Monday, January 19, 2004
Uh... Hello? Anyone here?
Okay, less than a month in and already I've gotten sidetracked beyond belief. So Sorry. It's hard to write when you've got
A: a full-time job when we've got a huge project due.
B: a part-time gig that requires some travel time.
C: the excercise thing
D: the "look for a job in PHX" thing
E: housework and lots of it!!!
I'll try to start keeping up better. Maybe once my USA Today subscription kicks in, I'll be getting more frequent inspiration.
Oh, and Pete Rose sucks...
A: a full-time job when we've got a huge project due.
B: a part-time gig that requires some travel time.
C: the excercise thing
D: the "look for a job in PHX" thing
E: housework and lots of it!!!
I'll try to start keeping up better. Maybe once my USA Today subscription kicks in, I'll be getting more frequent inspiration.
Oh, and Pete Rose sucks...
Friday, January 09, 2004
Hot Stove Update
Mike Coolbaugh to the Astros: NRI
Nothing must to say about the deal. It's not like this one transaction will put the 'Stros over the top. I just like typing the name 'Coolbaugh'.
Roberto "I've outgrown Robbie" Alomar to the DBacks: 1 year/$1 million
There are still numerous questions about Alomar and whether he can return to being even a shell of his former self instead of a burned-out husk. But if he does, this is a tremendous boost to the DBacks (replacing a in-deline Spivey). And given the potential upside, it seems worth the risk.
Aubrey Huff re-ups with the DRays: 3 years/$14.5 million
Robert Fick signs with the DRays: 1 year/ no terms disclosed
Gee, wonder where they got the idea from... That said, this is a great move for the franchise and finally might earn them a modicum of respect. Although, given the arms race between Boston and New York (as well as the Orioles), Tampa may not see results because they're in a nightmarish division. As for Fick, he's certainly passable but this is the type of player you sign when you're at the tail end of your contention phase, not at the beginning of it. I can't really say whether or not it's worth it without knowing the terms but unless they're going to put Fisk back behind the plate, I'm pretty sure it would have been easier (and cheaper) to find someone to man 1B.
John Valentin to the Astros: NRI
...And our long, national nightmare continues...
Rich Aurilia to the Mariners: 1 year/$3.5 million
The next Jeff Cirillo? Aurilia had a great 2002 but hasn't done squat since. And though he's used to playing in a pitcher's park like PacBell, Safeco is where hitters go to die. Unless Seattle gets into the playoffs and makes noise, this is a bad deal.
In conjunction, Mariners trade Carlos Guillen to the Tigers for Ramon Santiago & Juan Gonzalez
You really can't blame the Tigers for feeling the satisfaction of getting rid of yet another Juan Gonzalez, but this does little do bring hope back to Motown. Young farmhands are what you want if you're rebuilding. A Guillen-Vina middle infield doesn't bode well.
Jim Sundberg named new Director of Business Development for the Texas Rangers
A fledgling GM in the making? Either way, nice to see a good guy still in the game.
Jose Jiminez to the Indians: 1 year/ no terms disclosed
Another "gosh, we've got to have a closer!" signing. Jiminez will be better than advertised thanks to his Coors comedown, but Cleveland's got bigger holes to fill than worrying about who will protect that 3 run lead in the 9th.
Nothing must to say about the deal. It's not like this one transaction will put the 'Stros over the top. I just like typing the name 'Coolbaugh'.
Roberto "I've outgrown Robbie" Alomar to the DBacks: 1 year/$1 million
There are still numerous questions about Alomar and whether he can return to being even a shell of his former self instead of a burned-out husk. But if he does, this is a tremendous boost to the DBacks (replacing a in-deline Spivey). And given the potential upside, it seems worth the risk.
Aubrey Huff re-ups with the DRays: 3 years/$14.5 million
Robert Fick signs with the DRays: 1 year/ no terms disclosed
Gee, wonder where they got the idea from... That said, this is a great move for the franchise and finally might earn them a modicum of respect. Although, given the arms race between Boston and New York (as well as the Orioles), Tampa may not see results because they're in a nightmarish division. As for Fick, he's certainly passable but this is the type of player you sign when you're at the tail end of your contention phase, not at the beginning of it. I can't really say whether or not it's worth it without knowing the terms but unless they're going to put Fisk back behind the plate, I'm pretty sure it would have been easier (and cheaper) to find someone to man 1B.
