2008-09 MLB Hot Stove

[KCK_Halo]

Thank God, you have that much sense. Milton is a clubhouse nightmare. Trust me!

I remember when Wedge and he got into it in Spring Training and they had to get rid of him. The Dodgers were all excited about getting him. I kept telling Dodger fans "Just wait and see." Well, there was the emptying of the dugout contents onto the field one night...removing his jersey as he paraded off the field after being ejected and throwing it on the ground...then he cried and pleaded with fans to love him as his number was 24 "Half of Jackie Robinson's because if I can be 1/2 the man that Jackie was then I will be a success" (paraphased)...and the finale to send him packing was when a fan threw a bottle onto the field and he charged to the fence in the outifeld and slam dunked it back into the stands so it bounced high in the air!

Oh yeah...I want HIM to wear the big Halo.....NOT!!!!!protest

 

[SabresRule]

Got a question:

Are either Angels Stadium or Nationals Park considered a hitters park or pitchers park?

 

[KCK_Halo]

Depends on the time of day here, Sabres. On a day game the ball can fly right over the freeway to the Honda Center lot. However, being so near the ocean early and late in the season the night air gets thick and slows the ball down considerably. Otherwise its' measurements are pretty fair.

You may recall me kidding Bill at the opening of the ALDS that I wished the games were afternoon PDT games because we were baking out here with thin, dry air that week.

 

[KCK_Halo]

Further info on the Penny/Dodgers divorce...

From today's L.A. Daily News:

Penny gone: As expected, the Dodgers informed veteran right-hander Brad Penny that they won't exercise his $9.25 million contract option for next season, a decision that probably ends Penny's 4 1/2-year stint with the club. The option carried a $2 million buyout.

Since the Dodgers acquired him from the Florida Marlins at the trading deadline in 2004 - a move that was made by Colletti's predecessor, Paul DePodesta - Penny has matured into a two-time All-Star and the ace of the team's starting rotation in 2006-07, winning 16 games in each of those seasons. But a shoulder injury limited him to just 19 appearances this year, none of them after Sept. 15.
Still, it was a perceived lack of professionalism on Penny's part that probably sealed his fate more than any injury. Several sources said during the season that Penny routinely blew off the customary pitchers' meeting before the first game of every series, and there were times when Penny's myriad outside interests - he owned all or part of several racehorses and openly dated at least two well-known actresses during his time with the Dodgers - appeared to take precedence over baseball.
The last straw might have come at the end of this season, when Penny, who was unable to pitch because of his injury, didn't stick around for the Dodgers' playoff run. He had been granted permission to leave, but it was because he had requested such permission that reportedly didn't sit well with some club officials, including Colletti and manager Joe Torre.
For the record, Colletti didn't completely close the door on re-signing Penny as a free agent. But Colletti did offer a cryptic comment that seemed to suggest the relationship between Penny and the Dodgers is over.
"This year, we just didn't really have enough to base our decision on," Colletti said. "From June on, there really wasn't a great body of work there (four appearances, two starts). But he pitched well for us for a long period of time, and he was obviously one of the top pitchers in the league a year ago. "We wish him well, and we hope things work out for him."

Did y'all hear that door SLAM??????

 

[SabresRule]

From today's L.A. Daily News:

Penny gone: As expected, the Dodgers informed veteran right-hander Brad Penny that they won't exercise his $9.25 million contract option for next season, a decision that probably ends Penny's 4 1/2-year stint with the club. The option carried a $2 million buyout.

Since the Dodgers acquired him from the Florida Marlins at the trading deadline in 2004 - a move that was made by Colletti's predecessor, Paul DePodesta - Penny has matured into a two-time All-Star and the ace of the team's starting rotation in 2006-07, winning 16 games in each of those seasons. But a shoulder injury limited him to just 19 appearances this year, none of them after Sept. 15.
Still, it was a perceived lack of professionalism on Penny's part that probably sealed his fate more than any injury. Several sources said during the season that Penny routinely blew off the customary pitchers' meeting before the first game of every series, and there were times when Penny's myriad outside interests - he owned all or part of several racehorses and openly dated at least two well-known actresses during his time with the Dodgers - appeared to take precedence over baseball.
The last straw might have come at the end of this season, when Penny, who was unable to pitch because of his injury, didn't stick around for the Dodgers' playoff run. He had been granted permission to leave, but it was because he had requested such permission that reportedly didn't sit well with some club officials, including Colletti and manager Joe Torre.
For the record, Colletti didn't completely close the door on re-signing Penny as a free agent. But Colletti did offer a cryptic comment that seemed to suggest the relationship between Penny and the Dodgers is over.
"This year, we just didn't really have enough to base our decision on," Colletti said. "From June on, there really wasn't a great body of work there (four appearances, two starts). But he pitched well for us for a long period of time, and he was obviously one of the top pitchers in the league a year ago. "We wish him well, and we hope things work out for him."

