MLB 2013

With opening day less than a week away it was time to start the thread! Go Go White Sox!

I just hope the Cubs stay in the wild card race a lot longer this season.

By the way, who is the favorite's to make it to the World Series this year?

GO SOX!

Beat 'em Bucs!

I heard that SI is calling the Washington Nationals World Champs.

My preseason picks are as follows:

AL East: Tampa Bay Rays
AL Central: Detroit Tigers
AL West: Los Angeles of Anaheim Angels
AL Wildcards: New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles

NL East: Washington Nationals
NL Central: Cincinnati Reds
NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers
NL Wildcards: Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants

Honestly, I don't believe that the yankees will not make the postseason unless they make a really really big trade. Cincinnati will most likely choke or barely make the postseason by wildcard.

AL EAST: Tampa Bay Rays
AL CENTRAL: Detroit Tigers
AL WEST: LA Angels

AL Wildcard teams: Balt Orioles, Oakland A's


NL EAST: Nationals
NL CENTRAL: Reds
NL WEST: Giants

Wildcard: LA Dosgers vs Cardinals

World Series: Angels vs. Nationals. Angels in 6 games

A lot of people are saying that and looking at their lineup, I can see why. However, the rotation and bullpen are fine (as of this writing). Furthermore, they "should" be getting Granderson and Texiera back around May (they'll miss a month). It's a LONG season.

I'm not sold on the Blue Jays at all even though everybody else is. Dickey was a good trade and Buerhele has pitched in the AL before so he knows what he's getting himself into. What about Josh Johnson? Can he stay healthy? How's his stuff going to translate to not only the AL, but the AL East? Melky Cabrera's off the juice (hopefully) so his numbers are going down the toilet. And how are Jose Reyes' legs going to hold up on that astro turf? Too many questions that need to be answered.

Oakland could make the postseason again but it'll be difficult to replicate last year's success - just ask Baltimore but I'm picking them anyway. Texas lost a lot of offense too and they haven't replaced it so I'm not picking them either.

Couldnt wait for this thread to start..gotta love baseball just got done watching the mlb show where everone made thier pre season pics..I will start out west....
Al west;Angles texas will suffer with that loss of hamilton
Nl west;Ladodgers beceuse even they have a better staff than Sf who will be 2nd and take the wild card..
Al central;Detroit wins cle a tough 2nd, no wild card cause of al east.
Nl central;Reds votto might compete for tripple crown..
Al EAST;Tampa i think will win it.. Balt/Tor will compete 4 second and a wildcard..Nyy wont do Sh$$t...And Toronto will compete but may be 3rd place got some pitching but gotta have bats..
Nl east; Atl..I hate to say it..Phi second and Wash third but this will be an amazeing year watchin these three play one another this year..i think all three teams will have about 88-95 wins..Even one of these teams might hit a wildcard chance

AL East: Tampa Bay Rays
AL Central: Detroit Tigers
AL West: Los Angeles Angels
AL Wildcards: Toronto Blue Jays and Texas Rangers

NL East: Washington Nationals
NL Central: Cincinnati Reds
NL West: San Francisco Giants
NL Wildcards: St.Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers

World Series: Washington Nationals over the Detroit Tigers

Dapper, your buying that Tiger pitching I see? I'm big on Verlander but just don't believe in much after him!

Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Doug Fister and Anibal Sanchez arguably the best rotation in baseball in my opinion.

That's a tough argument!

Nationals: Strasburg, Gio Gonzales, Jordan Zimmerman, Dan Haren and now closing Clippard and six finger Rafeal Soraino.

Angels: Jared Weaver, CJ Wilson, Tommy Hanson, Jason Varges and Ernesto Fieri

Giants: Matt Cain, Madison Baumgardner, Tim Lincecum, Ryan Vogelsong, Barry Zito and Sergio Romo!

You work I drink and watch ESPN all day!

ESPN sucks, I watch the MLB network. MUCH better baseball coverage obviously.

The Giants and the Nats def have a good rotation as well. It all comes down to injuries in my opinion.

I like the ESPN Baseball Tonight crew, I enjoy MLB however it just seems like they have to many guys with an agenda! John Hart?


Tigers need a closer BAD!

Only thing I love about ESPN baseball coverage is Schilling, Kurkjian, Olney, and Jayson Stark.



They are going to go with a closer by committee, if it doesn't work out I wouldnt count them out of getting a closer by the trading deadline.

Cubs can trade Marmol for Sanchez

^^Marmol is a disaster, did you see his performance during the Spring?

Tigers would never trade Sanchez for him.

Top Four Teams Tied at Fav status to date.

DP


2013 World Series Championship 2013-09-28 06:00
Price Price
Detroit Tigers +700
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Los Angeles Angels +700
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Washington Nationals +700
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Los Angeles Dodgers +700
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Texas Rangers +1,400
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New York Yankees +1,400
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Atlanta Braves +1,200
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Philadelphia Phillies +1,800
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Toronto Blue Jays +1,000
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San Francisco Giants +1,200
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Cincinnati Reds +1,200
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St Louis Cardinals +1,800
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Tampa Bay Rays +2,200
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Chicago White Sox +4,500
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Oakland Athletics +2,400
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Milwaukee Brewers +4,000
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Arizona Diamondbacks +5,000
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Boston Red Sox +3,000
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Baltimore Orioles +2,000
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New York Mets +5,000
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Pittsburgh Pirates +6,000
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Kansas City Royals +4,000
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Chicago Cubs +6,000
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San Diego Padres +8,000
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Miami Marlins +15,000
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Seattle Mariners +6,000
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Cleveland Indians +6,000
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Minnesota Twins +15,000
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Colorado Rockies +15,000
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Houston Astros +2,000
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. -111 Off

Honestly, if the cubs could trade Marmol for a Detroit snowglobe I would be so happy. I am really tired of Marmol's lack of control and lack of confidence.

Lets Go Mets!

What a great opener.

Your Sox won too.

Good Luck.

DP

So the first two Astros games have been enough emotion for the entire season! Opening Day was terrifying since "everybody" was watching us, and it was fantastic to actually look good on national TV.

Tonight's game was insane, with Darvish getting within one out of a perfect game, and I was THERE. I discussed it as much as I could in the later innings to see if I could jinx it, but no such luck. The stadium felt like it was overrun with Ranger fans, and by the 9th, I think everyone was feeling the energy. I was glad we saved ourselves the embarrassment with the hit that broke it up, but as a baseball fan it's hard not to feel bad for Darvish...

Sorry about your Astros, Gina. It's amazing what Ed Wade can do to a team.

Beat 'em Bucs!

Alex Rodriguez makes more money in one year than the entire Astros team.....and he's not even playing.

Kly, I just realized/remembered he was with the Phillies before.. so I take it you're familiar with his, uh, skill set?

MC, isn't it ridiculous? Our local station had a segment about how we're supposedly using the "Moneyball" method. I think I'll just refer to it as thrifty and patient. (VERY patient.)

Astros might be building up. I doubt the owner is going to be like the asshole who owns the Miami Marlins. Then again you won't know for awhile what kind of owner he is.

Unfortunately, the Astros have missed badly on talent evaluation for several years. But I understand that while their farm system doesn't exactly stand out, it's been better than it has been for some years now. gina could enlighten us more there.

But as far as minor league systems go, five teams currently stand from the rest: 1. Cardinals (the undisputed strongest system), 2. Mariners, 3. Rangers, 4. Pirates, and 5. Rays.

The Astros farm system was recently ranked #10 in Baseball

10) Houston Astros (25 last year, ranked 11th on January 28th 2013, moved up to 10th on February 5th following Jed Lowrie trade): Another system that has improved rapidly. Strengths: 2012 draft class looks excellent thanks to inventive exploitation of new draft rules. Trades have dramatically improved system depth. Potential impact bats in Singleton, Correa, Springer. Weaknesses: pitching is weaker than hitting especially at the higher levels, no obvious rotation anchor types are close to the majors. It will take time for recent draftees to filter through system.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/1/28/3925786/2013-baseball-farm-system-rankings

The first few days of the season have provided some great games and pitching performances thus far.

Not surprised with the cardinals because they do know how to run a team (and saved them selves from that pujols contract). By the way, Keith Law believes that the Cubs have the 5th best farm system and John Sickels has them 10th best. I honestly love where the Cubs are heading to.

By the way, Klyd what do you think about Halladay's slow start/decline?

Not ready to panic. He had some nagging injuries last year, but the general opinion is he'll get back on track. While he didn't have great command this Spring, he has shown flashes of his devastating slider. When he regains consistency in placing his pitches, he should be back.

I just don't see enough offense coming from the Phils to keep up with the Braves and Nationals. Atlanta's lineup is fierce.

Anyone see this last night?

That ump really needs to get his eyes checked. At least he apologized right after and said it was supposed to be a ball. He needs to be warned though because if that was during the playoffs or world series.

Still don't understand why refs and umps never get in trouble for really bad calls.

Unfortunately I don't keep up with the minor league system as much as I should, but I know a few of our big guys there are ranked well: Carlos Correa, Jonathan Singleton, and George Springer. All the trades we've been making lately were supposed to be with the intention of building up for the future, so I guess time will tell.

My favorite news story of late was when our owner told fans to write him a check if they were going to keep complaining about the payroll. I'm actually totally for the patient approach, and it wouldn't be sensible to hold onto big-salary guys when we're not considered contenders, but his PR approach is ridiculous.

No i dont want him to get into trouble unless he is found to have money on it..But a 5-4 game with a runner on first in the 9th inning of a game i mean it cant be over turned some how..they have to get a replay system down some how.. maybe not on balls/strikes but on other close bangbang plays at first n home plate..

Hey im from philly i cant believe i heard that but it is truee..he should just go back to collecting baseball cards and tradeing them and go to baseball card shows like a kid..He has lack of knowledge and destroyed that team kind of

Yea kinda what i thought but i didnt know Halladay would look like this..And threw catcher under bus " the target wasnt where i wanted it " commmoooon Roy.. And a 20 minute interview/explanition of what is going wrong after the game..Roy only lost 3-4 mph not much i think he can get it bak..but he needs the controll..and to stop looking he ran a Fu$5$in marathon on the mound by the 5th inning..I mean no other pitcher looks this tired.. Roys face turns red and always looks exausted on a pitching mound by 6-7..? you guys tell me i watch espn almost every nite..No body looks that tired on no pitchers mound.. he aint playin basketball or football...

Well that didn't take too long for prediction #1 to come true for Toronto. Jose Reyes injured his ankle yesterday and could out anywhere from 1-3 months

In a way I'm disappointed! I wanted to see a gauntlet in the AL East! In paper they all looked good top to bottom! Baltimore the TB! On paper. Boston a little fringy but the rest looked strong.

I don't pay close attention to standings until Memorial Day. The pennant races don't start to take meaningful shape until then for the most part. But I have to say that the statement the Braves made this weekend is the biggest story of this young season.

The Bucs are on a roll.

I watched the last few innings of their imressive comeback against the Reds. The Pirates have the finest stadium in baseball and there is always a nostalgic feel among the fans, who attend games there. I would love to see them contend.

Well, after 17 years that's an early Christmas wish.

How about those left for dead Yankees? 6-5 in the early part of the season and only 1 1/2 behind first place! The hittings starting to come around for some of these castaways and the pitching (with the except of Hughes) has looked very good - CC, Kuroda and Pettitte.

Pirate fans deserve a really good season after those years of no playoffs. If they do make it I will root for them.

anybody been to any games so far this season?

I scored some great tix (15 rows behind first base) from a buddy of mine for last friday's mets vs nationals game when harper hit a few homers. Great time.

Nice

I was at the Cardinals/Phillies game this past Sunday night. Four rows from the right field wall and about thirty feet from the foul pole.

Should we start a pool to pick a date when Robinson Cano gets hit with a huge suspension for taking banned substances?

Better yet, let's pick a date when the Phillies fall to the bottom of the Nat East.......June 25!

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep go the Blue Jays.

Where's my friend Gina?? The Astros beat my boys AND made them cry! And then told them to go home and tell their Mamas about it, that's how bad the beating was. Congrats to your team, Gina! And in NY no less!! So much for the Yankees home advantage!

SB how much were Yankees tickets back in the day? Were they affordable unlike today?

What day would that be? Before the earth's crust cooled?

Nice, did you catch anything out there?



I am hoping this isn't true (prob is though, he is best friends with Arod and Melky), cause I am a big Cano supporter.

No, but in the first inning St. Louis hit a homer that was fairly close. HAd a great time. I'll be hitting some other Sunday home games. Additionally, I plan to get out to Baltimore and Pittsburgh for games. I have tentative plans to be back in Boston in August, and if so, I'll likely plan a trip to Fenway.

A few years ago we discussed the then possible use of instant replay in baseball. Well, baseball blew a replay review where a hit, which replay convincingly showed should have been ruled a homer, was ruled a double after the game was halted so that the umpires could review it. The blown call prevented the A's from tying the game in the ninth.

Baseball acknowledged that the umpires were incorrect in their conclusion, but ruled that because it was a judgment call, it stands.

Normally I would agree that judgment calls, if shown to be erroneous later, should stand. However, where baseball has inserted the extreme option of instant replay to guarantee a proper outcome in certain situations, a higher standard should be employed, and the call should be reversed, allowing the game to be replayed from the point where the blown call is reversed.

I am completely opposed to its use (in football also). The game is a function of human talent and decision-making; I see no reason why umpires decisions should not be the same and that be the end of it.

You know I mocked the Yankees for their Vernon Wells trade, but he's actually having a pretty solid year so far. Lets see if he can keep this up.

I was glad they got Wells because he was a Yankee killer. I hope A-Hole, Tex, Granderson never come back. The NEW Yankees are doing fine.

I'm with you Oli. For the love of the game? Yeah right. Its for one thing only - money. Next they will have sensors on running backs and receivers that will synch up with sensors on the sidelines and end zone. Electronic surveillance can be endless and they will keep pushing the envelope. I can envision no umps or refs; just robots, cameras and sensors; a room full of monitors.

This argument in the name of tradition is silly. "Tradition" was also what kept black players barred from professional (white) baseball for what 60 something years?

I'm fine with replay. But you can't do replay on every single thing or else it'll be a complete unfeasible trainwreck like it was in the NFL when it was first implemented.

I say give each team a "challenge" that they can use only once per game.

I missed the argument in the name of "Tradition". Who used that?

Yeah, who used it?

I was against them getting Wells because I thought he was all washed up. However, it's still only mid-May so there's still A LOT more baseball to be played. I don't care about A-Rod coming back but I'm looking forward to Tex and Granderson.

I hope Wells is more durable than Youkilis.

Isn't Youkilis getting a bit old??

So far he has been but we'll see. Hafner may go on the DL next but we just got Granderson back.

Good one SB. Now Petitte and Stewart go down. How long is Don Derek's guarantee good for?

What guarantees can he give you??

Baseball, in contrast to the other major American sports, is to say the least anal about change in general. Or in short, the most whiney of them all. (OK except maybe golf, but not really comparable.) Change is bad.

Of course most changes to their chargin I would argue have been successful. The Wildcard, the DH, and so forth.

In short, what's wrong with instant replay in baseball? Once its done, people will accept and even forget that was actually a debate once upon a time ago.

Unless of course baseball bungles it like NFL did the first time around with theirs.

I have a question. If a player is traded to the Blue Jays, do they need to get a work visa?

First of all, why would anyone trade with the Blue Jays?

If they are Americans, no they don't;also,if they are from a country that is on Canada's visa-free list.

Melky Cabrera was traded to the Blue Jays and they played the Yankees yesterday. I asked my husband the question, but he didn't know, so I was curious.

BTW, the Mets are playing the Cubs today. The weather is miserable here in NY, rainy and chilly in the low 60s. However, it looks beautiful in Chicago!

Did I hear right? Joe Torre is recommending instant replay for all calls except balls and strikes? This makes more sense than the arbitrary selection of certain plays. After all, 50,000 people at the game see the replay as well as anyone at home. Technology is forcing the change. Kind of sad to see the "national past time" actually become the past.

its americas pasttime

All of Miami was traded to the Blue Jays last winter. Not that it did any good. The Blue Jays are the Detroit Lions of baseball. Every year someonee says this is the season they will do something, but then they never do.

Exactly. That's why I asked what team would engage in a trade with the Jays. What could the Jays offer?

I'm not surprised AT ALL and actually predicted that the Blue Jays would miss the playoffs whereas all of the so called "experts" predicted them to win the division, go to the World Series, and some even said they'd WIN the World Series! SMH

If you watch college baseball, check out a Stanford game when Mark Appel is pitching. He is as good if not better than any college pitcher I've seen, including Clemens, Randy Johnson, Ben McDonald and Strasburg.

