2014/2015 Off-Season Thread

jack presley

Thread to discuss off season stuff......

Joe Madden to be confirmed as Cubs boss after Renter got fired today is the first big headline I suppose. I see he's getting grief for 'taking another man's job'. Ridiculous argument, Renteria will get paid anyway.

Coeus

jack presley wrote: »

Joe Madden to be confirmed as Cubs boss after Renter got fired today is the first big headline I suppose. I see he's getting grief for 'taking another man's job'. Ridiculous argument, Renteria will get paid anyway.

True! I wonder how long before the Cubs become relevant again. I guess we'll know better once free agency starts in a few days...

Uncle_moe

Lester looks nailed on to be the ace for the Cubs next year. Possibility they end up with two aces if they could attract David Price or Cole Hamels.

Waitsian

Somewhat minor move but Adam Lind to the Brewers from the Blue Jays.

Waitsian

CF Anthony Gose to the Tigers from Toronto for 2B prospect Devon Travis.

jack presley

Quiet enough so far this off season. I know the Mets signed Cudoyer (I'll have learnt to spell his name properly by April!) but nothing major to report. Hopefully we'll get some moves at the Winter meetings.

Garryowen Red

Yankees have traded Francisco Cervelli to the Pirates for Justin Wilson and have also signed Jose De Paula to a MLB contract next yr, Chris Young signed on for next year now also. With the way things are looking they are restocking the bullpen with Robertson not likely to come back as closer with the money he wants that'll shift Betances to the closer role. Ichiro is gone and isn't going to return with Gardner, Beltran & Ellsbury the starting outfield and Young as the backup. The infield is where things are interesting, A-Rods return may mean Headley walks which isn't good for the Yankees. Expect some trades and FA signings to be done at the Winter Meetings, it's got to be done early if they want to get the quality they need.

jack presley

Garryowen Red wrote: »

Yankees have traded Francisco Cervelli to the Pirates for Justin Wilson and have also signed Jose De Paula to a MLB contract next yr, Chris Young signed on for next year now also. With the way things are looking they are restocking the bullpen with Robertson not likely to come back as closer with the money he wants that'll shift Betances to the closer role. Ichiro is gone and isn't going to return with Gardner, Beltran & Ellsbury the starting outfield and Young as the backup. The infield is where things are interesting, A-Rods return may mean Headley walks which isn't good for the Yankees. Expect some trades and FA signings to be done at the Winter Meetings, it's got to be done early if they want to get the quality they need.

Ha ha, good luck with that! At least they didn;t give him the $7.5m that the Mets were stupid enough to give him last year.

Garryowen Red

jack presley wrote: »

Ha ha, good luck with that! At least they didn;t give him the $7.5m that the Mets were stupid enough to give him last year.

Yea just the waste of $2.5m, still he's just a back up (though with the way Beltran worked out this year I'd expect him to start at least 70 games - a scary thought!)

jack presley

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/marlins-giancarlo-stanton-discussing-record-breaking-300-million-deal-111314

You can tell there's no news to report when reports like this start appearing. Of course, they're discussing deals with Stanton but the €300m/10 year is only one of the possibilities and they even state they're no where near getting a deal done. So why report it then?

MoyVilla9

Garryowen Red wrote: »

Yankees have traded Francisco Cervelli to the Pirates for Justin Wilson and have also signed Jose De Paula to a MLB contract next yr, Chris Young signed on for next year now also. With the way things are looking they are restocking the bullpen with Robertson not likely to come back as closer with the money he wants that'll shift Betances to the closer role. Ichiro is gone and isn't going to return with Gardner, Beltran & Ellsbury the starting outfield and Young as the backup. The infield is where things are interesting, A-Rods return may mean Headley walks which isn't good for the Yankees. Expect some trades and FA signings to be done at the Winter Meetings, it's got to be done early if they want to get the quality they need.

For some reason I never took to Robertson. Always felt nervous with him in big situations. Betances looks the real deal, though. Very excited to see how he preformes next year.

Garryowen Red

MoyVilla9 I completely agree, Robertson's nickname of Houdini was well deserved but he shouldn't be getting into those positions to earn it to begin with!


