I figured I'll start this topic for this off-season. I know there was one for last year, but why dig up last year's when we're in a whole new season, right?

Anywho, it's already been reported in another thread that the Giants signed free-agent Omar Vizquel for a three-year contract despite him turning 38. But that's cool, he's a good addition for the Giants. It may be a spark needed.

But another thing that bothered me about this off-season were comments I read from the Yankees' Jorge Posada about free-agent Pedro Martinez from BoSox. Posada said that if the Yankees signed Martinez, because the Yankees desperately needs starting pitchers, then Martinez would be a welcomed addition despite the intense rivalry of years past.

And that just made me think, as a Yankees fan, how depressing that the players are so mercenary and that they'll play for anyone where the money is. Part of the fun of being a Yankees fan is the rivalry, and I don't know how I would feel seeing Martinez in Yankees pinstripe. I know Clemens did it and Cone went the other direction, but still, I have a lot of distaste for Martinez and would not like the Yankees signing that free agent.

I think it's great to see players like Steve Finley who with his no-trade clause was very particular about which teams he would allign with. He gave up a multi-million dollar deal with the Giants (which I was sad to see but hope we can still get him and his pretty eyes) because of loyalty with the Diamondbacks. But of course, after the Diamondbacks went south, he left, but at least he left for a team where he felt an allegiance and history. So I give him props for that and not always making decisions based on $$$.

[ November 15, 2004, 10:24 AM: Message edited by: batboy ]

For what it's worth, the Dodgers hope to re-sign Suite Stevie Blue Eyes but he may want to head back to the D'Backs (why???)

~Adam

The Phillies are said to be planning to make an offer for Finley. At the time he was traded last year the reports were that he refused to be traded away from the west coast, but now supposedly he's willing to play for a team in the east as long as it's a contender.

So is Carlos Beltran the hottest free agent this off-season? Is he really that hot? Isn't he the one with the bad temper? The assumption is that the Yankees will pay big for him, but I say let's stick with fixing the starting pitching staff.

Beltran is the hottest free agent. And he's hot off the field as well. wink I don't know anything about his temper.

The Phillies have re-signed pitcher Cory Lidle. Yay.

New "Expos" GM Jim Bowden didn't waste any time in upgrading the left side of the Washington infield (and lord knows, if any city needs to be stronger on the left it's DC wink ) by signing two free agents -- the NL's reigning RBI leader in Vinny Castilla (albeit with the benefit of having played half his games at Coors Field) and the shortstop who had the highest fielding percentage in the A.L. this season, Christian Guzman.

Now if Bowden can just figure out a way to improve the bullpen (which was the Expos MAIN problem) then we might bring far more excitement to RFK in 2005 than many skeptics are already predicting.

~Joe

Those are two good pick ups. And if they can get some decent ground ball relievers to help, these signing will look brilliant. Heck them 'Spos just might make a run at the Mets for 1st place in the East next year, and send Philly back to the basement where they've been more times than anyone else!

(Yeah I know, stop sniffin the glue )

I think Castilla's numbers will drop to his pre-2004 levels...or perhaps worse, since he's 37. Guzman is a pretty good pickup.

If the Yankees sign Pedro Martinez and Yankee fans embrace him, it will be the height of hypocrisy. Just last year, Yankee management and their fans and the NY media were calling for Pedro's head on a stick for the Don Zimmer incident. But then again, they embraced Roger Clemens like he had been born in pinstripes so...

We'll miss Guzman with the Twins, but I read that they have a guy (can't remember his name now) in the minors who can step in and play SS. No reason to doubt the Twins farm system, one of baseball's best.

[ November 17, 2004, 12:18 PM: Message edited by: George_vikingfan ]

You obviously don't care about family values. I think it would be wonderful for Pedro to be reunited with his daddies.

He has more than 1??? eek! Calling Maury Povich!!! Maury!!! Where are you???