Whether Houston can pay him with the first overall pick remains to be seen. They passed on him last year because of his contract demands, but he can potentially be a multi Cy Young winner.

Mike Trout hits for the cycle. If he stays healthy, his career is going to be quite stellar....and he's from New Jersey!

Got me to thinking...I came up with two Jersey born hall of famers: Goose Goslin and Joe "Ducky" Medwick (both with bird nicknames). Jeter will be inducted some day. Are there any other Jersey born hall of famers?

Come on, I only predicted them to win the wildcard lol.


Anybody else surprised/happy that Cleveland is doing pretty good with Francona at the helm? I have always thought of him as a great manager (ala Joe Torre).

Great player to watch play, very enjoyable.

Being from Cleveland and a lifelong Indians fan, I am pleasantly surprised at how Francona has lifted this team. I was surprised that he took the job with us. But he commands respect and gets the most out of his players. Barring injuries, the Indians should be in contention with Detroit all season.

I am hoping he can break the championship curse in Cleveland like he did with the Red Sox.

I liked Terry as a manager, but since he was Red Sox manager.. . Is he Tito's son? When I was kid I played imaginary games with my friend. As Yankee fans we played the American League teams with players like Tito Francona, Rocky Colavito, Minnie Minoso, Luis Aparicio, Nellie Fox, Hoyt Whilhelm, Gus Triandos, Harmon Killebrew, Zolio Versailles, then their there were those hated National Leaguers; Bill Mazeroski, Warren Spahn, Eddie Matthews, Hank Aaron, Sandy Koufax, John Roseboro, ok, that's enough

I remember the great Indians teams from the 90s, Ramirez, both Alomars, Belle, Baerga, Lofton, etc. VERY exciting to watch.

francona and girardi co/manager of the year! whos in?

off topic whos ready for week 2 of the nfl season manning versus manning

To early to tell in my opinion. Personally, I never really had a high opinion of Girardi as a manager.



Go Eli!

so far hes doing a decent job i to am pulling for eli im a lifelong new yorker born and bread but im a big peyton fan

Miguel Cabrera had quite a week.

And I was surprised that Joe Maurer has now broken up three potential no-hitters with one out in the ninth.

He's proving that last year might well be the norm.

Allowing 5 runs in the first inning? Really Yankees? WTF?

SWeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeP. WTF SB? The replacement Yankees have had their run. It will be interesting to see if the Mets can sustain.

Beat 'em Bucs!

You know what every Mets fan says in September? "Maybe next year!"

SB are I thought you were a Mets fan

Yes, I could see how you might make that mistake, especially with my Jeter avatar.

Very enjoyable series, I am still a bit surprised at the final Mets sweep tally. I attended the Tuesday and Wednesday games, it was great a time especially with the nice weather.

The Buics are playing as well as any team in the league. inning games shows how well their bullpen is, and the run production haas improved from last year. They'll be competing for the postseason all year.

Nothing matters except the AL East!

The AL? Madonne!

Let's relive the Yankees-Bucs World Series. Was that 60 or 61? From A Bronx Tale. I hate Bill Mazerowski, he made Mickey Mantle cry.

Love it! Love it! Love it!

"Art Ditmar throws—here's a swing and a high fly ball going deep to left, this may do it!…Back to the wall goes Berra, it is…over the fence, home run, the Pirates win!…(long pause for crowd noise)…Ladies and gentlemen, Mazeroski has hit a one-nothing pitch over the left field fence at Forbes Field to win the 1960 World Series for the Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of ten to nothing!…Once again, that final score…The Pittsburgh Pirates, the 1960 world champions, defeat the New York Yankees."

BREAKING NEWS: ESPN is reporting that Major League Baseball will seek to suspend about 20 players, including the New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez, in connection with a performance-enhancing drug scandal at a Miami area clinic.

Major League Baseball will seek to suspend about 20 players connected to the Miami-area clinic at the heart of an ongoing performance-enhancing drug scandal, including Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun, possibly within the next few weeks, "Outside the Lines" has learned. If the suspensions are upheld, the performance-enhancing drug scandal would be the largest in American sports history.

Tony Bosch, founder of the now-shuttered Biogenesis of America, reached an agreement this week to cooperate with MLB's investigation, two sources told "Outside the Lines," giving MLB the ammunition officials believe they need to suspend the players. One source familiar with the case said the commissioner's office might seek 100-game suspensions for Rodriguez, Braun and other players

Good! I've never been an ARod fan.

And shit is about to hit the fan...

It's been since approximately 2005 when baseball started punishing PED/steroid users. Suspensions of 50 (or more) games were levied to some players. I think it's safe to say that suspensions are not really deterring players from using PEDs as evidenced by the repeat offenders.

IMHO, the way to put some teeth into the PED "punishments" is to stop the 50-100 game suspensions. I propose banning first time offenders 6 months from game eligibility and banning the players from anything related to MLB during that 6 months. In other words, they couldn't go to the minors, or be a coach/scout, etc. The player would have no way to be affiliated with MLB for 6 months. If the suspension was implemented in the offseason, the game suspension would be moved forward to the following regular season (including playoffs). More importantly, the player's salary would be docked for 6 months, including all health insurance and medical benefits, along with all travel and per diem perks.

For a 2nd time offender, the player would be banned from anything MLB-related for a period of two years using the same restrictions. If there was a 3rd time offender, then the player would be banned from MLB for life. In addition, the team's owner would be subject to a $2 million dollar fine if a player is banned for life.

Oli, where did you get this quote? The score was 10-9. Maybe it seemed like 10-0. This game is considered one of the greatest every played. Wouldn't rematch be grand!

Last night John Mayberry entered the game as a pinch hitter in the 7th inning, and remained in the game. He ended up hitting a tenth inning homer to tie the game and an eleventh inning grand slam to win it.

It was the 6th time in mlb history that a player hit two extra inning homers in the same game. The last time was in 1987 when Mike Young of the Orioles did it. Before that the speedy Ralph Garr, not known for homers, did it in '73, and Art Shamsky did it for the Reds in '66. I had previously heard about Shamsky's game. Like Mayberry, he entered the game late, but he also hit a homer before extra innings, giving him three for the game.

Mayberry's second homer marked the first time that one of the two homers was a grand slam.

There was no reason to exculpate Braun the first time he faced a suspension for taking a banned substance. The arbitrators took it upon themselves without controlling authority to overrule his suspension on chain of custody grounds. I don't think he'll get aroound this.

Somewhere on the web. I forget. Still one of the highlights of my life!

Does anyone know how the MLB draft works? What happens if a team drafts a player and then he decides to go the college? For example, the Yankees drafted Andy Pettitte's son Josh but Andy says he's more than likely going to be going to Baylor. Also, the Yankees originally drafted Gerrit Cole but he wound up attending UCLA and was then drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates (he'll be making his debut Tuesday against the Giants). So what happens if a team drafts a player and he decides to attend college instead?

If you're drafted, then for a year that team owns your draft rights. If draft pick doesn't sign a contract, then he can go back into future drafts.

Remember that John Elway once upon a time was the Yankees' top draft pick one year, but he decided to play football instead. (He used baseball as leverage to get the Colts, who drafted him, to trade him away.)

Occasionally the idea of allowing baseball teams to trade draft picks gets floated around. I'd like to see it done. Anyone here know why baseball does not allow it?

Baseball had claimed that forbidding the trade of draft picks protects the smaller markets from the larger. Baseball was once also concerned about the possible effect of a franchise trading its picks into the future.

Neverthelss the baseball draft for decades has favored larger markets. For years teams like the Pirates, Expos, A's would pick early, but would have to pass on the best talent in the draft because they had no chance of signing them. By extending their rights over draft picks to 1 year helped a little, but still the best talent would inevitably slide down to the bigger money teams. Allowing the early pickers to trade the draft pick wouldn't have helped much as they certainly wouldn't have received much value for the number 1 pick as they were bargaining from a weakened position. Another thing that helps was the setting of a cap for spending on all of the draft picks. Without this the Astros likely would have passed on Mark Appel this year.

Of the major sports the baseball draft is the biggest crap shoot out there. Typically fewer than half the first round picks have consequential major league careers. It's harder to predict how the talents of a high school or college player's skills translate in the majors.

Apparently baseball draft overhaul is in the works. One thing that may be addressed is extending the draft beyond the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Presently players outside this territory are not eligible for the draft, but are free agents, who can be signed by anyone.

Two high school pitchers, whom my son faced this season, were drafted. The better pitcher, Seth Wagner, a 6'-7'' lefty, was picked later as it is quite certain that he's headed to Penn State. He throws in the low to mid 90s and my son broke up a no-hitter he had going against us. The Twins selected the other pitcher, who may actually sign with them and pass up a scholarship.

ESPN ran a segment on the recent debut success of Dodger phenom, Yasiel Puig, which mentioned a name from the not-so-distant past that commanded sports headlines for a month before fading away into oblivion. Does anyone else remember Cardinal secondbaseman, Bo Hart, who hit about .500 for his first three weeks of his career in 2003? He was a late round draft pick without great expectations, but his early success was astonishing before it fizzled.

Of course, Puig is in a much different class than Hart. Puig has been expected to have a stellar career, and he's showing his talent.

First manager this season to be fired will be Don Mattingly. His team has been underperforming and lacking discipline.

Donnie Baseball!? Haven't they been decimated with injuries? Yankees and Dodgers are perfect examples of why $$ don't equal victories.

A day after he announced to the world that he had been cleared to resume playing baseball again by his treting physician, Alex Rodriguez now made a 180 degree turn and stated that he can not play. Of course, this followed a profanity laced tirade by Yankee GM Cashman, in which he denied the medical finding and that A-Rod should shut the f*** up.

The Yankees are riled because if they could show that his injury endures through the balance of his contract, they can recoup 80% of the tens of millions they will have paid him. If he comes back and is suspended for PEDs for 100 games, which is likely, they can't recoup.

However, if a reimbursement claim is made on his injury, we may now expect the underwriters to deny the claim and perhaps accuse the yankees and A-Rod of collusion or fraud.

Meanwhile my Phillies are struggling below .500 but Yankee scouts have been in Philly with their eyes on Chase Utley, Carlos Ruiz and Michael Young for possible July trades. The Orioles and Blue Jays, which appear to have more to offer, have also looked at Utley and Young. And word is that Papelbon will go back to the Red Sox in a trede unless the Tigers come up with a bigger package.

And the biggest chip the Phillies have is Cliff Lee, who is having a terrific year. He might be headed to Baltimore or Boston with Papelbon.

Breaking News for oli:

The best record in major league baseball belongs to the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 27.

Don't you know it Kly! Beat 'em Bucs!

That and $20 will get you a hot dog and bottle of water at Yankee Stadium

As a Yankee fan, I'm sick and tired of all of this A-Rod drama. This guy's ALWAYS in the news and it's ALWAYS for the wrong reasons. His contract can't expire soon enough.

As for Cliff Lee, I'd LOVE to see the Yankees get him but he's got a no trade clause to a number of teams. The Yankees, Red Sox and Rangers are just a few of them.

Wouldn't it be funny if Papelbum got traded back to Boston after leaving there?

Somebody wake me up. The Pirates are tied for the lead in the Central division?

Sleeeeeeep, sleeeeeeep. It is always refreshing to see a team rise to the top. The Pirates have been suffering a loooooooooong time. Good for them, good for baseball...maybe. The media always likes those big market teams, but the Pirates have been around a long time. I'm sure the media will capitalize on the Mazerowski homer but what the heck, baseball needs an infusion of some juice. Go Oli Go!

I am happy the Pirates are doing good,hopefully they can squeeze in a playoff appearance this year. I am tired of them losing every year.

Anybody planning on attending this year's All Star game at Citi Field?

Battle of Pennsylvania - Phillies v. Pirates -- Kly v. Oli.

2 out of 3 for the Fightins, but the battle resumes this weekend in Philly. I have tickets for the Sunday game, but may have to give them up.

The Pirates are being considerate: they are creating the illusion of competition.

Derek Jeter made his 2013 debut this season in a Triple-A assignment in Scranton, my old hometown. My daughter got to see the games from the front row directly behind the on-deck circle. I was at my son's baseball game when she texted me that Jeter gave her a smile, which made her day. He said he looked at her for a second, she got excitedly nervous and then he smiled.

My brother-in-law got the tickets because as I once mentioned, he is the caterer for the AAA team and visitors that play at the stadium. He still makes some signature stromboli for some of the Yankees in NY.

But he knows that Jeter didn't eat his food as he and A-Rod, he'd been told, do not partake in team meals, but have their own chefs on premises.

The Rays are making their move.

You mean the National League exists?

And now they are creating the illusion of being in 2nd place.

Come on Kly, you mean to tell me Jeter isn't eating at Sabbatini's?

Cool for your daughter. One of the cousins went to a game, but I didn't get any feedback.

MaryCas, Jeter didn't go to Sabatini's, but dined at the Nook in Pittston, which is on Main Street. He also was very visible yesterday afternoon in Scranton as he didn't play in that game.

My brother-in-law and son made and delivered the team meal today, which Jeter had. For their efforts they have several homeplate seats tonight. I'll try to post some pictures they take, but if he smiles again at my daughter, I'd might have to slug the sonofabitch.

Not that it's important, but the pre-game meal my son and BIL made for the AAA Yankee team today was chicken parmesan, roast beef and green beans with salad and rolls. And Jeter did partake, so if he's slow on the bases today, blame my family.

Oh boy, home run derby tonight!

I can never get myself to sit through that event. Ifind it dull, and I couldn't take Chris Berman yelling over these batting practice homers as if they were the the game winning hit of a world series.

As for the all-star game, I'll pick the NL to win 6-5,with the MVP going to David Wright.

The Derby is a dud. Its strictly media driven and Berman with his back-back-back-back etc. Enough already.

AL 3-0, Mo MVP. 3 hits for the NL, wow.

I missed the first two innings and a few in the middle. Not as much offense for an east coast all-star game where glare and shadows didn't factor in the ability to hit.

I only saw the last round of the HR derby, and thought it peculiar that none of the NL teammates hung around Bryce Harper as they usually swamp and congratulate the finalists.

The applause given Mariano Rivera when he made his appearance was so gratifying. I loved it, and so did he. He looked quite moved.

Where was Jeter!? SB, have we seen the end of a career?

Some of those young guys are studs; Trout, Harper, Harvey.

I don't know why they keep pushing Jeter. It might be him, though, because he hates not playing.

Posey Had to add my local interest to the group. Puig too, as much as I hate to admit it. There's some amazing talent coming up in the ranks right now in baseball.

I heard the Yankees have had 16 players on the DL. And now A-Rod strains a quad. Amazing that they are still over .500.

They're too damn old. Remember when Steinbrenner fired the trainer several years ago because some of the players went on the DL?

Double PlayRod is such a creep. Heard a really funny line in The Newsroom last night. They have a producer that they just brought up from the Washington desk and he booked a really bad guest in last week's episode. They were giving him a bad time about it and he asked something about how long it takes NYers to let things go, and the reply was "I don't know. Why don't you ask ARod?"

I'm kind of surprised that the Red Sox are in first place. I didn't expect much from them this year, but they're battling the injury bug now, especially with their pitching. They seem to be interested in Cliff Lee and Papelbon, but the Papelbon price gets higher now with Jason Grilli facing a possible serious arm injury.

I always expect Pedroia, ellsbury and Ortiz to do well, but they're having seasons a bit better than I had expected. Add to it guys like Napoli and Gomes an others, who've made them baseball's best offensive team this year.

I think the Rays will win the division though. Their starting pitching may be the best in the game top to bottom, and Joe Maddon has to be the best manager in baseball. Both of these qualities make them look like a playoff team that is postured for a long run.

The Yankees have had injuries, which are expected for guys like Youkilis, A-Rod, Jeter and Pettite, but the guys they have filling in right now are pretty bad. Cruz, Nunez and Zoilo Almonte aren't helping, and Travis Hafner and Vernon Wells look like they're barely hanging on. Also, Sabathia doesn't look like the same pitcher he was years ago.

They need help, or they'll drop like a crowbar in the AL East.

So am I, but getting rid of Bobby Valentine as manager was the best move they ever made! OK, they have their annual August swoon ahead of them ... will be interesting to see if they can stay contenders until October.

We'll see tonight when game two of the Rays series happens. Sox are hanging on by a half game.

