Full Version: baseball's free agents
Any thoughts on where Maddux might end up? He's the only Brave I like, hope he leaves Atlanta. Haven't been keeping up with that sitch, though.
Bartolo Colon turns down the richest contract ever offered to a White Sox pitcher--$12 million a year. Greedy bastard. May he bump into Steve Bartman in a dark room. :mad:
[JA whispers sweet nothings in Bartolo's ear] Come to Anaheim, Bartolo! You pitch well--and given the Angels hideous history of handing out huge contracts to pitchers who then blow their arms out the following spring, that's asking a lot--and the fans will LOVE you.
Repeat above--with variations as needed--for Vlad Guerrero, Miguel Tejada et al.
An item in today's Los Angeles Times hints that the Angels might pursue Shannon Stewart:
Repeat above--with variations as needed--for Vlad Guerrero, Miguel Tejada et al.
An item in today's Los Angeles Times hints that the Angels might pursue Shannon Stewart:
QUOTE
The Angels are expected to include outfielder Shannon Stewart high on their free-agent shopping list, a player who could improve their offense at a price that would not preclude them from other improvements.
Stewart, 29, split last season between the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins, hitting .307 with a .364 on-base percentage. He would play left field — with Garret Anderson in center or right — and probably would lead off. He stole at least 20 bases from 1998-2001 — including 51 in '98 — but has expressed concern about continuing his career on artificial turf.
Stewart earned $6.2 million this year. While the Angels love free-agent right fielder Vladimir Guerrero and figure to talk to him as well, they wonder whether they might sign Stewart at perhaps half the price so they still could pursue shortstops Miguel Tejada and Kazuo Matsui and starters Bartolo Colon and Andy Pettitte.
Colon reportedly rejected a three-year, $36-million offer from the Chicago White Sox, and Pettitte figures to be offered that much or more to remain with the New York Yankees.
\"I don't think we're going to end up signing the highest-priced shortstop, outfielder and starting pitcher,\" General Manager Bill Stoneman said. \"We'll be talking to a number of them. We do have money to spend, but we don't have a limitless supply.\"
Any opinions on him?
Stewart, 29, split last season between the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins, hitting .307 with a .364 on-base percentage. He would play left field — with Garret Anderson in center or right — and probably would lead off. He stole at least 20 bases from 1998-2001 — including 51 in '98 — but has expressed concern about continuing his career on artificial turf.
Stewart earned $6.2 million this year. While the Angels love free-agent right fielder Vladimir Guerrero and figure to talk to him as well, they wonder whether they might sign Stewart at perhaps half the price so they still could pursue shortstops Miguel Tejada and Kazuo Matsui and starters Bartolo Colon and Andy Pettitte.
Colon reportedly rejected a three-year, $36-million offer from the Chicago White Sox, and Pettitte figures to be offered that much or more to remain with the New York Yankees.
\"I don't think we're going to end up signing the highest-priced shortstop, outfielder and starting pitcher,\" General Manager Bill Stoneman said. \"We'll be talking to a number of them. We do have money to spend, but we don't have a limitless supply.\"
I really wish the Twins could figure out a way to keep him. He really sparked the offense as a leadoff hitter when he went to Minnesota.
The SF Giants have a lot of high-profile free agents this year, and they are cutting the payroll from last year. So, we might see the end of JT Snow, Rich Aurilia, Jose Cruz, Benito Santiago among others.
Could be an entirely different team next year. But, come to remember, it was quite a different team this year versus last year... :confused:
Could be an entirely different team next year. But, come to remember, it was quite a different team this year versus last year... :confused:
Where will Vladimir end up? You have to wonder what Montreal would've done this year, if they had played all their home games in Olympic Stadium.
On an unrelated note, I don't subscribe to ESPN Insider, but I saw the first two paragraphs of an article about major changes maybe on the horizon for the Astros. With how much Wagner is talking, I wouldn't be surprised for him to be gone. But the headline of the article makes me think the front office is considering letting Baggie go. Anyone have any info as such?
On an unrelated note, I don't subscribe to ESPN Insider, but I saw the first two paragraphs of an article about major changes maybe on the horizon for the Astros. With how much Wagner is talking, I wouldn't be surprised for him to be gone. But the headline of the article makes me think the front office is considering letting Baggie go. Anyone have any info as such?