In the age of free agency, I wouldn't call a possible Bronx embracing Pedro Martinez hypocritical at all. Players (sometimes very maligned players) change teams all the time. Fans love players one minute and hate them the next. Fans hate players one minute and love them the next. Like most fans of any given team (Yankees, Red Sox, Twins, or anyone else), I put the success of my team above any individual player. Martinez acted like a jack-ass during his years with that team up in New England. But, if he helps the Yankees secure another World Series championship, then welcome to the family, son!

[ November 17, 2004, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: Cattledog ]

Tigers sign Troy Percival, and are in talks with Jeff Kent.

I've heard the Tigers talks with Kent are going well. They can have that motorcycle cowboy.

After signing Omar Vizquel, the Giants appear to be aggressively pursuing Steve Finley to add a much needed second big bat. We'll see because I think a lot of teams are going to go after Finley.

I think I'd agree with that sentiment about any other player. But Pedro is the Antichrist. If the Yankees sign him (and I don't think they will) I will NEVUH step foot in Yankee Stadium again.

I'm a Yankees fan and I would not support a Pedro Martinez in pinstripes scenario. I wouldn't even cheer for him. I wouldn't even go to games when he's starting.

In my eyes, there will only be one Martinez in the Yankees history, and that's Tino baby.

Also, I think it says more about Pedro than Yankees fans that Pedro is so willing to talk to the Yankees after talking so badly about the organization while a Bosox. He'll sleep with anyone for money! Even old George!

Well, MM and Batboy, if it makes you feel better, in today's New York Daily News poll, 81% said they do NOT want to see Pedro Martinez in pinstripes.

As proof the Tigers have to (over)pay to sign players, Percival got $12 million for 2 years. That's a pretty penny for an aging closer.

~Adam

I've read conflicting stories tonight on whether the plan is for Percival to be the set-up man and Urbina to remain the closer in Detroit or vice-versa. At least if Ugie remains the closer this still means that he and Pudge will be able to continue their celebratory post-game kiss on the mound, which they began during the Marlins stretch drive in 2003.

~Joe

[ November 17, 2004, 09:30 PM: Message edited by: gamecock ]

And those were very hot smooches. I would love to see the relationship continue.

I guess that means they don't want to watch him bound out of the visitors' dugout at next year's Fenway home opening, in his gray road uniform, to be presented with his World Series ring.

I'm not sure what that image does to me... Comments, Yankee fans?

"Now get a haircut!"

Well, considering that the Yankees have seen some of their own players receive World Series rings (after all, they have won 26) after moving on to other teams, that image would be rather irrelevant to most of us.

But, back to Pedro Martinez... Some believe that Martinez is just talking to the Yankees as a ploy to get the Massachusetts team to re-sign him for more money (to match the Yanks). You never know what goes through Pedro's (or his agent's) mind. We will see...

Gotta disagree with you on this point. Not that the Twins can bid on him, but even if they could, I wouldn't/couldn't root for Pedro playing for the Twins. If you are among the many who complain when Pedro goes head hunting, you simply can't abide it just because he's doing it for your team. Or at least I can't. Anyway, hopefully this is just a ploy by Pedro and his agent to get the Red Sox to up their offer a tad.

What are the Tigers planning to do with Percival and Urbina? Will one become the setup man and the other the closer? Or will they use Urbina as trade bait?

[ November 18, 2004, 11:39 AM: Message edited by: George_vikingfan ]

GVF, I don't care if we occasionally disagree, as long as you hilariously continue to take down some of the (few) jerks on this board that continue to make inane comments wink ! We both know who they are. You are one of the few guys that makes me crack-up when one our favorite ass****s makes some incredibly stupid statement. I know that this has nothing to do with baseball, but I have always wanted to tell you that .

Anyway, this Pedro Martinez thing may turn out to be completely moot. The New York Daily News reported today that the New England baseball club might be willing to up its 2 year/$25 million dollar deal to a 3rd year option. George Steinbrenner has already relegated any future and possible dealings with Martinez to Brian Cashman. It seems to me that if Steinbrenner was really serious (like he is with Randy Johnson), he would be making a much bigger deal out of this whole thing.