Really surprised there hasn't been any mention of Ryan Braun and his suspension. I'm not surprised he's suspended but now they're saying he failed another test. Plus, he's getting more than the 50 game suspension (he's receiving 65). Rumor has it A-Rod will be getting more than him.

Reportedly MLB has offered A-Rod a plea deal of suspension for the rest of this season and all of next season, or else Selig will try to Pete Rose him: lifetime suspension from baseball. His lawyer says his client will fight any punishment through the appeals process.

Stay tuned.

He's foolish if he doesn't take the deal. However, nobody ever accused him of having good judgment, did they?

A-Roid, what a shame. Such talent flushed. I apologize for not keeping up with this, but what is new that he is now in danger of suspension? Was there new roid evidence at this Biogenisis?

If they suspend him on the drug charges, he has the right to play baseball during the appeals process. However, if they suspend him based on charges that he violated the collective bargaining agreement, then he can't. I understand that's the route MLB plans to take.

"An aged man is but a paltry thing, A tattered coat upon a stick,"

A-Rod is set to make his debut tonight after hip surgery, but Jeter is injured again. Age catches up to everyone.

Yeah, and it has caught up to the Yankeees. The AL East is about Boston, Baltimore and the Rays. The Yankees are old and irrelevant.

A-Rod has no choice but to drag out a baseless appeal. While his legacy is destroyed either way, accepting the suspension to the beginning of the 2015 season may constitute a lifetime ban. He has too liitle playing time left and too much money on the table. As his 2013 salary pays more than the subsequent years through 2017, he might as well make hay while the sun shines, and then collect the last three years of his contract.

Looks like Nelson Cruz and Peralta will be able to return for the postseason though Texas will need a little luck down the stretch to make it. Detroit should be fine.

A-Rod is the worst kind of cheater, hes right their with Bonds, Mcguire, Sosa, Palmero. He should appeal, collect his money since that would be the only incentive to appeal. Sit the bench and live his days out of the spotlight.

Hank Aaron is the home run king. A-Hole only needs 13 HRs to pass Willie Mays for 4th on the list. Strike out you jerk.

I like the fact that he gets booed when he comes up to the plate and gets a standing ovation when he strikes out!

I heard an interesting comment on ESPN radio (I forget who said it). Every pitcher should walk A-Rod. Of course they won't.

Did anyone see Jeter on Jimmy Fallon? He was pretty funny. Fallon had him come out from behind the curtain to various "original" songs by Fallon to help Jeter find his signature song. It was very funny, but sad at the same time, because I don't see Jeter back in the lineup any time soon.

No that doesn't hurt him. They should ear hole him!

Of the ten teams that had the best Vegas odds of winning the 2013 World Series at the beginning of the season, six are nowhere near playoff contention.

Only an injury sometime soon can prevent Miguel Cabrera from winning the AAL MVP for a second straight season.

I don't think there is any question that Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher in baseball today.

ARoid is likely out until 2015. Even if the arbitrator reduces the suspension to 162 games, he'll still be out until the beginning of the 2015 season. That's because they don't expect to have a ruling until after the season is over.

And if the arbitrator upholds the 211 games, then he's missing 1/3rd of the 2015.

And through the process, the evidence will probably be released to the public. That will bring public perception of ARoid down even lower.

True. A Rod has to think that there is a strong possibility that once the suspension starts, he's played his last game on the field.

Doesn't he play fiddle for a bluegrass band?

Hey Klyd....the Mets are ahead of the Fillies? What up wit dat?

Cheap shot by the Boston pitcher tonight, and shame on the crowd for cheering. I don't love ARod, but I dislike unsportsmanlike play even more.

Fellow ballplayers can't be happy with the rumors of him being a rat. Maybe he'll get thumped when he visits every ballpark for the rest of the season.

Sorry, judge and jury don't reside on the pitching mound. It's not for them to decide.

I've been very vocal in my dislike for ARod and what he's done to the team and to the sport, but that doesn't make dirty play acceptable.

It was indeed a chump move by Dempster. Hitting a batter is reserved for policing on-field matters. If Dempster has a personal problem with A-Rod, whether it has to do with PEDs or ratting on a teammate, then he should address it off the field.

I was disappointed to hear that multiple sources have confirmed that Ryan Braun, trying to discredit the sample handler in his first PED incident in 2011, falsely advised players that the collector was an anti-Semite. Like A-Rod, Braun keeps losing respect.

ARod had it coming. He ratted out other players.

Pitchers hit batters for the slightest of infractions, most of which are legal in the rules of baseball. Some unwritten rules prohibit crowding the plate, sneaking a peak at the catcher's signs and position, hitting a HR, watching your HR leave the park, sliding too hard during a double play, breaking up a no hitter by bunting, etc...ratting is worse.

In this case, it's ARod against the league, not ARod against one pitcher. That's why you may see ARod get plunked in every series, maybe even during batting practice!

Update: Dempster suspended 5 games...

The suspension makes certain he misses a start. The fine, coupled with a chunk out of his pay, will smart. I think there should be a little bit harsher punishment for AL pitchers, who intentionally hit batters high. They have the benefit of hiding behind the DH. Even though they may place a random teammaate in line for a plunking, it's not the same exposure as a pitcher in the NL.

Hard to believe, but he won't miss a single start as the Sox have two off days.

Anybody see Jason Heyward get hit the jaw with a pitch? Broke his jaw and underwent surgery today to have two plates put in. Out at least 4-6 weeks. That was BAD!

Yes. Ouch. When I was in Little League, I was in the dugout before the game. The opposing team was in the field warming up. My glove was at the end of the bench by the opening of the dugout. I bent over to get my glove and an errant throw came in the dugout and hit me in the jaw. It didn't break, but it sure did hurt. So that was probably 25 mph. I can't imagine 90 mph.

I went to a couple of Phillie games over the weekend, including an 18 inning marathon that ended after 2 am, the longest game (in actual time) in Phillie history.

My buddy and I were talking with a couple of friends of ours, who work in the front office, after the game for an hour when a couple of the Diamondback pitchers left the clubhouse to discover that their hotel shuttle had just left. Rather than call the hotel for another shuttle or walk to the hotel, my friend and I drove Chaz Roe and winning pitcher, Trevor Cahill, to the hotel as it was where we were staying.

We woke up in time for a quick brunch and got to the stadium in plenty of time for the Sunday afternoon game where I caught my first foul ball in a major league game. Got a few in minor league games, but I snagged Michael Young's high pop up behind first base. My glory was shortlived as I surrendered the ball to a little girl in our section.

It was a weekend of stadium cheesesteaks, beer and crab fries, topped off with mussels marinara at Chickie's and Pete's.

Alfonse Soriano clubbing a pair of home runs to reach 400 career dingers.

About 15-16 games left and Texas and Tampa Bay are leading the wild card spots in the AL. New York, Cleveland, Kansas City and Baltimore all are within 2.5 games. I would have to go with the Rangers and Rays to win the spots.

This may be sacrilege for New Yorkers, but the Yankees are a better team down the stretch without Jeter on the field. He's talking about coming back next year after serious rehab, but I don't think he's an every day shortstop anymore. His range had declined prior to the injury and next season he'll be 40 and playing on a suspect ankle.

Although I am not a Yankee fan, Jeter is a class act. I hope that he can come back, play well and go out on his terms rather than because of this injury.

I do fear that this was a career-ending injury for him. If that's true, they need to get him into some sort of coaching job ASAP, because he truly is the heart and soul of the Yankees. Do you know the last time the Yankees won a championship without Derek Jeter? 1978!

No doubt his presence on the bench is a contributing factor. But I share your fear, SB. I'm sure he'll work hard to come back, but I don't know that he can perform to his standards again.

Not only have the Rangers lost 7 games in a row, dropping their once comfortable wild card lead to 1/2 a game, but in those 7 games they have never had a lead. This is the first time that has happened in franchise history, dating back to the second Washington Senator team of 1961.

That's an interesting stat Klydon. I heard one about the Yankees from about two weeks ago. I think it was a recent series that they lost 3 of 4 to Boston. They lost those 3 games despite scoring 8 or more runs as the losing team. I remember reading that was a rare feat, but am not sure whether it was ever done before.

With Petitte announcing his 2nd retirement, the Yankees will lose one of their most consistent starters. As if this was not bad enough, Rivera will retire as the game's best closer. More than likely, Derek Jeter will not be able to recover from his ankle problems and have to hang up his cleats. While Rivera & Jeter are HOF locks, Petitte will also be a strong candidate.

So my question is has a team ever lost 3 future Hall of Famers at once like this?

3 Hall of Famers?? Jeter, Rivera and who? Not A-Roid, unless the voters change, Petitte might not have the stupid "numbers", although his playoff performances make him a Famer in my book.

The Yankee dynasty is in the death throes. Who can they buy? Mike Trout, Davis, Cabrera? What pitchers? Verlander Schehrerehher? The farm team prospect? Who. I think we're headed for the Yankees of the late 60s, early 70s.

Pettite would have been borderline. But his HGH issue will be the deal breaker.

He should eventually have a plaque in Monument Park at the stadium.

The ceremony for Mo was incredible yesterday. So glad they brought back Joe Torre.

Can't imagine what will happen to the team in the next few years. I think it will have to be a rebuilding period. If the Steinbrenner's get pissy enough with Girardi, maybe Jeter will be their next choice.

I've been hearing a lot lately about how the Yankees are heading towards a dark period. I can see how they may see that, however let's also realize that this team, despite all of the injuries they've had this season will barely miss the playoffs.

Texiera will come back next year, they should resign Cano, Nova has looked great since his demotion to Triple-A, they should be getting back Michael Pineda back for next season, Hughes and Chamberlain should be gone, Manny Banuelos who missed all of this year (and is the best pitching prospect they have in Triple-A before his injury) will be back next year (meaning he could be heading towards the Bronx in 2015), Vidal Nuno looked good during his brief time in the majors, Phelps has had spots where he's looked good as well.

Obviously no one can take over for the great Mariano Rivera. Robertson will try and do his best but he walks too many batters and isn't Mo. Also, losing someone like Pettitte who has his experience, can battle/grind his way through a game and can eat up a lot of innings will be felt as well. All I'm saying is I'm more optimistic than most out there.

I agree with your assessment.

Rather than entering a dark period, the Yanks will have a single dark year. 2014 is when they will be under $189 million and save a lot of money moving ahead with the luxury tax.

After the dark year of 2014, the Yanks will be spending money to improve. With the surgeries to Banuelos and Pineda, there's no guarantee either will have a rotation spot. The youngster to keep an eye on is Jose Campos. He was a toss in for the Montero/Pineda trade, but might be the best player in the deal.

Despite dumping Scott Boras, Cano might still end up signing elsewhere. Someone will give the 30 year old, who won't run out ground balls, a 10 year contract. Remember when the experts said the Yanks had to sign ARod at all costs because they were moving into the new stadium? In hindsight, the Yanks should have let him walk.

I can't find a team where three future hall of famers retired from the same team after the same season. There have been lots of teams with three and more hallof famers on it from Tinkers/Evers/Chance of the 1900 Cubs through the present (By the way, Tinker and Evers absolutely hated each other).

But I don't think Andy Pettite is a Hall of Famer. His 255 wins are more than a stone's throw from the "automatic" win total for hall entry, so other factors are needed. The necessary inquiry is whether he was dominant during his career, and he never led the league in wins, Ks or ERA, and not only did he never win a Cy Young, he never came close in balloting, finishing in the top three only once. He also has only 4 career shutouts. Bartolo Colon has three just this season.

What Pettite has going for him is his winning percentage, but that says as much, if not more, about playing for the Yankees on teams that won a ton of games. He also has more postseason wins than anybody, but you can't compare that honestly with players, who played before 1995 because there is an extra round of playoffs. And players before 1969 never played in any playoffs.

Bert Blyleven was the only pitcher under 300 Ws to make the Hall in 20+ years, and he had 288 for many teams below .500. I think we'll see several other pitchers below 300 Ws make the Hall in the coming years (Pedro, Smoltz and Schilling), but these guys were more dominant pitchers who gave up fewer runs. No current HOF pitcher has a higher career ERA than Pettite's.

And, as mentioned, HGH will also keep him out.

Pettite was a very good pitcher for a lot of years, but not a HOFer.

I don't disagree that Petitte will probably not make it, especially since he used PEDs. But he was a winning pitcher and had some big playoff moments. The HOF voters may eventually be forced to move the benchmarks away from 300 wins. But I fully agree with Klydon that Petitte benefited greatly from being on very good teams in an expanded playoff era to boost his numbers.

HOF or not, Petitte's retirement, combined with probable loss of Jeter and Rivera, will be extremely difficult to replace. Petitte was never a #1 starter, but he was a reliable 2nd or 3rd option behind the likes of Clemens, Mussina, Cone, & Wells.

I agree: 2014 may be worse than this year and they'll get under their salary cap threshold and then begin to spend again. I just hope they do it wisely. No more A-Rod deals!

I think Pineda will have a rotation spot next year. Sure it's not guaranteed but I think the Yankees will pull the trigger. They've already shut him down for the season and his numbers weren't horrible upon his return. With the lack of quality free agent pitchers this offseason, I could see the Yankees putting him in the rotation with no expectation and making him a number 4 or 5 guy to try and take some of that pressure off. I heard Jose Campos was good and could be an absolute steal. Didn't he miss this year as well due to surgery or no?

You're absolutely right about how the Yankees should have let A-Rod walk. I said that back in 2007 before he resigned. What I didn't know then and have only found out in recent months was that the Yankees were looking to move on without him and guess who they were talking to? The Florida Marlins. And guess who they were discussing. Miguel Cabrera! Can you imagine what they guy would be doing in Yankee Stadium as opposed to Comerica Park as a Yankee? He would have won his triple crown sooner than last year. Plus, he's younger and healthier too than A-Rod. The absolute most dangerous hitter in the league today. Shaking my head at what could have been...

The Pirates are in the play-offs. Last time they played a postseason game, "The End of the Road" by Boys II Men was the top song, Bush/Quayle occupied the White House, Ross Perot was in the hunt to be president, "Under Siege" was the top movie, and gas was $1.13. O.J. Simpson was a respected broadcaster and the top tv shows wwere Murphy Brown and Roseanne. And Miley Cyrus wasn't even born.

Congrats to Pittsburgh. It's been WAY too long for them. Also, the last time they were in the playoffs Michael Jordan hadn't retired from basketball to play baseball yet. I wish them luck in October. I think they may go the way of Baltimore next year though in terms of repeating this performance. Baltimore's had a good year but not as good as last year, whereas a team like the Nationals had a great year but took a step back this year.

I think Cleveland has been absent for a long ttime as well, but I am a Rays fan, so as far as I am concerned they can wait another year.

Regardless, I think the World Series will be the Red Sox and Dodgers.

Beat 'em Bucs!

I agree that 300 will no longer be the benchmark. 250 will be the new 300. That is why if you excluded the HGH issue, Pettite would be an interesting nominee.

Mussina is also on the cusp of the Hall of Fame. Does he get in? 270 wins.

Here is the radio call, synced up with the video, for my Indians from last night's electrifying win. Jason Giambi, at age 42, hit his 3rd game winning HR of the season. None bigger than last night, after our closer left the team for dead by giving up 2 homers in the top of the 9th.

Tom Hamilton is the Indians radio play-by-play guy and is one of the best in the business.

Nice win. Their chances for a WC look really good.

Cleveland last made the playoffs around 2006 or 07. Kansas City has baseball's longest postseason drought. They haven't seen the postseason since winning the 1985 World Series with a little help from the most infamous blown call in WS history in Game 6 (apologies to Carlton Fisk and the '75 Red Sox).

The Indians were last in the postseason in 2007. They beat the Yankees in 4 games of the ALDS in what was Torre's last season. Then Cleveland held a 3-1 ALCS lead to Boston and collapsed (again). The manager for the 2007 Red Sox? Current Tribe skipper Terry Francona.

Looking like Rays v. Cleveland in the wild card. If the Rays clean the Yankees' clock one more time thats it for the pinstripe boys.

Joba's rookie season. Everyone thought he was a future star.

Remember this? Torre should have demanded that play be halted due to the insects.

There's speculation that Joe Girardi will be the next manager of the Cubs.

Actually, Joba should have manned up and pplayed the game.

The best thing about that was the Yankees players getting bug spray. It turns out that those bugs were attracted to and not repelled by the spray.

Oh, please, please Rays, clean their clocks, so I can revel in the humiliation of Rays fans all over the world as Cleveland makes them cry like girlie-men.

It was a nice send-off for Rivera. I watched the final home game exit. Yhe broadcast caught a poignant moment when Jeter and Pettite walked to the mound to take out Rivera with 2 out in the ninth, and you can clearly read Jeter's lips, "Time to go."

