2011/2012 MLB Off-season Thread

[Gozer]

Originally Posted by Where ru Chris O'Sullivan

Doesn't Pujols have a burr in his saddle though? I didnt pay enough attention, but they were talking long term extension last summer and I think they were very far apart.

Pujols was rumoured to feel disrespected by the negotiations, and was unwilling to work on his contract during the season (distraction). So yes he is annoyed, but there's no real impediment to a deal.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Where ru Chris O'Sullivan

Doesn't Pujols have a burr in his saddle though? I didnt pay enough attention, but they were talking long term extension last summer and I think they were very far apart.

Not sure its all about the money now, I thought he was upset with their initial offer last summer and it hurt him enough that he told his agent not to talk to them until FA status.

We'll see, but I'm sure Larussa's decision was based on his view of next years team.

He didn't want to negotiate during the season but I don't think that has any impact on him not re-signing with the team. I don't think he had a burr in his saddle so much as he wasn't going to re-sign unless he got the huge deal he was looking for.

La Russa isn't the kind of guy that would retire just because Pujols wasn't coming back. If anything Pujols leaving would have him stay so he could put a pitcher at first and show everybody how smart he is by doing something wacky.

Based on his comments about Fielder after the Milwaukee series I think he certainly is willing to re-sign in St. Louis.

But as always this could just be my bias talking.

[Cheese]

Originally Posted by ricoFlame

Have you guys seen the Miami Marlins new logo/uniforms...they are just terrible looking.

Ive seen worse I think....







I think it suits the Miami motif to be honest....very coloful state.

The Marlins also unveiled a new logo, new uniforms and new colours -- orange, blue, black and yellow. The changes emphasize the team's move from a suburban multipurpose stadium, where attendance was poor, to a cozier ballpark near downtown where crowds of more than 30,000 are expected for every game next season.

[Flickered Flame]

Cardinals Name Mike Matheny Manager

[dustyanddaflames]

Diamondbacks and Aaron Hill come to a two-year agreement... Looking more and more like Kelly Johnson or a trade to fill the Blue Jays' second base position.

[GirlySports]

The Dodgers are close to signing Matt Kemp for 8 years/$160MM.

[dustyanddaflames]

Good signing by the Dodgers - Kemp is one of the actual few "five tool players" in baseball. Just one home run shy of a 40/40 season this past season, and seems to have found his groove. His ability has always been there, just whether or not he would piece it all together was a major question.

In a side note as well, good to see the Dodgers retaining one of their best players (Kershaw being the other), and am really happy to see McCourt the hell outta LA. His and his wife's personal spending has really turned that franchise into an utter joke for a market that should have all kinds of money to spend. Here's hoping this is the first step into getting back that respectability.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by Cheese

Ive seen worse I think....







I think it suits the Miami motif to be honest....very coloful state.

The Marlins also unveiled a new logo, new uniforms and new colours -- orange, blue, black and yellow. The changes emphasize the team's move from a suburban multipurpose stadium, where attendance was poor, to a cozier ballpark near downtown where crowds of more than 30,000 are expected for every game next season.

I consider myself a baseball purist. Those things are down right awful. Still, there are plenty of bad uniforms in the majors at the moment. Most of the third jersey's are down right hideous, in my purist opinion.

[dustyanddaflames]

I personally don't mind the home white uniform, but the rest are gawd awful.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by dustyanddaflames

I personally don't mind the home white uniform, but the rest are gawd awful.

You like the see-through pants?

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by troutman

You like the see-through pants?

I think it's pretty clear that's exactly what he's saying! Let it be told for generations to come: dustyanddaflames likes an athletic dude in see-through pantaloons.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by troutman

You like the see-through pants?

You don't?

[dustyanddaflames]

Have you ever thought - maybe I just like an oversized letter M?

[dustyanddaflames]

Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez is not at all pleased about the prospect of changing positions if the team signs Jose Reyes, a source tells Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald (via Twitter). Spencer adds that the two players aren't the friends that many portray.
Late last month, club president David Samson said that the Marlins haven't discussed moving Ramirez away from shortstop or asking Ramirez about a position change. A representative for Ramirez also said that the Marlins hadn't asked the soon-to-be 28-year-old to move from shortstop.

From mlbtraderumours.com

[CofR]

According to multiples sources, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has announced that with the approved sale of the Houston Astros, and their subsequent move from the National League to the American League, the new 15 team leagues will be comprised of three divisions and give playoff births to not only the division winners, but also the winner of a one game playoff between the two next best teams beginning in 2013 at the latest, with a chance that the play in game will happen this coming year.

http://blogs.thescore.com/mlb/2011/1...ra-wild-cards/

[Maritime Q-Scout]

More importantly than the announcing of the Managers of the Year, and the sale & move of the Huston Astros (and trust me, for me that's a big deal)

Heidi will no longer be gracing us in Red Sox broadcasts. She's what made watching those NESN games on SportsNet bearable

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big...rn=mlb-wp27090

[troutman]

Originally Posted by CofR

According to multiples sources, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig has announced that with the approved sale of the Houston Astros, and their subsequent move from the National League to the American League, the new 15 team leagues will be comprised of three divisions and give playoff births to not only the division winners, but also the winner of a one game playoff between the two next best teams beginning in 2013 at the latest, with a chance that the play in game will happen this coming year.

http://blogs.thescore.com/mlb/2011/1...ra-wild-cards/

One game playoff is too abritrary. Should be at least best of 3.

[The Big Chill]

Originally Posted by troutman

One game playoff is too abritrary. Should be at least best of 3.

I agree. If the season finishes on a Wednesday, have the 3 game series go Thurs-Fri-Sat, with the rest of the playoffs starting on Sunday. I think it gives a big advantage to division winners, as they can rest pitchers and get their rotation in order, but it also makes getting the first seed important, as you get to play a team who is likely to be going with their #3 or 4 starter and a tired bullpen in game 1.

[CofR]

Originally Posted by Maritime Q-Scout

More importantly than the announcing of the Managers of the Year, and the sale & move of the Huston Astros (and trust me, for me that's a big deal)

Heidi will no longer be gracing us in Red Sox broadcasts. She's what made watching those NESN games on SportsNet bearable

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big...rn=mlb-wp27090

Booooourns...

Heidi Watney is the only thing that made the Sox still worth watching in September... I'm really gonna miss her.

[socalwingfan]

Heidi has been signed to cover the Lakers this year - that is the ONLY reason I can think of for ending the NBA strike