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[Desperado]

wtf, Lidge in a late '90s Dome Star uni?

 

[evil solrac v3.0]

That's true about Reyes, but Soriano is the most overrated player in recent memory. If they really want to deal Reyes, get someone else. I'd rather get rid of Matsui who is terrible, but no chance at his money.

how is he overrated? two "bad" things in his game. he strikes out and his defense isnt the best. but everything else, he's a five tool player.

 

[Mrbob]

It'll be interesting to see what Hendry does for the Cubs in the offseason.

Now that the SAWX are World Champs, I think the pressure is on more than ever for the Cubs to win the World Series. Especially with that pitching staff, which hopefully can stay healthy all year.

Cubs decline options on Grudz and Alou:

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/...028&content_id=907693&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp

I hope this means the Cubs will sign Walker. They just freed up 15 million dollars by declining the option on Grudz and Alou.

 

[brooklyngooner]

how is he overrated? two "bad" things in his game. he strikes out and his defense isnt the best. but everything else, he's a five tool player.

Both those things are far worse than you make them out to be and Soriano is not a five-tool player.

He does just K a lot, he K's constantly, to the tune of about once in every five at-bats. He doesn't walk. His OBP for a supposed great player is soft at about .325 as is his OPS at around .800 (for comparison, Dellucci's was better). He hit .280 and does not hit particularly well with RISP, about .235. In addition, all of his offensive stats have declined steadily and rather markedly in the past three years: his OPS, his BA, his RBIs, his TBs.

In addition, his defense isn't just "not the best," it's not good by what stats we can measure. He commits at least 20 errors a season, has around a .970 fielding percentage and turns the DP poorly. His range factor is good although this is the same stat that ranks Jeter dead last. Jeter is overrated defensively but not that bad.

When he was on the Yanks, you had a better case for his being a five tool player although his defense was just so poor then there's no way, but he had the SBs then too that he doesn't have now.

 

[Desperado]

might as well put this here...

Looking forward to next year...

NL Central Standings 2005

Astros    96-66
Cubs      95-67 [Wild Card]
Cardinals 92-70
Brewers   80-82
Pirates   77-85
Reds      70-92

Cubs/Astros NLCS.

I really think the starting pitching will stay healthy next year. Thus, we won't go into a horrible midseason slump. Offense won't be as good [without kent] but won't need to be. We'll get a bullpen [I hope.]

-----

Oswalt   21-6 2.70-2.90 ERA [~220 K]
Clemens  16-6 3.10-3.30 ERA
Backe    15-6 3.40-3.60 ERA 
Pettitte 15-5 3.40-3.60 ERA
Miller   12-8 3.90-4.10 ERA

Wheeler       2.60-2.80 ERA
Lidge  45+ SV 1.50-1.70 ERA [~145 K]

Oswalt comes on strong after healing from all the shit this year. Roger cools off [I'm PRAYING he comes back], but still has a strong year. Backe breaks out [and learns how to pitch on the road lol.] Pettitte won't be the same kind of pitcher due to the surgery, but will still be good. Miller is a big question mark, we might not even keep him. There's no way of knowing how good [or bad] he'll be.

Wheeler finds his place as setup man. He's not a strikeout pitcher, and now realizes that. Lidge would have at least 45 saves anyway this year if not for Dotel [who had 17 SVO.] I'm being conservative on Lidge's numbers, he might be even better.

Beltran .280-.290 31 HR 103 RBI [43 SB]
Berkman .305-.315 37 HR 122 RBI
Biggio  .275-.285 19 HR
Bagwell .280-.290 27 HR
Ensberg .270-.280 13 HR
Lamb    .285-.295 20 HR
Everett .270-.280 14 HR 23 SB
Burke   .270-.280  7 HR 34 SB
Ausmus  .245-.255  5 HR

We resign Beltran. Kent is let go. Biggio's option is picked up. Burke comes in, and is about like Everett last year offensively. Everett finds a bit more power [he showed signs of this this year before getting hurt.] Our defense up the middle improves exponentially. Ausmus still stinks at the plate, but we need him for Backe [and, well, Clemens and Pettitte since they need him.] Lamb and Ensberg split time auditioning at 3B, with Lamb working alot on his D and getting much better [like Aramis Ramirez did.] If Ensberg doesn't produce more than I predict, then he might be traded mid-season or after next year. Beltran becomes more patient at the plate than this year, hitting less home runs but batting for a better average. Still a SB machine. Berkman ups his power numbers, but draws about the same amount of walks without Kent protecting him. Garner runs the offense with lots of stealing, hit & run, etc. with Burke and Everett in the lineup. Experiments with some lineup changes:

