Are you satisfied or not with what your team's GM has done this winter? [Archive]

Mattingly

12-27-2005, 04:09 PM

For the Yanks, I'm pretty comfortable that Brian Cashman has assembled a good team without either going for broke on the countless free agents that had been available, many of whom came at prices well beyond their recent capabilities, and for years beyond which they would often be serviceable.

The only two major FA signings were our own Hideki Matsui, at a price ($52m/4 yrs), since he brings in the Japanese and other Asian market, both here and in Japan, and Johnny Damon, also at a price, since he filled multiple roles of a need in CF, leadoff, and someone who's proven to not only survive, but to thrive in the heated rivalry at the top of the AL East. Flip side, one certain other AL East team no longer has his services. :D (*ducks & hides*) :p

For the so-called "bridge to Mo" (Rivera), while setupman Tom Gordon was allowed to walk, going to Philadelphia, and after having seen previous favorites Scott Eyre sign with the Cubbies and BJ Ryan ink with the Blue Jays, the Yanks got Kyle Farnsworth to set up, Ron Villone and Mike Myers in the pen. Tanyon Sturtze, who was re-signed, is also an option in the pen, as are Aaron Small and Jaret Wright.

Most of all, unlike in prior years, he wasn't ambushed by the Boss, aka, The Big Stein, into trading away RHP/SP Chien-Ming Wang and/or 2Bman Robinson Cano. The fact that those two young guys were kept at least shows his faith in the barren Yankee farm system.

Bernie was brought back, will be the backup for Damon in CF and possibly in LF for Matsui, and Bubba Crosby, who plays all 3 OF spots, was kept and can backup Gary Sheffield in RF.

Now then, about your own GM and team, what are some of the things that were done which could've been done better, what are the holes on the team, and how many of them were filled? Did the GM overpay for players, to ensure that the deal would be finalized?

Please explain how you feel about the job your team's GM has done so far this winter.

Thanks. :)

Brian McKenna

12-27-2005, 04:50 PM

Mattingly

12-27-2005, 05:12 PM

orioles are sinking fast - there is no talent in the farm system and none at the top of the front office either - the team let a lot of players go from last year and have not replaced many - no significant pitcher pickups - picked up jeff conine as a utility but could have kept surhoff for the same - brought in catcher Ramon Hernandez to displace javy lopez without even letting lopez in on the joke - the team's best player, tejada, wants out because he sees no end in sight to the club's losing ways - sorry to say niether do i
Nice reply. :)

Who's your GM, Jim Duquette? I do know that Palmeiro and Sosa were allowed to walk. Who were the others, and what were the most glaring holes that needed to be filled this offseason?

For the farm system, have they made in trades at all in which they've acquired a minor leaguer as part of any deal, such as trading one guy for another, and receiving a farm guy also?

I'm curious, why do you prefer BJ Surhoff (http://baseball-reference.com/s/surhob.01.shtml) over Jeff Conine (http://www.baseball-reference.com/c/coninje01.shtml), who you're telling me is recently acquired? They both play 1B/DH/corner OF, but BJ hit .257/.282/.356 last season at age 40, whereas Conine hit .304/.374/.403. Is it their defensive differences?

For Hernandez and Lopez, was Javy given an expensive contract with some kind of "trigger" that if reached, guarantees him for 2007? What I'm asking is, are they trying to insure, by bringing in Hernandez, that Javy does not reach a certain number of games, at bats, etc, which would make the contract more lucrative for him?

Has the GM or anyone else in the front office done anything to appease Tejada? Do you see him returning in 2006, since it's a 6-year deal he signed?

redlegsfan21

12-27-2005, 05:16 PM

GM Dave O'Brien hasn't done anything good. He traded fan-faavorite Sean Casey for another "Eric Milton" and signed another speedy second baseman in Tony Womack (He won't get playing time with Freel in the lineup). Chris Hammond could go either way and so far is the best move this offseason.

sandlot

12-27-2005, 05:26 PM

VTSoxFan

12-27-2005, 05:55 PM

HA! :mad:

First of all, the Red Sox have no GM. Oh sure, a couple little figurehead "co-GMs" who seem to perpetually have a deer-in-the-headlights look. Lucchino's sticking his fingers in and has gotten rid of pretty much everyone on the Sox he dares to at the moment. We have no CF, no leadoff hitter, no bona fide SS, and no bona fide first-baseman. We have 2 or 3 second-basemen, 2 third-basemen, a desperately unhappy leftfielder, and, with a few exceptions, an EXTREMELY disgruntled fan base which is rapidly lapsing back into our pre-2004 emotional state, in which we pretty much expect to be eliminated by Memorial Day.

Mattingly

12-27-2005, 05:58 PM

I agree with much of what Mattingly says, but I can't help thinking that NY is not done making adjustments, and I'm not entirely happy with what has been done so far. Last year proved (again) the maxim that pitching wins titles, and right now the Yanks look excellent on the hitting side but very suspect on the mound. Multiple options for Mo, yes, but which of them is not going to pan out? And how long can Mo keep being Mo? I would have preferred to see them forego Damon and focus on getting one more quality starter with durability, because the staff right now has too many question marks (age, injury) hanging over it, IMHO. So while I think Wang is safe, the same can't be said for Cano. If NY needs to trade for pitching, and I fear they will, he's the guy.
For the Yanks, I think that there was better relief pitching available through free agency than starting. BJ Ryan and Scott Eyre certainly seemed like worthy additions to many clubs, but it's not like there's Johan Santana, Chris Carpenter or Dontrelle Willis available anytime soon. If they were available, I wouldn't be the least bit coy in hoping that Cashman could snare one of them.

As to Mo being Mo, that was the big thing about BJ Ryan, since he's an established closer and could also be seen as his heir apparent, just like Mo was to John Wetteland. Interestingly, Cleveland's Bob Wickman was also on that 1996 team.

Without focusing too much attention to the Yanks, I've heard several names mentioned for CF, such as Jeremy Reed, Brad Wilkerson, Coco Crisp, and even Milton :crazy Bradley. :p Of all of them, only one person who was immediately available had some tenure in the hotly-fueled AL East, and that was Johnny Damon, noodle arm and all. It remains to be seen if Damon still has his talent, and whether or not shearing his locks did to him what Delia did to Samson. :D

There's no doubt we need Wang. Cano, I'm not sure will be traded. Who else is there to take his place from AAA? From the AAA Columbus Clippers (http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ros&did=milb&cid=445), there's John Thurston (http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Joe%20Thurston&pos=2B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=407871) and John Urick (http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=John%20Urick&pos=2B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=445145), both at 2B.

