H-Fist
Hank Scorpio
Posts: 6,485
|
Post by H-Fist on Dec 9, 2010 16:59:15 GMT -5
Are the Orioles...actually...trying....to compete? They have been for a while, actually. No players, however, were interested in taking the money and having to live/play in Baltimore, MD. Developing Wieters, Markakis, and some pitching has got them a little room to attract free agents, but trading for minor upgrades like Hardy (vs. C Izturis) is their primary option. ------------------- To Highroad: Pena's only hit >.250 once in a full season, that being his career year in 2007. He's a .240/.350/.490 career player with an ISO of .250. Because of his high strikeout rate (30% or so) and high walk rate (14.9+% each year since 2007), his batting average fluctuates greatly depending on his average on balls in play (BABIP) - the True Outcomes aren't going to be in much flux. In his career, he has a BABIP of .279, comparable to Aramis Ramirez. The difference between those two players is primarily K rates. In 2010, though, Pena's BABIP plummeted to .222. His ground ball rate spiked from 30% in 2008-09 to 46% last year, while his fly ball rate fell from above 50% to 40% and his line drive rate dipped 2.5 percentage points. The contact problem exacerbates when you isolate his pulls, as opposed to going the opposite way or up the middle. Over 60% of the balls he pulled - and he's largely a pull hitter - were grounders. Given his preexisting pull tendencies, he's typically played in an infield shift. He spent 2010 pulling grounders into the teeth of the shift. This isn't like Mark Reynolds having a season's worth of bad luck with basically career-normal peripherals and horrible results. This is the case of a guy overcompensating for something, possibly his plantar fasciitis, possibly the attrition of age and a slowing bat. The Cubs have a hitting coach with a line drive approach, as well as a lefty-killer in Jeff Baker who can platoon against the tough lefties that cause Pena trouble. A bounce back to above .230 isn't unreasonable to expect. This isn't about winning the 2011 WS. It's about making decisions now that have positive future impact.
|
|
|
Post by MGH on Dec 9, 2010 23:52:19 GMT -5
Reds have signed Jay Bruce to a six year, 51 million dollar extension with an option for a seventh year.
BRUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCE!
|
|
andrew8798
FANatic
on 24/7 this month
Posts: 106,084
|
Post by andrew8798 on Dec 10, 2010 1:08:52 GMT -5
Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports that the Rays have some interest in Jason Giambi.
|
|
|
Post by the5thhorseman on Dec 10, 2010 1:42:51 GMT -5
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2010 10:46:51 GMT -5
I've had Carlos Pena on my fantasy team for a few years. (I never deliberately drafted him, he just "shows up".) He's actually a decent hitter the first couple of months and hovers around the top ten in batting average, but once June and July roll around, it sinks to crap-level. But he hits home runs even when he hits below "the Mendoza line". And that's all you need at Wrigley. I like the move, despite what many around here are calling "Alfonso Soriano 2.0". Pena is a nice fit for the Cubs and they will be fine.
***
The Konerko deal puts the White Sox at around $130M in payroll, and it is doubtful the team will pull off any more signings without risking putting the team in serious debt. A player was quoted as saying, "We either need to start getting really creative or the fans need to jump on board from opening day." The Sox are still banking on Thornton & Chris Sale (despite his being groomed as a 5th/spot-starter until Peavy returns - if he does at all) at the back of the bullpen, but need to shore up middle relief.. And as we all know, Kenny Williams is not above making a surprise Spring Training trade, especially with starting pitching. (Gavin Floyd, consider yourself on notice. He's the only one I'd personally get rid of, although if the deal is good enough, it won't break my heart to see Mark Buerhle traded either, as his numbers have been declining since his deal in 2007. John Danks is your future in the present and they need to re-sign him after this season.)
