Friday, November 30, 2012
Hot Stove Report
The Yankees have re-signed RHRP Mariano Rivera to a 1-year, $10,000,000 contract. Rivera was 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA in 2012 before going down with a knee injury in May.
Hot Stove
The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a 1-year, $1,750,000 abitration-avoiding contract. He was 3-1 with a 1.67 ERA before tearing a ligament in his elbow and is expected to be ready for next season in July.
The Wright Move!
The New York Mets have agreed to sign 3B David Wright to a seven-year, $122,000,000 contract on top of his $16,000,000 option for 2013. It is the largest contract in Mets history. Wright hit .306 with 21 homers and 93 RBIs while becoming the Mets leader in hits, RBIs, runs scored, and walks.
The Mets FINALLY did something Wright! (worn-out pun intended). He should hold the record for singles, games, at-bats, and more by the end of his career.
 |
| David Wright collects his franchise-record 1,426th hit.
|
Hot Stove
The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed former Yankees C Russell Martin to a 2-year, $17,000,000 contract, where he is reunited with AJ Burnett. Martin had a terrible offensive start, but rebounded to post a statline of .211 with 21 homers and 53 RBIs. I wish him all the very best with Pittsburgh.
The Atlanta Braves have traded RHSP Tommy Hanson to the Angels for Jordan Walden. Hanson was 13-10 with a 4.48 ERA.
 |
| Martin reacts after hitting a walkoff home run against the Mets on June 10, 2012. Best birthday EVER! (Talk about a "Sweet 16"!) |
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Hot Stove
The Atlanta Braves have signed OF BJ Upton to a 5-year, $75,250,000 coontract. Upton hit just .246 with 28 homers and 78 RBIs in 2012.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Hot Stove
The Cincinnati Reds have re-signed RHRP Jonathan Broxton to a 3-year, $21,000,000 contract. He was 4/6 in save chances for the Reds with a 2.82 ERA.
The Royals traded RHP Vin Mazzaro and 1B Clint Robinson to the Pirates for minor leaguers Luis Santos and Luis Rico. Mazzaro was 4-3 with a 5.73 ERA and Robinson was 0-4 with 2 Ks in his batting debut.
The Boston Red Sox have hired Greg Colbrunn their new hitting coach. This rounds out their 2013 staff:
Manager: John Farrell
Pitching Coach: Juan Nieves
Hitting Coach: Greg Colbrunn
First Base Coach: Arnie Beyeler
Third Base Coach: Brian Butterfield
Bench Coach: Terry Lovullo
Bullpen Coach: Gary Tuck (lone holdover from Valentine/Francona days).
The Royals traded RHP Vin Mazzaro and 1B Clint Robinson to the Pirates for minor leaguers Luis Santos and Luis Rico. Mazzaro was 4-3 with a 5.73 ERA and Robinson was 0-4 with 2 Ks in his batting debut.
The Boston Red Sox have hired Greg Colbrunn their new hitting coach. This rounds out their 2013 staff:
Manager: John Farrell
Pitching Coach: Juan Nieves
Hitting Coach: Greg Colbrunn
First Base Coach: Arnie Beyeler
Third Base Coach: Brian Butterfield
Bench Coach: Terry Lovullo
Bullpen Coach: Gary Tuck (lone holdover from Valentine/Francona days).
Andy's Still Dandy!
Andy's Still Dandy
Veteran Southpaw agrees to 1-year deal with Yankees
The Yankees announced that they have agreed to re-sign LHSP Andy Pettitte to a 1-year, $12,000,000 contract plus bonuses, according to ESPN.com.
Pettitte was 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in his 12 starts in 2012.
Pettitte has always been one of my personal favorite players. His comeback last year was unbelievable and his record proved he can certainly still pitch.
Pettitte walks in from the bullpen before the game on June 10, 2012. Russell Martin hit two home runs including a walkoff, Jason Bay made an epic fail of an error, Pettitte was injured barehanding a ball, and I had the greatest 16th birthday one could ever imagine!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Free Agency
The Los Angeles Angels have begun to re-tool their bullpen for 2013, signing RHRP Ryan Madson to a 1-year contract for terms yet to be disclosed. Madson missed the entire season with Tommy John surgery.
The Chicago Cubs are at it again, signing RHSP Scott Feldman to a 1-year, $6,000,000 contract with $1,000,000 in incentives. He was 6-11 with a 5.09 ERA in 21 starts.