Depending upon how good a pitcher you're talking about, I can see touted prospect (I may not be totally accurate on that) Eric Duncan (http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Eric%20Duncan&pos=3B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=449080), 3B of the AA Trenton Thunder (http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ros&did=milb&cid=567) being auditioned this spring. That's all I can think of right now.

steveox

12-27-2005, 05:59 PM

Im very disatisfied what the orioles done so far! :mad:

Mattingly

12-27-2005, 06:00 PM

Im very disatisfied what the orioles done so far! :mad:
For example, please? Instead of just "everything" or "overall", if you can give us good examples of your dissatisfaction, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks. :)

rompus

12-27-2005, 06:30 PM

I'm really liking what the blue jays are doing with the club. Their first 3 big moves this season should really benefit the team.

Firstly they brought in BJ Ryan, who will provide them with a good bonefied closer. My favourite thing about this guy is his strikeout to innings ratio that he's put up over the last 2 years. I do believe that they overpaid for him....but i'm sure he wouldn't have come to Toronto if they didn't.

Secondly they signed AJ Burnett. AJ has great stuff and along with Halladay will give the blue jays the best 1-2 starting punch in the AL East(IMO). My only real problem with this guy is his attitude and the fact hes prone to injury. I'm sure he will be happy in Toronto though with Arnsberg(his former pitching coach).

Their 3rd pickup of Lyle Overbay is a perfect fit to the jays lineup. He's a contact hitter who hits alot of doubles, a perfect number 5 hitter for the jays lineup.

Jays are also supposedly gonna pick up Troy Glaus for Batista and Hudson...this guy will give them a big power bat in the middle of the lineup, something they need bad.

steveox

12-27-2005, 07:21 PM

For example, please? Instead of just "everything" or "overall", if you can give us good examples of your dissatisfaction, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Thanks. :)
Sir there still no pitching,,, Cant do crap without pitching.

KCGHOST

12-27-2005, 07:26 PM

Allard Baird is simply a disaster her in KC. Any decision higher than signing minimum wage players is beyond him and the farm system is still a desert. Locals usually refer to him as the Bag of Hammers (as in dumb as).

Perseas

12-28-2005, 07:38 AM

I'm quite happy so far with John Schuerholz. Filling in the void of Furcal was done with a great move of signing Renteria. If he does something about that depleted bullpen of ours, I'll put up a picture of him in my room and praise it all day... You have to acknowledge his great work so far, with an ever shrinking payroll and now with the ownership uncerainty... So hats off to you JS!!!

Mattingly

12-28-2005, 12:13 PM

Sir there still no pitching,,, Cant do crap without pitching.
Starting or relief? No help from the AAA team via call-up or spring tryouts?

What about the bench, the outfield, the infield, catching?

insanefishpossay

12-28-2005, 01:13 PM

Terry Ryan improved the Twins already awesome offensive lineup by bringing in Luis Castillo, Tony Batista, and Rondell White.

I like the addition of Castillo. It makes the top of our lineup pretty solid. Stewart/Castillo/Mauer should make for a decent 1-3.

I don't like the pickup of Tony Batista. The idea that someone could lead our team in HR's, yet have the lowest OBP at the same time isn't really comforting.

Rondell White could be a good pickup for the Twins if he can stay healthy. Unfortunately, staying healthy doesn't appear as something he's good at.

Our pitching is solid, we just need offense. It was just unbelieveable the amount of 1-run games we lost last season.

trosmok

12-28-2005, 01:17 PM

The lovable losers are not going to have an easy time in the expectations department after finishing behind the Brewers in the division, and last place in the hearts of the Chicago baseball fans in '05. How can the White Sox be the World Champions before the Cubs? :eek: No mo Nomar, nuts! I really like the guy and think he should get one more shot, at least if it will keep him from going to the you know who's.

The moves Hendry has made so far is still a work in progress; his latest comment was that it is still a long way to opening day. I'm filled with tempered enthusiasm for the totally revamped outfield of Jaque Jones, Juan Pierre, and ROY candidate to be Matt Murton. If the front office of the Trib team signs Patterson, I hope they keep him in Iowa for the first month of the season; last year he couldn't drive home Miss Daisy, and much like my famous venison chile he needs a little more seasoning.

The offense must do better scoring runs, I think my northsiders were second in homers but ninth in runs scored, meaning a whole lot of D. Lee's dingers were solo shots. Ramierez and Barrett are returning and will provide some needed offense to go with their passable defensive performances.

Off season pick-ups include reliever Scott Eyre and utility man John Mabry, and I know only a little about these two so I'll just remain cautiously optomistic. Bob Howry I remember from his Red Sox days, I'm not sure how he fared in Cleveland, but he is certainly a nice addition in the set-up or even as a closer if Dumpster, er Dempster struggles early on.

As usual, the starting rotation looks formidable on paper, and suspect in the injury plagued real world. Latest news is Wood should start throwing in Jan., Prior and Maddux are expected to be their usual flirt with twenty wins selves, Rusch and Williams are pencilled in as the four and five guys, and my favorite young fireballing hothead, Carlos Zambrano looks more and more like the ace of the staff. The guy is so emotional he makes me believe he'd go out and play for a six-pack of polish sausage, and he swings the bat as well as any pitcher not named Willis in the league.

The best addition though, is very likely the construction of 1800+ more bleacher seats that is right on schedule.:laugh Just that many more garden partiers in Wrigley is just what the Cubs need to make more money, but makes no change in the won-loss column that I fear may be a repeat of the dismal '05 season. Instead of worrying if their glass is half empty, or half full, it seems the vibe from Wrigley is to get a smaller glass, make it look fuller, and lower our expectations so that an over .500 season in '06 will be palatable.:atthepc Whew! Did you get all that McPhail, or was I typing too fast for you to keep up?:D

steveox

12-28-2005, 01:30 PM

Starting or relief? No help from the AAA team via call-up or spring tryouts?

What about the bench, the outfield, the infield, catching?
Well they got the bats! nothing wrong with fielding its their pitching cant stay out of big inning rallies.And their bullpen is gonna need help means BJ Ryan is gone.

Sean Casey

12-28-2005, 08:23 PM

I am one of the growing number of disgruntled Red Sox fans who are completely confused as to what the front office is doing. Ever since Theo left, there has been no apparent direction for any of the moves they are making.

Firts, they trade three of our best prospects for an injury-prone pitcher who has had one good season and a third baseman who can't hit. Then, they trade away Renteria, who, while he had an off year in 2005, it was still better than your average SS. In exchange, they get an untested prospectwho certainly won't be ready to play full-time in 2005. Also, while I'm glad they didn't sign Damon, I'm very disturbed by the fact that they were completely blindsided by his decision to sign with the Yankees.

