The Red Sox took advantage of a, once again, erratic C.C. Sabathia (4 1/3 IP 5 BB 7H 8ER). C.C. has really got to calm down, he's trying to rear back and blow the ball by everyone, by doing that he's very wild and leaving too many pitched over the plate. The Tribe scored first on a Travis Hafner solo shot in the first and the Sox quickly responded with a RBI single by Manny Ramirez (2-2 3RBI) in the bottom half of the inning. From then on the Red Sox had control of the game (10 runs on 12 hits), Josh Beckett was Josh Beckett (6IP 2ER 7K) and continued his dominance in the postseason. Eric Gagne is still very scary even with a good lead, giving up a double to Lofton and a single to Peralta in the 9th but he did register 3 K's.
The D'Backs played a better game last night by continually putting runners on base but they lacked a few big hits to really put the game away. Ubaldo Jimenez looked very impressive until the 3rd when there were runners on, he was rushing his delivery and was working into very deep counts. The 5th inning was a major dissapointment for Arizona, Alberto Callaspo, pinch hitting for Doug Davis, went after the first pitch he saw and grounded out instead of working the count and getting a pitch to hit. Chirs Young and Stephen Drew both reached base on a HBP and a walk. Eric Byrnes on a 2-1 count popped a curve ball, which was in the dirt of the left handed batters box, into foul territory for an easy out and squashed what could have been a big inning. The bullpens for both teams have been outstanding. I'm questioning Bob Melvin on leaving Jose Valverde in for his third inning of work. Yeah, he was lights out the whole season but not even having anybody ready in the bullpen and waiting in the wings in case of a meltdown was a really bad move. Despite a few major mistakes by Arizona, this game was one of the best games in the playoffs by far.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Rox Keep on Rollin'; ALCS Game 1
The Rockies have to be playing with cheat codes because they are on fire winning 18 of 19 games and 9 straight on the road. They took the lead, 1-0, in the NLCS with a 5-1 win. Willy Taveras made a huge impact with his speed threat, despite only getting on base once. Taveras and Matsui at the top is a very dangerous duo when on the bases. The most impressive thing is that the Rox didn't get an extra base hit last nite and still scored 5 runs. Also I really don't think that Jeff Francis had his best stuff last night but he knew what was working and worked out of some jams with DPs and slick fielding by Tulowitzki. Speaking of Tulowitzki, he and Helton left four runners on base a piece, imagine what they could've done with a few more hits. The ALCS starts tonight in Boston, pitting two Cy Young contenders against each other (Sabathia v. Beckett). The Red Sox are easily the best team in baseball and I think are favorate (Boston in 5?), if Manny can stay hot and the pitching staff can stay hot, they're unbeatable. The big key for the Indians is C.C.'s control if he's all over the place and continually falling behind hitters like he did against the Yankees in the ALDS (5 BB and 114 pitches in 5 IP) then Cleveland is in for a long night.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
It's Been Awhile: NLCS Game 1
Ok so I'm shaking the dust of this thing and it's been a long time since I've been around, so onward we go.... Tonite we got Game 1 of the NLCS (8:37pm on TBS), Rockies/D'Backs. The starters are Francis vs. Webb. One of the premeir pitchers against a very underrated one (IMO). Francis looked like vintage Glavine in Game 1 of the NLDS against Philly, continually pounding the zone with first pitch strikes and stayed ahead of alot of the hitters and we all know about what Webb can do, the groundball machine. This series should be very good, two very evenly matched teams who are setting the world on fire right now. The Rocks have Willy Taveres, who is going to start apparently in center, coming back from a quad injury. Series should go deep 6 or 7 games. Rocks in 7, maybe?
