Link Dump 12/20: non-tenders

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 7:30 AM PST

Use this link dump to list non-tenders. The deadline is midnight EST. You can also look here and here. I think they will update throughout the day.

Drayton McLane bought Roy Oswalt a bulldozer, keeping a promise that the pitcher would receive one if he won Game 6 of the NLCS. I want McLane to buy me this bulldozer.

Also mentioned in the article is that the Astros are determined to make a trade for offense this offseason. They've been linked to Adam Dunn, and I'm dying to find out what it will take to finally pry an outfielder away from the Reds.

The Dodgers held a press conference announcing the signing of Nomar Garciaparra yesterday.

Garciaparra will be the Dodgers' everyday first baseman, a position he never has played in the big leagues, with Olmedo Saenz and possibly Hee-Seop Choi as his backups.

"I'm probably going to start working on it prior to spring training," Garciaparra said. "Breaking in a new glove might be the biggest challenge. You might see a first baseman out there with a shortstop's glove. It's obviously a new challenge, but that's exciting to me."

Will the Dodgers keep Choi? Choi, who made $351,500 last season and wasn't especially productive, will command a 2006 salary in the $500,000 range as a first-time arbitration-eligible player. He does have a minor-league option remaining, which probably means the Dodgers are trying to sign him to a split contract that won't require them to pay his full major-league salary if he is sent down.

The Mariners signed Jarrod Washburn to a four-year, $37.5 million contract. Uh. Wow. Mariners fans are not very happy.

Kevin Millwood will meet with the Rangers. Boras wants a five-year contract for his client, but the Rangers are wary of offering such a deal after the Chan Ho Park fiasco.

Mychael Urban's mailbag.

Beane is being very vague as to whether the Bradley trade means he's done pursuing Frank Thomas. Do you have any insight, or a strong gut feeling one way or another?
---Lawrence E., Petaluma, Calif.

I don't have much for you, unfortunately. All I know is that the A's do have the financial ability to add Thomas if they decide to go that route, they do have one apparent opening on the projected 25-man roster, and I know that they've gathered copious amounts of information on the Big Hurt's health. Beyond that, I'm as clueless as the next non-employee.

The Bradley deal definitely complicated things a little. With Bradley in right, Swisher is being moved to first base, and if you add Thomas as your designated hitter, what do you do with Johnson? Right now, he's probably penciled in as the full-time DH or part of a lefty-righty platoon there with Bobby Kielty, and he's at a stage in his career where he needs -- and deserves -- regular playing time.

As Beane said last week in vague reference to the Thomas situation, having too many good players isn't a bad problem to have. But I can't see Johnson, who is both good and cheap, as a part-time player, so my best guess is that Thomas won't be signed. That's all it is, though -- a guess.

(emphasis mine) Band Camp stays. Payton goes.

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Comments

As someone else said...

What you do if you add Thomas is dump Payton or Kielty, move Swish back to RF, and DJ back to 1b.

"Put a Milo on him." -Billy Beane

by kaweahkaweah on Dec 20, 2005 7:58 AM PST reply actions

I want McLane to buy me a Pony

and a cowboy.

There are only two races in Baseball, Right Handers and Left Handers.

by Zonis on Dec 20, 2005 8:06 AM PST reply actions

AN has an unhealthy obsession

with ponies.

When I was little girl in Poland, we all had ponies. My sister had pony, my cousin had pony,.... So, what's wrong with that?

by Jennifer on Dec 20, 2005 8:50 AM PST up reply actions

I hate anyone who had a pony

Green eyes come from yellow flecks of fatty pigment on a dark background. Some men think a green-eyed woman is exotic. The truth is she's got fat eyes.

by Furious George on Dec 20, 2005 9:51 AM PST up reply actions

He was a beautiful pony! And I loved him.

by Jennifer on Dec 20, 2005 9:57 AM PST up reply actions

What is the pony?

What is the point of the pony? Why do we have these animals, these ponies? What do we do with them? Besides the pony ride.

@('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 20, 2005 9:57 AM PST up reply actions

If we had a dog

we could have a dog and pony show..

I can't remember what I was going to say, but I assure you, it was brilliant!

by oblique on Dec 20, 2005 11:11 AM PST up reply actions

Transspeciesist sicko!

@('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 20, 2005 11:15 AM PST up reply actions

Oh shut up

I saw you last night with that young tarsier ladyfriend. Hippo-crite!

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 11:24 AM PST up reply actions

She's not my special lady ...

... she's my f#*&ing lady friend!

@('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 20, 2005 11:38 AM PST up reply actions

We're just trying to conceive together

by RickeySteals on Dec 20, 2005 1:51 PM PST up reply actions

I'm pretty sure

that I this a few link dumps ago.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 11:20 AM PST up reply actions

verb

toss a verb in there to make it comprehensible.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 11:21 AM PST up reply actions

any verb?

or you some specific verb in mind?

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 11:25 AM PST up reply actions

I suppose that

"covered" works best. But I ain't partic'lar.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 11:26 AM PST up reply actions

Outclassed.