Did y'all hear that door SLAM??????

Do you want him as a Halo, KCK?

 

[KCK_Halo]

Do you want him as a Halo, KCK?

No. Not at all. He's closer to Santa Anita @ Angel Stadium.

 

[HD MM]

Sabathia not in Boston's plans

CC Sabathia's agent, Greg Genske, indicated earlier that he had not met with the Red Sox on Sabathia. While the Sox might explore some discussions on the big lefty, right now it doesn't seem to be in the plans. Sabathia, who is from the San Francisco area, would like to be on the West Coast. The Angels and Dodgers are interested. Sabathia was offered a 5-year, $100 million deal by the Brewers last weekend, but will seek other deals.

Sabathia not in Boston's plans | Truth&Rumors | FanNation

 

[SabresRule]

Can you picture Robinson Cano in Dodger Blue? Interesting story:

Rumors: Cano to Dodgers still a possibility - Fan Zone - NBCSports.com

 

[KCK_Halo]

Can you picture Robinson Cano in Dodger Blue? Interesting story:

Rumors: Cano to Dodgers still a possibility - Fan Zone - NBCSports.com

I'm sure he'd love to play for Torre again. Joe was like Dutch Uncle with him. Gave him alot of tough love because Cano was very drifty and would have times of almost unconciousness on the field. They grew quite close as most of Joe's players do with him.

 

[BillD1984]

Mets Revamping The Bullpen

By Tim Dierkes [November 7 at 1:11pm CST]
The Mets' primary focus this winter is to completely revamp their bullpen. Ken Davidoff and Joel Sherman outline Plan A: free agents. Names in the mix: Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood, Joe Beimel, Juan Cruz, and Chad Cordero. Sherman figures the Mets are in a good position because most of the other big-market teams aren't looking for a closer.
Plan B: trades. The Mets have already discussed Bobby Jenks with the White Sox. J.J. Putz, Huston Street, and Kevin Gregg are the other names. It all depends on how much young talent Omar Minaya wants to sacrifice.
As a corollary to Plan B, the Mets want to ship out Pedro Feliciano, Aaron Heilman, and Scott Schoeneweis. They hope to clear payroll and/or bring in other relievers in these trades. Davidoff says Heilman has plenty of admirers.
Another note from Sherman - the Mets "could be interested" in Jason Varitek if the price comes down but Varitek doesn't re-sign with Boston. In another article, Davidoff lays out Plans A, B, and C for both the Mets and Yankees.

 

[BillD1984]

Tigers Rumors: Pudge, Varitek, Lugo, Thames

By Tim Dierkes [November 7 at 11:55am CST]

Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press doles out the latest Tigers rumors.

• How will the Tigers resolve their catching situation? GM Dave Dombrowski calls an Ivan Rodriguez reunion a longshot, and Scott Boras is asking the moon for Jason Varitek. The Tigers may not have the goods to swing a trade for Gerald Laird. Morosi likes the idea of Henry Blanco, but says the Tigers have yet to contact his agent. Check out the other free agent options here.
• Morosi considers a bad contract swap for Julio Lugo a viable option for the Tigers. He notes that Dontrelle Willis and Nate Robertson have similar commitments. Lugo for Robertson does seem reasonable for both sides.
• Morosi believes the Tigers match up well with the Reds, who are looking for a power-hitting outfielder. Magglio Ordonez is the marquee name, but Morosi likes the fit with Marcus Thames.

 

[BillD1984]

Red Sox Rumors: Crisp, Lugo, Burnett, Baldelli

By Tim Dierkes [November 7 at 12:11pm CST]

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has the latest on the Red Sox.

• GM Theo Epstein says there's one deal he might be able to do before the winter meetings, possibly involving Coco Crisp or Julio Lugo. The free agent market for center fielders and shortstops is weak this year.
• Cafardo doesn't believe the Sox are in on C.C. Sabathia or A.J. Burnett, and he says they're unsure about Derek Lowe. However, [ame="http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3687699&name=olney_buster"]Moved Temporarily[/ame] "there is an expectation within other quarters of the AL East that the Red Sox will get in on the Burnett bidding." Cafardo does see Boston adding a starter of some kind, possibly a Japanese free agent.
• Catchers on Epstein's radar to varying degrees: Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden, Jeff Clement, Bengie Molina, and Ivan Rodriguez.
• Cafardo says the Red Sox are "more than intrigued" by Rocco Baldelli, who could fill their fourth outfielder role if and when Mark Kotsay leaves.
• Tony Massarotti discusses Mark Teixeira in-depth at his blog.

