NEW YORK -- One day after the World Series ended, baseball's business season began Saturday when San Francisco's Barry Bonds, Oakland's Frank Thomas and the Los Angeles Dodgers' Nomar Garciaparra headed 59 players who filed for free agency.
Oakland pitcher Barry Zito and Washington's Alfonso Soriano are the biggest names available in this year's free-agent class. Approximately 200 players are eligible to file by the Nov. 11 deadline, and free agents can start talking money with all teams the following day.
I might be mistaking, but didn't Frank Thomas already have a two-year offer from Oakland? Did he turn it down?
I'm guessing this is the year Bonds heads off to the American League to finish his career as a DH. And although there's a good chance he'll go back to the Giants, I would LOVE to see the Yankees throw out a boatload of money to put him in pinstripes. Barry in the Bronx has so much circus potential and it's probably the one event that would actually wipe the A-Rod media blitz off the map.
TEN YEARS AGO IN WRESTLING HISTORY: OCTOBER 1996 WWF: Mankind d. Undertaker in the first ever Buried Alive match at...WWF Buried Alive. Also, Steve Austin continued his efforts to bring Bret Hart back to the ring by turning on Brian Pillman, shattering his ankle in what to this day is known as "Pillmanizing".
WCW: Hulk Hogan d. Randy Savage in a main event no one cared about, but Roddy Piper came out immediately after to end Halloween Havoc with a bang. The Outsiders won their first WCW Tag Team titles by beating Harlem Heat.
The Red Sox could really use a #5 hitter and a second baseman; Soriano could fill both of those voids nicely. Jason Schmidt or Daisuke Matsuzaka would make a great addition to the rotation, and if Theo's dead-set on moving Papelbon to the rotation then a good reliever moves from being absolutely essential to being absolutely essentialer.
As long as we don't sign Zito, Bonds or Sheffield, though, I'll live.
I would love to see the ChiSox go after Zito...way to shake up the pitching staff after the terrible year we had last year. Freddy Garcia is gonna be gone, and Buehrle or Vasquez might be as well. I think Zito and McCarthy being added to the rotation would be what they needed, and help out Contreras and Garland.
Originally posted by GugsThe Red Sox could really use a #5 hitter and a second baseman; Soriano could fill both of those voids nicely. Jason Schmidt or Daisuke Matsuzaka would make a great addition to the rotation, and if Theo's dead-set on moving Papelbon to the rotation then a good reliever moves from being absolutely essential to being absolutely essential.
As long as we don't sign Zito, Bonds or Sheffield, though, I'll live.
Soriano is not exactly top of the line defensively at second, plus Theo has an infatuation with the sub .200 hitting Dustin Pedroia, so, unless they sign Soriano to replace Manny I don't see him in Boston. I can understand not wanting Bonds. My thought is Sheffield should be permanently banned from the game, so I don't want him. But, why wouldn't you want a left handed pitcher at Fenway who is still in his late 20's? Slot him into the rotation with Schilling, Beckett, Papelbon and Wakefield, and I'll take my shot, should they somehow decide not to depend on National League retread in the bullpen. Matsuzaka will probably cost $30 million rights fee then around 5 years-$75 million, so I don't know whether the Red Sox will go full out for him. Schmidt is probably going to Seattle, plus, NL West pitcher going to the AL East has danger written on it. I'll take Ted Lilly just to keep him from beating Boston 5 times a year, and, if Baltimore lets Rodrigo Lopez walk, I'd take a shot on him for short money. He could be a bust, but, I've seen him have success against good line-ups, so the ability is there. He'd be a nice back of the rotation pitcher. However, please, for the love of God no more former San Diego Padres that Epstein thinks are the greatest things since sliced bread. Bad enough they replace a successful hitting coach with a coach fired mid-season by the Padres because they have been inept for several seasons offensively. No more Rudy Seanez's or Cesar Crespo's of the world.
Originally posted by ESPN.comNEW YORK -- Gary Sheffield was told Wednesday that the New York Yankees will pick up his $13 million option for next season, according to a newspaper report.
Sheffield said he was hoping to test the free-agent market and get another three-year contract, USA Today said in a story on its Web site.
"This will not work, this will not work at all," Sheffield told the newspaper. "I don't want to play first base a year for them. I will not do that."
Sheffield, sidelined from May 29 to Sept. 22 with an injured left wrist that required surgery, hit .298 with six homers and 25 RBIs in 39 games this season. He played first base for the first time in his major league career after he returned in September.
