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Re: The MLB Thread
Morneau: I say 50/50 chance currently that he will be dealt
Willingham: I dont see him going considering hes got 2 more years left, but we might get an offer we can't refuse
Capps: Just went on DL so hopefully it wouldnt detract too much value if traded
Liriano: Has pitched VERY WELL since coming out of bullpen 3 weeks ago which will add to the trade value
Span; 50/50 chance of being dealt IMO
Revere: Isnt leaving, hes one of our young talented up and coming prospects
Pavano: I dont see us getting much out of him considering how poorly he has played this last year and this year
Finally, the Twins are only 7.5 GM back in this weaker than expected division. The Tigers are still trying to find their winning ways and now Alex Avilla might be out for awhile. If the Twins can somehow play well in the next month or so, they MIGHT be contenders.......MIGHT.
Maybe this is just my usual Minnesota bias mixed in with the ideal fantasy world for my favorite team.
Re: The MLB Thread
Anything can happen in that sorry ass AL Central. But it would shock me if Minnesota isn't in last by at least 20 games by seasons end. In fairness, I haven't seen much of them since they last played the Red Sox in April. They were awful back then though, and I can't see how they could've gotten much better. I'm still waiting for the Tigers to figure things out and take control of that division. Almost halfway through the season though, maybe it's not meant to be. I still think they'll eventually take over, as I don't have faith the Indians or White Sox are legitimate threats.
And yes, Carl Crawford will most likely need TJ surgery somewhere down the line, which would sideline him most, if not all of another season. When they signed him for 7 years, they knew they were taking a gamble on the last few years not being great bang for their buck, as Crawford will be in his late 30's by then and probably won't have the same skills. Well, year ONE was a bust. Year 2 has yet to get underway. And one other year is pretty much going to be lost. THAT, could end up being the worst contract in baseball when all is said and done.
Re: The MLB Thread
Jim Thome got traded to the Orioles, which I think is a good move for both. Finally he can get back in a DH role and get some at-bats, and help himself and the O's.
Never really understood why the Phillies got him. His days of physically playing in the field were long over. BUT he's still got tons of power left in that bat.
Re: The MLB Thread
All Star Break time and time for some comments on the general state of each divison:
AL East--Yankees have taken control of the division. And I think they can ride out their rotation injuries. They might have to make a trade though (Dempster maybe?) and I think if that happens they end up trading away a Top 10 prospect from their farm system. They almost never trade away a top prospect though. I'm having a hard time figuring out whose going to finish in second/contend for a wild card. I'm going to say Toronto because most of their problems are correctable (pitching injuries) and they have the goods to get another starter if they need. Red Sox are incredibly inconsistent. Tampa needs offense and will have to trade a prospect to get one. Not sure what to think about the Orioles, but I think they fall back.
AL Central--3 team race here. Youk has brought a lot to the White Sox. The back end of the rotation is a problem but I think they can ride it out since Floyd has pitched much better. That and they don't really have anything in the minors to pull off a trade. I think the Indians fall back as they've been doing with smoke and mirrors. Unless they pull off a trade for some offense. The Tigers have finally started to play well and I expect them to trade for a 2b and OF. Don't know if they have enough to add a starter as well. Twins and Royals just have to trade assets and pray that their GM"s make smart moves.
AL West--Rangers and A's both playing well. They'll both be in the playoffs. Oakland is hanging around near .500 and that is a good surprise. Seattle is vying for that #1 pick. I wouldn't be surprised if they just freaking tank in the second half. This team is BRUTAL on offense. They'll be forced to move in the fences for Safeco since no offensive player wants to go there. Also, I think it's time to be critical of their GM (Jack Z), he put together most of their current offense.
NL East--Nats in a great position. I still think they need to maybe get more offense. Luckily for them, Zimmerman finally started hitting. Clippard has stabilized the closer spot. Braves and Mets still need pieces. The Mets are a great feel good story this year. The other two teams (Marlins and Phillies) won't be doing anything. And Philly should be in fucking sell mode.
NL Central--Three team race. Pirates are one of the surprises of MLB. I think this team is more legit than last year's team the cratered in the second half. They need to get an OF bat and maybe another starting pitcher. Reds need offense too. Cards just need bullpen help again. Milwaukee has a small window to play well and contend, otherwise they should start trading away. Astros are the worst team in the division and the Cubs seem to be playing better with the Rizzo callup.
