HOT STOVE LEAGUE 2011 Omnibuster Thread

[Endless Mike]

I'm convinced Adam Dunn doesn't get more respect in real life beisbol is because too many fantasy baseball nerds think his .240 batting average is a problem.

[flyingelvii]

I'm convinced Adam Dunn doesn't get more respect in real life beisbol is because too many fantasy baseball nerds think his .240 batting average is a problem.

It's because he doesn't care either. He'll never be as good as that ole scrapper David Eckstein who never leaves a game without getting his jersey dirty and always hustles 100000% for every batted ball, even though most of those batted balls are weak grounders to the second baseman.

[twballgame9]

I just don't understand why everyone loves Werth so much. Is there some sort of new-age statistical explanation for this? His basic numbers don't seem worth the hype.

I'd say he's a great all around player. He was top 10 in the NL in a ton of different categories: runs, walks, OBP, slugging, OPS, doubles, total bases. He's also very solid defensively. I can absolutely see why he's a desired commodity.

Outside of Philly, he is a right handed JD Drew.

[pick6pedro]

I just don't understand why everyone loves Werth so much. Is there some sort of new-age statistical explanation for this? His basic numbers don't seem worth the hype.

I'd say he's a great all around player. He was top 10 in the NL in a ton of different categories: runs, walks, OBP, slugging, OPS, doubles, total bases. He's also very solid defensively. I can absolutely see why he's a desired commodity.

Outside of Philly, he is a right handed JD Drew.

Game. Set. Match.

[BCEagle74]

I'm convinced Adam Dunn doesn't get more respect in real life beisbol is because too many fantasy baseball nerds think his .240 batting average is a problem.

Bingo.

As Earl Weaver would say, the best play in baseball is a 3 run homer.

Look at his year by year stats playing on crap teams with no backup?

1960--Roger Maris a mid 2's hitter won the MVP before he hit 61?

Same deal .

Why.. 39-112 .283 -- 1960
--------61-142 .269 -- 1961

Before the cheating bastards other than Thome and Griffey.

Next week I get the Fredo Coleone Pearl Harbor Reverse job. On my birthday no less!!!..... and you can't tell me MLB didn't know it was my birthday???

Hello?????

They show the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirate Game 7 World Series I have been posting about for 8 years from the films in Der Bingle's basement. That Irish mook crooning ho chasing bastard!

And they worry about North Korea and Iran getting nukes....

[flyingelvii]

I just don't understand why everyone loves Werth so much. Is there some sort of new-age statistical explanation for this? His basic numbers don't seem worth the hype.

I'd say he's a great all around player. He was top 10 in the NL in a ton of different categories: runs, walks, OBP, slugging, OPS, doubles, total bases. He's also very solid defensively. I can absolutely see why he's a desired commodity.

Outside of Philly, he is a right handed JD Drew.

And this is supposed to be a bad thing?

Here's a pretty good defense of JD coming from Theo, who may know a thing or two about baseball.

[cvilleagle]

That actually really helps me understand the hype - comparing him to J.D. Drew helped me figure out where they're seeing the value in this guy. No wonder Theo seems to be pursuing him so aggressively - he loves J.D. Drew.

[twballgame9]

I just don't understand why everyone loves Werth so much. Is there some sort of new-age statistical explanation for this? His basic numbers don't seem worth the hype.

I'd say he's a great all around player. He was top 10 in the NL in a ton of different categories: runs, walks, OBP, slugging, OPS, doubles, total bases. He's also very solid defensively. I can absolutely see why he's a desired commodity.

Outside of Philly, he is a right handed JD Drew.

And this is supposed to be a bad thing?

Here's a pretty good defense of JD coming from Theo, who may know a thing or two about baseball.

I like JD Drew. He's a good baseball player. He's just not $15 million a year good. Nor is Jayson Werth.

[BCEagle74]

Source: Sox courted Mariano RiveraEmail Print Comments536 By Gordon Edes
ESPNBoston.com
Archive
BOSTON -- The Red Sox offered reliever Mariano Rivera a two-year, $30 million deal and were prepared to non-tender closer Jonathan Papelbon, according to a baseball source with direct knowledge of the negotiations.

Rivera turned down the Red Sox to return to the Yankees, who offered the same money as Boston. Rivera's pending agreement with the Yankees was first reported by the New York Daily News.


More On The Red Sox
Gordon Edes and the rest of the ESPNBoston.com team have the Red Sox covered for you. Blog


The Red Sox on Thursday night tendered a contract to Papelbon, who was paid $9.35 million last season and is arbitration-eligible, which will drive his salary into eight figures. Papelbon is a year away from free agency.

By any measure, the 30-year-old Papelbon had the worst season of his career in 2010. His 3.90 ERA was more than a full run higher than in any of his previous five seasons in the majors, and his eight blown saves were also a career high.

