Nov
06

Open Thread: Hot Stovin’

By Mike Axisa

Ask, and you shall recieve.

This week’s GM meetings were pretty tame, a whole lotta rumors but very little activity. In fact, the most significant move of the week was the Yanks’ signing of Sergio Mitre. Lots of talk and little action is typical of baseball’s offseason, when seemingly innocent quotes from an executive get turned into monster three-team trades involving All-Stars and top prospects by fans and media alike.

The Winter Meetings in December will be much more exciting, but until then we’re left to just ponder thoughts and fabricate obsurd roster moves. You know the names out there: Peavy, Holliday, Sabathia, Burnett, Teixiera, so on and so forth. Talk about all the hot stove goodness here, and play nice.

Posted on Thursday, November 6th, 2008 at 7:40 pm in Hot Stove League, Open Thread.

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311 Comments »

Mike Pop says:

This place is like Heaven

 
Mike Pop says:

Heyman wrote in a column that Cano could move to 1b… Is that absurd or what? You really think the Yanks are thinking bout this as a possibility?

Mike A. says:

Yes it’s absurd. No I don’t think they’re thinking about it. What makes Cano valuable is that he plays such a premium position, and provides well-above avg offense from the spot (well, he didn’t last year).

Move Cano to first and you lose a big chunk of his value. The Phils wouldn’t move Utley to first if they traded Howard.

Mike Pop says:

Thats what Im saying, I’d rather trade for Swisher or LaRoche than use that horrible idea

emac2 says:

Why choose a 2nd and third bad option to replace the first bad option.

I can’t imagine parting with players to get any of these guys.

 
 
 
Yankee1010 says:

We can only hope they’re not. Cano has been (aside from last year) a plus bat at 2b with, at the very least, average defense at 2b. However, he does not have the bat to carry 1b.

Also, Cashman has said this offseason that he has no interest in a guy being converted into a 1b. He says they’re after a guy who is a 1b.

Mike Pop says:

Agreed 1010 thats why I think if we miss out on Tex we might loook to make a deal for LaRoche or even Huff.. Huff would be alright if we miss out on Tex right

whozat says:

Not really. Poor defender, coming off something of a career year in a hitter’s park. And the Orioles aren’t very rational traders — especially given that the Yanks are in the division.

 
 
 
 
pat says:

Cashman said that not one fellow gm inquired on Kei Igawa. 28 yrs old 3 yrs 12 million on the deal… nuthin

Bruno says:

That’s because he’s a AAA pitcher with a ML contract ;)

 
Mike A. says:

Yeah well. He’s what, the Yanks’ #8 starter? He’s overpaid, but it’s not like he Barry Zito, sabotaging his team every 5th day.

Mike Pop says:

Send him to the Mets for Heilman.. Then the Mets would have a fierce rotation

Mike A. says:

Can’t, he’s not hispanic.

Mike A. says:

Keiramis Igallaraga.

Keiguel Igawacaino.

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Mike A. says:

Keihan Santagawa.

 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Tell him to take acting lessons from Seagal.. He knows how to act like all kinds of races.. Japanese, American, Native American, Indian etc

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Jack says:

Tell him to take acting lessons from Seagal.. He knows how to act . . .

Ha!

 
 
 
 
 
RollingWave says:

if he dye his hair he might pass for one.

 
 
 
 
 
Tripp says:

Mike, Joe, and Ben…which one of you is going to the Winter GM meetings this year for some live reporting?

Mike A. says:

It’s in Vegas. If we go, we might not come back.

Mike Pop says:

Also you wouldnt be able to tell us what happened becuz what hapepens there stays there

 
A.D. says:

You have the opportunity to go to vegas and write it off as a business expense…. can’t let that go

 
 
 
Slugger27 says:

that picture to the right of the post is hilarious

 

Listening to Charles Barkley talk about Barack Obama winning the election on TNT, the first thing that popped in my mind is “He is so going to run for Governor of Alabama.”

“And lose.”

