MLB DISCUSSION THREAD

[Luke]

First topic message reminder :

This is what I should have put instead of adding a year  

[Gerry SA]

Whilst Giancarlo Stanton's contract looks excessive at first glance, looking into details, it's well designed.

The contract is backloaded.

2015: $6.5m
2016: $9m
2017: $14.5m

Then between 2018-20, Stanton stands to bag $77m. At which point he can opt out off the final 7 years of his contract.

Should he stay the duration, from 2021-28 - Stanton stands to bag a staggering $218m, roughly $31m per year.

[kwinigolfer]

Or, to put it another way, the Fish have to pay him $218M over 7 yrs; that's enough to sink the franchise unless Stanton can do something spectacular enough to shake South Florida out of its apathy.
I bet Brian Cashman wouldn't go that route again . . . . . . .

[Gerry SA]

Or, to put it another way, the Fish have to pay him $218M over 7 yrs; that's enough to sink the franchise unless Stanton can do something spectacular enough to shake South Florida out of its apathy.
I bet Brian Cashman wouldn't go that route again . . . . . . .

TBH I think Miami would offload Stanton after the first 6 years end, it doesn't make financial sense to pay him $31m per season in the second half of his contract when the team isn't competitive.

[kwinigolfer]

Agreed. But more likely 3 years.

[Gerry SA]

Chicago White Sox have bagged free agent Adam LaRoche on a 2 year contract, worth $25m.

Boston Red Sox have tabled free agent Pablo Sandoval a 5 year deal, worth $95m.

[Luke]

Great signings in my opinion, especially the LaRoche to the White Soxs one. He is what they need.

The Dodgers are sorting out there ballpen. With the acquisition of Mike Bolsinger from the Diamondbacks. And trading Jose Dominguez and Greg Harris to Tampa for Joel Peralta and Adam Liberatore. So the Dodgers now have the starters, ballpen and Closers. Maybe this will be there year to actually do something in the play offs.

[Luke]

Sandoval looks likely to have a choice between Red Soxs, San Diego or San Francisco.
His preferred choices are apparently, Giants, then Boston. Though the Padres have apparently put together a bigger contract than the figure Boston have.

Kiwi
will New York City playing at Yankee stadium have any effect next year? I.e could the pitch cut up badly and will this effect the Yanks.

[kwinigolfer]

Hi tiger,
Haven't got my mind round that yet. Imagine they'll schedule the MLS games around the MLB schedule, and the groundsmen will likely have a day or two to restore the hallowed turf to decent condition.

[kwinigolfer]

It looks like Hanley Ramirez to return to Boston, this time on a 5-year contract, will be announced today.
There's another move that will end in tears - be very surprised if Ramirez is still in a Red Sox uniform for the 2017 season. He'll be good for a while but then "character" issues will start to creep in and he'll wear out his welcome.
Henry and Werner throwing money at quick fixes, there's a surprise.

[kwinigolfer]

Wrong again as it's looking increasingly as if Pablo Sandoval is on his way East, to Boston. And he leaves behind a franchise where he's enjoyed great success, not to mention an appreciative fan-base. Similarities I would think to the Adrian Gonzalez move a few years ago - and how long did that last?
Now we can start look at the Fenway exit as they need to rid themselves of a surfeit of outfielders and start to build a credible pitching rotation. Cespedes first man to leave?

Meanwhile, in a deal which makes far more sense, Seattle offers a seven-year contract extension to 3rd baseman Kyle Seager. Watch for the Mariners in 2015!

[Gerry SA]

Los Angeles Dodgers have acquired Juan Nicasio from the Colorado Rockies. Deal will be either for a player or cash.

Meanwhile outfielder Josh Willingham has retired after an 11 year career.

[Luke]

The Ramirez (4 year $88 million with a vesting option for a 5th at a futher $22 million), and Sandoval (5 year $95 million). Have both been confirmed by Boston.

