2015-2016 Hot Stove League

[Brad]

I assume one of the reasons the White Sox made the Frazier deal was not to completely lose the back pages to the Cubs.  From what I've heard they're only another hitter away from being very competitive in that division, which is turning into a tough division. 

[Brad]

I read somewhere that KC believes that Gordon will not return as he's reportedly asking for $20 M per year.  

In the new year, Denard Span will talk to the Mets. Cubs and Orioles are also supposed to be interested.  If he signs with the Cubs, I assume that's definitely the end of Fowler and I assume they would move Soler to LF to accommodate Heyward (or trade him if Schwarber at catcher doesn't work out). 

Edited December 19, 2015 by Brad

[Scott Dolan]

You read right. 

I've been saying for the past year Gordon wouldn't be back. Unless David Glass wants to significantly increase the payroll, we simply cannot afford to tie up $20mil in one player. Some delusional fans think he'll take far less to stay because he's a local guy who grew up a Royals fan, which is simply absurd. 

With all of that said, the longer he lingers on the market, the closer his price (and length of contract) may get back into a reasonable range for us to sign him. His groin injury last season might be playing a bigger role in his value than initially expected. 

[Brad]

Here's an article from MLB about Gordon, http://m.mlb.com/news/article/160176632/making-sense-of-alex-gordons-suitors

I heard an interview on MLB Radio with Mike Moustakas last week where he called Gordon the team leader and really wanted him back.  

Edited December 22, 2015 by Brad

[Scott Dolan]

Oh, there is absolutely no question he's the team leader, and we all want him back.

But most of us are realistic fans and understand how small market teams work. Not to mention we're THE smallest. 

Moore has done a fantastic job building this team through the farm and by signing low-priced veterans. I see no reason why he won't continue to do so, and signing a 32 y.o. player to a career contract isn't the way to do it. 

I also can't see his market value slipping down to our range. 

[JSngry]

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20151221&content_id=160178572&fext=.jsp&vkey=milb&sid=milb

RoughRiders honor Miss Universe flub with "Runner-Up Night"

Miss Colombia, Jim Kelly invited to throw out first pitches

 

FRISCO, TEXAS (DECEMBER 21, 2015) - In light of Sunday's Miss Universe Pageant flub, the Frisco RoughRiders, the Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, are thrilled to announce a celebration of Miss Philippines Miss Colombia and other all-time great second-place finishes with "Runner-Up Night" at Dr Pepper Ballpark. The night will take place on Tuesday, April 26, which is the second game of the second homestand of the Riders' 2016 season.

In the live televised presentation of the Miss Universe Pageant on Sunday, host Steve Harvey announced Miss Colombia as the winner of the "Miss Universe" title, only to recant the statement and crown Miss Philippines as the winner. In honor of the mishap, the RoughRiders are planning to spend an evening celebrating Miss Colombia and all other fantastic second-place finishers.

"Although it may appear that Miss Colombia has lost, she really has won," said RoughRiders Executive Vice President and General Manager Jason Dambach. "In a world in which everyone competes to be first, we have decided to honor how special a second-place finish can be. It's something to be proud of and celebrated."

The RoughRiders plan to formally invite Ariadna Gutiérrez Arevalo, "Miss Colombia," as a VIP guest for the night. Gutiérrez will enjoy a suite for the night and an opportunity to throw out the first pitch. The RoughRiders are also inviting Steve Harvey to serve as the on-field host for the evening.

With the night celebrating famous second-place finishes, the Riders have also extended an invitation to Jim Kelly, Andre Reed, and Marv Levy the quarterback, a wide receiver, and the coach of the Buffalo Bills during their four-year stretch of runner-up finishes in the Super Bowl (1991-1994). The team will celebrate other second-place finishers including Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera (runner-up on Star Search); Adam Lambert and Clay Aiken (American Idol); Carrie Underwood and Michelle Obama (high school salutatorian); Al Gore and Mitt Romney (presidential elections); and Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up).

Like all Riders home games, fans will have the chance to participate in on-field games, but on Runner-Up Night, prizes will be awarded to the second-place, not first-place, finishers. Other in-game promotions include a seat upgrade to the "Second-best seat in the house."

The RoughRiders are also currently investigating the baseball knowledge of the Miss Universe judges to serve as backup official scorers for the night's game.

During the game, RoughRiders players will be displayed on the video board with a sash, announcing each American player as "Mr. Texas" or whatever state they are from and international players honored with the name of their home country.