Mike Pop says:

Wouldnt he be smarter to run in Phoenix ? Or Houston

Bruno says:

Has anyone ever accused Barkley of being smart?!?

christopher says:

NOTHING LKE NEGOTIATING A TRADE WHILE GETTING A LAP DANCE

Mike Pop says:

Or at the Craps table

 
 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Which trade is gonna happen first Peavy/Holliday/Atkins/Other… You guys think it will happen before FA begins or the GM’s gonna wait it out to see if others get nervous and overpay

Mike A. says:

Peavy. I bet it happens in a week or two. No one wants it to drag out.

Mike Pop says:

Ya that happened last year

 
Mike Pop says:

And Mike Peavy goes to ATL ?

Mike A. says:

Yeah, sure, Mike Peavy goes to ATL, but what about Jake Peavy, where does he go?

Mike Pop says:

Mike Peavy is Jake’s long lost bro

 
Steve says:

Towers is going to take the Bill Smith approach to trading Peavy.

1-Ask the moon from teams who are in his league (not division).

2-When the moon is offered, demand two moons and an asteroid.

3-Continue negotiating past Christmas with a team who was obviously a stalking horse from the beginning

4-Rest assured that George Steinbrenner will eventually give in, despite the fact he doesn’t run the team and probably isn’t sure who he is anymore.

5-Drool every time Hank negotiates through the press, despite the fact that nobody listens to Hank and Hal’s the one who runs the team.

6-Wind up with a garbage package in January

Scott of 3 Kids Tickets says:

Steve you hit the nail on the head with this one.

-Scott

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Kurkjian’s predictions on Sportscenter:

Sabathia to the Yankees
Teixeira back to the Angels
K-Rod to the Mets
Peavy to the Braves (he said the Braves will eventually cave and include enough top prospects to make it happen)
Holliday to nowhere (they’re going to keep him and try and contend in 2009, and failing that, deal him at the deadline)

He didn’t make a prediction on Manny, just said that the 2/45 + option that the Dodgers proposed won’t cut it.

He also named Derek Lowe his “underrated” second-tier free agent.

Mike A. says:

Yeah I saw that. I generally disregard anything said by anyone on ESPN. The only “analysts” they have that are worth a damn are Law, Neyer and Mel Kiper. Kiper’s a machine.

A.D. says:

Mel Kiper made Joe Flacco a 1st round draft pick

Meh, in retrospect, it looks like Joe Flacco made Joe Flacco a first rounder.

Dude has skills.

Mike Pop says:

Hes got some kind of arm.. Looks like a natural too

 
 
Mike Pop says:

He also called Donte Whitner a 3rd round pick I believe

 
 
 
 
A.D. says:

D-Lowe is not underrated, if anything he’ll be overrated because the press will talk about his “underratedness” so often

 
 
 
peavy for cano says:
 
pat says:

Kevin “I have no interest in Robinson Cano” Towers begs to differ

 
 
brian c. says:

Can we trade Arod and Matsui for Atkins, Tavarez and Holiday?

Mike Pop says:

No but we could trade him for Lincecum, Cain, Madison Bumgardner, and Fred Lewis

 
 
 
peavy for cano says:

i think thats a lie why would the padres have no interest for cano but for escobar. cano has proven he can be batting titlechamp and more and escobar was the starting in his first year

Mike Pop says:

Gotta look at the contracts though

 
whozat says:

Because he’s rapidly becoming expensive (for them), and is something of a question-mark coming off a terrible year.

Also, they can get a broader selection of high-upside guys dealing with NL teams, because Peavy won’t demand a big extension in that case. Thus, the teams won’t be so leery of trading for him.

 
Bruno says:

Cano = 2B
Escobar = SS

Moreover,

Cano: owed 25M over the next three years
Escobar: still on rookie scale, has less than 2 years of ML service time

 
 
 
peavy for cano says:

i wonder if the yanks could trade a rod and what would they get in return

whozat says:

I really, really thought these kinds of comments went away after the 07 trade deadline.

 

i wonder if the yanks could trade a rod and what would they get in return

Take it easy, Champ, why don’t you stop talking for a while, you know, maybe sit the next few plays out.

