2012-13 MLB Off-Season Thread

[NJTank]

I just hope its not the one they did with Bobby Bonillia,

For the 80 millionth time, the Mets MADE MONEY ON THAT DEAL. By not paying now you get to invest that money at a set interest rate. Do you really honestly think that the Mets front office was that stupid to agree to that if it didn't benefit them? They may suck and be incompetent, but they didn't get that wealthy by being stupid with real-life financial decisions. They make money, Bonilla gets a guaranteed annuity later in life. Win-win.

Edit: Bay will receive his full salary for 2013, obviously there's zero chance the 2014 option kicks in.

The Mets invested with Bernie Madoff so all that interest rate went buh bye because of hat.

[pmoehrin]

Jason Bay is a free agent! He and the Mets agreed to terminate his contract!!! (Compensation still unknown but who cares?!?!?!)

Maybe there's somebody out there willing to take a chance on him with a minimum contract, but I would be surprised if he gets anything more then a non roster invite to Spring Training.

He played a little bit better in September, but at no point last year did I think he was even getting close to being the type of player he was in Boston and Pittsburgh. Hands down the worst free agent signing in New York Mets history and one of the worst in sports history, which is unfortunate for the guy because it wasn't due to lack of effort.

[RedSox44]

I remember Jason Bay was a fan favorite in Boston and Pittsburgh. Amazing what a couple of injuries, age and a :censored:ty contract can do to your reputation.

[njmeadowlanders]

I just hope its not the one they did with Bobby Bonillia,

For the 80 millionth time, the Mets MADE MONEY ON THAT DEAL. By not paying now you get to invest that money at a set interest rate. Do you really honestly think that the Mets front office was that stupid to agree to that if it didn't benefit them? They may suck and be incompetent, but they didn't get that wealthy by being stupid with real-life financial decisions. They make money, Bonilla gets a guaranteed annuity later in life. Win-win.

Edit: Bay will receive his full salary for 2013, obviously there's zero chance the 2014 option kicks in.

The Mets invested with Bernie Madoff so all that interest rate went buh bye because of hat.

First of all, you don't know for sure to what extent. Nor do I. Nor will any of us ever actually know. It could've been half their assets, 30%, 60%, who knows.

Second of all, if you want to make the leap of faith that they didn't know he was a fraud: How is that a bad financial decision? Even if they DID lose that money invested 10 years after the fact, back in 1999 the financial decision itself was STILL the right one and would be 100 times out of 100.

I'd love for the Mets to be Wilpon-free by the time I finish typing this sentence. They are obviously incapable of running a successful baseball organization. That being said, don't think for a second they don't know how to make money. If they didn't they wouldn't have been able to afford the team in the first place.

[NJTank]

If the Mets told me it was raining and I was soaked because of it I would think they were lying. I just hope they pay bay upfront and get over this nightmare and I do wish Jason Bay well it was never his fault Citi Field was the wrong stadium for him, I knew it was a bad signing and I wont be shocked t see him back in Boston and hit 20-30 HR next year.

[FiddySicks]

I think he would be a good fit on a team like Oakland. They could get him cheap and they tend to revive the careers of washed up guys pretty well.

[RedSox44]

I don't think Boston takes a chance. They don't need outfielders. They need pitching and another decent bat (Napoli, hopefully). I could see them signing him to a minor league contract though.

[pmoehrin]

I think he would be a good fit on a team like Oakland. They could get him cheap and they tend to revive the careers of washed up guys pretty well.

If they can do that great, but again I never saw any signs of him even being close to being a productive major league player even before he went down last year.

Best case scenario I see for him is he becomes a .240 20 home run guy with below average fielding ability in left field. You have to be really desperate to take a chance on somebody like that at Bay's age and Oakland already has two really solid corner outfielders, so I would say they would be one of the least likely teams to sign him unless they just see him as a fourth outfielder, but they already have Seth Smith signed for next year.