Biggio
Everett/Burke
Beltran
Berkman
Bagwell [might respond better to the 5-spot than this year]
Lamb/Ensberg
Everett/Burke
Ausmus[/Chavez]

As for the Cubs...I expect Prior/Wood to be back in form. Zambrano I think will not have as good a year as this year, great nonetheless. Not so sure about how their offense will look though. And who the hell's gonna be their closer?

Prior    21-8 2.70-2.90 ERA
Wood     18-6 3.00-3.20 ERA
Zambrano 16-6 3.00-3.20 ERA
Maddux  15-11 4.00-4.20 ERA
?

Hmmm next year's roster looks like this so far..

1B Jeff Bagwell
2B Chris Burke
SS Adam Everett
3B Morgan Ensberg
C  Brad Ausmus
LF Craig Biggio
CF ??? [Carlos Beltran]
RF Lance Berkman

IF Mike Lamb
IF Jose Vizcaino
IF Eric Bruntlett
OF Jason Lane
OF ???
C  Raul Chavez

SP Roy Oswalt
SP Andy Pettitte
SP Brandon Backe
SP Wade Miller
SP ???

RP Brad Lidge
RP Dan Wheeler
RP Chad Qualls
RP ???
RP ???
RP ???

Palmeiro didn't impress me at all...I think he's a free agent...I'm sure we can find somebody cheap or from the minors. Bruntlett can play the OF as well. Clemens said he's 99% retired. One thing I can say for sure is that the BP will be stronger. A WHOLE LOT hinges on Carlos's decision...

^the 2005 club I'm envisioning [if it can stay healthy] is basically the team that won 92 games, got us to the playoffs, and to game 7 of the NLCS:

- Kent's offense [I admit, he was a big part of the offense...]
- Power [see above]
- Clemens [definitely not good]

+ a full year of Adam Everett [better than Viz on all fronts]
+ a stronger bully
+ Burke's defense
+ speed
+ an actual full rotation
+ a more consistent Bagwell [I fully believe this.]

I think the team will be much more consistent. There won't be a need for as much offense due to improved IF defense, and better pitching all around. Yes Clemens will probably be gone but I think we can find someone decent to fill the #5 spot...Minor leaguers that could be on the team next year...

OF Willy Taveras [AA] :: Extraordinary speed. hits for high average. I think he'll most likely be in AAA next year though, I believe they're going to try to teach him to switch hit..

OF Tommy Whiteman [AAA] :: IF that could be seen coming off the bench. Doing very well in the AFL.

SP Zeke Astacio [AA] :: put up GREAT K numbers and had a WHIP under 1.2. May get a shot at the rotation. Was a throw in in the Billy Wagner trade...heh

RP Mike Burns [AA] :: 1.67 ERA 94 K in 80.2 IP...I think those #'s speak for themselves.




CARLOS PLEASE STAY WEEEE LOOOVE YOUUUU

another thing I've noticed...Hunsicker pulled off some damn fine deals last offseason/this season...

Geoff Blum for Brandon Backe [Hun was also the one who decided to put Backe in a SP role, originally it was for building arm strength and working on mechanics, but I'd say it has worked out better than expected haha]

Jeriome Robertson for Willy Taveras [Robertson was crap, but the 15 wins were too enticing for some dumbfuck GM.]

Picking up Lamb for nothing [the Yanks didn't need a 3B anymore...heh]

Signing Pettitte [ Yeah yeah, he was injured but he will be back next year, plus it got us Clemens]

Wagner for minor leaguers (Astacio was in this one) [Lidge has turned out outstanding and Billy was hurt most of this year, plus his contract was huge...this was more of a luck thing though]

Buck/Dotel for Beltran...if we can sign him. Still worked out really well for this year...

 

[brooklyngooner]

^ Beltran ain't comin' back dude. The nauseating mutual admiration society has commenced.

 

[Desperado]

"The Astros will never sign Jeff Kent."

"The Astros will never sign Andy Pettitte."

[June] "The Astros won't land Beltran!"