Plus, they have made no moves to sign any free agents of any value; in fact they have stood by while everyone else in the division except TB has made major (or at least significant) signings.

Finally, the whole co-GM idea still seems like someone's idea of a bad joke; I can't see much getting done when two guys have to agree on everything that happens. It's for that exact reason why we only have one president, why states only have one governor, and why cities only have one mayor.

The only thing that the Red Sox has done right is trading Mirabelli for Loretta; I still have no idea why the Padres agreed to that deal, but, as much as i like Mirabelli, I'm glad they did.

ndistops

12-28-2005, 10:19 PM

The Cubs have:

- Acquired two pretty decent relievers (Eyre and Howry) for contracts that now seem like bargains compared to some of the reliever signings
- Re-upped Dempster at an absolute robbery compared to closer salaries this off-season (and Dempster was better than most of these closers in 2005)
- Picked up a solid leadoff hitter for a craptastic pitcher in Mitre and two minor leaguers unlikely to make a big splash
- Upgraded the bench significantly by adding John Mabry and dumping Jose Macias
- Despite many thinly veiled references to doing so, have yet to trade Todd Walker

On the other hand, the Cubs signed a very mediocre RF in Jacque Jones, re-signed the awful Neifi Perez and overpaid him significantly, and have set an outfield rotation that will make it difficult for future star Felix Pie to break in to the majors when his time comes (he is 20, and 2 of the 3 projected OF starters are signed for 3 yrs or more, with Pierre rumored to be getting locked in soon as well).

I'm not the biggest Hendry fan, and he certainly could have done a better job this offseason, but the 2006 Cubs do have a good chance to be better than the 2005 version, so I can't say I'm entirely dissatisfied.

insanefishpossay

12-28-2005, 10:37 PM

On the other hand, the Cubs signed a very mediocre RF in Jacque Jones...

Jones could be a fantastic player if he could just learn plate discipline. There have been times as a Twin where he just seems determined to hit the ball, regardless of whether it's a foot outside, down in the dirt, or flying up over his head.

He's capable of hitting .300, He has decent power(25-30HR's), aswell as decent speed. He's not quite gold-glove material, but he wont disappoint you with his defense. I believe the only thing holding him back is learning the difference between a ball and a strike. Maybe the Cub's hitting coach will be able to help him with that, seeing as the Twins hitting coach has been virtually non-existant.

Solair Wright

12-28-2005, 10:57 PM

I believe that Walt Jocketty has yet again failed to disappoint me. Signing mediocre 2B Junior Spivey (may not be as good as Grudz in defense and is very prone to injury), RF Juan Encarnicion, LHP-r Ricardo Rincon, and a few others that I can't think of.

In addition, I hope we can trade minor leaguers Brendan Ryan, (43 games played down in AA-Springfield, not known for offense) Travis Hanson (hit 20 home runs and batted in 97 RBIs, but committed 36 errors; he was also at AA-Springfield), Juan Mateo (don't know much about him, but he looks like trade bait), for a well-needed replacement for Reggie Sanders, and in fact, a Left Fielder at that. Once that is done, we Cardinals have filled the void for LF.

SeaverGooden

12-30-2005, 03:08 PM

I think Omar Minaya has done a very good job of setting up this team for a chance to win now. With Pedro and Glavine at the head of our rotation, the window of oppertunity with those two pitchers in our rotation is very small, and I believe Omar would like to thank Pedro and Glavine for what they have done for the Mets by applying a win now attitude towards this particular team. I personally feel we may have given up too many young prospects in the process.

Gaby Hernandez (who was moved in the Lo Duca deal) I felt was the best pitcher in the Mets minor league system. We also traded away Yusmerio Petit to the marlins in our deal for Delgado. I never like trading away prospects, especially to a team within the division. I hope these moves give the Mets an immediate chance to win now, but I believe that if we do not succeed this year of the next in making it to a World Series, everyone will look back on the past two seasons as a quick fix last ditch effort to secure a quick championship, and the future of the orginization may suffer the consequences by trading away top-notch pitching prospects within the same division.

The moves Minaya made this off-season on paper give us the best chance to take the division from Atlanta that we've had their entire 14 year run. Not until after the season can anyone really evaluate the moves and decisions made by their team general managers. How many White Sox fans were ecstatic about the moves Kenny Williams made prior to last season?

If I were to give Minaya a letter grade for the off-season it would be a B+. I think the signings and trades but us in a great position for this year and the next 2-3 years, however I feel that we still need help solidifying the starting rotation before this team can truly take the next step in being a serious World Series contender.

Mattingly

12-30-2005, 09:41 PM

SeaverGooden, excellent post, and thanks for joining this thread! :D

Now then, if Omar Minaya and the Mets do complete the deal with Tampa Bay for Danys Baez, sending them Jae Seo and Aaron Heilman, will you be a happy camper? I'm thinking this will do lots to shore up the bullpen a bit.

Also, about Kazuo Matsui. Do you think that Minaya has done enough to trade him, or do you think that it's mostly a case of playing him and hoping for the best? If there's more to it than this, please feel free to give your opinion, and this goes equally for any other Met fan reading this. :D

Big_Mac

12-31-2005, 03:40 PM

i think if i were to give jp riccardi a letter grade it would be an 'A'.

being a jays fan all my life, we have been very non-existen in the FA period for a while now. we have shelled out a ton of money that our owner finally gave us to get burnett and ryan and traded for overbay and glaus who will helps us tremendously. add a healthy roy halladay and i'm very excited about maybe contending finally. if the jays go to the playoffs or even if they win the al east with the talent the have aquired and drafted, i think riccardi's name should be mention as a top gm in baseball.

ndistops

01-01-2006, 08:43 AM

He's capable of hitting .300...Maybe the Cub's hitting coach will be able to help him with that, seeing as the Twins hitting coach has been virtually non-existant.
Don't bet on it. Dusty-managed players always draw even fewer walks than they did before they came to the Cubs, and Jacque did not get many last year. And I highly doubt he's going to even sniff .300, considering he hasn't done it since 2003 and has hit .253 and .249 the last couple of years. On the bright side, we're one away from the all-French outfield.

Chisox73

01-01-2006, 12:37 PM

I'm very happy with the moves White Sox GM Kenny Willimas made this off season.

It just shows the White sox fans that he's not just content with winning the World Series.He wants more.

The addition of Jim Thome gives the lineup a new dimension,and with Konerko and Dye in the middle of the lineup,it could be one of the most dangerous in the AL this year.

