB Cox, Mark Melancon.
Potential Free Agent Acquisitions
The Yankees NEED to add at least 2 starters. Andy Pettitte will probably be one them, but he is now a possibilty for the Dodgers. I also see them signing Derek Lowe. I could see them add a 3rd starter a well, either surprise Oliver Perez or 1 of 2 Japanese pitchers Kenshin Kawakami or Koji Uehara.
Andy Pettitte. SP 2 years/$15M per season
Derek Lowe. SP 3 years/$16M per season
Kawakami/Uehara. SP 4 years/$10M per season
Will Ohman. RP 3 years/$4M per season
I do not see any more trades being made by the Yankees.
Potential Roster Construction
C: Jorge Posada
1B: Nick Swisher
2B: Robinson Cano
3B: Alex Rodriguez
SS: Derek Jeter
LF: Johnny Damon
CF: Melky Cabrera
RF: Xavier Nady
DH: Hideki Matsui
Bench:
C: Jose Molina
IF: Cody Ransom
OF: Brett Gardner
1B: Shelley Duncan
OF: Justin Christian
(The Yankees don't really seem to care about their bench, but any free agents are possibilties here as back-ups)
Rotation
1. Chien-Ming Wang
2. Derek Lowe
3. Andy Pettitte
4. Kawakami/Uehara
5. Phil Hughes
Bullpen
Closer: Mariano Rivera
Set-Up: Joba Chamberlain
Lefties: Damaso Marte & Will Ohman
Mid/Long: Edwar Ramirez & Brian Bruney
The payroll as of this moment in time is about $150M. Last season, they had a payroll of over $200M. I see them coming in right below $200M, which this roster brings them around. $195M is about what this 40-man roster would cost.
Next Up: Boston.
As noted in my Orioles forecast, I don't see the Yanks signing Teixeira or Burnett. I also don't think they will sign CC Sabathia, who I think will end up as an Angel.
So, I'll run down their depth, then I will throw some free agent predictions & trade possibilities.
Catcher
Jorge Posada is locked in behind the plate if he is healthy, which is unlikely. They need, and have, a solid back-up in Jose Molina. I also think they need another catcher, possibally carrying 3 on the roster.
1B
Nick Swisher was recently acquired, and that looks good to me. Swish is going to need to be a little tamer with his personality and especially his facial hair, but he could become a beast with the short right field porch. Juan Miranda and Shelley Duncan are the depth here.
2B
Robinson cano should bounce back and break-out into a monster season. He should finally get his shot in the middle of the order.
3B
Gay-Rod is stuck here for the next decade. He is one of the best players in baseball, but a filthy cock sucker.
SS
Derek Jeter is no loger an acceptable SS, but there is no way he moves to another position just yet. He is still one of the best hitters for his position, so his defensive short comings are sometimes overlooked.
OF/DH
Johnny Damon & Hideki Matsui will need to splitt LF/DH, as both are injury cases. Depth is important here. Xavier Nady will probably play RF, which is the best possibilty here. Brett Gardner & Melky Cabrera will both see time here unless one can run away with it or if one blows it. If extremely neccessary, Swisher or Nady could play CF.
Starters
Chien-Ming Wang is an under-rated starter, which is rare for a Yankee pitcher. Phil Hughes is still a promising young pitcher. Ian Kennedy is quickly losig prospect status as he gets slammed all over the place by those doubting his ability. Alfredo Aceves came on strong at the end of last season. Alan Horne could push his way onto the staff if pitchers aren't added. Kei Igawa is still on the roster. Dan Giese made some solid starts last season.
Relievers
Mariano Rivera is still one the best in the game at shutting the door. Joba Chamberlain is must more suited to relieving, as his arm problems the end of last season suggest. Damaso Marte is a much needed lefty in the pen. There are a lot of good young arms as well; Brian Bruney, Jon Albaladejo, Chris Britton, Phil Coke, Edwar Ramirez, David Robertson, Humberto Sanchez, JB Cox, Mark Melancon.
Potential Free Agent Acquisitions
The Yankees NEED to add at least 2 starters. Andy Pettitte will probably be one them, but he is now a possibilty for the Dodgers. I also see them signing Derek Lowe. I could see them add a 3rd starter a well, either surprise Oliver Perez or 1 of 2 Japanese pitchers Kenshin Kawakami or Koji Uehara.
Andy Pettitte. SP 2 years/$15M per season
Derek Lowe. SP 3 years/$16M per season
Kawakami/Uehara. SP 4 years/$10M per season
Will Ohman. RP 3 years/$4M per season
I do not see any more trades being made by the Yankees.
Potential Roster Construction
C: Jorge Posada
1B: Nick Swisher
2B: Robinson Cano
3B: Alex Rodriguez
SS: Derek Jeter
LF: Johnny Damon
CF: Melky Cabrera
RF: Xavier Nady
DH: Hideki Matsui
Bench:
C: Jose Molina
IF: Cody Ransom
OF: Brett Gardner
1B: Shelley Duncan
OF: Justin Christian
(The Yankees don't really seem to care about their bench, but any free agents are possibilties here as back-ups)
Rotation
1. Chien-Ming Wang
2. Derek Lowe
3. Andy Pettitte
4. Kawakami/Uehara
5. Phil Hughes
Bullpen
Closer: Mariano Rivera
Set-Up: Joba Chamberlain
Lefties: Damaso Marte & Will Ohman
Mid/Long: Edwar Ramirez & Brian Bruney
The payroll as of this moment in time is about $150M. Last season, they had a payroll of over $200M. I see them coming in right below $200M, which this roster brings them around. $195M is about what this 40-man roster would cost.
Next Up: Boston.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Offseason Forecaster: Tampa Bay Rays
I continue my AL East offseason pre-show with the Rays, after giving some ideas for the O's front office to deal with.
Let's just hope that no-one actually reads this that is important then.
Ok, So onto the show.
Last season, Tampa had a $45 M payroll. They already have almost $60 M tied up in next years team, with only 1 or 2 not-good contracts in Troy Percival & Chad Bradford.
Their money is well-spent. None of it wasted on injury-cases or really over-paid veterans. That is a compliment to their front office.
Catcher
To start, their catching situation is solid, with Dioner Navarro a rising star behind the plate. Shawn Riggans and John Jaso should battle for the back-up job. No need for any outside player at this spot.
1B
First base is set for years with Carlos Pena, who was finally given a chance to be a regular after a few seasons of toiling around baseball after displaying serious skills with Oakland/Detroit. No need to look outside the organization for any help here.
2B
Akinori Iwamura has looked like a really good signing by Tampa since his importation 2 seasons ago. Coming over as a 3B, last season was his first as a 2B, and he improved the team by playing well on both sides last year. He is a lock to be either the lead-off hitter or number 2 hitter next season.
3B
Evan Longoria broke-out last year. He burst through AAA like a monster cock through a hyman and exploded all over the league like a Peter North money shot. This kid is a star, with less than a full season under his belt.
SS
Jason Bartlett came over in the Young-Garza swap last off-season as kind of a throw in it appeared. He was named by some (albeit, retards) as the team MVP last season. He wasn't, but he is still a very valuable player on this team.
OF
B.J. Upton broke out in the post-season, showing impressive power. Carl Crawford, when healthy (which is getting to be a broken record almost), is the teams best player. RF is wide open. Internal candidates include Jonny Gomes & Gabe Gross. They could form a solid platoon, or an outside play could be acquired. A righty hitter would be the smart way to go.
DH
Wide open. Jonny Gomes could DH. Dan Johnson could DH. I would like to see them get a serious bat to put here. The way I see it, 1 hitter will be added, either as a DH or RF.
SP
Their starting is set for next season without paying big money for it. Scott Kazmir, James Shields, Matt Garza, Andy Sonnenstine, and Edwin Jackson (last years main starting 5) will all be back. Jackson could be dealt for a bat, meaing phenom David Price would be starting next season. Other depth guys include Jeff Niemann, Wade Davis, Mitch Talbot, and Jae-Kuk Ryu.
Bullpen
This is where their money is poorly spent. Their best relievers are Grant Balfour & JP Howell. Chad Bradford will be theirs all season, and Troy Percival will at least start the season healthy. Dan Wheeler is solid. Other options include Juan Salas, Chad Orvella and Jason Hammel. They will need to add a couple arms for mid-relief depth.
Free Agent Signings I See As Likely
Pat Burrell. DH 3 years/$12M per season.
Trades I see as Likely
Edwin Jackson to Cardinals for Rick Ankiel/Ryan Ludwick.
If you non-tender Jonny Gomes (who would then be a bargain bin candidate for whoever signs him), that gives the Rays about a $10 Million spike in payroll up to about $70 Million. With the season that TB just had, that could happen.
Roster Construction
C: Dioner Navarro
1B: Carlos Pena
2B: Aki Iwamura
3B: Evan Lorgoria
SS: Jason Bartlett
LF: Carl Crawford
CF: BJ Upton
RF: Ankiel/Ludwick
DH: Pat Burrell
Bench:
C: Riggans/Jaso
UTL: Ben Zobrist
OF: Gabe Gross
OF: Fernando Perez
IF: Willy Aybar
SP:
1. Kazmir, 2. Garza, 3. Shields, 4. Price, 5. Sonnanstine
Pen:
Closer: Percival
Set-Up: Balfour/Howell
Mid: Bradfor/Wheeler
Last Man Candidates: Salas, Hammel, Orvella, Niemann
That would be a scary team if they add at least 1 bat to DH/RF. They will contend for years unless payroll is restriced to about $50 M. If that is the case, all bets are off and this team gets dismantled with no additions.
Next up, is Toronto/Boston/New York whenever John Sickels over at MinorLeagueBall gets their top 20s done.
Let's just hope that no-one actually reads this that is important then.
Ok, So onto the show.
Last season, Tampa had a $45 M payroll. They already have almost $60 M tied up in next years team, with only 1 or 2 not-good contracts in Troy Percival & Chad Bradford.
Their money is well-spent. None of it wasted on injury-cases or really over-paid veterans. That is a compliment to their front office.
Catcher
To start, their catching situation is solid, with Dioner Navarro a rising star behind the plate. Shawn Riggans and John Jaso should battle for the back-up job. No need for any outside player at this spot.
1B
First base is set for years with Carlos Pena, who was finally given a chance to be a regular after a few seasons of toiling around baseball after displaying serious skills with Oakland/Detroit. No need to look outside the organization for any help here.
2B
Akinori Iwamura has looked like a really good signing by Tampa since his importation 2 seasons ago. Coming over as a 3B, last season was his first as a 2B, and he improved the team by playing well on both sides last year. He is a lock to be either the lead-off hitter or number 2 hitter next season.
3B
Evan Longoria broke-out last year. He burst through AAA like a monster cock through a hyman and exploded all over the league like a Peter North money shot. This kid is a star, with less than a full season under his belt.
SS
Jason Bartlett came over in the Young-Garza swap last off-season as kind of a throw in it appeared. He was named by some (albeit, retards) as the team MVP last season. He wasn't, but he is still a very valuable player on this team.
OF
B.J. Upton broke out in the post-season, showing impressive power. Carl Crawford, when healthy (which is getting to be a broken record almost), is the teams best player. RF is wide open. Internal candidates include Jonny Gomes & Gabe Gross. They could form a solid platoon, or an outside play could be acquired. A righty hitter would be the smart way to go.
DH
Wide open. Jonny Gomes could DH. Dan Johnson could DH. I would like to see them get a serious bat to put here. The way I see it, 1 hitter will be added, either as a DH or RF.
SP
Their starting is set for next season without paying big money for it. Scott Kazmir, James Shields, Matt Garza, Andy Sonnenstine, and Edwin Jackson (last years main starting 5) will all be back. Jackson could be dealt for a bat, meaing phenom David Price would be starting next season. Other depth guys include Jeff Niemann, Wade Davis, Mitch Talbot, and Jae-Kuk Ryu.
Bullpen
This is where their money is poorly spent. Their best relievers are Grant Balfour & JP Howell. Chad Bradford will be theirs all season, and Troy Percival will at least start the season healthy. Dan Wheeler is solid. Other options include Juan Salas, Chad Orvella and Jason Hammel. They will need to add a couple arms for mid-relief depth.
Free Agent Signings I See As Likely
Pat Burrell. DH 3 years/$12M per season.
Trades I see as Likely
Edwin Jackson to Cardinals for Rick Ankiel/Ryan Ludwick.
If you non-tender Jonny Gomes (who would then be a bargain bin candidate for whoever signs him), that gives the Rays about a $10 Million spike in payroll up to about $70 Million. With the season that TB just had, that could happen.
Roster Construction
C: Dioner Navarro
1B: Carlos Pena
2B: Aki Iwamura
3B: Evan Lorgoria
SS: Jason Bartlett
LF: Carl Crawford
CF: BJ Upton
RF: Ankiel/Ludwick
DH: Pat Burrell
Bench:
C: Riggans/Jaso
UTL: Ben Zobrist
OF: Gabe Gross
OF: Fernando Perez
IF: Willy Aybar
SP:
1. Kazmir, 2. Garza, 3. Shields, 4. Price, 5. Sonnanstine
Pen:
Closer: Percival
Set-Up: Balfour/Howell
Mid: Bradfor/Wheeler
Last Man Candidates: Salas, Hammel, Orvella, Niemann
That would be a scary team if they add at least 1 bat to DH/RF. They will contend for years unless payroll is restriced to about $50 M. If that is the case, all bets are off and this team gets dismantled with no additions.
Next up, is Toronto/Boston/New York whenever John Sickels over at MinorLeagueBall gets their top 20s done.
Offseason Forecaster: The Bargain Bin
Every year, some team signs a player and there is a response of: "Who Gives A Fuck?"
Well, every year, some of those players go on to have seasons that are very good.
Two seasons ago, Carlos Pena was one of those guys, who just needed to given a solid chance.
Now, I believe the player is most likely going to be a guy who is non-tendered, underapreciated by his current team. David Ortiz was one of these guys a few years back. Maybe you've heard of him.
This year, I see a few guys already on the market who I think could be huge for the right team.
Eric Hinske
"Pinske" is a personal favourite of mine, as I has hoping he could be my favourite Jay when Delgado left. His Toronto career wasn't what it could've been. Still, Hinske was a bargain for Tampa last year, and will be again for a smart team in need of a quality player.
Hinske is a great fit for a small market team in need of some power from the corners. He plays a solid 1B, an adequate 3B, and a mediocre LF/RF. Some teams that SHOULD be interested are: Cincinatti (as an OF), Pittsburgh (as an OF), Milwaukee (as a 3B), San Fransisco (as a 3B), San Diego (as an OF), Texas (as a 3B), Cleveland (as a 3B), Chicago Cubs (as an OF), and Baltimore (as a 1B).