[July] "The Astros are gonna trade Beltran [and Kent], no doubt"

Who frickin knows. Hun is a great GM.

 

[AniHawk]

That new owner they have doesn't seem to sweat breaking the bank.

Yeah, he wants to make lotsa money. Having a playoff-worthy team is one thing, but having a big name star player is another.

Personally, I'm fine with the severe lack of a loudmouth or a huge name. I was disappointed in Guillen, and when they acquired Mondesi because of this.

 

[J2 Cool]

So what relief pitchers do they got out there in free agency? Cubs need to retool that, resign Nomar, and hopefully replace Alou with a complete hitter this offseason. I'm still excited at the thought of our rotation were it healthy all season. Wood always seems to have problems but Prior and Zambrano are some strong young aces. Maddux meanwhile has always been consistent. So if you can keep Wood relatively healthy and Rusch plays as well as he did last year as a consistent start, thing will be looking up.

I dont think the Cubs need to change that much. Drop Alou and maybe replace him with Todd Hollandworth who was hitting .300+ and had a lot of hr's for his ammount of playing time. Keep Walker in daily and pray Nomar is healthy a full year. Just look at the Cardinals.. 2003 they fell apart at the end with losing a pivotal series to the Cubs late in the season. Cubs do the same. You just need to find some momentum, get the team playing like a team and believing, and bring great pitching into the postseason. That includes a bullpen..

 

[Desperado]

HOUSTON -- Craig Biggio will be back with the Houston Astros next season. If Jeff Kent returns, it will be at a reduced rate.

Biggio's $3 million option was exercised Thursday by the Astros, who declined Kent's $9 million option and will pay the second baseman a $700,000 buyout.

However, general manager Gerry Hunsicker said the team "made it clear to him that we had interest in sitting down with him and bringing him back under another contract scenario."

Hmm, actually I wouldn't mind this really. Sounds like Hun's plan is to make enough room for a potential Beltran contract and then see if he can get Kent [and Clemens, though that's not a salary issue] to come back.

 

[Ramirez]

If the Indians can get some fuckin worthwhile bullpen members we will be a force next year,an already stacked offense adds Aaron Boone to the lineup,yes!Ph33r us!

 

[Willco]

Astros fans are in denial. Beltran is going to New York. Scott Boras. End of story.

 

[mightynine]

I have to admit, I'm a little peeved that Steve Stone won't be in the booth for Cubs games next season.

If someone's smart at Fox or ESPN, they would hire him immediately. Wouldn't you rather a Joe Buck/Steve Stone combo announcing the World Series?

EDIT: ok, so I'm now realizing he resigned. My previous comment still stands. The guy has the chops to do national broadcasts.

 

[Desperado]

Astros fans are in denial. Beltran is going to New York. Scott Boras. End of story.

Yeah too bad the Yankees need PITCHING.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

the Yankees needed pitching last year, and they went out and got ARod. You have to remember, the Yankees are run by idiots (well, one idiot, named George). He'll make a run for Beltran just because he can. Thats how that organization does things. Besides, there is really no pitching to be had on the free agent market. I doubt they'll really try to sign PEdro, and Pavano has said he has no desire to play in New York. They'll probably try to upgrade their pitching through trades.

 

[Joe]

steinbrenner an idiot? please. he's probably one of the most knowledgable owners in baseball. the yankees needed a 3rd baseman last year and they got arod. getting arod was part baseball, part marketing. the yankees need a center fielder and just so happens one of the games best is on the market, do you expect them to NOT try and get him? no pitching to be had?

-pedro martinez
-carl pavano (his agent said those rumors about not wanting to play in new york were false)
-matt clement
-al leiter
-eric milton
-derek lowe
-matt morris
-kevin millwood
-david wells
-roger clemens (highly unlikely)

thats about 10x better than last off-season.

i hope willie randolph gets the mets job so mattingly moves to bench coach and the yanks get the rangers batting coach who is said to be the best hitting coach in baseball.

 

[Maxwell House]

The biggest news of the offseason so far for the Braves is that it looks more and more likely that Smoltz will be back in the rotation next year:

Linky

The Braves are thinking of adding an accomplished big-game starting pitcher to their rotation next season -- a pitcher their fans know well.

More than ever, team officials are considering moving John Smoltz from closer back to the rotation, where the Braves could lose three starters to free agency.