What else can I say about the pitching???;) 6 starters right now,and the addition of Javier Vazquez in the trade that sent El Duque to Arizona.Locking up Konerko,Pierzynski,and Garland to long-term deals,and forcing Reinsdorf to open up the checkbook.I never thought I would be saying this,but I don't see why the White Sox can't repeat this year.

KenFougere

01-03-2006, 05:03 PM

Please explain how you feel about the job your team's GM has done so far this winter.

Thanks. :)

http://forums.rajah.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif - I know you'd have to delete my comments
concerning the job the Red Sox management has done this off season . . . http://forums.rajah.com/images/smilies/yuck.gif

Brannu

01-03-2006, 06:28 PM

As an Indians fan I am unsatisfied. I really don't want Bob Wickman to close, since every game that he was in was up in the air, as he loved to let a man or two on base. Bob Howry is out and I don't think that we have a viable replacement, plus ... I hardly think that Jason Johnson or Paul Byrd make us any better as a team. My fear is that this Indians team will fall into the same problems that they had in the 90's ... great hitting ... lousy pitching.

As a Cardinals fan, I am also unsatisfied. Considering what was lost ... that which has been gained is not a good comparison. Walker and Sanders out ... Bigbie and Encarnacion in. An alcoholic underacheiver (Ponson) replaces our beloved Veteran and ex-ace (Morris), while Grudzielanek's defensive prowess and good bat gets replaced by either Junior Spivey (which they are leaning towards) or Aaron Miles. I don't have to mention much about Braden Looper or Ricardo Rincon ... but, there you have it. The Cardinals lost a lot of depth ... and didn't get much in return.

Mattingly

01-03-2006, 06:29 PM

http://forums.rajah.com/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif - I know you'd have to delete my comments
concerning the job the Red Sox management has done this off season . . . http://forums.rajah.com/images/smilies/yuck.gif
Don't be silly. I only delete comments negatively concerning Boss George. :D

Hey, be honest about your thoughts. That's what we're here for.

*awaits another red sox fan crying in his beer*

VTSoxFan

01-03-2006, 08:39 PM

MyDogSparty

01-03-2006, 08:40 PM

I'm a little frustrated with the management here in Detroit. Dave Dombrowski is our GM. I like his strategy of building from within and I appreciate the fact that he won't let go of our young talent however he and owner Mike Illitch led the fans to believe that they would be spending money (years ago) on top notch free agents to fill some gaps. We have yet to see a serious FA contributor.

Juan Gonzalez, Ivan Rodriguez, Magglio Ordonez, Ugueth Urbina, Troy Percival, Jason Johnson, Kyle Farnsworth, Rondell White, Fernando Vina have all been flops, injured, traded or have been trouble in the clubhouse. Detroit must be a very tough sell to the top free agents as evidence to the signing of Kenny Rogers and Todd Jones. I wouldn't have taken Rogers for free. I think he's a basket case and given his age, I think it was a waste of money. Regarding Jones, he's played here in Detroit in the past. While I like him, I don't think he's a good closer. When he was here in Detroit I don't think he got out of an inning without first getting us into a jam.

I don't really understand the owner, Mike Illitch. How can he have such a successful hockey team in the Detroit Red Wings and let his first love, baseball, go down the drain for the last 15+ years. I love the fact that they hired Trammell as the manager but I hate the fact that they didn't give him any support via talent. I'm not saying that Trammell wasn't to blame for losing control of the team at some point last year but given the talent he had to work with, I believe that he was set up to eventually fail. Jim Leyland will be a good hire and I expect him to get more out of the team this year if only because he's a seasoned manager who's been around the block and won't pull any punches.

I believe Dombrowski will live and die as a GM in Detroit based on what his young pitching staff can do. He's expecting great things from Jeremy Bonderman, Justin Verlander and Joel Zumaya. They all have great potential but the chances that all 3 will be stars is slim and is still at least 2 to 3 years away. Detroit has been a laughing stock for a long time and the fans, who are naturally very patient (evidence, Detroit Lions), are growing weary. We could have used a shot in the arm like a Johnny Damon, Billy Wagner or Brian Giles this off season. Time is running out for Dombrowski. If there's no improvement folks will be asking for his head just as they're asking for Matt Millen's (Detroit Lions GM) head.

Elvis

01-03-2006, 09:51 PM

"Are you satisfied with what your team's GM has done this winter?"

In a word...YES!:clapping

Mattingly

01-04-2006, 09:38 AM

"Are you satisfied with what your team's GM has done this winter?"

In a word...YES!:clapping
You know, despite your being a regular here, I forgot which team you're a fan of?

If you can, please expand upon your reasoning as to your being satisfied with your GM's latest moves. Any examples offered would surely benefit us all. :)

zaxxon

01-04-2006, 11:14 AM

being a Mets fan, hells yeah. Though Omar's going to screw it up later this week when he deals Seo. I'll take Seo and a kick in the balls over Heilman, grousing about having to pitch in relief with his weak arm, and no kind of surgeon location wise anyway.

The Mets are going to wish they hadn't dealt Seo.

Elvis

01-04-2006, 11:23 AM

GiambiJuice

01-04-2006, 12:07 PM

With Pedro and Glavine at the head of our rotation, the window of oppertunity with those two pitchers in our rotation is very small, and I believe Omar would like to thank Pedro and Glavine for what they have done for the Mets by applying a win now attitude towards this particular team.

Glavine has done NOTHING for the mets.

Ed Wade is God

01-04-2006, 01:14 PM

I'm unsatisfied with what the Phillies did this offseason and I think most Phillies fans are. The Thome trade was good, Aaron Rowand is a solid CF and the two pitching prospects we got in the trade should be in the majors in a few years. I'm not in love with trade because CF wasn't a big need, since Jason Michaels and Shane Victorino are good looking young players.

Letting Wagner go was bad, but I understand because the money the Mets offered was ridiculous. But signing Tom Gordon to a 3 yr deal to replace him was a slap in the face. The Phillies couldn't give a 34 yr old Wagner a 4 year deal but they had no problem giving a 38 yr old Gordon a 3 yr deal.

The rest of the bullpen is pathetic, Gillick didn't sign anyone to pitch the 8th, but he did sign Julio Santana, lol. The rotation is also really bad, Gillick didn't make any moves to acquire a good starting pitcher nor did he attempt to sign anyone. The big free agent signing he made was Abraham Nunez, so he can platoon with David Bell. It's amazing Bell is still on this team after how pathetic he was last season.

The lineup is very strong so it will bail the pitching out a few times. It looks like a 78-83 win season.