The Angels (whether called Anaheim, California, Los Angeles, OC, that county south of Los Angeles, or something else) have sent troubled outfielder Jose Guillen to Washington (Generals, Senators, Grays, Nationals, Ex-Expos, or something else) for Juan Rivera.

~Adam

The Guillen deal seems like a steal for Washington. The Expos have had other problem children on their team (Carl Everett, for example), and Guillen's offence is much needed on a weak-hitting team.

I thought so, too. Although I would spell offense like an American ! But the media seems to just be concentrating on José Guillen's attitude problems. I am not too familiar with the whole story with he and the Angels (you didn't do your job, Jim Allen !). I do know that there was NO chance that Mike Scoscia wanted him on his team next year. However, the (probably-called) Nationals have picked up a guy with pretty good numbers and Juan Rivera has never impressed me.

I agree completely that the Nationals (the press conference is Monday afternoon, btw, to officially announce the new name) got a STEAL with this trade....as Jim Bowden said, "It's hard, these days, to get a guy who can hit .300 with 30 home runs and 100 RBI @ $3.5 Million. You don't get these kind of guys at these kind of dollars."

As for his highly publicized incident with the Angels everyone deserves a second chance and it sounds like Jose genuinely regrets what took place and has taken the proper steps to ensure it does not reoccur....his future actions on (and off) the field will obviously be the determining factor but I was quite impressed with Guillen's heartfelt statement in today's Washington Post, during which he said, "This is going to be the start of a new beginning for me, a start of a new career. That was an unfortunate situation that happened there in Anaheim. It was not working out for me. This is a great opportunity to come to a new team...I just feel a lot of people misunderstood me a lot in my career, in my past. I don't want them to misunderstand me anymore. I want to become a better person, and be the person that everyone that knows me expects me to be. I did that on my own [enrolled in anger management courses] to make myself better, to show people I'm becoming a better person."

With an everyday lineup that includes Jose Vidro, Brad Wilkerson, Jose Guillen, Vinny Castilla, Cristian Guzman and a healthy Nick Johnson if the Nats get any pitching at all (and their bullpen is in need of improvement) they should be competitive if not a legitimate contender in the N.L. East.

~Joe

Sorry gents, but He Who Shall Not Be Named has signed with the Yomiuri (Tokyo) Giants.

<sob!>

frown

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! wink

I'm going to have to ask my boss if I can transfer to Ty's Japanese franchise!

Well I guess the 2005 Japanball tour will be loaded with Outsporters. wink

In a related free agent note, the Mets signed Kris Benson to a 3 year deal for $22.5M. I don't know about anyone else, but IMHO 7 million a year for mediocrity is a bit excessive. For Benson, I would have rather seen the Mets give him a guaranteed $12 - $15 million contract with some heavy incentives for pitching well.

Wouldn't you all agree that "salary plus incentive contracts" would ensure all players give 100%, and improve baseball overall? Talk amongst yourselves, I'm getting some kwaw-fee.

I agree, but unfortunately the players will never go for it unless they have to. Kris Benson, being younger and considered one of the more worthy free agents currently, was able to get what he wanted from the Mets. Older players or those coming off injuries have to sign deals loaded with incentives.

I'd be all for a system where there was a base salary and at the end of the year, if a player did well he gets a huge raise, but if he flops he gets a salary cut for the next year.

Welcome to MLB otherwise known as "the horn o plenty" If great players get over 15 million and good players get over 10 million, then mediocrity is probably between 5 -9 million. Oh don't forget the scrubs at 1 -5 million.

I believe Kevin Millwood had two mediocre years at 10 million each. frown

In another free agent signing, the Milwaukee Brewers signed former Oakland A catcher Damian Miller to a three-year deal, netting him $8.75 million. But he first has to pass a physical (turn your head and cough...)