QUOTE
billsf:
The SF Giants have a lot of high-profile free agents this year, and they are cutting the payroll...
"High profile" in this case meaning old guys who are not worth big money (Santiago, Snow) or a guy who had one great year (Aurilia). Assuming better bodies can be found for the money, it looks wise to let those guys go.The SF Giants have a lot of high-profile free agents this year, and they are cutting the payroll...
[ October 31, 2003, 12:25 PM: Message edited by: Bill W ]
Indeed, the Giants have already announced that they won't exercise their options on Snow and Cruz. And Santiago has indicated he'd like to end his career in San Diego.
ESPN.com ranks the top 50, and predicts who lands 'em ...
Mike Cameron had *better* be the Mets' new CF!
Mike Cameron had *better* be the Mets' new CF!
QUOTE
Bill W:
Mike Cameron had *better* be the Mets' new CF!
What a loss for the Mariners, The guy has won two Gold Gloves! If predictions are correct, Brian Jordan(Age 36-Coming off knee surgery) could end up in the M's outfield! :confused: Ichiro will have to cover a lot more ground if that happens.
Mike Cameron had *better* be the Mets' new CF!
They predict Kevin Millwood will end up in Boston. I'm salivating at the thought. If he couldn't handle Philadelphia, what makes him think he'll be happy in Boston? He might as well just go right to New York.
Do you think Andy Pettitte will leave the Yankees not that he signed up for free agency? I can't imagine him wearing anything else than pinstripes. (OK, I'm sure several of you would like to see him wearing something else, tight and white, right?)
Andy Pettitte has often expressed a desire to move to Texas--his wife wants to live there, as well. If either the Rangers or Astros can come up with serious money (the Rangers would have to consider moving A-Rod,) A-Pet could easily wind up in the Lone Star State.
~Adam
~Adam
QUOTE
A-Pet
OK, the J.Lo-ization of names has reached its nadir. Ugh. Any word on what Miguel Tejada's going to do? I'd love to see him as the Angels SS next year.
QUOTE
Jim Allen:
Any word on what Miguel Tejada's going to do? I'd love to see him as the Angels SS next year.
The Dodgers are the predicted destination, says the ESPN site, for M-Tey. QUOTE
A-Pet
OK, the J.Lo-ization of names has reached its nadir. Ugh. Any word on what Miguel Tejada's going to do? I'd love to see him as the Angels SS next year.
QUOTE
Adam:
Andy Pettitte has often expressed a desire to move to Texas--his wife wants to live there, as well. If either the Rangers or Astros can come up with serious money (the Rangers would have to consider moving A-Rod,) A-Pet could easily wind up in the Lone Star State.
~Adam
I know I don't watch much Texas ball being out here on the west, but I still don't understand the whole Alex Rodriguez free agent deal he signed awhile back. Was it really all worth it???
Andy Pettitte has often expressed a desire to move to Texas--his wife wants to live there, as well. If either the Rangers or Astros can come up with serious money (the Rangers would have to consider moving A-Rod,) A-Pet could easily wind up in the Lone Star State.
~Adam
The trade rumor du jour--one that won't happen--is a three-team deal that would send A-Rod to Boston, N-Gar to California, and D-Eck and pitchers to be named later to Texas. Everyone from Peter Gammons (never trust baseball wisdom from a man with a weak chin) to Scott Boras to local radio types have pooh-poohed the possibility of such a trade, but it is in the air.
~Adam
and pitchers to be named later to Texas. Everyone from Peter Gammons (never trust baseball wisdom from a man with a weak chin) to Scott Boras to local radio types have pooh-poohed the possibility of such a trade, but it is in the air.~Adam
I bet A-Rod would want to get traded just so that he can play on a winning team instead of a last-place team. But his big salary is too much baggage I think for most teams except maybe the Yankees. And the Yankees already have a shortstop locked in for another seven years.
B-Stone, :cool: the Angels GM, basically derided the three-way trade scenario. So that means it actually might happen!
The Angels have some good young pitchers coming up through the system, I don't want them traded for a shortstop.