CuriousBoston

01-04-2006, 02:43 PM

Don't be silly. I only delete comments negatively concerning Boss George. :D

Hey, be honest about your thoughts. That's what we're here for.

*awaits another red sox fan crying in his beer*

I am not crying in my beer. I am not buying tickets, and I will find every expletive email address for the Red Sox management "team", and tell them so.

Since Valentines Day is so close to the start of Spring training, I may send dead flowers to Spring Training.

#1. Not signing Theo. Last spring, Larry kept putting it off, I believe Theo wanted more authority, and Larry did not want to have that disscussion. Meanwhile, nobody else said to Larry, hey you expletive so and so, get a move on. So Theo has a consulting contract? Whatta bunch of ...

#2 Larry's lapdogs. One of them hired the other, so they can never be true equals. It's not clear how duties will be divided up, or if they are going to be "job sharing". Again, Larry sold this to the rest of management? Why are they letting him make these stupid decisions?

#3. They let Damon get away. Poor communication. You have a decent center that will run into anything for you, a great lead off guy, a good clubhouse guy, and he's gone. Because people could not pick up a telephone and be sure of what was going on. Theo visited Schilling; Francona, whomever, COULD NOT PICK UP A PHONE?

#4. RS management knew that very few teams could afford Damon. So, decision to make: Is it worth it to pay more to keep him away from, from...
Answer: YES. (Don't try to argue me out of this. It's a law of baseball, like gravity is a law of nature...you work like blazes to keep players like Damon away from, from....AARRGGHHH!!!!!!

#5. Okay, we watched John Henry crying when it was announced Theo was gone. So what has he and the rest of management been doing? Has Larry assigned them to paper train the lapdogs? (Who may be very good people. But they are not Theo, and they were chosen to rubber stamp Larry.)

#6. The lapdogs. Okay, Theo said, I've had enough. The lapdogs don't have enough cojones to tell Larry, hell no, make a expletive decision, chose one of us. Which justifies the "lapdog" label.

#7. More horrible communication. The way the team was told, or not told, about what was going on with all this.

I have a solution. After the Patriots win the Superbowl, let Belichek have a few days off, then GIVE HIM CARTE BLANCHE.

I have another solution. Formal letter to the Red Sox, to check the number of tickets I bought last year, compared to the number I have bought this year. Sympathy cards to Tek, and others. Give me some time, I'll think of more. Since I'm close enough to stand outside Fenway with a sign....

I'm not crying in my beer. It would be a decent white wine, or Mike's hard lemonade, and Larry the lapdog owner is not worth it.

LEASHES! Larry needs leashes and collars for his lapdogs. A mass mailing of collars and leashes, made from twine, duct tape, old clothes....yeah, that's it.

Honest enough, Matt?

VTSoxFan

01-04-2006, 03:11 PM

Oh, CB, I'm with you. Let it out. Go get some gooooood chocolate. Can you get Lake Champlain Chocolates in Boston?

You know, rarity is what makes things valuable. It's why we treasure things like emeralds, because they aren't found scattered around parking lots, or in plastic blister-packs at the check-out at the corner convenience store. If we win the World Series once ever hundred years or so, we'll treasure it more another team that wins, say, more than two dozen times.

Remember the Night of the Red Moon.

TonyK

01-04-2006, 11:52 PM

CB and other Red Sox fans: can I please buy any tickets you do not wish to use this year? My son (a Yankees fan) has finally agreed to consider going to Fenway, now I have to convince him we might see another team.

The Sox have unloaded 15 out of the 25 that won the WS, as of this moment. Half of them were some of the best players. What do we have to show for it? If they are making money then why aren't they spending it wisely?

Beckett is good, Loretta and Lowell could surprise (I hear a song coming when I'm saying those names), and if Marte stays who knows. I hope they deal Manny and Wells to plug their holes. We lost more than we gained.

sandlot

01-05-2006, 03:59 AM

You know, rarity is what makes things valuable. It's why we treasure things like emeralds... If we win the World Series once ever hundred years or so, we'll treasure it more.. Remember the Night of the Red Moon. *sigh*... Spoken like a real Romantic, of which, Annie, you are truly among the last of the great. But then, syrupy romanticism has always been a closet secret among us gravel farmers, tree tappers and stone-wall pilers of New England, hasn't it? Now, how about making CB happy, VTSF, and sending a box of maple sugar candy to her, and a pickup truck full of birch-bough leashes to Larry? As a Yankee fan, I don't want to see NY beat some pathetic concoction of players masquerading as the Bosox. When the Yanks win, as they shall, I want them to crush the very best to take the field at Fenway. It makes the heartbreak sweeter. Another 99 years of wailing and teeth-gnashing sounds just about right. ;)

Mattingly

01-05-2006, 05:32 AM

Oh, CB, that was an *AWESOME* and *VERY* honest reply, which is what this thread is sooooooooooo about! :clapping :D :dance
I think you're confused, my friend. You seem to think this is the Bitter Rivals thread. :crazy
The "crazy Yankee fan" in me got loose. Hey, it was my evil twin, OK? :D :p

CuriousBoston

01-05-2006, 06:51 AM

#8. Wells. It's January. What is he still doing on the team?

#9. Renteria. I never liked him, I'm glad to see him go. But at least he has a good history, and the theory goes, should have settled down this year. Did we get a fair trade? I don't think so.

#10. Mirabelli. I like Mirabelli. Perfect backup catcher. Again, communication. Wakefield let it be known he was not pleased. And how did Wakefield find out he lost his personal catcher? I don't know what Varitek thinks. He's been quiet.

#11. Too quiet. Varitek will work his butt off this year, then tell the lapdogs, get me outta here. And to everyone that says a few weeks of catching a knuckleball pitcher will make things peachy keen, I have one word: PHFFFT!!! (This is not debatable. As Wakes put it: "How can they hit it, if I don't know where it is going?")

#1 & 2 Omens. I was shoveling snow this year, when the first batch of tickets went on sale. I figure it's Red Sox Nation's version of a natural disaster, and a warning not to go to the ballpark.

Which has had a couple of accidents during the "winter remodel". So I don't have any tickets. But I need to know how a Sox Fan's child grew up to be a Yankee fan. We need to know how to prevent children from abandoning their true religion. (Membership in Red Sox Nation is a religion. This may be debatable, but not with me.)

Comments: I don't want to send birches to Larry, I want to sharpen them up, then hand them to drunk fans. Or coat Larry with tuna catnip pesto, and put him in an alley of ferral cats and rats. There was a sale on dark chocolate bars 141 gms for .88c . I took every bar off the shelf.