Again.

I can't remember what I was going to say, but I assure you, it was brilliant!

by oblique on Dec 20, 2005 11:55 AM PST up reply actions

Meaning, me.

I can't remember what I was going to say, but I assure you, it was brilliant!

by oblique on Dec 20, 2005 11:55 AM PST up reply actions

Horse souffl

http://www.zug.com/pranks/faoschwarz/index02.html

Green eyes come from yellow flecks of fatty pigment on a dark background. Some men think a green-eyed woman is exotic. The truth is she's got fat eyes.

by Furious George on Dec 20, 2005 11:15 AM PST up reply actions

did anyone else catch Barry on KNBR

yesterday? It caught me by surprise... I only got to hear about 3 minutes in the car. One of the things he said was that he had been "psyching" himself in preparation for the trade he was pretty sure was coming. He said he was getting excited about playing for another team. I think what he meant was he was simply trying to mentally prepare for a change.

The other thing they talked about was Barry's music. Urban asked him if he was tired of hearing the same (old) clip of his music, and Barry said something like: "how'd you like it if I read your first story on the A's over and over and over?" He also said he thought Gwen Stefani (bet you anything he's friends with her) deserved to win the top radio music award.

by Brian in 317 on Dec 20, 2005 8:08 AM PST reply actions

uh oh

the new Alyssa Milano?

death to myspace!

by malikot on Dec 20, 2005 8:47 AM PST up reply actions

depends...

...on whether Gavin Rossdale can kick Barry's ass...

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me," Beane told Forst.

by Poppy on Dec 20, 2005 8:56 AM PST up reply actions

Not a chance.

But I don't care. <sigh> Gavin Rossdale was my biggest crush ever. I like to pretend that Gwen Stefani doesn't exist.

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 9:02 AM PST up reply actions

HAHA!

"pretend Gwen Stefani doesn't exist..."

Yeah, good luck with that. Don't turn on your radio or pick up a magazine... ;)

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me," Beane told Forst.

by Poppy on Dec 20, 2005 9:05 AM PST up reply actions

<sob>

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 9:11 AM PST up reply actions

"I like to pretend that..."

"...Gwen Stefani doesn't exist."

Ditto, but for different reasons.

by Jennifer on Dec 20, 2005 9:17 AM PST up reply actions

I succeeded in that...

for about a week.

Then her name popped up on launch.

(and for those of you who are gunna jump on me because i'm supposed to have school, it's Christmas... err, Winter Break.)

Damn! Street is so imposing, he even causes the earth itself to freeze in fear! - monkeyball

by Jjjsixsix on Dec 20, 2005 9:39 AM PST up reply actions

She's a MAN, baby!

Seriously, between Gwen Stefani and Cameron Diaz, I just don't get where 'good looking' sits anymore in our society.

If I saw Gwen Stefani in the street, my first thoughts would be "Wow, Boy George got fit!"

by Ozzz on Dec 20, 2005 11:27 AM PST up reply actions

Re: Gwen Stefani not existing...

Yeah, good luck with that

by calgbear on Dec 20, 2005 11:23 AM PST up reply actions

Wow?

More of her?

And why do bands like Bush need a greatest hits album?

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 11:29 AM PST up reply actions

Nooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<sob>

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 11:49 AM PST up reply actions

Will you be stalking this child?

by Jennifer on Dec 20, 2005 11:52 AM PST up reply actions

Of course.

There's nothing I love more than stalking babies.

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 11:56 AM PST up reply actions

I like

baby stocking, too.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 11:57 AM PST up reply actions

Freak.

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 11:59 AM PST up reply actions

I didn't know you cross-stitched.

by Jennifer on Dec 20, 2005 12:05 PM PST up reply actions

I like to combine

it with my other hobby, dirtbike racing. I call it moto-cross-stitching.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 12:14 PM PST up reply actions

I, on the other hand ...

... hang out with the bad guy from the Powerpuff Girls while he gives a nice healthy backscratch to David Schwimmer.

Yes, it's Mojo-Ross-itching.

@('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 20, 2005 12:37 PM PST up reply actions

Have you ever...

...been to the modern artist who painted absurdist scenes of horses playing baseball? I think the gallery was called moma-hoss-pitching

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 12:40 PM PST up reply actions

the '60s rock icon ...

... who was suffering from the DTs was Mama Cass twitching.

@('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 20, 2005 2:17 PM PST up reply actions

I'll remember that...

...as my wife and I are expecting a BabyCaryStar in June. In which case, at least knock on the door or ring the doorbell before stalking so we know you're there. :)

AN Member Location Surveys: Results | Take part

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Dec 20, 2005 3:22 PM PST up reply actions

Congrats!

Sharon and I will be outside with night vision goggles! We heart baby stalking!

by Jennifer on Dec 20, 2005 5:39 PM PST up reply actions

well, he usually has a torrid love affair

around this time of year

by OaklandSi on Dec 20, 2005 8:57 AM PST up reply actions

wow

i never meant to infer he was seeing her or anything! i just thought they probably have hung out at parties and such (as the humble suburban daddy I am can only imagine), but everyone went nuts on Gwen Stefani (see above)!!