Jon Lester who next week is meeting the Giants & Cardinals, has reportedly been offered a 6 year deal, worth north of $135 million deal by the Chicago Cubs.

Minnesota have held talks with Torii Hunter about him returning.

And disappointingly for Kiwi, due to the Ramirez and Sandoval deals, the Yankees know face competition for Chase Headley who becomes alot more attractive prospect for a number of teams.

[kwinigolfer]

tiger,
But money is no object for the Yankees, for better (sometimes) but usually for worse!

I think the Sawx are still hoping that Lester returns . . . . . . .

[Luke]

Yasmany Thomas and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed a 6 year $65.5 million, with an opt out clause for 4. According to sources though this has yet to be confirmed by either party. Physical next week.

[Luke]

Miami have signed pitcher Aaron Crow from Kansas.
With Brian Flynn and Reid Redman going the other way.

Kansas have also re-signed pitcher Jason Fraser for 2015, to a $1.5 million contract (with incentive bonuses), and a mutual option for 2016.

[kwinigolfer]

Here's one I didn't see coming: Donaldson from the A's to the Blue Jays.
One of baseball's premier players for four bit parts/prospects.

[Luke]

Right, getting slightly worried now. Still no word on Markakis (who the longer it goes on looks more likely to go), or Cruz. Davis being linked elsewhere, and both the Soxs and Blue Jays significantly improving there sides.
Still Machada and Wieters coming back will help.

Kiwi

Hope you had a good thanksgiving.

[kwinigolfer]

Nelson Cruz to the Mariners on a 4-Year deal?

The Jon Lester auction is heating up as he visits the Giants - and the Yanks reported to be close to a deal for Andrew Miller - does this signal the departure of David Robertson with Betances our new "Fireman"? Hope we kepp Robertson!

Thanks giving good, thanks Tiger. Not really by bag though - I'm the facilitator for Thanksgiving, nothing to celebrate!

[Luke]

Seen the thing about Nelson Cruz, 4 year $57 million can't say I blame him, giSeattle definitely looking good for at least a post season spot, and that's a hell of a batting line up Cano followed by Cruz.

Looks like we looking at the trade root, and Jeff Kemp's name keeps popping up, can't see it myself.

[Luke]

St Louis have beefed up there ballpen, after signing Matt Belisle on a 1 year $3.5 million deal.

Torii Hunter has apparently agreed a 1 year, $10.5 million deal to return to the Minnesota Twins.

The Dodgers have obtained outfielder Chris Heisey from the Cincinnati Reds, with pitcher Matt Magill going the other way.

[kwinigolfer]

I saw that Torii Hunter move - widely praised as being an outstanding leader in the "club house", fine role model for younger players.
Imagine he'll be thrilled to be back in the Twins organization, mutual love affair.

[kwinigolfer]

Wanted!
Some hitters for Baltimore.
With Nelson Cruzing to Seattle, Markakis is reported to be on the verge of signing for the Braves.
Difficult to believe they couldn't offer him something competitive with the 4-year, $45M he's reportedly agreed to.

Interesting trade between Seattle and Toronto for Michael Saunders and JA Happ. Good deal for Seattle at first glance.

[Luke]

This might be stupid, but I sort of get the feeling if it had been anyone else than the Braves (he grew up in the area), I not sure that he would have gone. Though it's mystery how we didn't get the deal done earlier especially as we were supposed to be interested in him.

Headley has apparently agreed a 4 year $65 million contract with???? Clubs asking about him are being told.

[kwinigolfer]

Hadn't heard that about Headley, tiger; I'd rather have Markakis at a few mil less!

But then I hadn't heard about the Grigorious trade either - hadn't even heard of Grigorious, but don't think much of losing Shane Greene.

Kevin Cash, one-time journeyman back-up catcher for so many teams including the Sawx and Yanks, appointed manager of the Rays to take over Joe Maddon's hot seat..