Oh, yeah, #12. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE TRAINING STAFF? You know, the people that keep Nixon sorta in one piece, put Johnny back together after he runs into walls, puts Wells ass in a sling, literally. The team *what team??????* LOVES those guys. Were they not doing their job? Is the 2006 team going to be so healthy and injury free that they are not needed?

#13. Larry thinks he is in charge. He needs to read Dr. Seuss, a great political and logical thinker. The purpose of the franchise is to make money. To make money, you have to sell tickets, and merchandise. They are not selling Larry stuff, so fans will not be buying it to burn. Damon stuff is already half off. The people that populate Fenway park, are tourists coming to the park (the #1 reason for tourists visiting Boston). A large majority are Red Sox Nation. We know baseball. We've put up with a lot. (Understatement of two centuries.)

They put together a WORLD SERIES WINNING TEAM. NOW THEY ARE BLOWING IT UP. Maybe they can get away with that **** in Marlin country, but not here. I don't know what a touchback is, but I can learn. Larry is not in charge. WE ARE! RED SOX NATION.

Okay, deep breath, take chocolate bar, snap in half, put in Tupperware, put in totebag. Check. :D Blood pressure med taken. Check. Admire pictures of various Patriot players. Check. Call pharmacy to make sure heavy duty pain killers are ready. Check.

Collars and leashes:in progress. :grouchy :mad: :D
Campaign to "unsignup" people from paying MONEY to be "official" members of Red Sox Nation. In progress. :grouchy :D

That is all. For now. I'm sure I'll think of something else. I know that Larry will do something else that will be added to the list. After all, it's January, and the trucks leave for spring training in FEBRUARY!!!!!!:grouchy :D

VTSoxFan

01-05-2006, 11:42 AM

*sigh*... Spoken like a real Romantic, of which, Annie, you are truly among the last of the great. But then, syrupy romanticism has always been a closet secret among us gravel farmers, tree tappers and stone-wall pilers of New England, hasn't it? Now, how about making CB happy, VTSF, and sending a box of maple sugar candy to her, and a pickup truck full of birch-bough leashes to Larry? As a Yankee fan, I don't want to see NY beat some pathetic concoction of players masquerading as the Bosox. When the Yanks win, as they shall, I want them to crush the very best to take the field at Fenway. It makes the heartbreak sweeter. Another 99 years of wailing and teeth-gnashing sounds just about right. ;)

You know, back in colonial days (and Vermont as such was never a colony, a fact of which I'm proud), Ethan Allen and his rabblerousers used to take the New York colonial agents and tie them up in a chair, hoist it up with a pully and whack at 'em with long sticks. "Beech tea," they called it. I'll get a chair ready for Larry.

Or....even better: Make him run back and forth naked through a patch of wild blackberries during blackfly season. Except that's probably against the Geneva Convention.

Failing that, we'll fall back on wailing and gnashing. Hair-tearing will be all the rage this summer too.

In re: CB's comments about the training staff -- I too am totally mystified as to why they gave the sack to Dr. "We'll Staple Schilling's Ankle Back Together" Morgan, and the trainers Jim Rowe, Chang Lee and Chris Correnti. They know the players inside out, literally, and they were all shown the door. WHY? What in the name of Tony Conigliaro is going on down there?

mojorisin71

01-05-2006, 11:49 AM

You know, despite your being a regular here, I forgot which team you're a fan of?

If you can, please expand upon your reasoning as to your being satisfied with your GM's latest moves. Any examples offered would surely benefit us all. :)
The picture in his sig is Chavez Ravine at nighttime.

mojorisin71

01-05-2006, 12:01 PM

McCourt has apparently opened his checkbook, signing Furcal, Nomar, Tomko, Alomar, and Lofton to free-agent deals (only Furcal and Tomko are guaranteed past 2006) and he dumped Milton Bradley to the A's, as well as sending Duaner "Radar Glove" Sanchez and Steve Schmoll to the Mets. While Tomko is not the answer at pitcher, and Jeff Weaver's days with LA are numbered (Sunday is the deadline to reach a deal with him), I'd give him a B, only because he hasn't addressed the rotation thoroughly.

As for the Red Sox dumping all the trainers, it must be a Boston thing. McCourt has dumped just about everyone in the front office, and he's put his own people in charge (namely his wife and son).

TonyK

01-05-2006, 04:48 PM

Curious: I moved to the land of the Evil Empire many moons ago. I get to watch 100's of Yankees games for free every year. But since 2004 I have noticed a few more Sox fans around here.

My son grew up wanting to be Derek Jeter, not Nomah. I'm working on him though. Give me another ten years and maybe he will come to his senses. It didn't help that NY won a few WS when he was a little kid.

Mattingly

01-05-2006, 04:58 PM

wilkerson_rulz-06

01-05-2006, 05:33 PM

Jim Bowden is not a good GM. He trades for somebody called Preston Wilson who strikes out a whole lot more often than Wilky. Preston Wilson was not the spark Washington needed, they needed a bigger one. Preston didn'y do the job on the field and in the batter's box. Now let's get to this offseason. We acquire someone called Alfonso Soriano. Big name. No opening in that position. I don't think Jim Bowden will become any stupider and trade away all-star second baseman Jose Vidro. When Vidro is healthy, he's one of the best. Soriano, on top of it all is not willing to move to the OF and he expects big $$$.

Report Card 4/10

CuriousBoston

01-05-2006, 05:43 PM

CuriousBoston

01-05-2006, 05:52 PM

My theory is that most of the medical people were connected with St. Elizabeth's, in the Allston-Brighton neighborhood of Boston. Beth Israel, the new Sox "partner" is physically located very close to Fenway. Very.

When Beth Israel and the Deaconess Hospital (of diabetes fame) merged, there was a lot of politics, some departments had almost the entire staff up and quit.

Beth Israel ended up with a vacant building, very near Fenway. I don't know who it was sold to. It is likely as the older Beth Israel buildings are updated, more land will become vacant, so Sox management will be owning more land near Fenway. Or, since Menino likes them, using non-taxpaying land, in title owned by the hospital, in reality, profit for Sox management.

sandlot

01-05-2006, 09:48 PM

I need to know how a Sox Fan's child grew up to be a Yankee fan. We need to know how to prevent children from abandoning their true religion. (Membership in Red Sox Nation is a religion. This may be debatable, but not with me.)Great stuff, CB. You can really write, and I'd hate to find myself on your bad side! As for true religions and loss thereof: There were three kids in my family, a small part of a much, much larger extended brood, who all grew up NYY fans even though there's 20 years difference between the eldest and youngest. I can't speak for my two siblings, but for me loyalty to the Bosox ended for two reasons: (1) Ted Williams retired, and (2) my childhood was punctuated by frequent upheaval and turmoil; more heartache I did not need, but inspiration I certainly did. Boston was synonymous with dashed aspirations and breaking your heart, while the Yanks in the 50s represented a dedication to winning and an almost machine-like ability to do it. I guess that I identified with predictability and success. I also loved Casey Stengel and idolized Mantle. Thus I became a Red Sox Nation heretic, unapologetic, to my family's enduring dismay.