Some trades and signings starting to come in now - the Tigers getting V-Mart resigned for 4 yrs & $68 mil was a no-brainer for them, he was fantastic this yr and surely will be very good for at least 2 more years. I get the feeling Detroit will go all out to keep Scherzer now, they are desperate to land that World Series. Hellickson to the D'Backs is an interesting one, will prob have a good season there. AJ Burnett going back to Pittsburgh for $4 mil less than his Phillies player option, not something often seen in modern baseball and shows that the Phillies are going to be seriously bad in 2015!

jack presley

jack presley wrote: »

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/marlins-giancarlo-stanton-discussing-record-breaking-300-million-deal-111314

You can tell there's no news to report when reports like this start appearing. Of course, they're discussing deals with Stanton but the €300m/10 year is only one of the possibilities and they even state they're no where near getting a deal done. So why report it then?

Deal done apparently. 13 years, $325m with a no-trade clause (probably one of the first ever for Miami) and an opt out option after year 5.

Largest North American contract in history. So no pressure then?

Waitsian

Russell Martin to the Jays. Melky won't be back so they still need a LF'er and a 2B.

jack presley

Interesting trade between the Braves and the Cards. Hayward for Miller plus a couple of other pieces changing places too.

http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/cardinals-reloading-braves-rebuilding-in-wake-of-deal-jason-heyward-shelby-miller-111714?cmpid=tsmtw:fscom:foxsports

MoyVilla9

The money knocking around in baseball is insane. $82 million for 5 years of Russell Martin?

Waitsian

MoyVilla9 wrote: »

The money knocking around in baseball all professional sports is insane.

FTFY.

jack presley

MoyVilla9 wrote: »

The money knocking around in baseball is insane. $82 million for 5 years of Russell Martin?

Around $68k a day for Stanton.

Coeus

jack presley wrote: »

Deal done apparently. 13 years, $325m with a no-trade clause (probably one of the first ever for Miami) and an opt out option after year 5.

Largest North American contract in history. So no pressure then?

Not sure how the Marlins are going to build a team around him but I guess they try and become competitive over the next few years...then hope when inevitable fire sale happens, he waives his no trade or opts out.

Looks like the crazy money is starting to be splashed about!

Uncle_moe

Was hoping the dodgers might pick up Russel Martin but not at that money. Great catcher but def won't maintain last seasons production at the plate.

boccy23

Coeus wrote: »

Not sure how the Marlins are going to build a team around him but I guess they try and become competitive over the next few years...then hope when inevitable fire sale happens, he waives his no trade or opts out.

Looks like the crazy money is starting to be splashed about!

Jeffrey Loria is the most amazing flip flopper. Splashed out with the new stadium. Then dumped everyone 12 months later. Now signs the most outrageous contract ever.

What's the team direction now?

It made sense when they offloaded Reyes, Josh, Burhle et al, but now what do the Marlins do?

Coeus

boccy23 wrote: »

Jeffrey Loria is the most amazing flip flopper. Splashed out with the new stadium. Then dumped everyone 12 months later. Now signs the most outrageous contract ever.

What's the team direction now?

It made sense when they offloaded Reyes, Josh, Burhle et al, but now what do the Marlins do?

Loria wouldn't be so generous, its was the taxpayers of Miami-Dade that splashed out for that stadium.

Was reading about Stanton's contract and it is 'heavily' back-loaded in that the part before the opt-out only guarantees Stanton $107 million. For 6 years of a healthy Stanton that ain't bad, what happens after that who knows but the money will be on the table if he wants it.

I guess it was a move the Marlins had to make to get the fans back on their side and I think they will try to win in the short term. They have a good core of young players plus Stanton to build around. Will be interesting to see if they go back to FA market this offseason...

8-10

Coeus wrote: »

Loria wouldn't be so generous, its was the taxpayers of Miami-Dade that splashed out for that stadium.

Was reading about Stanton's contract and it is 'heavily' back-loaded in that the part before the opt-out only guarantees Stanton $107. For 6 years of a healthy Stanton that ain't bad, what happens after that who knows but the money will be on the table if he wants it.

I guess it was a move the Marlins had to make to get the fans back on their side and I think they will try to win in the short term. They have a good core of young players plus Stanton to build around. Will be interesting to see if they go back to FA market this offseason...

Off topic but I got to see that stadium a few weeks ago and it's very impressive (bizarre home run sculpture aside). If only they had fans.

jack presley

Boston splashing the cash a bit. Will be interesting to see how it all plays out as I'm sure they have a few pieces they'll need to offload to make room.