Well, BZ's allowed to have fun, and I hope he has had his share this offseason, and that it's had one effect: to make him more focused and in better condition than ever going into the new season.

by Brian in 317 on Dec 20, 2005 5:17 PM PST up reply actions

Gwen Stefani is supposedly having a child.

or so says US Weekly.

Damn! Street is so imposing, he even causes the earth itself to freeze in fear! - monkeyball

by Jjjsixsix on Dec 20, 2005 5:21 PM PST up reply actions

Non tenders

Local press has Ramon Ortiz as a Cincinnati non-tender.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 8:19 AM PST reply actions

Burger King

They tried to market Chicken Non-Tenders, but no one seemed to want breaded jerky that chipped their teeth.

A Beane in the hand is worth $60M in payroll

by jeepers on Dec 20, 2005 12:04 PM PST up reply actions

That was a joke...

that had to be made.

Thanks for smothering that grenade for us.

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Dec 20, 2005 1:28 PM PST up reply actions

Don't worry

When Choi stays with the Dodgers, I'll make the "I coulda been a non-tender" joke. I'm saving it. Sshh!

"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." - Yogi Berra

by vignette17 on Dec 20, 2005 2:09 PM PST up reply actions

you coulda

but most of the -tender jokes were made months ago.

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 2:22 PM PST up reply actions

and I'll reply with ...

... "I coulda been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am, let's face it."

... as in, Brooklyn Dodgers = "Dem Bums" ...

@('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 20, 2005 2:23 PM PST up reply actions

Dotel news:

Via NY Post: http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees/59937.htm

Last night, the Yankees GM was in a fight with the Indians, Mets and Red Sox for reliever Octavio Dotel, a move that would enable Cashman to accomplish one goal.

Dotel, a 32-year-old right-hander who underwent elbow ligament transplant surgery last June, spoke with Cashman early last night from the Dominican Republic and was waiting for George Steinbrenner's approval later in the evening. That approval never came.

That didn't eliminate the Yankees, but it did change Dotel's timetable since he told friends he was going to decide on an offer last night -- a decision that didn't happen.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 8:25 AM PST reply actions

Everything I've read indicates that Dotel expects to be ready by Spring Training except for this article, which states: The Yankees were making a strong effort to land another reliever, Octavio Dotel, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and won't be able to pitch until midseason.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 8:26 AM PST up reply actions

So...did he lie?

This says that he thinks he'll be out for at least a year. It's possible that most are assuming he'll be back so early because that's what was being reported when he had the surgery. I haven't seen any recent quotes from Dotel saying he would be ready for Spring Training. But if it's true...that would suck. Dotel pitching for the Yankees in April? And no draft picks? <barf>

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 8:51 AM PST up reply actions

A's lose interest in Thomas?

from the Minneapolis Star Tribune

Now that the Oakland A's have acquired Milton Bradley from the Dodgers, they are less interested in Frank Thomas. Thus the Twins have a better chance with Thomas, and if he is healthy it would be one great move. He would hit a ton of home runs in the Metrodome. The Twins are awaiting a doctor's report on Thomas' ankle before making an offer.

They don't reference a source for this piece of information, so it might be more of an assumption. Then again, the way it is stated sounds as though it is a fact.

Joe Blanton is phat

by gojohn10 on Dec 20, 2005 9:23 AM PST reply actions

right under that rumor

is another, published in the Contra Costa Times, that the A's "May" pursue Thomas. I haven't registered to read either article, but the links for both are also here:

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/mlb/athletics/rumors.html

sort of, as Beane said, "monitoring the situation"

by OaklandSi on Dec 20, 2005 10:04 AM PST up reply actions

This is the same source

that, two weeks ago, was saying the A's were a lock to sign Thomas. I think they're just making things up.

by spoiltvictorianchild on Dec 20, 2005 7:38 PM PST up reply actions

Brave's pickup

They picked up this guy:

Matt Diaz
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/D/matt-diaz.shtml

Last two years:
2004 (AAA) 503 AB's, .332 Avg, .377 Obp, .571 Slg
2005 (AAA) 259 AB's, .371 Avg, .408 Obp, .649 Slg
2005 (MLB) 89 AB's, .271 Avg, .323 Obp, .404 Slg

Low obp-avg diff, but kills lefties. Seems like he would have fit in Sacramento nicely.

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Dec 20, 2005 9:25 AM PST reply actions

6-4-2

Check out the LOOGY/LOGGY comment at this 6-4-2 thread:
http://6-4-2.blogspot.com/2005/12/angels-acquire-jc-romero-dfa-josh-paul.html#comments

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 9:41 AM PST reply actions

lol

That was good.

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 9:45 AM PST up reply actions

You know what we need?

A HOGWASH: High-offense, game-winning, amazingly special hitter.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 9:51 AM PST up reply actions

how about ...