Not a Yankee fan (other than Mantle) but that stuff last night with Rivera was awesome. Class guy and a class send off. He said he wanted to play CF in his last game against the Astros. It would be awesome to see him play CF and then come in for the save.

Mo is truly a class act. I definitely teared up when Pettitte and Jeter approached the mound. I think the fact that the Rays came out of the dugout and gave him a Standing O speaks volumes about the kind of man he is.

The Rays treated Mo well, especially, since it has to be against the rules for two position players to come out and pull the pitcher, with a long "conference" on the mound.

The Rays were also the team that Derek Jeter got his 3,000 hit against. They came out of the dugout and gave him a standing ovation.

The way that every team in baseball has treated Mo has been amazing.

I'll pick the Rays with David Price on the mound to beat the Rangers, but I'll take the Indians over the rays in the WC game. The Red Sox will beat the Indians in 6 while Oakland beats Detroit in 7. Boston will then advance to the series by beating Oakland in 6.

The NL wild card may be wild indeed as both starting pitchers are often lights out. With Cueto having two solid starts for the Reds after months on the DL, there's reason to be optimistic, but Liriano has a 1.47 ERA at PNC this year, so I'll give the edge to the Bucs over the Reds.

I would love to see the Pirates advance, but the Cardinals will winn the division series in 7 while the Braves beat the Dodgers in 7. The Cardinals will then beat LA in 6, and will meet the Red Sox in the Series.

I'll pick the Cardinals in a close series. That team always seems to excel in the postseason.

The series I'm hoping for is Oakland/Pittsburgh.

..and just as the Pharaoh Ramses said, "So it is written, so it shall be done." The Almighty Klydon1 says "so it shall be submitted on the Gangster BB, so it shall be done."

The Matt Kemp injury really changes the dynamic for the Dodgers. That is a devastating loss.

I think the World Series will be St. Louis over Boston. But it will be a fun ride along the way with Pittsburgh, Cleveland, & Cincy in the postseason.

Thought it was interesting that despite being in MLB for more than 100 years, this is the first time CLE & PITT have been in the playoffs together.

Here are my postseason predictions:

-Pittsburgh over Cincinnati
-Tampa Bay over Cleveland (only because I think Cobb will have a big game for Tampa Bay)

-St. Louis over Pittsburgh
-Los Angeles over Atlanta

-Boston over Tampa Bay
-Detroit over Oakland

-St. Louis over Los Angeles
-Detroit over Boston

-Detroit over St. Louis

One for one with the Rays.

Predicting baseball playoff winners is almost like a crap shoot. There are too many variables in an individual game from hard hit outs and bloop hits, vicissitudes in calling balls and strikes, errors. Over the course of the season it's easy to separate the very good from the good, but in a 7 game series, a couple of weird things inherent in the game can make the difference between a 100-win team losing to a wild card struggler.

Kemp's loss will be felt undoubtedly. I also think that the extent Craig can play for St. Louis is a concern, though he's not quite Matt Kemp.

Pittsburgh/Cleveland would be a fascinating series, adding another dimension to the rivalry between these two cities.

Beat 'em Bucs!

I've been looking for that old song from the 60s and can't find it. I think the Pirates should revive the "We Are Family" song that was used during their drive to a championship in '79. The word "Pirates" was removed from the top of their dugout, and replaced with "The Family."

That '79 team with Omar Moreno, Dave Parker, Willie Stargell, Ed Ott, Bill Madlock, Phil Garner and Bill Robinson was solid. John Candelaria, Bert Blyleven, and Bruce Kison were excellent starters, and the bullpen of Jim Bibby, Enrique Romo, Grant jackson with the lights-out closer, Kent Tekulve gave up nothing.

Rays v. Dodgers in World Series.

Kudos to that team year and that signature song. Who could have imagined that they would fall so low. Thank God they have risen ... kind a like the BlackKnight.

What year?

Pitt/Cleve would attract the baseball purists and a bunch of curious fans, but the networks would be cringing. Two small-market, rust-belt teams going at it. Superstars where are you?

Great to see Pitt win last night. Tonight Rays v. Cleveland to see which team beats the Red Sox.

Exactly true, which is why baseball has been reluctant and slow to level the competitive playing fields for the big markets against the small.

Football with its equitable revenue sharing and caps levels the field as the NFL knows that the Super Bowl delivers the ratings whether you have Pittsburgh, Green Bay or Baltimore as opposed to New York, San Francisco and Chicago.

The NBA is a little different in that they don't market the (like the NFL) or the history and big city rivalries (like MLB). The NBA markets the superstar where entities like Kobe, LeBron and Durant soar above their respective teams.

I haven't seen every MLB stadium in the league, but I've never seen one more beautiful and scenic and fan friendly as PNC Park, and for years I always thought it was too bad that their teams never lived up to the splendor of their surroundings. Last night's game was an energetic atmosphere never previously reached in PNC's history. The moment was finally realized.

I'm sure the Cardinals were hoping for the Reds to win last night.

I haven't visited all the MLB stadiums either, but I agree that PNC is one of the gem baseball ballparks.. Living in Cleveland, I have been spoiled by the splendor of Progressive Field, but PNC is a tad nicer. My favorite place may be Camden Yards, but not by much. I also visited the Washington Nationals stadium last year and enjoyed it.

While I can appreciate the historical significance, one of the worst stadiums I have ever been to was Fenway Park. The charm of the place was lost on me.


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The Indians hitters were a huge disappointment to me last night. The moment seemed too big for Swisher, Cabrera, and Bourn. Not what I would have expected from these veterans.

I'm looking forward to the two NL games today. I hope that Pittsburgh can hang with St. Louis, but I think the Cardinals experience will win out over the course of a five game series.

Really? Nick Swisher disappearing in the playoffs, where have I heard that before? I knew Cobb would have a big game but I'm surprised that Tampa was able to muster 4 runs (I thought it would have been closer). I just hope they can beat Boston because now Price and Cobb have already pitched and it looks like Moore will start Game 1 with Price going in Game 2 and I'd expect Cobb in Game 3.

Hey Goombah,

I'm from the greater Youngstown area and watching Cleveland last night blow so many opportunities to score runs sucked. Great run, need some pitching/hitting. I live in Southeast Massachusetts for the last 8 years. If you haven't been to Fenway, it's a must. I went to San Francisco last year and we took in a game while on vacation and that ballpark is truly one of the best I've ever been to.

Thanks for sharing JCB.

That was a big crapfest that the Pirates pitching staff has displayed in Game 1.

that was the typical scenario where an inexperienced team on wednesday plays and wins the most emotional game of their lives before a home crowd, displaying far more excitement their park has ever seen, and on thursday, arriving emotionally drained at the park of an experienced and talent opponent, and getting punched in the mouth early.

The Pirates were flat on the mound, in the field and at the plate.

I see that Alex Rodriguez is suing MLB and Bud Selig, saying that they are ruining his reputation. What a piece of shit!!!

Here's a link to the story:

A-Rod Sues MLB and Bud Selig - CLICK HERE

If I was the attorney for Selig, I'd file a countersuit against A-Rod which would include a package. When A-Rod opened the package, it would be a mirror so that A-Rod could see who really ruined his reputation.

Not a coincidence that the self centered ARoid waits until the post season to grab the spotlight. Mo and Jeter would never take the attention away from the teams in the postseason.

Sure was, hopefully they rebound today at 1:07pm.

Can't believe that Dusty Baker got fired...He's had a great run as usual in Cincy...Hope Cincy gets Tony LaRussa out of retirement.

I see your and I raise you

SC, I know you are a man of composure and dignity, but I thought you might let loose a bit with your beloved Sox having a stellar year. I might even watch a Dodger-Red Sox Series. Mattingly making it to a Series would be cool and then trouncing the Red Suxx even cooler!

Shhhh.... I'm happy that the Sox had a big inning just now.

Nice win for your Sox, SC

Yes. He previously angered MLB by announcing his decision with his agent for free agency immediately after the Red Sox won the World Series.

I heard a report that Walt Jocketty wanted the batting coach removed and Baker said essentially that if the front office has a problem with the coach, they may as well fire Dusty too.

Baker has been a very good manager, finding success wherever he went even though his teams never won a WS. If he wants to manage again, a team on the verge of getting comprtitive would benefit from him.

The Red Sox score runs in clusters like no other team. They have the most aggressive team approach at the plate that I've ever seen. They aren't interested in running up pitchers' counts; they're more interested in doubles.

It was nice to see the Pirates rebound in spectacular fashion. They've played the Cards tough all year and I'd like to see them close them out at home.

Oh, the Bucs are goin' all the way, all the way, all the way
Oh, the Bucs are goin' all the way, all the way this year!

....but not the way of the Steelers, yes not the way of the Steeeeeeeeeeeeelers! Sorry Oli, couldn't resist.

The Rays had chances last night, but the Red Sox relievers consistently kept the ball low and the Rays kept chasing it.

I loved the Tigers/A's game. Give me a well pitched, well fielded, and well thought 1-0 game over a 13-11 slugfest any day.

What will be the greatest NFL comeback in its storied history will take place when the Steelers win their remaining 12 games, the playoffs, and the SB.

When the 12-4 Steelers meet the 11-5 Giants on the frozen tundra in the Meadowlands.

Go Pirates! I was a Pirate. My high school mascot is a Pirate - the Pearl River Pirates.

I once bought pirate corn. It cost a buccaneer.

Funny story about how the Pirates got their nickname. In the 1870s team nicknames were just the plural of their location. You had the Bostons, the New Yorks, and the Pirates were the Alleghenys, but when the National League was established, teams joined with nicknames and Pittsburgh retained the Alleghenys nickname.

The rules for teams to retain players were in their infancy, and when the A's neglected to protect a talented infielder, the Pirates scooped him and others up quickly, causing one of the teams in 1891 to complain, "That's what a pirate would do." The Pittsburgh team embraced the name as their own though it didn't appear on jerseys for another 20 years.

That's lame way to get a team name. Couldn't you make up a story like Black Beard the pirate sailed up the Mississippi and then the Ohio River and then plundered the outpost known as Spitz Boig, which later became Armpitsburgh and then finally Pittsburgh because the other name stunk.

Boston bungled Game 3, particularly with the grounder where the SS & 2B got in each other's way and then also on the bunt where 1st base was left uncovered. They are still the better team but left Tampa hanging around, which is always dangerous in the playoffs.

The Cards & Pirates played a great Game 4. Over the past 10 years, St. Louis has proved to be quite a resilient team and will be very tough in an elimination game. That said, I am pulling for the underdog Pirates.

I think New York's sports failures and unpromising future are making you bitter.

GO RAYS!!!!!! W walk off homer in the 9th. Unbelievable!

Beat 'em Bucs!

Funny story about how the Pirates got their nickname. In the 1870s team nicknames were just the plural of their location. You had the Bostons, the New Yorks, and the Pirates were the Alleghenys, but when the National League was established, teams joined with nicknames and Pittsburgh retained the Alleghenys nickname.

The rules for teams to retain players were in their infancy, and when the A's neglected to protect a talented infielder, the Pirates scooped him and others up quickly, causing one of the teams in 1891 to complain, "That's what a pirate would do." The Pittsburgh team embraced the name as their own though it didn't appear on jerseys for another 20 years. [/quote]

That's lame way to get a team name. Couldn't you make up a story like Black Beard the pirate sailed up the Mississippi and then the Ohio River and then plundered the outpost known as Spitz Boig, which later became Armpitsburgh and then finally Pittsburgh because the other name stunk. [/quote]

I think New York's sports failures and unpromising future are making you bitter. [/quote]

I think you are a soothsayer. The Philadelphia and New York teams combined - in all sports - could come up with a winner. We've fallen on hard times. But in the words of Peter Clemenza, these things happen every 5, 10 years.

Long periods of losing are necessary in Philadelphia. Any prolonged period of sports success would destroy the identity of the city.

I have to admit that there was a time last night when I thought the Sox were going to blow it. I'm glad it's over.

They can't blow it. They have Shane Victorino. He is still very beloved in Philadelphia, which has a lot of Phillie fans rooting for the Sox.

Baseball had another Jeffrey Maier postseason travesty with a fan reaching into the field of play snaring a batted ball before Josh Redick could have attempted a catch robbing Martinez of a homer.

Whether he would have caught it will never be known, but what's certain is that the sport would have benefited greatly by allowing this dramatic moment in the game play out to its just conclusion.

Well, the dream ended for the Bucos. Can't wait 'till next season.

Pirates fans should hold their heads high. They had an incredible season. As well as they played, the Pirates had to battle with St. Louis & Cincinnati all the way through in an extremely competitive division. The team is constructed to remain a contender, so there should not be another 21 year playoff drought for Pirate fans.

I like the moxy of the A's going with rookie pitcher Sonny Gray in Game 5 tonight. It was a gutsy move over 18 game winner Bartolo Colon, but I think it's the right call. If Gray should falter, Colon may be available from the bullpen.

Well said as always, goombah. The Pirates and Cardinals are recognized as having the most fertile farm teams in baseball, so their battles for promionence in the league may very well extend for some years.

I too am struck by the A's going with Gray. It's funny that the Pirates and A's both decided to skip reputable veterans in a deciding game for rookies. The Gray decision kind of surprised me as he doesn't have that many career starts, and Colon is a guy, who doesn't get rattled. But Gray's curveball has been outstanding. I'm sure the managerhas a feel for the call. It should be a great game.

I thought Cole was good last night for the Pirates. Right before Freese's homer I told my son that he's fouled quite a few pitches, and will probably get a hit. I wasn't counting on the homer, and I felt if they couldn't hit Wainright early, he'd just be tougher as by the third inning he's the kind of competitor, who knows what's working well and what's not.

There is no joy in Mudville...

a lot of hard work and history. The Bucs will know what it takes to win next year. Regardless, a great year for the old franchise.

There were parallels in both fifth games wednesday and thursday, which contrasted with GAme 1 of the NLCS. The Pirates and A's made the gutsy move to start rookie pitchers over solid veterans against aces, Wainwright and Verlander, respectively.

Cole couldn't put Freese away in one at bat and served up a homer after the batter saw quite a few pitches in his at bat. He lost his stuff by the fifth. Gray struggled with command, frequently overthrowing pitches, battled with base runners, and had to challenge Cabrera after falling behind the previous hitter, who led off with a single.

Meanwhile the experieaced aces were predictably able to elevate their performances and safely guided their teams to vicytory.

For the third consecutive night we saw a duel between a rookie (Kelly)with a promising arm and little experience and an experienced ace (Greinke). Like the previous games, Kelly was wild, unable to locate his pitches consistently, running dangerous counts, and allowing too many base runners while Greinke was consistent, solid, and able to strike out ten.

Yet the Cardinals were able to stay even against a better pitcher and perhaps lineup until finally pushing past the Dodgers in extra innings. This is why I picked St. Louis to win the world series. While anything can happen in a 7 game series, the Cardinals have shown over the past few years that they are very good at winning the games they're not supposed to win.

By the way Carlos Beltran is the best postseason hitter of our lifetime. In 40 games he is hitting .345 with 16 homers and 12 doubles. If you spread these numbers over a full season for reference, he has about 55 homers and 42 doubles, Ruthian numbers. His performance last night at the plate and in the field stood out.

Selig loves helping the small market teams during the regular season. But he must be rooting very hard for the Dodgers and Red Sox.

SC, I'm surprised at your lack of a post after Game 2. The Red Sox were about to be down 2-0 until the Ortiz grand slam. It was a great game.

Ortiz wasn't too excited about it after the game. I guess when you have 4 postseason grand slams, it's just another day in the office.

I never saw a DH, who in my opinion desrved to be in the Hall of Fame as they play half the game, but I think an exception has to be made for Ortiz.

Superstitious.

I hate to admit that I actually fell asleep during the 7th inning of that second game (when the Sox were down by 5 runs). I awoke an hour later to find that the game was finished. I looked online for the final score and I COULDN'T BELIEVE what I saw. My eyes were still "sleepy" and I thought I was looking at an old boxscore.

Suffice to say, I was ecstatic.

I can understand the superstition, particularly when it comes to baseball. But your team did rid itself of the most famous sports curse of all-time, so there is some reason for optimism.

But I also did a double take when I saw the final score. My 8 year old watched the highlights with me on Monday morning. He couldn't stop laughing every time Hunter fell over the wall on Ortiz's homerun. Glad to see that Hunter was not seriously hurt.

