2018/2019 Off-Season Thread

22-01-2019 10:59am

This off season really has been something else. It looks like it's becoming the norm.
There was so much talk last year, that people were staying quiet so they could make a move for Harper and Macahado.

Now it looks like Manny could end up at the White Sox, and Harper could stay with the Nats. Not what anyone was really expecting

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman · 22-01-2019 11:12am

circular flexing wrote: »

The Nationals previously offered him 300m and 10 years though? I think given his age and profile he is probably worth more than 25m a year. Closest comparison I think is the Stanton contract which was avg 25m a year but was also signed 4 years ago and baseball owners now have more money.

Honestly this feels like the owners are not giving out contracts to FA like they used to and to which the players feel entitled.

The Nationals did not offer 300m and 10 years , if they had he'd be signed already.

boccy23 · 22-01-2019 1:11pm

I think it will be very interesting when someone does sign. Then the second one, Harper or Machado, will be left with very little leverage.

As it stands, I expect the teams are using this leverage against each of them to keep the salaries down. If not the yearly rate, certainly the length.

As stated, Scott Boras has always tried to be the last and then by definition, a desperate team will pay more. It didn't work with last years FA class and I don't expect it will work this year.

The reality for Machado is that while he is a great player, 3B does not have the need that other positions do.

Different case for Harper, but his case is far from flawless.

jack presley · 22-01-2019 1:51pm

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman wrote: »

The Nationals did not offer 300m and 10 years , if they had he'd be signed already.

I don’t think he would. Boras rarely lets his big name players sign early and definitely not for one of the first offers he’s received.

I still think he’ll be back as a Nat though.

circular flexing · 22-01-2019 9:06pm

jack presley wrote: »

I don’t think he would. Boras rarely lets his big name players sign early and definitely not for one of the first offers he’s received.

I still think he’ll be back as a Nat though.

This. The Nationals offer was widely reported as 300m and 10 years but was also made on the last day of the regular season. He was very unlikely to sign it which is maybe why it was offered.

circular flexing · 23-01-2019 12:58am

Hall of Fame this year is Rivera, Martinez, Halladay and Mussina. Rivera the first player to get 100%.

Igotadose · 23-01-2019 9:30am

Great to see Edgar Martinez get in. That street that's named after him in Seattle will last a long time....

Why is it the 1st guy ever to get in unanimously....played for the Y*****s

.

ShyMets · 23-01-2019 9:49am

circular flexing wrote: »

This. The Nationals offer was widely reported as 300m and 10 years but was also made on the last day of the regular season. He was very unlikely to sign it which is maybe why it was offered.

I wonder will the Players Union intervene if the trend continues. Realistically you can't force teams to sign veteran Free Agents to big money, multi year deals if they don't want to splash the cash.

I think that ultimately Free Agents will have to change their expectations

jack presley · 23-01-2019 10:07am

ShyMets wrote: »

I wonder will the Players Union intervene if the trend continues. Realistically you can't force teams to sign veteran Free Agents to big money, multi year deals if they don't want to splash the cash.

I think that ultimately Free Agents will have to change their expectations

There’s a new CBA due in a couple of years I think but you’re right, players are going to have to lower their expectations.

The number of trades is up considerably this season so teams seem to prefer going down that route as opposed to signing free agents.

jack presley · 23-01-2019 11:15am

Following on from PJ Conlsn, the Mets have another Irish pitcher in their system. And I use their term Irish loosely. Don’t know for sure but probably only played for Ireland because of heritage or something.

https://twitter.com/mikemayermmo/status/1087865226027065344?s=21

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman · 23-01-2019 12:24pm

circular flexing wrote: »

This. The Nationals offer was widely reported as 300m and 10 years but was also made on the last day of the regular season. He was very unlikely to sign it which is maybe why it was offered.

Probably right, it was probably somewhere close to that mark as thinking back they offered him something close the previous year on an extension.

I was wrong on the previous statement as I was thinking 400m which is what Boras was apparently looking for.

I think he ends up back with us though and I think thats a positive for the club and the player. We give him an immediate opportunity to win and he does likewise for the club.

jack presley · 23-01-2019 2:57pm

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman wrote: »

Probably right, it was probably somewhere close to that mark as thinking back they offered him something close the previous year on an extension.

I was wrong on the previous statement as I was thinking 400m which is what Boras was apparently looking for.

I think he ends up back with us though and I think thats a positive for the club and the player. We give him an immediate opportunity to win and he does likewise for the club.

The one risk for the Nats is if they backload any long term deal. They’re already on the hook for $15m a year for Scherzer for 7 years after his contract ends and $10m a year for 7 years after Strasburg leaves. That’s $25m a year for players not on your roster so do they want another $25-30m tied up in one player?