Hinske can realistically put up 25 homers if given 500 AB, and would probably drive in about 80 runs, hitting about .260-.275.
Russell Branyan
Branyan is a player who has always mashed HR at a great rate. Over his career, he has never been given a real shot a starting job with any team. Cleveland gave him 300 AB once, and Branyan gave them 20 HR. Cincinnati gave him 200 AB after a trade the year mid-season, and he gave them 16 HR. He just hits HR. The problem may be that too much else is expected. But I ask: what the fuck is wrong with just hitting HR? Adam Dunn is top-flight free agent with an identical skill-set to Branyan. Dunn just walks more, which is the difference between $15 Million as season and a spring training invite.
Teams in the market for a power hitting 1B/3B/Corner OF should take a look. The same teams interested in Hinske should be interested in Branyan, as he could hit 30 HR if given 500 AB. He is worth a look to any AL team in a DH as well (cough Toronto cough).
These 2 players could both be excellent finds a team on a budget, and could each benefit from a REAL chance to play.
Well, every year, some of those players go on to have seasons that are very good.
Two seasons ago, Carlos Pena was one of those guys, who just needed to given a solid chance.
Now, I believe the player is most likely going to be a guy who is non-tendered, underapreciated by his current team. David Ortiz was one of these guys a few years back. Maybe you've heard of him.
This year, I see a few guys already on the market who I think could be huge for the right team.
Eric Hinske
"Pinske" is a personal favourite of mine, as I has hoping he could be my favourite Jay when Delgado left. His Toronto career wasn't what it could've been. Still, Hinske was a bargain for Tampa last year, and will be again for a smart team in need of a quality player.
Hinske is a great fit for a small market team in need of some power from the corners. He plays a solid 1B, an adequate 3B, and a mediocre LF/RF. Some teams that SHOULD be interested are: Cincinatti (as an OF), Pittsburgh (as an OF), Milwaukee (as a 3B), San Fransisco (as a 3B), San Diego (as an OF), Texas (as a 3B), Cleveland (as a 3B), Chicago Cubs (as an OF), and Baltimore (as a 1B).
Hinske can realistically put up 25 homers if given 500 AB, and would probably drive in about 80 runs, hitting about .260-.275.
Russell Branyan
Branyan is a player who has always mashed HR at a great rate. Over his career, he has never been given a real shot a starting job with any team. Cleveland gave him 300 AB once, and Branyan gave them 20 HR. Cincinnati gave him 200 AB after a trade the year mid-season, and he gave them 16 HR. He just hits HR. The problem may be that too much else is expected. But I ask: what the fuck is wrong with just hitting HR? Adam Dunn is top-flight free agent with an identical skill-set to Branyan. Dunn just walks more, which is the difference between $15 Million as season and a spring training invite.
Teams in the market for a power hitting 1B/3B/Corner OF should take a look. The same teams interested in Hinske should be interested in Branyan, as he could hit 30 HR if given 500 AB. He is worth a look to any AL team in a DH as well (cough Toronto cough).
These 2 players could both be excellent finds a team on a budget, and could each benefit from a REAL chance to play.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Offseason Forecaster: Baltimore Orioles
I am gonna have another go at some off-season planning due to some boredom.
The top prospect list are coming together from both Baseball America & Minor League Ball, so I'm going to start close to my Blue Jays and rock the Baltimore Orioles off-season forecast.
To start off, 42 players who could potentially make up their roster next season cost about $70 Million. Since last season's payroll was about $70 Million, one could guess that unless their is a drastic raise in payroll, the Orioles are fucked.
Their big off-season targets seem to be 2 Maryland-born free-agents, Mark Teixeira & A.J. Burnett, and $0 in their potential budget is huge mushroom-tattoo on their cheek.
But, the Orioles have been known to spend money, as their 2007 payroll was about $95 Million. Using that number, it gives them about $25 Million to jiggle around.
Their current roster formation is one that is a cluster-fuck of over-paid, under-talented old bastards.
I don't think Burnett or Teixeira will take "hometown discounts" to play on a shitty team, so it's gonna have to be money that brings them home. Burnett will need at least $15 Million over at least 5 years to play in Baltimore. And I assume Teixeira will take a $20 Million annual fee over 8 years. Just to acquire both guys, Baltimore would need to cut about $10 Million in salary.
Let's start at Catcher for this "team."
Ramon Hernandez sucks. How he turned a couple decent seasons into the contract he currently has is fucking outstanding. I need to meet his agent. Good news, Matt Weiters is going to be a stud. And he might be ready right now. So dump Hernandez. I'm sure they could pawn him on the Mets for a reliever, in a salary dump. Scott Shoendouche or Pedro Feliciano would be sufficient in my opinion. Hernandez makes $8 Million, the 2 pitchers each make about $3 Million. Ex-Jay Guillermo Quiroz is a capable back-up.
The First Base situation is pretty sticky:
If Teix is signed, everything is peachy. If not, look out. I guess Aubrey Huff could here, but his best position is DH. Scott Moore is an offensive minor league player, who would be an option in only the most extreme circumstances. Bottom line, they need Teix.
At least 2nd base is set, with Brian Roberts. Although their were rumblings last off-season, nothing came to fruition. Brian Roberts is an Oriole, and it's a shame, because he could bring in an excellent bounty, and 2nd base is an easy position to get league average stats from for cheap. I would trade him off for a young pitcher to anyone who will pay 100% of his money. I'd look for a guy with no more than 1.5 years of service time who is a safe bet to log solid innings. If the Orioles could pull a Marlins and unload Hernandez with him to the Mets, or another team wanting Roberts, the same way the Marlins pawned Lowell off with Beckett, it would be brilliant GMing.
3rd base is set with Melvin Mora mostly due to his massive contract. He put up a solid season, so he may have trade value if you need to look here to move money. There are no in-house options, unless you want a platoon of Scott Moore & Mike Contanzo. Which no-one does. Outside help would need to be acquired to fill this spot in the event of a More deal.
Short Stop is a black hole for Baltimore. They signed Donnie Murphy to add to a list that includes Freddy Bynum, Brandon Fahey, and Luiz Hernandez as candidates for playing time in AAA. Baltimore needs to add a short stop. I think it should priority A over Teixeira & Burnett. A trade for Jack Wilson would be smart, and a trade for Khalil Greene would be brilliant. Problem is, the Orioles don't have good arms to deal.
In the outfield, things are pretty set. Adam Jones is gonna be a good player for a long time and Nick Markakis is already a very good player. Luke Scott is the weak link in the OF, but he is a solid player as well. Scott could probably play 1B is they can't get Teix, with OF help easier to find than 1B production. Luis Montanez proved he deserves a shot at a 4th OF slot with some solid play last season.
The rotation is shit, plain and simple. As the ace of the staff, Guthrie makes a nice number 3 starter. No knock on Guthrie, he is a good pitcher, but wouldn't be an ace on any other team in baseball. Dan Cabrera should be non-tendered or moved to the pen where his shitty control may be seen as "cool" or "hip." Other rotation candidates are: Lance Cormier, Matt Albers, Brian Burres, Freddy Deza, Rad Liz, Jim Miller, Brad Hennessey, Garrett Olson, Hayden Penn, Troy Patton, Chris Waters. That looks like a good AAA staff, not a ML staff. Penn, Patton, & Liz are good arms and could be good eventually though. In the pipe-line, they have Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, & Jake Arrieta who are front-line quality arms. Realistically, they need 3 arms in free agency, at least 1 better than Guthrie. They actually need to get A.J. He can be their ace and lead them back to mediocrity and beyond. I think they should look at Jon Garland for mid-rotation, and Braden Looper/Odalis Perez for back-end.
The bull-pen is extremely over priced. The off-season that saw them sign Danys Baez and Jamie Walker, if possible, looks worse now. Baez cannot be dealt, and Walker isn't worth trading. If you could include them in deals with assets that would be brilliant. George Sherrill should be dealt, as they don't need a closer in 2009. Chris Ray should be back and 100%.
Deals I see the Orioles making.
I actually see them getting both Teix & A.J. for the record.
First, non-tendering Dan Cabrera.
Signing:
A.J. Burnett. SP - 5 years, $16 Million/season
Mark Teixeira. 1B - 8 years, $22 Million/season
Braden Looper/Odalis Perez. SP - 2 years, $5 Million/season
Orlando Cabrera. SS - 3 years, $12 Million/season
Total Added: $55 Million. That would mean that about $30 Million needs to be dumped to include these free agents.
Trades:
George Sherrill to St. Louis for SP (Mitchell Boggs, Jaime Garcia) & Brandon Ryan. This solves the Cards need for a closer on the cheap and gives the O's a live arm for the bull-pen and a potential starting SS or 2B.
Ramon Hernandez to New York for minor league pitcher (Brandon Knight type). Gives the Mets a starting catcher and the O's another back-end starter type for depth.
Brian Roberts and Jamie Walker to the Dodgers for Blake DeWitt, Lames McDonald/Scott Elbert, & Chin-Lung Hu. The Dodgers get a lead-off man to replace Furcal and a 2nd baseman to replace Kent. The O's relieve themselves of Walker, pick-up a 3rd baseman, SS, and a SP with potential.
Melvin Mora to the Angels for Nick Green/Anthony Ortega type. Angels get a 3rd baseman to move Figgins to either 2nd or OF full-time. O's get another live arm for the rotation battle/depth.
In total. Additions of:
SP Mitchell Boggs/Jaime Garcia
SS Brandon Ryan
SP Brandon Knight
3B Blake DeWitt
SP Scott Elbert/James McDonald
SS Chin-Lung Hu
SP Nick Green/Anthony Ortega
All make league minimum-ish salaries of about $450,000
Players that are lost:
Dan Cabrera - $3.5M
Melvin Mora - $9M
Ramon Hernandez - $8M
Brian Roberts - $8M
Jamie Walker - $4.5M
George Sherrill - $2.5M
Total Dumped: $35.5 M
Potential Roster Construction:
C: Matt Weiters, Guillermo Quiroz
1B: Mark Teixeira
2B: Brandon Ryan
3B: Blake DeWitt
SS: Orlando Cabrera
LF: Luke Scott
CF: Adam Jones
RF: Nick Markakis
DH: Aubrey Huff
IF: Freddy Bynum/Chin-Lung Hu/Donnie Murphy (2 of the 3)
OF: Luis Montanez/Nolan Reimold
Rotation:
1. A.J. Burnett
2. Jeremy Guthrie
3. Braden Looper/Odalis Perez (gives younger guys less pressure)
4 & 5. Battle between about 10 guys (young guys from trades have leg-up)
Bull-pen:
Closer: Jim Johnson
Set-Up: Danys Baez (try to build up trade value)
Set-Up: Chris Ray
rest of bull-pen made up of live young arms.
I belive that the deals I went through with are realistic and beneficial to both teams involved. The roster construction leaves the Orioles looking like a decent team. A line-up with Markakis/Teix/Huff is pretty imposing and Jones is just going to get better. The pitching is still weak, but their system is good with strong arms.
I look forward to doing some more teams in the coming days, to try and keep myself in the hot-stove action.
Peace out
The top prospect list are coming together from both Baseball America & Minor League Ball, so I'm going to start close to my Blue Jays and rock the Baltimore Orioles off-season forecast.
To start off, 42 players who could potentially make up their roster next season cost about $70 Million. Since last season's payroll was about $70 Million, one could guess that unless their is a drastic raise in payroll, the Orioles are fucked.
Their big off-season targets seem to be 2 Maryland-born free-agents, Mark Teixeira & A.J. Burnett, and $0 in their potential budget is huge mushroom-tattoo on their cheek.
But, the Orioles have been known to spend money, as their 2007 payroll was about $95 Million. Using that number, it gives them about $25 Million to jiggle around.
Their current roster formation is one that is a cluster-fuck of over-paid, under-talented old bastards.
I don't think Burnett or Teixeira will take "hometown discounts" to play on a shitty team, so it's gonna have to be money that brings them home. Burnett will need at least $15 Million over at least 5 years to play in Baltimore. And I assume Teixeira will take a $20 Million annual fee over 8 years. Just to acquire both guys, Baltimore would need to cut about $10 Million in salary.
Let's start at Catcher for this "team."
Ramon Hernandez sucks. How he turned a couple decent seasons into the contract he currently has is fucking outstanding. I need to meet his agent. Good news, Matt Weiters is going to be a stud. And he might be ready right now. So dump Hernandez. I'm sure they could pawn him on the Mets for a reliever, in a salary dump. Scott Shoendouche or Pedro Feliciano would be sufficient in my opinion. Hernandez makes $8 Million, the 2 pitchers each make about $3 Million. Ex-Jay Guillermo Quiroz is a capable back-up.
The First Base situation is pretty sticky:
If Teix is signed, everything is peachy. If not, look out. I guess Aubrey Huff could here, but his best position is DH. Scott Moore is an offensive minor league player, who would be an option in only the most extreme circumstances. Bottom line, they need Teix.
At least 2nd base is set, with Brian Roberts. Although their were rumblings last off-season, nothing came to fruition. Brian Roberts is an Oriole, and it's a shame, because he could bring in an excellent bounty, and 2nd base is an easy position to get league average stats from for cheap. I would trade him off for a young pitcher to anyone who will pay 100% of his money. I'd look for a guy with no more than 1.5 years of service time who is a safe bet to log solid innings. If the Orioles could pull a Marlins and unload Hernandez with him to the Mets, or another team wanting Roberts, the same way the Marlins pawned Lowell off with Beckett, it would be brilliant GMing.
3rd base is set with Melvin Mora mostly due to his massive contract. He put up a solid season, so he may have trade value if you need to look here to move money. There are no in-house options, unless you want a platoon of Scott Moore & Mike Contanzo. Which no-one does. Outside help would need to be acquired to fill this spot in the event of a More deal.
Short Stop is a black hole for Baltimore. They signed Donnie Murphy to add to a list that includes Freddy Bynum, Brandon Fahey, and Luiz Hernandez as candidates for playing time in AAA. Baltimore needs to add a short stop. I think it should priority A over Teixeira & Burnett. A trade for Jack Wilson would be smart, and a trade for Khalil Greene would be brilliant. Problem is, the Orioles don't have good arms to deal.
In the outfield, things are pretty set. Adam Jones is gonna be a good player for a long time and Nick Markakis is already a very good player. Luke Scott is the weak link in the OF, but he is a solid player as well. Scott could probably play 1B is they can't get Teix, with OF help easier to find than 1B production. Luis Montanez proved he deserves a shot at a 4th OF slot with some solid play last season.