Like I mentioned before, the White Sox are going "all-in" for 2011.
|
|
|
Post by i.Sarita.com on Dec 10, 2010 10:48:50 GMT -5
Fonzie 2.0 would be signing Pena to a 7 year deal.
|
|
|
Post by the5thhorseman on Dec 10, 2010 14:53:33 GMT -5
I guess the fact that Lee hasnt signed with the Yankees yet has to be a little encouraging.
|
|
|
Post by the5thhorseman on Dec 10, 2010 16:27:29 GMT -5
|
|
domrep
Hank Scorpio
Posts: 7,461
|
Post by domrep on Dec 10, 2010 16:52:47 GMT -5
So if A-Rod is worth $27.5 million per year, Carl Crawford $20 million per year, Jayson Werth, $18 million per year. What is Albert Pujols worth? Will he be the first and only $30 million per year man in baseball history?
|
|
|
Post by i.Sarita.com on Dec 10, 2010 16:57:45 GMT -5
So if A-Rod is worth $27.5 million per year, Carl Crawford $20 million per year, Jayson Werth, $18 million per year. What is Albert Pujols worth? Will he be the first and only $30 million per year man in baseball history? Probably. Which is just insane.
|
|
|
Post by MGH on Dec 10, 2010 17:10:36 GMT -5
Cliff Lee is expected to make a decision within the next 48 hours according to ESPN. If the Yankees get him, great. If they don't, I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Seems like way, way too much to give him, but that looks like the price tag. If the Yankees whiff, go try to trade for Greinke and sign another B level starter. Maybe explore a trade for someone not being discussed right now. Even with Boston's additions, I think the Rangers need Lee much more than NY does. Though having him would be a nice luxury.
|
|
|
Post by the5thhorseman on Dec 10, 2010 17:15:28 GMT -5
Cliff Lee is expected to make a decision within the next 48 hours according to ESPN. If the Yankees get him, great. If they don't, I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Seems like way, way too much to give him, but that looks like the price tag. If the Yankees whiff, go try to trade for Greinke and sign another B level starter. Maybe explore a trade for someone not being discussed right now. Even with Boston's additions, I think the Rangers need Lee much more than NY does. Though having him would be a nice luxury. Hasnt Grienke said he doesnt want to go to New York? I keep hearing the media bring up them trading for him but I dont see him going there. The Rangers can get Grienke if they are willing to give up the prospects should they not land Lee. I cant even blame the Rangers if they overpay for Lee. They are flush with cash from the new ownership and tv deal. This is the first time in all my years as a Ranger fan that a top free agent pitcher has even considered Texas this seriously so thats a big step forward win or lose.
|
|
|
Post by MGH on Dec 10, 2010 17:43:35 GMT -5
Cliff Lee is expected to make a decision within the next 48 hours according to ESPN. If the Yankees get him, great. If they don't, I wouldn't lose sleep over it. Seems like way, way too much to give him, but that looks like the price tag. If the Yankees whiff, go try to trade for Greinke and sign another B level starter. Maybe explore a trade for someone not being discussed right now. Even with Boston's additions, I think the Rangers need Lee much more than NY does. Though having him would be a nice luxury. Hasnt Grienke said he doesnt want to go to New York? I keep hearing the media bring up them trading for him but I dont see him going there. The Rangers can get Grienke if they are willing to give up the prospects should they not land Lee. I cant even blame the Rangers if they overpay for Lee. They are flush with cash from the new ownership and tv deal. This is the first time in all my years as a Ranger fan that a top free agent pitcher has even considered Texas this seriously so thats a big step forward win or lose. I believe I saw something on ESPN in the last two weeks or so where sources close to Greinke said that unlike last time he'd be willing to go to NY this go around if an offer was made. Of course I heard nothing about it since, so I could be talking out my back side. I actually don't blame Texas if they over pay him. I don't know whether he'll keep up his pace or not and for how much longer, but he means more to The Rangers than just being their ace. I feel like he represents something for them in taking that next step forward and not just being the Colorado Rockies of the AL. If they can't keep a guy close to home who loves the team with a mega contract, that's going to sting really badly. Yankees or not. Especially on the field with the Angels looking to bounce back this season. Yankees would love to have him, I'd love to have him there. Even if he's just putting up his career averages, he'd be a major plus in the rotation. If he's Cliff Lee like Cliff Lee can be, then it's on. Like I said though, I feel like the Yankees covet him, but the Rangers HAVE to get him. If they don't it's going to be a lot more impactful in ways other than just losing a spot in the rotation.