I think he would be looking at teams like Cleveland, Houston, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Those are teams that really don't have a long term left fielder right now and it may be worthwhile to take a chance on him for a one year deal which is all he's going to get. If you don't think there's any chance he can start, then I don't even see the point in taking on him though.

[RedSox44]

I feel like he could be a decent DH option for a team needing someone in that role. Maybe a fourth outfielder/backup first baseman on an NL team.

[pmoehrin]

I feel like he could be a decent DH option for a team needing someone in that role. Maybe a fourth outfielder/backup first baseman on an NL team.

I think he's still good enough defensively to play left field at a major level which may be his best selling point. I actually think center would be a better second defensive position to sell him on. He has good range and some experience playing there. I don't think he could be an everyday option, but if you need a guy that can go out there for 10-20 games a year, may not be that bad.

I don't think he has the bat to be an everyday DH, but if your looking at him as a once a week option there, then I would say maybe. First base I would just say no, because while he has good range, his glove is not that good so I think your taking out his strengths as a defender and highlighting his weaknesses if you were to do that. Plus again the bat is sub par at best for that position.

The best thing he probably has going for him is that likeable. I think that's a big reason why the Mets gave him so many chances in the first place. That really opens up his options because even a losing team will look at someone like that and say maybe we can get you a bench spot or even a starting role here for a year or two just because of the positive influence you can have on our younger guys, where otherwise he may not have any options.

[njmeadowlanders]

He can be had for the league minimum too. The Mets are paying his salary so it's not like he's going to care about that.

[cshookemHORNS]

Is there any possibility the Astros could pick someone up? I'm not talking about the likes of Josh Hamilton, but someone who could solidify a DH spot? I heard that Jeff Lunhow has reached out to Lance Berkman about a 1 year deal but that could have fell through.

[pmoehrin]

Is there any possibility the Astros could pick someone up? I'm not talking about the likes of Josh Hamilton, but someone who could solidify a DH spot? I heard that Jeff Lunhow has reached out to Lance Berkman about a 1 year deal but that could have fell through.

The highest paid player on the team is Francisco Cordero who's making $4.5 million and after that its Jed Lowrie making a little over $1 million. If they don't sign anybody then they need to change their name from the Astros to the Tankers, because there's no reason why they shouldn't or can't sign free agents other then they want to play bad so they can get higher draft picks.

I get they're trying to bulid up their farm system, but you should be able to sign enough players to win at least 70 games without having to give up draft compensation that would set your farm system back five years. I don't think that would be asking alot.

[cshookemHORNS]

Is there any possibility the Astros could pick someone up? I'm not talking about the likes of Josh Hamilton, but someone who could solidify a DH spot? I heard that Jeff Lunhow has reached out to Lance Berkman about a 1 year deal but that could have fell through.

The highest paid player on the team is Francisco Cordero who's making $4.5 million and after that its Jed Lowrie making a little over $1 million. If they don't sign anybody then they need to change their name from the Astros to the Tankers, because there's no reason why they shouldn't or can't sign free agents other then they want to play bad so they can get higher draft picks.

I get they're trying to bulid up their farm system, but you should be able to sign enough players to win at least 70 games without having to give up draft compensation that would set your farm system back five years. I don't think that would be asking alot.

I agree with everything you posted. But my question is will there be anybody that would accept an offer from Houston due to their recent losing seasons. And if so who?

[pmoehrin]

Is there any possibility the Astros could pick someone up? I'm not talking about the likes of Josh Hamilton, but someone who could solidify a DH spot? I heard that Jeff Lunhow has reached out to Lance Berkman about a 1 year deal but that could have fell through.

The highest paid player on the team is Francisco Cordero who's making $4.5 million and after that its Jed Lowrie making a little over $1 million. If they don't sign anybody then they need to change their name from the Astros to the Tankers, because there's no reason why they shouldn't or can't sign free agents other then they want to play bad so they can get higher draft picks.