Have they not learned anything from the Yankees? Locking up a guy for that amount of money for that amount of years (and a pitcher no less). SMH. Go ahead Dodgers, waste your money. And no, I don't believe resigning Kershaw is a waste of money. Just the terms of that contract are.

Dodgers offered Clayton Kershaw a $300-million deal earlier this season

Jim Leyland is leaving the Tigers

Leyland stepping down

Not entirely surprising, especially since they could not get it done. They have a huge payroll and have still not brought home a title. Plus he's getting up there in age.

Disappointing for Tigers fans to say the least. Went to the World Series last year and got swept and went back to the ALCS this year and lost a series they should have won (but the bullpen blew it).

What scares me even more if I were a Tigers fan is Price Fielder's disappearance in the postseason:

His 2012 numbers:
.173 AVG (9-for-52), .232 OBP, .231 SLG, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 11 SO

His 2013 numbers:
.225 AVG (9-for-40), .311 OBP, .250 SLG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 7 SO

In 2 postseasons for Detroit, his AVG is .196 with 18 strikeouts in 92 plate appearances, 1 HR and 3 RBI. And he still has 7 more years on his contract! Not very much protection for Miguel Cabrera.

The Red Sox' success is another victory for sabermetrics. The difference between the team this year and last also days something about Bobby Valentine.

Leyland has won wherever he went, and I won't be surprised to see him enshrined. I don't blame him for not winning a world series though. I think the most you can ask a baseball manager is to get you there. Having to win three relatively short series to win a championship involves a lot more variables and random events that a manager can account for through sheer managing. I don't disagree with any of his moves as I think the series plans were sound and placed the tigers in the best chance of winning. Cabrera was hurt and you can't hit for Fielder, who nosedived.

But as it turned out, I think this world series clearly has the two best teams in baseball.

You mean Bobby Fucking Valentine (have to add the middle name, just like we do to Bucky Fucking Dent).

Fielder is getting raked over the coals by local talk show hosts. Fans were booing him at the plate. When asked how he felt about this he said that if fans could do it they'd be out there doing it, not in the stands. While technically true that obviously didn't make people feel better about his slump. The Tigers overpaid for him thinking that Cabrera and Fielder would be the Bash Brothers. Not quite.

In his press conference Leyland joked that when he told his team that was it for him, they applauded and he wasn't quite sure how to take that. Leyland got a lot of heat from Monday morning quarterback types but ultimately neither he not for that matter, Fielder are solely responsible. Our payroll is too high; Fielder's contract is too long but we're built to win now. Problem (among others) is we have no bullpen. And although it won't be possible I would love to move Miggy back to first, get a better defensive third basemen and make Fielder the DH...that is if we can't find a bigger dummy to take him off our hands. But so it goes.

FWIW Leyland said he had already decided before the playoffs began that he was done.

It must just be in Detroit because I haven't heard much of anyone talking about Fielder. I just remembered thinking they signed this guy and he hasn't done a thing in 2 straight postseasons.

Honestly, from some of the highlights and the swings that he was taking in key situations (runners on base that could tie or give Detroit the lead), he looked scared and unsure of himself. Hacking at the ball just trying to make contact instead of trying to drive the ball and put it in play.

Oh yeah...there is rage in Motown.

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20131021/SPORTS0104/310200001/

They have a right to be. Fans will always associate a player with how much money they make. Right or wrong, you know that when you take the money. But this guy was brought in to provide protection to Miguel Cabrera and he's not done much in his 2 postseasons with Price Fielder. New York did the same thing to A-Rod.

This national article skewered Fielder on Friday, before Game 6: Despite a monster contract, Prince Fielder has been anything but money in the playoffs

I agree with Klydon that the two best teams in 2013 made it to the Fall Classic. While Detroit had the best lineup, their bullpen was horrific. I think Leyland felt that these past two years were his best chance to win and that the window will soon be closing.

Now there's rumors of trading Max Scherzer for prospects due to his impending free agency after the 2014 season. Dumb move. Detroit's starting rotation is their main strength. They beef up their bullpen a little bit and they're playing the Cardinals tomorrow instead of Boston.

Trade Max Scherzer

It will be interesting to see where and when David Price gets traded. He has a year left on his TB contract, but the Rays won't likely be able to sign him long term, so he'll go the way of Shields and Garza. Not many teams have the prospects for someone like Price.

I'm wondering where he goes as a free agent and how much teams are willing to spend on him? It's unfortunate really because Tampa could be a much better team if they could just get another bat or two to protect Longoria. Tampa can produce pitchers but not hitters unfortunately.

Despite needing starting pitching, the Yankees have been on a self imposed hiatus from signing big ticket free agents. That ends after the 2014 season, the same time when Price becomes a free agent.

After playing in front of sparse crowds at the Trop, I have a hunch Price wants to be on a bigger stage.

Remember when he made the comment about not wanting to shave his face and then later recanting that statement? I'm not 100% sure Price wants to come to New York. I'd love to see him but I don't think it's a done deal.

Also, here's a great story about how the Yankees plan on spending $300 million on free agents this winter and still try to be under Hal's $189 million mandate (although it's all dependent upon whether or not A-Rod's contract will be on the books for 2014):

Yankees plot spending spree

I think the Yankees missing the playoffs could be just as good now as it was in 2008. It forced them to spend and they won the World Series the following year. And if they can do it AND still get under $189 million, I'm all for it. The Yankees can't be idle like they were last winter and it's already starting to show. The Yankees are decreasing some ticket prices for the 2014 season:

Yankees announce season-ticket prices for '14

Tim Lincecum stays with Giants for 2 years, $35 million

Hopefully he can resurrect his career because he was pretty dominate from 2008-2011.

Tampa Bay's MO has been to trade these guys before they become free agents. I think Price will be part of a big trade this year.

The Yankees have many more holes now than they had in 2008. Too many key players on the roster are in their decline.

True but I don't believe the Yankees will have the same injuries that they had last year. We'll see if Sabathia and Teixera can bounce back (not sure what to expect from Jeter). They're main offseason acquisition should be to resign Robinson Cano. If they don't resign him, they're in trouble! Also, at this time I'm comfortable having David Robertson take over for Mariano Rivera. He just needs to throw more strikes and stop walking so many. As for pitching, depending on who they sign they could be alright. This is what it could look like if they sign Masahiro Tanaka from Japan:

1) Sabathia
2) Nova
3) Tanaka
4) Pineda
5) Phelps/Nuno/Warren

And their bullpen has always been a strength for them but they will definitely lose something with Mo now retired.

I know this sounds crazy but they could bring back Phil Hughes and stick him in the bullpen to help elevate Mo's retirement and Boone Logan's possible departure via free agency.

The spending spree after missing the playoffs allowed them to win another ring. But the signings were terrible, looking back on it.

CC, Tex, and AJ were all considered overpaid, in hindsight. AJ was only able to be traded because the Yanks ate a chunk of his salary. CC was given a silly opt out clause, which he utilized for another year. Tex has become brittle. There is no legitimate trade market for those two and ARod.

The key to future signings is keeping the contract length short. The best thing the Yanks can do is learn from the Prince, Pujols, and ARod contracts and let another dumb owner overpay for Cano.

I don't think all 3 signings in 2008 were bad. Sure AJ was overpaid and a bust but CC and Tex's weren't bad. CC's numbers during the 2009 playoffs (when he had been HORRIBLE his previous 3 times pitching in October) were:

5 games, 36.1 innings, 28 hits, 8 ER, 4 HR, 9 BB, 32 SO, 3-1 with a 1.98 ERA.

During his time in New York, he's been a work horse. Pitching at least 200 innings in all 5 seasons with the Yankees with an ERA as high as 3.38 prior to the 2013 season. Now sure, this season he took a step back but let's not hit the panic button just yet. And they had to add that opt-out clause as a way to entice him to come to New York. I remember when he hit the free agent market, everyone was predicting him to go to a California team since that's his home state. The Yankees had to throw that clause and money at him to get him to come to New York and in my opinion, it's worked out.

As for Teixeira, I don't consider him brittle. Here are the number of games he's played during each of his 5 seasons with the Yankees: 2009 (156), 2010 (158), 2011 (156), 2012 (123), 2013 (15). So again, take away 2013 and he's averaging 148 games his previous 4 years. And, what a lot of people seem to undervalue or forget about is his defense. Not only is he a switch hitter who usually puts up 30 HR and 100 RBIs but he's won 3 Gold Gloves as the Yankees first baseman.

I agree, the smart move for the Yankees would be to sign future talents to short term contracts that pay a lot (like Josh Hamilton's 5 year, $125 million contract with the Angels). The only problem is, they're competing against other owners who'll give them those extra years and if they want that talent bad enough, they've got to meet or exceed that contract. Otherwise, they won't get them. But the 10-year deals are dumb for ANY team to hand out. The Yankees did it with A-Rod, the Angels did it with Pujols, the Dodgers are thinking of doing it with Kershaw. Heck, I'd still say it'd be a somewhat stupid move if the Angels did it with Trout because that's so many guaranteed years and who's to say what will happen 4 or 5 years down the road?

Good points. We'll see soon enough on Tex and CC. Sure, they played well at first. But they both would be impossible to trade right now (without eating a chunk of the contract), and if there was an interested party, I believe the Yanks would jump on it.

That's because there are concerns over CC's arm, and the front office is doubtful if Tex can both stay healthy and return to his 2009 production level. If 2013 turns out to be the norm moving ahead, then all 3 signings would have been a bust.

The Bosox were very fortunate the Dodgers bailed them out. And I think they learned their lesson. Time will tell if the Yanks learned from their past when they deal with Cano. And with Cano, some team will give him an 8+ year contract.

They did play well at first but most importantly, they produced. They won a World Series title already. I agree that Sabathia would be difficult to move due to his contract but despite his poor 2013 outing, I'm sure there's still teams out there who would take a chance on him. Asking him to produce like he did 4 years ago I think is a little unfair for him. He's thrown A LOT of innings since then. I'd be happy with CC having an ERA anywhere from 3.75-3.99.

As for Teixeira, it was a freak injury. I expect him to bounce back in 2014 now that he'll be 100% going into spring training. His days of 30 HR and 100 RBI may be behind him, but he's still got some pop in his bat to beefen up the lineup. I just wish he would bunt more when the shift is on. He's like Giambi, all he wants to do is hit the ball out into right field. Small ball can work too!

Boston needs to thank their lucky stars that LA took on that kind of salary. I'm more surprised that the Dodgers went as far as they did this year. At the time, it was a salary dump with the only star of the group being Adrian Gonzalez but Carl Crawford had a bounce back year for them.

Cano wants 10 years. He just turned 31 yesterday. I would do a 6-8 year deal, max. I love Robbie, don't get me wrong but he's not 27 anymore.

There'd be some teams that would take a chance on Sabathia, but NY will have to pay the contract.

Agreed. The Yankees would have to eat most of the contract, but teams would still be willing to trade for him. Maybe not top prospects due to last year's downturn but he still has value.

Last night's game was one that the Cardinals were supposed to win. They had a very uncharacteristic game with several misplays in the field.

Congrats to your boys, SC! I'm blown away by how well they are still playing. And can I tell you that I just love Big Papi?? He's amazing.

Irishman, the Yanks signed CC and Tex with the idea that they would be more productive at this stage. If they knew that Tex would be below 30/100, and CC would no longer be a solid ace halfway into their contracts....then they probably would have let another team sign them to long deals.

For CC to be at 14-13, and 4.75 ERA is disappointing, considering his $23,000,000 salary. If CC doesn't bounce back during the remainder of his contract, then he would have had 4 good seasons and 4 disappointing ones. 8 years is too long for a SP.

As far as Tex is concerned, he signed an 8 year deal and had 3 good years, followed by 2 subpar years- considering he's making $23,000,000. He still has 3 years, and will probably be overpaid for them.

I believe the Yankees front office has determined that they shouldn't have given Tex and CC contracts of 8 years, and ARod 10 years. And it's interesting to see where they draw the line with Cano. I hope they let another dumb owner overpay for him.

Thanks, SB.

I wasn't all that impressed by how the Sox played against the Tigers (although the results were good). Lat night's game was fun to watch (even if as klyd said that the Cards played uncharacteristically poorly).

Big Papi is unreal. I'd now list him as the best post-season hitter I've ever seen.

It was if they were really nervous. I couldn't believe the SS dropping the easy toss for the double play. And I couldn't believe the umpire missed (at first) that easy call.

Beltran had a sweet catch in RF, making a very difficult play seem easy.

Sure when the Yankees signed them they expected them to be more productive at this stage but again, you can never predict injuries. They happen, they're a part of the game. Now CC's down year is more concerning for me than Texeira because at least with Tex you can put your finger on it and say his wrist was injured (unless CC had an injury that the public is not aware of).

And I agree, CC's numbers this year were very disappointing. But 1 bad year out of 5 isn't bad. He is human after all, he's not a machine. Plus, the Yankees should have figured that towards the back end of the contract he especially would break down being a starting pitcher and all.

I could see the Yankees going as far as 8 years for Cano but I'd be surprised for anything more than that.

I don't have a rooting interest, but last night's game was fun. The Beltran catch was amazing, even though it meant nothing to the outcome of the game. Anytime a players jumps and takes a HR back is awesome, let alone what would have been a grand slam.

I was also glad to see that the umps reversed the wrong call in the 1st inning. To get the call wrong in the first inning of Game 1 would have been really for the series moving forward.

In regard to SC's comment about Big Papi as the best playoff hitter he has seen, it's an interesting discussion. Certainly he's in the discussion. For my money, it would probably be Reggie Jackson. But debating these kinds of things is what makes sports so great.

That Beltran catch robbed Ortiz of a grand slam.

Iman, we'll see about the free agents. I believe we're both rooting for the same thing. The one silver lining about Tex, is his contract kept the Yanks from bidding on Pujols and Prince. Just a couple of years in, I think the Angels and Tigers are already regretting those deals.

I couldn't agree more on the Pujols and Fielder contracts but remember, Teixeria can still play very solid defense Both Detroit and the Angels screwed themselves. They bid against themselves. I think they could have gotten the players they wanted to at a reduced cost (especially Fielder since it was so late in the offseason).

That's the thing with Tex. He's likable, a good clubhouse guy, and plays good D. So, he gets the benefit of the doubt more than others.

AJ and ARod seem to play up the villain role.

Some are prefer to be good guys and some prefer to be villains

MORE HATING ON THE SOX, the media,photoshopping pics of lester using vasaline? cmon! they looked like the bad news bears in the field,minus the homerun pulling back catch in right! the al east is Superior to nl, and on cold nights the mlb allows pine tar for batters resin bag on mound.

go sox

Like SC and goombah, I love comparing and looking up players' postseason performance. And Jackson and Ortiz have certainly earned their reputations as proficient postseason performers.

It's hard to compare players of different eras as there were no playoffs until 1969, and from 1969 to 1995 there was only one round of playoffs with the championship series changing from best of 5 to 7 in 1985. And from 1995 and extra round of playoffs was inserted.

Some of the top performers, in addition to Ortiz, in postseason that might be overlooked in this most recent era are Marquis Grissom, Troy Glaus (9 homers in 88 abs and a .321 avg.), Lenny Dykstra (10 homers in 136 abs, .321 avg.), David Freese (7 homers .305) and my previously named personal postseason favorite, carlos Beltran (.339 16 HRs 38 rbi in 47 games).

The best postseason starting pitcher of our era has to be Curt Schilling with a record of 11-2 and an era of 2.23 and a WHIP of .996. He's closely followed by John Smoltz, 15-4, 2.67 and 1.114.

How about the other end of things? In a ranking of the worst post season average (single year with a minimum 40 AB's), Robinson Cano's 2012 season ranks as the second worst ever with a .075 BA. (Alex Avila is last; Chone Figgins is third worst.)

Just something the Yanks should remember before bidding against themselves for a ten year contract. They already have one highly paid player that disappears in the post season, even when on PEDs.

http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/...stseason-slump/

On consecutive nights we see world series games end on an obstruction call and a pick off, which had never ended a prior world series game since it began in 1903. Next we'll have Game 5 end on a balk, Game 6 end on catcher's interference and Game 7 end on an appeal play after a sac fly.

Only one world series game in history ended on a runner attempting to steal second base, and it was Game 7, which decided the 1926 World Series. Losing 3-2 wit h 2 out in the bottom of the ninth, a Yankee, known for being a bit overaggressive on the base paths drew a walk on a 3-2 pitch. with Bob Meusel, the potential winning run at the plate, the runner took off for second and was thrown out easily by the cardinal catcher. The baserunner was none other than Babe Ruth.