[kwinigolfer]

Looks like the Miller-to-Yankees deal is sealed.
Most likely that signals the end for David Robertson; think most Yankee fans will be bitterly disappointed at that. Now the wait to see where he turns up. Can't imagine who will offer him money to make a move worthwhile. Shame.

[Luke]

I actually think that you got the worse out of the trade at this moment (Gregorius might prove me wrong). But Detroit get a good young pitcher to add to there front 5, Arizona strengthen there ballpen and get a prospect. You've strengthened an AL rival for the post season, while it could be argued weakened your own ballpen.

But like I said I could be very wrong here. And at least your doing something (other than letting your main offensive players leave ).

[kwinigolfer]

Jon Lester decision due in the next 24 hours. Where's he going? No idea, but unless he has personal reasons for going elsewhere I'd think he'd be daft not to return to Fenway.

[kwinigolfer]

No word on Lester yet, but ESPN reporting David Robertson is on the threshold of signing a 4-year deal with the White Sox - very sorry to see him go; there'll be Teixera (with a bit of luck) and Brett Gardner (hopefully, plus a couple of starters, CC etc) and the rest of the Yankees line-up will be unrecognizable from two years ago.
Yankee faithful unlikely to be thrilled.

ESPN also has the ChiSox trading for Jeff Samardzija from Oakland who presumably plan to start 2015 with no players with Major League experience, Brandon Moss having signed for the Indians.

[kwinigolfer]

Theo Epstein and the Cubs win the Jon Lester sweepstakes - 6 years and $155M. Can anyone stop the Cubbies?

[kwinigolfer]

There goes Johnny Rollings; after 15 record-breaking years with the Phillies, he's been artfully traded to the Streetcar Dodgers.

Details emerging of Lester's Chicago contract: signing bonus of $30M.

And Cashman saying he was ambivalent about re-signing Robertson. Who does Cashman think he is? And why would Yankee fans feel any loyalty to the team he signs. Horrible man - he and A-Rod deserve each other.

[kwinigolfer]

Hah, The Yankees just got better - with Yankee Killer Howie Kendrick getting shunted from the Angels to the Dodgers.
Dee Gordon goes to the Marlins as well, perhaps, as Dan Haren - except that Haren could well retire rather than leave Southern Cal.

[kwinigolfer]

But the bad Yankee news is that Brandon McCarthy, who pitched so well in his New York cameo, has signed a 4-year, $48M deal with the (yawn) Dodgers.

[kwinigolfer]

Where there's ins, there will inevitably be outs: Matt Kemp to San Diego with a boatload of money?

[kwinigolfer]

Now we've got a trade sending Porcello to Boston with Cespedes going to the Motor City Tigers.

EDIT: Sum total of the Red Sox trades, in simple terms, is: Lester - Oakland for Cespedes, Cespedes to Detroit for Porcello, Lester to Chicago.
Or, in even simpler terms: Lester for Porcello.
Brilliant from the Sawx front office.

Now for that idiot Cashman to sign Scherzer . . . . .

[kwinigolfer]

Melky to the White Sox - those Pale Hose are building a formidable squad.

[Luke]

The next few post contains signings made by all 30 ML teams so far. There designated positions are in capitals. There are a few more, but clubs have not confirmed so I've tried to not include them (this is courtesy of MLB.com).

ANGELS
P - Andrew Heaney, Cesar Ramos, Nick Tropeano. Jeremy Mcbryde. C- Drew Bubera, Carlos Perez. 2B- Josh Rutledge. OF- Daniel Robertson IF- Marc Krauss, Roberto Baldoquin.

ASTROS
P- Luke Gregerson, Pat Neshek, Will Harris. C- Hank Conger.

ATHLETICS
P- Taylor Thompson, Sean Nolin, Kendall Graveman, Chris Bassitt. DH- Billy Butler. 1B- Ike Davis 2B- Joe Wendel 3B- Brett Lawrie C- Josh Phegley. IF- Rangel Ravelo, Marcus Semien, Mark Cauha.