The Tampa Bay Rays have signed 3B Evan Longoria to a 6-year $100,000,000 contract extension with the Tampa Bay Rays. Longoria hit .289 with 17 homers and 55 RBIs in 2012.
The Chicago White Sox announced that Harold Baines will move to assistant hitting coach, Daryl Boston will become the first base coach, and Bobby Thigpen will move to bullpen coach.
DeMarlo Hale has been hired as the new bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. Pete Walker moves to pitching coach and Chad Motolla moves to hitting coach.
And finally, the New York Mets announced that RHSP Mike Pelfrey, RHRP Manny Acosta, and OF Andres Torres will be non-tendered this offseason. No surprise there.
Torres hit .230 with with 3 homers, 35 RBIs and many injuries in 2012.
Pelfrey allowed 19 hits in 19.2 innings in 2012 before having Tommy John surgery in May...good riddence.
Acosta was 1-3 with a 6.46 ERA and allowed 34 earned runs in just 47 innings.
Good riddence to all!
The Chicago Cubs are at it again, signing RHSP Scott Feldman to a 1-year, $6,000,000 contract with $1,000,000 in incentives. He was 6-11 with a 5.09 ERA in 21 starts.
The Tampa Bay Rays have signed 3B Evan Longoria to a 6-year $100,000,000 contract extension with the Tampa Bay Rays. Longoria hit .289 with 17 homers and 55 RBIs in 2012.
The Chicago White Sox announced that Harold Baines will move to assistant hitting coach, Daryl Boston will become the first base coach, and Bobby Thigpen will move to bullpen coach.
DeMarlo Hale has been hired as the new bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. Pete Walker moves to pitching coach and Chad Motolla moves to hitting coach.
And finally, the New York Mets announced that RHSP Mike Pelfrey, RHRP Manny Acosta, and OF Andres Torres will be non-tendered this offseason. No surprise there.
Torres hit .230 with with 3 homers, 35 RBIs and many injuries in 2012.
Torres leaves injured on Opening Day...yup, pretty lame.
Pelfrey allowed 19 hits in 19.2 innings in 2012 before having Tommy John surgery in May...good riddence.
This picture pretty much sums up Mike Pelfrey's 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Acosta was 1-3 with a 6.46 ERA and allowed 34 earned runs in just 47 innings.
Acosta reacts after surrendering a three-run home run to Ty Wigginton in the ninth inning on May 28, 2012. The Mets lost.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Heading to The Hall
Former ace pitcher Curt Schilling will be eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2013.
Schilling pitched for 20 years, compiling a record of 216-146.
.jpg)
Schilling will also be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2013, and here is why...
His win total is less than impressive, however, over his career he had 3,116 strikeouts, and a 3.46 ERA.
He was the co-MVP of the 2001 World Series, with future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson (see my article on him in 2014).
He was a six-time All Star (1997-1999, 2001, 2002, 2004), a three-time World Series Champion (1993 with the Phillies and 2004 and 2007 with the Red Sox).
In 1993 he was the NLCS MVP as the Phillies went all the way to the World Series, where they lost to the Blue Jays, and he was the 1995 Lou Gehrig Award recipient.
In 2001 he was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award, Babe Ruth Award, Branch Rickey Award, and the Hutch Award, (what a year!)
Schilling's win total does him no justice, however, he spent most of his career with bad teams such as the Orioles in the late eighties, and the Astros and Phillies in the nineties.
Schilling was a tremendous pitcher, and he will be elected this year with Piazza and Biggio. I cannot wait to see them in Cooperstown!
Schilling pitched for 20 years, compiling a record of 216-146.
.jpg)
Schilling will also be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2013, and here is why...
His win total is less than impressive, however, over his career he had 3,116 strikeouts, and a 3.46 ERA.
He was the co-MVP of the 2001 World Series, with future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson (see my article on him in 2014).
He was a six-time All Star (1997-1999, 2001, 2002, 2004), a three-time World Series Champion (1993 with the Phillies and 2004 and 2007 with the Red Sox).
In 1993 he was the NLCS MVP as the Phillies went all the way to the World Series, where they lost to the Blue Jays, and he was the 1995 Lou Gehrig Award recipient.
In 2001 he was awarded the Roberto Clemente Award, Babe Ruth Award, Branch Rickey Award, and the Hutch Award, (what a year!)