The rotation is shit, plain and simple. As the ace of the staff, Guthrie makes a nice number 3 starter. No knock on Guthrie, he is a good pitcher, but wouldn't be an ace on any other team in baseball. Dan Cabrera should be non-tendered or moved to the pen where his shitty control may be seen as "cool" or "hip." Other rotation candidates are: Lance Cormier, Matt Albers, Brian Burres, Freddy Deza, Rad Liz, Jim Miller, Brad Hennessey, Garrett Olson, Hayden Penn, Troy Patton, Chris Waters. That looks like a good AAA staff, not a ML staff. Penn, Patton, & Liz are good arms and could be good eventually though. In the pipe-line, they have Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, & Jake Arrieta who are front-line quality arms. Realistically, they need 3 arms in free agency, at least 1 better than Guthrie. They actually need to get A.J. He can be their ace and lead them back to mediocrity and beyond. I think they should look at Jon Garland for mid-rotation, and Braden Looper/Odalis Perez for back-end.
The bull-pen is extremely over priced. The off-season that saw them sign Danys Baez and Jamie Walker, if possible, looks worse now. Baez cannot be dealt, and Walker isn't worth trading. If you could include them in deals with assets that would be brilliant. George Sherrill should be dealt, as they don't need a closer in 2009. Chris Ray should be back and 100%.
Deals I see the Orioles making.
I actually see them getting both Teix & A.J. for the record.
First, non-tendering Dan Cabrera.
Signing:
A.J. Burnett. SP - 5 years, $16 Million/season
Mark Teixeira. 1B - 8 years, $22 Million/season
Braden Looper/Odalis Perez. SP - 2 years, $5 Million/season
Orlando Cabrera. SS - 3 years, $12 Million/season
Total Added: $55 Million. That would mean that about $30 Million needs to be dumped to include these free agents.
Trades:
George Sherrill to St. Louis for SP (Mitchell Boggs, Jaime Garcia) & Brandon Ryan. This solves the Cards need for a closer on the cheap and gives the O's a live arm for the bull-pen and a potential starting SS or 2B.
Ramon Hernandez to New York for minor league pitcher (Brandon Knight type). Gives the Mets a starting catcher and the O's another back-end starter type for depth.
Brian Roberts and Jamie Walker to the Dodgers for Blake DeWitt, Lames McDonald/Scott Elbert, & Chin-Lung Hu. The Dodgers get a lead-off man to replace Furcal and a 2nd baseman to replace Kent. The O's relieve themselves of Walker, pick-up a 3rd baseman, SS, and a SP with potential.
Melvin Mora to the Angels for Nick Green/Anthony Ortega type. Angels get a 3rd baseman to move Figgins to either 2nd or OF full-time. O's get another live arm for the rotation battle/depth.
In total. Additions of:
SP Mitchell Boggs/Jaime Garcia
SS Brandon Ryan
SP Brandon Knight
3B Blake DeWitt
SP Scott Elbert/James McDonald
SS Chin-Lung Hu
SP Nick Green/Anthony Ortega
All make league minimum-ish salaries of about $450,000
Players that are lost:
Dan Cabrera - $3.5M
Melvin Mora - $9M
Ramon Hernandez - $8M
Brian Roberts - $8M
Jamie Walker - $4.5M
George Sherrill - $2.5M
Total Dumped: $35.5 M
Potential Roster Construction:
C: Matt Weiters, Guillermo Quiroz
1B: Mark Teixeira
2B: Brandon Ryan
3B: Blake DeWitt
SS: Orlando Cabrera
LF: Luke Scott
CF: Adam Jones
RF: Nick Markakis
DH: Aubrey Huff
IF: Freddy Bynum/Chin-Lung Hu/Donnie Murphy (2 of the 3)
OF: Luis Montanez/Nolan Reimold
Rotation:
1. A.J. Burnett
2. Jeremy Guthrie
3. Braden Looper/Odalis Perez (gives younger guys less pressure)
4 & 5. Battle between about 10 guys (young guys from trades have leg-up)
Bull-pen:
Closer: Jim Johnson
Set-Up: Danys Baez (try to build up trade value)
Set-Up: Chris Ray
rest of bull-pen made up of live young arms.
I belive that the deals I went through with are realistic and beneficial to both teams involved. The roster construction leaves the Orioles looking like a decent team. A line-up with Markakis/Teix/Huff is pretty imposing and Jones is just going to get better. The pitching is still weak, but their system is good with strong arms.
I look forward to doing some more teams in the coming days, to try and keep myself in the hot-stove action.
Peace out
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I'm Back...And Let The Free Agent Madness Begin
First I want to breakdown the big deals the last week or so before some closing comments on the impending kick-off of "free agent frenzy," which is a super gay name.
The first trade I want to discuss is one that has a minimum effect on the Jays. Florida started it's annual clearance sale by unloading OBP beast Mike Jacobs for shit baller Leo Nunez, who I think owned the Jays this year when they faced. I hate this trade for Kansas City because they have a super cheap power option from both sides of the plate in Kila Kaaihue as a lefty power bat with monster numbers last year in AA/AAA, and Ryan Shealy as a righty power bat who seems to be a 4A player, but deserves a shot. This deal has sparked some talk of Billy Butler being on the way out. This kid could be another Mike Sweeney (in the good way) and just needs a shot. While Florida picks up a quality arm for late-inning duty, it is a stupid trade by KC, as it wastes money on a potential DROWN grade from far cheaper options. This deal means either Kila or Butler, or both could start in AAA or another organization. On the plus side, Jacobs won't be in Toronto wasting a valuable roster spot.
The next trade was also the Marlins unloading Scott Olsen & Josh Willingham onto Washington for Emilio Bonafacio & 2 Minor League Prospects, who are not worth mentioning. Where to start? Oh yeah, how about how Florida could've solved it's catching problem by dealing Olson to Texas for Laird or Ramirez. Or how Willingham probably could've gotten Bonafacio on his own, or a comparable ready-for-MLB fringe 2nd baseman. Bonafacio is the key here for Florida, as he is plus defender at 2nd and has a fuck-load of speed. He also blocks either Dallas McPherson from playing in the majors next year. Unless Florida trades Dan Uggla, Jorge Cantu plays first with Uggla at 3rd next year. They still have a hole at catcher, and now their potential sell-offs have been short changed. I don't see how their wasn't big interest in Olson by most teams in the league. In the AL, he would be a borderline 4, good 5 man in the rotation. In the NL, he could be a quality 3 man. Willingham has big power, and the ability to play a couple positions, including catcher in a pinch. He could be the opening day 1st sacker or LF and should help push the Nats toward respectability. Confusing from the Marlins stand-point, and I see it as a fleecing by the Nats staff.
In a fucking shocker, the A's picked up Matt Holliday from the Rockies for closer Huston Street, super-prospect Carlos Gonzalez, and quality starter Greg Smith. I actually like this trade for both teams, but I see it as an overpayment for Holliday's services on a team that most likely most contend next season. From Colorado's perspective, this is a great move. Gonzalez can step in and play RF next year, with Hawpe in LF. Smith can be penciled in to be the 3 or 4 in the rotation. And Street can either be a quality 9th inning guy or be dealt for a couple prospects. But Holliday is a hell of hitter. Here's hoping he can hit in a pitcher's park too.
A couple trades today. Yesterday? The first was one I wish the Jays could've gotten in on. The Yankees picked up Nick Swisher, switch hitting 1st baseman/RF/LF for Wilson Betemit & Jeff Marquez. There was another guy on each side, but it's probably not a big deal. Swisher is a guy the Jays could use to replace Overbay when he is hopefully traded to Seattle or some other place I don't care about. I'm sure the Jays might have been able to land him with Bautista & Frasor or something similar. Betemit is the big winner in my opinion, as he might actually get a chance to play in Chicago. He could be a break-out candidate next season playing 3rd base for the Dirty Sox. Marquez is essentially Ian Kennedy with injury history, so pretty much a shit baller. Swisher is put in an environment which doesn't seem to suit his personality. Bye-bye facial hair and long hair for cancer (which means the Yankees are pro-cancer). Hello calm and held back Nick Swisher, welcome to the pressure cooker of NY, now replace Mark Teixeira in the eyes of our retarded fans.
The 2nd trade of the day was another shining example of the Jeckle/Hyde thing going on in Florida, as the marlins fleeced the Cubs for Jose Ceda by using Kevin Gregg. 2 things. 1 - Kevin Gregg is a shit baller who fell into a closer's job last season (even though he did a good job). 2 - Jose Ceda will probly be better than in 2009. I don't mean long term, Ceda will be the better player. I mean, next season, Jose Ceda will be better in every aspect of pitching than Kevin Gregg. Terrible trade, which apparently has kicked Kerry Wood out of Chicago.
One trade that hasn't been completed as quickly as I expected was the Peavey deal, which could shoot off a succession of moves by San Diego which could impact free agency in a big way. Khalil Greene will be dealt if SD gets a SS in a deal and Brian Giles could be on the outs pretty soon too.
Well, free agency begins today at some point I think, and I wanna give 1 last rundown of the free agents and some great fits.
Catcher
I-Rod. Could be a solid 1 year option for a team with young pitching. Florida or Cincinatti could spend some money to lock up a proven back-stop.
Jason Varitek. He should be back with Boston, but would make a nice option on a team with young arms, like Florida or Cincinatti. San Diego could also be an option if it can get a good deal.
Potential Bargains: Mike Barrett, Paul Lo Duca, Josh Bard, David Ross. Any of these guys could wind up starting on a mediocre team and could rebound into above average starters or great back-ups.
1st Base
Mark Teixeira. If he doesn't re-sign with the Angels, I would be shocked.
2nd Base
Orlando Hudson. Defensive minded guy with a solid bat should get big pay day, even with injury risk. The Mets make too much sense if Castillo is gone, but the Giants make a lot of sense as well to me.
Vets with Something left? Ray Durham, Jeff Kent, Mark Loretta, Mark Grudzielanek. Arizona needs an inexpensive player to fill 2nd base. So might Cleveland, Minnesota, Kansas City, Chicago Sox, St. Louis, and a few others.
3rd Base
Casey Blake. I don't see him being a smart signing by anyone who expects a star player. Blake is good role player, and would an amazing guy to use as a super-utility guy around the corners playing 5 times a week. But their are teams out their who need a 3rd baseman who will throw money at Blake and regret it later.
Shockers? Russell Branyon could surprise and hit 40 HR next season if someone gives hims a chance at 500 AB. Nomar Garciaparra may have 1 more season in him and still is good bat when healthy (which is never).
SS
Rafy Furcal. Head of the class, and a lot of teams need a short stop and a lead off hitter. Furcal is both. Should get paid big by either Toronto, Atlanta, Chicago (either), or Baltimore.
Orlando Cabrera. Good glove, average bat. Has some nice tools that would fit with any team looking for a 2/3 year option at SS.
Edgar Renteria. He better go to an NL team, or fuck him. He will deserve his failures if he signs in the AL. Could be a rebound candidate in the NL for a lucky team.
DH
Adam Dunn, Milton Bradley, Jason Giambi, Pat Burrell, Manny Ramirez, Ken Griffey. These guys are all either old or injured or just terrible and shouldn't be allowed to own gloves. Most will be allowed to though. All are smart signings by the Jays in my opinion. And any team needing a DH option should be looking at one of these big bats.
OF
Raul Ibanez. Sleeper, who will be a rare case a free agent not getting fair market treatment.
Bobby Abreu. Will be a great signing by whoever decides it necessary.
Other OF Options: Garrett Anderson, Juan Rivera, Jim Edmonds, Mark Kotsay, Emil Brown. All could find a starting job and could be bargains next year.
I'm not gonna talk pitching because it such a fucking crap shoot that it's not worth it.
Peace. Talk to You later.
The first trade I want to discuss is one that has a minimum effect on the Jays. Florida started it's annual clearance sale by unloading OBP beast Mike Jacobs for shit baller Leo Nunez, who I think owned the Jays this year when they faced. I hate this trade for Kansas City because they have a super cheap power option from both sides of the plate in Kila Kaaihue as a lefty power bat with monster numbers last year in AA/AAA, and Ryan Shealy as a righty power bat who seems to be a 4A player, but deserves a shot. This deal has sparked some talk of Billy Butler being on the way out. This kid could be another Mike Sweeney (in the good way) and just needs a shot. While Florida picks up a quality arm for late-inning duty, it is a stupid trade by KC, as it wastes money on a potential DROWN grade from far cheaper options. This deal means either Kila or Butler, or both could start in AAA or another organization. On the plus side, Jacobs won't be in Toronto wasting a valuable roster spot.
The next trade was also the Marlins unloading Scott Olsen & Josh Willingham onto Washington for Emilio Bonafacio & 2 Minor League Prospects, who are not worth mentioning. Where to start? Oh yeah, how about how Florida could've solved it's catching problem by dealing Olson to Texas for Laird or Ramirez. Or how Willingham probably could've gotten Bonafacio on his own, or a comparable ready-for-MLB fringe 2nd baseman. Bonafacio is the key here for Florida, as he is plus defender at 2nd and has a fuck-load of speed. He also blocks either Dallas McPherson from playing in the majors next year. Unless Florida trades Dan Uggla, Jorge Cantu plays first with Uggla at 3rd next year. They still have a hole at catcher, and now their potential sell-offs have been short changed. I don't see how their wasn't big interest in Olson by most teams in the league. In the AL, he would be a borderline 4, good 5 man in the rotation. In the NL, he could be a quality 3 man. Willingham has big power, and the ability to play a couple positions, including catcher in a pinch. He could be the opening day 1st sacker or LF and should help push the Nats toward respectability. Confusing from the Marlins stand-point, and I see it as a fleecing by the Nats staff.
In a fucking shocker, the A's picked up Matt Holliday from the Rockies for closer Huston Street, super-prospect Carlos Gonzalez, and quality starter Greg Smith. I actually like this trade for both teams, but I see it as an overpayment for Holliday's services on a team that most likely most contend next season. From Colorado's perspective, this is a great move. Gonzalez can step in and play RF next year, with Hawpe in LF. Smith can be penciled in to be the 3 or 4 in the rotation. And Street can either be a quality 9th inning guy or be dealt for a couple prospects. But Holliday is a hell of hitter. Here's hoping he can hit in a pitcher's park too.