You know, back in colonial days (and Vermont as such was never a colony, a fact of which I'm proud), Ethan Allen and his rabblerousers used to take the New York colonial agents and tie them up in a chair, hoist it up with a pully and whack at 'em with long sticks. "Beech tea," they called it. I'll get a chair ready for Larry.

Nice image. There's no passion quite like the fraternal anger of co-religionists. As for the history, though, the "never a colony" claim is dubious, VTSF. The area was claimed by Champlain in the name of France, ceded to England in 1763 under the Treaty of Paris ending the French and Indian War, claimed by New Hampshire and (gasp!) New York, and did not get independence (thanks, in part, to Ethan and his boys) until 1777. It was indeed a republic, however, when it became the 14th state of the Union. Does the hatred for the Yankees (getting back to baseball) stem from the fact that Vermont's only state holiday commemorates a battle that actually took place on the New York side of the border?

Or....even better: Make him run back and forth naked through a patch of wild blackberries during blackfly season. Except that's probably against the Geneva Convention. Ouch! If it isn't a violation, it sure should be.

Ravenlord

01-06-2006, 07:33 AM

Are you satisfied or not with what your team's GM has done this winter?no

Reds Winter Transaction Thread (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=34731)

VTSoxFan

01-06-2006, 07:40 AM

Great stuff, CB. You can really write, and I'd hate to find myself on your bad side! As for true religions and loss thereof: There were three kids in my family, a small part of a much, much larger extended brood, who all grew up NYY fans even though there's 20 years difference between the eldest and youngest. I can't speak for my two siblings, but for me loyalty to the Bosox ended for two reasons: (1) Ted Williams retired, and (2) my childhood was punctuated by frequent upheaval and turmoil; more heartache I did not need, but inspiration I certainly did. Boston was synonymous with dashed aspirations and breaking your heart, while the Yanks in the 50s represented a dedication to winning and an almost machine-like ability to do it. I guess that I identified with predictability and success. I also loved Casey Stengel and idolized Mantle. Thus I became a Red Sox Nation heretic, unapologetic, to my family's enduring dismay.

I understand this. Many times I've wasted bitter tears over the Sox, and sworn that "that's it, that's enough!" But I can no more turn off my allegiance to that team than I can forswear my genetic makeup. While they have brought untold misery, they have also brought inexpressible joy (once!), and if that's all I get from them, it will make that memory of '04 that much more dear.

Nice image. There's no passion quite like the fraternal anger of co-religionists. As for the history, though, the "never a colony" claim is dubious, VTSF. The area was claimed by Champlain in the name of France, ceded to England in 1763 under the Treaty of Paris ending the French and Indian War, claimed by New Hampshire and (gasp!) New York, and did not get independence (thanks, in part, to Ethan and his boys) until 1777. It was indeed a republic, however, when it became the 14th state of the Union. Does the hatred for the Yankees (getting back to baseball) stem from the fact that Vermont's only state holiday commemorates a battle that actually took place on the New York side of the border?

That could be. (For those who aren't up to speed on early American history -- the Battle of Bennington, commemorated every August 16th in VT, was actually fought over in Hoosic, NY.) Yesterday as I wrote this I was remembering a line from Whittier's "Song of the Vermonter": Come York or come Hampshire, Come traitors or knaves... Hmmm. I wonder if Whitter was just an extremely prescient Sox fan? :D ;)

I am of course aware that while the area now defined by our present borders was claimed by various nations and other colonies as its own, Vermont as such was never a colony (unlike Massachusetts, Delaware, New York, etc.) and was the first state accepted into the Union without having been a colony first.

Ouch! If it isn't a violation, it sure should be.

On second thought, I wouldn't want to spoil a perfectly good blackberry patch. We'll just feed him to the blackflies.

ANYWAY.... back to the GMs. I think it's a given that Red Sox fans as a general group are less than pleased. I think that's a fair assessment.

TonyK

01-06-2006, 03:17 PM

So what's your team, and how have you liked their GM's decisions this winter?

I'm a lifelong RS fan weaned on Ted Williams and the 24 minor leaguers they had back in the late 50's. I think we have made the team worse instead of better as of today. There is still time before spring training, but a few have rightly pointed out that any team in their right mind is not going to help the Sox improve.

sschirmer

01-06-2006, 03:18 PM

My answer to this thread...NO.

CuriousBoston

01-06-2006, 06:23 PM

Great stuff, CB. You can really write, and I'd hate to find myself on your bad side!

Thank you. Just don't walk in front of me when the Red Sox are batting, don't pour beer on my hair, or have any, any "red stuff" on the table with seafood. A place had clam chowder with Tabasco and thyme in it today. Shudder.

I'll bet Lucchino eats red chowder.

sandlot

01-08-2006, 09:02 AM

Thank you. Just don't walk in front of me when the Red Sox are batting, don't pour beer on my hair, or have any, any "red stuff" on the table with seafood. A place had clam chowder with Tabasco and thyme in it today. Shudder.

I'll bet Lucchino eats red chowder.Of course he does. It's called cioppino:D . In Rhode Island there are places that serve chowder with cream and red chowder with tomatoes (Manhattan style, not Bronx but close) for folks who, I guess, can't make up their minds. But Tabasco in New England chowder? Sooo California....;)

Mattingly

01-08-2006, 10:44 AM

Sooooooooo ... if CB or sandlot saw Larry Lucchino eating his red "chowder" (obviously not real chowda) in some New England restaurant, and they were at the next table, what would they say to him about the state of the team? We need some words here from Red Sawx Nation.

Anything, as to what should've been done, what shouldn't have been done. Trades, FA acquisitions, who from the farm shouldn't have been sent away, and who is untouchable, as well as comments on this winter's trades.

laxplayer81217

01-08-2006, 11:01 AM

minaya is the man!

moebarguy

01-10-2006, 01:28 PM

I personally feel that Omar Minaya has done a terrible job this off-season. While he brought in Carlos Delgado's bat, and Billy Wagner's arm, he has totally depleted our farm system. Minaya has a track record of giving up a ton of prospects (Grady Sizemore, Cliff Lee, and Brandon Phillips for 2 months of Bartolo Colon) to make big splashes.

