Sox It To Em

Loaded, nobody out.

Bechkham goes yard.

WTF Betemit is a hack defensively.

Baseball is back... YEE-EES!

QUOTE (Reddy @ Jan 27, 2009 -> 10:27 PM) given the fact that this has been THE most boring offseason in recent history - it better be something worth talking about... lol Seriously. It seems like there hasn't been a rumor in weeks.

Makes sense for the Cubs. DeRosa had a career year last year; he's unlikely to repeat those numbers. Might as well sell high.

Excellent news.

If you all care about is sports games, then it really doesn't matter. MLB: The Show, which is generally considered the best baseball game on the market, is exclusive to PS3, but other than that, just about every sports game is available on both consoles. If the PS3's Blu-Ray functionality is appealing to you, go with that. If you're interested in other games, though, I recommend the Xbox 360, as it has more quality exclusives and a more polished overall library at this point in time (partly because it's been out a year longer). The PS3 has been gradually closing that gap, though, so you really can't go wrong with either. I own an Xbox 360 and Wii, and will be picking up a PS3 sometime in the future, as it's killing me not being able to play MGS4.

You know what's interesting? The Yankees had so much money coming off the books, they haven't even increased their payroll from last season.

The Yankees have signed an overweight starting pitcher who has thrown over 500 innings the past two years, a very good but not great first baseman, and an inconsistent, oft-injured starting pitcher. Their offense is ridiculously old, they're a poor defensive team, the back-end of their rotation is unproven, and their bullpen after Mariano is suspect. Frankly, I think they'll probably make the playoffs, but they're far from a lock for the pennant, in my opinion.

Actually, I didn't realize how good Teixeria was the last two years. Still, his twenties are already mostly behind him, and I can't seem him being a $22 million player five or six years into the deal. Then again, that doesn't matter to the Yankees.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Dec 23, 2008 -> 02:34 PM) lol, this is getting on my f***ing nerves, it's like 3 years ago all over again. Teixeira isn't a 20 million a year type of player. I agree. Mark Teixeira is a very good hitter, but he's not of elite caliber. I can see him failing to live up to the contract just a few years into the eight-year deal. This means that the Yankees have signed both the premier free agent hitter and pitcher this offseason. Damn.

QUOTE (knightni @ Dec 21, 2008 -> 12:35 PM) I got Moneyball and tried to read it, but was bored by the second chapter. It starts off rather slow. Stick with it.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Dec 15, 2008 -> 03:36 PM) I think you'll see a signing by the Sox by thursday at the latest. This excited me at first... until I realized it's probably Willy T.

Baseball Between the Numbers is a fantastic book.

Not going to happen, but I'd love to have Weaver. I wonder if they'd also give up Shields.

QUOTE (Balta1701 @ Dec 11, 2008 -> 12:34 PM) They tell me Alexei's best position is at SS. His bat is ridiculously valuable there, and we have other options for 2b and CF. Put him at short until he proves its' a mistake. That does make sense.

I'd rather keep Alexei at 2B. There's no telling how good his defense will be at SS.

Maybe Kenny will swoop in...

Peavy deal dead. http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/ Uh-oh, spaghettios.

QUOTE (Steve9347 @ Dec 11, 2008 -> 11:39 AM) I personally think Dunn would be a horrible fit to put in a lineup with Thome and Konerko. He brings nothing new to the table, whereas Abreu can still run and hit for a much much higher average. True, but Abreu is horrid defensively and is about to enter his decline years. Dunn isn't much better defensively, but can easily replace Thome's production at DH in 2010. Dunn walks 120 times a year and consistently bangs out 40 home runs. To me, Dunn's walks are far more valuable than Abreu's speed. I agree we need some more high average hitters, but we also need to replace the power of Dye, Konerko, and Thome as they decline and leave.

I'd much rather sign Dunn, who is younger and better, but I won't throw a fit if we sign Abreu instead. A high OBP near the top of the order was something this team greatly missed last year. Since he's reportedly good friends with Ozzie, I wouldn't be surprised if he's willing to sign with us at a slight discount.

Giving 600+ PA to Jerry Owens would be a colossal mistake. I hope Ozzie is just talking.

QUOTE (RockRaines @ Dec 9, 2008 -> 03:11 PM) I hear that Kenny hasnt even been discussing trades with other GM's and has spent most of his time on the phone with a small number of agents for FA's. !!! Can't hardly wait to see what transpires. They've cut so much payroll, they have to spend some of it.

Any chance Atlanta is willing to part with Jair Jurrjens?