Chombi

I disagree. The guy has been an animal at the plate since HS. I think he won Frosh of the year at Miami. Won like DH awards while being there. Did well in the minors. He has been tagged as a sure thing hitter. This season was no fluke.

There is some truth to what you say. I am usually for the ultimate goal of winning a title. You may not be, but I am. If Kobe can win it for the Bulls, I can't say I won't root for him. Will I be like the guy outside of the NBA, no? What he does on the court, you can't argue with. He is a great player. As a person, not so much, but I dont care because he isn't a friend of mine so what he does is what he does. I am not one to judge. Michael Jordan, our idol. The GOAT. He is considered to be a less then stellar person off the court. Cheated on his wife, gambles, etc. So save the on-court/off-court behaviors. If they do their job and do it better then anyone else, I'll take them. So yes, I'd root for him because I am rooting for the Bulls and I'd like them to win. They're one of the few "teams" in the NBA. By that I mean they don't have a superstar, but have very good players. We aren't the best "team" in the league or even in our conference so a change should be made. A mediocre team made the finals because of one guy and a cast. Our cast with Kobe would look to be better then the Cavs. J.R. Smith is another case. An idiot, but a good looking player. He is immautre, and thats it. Eventually, you can have one guy like that when his talent far exceeds his attitude. We had him and dealt him for next to nothing. I think we could've gotten more for him if he wasn't showing maturity.

Here is an article I read on BP. It was in Sports Illustrated earlier this year and this is Nate Silver's updated version. It's not completed which is why I posted it now. So if we decide to do it, it has more of our own opinion after the top 20. http://baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=607 I figured it'd be fun to comment on it, or rank our own individually. No need to use Pecota as this does. Just who your opinion leads you to rank as the most valuable players over the next 6 years. Minor leaguers can be in it so why not have some fun with it?

All I am hearing about on NY's espn radio right now is how Torre was insulted and too proud to take a paycut. That may be so, but why can't they guy just be fed up? Every year he deals with rumors and nonsense of getting fired. It just happened a few weeks ago. Why would he want to sign a one year deal w/ an option, for less pay if he doesnt accomplish goals, and basically gaurentee more of the same treatment??? Thanks, but I'll pass. Let me go coach elsewhere. The team is aging. They need a makeover. He knows it, and to me just stuck it to them. My only hope is he gets the last laugh and these "supporters" like Posada and Rivera to follow him out the door. They're already angry about not getting an extension done, now Torre is gone so hopefully they go to. That organization represents the good and the evil of baseball. Their struggles make me smile and hopefully it just gets worse for them.

Article about how bad Braun's defense is. Also has a trade idea of Bill Hall to the Sox. Questionable to me. I am very against dealing Braun. His defense is bad but it can better. It's defense. It also mentions other bad defenders. Such guys as Manny, Miggy Cabrera, etc. Guys who are AllStars that teams accept to deal with their poor defense in exchange for their offense. I did loosen up on the subject of moving him to the outfield, or if you get a knock out offer, trading Braun. I am still not for it but I did forget they drafted LaPorta. He is still a year away to me although this article suggests letting him make the team. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=609

Little blurb from the paper on Garland for Bill Hall, or Garland for Crawford. Nothing new to us but hadn't seen this article posted up. http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=59181

Mazzone shouldn't be at fault for that team. Part of me feels that team is so obsessed with guys like Cabrera and Hayden Penn, that they expected him to perform a miracle and make them into HOF pitchers. Just my opinion. I think he is a great coach and I would love to have him. He + Coop for our pitching coach tag team.

Yup thanks. Mark Rogers. I could've gone to look it up but didn't want to. lazy. Go read too. I thought it was a link to his player page at first. Thanks for that. Gallardo I always thought was a sandwich pick. My mistake. I do remember reading about him that year to. Struck out like 26 of 27 batters in a state playoff game or something. He hasn't slowed down much either because I love the guy as an mlb arm.