Other News:
Other News:
- Rather shocking news from Atlanta, John Schuerholz is leaving his post as GM and will become the new Braves President. Assistant GM Frank Wren will take over full-time for JS. With new ownership who's willing to spend $$$ and increase payroll, as a Braves fan, I feel pretty good about this.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Bonds, Sosa And More
It looked as if the Giants and Barry Bonds came to an agreement on a one year, $15.8 million contract but it was rejected by the comissioner's office because of a personal appearence provision. Bonds is unwilling to sign any new deal.
More news:
More news:
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Drew And Other Rumblings
After 7 weeks J.D. Drew and the Red Sox finally came to terms on a 5 year, $70 million contract. The deal allows the Sox to opt out of the deal in '10 and '11 if his right shoulder sidlines him at any time. Drew hit .283 with 20 homers and drove in 100 runs with the Dodgers last year.
Other rumblings:
Other rumblings:
- Jeff Weaver and Arthur Rhoades are now Mariners.
- Darin Erstad and the White Sox agreed to a one year deal.
- Cliff Floyd signs with the Cubs.
- Tomo Ohka signs with the Blue Jays.
- Todd Helton a Red Sox?
- Jim Tracy is offically stupid.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Utley Gets 7 Years, $85 Million From Phils
Chase Utley and the Phillies have agreed upon a 7 year, $85 million dollar contract to avoid arbitration. Utley is one of the top second basemen in all of baseball and the deal is great for the Phillies because Utley would command more money if they went the arbitration route. Chase hit .379 with 32 homers and drove in 102 last season and he also had a 35-game hit streak (6/4-8/23). The deal keeps him a Philly through 2013.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Offseason Review: NL Central
Chicago Cubs
Added: 2B Mark DeRosa (FA/TEX), SP Ted Lilly (FA/TOR), SP Jason Marquis (FA/STL), OF Alfonso Soriano (FA/WAS), OF/1B Daryl Ward (FA/ATL), RP Neal Cotts (Trade/CHW)
Lost: OF Juan Pierre (FA/LAD), OF Freddie Bynum (Trade/BAL), OF Josh Hamilton (Trade/CIN), RP David Aardsma (Trade/CHW)
Grade: B+
Summary: The Cubs ended up with the best free agent on the market in Soriano. The contract he got was a bit rediculous when at age 38 he'll be making $17 million. He's always good for 30+ homers, drive in 90+ and steal 30+ bags but his average has been on a decline since he hit .300 in '02 (.290, .280, .268, .277 respectively). SP's Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis cashed in with the Cubs getting $10 million per year and $7 million per year, respectively. DeRosa picked a great time to have a career year (.296, 13 HR, 74 RBI) and, he too, cashed in with Chicago (3yr/$13mil). Trading Aardsma for Cotts brings a lefty the 'pen to take some stress off Scott Eyre. Ward will be used primarily as a bench player, filling in for Derek Lee at first.
Cincinnati Reds
Added: SS Alex Gonzalez (FA/BOS), RP Mike Stanton (FA/SF), 2B Jeff Keppinger (Trade/KC), CF Josh Hamilton (Trade/CHC), 1B Jeff Conine (Trade/PHI)
Lost: 3B Rich Aurilia (FA/SF), SS Royce Clayton (FA/TOR), RP Ryan Franklin (FA/STL), RP Scott Schoeneweis (FA/NYM), 3B Brendan Harris (Trade/TB), C Jason LaRue (Trade/KC)
Grade: D
Summary: The Reds added two experienced vets in Stanton and Conine to bring some help to the bullpen and the bench. Also the addition of Gonzalez at short helps fill the void that was left by Clayton. Aquiring the oft-troubled Josh Hamilton from the Cubs (Chicagos's Rule V draft pick from Tampa Bay) will spend the season in the minors and still has the ability be a very talented player if he can stay out of trouble.