On Thursday night the Yankees and Rivera's agent, Fern Cuza, were putting the finishing touches on Rivera's contract.

"There are a lot of steps in the process, from agreeing to something in principle to getting the physical done," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Friday morning when asked if the Rivera deal was done. "Until all those things are covered, I'm not in a position to say."

The Yankees could announce that the deal is official as soon as Friday

[eepstein0]

Adrian Gonzalez is flying to Boston today to discuss a contract extension. Sox have agreed to acquire him. Awesome job Theo, Gonzalez was born to hit in Fenway.

[bignick33]

Bard is apparently not involved in the trade. It sounds like Casey Kelly is the centerpiece of what the Pads are getting.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/r ... pbox_links

[BCEagle74]

Werth, Dunn Chicago and Crawford.

Crawford surprised me with his lack of big time power in that Tampa Dome?

Werth could hit 45 at Fenway. Crawford in the outfield.

I wonder if Theo is gonna make a run at Adrian Gonzalez in walk year now?Red Sox Starting Pitching if healthy is superb. Maybe Soriano to help Pap?

SOX GET GONZALEZ!

Who is your Daddy? I know things ... Ok, that was a bunny layup ..... you could see it coming when SD is cheap and young and wants to do the Texas Rangers and in the weak NL WEST!

WOW!

[BCEagle74]

In exchange, the Padres would receive three prospects in pitcher Casey Kelly, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and outfielder Reymond Fuentes, according to a baseball source.

I will look them up on the Baseball Top 100.

Texiera was last year.

Who gets Werth and Crawford?

With the wrist surgery and weak power bat of Gardner maybe the Yankees go for Crawford, but I wanted Dunn.

If the Yankees can't go $33/6 or $200M to beat Texas for the state and city tax bite.....Texas is at $24/5 or $120M.

[BCEagle74]

24. Casey Kelly, rhp, Red Sox (Double-A Portland)

TOP TEN
PROSPECTS
1. Casey Kelly, rhp
2. Jose Iglesias, ss
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1b
4. Anthony Ranaudo, rhp
5. Drake Britton, lhp
6. Reymond Fuentes, of
7. Josh Reddick, of
8. Felix Doubront, lhp
9. Stolmy Pimentel, rhp
10. Garin Cecchini, 3b

BEST
TOOLS
Best Hitter for Average Garin Cecchini
Best Power Hitter Anthony Rizzo
Best Strike-Zone Discipline Che-Hsuan Lin
Fastest Baserunner Felix Sanchez
Best Athlete Reymond Fuentes
Best Fastball Drake Britton

Best Curveball Casey Kelly
Best Slider Alex Wilson
Best Changeup Stolmy Pimentel
Best Control Chris Balcom-Miller
Best Defensive Catcher Tim Federowicz
Best Defensive Infielder Jose Iglesias
Best Infield Arm Will Middlebrooks
Best Defensive Outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin
Best Outfield Arm Che-Hsuan Lin

PROJECTED 2014
LINEUP
Catcher Ryan Lavarnway
First Base Anthony Rizzo
Second Base Dustin Pedroia
Third Base Garin Cecchini
Shortstop Jose Iglesias
Left Field Jacoby Ellsbury
Center Field Reymond Fuentes
Right Field Ryan Kalish
Designated Hitter Kevin Youkilis
No. 1 Starter Jon Lester
No. 2 Starter Clay Buchholz
No. 3 Starter Casey Kelly
No. 4 Starter Josh Beckett
No. 5 Starter Anthony Ranaudo
Closer Jonathan Papelbon

TOP PROSPECTS
OF THE DECADE
Year Player, Position 2010
2001 Dernell Stenson, of/1b Deceased
2002 Seung Song, rhp Lotte (Korea)
2003 Hanley Ramirez, ss Marlins
2004 Hanley Ramirez, ss Marlins
2005 Hanley Ramirez, ss Marlins
2006 Andy Marte, 3b Indians
2007 Daisuke Matsuzaka, rhp Red Sox
2008 Clay Buchholz, rhp Red Sox
2009 Lars Anderson, 1b Red Sox
2010 Ryan Westmoreland, of Red Sox

TOP DRAFT PICKS
OF THE DECADE
Year Player, Position 2010
2001 Kelly Shoppach, c (2nd round) Rays
2002 Jon Lester, lhp (2nd round) Red Sox
2003 David Murphy, of Rangers
2004 Dustin Pedroia, ss (2nd round) Red Sox
2005 Jacoby Ellsbury, of Red Sox
2006 Jason Place, of Red Sox
2007 Nick Hagadone,
lhp (1st round supp.) Indians
2008 Casey Kelly, rhp Red Sox
2009 Reymond Fuentes, of Red Sox
2010 Kolbrin Vitek, 3b Red Sox