Schilling's win total does him no justice, however, he spent most of his career with bad teams such as the Orioles in the late eighties, and the Astros and Phillies in the nineties.
Schilling was a tremendous pitcher, and he will be elected this year with Piazza and Biggio. I cannot wait to see them in Cooperstown!
Biggio is Back: Hall of Fame 2013
Former Houston Astors legend Craig Biggio is eligible for Hall of Fame induction in 2013.
Biggio hit just .281, with 291 homers and 1,175 RBIs in his carrer. However, I will tell you why I believe he will get into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot,
Biggio finished his career with 3,060 career hits, of the players with 3,000 or more hits, only Derek Jeter (active), Biggio, Palmiero (roidhead), and of course Pete Rose, are not in the Hall of Fame. He also had 668 doubles, and 414 stolen bases.
Biggio was as seven-time All Star (1991, 1992, 1994-1998), four time Gold Glove winner (1991, 1994-1997), and a five-time Silver Slugger award winner (1989, 1994-1998).
Biggio was the recipient of the 2007 Branch Rickey award, the 2005 Hutch Award, and the 2007 Roberto Clemente Award. He was also hit by pitches 285 times, a modern record. On August 17, 2008 his number 7 was retired by the Houston Astros.
Biggio was a true legend in Houston. He played in the outfield, as a catcher, and a second baseman.
I look forward to being at his Hall of Fame induction in July!
Biggio hit just .281, with 291 homers and 1,175 RBIs in his carrer. However, I will tell you why I believe he will get into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot,
Biggio finished his career with 3,060 career hits, of the players with 3,000 or more hits, only Derek Jeter (active), Biggio, Palmiero (roidhead), and of course Pete Rose, are not in the Hall of Fame. He also had 668 doubles, and 414 stolen bases.
Biggio was as seven-time All Star (1991, 1992, 1994-1998), four time Gold Glove winner (1991, 1994-1997), and a five-time Silver Slugger award winner (1989, 1994-1998).
Biggio was the recipient of the 2007 Branch Rickey award, the 2005 Hutch Award, and the 2007 Roberto Clemente Award. He was also hit by pitches 285 times, a modern record. On August 17, 2008 his number 7 was retired by the Houston Astros.
Biggio was a true legend in Houston. He played in the outfield, as a catcher, and a second baseman.
I look forward to being at his Hall of Fame induction in July!
Biggio's 3,000th career hit.
Standing in The Hall of Fame!
The annual Baseball Hall of Fame elections will take place this January. The class of 2013 will then convene in Cooperstown in July for the induction, and if all goes right, I will join them!
The ballot features first timers, last timers, and roidheads.
This article details why I believe that the first player inducted in 2013 will be...Mike Piazza!
Piazza played for 16 seasons, compiling a statline of .308 427 homers and 1,335 RBIs.
During his career he compiled these highlights:
-His 35 homers as a rookie in 1993 were the most since Matt Nokes' 32 in 1987.
-In 1997 and 1999 his 40 homers are the fourth-most by a catcher, behind Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, Todd Hundley, and Javy Lopez.
-In 1997, his 201 hits were the most by a catcher in MLB history over 130 or more games.
On July 18, 2000 he hit his third grand slam of the season, matched by Carlos Beltran, John Milner, and Robin Ventura.
He had 72 RBIs before the All-Star Break were the most in Mets history, breaking the 69 by Dave Kingman in 1976.
He had nine career 30-homer seasons, including eight consecutive from 1995-2002
In 1996, 1997, and 2000, he led the All-Star Voting
From 1993-2001 he hit over .300.
On June 29, 1996 he hit 3 homers against the Rockies.
Piazza's career numbers, combined with his twelve All-Star appearances, (1993-2002, 2004-2005) and ten consecutive Silver Slugger Awards (1993-2002), in addition to his 1993 Rookie of the Year Award and 1996 All Star Game MVP, prove his worth to the teams he played on during his career.
The ballot features first timers, last timers, and roidheads.
This article details why I believe that the first player inducted in 2013 will be...Mike Piazza!
Piazza played for 16 seasons, compiling a statline of .308 427 homers and 1,335 RBIs.
During his career he compiled these highlights:
-His 35 homers as a rookie in 1993 were the most since Matt Nokes' 32 in 1987.
-In 1997 and 1999 his 40 homers are the fourth-most by a catcher, behind Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, Todd Hundley, and Javy Lopez.
-In 1997, his 201 hits were the most by a catcher in MLB history over 130 or more games.