Houston Astros
Added: OF Carlos Lee (FA/TEX), SP Woody Williams (FA/SD), 2B Mark Loretta (FA/BOS), SP Jason Jennings (Trade/COL), SP Miguel Asencio (Trade/COL)
Lost: 3B Aubry Huff (FA/BAL), SP Andy Pettitte (FA/NYY), RP Russ Springer (FA/STL), SP Taylor Buchholz (Trade/COL), SP Jason Hirsh (Trade/COL), CF Willy Taveras (Trade/COL)
Grade: C
Summary: Adding Lee (.300/37/116) and Loretta (.285/5/59) to one of the worst offenses in the NL, if not all of baseball, should help out tremendously. Replacing Pettitte, Buchholz and Hirsh with Williams and Jennings is about even and should do fine to fill those holes. Trading away Taveras hurts the top of the order without his speed and also the defense without his glove but Chris Burke will take over that position well.
Milwaukee Brewers
Added: SP Jeff Suppan (FA/STL), SS Craig Counsell (FA/ARI), C Johnny Estrada (Trade/ARI), SP Claudio Vargas (Trade/ARI), RP Greg Aquino (Trade/ARI)
Lost: 3B Jeff Cirillo (FA/MIN), SP Doug Davis (Trade/ARI), SP Dana Eveland (Trade/ARI), OF Dave Krynzel (Trade/ARI)
Grade: B
Summary: The Brew Crew aren't that far from being a serious contender in the NL Central and also the NL. Adding Counsell to back-up both SS J.J. Hardy and 2B Rickie Weeks is a great signing because they're both injury prone. They also added a very reliable player in Estrada but also gave up a 200+ inning horse in Davis in the deal. Adding Suppan to fill Davis's void is decent and a change of scenery could do Aquino well, who will be used in front of Fransisco Cordero. Look for big things from this Milwaukee team in a very weak NL Central.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Added: 1B Adam LaRoche (Trade/ATL)
Lost: RP Mike Gonzalez (Trade/ATL)
Grade: B+
Summary: Only one move that was made for the Pirates and it was a big one, aquiring LaRoche from Atlanta. Despite giving up their closer in Gonzalez, the Pirates got the left-handed power hitting they been hungry for and also they're getting a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman.
St. Louis Cardinals
Added: 2B Adam Kennedy (FA/LAA), SP Kip Wells (FA/TEX), RP Russ Springer (FA/HOU), RP Ryan Franklin (FA/CIN)
Lost: SP Jason Marquis (FA/CHC), RP Jorge Sosa (FA/NYM), SP Jeff Suppan (FA/MIL)
Grade: D+
Summary: The Cards go the second basemen they've been searching for in Kennedy, who was rumored to be landing there for a while. The lack of starting pitching behind Carpenter is really killing them right now (losing Suppan and Marquis to free agency) and the signings of Wells, Springer and Franklin seems like they're finding out how much crap can stick on the walls.
Added: 2B Mark DeRosa (FA/TEX), SP Ted Lilly (FA/TOR), SP Jason Marquis (FA/STL), OF Alfonso Soriano (FA/WAS), OF/1B Daryl Ward (FA/ATL), RP Neal Cotts (Trade/CHW)
Lost: OF Juan Pierre (FA/LAD), OF Freddie Bynum (Trade/BAL), OF Josh Hamilton (Trade/CIN), RP David Aardsma (Trade/CHW)
Grade: B+
Summary: The Cubs ended up with the best free agent on the market in Soriano. The contract he got was a bit rediculous when at age 38 he'll be making $17 million. He's always good for 30+ homers, drive in 90+ and steal 30+ bags but his average has been on a decline since he hit .300 in '02 (.290, .280, .268, .277 respectively). SP's Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis cashed in with the Cubs getting $10 million per year and $7 million per year, respectively. DeRosa picked a great time to have a career year (.296, 13 HR, 74 RBI) and, he too, cashed in with Chicago (3yr/$13mil). Trading Aardsma for Cotts brings a lefty the 'pen to take some stress off Scott Eyre. Ward will be used primarily as a bench player, filling in for Derek Lee at first.