I loved that whole assesment. Made me laugh. I agree about Egbert and Broadway btw. I've been pro-trade for both of them. Egbert is someone who I want to see go sooner because I think his stock is hotter. Where Broadway, his stock is still there just hasn't shot up like we'd hoped. Also, I want to have a Sox Jersey that says "Broadway" on the back. Everything else I pretty much agree with. One thing. I know this may not belong here. It has probably been suggested on this board but I am still somewhat new.. Anyone think Gavin Floyd can become Gavin Floyd if we change his entire mechanics. To me, his velocity is down and he isn't the same guy because he doesn't hide the ball at all. It's like Keith Foulke, no "arm into your back pocket" motion. It just goes straight out/up and thats it. To me, that is his only problem. The mental thing is confidence. If I got bombed the way he has been the last few years, I'd be a headcase too.

Real quick...What happened to Milwaukees other young arms? I know they dealt Inman to SD in that linebrink deal, but what happend to the high school kid they took in 2004. I don't remember much about him, just remember reading about star athletes from around the country in my class. I thought the Brewers had him, maybe I am wrong.

True that. If he can give us 30 IP though, I would be ok with the millions owed to him.

Did it plummet to Brian Anderson's level? If so, make a swap. Money Ball!

Who do you think these arms are? I agree with you that it is a package KW would settle for. I would push the buttons on any teams that have a surplus of what we need. IE Arizona, NYM, Tampa, etc.

Maybe. To me, Braun is potentially the best young hitter in all of baseball. Hughes is on that level from a pitching standpoint...somewhat. Someone mentioned Arod/Pujols. I honestly think he can be in that caliber offensively. That said, do I think Hughes can be on the level of Johan? Not really no. So the question becomes do you trade a guy under your control and has his potential, for a great pitching prospect and Wang? I wouldn't. I'd be like trading Pujols 3-4 years ago for Zito and Harden. Weird analogy but it was the first that popped into my head. It works a too. Zito IMO was better then Wang 3-4 years ago but hey. A better question should be. Can you get Wang and Hughes for Sheets?

Yea. Sheets and Harden to me should be on the block. To me, they are better versions of Kerry Wood and maybe Prior. You can't keep planning to win while having your best pitcher constantly hurt. It's time to deal them. I'd like to be the team that goes after them and can afford it. Not money wise, but a team that has a decent or good staff already so that injury wouldn't kill them. Maybe even take some of the pressure off. Or see them sent to a team like Tampa or Pittsburg. Got prospects to deal. Young maturing pitchers in the rotation and have nothing to lose.

I agree with you. I couldn't find any links for the clubhouse stuff. I know I heard he had attitude problems but found nothing when I searched so that I had some evidence before I posted it. I'll use you as my source since I usually agree with your posts.

I was all for the Kobe deal until yesterday. The deal used to included Hinrich or Gordon, to go with Noc, our pick (Now Noah) and like Tyrus Thomas. Maybe a Duhon/Thabo if Gordon was choosen. That was the offseason. Now according to Bucher yesterday...It's Hinrich, Gordon, Thomas, I think Noc but not sure, and they want Deng with it. If that is really it? No way. I am all for moving Gordon, Thomas, Noc and if we can give someone Noah...please do it. That kind of deal I'd be ok with. The Lakers get 4 potential very valuable pieces and could probably turn around an package one or two for a "star" like Marion. If they demand more from us. IE Deng, no deal. If it included Hinrich and Gordon...I'd say no deal, but really, I'd prolly take it as long as no one else significant was in it. Money purposes probably Joe Smith would need to be in it. If there is a possibility for a 3 way trade to remove some pressure on our end, try it. If Kobe is available though at the right price you get him. Especially now. The East got a little better but still isn't the West. Lebron carried the Cavs to the Finals so why couldn't Kobe. I am not even a huge fan of Kobe. Actually I hate him but I would like to win and I can see him growing on me with a few Buzzer beaters and playoff wins. JR Smith. It pissed me off btw and has from day 1. Maybe I have a man-crush on this guy because he commited to UNC Idont know. I followed what he did after that though and really though he was a good player. Then we deal Chandler, get him in the deal which to me was a blessing. We deal him immediately for Howard Eisley I think and a 2nd round pick or two. I understand he has somewhat of an attitude but he is a kid. If Skiles couldn't handle a 20 year olds attitude, then he shouldnt be coaching. Talent wise, I felt he could be top 5 in that draft class, which was a damn good class IMO.