2013 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS


BOSTON RED SOX

Fuck the Red Sox. New York will be back, mark my words

Congrats Red Sox fan! Dynasty! Dynasty! Dynasty!

They are impressive champions and I tip my cap to them. At the beginning of the year I didn't think they were a playoff team, but they proved me wrong. With the young talent they're developing they should maintain a competitive team for the next few years at least.

Noew that they're world champions, they can shave and bathe.

Well done to the Red Sox. Boston will be celebrating hearty no doubt.

A LOT of Boston Lager will be consumed!!

Makes me realize what a terrible decision it was to hire Bobby Valentine....

Glad to see longtime fans like SC rewarded. They have certainly had a good run in the past 10 years to make up for the 70+ years wandering in the baseball desert.

I find it interesting that no matter who won, both teams had a claim to be considered "team of the last 10 yrs." St. Louis has been to the Series four times since 2004 winning twice. Boston was in its third WS since 2004 and won its third ring.

well I kinda had an idea on tb and detroit they made playoffs but I never thought boston would even make playoffs boy was I wrong.. just like when I thought my Phillies were gonna have 88-92 wins wrong again..should of never got rid of cliff lee the first time, they lost too many prospects getting him back..

Yea shows you that guy only cared about himself valentine will never be a mlb manager again let alone a third base coach...plus these guys are men..they do not need the tough larry bowa military style, don't work...look at tb in the nfl nobody can stand that schino guy even I think he is an idiot...

I personally found it unbelievable that nobody said anything about Papi's steroid use during the World Series. He's used them and it's a fact but everyone who used steroids that's not named David Ortiz is completely crucified. Unbelievable. Even curt schilling said David Ortiz is not a hof and he would be shocked if he got in. But anyway, the Yankees are apparently trying to sign ellisbury, Matt garza, stephen drew, carlos Beltran, brian McCann, and that Japanese pitcher tanawaka. I guess that's their offseason wish list. Not to get all of those players but I guess some of them.

The thing that really hurts, is that the yanks don't have too too much farm talent. They had banuelos but he had to get tommy john. Hopefully he can work his way back to form. And they got Gary Sanchez and mason Williams. Both of whom don't look that impressive to me. Gary Sanchez has power but he seems like a .250 hitter. Mason Williams can be good but he still needs to develop. He's raw. Rafael DePaula has some good stuff and a great fastball but he is still raw as well.

Be on the lookout for the twins in the years ahead. They've got some nice talent coming up. Byron Buxton can be the next big star in the mlb. He has all the abilities.

Remember the Killer B's? Brackman, Betances, and Banuelos were gonna be the future starting pitchers, at one time. Then for roidhead Jesus Montero, the Yanks received Campos and Pineda. More setbacks. I'd temper expectations for Sanchez. Word is that he's a head case. Williams is promising, but Yanks might trade him as they want more power- that's partly why they traded Austin Jackson for Granderson.

Not familiar with DePaula. Need to check him out.

Cashman needs to held accountable for the lack of young and cheap talent from the farm.

The combo of Theo/Ben have completely out performed him with their drafting.

I've heard the opposite in regards to Ellisbury, Garza and Drew. The Yankees are going to pass on them. Their wish list features Cano, Tanaka, and McCann (possibly adding Beltran).

Who are the 10 oldest players in the league? That's who they will go after. And if they can't get them, they will try for the players who have had the most injuries. Get Cash-man outta there.

Yes, I-man. I agree with you about Ellsbury and Garza. I read a silly report from Jon Heyman that the Yanks were interested in Ellsbury, but he is not a reliable reporter when it comes to Red Sox players. Ellsbury will end up in Seattle because he wants to return to the Pacific Northwest.

Besides, the Yanks gave a 1 year qualifying offer to Granderson, which he might take. If not, they have Gardner ready to move to CF. And Ells is represented by the Devil, Scott Boras, and the Yanks seem to go out of their way to avoid dealing with him.

Drew has definitely been on the Yanks radar for his defense. Since he costs a compensatory pick (he was offered a qualifying offer from the Bosox), the Yanks might stick with their own defensive minded SS in Brendan Ryan. This is especially in light of Drew's disappearance in the post season- the Yanks had their fill with guys, like Swisher and ARod, that don't perform in the playoffs.

Beltran will likely be signed if Granderson leaves, because he wants to play for the Yanks and he has implied he is willing to give them a discount. Maybe he still has a home locally from his time with the Mets?

Personally, I could definitely see Granderson accepting the qualifying offer, proving last year was a fluke, that he can still remain healthy and hit a lot of homeruns. If so, that's all in the Yankees favor.

Also, I'd really like to see the Yankees resign Mark Reynolds. I liked him when he was with Baltimore (because he used to kill us) and he has some pop in his bat. He doesn't hit for average but in his 7 major league seasons, he's hit 20+ homeruns in 6 of those 7 seasons.

Is anybody really surprised at this point? I think it may almost be easier to make a list of drugs A-Rod HASN'T tested positive for:

Report: A-Rod failed test in 2006

Yanks will go cheap at SS, as they already signed Jeter to a raise, and he will play some SS if he's healthy enough. And I agree that there is a good chance for Granderson to sign the qualifying offer, especially since the Yanks will be free to spend again after the '14 season.

ARod has spiraled out of control. His lawyer, Tacopina, attempted to beat up someone on MLB's counsel. ARod has likely paid protesters to bad mouth MLB outside of their offices, has threatened to sue everyone under the sun, and is generally taking a scorched earth tactic.

An intriguing look at SI's Top 50 free agents of the winter and their "best" landing spot based on team needs. Some interesting names for the Yankees that hadn't been discussed before such as Bronson Arroyo, Joaquin Benoit and A.J. Pierzynski.

SI's Top 50 free agents

Well, it's official, the Yankees made 3 qualifying offers today to Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson and Hiroki Kurada. Thank goodness they didn't offer one to Phil Hughes (what a disappointment he turned out to be) and I'll miss Joba Chamberlain. He had SO much promise in 2007

Remember when the Yanks brought up Joba, Hughes, and Ian Kennedy at around the same time? Back then, I thought Kennedy was the worst of the 3, and would be out of baseball soon. I thought Joba was going to succeed Mariano, and Hughes was going to be the future ace of the staff.

Exactly. They were "suppose" to be what John Smoltz, Tom Glavine and Greg Maddox were to the Atlanta Braves. Yeah, didn't work out so much. And I agree, Kennedy was definitely the worst of the 3. He was a spot pitcher - his stuff wasn't great and if he didn't hit his spots, he got shelled. Hughes was suppose to be an ace and that never materialized (although he did have that no hitter going in Texas before getting injured). And yes, Joba was suppose to be Mo's successor. My how he has fallen.

I do remember the killer Bs. Now the yanks are back to the drawing board. They need new scouts or something because their farm system just isn't that good. And DePaula was in the futures game. He has good stuff I think. Still has to improve though. And yeah doesn't Sanchez argue with his coaches and players a lot or something? The steinbrenners and cashman keep taking about building through the draft when they can't seem to pick anyone good. And being in the bottom half of the draft every year doesn't help either but you gotta be able to pick up some talent in the first round.

Exactly! They drafted Gerrit Cole but weren't able to sign him and they were going to draft Mike Trout but the Angels had a lower pick than them and scooped him up. But I do agree, the Yankees farm system and scouting department SUCKS! They pumped up Jesus Montero who didn't do anything with them or the Seattle Mariners (who've since demoted him to the minors). Who's the last legitimate player they developed? Robinson Cano? What amazes me is how teams such as Oakland, Tampa Bay and St. Louis are able to draft, develop and be as competitive as they are with their payroll.

A classy move by the Boston Red Sox. They took out a full-page ad in the St. Louis Post Dispatch to thank the Cardinal fans for their sportsmanship and hospitality during the Series. They also tipped their hat to the St. Louis Cardinal organization.

Can't stand the Red Sox. Idc what they do lol.

YEAH RIGHT! Keep dreaming guys.

Ervin Santana wants $100 million contract while Ricky Nolasco wants $80 million

All it takes is one dumb owner....

The best is when the one dumb owner negotiates against himself.

Very true:

Why Do Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz Get Different Treatment?

Yeah, that's happened many times. The Yankees did it when they resigned A-Rod. Detroit did it when they signed Prince Fielder. The Angels did it with Albert Pujols. It seems like the Yankees didn't do it when Derek Jeter became a free agent a few years ago and aren't going to do it again with Robinson Cano.

Mets with Jason Bay. They were the only ones in the running, and the media was reporting that nobody else had interest. Yet the price kept on getting higher and higher.

The Yanks with ARod was the worst, though. Simply embarrassing.

Agreed. Like I said, if they really wanted to resign him (and not trade for Miguel Cabrera), I would have signed him for the length of years and money remaining on the contract he just opted out of. NOT signed him to another 10 year deal for more money!

And subtracted the $9 million a year the Yanks had to pay, since the opt out let Texas off the hook. The front office acted as if there were 5 other teams in the running. And they weren't even dealing with an agent.

Admittedly, back then I thought Miguel Cabrera was an out of shape fat boy in the mold of David Wells. Boy, was I wrong.

You always look back and say "what if" about players but they could have gotten A-Rod for far less. As you said, he didn't have Boras anymore, he was basically representing himself. STUPID contract!

It's true and it's disgusting. Bud Selig should be ashamed of himself. He pulls out all the stops to destroy arods career but with players like Braun(who I'm guessing he went light on because he you used to own the brewers)he wasn't aggressive toward whatsoever. And Ortiz is the prime example. Claims he doesn't know what happened. What a joke. And I'm not even an arod fan.

I can't blame Selig, ARod's team is taking a scorched earth policy. ARod knows he's guilty, but he's still fighting- never once did he deny doing the drugs he's been suspended for. Braun, Nelson, Peralta, Cabrera and the rest of the guys have already put this behind them, or are nearly there. Casual fans will mostly remember that ARod was guilty of something PED related, because he's always in the news.

Yes, Ortiz would be different. He would quietly do his time without an appeal. I agreed with the article.... I find him more likable than ARod and that effects my response.

I disagree. Ortiz did steroids and he should be condemned just like arod. And he is fighting it because he is a first time offender under the new rule. Yet he is being treated like a multiple time offender. So he isn't wrong in my opinion for appealing. I never stick up for arod but let's be honest, at the end of the day both did steroids and arod has owned up to it before, Ortiz has done nothing but made excuses. But because people don't like arod his image gets destroyed. It's ridiculous. But in other good news, the Yankees are supposedly extremely interested in a number of all the big free agents this offseason. Scott boras has said that the Yankees have been very aggressive toward ellisbury and stephen drew. They are meeting with a lot of big players next week. I'm pretty excited. I just hope they don't make any stupid signings.

Here are my thoughts on this A-Rod/MLB investigation:

I'll start off by saying I'm not a fan of A-Rod. He's been nothing but a distraction to this team since he was traded for in 2004.

Now with that said, I think MLB is out of line in regards to his suspension. As stated previously, this is his first time being caught, since his initial failed test didn't have any consequences that came along with it. The collective bargaining agreement states a player is to be suspended 50 games for a first time offender. 211 games is excessive. Don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE to see his salary taken off of the Yankees books for the 2014 season, but it's not fair to Alex as an individual. How can you teat him differently than all the other players? Now Ryan Braun received a 65-game suspension. Why the extra 15 games, I don't know? Maybe it had something to do with all of the denials and how he tried to ruin other people's lives trying to protect his lie. If that's the case, giving him a little extra because he lied and tried so hard to cover it up, I'm fine with that. Same thing for A-Rod, if it's true that he tried to purchase evidence to obstruct the investigation, suspend him further. But again, 211 is excessive and it's just Bud Selig trying to say he really "cleaned" the game up before he rides off into the sunset while the whole ugly steroid era happened on his watch.

I don't think he's going to get it at age 36 who has a history of injuries.

Carlos Beltran wants three- or four-year deal

As far as Ortiz....it doesn't matter to me if he is crucified or given a pass. The fans can decide, and I believe they are split. Just like the fans are split with ARod.

Supposedly, ARod hasn't disputed any of the accusations that he was a habitual offender of the drug policies. His defense is mostly based around that he is being picked on by the commissioner's office. ARod's 211 games were not simply from being a first time offender. The games he received weren't simply from a dirty test because he never tested dirty. In fact, I don't believe Braun, Peralta, Nelson, Cabrera, etc... tested dirty, either.

Based on what I have read, MLB has very damaging evidence and the choice in front of Selig was 211 games or a lifetime suspension. I read in a NYC tabloid that ARod offered a negotiated figure of 100 games and then retiring....but he either withdrew it or it was declined.

Is an extra 161 games excessive for ARod? I can't answer that until they release the evidence that has been obtained- and I don't think anyone else can, either.

To be fair to Selig, he couldn't begin to clean up the game without a negotiated CBA with the player's union. And the former head of the union, Donald Fehr, was dead set against any form of testing as he considered it a violation of the players' privacy. Then 9/11 happened and both Fehr/Selig decided a strike at that time was not in the nation's best interests. Thus, Fehr gave in a tiny bit with a ridiculous unofficial year of testing....where if a certain percentage of players tested positive, then stronger testing would follow the next season. I'm sure Fehr believed that the players would be smart enough to test clean for one season....he was wrong, lol.

The media was petrified of lawsuits and kept quiet about players arriving in spring training with an extra 20 lbs of solid muscle. They deserve a chunk of the blame and shouldn't point fingers at Selig until they acknowledge their own role in the steroid era.

I've got a problem with it. It's like pick and choose. Some guys get a pass and others don't. It's not fair. Again, I'm not a Rodriguez fan but I'm not an Ortiz fan either.

As for A-Rod, if they want to suspend him for 162 games, I'd be ok with that (dependent upon the evidence) but again, I feel 211 games is a bit much.

Iman, like I previous posted, how can you feel that 162 games is ok but 211 games is too much without knowing the details of the evidence? Are you just arbitrarily chopping off about 25% as a compromise?

For example, if Selig went with a lifetime suspension, would you still stick with 162 games as the proper number?

Like I said, Braun received 15 extra games than the collective bargaining agreement mandates (so there is precedence for additional games). Dependent upon what the evidence shows (i.e. if Alex knowingly tried to obstruct MLB's investigation by purchasing and destroying evidence damning to his case), that I would believe would constitute an extensive suspension. But again, it'll depend on the evidence to determine if an additional 112 games is fair or not.

As for the difference, 162 games is a full season and I think it sends a message to other would be cheaters. To miss out on an entire season is a much bigger deal than 50 or so (just as cheating and purchasing then destroying evidence is much bigger than just cheating). And it's more of a compromise than a lifetime ban.

We both want ARoid's salary off the books for '14, so we have that common ground.

Remember this interview? The first words out of Tacopina's mouth is that he wished that MLB would give him a waiver to discuss Alex's drug history, but luckily for MLB, he was restricted from doing so as per the CBA. I laughed my ass off when Matt Lauer handed him a waiver, allowing both sides to share the info with the public..... obviously, Tacopina didn't sign it then, or later.

If he signed it, then we'd have the info to discuss the proper number of games for Rodriguez to be suspended.

Yeah, I remember that. I'm not sure how much is going to come out but it's well documented that A-Rod's been caught 3 different times now.

Interesting...

Report: Rockies, Cardinals to talk Troy Tulowitzki trade

With the understanding that the Biogenesis scandal didn't produce dirty tests.....isn't the policy with MLB that a lifetime suspension follows the 3rd failed steroid test?



Cards have a lot of good, young pitching for trade bait. Lynn, Martinez, Rosenthal.

Wow, the Braves announced today they are moving to Cobb County Georgia. Going South. Obviously their stadium that was built in '96 was not new enough for them anymore. Building a new stadium and hope to be in it by 17 I think.

Yes, you are correct that 3 failed tests would initiate a lifetime suspension. But his first failed test didn't "count" since these rules weren't in place at the time. The 2nd failed test in 2006 for amphetamines just recently came out and as you stated the Biogenesis scandal hasn't produced any dirty tests (but it IS the 3rd time Alex has been connected to taking illegal supplements).

As for the trade, that's what the article stated that St. Louis may let go of some young arms to try and pry Tulowitzki away from Colorado. He's only 29 and under contract for another 7 years but he's been injured some the last 2 years. That'd be a concern for me.

Wow, that came sooner than expected. He's only 30-years-old:

Joe Mauer to play first base, will no longer catch for Twins

Granderson turns down qualifying offer. Yanks get a supplemental draft pick for Cashman to waste.

Beltran becomes a legit possibility. Choo, too.

The only role the Yanks have with Ellsbury is for Boras to trick GMs into thinking the Yanks are a mystery team to drive up the price.