Cincinnati Reds
Added: SS Alex Gonzalez (FA/BOS), RP Mike Stanton (FA/SF), 2B Jeff Keppinger (Trade/KC), CF Josh Hamilton (Trade/CHC), 1B Jeff Conine (Trade/PHI)
Lost: 3B Rich Aurilia (FA/SF), SS Royce Clayton (FA/TOR), RP Ryan Franklin (FA/STL), RP Scott Schoeneweis (FA/NYM), 3B Brendan Harris (Trade/TB), C Jason LaRue (Trade/KC)
Grade: D
Summary: The Reds added two experienced vets in Stanton and Conine to bring some help to the bullpen and the bench. Also the addition of Gonzalez at short helps fill the void that was left by Clayton. Aquiring the oft-troubled Josh Hamilton from the Cubs (Chicagos's Rule V draft pick from Tampa Bay) will spend the season in the minors and still has the ability be a very talented player if he can stay out of trouble.
Houston Astros
Added: OF Carlos Lee (FA/TEX), SP Woody Williams (FA/SD), 2B Mark Loretta (FA/BOS), SP Jason Jennings (Trade/COL), SP Miguel Asencio (Trade/COL)
Lost: 3B Aubry Huff (FA/BAL), SP Andy Pettitte (FA/NYY), RP Russ Springer (FA/STL), SP Taylor Buchholz (Trade/COL), SP Jason Hirsh (Trade/COL), CF Willy Taveras (Trade/COL)
Grade: C
Summary: Adding Lee (.300/37/116) and Loretta (.285/5/59) to one of the worst offenses in the NL, if not all of baseball, should help out tremendously. Replacing Pettitte, Buchholz and Hirsh with Williams and Jennings is about even and should do fine to fill those holes. Trading away Taveras hurts the top of the order without his speed and also the defense without his glove but Chris Burke will take over that position well.
Milwaukee Brewers
Added: SP Jeff Suppan (FA/STL), SS Craig Counsell (FA/ARI), C Johnny Estrada (Trade/ARI), SP Claudio Vargas (Trade/ARI), RP Greg Aquino (Trade/ARI)
Lost: 3B Jeff Cirillo (FA/MIN), SP Doug Davis (Trade/ARI), SP Dana Eveland (Trade/ARI), OF Dave Krynzel (Trade/ARI)
Grade: B
Summary: The Brew Crew aren't that far from being a serious contender in the NL Central and also the NL. Adding Counsell to back-up both SS J.J. Hardy and 2B Rickie Weeks is a great signing because they're both injury prone. They also added a very reliable player in Estrada but also gave up a 200+ inning horse in Davis in the deal. Adding Suppan to fill Davis's void is decent and a change of scenery could do Aquino well, who will be used in front of Fransisco Cordero. Look for big things from this Milwaukee team in a very weak NL Central.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Added: 1B Adam LaRoche (Trade/ATL)
Lost: RP Mike Gonzalez (Trade/ATL)
Grade: B+
Summary: Only one move that was made for the Pirates and it was a big one, aquiring LaRoche from Atlanta. Despite giving up their closer in Gonzalez, the Pirates got the left-handed power hitting they been hungry for and also they're getting a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman.
St. Louis Cardinals
Added: 2B Adam Kennedy (FA/LAA), SP Kip Wells (FA/TEX), RP Russ Springer (FA/HOU), RP Ryan Franklin (FA/CIN)
Lost: SP Jason Marquis (FA/CHC), RP Jorge Sosa (FA/NYM), SP Jeff Suppan (FA/MIL)
Grade: D+
Summary: The Cards go the second basemen they've been searching for in Kennedy, who was rumored to be landing there for a while. The lack of starting pitching behind Carpenter is really killing them right now (losing Suppan and Marquis to free agency) and the signings of Wells, Springer and Franklin seems like they're finding out how much crap can stick on the walls.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Nixon Signs With Cleveland
The Indians and OF Trot Nixon have reached a deal on a one year, $3 million deal. Nixon has spent his entire eight year career with the Boston Red Sox hitting .278 with 133 home runs and 523 RBIs. Nixon mashes righties so a platoon with Shin-Soo Choo is out of the question, unless a trade is in the works or someone might platoon at first with Ryan Garko.
