2011/2012 MLB Off-season Thread

[flambers]

Originally Posted by fleury

I don't know why Seattle would do that deal as pitchers like that are hard to come by, but damn, NY saved themselves. Hard to disagree that they'll win the AL East, but injuries always happen.

I agree, not sure why Seattle made that deal...

As for the Yanks they look old.... injuries will definetely be a factor for them....

[Montana Moe]

Well, Seattle really needs some hitters, so I understand that aspect of the trade. It's tough to see Pineda go, but it sounds like they think they have a few quality pitchers coming up through the ranks. I guess we'll see...

[Sylvanfan]

I like this move for the Yankees. Pineda is a big young flame thrower, and they'll never have a problem replacing a hitter.

[d_phaneuf]

I'm surprised most people think the Yankees won the deal

the only place where I have seen it favored to Seattle is Keith Law (needs insider)

Montero is basically Edgar 2.0, power to both sides, hits for average, his lack of a position isn't as big a deal for Seattle (because DH is wide open for them)

Walker is a specimen but is still a somewhat raw talent, and Safeco can turn average pitchers into very good ones

Mariners might be a few years away from something good

Montero, Smoak, Ackley and their pitching could be very very good

[Flickered Flame]

A's have signed Bartolo Colon to a one year deal.

[Flickered Flame]

And the Twins have signed Joel Zumaya.

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

I'm surprised most people think the Yankees won the deal

Who won that deal is kind of up in the air for me. If Montero can stick at catcher (without being the worst defense Catcher in Major League Baseball) then his value is raised by quite a bit (as opposed to being a career DH) not to mention having to hit in Sefeco.

Pineda looked like a stud last year but he's got a lot of question marks still. Specifically in regards to how he'll adjust to the short right-field line in Yankee Stadium, how durable he'll be, and how he'll adjust to a tougher schedule (AL East being a significantly harder division to pitch in given the hitter friendly ballparks and higher talent level).

Not that it makes much of a difference I figured the Yanks were near a lock for the AL East crown this year even without Kuroda and Pineda. I kinda figured folk were just competing for a WC spot anyways.

[CofR]

The Red Sox avoided arbitration with infielder Mike Aviles and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, signing both to one-year deals. Aviles received $1.2 million and Ellsbury $8.05 million.

http://www.boston.com/sports/basebal..._ellsbury.html

[bluejays]

Didn't Ellsbury injure himself badly at the end of the season?

[troutman]

Panda gets 3 years, $17.15 mil

Lincecum offered record $17M, asks for $21.5M

[Cheese]

Darvish will sign, likely six year deal

Starting pitcher Yu Darvish will sign with the Texas Rangers before the 5 p.m. ET deadline, sources have told CBSSports.com insider Jon Heyman. The deal is likely to be for six years, Heyman has also learned. The Rangers paid a reported $51.7 million simply for the right to negotiate with Darvish.

[Maritime Q-Scout]

Yu Darvish has officially signed with the Texas Rangers 6 year $60 million contract

http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/ar...s_tex&c_id=tex

[bluejays]

So basically about $19M/year for 6 years is what they paid for the guy. He better be top 5 pitching in the league for at least the first 3 years to make it worth that pay.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by fleury

So basically about $19M/year for 6 years is what they paid for the guy. He better be top 5 pitching in the league for at least the first 3 years to make it worth that pay.

I think one World Series or two would make it worth it. They are so close.

[Flickered Flame]

And I don't think the Rangers are done. I think they find a way to get Fielder in there.

[Sylvanfan]

Originally Posted by fleury

So basically about $19M/year for 6 years is what they paid for the guy. He better be top 5 pitching in the league for at least the first 3 years to make it worth that pay.

Well keep in mind that the Rangers don't lose any player assets in adding him. When guys like Gonzalez, and Latos were traded they'll still make around 40 million in the next 4 seasons, plus teams parted with a lot of assets to get them.

So long as he gives them 200+ innings in at least 4 of those seasons, and looks like a 1 or two starter, they'll be okay with that. At his age you hope he's both productive and durable.

[d_phaneuf]

also have to factor in they will get a boost in marketing/sales of jerseys etc. in Japan

might not be big, but at a few million a year it lowers what they are paying out in his deal

[Gozer]

Originally Posted by diane_phaneuf

also have to factor in they will get a boost in marketing/sales of jerseys etc. in Japan

might not be big, but at a few million a year it lowers what they are paying out in his deal

That's shared revenue though, isn't it?

[Drake]

Fausto Carmona arrested in the Dominican Republic for using a false ID, turns out his real name is reportedly Roberto Hernandez Heredia, also he is reportedly 31 and not 28.

http://cleveland.sbnation.com/clevel...nandez-Heredia

[d_phaneuf]

Originally Posted by Gozer

That's shared revenue though, isn't it?

it is ya, I thought it wasn't

I know the Mariners do a lot of stuff over there and do make some money from it but it's not through jersey/hat etc. sales