NL West--Another three team race. The injuries have really hurt the Dodgers. They've been running a AAA lineup the past month or so. And shockingly, they are still in first. LA and SF both need offense bad. Giants have 37 million tied up in Zito and Lincecum this year. I think the Diamondbacks need offense and pitching but they could come from behind and win this thing. Their farm system is stronger than the other two teams. No idea why they are entertaining trade offers for Justin Upton though.
It'll be a great July trading season and I hope everyone enjoys the All Star game and festivities!
Re: The MLB Thread
AL East:
I still say the Wild Card comes out of the AL East, although they could eat their own so much and trade wins and losses, that it helps the Angels right into that Wild Card game playoff. I doubt it though. Red Sox will implode second half imo, so erratic, O's will hold strong, Jays will get better, and the Rays will fall without more offense. The Rays NEED an Alfonso Soriano at this point, but with bad knees, despite the DH job just waiting on him, Tampa might shy away from it. Right now the Rays are waiting to see how Luke Scott does again in that DH role now that he's back. Originally he slumped, but he picked it up before the break. But Luke Scott is not gonna save the Rays. They are anemic offensively and their pitching has been the ONLY reason they're not firmly in last place. That team right now is a throwback mid-2000's Rays team without Longoria. Matsui has been a bust, which means they probably won't go after another veteran free agent.
AL Central:
The White Sox to lose. They are red hot, and have been a pleasent surprise. Tigers should be in this alot more than they are, but they need another bat. Too bad they let Vlad get cold, he would've worked. Soriano would fit nicely. Indians need to decide if they're for real, which to me they just seem to throw the dice everyday. They pretty much need the same things the Tigers do, but I don't see them getting it. White Sox are still probably the division winners unless a 2007 Mets moment is in store for them.
AL West:
Rangers, but don't count out the Angels. LA should look to the Wild Card though, it'd their better bet. Oakland could get involved, if they wanted to. Which is sad, because they are a better team than expected. They just as easily could add a bat or two, and suddenly turn into the 2002 A's meets the 2007 Rockies. But they have to want it, and I don't see that. I see a team looking to San Jose for the future, and just giving away the division to Texas & LA, even though Oakland is better than expected. Seattle remains the joke of the west (at least until the Astros show up next year).
NL East:
Nats have stayed with it, although it would be nice for Chipper Jones' sake if the Braves snuck up and flirted with a Wild Card berth for old time's sake. I still stand that Terry Collins' and the Mets will fall. They just aren't the real deal, despite their veterans scattered on the team. Phillies will finish with a winning record imo, but this just wasn't their year with all the injuries. Marlins will continue to fall, and just might surprisingly become sellers at the trade deadline. Obviously Stanton isn't going anywhere, and Josh Johnson is probably safe. The rest are fair game imo. Heath Bell will probably be held on to, despite the absolute Eric Gagne-like disaster signing he's turned into. I could see some longtime Marlins' faces be dangled out there, including Logan Morrison. John Buck is untradable, but I could see Hanley Ramirez being a nice fit to travel a few hours north and trade his Marlins' orange alternate, for a Rays powder blue-alternate, and become the right-handed power DH the Rays DESPERATELY need. Marlins were already taking offers in the off-season.
Loria has his work cut out in Miami. The rollout season for Marlins Park so far as been "the Red Sox" moment of the NL. Erratic and a mixed bag. Ozzie Guillen should be fired imo, but you then you risk pissing off Buhrele which has been a bright spot for the Fish.
Marlins need a new LF, new CF, Stanton stays in RF, new 3B, Reyes can stay at SS, Infante can stay at 2B, Lee can stay a veteran prescence at 1B, and the Marlins need a new C. That isn't counting they need an entirely new bullpen, with the exception of Ciscek. And oh yeah, you think you could chip in a couple ready-made starting pitchers while you're at it?
Yeah, I expect the second half to be a blood bath for Miami.
Re: The MLB Thread
NL East
The Phillies will have to have a hell of a second half to finish with a winning record being 13 games below .500 right now. I don't see it. Especially considering they may end up trading some pieces away, ie. Hamels, Victorino. It will be interesting what the Nats decide to do with Strasburg. They have that strict innings limit fast approaching. If they stick to that and have to shut him down for a month or so, it could open the door for the Braves, or possibly Mets.
NL Central
The Pirates could be the surprise team of the first half. That's good to see. Not sure if they can hang on though, with Cincy and St. Louis waiting in the wings.
NL West
The Dodgers once had the best record in baseball, by FAR. Now they're just a 1/2 game ahead. The Kemp injury hurt them obviously, as he was matching Josh Hamilton early on. I'd say the Giants have the best team in the division, but I'm not sure that's the case if Lincecum continues to be as bad as he has been. Maybe the D'backs sneak in.
AL West
It's clearly a 2 team race, and both will make the playoffs. For the Angels to only be 4 games back after their awful start is quite the accomplishment. Mike Trout and Ernesto Frieri have made them a different team, and a serious contender. I think they may be a more complete team than the Rangers at this point. It's tough to argue with the Angels starting rotation. I don't buy the A's for one minute. Their offense is putrid. Luckily for them, they get to play the Mariners 19 times. They won't be a factor.
AL Central
I am now a believer in the White Sox. Their pitching has been really good, and Youkilis has stabilized the offense a bit to this point. However, here come the Tigers. I've been waiting for this all season, it was inevitable. They've won 5 straight and are only 3 1/2 games back. I will stick to my guns and say they will eventually slide into 1st. I expect the Indians to drop off.
AL East
Yankees are clearly the best team and should win the division with ease. Baltimore has fallen off, as expected, and I think that will continue. Not that they'll fall completely out of it, they're just another mediocre team that has the chance to stay in the hunt for that last wild card. I think Toronto has too many injuries to their staff to remain in the race. I expect them to grab a firm hold of last place in the division. The Red Sox still have a shot with Ellsbury coming back, and to a lesser extent, Crawford. Buchholz is also due back. A couple problems though. This team just hasn't proven it can stay healthy the last 3 seasons or so. When one guy comes back, another goes down. Reference, Dustin Pedroia now on the DL. So I'm not convinced they'll EVER have a completely healthy team at one time. And despite all the injuries, they've gotten plenty from the guys who have filled in. The reason they've been so inconsistent and aren't better than a .500 team is their "big guns" have far underperformed. They have a 12-21 record when Lester and Beckett pitch. That is AWFUL. Those guys need to be better in the second half. And Adrian Gonzalez has SIX HR's this season. SIX. And he hasn't missed time due to injury. Again, that is awful. If those 3 guys don't step up their games in the second half, they have no shot. If they do, they'll be in the hunt for the long haul. In no way though, are they a legit contender. I think the Rays will be there in the end fighting for their playoff lives, like they always seem to be.
Re: The MLB Thread
Heath Bell will probably be held on to, despite the absolute Eric Gagne-like disaster signing he's turned into. I could see some longtime Marlins' faces be dangled out there, including Logan Morrison. John Buck is untradable, but I could see Hanley Ramirez being a nice fit to travel a few hours north and trade his Marlins' orange alternate, for a Rays powder blue-alternate, and become the right-handed power DH the Rays DESPERATELY need. Marlins were already taking offers in the off-season.
Loria has his work cut out in Miami. The rollout season for Marlins Park so far as been "the Red Sox" moment of the NL. Erratic and a mixed bag. Ozzie Guillen should be fired imo, but you then you risk pissing off Buhrele which has been a bright spot for the Fish.
Marlins need a new LF, new CF, Stanton stays in RF, new 3B, Reyes can stay at SS, Infante can stay at 2B, Lee can stay a veteran prescence at 1B, and the Marlins need a new C. That isn't counting they need an entirely new bullpen, with the exception of Ciscek. And oh yeah, you think you could chip in a couple ready-made starting pitchers while you're at it?
Yeah, I expect the second half to be a blood bath for Miami.
I would never pay big money for any closer. If there's one thing that small market teams have realized, it's that you can get closers and relievers for cheap. The Rays have had something like 6 different closers in the last seven years. San Diego and Pittsburgh seem to find usable bullpen arms on a yearly basis. Hell look at the Marlins, they picked up Kevin Gregg on the cheap and he racked up 40 saves for them. They flipped him to the Cubs after that year.
The Marlins are just a mess. I'd actually give Morrison a longer leash but it seems he and the Marlins have issues from last year. They would definitely be selling low at this point. I think Hanley could still fetch an ok package although it would help if the Marlins picked up some of the contract. The Marlins minor league system is pretty weak and unlikely to provide help.
I think Ozzie probably deserves to be fired based on his off the field gaffes.