D'Backs Lock Davis For 3 Years
The Diamondbacks and P Doug Davis agreed to a three year, $22 million dollar deal to avoid arbitration. The 31-year old was 11-11 with a 4.91 ERA in 203 1/3 last season with Milkwaukee. Davis gets $5.5 million this year, $7.75 million in 2008 and $8.75 million in 2009. Davis has eaten up 200+ innings the past three years so the deal isn't all that bad in a very insane market this offseason.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Braves Making Moves; Sign Wilson
John Schuerholz wasted no time to find a replacement for Adam LaRoche. The Braves agreed to terms on a one-year, $2 million deal with 1B/OF Craig Wilson. Wilson split time between the Pirates and Yankees last season. He'll probably platoon with Scott Thorman at first and also might see some time in left field.
Braves Deal LaRoche To Bucs
After two months of the deal being on and off, it finally went through yesterday. The Braves sent 1B Adam LaRoche and OF Jamie Romak to Pittsburgh for RP Mike Gonzalez and SS Brent Lillibridge. LaRoche had a break out year in Atlanta hitting .285 with 32 homers and drove in 90 runs, it's appears that he'll hit in the fifth spot behind Jason Bay. Gonzalez closed for the Pirates last year (24 for 24 in save opportunites) will be the primary set-up man for Bob Wickman, which pushes newly acquired Rafael Soriano into the seventh inning.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Update
Ok, I really don't know when the next post will be. I'm heading back to school Saturday afternoon and really have no idea if the internet is working in my apartment or not. Also I'm working on a ton of features so stay tuned.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Offseason Review: NL West
Colorado Rockies
Added: C Javy Lopez (FA/BOS), OF Willy Tavares (Trade/HOU), SP Taylor Buchholz (Trade/HOU), SP Jason Hirsh (Trade/HOU), RP LaTroy Hawkins (FA/BAL)
Lost: RP Jose Mesa (FA/Tigers), SP Jason Jennings (Trade/HOU), SP Miguel Asencio (Trade/HOU)
Grade: C+
Summary: Hirsh, has had two solid seasons in the minors for Houston going 13-8 /2.87 ERA/172.1 IP/165K in 2005 and being named Houston's Top Prospect in 2006 by Baseball America (13-2/2.10 ERA/137.1 IP/118K). Taveras has been very solid since playing full time in 2005, his speed always makes him a threat and he'll cover alot of ground in the spacious Coors Field. His average took a dive in 2006, dropping .013 points but he should be around the .290-.300 in Colorado. Lopez's glory years are well behind him and he will battle Yorvit Torrealba and Chris Iannetta for playing time in spring training. Hawkins will take over in set-up man position, which was vacated by Mesa leaving to Detroit, for closer Brian Fuentes.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Added: OF Luis Gonzalez (FA/ARI), C Mike Lieberthal (FA/PHI), OF Juan Pierre (FA/CHC), SP Jason Schmidt (FA/SF), SP Randy Wolf (FA/PHI)
Lost: RP Eric Gagne (FA/TEX), OF Kenny Lofton (FA/TEX), OF J.D. Drew (FA/BOS), OF Jose Cruz, Jr. (FA/SD), C Toby Hall (FA/CHW), SS Julio Lugo (FA/BOS), SP Greg Maddux (FA/SD), OF Jayson Werth (FA/PHI)
Grade: C+
Summary: The departure of J.D. Drew was a shock to Dodger Nation and rumors of contract tampering by the Red Sox came about shortly after, replacing him with Luis Gonzalez should bring less productivity but he is a doubles machine (52 in 2006) and he will add veteran leadership to guys like Andre Either, Matt Kemp and Delwyn Young. Juan Pierre has played in every game in the past four seasons (648 games) but, like Taveras, has tons of speed (325SB in 7 seasons) and needs to work on the OBP (.330 or lower past 2 seasons). The addition of Jason Schmidt makes the rotation look very good (Schmidt, Penny, Lowe, Tomko, Wolf). Lieberthal will be a fine back-up to Russell Martin behind the dish.