Manager Bobby Cox said Tuesday that if the Braves lose 15-game winners Russ Ortiz and Jaret Wright, Smoltz could be back atop the rotation.

"In the next few weeks I anticipate . . . I'm optimistic about a lot of things," Smoltz said Tuesday, choosing his words carefully. "So that's a good thing."

The 37-year-old hasn't been a full-time starter since 1999 -- 154 saves and two elbow surgeries ago. But Cox said he has no doubts Smoltz would be successful if he switches roles.

"John could win 20 games for any good team," Cox said. "He could save 55 games or win 20 games."

Potential free agents Ortiz, Wright and Paul Byrd accounted for 38 of 68 wins by Atlanta starters in 2004.

General manager John Schuerholz, in St. Louis for the World Series, said it's too early to say which direction the Braves will go.

"The important thing to note here is John's willing to do either role," he said. "We have no idea what's going to happen to our roster."

Smoltz said, "It's open for discussion. Nothing's been decided."

He'll have a $12 million salary in 2005, but would earn an additional $100,000 for each start -- or about $15.5 million if he's a full-time starter and stays healthy.

The right-hander won 14 or more games seven times from 1990-98, including a 24-8 record and Cy Young Award in 1996. Smoltz missed the 2000 season following reconstructive elbow surgery and became a closer in 2001.

He posted an NL record 55 saves in 2002, 45 saves and a 1.12 ERA in 2003, and 44 saves this past season before watching in frustration as the Braves made their third consecutive first-round playoff exit.

Smoltz has said he wants to start, in part because of his postseason prowess. He was 12-4 with a 2.60 ERA in 26 postseason starts and believes he'd give the Braves the power arm they've lacked in recent postseasons.

I think that is a great move by the Braves if it happens.

 

[Maxwell House]

I also agree that Soriano is horribly overrated. He can't walk to save his life and plays bad defense. His OPS of around .800 is nothing to write home about. He will soon make superstar caliber money ($11 million + a year) and won't be worth anywhere close to that.

I doubt the Yankees have any interest in bringing Soriano back. Cashman realizes how overrated the guy is. It isn't surprising the Rangers are trying to trade him..he will be too expensive very soon and simply isn't that good.

 

[Incognito]

coming off my prediction of a redsox/cardinals worldseries, i hereby predict the NL CENTRAL for year 2005. i shall commence:

cubbies 97-65
cardinals 95-67
reds 90-72
asstros 85-77

who else is in the division? anyway, make fun now, but i'll be the last one laughing.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

steinbrenner an idiot? please. he's probably one of the most knowledgable owners in baseball. the yankees needed a 3rd baseman last year and they got arod. getting arod was part baseball, part marketing. the yankees need a center fielder and just so happens one of the games best is on the market, do you expect them to NOT try and get him? no pitching to be had?

-pedro martinez
-carl pavano (his agent said those rumors about not wanting to play in new york were false)
-matt clement
-al leiter
-eric milton
-derek lowe
-matt morris
-kevin millwood
-david wells
-roger clemens (highly unlikely)

thats about 10x better than last off-season.

i hope willie randolph gets the mets job so mattingly moves to bench coach and the yanks get the rangers batting coach who is said to be the best hitting coach in baseball.

Of course Pavano's AGENT is gonna say they are false, he knows they can use NY to raise the bidding war and up his value. No agent wants other teams to know their player has completely ruled out $teinbrenner and the Yanks. The rest of those guys, other than maybe Leiter and Clemens, aren't much better than what they could get last season (Javi Vazquez last year>>>>all those guys as far as value). Besides, from what it sounds like, they are gonna want to rid themselves of Vazquez and Brown, which is why i said they'll probably reload their staff through trades. And i stand by my statement that Steinbrenner is an idiot. Its no suprise that the reason the team was able to rebuild in the early-mid 90s was because Steinbrenner was banned from being involved with the team.

