Travel Day

by DanUpBaby on Dec 19, 2008 11:58 AM EST Comment 51 comments

I spent yesterday packing and I'm going to spend today driving, so I'm afraid I haven't got anything for today. My apologies, and consider this post an A Nation Holds Its Breath II open thread...

Fuentes continues to wait for his market to fully develop, according to a spokesman for Beverly Hills Sports Council, his representing agency.

"Just as Teixeira has weighed interest from several teams, Brian also wants to explore his opportunities," said Josh Goldberg.

Senator, I've seen Mark Teixeira. I've signed Mark Teixeira in Baseball Mogul; Mark Teixeira was a first baseman of mine. Senator, your client is no Mark Teixeira.

EDIT: In the momentary lull between packing and leaving as we speak. Scoot passes along some news, from the excellent NPB Tracker, about the Cardinals signing a Japanese pitcher who is most certainly not Kenshin Kawakami or Koji Uehara.

He combines being left-handed with great makeup--he apparently lost his job in Japan over a drunk driving incident--and mediocre numbers as a swingman for a few teams. He was a high draft pick in 1997, so presumably there is some plus stuff or something hiding behind the numbers. I'll be interested to see when the Cardinals scouted him, and what they saw. Maybe he's really good friends with Kenshin Kawakami.

Speaking of which, Future Redbirds posted video of the two Japanese starters a few days ago, so it's time to do some amateur scouting: who looks better? Uehara's got a nice fastball, but I love Kawakami's slow curve. My favorite thing about Uehara is his K:BB ratio in his one full year as closer: 66 to 4. Positively Eck-ian.

Okay, now I'm really gone.

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A's fan here.

Dear Mr. Mozeliak,

Please leave Brian Fuentes for the Angels to sign, please. Jason Motte and Chris Perez are just fine, I think they can pitch well.

Even if it is a “good” contract in terms of performance, the Angels are getting a few too many first round draft picks (K-Rod, Teixeira, etc.), and I would like them to lose at least one. So please, please kindly step away from Brian Fuentes.

"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."

by Blicks on Dec 19, 2008 12:42 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

ahh

any lloyd bentsen reference makes up for the lack of a post

by VolsnCards5 on Dec 19, 2008 12:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

That's hilarious...

“Just as Teixeira has weighed interest from several teams, Brian also wants to explore his opportunities,” said Josh Goldberg.

Wouldn’t a more apt comparison be Frankie Rodriguez? And isn’t he already signed for less than what everyone thought he might sign for? And is your client coming off of a 62 save season for a 100 win team? No, didn’t think so.

Get a grip Mr. Goldberg, he’s going to end up with Kerry Wood money if he’s fortunate, but the longer you wait, the less opportunities there are going to be for him to get a big ticket contract — ask Mr. Lohse how that worked out for him last year.

"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Dec 19, 2008 12:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Works for me

We got Lohse for a low price last year by waiting patiently. I’m okay with waiting for a bargain again this season.

defy, cards, defy. hey logic --- you suck.

by effin fisk on Dec 19, 2008 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

After this…

Senator, I’ve seen Mark Teixeira. I’ve signed Mark Teixeira in Baseball Mogul; Mark Teixeira was a first baseman of mine. Senator, your client is no Mark Teixeira.

I picture the same reaction at the end of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-7gpgXNWYI

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Dec 19, 2008 2:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don't mean to start off a political discussion

I just picture Fuentes with the expression of Quayle and the VEB community laughing and applauding.

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Dec 19, 2008 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

No mention?

Of the minor signing today anywhere on VEB??

Cards Sign Japanese Pitcher

No, its neither of who you think. Probably has little significance in the grand scheme, but at least its news.

"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum

by scoot on Dec 19, 2008 2:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

oh great!

Another person for the Cards AA meeting. (was that too mean?)

by OKCARDSFAN_411 on Dec 19, 2008 2:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Probably spot on

He is Venezuela right now and not doing that good. Randy Flores is probably better than him if that says anything. He will probably end up in AA ball.