So the Kobe talk is back and I am all for acquiring him. Well, I was, until yesterdays trade roundup. Do we trade for him? ** Why did we trade J.R. Smith? ** Anyone see those Mens Warehouse commercials? Does Tony Cornheiser own Men's Warehouse b/c that is him? lol. Nah but they look a lot alike.

I don't argue that he is a big bullet. I don't argue that he should be used as a piece for an elite player. However, they have a full clip so to speak.. If he remains there, I'd be shocked although less shocked then I would've been a year ago. He for Garland is no really fair. I just think they'd bite. I think they would bite on a lot of offers like that. At the same time, Kemp can command a lot more on the market so it's tough for me to argue that. Ultimately, my guy says he is getting dealt. It's a case of who makes the move. With Drew leaving last season and Gonzalez gone this offseason, it wouldn't surprise me if they kept him. As I said though, I wouldn't be shocked either in Dunn ended up there or even Andruw Jones. They want to win now.

I have no idea why they would. Then again it's Macphail. I do have an article I read and just knowledge of hearing it before. That why I say, if there is any truth to it. Make a move. http://mvn.com/mlb-orioles/2007/10/03/shou...riole/#more-911 From the Baltimore Sun: “There is speculation the mercurial Bedard wouldn’t sign with the Orioles long-term anyway — Bedard disputes that, saying he’d at least consider it — though the club probably won’t know for sure until it starts negotiating.” Thats where I believe the columnist gets the idea from. Which as I was saying, I have heard something that I believe was from him, though I can't find it anywhere so maybe I am wrong. Heard that he wanted to go to a winner and felt Baltimore is in the wrong division for it to happen. One thing, He isn't as young as I thought. Which makes a little more sense to me.

Well...In all honesty. I think Garland can fetch Kemp. Santana would fetch Kemp and a lot more. In particular Clayton Kershaw (Who is the best arm in the minors IMO. Not Slowey, Price, or I had him ahead of Phil Hughes) and also Scott Elbert. If the twins go straight prospects. I'd say 2 of those 3 are included, with LaRoche because the twins need a 3b. The Dodgers have concerns about Kemp. Lots of them actually. He can't touch a breaking ball. He is baseballs Pedro Sorrano. He is not a good fielder (power arm) and outside of his 7 homers in a week thing, has basically got overhyped. Only reason he stays is if they don't sign a guy. Had they not gotten lucky and had Drew opt-out, they'd be stuck. Either is a keeper, Kemp is iffy. Whoever bought them a couple years back said they will contend every year from here on out at whatever cost. He really was screwed after 05's finish. So he went further with it and now I think will spend anything and everything he has. Colleti is a good gm who I like a lot. I don't think he wants to move prospects but he will. So they are the west coast version of the Yankees now. Lower payroll obviously but will have no problem stomping on a prospect in favor of a veteran. See Loney, Either, Kemp, Billingsley Andy LaRoche for instance...he is being blocked and on the trading block. For Nomar. Garland for Kemp straight up would happen. I wouldn't want it to, but it would. It'd give them Penny, Lowe, Billingsley, Garland and Schmidt (if healthy). Has to be the best top to bottom rotation in baseball. You would sacrifice a guy like Kemp for it, especially if youre a LA team. If they can land Santana. They will. It scares me but they have so many young arms that they would do anything the Twins ask for to have Johan at the front of their rotation. They'd win too. If I can make a bold prediction. They make a move for Johan and Adam Dunn in the next year. They need a power bat. HE slides into RF and won't be expensive. The Twins would be crazy to take any prospect package from any other team excluding maybe Boston. I'd say with the DOdgers having the best farm system in the minors IMO, they go there.