A couple trades today. Yesterday? The first was one I wish the Jays could've gotten in on. The Yankees picked up Nick Swisher, switch hitting 1st baseman/RF/LF for Wilson Betemit & Jeff Marquez. There was another guy on each side, but it's probably not a big deal. Swisher is a guy the Jays could use to replace Overbay when he is hopefully traded to Seattle or some other place I don't care about. I'm sure the Jays might have been able to land him with Bautista & Frasor or something similar. Betemit is the big winner in my opinion, as he might actually get a chance to play in Chicago. He could be a break-out candidate next season playing 3rd base for the Dirty Sox. Marquez is essentially Ian Kennedy with injury history, so pretty much a shit baller. Swisher is put in an environment which doesn't seem to suit his personality. Bye-bye facial hair and long hair for cancer (which means the Yankees are pro-cancer). Hello calm and held back Nick Swisher, welcome to the pressure cooker of NY, now replace Mark Teixeira in the eyes of our retarded fans.
The 2nd trade of the day was another shining example of the Jeckle/Hyde thing going on in Florida, as the marlins fleeced the Cubs for Jose Ceda by using Kevin Gregg. 2 things. 1 - Kevin Gregg is a shit baller who fell into a closer's job last season (even though he did a good job). 2 - Jose Ceda will probly be better than in 2009. I don't mean long term, Ceda will be the better player. I mean, next season, Jose Ceda will be better in every aspect of pitching than Kevin Gregg. Terrible trade, which apparently has kicked Kerry Wood out of Chicago.
One trade that hasn't been completed as quickly as I expected was the Peavey deal, which could shoot off a succession of moves by San Diego which could impact free agency in a big way. Khalil Greene will be dealt if SD gets a SS in a deal and Brian Giles could be on the outs pretty soon too.
Well, free agency begins today at some point I think, and I wanna give 1 last rundown of the free agents and some great fits.
Catcher
I-Rod. Could be a solid 1 year option for a team with young pitching. Florida or Cincinatti could spend some money to lock up a proven back-stop.
Jason Varitek. He should be back with Boston, but would make a nice option on a team with young arms, like Florida or Cincinatti. San Diego could also be an option if it can get a good deal.
Potential Bargains: Mike Barrett, Paul Lo Duca, Josh Bard, David Ross. Any of these guys could wind up starting on a mediocre team and could rebound into above average starters or great back-ups.
1st Base
Mark Teixeira. If he doesn't re-sign with the Angels, I would be shocked.
2nd Base
Orlando Hudson. Defensive minded guy with a solid bat should get big pay day, even with injury risk. The Mets make too much sense if Castillo is gone, but the Giants make a lot of sense as well to me.
Vets with Something left? Ray Durham, Jeff Kent, Mark Loretta, Mark Grudzielanek. Arizona needs an inexpensive player to fill 2nd base. So might Cleveland, Minnesota, Kansas City, Chicago Sox, St. Louis, and a few others.
3rd Base
Casey Blake. I don't see him being a smart signing by anyone who expects a star player. Blake is good role player, and would an amazing guy to use as a super-utility guy around the corners playing 5 times a week. But their are teams out their who need a 3rd baseman who will throw money at Blake and regret it later.
Shockers? Russell Branyon could surprise and hit 40 HR next season if someone gives hims a chance at 500 AB. Nomar Garciaparra may have 1 more season in him and still is good bat when healthy (which is never).
SS
Rafy Furcal. Head of the class, and a lot of teams need a short stop and a lead off hitter. Furcal is both. Should get paid big by either Toronto, Atlanta, Chicago (either), or Baltimore.
Orlando Cabrera. Good glove, average bat. Has some nice tools that would fit with any team looking for a 2/3 year option at SS.
Edgar Renteria. He better go to an NL team, or fuck him. He will deserve his failures if he signs in the AL. Could be a rebound candidate in the NL for a lucky team.
DH
Adam Dunn, Milton Bradley, Jason Giambi, Pat Burrell, Manny Ramirez, Ken Griffey. These guys are all either old or injured or just terrible and shouldn't be allowed to own gloves. Most will be allowed to though. All are smart signings by the Jays in my opinion. And any team needing a DH option should be looking at one of these big bats.
OF
Raul Ibanez. Sleeper, who will be a rare case a free agent not getting fair market treatment.
Bobby Abreu. Will be a great signing by whoever decides it necessary.
Other OF Options: Garrett Anderson, Juan Rivera, Jim Edmonds, Mark Kotsay, Emil Brown. All could find a starting job and could be bargains next year.
I'm not gonna talk pitching because it such a fucking crap shoot that it's not worth it.
Peace. Talk to You later.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
It Feels Like Forever, But It's Almost Free Agent Time
When Kenny Chesney wrote these lyrics in a brilliant song: "I wanna know how forever feels," I bet he never though it would be a period of time between posts on a ridiculous blog.
But it does feel like forever since I posted, and it's only been 5 days.
Anyway, I've decided that it's time to look at the free agents that will likely be available.
Catcher
Pudge Rodriguez & Miguel Olivo will be the top 2 available catchers, and the rest are mainly defensive guys with little bat, or Johnny Estrada. Gregg Zaun & Jason Varitek need to nealize they are not starters anymore, and should embrace a back-up role. Varitek should be back in Boston, while the rest are a crap-shoot. I could see the Jays picking up a catcher on a 1-yr deal, maybe even a solid one trying to find a pay day next offseason.
A Josh Bard, Mike Barrett, Johnny Estrada would be nice pick-ups, as all 3 have variary degrees of success in the big leagues and have all shown good sticks at some point. Personal preference is Bard, a switch-hitter who edge Estrada because he isn't Mexican.
First Base/Third Base Types
Rich Aurilia, Maybe Hank Blalock, Nomah Garciaparrah, Kevin Millar, Richie Sexson, Casey Blake, Aaron Boone, Russell Branyon. These are some guys I would rather have than a 12th pitcher. All could handle 3rd base when Rolen gets hurt, and all (minus Blalock & Branyon) can play 1st base against certain lefties to give Lyle some time off. Personal preference is Branyon, who I think just needs a really good shot to put up some big numbers.
Middle Infielders/Utility Players
Willie Bloomquist, Craig Counsell, Jerry Hairston, Nick Punto, Felipe Lopez, Alex Cora, Cesar Izturis, Ramon Vazquez. I wold love to see the Jays add some speed. And I think the best place is a utility guy. Bloomquist can play all over, and Punto is slick in the IF. I would really want Izturis, even though he is Mexican. I can see 1 depth aquisition, but probly a minor league free agent type. I would really to see Hairston, Izturis, or Punto.
DH Types
Since the Jays don't need outfield help, I will include OF as well that would be nice fits. Jason Giambi, Jeff Kent, Raul Ibanez, Garret Anderson, Adam Dunn, Luis Gonzalez, Manny Ramirez, Moises Alou, Ken Griffey.
I would love to see a lefty bat added that could hit between Rios & Wells, so I'm looking at Giambi, Ibanez, Dunn, or Griffey. Griffey would be a shocker, while Dunn is so not likely thanks to JP's stupidity. My love of Griffey would really want him in Toronto, but realisticaly Ibanez is a perfect fit.
Starters
Ryan Dempster, Freddy Garcia, Derek Lowe, Jon Garland, Randy Johnson, Brad Penny, Oliver Perez, Randy Wolf. I would like to see 2 guys added from this group. I have always had a Mexican man crush on Oliver Perez's stuff, so that would be nice. Arnsberg could turn that kid into a monster if he is half the man I imagine him to be. Dempster is an unrealistic option, but I mention him because he gives me a Candian boner. 1 year of the Big Unit would be pretty sweet as well.
All in all...there are guys I want off the Jays roster. I love McDonald, but if Scutaro is starting, I want a fast bench, and McDonald seems pretty slow without a glove in his hand. Punto or Izturis ar both a bunch quicker and not that far behind with the glove. Both switch-hit, so it also helps with match-ups. As a fourth OF, I want a fast guy as well. Scott Podsednik would be amazing coming off the bench to run for Barajas late in the game.
Back-Up C
Out: Thigpen (to AAA)
In: Josh Bard - switch hitter, good defence, not shitty like Thigpen.
Back-Up middle infielder
Out: Johnny Mac (sorry bud)
In: Cesar Izturis - switch hitter, great defence, really fast, better hitting than Mac by a wide margin.
Back-Up corner infielder
Out: Bautista (his power doesn't outweigh his shittiness)
In: With no other righty hitting options on the team anymore, Aaron Boone - I have always liked Boone, so I would like to see this.
Fourth OF:
Out: Buck Coates?
In: If Bautista can play OF, he can stay in this role. If not, Jason Michaels - lefty masher for Lind to play with.
Fifth OF:
Out: 12th Pitcher (the Jays don't need seven relievers, fuck Tallet)
In: Scott Podsednik - amazing fast, good bunter, wouldn't embarrass if he had to start, unlike Wilkerfuck.
With Snider starting in AAA (hopefully, please god) Ibanez can come in and DH for 2 or 3 years.
These are all fucked up thoughts I have been having, trying to come up with a perfect bench for next season.
But it does feel like forever since I posted, and it's only been 5 days.
Anyway, I've decided that it's time to look at the free agents that will likely be available.
Catcher
Pudge Rodriguez & Miguel Olivo will be the top 2 available catchers, and the rest are mainly defensive guys with little bat, or Johnny Estrada. Gregg Zaun & Jason Varitek need to nealize they are not starters anymore, and should embrace a back-up role. Varitek should be back in Boston, while the rest are a crap-shoot. I could see the Jays picking up a catcher on a 1-yr deal, maybe even a solid one trying to find a pay day next offseason.
A Josh Bard, Mike Barrett, Johnny Estrada would be nice pick-ups, as all 3 have variary degrees of success in the big leagues and have all shown good sticks at some point. Personal preference is Bard, a switch-hitter who edge Estrada because he isn't Mexican.
First Base/Third Base Types
Rich Aurilia, Maybe Hank Blalock, Nomah Garciaparrah, Kevin Millar, Richie Sexson, Casey Blake, Aaron Boone, Russell Branyon. These are some guys I would rather have than a 12th pitcher. All could handle 3rd base when Rolen gets hurt, and all (minus Blalock & Branyon) can play 1st base against certain lefties to give Lyle some time off. Personal preference is Branyon, who I think just needs a really good shot to put up some big numbers.
Middle Infielders/Utility Players
Willie Bloomquist, Craig Counsell, Jerry Hairston, Nick Punto, Felipe Lopez, Alex Cora, Cesar Izturis, Ramon Vazquez. I wold love to see the Jays add some speed. And I think the best place is a utility guy. Bloomquist can play all over, and Punto is slick in the IF. I would really want Izturis, even though he is Mexican. I can see 1 depth aquisition, but probly a minor league free agent type. I would really to see Hairston, Izturis, or Punto.
DH Types
Since the Jays don't need outfield help, I will include OF as well that would be nice fits. Jason Giambi, Jeff Kent, Raul Ibanez, Garret Anderson, Adam Dunn, Luis Gonzalez, Manny Ramirez, Moises Alou, Ken Griffey.
I would love to see a lefty bat added that could hit between Rios & Wells, so I'm looking at Giambi, Ibanez, Dunn, or Griffey. Griffey would be a shocker, while Dunn is so not likely thanks to JP's stupidity. My love of Griffey would really want him in Toronto, but realisticaly Ibanez is a perfect fit.
Starters
Ryan Dempster, Freddy Garcia, Derek Lowe, Jon Garland, Randy Johnson, Brad Penny, Oliver Perez, Randy Wolf. I would like to see 2 guys added from this group. I have always had a Mexican man crush on Oliver Perez's stuff, so that would be nice. Arnsberg could turn that kid into a monster if he is half the man I imagine him to be. Dempster is an unrealistic option, but I mention him because he gives me a Candian boner. 1 year of the Big Unit would be pretty sweet as well.
All in all...there are guys I want off the Jays roster. I love McDonald, but if Scutaro is starting, I want a fast bench, and McDonald seems pretty slow without a glove in his hand. Punto or Izturis ar both a bunch quicker and not that far behind with the glove. Both switch-hit, so it also helps with match-ups. As a fourth OF, I want a fast guy as well. Scott Podsednik would be amazing coming off the bench to run for Barajas late in the game.
Back-Up C
Out: Thigpen (to AAA)
In: Josh Bard - switch hitter, good defence, not shitty like Thigpen.
Back-Up middle infielder
Out: Johnny Mac (sorry bud)
In: Cesar Izturis - switch hitter, great defence, really fast, better hitting than Mac by a wide margin.
Back-Up corner infielder
Out: Bautista (his power doesn't outweigh his shittiness)
In: With no other righty hitting options on the team anymore, Aaron Boone - I have always liked Boone, so I would like to see this.
Fourth OF:
Out: Buck Coates?
In: If Bautista can play OF, he can stay in this role. If not, Jason Michaels - lefty masher for Lind to play with.
Fifth OF:
Out: 12th Pitcher (the Jays don't need seven relievers, fuck Tallet)
In: Scott Podsednik - amazing fast, good bunter, wouldn't embarrass if he had to start, unlike Wilkerfuck.
With Snider starting in AAA (hopefully, please god) Ibanez can come in and DH for 2 or 3 years.
These are all fucked up thoughts I have been having, trying to come up with a perfect bench for next season.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Again, Fuck Me
Fuck. I almost ate my words again, by saying that Tampa would easilty discard of Boston after it was 3-1. Well, Fuck. Boston almost won the series.
I thought Boston would demolish Tampa, and it ended up pretty much the opposite.
I thought Lester would go 2-0 and pitch brilliantly. He went 0-2 and looked mediocre as fuck.
Josh Beckett pitched like a retard in his first start.
Papeldouche continued to be really good.
Dustin Pedroia, that rat-faced fuck stick, had a great series.
Youkilis was also great.
Ortiz was a disgrace.
Looking at the playoffs from a Tampa hindsight perspective, BJ Upton has been fucking incredible, just pounding mistakes made by pitchers.
Evan Longoria has been great as well, but only seems to come through early in games.
Philly better win this thing, or I am going to fucking snap.
I thought Boston would demolish Tampa, and it ended up pretty much the opposite.
I thought Lester would go 2-0 and pitch brilliantly. He went 0-2 and looked mediocre as fuck.
Josh Beckett pitched like a retard in his first start.
Papeldouche continued to be really good.
Dustin Pedroia, that rat-faced fuck stick, had a great series.
Youkilis was also great.
Ortiz was a disgrace.
Looking at the playoffs from a Tampa hindsight perspective, BJ Upton has been fucking incredible, just pounding mistakes made by pitchers.
Evan Longoria has been great as well, but only seems to come through early in games.
Philly better win this thing, or I am going to fucking snap.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Disecting The Peavy Trade Winds
As much as I would love to write about how the Jays have the pieces to pull off something like this, which they do, but it is not going to happen.
Peavy has stated that he would only waive his no trade clause to go to 5 NL teams: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, LA, and St Louis.