Stat Whore

by FlimtotheFlam on Dec 19, 2008 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i don't think thats what he meant by AA

"I'm as nauseous as I've ever been. I have a terrible headache. My head is pounding. I feel like throwing up and I'm having trouble swallowing. And the beauty of it is, you want to feel like this every day." - Tony LaRussa

by adiueordie on Dec 19, 2008 3:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah that motorized cooler is going to get some more miles put on it

by bearcatcardfan on Dec 19, 2008 3:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

apparantly

he’s a distant cousin of Randy Flores

surely you jest

yes and stop calling me Shirley

by vances law on Dec 19, 2008 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Christmas gift help

I really would like a Stan Musial jersey t-shirt for my grandpa. I can’t really afford a Mitchell and Ness Cooperstown Collection authentic. Does a Stan Musial jersey tee exist? Or, do I just do the old logo, customized t-shirt on the official site? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Dec 19, 2008 3:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

You'll probably have to do a customized T-shirt using the old logo

I ponied up for my uncle last year (big Ken Boyer fan) and ended up having to special order it from Mitchell and Ness in the ‘64 Cards uni since that was when he won the MVP. Since they made the ’64 in Gibson and Brock already, I sent them a question asking if they could change out the name. They only had to check with the ballclub, not Boyer, since he’s deceased. I’m not sure how that would work with Musial since he’s still among the living It cost a pretty penny ($300 for the jersey + $125 for the name change), but the guy built me a gorgeous 4-poster bed for the cost of the lumber, so I feel like I came out slightly ahead.

Outside of M&N or the MLB shop, I have absolutely no idea where you’d find a Musial jersey T-shirt. I’m not sure they’d even exist outside of either of those spots.

"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Dec 19, 2008 3:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Woah, I didn't know M&N did that

I’m getting a Brock changed to a Flood.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Dec 19, 2008 3:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I had to battle with them

But I’ll do just about anything for the proper gift…

I did take me about 2 months before they realized I wasn’t giving up though.

"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Dec 19, 2008 4:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

if they exist

i bet someone is selling them on ebay… can’t check from here, but I’d be shocked if there wasn’t one there.

On a side note, if you google there is someone selling an authentic signed jersey for half the price that MLB.com wants for a generic shrinkwraped one… still pricey, but that would be a heck of a gift.

they can't play baseball, they don't wear sweaters, they're not good dancers, they don't play drums

by SleepyCA on Dec 19, 2008 5:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Type A & B free agent quotas

I was looking through the MLBTR archives and noticed that there seem to be 60-ish Type A & B free agents. Since the Yankees have already signed CC and AJ, and look like they might sign Pettite, wouldn’t that put them at the quota of 3. That would mean they would be done in the big name market. I say this because it would leave them out of the Tex sweepstakes, so are they just trying to decide which one they really want? I for one wish that they would just go ahead and get it over with so the trickle down will get on getting on.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Dec 19, 2008 5:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Once the money grab bag connection of Tex & Boras

make their decision (probably with the Red Sox even though they say they are out) I expect FA signings will pick up. I expect Mr. Fuentes will make his decision with-in a day or two after Tex signs. I expect a bunch of outfielders will sign before Christmas. I guess everyone is waiting to see if MLB’s favorite 2 teams sign anymore players before the ink starts to hit contracts.

We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there.

by KYCards on Dec 19, 2008 5:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I actually don't think that's true...

While the CBA limits them to 3 players, it also states that they can sign as many type A or B free agents as they lost. I’m not sure what “lost” means: whether it means players that aren’t under contract for next year or players lost to another team via free agency. If it’s the former, the Yankees lost Abreu (FA), Pudge(FA), Pettitte(FA), and Mussina(retired). If it’s the latter, they haven’t lost anyone yet. I’m also not sure that they would get penalized for signing Pettitte since he is their own Type A.

Either they aren’t penalized for signing their own free agents, OR their quota isn’t 3, because they have 3 free agent signs from this class already: Marte (A), Sabathia (A), and Burnett (A).

"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Dec 19, 2008 6:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, that was a little vague

I guess I was getting my hopes up a little too much about them being done.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Dec 19, 2008 6:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I bet they will wait and see if Boston gets Tex

before they make another move. If Tex goes to the Sox I have a feeling the Yankees will try to counter by signing Manny.