 

[BillD1984]

Reds Rumors: Pitching, Greene, Hairston

By Tim Dierkes [November 7 at 11:16am CST]
Here's the latest from John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer.

• GM Walt Jocketty said he will not be trading young pitching for a quick fix. Still, you have to think Homer Bailey is available in the right deal for another young player.
• Despite an earlier report to the contrary, the Reds are not interested in San Diego shortstop Khalil Greene. If Jocketty is to acquire a shortstop, it'll be a pre-arbitration player. The Reds are shaky at shortstop - Alex Gonzalez is penciled in for next year, but he missed all of '08 with a compression fracture in his knee.
• The Reds like young backstop Ryan Hanigan, but they are still in the market for catchers. Fay says Jocketty chatted with the Rangers regarding their surplus, though a recent report didn't have Cincinnati in the mix. Joel Sherman seems to indicate the Reds have interest in the Mets' Brian Schneider.
• Jocketty made progress toward re-signing Jerry Hairston Jr. (also on Philly's radar), and he plans to talk to the agents for David Weathers, Jeremy Affeldt, and Mike Lincoln this week.

 

[BillD1984]

Four Teams Eyeing Chad Cordero

By Tim Dierkes [November 7 at 11:01am CST]

According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the Angels, Mets, Rangers, and Tigers have asked to look at Chad Cordero's medical records. The Nationals are not in the mix. Cordero, 26, had shoulder surgery in July.
Ladson says Cordero's first choice is the Angels, as he's from Anaheim. After that would come the Mets due to the Omar Minaya connection from Montreal.

 

[BillD1984]

Phils, Cards Battle For Holliday

By Tim Dierkes

According to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post, the Phillies and Cardinals are the top suitors for Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday.
The Phillies discussed Holliday and Brian Fuentes with the Rockies during the season. The Rockies have an eye on Carlos Carrasco, J.A. Happ, and Shane Victorino. Todd Zolecki believes Jayson Werth could be in the mix.
The Cardinals have been aggressive, and Ryan Ludwick is their bargaining chip. Joe Strauss says the Cardinals would like to try to sign Holliday to an extension, but may not have the leverage to require a window. The Cards would like to get something done soon. Ludwick alone seems a pretty solid return for Holliday, since the Rockies would have him for three years. Strauss adds that the Mets are also in the running for Holliday.

 

[SabresRule]

Bill, what do you think of the idea of Cano possibly joining the Dodgers?

 

[Mets82]

Mets Revamping The Bullpen

By Tim Dierkes [November 7 at 1:11pm CST]
The Mets' primary focus this winter is to completely revamp their bullpen. Ken Davidoff and Joel Sherman outline Plan A: free agents. Names in the mix: Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood, Joe Beimel, Juan Cruz, and Chad Cordero. Sherman figures the Mets are in a good position because most of the other big-market teams aren't looking for a closer.
Plan B: trades. The Mets have already discussed Bobby Jenks with the White Sox. J.J. Putz, Huston Street, and Kevin Gregg are the other names. It all depends on how much young talent Omar Minaya wants to sacrifice.
As a corollary to Plan B, the Mets want to ship out Pedro Feliciano, Aaron Heilman, and Scott Schoeneweis. They hope to clear payroll and/or bring in other relievers in these trades. Davidoff says Heilman has plenty of admirers.
Another note from Sherman - the Mets "could be interested" in Jason Varitek if the price comes down but Varitek doesn't re-sign with Boston. In another article, Davidoff lays out Plans A, B, and C for both the Mets and Yankees.

The Mets interested in Varitek? Please no. He looks totally shot. I do like Bobby Jenks and as far as Feliciano, Heliman and Schoeneweis, don't let the door hit you on the rear end on the way out.

 

[BillD1984]

Bill, what do you think of the idea of Cano possibly joining the Dodgers?

I think that's a good fit.

Like KCK said, he's very close with Torre.

 

[BillD1984]

The Mets interested in Varitek? Please no. He looks totally shot. I do like Bobby Jenks and as far as Feliciano, Heliman and Schoeneweis, don't let the door hit you on the rear end on the way out.

Mets,

Any of Jenks, Putz or Street would look good in the Mets bullpen.

 

[Jimbo]

Mets,

Any of Jenks, Putz or Street would look good in the Mets bullpen.

Jenks or Putz wold look good in the Old English D as well.

Jimbo