Wouldn't ALEX RODRIGUEZ be able to tear up his current contract and start at a new, lower number or are there Players Union issues around that?
[ November 12, 2003, 11:56 AM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
The Angels have some good young pitchers coming up through the system, I don't want them traded for a shortstop.
Wouldn't ALEX RODRIGUEZ be able to tear up his current contract and start at a new, lower number or are there Players Union issues around that?
[ November 12, 2003, 11:56 AM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
QUOTE
batboy:
And the Yankees already have a shortstop locked in for another seven years.
Not "locked in" if they notice Jeets has the worst defensive numbers of any shortstop in the majors! And the Yankees already have a shortstop locked in for another seven years.
QUOTE
Jim Allen:
Wouldn't ALEX RODRIGUEZ be able to tear up his current contract and start at a new, lower number or are there Players Union issues around that?
Theoretically, any contract could be renegotiated downward. After all, they're renegotiated upward. But I think the union would freak if he did such a thing.
Wouldn't ALEX RODRIGUEZ be able to tear up his current contract and start at a new, lower number or are there Players Union issues around that?
QUOTE
Adam:
Andy Pettitte has often expressed a desire to move to Texas--his wife wants to live there, as well. If either the Rangers or Astros can come up with serious money (the Rangers would have to consider moving A-Rod,) A-Pet could easily wind up in the Lone Star State.
~Adam
Andy's not going anywhere. I'm certain the Good Guys will re-sign him. And if they don't he'll have to drive his U-Haul over my sad ass in his driveway on his way out of town.
Andy Pettitte has often expressed a desire to move to Texas--his wife wants to live there, as well. If either the Rangers or Astros can come up with serious money (the Rangers would have to consider moving A-Rod,) A-Pet could easily wind up in the Lone Star State.
~Adam
Just read that the Astros re-signed Brad Ausmus for another 2 years. Now, Brad's not that great a catcher but he sure is scrumptious looking! 
QUOTE
Jim Allen:
Is it too late to make Jose Offerman J-Off?
QUOTE
A-Pet
OK, the J.Lo-ization of names has reached its nadir. Ugh.
Just more rumor mill fodder but here in NoVa the word is that we (Orioles) are going all out for Vlad. It does make alot of sense for us and he is originally from Baltimore so it would be a "homecoming". Be nice to have a good player like that here.
Glad to see Luis Castillo re-sign with Florida, especially since the Mets would've overpaid for him (the Times reports their shopping list now includes Kaz Matsui, Jose Guillen and Reggie Sanders -- two of three would do, but I expect they'll get one).
The Yankees continue to bolster their bullpen by adding Paul Quantrill (2 years/$6.8 mil.) and Tom Gordon (2 years/$7.25 mil).
In same report, this quote from Scott Boras on Kevin Brown:
In same report, this quote from Scott Boras on Kevin Brown:
QUOTE
\"Kevin Brown is a Dodger and he has every intention of fulfilling his contract,\" Boras told The Times, adding \"all I will say is that if an opportunity presented itself, the only way he would consider waiving his no-trade clause would be because of his family.
\"... The fact that anyone who knows Kevin knows how important his wife and children are to him and how difficult it is for him to be away from them during the season, that's the only way he would consider something like that.\"
If Brown was so concerned about being away from his family, why did he sign with the LA Dodgers in the first place... when his family lives near Atlanta--the other side of the country!
\"... The fact that anyone who knows Kevin knows how important his wife and children are to him and how difficult it is for him to be away from them during the season, that's the only way he would consider something like that.\"
The short version: $$$$$$
He has a clause in his contract wherein the Dodgers provide a private jet to him a certain number of times a year so he can fly back and visit his family. Dude, I know Los Angeles is not a great place to raise a kid in, but still.
While my Dodger-hating side wants them to keep Brown and watch the old goat break down again while eating up large amounts of money, the baseball fan side of me says "Trade him".
[ December 03, 2003, 10:16 AM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
He has a clause in his contract wherein the Dodgers provide a private jet to him a certain number of times a year so he can fly back and visit his family. Dude, I know Los Angeles is not a great place to raise a kid in, but still.