 

[Joe]

exactly who banned steinbrenner from being involved in the team in the mid 90's?

it was steinbrenner who wanted david ortiz before the red sox got him, it was steinbrenner who wanted to trade soriano for jim edmonds in 2000 but both ideas were shot down by cashman. steinbrenner is far from being an idiot. he's the one that wanted sheffield and hes the one that didnt want andy pettite back both of which have worked in his favor considerably.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

exactly who banned steinbrenner from being involved in the team in the mid 90's?

it was steinbrenner who wanted david ortiz before the red sox got him, it was steinbrenner who wanted to trade soriano for jim edmonds in 2000 but both ideas were shot down by cashman. steinbrenner is far from being an idiot. he's the one that wanted sheffield and hes the one that didnt want andy pettite back both of which have worked in his favor considerably.

he was banned by the commisioner in the early 90s (1990 i believe) from being involved in any Yankee baseball operations for hiring some investigator to dig up dirt on his own player, Dave Winfield, so he could use it against him. This is widely considered the time period that Buck Showalter and the rest of Yankee management built the team that won them WS titles starting in '96 after George had driven the team into the ground in the 1980s by trading away all their good young players and prospects for "quick fix" players (sound familiar?).

 

[Joe]

that was only a couple years from 1990 to 1992 i think.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

c'mon man, don't you watch Seinfeld?

"Why...did you trade...JAY BUHNAH!?!?!"

 

[Scoobert]

Mike Lowell is staying as a Marlin, note the end of the article also.

Associated Press

MIAMI -- New ballpark or not, Mike Lowell is staying with the Florida Marlins.

Lowell, who could have opted out of his contract because the team hasn't secured new stadium financing, agreed Friday to a revised deal in which the team guarantees the remaining $25.5 million on his contract.

"I was hopeful that things would work out because I want to be a Florida Marlin," said Lowell, a three-time All-Star third baseman who hit .293 with 27 home runs and 85 RBIs last season. "It would have been hard for me to play under a one-year deal. ... It's only logical I'd want to play for the long term."

The South Florida native signed a $32 million, four-year contract before last season -- with a provision that if no new ballpark deal was in place by Monday, the final two seasons would be voided and Lowell would have a player option for 2005.

Florida has made strides toward securing that new ballpark, a 38,000-seat, retractable-roof facility that would be built adjacent to downtown Miami's Orange Bowl at an estimated cost of $420 million. And like the team, Lowell is confident that a deal is on the way.

"I do think a stadium is going to happen," said the 30-year-old Lowell, who has hit .277 and set franchise-records with 135 home runs and 520 RBIs during his six seasons with the Marlins.

Some gaps still exist in the stadium funding plan, and the team wants state government to commit $30 million for the project. The team has committed $192 million toward construction, with city and county governments pledging at least $148 million more.

Team president David Samson said he hopes the city, county and club can agree on the parameters of a financing plan by the end of November -- which would leave the sales tax rebate from the state as, he said, "the last piece of the puzzle."

"We're still pushing hard for a stadium to open as early as possible," said Samson, who's aiming for a facility to be completed by 2007 or 2008.

The Marlins lost an estimated $20 million in 2003, despite winning the World Series for the second time in seven seasons. Their lease with Pro Player Stadium and former Marlins owner Wayne Huizenga does not allow the team any revenues from luxury box rentals or parking, and only a small piece of concession sales.

Without those streams of cash, the Marlins say they cannot survive.

"I think this is a positive message from the Marlins' standpoint," Lowell said.

With Lowell's deal set, now general manager Larry Beinfest can turn his attention toward the free agent market. Florida has 12 players eligible for free agency, most notably a pair of All-Star pitchers: closer Armando Benitez (whose 47 saves tied for the most in the National League) and Carl Pavano (18-8, 3.00).

"We will contact some of our high profile free agents, but this was the No. 1 thing to work on right away," Beinfest said.

Benitez made $3.5 million last season and may command more than the Marlins want to pay a closer. Lowell sounded optimistic that Pavano, who set a franchise record for wins in 2004, could be back.

"He's going to be fielding some offers from some pretty good teams," Lowell said. "That comes with the territory. ... But I know he prefers playing here."

 

[Desperado]

"This message is hidden because KE04 is on your ignore list."

Oh darn.

 

[Incognito]

Darn, the 16 year old won't read my posts. Woe is me.

 

[Desperado]

Steve Stone quit? Eminem am cry.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

Notes from Peter Gammons:

-Mets may try to swing a trade for Manny or Sosa, but neither are likely to happen.

-Astros front office believes Beltran is gone. They believe he will use the Yankees to drive up his value, but ultimately will sign with the Cubbies. (Mig am cry)

-Yankees will revisit Randy Johnson trade, but utlimately don't have enough to get it done. Cardinals could be frontrunners for the Unit.