I do not buy for a fucking second that San Diego would trade Peavy in their division.
He has also stated that he would consider waiving his NTC to 3 undisclosed AL teams as long as generous compensation is given. To me, those 3 teams are the Yankees, Red Sox, and Angels.
With the reported starting point being 2 mlb-ready starters and an mlb-ready CF, let's look at what each of the 4 top suiters could offer, and see who would give the most and go the extra player.
Houston Astros
Potential CF:
Michael Bourn, Hunter Pence, Jordan Parraz, Eli Iorg
Potential SPs:
Felipe Paulino, Brad James, Bud Norris, Sam Gervacio
Other Potential Pieces:
C JR Towles
I think a 4-man package of Pence, Towles, and 2 of the pitchers would not top what other teams would offer. SD will need at least one front-end starter in the deal, and the other pieces are not going to be strong enough.
Atlanta Braves
Potential CF:
Jordan Schafer, Gorkys Hernandez, Jeff Francour
Potential SPs:
Tommy Hanson, Cole Rohrbrough, Jeff Locke, Jose Ortegano
Other Potential Pieces:
SS Brent Lillibridge, SS Brandon Hicks
If Hanson is offered with Schafer, then a lower pitcher who could step in right away could be a Chuck James or Jo-Jo Reyes type. Either Lillibridge or Hicks would be nice players to aquire to eventually replace Khalil Greene. Lillibridge would be a better fit if Greene gets dealt this offseason. The Braves could blow away an offer by the Astros, but let's see how they stack up to the rest.
St. Louis Cardinals
Potential CF:
Colby Rasmus, Skip Shoemaker, Brian Barton
Potential SPs:
Jaime Garcia, Tyler Herron, Adam Ottavino, Jess Todd
Other Potential Pieces:
C Bryan Anderson, SS Peter Kozma, 3B Allen Craig, 3B David Freese
Colby Rasmus would be the centre-piece, and the starters are not as impressive as Atlanta could offer. A package of Rasmus, Garcia, Ottavino, Kozma would be a huge price to pay, but it would not cripple the Cards system, as it is pretty deep. SD would have to weigh whether they value higher upside pitching or the CF.
Chicago Cubs
Potential CF:
Felix Pie
Potential SPs:
Jeff Samardjzilla, Jose Ceda
Other Potential Pieces:
3B Josh Vitters, 3B Matt Craig
The Cubs system kind of sucks, in my opinion. Pie could turn into a great player, but poor showings have kind of given him a Corey Patterson feeling to me. He is allready an above average CF defensively though, and SD could use the defensive certainty. Samardjzilla could turn into a solid starter and Ceda is a guy with big upside and shakey control. Those 3 would match any other offer, and Craig would be a really nice add-on, and could play 3B if SD trades Kouz.
I would rank the potential packages like this
4. Pence/Towles/Paulino/Norris
3. Pie/Samardjzilla/Ceda/Craig
2. Rasmus/Garcia/Ottovino/Kozma
1. Shafer/Hanson/James/Lillibridge
I see him becoming a Brave if Atlanta is willing to give up a package so big. But I will always take a sure thing and proven guy over an unknown prospect. And Peavy is still young, so it's not like whoever the acquiring team is gets a past-his-prime 30 something. The haul should be at least that of Dan Haren.
Peavy has stated that he would only waive his no trade clause to go to 5 NL teams: Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, LA, and St Louis.
I do not buy for a fucking second that San Diego would trade Peavy in their division.
He has also stated that he would consider waiving his NTC to 3 undisclosed AL teams as long as generous compensation is given. To me, those 3 teams are the Yankees, Red Sox, and Angels.
With the reported starting point being 2 mlb-ready starters and an mlb-ready CF, let's look at what each of the 4 top suiters could offer, and see who would give the most and go the extra player.
Houston Astros
Potential CF:
Michael Bourn, Hunter Pence, Jordan Parraz, Eli Iorg
Potential SPs:
Felipe Paulino, Brad James, Bud Norris, Sam Gervacio
Other Potential Pieces:
C JR Towles
I think a 4-man package of Pence, Towles, and 2 of the pitchers would not top what other teams would offer. SD will need at least one front-end starter in the deal, and the other pieces are not going to be strong enough.
Atlanta Braves
Potential CF:
Jordan Schafer, Gorkys Hernandez, Jeff Francour
Potential SPs:
Tommy Hanson, Cole Rohrbrough, Jeff Locke, Jose Ortegano
Other Potential Pieces:
SS Brent Lillibridge, SS Brandon Hicks
If Hanson is offered with Schafer, then a lower pitcher who could step in right away could be a Chuck James or Jo-Jo Reyes type. Either Lillibridge or Hicks would be nice players to aquire to eventually replace Khalil Greene. Lillibridge would be a better fit if Greene gets dealt this offseason. The Braves could blow away an offer by the Astros, but let's see how they stack up to the rest.
St. Louis Cardinals
Potential CF:
Colby Rasmus, Skip Shoemaker, Brian Barton
Potential SPs:
Jaime Garcia, Tyler Herron, Adam Ottavino, Jess Todd
Other Potential Pieces:
C Bryan Anderson, SS Peter Kozma, 3B Allen Craig, 3B David Freese
Colby Rasmus would be the centre-piece, and the starters are not as impressive as Atlanta could offer. A package of Rasmus, Garcia, Ottavino, Kozma would be a huge price to pay, but it would not cripple the Cards system, as it is pretty deep. SD would have to weigh whether they value higher upside pitching or the CF.
Chicago Cubs
Potential CF:
Felix Pie
Potential SPs:
Jeff Samardjzilla, Jose Ceda
Other Potential Pieces:
3B Josh Vitters, 3B Matt Craig
The Cubs system kind of sucks, in my opinion. Pie could turn into a great player, but poor showings have kind of given him a Corey Patterson feeling to me. He is allready an above average CF defensively though, and SD could use the defensive certainty. Samardjzilla could turn into a solid starter and Ceda is a guy with big upside and shakey control. Those 3 would match any other offer, and Craig would be a really nice add-on, and could play 3B if SD trades Kouz.
I would rank the potential packages like this
4. Pence/Towles/Paulino/Norris
3. Pie/Samardjzilla/Ceda/Craig
2. Rasmus/Garcia/Ottovino/Kozma
1. Shafer/Hanson/James/Lillibridge
I see him becoming a Brave if Atlanta is willing to give up a package so big. But I will always take a sure thing and proven guy over an unknown prospect. And Peavy is still young, so it's not like whoever the acquiring team is gets a past-his-prime 30 something. The haul should be at least that of Dan Haren.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Retired? I Wonder If The Jays Can Coax A Couple Of Them Out Of It.
According to Cots Baseball Contracts, the following players are considered retired.
Josh Hancock
Joe Kennedy
Corey Lidle (Osama Bin Lidle, as I refer to him as)
This is something I discovered after Joe Kennedy had FUCKING DIED and I was cruising the site.
It actually got a chuckle out of a friend who is as sick in the head as I am.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
What is That on My Face?
I wrote this last week:
"Dodgers over Phillies in 7 in a great series. Cole Hamels pitches twice and makes the Dodgers look like AAAers. Lidge gets rocked by Manny at least once in a big spot. Russell Martin continues to give me a Canadian boner. Jon Broxton looks like a stud reliever and shuts down the middle of the Phillies order. Jayson Werth puts up a monster series in a losing effort."
Besides the Cole Hamels comment, I look pretty fuckin ridiculous with egg all over my face.
Martin & Eithier choked cock behind Manny. Lidge was nails in 4 appearances. Broxton made me look like a jack-off by getting pwned by MATTY FUCKING STAIRS. Werth was my long shot so I could feel big if he was clutch, but his performance was really bad.
And to top it off, the Phils easily discarded the Dodgers, who I thought would win the series. Now, I root for the Phils. Tear those Tampa fucks (I'll eat my words again when that series is over) a brand new asshole. Knock them down a peg.
"Dodgers over Phillies in 7 in a great series. Cole Hamels pitches twice and makes the Dodgers look like AAAers. Lidge gets rocked by Manny at least once in a big spot. Russell Martin continues to give me a Canadian boner. Jon Broxton looks like a stud reliever and shuts down the middle of the Phillies order. Jayson Werth puts up a monster series in a losing effort."
Besides the Cole Hamels comment, I look pretty fuckin ridiculous with egg all over my face.
Martin & Eithier choked cock behind Manny. Lidge was nails in 4 appearances. Broxton made me look like a jack-off by getting pwned by MATTY FUCKING STAIRS. Werth was my long shot so I could feel big if he was clutch, but his performance was really bad.
And to top it off, the Phils easily discarded the Dodgers, who I thought would win the series. Now, I root for the Phils. Tear those Tampa fucks (I'll eat my words again when that series is over) a brand new asshole. Knock them down a peg.
Oh Canada
On the heels of Matt Fucking Stairs going deep to give the Phils the lead, and with Matty going to the series, I have decided to pull out my favourite thing to do....
....Ponder Team Canada for the World Baseball Classic
I do this monthly, deleting my old roster, and throwing essentially the same roster together, except sometimes I change the bench players around.
I hope this will be different.
Assuming this is another 30-man roster, this is how I hope it will break down
The Pitching Staff
The Starters: I would rock a 4-man starting staff
1. Rich Harden - CHC. If healthy, he is the best of the bunch.
2. Jeff Francis - COL. Wanted to throw a lefty between my 2 best.
3. Ryan Dempster - FA. Will be a free agent, so he may pass.
4. Erik Bedard - SEA. Huge injury-based question mark.
The Pen: I would rock a 10-man pen, giving plenty of flexibility for position players
CL. Eric Gagne - FA. The best late inning option, despite shakiness.
SU. Jesse Crain - MIN. Solid set-up guy.
Loogy 1. R.J. Swindle - PHI. I love the euphus pitch, it brings a tingle to me.
Loogy 2. Rheal Cormier - Retired. My Canadian legendary loogy, he has got to be on the team.
Loogy 3. David Davidson - PIT. Not a true loogy, can also be a long-man
Mid Reliever 1. Chris Begg - SF. Low-upside prospect has had some international success.
Mid Reliever 2. Scott Mathieson - PHI. This kid has got serious heat.
Mid Reliever 3. Phillipe Aumont - SEA. Top Canadian pitching prospect would look great in relief.
Long Man 1. Shawn Hill - WSH. Would be 5th starter, but not needed.
Long Man 2. Scott Richmond - TOR. MLB success paves way to a well-earned spot.
So with 14 pitchers, that leaves (math is so my specialty) 16 postion players. Let's meet my hopefull team.
Catchers
1. Russell Martin - LAD
2. Pete LaForest - PHI
3. Brett Lawrie - MIL
With Martin on the team, no one else will will play, but the 2 I selected offer plenty of versitility. Lawrie can play pretty much anywhere, and LaForest has played some 3rd & 1st and has serious power.
Infield
1B. Justin Morneau - MIN
2B. Pete Orr - WSH
3B. Mark Teahan - KC
SS. Emmanuel Garcia - NYM
1B. Scott Thorman - ATL
INF - Matt Rogelstad - WSH
1B. Matt Stairs - PHI
With no respect to Stubby Clapp, this is my infield. I liked the way Garcia played short at the Olympics, and Morneau & Teahan give the infield some offensive energy. Matty Stairs is my DH.
Outfield
LF. Joey Votto - CIN
CF. Mike Saunders - SEA
RF. Jason Bay - BOS
OF. Adam Stern - BAL
OF. Nick Weglarz - CLE
OF. Jamie Romak - PIT
With Morneau, Votto is pushed to the OF, pushing Bay to RF and Weglarz to the bench. Saunders is a fast moving prospect with the M's and should be able to handle CF for a couple weeks.
My Line-Up
1. CF - Mike Saunders
2. 3B - Mark Teahan
3. RF - Jason Bay
4. 1B - Justin Morneau
5. C - Russell Martin
6. LF - Joey Votto
7. DH - Matt Stairs
8. 2B - Pete Orr
9. SS - Emmanuel Garcia
That is actually a line-up that I think could do well in the AL East. It is very lefty happy, but the big hitters can handle it anyways. Bay & Morneau are a scary 1-2 punch, and Martin is very movible in the line-up.
And I think the starting staff will match any team in the tournament in talent. The bullpen is the major weakness, as most of the other countries with asperations of 1st place are 2 or 3 closers deep. We barely have 1.
So that's that.
Matty Fucking Stairs in the World Series. Go Phils.
....Ponder Team Canada for the World Baseball Classic
I do this monthly, deleting my old roster, and throwing essentially the same roster together, except sometimes I change the bench players around.
I hope this will be different.
Assuming this is another 30-man roster, this is how I hope it will break down
The Pitching Staff
The Starters: I would rock a 4-man starting staff
1. Rich Harden - CHC. If healthy, he is the best of the bunch.
2. Jeff Francis - COL. Wanted to throw a lefty between my 2 best.
3. Ryan Dempster - FA. Will be a free agent, so he may pass.
4. Erik Bedard - SEA. Huge injury-based question mark.
The Pen: I would rock a 10-man pen, giving plenty of flexibility for position players
CL. Eric Gagne - FA. The best late inning option, despite shakiness.
SU. Jesse Crain - MIN. Solid set-up guy.
Loogy 1. R.J. Swindle - PHI. I love the euphus pitch, it brings a tingle to me.
Loogy 2. Rheal Cormier - Retired. My Canadian legendary loogy, he has got to be on the team.
Loogy 3. David Davidson - PIT. Not a true loogy, can also be a long-man
Mid Reliever 1. Chris Begg - SF. Low-upside prospect has had some international success.
Mid Reliever 2. Scott Mathieson - PHI. This kid has got serious heat.
Mid Reliever 3. Phillipe Aumont - SEA. Top Canadian pitching prospect would look great in relief.
Long Man 1. Shawn Hill - WSH. Would be 5th starter, but not needed.
Long Man 2. Scott Richmond - TOR. MLB success paves way to a well-earned spot.
So with 14 pitchers, that leaves (math is so my specialty) 16 postion players. Let's meet my hopefull team.
Catchers
1. Russell Martin - LAD
2. Pete LaForest - PHI
3. Brett Lawrie - MIL
With Martin on the team, no one else will will play, but the 2 I selected offer plenty of versitility. Lawrie can play pretty much anywhere, and LaForest has played some 3rd & 1st and has serious power.
Infield
1B. Justin Morneau - MIN
2B. Pete Orr - WSH
3B. Mark Teahan - KC
SS. Emmanuel Garcia - NYM
1B. Scott Thorman - ATL
INF - Matt Rogelstad - WSH
1B. Matt Stairs - PHI
With no respect to Stubby Clapp, this is my infield. I liked the way Garcia played short at the Olympics, and Morneau & Teahan give the infield some offensive energy. Matty Stairs is my DH.