I get they're trying to bulid up their farm system, but you should be able to sign enough players to win at least 70 games without having to give up draft compensation that would set your farm system back five years. I don't think that would be asking alot.

I agree with everything you posted. But my question is will there be anybody that would accept an offer from Houston due to their recent losing seasons. And if so who?

Well you mentioned Hamilton. I don't see any reason why the Astros shouldn't go after him. I think he wants to be known as a franchise player first and foremost. He wouldn't have to go far. The Astros have the money to pay him. That fit would make sense to me but it seems very unlikely that it will happen. But then again if I were interested in Hamilton I wouldn't say anything either, so I would discount the Astros even though very few people are giving them a shot at landing him.

But there's alot of players they could get if they wanted to. Guys want playing time first and foremost and that's one thing the Astros could guarantee to almost any free agent outside of second basemen. But its just seems to be a team that's either being very quiet about their offseason intentions or satisfied with status quo, which I don't see how you could think your on the right track after losing 100+ games two years in a row, but it would fit right in with their recent model for success to believe that.

[cshookemHORNS]

Is there any possibility the Astros could pick someone up? I'm not talking about the likes of Josh Hamilton, but someone who could solidify a DH spot? I heard that Jeff Lunhow has reached out to Lance Berkman about a 1 year deal but that could have fell through.

The highest paid player on the team is Francisco Cordero who's making $4.5 million and after that its Jed Lowrie making a little over $1 million. If they don't sign anybody then they need to change their name from the Astros to the Tankers, because there's no reason why they shouldn't or can't sign free agents other then they want to play bad so they can get higher draft picks.

I get they're trying to bulid up their farm system, but you should be able to sign enough players to win at least 70 games without having to give up draft compensation that would set your farm system back five years. I don't think that would be asking alot.

I agree with everything you posted. But my question is will there be anybody that would accept an offer from Houston due to their recent losing seasons. And if so who?

Well you mentioned Hamilton. I don't see any reason why the Astros shouldn't go after him. I think he wants to be known as a franchise player first and foremost. He wouldn't have to go far. The Astros have the money to pay him. That fit would make sense to me but it seems very unlikely that it will happen. But then again if I were interested in Hamilton I wouldn't say anything either, so I would discount the Astros even though very few people are giving them a shot at landing him.

But there's alot of players they could get if they wanted to. Guys want playing time first and foremost and that's one thing the Astros could guarantee to almost any free agent outside of second basemen. But its just seems to be a team that's either being very quiet about their offseason intentions or satisfied with status quo, which I don't see how you could think your on the right track after losing 100+ games two years in a row, but it would fit right in with their recent model for success to believe that.

Is there a reasonable way the Astros could land Nick Swisher? Or maybe even pick up a veteran pitcher to be realiable once every 5 games for instance: Anabal Sanchez, Edwin Jackson, or maybe Kyle Lohse?

[pmoehrin]

Is there any possibility the Astros could pick someone up? I'm not talking about the likes of Josh Hamilton, but someone who could solidify a DH spot? I heard that Jeff Lunhow has reached out to Lance Berkman about a 1 year deal but that could have fell through.

The highest paid player on the team is Francisco Cordero who's making $4.5 million and after that its Jed Lowrie making a little over $1 million. If they don't sign anybody then they need to change their name from the Astros to the Tankers, because there's no reason why they shouldn't or can't sign free agents other then they want to play bad so they can get higher draft picks.

I get they're trying to bulid up their farm system, but you should be able to sign enough players to win at least 70 games without having to give up draft compensation that would set your farm system back five years. I don't think that would be asking alot.

I agree with everything you posted. But my question is will there be anybody that would accept an offer from Houston due to their recent losing seasons. And if so who?