John Valentin to the Astros: NRI
...And our long, national nightmare continues...
Rich Aurilia to the Mariners: 1 year/$3.5 million
The next Jeff Cirillo? Aurilia had a great 2002 but hasn't done squat since. And though he's used to playing in a pitcher's park like PacBell, Safeco is where hitters go to die. Unless Seattle gets into the playoffs and makes noise, this is a bad deal.
In conjunction, Mariners trade Carlos Guillen to the Tigers for Ramon Santiago & Juan Gonzalez
You really can't blame the Tigers for feeling the satisfaction of getting rid of yet another Juan Gonzalez, but this does little do bring hope back to Motown. Young farmhands are what you want if you're rebuilding. A Guillen-Vina middle infield doesn't bode well.
Jim Sundberg named new Director of Business Development for the Texas Rangers
A fledgling GM in the making? Either way, nice to see a good guy still in the game.
Jose Jiminez to the Indians: 1 year/ no terms disclosed
Another "gosh, we've got to have a closer!" signing. Jiminez will be better than advertised thanks to his Coors comedown, but Cleveland's got bigger holes to fill than worrying about who will protect that 3 run lead in the 9th.
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
Hot Stove Update
From the Wire:
Mark Sweeney to the Rockies: NRI (Non-Roster Invitee)
Wrong M. Sweeney that plays first. I could care less.
Eric Young to the Rangers: 1 year/$1 million
Did we learn nothing from the Doug Glanville experiment? Michael Young is your 2B of the future and any money spent over the minimum is money flushed down a toilet.
Javier Vazquez renegotiates with the Yankees: 4 years/$45 million
I've liked Javy for a few years now, but is a bit of an injury risk. As long as the Yankees continue to make the playoffs, this is a good deal. But I can see it going south in a hurry.
Scott Stewart (formerly of the Expos) traded to Cleveland for 2 prospects
Left Handed relievers are a dime a dozen, so it's good that the Expos found a way to dump some payroll without significantly hurting the team (any more than they already have.) But I doubt these 2 prospects (Ryan Church and Maicer 'Don't call be Cesar' Izturis) don't inspire much hope for the 2007 Richmond Expos.
Danys Baez to the DRays: 2 years/$6 million
The last piece of the puzzle for the DRays! Watch out Toronto! Tampa would have done better by convincing Aubry Huff not to leave the second he's able to.
Juan Gonzalez to the Royals: 1 year/$4.5 million
Yikes! In past years, Gonzo would be asking at least $12 M (and settling on about $7). While there are legitimate reasons to pass on Igor (health and personality being prominent), he always contributes when he's on a field not named Comerica. Chalk it up as one of the "we could be in collusion" data points.
Mark Sweeney to the Rockies: NRI (Non-Roster Invitee)
Wrong M. Sweeney that plays first. I could care less.
Eric Young to the Rangers: 1 year/$1 million
Did we learn nothing from the Doug Glanville experiment? Michael Young is your 2B of the future and any money spent over the minimum is money flushed down a toilet.
Javier Vazquez renegotiates with the Yankees: 4 years/$45 million
I've liked Javy for a few years now, but is a bit of an injury risk. As long as the Yankees continue to make the playoffs, this is a good deal. But I can see it going south in a hurry.
Scott Stewart (formerly of the Expos) traded to Cleveland for 2 prospects
Left Handed relievers are a dime a dozen, so it's good that the Expos found a way to dump some payroll without significantly hurting the team (any more than they already have.) But I doubt these 2 prospects (Ryan Church and Maicer 'Don't call be Cesar' Izturis) don't inspire much hope for the 2007 Richmond Expos.
Danys Baez to the DRays: 2 years/$6 million
The last piece of the puzzle for the DRays! Watch out Toronto! Tampa would have done better by convincing Aubry Huff not to leave the second he's able to.