Outfield
LF. Joey Votto - CIN
CF. Mike Saunders - SEA
RF. Jason Bay - BOS
OF. Adam Stern - BAL
OF. Nick Weglarz - CLE
OF. Jamie Romak - PIT
With Morneau, Votto is pushed to the OF, pushing Bay to RF and Weglarz to the bench. Saunders is a fast moving prospect with the M's and should be able to handle CF for a couple weeks.
My Line-Up
1. CF - Mike Saunders
2. 3B - Mark Teahan
3. RF - Jason Bay
4. 1B - Justin Morneau
5. C - Russell Martin
6. LF - Joey Votto
7. DH - Matt Stairs
8. 2B - Pete Orr
9. SS - Emmanuel Garcia
That is actually a line-up that I think could do well in the AL East. It is very lefty happy, but the big hitters can handle it anyways. Bay & Morneau are a scary 1-2 punch, and Martin is very movible in the line-up.
And I think the starting staff will match any team in the tournament in talent. The bullpen is the major weakness, as most of the other countries with asperations of 1st place are 2 or 3 closers deep. We barely have 1.
So that's that.
Matty Fucking Stairs in the World Series. Go Phils.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
I YEARN FOR YOU
Please Mr. Giambi sir, come play in Toronto. The legal drinking age is 19, which makes nailing a drunk 17 year old so easy.Just look at that scowl, that unkept hair, the goatee. He was made to be a teen-fucker.
Sorry, getting off topic.
Giambi would help the 2009 team greatly. His power and left-handed bat would be huge between Rios & Wells.
Please, sign that beast.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Post-Season Party
Well, I was 1-4 in my 1st round predictions, as I had the Dodgers over Cubs. The other series' surprised me greatly.
Chi Sox vs Tampa (Tampa won in 4)
The Rays played great, with their offense doing just enough to beat the White Sox, who looked pretty shitty to me. Mini Beej hit 3 homers in the series, including 2 in the clincher. Iwamura & Upton had 4 RsBI a piece to lead the offense. Grant Balfour & JP Howell made sure close games weren't lost by Tampa's best arms, each pitching 3 scoreless outings.
Ex-Jays: DeWayne Wise had 2 big hits to account for 5 RsBI in the series. Gabe Gross was his last name (Zing!), but not really, as he was solid getting on base. Pinske didn't get play at all, which disapoints me greatly. Trever Miller faced one guy...and walked him. Nice job former Jays.
LA Angels vs Fag Sox (Sox in 4)
Ellsbury & Bay had big offensive series', with each hammering the ball. They over came Toriiiii Hunter's clutchiness by seamingly shutting everyone else from driving in runs. Masterson pitched in every game, and pitched well for the most part, except for some control problems. Papelbon was amazing. Enough said.
Ex-Jays: Kevin Cash came into a game as a defensive replacement, then was pinch-hit for.
Canadian Elert!: Bay was awesome in the series, hitting over .400 with 5 RsBI.
Phillies vs Brew Crew (Sillies in 4)
Shane Victorino & Pat "The Bat" Burrell (I assume he got the nickname by beating his wife. Wait, that was Brett Myers. Oh well, I'm sure Burrell hits his wife as well.) were the RBI machines, picking up slack for Ultey, Howard, & Rollins. Ryan Madson & Brad Lidge were good out of the pen.
Ex-Jays: Scott Eyre pitched a shakey inning for the Phils. Matty Stairs had 2 unsuccessful pinch-hit attempts. Jayson Werth hit over .300 with a homer to put together a nice series. Dave Bush threw 5+ innings to get the Brews only win.
Canadian Elert!: Along with Stairs, there was Gagne. Gagne threw 2 good innings, keeping the crew in a couple games.
Dodgers vs Cubs (Dodgers sweep)
Loney, Martin, & Manny were nails in demolishing the Cubs. Jon Broxton & Corey Wade were the go-to relievers and both were good.
Ex-Jays: Lilly, arguably Chicago's best regular season hurler, didn't even get an appearance. Dougie got shut out, even as a D-sub or pinch runner. Jeff Kent had 1 unsuccessful at-bat.
Canadian Elert!: Dempster got hit hard in his loss in game 1. Harden got hit pretty hard-en (oh, I'm fuckin hillarious) in his loss as well. Martin hit over .300 with 5 RsBI.
Divisional MVP's
AL:
Jacoby Ellsbury - .333 - 6 RsBI - 3 SB
Jason Bay - .412 - 2 HR - 5 RsBI
Jon Papelbon - 1 W - 1 SV - 0.00 ERA
Jon Lester - 14 IP - 0.00 ERA - 1 W
NL:
Shane Victorino - .357 - 5 RsBI - 3 SB
Russell Martin - .308 - 5 RsBI
Jon Broxton - 3.1 IP - 1 SV - 0.00 ERA
Cole Hamels - 8 IP - 0.00 ERA
Silly Prediction Time:
Boston over Tampa in 6 games. Ortiz is a monster. Hinske embarasses himself, his family, and his race. The Tampa rotation gets exposed. Jon Lester becomes even more a god to Red Sox Nation, while actually deserving it. Mark Kotsay becomes a Dave Roberts style legend with a clutch hit or 2. Jason Bay brings Canada to it's feet by being awesome. Evan Longoria does everything he can, but just doesn't get enough help.
Dodgers over Phillies in 7 in a great series. Cole Hamels pitches twice and makes the Dodgers look like AAAers. Lidge gets rocked by Manny at least once in a big spot. Russell Martin continues to give me a Canadian boner. Jon Broxton looks like a stud reliever and shuts down the middle of the Phillies order. Jayson Werth puts up a monster series in a losing effort.
Chi Sox vs Tampa (Tampa won in 4)
The Rays played great, with their offense doing just enough to beat the White Sox, who looked pretty shitty to me. Mini Beej hit 3 homers in the series, including 2 in the clincher. Iwamura & Upton had 4 RsBI a piece to lead the offense. Grant Balfour & JP Howell made sure close games weren't lost by Tampa's best arms, each pitching 3 scoreless outings.
Ex-Jays: DeWayne Wise had 2 big hits to account for 5 RsBI in the series. Gabe Gross was his last name (Zing!), but not really, as he was solid getting on base. Pinske didn't get play at all, which disapoints me greatly. Trever Miller faced one guy...and walked him. Nice job former Jays.
LA Angels vs Fag Sox (Sox in 4)
Ellsbury & Bay had big offensive series', with each hammering the ball. They over came Toriiiii Hunter's clutchiness by seamingly shutting everyone else from driving in runs. Masterson pitched in every game, and pitched well for the most part, except for some control problems. Papelbon was amazing. Enough said.
Ex-Jays: Kevin Cash came into a game as a defensive replacement, then was pinch-hit for.
Canadian Elert!: Bay was awesome in the series, hitting over .400 with 5 RsBI.
Phillies vs Brew Crew (Sillies in 4)
Shane Victorino & Pat "The Bat" Burrell (I assume he got the nickname by beating his wife. Wait, that was Brett Myers. Oh well, I'm sure Burrell hits his wife as well.) were the RBI machines, picking up slack for Ultey, Howard, & Rollins. Ryan Madson & Brad Lidge were good out of the pen.
Ex-Jays: Scott Eyre pitched a shakey inning for the Phils. Matty Stairs had 2 unsuccessful pinch-hit attempts. Jayson Werth hit over .300 with a homer to put together a nice series. Dave Bush threw 5+ innings to get the Brews only win.
Canadian Elert!: Along with Stairs, there was Gagne. Gagne threw 2 good innings, keeping the crew in a couple games.
Dodgers vs Cubs (Dodgers sweep)
Loney, Martin, & Manny were nails in demolishing the Cubs. Jon Broxton & Corey Wade were the go-to relievers and both were good.
Ex-Jays: Lilly, arguably Chicago's best regular season hurler, didn't even get an appearance. Dougie got shut out, even as a D-sub or pinch runner. Jeff Kent had 1 unsuccessful at-bat.
Canadian Elert!: Dempster got hit hard in his loss in game 1. Harden got hit pretty hard-en (oh, I'm fuckin hillarious) in his loss as well. Martin hit over .300 with 5 RsBI.
Divisional MVP's
AL:
Jacoby Ellsbury - .333 - 6 RsBI - 3 SB
Jason Bay - .412 - 2 HR - 5 RsBI
Jon Papelbon - 1 W - 1 SV - 0.00 ERA
Jon Lester - 14 IP - 0.00 ERA - 1 W
NL:
Shane Victorino - .357 - 5 RsBI - 3 SB
Russell Martin - .308 - 5 RsBI
Jon Broxton - 3.1 IP - 1 SV - 0.00 ERA
Cole Hamels - 8 IP - 0.00 ERA
Silly Prediction Time:
Boston over Tampa in 6 games. Ortiz is a monster. Hinske embarasses himself, his family, and his race. The Tampa rotation gets exposed. Jon Lester becomes even more a god to Red Sox Nation, while actually deserving it. Mark Kotsay becomes a Dave Roberts style legend with a clutch hit or 2. Jason Bay brings Canada to it's feet by being awesome. Evan Longoria does everything he can, but just doesn't get enough help.
Dodgers over Phillies in 7 in a great series. Cole Hamels pitches twice and makes the Dodgers look like AAAers. Lidge gets rocked by Manny at least once in a big spot. Russell Martin continues to give me a Canadian boner. Jon Broxton looks like a stud reliever and shuts down the middle of the Phillies order. Jayson Werth puts up a monster series in a losing effort.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Top 20 Prospects
I have decided to review the farm system going forward, with a top 20 prospect list of my own, splitt into 2 top 10 lists. I will be using guidelines like Minor League Ball's top 20, Baseball Reference for stats, and Baseball America's top 10 list. These will be overpowered by personal belief of what these guys could be.
Hitters
1. Travis Snider - OF
Snider is the consensus #1 prospect in the Jays system and may crack the top 10 in all of baseball next year. Snider may be the stating something next season, and should put up decent numbers. If they hit him 8th or 9th, and he hits .270 with 20 homers, consider it a success.
2. JP Arencibia - C
JP really opened some eyes this year, hitting 27 HR and driving in 105 runs. He hit .298 as well, proving there is legit hitting ability at play. JP should start 2009 in AAA, but could push Barajas after a couple months of good baseball. I think he could be a very effective player in 2010, and a potential star catcher going forward.
3. David Cooper - 1B
Last year's first round pick has skyrocketed through 3 levels this year. His power isn't really there, with 5 HR in 273 AB, but his AVG of .333 is more than impressive. I see him a Lyle Overbay type, hitting a lot of doubles and maybe hitting 20 HR someday. He could be in Toronto in 2010 if he keeps hitting.
4. Kevin Ahrens - 3B
The first of the high-school drafted "3 Musketeers" from 2007, Ahrens had the highest AVG among the 3. He carries the most upside, although playing 3rd base instead of SS hurts his value a bit. They should try him as a SS in 2009, just to see if he could do it. He will need to develop his power in order to be a corner man.
5. Scott Campbell - 2B
Campbell didn't exactly come out of nowhere this year, as this season is in line with what he has done so far in his pro career. He took a major step in competition this year, and more than rose to the challenge. He hit over .300 and showed a little pop with 9 HR. At the minimum, he should be a Joe Inglett type.
6. Brian Dopirak - 1B
Now, this guy came out of nowhere. Signed due to proximity to his home in Dunedin, Dopirak has done nothing but hit. After some almost terrible seasons with some Cubs affiliates, the Jays snatched him up and he has exceded any expectations the Jays could have had. 29 HR, 101 RsBI, a .300 AVG. Dopirak could be in AAA next year, just waiting for Overbay to screw around with a weak couple months.
7. John Tolisano - 2B
Tolisano was the 2007 high-schooler that I had the most hope for. That has died down with his weak 2008. A SS in high school, he has only played 2B & DH in his 2 pro seasons, which doesn't bode well for future utility guy. He will need to crack the line-up as a 2B or 3B, maybe LF. He will need to hit if he has to play a corner.
8. Justin Jackson - SS
Probly the fastest player in the entire organization (Eric Eiland may be faster), Jackson is a superb athlete and a pretty promising SS prospect. Like Tolisano & Ahrens, Jackson has had a pretty disapointing season. All 3 2007 picks should move to the next level next season regardless of performance, mainly due to lack of options.
9. Brain Jeroloman - C
One of my favourite potential Blue Jays for reasons I can't explain. He does deserve to be on this list though. In AA, he had an OBP of almost .400. He stumbled a bit in AAA, but didn't have a lot of AB. Jeroloman could overtake Thigpen with a good spring training for the back-up position behind Barajas. I see him as nothing more than a great defensive back-up catcher.
10. Bradley Emaus - 2B
Emaus had a big season in Dunedin this year, hitting .300 with 12 HR & 71 RsBI. He showed surprising power, and will hope to translate that into success at higher levels in 2009.
Honorable Mentions: C - Jonathan Jaspe & Joel Collins, SS Tyler Pastronicky, OF - Eric Eiland, Moises Sierra, Johermyn Chavez, Kenny Wilson
Pitchers
1. Brett Cecil - P
Cecil put up some really pretty numbers this season in AA/AAA, and may even crack the rotation next season. I still see him more as a BJ Ryan type down the road, and if that is his downside, I really like him.
2. Brad Mills - SP - 13-5 - 1.97 ERA - 159K in 147.1IP
Drafted twice by the Jays, Mills has had a great season and pushed near the front of a pretty shallow group of prospects. A lefty with a FB, CRV, CHG combo, he reminds some people of Ted Lilly. The CRV isn't as good, but everything else screams average.
3. Robert Ray - SP - 13-9 - 3.63 ERA
Ray made the move from Dunedin to New Hampshire this season and actually improved himself in making the move up. He could be sleeper prospect for the Jays, a Jesse Litsch type maybe.
4. Marc Rzepczynski - SP
Another lefty, he has had a solid first full season, just like Mills (he was drafted 30 picks behind Mills in 2007). He's bigger physically than Mills, but is a similar type of pitcher.
5. Kyle Ginley - SP
Ginley started in Lansing and pitchied like a guy who wanted to move up. When he got his wish, he struggled a bit. If he can make some needed adjustments, he could be a back-of-the-rotation type prospect.
6. Reider Gonzalez - SP - 12-4 - 3.15 ERA
Not a strikeout pitcher, he will need to continue his excellent command in order to succeed at higher levels.
7. Randy Boone - SP
In his first season of pro ball, he had a season similar to Ginley. He pitched really well in Lansing, but struggled in Dunedin. He's 23, so he isn't a young pup. He will need to make adjustments quickly if he wants to be any kind of prospect.
