2013 Baseball Season/Off-Season Discussion

[tim_m]

It ended exactly how i thought it would but hoped it wouldn't. I think i picked the Dodgers over the Sox but i really didn't think anyone would top the sox. I was just wrong about who they'd beat.

[Falcon]

It ended exactly how i thought it would but hoped it wouldn't. I think i picked the Dodgers over the Sox but i really didn't think anyone would top the sox. I was just wrong about who they'd beat.

Yep, same here - had a feeling it was going to be the Sox regardless.

Strange series, the Cards were literally 3 timely hits from winning the whole thing 4 games to 1 and the Sox were a 2 bad throws from a sweep.

[tim_m]

It ended exactly how i thought it would but hoped it wouldn't. I think i picked the Dodgers over the Sox but i really didn't think anyone would top the sox. I was just wrong about who they'd beat.

Yep, same here - had a feeling it was going to be the Sox regardless.

Strange series, the Cards were literally 3 timely hits from winning the whole thing 4 games to 1 and the Sox were a 2 bad throws from a sweep.

Your Cards will be back though. They have some amazing young talent on that team especially with their pitching. They are setup for a long long time.

[Falcon]

Your Cards will be back though. They have some amazing young talent on that team especially with their pitching. They are setup for a long long time.

They should be contending for the foreseeable future, their drafting and developing and overall business model have put them in a good position.

They'll look considerably different next year, I suspect they make Beltran a qualifying offer and that's it - he'll be seeking a multi year deal from an AL team (hello Yankees, he'd be a great fit), Freese will be 2nd year arbitration eligible and very available.

They'll go deep sea fishing for a long term answer at short, they've got plenty of $$ and/or prospects to land whoever's made available.

Next year will see the arrival of OF Oscar Taveras as well, the (alleged) best hitting prospect in the minors.  He would've been starting in CF for the Cards by mid year this year if not for an ankle injury.

It'll be a fun off season, who goes/stays and who's acquired will make for an active hot stove league.

[tim_m]

Your Cards will be back though. They have some amazing young talent on that team especially with their pitching. They are setup for a long long time.

They should be contending for the foreseeable future, their drafting and developing and overall business model have put them in a good position.

They'll look considerably different next year, I suspect they make Beltran a qualifying offer and that's it - he'll be seeking a multi year deal from an AL team (hello Yankees, he'd be a great fit), Freese will be 2nd year arbitration eligible and very available.

They'll go deep sea fishing for a long term answer at short, they've got plenty of $$ and/or prospects to land whoever's made available.

Next year will see the arrival of OF Oscar Taveras as well, the (alleged) best hitting prospect in the minors.  He would've been starting in CF for the Cards by mid year this year if not for an ankle injury.

It'll be a fun off season, who goes/stays and who's acquired will make for an active hot stove league.

Sounds like they've got promising prospects to fill most holes they'll have.

[Falcon]

Sounds like they've got promising prospects to fill most holes they'll have.

We'll see, as we all know - "prospects" can become "suspects' very quickly.

The Cards off season will be intriguing, same for the Yanks.

What's the latest with the Bombers? Tim, pilf?

[tim_m]

Sounds like they've got promising prospects to fill most holes they'll have.

We'll see, as we all know - "prospects" can become "suspects' very quickly.

The Cards off season will be intriguing, same for the Yanks.

What's the latest with the Bombers? Tim, pilf?

Well they resigned Jeter for 1 year 12 mill. Thats about it so far but they are reportedly interested in Ellsbury and Garza and possibly Stephen Drew.

[Falcon]

Sounds like they've got promising prospects to fill most holes they'll have.

We'll see, as we all know - "prospects" can become "suspects' very quickly.

The Cards off season will be intriguing, same for the Yanks.

What's the latest with the Bombers? Tim, pilf?

Well they resigned Jeter for 1 year 12 mill. Thats about it so far but they are reportedly interested in Ellsbury and Garza and possibly Stephen Drew.

I saw the Jeter thing, why did they give him 12 when the option called for 9.5?

I think Ellsbury would be outstanding there, I suspect he'll stay with Sox but he's going to get a lot of attention elsewhere.

Garza and Drew would be nice additions as well, shorter term higher AAV I'd expect.

Lotsa speculation from the STL media Beltran is on the Yanks radar as well (amongst many AL teams), he'd be a great fit there.

What's the pulse on Cano?

Last I heard they were 130 million apart - all hearsay of course.

If I'm the Yanks I only resign him at their price with little compromise, with the Dodgers/Angels out of the mix they'll likely be bidding against themselves.

If someone steps and gets goofy so be it, thanks and it's been nice knowing ya Robby.

They could remake their entire roster with the money he's looking for alone.

[tim_m]

Not sure what's gonna happen with Cano other then its expected he'll definitely hit free agency. Nothing will get done to keep him away from being FA. They did the deal with Jeter simply to keep him from possibly opting out and hitting free agency. Even though he had a injury riddled season Hal thought he deserved a guaranteed deal worth more. Its simply about loyalty and years of service to the Yankees.

[pilferk]

I saw the Jeter thing, why did they give him 12 when the option called for 9.5?

2 Reasons:

1) It was a player option, so he COULD have declined it.