... Chavez and Crosby as LOGGINS AND MESSINA: Limited-Offense Gold-Glove Infielder Needing Surgery Alongside Neet-Domed Marauding-Elephant Short-Stop Injuring Nearby Athletics

@('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 20, 2005 10:06 AM PST up reply actions

Or a...

...Kind Endearing Noble Neurotic Young Limited-Offense Gold-Glove Infielder Needing Surgery?

username

by spal on Dec 20, 2005 11:10 AM PST up reply actions

Now if we can just get our shortstop...

...to form a band with these guys.

username

by spal on Dec 20, 2005 11:17 AM PST up reply actions

Though what I'd really like to see...

...is for this guy to play an evening game and complain about the stadium lights being too bright, so he'd have to, y'know...

Yeah.

username

by spal on Dec 20, 2005 11:21 AM PST up reply actions

I want our shortstop ...

... to do a duet with this ex-A on "The Little Drummer Boy" ...

@('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 20, 2005 11:36 AM PST up reply actions

Every once in a while,...

... they could be joined by this guy

Only to have a huge fight over "artistic differences" that leads to them not talking for a few years, after which the cycle would start over.

by RickeySteals on Dec 20, 2005 1:57 PM PST up reply actions

We have a MENTOS

Major Energy, Never Throws Out Steals.

by Ozzz on Dec 20, 2005 11:32 AM PST up reply actions

non-AN post of the month nominee

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Dec 20, 2005 4:54 PM PST up reply actions

On Cuba and the WBC

U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth called on the Bush administration to reverse its decision to keep Cuba out of next year's World Baseball Classic.

Ueberroth, a former baseball commissioner and head of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, said last week's decision by the Treasury Department to deny Cuba a permit to play in the 16-team event will damage American efforts to host the Olympics in the future. Olympic host countries must guarantee all nations can participate.

"It is important to any future bid city from the United States that this be reversed," Ueberroth said.

When Ueberroth headed the 1984 Olympics, he worked with the Reagan administration to ensure that Cuba would be allowed to participate. Cuba ultimately chose to join a boycott of the Los Angeles Games but did send athletes to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where it won nine gold medals and 25 medals in all.

</pretend>

That appeared here --> http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2005/12/20/SPGU8GAQAS1.DTL but only as part of a "notebook" type of miscellaneous article...

<apology=conditional>
Sorry if that got posted somewhere previously, I didn't see it when I just skimmed yesterday's Link Dump.
</apology>

;)

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me," Beane told Forst.

by Poppy on Dec 20, 2005 9:53 AM PST reply actions

</friggin hilarious!>

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Dec 20, 2005 1:22 PM PST up reply actions

Big Hurt or Choi?

If the A's are worried about Frank Thomas' health, I'm worried too. Maybe it would be best to trade for Hee Seop Choi instead (Garcia for Choi might do it for Colletti), seeing as how he's only going to make $500,000. Then he'd be DH most of the time, with Kielty DHing versus tough lefties. The upside of Choi might not be the same as of a healthy Thomas, but remember how we were sort of in the same situation the last two years with Juan Gone? Good thing we passed on him.

by OaktownTribesman on Dec 20, 2005 10:04 AM PST reply actions

Why can't Bowden run the Red Sox?

Any chance he had appears to now be crushed by the fact that he traded Brad Wilkerson for a one-year rental:

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5165410

"I don't want to change," Soriano said. "If I haven't done it before, I won't do it now." Soriano also said he had a greater comfort level in the AL, and he plans to become a free agent after next season and sign with an AL team. "I knew the pitchers and batters of opposing teams and, therefore, where to place myself defensively. In the National that's going to take me a while," he said. It sounds like he might have to be dealt again."

A Beane in the hand is worth $60M in payroll

by jeepers on Dec 20, 2005 10:04 AM PST reply actions

Just reread the quote

Fonz, you might want to come up with a better argument for staying in the AL than the vast defensive knowledge you've developed. If you're going to throw it over the first baseman's head, it really doesn't matter where you set up.

A Beane in the hand is worth $60M in payroll

by jeepers on Dec 20, 2005 10:06 AM PST up reply actions

Bowden's an awful GM.

Ask any Reds fan how upset they were to see Bowden move on. I lived in Cincy for a year and his rank incompetence was a topic of discussion in every day's newspaper.

by Ozzz on Dec 20, 2005 11:36 AM PST up reply actions

LOL, you're reading my mind, jeepers.

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Dec 20, 2005 1:30 PM PST up reply actions

Good column on why the Angels are standing pat

instead of acquiring big names this year. The reason is basically that they want to retain their hot prospects and give them some playing time.

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=2265210

Stoneman says, "We're very much committed to doing it right, and by that I mean making sure you're building from the ground up. Young guys need opportunities. That's not saying we'll never trade any of them. But to unload a good chunk of your system for one experienced and proven guy? That's fine for now, but where does it leave you tomorrow?"

"Put a Milo on him." -Billy Beane

by kaweahkaweah on Dec 20, 2005 10:12 AM PST reply actions

FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!