"I don't know what they're [Yankees] going to do," Sheffield said. "Maybe they picked it up just to trade me. If they do that, if I just [go] to a team for one year, there's going to be a problem."
Bonds I don't think the Sox would want, nor do I think Barry would come here anyway. Zito though, I'd take a chance on. Like RSN said, good left-handed pitcher and just entering his prime. I think the Yanks open the checkbook for him though.
Originally posted by redsoxnationBut, why wouldn't you want a left handed pitcher at Fenway who is still in his late 20's?
Zito posted a 1.40 WHIP this year, and will demand way too much money to justify the inevitable dropoff which would come from pitching in the AL East.
Matsuzaka will probably cost $30 million rights fee then around 5 years-$75 million, so I don't know whether the Red Sox will go full out for him. Schmidt is probably going to Seattle, plus, NL West pitcher going to the AL East has danger written on it. I'll take Ted Lilly just to keep him from beating Boston 5 times a year, and, if Baltimore lets Rodrigo Lopez walk, I'd take a shot on him for short money. He could be a bust, but, I've seen him have success against good line-ups, so the ability is there. He'd be a nice back of the rotation pitcher.
The Red Sox already have several risky, back-of-the-rotation types: Papelbon, Lester, Clement, etc. We need a top guy.
Originally posted by BOSsportsfan34Zito though, I'd take a chance on. Like RSN said, good left-handed pitcher and just entering his prime.
Zito's WHIP has been ticking upwards since '02, with last year as an exception. I find it hard to believe that he's just entering his prime, given those numbers.
EDIT: To clarify: Zito's good, but he's not the 1/2 that we need with Schilling in decline and Beckett quite possibly screwed. The money that would be spent on him would be better spent on Matsuzaka, Schmidt or bats.
Also, I figure that Alex Gonzalez is gone, and Pedroia would be playing short in '07.
Of the free agent crop, I can see quite a few of them coming out west. Soriano has been on the Angels' radar for quite some time, as the '06 campaign proved once and for all that they need another big bat to hit behind Guerrero. However, it's more likely that they'll work out a deal with Chicago to bring Aramis Ramirez to Anaheim. They might try and bring Zito out here, but that would just spark a bidding war with the A's, who will try at all costs to keep their ace from signing with their biggest rivals. Rumblings also continue that Bonds will come to Anaheim (as he seems to like Southern California), but if that happens, I may just have to turn in my Rally Monkey.
And in terms of Angels that WON'T be returning, look out for Adam Kennedy (who will be displaced in favor of the rising Howie Kendrick). He's been very consistent for years and will be a solid pickup wherever he ends up.
I was amazed with the Dodgers last season and nothing symbolized their spirit more than Nomar, who has seen his career resurrected and helped keep the Dodgers afloat with several walk-offs. And that's without mentioning that he was in the thick of the chase for the batting title all year. They wouldn't have made the playoffs without him. So naturally, the Dodgers are letting him go. Sigh. Nomar will likely sign with a below-.500 team for a one or two-year deal.
One wild card to keep an eye on, however, would be Eric Gagne. There's no way in hell the Dodgers are picking up his option for next year, since he's been so injury-prone. If he does test the free agent market, he'll likely sign for the Frank Thomas Special (a one-year deal for pennies) and if he has even half of his old stuff next year, Gagne will be THE steal of the offseason.
(edited by It's False on 29.10.06 1155) TEN YEARS AGO IN WRESTLING HISTORY: OCTOBER 1996 WWF: Mankind d. Undertaker in the first ever Buried Alive match at...WWF Buried Alive. Also, Steve Austin continued his efforts to bring Bret Hart back to the ring by turning on Brian Pillman, shattering his ankle in what to this day is known as "Pillmanizing".
WCW: Hulk Hogan d. Randy Savage in a main event no one cared about, but Roddy Piper came out immediately after to end Halloween Havoc with a bang. The Outsiders won their first WCW Tag Team titles by beating Harlem Heat.
I guess I'm missing something because it doesn't look like that good a crop to me. Zito is pretty good, the Mets could definitely use him because even though he might not be the great #1 some people think, he'd be better than what they have and they'd be willing to pay him. Carlos Lee is someone nobody has talked about, I think he might sign with the Astros who obviously need some offense.
