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Just Let it Go...

By bheikoop | January 6, 2009 | The Outsiders Look at the Insides of Baseball

Not just yet. I'm going to take a look at three of the main aspects regarding the Barry Bonds issue as pertaining to the article written by Jack Marshall over at the Hardball Times. I know, I have went over this article twice already, but I feel as though there are a couple more issues which need to be addressed.This article will address Marshall's flawed argument regarding 'Baseball uphold[ing] the American ethical standards more so then any other professional league in America'. With this argument, Marshall asserted that baseball would never put up with a Pacman Jones. In fact, as I mentioned, the argument regarding Clay Buchholz holds little water.The next article will address Marshall's assertion that Bonds would not be of a help to a Major League roster. While Marshall can always fall back on the fact that Bonds is 'old' and invariably vulnerable to injury, I will provide...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Barry Bonds, MLB, Steroids

Pettitte rejects Yanks $10M offer

By Nick Shlain | January 6, 2009 | True Yankee

A reunion seemed inevitable at the start of the off-season, but now it is uncertain. Pettitte has rejected the Yankees' one-year, $10 million offer, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations, and there is no standing offer for now.Pettitte could return because some in the Yankees' hierarchy want him back. But in a winter of aggressive activity, the Yankees have been unwilling to bend for Pettitte. As an eight-year, $180 million deal for first baseman Mark Teixeira becomes official with a news conference Tuesday, the awkward Pettitte drama plays out in the background. (Source)Alright, Pettitte looks to be playing some serious hardball. The Yankees should probably just bite the bullet now and a throw a few million more dollars at Pettitte. Bringing him back sets up their rotation very nicely. If he doesn't return, Phil Hughes would be the 5th starter. I would feel much better about the Yankees...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Andy Pettitte, MLB, Phil Hughes, Yankees

Tyler Walker

By Bryant | January 6, 2009 | Mariner Melee

Is the mystery free agent. Nothing to right home about, kind of a let down considering I had my hopes build up on a Jerry Hairston or Erik Hinske. No big deal, just not too exciting. More Later...

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The Indians Add To Rotation: Sign Carl Pavano

By Michael Taylor | January 6, 2009 | Tribe Report

Kudos to our own James Pete for "calling" the shot last night. A day after he posts..."It's also worth mentioning that the White Sox are interested in both Garcia and Pavano, which will likely put them on the Indians radar, if the Indians continue down their 2008/2009 hot stove path of robbing division teams of players."...the Indians sign the aforementioned Carl Pavano to a one-year deal this afternoon....

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: AL, AL Central, Carl Pavano, Cleveland Indians, Indians, MLB

Yankees keep sticking it to Red Sox

By Evan | January 6, 2009 | Fire Brand of the American League

It started with Jose Contreras as the first strike then moved on to Mark Bellhorn and Alan Embree... it graduated to Johnny Damon and Carl Pavano... then they whisked away Mark Teixeira and made sure we couldn't bring Kevin Cash back by bringing him aboard too... and now they've signed... JASON JOHNSON!

When will this madness ever end! Johnson, an ex-Red Sox had an 0-4 record with six starts for the Red Sox during 2006 where he also played for the Cleveland Indians and Cincinatti Reds. His ERA in those starts? 7.36. Curse you, New York! Who will you take from us next?

Read more | 6 Comments | Tags: Boston Red Sox, MLB, New York Yankees

No Gnus is good gnus?

By Harper Gordek | January 6, 2009 | Oleanders and Morning Glories

With Milton (not Mitlon - how did I not see that until yesterday?) off to the Cubs, the Nats are down to their last couple of free agent targets, Adam Dunn and Orlando Hudson. Personally I would sign both, or just Adam Dunn, but not just Orlando Hudson. Hudson is a true "last piece of the puzzle" type player. Above average but not great, getting on at years, perfect for the contending team that needs a couple more wins with an issue at 2nd base, imperfect for a team just looking to be competitive. Side Note 1 : Why would I sign both then? Well signing both tells me the team is looking to be "playoff" good in the next 2-3 years. The expectation would be that more signings would follow next offseason. Signing just Orlando could say the same thing but the job would be that much tougher. Orlando isn't going to...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Adam Dunn, Elijah Dukes, Lastings Milledge, MLB, Nationals, Orlando Hudson, Washington Nationals

Alan Smodic on the MLB Network: An Instant Hit or Let Down?

By Brandon Rosage | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

MLB Outsider's Alan Smodic joined MVN Radio Tuesday to take some opening shots and throw praise on the MLB Network in its debut week. Smodic and host Brandon Rosage discussed the expectations set by the NFL Network and NBA TV, and assessed where MLB fell short and where they are winning. The guys also compare MLB's XM Radio 24-hour presence to its new television presence, and take jabs at the young channel's on-air personalities. The discussion serves as a companion to Smodic's MLB Outsider editorial "Initial Thoughts of MLB Network."...