The RoughRiders plan to host an in-park beauty pageant throughout the game. Any fan that can prove a second-place finish in a beauty contest or pageant at any level will receive a free ticket to the game between the RoughRiders and the San Antonio Missions.

Season ticket packages and group and hospitality offerings for the 2016 season can be reserved by calling (972) 731-9200 or emailing info@ridersbaseball.com. Single-game tickets will go on sale to the public in March.

FOR ALL MEDIA REQUESTS: Contact Nathan Barnett at Nathan@RidersBaseball.com. 

 

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

 

[Tim McG]

 

Well, Leake opts for the big paycheck:

Cards get Leake.

Now, I guess the focus will be on landing Alex Gordon.

2 hours ago, JSngry said:

http://www.milb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20151221&content_id=160178572&fext=.jsp&vkey=milb&sid=milb

 

 

Ouch.

Edited December 22, 2015 by Tim McG

[Brad]

Tomorrow we found out who made it into the Hall.  Obviously Griffey will make it in.  Some think that he may be close to a unanimous choice.  Although he no doubt deserves election, his Mariner career was much better than his Reds career, when injuries robbed him of some of his talent.

Piazza should also make it in and there's hope that Tim Raines (in his next to last year of eligibility) makes it in.  After that, who knows?

[Tim McG]

Well, looks like the Giants are still looking for a LFer.

Good for your guys, Scott.

[Tim McG]

And the Giants take...Denard Span?

 

M'kay. We see how that one goes.

[paul secor]

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/09/sports/baseball/former-cardinals-executive-christopher-correa-pleads-guilty-to-hacking-astros.html?ref=sports&_r=0

[JSngry]

When is Rob Manfred going to punish the Cardinals? Probably never.

http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2016/1/11/10750140/cardinals-hacking-correa-manfred-punish-commissioner?_ga=1.46462432.63955067.1442335336

[JSngry]

Scot Boras got Chris Davis 7 years for 161 mil.

I'm thinking that I would want Scott Boras on my side even to buy stamps.

[Brad]

On Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 3:32 PM, JSngry said:

Scot Boras got Chris Davis 7 years for 161 mil.

I'm thinking that I would want Scott Boras on my side even to buy stamps.

Yes and no.  He almost cost him a contract.  If the Os had not indicated they were "pusuing" Cespedes, I'm not sure they would have gotten him back to the table.  The 11 million over the original 150 was probably Boras' way of saving face.

[JSngry]

an $11 mil "face save", that's pretty nice...and 7 years? For Chris Davis? Nothing against CD, he's a East Texas boy, and we here all hoped, in vain, for him to break out of the "AAAA" player mode. Very glad that he did, but he's 30, and has the injuries, so...

If that's how the O's use leverage in their negotiations, god help 'em.

[GA Russell]

Manfred says that the National League may go with the DH.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/mlb-commissioner-says-nl-teams-may-be-more-receptive-to-dh/ar-BBoxitt?ocid=ansmsnsports11

[Tim McG]

Woot!

[Brad]

I think it's inevitable that the DH will come to the NL.  Although I don't like the idea, I just don't think it makes sense to have two different sets of rules.  I would prefer that the AL get rid of the DH but the chances of that happening are slim and none and slim just left town.

[Tim McG]

On 2/2/2016 at 7:05 AM, Brad said:

I think it's inevitable that the DH will come to the NL.  Although I don't like the idea, I just don't think it makes sense to have two different sets of rules.  I would prefer that the AL get rid of the DH but the chances of that happening are slim and none and slim just left town.

I sure hope it doesn't. The DH needs to go away in both leagues.

Edited February 3, 2016 by Tim McG

[Scott Dolan]

I don't really care one way or the other. I dig the strategy needed in the N.L., but I like watching professional hitters hit more than I like seeing professional hurlers strike out. 

[johnblitweiler]

At least in World Series I kind of like things the way they are now, DH in AL parks, pinch hitters in NL parks.  In principle the DH is a good idea but last year it seemed like there was a general mediocrity of DHs.

[Scott Dolan]

Probably because there aren't many full time DHs left. 

[Tim McG]

I dunno, Scott. Our pitchers can hit!

[Brad]

Yes, the Giant pitchers are really good.  So, more or less, are the Mets pitchers.  Watching Colon hit can be a hoot but he can hit and gets hits.  I think he even drove in a couple of runs this year.  Sad to see this part of the game going.

[Tim McG]

What gets me is nobody gets that upset when any other position player goes into a slump. Sure it's not fun to watch, but how is that any different from watching a pitcher not hit well?

The DH rule needs go into the dust bin of history.

Edited February 8, 2016 by Tim McG