-Pavano interested in Red Sox and Orioles, not Yankees.

-Steinbrenner has asked Cashman to check on the availability of Oakland's "Big 3" (Mulder, Hudson, Zito). Doesn't think the Yanks have enough pieces to pry any of them from Oakland though.

 

[Desperado]

Has Gammons EVER been right about anything?

God Baseball Tonight's crew sucks ass. Only bearable one is...Carl? I think that's his name. Glad they won't be on tv until next season...oh wait I forgot, they invaded SC. bleh.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

Has Gammons EVER been right about anything?

God Baseball Tonight's crew sucks ass. Only bearable one is...Carl? I think that's his name. Glad they won't be on tv until next season...oh wait I forgot, they invaded SC. bleh.

Gammons could still be drunk from all the partying. He IS a red sox fan afterall. And yeah, the Baseball Tonight crew sucks. Kruk is the worst. You could have a drinking game where you take a shot everytime he says either "For all intents and purposes..." or "For the simple fact that..." and you'd be wasted by the middle of the show.

 

[Miguel]

They need Bobby Valentine back. Or Buck Showalter. Having ex-baseball players rather than ex-managers is suicide. (Looks at the Dan Patrick show, with Ron Dibble proving his point to the callers by saying "I played and you didn't"

 

[J2 Cool]

Steve Stone quit? Eminem am cry.

trust me, as much as eminem loves to tune in to Stoney while hatin on the Cubs, us Cubs fans are crying 10x more. I really don't want to listen to anyone else Guess its not even an option anymore. To the radio every game.

 

[J2 Cool]

Steve said that he said that he felt this was "the door that had to be closed". A class act till the end. Here's his letter to Cubs fans..

Dear Cubs fans:

Since I put on a Cubs uniform in 1974, I've seen lots of Cubs history. There has been heartache and joy, agony and ecstasy, not to mention 21 managers and 10 general managers.

Through all of these years and more than a few broadcast partners, I have always felt a strong connection to the greatest, most loyal fans in baseball, Cubs fans.

My love for the city of Chicago and the people who came to beautiful Wrigley Field has been a constant. Over three million of you Cubs fans came to the ball park in 2004 and the TV ratings showed you watched the Cubs broadcasts in staggering numbers.

Unfortunately, the 2004 season did not end as we had hoped. It was devastating for all of us who invested our hearts, our time and in many cases our lives, in the hopes and dreams of the Cubs winning a world championship.

I am sure you have read many things about this past season and my involvement in one or two controversies. However, you have never heard my story or my perspective of the events that have brought us to this point in time.

As has always been my personal policy, it is not my intention to divulge the content of private conversations I've had with others. Likewise, I do not want to be forced into sharing my side of the story.

I came to Chicago on the high road with my credibility and integrity. Thirty years later, I choose to leave the same way.

The phrase I used that angered certain people was "I regret nothing." Well folks, I was wrong about that and want to set the record straight. I regret I won't be calling another Cubs game on WGN-TV for the greatest fans in baseball…the fans of the Chicago Cubs.

It's been a great ride. I will never forget you. Most importantly, I thank you all for every minute of happiness, you, the fans have given me.

Best regards,

Steve Stone





:'( I hope I get to enjoy his broadcasts again one day somewhere. Alou, fuck you! For being the biggest bitch I've ever seen the last 2 years, causing a good portion of the uproar with the Bartman ball and swearing at him. For bitching about the umps. But most of all for bitching about the announcers. From the bottom of my heart, fuck you. Mercker, sam to you buddy. And a big fuck you to Dusty Baker, for taking the side of a bitch also. And any other Cubs player against Steve Stone, grow up and become proffessionals which this man was the definition of. None of you could hold his jockstrap. See you around Steve.

 

[Miguel]

Interesting points of the past few hours....



November 01, 2004

Houston Astros
Baseball: ASTROS TO HOLD 11:00 AM PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2004
Contact: Astros: Media Relations 713.259.8900
MEDIA ALERT
WHO: Drayton McLane, Jr., Houston Astros Chairman and CEO
WHAT: Press Conference
WHEN: TODAY, Monday, November 1, 2004, 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Second Floor Conference Room, Union Station Building
**Media may park on Texas Avenue, enter through the Union Station Building, and take the elevators to the second floor.
WHY: Major Announcement from Drayton McLane, Jr.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Released from jail, 21 days are over )
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Texans put together a great video yesterday honoring the Astros great season this year. CLASSY move by the Texans. Houston may not have the best players...but the teams are all Class.