~Adam

Strong rumors circulating that the A's might look to sign Jason Kendall. Personally, I don't think they'll spring for his value.

Was pleased to hear that fired Blue Jays manager Carlos Tosca has resurfaced as the third base coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He'll join first base coach Brett Butler, hitting coach Mike Aldrete, and bench coach Jay Bell.

Well, it looks like the A's are serious about acquiring Jason Kendall from the Pirates. The trade is pitchers Mark Redman and Arthur Rhodes for the hottie Kendall (if he would just get rid of that ever-present chaw of tobaccy in his jaw).

Apparently the only thing slowing the official announcement is a medical report since Kendall has already waived his no-trade clause. This is great news for the A's because they'll net about $5 million in the financial agreement.

The A's signed Jason Kendall! Cool.

Looks like the Giants is about ready to sign Armando Benitez from the Marlins as their closer. This will be a big hole that will be plugged with this acquisition, although I'm not sure what Armando will be like as a team player. I remember him with the Yankees being a very poor sportsman and not very much part of the club. Maybe he's loosened up a bit as his game has improved and he's more fun-loving? Either way, this is a good move for the Giants who has been long without a closer since Robb Nen.

Saw this at Philly.com:

So next week, once they pass that deadline, things ought to heat up some.

It's been reported that the Mets have made an offer to Pedro Martinez that's higher than the Red Sox offered.

That reputation goes back to his days with the O's, too -- as Tino Martinez can attest to (assuming Tino's back has finally healed after being intentionally drilled with a 99 mph fastball following a critical HR that Armando gave up in the Bronx).

As for the Giants signing Benitez as their closer, this does appear to be a significant upgrade from the Herges/Hermanson/Christensen closer-by-committee that Felipe Alou was forced to use last year....that is, assuming Benitez duplicates his 2004 stats (47 of 51 saves, 1.29 ERA) and doesn't revert back to his 2003 form with the Yanks, Mariners and Mets when he blew 8 of 29 save opportunities and had an ERA of over 3.00.

~Joe

Benitez is a great signing. I think he'll fit right in with the Giants organization with the predominance of Carribean/South American players, they all get along great, it's a kind of glue that keeps a somewhat "less than great team" together each year. They are always in contention.

ESPN is reporting that the Yankees have pulled out of the Randy Johnson sweepstakes, citing finances. THE YANKEES CITING FINANCES!!??!! Of course, this could all be a negotiating ploy, though I do like the idea of the Red Sox signing Johnson, reuniting him with Schilling.

~Adam

I hope it's true that the Yankees have given up on Johnson, who I think has maybe just one or two years left in his career. I hope the Yankees will now focus all their efforts in signing Carl Pavano, who I think will be a better fit. Pavano grew up as a Yankees fan so he'll be motivated to win and to be a team player. Johnson would just be going there for himself, and the Yankees need team bonding in order to get everyone into the postseason. Right now, there are too many individual stars.

There's nothing even remotely evident to indicate Randy has enough gas in the tank to last another two years max. He was simply awesome last year and played on the worst team in baseball. His won/loss record is simply a reflection of his run support, which was nearly the lowest in the majors.

I hope Randy goes to Boston or Anaheim. But this announcement by the Yankees is merely a negotiating ploy by the Yankees to spurn Johnson into creating some dust within the DBacks organization to get a trade done to the Yankees sooner rather than later. After getting raped by Boston in the Schilling deal, the DBacks will not let it happen again.

Al Leiter may be headed for the Marlins according to sources. I would think the Mets would want him back if possible.

[ December 02, 2004, 11:49 AM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

Well based on this selection from your linked article, the Mets don't want him back because they did decline his one year option.

I don't understand why Leiter would take a one year offer for only 6 million. I am sure there are plenty of contending teams including the Phillies who would make the same offer. After all if they gave Millwood 10 million ...