2) By doing things this way, they actually REDUCE the AAV on the contract against the cap for next year (2014).  This wasn't an extension, but a whole new contract (he declined the player option and signed a new deal).

I suspect that there has been a conversation about this being Jeters last year, too.  But it's only rumor/suspicion.

Nothing else really, except some "wish list" reports...guys like McCann and Peralta.  I would guess their next big target will be Cano, though, and not much else until that situation resolves itself one way or another.

[tim_m]

I personally would be shocked if its true it will be Jeter's last year.

[Falcon]

I personally would be shocked if its true it will be Jeter's last year.

Really?

He's pushing 40, coming off an extremely serious injury and is a major defensive liability.

Do you think he'll go the part time player/DH route to extend his career?

I suppose anything is possible, just not sure it's in his DNA.

I've always thought when he calls it a day it'll be dignified, quick and painless.

Call a presser and ride off into the sunset.

[tim_m]

I personally would be shocked if its true it will be Jeter's last year.

Really?

He's pushing 40, coming off an extremely serious injury and is a major defensive liability.

Do you think he'll go the part time player/DH route to extend his career?

I suppose anything is possible, just not sure it's in his DNA.

I've always thought when he calls it a day it'll be dignified, quick and painless.

Call a presser and ride off into the sunset.

True, i just don't think he's quite ready. I don't think he'll try and play as long as say Pete Rose did or anything. I could see another year or two after this unless this year is another disaster.

[pilferk]

I personally would be shocked if its true it will be Jeter's last year.

I think this contract says it all.  I think if he wanted to play another couple years, they would have signed him to 2 years...or at least a 1 with an option.

Either this is it, or all parties involved are more concerned with that foot/ ankle than they are letting on.

[tim_m]

I personally would be shocked if its true it will be Jeter's last year.

I think this contract says it all.  I think if he wanted to play another couple years, they would have signed him to 2 years...or at least a 1 with an option.

Either this is it, or all parties involved are more concerned with that foot/ ankle than they are letting on.

If it is it, i hope he announces it at the start of spring training like Rivera did. He deserves the same victory lap as Rivera.

[tim_m]

It appears the Yankees are gonna make a substantial offer for Tanaka.

[pilferk]

It appears the Yankees are gonna make a substantial offer for Tanaka.

BIG posting fee (which doesn't count against their cap), then a decent sized offer to the player.

I think plan 189 might have gone out the window.  I actually think the Sox winning the WS might be the best thing for Yanks fans, in the long run...

[tim_m]

Yeah the posting fee doesn't count against the luxury tax but they'd still have to have the highest and pay the player. They appear to be interested in Jimenez too. I always worry about going after Japanese pitchers. They are hit and miss and we haven't had good luck with them. Irabu and Igawa were total busts. I know this guy Tanaka only has one loss but what kind of competition is he facing?

[faldor]

It appears the Yankees are gonna make a substantial offer for Tanaka.

BIG posting fee (which doesn't count against their cap), then a decent sized offer to the player.

I think plan 189 might have gone out the window.  I actually think the Sox winning the WS might be the best thing for Yanks fans, in the long run...

Why do you say that?  Do you mean, they'll follow (in a sense) the model of not overpaying long term for free agents or are you referring to something else?

[faldor]

Sounds like they've got promising prospects to fill most holes they'll have.

We'll see, as we all know - "prospects" can become "suspects' very quickly.

The Cards off season will be intriguing, same for the Yanks.

What's the latest with the Bombers? Tim, pilf?

Well they resigned Jeter for 1 year 12 mill. Thats about it so far but they are reportedly interested in Ellsbury and Garza and possibly Stephen Drew.

I saw the Jeter thing, why did they give him 12 when the option called for 9.5?

I think Ellsbury would be outstanding there, I suspect he'll stay with Sox but he's going to get a lot of attention elsewhere.

Garza and Drew would be nice additions as well, shorter term higher AAV I'd expect.

Lotsa speculation from the STL media Beltran is on the Yanks radar as well (amongst many AL teams), he'd be a great fit there.

What's the pulse on Cano?

Last I heard they were 130 million apart - all hearsay of course.

If I'm the Yanks I only resign him at their price with little compromise, with the Dodgers/Angels out of the mix they'll likely be bidding against themselves.

If someone steps and gets goofy so be it, thanks and it's been nice knowing ya Robby.

They could remake their entire roster with the money he's looking for alone.

Extremely unlikely the Sox re-sign Ellsbury.  It's been expected for some time that this would be his last season in Boston.  I think the chances of him remaining improved slightly throughout the season, but not enough.  He's all but gone, unless he doesn't find the huge contract he's looking for, like Michael Bourn last year.  But he's not Michael Bourn, he's much better, so I don't think he'll have any problem.

The Sox in turn are reportedly very interested in Beltran.  I've also heard Stanton's name thrown around, but that's probably just wishful thinking.  He would cost A LOT.

As for the Yanks, I don't see how they could possibly sign both Cano AND Ellsbury.  It would be going against everything they've been saying and trying to do the last few years.  Two massive long term deals.  Don't see that happening.  One or the other, and I'd suspect it'd be Cano.  They still have Gardner who can play a respectable CF for MUCH less than Ellsbury will be getting paid.