The last thing the A's need is to compete in the same division with a team featuring a $100 million payroll and a GM who won't waste his best prospects on older players.

"You dumped a porn star? Friendship over. FRIENDSHIP OVER!"...Barney

by grover on Dec 20, 2005 4:30 PM PST up reply actions

Hey!

Is your sig line from "How I Met Your Mother?"

"Happy Holiday's Billy Beane!" - Mychael Urban

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Dec 20, 2005 4:37 PM PST up reply actions

Yes it is

I'd like the show if only the male lead didn't SUCK!

"You dumped a porn star? Friendship over. FRIENDSHIP OVER!"...Barney

by grover on Dec 20, 2005 6:23 PM PST up reply actions

I love the show!

And I think he is a total cutie pie! But I am a chick, so of course I am going to say that!

"Happy Holiday's Billy Beane!" - Mychael Urban

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Dec 20, 2005 6:28 PM PST up reply actions

I didn't say he wasn't cute

He just can't act.

"You dumped a porn star? Friendship over. FRIENDSHIP OVER!"...Barney

by grover on Dec 20, 2005 6:31 PM PST up reply actions

It's not fair, huh?

On the bright side, we might have a year or two to make a run for the World Series before all of their youngins start playing at their potential.

"Put a Milo on him." -Billy Beane

by kaweahkaweah on Dec 20, 2005 4:38 PM PST up reply actions

Another way to look at it

LAAA will waste their time letting the youngsters get opportunities to prove that they are not able to live up to their potential, thus absolutely torpedoing their trade value and playing their way out of the pennant race for years to come.

Don't worry, Grover, be happy.

"Great minds (or complete idiots) think alike." - Nico

by bvank on Dec 20, 2005 5:10 PM PST up reply actions

No matter how the prospects turn out

it shows disturbingly good judgement. The Angels have so many good prospects I'd be shocked if they all flopped.

Good judgement + $$$ = Trouble for Oakland

"You dumped a porn star? Friendship over. FRIENDSHIP OVER!"...Barney

by grover on Dec 20, 2005 6:29 PM PST up reply actions

Why Jeremy Roenick is (not) the best person alive.

... Jeremy Roenick - who vowed to lead cheers for Canada as a TV analyst if he wasn't selected - are among the missing.

And for those of you who care, there is no way the US is winning the gold with Rick DiPietro as goalie. Heck, if they didn't win a medal, period, I wouldn't be surprised.

specific link: here

Damn! Street is so imposing, he even causes the earth itself to freeze in fear! - monkeyball

by Jjjsixsix on Dec 20, 2005 10:21 AM PST reply actions

hes got all the reason to be upset

He is a damn good player even if hes not having a great seaon in the NHL. International play is like an all star game in terms of how physical it is.

He deserves to be on the team, even if its in a limited way. And how do you leave off Brian Leetch?

The US team is still pretty good, Knuble is a good player thats a nice addition.

I agree with you, this team doesnt have a great shot at the gold let alone a medal. Im picking Canada and Sweden for the finals.

Bill Stoneman is about to be offered three seasons of a right-handed version of Vladimir Guerrero - Rev Halofan

by pickinmachine on Dec 20, 2005 11:31 AM PST up reply actions

Team USA's chances are not looking good.

Rick DiPietro was pulled from the net yesterday after giving up 6 goals in 2 periods to the Maple Leafs (who went on to win the game 9-6...football score...)

Hmm, that's really what you want out of your starting goalie...

"Keep an open mind." --Milton Bradley, 12/15/05

by rungood on Dec 20, 2005 1:16 PM PST up reply actions

Nice Nomar quote

Probably going to start working on it before March? Maybe break in a new glove, Nomar? Nice effort. Hope you don't break a nail, sweetie pie.

by Mark H on Dec 20, 2005 10:35 AM PST reply actions

depodesta doesn't live there any more

Never signing a big-money first baseman - that's in the moneyball ten commandments, if i'm not mistaken.

by Joe Pye on Dec 20, 2005 12:59 PM PST up reply actions

Mrs Hatteberg

Maybe he can get Mrs Hatteberg to hit him some ground balls in the tennis courts!

by Larry E on Dec 20, 2005 2:02 PM PST up reply actions

Dodgers sign Lofton

to take over MB's old role.

http://losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051220&content_id=1284610&am p;vkey=news_la&fext=.jsp&c_id=la

"Kenny Lofton is MLB's active stolen base leader with 567 in 14 full seasons"

Apparently MLB does not think Rickey will make a comeback.

"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." - Yogi Berra

by vignette17 on Dec 20, 2005 11:12 AM PST reply actions

I have one question...

...how much longer do we have to wait for the DLD to be given front page status?

Seriously, you guys.

by Ozzz on Dec 20, 2005 11:38 AM PST reply actions

Rangers make a trade

The overhauling of the Rangers' pitching staff moves into overdrive.