Mike Pop says:

I know what you’re asking yourself and the answer is yes; I have a nickname for my penis. Its called the Octagon… but I also nicknamed my testes – my left one is James Westfall and my right one is Dr. Kenneth Noisewater.

You ladies play your cards right… you just might get to meet the whole gang.

Mike Pop says:

“I’m gonna punch you in the ovary, that’s what I’m gonna do. A straight shot. Right to the babymaker.”—Ron Burgondy

Why don’t you go back to your home, on Whore Island?

Mike Pop says:

You’re so wise. You’re like a miniature Buddha, covered with hair.

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Hello, Baxter? Baxter, is that you? Bark twice if you’re in Milwaukee. Is this Wilt Chamberlain? HAVE THE DECENCY TO SAY SOMETHING, HELLO!

 
Mike Pop says:

Ha thats great man..

Champ Kind: I will take your mother out to a nice seafood dinner and NEVER call her again!
Wes Mantooth: Dorothy Mantooth is a Saint!

brian fantana: what in the hell’z diversity?

ron burgundy: I could be wrong, but i believe that diversity is an old, old wooden ship from the civil war era.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Austrian Gay TV says:

Mike… how can you say Mel Kiper knows his shit… his job is to study college football, and he routinely gets most draft picks wrong, and even when he is right, many of the guys he touts are busts… he is a hack at best. Todd McShay isnt great himself, but runs rings around him.

Kiper didnt even have chris johnson in the first round… Kiper is a hack…

Mike A. says:

When did I say he knew his shit? I just called the man a machine, which he is.

pat says:

you my friend, have hit an nerve

Mel Kiper Jr. = Shelly Levine

Ricky Roma says:

You ever take a dump made you feel like you’d just slept for twelve hours?

All train compartments smell vaguely of shit. It gets so you don’t mind it…

That’s the worst thing that I can confess. You know how long it took me to get there? A long time.

 
 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

What I find the best is he predicted the Pats to go 0-16 in 2001 and have the first pick in 2002.. We all know how that turned out

 
 
Doug says:

Dear Austrian Gay TV,

Your name makes me love everything you say.

 
 
bkight13 says:

I’m just glad the Yankees can win the World Series again since a Democrat is back in the White House.

ps-I’m not getting into the politics, just that the Yankees haven’t won a title with a GOP president since Eisenhower(I think).

True. Clinton, Carter, Kennedy, and Truman. In fact, the only Democrat in office to not have seen a Yankee title since FDR was LBJ.

Non-initialed Democrat in the White House = Yankee domination

Ivan says:

And they say all billion dollar businesses are greedy republicans.

Now we just have to make sure they don’t start calling Barack “BHO”.

 
 
pat says:

But what about a muslim president??

I mean look at him….

His name….?

right?

Anybody?

/shows self out

 
 
 
 
Steve says:

I was never sold on Dennis Green as a head coach, but he’s a blast calling games on the radio.

Lewis takes the handoff… and the hole WAS WHERE HE THOUGHT IT WAS! NOW YOU WANNA CROWN HIS ASS, THEN CROWN HIS ASS, BUT THE HOLE WAS WHERE HE THOUGHT IT WAS!!!

2nd and 3.

Mike Pop says:

THEY KNEW WHERE WAS GOING THEY KNEW BUT THEY LET HIM OFF THE HOOK !!!!

 
Ivan says:

And slam his mic down.

 
 
 
Ivan says:

I know alot of things could happen but it seem that CC going to the yanks is automatic.

 
Ivan says:

Why can’t the Knicks have players like Brandon Roy. That dude is amazing. Not Flashy but when you look at his game and stats he gives ya 23/6/5 with good D. Oh well.

Mike Pop says:

Bayless or Augustin would of done that for ya in a few years.. But you took the guy with more “upside”…… foolish

 

Because we wanted Channing Frye, Antonio McDyess, and Stephon Marbury instead.

Here’s the other question: How did Andrea Bargnani, LaMarcus Aldridge, Adam Morrison, Tyrus Thomas, and Shelden Williams all go in front of Brandon Roy?

How are there only three actually good players from the top ten of the 2006 draft (Aldridge, Roy, and Rudy Gay), and the Blazers have two of them but didn’t actually draft any of them?