San Diego Padres
Added: 2B Marcus Giles (FA/ATL), LF Jose Cruz, Jr. (FA/LAD), SP Greg Maddux (FA/LAD), RP Andrew Brown (Trade/CLE), 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff (Trade/CLE), RP Heath Bell (Trade/NYM), RP Royce Ring (Trade/NYM)
Lost: 2B Josh Barfield (Trade/CLE), RP Scott Williamson (FA/BAL), SP Woody Williams (FA/HOU), OF Dave Roberts (FA/SF), C Mike Piazza (FA/OAK), LF/1B Ryan Klesko (FA/SF), RP Alan Embree (FA/OAK), LF Ben Johnson (Trade/NYM), RP Jon Adkins (Trade/NYM)
Grade: B+
Summary: The Padres started the offseason by dealing highly regarded 2B Josh Barfield to Cleveland for 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff and RP Andrew Brown. Kouzmanoff will enter spring training as the front runner to start at third. The addition of Maddux helps deepen a weak starting 5 and Brown, Bell and Ring will help solidify the bullpen even more in front of Linebrink, Meredith and Hoffman. After a widely speculated Linebrink-for-Giles, the Pads ended up with Brian's little brother without giving up anything. Overall, a very good offseason for GM Kevin Towers and the Padres.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Added: P Randy Johnson (Trade/NYY), P Doug Davis (Trade/MIL), P Dana Eveland (Trade/MIL), OF Dave Krynzel (Trade/MIL)
Lost: P Miguel Batista (FA/SEA), SS Craig Counsell (FA/MIL), SS Damion Easley (FA/NYM), OF Luis Gonzalez (FA/LAD), RP Luis Viscaino (Trade/NYY), C Johnny Estrada (Trade/MIL), SP Claudio Vargas (Trade/MIL), RP Greg Aquino (Trade/MIL)
Grade: B-
Summary: Bringing back RJ and aquiring Davis bolsters a weak starting rotation behind Cy Young Winner Brandon Webb. In house replacements for Counsell and Gonzalez should work out fine with Stephen Drew at short and Chris B. Young in left. Going from Estrada (.302 AVG, 11 HR, 71 RBI, .328 OBP) to Robby Hammock, Miguel Montero and Chris Snyder battling it out in spring training for the starting spot behing the dish is a major drop-off.
San Fransisco Giants
Added: P Barry Zito (FA/OAK), LF/1B Ryan Klesko (FA/SD), OF Dave Roberts (FA/SD), 3B Rich Aurilia (FA/CIN), P Russ Ortiz (FA/BAL), C Benjie Molina (FA/TOR)
Lost: OF Moises Alou (FA/NYM), 1B Shea Hillenbrand (FA/LAA), SP Jason Schmidt (FA/LAD), RP Mike Stanton (FA/CIN)
Grade: C+
Summary: The Giants recently made a huge splash and locked up Barry Zito for 7 years to replace Schmidt, who left for the rival Dodgers. As they strive to get younger they seem to add older verteran players at the same time, Roberts will hit leadoff and play center (34), Klesko (35) will split time in left with Barry Bonds (42) and at first with Aurilia (35), Molina (32) will take over for Mike Matheny behind the dish and Ortiz (32) will take a crack at making the 25 man roster out of spring training.