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Initial Thoughts of MLB Network

By Alan Smodic | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Much like DirecTV's MLB Extra Innings package, the MLB Network is more baseball than one can handle. -- programwitch/Flickr.com

On January 1, Major League Baseball followed in the footsteps of the NFL and NHL by unveiling its own channel -- the MLB Network.If you don't already know what this exactly is, MLBNetwork.com's about page helps:MLB Network stands for Major League Baseball Network, which means access to more baseball than America's ever seen! This new 24-hour network delves into the world of baseball, going far beyond the field. Fans can tune in at any time for fresh perspectives, current news, the latest trade rumors, pre and post-game banter, highlights and more.Again, if you've seen the NFL or NHL networks, just picture those and think baseball. I wasn't sure if I'd receive the channel (I get the NFL network, but not the NHL), so I was surprised to see it coming in through my satellite. Obviously, I checked it out.I was impressed with my first viewing. The first show I saw...

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Alan Smodic on the MLB Network: An Instant Hit or Let Down?

By Brandon Rosage | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Read more | Discuss | Tags: audio, MLB, MLB Network

Initial Thoughts of MLB Network

By Alan Smodic | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Much like DirecTV's MLB Extra Innings package, the MLB Network is more baseball than one can handle. -- programwitch/Flickr.com

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Fantasy Baseball 2009: Rays Sign OF Pat Burrell

By Brad Berreman | January 5, 2009 | MVN Outsider

phillymads63/Flickr.com

On Monday, the defending American League champion Tampa Bay Rays signed former Philadelphia Phillies OF Pat Burrell to a two-year, $16 million deal. Burrell should serve as the Rays' primary DH and provide a powerful right-handed bat in the middle of their lineup. Last year for the Phillies, he had 33 HR and 86 RBI along with a .507 slugging percentage. 2008 was the fourth straight season Burrell had slugging percentage over .500. Burrell joins a potentially very good Tampa Bay lineup that includes 1B Carlos Pena, LF Carl Crawford, CF B.J. Upton and 2008 AL Rookie of the Year 3B Evan Longoria. He looks likely to bat fifth in the order, behind Crawford, Upton, Longoria and Pena. 2B Akinori Iwamura is in the mix as well to possibly bat first or second, which would change things slightly above Burrell. But no matter what, Burrell should be in a position to be...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Fantasy, MLB, Pat Burrell, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays

Fantasy Baseball: Evaluating Pitchers

By Jeff Freels | January 5, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Ricky Nolasco - ac4lt/Flickr.com

Fantasy baseball newbies often wonder why pitchers are not drafted more highly. In a typical serpentine draft it is not unusual to see the first pitcher taken as deep as the late first or early second round. From there a slow trickle will ensue until all the first and second tier pitchers do not leave the draft board until the early middle rounds. By contrast, there will not be a first tier batter available after the early second round. Why the discrepancy?The problem with pitchers from a fantasy perspective is that they are more injury-prone than batters and their performance is more unpredictable. Despite the fact that the top pitchers will often finish the season as the highest-scoring components of many fantasy teams, we continue to draft them lower than batters. Apart from their fragility and unpredictability, the biggest reason for this is the ease with which pitchers may be...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Fantasy, MLB, Ricky Nolasco

MLB Top 10: Best Offseason Acquisitions to Date

By Jaymes Langrehr | January 5, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Oakland won the Matt Holliday sweepstakes in November -- bryce_edwards/flickr

It's hard to believe that baseball's offseason is nearly over, but pitchers and catchers report to spring training in just over a month. A struggling economy and penny-pinching GMs have led to a somewhat slow offseason, but that doesn't mean good deals were made. With all the publicity the Yankees' spending spree is getting this winter, it's easy to lose track of some of the better deals that flew under the radar. Here are 10 smart transactions (made at a sensible cost) that you may have forgotten about.10. Jeremy Affeldt to the Giants -- signed for 2 years, $8 millionThe first free agent signing of the offseason wasn't very glamorous, but it's turned out to be one of the better (read: sensible) signings of the offseason. Affeldt may not light the world on fire, but he's a very solid lefty reliever that will make San Francisco's bullpen better. Give credit...

Read more | 5 Comments | Tags: Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, Top Ten, Washington Nationals

Fantasy Baseball 2009: Trade Rumor-Orioles' 2B Brian Roberts

By Brad Berreman | January 5, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Orioles' 2B Brian Roberts - Phil Romans/Flickr.com

In what has become a regular occurrence, Baltimore Orioles' 2B Brian Roberts is on the trading block once again. Rumors have suggested that both Chicago teams are in the mix, but a report suggested that the White Sox and Orioles are discussing a trade. White Sox P Gavin Floyd would go east to Baltimore in the deal. Roberts has been a consistent performer over the past few years, In 2008, he hit .295 with 9 HR, 57 RBI and 40 SB. He also had 51 doubles last season, which was good for second in the American League in that category. Since 2005, he has hit at least .286, had at least a .410 slugging percentage and stolen at least 27 bases every season. Roberts has also been durable, playing in 159, 143, 138, 156 and 155 games since 2004. However, the White Sox lineup does face some uncertainty with the...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Brian Roberts. Gavin Floyd, Chicago White Sox, Fantasy, MLB

Top Fits for Andruw Jones

By Evan | January 5, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Andruw Jones - kla4607/Flickr.com

With word that the Los Angeles Dodgers have restructured outfielder Andruw Jones' contract to an affordable $5 million deal (with the rest of the $15 million deferred over the next six years without interest) and a pledge by the Dodgers to release or trade Jones so he can land with a new team, which teams seem like fits for Jones?There are a couple criteria that need to be met to fit for Jones. One is that Jones is primarily a centerfielder, although we won't let that play too much into our fits -- outfielders, centerfielders most notably, tend to move around the outfield corners more often than infielders do.Secondly, Jones has expressed a desire to start and will control his fate if he is released. Only through the trade market would a team be able to secure him as a fourth outfielder if they promised to give him ample playing...

Read more | 3 Comments | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers

Fantasy Baseball 2009: Indians acquire Mark DeRosa

By Brad Berreman | January 2, 2009 | MVN Outsider

The Cleveland Indians acquired former Chicago Cubs' IF/OF Mark DeRosa in exchange for three minor leaguers earlier this week. DeRosa is coming off a career year in 2008, as he hit 21 HR with 87 RBI along with 103 runs scored and a .481 slugging percentage; which are all career highs. He is expected to play 3B for the Indians, but has spent time at 2B, OF and SS during his major league career. Cleveland may put that versatility to use if the situation dictates. The main negative with DeRosa is his age, as he'll turn 34 in February. That makes a repeat of last season's numbers very unlikely. It also makes a decline, particularly in power numbers, a virtual certainty. If C Victor Martinez and DH Travis Hafner can rebound from injury plagued seasons in 2008, the Indians' offense could be very productive. CF Grady Sizemore is coming off a 30...

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And Every Cowboy Sings a Sad, Sad Song

By Mike Scioscia's tragic illness | January 5, 2009

No, I didn't miss Andruw Jones restructuring his deal to get the hell out of Dodge(rtown). After a long weekend away and a short coma at the shock of not having to see that fat sack of crap in a Dodgers uniform in 2009, I'm back and beyond thrilled. That said, I'm not going to dwell on it too much right now - he's not officially been dumped yet, everyone else in the world has...

15 recommendations | 9 Comments

DeRosa Completes 2009 Infield

By Brian La Shier | January 3, 2009

For Michael Taylor's earlier post on the DeRosa trade click here.The Tribe's 2009 infield appears to be set. Cleveland acquired uber-utilityman Mark DeRosa from the Cubs for Jeff Stevens and two other minor league pitchers on New Years Eve. Unlike Cleveland's three previous trades where a veteran player (Sabathia, Blake, Gutierrez) was dealt to bolster the farm system, the team did not have to give up any established Major Leaguers to fill their infield hole. ...

5 recommendations | 4 Comments

the true story of the Gerald Laird trade

By Samara Pearlstein | January 6, 2009

This is the true story, exactly as it happened. I mean, let's be honest, it's precisely this sort of piercing insight into front office maneuvers that brings you here to Roar of the Tigers again and again, or at least once and then very occasionally thereafter. Two pages, pure lazy refusal to use a ruler, 100% of FACT! Click for bigger, as per usual. And, for no particular reason, here's Guillermo Moscoso, aka the old...

4 recommendations | 8 Comments

Fantasy Baseball: Evaluating Pitchers

By Jeff Freels | January 5, 2009

3 recommendations | 2 Comments

Cordero to audition for teams.

By Sean Heyboer | January 6, 2009

Chad Cordero is feeling healthy and will throw for a few interested teams in the very near future it seems. According to the report, the interested teams are the Angels, Mets, Rangers, Cardinals, Diamondbacks and Tigers. I am hoping the Mets and Angels will pass on him due to their Fuentes signing and K-Rod/Putz signing respectively. I have said it before, but Cordero could be a great fit - if healthy.-s...

2 recommendations | Discuss