I swear in future years they should just let the East Coast teams with endless supplies of money just have a 3 day time frame before anyone else to sign these stars so it doesn’t drag everything out for the rest of baseball. All the mid and small market teams seem to have to wait until the “Superpowers” make their moves anyways…might as well put a sign date timeframe on it so everyone else doesn’t have to wait weeks for the “market to set itself”.

We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there.

by KYCards on Dec 19, 2008 7:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

on this day in baseball history

was it really 4 years ago???

/a moment of sadness.

they can't play baseball, they don't wear sweaters, they're not good dancers, they don't play drums

by SleepyCA on Dec 19, 2008 6:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Another important moment on that list

4) The Whitesox claimed P Bobby Jenks off waivers from the Angels and designated P Eduardo Villacis for assignment.

Bet the Angels were kicking themselves about that one later.

by mojowo11 on Dec 19, 2008 6:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hindsight is definitely 20/20

Bobby Jenks was over-weight, had back issues, often fought with control and had a bit of an alcohol problem. He actually got demoted in the minors for sneaking beer onto the team bus.

The White Sox were definitely taking a no-risk flyer on him and what a lot of people forget is he didn’t get named the team’s closer until mid-September after the closing failures of Mr. Zero (Shingo Takatsu) and Dustin Hermanson. Actually, Hermanson probably wouldn’t have lost his job if he hadn’t of had back issues of his own causing him to be DL’d the rest of the year opening the door for Jenks.

The boys are all here for ya...we'll back you up...we'll be there...cause, Billy, we don't stink right now. We're the best team in baseball right now...right this minute...because of you. You're the reason. We're not gonna screw that up, we're gonna be awesome for you right now. Just throw.

by Tackle Box on Dec 19, 2008 7:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hmm

I had thought that a back injury was pretty much a career killer and it would be stupid to have such a player on your team…or so ive heard

www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com or www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles
Dont take me seriously :-D

by jealousblues on Dec 20, 2008 3:32 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well I was in a good mood.

by Evilfrog on Dec 19, 2008 7:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

on the bright side

at least we didn’t lose bobby jenks on waivers. Or trade for Eduardo Villacis.

they can't play baseball, they don't wear sweaters, they're not good dancers, they don't play drums

by SleepyCA on Dec 19, 2008 7:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The thing of it is...

I really like Mark. I mean, the guy worked his Ass off rehabbing. It just aint happening though.

Im all out of Mulderaid.

by Evilfrog on Dec 19, 2008 8:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

/things best left forgotten

/sleepy should know better

Nice Robot

by azruavatar on Dec 19, 2008 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Turning the page, but not closing the door

Interesting report from KSDK:

A source told Frank Cusumano that the Cardinals felt they made an aggressive offer, and because of this long lull, are turning the page but not shutting the door on signing the 33 year old closer.

The report also states that the money may be used on…a starting pitcher.

"I'm gonna throw the nastiest curveball I have ever thrown...if he hits it, I'll tip my cap, but if not we're going to the Series."

--Adam Wainwright on the final pitch of the 2006 NLCS

by bgh on Dec 19, 2008 9:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Im going to have to keep my dial

on the FM side next week.

by Evilfrog on Dec 19, 2008 9:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you know

I’m one of Mo’s biggest fans, around here, but imo he really needs to work on his multitasking. You can talk to starting pitchers at the same time you are talking to closers, middle infielders, etc, and you can explore trade options while trying to sign FA’s. It’s not a serial process.

