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2014/2015 Off-Season Thread

2

Comments

  • #52
    qwerty87
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭qwerty87


    I know it's tough for fans to accept giving up top prospects but I really think Mets should consider trading either Wheeler or Syndegaard to get Addison Russell from the Cubs.

    There is a glaring hole a shortstop and Wilmer Flores is not the answer. Russell is one of the top position prospects in the game and could really take the Mets to the next level. You can always plug a gap in your rotation but to get an everyday future star like I believe Russell will become would be a real coup for the Mets. Cubs would probably be willing to trade as they already have Castro at SS


  • #53
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    qwerty87 wrote: »
    I know it's tough for fans to accept giving up top prospects but I really think Mets should consider trading either Wheeler or Syndegaard to get Addison Russell from the Cubs.

    There is a glaring hole a shortstop and Wilmer Flores is not the answer. Russell is one of the top position prospects in the game and could really take the Mets to the next level. You can always plug a gap in your rotation but to get an everyday future star like I believe Russell will become would be a real coup for the Mets. Cubs would probably be willing to trade as they already have Castro at SS

    I agree a major upgrade at SS is needed but it would probably take both Wheeler and Syndergaard or some other multi player deal to get him. He's one of the Cubs top prospects and they aren't going to give him up lightly I wouldn't think.


  • #54
    qwerty87
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭qwerty87


    I'm not so sure. I think the Cubs have a surplus of position prospects but a real shortage of young pitching. I think they gave up a couple of young arms in the Montero trade with Arizona. So to get a big league ready top pitching prospect like Wheeler or Syndergaard would be an attractive proposition for them, especially if they want to contend this year. Realistically how much game time is Russell going to get for them? For me its a trade that makes sense for both sides


  • #55
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    qwerty87 wrote: »
    I'm not so sure. I think the Cubs have a surplus of position prospects but a real shortage of young pitching. I think they gave up a couple of young arms in the Montero trade with Arizona. So to get a big league ready top pitching prospect like Wheeler or Syndergaard would be an attractive proposition for them, especially if they want to contend this year. Realistically how much game time is Russell going to get for them? For me its a trade that makes sense for both sides

    Maybe you're right, I don't know enough about the Cubs and their short and long term plans so maybe they would trade him for a starting pitcher.

    However the Mets are very reluctant to get rid of any of their young pitchers. At the Winter meetings they were trying (unsuccessfully) to flog the old guys Niese, Gee or Colon but no one was biting. Alderson also said during the week that you can never have enough pitching as someone always goes down and someone doesn't perform so you need decent backups to step up. But they can't go into the season with either Flores or Tejada t SS so something has to give. We'll wait and see I suppose.


  • #56
    qwerty87
    Registered Users Posts: 8 ✭qwerty87


    Yes if they're not willing to trade any of their young pitchers I'd expect them to go after one one of the remaining free agent middle infielders. Jed Lowrie, Stephen Drew or even Asdrubal Cabrera but I don't think he's strong enough defensively to play SS anymore


  • #57
    Rented Mule
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,153 ✭✭✭Rented Mule


    jack presley wrote: »
    Just signed for the Cubs apparently. 6 years, $155m. I know they've been building young talent but do you reckon they could challenge this year?
    Uncle_moe wrote: »
    Didn't see that coming, delighted it wasn't the Giants. Not sure if they will challenge this year. Depends on whether or not they sign another good starting pitcher. Building a solid team now but I think they'd be happy with a post season run.

    I think the Cubs are at least a year away from contending this year. Lester is a huge signing, but also a long term risky one. The Cubs need pitching. I personally think that they went overboard with Lester, but they promised their fan base that they would spend money on the open market when the time was right.

    That being said, you have to look at the division. The Cardinals are the Cardinals. Pittsburgh and Milwaukee are still there. Are the Cubs 15-20 games better than last year ? I highly doubt it, but we will see.


  • #58
    Rented Mule
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,153 ✭✭✭Rented Mule


    qwerty87 wrote: »
    I know it's tough for fans to accept giving up top prospects but I really think Mets should consider trading either Wheeler or Syndegaard to get Addison Russell from the Cubs.

    There is a glaring hole a shortstop and Wilmer Flores is not the answer. Russell is one of the top position prospects in the game and could really take the Mets to the next level. You can always plug a gap in your rotation but to get an everyday future star like I believe Russell will become would be a real coup for the Mets. Cubs would probably be willing to trade as they already have Castro at SS

    Castro's days are numbered in Chicago. You have to remember that he is a draft pick of the 'old regime'. He is not a Theo Epstein guy.

    Addison Russell is not going anywhere any time soon.


  • #59
    8-10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,366 ✭✭✭✭8-10


    jack presley wrote: »
    There were a couple of minor leaguers thrown in a well but I know what you mean. I suppose Detroit knew that Boston were looking to offload so they knew that they could get away with a low offer. However I like Porcello and think he's a good pitcher so it could be a win win deal.

    Yeah a couple of minor leaguers thrown in on Boston's side!

    Porcello is good but I'm wary of players coming off a career-season. Still only 26 I think but a year from free agency also.

    Rotation now looks something like this:

    Clay Buchholz
    Rick Porcello
    Joe Kelly
    Justin Masterson
    Wade Miley

    .....still hoping that's not it and there's a Hamels or Shields to slot in but not sure at all that it will happen. Real shame we couldn't get Lester back.


  • #60
    circular flexing
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,589 ✭✭✭circular flexing


    Derek Norris from Oakland A's to San Diego Padres. Safe to say the Oakland A's opening day lineup in 2015 will be completely unrecognisable from the one in 2014.


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  • #61
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    qwerty87 wrote: »
    Yes if they're not willing to trade any of their young pitchers I'd expect them to go after one one of the remaining free agent middle infielders. Jed Lowrie, Stephen Drew or even Asdrubal Cabrera but I don't think he's strong enough defensively to play SS anymore

    There's talk today of a Tulo for Syndegaard (plus a couple of scrubs) deal with the Rockies.

    Despite the desperate need for a SS and Troy is one of he best out there, I hope this deal doesn't get done. And not just because of giving up the best prospect they have. Tulowitski is so injury prone he'd probably only play a fraction of the games each year. I know you have to gamble at some stage but I think the risks for this going pear shaped are too great. And he's owed a shed load of money.


  • #62
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    circular flexing wrote: »
    Derek Norris from Oakland A's to San Diego Padres. Safe to say the Oakland A's opening day lineup in 2015 will be completely unrecognisable from the one in 2014.

    You'd wonder is this the year Billy Beane's 'magic' runs out. Although that's probably said every year when he cleans out the team.


  • #63
    Coeus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,296 ✭✭✭Coeus


    jack presley wrote: »
    You'd wonder is this the year Billy Beane's 'magic' runs out. Although that's probably said every year when he cleans out the team.
    Maybe but there is a new kid in town and his name is AJ Preller. Looks like he is rewriting the book on how to make a team a contender...


  • #64
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    Coeus wrote: »
    Maybe but there is a new kid in town and his name is AJ Preller. Looks like he is rewriting the book on how to make a team a contender...

    He's gone on a bit of a spree alright. How's there pitching do you know? Will they contend or are they still a step back in the NLW?


  • #65
    Coeus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,296 ✭✭✭Coeus


    jack presley wrote: »
    He's gone on a bit of a spree alright. How's there pitching do you know? Will they contend or are they still a step back in the NLW?
    Its great to see a team who have been mired in mediocrity for so long finally cash in and make some moves. These trades are a big upgrade to their batting lineup. Not sure about them defensively though so I think Preller is not done yet.

    Cashner-Ross-Kennedy will lead out the rotation again so they need 2 from a few (JJ, Morrow, Despaigne, Luebke et al). Their bullpen which was pretty decent last season is still mostly intact.

    Hard to know if its enough, if the new guys gel and stay off the DL then maybe. The Dodgers are making moves, Friedman is making his mark there. And the Giants despite it been a odd year should bulldog their way into contention.


  • #66
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    http://www.si.com/mlb/2014/12/27/starlin-castro-arrested-cubs-shooting-dominican-republic-nightclub

    The worrying thing is the line about this being the second time he's been linked to a shooting.


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  • #67
    Morrison J
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,908 ✭✭✭Morrison J


    Scherzer to the Nats?


  • #68
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    Morrison J wrote: »
    Scherzer to the Nats?

    Bloody hell. That's all we need in the NLE. They had one of the best rotations in baseball before this. Add him in and they're going to be the best by a long way.


  • #69
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    Interesting article showing how Sherzer's money is spread out. Could be the way going forward of doing big contracts.


    http://deadspin.com/max-scherzers-contract-isnt-quite-as-impressive-as-it-s-1680429105?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow


  • #70
    MoyVilla9
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,074 ✭✭✭MoyVilla9


    jack presley wrote: »
    Interesting article showing how Sherzer's money is spread out. Could be the way going forward of doing big contracts.


    http://deadspin.com/max-scherzers-contract-isnt-quite-as-impressive-as-it-s-1680429105?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow

    Is this not what the Mets did with Bobby Bonilla?


  • #71
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    MoyVilla9 wrote: »
    Is this not what the Mets did with Bobby Bonilla?

    Don't mention the war...!!!! (touchy subject)

    The difference with the Bonilla deal is that instead of just deferring the payments over a longer term, the Mets took the money that Bonilla would have got and invested it in a 'fool proof' investment scheme where the return was going to enough to cover the $1m a year for 30 years or whatever it was and still return a profit.

    Sound too good to be true? That's because it was, as it was a Ponzi scheme run by a crook now serving a very long time in jail (Bernie Madoff) and it resulted in a load of people, including the Mets owners losing big.


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  • #72
    Coeus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,296 ✭✭✭Coeus


    jack presley wrote: »
    Interesting article showing how Sherzer's money is spread out. Could be the way going forward of doing big contracts.


    http://deadspin.com/max-scherzers-contract-isnt-quite-as-impressive-as-it-s-1680429105?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_twitter&utm_source=deadspin_twitter&utm_medium=socialflow
    They must be looking to avoid luxury tax down the road.

    So they are saying Stras is the odd one out & available!


  • #73
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    Coeus wrote: »
    They must be looking to avoid luxury tax down the road.

    So they are saying Stras is the odd one out & available!

    One of the starters probably wil be traded but who, we'll have to wait and see. There's definitely an odd man out now so if they could trade one of them for a big bat or a lights out bullpen arm, they'll be in a great position.


  • #74
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    I know this is a few days old but isn't it baffling how an owner that is up to his neck in debt and was conned out of hundreds of millions in a Ponzi scheme has been appointed as the head of MLB's Finance Committee? Kind of ironic as well as stupid though don't you think?

    http://fansided.com/2015/01/20/mlb-appoints-man-debt-fred-wilpon-run-books/

    As Keith Olberman said on his show earlier in the week, it'd be like the NFL appointing Dan Snyder as head of the race relations department.


  • #75
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    Fair play to him for keep trying to come back as he obviously is doing it because he loves the game and not because he needs the money but it's time for Johan Santana to call it a day I think.

    http://m.espn.go.com/mlb/story?storyId=12210154


  • #76
    Waitsian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,708 ✭✭✭Waitsian


    jack presley wrote: »
    ...it's time for Johan Santana to call it a day I think.

    I agree. Martin Brodeur in the NHL is in the same boat. At some point you just have to call it quits.


  • #77
    Coeus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,296 ✭✭✭Coeus


    mod9maple wrote: »
    I agree. Martin Brodeur in the NHL is in the same boat. At some point you just have to call it quits.
    Kobe Bryant is another. There comes a point where the mind might be willing but the body isn't...


  • #78
    smackbunnybaby
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,335 ✭✭✭smackbunnybaby


    Thats the Super Bowl over. Time to get down to business!


  • #79
    8-10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,366 ✭✭✭✭8-10


    smackbunnybaby wrote: »
    Thats the Super Bowl over. Time to get down to business!

    3 weeks until pitchers & catchers report!


  • #80
    circular flexing
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,589 ✭✭✭circular flexing


    Got tickets for opening day at Safeco Field. Mariners look good on paper this year.


  • #81
    8-10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,366 ✭✭✭✭8-10


    Phils v Giants the only one I have scheduled so far, plus 1 double-A game that doesn't really count


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  • #82
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    I was seriously considering heading back over for my first set of games since 2011 this May (and one of my favourite bands, Faith No More are playing in NY the night before the games I had eyed up so could have killed two birds with the one stone) but having checked the finances, it doesn't look like it's going to happen. Hopefully 2016 will happen.....


  • #83
    smackbunnybaby
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,335 ✭✭✭smackbunnybaby


    Not many deals going to happen at this stage...

    But the biggest undecided move is James Shields..

    where is he going?


  • #84
    8-10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,366 ✭✭✭✭8-10


    smackbunnybaby wrote: »
    Not many deals going to happen at this stage...

    But the biggest undecided move is James Shields..

    where is he going?

    Hopefully Red Sox!


  • #85
    smackbunnybaby
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,335 ✭✭✭smackbunnybaby


    8-10 wrote: »
    Hopefully Red Sox!

    They need an ace badly.
    Their rotation is so flat.
    When Bucholtz is your main man, its a problem!
    I read somewhere, and I'd like to check, that no team in recent years has won the WS without a recognised ace.


  • #86
    smackbunnybaby
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,335 ✭✭✭smackbunnybaby


    Twitter Update:

    @JonHeymanCBS 2 minutes ago New York, USA

    red sox are not in on james shields, as @nickcafardo said. we may have to do this by process of elimination.


  • #87
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    The other 'where will he land' issue is that Cuban kid Yoan Moncada. All of these Cuban stars have been hits recently, will this continue with him?


  • #88
    8-10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,366 ✭✭✭✭8-10


    jack presley wrote: »
    The other 'where will he land' issue is that Cuban kid Yoan Moncada. All of these Cuban stars have been hits recently, will this continue with him?

    Alex Guerrero wasn't! (but then again he had his ear bitten off before getting a run in the majors)


  • #89
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    8-10 wrote: »
    Alex Guerrero wasn't! (but then again he had his ear bitten off before getting a run in the majors)

    True. I had forgotten about him (which probably proves your point)


  • #90
    Morrison J
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,908 ✭✭✭Morrison J


    I think the Red Sox soldier on for now without an ace and probably trade for one a few months into the season. Johnny Cueto or Jordan Zimmerman hopefully..


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  • #91
    8-10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,366 ✭✭✭✭8-10


    Morrison J wrote: »
    I think the Red Sox soldier on for now without an ace and probably trade for one a few months into the season. Johnny Cueto or Jordan Zimmerman hopefully..

    I want Cole Hamels, sooner rather than later. Phillies want Swihart though allegedly


  • #92
    Morrison J
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,908 ✭✭✭Morrison J


    8-10 wrote: »
    I want Cole Hamels, sooner rather than later. Phillies want Swihart though allegedly

    I wouldn't be too keen on letting Swihart go anyway!

    Ideally I'd like them to get their ace before opening day but I don't see the right deal becoming available.

    Joe Kelly is winning the CY Young this year anyway so its all good http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/eye-on-baseball/25013366/red-soxs-joe-kelly-says-hell-win-cy-young-in-2015


  • #93
    Thidp
    Registered Users Posts: 147 ✭✭Thidp


    MLB article with 5 probably teams for James Shields: Padres, Athletics, Diamondbacks, Marlins and Brewers.

    I think he will end up in Oakland... anyway, he will be a huge help wherever he goes.


  • #94
    8-10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,366 ✭✭✭✭8-10


    Thidp wrote: »
    MLB article with 5 probably teams for James Shields: Padres, Athletics, Diamondbacks, Marlins and Brewers.

    I think he will end up in Oakland... anyway, he will be a huge help wherever he goes.

    Padres the only team who would benefit this year if he goes to one of those teams. Think they could contend this year with another addition or 2


  • #95
    Waitsian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,708 ✭✭✭Waitsian


    8-10 wrote: »
    Padres the only team who would benefit this year if he goes to one of those teams. Think they could contend this year with another addition or 2

    He has his heart set on playing in California apparently so SD and Oakland seem the most likely fits, if they indeed want him.


  • #96
    Uncle_moe
    Registered Users Posts: 768 ✭✭✭Uncle_moe


    Buster Olney tweeted that word is SD is favourite to land him. Still don't see them mounting much of a challenge this year. LA and SF should be too strong.


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  • #97
    8-10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,366 ✭✭✭✭8-10


    Uncle_moe wrote: »
    Buster Olney tweeted that word is SD is favourite to land him. Still don't see them mounting much of a challenge this year. LA and SF should be too strong.

    LA win it all this year for me. SD 2nd in division. #BoldPredictions

    Still yet to do my full list but that's what I'm already thinking


  • #98
    jack presley
    Closed Accounts Posts: 13,687 ✭✭✭✭jack presley


    8-10 wrote: »
    LA win it all this year for me. SD 2nd in division. #BoldPredictions

    Still yet to do my full list but that's what I'm already thinking

    I know Spring Training hasn't even started so it's way too early to be making picks but I'm going with the Nats (think I picked them to win it all last year too and they went out in the first round of the playoffs!)


  • #99
    Uncle_moe
    Registered Users Posts: 768 ✭✭✭Uncle_moe


    Padres sign shields to 4 years for 70 odd million. 5th year club option. Seems like a decent deal.


  • #100
    smackbunnybaby
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,335 ✭✭✭smackbunnybaby


    8-10 wrote: »
    Padres the only team who would benefit this year if he goes to one of those teams. Think they could contend this year with another addition or 2

    Reviewing their team now. Had been impressed with all the signings, but now when I look at it all on paper, I'm really not sure.

    Even with Shields, I think the players they have acquired are patchy...Kemp, Upton, Myers, Middlebrooks, Solarte, Norris.

    Rotation could be handy, but once again, its runs scored I'd be worried about.


  • #101
    8-10
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,366 ✭✭✭✭8-10


    smackbunnybaby wrote: »
    Reviewing their team now. Had been impressed with all the signings, but now when I look at it all on paper, I'm really not sure.

    Even with Shields, I think the players they have acquired are patchy...Kemp, Upton, Myers, Middlebrooks, Solarte, Norris.

    Rotation could be handy, but once again, its runs scored I'd be worried about.

    Very patchy! I agree with that. I just really really like their rotation in possibly the most pitcher-friendly ballpark there is. I haven't seen their win line yet (was 78.5 last year and they only won 77), but I already think I'll be taking the over this year, could easily be better than .500 this season


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