8. Zach Dials - RP
Dials didn't spend much time in Dunedin before moving to AA this season. He struggled a bit with the increase in talent, but managed 15 saves and is a solid relief prospect for the Jays.
9. Tim Collins - RP - 1.58 ERA
"Tiny Tim" is a JP Riccardi find out of the Mass area. Undrafted, the 5'7'', 155 LB lefty makes the most out of his body. He struck out 98 in 68 innings this season, which is impressive. He is only 18, so he has tons of time to grow (not physically).
10. Alan Farina - RP
In his 2nd pro season, he moved up and got better at the same time. He was very *meh* in his pro-debut, but pitched very well this season. He only threw 29 innings, but they were impressive, with 37 K. Someone to keep an eye on.
Honorable Mentions: Davis Romero, Ricky Romero, Trystan Magnuson, Brandon Magee, Ryan Page (not enough pro ball), Edgar Estanga & Cody Crowell (2 leftie relievers with impressive K ratios)
Hitters
1. Travis Snider - OF
Snider is the consensus #1 prospect in the Jays system and may crack the top 10 in all of baseball next year. Snider may be the stating something next season, and should put up decent numbers. If they hit him 8th or 9th, and he hits .270 with 20 homers, consider it a success.
2. JP Arencibia - C
JP really opened some eyes this year, hitting 27 HR and driving in 105 runs. He hit .298 as well, proving there is legit hitting ability at play. JP should start 2009 in AAA, but could push Barajas after a couple months of good baseball. I think he could be a very effective player in 2010, and a potential star catcher going forward.
3. David Cooper - 1B
Last year's first round pick has skyrocketed through 3 levels this year. His power isn't really there, with 5 HR in 273 AB, but his AVG of .333 is more than impressive. I see him a Lyle Overbay type, hitting a lot of doubles and maybe hitting 20 HR someday. He could be in Toronto in 2010 if he keeps hitting.
4. Kevin Ahrens - 3B
The first of the high-school drafted "3 Musketeers" from 2007, Ahrens had the highest AVG among the 3. He carries the most upside, although playing 3rd base instead of SS hurts his value a bit. They should try him as a SS in 2009, just to see if he could do it. He will need to develop his power in order to be a corner man.
5. Scott Campbell - 2B
Campbell didn't exactly come out of nowhere this year, as this season is in line with what he has done so far in his pro career. He took a major step in competition this year, and more than rose to the challenge. He hit over .300 and showed a little pop with 9 HR. At the minimum, he should be a Joe Inglett type.
6. Brian Dopirak - 1B
Now, this guy came out of nowhere. Signed due to proximity to his home in Dunedin, Dopirak has done nothing but hit. After some almost terrible seasons with some Cubs affiliates, the Jays snatched him up and he has exceded any expectations the Jays could have had. 29 HR, 101 RsBI, a .300 AVG. Dopirak could be in AAA next year, just waiting for Overbay to screw around with a weak couple months.
7. John Tolisano - 2B
Tolisano was the 2007 high-schooler that I had the most hope for. That has died down with his weak 2008. A SS in high school, he has only played 2B & DH in his 2 pro seasons, which doesn't bode well for future utility guy. He will need to crack the line-up as a 2B or 3B, maybe LF. He will need to hit if he has to play a corner.
8. Justin Jackson - SS
Probly the fastest player in the entire organization (Eric Eiland may be faster), Jackson is a superb athlete and a pretty promising SS prospect. Like Tolisano & Ahrens, Jackson has had a pretty disapointing season. All 3 2007 picks should move to the next level next season regardless of performance, mainly due to lack of options.
9. Brain Jeroloman - C
One of my favourite potential Blue Jays for reasons I can't explain. He does deserve to be on this list though. In AA, he had an OBP of almost .400. He stumbled a bit in AAA, but didn't have a lot of AB. Jeroloman could overtake Thigpen with a good spring training for the back-up position behind Barajas. I see him as nothing more than a great defensive back-up catcher.
10. Bradley Emaus - 2B
Emaus had a big season in Dunedin this year, hitting .300 with 12 HR & 71 RsBI. He showed surprising power, and will hope to translate that into success at higher levels in 2009.
Honorable Mentions: C - Jonathan Jaspe & Joel Collins, SS Tyler Pastronicky, OF - Eric Eiland, Moises Sierra, Johermyn Chavez, Kenny Wilson
Pitchers
1. Brett Cecil - P
Cecil put up some really pretty numbers this season in AA/AAA, and may even crack the rotation next season. I still see him more as a BJ Ryan type down the road, and if that is his downside, I really like him.
2. Brad Mills - SP - 13-5 - 1.97 ERA - 159K in 147.1IP
Drafted twice by the Jays, Mills has had a great season and pushed near the front of a pretty shallow group of prospects. A lefty with a FB, CRV, CHG combo, he reminds some people of Ted Lilly. The CRV isn't as good, but everything else screams average.
3. Robert Ray - SP - 13-9 - 3.63 ERA
Ray made the move from Dunedin to New Hampshire this season and actually improved himself in making the move up. He could be sleeper prospect for the Jays, a Jesse Litsch type maybe.
4. Marc Rzepczynski - SP
Another lefty, he has had a solid first full season, just like Mills (he was drafted 30 picks behind Mills in 2007). He's bigger physically than Mills, but is a similar type of pitcher.
5. Kyle Ginley - SP
Ginley started in Lansing and pitchied like a guy who wanted to move up. When he got his wish, he struggled a bit. If he can make some needed adjustments, he could be a back-of-the-rotation type prospect.
6. Reider Gonzalez - SP - 12-4 - 3.15 ERA
Not a strikeout pitcher, he will need to continue his excellent command in order to succeed at higher levels.
7. Randy Boone - SP
In his first season of pro ball, he had a season similar to Ginley. He pitched really well in Lansing, but struggled in Dunedin. He's 23, so he isn't a young pup. He will need to make adjustments quickly if he wants to be any kind of prospect.
8. Zach Dials - RP
Dials didn't spend much time in Dunedin before moving to AA this season. He struggled a bit with the increase in talent, but managed 15 saves and is a solid relief prospect for the Jays.
9. Tim Collins - RP - 1.58 ERA
"Tiny Tim" is a JP Riccardi find out of the Mass area. Undrafted, the 5'7'', 155 LB lefty makes the most out of his body. He struck out 98 in 68 innings this season, which is impressive. He is only 18, so he has tons of time to grow (not physically).
10. Alan Farina - RP
In his 2nd pro season, he moved up and got better at the same time. He was very *meh* in his pro-debut, but pitched very well this season. He only threw 29 innings, but they were impressive, with 37 K. Someone to keep an eye on.
Honorable Mentions: Davis Romero, Ricky Romero, Trystan Magnuson, Brandon Magee, Ryan Page (not enough pro ball), Edgar Estanga & Cody Crowell (2 leftie relievers with impressive K ratios)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Saturday Night Linkage
With the help of MLBTradeRumors.com and some of my favourite blogs, I have accessed so many good stories, and I am storing some here so I have everlasting linkage.
Joe Posnanski at SI.com wrote a really interesting piece on everyone's favourite future blue jay, Manny Ramirez:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/joe_posnanski/09/17/posnanski.manny/index.html
If you like Chuck Norris facts, you will love spinoff series' featuring Cole Hamels:
http://mysite.verizon.net/heyjude421/chf/chf.html
And Lastings Milledge:
http://milledgefacts.blogspot.com/
And the allways funny, MLB All-Coke Team:
http://thephatphree.com/features.asp?SectionID=2&StoryID=3059&LayoutType=1
Reasonable Matt Cain trade discussion:
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2008/9/26/622648/matt-cain-trade-talk-a-mai
Are the Jays going to offer AJ a contract?
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Baseball/article/507488
A look at the Yankees offseason:
http://mvn.com/milb-yankees/2008/09/24/checking-in-on-the-40-man/
An awesome series that I've been following. The most recent:
http://mvn.com/outsider/2008/09/24/being-the-gm-2009-detroit-tigers/
5 potential suitors for Teixeira:
http://baseball-banter.blogspot.com/2008/09/who-will-go-after-texieira-this-winter.html
And of course, the very awesome Offseason Outlook from MLBTR:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/offseason_outlook/index.html
And for a couple non-baseball readings:
What Your Jersey Says About You:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=katcher/060711
How to break up with an unwanted chickenhead:
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c6f48145eb
and
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/fff02bb8bc
Greatest American Gladiator Moment Ever:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/117565/kyler_storms_amazing_football_move/
A Classic, to me, about the battle between a man and a mouse:
http://kissingsuzykolber.uproxx.com/2006/10/steve-irwin-memorial-meast-of-week_18.html
Some classic funny, and I think enough time has passed:
http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Virginia_Tech_massacre
Some funny suicide stuff:
http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Suicide
Ethan Albright's letter to John Madden:
http://www.thephatphree.com/features.asp?StoryID=3159&SectionID=2
Joe Posnanski at SI.com wrote a really interesting piece on everyone's favourite future blue jay, Manny Ramirez:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/joe_posnanski/09/17/posnanski.manny/index.html
If you like Chuck Norris facts, you will love spinoff series' featuring Cole Hamels:
http://mysite.verizon.net/heyjude421/chf/chf.html
And Lastings Milledge:
http://milledgefacts.blogspot.com/
And the allways funny, MLB All-Coke Team:
http://thephatphree.com/features.asp?SectionID=2&StoryID=3059&LayoutType=1
Reasonable Matt Cain trade discussion:
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2008/9/26/622648/matt-cain-trade-talk-a-mai
Are the Jays going to offer AJ a contract?
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Baseball/article/507488
A look at the Yankees offseason:
http://mvn.com/milb-yankees/2008/09/24/checking-in-on-the-40-man/
An awesome series that I've been following. The most recent:
http://mvn.com/outsider/2008/09/24/being-the-gm-2009-detroit-tigers/
5 potential suitors for Teixeira:
http://baseball-banter.blogspot.com/2008/09/who-will-go-after-texieira-this-winter.html
And of course, the very awesome Offseason Outlook from MLBTR:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/offseason_outlook/index.html
And for a couple non-baseball readings:
What Your Jersey Says About You:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=katcher/060711
How to break up with an unwanted chickenhead:
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c6f48145eb
and
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/fff02bb8bc
Greatest American Gladiator Moment Ever:
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/117565/kyler_storms_amazing_football_move/
A Classic, to me, about the battle between a man and a mouse:
http://kissingsuzykolber.uproxx.com/2006/10/steve-irwin-memorial-meast-of-week_18.html
Some classic funny, and I think enough time has passed:
http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Virginia_Tech_massacre
Some funny suicide stuff:
http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Suicide
Ethan Albright's letter to John Madden:
http://www.thephatphree.com/features.asp?StoryID=3159&SectionID=2
He's starting
Fuck. Not only is he starting in CF, he's hitting 5th.
Sure, he just hit a HR to dead centre. He still sucks.
1 more day with him on the roster. If he is brought back next year, I may kill JP Riccardi. I would gladly serve jail time if it means the new GM releases Wilkerdingleberry his 1st day on the job.
I hate when the Jays play all their schmuks at once. I hate John Parrish, the afforementioned devil in CF tonight, and i can't stand Gregg "why the fuck are their 2 G's?" Zaun. I don't know what it is, his face bothers me.
Gregg Zaun looks like a rapist. There, I said it.
Brad Wilkerson & Kevin Mench look like racists, and so does Lyle Overbay.
Where are all the coloured players? No wonder the Jays can't win, they need more soul. I miss O-Dog. And the true Greatest Blue Jay of All-Time, Carlos Delgado.
Maybe JP will sign Furcal or Cabrera. I think we need a little more latin-flavour to accent Alex Rios. And get V-Dub another brother. You tried with Thomas & Stewart, and Justin Jackson is 4 years away. Get him a black guy.
I'm done for the night.
Sure, he just hit a HR to dead centre. He still sucks.
1 more day with him on the roster. If he is brought back next year, I may kill JP Riccardi. I would gladly serve jail time if it means the new GM releases Wilkerdingleberry his 1st day on the job.
I hate when the Jays play all their schmuks at once. I hate John Parrish, the afforementioned devil in CF tonight, and i can't stand Gregg "why the fuck are their 2 G's?" Zaun. I don't know what it is, his face bothers me.
Gregg Zaun looks like a rapist. There, I said it.
Brad Wilkerson & Kevin Mench look like racists, and so does Lyle Overbay.
Where are all the coloured players? No wonder the Jays can't win, they need more soul. I miss O-Dog. And the true Greatest Blue Jay of All-Time, Carlos Delgado.
Maybe JP will sign Furcal or Cabrera. I think we need a little more latin-flavour to accent Alex Rios. And get V-Dub another brother. You tried with Thomas & Stewart, and Justin Jackson is 4 years away. Get him a black guy.
I'm done for the night.
Monday, September 22, 2008
With 6 Games Left, It's Officially Over.
It's been a few days since I even talked about the team, but I feel something coming over me with the season gone.
I want to see the young guys playing the rest of the way. I don;t want to see Zaun at all, or anybody not in next years plans.
Thigpen better catch at least 5 of the 6 games. I want to see Lind start a couple games at first, in case Overbay gets dealt. If I see Wilkerson do anything buy pinch-run in the 8th or 9th inning, I may kill myself.
My iddeal line-up the rest of the season:
1. 2B - Joe Inglett / Marco Scutaro
2. RF - Alex Rios
3. DH/1B - Adam Lind
4. CF - Vernon Wells
5. LF - Travis Snider
6. 3B - Scott Rolen / Jose Bautista
7. 1B/DH - Lyle Overbay
8. C - Curtis Thigpen
9. SS - John MacDonald
I think it would be beneficial to see Snider hit a little higher in the line-up, even for 6 games.
The starting pitchers I hope to see for the next 6 games:
Tues: Litsch
Wed: Burnett
Thurs: Purcey
Fri: Halladay
Sat: Richmond
Sun: Litsch
It is not much different than what is goinf to come, I'm just giving Halladay an extra day of rest. Burnett must have a very short leash on Wednesday, as I really don't want to see him get hurt and keep his opt-in.
I wouldn't mind seeing Cecil called up for a start instead of Litsch's on the last day of the season. I would like to see Cecil start next year with the club until McGowan is healthy.
Nest season now has payroll flexiblilty, but it is going to be tough to find guys to come in and contribute.
Their catching situation next year: About $3.75M locked into 2009:
Rod Barajas - $2.5M option
Curtis Thigpen - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Brian Jeroloman - $400,000 pre-arb guess
JP Arencibia - $400,000 pre-arb guess
I hope Jeroloman is given a serious chance at being the back-up with considerable playing time.