While my Dodger-hating side wants them to keep Brown and watch the old goat break down again while eating up large amounts of money, the baseball fan side of me says "Trade him".
[ December 03, 2003, 10:16 AM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
QUOTE
Jim Allen:
The short version: $$$$$$
No kidding. I recall Roger Clemens making similar statements about wanting to be close to his family (they live in Houston). Yet despite the Astros putting in a bid, Rocket Man signed with the Yankees.
The short version: $$$$$$
Looks like the SF Giants are undergoing some major changes with several free agents not being offered arbitration. I'm really sad to see Rich Aurilia leave. He hasn't played for any other team since he's been in the majors and I think he's always been a good spokesman for the players. I know he's struggled the last two years, but still, he was great defensively.
And of course we're losing Jose Cruz Jr. also a great defensive player. And I'm surprised they let Tim Worrell go after he established himself as such a good closer. I just hope Rob Nenn comes back fine from surgery.
I'm not too sad about Benito Santiago leaving. He's a veteran catcher but seems like his attitude has come into play a few times and that has caused tension that created to bad communications. We don't need any more Jeff Kents.
And of course we're losing Jose Cruz Jr. also a great defensive player. And I'm surprised they let Tim Worrell go after he established himself as such a good closer. I just hope Rob Nenn comes back fine from surgery.
I'm not too sad about Benito Santiago leaving. He's a veteran catcher but seems like his attitude has come into play a few times and that has caused tension that created to bad communications. We don't need any more Jeff Kents.
The Phillies offered arbitration to Kevin Millwood. If he declines, they'll get draft picks as compensation. If he accepts, they're either going over budget or will have to get rid of someone to make up for the additional salary. From the article at Phillies.com:
QUOTE
The early indication is that Millwood may not be going anywhere.
\"Arbitration (is) nice. It would give us more time to talk,\" he told the Bucks County Courier Times. \"Even if we don't get something done, I'm willing to come back for the one year.\"
\"Arbitration (is) nice. It would give us more time to talk,\" he told the Bucks County Courier Times. \"Even if we don't get something done, I'm willing to come back for the one year.\"
QUOTE
batboy:
Looks like the SF Giants are undergoing some major changes with several free agents not being offered arbitration. I'm really sad to see Rich Aurilia leave.
I'm sorry to see Rich Aurilia go too. He's a great SS but has slumped at batting. But, what's the deal with signing JT Snow? He's so injury prone and also goes through extended batting slumps. Granted, JT is one of the best defensive 1B in baseball, but I think he's just a luxury the Giants shouldn't hang onto.Looks like the SF Giants are undergoing some major changes with several free agents not being offered arbitration. I'm really sad to see Rich Aurilia leave.
On the other hand, I am thrilled to see Marvin Benard leaving. Good riddance, such a waste of money.
Maybe they thought they got J.T. Snow cheap? I agree that he hasn't been contributing offensively too and had been out with injuries a lot last season.
Yeah, JT agreed to a lower salary in order to stay in the Bay Area where he and his family live. Probably a very smart move for him.
Now both NY teams have a Matsui: Mets sign Kazuo Matsui to 3 year/$20.1 mil. deal.
Well, the California Angels have entered the fray, signing Bartolo Colon to the second-largest contract in the team's history. Colon signed for $48,000,000 over four years (Mo Vaughn's '98 deal was $80,000,000 for six years.) The Angels are now looking to sign Viagra pitchman Rafael Palmeiro ("is that a Louisville slugger in your pocket or are you....") The team's payroll is expected to top $90,000,000 this coming season.
~Adam
~Adam
You mean the Anaheim Angels. wink I keep forgetting that myself.
Meanwhile... Phils bolster the bullpen some more!
Meanwhile... Phils bolster the bullpen some more!
QUOTE
PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies signed free-agent reliever Tim Worrell to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million Tuesday.
The deal, which will be announced at an afternoon news conference, was finalized after Worrell passed a physical, The Associated Press reported.
Worrell, 36, was 4-4 with a 2.87 ERA and 38 saves in 45 chances for the NL West champion Giants last year. He took over as San Francisco's closer after three-time All-Star Robb Nen had season-ending shoulder surgery in May.