Added: C Javy Lopez (FA/BOS), OF Willy Tavares (Trade/HOU), SP Taylor Buchholz (Trade/HOU), SP Jason Hirsh (Trade/HOU), RP LaTroy Hawkins (FA/BAL)
Lost: RP Jose Mesa (FA/Tigers), SP Jason Jennings (Trade/HOU), SP Miguel Asencio (Trade/HOU)
Grade: C+
Summary: Hirsh, has had two solid seasons in the minors for Houston going 13-8 /2.87 ERA/172.1 IP/165K in 2005 and being named Houston's Top Prospect in 2006 by Baseball America (13-2/2.10 ERA/137.1 IP/118K). Taveras has been very solid since playing full time in 2005, his speed always makes him a threat and he'll cover alot of ground in the spacious Coors Field. His average took a dive in 2006, dropping .013 points but he should be around the .290-.300 in Colorado. Lopez's glory years are well behind him and he will battle Yorvit Torrealba and Chris Iannetta for playing time in spring training. Hawkins will take over in set-up man position, which was vacated by Mesa leaving to Detroit, for closer Brian Fuentes.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Added: OF Luis Gonzalez (FA/ARI), C Mike Lieberthal (FA/PHI), OF Juan Pierre (FA/CHC), SP Jason Schmidt (FA/SF), SP Randy Wolf (FA/PHI)
Lost: RP Eric Gagne (FA/TEX), OF Kenny Lofton (FA/TEX), OF J.D. Drew (FA/BOS), OF Jose Cruz, Jr. (FA/SD), C Toby Hall (FA/CHW), SS Julio Lugo (FA/BOS), SP Greg Maddux (FA/SD), OF Jayson Werth (FA/PHI)
Grade: C+
Summary: The departure of J.D. Drew was a shock to Dodger Nation and rumors of contract tampering by the Red Sox came about shortly after, replacing him with Luis Gonzalez should bring less productivity but he is a doubles machine (52 in 2006) and he will add veteran leadership to guys like Andre Either, Matt Kemp and Delwyn Young. Juan Pierre has played in every game in the past four seasons (648 games) but, like Taveras, has tons of speed (325SB in 7 seasons) and needs to work on the OBP (.330 or lower past 2 seasons). The addition of Jason Schmidt makes the rotation look very good (Schmidt, Penny, Lowe, Tomko, Wolf). Lieberthal will be a fine back-up to Russell Martin behind the dish.
San Diego Padres
Added: 2B Marcus Giles (FA/ATL), LF Jose Cruz, Jr. (FA/LAD), SP Greg Maddux (FA/LAD), RP Andrew Brown (Trade/CLE), 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff (Trade/CLE), RP Heath Bell (Trade/NYM), RP Royce Ring (Trade/NYM)
Lost: 2B Josh Barfield (Trade/CLE), RP Scott Williamson (FA/BAL), SP Woody Williams (FA/HOU), OF Dave Roberts (FA/SF), C Mike Piazza (FA/OAK), LF/1B Ryan Klesko (FA/SF), RP Alan Embree (FA/OAK), LF Ben Johnson (Trade/NYM), RP Jon Adkins (Trade/NYM)
Grade: B+
Summary: The Padres started the offseason by dealing highly regarded 2B Josh Barfield to Cleveland for 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff and RP Andrew Brown. Kouzmanoff will enter spring training as the front runner to start at third. The addition of Maddux helps deepen a weak starting 5 and Brown, Bell and Ring will help solidify the bullpen even more in front of Linebrink, Meredith and Hoffman. After a widely speculated Linebrink-for-Giles, the Pads ended up with Brian's little brother without giving up anything. Overall, a very good offseason for GM Kevin Towers and the Padres.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Added: P Randy Johnson (Trade/NYY), P Doug Davis (Trade/MIL), P Dana Eveland (Trade/MIL), OF Dave Krynzel (Trade/MIL)
Lost: P Miguel Batista (FA/SEA), SS Craig Counsell (FA/MIL), SS Damion Easley (FA/NYM), OF Luis Gonzalez (FA/LAD), RP Luis Viscaino (Trade/NYY), C Johnny Estrada (Trade/MIL), SP Claudio Vargas (Trade/MIL), RP Greg Aquino (Trade/MIL)
Grade: B-
Summary: Bringing back RJ and aquiring Davis bolsters a weak starting rotation behind Cy Young Winner Brandon Webb. In house replacements for Counsell and Gonzalez should work out fine with Stephen Drew at short and Chris B. Young in left. Going from Estrada (.302 AVG, 11 HR, 71 RBI, .328 OBP) to Robby Hammock, Miguel Montero and Chris Snyder battling it out in spring training for the starting spot behing the dish is a major drop-off.