Not only does Sheffield signing with the Yankees mean Sheffield isn't a free agent but it also means there is no way the Yankees go after Bonds. They already have Matsui, Damon, and Abreu in the outfield and Giambi/Sheffield at 1B/DH. Unless they move somebody there isn't room for him.
Originally posted by redsoxnationWhy wouldn't you want a left handed pitcher at Fenway who is still in his late 20's?
Barry Zito was 14th in the AL this year with 27 homeruns allowed. He's given up a total of 81 gopher balls over the past three seasons (26 in 2005, 28 in 2004). With that in mind, along with the information given by Gugs in his post, I think it's safe to say that Zito would not be a good fit for Fenway Park.
Originally posted by LexusThe Yankees need pitching. They need a 3rd baseman. Betcha they can trade Sheffield for any 3rd baseman in the league.
I really think that the Yanks will wind up with Matsuzaka, and bring back Mussina for two years at less money than the fortune he's been getting. With those two moves, it would give them 4 spots (with a returning Unit), and since it would only cost them $3 million more to bring back Wright (they have a $4 million buyout, I think), he could fill out the rotation until Hughes is ready (mid-season?). I'd rather not see Zito in The Bronx...I have a weird Giambi-type vibe about him...
I cannot fathom the circumstance that Yankee fans would like seeing Sheffield back in pinstripes. I keep reading that they are trying to keep him from Boston, and by picking up his option, they are trying to do exactly that, and get something back for him as well. What they think they can get now that every GM in baseball has had the "Yes, now I remember what a self-centered douchebag Gary Sheffield is" reminder, the returns for him should be considerably less.
With Rodriguez, they don't have to deal him...and he doesn't have to let them deal him, also. If they could get a really good young pitcher for him and have someone to put at third who wouldn't totally stink, fine. Otherwise, tell Jeter to kiss and make up, tell Torre to work it all out, tell Alex to get some shock therapy, and for them all to remember that this guy could possibly go down as one of the all time greats, so lets start getting it together and making it work.
(edited by jfkfc on 30.10.06 0752) Lord loves a workin' man. Don't trust whitey. See a doctor and get rid of it.
Originally posted by redsoxnationWhy wouldn't you want a left handed pitcher at Fenway who is still in his late 20's?
Barry Zito was 14th in the AL this year with 27 homeruns allowed. He's given up a total of 81 gopher balls over the past three seasons (26 in 2005, 28 in 2004). With that in mind, along with the information given by Gugs in his post, I think it's safe to say that Zito would not be a good fit for Fenway Park.
Fenway hasn't been a home run park since they started building things upwards prior to the 1989 season. Even when Beckett and Schilling were at or near the top or the league in home runs allowed, more than 80% were on the road. Overall, Fenway was near the bottom in total home runs hit in the '06 season.
Originally posted by jfkfcWith Rodriguez, they don't have to deal him...and he doesn't have to let them deal him, also. If they could get a really good young pitcher for him and have someone to put at third who wouldn't totally stink, fine. Otherwise, tell Jeter to kiss and make up, tell Torre to work it all out, tell Alex to get some shock therapy, and for them all to remember that this guy could possibly go down as one of the all time greats, so lets start getting it together and making it work.
The problem there is getting a young pitcher. If you are trading a young pitcher and another young player to the Yanks for Rodriguez, the salary disparity is likely to be in the 15-20 million dollar range. For instance, supposedly the Yanks asked for Brandon McCarthy and Joe Crede for Rodriguez. The Sox would be sending out about 3-4 million in salary, and taking back in Rodriguez who, depending on how much of the TX cash gets shared, is anywhere from 16-25 million. That's going to be hard to justify for a lot of teams. If the Yanks would agree to a more salary neutral trade, I think he'll go quickly. For instance, the Sox offered any one of Buehrle/Vazquez/Garcia and Crede for A-Rod, which would be only a few million difference in salary.
Three guys you WON'T be seeing in this crop of free agents are Mark Buehrle, Jermaine Dye, and Tad Iguchi. The White Sox picked up their options earlier today.
TEN YEARS AGO IN WRESTLING HISTORY: OCTOBER 1996 WWF: Mankind d. Undertaker in the first ever Buried Alive match at...WWF Buried Alive. Also, Steve Austin continued his efforts to bring Bret Hart back to the ring by turning on Brian Pillman, shattering his ankle in what to this day is known as "Pillmanizing".