New article that came out on the Red Sox:
[url][http://espn.go.com/boston/mlb/story/_/i … ctions/url]
Why did they insist on keeping several of Francona's coaches? And they had him retain McClure instead of hiring his own guy?
The schedule makers also didn't do the Red Sox any favors either:
@Rays
vs White Sox
vs Blue Jays
@Rangers
@Yankees
vs Tigers
That's 3 1st place teams and two other series vs clubs over .500. The only "break" is they get to face the Blue Jays who can still mash the ball. We'll find out a whole lot about the Red Sox after this brutal stretch.
Re: The MLB Thread
Yeah, usually new managers get to hire their own staff. Bobby V. wasn't given that opportunity though for whatever reason. I know they loved Tim Bogar as a bench coach and wanted to retain him, same with Dave Magadan as a hitting coach. But yeah, Bobby didn't get to choose any of his coaching staff, so I wouldn't be surprised if there were some riffs.
Dustin Pedroia came out today and said that all these stories about the players not respecting Bobby was a bunch of nonsense. But where there's smoke, there's fire. This is at least the FOURTH major story to come out about the subject. Does EVERYONE have bad information? Red Sox players make me sick if it is indeed the case. They had a "player's" manager last year who they all loved and they walked all over him and played him out of a job. This year, it seems they never wanted to even give Bobby a chance. What's their overall plan? Keep trashing manager's till they get someone they collectively approve of?
And in typical fashion, Jacoby Ellsbury returned to the Sox lineup tonight yet Adrian Gonzalez was a late scratch and Will Middlebrooks was pulled from the game in the 8th inning, after playing in his first game since the beginning of the month. Ho hum.
Re: The MLB Thread
Cubs trade Ryan Dempster to Braves. Cubs will recieve RHP Randall Delgado. They will also send cash to the Braves.
So the Cubs get a top 50 prospect (he was rated #46 by Baseball America before the season started) for Ryan Dempster. Shit, hell that's far more than I would have expected here. Ned Coletti actually did the smart thing here by backing out. Great trade for the Cubs here.
Dodgers and Cubs are talking about a Garza trade. Name allegedly going back to the Cubs is Zach Lee. He received a 5 million dollar bonus to sign a few years ago and is the Dodgers top pitching prospect. He's gotten shelled at AA though.
Re: The MLB Thread
Did they move up the trading deadline without telling me? Lots of action today.
Ryan Dempster trade now '50/50' to go down
Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports that a trade that would send Ryan Dempster to the Braves and Randall Delgado to the Cubs is now "50/50" to happen.
The deal looked like it was about to become official earlier Monday, but there's an apparent hangup. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Dempster might be hesitating to waive his 10-and-5 rights, which would make sense. A resolution seems likely to come sometime over the next 24 hours.
Yankees acquire Ichiro Suzuki from Mariners
Jack Curry of YES Network reports that the Yankees have acquired Ichiro Suzuki from the Mariners for right-handers D.J. Mitchell and Danny Farquhar.
The Yankees are also expected to get an undisclosed amount of cash in the deal. The deal comes as quite a surprise, as Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said as recently as last week that he expected the impending free agent to return next season. The 38-year-old will wrap up his tenure in Seattle with a .322 batting average and 2,533 hits over 12 seasons. He's hitting just .261/.288/.353 with four home runs, 28 RBI, 15 stolen bases and a .642 OPS through 95 games in 2012. Given the minimal cost and the expectation that Brett Gardner (elbow) will miss the rest of the season, it's a nice gamble for the Bombers. Interestingly enough, the Yankees and Mariners begin a three-game series Monday night in Seattle.
DET snags RHP Sanchez, 2B Infante from MIA
Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com reports that the Tigers have acquired right-hander Anibal Sanchez and second baseman Omar Infante from the Marlins.
Peter Gammons of MLB Network reports that the Tigers will get Sanchez, Infante and the Marlins' competitive balance pick for right-hander Jacob Turner, catcher Rob Brantly, left-hander Brian Flynn and Detroit's competitive balance pick. While the Marlins are officially sellers, the Tigers are making a major push to win the American League Central. Sanchez has a 3.94 ERA and 110/33 K/BB ratio over 121 innings this season and further strengthens the starting rotation. The Tigers have been hurting for production at second base all season, so Infante should be a major upgrade. Turner is a pretty good get for the Marlins, as Sanchez will be a free agent following the season.