LARGEST BONUSES
IN CLUB HISTORY



Jose Iglesias, 2009 $6,250,000
Casey Kelly, 2008 $3,000,000
Anthony Ranaudo, 2010 $2,550,000
Daisuke Matsuzaka, 2006 $2,000,000
Ryan Westmoreland, 2008 $2,000,000

RED SOX
LINKS
Red Sox' Team Page
Red Sox Top 10 Scouting Reports
Last Year's Red Sox Top 10 Prospects
2010 Draft: Red Sox (Basic Database)
2010 Draft: Red Sox (Advanced Database)
2010 Draft Report Cards: Boston Red Sox
Complete Index of Top 10 Prospects
Pre-Order the 2011 Prospect Handbook

[twballgame9]

With a staff of Beckett, Lester, Lackey, Bucholz, Dice K locked up for a while, and Bard as the closer of the future, the only untouchables for the Sox on the farm are Kalish and Iglesias.

I have to think that the failure to unload Ellsbury in this deal means that the Sox are more interested in Werth than Crawford. Unless they think Kalish is ready now, in which case you dump Ellsbury for a power arm and sign Crawford.

[BCEagle74]

Adrian Gonzalez is flying to Boston today to discuss a contract extension. Sox have agreed to acquire him. Awesome job Theo, Gonzalez was born to hit in Fenway.

I look back at my Rangers games and season tickets for 7 years and I saw Sosa, Pena, Pudge, Gonzalez, Texiera, Adrian Gonzalez, Wilson Alvarez, and so may kids first games live... so many more pitchers and firstbasemen.

Baseball is America's Game.

Sox sign Crawford or Werth...very tough to beat with their starters now..

[BCEagle74]

With a staff of Beckett, Lester, Lackey, Bucholz, Dice K locked up for a while, and Bard as the closer of the future, the only untouchables for the Sox on the farm are Kalish and Iglesias.

I have to think that the failure to unload Ellsbury in this deal means that the Sox are more interested in Werth than Crawford. Unless they think Kalish is ready now, in which case you dump Ellsbury for a power arm and sign Crawford.

Soriano TB or Bard --- and Werth/Crawford would make them a monster.

Werth with that uppercut swing could be a Ken Harrelson behind Gonzo.

Soriano and Paps sharing or a duo, since Paps is out of favor with the Rivera offer?

SOx need a catcher.

[twballgame9]

With a staff of Beckett, Lester, Lackey, Bucholz, Dice K locked up for a while, and Bard as the closer of the future, the only untouchables for the Sox on the farm are Kalish and Iglesias.

I have to think that the failure to unload Ellsbury in this deal means that the Sox are more interested in Werth than Crawford. Unless they think Kalish is ready now, in which case you dump Ellsbury for a power arm and sign Crawford.

Soriano TB or Bard --- and Werth/Crawford would make them a monster.

Werth with that uppercut swing could be a Ken Harrelson behind Gonzo.

Soriano and Paps sharing or a duo, since Paps is out of favor with the Rivera offer?

SOx need a catcher.

I have a feeling that (a) Paps will be here one more year - they just tendered him and he is not tradeable, so no Soriano and (2) Saltalamachia will be the catcher and bad 9th all year.

[BCEagle74]

I think I said 2 years ago, I would be surprised to see Salty catch 120+ games. He has had some throwing Steve Sax /Steve Blass issues.

Russell Martin age 27 is intriguing?

Hip Injury?

[twballgame9]

I think I said 2 years ago, I would be surprised to see Salty catch 120+ games. He has had some throwing Steve Sax /Steve Blass issues.

Russell Martin age 27 is intriguing?

Hip Injury?

Russell Martin would be nice. I doubt it though. And I think the Sox can absorb Salty catching 120. Shit, let Varitek play 50 - it doesn't matter if they get Werth or Crawford. Sign a Molina for all I care.

[BCEagle74]

Molina was the lucky one. 2 WS checks and a ring for ......losing?

He was the Eric Hinske of 2010.

He runs like 74.

[shockdoct]

Quite surprised it only took Kelly, Rizzo, and Fuentes. Have to think there is another high ceiling prospect from DSL/GCL who Byrnes knows from his time with the sox.

Kelly stuggled this year in AA and in AFL
Rizzo is a cancer survivor, but was always overshadowed by Lars.
Fuentes is crazy athlete from PR, but has shown little if anything in terms of hitting in A ball

Getting adrian without giving up bard, kalish, ellsbury, etc (ie zero major league ready talent) is definite victory for the sox.

Youk moves back to 3rd and Beltre signs elsewhere. This will yield another 2 draft picks for the sox.

Could be setting up for 2005 draft all over again.

[twballgame9]

Quite surprised it only took Kelly, Rizzo, and Fuentes. Have to think there is another high ceiling prospect from DSL/GCL who Byrnes knows from his time with the sox.