 

[Matrix]

"Major Announcement from Drayton McLane, Jr."


WTF is he quitting/selling team? What could this be?

 

[Miguel]

Possible announcements

Bagwell retiring (not likely)
Clemens retiring (not likely, not this early)
Bagwell restructuring his contract (...not likely)
Kent resigning (possible)
Another Rumor = Huge front office shakeup, don't know any details, but, just another rumor
Clemens resigning (not this early)
Beltran resigning (ditto)
Nolan Ryan unretiring. (hey...it could happen)

 

[Matrix]

Bye bye Hun...fucking A

 

[Miguel]

Gerry steps down as GM. Will remain with team as a consultant next year to finish out his contract. Tim Pupurra takes his place.

Wow...

Pupurra's been with the team during the whole Hunsicker era, and has stayed loyal to the team when he could have easily taken a job anywhere else. The apprentice has taken over the job. Let's see him make his first big move. GET BELTRAN!

 

[Matrix]

Man losing the best Gm hurts big time What he did with the payroll over the years is amazing and the trades he pulled off.

 

[Incognito]

:lol :lol

He's just jumping off the sinking ship before anyone else does(Beltran, Clemens, Baggs).

 

[siamesedreamer]

Don't know if this has been talked about, but I have two Braves stories.

1) Scherholtz announced Smoltz is moving back to a starter role

2) Rumors are swirling that the Yankees will trade Kevin Brown to the Braves (possibly for John Thompson) and will pick up $12-13 million of his salary.

Possible Braves Rotation:

1) Smoltz
2) Brown
3) Hampton
4) Horacio Ramirez
5) Jaun Cruz / Jose Capellan / Dan Meyer ????

 

[speshylives]

Just what the Yankees need, a crappy right handed starting pitcher with an ERA close to 5 who didn't particularly care for playing in NY as a Met.

Stop this nightmare. Can we get back all those prosepects we traded away for Boone and Brown?

 

[Joe]

Can we get back all those prosepects we traded away for Boone and Brown?

brandon claussen and jeff weaver? :scratches head:

steinbrenner is expected to offer pedro martinez a contract even though the rest of the organization says he shouldn't.

 

[Desperado]

FUCKING DAMNIT. Hun is leaving?? ARHGHH....FUCK FUCK FUCK

 

[evil solrac v3.0]

exactly who banned steinbrenner from being involved in the team in the mid 90's?

it was steinbrenner who wanted david ortiz before the red sox got him, it was steinbrenner who wanted to trade soriano for jim edmonds in 2000 but both ideas were shot down by cashman. steinbrenner is far from being an idiot. he's the one that wanted sheffield and hes the one that didnt want andy pettite back both of which have worked in his favor considerably.

it was steinbrenner who second guessed cashman for not getting ortiz after he saw the year he had. get your facts straight joe. the yanks had no need for ortiz cause they had giambi and nick johnson. i wouldnt sign pedro and pavano looks like another vazques.

 

[evil solrac v3.0]

that was only a couple years from 1990 to 1992 i think.

THREE YEARS JOE!! THREE YEARS!!!!

god, get it through your head!! at some point, the farm system has to produce players.
quick fixes wont work!!!!

 

[Joe]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1610307

Steinbrenner has not been totally pleased with Cashman either. The Boss implored the GM to sign free agent David Ortiz in the offseason, but Cashman already had first basemen Jason Giambi and Nick Johnson in the fold. Ortiz signed with the Red Sox, and has had a breakout season (.294, 25 HR, 85 RBI), doing much damage to the Yankees.

 

[evil solrac v3.0]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1610307

but where were you gonna put him?

 

[Miguel]

FUCKING DAMNIT. Hun is leaving?? ARHGHH....FUCK FUCK FUCK

Tim Pupurra should be plenty able tohandle the job. He's been involved with a lot of the current dealings in the past 2-3 years. He's had a bunch of offers but was promised the job after Hunsicker was gone. They just sped up the process because Gerry wasn't going to sign an extension, and the contract is up next year. Gerry was gone anyway...