Juan Gonzalez to the Royals: 1 year/$4.5 million
Yikes! In past years, Gonzo would be asking at least $12 M (and settling on about $7). While there are legitimate reasons to pass on Igor (health and personality being prominent), he always contributes when he's on a field not named Comerica. Chalk it up as one of the "we could be in collusion" data points.
Sunday, January 04, 2004
New Year's Catchup
Welcome to 2004. I don't have time now to run down all the action since my last posts, but I'll try to make time after the Sugar Bowl tonight (assuming we don't have quadruple overtimes.)
And, if you're unlucky, I'll weigh in on our good friend Pete as well.
And, if you're unlucky, I'll weigh in on our good friend Pete as well.
Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Speier New Bench Coach for the A's
From the Wire:
Chris Speier, former Giant and Expo mainstay, has been hired by Oakland to replace Terra Francona on the bench.
Taking a look at his career, he had 42 Stolen Bases but was caught 54 times. For a team that has seen it's fortunes fail because of boneheaded baserunning (Tejada, Byrnes, the other Giambi) maybe they should have looked somewhere else.
Chris Speier, former Giant and Expo mainstay, has been hired by Oakland to replace Terra Francona on the bench.
Taking a look at his career, he had 42 Stolen Bases but was caught 54 times. For a team that has seen it's fortunes fail because of boneheaded baserunning (Tejada, Byrnes, the other Giambi) maybe they should have looked somewhere else.
Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Oh to be on the Relocation Committee
It used to be the "Extortion Across America" Tour. But now the MLB Committee to Relocate the Expos has now broadened their horizons. This report details their junket to Monterrey Mexico.
The city that couldn't outbid Puerto Rico for the rights for a quarter of the Expos schedule can't seriously be considered for a permanent home for the team, can it?
In other news, the FDA finally banned Ephedra. Now that he doesn't have to show actual leadership, look for Selig to publicly call for the substance to be added to the Testing List. I give him 10 days.
The city that couldn't outbid Puerto Rico for the rights for a quarter of the Expos schedule can't seriously be considered for a permanent home for the team, can it?
In other news, the FDA finally banned Ephedra. Now that he doesn't have to show actual leadership, look for Selig to publicly call for the substance to be added to the Testing List. I give him 10 days.
Hot Stove Update
From Wire Service Reports:
Jason Johnson to the Tigers: 2 years/$7 million
The announcement-slash-press release quotes Dave Dombrowski thusly: "Jason Johnson is a veteran starter we were looking to sign this winter. He is a pitcher that will give us a lot of quality innings."
Jason Johnson's career stats, mentioned just 2 paragraphs above: 36-58. 4.91 ERA
He may be a veteran, but quality innings may be in short supply. Dombrowsky was apparently overly impressed with his one start at Comerica (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 5 IP, 4 H, 2 K) Same old Tigers.
Jason Johnson to the Tigers: 2 years/$7 million
The announcement-slash-press release quotes Dave Dombrowski thusly: "Jason Johnson is a veteran starter we were looking to sign this winter. He is a pitcher that will give us a lot of quality innings."
Jason Johnson's career stats, mentioned just 2 paragraphs above: 36-58. 4.91 ERA
He may be a veteran, but quality innings may be in short supply. Dombrowsky was apparently overly impressed with his one start at Comerica (1-0, 0.00 ERA, 5 IP, 4 H, 2 K) Same old Tigers.
Amazing Contortion of the Day
Phil Rogers writes an ESPN piece detailing how Pudge Rodriguez can't seem to find a willing taker and yet never once brings up the "c" word (Collusion for those of you in Rio Linda).
Back in the pre-2002 CBA days, teams would be falling all over themsevles for a Playoff hero at a premium position who's experienced, durable, and most of all GOOD. But today? "Sorry, no vacancies".
This is starting to fail the smell test...
Back in the pre-2002 CBA days, teams would be falling all over themsevles for a Playoff hero at a premium position who's experienced, durable, and most of all GOOD. But today? "Sorry, no vacancies".
This is starting to fail the smell test...
Geriatric Dreams
Jan Hubbard of the Dallas Morning News spends his latest column whining about new stadiums, and how they're not as good as they were back in the old days when kids used to have to walk to school 10 miles each way uphill in a snowstorm.