Uncle_moe

Thought Hanley would hold out for more but I'm guessing no one else was too interested in a longer term deal considering he can't stay healthy. His defense seems to be getting worse too. Boston obviously planning on winning it all now.

boccy23

Uncle_moe wrote: »

Thought Hanley would hold out for more but I'm guessing no one else was too interested in a longer term deal considering he can't stay healthy. His defense seems to be getting worse too. Boston obviously planning on winning it all now.

Will he go back to 3rd?

Uncle_moe

boccy23 wrote: »

Will he go back to 3rd?

According to Buster Olney he is going to play LF and Sandoval will slot in at third. Anyone know if he's played there before? He'll do less damage defensively out there.

Coeus

jack presley wrote: »

Boston splashing the cash a bit. Will be interesting to see how it all plays out as I'm sure they have a few pieces they'll need to offload to make room.

Indeed, I would have thought starting pitching would have been their priority in the free agent market.

BigFatGiant

jack presley wrote: »

Boston splashing the cash a bit. Will be interesting to see how it all plays out as I'm sure they have a few pieces they'll need to offload to make room.

I don't think the fans in Boston will be as patient as the SF fans when it comes to Sandoval. His weight issues and streaky play can be very frustrating to watch during rough patches in the regular season. His super post season displays bought him a lot of leeway in SF. For $90 mill Red sox will want instant success.

When you add Hanley in to the mix at another $80 mill and all his injury issues I can't see it being good business.

8-10

BigFatGiant wrote: »

I don't think the fans in Boston will be as patient as the SF fans when it comes to Sandoval. His weight issues and streaky play can be very frustrating to watch during rough patches in the regular season. His super post season displays bought him a lot of leeway in SF. For $90 mill Red sox will want instant success.

Sandoval's slash line for 2014:

.279/.324/.415 + 16HR

Red Sox 3rd basemen in 2014:

.211/.271/.308 + 10HR

Easier to be patient with Panda than Will Middlebrooks

BigFatGiant

8-10 wrote: »

Sandoval's slash line for 2014:

.279/.324/.415 + 16HR

Red Sox 3rd basemen in 2014:

.211/.271/.308 + 10HR

Easier to be patient with Panda than Will Middlebrooks

Thats true but I think expectations will be a lot higher with a salary difference of about $22 million per year between them.

Waitsian

3B Josh Donaldson of the A's to the Blue Jays for 3B Brett Lawrie, IF Franklin Barreto, RHP Kendall Graveman & LHP Sean Nolin.

Alex Anthopoulos just pulled off a hell of a trade and isn't done yet. Seems the Jays are going for it (again!) while Encarnacion and Bautista are still mashing.

jack presley

mod9maple wrote: »

3B Josh Donaldson of the A's to the Blue Jays for 3B Brett Lawrie, IF Franklin Barreto, RHP Kendall Graveman & LHP Sean Nolin.

Alex Anthopoulos just pulled off a hell of a trade and isn't done yet. Seems the Jays are going for it (again!) while Encarnacion and Bautista are still mashing.

Nice acquisition for Toronto. I know Lawrie, but who are the other guys they gave up, anyone important?

Waitsian

jack presley wrote: »

Nice acquisition for Toronto. I know Lawrie, but who are the other guys they gave up, anyone important?

They rave about Barreto and he does have all the tools. The pitchers figure to top out at the back of a rotation or bullpen long men. Lawrie has talent, no doubt, but is fragile physically and has a serious attitude problem at times.


The funny thing about this off-season is the fact Gibbons criticized the lack of maturity in the clubhouse from certain players and wanted more 'adult' players. Gose, Lawrie, Lind and Rasmus all gone - speaks volumes.

Waitsian

Michael Saunders to Toronto from Seattle for SP JA Happ.

More dealing from the Blue Jays and I doubt they're done. Still need some bullpen relief, a SP and a 2B.

Nick Markakis to the Braves is a done deal I believe. Torii Hunter to the Twins. Nelson Cruz goes to Seattle.

Coeus

So the guy once described by the former Dbacks GM as a young Derek Jeter is going to have a chance to be the next Derek Jeter.