While club officials met with free-agent ace Kevin Millwood on Tuesday, the team agreed in principle to a deal with San Diego that will bring them right-handed starter Adam Eaton and hard-throwing setup man Akinori Otsuka and a minor league prospect in exchange for Highland Park's Chris Young, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and outfielder Terrmel Sledge, major league officials confirmed. The trade is also contingent on the players passing physicals.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/baseball/rangers/stories/122105dnsporangerslede.1f17 d25.html

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 11:53 AM PST reply actions

hmmm...

Why would Texas make that deal?

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 12:09 PM PST up reply actions

Adam J. Morris

has no idea: http://www.lonestarball.com/story/2005/12/20/14373/361

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 12:12 PM PST up reply actions

Good question

I've been trying to figure that out. On the face of it Young looks like a better (not to mention younger and cheaper) pitcher than Eaton, and I don't see anything about Eaton that indicates he'll get better or that he's especially suited to pitching in Texas. His strikeout and walk rates are pedestrian, and he doesn't get many groundouts.

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 12:16 PM PST up reply actions

Why are teams like Texas and Colorado...

so obsessed with pitching? They can have decent starters, and just mash the ball at home. Then you go 50-30 or so at home, and you just have to not suck on the road, and you're competing.

(Probably simplifying things exponentially... but still.)

Damn! Street is so imposing, he even causes the earth itself to freeze in fear! - monkeyball

by Jjjsixsix on Dec 20, 2005 12:34 PM PST up reply actions

Thank you, Texas!

The groundball-flyball stats alone. I hope you enjoyed pitching to the 2005 Dodgers, Arizona and Colorado, Adam.

I'd definitely take Young over Eaton by any measure. Still, Young's a flyball pitcher too.

by Mark H on Dec 20, 2005 12:38 PM PST reply actions

Young...

has some upside, but he was a punching bag in the second half. Still, he's younger, with a better strikeout rate than Eaton, and the Rangers could have had him fairly cheaply for the next three or four years. Instead they get one year of Eaton, a decent middle reliever in Otsuka (who was hit substantially harder in 05 than 04), and have to give up a pretty good young hitter in Gonzalez. They must have made a judgement call that Young will continue to brake down...

by Little Rickey on Dec 20, 2005 1:47 PM PST up reply actions

Chris Hammond to the Reds

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/12/20/sports/s130545S70.DTL

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 1:37 PM PST reply actions

Dotel to the Yanks

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5182962

No terms yet.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 1:38 PM PST reply actions

I hate you.

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 1:39 PM PST up reply actions

That was weird.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 1:40 PM PST up reply actions

Dotel to the Yankees

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5182962

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 1:39 PM PST reply actions

I hate you

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 1:40 PM PST up reply actions

That was weird.

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 1:41 PM PST up reply actions

Wow.

Spooky.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 1:41 PM PST up reply actions

Not really.

I'm stalking you.

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 1:44 PM PST up reply actions

Did somebody say stocking?

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 1:46 PM PST up reply actions

It's ALL about the Ambush Bug.

by TheBigO on Dec 20, 2005 11:16 PM PST up reply actions

Wait...

you did see my "I hate you" before your "I hate you", right?

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 1:48 PM PST up reply actions

Nope.

The "I hate you"s came at the same time. It really was pretty eerie.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 1:48 PM PST up reply actions

You two are killing me! :)

by Jennifer on Dec 20, 2005 1:49 PM PST up reply actions

Whoops

We must be ahead of schedule. We were supposed to me in stalking-Jennifer-phase. The killing-Jennifer phase was supposed to come waaaay later.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 1:51 PM PST up reply actions

I'm not going to use my brain

for the rest of the day...

...I think Sal can read my mind.

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 1:58 PM PST up reply actions

holy crap

That's scary.

I only copied "That is weird" because I thought you did the same.

EEK!

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Dec 20, 2005 1:50 PM PST up reply actions

I always wondered

what happened to the psychic twins from Return to Witch Mountain.

by Apricot on Dec 20, 2005 5:43 PM PST up reply actions

You mispelled psycho.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 6:10 PM PST up reply actions

Dotel to Yanks

(non-eerie division)

FoxSports is characterizing it as a "one-year, incentive-laden contract," meaning that he almost surely would have accepted arbitration had we offered it.

Like it or not, Billy made the right move on this one.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 1:50 PM PST reply actions

I hate you.

I can't remember what I was going to say, but I assure you, it was brilliant!

by oblique on Dec 20, 2005 1:58 PM PST up reply actions

Okay, now

Fox Sports is characterizing the deal as being worth >2 MM.

Dotel made 4.75 MM with us last year. Had we taken him to arbitration, he would have received no less than 3.8 MM. Assuming this deal with the Yanks is <3 MM guaranteed, then Dotel would likely go to arbitration with us, given that 3.8 > 3.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 2:13 PM PST up reply actions

I hate me

Damn, now I'm all confused...

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Dec 20, 2005 2:19 PM PST up reply actions

I hope he throws nothing but fastballs

The Red Sox are probably fine with this signing

Joe Blanton is phat

by gojohn10 on Dec 20, 2005 2:33 PM PST up reply actions

Some news!