The deal, which will be announced at an afternoon news conference, was finalized after Worrell passed a physical, The Associated Press reported.
Worrell, 36, was 4-4 with a 2.87 ERA and 38 saves in 45 chances for the NL West champion Giants last year. He took over as San Francisco's closer after three-time All-Star Robb Nen had season-ending shoulder surgery in May.
Good. The Phils' bullpen may be old as dirt, but that doesn't seem to be much of a problem to them. I'm happy about this. After all, the Marlins wouldn't be champions if the Phils had a decent closing unit.
Well as happy as I was yesterday that the Twins resigned Shannon Stewart, I am bummed to hear that they didn't resign Eddie Guardado. He's signed with the Mariners instead. Twins lsot both LaTroy Hawkins and Guardado, one of the better set up-closer tandems in the AL. Not sure what the plan is, but that's a big loss! frown
Anaheim signs Bartolo Colon to a 4 year/$48 mil. deal.
I'm getting a little nervous about the Angels throwing around so much money. They've done well the last 5 years with a policy of financial prudence and their payroll is starting to get in to the stratosphere. And they still haven't gotten the SS and the hitter they were after.
Peter Gammons was saying that if the Astros do lure Pettitte away from the Yanks, Herr Steinbrenner may pursue Greg Maddux.
But didn't Greg Maddux turn down a chance to play for the Yankees a few years back, saying he didn't want to play in NY? Has his attitude changed? I still think he'll wind up in San Diego, as part of the Padres' centerpiece for their new park.
~Adam
~Adam
Leave it to the globe's Most Ignorant Fans to get their panties in a twist... The Yankees were smart enough not to overpay for Pettitte -- I have a hard time believing reports that the Bosox offered him $54 million for 4 years: that's INSANE.
If Pettitte had pitched his career with Houston, most "fans" elsewhere would scarcely have heard of him. I'd say he's likely to win about 15-16 next year... He's good AND overrated.
Now I'm reading that the Mets ARE in play for Mike Cameron, which contradicts what I saw last week. Take all these rumors with the usual salt...
If Pettitte had pitched his career with Houston, most "fans" elsewhere would scarcely have heard of him. I'd say he's likely to win about 15-16 next year... He's good AND overrated.
Now I'm reading that the Mets ARE in play for Mike Cameron, which contradicts what I saw last week. Take all these rumors with the usual salt...
2:04pm et- WBZ NewsRadio is reporting that closer Keith Foulke has agreed to a contract with the Red Sox for three years and $21 million, with an option for a fourth year. (Boston.com)
Schilling and Foulke. Pedro, Derek and Wakefield. UNSTOPPABLE.
[ December 13, 2003, 11:10 AM: Message edited by: redsoxbreath ]
Schilling and Foulke. Pedro, Derek and Wakefield. UNSTOPPABLE.
[ December 13, 2003, 11:10 AM: Message edited by: redsoxbreath ]
I want Andy Pettite to win 25 games next year.
Yeah, RSB, we should just hand the Sahx the title now and not even bother playing the 2004 season.
They're doing something very risky by paying out all that money: if they don't win the World Series in 2004 or 2005 at the very latest, they could easily screw themselves financially for the next 10 years.
And how are they going to pay for the expansion of Fenway or build a new stadium? I'd be shocked if the taxpayers of the Commonwealth would fund it, though if they win it all in 2004, the taxpayers may give them a blank check.
[ December 13, 2003, 01:36 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
Yeah, RSB, we should just hand the Sahx the title now and not even bother playing the 2004 season.
They're doing something very risky by paying out all that money: if they don't win the World Series in 2004 or 2005 at the very latest, they could easily screw themselves financially for the next 10 years.And how are they going to pay for the expansion of Fenway or build a new stadium? I'd be shocked if the taxpayers of the Commonwealth would fund it, though if they win it all in 2004, the taxpayers may give them a blank check.
[ December 13, 2003, 01:36 PM: Message edited by: Jim Allen ]
QUOTE
Jim Allen:
if they win it all in 2004, the taxpayers may give them a blank check.
No way. We're consitutionally opposed to public funding of above-board transactions.
if they win it all in 2004, the taxpayers may give them a blank check.
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