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman · 23-01-2019 3:51pm

jack presley wrote: »

The one risk for the Nats is if they backload any long term deal. They’re already on the hook for $15m a year for Scherzer for 7 years after his contract ends and $10m a year for 7 years after Strasburg leaves. That’s $25m a year for players not on your roster so do they want another $25-30m tied up in one player?

yes is the uncomplicated answer.

It's not like you can go out and bring in a Harper for less than that.

jack presley · 23-01-2019 8:49pm

https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1087885370048606209

Interesting that he doesn't actually like Metallica. From the NY Post.

Despite being eternally attached to “Enter Sandman,” Rivera actually isn’t a fan of Metallica, as his Christian beliefs keep him away from heavy metal. “With all due respect to the guys, I’ve never been to one of [their shows],” Rivera told the NY Post. “As a Christian, with all due respect to Metallica, I don’t listen to that kind of music.”

jack presley · 24-01-2019 9:55pm

Looks like Pollack's signing with the Dodgers. One less suitor for Harper then.

circular flexing · 24-01-2019 10:06pm

jack presley wrote: »

Looks like Pollack's signing with the Dodgers. One less suitor for Harper then.

Interesting side effect of that trade: Diamondbacks now have 6 picks out of the first 79 picks (or so) in the draft this year.

circular flexing · 25-01-2019 8:30pm

jack presley wrote: »

There’s a new CBA due in a couple of years I think but you’re right, players are going to have to lower their expectations.

Why should the players lower their expectations if the franchises are becoming more valuable and revenue keeps growing?

jack presley · 25-01-2019 9:31pm

circular flexing wrote: »

Why should the players lower their expectations if the franchises are becoming more valuable and revenue keeps growing?

Owners have all the leverage at the moment and aren't giving out massive contracts like they used to. Harper and Machado will still get paid but the next level guys are the ones losing out.

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman · 28-01-2019 4:35pm

circular flexing wrote: »

Hall of Fame this year is Rivera, Martinez, Halladay and Mussina. Rivera the first player to get 100%.

Does it really matter anymore? The hall I mean in general, there is no Pete Rose, Barry Bonds or Roger Clemons. So it's the hall that excludes three of the best to ever play the game.

It's annoying at this point.

jack presley · 03-02-2019 2:50pm

https://twitter.com/darenw/status/1091525194710167553

Igotadose · 09-02-2019 11:12am

Hmm... Mets/Nats in London next year... Who wants to go?

Anyone know how you might get tickets for the game without getting ripped off on 'fees'?

https://nypost.com/2019/02/09/mets-could-be-playing-in-london-in-2020/

ShyMets · 10-02-2019 1:56pm

Igotadose wrote: »

Hmm... Mets/Nats in London next year... Who wants to go? Anyone know how you might get tickets for the game without getting ripped off on 'fees'?

https://nypost.com/2019/02/09/mets-could-be-playing-in-london-in-2020/

Gonna see how this year's series plays out (forgive the pun) before I decide on next year.

Just have a feeling it won't be a success

ShyMets · 10-02-2019 1:58pm

Igotadose wrote: »

Hmm... Mets/Nats in London next year... Who wants to go? Anyone know how you might get tickets for the game without getting ripped off on 'fees'?

https://nypost.com/2019/02/09/mets-could-be-playing-in-london-in-2020/

Gonna see how this year's series plays out (forgive the pun) before I decide on next year.

Just have a feeling it won't be a success

11-02-2019 12:18pm

Getting sick of this off-season. Nothing of note happening

circular flexing · 11-02-2019 9:16pm

Kyler Murray is now fully committed to playing in the NFL. Not a great look for MLB.

circular flexing · 12-02-2019 4:09am

Giants are allegedly favourites to sign Harper now.

12-02-2019 11:15am

circular flexing wrote: »

Giants are allegedly favourites to sign Harper now.

I'm surprised this hasn't happened already.
From what I've read, they have a shockingly poor farm system, so they need to make some big signings to be competitive again. Otherwise they'll struggle to contend for quite a while

ShyMets · 12-02-2019 11:36am

Deleted User wrote: »

Getting sick of this off-season. Nothing of note happening

Judging by the things have been trending this kind of slow Off Season will become the new norm.

jack presley · 12-02-2019 6:04pm

circular flexing wrote: »

Giants are allegedly favourites to sign Harper now.

They’re talking short term deals though which he won’t go for.

krustydoyle · 12-02-2019 8:22pm

jack presley wrote:

Theyâ€™re talking short term deals though which he wonâ€™t go for.

Something like 3 years for 120 million

circular flexing · 12-02-2019 8:50pm

jack presley wrote: »

They’re talking short term deals though which he won’t go for.