Kelly stuggled this year in AA and in AFL
Rizzo is a cancer survivor, but was always overshadowed by Lars.
Fuentes is crazy athlete from PR, but has shown little if anything in terms of hitting in A ball

Getting adrian without giving up bard, kalish, ellsbury, etc (ie zero major league ready talent) is definite victory for the sox.

Youk moves back to 3rd and Beltre signs elsewhere. This will yield another 2 draft picks for the sox.

Could be setting up for 2005 draft all over again.

Gammons says that the 4th guy is a throw in - not a high prospect - that is only a PTBNL because he is eligible for the Rule 5 draft.

[flyingelvii]

Very happy with the trade.

FWIW this was Kelly's first year as a full-time starter and scouts were impressed with his stuff, its just a matter of putting it all together. Rizzo actually surpassed Anderson this year, who didn't do much outside of the month before he got promoted to Pawtucket. Hoyer knows the system pretty well so I'm guessing he's very high on all of these guys but they're all 1 to 3 years away from the big leagues so no immediate impact will be felt.

[shockdoct]

Quite surprised it only took Kelly, Rizzo, and Fuentes. Have to think there is another high ceiling prospect from DSL/GCL who Byrnes knows from his time with the sox.

Kelly stuggled this year in AA and in AFL
Rizzo is a cancer survivor, but was always overshadowed by Lars.
Fuentes is crazy athlete from PR, but has shown little if anything in terms of hitting in A ball

Getting adrian without giving up bard, kalish, ellsbury, etc (ie zero major league ready talent) is definite victory for the sox.

Youk moves back to 3rd and Beltre signs elsewhere. This will yield another 2 draft picks for the sox.

Could be setting up for 2005 draft all over again.

Gammons says that the 4th guy is a throw in - not a high prospect - that is only a PTBNL because he is eligible for the Rule 5 draft.

Looks like Bates is R5 eligible. He could probably play right now in the NL West..

[shockdoct]

Very happy with the trade.

FWIW this was Kelly's first year as a full-time starter and scouts were impressed with his stuff, its just a matter of putting it all together. Rizzo actually surpassed Anderson this year, who didn't do much outside of the month before he got promoted to Pawtucket. Hoyer knows the system pretty well so I'm guessing he's very high on all of these guys but they're all 1 to 3 years away from the big leagues so no immediate impact will be felt.

Still have to feel like the ceiling on Lars is going to be higher than Rizzo.

[flyingelvii]

Very happy with the trade.

FWIW this was Kelly's first year as a full-time starter and scouts were impressed with his stuff, its just a matter of putting it all together. Rizzo actually surpassed Anderson this year, who didn't do much outside of the month before he got promoted to Pawtucket. Hoyer knows the system pretty well so I'm guessing he's very high on all of these guys but they're all 1 to 3 years away from the big leagues so no immediate impact will be felt.

Still have to feel like the ceiling on Lars is going to be higher than Rizzo.

Not too sure about that. Rizzo has hit at every single level he's been at, without the prolonged slumps that Lars has often fought through (AA last year, AAA this year). The fact Rizzo's only 20 or 21 and lost a year due to Hodkin's lymphoma and has still mashed has to make him more promising.

[BCEagle74]

24. Casey Kelly, rhp, Red Sox (Double-A Portland)

TOP TEN
PROSPECTS
1. Casey Kelly, rhp
2. Jose Iglesias, ss
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1b
4. Anthony Ranaudo, rhp
5. Drake Britton, lhp
6. Reymond Fuentes, of
7. Josh Reddick, of
8. Felix Doubront, lhp
9. Stolmy Pimentel, rhp
10. Garin Cecchini, 3b

ONE MORE PLAYER TO BE NAMED LATER...... Just read Justin....no a big name...

Bob Stanley then.

[BCEagle74]

Quite surprised it only took Kelly, Rizzo, and Fuentes. Have to think there is another high ceiling prospect from DSL/GCL who Byrnes knows from his time with the sox.

Kelly stuggled this year in AA and in AFL
Rizzo is a cancer survivor, but was always overshadowed by Lars.
Fuentes is crazy athlete from PR, but has shown little if anything in terms of hitting in A ball

Getting adrian without giving up bard, kalish, ellsbury, etc (ie zero major league ready talent) is definite victory for the sox.

Youk moves back to 3rd and Beltre signs elsewhere. This will yield another 2 draft picks for the sox.

Could be setting up for 2005 draft all over again.

Padres are assholes. This is why you trade for sure fire prospects in YBW --- and the Sox got a huge steal.

I posted the term YBW....YEAR BEFORE WALK???? is because that is the most return value.

Theo done good..... very good.

[twballgame9]

I agree that Anderson has a higher ceiling, but it doesn't matter. He's going to reach that ceiling someplace else now that the Sox have a 28 year old superstar 1B.