I think that getting Carlos Delgado was a good idea, but for the amount and caliber of prospects we gave up, how did we still only got $7 mil from the Marlins? Mike Jacobs, if given the starting job, will put up some really good numbers for the Marlins (.285 BA, .330 OBP, 20 HR, 75 RBI, and 60 R). We also gave up our best pitching prospect in Yusmeiro Petit. On a side note, the Mets were the only team seriously bidding for Carlos Delgado, yet Minaya still forfeited 2 top prospects. This is a re-occurring trend with Minaya and the Mets where we always outbid ourselves.

I think signing Billy Wagner was a great move despite giving him an extra year, but there's still a problem: how are we going to get the ball to Wagner in the 9th? I'm very confused to why Minaya decided to let Roberto Hernandez walk, and to why he didn't sign anyone else for our bullpen besides Chad Bradford (who is a question mark). Also, trading Jae Seo, who put up great statistics for the Mets last season, for a reliever whose had a 3.73 ERA and 1.35 WHIP is plain stupid. I'm glad that we didn't surrender Aaron Heilman to the D-Rays for Danys Baez, because that would have been a worse move, but c'mon, you can't trade Jae Seo for Duaner Sanchez.

So now that the Red Sox lost Johnny Damon to the Yankees, how much do you think the Mets could have gotten in return for Mike Cameron? I'd say a lot more than Xavier Nady. This was one of the worst moves I've ever seen. There were barely any CFs on the FA market, and there were about the same available for trade. Mike Cameron is an excellent defensive CF with good power, so how do we only end up with Xavier Nady, a super UT? The answer is that Omar Minaya is an idiot. He really doesn't know the value of his own players. He figured that trading Mike Cameron would cut salary so they could trade for Carlos Delgado. He was correct about that. But, you can still get value out of players! Get two relievers out of him for God sakes!

There were only two strengths in the FA market this year: relievers and catchers. For many weeks, the Mets had been rumored to sign either Ramon Hernandez or Bengie Molina. Yet, for some reason, Omar Minaya decided to trade our last remaining top pitching prospect in Gaby Hernandez for Paul Lo Duca. Paul Lo Duca is older, more expensive, and less talented than either of those two FA catchers. Once again, the only explanation for this move is that Omar Minaya is an idiot.

While it might not seem like a big deal, even Omar Minaya's lesser signings have been bad moves. Let's take the Julio Franco signing for example. Many 35 year olds have a terrible time finding a team to sign them to a 2-year deal, yet Minaya happily gave 47 year old Julio Franco it -- for over $2 mil. This is a guy who is older than the Mets franchise (and possibly the Yankees too if we can find his real birth date). Another pointless signing was giving Jose Valentin a 1 year, $1 mil deal. While the guy hit 30 HR just a few years ago, he also had an OBP below .300. Is that the type of bench player you want? I thought you want a guy that can step in and get on base. He's also a terrible fielder...Omar also gave Endy Chavez $500,000, even though we already have capable bench players. We invested around $3 mil next year to 3 players who should be on the team. That money could have gone to a reliever -- something we really need.

laxplayer81217

01-10-2006, 06:07 PM

I agree that the Jae Seo trade was one of the the most moronic things I have ever seen done in sports

Lipsander

01-13-2006, 01:46 PM

I'm very happy. Things will be fine unless they trade Mark Prior.

Mattingly

01-13-2006, 03:49 PM

I'm very happy. Things will be fine unless they trade Mark Prior.
What were some of the moves made that impressed you?

DownUnderDodger

01-13-2006, 04:56 PM

McCourt has apparently opened his checkbook, signing Furcal, Nomar, Tomko, Alomar, and Lofton to free-agent deals (only Furcal and Tomko are guaranteed past 2006) and he dumped Milton Bradley to the A's, as well as sending Duaner "Radar Glove" Sanchez and Steve Schmoll to the Mets. While Tomko is not the answer at pitcher, and Jeff Weaver's days with LA are numbered (Sunday is the deadline to reach a deal with him), I'd give him a B, only because he hasn't addressed the rotation thoroughly.

I am pleased that the Dodgers were able to fill the GM and Manager positions firsty, and now I must agree with Mojo - the pitching is a tad suspect and a number of buys all seem short term with all the free agents. Nonetheless I think the team has a real chance to take the division so I can't say I am disappointed.

mojorisin71

01-13-2006, 05:11 PM

I'm not too terribly satisified with the rotation, as Weaver's days as a Dodger are finished.

RHP Derek Lowe
RHP Brad Penny
LHP Odalis Perez
RHP Brett Tomko
RHP Jae Seo/RHP DJ Houlton

We can't honestly expect to compete with this rotation, so I'm guessing that Colletti will make a move similar to the Ishii-for-Phillips deal last March.

Chisox

01-19-2006, 09:19 AM

My answer to this thread...NO.
I'll copy that.

sandlot

01-20-2006, 04:07 AM

Sooooooooo ... if CB or sandlot saw Larry Lucchino eating his red "chowder" (obviously not real chowda) in some New England restaurant, and they were at the next table, what would they say to him about the state of the team? Being a Yankee fan, I would salute him on his management wisdom and player appreciation, tell him what a mistake it was to bring Theo back, praise his taste in cuisine, and then predict three straight career years for Damon. ;) More seriously, I'd want to know: Who and what the team sees in the Bosox farm system to explain and justify some of the off-season moves? And was he writing off this season, and contenting himself fielding a competitive team, in exchange for longer-term success?

Mattingly

01-20-2006, 08:37 AM

mojorisin71

01-20-2006, 02:25 PM

But what about the Baez/Gagne combo? Could be deadly if Gagne returns to good health.
The Dodgers' current bullpen:

RHP Yhency Brazoban (did very well in the Dominican until he got shelled consistently)
RHP Jonathan Broxton (could have a breakout year)
LHP Kelly Wunsch (coming off hip and knee surgery; isn't expected to start the season in LA)
RHP Danys Baez (I'm hoping he can be more consistent)
RHP Franquelis Osoria (average)
RHP Eric Gagné (might be his last season in LA)
RHP DJ Houlton/ RHP Jae Seo (expected to compete for a spot in the rotation, assuming Aaron Sele doesn't pull off a Jose Lima/Scott Erickson and resurrect his career in LA)

Except for Baez and Gagné (and Broxton if you're Albert Pujols), this pen doesn't scare anyone, so I'm hoping Colletti does a last-minute deal in March.