"... and while there is little doubt that the amenities are superior in the new castles, the character of places such as the Fleet Center, Staples Center, United Center and American Airlines Center does not come close to matching what they replaced. The old places had better sightlines, fans were closer to the court and the noise was louder and more genuine."
"Everything was better: The pocorn was crunchier. The uniforms were flashier. And everything back then had to be good because my eyesight is failing and my back hurts and this obviously can't be the nadir of living so I've got to blame it on something, right"?!?
I've been to stadiums both new and old and while there might be a certain nostalgia to the old places ("Look, that's where Kareem put on those funky goggles."), they were for the most part crapholes. New stadiums and arenas just need time to make their own memories.
"It was obvious that as sports facilities got older and player salaries increased, new streams of revenue had to be found."
Ahh, it's those greedy players again. They probably kick puppies and tease disabled kids too, those rotten scum!
"The purist wishes that something could have been done to keep Boston Garden, the Forum, Chicago Stadium and Reunion Arena..."
Now I know he's on crack. Anyone with a jones for Reunion needs to be carted off to a place where slippers are mandatory attire.
I can't wait for 2050. We'll start to see columns from Jan Hubbard Jr. talking about "the great tradition of American Airlines Arena that shouldn't be needlessly discarded..."
"... and while there is little doubt that the amenities are superior in the new castles, the character of places such as the Fleet Center, Staples Center, United Center and American Airlines Center does not come close to matching what they replaced. The old places had better sightlines, fans were closer to the court and the noise was louder and more genuine."
"Everything was better: The pocorn was crunchier. The uniforms were flashier. And everything back then had to be good because my eyesight is failing and my back hurts and this obviously can't be the nadir of living so I've got to blame it on something, right"?!?
I've been to stadiums both new and old and while there might be a certain nostalgia to the old places ("Look, that's where Kareem put on those funky goggles."), they were for the most part crapholes. New stadiums and arenas just need time to make their own memories.
"It was obvious that as sports facilities got older and player salaries increased, new streams of revenue had to be found."
Ahh, it's those greedy players again. They probably kick puppies and tease disabled kids too, those rotten scum!
"The purist wishes that something could have been done to keep Boston Garden, the Forum, Chicago Stadium and Reunion Arena..."
Now I know he's on crack. Anyone with a jones for Reunion needs to be carted off to a place where slippers are mandatory attire.
I can't wait for 2050. We'll start to see columns from Jan Hubbard Jr. talking about "the great tradition of American Airlines Arena that shouldn't be needlessly discarded..."
Lidle to Reds: Good. Dellucci to Rangers: Ugh!
From today's USA Today, a rundown of the most recent transactions:
Corey Liddle to the Reds: 1 year/$2.75 million
A nice pickup for the Reds. Liddle will never be an ace but he makes an excellent #3-4. As long as he's not pitching all of his games against the Johnsons and Priors of the world, he'll do fine.
David Dellucci to the Rangers: 1 year/$750K
Once again testing the theory that "You never can have too many immobile outfielders", the Rangers have hired another one (on the heels of the Brian Jordan signing). I like Dellucci (both from his DBack days and his Baton Rouge pedigree), but he's a bad fit for this team that's already bursting at the seams with young hitting talent. Where will Lance Nix play? Or Kevin Mench? These are the type of contracts (not ARod) that leave Ranger fans shaking their heads.
Corey Liddle to the Reds: 1 year/$2.75 million
A nice pickup for the Reds. Liddle will never be an ace but he makes an excellent #3-4. As long as he's not pitching all of his games against the Johnsons and Priors of the world, he'll do fine.
David Dellucci to the Rangers: 1 year/$750K
Once again testing the theory that "You never can have too many immobile outfielders", the Rangers have hired another one (on the heels of the Brian Jordan signing). I like Dellucci (both from his DBack days and his Baton Rouge pedigree), but he's a bad fit for this team that's already bursting at the seams with young hitting talent. Where will Lance Nix play? Or Kevin Mench? These are the type of contracts (not ARod) that leave Ranger fans shaking their heads.
Opening Day
The opening salvo in an attempt to out-Pappas Pappas!