They shouldn't ever trade Braun. He and Prince are superstars. They will do more for that organization then any other 3-4 combo in todays game. Manny and Papi are on top in my eyes now. We have a decent 3-4-5 but they have 2 studs who are cheap, young and locked up. defensively, not much to brag about but they more then make up for it. I don't think defense was their main problem. Not having a go-to starter to stop the bleeding was. Sheets, when healthy is that...he is never healthy though. Gallardo can be. A couple moves in that rotation. Maybe a little spending would do the trick for that team. Trade Hall and some minor leaguers for an arm. Deal Weeks, or Hall, or trade Ben Sheets unreliable ass. Do not trade Prince or Braun.

Yea, I think he was available last season. At this point, he is an upgrade in their lineup w/ Guillen and if Guillen is out the door, they are only looking to replace him and not two positions. He hit .200 a couple seasons ago and thats why they were down on him. This season I think he was up around .250 so that shows improvement. It may be minor, but improvement it is. In the minors though I know he tore the cover off the ball. My buddy is a huge fan of his and he said whatever doubts they had last season are gone. He is 21 and learning on the go and he + Ichiro could be an insane 1-2 punch. OBP wise and just sheer pressure they provide. Jones strikes out a lot but from what I've heard he knows the zone and has power. Basically, all that I just said is useless knowledge for us and me just extending a post that could've been shorter. I like detail. One other thing is someone mentioned Bedard deals needing young players. We don't have them true. Trading for prospects though still leaves the "pan out" part of them. That's why they are prospects. A guy like Garland is worth prospects. He, with Danks and one or two prospects could land a deal for him. It's far fetched and highly unlikely but I don't rule out the Orioles as a team who will deal Bedard for multiple pieces. Two mlb starters immediately for them, throw in a prospect like Poreda and maybe a Carter. Sounds like a lot but, Bedard is a rare young lefty ace who is oddly enough available. Why we wouldn't risk potential on him is beyond me. It also gives us flexability with other guys in our organization... I say that because right now we look to be dealing Garland for bullpen and prospect(s). None of those are locks to pan out and even Danks is somewhat iffy. Bedard replaces Garland. Is better then Garland and instead of finding a guy through our system to replace Garland, We have EB. If there is any possibilty to that, I would make that our top priority and work from there. Call me crazy and stupid but... Damn I hate having long posts. I feel like a salesman.

I dont think I want Tejada. Part does, part doesnt. Him in our lineup/ballpark gets me excited but...then his regression doesnt. I am not going to pull up the sabermetrics numbers or any right now cuz I am leaving for class. I'll let someone else do it. I am positive his regular baseball numbers have slipped. Outside of his OBP and OPS. Someone can check the other stuff but I know he hasn't scored 100 runs, knocked in 100 maybe once and he hasn't been slugging real well. I looked at his numbers midseason so I hope this is accurate. Regardless, his numbers are slipping a little. He broke down this year for the first time in his career. He just isn't the same guy that was a MVP candidate in the early 2000's. I mentioned something about this in another thread. Baltimore's media had a couple articles and rumors about dealing Bedard. If there is any truth to it, I'd much rather go for him at whatever cost then I would Tejada.

WHat is ? AJP is in decline and getting old but is locked up getting 6+ mil til 2010. Which was a contract extension from this season. Hall is with us next year so Clement would be sent down to AAA I'd assume, maybe he stays up. Doubt it. The guy will be 25 mid next season. So 2010 he is 27-28 and that is likely when he will start getting more pt. 2011 would be his first full season then of full-time duty. He won't be the starter before then because no one is trading for a "declining in skills, old, club house cancer" of a catcher. Not only that, I am fairly certain Johjima's contract is up. He is 32, wasn't the signing they hoped he'd be. So what is their incentive to deal him? They have an older, declining skills catcher. I like Clement. I just think we don't need him to compete now. There are much better players out there then the Mariners mid level prospects. If he is in a deal, great for us potentially, but right now...it's useless for the next couple seasons.