Josh Towers and Jim Hendry finally decide that they're not too cool to be the first to announce their decisions:
The Padres make an offer to Miguel Olivo, but not to pitchers Craig Breslow and Dewon Brazelton and catchers David Ross and Pete Laforest.
The Cubs make tender offers to all their eligible players: Corey Patterson, Juan Pierre, Jerry Hairston Jr., Will Ohman, Carlos Zambrano, and Mark Prior.
C'mon GMs, don't be shy!

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 3:33 PM PST reply actions

and more

The Reds
nontender former A's farmhand Joe Valentine and Ramon Ortiz, but hang onto Aaron Harang, along with Adam Dunn, Austin Kearns and Wily Mo Pena, catchers Jason LaRue and Javier Valentin and shortstop Felipe Lopez.

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 3:37 PM PST up reply actions

Valentine...

did we get him in the Foulke deal? I remember him being touted as our closer of the future.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 3:43 PM PST up reply actions

yes

Foulke, Valentine, and Mark Johnson, for Koch, Neil Cotts, and Daylon Holt.
Then Valentine and Harang were traded to the Reds for a couple months of Jose Guillen
Like Koch, Valentine throws the ball hard, and sometimes in the general vicinity of home plate.

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 3:51 PM PST up reply actions

The only contribution

I remember from Johnson was him picking off Jason Giambi (at second base, I think). He was supposed to be a super backup C. Too bad.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 3:57 PM PST up reply actions

Josh Towers?

by Olijerez77 on Dec 20, 2005 3:40 PM PST up reply actions

er...

Kevin Towers

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 3:48 PM PST up reply actions

About Brazelton

Why trade Burroughs for him, and then just let him go? Free up salary? Was Burroughs that expensive?

"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore." - Yogi Berra

by vignette17 on Dec 20, 2005 4:04 PM PST up reply actions

Chadwick Non-Tendered!

Red Sox non-tendered RHP Chad Bradford.
We'd take Bradford's achy back over Rudy Seanez's history of arm problems any day of the week, and the Red Sox could have easily kept both. Maybe they'll just re-sign him, but we doubt it.

Pickin him back up???

There are only two races in Baseball, Right Handers and Left Handers.

by Zonis on Dec 20, 2005 4:37 PM PST reply actions

Poor chadford!

Too bad...I think our BP is full.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 4:43 PM PST up reply actions

maybe a trade of

Someone in our pen for some prospects then picking up bradford.

Why don't they just lick their fingers?

by novaoakland on Dec 20, 2005 6:51 PM PST up reply actions

Jacque Jones a Cub

3 years/$$$ TBA

"You dumped a porn star? Friendship over. FRIENDSHIP OVER!"...Barney

by grover on Dec 20, 2005 4:39 PM PST reply actions

Linkage

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5185442

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 4:52 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks for getting

my back on that.

"You dumped a porn star? Friendship over. FRIENDSHIP OVER!"...Barney

by grover on Dec 20, 2005 6:22 PM PST up reply actions

Borowski DFA'd

Another notch in the closer myth buster: http://tampabay.devilrays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051220&content_id=1285005&am p;vkey=news_tb&fext=.jsp&c_id=tb

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 4:49 PM PST reply actions

Mariners...

get Jake Woods, DFA Dobbs.

Damn! Street is so imposing, he even causes the earth itself to freeze in fear! - monkeyball

by Jjjsixsix on Dec 20, 2005 5:01 PM PST reply actions

Mariner Moves

Greg Dobbs DFA'd. Go down to post 210 of this thread for some Dobbs nostalgia.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 5:01 PM PST reply actions

DFA'ing Dobbs ...

... a real sub-genius move.

@('.')@

by monkeyball on Dec 20, 2005 5:14 PM PST up reply actions

A's simply must acquire!

How could Billy pass on the living God who walks this earth in huckster's shoes?

Beat the Angles (they're obtuse!)

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Dec 20, 2005 6:32 PM PST up reply actions

crap!

what am I going to do with my giant statue of Dobbs?

by Apricot on Dec 20, 2005 6:49 PM PST up reply actions

I remember that!

Good times!

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 7:30 PM PST up reply actions

And apparently,

Greg Dobbs and Bobby Kielty are best buds: http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050501&content_id=1034924& vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 9:15 PM PST up reply actions

Thank God!

I was convinced that his sole purpose in life was getting big hits off A's relievers.

A Beane in the hand is worth $60M in payroll

by jeepers on Dec 20, 2005 6:37 PM PST up reply actions

Dodgers sign Choi

Choi stays a Dodger, though I imagine he's still available for trade.

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 5:27 PM PST reply actions

also

non-tendered former River Cat Mike Edwards

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 6:24 PM PST up reply actions

Whatever happened to

Mike Colangelo?