On July 18, 2000 he hit his third grand slam of the season, matched by Carlos Beltran, John Milner, and Robin Ventura.
He had 72 RBIs before the All-Star Break were the most in Mets history, breaking the 69 by Dave Kingman in 1976.
He had nine career 30-homer seasons, including eight consecutive from 1995-2002
In 1996, 1997, and 2000, he led the All-Star Voting
From 1993-2001 he hit over .300.
On June 29, 1996 he hit 3 homers against the Rockies.
Piazza's career numbers, combined with his twelve All-Star appearances, (1993-2002, 2004-2005) and ten consecutive Silver Slugger Awards (1993-2002), in addition to his 1993 Rookie of the Year Award and 1996 All Star Game MVP, prove his worth to the teams he played on during his career.
The hit that healed a nation, Piazza's three-run home run on September 21, 2001, the first game in New York since 9/11.
The infamous "broken bat incident" in the 2000 World Series.
Mike Piazza WILL get into the Hall of Fame in 2013, and when he does, you can be sure that I will be there watching his induction!
Friday, November 23, 2012
Hot Stove
The Boston Red Sox have signed OF/DH Johnny Gomes to a 2-year, $10,000,000 contract. Gomes hit .262 with 18 homers and 62 RBIs for Oakland in 2012.
This deal is a low-risk, high-reward possibility in 2013. If Gomes has a solid year, he is under control for next year. If not, GM Ben Cherington can easily cut him and eat the $5,000,000 left on his contract.
This deal is a low-risk, high-reward possibility in 2013. If Gomes has a solid year, he is under control for next year. If not, GM Ben Cherington can easily cut him and eat the $5,000,000 left on his contract.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
MLB F ree Agency
The New York Yankees have agreed to re-sign RHSP Hiroki Kuroda to a 1-year, $15 million contract. He was 16-11 with a 3.32 ERA, but pitched much better than his record indicated.
The Chicago White Sox have re-signed OF DeWayne Wise to a 1-year, $700,000 contract.
The Seattle Mariners have DFA'ed Chone Figgins. The troubled player hit just .188 last season.
The Kansas City Royals have signed RHSP Jeremy Guthrie to a 3-year, $25 million contract. He was 8-12 with a 4.76 ERA in 2012 for both the Royals and Rockies, but 4-0 with a 2.17 ERA in his last 11 games.
The Boston Red Sox have named Arnie Beyeler their new first base coach.
The Mariners have traded for 2B Robert Andino for Trayvon Robinson.
The San Diego Padres have exercised the 2013 and 2014 options on manager Bud Black's contract. He is 464-509 since 2007. Thay also signed OF Kyle Blanks to a 1-year $605,000 contract.
The Blue Jays have (re-)hired John Gibbons to manage the team. He was 305-305 from 2004-2008 as the manager, the third winningest in Blue Jays history.
The Chicago Cubs have DFA'ed 1B Brian LaHair.
The Atlanta Braves have signed Gerald Laird to a one year contract.
The Chicago White Sox have re-signed OF DeWayne Wise to a 1-year, $700,000 contract.
The Seattle Mariners have DFA'ed Chone Figgins. The troubled player hit just .188 last season.
The Kansas City Royals have signed RHSP Jeremy Guthrie to a 3-year, $25 million contract. He was 8-12 with a 4.76 ERA in 2012 for both the Royals and Rockies, but 4-0 with a 2.17 ERA in his last 11 games.
The Boston Red Sox have named Arnie Beyeler their new first base coach.
The Mariners have traded for 2B Robert Andino for Trayvon Robinson.
The San Diego Padres have exercised the 2013 and 2014 options on manager Bud Black's contract. He is 464-509 since 2007. Thay also signed OF Kyle Blanks to a 1-year $605,000 contract.
The Blue Jays have (re-)hired John Gibbons to manage the team. He was 305-305 from 2004-2008 as the manager, the third winningest in Blue Jays history.
The Chicago Cubs have DFA'ed 1B Brian LaHair.
The Atlanta Braves have signed Gerald Laird to a one year contract.
Friday, November 16, 2012
MLB Free Agency
The San Francisco Giants have re-signed RHRP Jeremy Affeldt to a 3-year, $18,000,000 contract. The 33-year-old had 16 holds to go along with a 2.70 ERA for the World Series Champion Giants in 2012.