So Wil Myers and Jose Fernandez took home the AL and NL Rookie of the Year awards respectively. What do you think? Did the voters get it right? I thought Yasiel Puig may have gotten it. I was glad he wasn't named an All-Star this year. I've got nothing against him, it was just too small of a sample size (he was only in the league about a month at that time), but I thought he could have won the Rookie of the Year award. Fernandez had a good year though for a very terrible Marlins team: 12-6 with a 2.19 ERA and 187 SO. He's 1 of the 3 finalists for the NL Cy Young award (although I'm sure it's going to Clayton Kershaw).

Could spell trouble for the Tigers if they trade Scherzer

Report: Tigers open to trading either Max Scherzer or Rick Porcello

I get the impression they think he's this season's version of RA Dickey. Dickey, of course, went from having a career season to back to being a .500 pitcher.

Scherzer, on the other hand, has increased his wins and win percentage every season in the bigs. The Tigers give Fat Prince a ten year deal but want to trade Scherzer?

It appears the contracts of Fielder and Verlander have caught up with the Tigers. Plus, I think they're trying to save a little now for when Miguel Cabrera becomes a free agent again after the 2016 season (sure it's 3 seasons away but remember, Verlander/Fielder and if they were to sign Scherzer long term would all be under contract at that point and they'd STILL be trying to resign Cabrera).

I think this is a great idea by the Yankees to honor Mariano in his home country:

Yankees to play two spring games in Panama

Agents love that the Yanks are players in this year's free agency market. The team has been linked to nearly every single high profile free agent as agents try to increase their player's values.

I believe that only McCann, Beltran, and a closer are being considered, along with Cano. Come to think about it, that's a helluva lot. Yanks play the same game as the agents....they act as if they're interested in Choo, and that keeps Beltran's requests reasonable. Ditto with Balfour and Nathan (plus Robertson).

It's funny that you talked about a closer because apparently the Yankees aren't 100% convinced David Roberton can take over for Mariano Rivera (I've gotta say I'm a little surprised)

Yanks not ready to anoint Robertson as next closer

I'm a little surprised by this (especially since he still has 2 more years before he becomes a free agent)

Orioles reportedly willing to trade Matt Wieters

I don't think he's ready. Nathan is the best choice, and he's a local boy. But, it seems that everyone has him going to Detroit.

It's not a knock on Robertson. I believe that following Rivera and Jeter will be extremely difficult, and for reasons that go beyond performance on the field.

I could see Nathan going to Detroit. As for Robertson, they've never really given him a good crack at it. I believe the article said he's converted 8 out of 18 save opportunities. Not great numbers but still a small sample size. Honestly, I'd worry about other areas such as the starting rotation and the left side of the infield (third base and shortstop). I'd save the money and stick Robertson in the 9th for now.

Mo would often have saves which were quick 1-2-3 innings.

Robertson would make you sweat. Btw, 8 out of 18 is horrible, lol.

Yes, Mo would have a 1-2-3 inning and Robertson has walked a few guys. I'm saying I feel comfortable enough now spending the money in other areas (such as the infield, outfield or starting rotation) and putting Robertson in the closer role.

I just realized that Choo and Drew are represented by Boras. That puts their odds of being signed by the Yanks as very low, just like with Ellsbury.

Yankees need a new scouting department that's for sure. They haven't been producing any young talent and I'm getting kind of annoyed by it. I think they should've bought up banuelos. Even if he was just seeing a little playing time it would've been worth it to just to see what he's got. Jackie Bradley jr was an opening day starter for the Red Sox and he hadn't even played a full season in the minors. He was also at college for about 3 or 4 years but still, the Yankees haven't been developing their talent well.

Wow, this really came out of left field:

MLB trade rumors: David Freese to Yankees?

Yes, Revis. Just a quick comparison between the farm systems of the Yanks and Red Sox show a huge gap. And the Red Sox also have to draft further down the first round in most years.

Freese makes sense. He had a horrible season, which will reduce his trade value. And Kolten Wong needs to get playing time at 2nd, meaning Matt Carpenter can replace Freese.

Freese is clutch in October though

Well it's not Robinson Cano:

Yankees reportedly re-sign Ryan to back up Jeter

Wow, this caught me by surprise. I didn't see Hudson going to the Giants:

Giants close to deal with Tim Hudson

I really hope the yanks go out and spend some money this off season. Does anyone have any clue when some of the big time free agents will sign? I'm getting anxious.

I remember it took until nearly February for Fat Prince to sign with Detroit.
Boras represented Prince, and currently handles Choo, Ellsbury, Drew....and he is known for waiting for as long as it takes. Cano won't be signed for a while. Jay Z is trying to get a second team interested, but is struggling. Cano is sticking with his $300 million request.

Usually the big free agents don't sign until during or after the winter meetings which don't take place until next month. The offseason is long and slow, I don't expect many of the tops free agents to go quickly. They want to drag this out as long as possible to see what type of offers they can ascertain. Makes no sense for them to sign quickly.

I'd take him back. I didn't think they should have let him walk last offseason:

Report: Yankees want Raul Ibanez back to DH against righties

I am ABSOLUTELY stunned by this trade. Guess that Prince Fielder experiment didn't work out too well did it Detroit? He only lasted 2 seasons. I think this will be a better deal for Detroit since they get out of the next 7 years of his contract and Fielder will be more productive in a hitters park like Arlington. Do the Tigers now spend their money to get protection around Miguel Cabrera in the form of Robinson Cano?

Source: Prince Fielder to Rangers

Alex Rodriguez embarrassed himself horribly yesterday. His childishness in pounding the table, cursing and storming out of the hearing room was a new low even for him. His request to subject the commissioner to cross-examination was an attempt to turn the proceeding into a circus.

I was also very suprised by this deal. I think that it was a great move by Detroit, unloading a huge contract for a player with a weight problem. I think they can now look at keeping Verlander and Scherzer long-term, which would not have happened with the albatross of Fielder's contract.

What I'm amazed at is that teams can keep dumping these kinds of salaries. Boston dumped Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett onto the Dodgers and now Detroit has dumped Prince Fielder onto the Rangers. It's just amazing that these types of contract are being accepting by the teams (although I believe Detroit may still be paying some of it but it's still better than paying for all of it).

I agree that the Red Sox had a salary dump by unloading big contracts, and didn't have to pay any portion of them. However, this deal is more of a salary exchange for the Rangers. The Prince deal includes another overpaid player in Ian Kinsler.

I believe that Detroit is chipping in $30 million to help pay for Prince. That would bring his deal to $138 million over 7 years.....coming to $19.7 million/season.
Kinsler has 4 years left at $75 million....$18.7 million/season. It's practically a wash.

Therefore, assuming my math is correct, the Rangers will only be paying an extra $1 million a season for the next 4. The final 3 seasons with an overweight Prince will be a bigger question mark. The Rangers supposedly came in second for Prince a few seasons ago, and this should be a much better deal for them.

Finally, the Rangers are going with their prized prospect at 2nd. And the Tigers have the All Star Kinsler at 2nd. Thus, I don't expect either of them to be in the Cano sweepstakes, despite what the media reports.

I think that these salary dumps will result in shorter contracts. I would suprised to see 10 year deals for any player moving forward. Six years seems to be about right, but even that is not without risk.

I thought that I heard on the radio that DET agreed to pay $30 million of Fielders's contract. To me that is clear acknowledgement that Tigers felt he was a mistake.

To me, this was the act of a man who knows he is going to lose in arbitration. Both ARod and Tacopina have pretty much admitted as much and will now attempt to have it overturned in federal court. The entire ordeal was obviously scripted in a way that would make Vince McMahon proud.

As an interesting twist....ARod denied having done anything wrong. He is not saying that he should be treated like the others and receive a 50 game suspension. He believes he should receive zero games. His pants are on fire....

Fielder just didn't work out. Locally he used up a lot of good will with his comments after the games and after the Boston series ended. People didn't think he was trying hard or cared enough. Of course that's probably not the case but his production simply didn't match his salary. Most of the sentiment on the local sports talk radio was downright celebratory.

This column is typical of the majority of the feeling, I think.

Detroit only had to pay 30 million over seven years to unload him, which isn't bad. I bet this trade works out for both teams.

Well David Freese is no longer a St. Louis Cardinal:


David Freese traded to Angels

I believe it's a good trade for both teams. Angels need a 3rd baseman, and the Cards need a good CF.

Bourjos was the prized call up a few years ago, with blazing speed. But he's been slow to develop, partly because there isn't a spot for him with Trout, Hamilton and Trumbo.

The Cards will have a lot of added speed next season with Bourjos and Kolten Wong at 2nd.

What is ARod thinking?

Very rarely will a binding arbitrator's decision be turned over in federal court. And the process has been extremely favorable to the players, compared to the owners. Case in point is when the arbitration process somehow allowed Ryan Braun to skate when he had a dirty urine sample two seasons ago.

Welcome to the New York Yankees Mr. McCann! Nice upgrade at catcher.

Brian McCann agrees with Yankees

Very nice upgrade at catcher. Yanks have finally acknowledged that their youngsters, like Gary Sanchez, are not worth waiting for.

With McCann, the Yanks have used part of their budget with Cano still out there. I still think that 7 years should be the absolute longest term for Cano, especially if a mystery team doesn't surface. He's 31, who wants to pay a 38 year old over $25 million? Nobody else seems interested.....

Here's a good article about Cano, even though it's from the Boston media.
http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/1...hhFO/story.html

The brian McCann signing was great. I saw it coming though because the yanks needed a catcher and he was one of their top targets. I'm happy either way. Huge addition. Hopefully they're not done.

I agree but I wonder what they're gonna do with Gary Sanchez now? McCann's signed for 5 years (glad they didn't go more because he'll be 35 when it expires - although there is an option year to make it a 6 year contract).

As for Cano, word out of Detroit is that he met with the Tigers this weekend. Not sure if Detroit's gonna use the money they now have since trading Fielder on Cano or Scherzer? I'm sure they want to keep Scherzer but they need protection around Cabrera and Ian Kinsler is not that protection!

I'm not sure how I feel about this signging (although I think 4 years might be a little much, but that's just me):

Cards give Jhonny Peralta 4-year deal

Don't know how good Peralta will be without the PEDs, but he got paid. Just like with Melky Cabrera two seasons ago. The incentive is still there to cheat because teams will hand out big money to them, even after they're busted.

Cards upgraded their weakest positions (SS, CF), have good, young pitching, and have the speedster Wong at second. Their future looks bright.

I'm not sad to see him go. I wonder how he'll do in Minnesota:

Report: Twins sign Phil Hughes for $24 million over three years

Hughes has a very good agent.

Some were surprised. They thought he would sign a one year deal to potentially make more money next offseason if he had a better 2014. As the article said, Ricky Nolasco just signed a 4 year deal worth $49 million while Hughes get 3 years for $24 million

Glad to see Scott Kazmir may be sticking around MLB for a little while longer:

Scott Kazmir to sign with Oakland

Wow, I didn't see this coming. I think the Nationals got the better of the deal:

Nationals get Doug Fister in trade

A lot of moves recently in MLB:

Joe Nathan, Detroit Tigers close

Rays banking on rebounds from Bell and Hanigan

Brian Wilson reportedly ‘getting close’ to re-signing with Dodgers

A’s reinforce pitching staff with deals for closer Jim Johnson and starter Scott Kazmir

A.J. Pierzynski signing more about frugality than upgrade for Red Sox

HOLY CRAP! I did NOT see this coming!

Source: Jacoby Ellsbury, Yanks agree

I'm shocked. Yanks could have kept Granderson for much cheaper. And if power wasn't important with their CF, they should have kept Austin Jackson.

Ells is a slow fast player, who will continue to lose speed with each year. But if this means they won't bid against themselves with Cano, then I'll take it. I hope the article is correct saying the highest the Yanks will offer Cano is $175 mil.

As do I. I'm almost prepared to say let him go to Seattle. If he wants the money that badly and Seattle's not a playoff team so Cano won't hurt us and he doesn't go to Boston, let him go. I'd rather do what the Cardinals did with Albert Pujols - let him walk and spend the money elsewhere. Hey, they won a World Series without him.

Some fans are clamoring for Boston to move on Cano, but they have Pedroia- who runs hard to first. So any offer to Cano will include a move to 3rd base and paying way less than what the Yanks have offered. Seattle comes with limited off field opportunities, a losing tradition, 22k fans per game, and reduced power numbers. Toronto has its warts, also.

That's what free agency is all about. Yanks had to overpay for Ellsbury because Boras had them believing that 4 other teams were in pursuit and someone was going to pay that money. Meanwhile, Jay Z hasn't been able to convince Cashman that someone has offered $288 million to Cano. If the Yanks believe they have the best offer, why would they increase it....especially with the ARod arbitration saga reminding them about their previous negotiation mistakes?

I don't see Cano going to Boston. As you said they have Pedroia. Plus I'm sure they wouldn't want to add his salary to the payroll after just unloading Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett. I could see Cano going to Texas before Boston.

Speaking of A-Rod, I heard a rumor (and I think this would be genius) that the Yankees may just pay A-Rod outright. Meaning they pay him the remainder of his contract and he never plays for them again. Plus, paying him out wouldn't count against their luxury tax! The only thing to wait on is his arbitration hearing to see if he's going to play in 2014 or not.

So Granderson may be staying in New York after all (just not with the Yankees)

Talks intensify for Mets, Granderson

Not good if the Yankees were banking on him:

Japanese team may not post Tanaka

Not a bad signing for 1 year and $10 million:

Report: Dodgers, Brian Wilson agree to 1-year, $10 million deal

I think all this team jumping is part of the demise of baseball. That and Joe Buck announcing. Thank God McCarver is gone.

Joe Buck isn't as bad as Tim McCarver. I could handle Buck but not anti-Yankee McCarver! Good riddance!

Some more good news if the Yankees can make it happen:

Cashman: Kuroda interested in Yankees return

There are reports that Robinson Cano has signed a ten year contract with Seattle. The Mariners are expected to make a few more moves as well.

I'm shocked honestly but happy the Yankees stuck to their guns. The front end of that contract will be good but the end will be terrible (think A-Rod). I wish Robbie all the best and thanks for the memories!

Not too sad to see Granderson go either. I like him (got nothing against him) but I don't think he was the player they envisioned he'd be when they traded for him in 2009.

Mets to sign Curtis Granderson

I honestly think the Yankees resented having to do business with an agent they view as completely inexperienced. Whether or not there's any merit to their position remains to be seen.

I hate Boras like poison, but if he was Cano's agent he'd be wearing a Yankees cap right now.

It just goes to show that Cano wanted nothing more than money. Which I don't have a problem with. But I don't want to hear after 3 or 4 seasons about how Seattle isn't winning or trying to compete. You went to Seattle for the money and nothing more. If you wanted a chance to win the World Series year in and year out, you'd have stayed in New York.

I really liked the Beltran signing.

Jay z is a very smart business man. Can't blame Canó for taking that money. Would've loved to see him stay but it happens. I think the Yankees should've given him a little more money to show some respect. You throw all that money to ellsbury who's missed more than 200 games the last 2 season but you only give about 10 million more to canó who's missed less than 15(I don't remember the actual #)and is way better than ellsbury. That's an insult. But Canó got his money so good for him.

I never said he wasn't. I just said that I think the Yankees resented having to deal with him. If you listen to any sports radio up here, every other caller was saying the same thing.

Hell, Michael Kay---a known Yankee shill---said the same thing. But Jay-Z got Cano got the money, so good for the both of them .

I wasn't directing that comment at you. I was just making the statement that jay z is a very smart business man.

I do too but not for 3 years. Feels a little too much like Ichiro last season with his 2 year deal (how much do you anticipate him playing this year)?

My thoughts on 2 things thus far this offseason for the Yankees:

1) The free agent class they signed in 2008 (CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett and Mark Texiera) are stronger than this current crop (Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran)

2) The Yankees need PITCHING! They have added offense for sure and they've resigned Kuroda (YES!) but they're still missing 2 starters (1 will probably go to either David Phelps, Adam Warran, Vidal Nuno or Michael Pineda). So that still leaves 1 start and they need either a set-up man (if David Robertson's going to be the closer) or a closer. I do NOT want to see them trade for David Price. I'd like to see him in New York don't get me wrong but I don't want to part with the prospects it'll cost to get him. He'll be a free agent this time next year - be patient.

Absolutely, Irish. If they don't get some pitching, it's gonna be just as quiet on 161st Street next October as it was last October .

Jay-Z was Cano's agent? I knew he opened an agency but i didn't know he was actually doing the deals himself. Huh...that guy has his hand in alot of things these days.