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 6:26 PM PST up reply actions

He and Don Otello

were traded for April O'neil and a cannister of mutagen.

by JediLeroy on Dec 20, 2005 7:11 PM PST up reply actions

and the A's...

non-tender Hiram Bocachica, and keep everyone else:
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051220&content_id=1285228& ;vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak
Righty relievers Kiko Calero and Juan Cruz, outfielders Bobby Kielty and Milton Bradley, infielder Mark Ellis and catcher Adam Melhuse were all offered arbitration, while pitchers Joe Blanton, Justin Duchscherer, Huston Street, Kirk Saarloos, Jairo Garcia, Ron Flores, Chad Gaudin, Chris Mabeus, Dan Meyer, John Rheinecker and Shane Komine; catcher Jeremy Brown; outfielders Nick Swisher, Freddie Bynum, Javier Herrera, Charles Thomas and Matt Watson; and infielders Dan Johnson, Marco Scutaro, Antonio Perez and Mike Rouse all had their contracts renewed

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 5:30 PM PST reply actions

huh?

Keeping Watson, Mabeus and Bynum over Bocachicawow-wow? Can his stock have fallen so far from almost making the team out of spring training?

by Apricot on Dec 20, 2005 5:48 PM PST up reply actions

AH!

It took me THREE weeks to get Bocachicawow-wow out of my head the last time! I won't be able to stop saying it until ST! I hate you!

by Jennifer on Dec 20, 2005 5:52 PM PST up reply actions

Boca

Chica
Wow...

by Apricot on Dec 20, 2005 6:38 PM PST up reply actions

...wow

by Jennifer on Dec 20, 2005 6:49 PM PST up reply actions

Bocachica

Despite never having done anything of any value in the major leagues, Hiram Bocachica had somehow accumulated enough service time to be arbitration eligible. If the A's want him back, they can still offer him a minor league contract with an NRI; I doubt he'll get more than that from anyone else.

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 5:54 PM PST up reply actions

Arb eligible

Makes more sense now. Bocachica is more a "first-guy-up-from-Sac" than a "last-guy-in-Oak."

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 6:17 PM PST up reply actions

I like how Urban

alludes to Ratto's "connect the dots" in his answer about the SJ soccer stadium..

Mariners management is nuts. Are they really thinking of trading Jeremy Reed? Can we get him? Yeah, I know, we already have three CFs, but I still want Reed.

by iglew on Dec 20, 2005 8:52 PM PST reply actions

Eric Byrnes was not tendered by the Orioles...

Please, Foolsh, don't start on how the A's should re-sign him.

by rsquared on Dec 20, 2005 9:20 PM PST reply actions

source?

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 9:26 PM PST up reply actions

I have all the non-tenders in front of me

by rsquared on Dec 20, 2005 9:43 PM PST up reply actions

Sounds great

How do they all fit in your living room?

What I mean is: is there a website listing all the non-tenders?

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 9:46 PM PST up reply actions

(I'm using a subtractive process -

looking at the transactions page to see who was offered a contract and thereby divining who was non-tendered)

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Dec 20, 2005 9:50 PM PST up reply actions

Non-tendered list

The list at BTF is now up to 49.

Former A's/Cats: Bradford, Joe Valentine, Mike Rose, Bocachica, Byrnes, Mike Edwards

Others of note: Dewon Brazelton, Ryan Franklin, Wade Miller, Ramon Ortiz, Joe Borowski, Jim Brower, Dan Kolb, Jason Phillips, Ken Harvey, Junior Spivey, Endy Chavez

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 10:20 PM PST up reply actions

followed by

The AP finally has a list of all 50.

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 10:24 PM PST up reply actions

Yes,

they're all in my living room trying to figure out such a slip in the time-space continuum. I have the list of non-tenders, 50 in all.

There really should be more, although clubs non-tender players more often than they did 10 or 15 years ago, because this is an area where the clubs have more leverage than they realize.

by rsquared on Dec 20, 2005 9:52 PM PST up reply actions

here's what I found

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-ossign20,1,4925648.story?coll=bal-sports-baseball&am p;ctrack=1&cset=true

you have to look pretty far down the article, to find this tidbit:

"Byrnes likely going

The Orioles had until midnight yesterday to offer '06 contracts to unsigned players, and they were expected to offer contracts to all their arbitration-eligible players except outfielder Eric Byrnes.

They are likely to non-tender Byrnes, who struggled last season after being acquired from Colorado in a July 29 trade for Larry Bigbie. After hitting safely in his first 11 games, Byrnes finished with a .192 average with three home runs and 11 RBIs. Neither he nor his agent returned calls yesterday, but he acknowledged late last season that he didn't expect to be back with the Orioles."

by OaklandSi on Dec 20, 2005 9:52 PM PST up reply actions

Oh come on

Don't even try to stop him, you know it's inevitable.

So the two major leaguers that Beane traded away in midseason were both non-tendered today, and the three he acquired have all been re-signed. Selling high at its finest.

"Don't go getting all Alexander Haig on me, either." - Billy Beane

by andeux on Dec 20, 2005 9:31 PM PST up reply actions