The Chicago Cubs have signed RHSP Scott Baker to a one-year contract worth $5.5 million with another $1.5 million in incentives. He missed the entire 2012 season with Tommy John Surgery.
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed former Yankees OF Melky Cabrera to a 2-year, $16 million contract. The troubled Cabrera hit .346 with 11 homers and 60 RBIs before his suspension for PED usage. In my opinion, $16 million is quite a lot to shell out for a player coming off of steriod usage, a high-risk, high-reward possibility in 2013.
The Detroit Tigers have signed OF Torii Hunter to a 2-year, $26,000,000 contract. Hunter hit .313 with 16 homers and 92 RBIs in 2012. Again, I say, two years and over $20 million for a man who turns 38 in July is quite risky, esspecially for the team that just lost the World Series due to a lack of offense. However, it has a high-risk, high-reward possibility.
The Chicago Cubs have signed RHSP Scott Baker to a one-year contract worth $5.5 million with another $1.5 million in incentives. He missed the entire 2012 season with Tommy John Surgery.
The Toronto Blue Jays have signed former Yankees OF Melky Cabrera to a 2-year, $16 million contract. The troubled Cabrera hit .346 with 11 homers and 60 RBIs before his suspension for PED usage. In my opinion, $16 million is quite a lot to shell out for a player coming off of steriod usage, a high-risk, high-reward possibility in 2013.
The Detroit Tigers have signed OF Torii Hunter to a 2-year, $26,000,000 contract. Hunter hit .313 with 16 homers and 92 RBIs in 2012. Again, I say, two years and over $20 million for a man who turns 38 in July is quite risky, esspecially for the team that just lost the World Series due to a lack of offense. However, it has a high-risk, high-reward possibility.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Free Agency
The Oakland A's have re-signed former Yankees P Bartolo Colon to a 1-year, $3,000,000 contract. Colon (10-9 3.43 ERA) had a solid year but fell off again in the latter half of the season.
Hisashi Iwakuma (9-5, 3.16 ERA) has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Seattle Mariners.
SS Maicer Izturis has agreed to a 3-year, $10,000,000 contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He hit .256 with 17 stolen bases in 2012.
Joel Peralta has re-signed with the Rays, agreeing to a 2-year $6,000,000 contract. He was 2-6 with 37 holds for the Rays as a setup man.
Backup C David Ross (.256 9 homers 23 RBIs) has signed a 2-year, $6.2 million contract with the Red Sox. He had a solid postseason with the Braves and was a great insurance policy for McCann. He should fit well in Boston.
Hisashi Iwakuma (9-5, 3.16 ERA) has agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Seattle Mariners.
SS Maicer Izturis has agreed to a 3-year, $10,000,000 contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He hit .256 with 17 stolen bases in 2012.
Joel Peralta has re-signed with the Rays, agreeing to a 2-year $6,000,000 contract. He was 2-6 with 37 holds for the Rays as a setup man.
Backup C David Ross (.256 9 homers 23 RBIs) has signed a 2-year, $6.2 million contract with the Red Sox. He had a solid postseason with the Braves and was a great insurance policy for McCann. He should fit well in Boston.
Andy's Not Dandy
Andy's Sill Dandy
A Shakeup is Needed-For Reid's Sake
For fourteen years, Andy Reid has been the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. He's been to Championship Games, a Super Bowl, and an impressive 129-86-1 record.
However, as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end, and Reid's tenure as Head Coach in Philly is no exception.
Reid's Eagles haven't had a winning record since they won the NFC East in 2010. They haven't had a losing record since 2005 (6-10, .375). They haven't won a playoff game since 2008.
Over the last two years, the Eagles have had a record of 11-13. They have fired DC Juan Castillo, spent huge amounts of money on players like Michael Vick and Namdi Asomougua. The team seems to have stopped responding to Reid.
I have the perfect solution.
Andy Reid should be fired, and then hired by...
...The Buffalo Bills!
Chan Gailey's team hasn't responded to him this season after breaking the bank on key defensive players. Fitzpatrick has been a disaster (wait for my next article), and they need a change of leadership.
It certainly won't hurt.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
2012 MLB Free Agents
The Boston Red Sox have signed DH David Ortiz to a 2-year, $26,000,000 contract. Ortiz hit .318 with 23 homers and 60 RBIs in just 90 games, sidelined with an achillies injury.
This deal couldn't be better for Boston, getting a great player at a good deal, and Ortiz getting more than one year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)