WCW: Hulk Hogan d. Randy Savage in a main event no one cared about, but Roddy Piper came out immediately after to end Halloween Havoc with a bang. The Outsiders won their first WCW Tag Team titles by beating Harlem Heat.
Originally posted by redsoxnationWhy wouldn't you want a left handed pitcher at Fenway who is still in his late 20's?
Originally posted by redsoxnationFenway hasn't been a home run park since they started building things upwards prior to the 1989 season. Even when Beckett and Schilling were at or near the top or the league in home runs allowed, more than 80% were on the road.
Since both Beckett and Schilling are right-handed, it really doesn't address the question of how the left-handed Zito would perform with Fenway Park as his home field. However, David Wells is a left-handed starter, so let's look at his numbers for 2006:
AT FENWAY: 6 GS / 34 IP / 8 HR / 6.09 ERA
NOT AT FENWAY (REDSOX): 2 GS / 13 IP / 2 HR / 2.08 ERA NOT AT FENWAY (PADRES): 5 GS / 28.1 IP / 1 HR / 3.49 ERA NOT AT FENWAY (COMBINED) 7 GS / 41.1 IP / 3 HR / 3.05 ERA
Granted, it's not a large sample size, and it's been many years since David Wells was a pitcher in his twenties; but I think the point is well made. So, unless Boston is planning on playing their home games far away from the Green Monster next year, I stand by my comments that Zito would not be a good fit for the Red Sox.
Is there no chance that Zito would remain in Oakland? Sure, Beane hates spending the big bucks (except, inexplicably, for Eric Chavez), but Zito has been one of the best pitchers in the league for the past seven seasons. Surely the A's can break the bank to keep a guy that is a proven ace.
Though the Yankees will get Daisuke next year (really, what other team can match his negotiating rights demands?), I think the Yankees may have finally worked themselves into a payroll corner with their lineup. They essentially have to keep A-Rod, and keeping Sheff was a real head-scratcher of a move. I'm not sure about the 'it was to keep him away from Boston' theory, since I don't think Sheffield has many fans in the Red Sox organization.
"I don't know what is more disquieting -- the fact that the rest of the statue is missing, or that it has four toes."
Originally posted by redsoxnationWhy wouldn't you want a left handed pitcher at Fenway who is still in his late 20's?
Originally posted by redsoxnationFenway hasn't been a home run park since they started building things upwards prior to the 1989 season. Even when Beckett and Schilling were at or near the top or the league in home runs allowed, more than 80% were on the road.
Since both Beckett and Schilling are right-handed, it really doesn't address the question of how the left-handed Zito would perform with Fenway Park as his home field. However, David Wells is a left-handed starter, so let's look at his numbers for 2006:
AT FENWAY: 6 GS / 34 IP / 8 HR / 6.09 ERA
NOT AT FENWAY (REDSOX): 2 GS / 13 IP / 2 HR / 2.08 ERA NOT AT FENWAY (PADRES): 5 GS / 28.1 IP / 1 HR / 3.49 ERA NOT AT FENWAY (COMBINED) 7 GS / 41.1 IP / 3 HR / 3.05 ERA
Granted, it's not a large sample size, and it's been many years since David Wells was a pitcher in his twenties; but I think the point is well made. So, unless Boston is planning on playing their home games far away from the Green Monster next year, I stand by my comments that Zito would not be a good fit for the Red Sox.
Those Wells stats come with a lot of disclaimers though. One of those games was April 12th, his first start of the season (without having gone through spring training) when he gave up 3 HRs and 10 hits in 4 IP. His next game back from there was May 26th, after a limited rehab start and still not obviously 100% when he gave up one HR and 5 hits in 4 IP. http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/stats/mlb_individual_player_gamebygamelog.jsp?playerID=124071&statType=2
Take those two starts out and you're left with 4 GS and 4 HR at Fenway. That's fairly in line with his road numbers.
Originally posted by Big Bad I'm not sure about the 'it was to keep him away from Boston' theory, since I don't think Sheffield has many fans in the Red Sox organization.
The Red Sox have an opening in right and in the order behind Ortiz. They would be go after him. They tried to keep Mirabelli from the Sox last year.
Did you hear Carlos Delgado's rant about how he should have won? It sounded like a kid in the fourth grade complaining because A-Rod got picked first for the sandlot team at recess. A disgrace, and it makes me even more happy that he didn't win it.