My favorite Super Sports Agent of all time... Arli$$ Michaels!

Yes I agree. But Beltran can also DH. He has to stay healthy which has always been a big "If" for him.

The lack of respect was Jay Z demanding a 10 year/$305 million contract. Even desperate Seattle didn't go near that. Cano wanted to be the highest paid player in the game and he nearly got it

As far as respect, there was also no home town discount. Right before Jay Z/Cano were flying out to Seattle to sign a $225 million deal (which they reneged on)....they called the Yankees FO and offered to sign with them for $235 million.

Yankee fans are spoiled.

While they were mourning over the loss of Cano, the front office immediately announced deals with both Carlos Beltran and Hiroki Kuroda. Fans didn't even have to wait 24 hours! The Yanks were serious about moving ahead with or without Cano, and the winter meetings haven't even started.

McCann, Ellsbury, Kuroda, Beltran....and they're not done yet. I'm going to miss Gardner, though, he's good as gone.

Yeah I think Gardner's gone although there's talk about the Yankees trying to move Ichiro. They won't get much for him in return but he could be worth the risk (final year of his contract and his salary is $6 million).

Personally, I'd like to see Gardner and Ellsbury on the same team together, even if it's just for the year since more than likely I think Gardner's gone as a free agent. But from a business stand point, I do understand it makes sense to move him now to get some value for him.

Ichiro is on the trading block, but he has little value anymore and will likely go somewhere mostly to fill seats. This might be his last season. Wells will be released, and his salary doesn't count against the luxury cap.

However, there's still Gardner, Soriano, Beltran, and Ellsbury for 3 spots. It's tough to hand a DH spot to Soriano because Jeter, ARod and McCann will need to DH, also.

Wow, I'm kinda surprised by this. Such a good pitcher. It's a shame he never won a ring. I wonder how long Cliff Lee's gonna stick around now?

Roy Halladay To Retire

This was inevitable. His injuries over the past two years were too much to overcome. He was one of the truly great pitchers of his era. One of his crowning glories was pitching a postseason no-hitter in 2010. I got to see one of his last starts this past September when he came off the disabled list on a warm Sunday afternoon to pick up his last win.

His retirement won't affect Cliff Lee's career plans. Halladay's departure was assumed. He was a free agent and there was no interest in him. Lee has some good seasons remaining in that left arm of his.

Too bad they never won a ring together. They had a good team and Halladay and Lee were probably the best one-two punch in a rotation IMO. As you said, a great pitcher.

Damned Cardinals!

The Expansion Era Committee elected Tony LaRussa, Bobby Cox and Joe Torre to the Baseball Hall of Fame. They are third, fourth and fifth, respectively, in managerial wins.

The Writers Assn. will vote to determine what players, if any, will be inducted with them in July.

There will be players this year. Greg Maddox and Tom Glavine are on the ballet for the first time this year. Maddox is at least a lock IMO.

It will be criminal if they don't go in together. But then again, I'm just a sentimental old fool .

Very happy for Joe Torre. As for Halladay, I read that he signed a one day contract with Toronto so that he could retire as a Blue Jay.

So sorry about Cano. He was a great 2nd baseman for the Yankees, but then so was Soriano. I wish we had kept Soriano all those years instead of making that trade for ARod back in the day.

You think Jeter will be DH? I still have doubts about his return. I hope he gets to play one more season, but I'm not so sure.

Besides the stupid A Rod trade....how about Chuck I-can't-reach-first-base Knoblach? Didn't Steve Sax have the same problem. Willie Randolph was the best (2nd Base).

If there was ever one knock on Maddox it's that he was bad in the postseason. But he's still one of the 5 best pitchers to ever play.

I'm not crazy about this trade but they could do worse:

Yankees Targeting Justin Masterson

There are reports that the Phillies are shopping Cliff Lee and Cole Mamels, who is signed through 2018, but I have doubts about it as they signed carlos Ruiz and Chase Utley and acquired ex-Phil Marlon Byrd.

They're doing it to try and dump payroll but they want top players back in return. I don't think they're gonna get both. I think teams will take on the contracts but not give up top players or give up top players with the Phillies eating more of the contracts than they want.

This is supported mostly from Yankee fans and their blogging, since they're both walking at the end of the '14 season. Yankees need pitching and Masterson fits the bill.

Question: How much do you think Gardner will command on the open market? I think the Yankees FO is expecting to be priced out of the market, which explains their actions this offseason. It's strange to see the Yanks get priced out of keeping their good home grown players.

I don't see Gardner getting the kind of contract Ellsbury got. I'd see him getting something similar to what Granderson received from the Mets. Gardner is a great defender, has a good arm, is dangerous when on base but he's a career .268 hitter. Personally, I'd like to see his average higher if he was going to bat lead off (which he probably would do on most other teams). But he's not as aggressive on the bases as Ellsbury is either. Again, I'd expect Granderson type money.

At Granderson money, wouldn't you expect the front office to keep Gardner? That's basically Beltran money, with one extra year, for a younger, faster guy.

I think it'll depend on if they fall under $189 million or not. Even if the Yankees don't fall under that this year, perhaps they will next year. I could see them doing it very soon. They may have spent a lot this offseason since their ratings and attendance figures were down so low this year compared to recent years. They needed to do something to get the fans back. So maybe if for 2015 they're trying to get under the new salary cap, I could see them passing on him.

Plus, do you feel (or rather do the Yankees feel) that he's worth $15 million a year? Personally, I don't think he is - but that's just my opinion.

Now the rumor is the Indians aren't going to trade Masterson this offseason and have even informed him so. But now there's chatter the Yankees might go after Johan Santana (which I think is a mistake given his injury history since leaving Minnesota). I'm only onboard if the contract is incentive based on number of starts, innings pitched, etc.

Sources: Yanks have interest in Santana

I think this is a good signing by the Mets. I was hoping the Yankees would go after him but I wouldn't have gone 2 years on him:

Mets To Sign Bartolo Colon

Yanks turned down a Brett Gardner for Brandon Phillips (2b) trade. Reds are trying to unload Phillips' contract to free up some money for Choo.

Yanks offered 3 years to Omar Infante to play 2b. He has a 4 year deal from the Royals, supposedly, and turned down the Yanks.

Royals have outbid the Yanks on both Infante and Beltran. Seattle outbid the Yanks on Cano. What the heck is going on?!

Seattle has put the disappointing Jesus Montero on the trading block.

I'm glad the Yankees didn't trade Gardner for Phillips. I'd rather have Gardner on the team next year than Phillips.

As for Infante, I wouldn't give him 4 years either. It's not that teams are outbidding New York (such as Kansas City and Seattle) it's that they're giving them more years which I REALLY applaud the Yankees for not doing. They're showing some restraint and using their money more wisely I believe. They caved in for Beltran since they only wanted to give him 2 years but I think 4 years for Infante is a bit much personally. Sure the deals look good now but what about towards the end of them. Remember last winter the Yankees signed Ichiro to a 2-year contract and now they can't get rid of him with only a year left on it!

Really surprised by Montero. There was SO much hype surrounding him. I'm not surprised about his defense because that was always called into question. And his offensive numbers I could see them being down in a ballpark like Safe Co Field. I wonder how they'd play in a more hitter friendly park? I'm sure someone will pick him up cheap (I would).

In 29 games last year, Montero's OPS+ (adjusted for ballparks) was only 69. His OPS was .570 and batted .208. Plus, he was taking PED's from Biogenesis and was suspended 50 games....his numbers will not likely increase without the 'roids. Besides the suspension, he only played 29 games because the M's optioned him to the minor leagues. Add in that he doesn't really have a position and the Yanks really don't even want him on the cheap, since the DH will be crowded.

Jesus Montero, Killer B's, multiple catching prospects......none of them have panned out. Great scouting, guys.

Exactly. THAT'S what the Yankees need to be investing their money in. Their farm system for the most part has always sucked. Guys are just overhyped and never pan out. There are some exceptions like the Core Four, Robinson Cano, David Robertson, etc.

But look at who hasn't in addition to your list: Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Ian Kennedy, etc.

The guy I was excited for was Austin Jackson, the heir apparent to Bernie. There was no need to trade him, because combined with Gardner, would have been 2/3rds of an inexpensive, but speedy OF- and a much cheaper option than Ellsbury. But alas, Cashman is in love with HR's and wanted the 4 years of 8 figure salaries for Granderson, at the expense of 7 cost controlled years of Jackson.

Holding out hope for Banuelos, but that's about it.

I agree. I was just thinking as Granderson signed with the Mets that the deal didn't work out exactly as the Yankees planned. He hit a lot of homeruns but I think they expected more from Granderson both offensively and defensively. I think they should have held onto Jackson myself too. I remember he was untouchable just like Montero and then all of a sudden, he's now gone. Not to mention he's a speedy outfielder but he could have also been our lead off hitter all of this time. Sure he had a problem striking out his first 2 years but those numbers have gone down. Currently he's a .278 hitter but doesn't appear to steal a lot of bases.

And I agree, Banuelos is the last hope for a Yankees pitcher for a while except for Pineda (got my fingers crossed on him but really what can we expect from him after shoulder surgery). Shoulders are so unpredictable unfortunately.

Wow, we were just talking about this. I'd take this trade right now because Jackson is under team control for another 2 years while Gardner's a free agent after next season:

Jackson for Gardner

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/240-million-dead-beat-cano-striking-dad-article-1.1546458

I know there are two sides to every story, but Cano needs to increase his child support payments- he can afford more than $600-$1200/month. How about Cano trying to lock in a ten year contract, shortly before he became a free agent...

"Castro confirmed an ESPN report earlier this year which said that a Cano representative approached her in February with a 10-year contract to sign. The contract dealt with visitation rights and indicated she would be paid about 150,000 Dominican pesos, or between $500 and $600"

This could start to get ugly. Look, I LOVE the Yankees. It's no secret here. And I even like Randy Levine but sometimes he just needs to let things go. Stories like this, for me as a fan, are embarrassing. It's not the Yankee way. Take the high road and let it go. What good does it do to get into it with the media with A-Rod or Robinson Cano? I can understand how Cano could feel disrespected. He signed with Seattle. Move on. And no, I won't boo him when he comes back. I still like Robbie, I've got nothing against him. As Pete Rose said, Jay-Z got him a 10-year contract worth $240 million and 30 extra days of vacation in October!

Yanks 'feel bad' for Robinson Cano

Hmmm.....I think I disagree with you here. Although I understand your point, Levine was asked to respond to the comments made by Cano. Cano, imo, should take the high road and possibly get a new PR team. Honestly, I pretty much agreed with Levine....including that Cano probably wished he was still a Yankee. Even if the Yanks offered him an 8 year deal, he still would have said no, so he should just enjoy his new deal and new team.

Ellsbury, was offered $80 million by the Sox- he has a bigger gripe. And he has had nothing but kind words for Boston. Who knows, maybe that is the difference between the preparation that Boras and Jay Z have for their clients before being introduced to their new teams?

Roy Halladay took out a full page ad in the Philadelphia Inquirer, expressing appreciation to the Phillie fans for his three seasons here. That was a classy gesture. Victorino did the same when he was traded.

yankees picked up brian roberts, guess that answers the 2nd baseman question.

Not a bad pickup if he can remain healthy. I'd still like to see them pick up Mark Reynolds on a similar contract. I like his bat.

My jury is out on the acquisition- he could be the weakest starter going into ST that I can recall. Based on his numbers (especially OPS+), he seems spent as a player. And his good seasons were likely due to PEDs.

But his inability to stay on the field....wow, this guy is a walking MASH unit. Herniated disc, ruptured knee tendon, hip surgery, etc... he even gave himself a concussion by purposely hitting himself on the head with a baseball bat. So, in addition to being injury prone, he may not be that bright!

DEFINITELY glad Choo turned down this offer. Nothing against Choo but he is NOT worth 7-years at $140 million IMO. Yankees dodged a bullet with that one.

Choo Turned Down Seven-Year Offer From Yankees

Choo will be the highest paid platoon player in baseball.

Exactly. And as I've stated, I think they overpaid a little for Ellsbury. But that contract for Choo would have just been insane. I wonder if Boris is kicking himself now?

Rumors are they're going to introduce Carlos Beltran on Friday.

Pitching? Where's the pitching? Year after year,they acquire these high paid, allegedly productive offensive players and they turn out to be OFFENSIVE.

The Yanks are waiting for Tanaka to be posted. They are considered to be frontrunners for him. Last year at age 24, he went 24-0 in Japan.

Yankees front office has stated that they are not interested in paying the inflated prices for the available FA pitchers on the market- Garza, Jiminez, E. Santana.

I agree with Cashman. This year's free agent pitching crop is weak as will next year's (save for Max Scherzer who's going to command crazy money). I'd wait on Tanaka as well. The only guy I'd look at right now is Matt Garza who's pitched in the AL before but his numbers last year with Texas left something to be desired.

I can't say I'm surprised. After the new posting system was agreed upon, I didn't think he'd post this year. Kinda disappointed.

Source: Yanks set to move on sans Tanaka

From what I've heard, there isn't a final decision on whether or not Tanaka will be posted.

I hold the minority opinion, but I'd prefer Tanaka to be held until next season. Then, have the Yanks find a way to stay under $189 (with the help of ARod's suspension). In this case, after 2014, Tanaka will be a free agent and the Yanks will be open their wallets again.

I agree. They should get under in 2013 since their rotation is kinda dicey in the #4 and #5 spots. Get under the cap in 2013 and open up in 2014!

Masahiro Tanaka.....clubs have until January 24th to come to an agreement. Predictions?

Striking out 6 in two innings in the WBC.

The rumor as of now are the Yankees, Dodgers and Angels are the 3 finalist.

What about the Cubs?

I guess the Yanks can get under $189 million without Tanaka, or blow by it with him.

Cubs are in it but again, from the rumors those are the 3 finalists.

I can't believe nobody's posted this yet but the Yankees just signed Masahiro Tanaka! You can't deny they had the best offseason with adding McCann, Ellsbury, Beltran and now Tanaka

Masahiro Tanaka to Yanks for $155M

HUGE signing!

The Yanks have gone from a really iffy rotation to one which will allow them to compete for a division title. I cannot imagine giving all that money for a guy with a projected ceiling of a #2, but that's what the open market brought.

I'm looking forward to watching him pitch. He's got a filthy splitter and fork ball. Fastball is a bit flat, though, but he has outstanding command.

For the generation of yankee fans too young to remember the glory of Hideki Irabu, they're bringing in Tanaka.

There was actually more hype in '96 when Irabu was signed.

What cracks me up is all of these so called "experts" who are now saying that the Yankees still aren't a playoff team? Are you kidding me? Are these the same idiots who predicted the Blue Jays were gonna win the World Series last year (even when I knew and predicted that they wouldn't even make the playoffs)?

The Yankees were in contention for playoff spot until the last few games of the regular season. And that's WITH injuries to Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Texieira and Curtis Granderson amongst others. And that's WITH CC Sabathia having the worst year of his career, Ivan Nova having an inconsistent first half, Kuroda stumbling towards the finish line at the end of the season and Phil Hughes with his 5.19 ERA. Now you upgrade your catcher with McCann, upgrade your outfield with Ellsbury and Beltran and upgrade your rotation with Tanaka. Sure, they lost Cano and that's going to hurt them, but I think their 4 signings above help them more than the lose of Cano.

Also, I'm not putting too much pressure on Tanaka this year. I'd expect him to win between 10-15 games with an era in the high 3's/low 4's. Let him get a season under his belt and then judge him accordingly.

World Series: Bucs v. Yankees in a repeat of the '60 WS. Bucs win!

I'm not sold on Pittsburgh yet. I'm predicting they miss the playoffs like the Orioles did this past year after their incredible 2012 campaign.

I can't believe AJ turned into a pitching monster for Pittsburgh.

Yanks have major questions at 3rd and 2nd, with no depth at 1st and SS. But at least they have a rotation, on paper, that is respectable.

Vegas has the Yanks as the second favorite in the AL to win the WS....tied with Boston and behind Detroit. Bovada also has the Yanks right behind Detroit in the AL.

I remember watching his first game - High and tight; the guy was fantastic. All went downhill from there until George called him a Pussy Toad. Tanaka doesn't look like a toad.

I wouldn't call him a monster but I knew he stats would improve in the NL.

I think the Yankees are the second best team in the AL, behind only Detroit. I think they're better than Boston honestly, but they do need to add more depth to their bullpen. That's been a strength of theirs the past few years but they need a setup man if Robertson's gonna close now and Balfour just signed with Tampa Bay.