I think this is the trend that players will have to adopt to. Too many clubs have been burned by 10 year, $200+ million contracts. I'm nearly certain Mariners would still have Diaz if they didn't have to try and dump Cano's salary (for example).

rebelyell99 · 15-02-2019 11:17pm

Rumours today that Bryce has decided his team .Im gonna say hell be in a san diego uniform on opening day.

jack presley · 17-02-2019 6:10pm

rebelyell99 wrote: »

Rumours today that Bryce has decided his team .Im gonna say hell be in a san diego uniform on opening day.

Take with a pinch of salt until something more concrete comes out

https://twitter.com/CBSSportsMLB/status/1097180758706454533

10 years, $310 is the latest.

circular flexing · 18-02-2019 7:37am

Padres have offered 8 years/240 million to Machado. They have also offered Harper a contract.

ShyMets · 18-02-2019 9:29am

Mike Moustakas is finally off the board. Gone to the Brewers, one year at ten million dollars

rebelyell99 · 19-02-2019 6:33pm

Reported that the padres and manny machado have agreed a deal .

ShyMets · 19-02-2019 6:43pm

rebelyell99 wrote: »

Reported that the padres and manny machado have agreed a deal .

Ten years for 300 million the reports are saying

circular flexing · 19-02-2019 7:05pm

ShyMets wrote: »

Ten years for 300 million the reports are saying

...with an opt-out after 5.

jack presley · 19-02-2019 7:44pm

So Harper to sign for $301m within the hour then?

rebelyell99 · 19-02-2019 10:27pm

Apparently white sox offered him 10 years at 350 million .wonder what the attraction with san diego was besides the good weather .Chicago looks better set to contend than the padres .

ShyMets · 19-02-2019 10:50pm

rebelyell99 wrote: »

Apparently white sox offered him 10 years at 350 million .wonder what the attraction with san diego was besides the good weather .Chicago looks better set to contend than the padres .

Padres have a seriously good farm system. Yes, they'll be poor this year. But in a couple more years they should be Postseason containers for a number of years

ShyMets · 19-02-2019 10:52pm

rebelyell99 wrote: »

Apparently white sox offered him 10 years at 350 million .wonder what the attraction with san diego was besides the good weather .Chicago looks better set to contend than the padres .

Padres have a seriously good farm system. Yes, they'll be poor this year. But in a couple more years they should be Postseason containers for years to come

jack presley · 19-02-2019 10:55pm

It's gas even saying it but it's all Monopoly money at that stage. What's the difference between $300m and $350m..!!!

I'm sure quality of life and as ShyMets says, a team that will probably contend in a couple of years comes into it. Whether his ego and getting a bigger deal than Harper does, I don't know.

ShyMets · 19-02-2019 11:11pm

jack presley wrote: »

It's gas even saying it but it's all Monopoly money at that stage. What's the difference between $300m and $350m..!!!

I'm sure quality of life and as ShyMets says, a team that will probably contend in a couple of years comes into it. Whether his ego and getting a bigger deal than Harper does, I don't know.

It's crazy money. The idea of giving someone 300 million for ten years contract I find astounding. Surely the max contract length any team should offer is five and that should depend on the age profile of the player

circular flexing · 20-02-2019 11:01pm

rebelyell99 wrote: »

Apparently white sox offered him 10 years at 350 million .wonder what the attraction with san diego was besides the good weather .Chicago looks better set to contend than the padres .

Apparently only $250 million was guaranteed from the White Sox, the rest was all incentives. The $250 million over 8 years.

Igotadose · 21-02-2019 5:27pm

Jed Lowrie of the Mets going for an MRI. I wonder, first MRI in ML this season? Woohoo.

jack presley · 21-02-2019 5:31pm

Igotadose wrote: »

Jed Lowrie of the Mets going for an MRI. I wonder, first MRI in ML this season? Woohoo.

And so it begins. The first of many for the Mets medical team to deal with if previous years are to go by.

Igotadose · 21-02-2019 8:49pm

jack presley wrote: »

And so it begins. The first of many for the Mets medical team to deal with if previous years are to go by.

60 day DL in 3...2...1... Just kidding!

On the good side of this, that good looking rookie from last year, McNeil, probably is back to playing the infield. Wasn't sure why they acquired Lowrie (for a lot of $$ btw, like $10m/year for 2 years), with McNeil looking serviceable at least.

And, of course, there's no diagnosis yet so the sky hasn't fallen so far.

jack presley · 21-02-2019 9:26pm

Igotadose wrote: »

60 day DL in 3...2...1... Just kidding!

If this happened during the season, they'll make him day to day for a week or so wasting a roster spot, then eventually move him to the IL (DL is now called Injury List as not to be disrespectful to disabled people apparently).

jack presley · 22-02-2019 5:28pm

White Sox and Nationals both saying they are out on Harper. Which of course means he’ll sign with one of them.

2018/2019 Off-Season Thread

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