San Fransisco Giants
Added: P Barry Zito (FA/OAK), LF/1B Ryan Klesko (FA/SD), OF Dave Roberts (FA/SD), 3B Rich Aurilia (FA/CIN), P Russ Ortiz (FA/BAL), C Benjie Molina (FA/TOR)
Lost: OF Moises Alou (FA/NYM), 1B Shea Hillenbrand (FA/LAA), SP Jason Schmidt (FA/LAD), RP Mike Stanton (FA/CIN)
Grade: C+
Summary: The Giants recently made a huge splash and locked up Barry Zito for 7 years to replace Schmidt, who left for the rival Dodgers. As they strive to get younger they seem to add older verteran players at the same time, Roberts will hit leadoff and play center (34), Klesko (35) will split time in left with Barry Bonds (42) and at first with Aurilia (35), Molina (32) will take over for Mike Matheny behind the dish and Ortiz (32) will take a crack at making the 25 man roster out of spring training.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Schoenenwies Agrees With Mets
The Mets and P Scott Schoenenweis have agreed to a 3 year, $10.8 million deal. Schoenenweis, has been used primarily as a LOOGY throughout his career (.231 BAA vs. lefties in his career), started last year in Toronto and was pretty bad going 2-2, 6.51 ERA in 37.3 IP with a 1.47 WHIP. He seemed to have found new life in the NL (but then again, it is the NL) when being traded to Cincinnati for nothing... I mean cash (2-0, 14.3 IP, 3 SV, 0.63 ERA, 1.19 WHIP). Jamie Walker should of waited a little bit longer to sign a contract.
Thomson Signs With Jays; Rips LoDuca
P John Thomson and the Blue Jays have agreed to a one-year deal worth $500,000. Thomson can earn $1.5 million if he makes the Opening Day Roster and another $4 million based on the amount of starts he makes. Thomson went 2-7 with a 4.82 ERA last year with Atlanta. He also had some choice words for Mets C Paul LoDuca during his press conference. "As far as just looking at Paul Lo Duca across the field, I'm not really into how he acts behind the plate," Thomson said. Also he commented on Cliff Floyd's defense, "And then with Vernon Wells in center field, I'm not really concerned about the outfield with him out there. ... Just watching the Mets' outfield, if Cliff Floyd is still there it's not a real good fit for him out there. He can hit the ball, but as far as defense, he's a little shaky." Thomson receivced offers from more than a hand full of teams (most of which offered minor league deals) including the Mets.
Mulder Back With The Redbirds
MLB.com and ESPN.com are both reporting that Mark Mulder and the St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a two-year, $13 million dollar deal with an option for 2009. Mulder, who went 6-7 with a 7.14ERA in 17 starts in 2006, underwent shoulder surgery in September probably won't be ready by Opening Day and a time table hasn't been set for a return. If Mulder returns to form and makes 30 starts the deal will increase to 3yr/$45mil. Also St. Louis inked P Ryan Franklin to a one year deal. OF Rick (I'm trying to recover from Steve Blass disease) Ankiel and UTIL Jolbert Cabrera were also signed to minor league deals with an invitation to spring training.
More Updates!
Ok, I'm finishing up some offseason reviews and they should be up some time tonight. This place is going to look pretty bare for a bit until I get back out to my apartment at school. Links and all sorts of the like will be added in the not too distant future aswell. Stay tuned.
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