[Luke]

BLUE JAYS
P- Bo Schultz, Liam Hendricks. 1B- Chris Colabello, Justin Smock. 2B- Devon Travis 3B- Josh Donaldson C- Russell Martin OF- Michael Saunders.

BRAVES
P- Tyrell Jenkins, Jim Johnson, Shelby Miller, Arodys Vizcaino. OF- Zolio Almonte, Nick Markakis. IF- Alberto Callaspo.

BREWERS
C- Juan Centeno 1B- Adam Lind 3B- Luis Jimenez.

CARDINALS
P- Matt Belisle, Jordan Walden. 1B- Mark Reynolds SS- Dean Anna IF- Ty Kelly OF- Jason Heyward.

CUBS
P- Jason Hamell, Jon Lester, Joseph Ortiz, Doun Roach. C- Miguel Montero IF- Tommy La Sella.

DIAMONDBACKS
P- Zack Godley, Jeremy Hellickson, Jeferson Mejia, Robby Ray. C- Oscar Hernandez 2B- Domingo Leyba 3B- Yasmany Thomas.

DODGERS
P- Chris Hatcher, Adam Libatore, Juan Nicasio, Joel Peralta. C-Austin Barnes OF- Chris Heisey, Enrique Hernandez, Kyle Jensen. 2B- Howie Kendrick.

INDIANS
P- Charles Brewer 1B/OF - Brandon Moss

[Luke]

MARINERS
P- David Rollins, Edgar Olimus, JA Happ. OF- Nelson Cruz.

MARLINS
P- Aaron Crow, Dan Haren, Matt Latos, Andrew Mckirahon, Andre Rienzo. 2B- Dee Gordan IF- Miguel Rojas.

METS
P- Sean Gilmartin OF-Michael Cuddyer.

NATIONALS
P- Able De Los Santos, Eric Fornataro. 2B- Christopher Bostick.

ORIOLES
P- Jason Garcia, Logan Verrett, Oliver Drake, Eddie Gamboa. SS- Rey Navarro OF-Alex Hassian.

PADRES
P- Kyle Bartsch C- Tim Federowicz OF- Matt Kemp SS- Clint Barnes.

PHILLIES
P- Elvis Araujo, Andy Oliver, Joely Rodriguez IF- Odubel Herrera.

PIRATES
P- Antonio Bastardo, Preston Guilmet, Josh Lindblom, Francisco Liriano, Rob Scahill. SS- Justin Sellers C- Francisco Cervelli IF- Jake Elmore, Pedro Florimon.

RANGERS
P- Scott Barnes, Colby Lewis, Ross Detwiler. OF- Delino Deshields jr.

RAYS
P-Mark Sappington, Greg Harris, Jose Dominquez, Ernesto Frieri. SS- Andrew Velazquez.

REDS
P- Jonathan Crawford, Anthony Desclafani, Matt Magill. SS- Engenio Suarez C- Chad Wallach.

TWINS
P- JR Graham, Ervin Santana OF- Torii Hunter.

WHITE SOXS
P- Dan Jennings, David Robertson, Jeff Samardzia, Michael Yuoa, Zach Duke, Onelki Garcia C- Rob Brantley OF- Melky Cabrera, JB Shuck 1B- Adam LaRoche.

YANKEES
P- Jose De Paula, Justin Wilson, Andrew Miller OF- Chris Young SS- Didi Gregorius.

[Luke]

And now the page I missed

RED SOXS
P- Justin Masterson, Wade Miley, Rick Porcello IF/OF Hanley Ramirez 3B- Pablo Sandoval.

ROCKIES
P- Shane Carle, Jario Diaz, Austin House.

ROYALS
P- Jandel Gustave, Jason Frasor, Bryan Flynn, Reid Redman, Luke Hochevar. 1B/DH- Kendys Morales SS-Ryan Jackson OF- Reymond Fuentes.