|
|
|
Post by Biggtone23 on Dec 10, 2010 18:33:35 GMT -5
Scott Downs going to the Angels so the Jays will get their pick in the draft.
|
|
|
Post by MGH on Dec 10, 2010 18:36:34 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Clash, Never a Meter Maid on Dec 10, 2010 18:40:06 GMT -5
So if A-Rod is worth $27.5 million per year, Carl Crawford $20 million per year, Jayson Werth, $18 million per year. What is Albert Pujols worth? Will he be the first and only $30 million per year man in baseball history? Probably. Which is just insane. Considering how he's emerging as a post-Griffey "Mr. Baseball" (with a ring), I'd get it.
|
|
triplethreatmark
Grimlock
Party Fouler
I look exactly like this avatar in real life.
Posts: 14,074
|
Post by triplethreatmark on Dec 10, 2010 18:47:18 GMT -5
Scott Downs going to the Angels so the Jays will get their pick in the draft. Great job Tony. Trade a draft pick for an overrated pitcher. You're a genius [/sarcasm]
|
|
|
Post by Cyno on Dec 10, 2010 18:52:25 GMT -5
Not sure how I feel about Martin coming to the Yanks. But then we NEED a catcher. Posada's resigned to his role as the everyday DH and Cervelli simply isn't good enough to be starting catcher. If Martin can stay healthy, he'd be an asset at least until Montero's ready to go. But that's a big "if." Maybe not, but Sabathia might considering the two are best friends and all.
|
|
H-Fist
Hank Scorpio
Posts: 6,485
|
Post by H-Fist on Dec 10, 2010 19:10:40 GMT -5
Fonzie 2.0 would be signing Pena to a 7 year deal. Fonzie 2.0 = Pena is the opposite of Soriano, really. He walks a lot to go with the homers/strikeouts and is not a speed guy. Fonzie's speed is pretty much gone now, but that was a huge part of his game for years. Pena fits perfectly as the 5 hitter. Byrd - Castro - Soto - Ramirez - Pena - Soriano - Colvin - DeWitt/Baker - SP Every spot in the lineup is worth ~18 PA over the course of the season, so I want my OBP guys - Starlin, Geo, Aramis and Pena - getting more ABs than the <.330 guys in the corner outfielders. I put Byrd leadoff because, well, the other slots make sense as is and the pitches Starlin & Geo take make up for Marlon's free-swinging. And the Garza stuff has me worried. He'd be better than Wells et al, but not worth the farm.
|
|
|
Post by BD Punk AKA SUSPENDED! on Dec 10, 2010 19:30:27 GMT -5
Fonzie 2.0 would be signing Pena to a 7 year deal. Fonzie 2.0 = Pena is the opposite of Soriano, really. He walks a lot to go with the homers/strikeouts and is not a speed guy. Fonzie's speed is pretty much gone now, but that was a huge part of his game for years. Pena fits perfectly as the 5 hitter. Byrd - Castro - Soto - Ramirez - Pena - Soriano - Colvin - DeWitt/Baker - SP Every spot in the lineup is worth ~18 PA over the course of the season, so I want my OBP guys - Starlin, Geo, Aramis and Pena - getting more ABs than the <.330 guys in the corner outfielders. I put Byrd leadoff because, well, the other slots make sense as is and the pitches Starlin & Geo take make up for Marlon's free-swinging. And the Garza stuff has me worried. He'd be better than Wells et al, but not worth the farm. Werth's contract is bad, but Soriano's is worse. Adam Dunn laughs at how bad Soriano is in the outfield, not to mention he can't run anymore and is starting to have injury issues. Werth on the other hand is a damn near a gold glove outfielder, has good speed, and has been injury free since getting his wrist shattered by an AJ Burnett pitch several years ago. Jayson Werth>>>>>>>Alfonso Soriano
|
|