Uncle_moe

Lester to Giants is almost a done deal according to Ken Rosenthal at FOX. 7 year deal north of $130m.

jack presley

Uncle_moe wrote: »

Lester to Giants is almost a done deal according to Ken Rosenthal at FOX. 7 year deal north of $130m.

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

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?

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.

MoyVilla9

Red Sox have probably shot themselves in the foot with Lester, although I think a pitcher who will be 31 next year and wants $150 million can take a hike. I didn't want the Yankees going next or near him.
Who are their current starting pitchers? No good hitting if you can't stop the other team from scoring.

8-10

MoyVilla9 wrote: »

Red Sox have probably shot themselves in the foot with Lester, although I think a pitcher who will be 31 next year and wants $150 million can take a hike. I didn't want the Yankees going next or near him.
Who are their current starting pitchers? No good hitting if you can't stop the other team from scoring.

Buchholz, Joe Kelly and Workman are the only 3 I'd say are definitely in the rotation as it stands, actually Workman could even drop to the bullpen eventually but should still be in the rotation by starting day as it stands.

Other 2 slots completely up for grabs. Give one of the outfielders to the Phillies for Hamels. People say he's overpriced but he's an excellent pitcher.

Uncle_moe

Players in: Jimmy Rollins, Brandon McCarthy, Howie Kendrick. Not all finalised but as good as apparently.
Players out: Dee Gordon, Dan Haren, Miguel Rojas, +some minor leaguers.

Matt Kemp deal with Padres is also nearing completion, in return they get Yasmani Grandal, pitchers Joe Ross and Zach Eflin.

Surprised they moved Gordon but Howie Kendrick is a good fit for an infield that needs more defense and power considering Hanley and Kemp are out.
Didn't want to lose Kemp but he's the only Dodgers outfielder with any trade value apart from Puig. I'd have preferred to actually lose Puig because I can't see him ever being consistent or a good post-season player.

jack presley

8-10 wrote: »

Buchholz, Joe Kelly and Workman are the only 3 I'd say are definitely in the rotation as it stands, actually Workman could even drop to the bullpen eventually but should still be in the rotation by starting day as it stands.

Other 2 slots completely up for grabs. Give one of the outfielders to the Phillies for Hamels. People say he's overpriced but he's an excellent pitcher.

Rick Porcello from the Tigers has just filled one of those spots. Good addition if you ask me. Cespedes going the other way.

boccy23

jack presley wrote: »

Rick Porcello from the Tigers has just filled one of those spots. Good addition if you ask me. Cespedes going the other way.

Cespedes is like a rag doll at this stage. 1½ years in Oakland, ½ a season in Boston and now Detroit. Is he the problem?

8-10

jack presley wrote: »

Rick Porcello from the Tigers has just filled one of those spots. Good addition if you ask me. Cespedes going the other way.

Think we could have gotten more for Cespedes

jack presley

8-10 wrote: »

Think we could have gotten more for Cespedes

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.

Miami quietly building too and look like they could have a very good team next season.

Itssoeasy

Decided to watch a Random mets game and it's one from last season. I'm only 22 minutes in and it's top 1 and Dillon gee is having an utter disaster. Bases loaded twice and only one out so far. One walk and should have been two.

jack presley

Itssoeasy wrote: »

Decided to watch a Random mets game and it's one from last season. I'm only 22 minutes in and it's top 1 and Dillon gee is having an utter disaster. Bases loaded twice and only one out so far. One walk and should have been two.

Why would you put yourself through that...?

Itssoeasy

jack presley wrote: »

Why would you put yourself through that...?

I've no idea to be honest. Lack of sleep maybe made me have a moment of madness.

Itssoeasy

Oh yeah jack you heard the mets are moving the outfield walls at citi field in ?

jack presley

Itssoeasy wrote: »

Oh yeah jack you heard the mets are moving the outfield walls at citi field in ?

Yeah, I'd heard that alright. I don't know if it's a big deal though. Unless they can move them back out when the away team are batting, I don't see the point...!!!!

Pitching looking good for next season (barring any injuries and De From coming back to earth a bit) but I still think they'll struggle to score runs. Washington are still a good bit ahead of everyone else in the division and I'm kind of worried about Miami now as well but I'm hopeful of at least getting over .500 for the first time in a million years but I still think the playoffs will be out of reach.