1B: About $7.4M comited to 2009:
Lyle Overbay - $7M (under contract through 2010)
David Cooper - $400,000 (could make a serious run if he keeps hitting)
If My perfect world, Lyle gets traded, the Jays don't eat any money, and start Lind at 1B, saving money for a slugging DH or pitcher.
3B/2B/SS: About $19.44M commited to 2009:
Aaron Hill - $2.59M (locked up through 2014)
Marco Scutaro - $1.1M
John MacDonald - $1.9M
Joe Inglett - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Scott Rolen - $11M (locked up through 2010)
Jose Bautista - $2M arb guess
Scott Campbell - $400,000 pre-arb guess (could force his way)
Hill should be at SS in 2009, with Inglett playing the majority at 2B. Campbell could force the Jays hand with a really hot month or 2 in AAA, and could supplant Inglett into a utility role. Rolen is the 3B, with Bautista getting a decent amount of time, to spell Scotty. Scutaro should be traded.
Outfielders: About $9.45M commited to 2009:
Vernon Wells - $1.5M (Through 2014 with considerable raise after 2009)
Alex Rios - $5.9M (Through 2015 with raises coming after 2009)
Travis Snider - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Adam Lind - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Russ Adams - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Buck Coates - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Again, im perfect scenerio, Lind is at 1B. If the roster turns over, Snider has to be here. Snider & Lind should splitt LF/DH, with Lind DHing about 70%. As it stands, either Coates or Adams would be the 4th outfielder, unless Bautista & Scutaro can both play it well enough to keep both on the roster.
Pitchers: About $36.65M comitted to 2009:
Roy Halladay - $14.25M (Locked up through 2010)
Shaun Marcum - $500,000 pre-arb guess (Not pitching in 2009)
Dustin McGowan - $500,000 pre-arb guess (could miss first 2 months)
Jesse Litsch - $450,000 pre-arb guess
David Purcey - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Brett Cecil - $400,000 pre-arb guess
BJ Ryan - $10M (through 2010)
Scott Downs - $3.75M (through 2010)
Jason Frasor - $1.5M arb guess
Brian Tallet - $1M arb guess
Jeremy Accardo - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Casey Janssen - $450,000 pre-arb guess
John Parrish - $500,000 pre-arb guess
Brandon League - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Brian Wolfe - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Jesse Carlson - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Shawn Camp - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Davis Romero - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Ricky Romero - $400,000 pre-arb guess
If Janssen is healthy, he should be in the rotation to give Cecil a little more time. Either Romero could also become a factor in the rotation. I would recomend trading both Jason Frasor & Brian Tallet, freeing up roughly $2.5M.
Total estimated comitted payroll for 2009: $76.69M for 38 players. This leaves JP (or whoever is in charge) about $25M to play with.
Needs: A mashing DH and 1, maybe 2, mid-rotation starters. A SS would also be nice.
If Overbay gets dealt, which is the only way to make room in the line-up for a DH type, it would free up another $7M. My vote: If his option is declined in NY, a 2yr-$20M deal for Carlos Delgado. He can still hit 30HR a season, and he's my favourite player of all time. That is unlikely, as he is becoming a bargain for the Mets for next season. With Thome's 2009 option vesting the other night, there goes my second choice. That leaves Jason Giambi. I wouldn't have a problem with him at all, as long as he is back on the juice. The Jays could certainly use his 30HR and high OBP. A 2yr-$18M deal would be swell, with the second year being a vesting option based on plate appearances. So, in essence, I am switching Overbay;s $7M for 2009 & 2010 with Giambi's $9M for 2009 & maybe 2010 (Cooper could be ready in 2010 pretty easily).
So with $23Mish to play with pitching, let's look at a couple possibilties. Let's assume that Frasor & Tallet aren't back, freeing up another $2.5M as well. Tallet is the 4th best lefty in the pen and Frasor sucks donkey cock. Derek Lowe would be iddeal aquisition. I would offer a 3yr-$36M contract. That should be enough, as I doubt anyone else will toss more than $10M per season at him. If Janssen is healthy, that is all I would add from the 2nd or 3rd starter bin. I might look at Paul Byrd for 1yr-$7M to put up some decent innings. So adding another $19M to the payroll, leaving about $6M.
A shortstop would be swell. JJ Hardy could be on the block, and the Jays should make a huge effort at getting him. He will make somewhere around $5M next year in arbitration, but I would recomend a long-term deal apon trading for him. Throw any of Kevin Ahrens, Justin Jackson, John Tolisano, Scott Campbell, Brett Cecil, or any of the other pitching prospects we have. The Brewers could very well go with Alcides Escobar next year and trade Hardy away. They could also trade Fielder away, if they think they need a pitcher like Matt Cain. That could move Matt Gamel to 1B, and create a need for a 3B of the future. Enter Kevin Ahrens, or David Cooper if Gamel can stick at 3B. Justin Jaskson is a superb athlete, he is an attractive piece. Tolisiano & Campbell are both good bats with shaky defense at 2B, but could be quick rises through the system as high contact bats. Arms like Cecil, Mills, Dials, and many others are high-upside kids who I would hate to see go. But, for a player like Hardy, I would trade any 2 pitchers AA or lower and any 2 hitters AA or lower. The Jays match up really well with Milwaukee's long-term needs.
So, The 2009 Blue Jays:
1. Alex Rios - RF
2. Aaron Hill - 2B
3. Vernon Wells - CF
4. Jason Giambi - DH
5. Adam Lind - 1B
6. JJ Hardy - SS
7. Travis Snider- LF
8. Scott Rolen - 3B
9. Rod Barajas - C
C - Brian Jeroloman
IF - John MacDonald
IF/OF - Jose Bautista
IF/OF - Joe Inglett
SP1 - Roy Halladay
SP2 - Derek Lowe
SP3 - Jesse Litsch
SP4 - Paul Byrd
SP5 - Davis Purcey
Closer: BJ Ryan
Set-Up: Scott Downs
RP1: Jesse Carlson
RP2: Brandon League
RP3: Jeremy Accardo
RP4: Casey Janssen
RP5: Brian Wolfe until McGowan is back
Out:
AJ Burnett
Lyle Overbay
Jason Frasor
Brian Tallet
Marco Scutaro
Brett Cecil
Brad Mills
Kevin Ahrens
Scott Campbell
In:
Jason Giambi
JJ Hardy
Derek Lowe
Paul Byrd
Not bad. I think that team could compete with Boston, Tampa, and New York. I would feel comfortable with that team.
I want to see the young guys playing the rest of the way. I don;t want to see Zaun at all, or anybody not in next years plans.
Thigpen better catch at least 5 of the 6 games. I want to see Lind start a couple games at first, in case Overbay gets dealt. If I see Wilkerson do anything buy pinch-run in the 8th or 9th inning, I may kill myself.
My iddeal line-up the rest of the season:
1. 2B - Joe Inglett / Marco Scutaro
2. RF - Alex Rios
3. DH/1B - Adam Lind
4. CF - Vernon Wells
5. LF - Travis Snider
6. 3B - Scott Rolen / Jose Bautista
7. 1B/DH - Lyle Overbay
8. C - Curtis Thigpen
9. SS - John MacDonald
I think it would be beneficial to see Snider hit a little higher in the line-up, even for 6 games.
The starting pitchers I hope to see for the next 6 games:
Tues: Litsch
Wed: Burnett
Thurs: Purcey
Fri: Halladay
Sat: Richmond
Sun: Litsch
It is not much different than what is goinf to come, I'm just giving Halladay an extra day of rest. Burnett must have a very short leash on Wednesday, as I really don't want to see him get hurt and keep his opt-in.
I wouldn't mind seeing Cecil called up for a start instead of Litsch's on the last day of the season. I would like to see Cecil start next year with the club until McGowan is healthy.
Nest season now has payroll flexiblilty, but it is going to be tough to find guys to come in and contribute.
Their catching situation next year: About $3.75M locked into 2009:
Rod Barajas - $2.5M option
Curtis Thigpen - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Brian Jeroloman - $400,000 pre-arb guess
JP Arencibia - $400,000 pre-arb guess
I hope Jeroloman is given a serious chance at being the back-up with considerable playing time.
1B: About $7.4M comited to 2009:
Lyle Overbay - $7M (under contract through 2010)
David Cooper - $400,000 (could make a serious run if he keeps hitting)
If My perfect world, Lyle gets traded, the Jays don't eat any money, and start Lind at 1B, saving money for a slugging DH or pitcher.
3B/2B/SS: About $19.44M commited to 2009:
Aaron Hill - $2.59M (locked up through 2014)
Marco Scutaro - $1.1M
John MacDonald - $1.9M
Joe Inglett - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Scott Rolen - $11M (locked up through 2010)
Jose Bautista - $2M arb guess
Scott Campbell - $400,000 pre-arb guess (could force his way)
Hill should be at SS in 2009, with Inglett playing the majority at 2B. Campbell could force the Jays hand with a really hot month or 2 in AAA, and could supplant Inglett into a utility role. Rolen is the 3B, with Bautista getting a decent amount of time, to spell Scotty. Scutaro should be traded.
Outfielders: About $9.45M commited to 2009:
Vernon Wells - $1.5M (Through 2014 with considerable raise after 2009)
Alex Rios - $5.9M (Through 2015 with raises coming after 2009)
Travis Snider - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Adam Lind - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Russ Adams - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Buck Coates - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Again, im perfect scenerio, Lind is at 1B. If the roster turns over, Snider has to be here. Snider & Lind should splitt LF/DH, with Lind DHing about 70%. As it stands, either Coates or Adams would be the 4th outfielder, unless Bautista & Scutaro can both play it well enough to keep both on the roster.
Pitchers: About $36.65M comitted to 2009:
Roy Halladay - $14.25M (Locked up through 2010)
Shaun Marcum - $500,000 pre-arb guess (Not pitching in 2009)
Dustin McGowan - $500,000 pre-arb guess (could miss first 2 months)
Jesse Litsch - $450,000 pre-arb guess
David Purcey - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Brett Cecil - $400,000 pre-arb guess
BJ Ryan - $10M (through 2010)
Scott Downs - $3.75M (through 2010)
Jason Frasor - $1.5M arb guess
Brian Tallet - $1M arb guess
Jeremy Accardo - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Casey Janssen - $450,000 pre-arb guess
John Parrish - $500,000 pre-arb guess
Brandon League - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Brian Wolfe - $450,000 pre-arb guess
Jesse Carlson - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Shawn Camp - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Davis Romero - $400,000 pre-arb guess
Ricky Romero - $400,000 pre-arb guess
If Janssen is healthy, he should be in the rotation to give Cecil a little more time. Either Romero could also become a factor in the rotation. I would recomend trading both Jason Frasor & Brian Tallet, freeing up roughly $2.5M.
Total estimated comitted payroll for 2009: $76.69M for 38 players. This leaves JP (or whoever is in charge) about $25M to play with.
Needs: A mashing DH and 1, maybe 2, mid-rotation starters. A SS would also be nice.
If Overbay gets dealt, which is the only way to make room in the line-up for a DH type, it would free up another $7M. My vote: If his option is declined in NY, a 2yr-$20M deal for Carlos Delgado. He can still hit 30HR a season, and he's my favourite player of all time. That is unlikely, as he is becoming a bargain for the Mets for next season. With Thome's 2009 option vesting the other night, there goes my second choice. That leaves Jason Giambi. I wouldn't have a problem with him at all, as long as he is back on the juice. The Jays could certainly use his 30HR and high OBP. A 2yr-$18M deal would be swell, with the second year being a vesting option based on plate appearances. So, in essence, I am switching Overbay;s $7M for 2009 & 2010 with Giambi's $9M for 2009 & maybe 2010 (Cooper could be ready in 2010 pretty easily).
So with $23Mish to play with pitching, let's look at a couple possibilties. Let's assume that Frasor & Tallet aren't back, freeing up another $2.5M as well. Tallet is the 4th best lefty in the pen and Frasor sucks donkey cock. Derek Lowe would be iddeal aquisition. I would offer a 3yr-$36M contract. That should be enough, as I doubt anyone else will toss more than $10M per season at him. If Janssen is healthy, that is all I would add from the 2nd or 3rd starter bin. I might look at Paul Byrd for 1yr-$7M to put up some decent innings. So adding another $19M to the payroll, leaving about $6M.
A shortstop would be swell. JJ Hardy could be on the block, and the Jays should make a huge effort at getting him. He will make somewhere around $5M next year in arbitration, but I would recomend a long-term deal apon trading for him. Throw any of Kevin Ahrens, Justin Jackson, John Tolisano, Scott Campbell, Brett Cecil, or any of the other pitching prospects we have. The Brewers could very well go with Alcides Escobar next year and trade Hardy away. They could also trade Fielder away, if they think they need a pitcher like Matt Cain. That could move Matt Gamel to 1B, and create a need for a 3B of the future. Enter Kevin Ahrens, or David Cooper if Gamel can stick at 3B. Justin Jaskson is a superb athlete, he is an attractive piece. Tolisiano & Campbell are both good bats with shaky defense at 2B, but could be quick rises through the system as high contact bats. Arms like Cecil, Mills, Dials, and many others are high-upside kids who I would hate to see go. But, for a player like Hardy, I would trade any 2 pitchers AA or lower and any 2 hitters AA or lower. The Jays match up really well with Milwaukee's long-term needs.
So, The 2009 Blue Jays:
1. Alex Rios - RF
2. Aaron Hill - 2B
3. Vernon Wells - CF
4. Jason Giambi - DH
5. Adam Lind - 1B
6. JJ Hardy - SS
7. Travis Snider- LF
8. Scott Rolen - 3B
9. Rod Barajas - C
C - Brian Jeroloman
IF - John MacDonald
IF/OF - Jose Bautista
IF/OF - Joe Inglett
SP1 - Roy Halladay
SP2 - Derek Lowe
SP3 - Jesse Litsch
SP4 - Paul Byrd
SP5 - Davis Purcey
Closer: BJ Ryan
Set-Up: Scott Downs
RP1: Jesse Carlson
RP2: Brandon League
RP3: Jeremy Accardo
RP4: Casey Janssen
RP5: Brian Wolfe until McGowan is back
Out:
AJ Burnett
Lyle Overbay
Jason Frasor
Brian Tallet
Marco Scutaro
Brett Cecil
Brad Mills
Kevin Ahrens
Scott Campbell
In:
Jason Giambi
JJ Hardy
Derek Lowe
Paul Byrd
Not bad. I think that team could compete with Boston, Tampa, and New York. I would feel comfortable with that team.
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