Well you mentioned Hamilton. I don't see any reason why the Astros shouldn't go after him. I think he wants to be known as a franchise player first and foremost. He wouldn't have to go far. The Astros have the money to pay him. That fit would make sense to me but it seems very unlikely that it will happen. But then again if I were interested in Hamilton I wouldn't say anything either, so I would discount the Astros even though very few people are giving them a shot at landing him.

But there's alot of players they could get if they wanted to. Guys want playing time first and foremost and that's one thing the Astros could guarantee to almost any free agent outside of second basemen. But its just seems to be a team that's either being very quiet about their offseason intentions or satisfied with status quo, which I don't see how you could think your on the right track after losing 100+ games two years in a row, but it would fit right in with their recent model for success to believe that.

Is there a reasonable way the Astros could land Nick Swisher? Or maybe even pick up a veteran pitcher to be realiable once every 5 games for instance: Anabal Sanchez, Edwin Jackson, or maybe Kyle Lohse?

The only thing I've heard out of Houston is they turned down Chris Snyder's option.

The money and the job openings are there for them to land almost anybody. The only question is what are going to do and they've been either very hush about it or aren't doing anything. That's the best I can say. I still think your at the point where teams are being very guarded about their offseason plans so its hard to really gauge anybody. Another week or so I think you'll have a much better answer for what the Astros are trying to do. Right now I think its just too early.

[cshookemHORNS]

Is there any possibility the Astros could pick someone up? I'm not talking about the likes of Josh Hamilton, but someone who could solidify a DH spot? I heard that Jeff Lunhow has reached out to Lance Berkman about a 1 year deal but that could have fell through.

The highest paid player on the team is Francisco Cordero who's making $4.5 million and after that its Jed Lowrie making a little over $1 million. If they don't sign anybody then they need to change their name from the Astros to the Tankers, because there's no reason why they shouldn't or can't sign free agents other then they want to play bad so they can get higher draft picks.

I get they're trying to bulid up their farm system, but you should be able to sign enough players to win at least 70 games without having to give up draft compensation that would set your farm system back five years. I don't think that would be asking alot.

I agree with everything you posted. But my question is will there be anybody that would accept an offer from Houston due to their recent losing seasons. And if so who?

Well you mentioned Hamilton. I don't see any reason why the Astros shouldn't go after him. I think he wants to be known as a franchise player first and foremost. He wouldn't have to go far. The Astros have the money to pay him. That fit would make sense to me but it seems very unlikely that it will happen. But then again if I were interested in Hamilton I wouldn't say anything either, so I would discount the Astros even though very few people are giving them a shot at landing him.

But there's alot of players they could get if they wanted to. Guys want playing time first and foremost and that's one thing the Astros could guarantee to almost any free agent outside of second basemen. But its just seems to be a team that's either being very quiet about their offseason intentions or satisfied with status quo, which I don't see how you could think your on the right track after losing 100+ games two years in a row, but it would fit right in with their recent model for success to believe that.

Is there a reasonable way the Astros could land Nick Swisher? Or maybe even pick up a veteran pitcher to be realiable once every 5 games for instance: Anabal Sanchez, Edwin Jackson, or maybe Kyle Lohse?

The only thing I've heard out of Houston is they turned down Chris Snyder's option.

The money and the job openings are there for them to land almost anybody. The only question is what are going to do and they've been either very hush about it or aren't doing anything. That's the best I can say. I still think your at the point where teams are being very guarded about their offseason plans so its hard to really gauge anybody. Another week or so I think you'll have a much better answer for what the Astros are trying to do. Right now I think its just too early.

Alright thanks for clearing all of that up for me.

[Cujo]

@Rockies Walt Weiss has been named the 6th manager in #Rockies history.

[The_Admiral]

Remember when head coaches in our major professional leagues had to serve meaningful apprenticeships as assistants and/or in the minors? Ten years ago, you'd be a laughingstock if your big offseason coaching hire were a local high school coach. Now he's coming in with more experience than Mike Matheny or Vinny Del Negro.