(though I don’t yet have my GMBA, so I might be TOMA).

they can't play baseball, they don't wear sweaters, they're not good dancers, they don't play drums

by SleepyCA on Dec 19, 2008 10:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bgh may have just made my day

I really hope that report is true and they send most or all of it if necessary on Sheets. There was a catch at the bottom of it though. “Depending on the health of Chris Carpenter”. Last i heard, i thought he was doing really well.

by Taskmaster on Dec 19, 2008 9:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Sheets seems to be getting less and less interest from teams

which should push his asking price down a tad. Might not be too far off with this one, Taskmaster. Although, the last deal I saw reported for Fuentes was 2 years and like 16 million. I doubt that would be enough to ink Sheets, but it’s a start.

by Tackle Box on Dec 19, 2008 10:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well

I realize that Sheets would be alot more than 8 million, probably more in the range of 14-16 a year. If what you say is true, that his value is decreasing, we could sign a young LHP/LOOGY and a Percival/Hoffman to go along with it. That would be the dream ofcourse

by Taskmaster on Dec 19, 2008 10:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

my 2 cents

sheets doesn’t get 15 unless it is with an incentive contract. with his injury history he has to realize that if he wants top money he will have to share the risk of his health. if the cards go after him, and i hope they do, i also hope that they offer him the opportunity to earn 15M, but i surely would not guarantee it.

"No matter where you go, there you are" Buckeroo Bonzai Across the 8th Dimension

by sportsman on Dec 19, 2008 10:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think that he really has to acknowledge his injury history. If you have a so-called history and still pitch almost 200 innings in 2008, Im fine with 15 million

by Taskmaster on Dec 19, 2008 10:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

he has to at acknowledge

his injury risk when it is an item that is brought up by every GM to his agent, no doubt.

by Beware the Molinas on Dec 19, 2008 11:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

wonder what he'd say to 5/50

with an extra mil per year for every 10 innings over 150 pitched? no single year is crippling if he goes down, he’s got the chance to be paid like an ace if he pitches well enough to be considered an ace (he could reasonably make $18M/year!), if he gets hurt, he still gets paid $50M, and it’s probably more than anyone else is offering, etc.

An interesting option would be to offer X and then if he spends more than X days on the DL in a given year, defer half of it Y years. X could then be larger, risk to team would be lower, etc.

they can't play baseball, they don't wear sweaters, they're not good dancers, they don't play drums

by SleepyCA on Dec 19, 2008 10:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He'd say fine...I dunno if the Cardinals would...

I wouldn’t if I were the Cardinals.

by stlfan on Dec 19, 2008 10:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That's an interesting idea

but I think he would want more than 10 mill a year guaranteed. Something like 4/50 would be about right, with your incentive.

by Taskmaster on Dec 19, 2008 10:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That is a good idea

Although my only concern is that it would make Sheets take it easy and sacrifice quality for quantity.

by TheBirds on Dec 20, 2008 12:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I like your second idea

but I don’t think that it would get past the union…

"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller

by fourstick on Dec 20, 2008 5:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm forgot

Is there a chance we could sign Troy Percival to a one year deal by chance? I we have any leftover money from sheets, that wouldnt be a bad option.

by Taskmaster on Dec 19, 2008 9:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

No chance

Percival’s not a FA, so I would say there’s about as close to a 0% chance as possible of MO signing him this offseason.

"Baseball is like Church, many attend, few understand" - Wes Westrum

by scoot on Dec 19, 2008 10:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I look like a moron, Oh well, happens

Probably someone like Hoffman, i swear i thought he was FA. Well, if we traded Rick Ankiel, which has been rumored a bit, we could perhaps grab a 2b, and a relief pitcher

by Taskmaster on Dec 19, 2008 10:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

it does seem odd he got a multiple year deal

www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com or www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles
Dont take me seriously :-D

by jealousblues on Dec 20, 2008 4:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And The Poker Game Goes On...

Right now, I think g.m.’s, agents, players and owners are just posturing. When Tex and Lowe sign, I think things will start moving a lot faster. The good thing is that although Mo has money in his pocket and we really only need a starter and a Loogy. In this market and at this time, I think Lowe is the only pitcher worth premium money. All others have some kind of flaw. We might make our most significant move in the trade market by using our surplus to get a 3/4 starter. I think Perez is ready to close, but if not there will be options on the market. I like our chances.

victim of the sixties

by victim of the sixties on Dec 19, 2008 10:28 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I think the signing of Teixera will be the catalyst for the FA market, it would probably make the Yankees sign Manny or something. That would let all the other small/mid market teams be able to make some moves, now that the giants are fed.

by Taskmaster on Dec 19, 2008 11:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs