Those who can, play. Those who are too fat to, talk.
I posted a couple days ago about how the Dodgers were negotiating a Milton Bradley for Barry Zito trade, and I expressed a bit of concern that the Dodgers might throw in some valuable minor leaguers to make it happen. Rumor today has it that the Bradley/Zito talks have died, and I am a little bit relieved. Read the rest of this entry »
So the Dodgers hired Grady Little as their manager. Hmmmmmm. On one hand, there is the natural tendency to think that this is an absolutely ridiculous hire, what with his incompetence and all. On the other hand, if he can manage to cost the Dodgers the NLCS the way he cost the Red Sox the ALCS three seasons ago, at least it will mean that the Dodgers managed to win a playoff series for the first time in eighteen years to get to that position. Read the rest of this entry »
Every winter, I am faced with the same realization: When I hear the name Scott Boras, I just see in my mind the face of Steve Boros. If that is wrong, I don’t want to be right.
The Dodgers pulled off a major coup yesterday, swooping in at the last minute to snatch Rafael Furcal out of the hands of the Cubs and/or Braves. Was shortstop a priority going into the offseason? Probably not, what with outfield issues, no manager (I’m available!), and a few other things. But outside of Paul Konerko, Furcal was one of the top offensive players available on the market this winter. And leadoff is definitely an area where the Dodgers DID need some help, so snagging one of the best leadoff men in baseball was great. Read the rest of this entry »
Here’s an idea that I know would tick off the union, but everyone else would be happy: what if Roger Clemens decided to come back for the 2006 season, and he signed a one-year, $6 million contract? Why is it just a foregone conclusion that Clemens is going to get a $20 million contract if he decides not to retire again? Read the rest of this entry »
Sometimes I really can’t tell how much my opinions are colored by my dislike for Chipper Jones. I was reading tonight about his newly restructured contract, and John Schuerholz had this to say:
Whatever it takes, Chipper is always willing to step up, and we are pleased that this latest unselfish act will likely ensure that he will play his entire career as a Brave.
Yes, this new contract pays Chipper $6 million less next season (unless you count the $4 million signing bonus he gets next month, but hey, if it doesn’t count towards the payroll number, it ain’t real money, right?), giving them a little wiggle room to try to re-sign Rafael Furcal. But look at the details of the contract. Before the restructure, Chipper had $22 million in guaranteed money left on his contract. Now, he has $37 million guaranteed. His two options years, 2007 and 2008, are now guaranteed, and the Braves have a vested option on 2009. And this all happened two months after ending a season in which he missed 50 games due to injury!
Well, love Chipper or hate him, you have to give him credit: he just convinced the Braves to give him $15 million while praising his unselfishness. If I could just find a way to do that ONE TIME, I would be set.
Rumor has it that Esteban Loaiza’s incomprehensible contract with the A’s has driven up the price for Angels’ free agent Paul Byrd, who will probably end up getting three years at close to $8 million per year. I understand that the free agent market is weak, but honestly, this is ridiculous. Byrd will be 35 years old tomorrow, which means he will be pushing 38 when he completes a three-year contract. He has a history of arm troubles, missing the entire 2003 season after surgery on his pitching elbow. His fastball tops out at about 35 MPH. He has a mediocre career ERA of 4.23, and last season is only the third time in ten seasons he has dipped below 3.90. His career record is 72-64, which is about what you would expect from someone with a 4.23 ERA. Bottom line: Paul Byrd is the kind of guy you sign to be your number three or four starter. Read the rest of this entry »