TIGERS
P- Alfredo Simon, Gabe Speier, Alex Wilson, Shane Greene OF- Yoenis Cespedes, Anthony Gose. DH- Victor Martinez.

Hope you and yours are doing well Kiwi.

[kwinigolfer]

All good here tiger, thanks.
And better now that it looks as if Headley is signing for the Yankees. Hadn't realised that Prado is also reported to be back in the fold, so the infield is starting to look a little more solid, although not necessarily good!
Happy Xmas

[Luke]

I feel the same about the O'S, with injured players (Machada & Wieters especially), and a couple of good signings, don't think we look that bad. Though compared to the Red Soxs batting, and Blue Jays not sure we'll do as well as last year (so nearly).

Thanks for the Christmas wishes (though seeing as I'm working 10 hours Christmas day, boxing day, new years eve & day, not sure it will be).

I hope you and your family have a very good Christmas, and an enjoyable new year.

[Luke]

Also a couple of new deals.

Houston have signed SS- Jed Lowrie from Oakland on a 3 year $23 million deal, good signing in my opinion

Kansas have apparently signed Alex Rios on a 1 year deal.

And the next 2 are pending physicals.

The Dodgers have agreed a 1 year $10 million deal with Pitcher Brett Anderson.

And the Cubs have agreed a 1 year deal with another pitcher, this time Jason Motte.

[kwinigolfer]

A big deal in prospect as the Padres are close to an agreement to trade for Wil Myers, one of the American League's hottest young hitters and Rookie of the Year in 2013 whilst with Kansas City. A number of players are reported to be going to Tampa in exchange, but this leaves the Rays without their two leading pitchers, Price & Shields, from 2013, plus the most promising young hitter.

Could be a long summer in Tampa St.Pete, but more than compensates the Padres for their failed pursuit of Panda Sandoval.

[kwinigolfer]

And now the Padres have captured Justin Upton from Atlanta and Derek Norris (he used to play here a few years ago!) from the A's.

Three franchise outfielders, Kemp, Myers and Upton, but not a proven centre-fielder among them. Wouldn't be totally amazed if one of these is moved on. Good opportunity for Norris though.

Doesn't it seem that San Diego, the Dodgers, Red Sawx and both Chicago clubs have done all the acquiring this past month or so?

[Luke]

Kuroda is apparently leaving the Yankees to return to Japan.

And Baltimore have re signed Dermon young for another year.

Not sure what to make of the west, Padres, Diamondbacks and Dodgers have all strengthened but the Giants haven't. Still expect the Dodgers to win it, but the Padres could be the suprise in the NL league (bit like Kansas this year to an extent).

[kwinigolfer]

Kuroda will be a major loss for the Yanks, he's been a workhorse. Almost all the Yankee rotation are coming off injuries, and Tanaka may never be right again. Who knows? But you certainly wouldn't put money on his arm, although Cashman seems to have done.

The buzz before Christmas was that Phillies were trying to trade for Wil Myers from the Padres, with Cole Hamels heading West.

[kwinigolfer]

Baseball HOF inductions to be announced shortly.

Ex Expos Randy Johnson and Pedro Martinez must surely go in. And Craig Biggio would be next in line with John Smoltz possibly missing out until next year.

We'll know in half an hour!

[kwinigolfer]

All four voted in, I'm surprised!

Haven't seen the votes yet, but the HOF will need an expansion!

[kwinigolfer]

Matt Scherzer looks to have signed a $210M deal with the Nationals, over 7 years.
Helluva pitcher but he'll need to be for the Nats to make this deal work.

Shields the final big name out there . . . . . . .

[kwinigolfer]

Trade talk:
Papelbon from Phillies to Milwaukee?

Ernie Banks from earth to heaven: One of the all-time greats, but won't be playing "two" any more.

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