Mike A. says:
Mike Pop says:

omg that baby went flying

 
Ivan says:
 
Reggie C. says:

is that real? that was pretty shocking. poor kid.

 
 
Mike Pop says:

Bagnani= upside/Dirk
Aldridge= Big Man who was suppose to be one of the next big things
Morrison- Scoring Champion ????
Tyrus- No freaken clue
Williams- because of the sorrow they felt for his misshapen face

Allow me to retort.

Bargnani- soft, weak, and shitty
Aldridge- decent, should have been taken about 5 spots lower
Morrison- Michael Jordan is the worst GM that nobody talks about
Tyrus- a 7th man at best, 20 picks too high
Williams- the Hawks are brainless morons

Mike Pop says:

Yes but I was telling you HOW it happened

 
Thomas says:

Williams was definitely the worst of those picks since he had no upside. Every scout said he’d never score and the Hawks drafted him purely on defense. However, if they’d actually watched the Duke games they would have seen he was always outplayed when he played against a talented big man. Guys like Hansborough and Cedric Simmons demolished him.

 
Ivan says:

Sheldon Willaims Fiance is a better player than his shitty ugly ass.

Mike Pop says:

Im not saying Im Brad Pitt no homo intended but Sheldon Willliams really is a real ugly dude.. And IDK howw he has Candace Parker lol. He’s a Ladies Man.. Musta watched VH1

Ivan says:

Word. Sheldon Williams is mad ugly, I mean Youkilisesque with the looks.

I will say this, Candace Parker is flat out cute. I’ll hit it.

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pat says:

candace parker would put a hurtin on you

 
 
Ivan says:

iight. Compared to most WNBA women, she looks MUCH better.

 

Yeah, I know. It’s not exactly the Hawaiian Tropic Bikini Contest there. Slim pickings.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

Well it helps to have moronic GM’s like McHale to get players like Roy. Tyrus Thomas I,ve always thought he was overrated. He has no game with the exception that he has great athleticism. Adam Morrison sucks, and Andrea Bargani is soft. Nevertheless, that draft year was pretty bad.

I,ve always liked Gay alot. even when people doubted him reaching his potential.

Mike Pop says:

That college squad Gay was on was STACKED man.. My god.. I think Morrison is gonna be better than people think

Mike A. says:

Well not that he lost 12lbs of hair, he might be able to jump higher.

 

I think Morrison is gonna be better than people think.

I think Adam Morrison will be playing in Europe within four years.

Badly.

He’s easily one of the 25 worst players ever taken in the top 3 of any professional draft, in all sports.

 
E-ROC says:
 
Mike Pop says:

You will see.. 6th man

6th man for Benneton Treviso.

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Thomas says:

Because then the Knicks would be good and the past 2 Knicks GMs have made it part of their jobs to ruin the franchise with poor signings and trades.

Also it is a lot easier to have good players like Brandon Roy when you have draft picks.

 
christopher says:

theyll trade for him in 7 years, sfter he signs a huge contract, and then gets badly hurt. count on the knicks picking up the last 4 years of that

 
 
peavy for cano says:

i dont think cc will be in the bronx

Bruno says:

Are you some sort of Mets or Red Sox fan?!?

 
 
Kevin says:

Best Choices for 1B(As in giving the best chance at a championship for as long as they are signed) Nick Swisher, Adam Dunn, Sean Casey(Yes. I Said It. Seriously, its impossible to not like Casey) Mark Kotsay, Ryan Shealy. (Tex is overvalued. Long contracts don’t work out. I bet we could get enough production from these guys at a much better value)

Best Choice for 2B(If Cano were willing to move positions eg. 1B or CF, or traded) Orlando Hudson, Rafael Furcal(Not a Type A, thus no loss of draft pick), Luis Castillo(Okay. I know, he’s not really good, but why not send them Igawa for Castillo? Personally I’d rather have Castillo then Kei) David Eckstein(Not a great talent, but a crazy hard worker) or maybe take a gamble on Felipe Lopez.

Best Choice at SS….Jeter, Duh. (Stop telling him to switch positions. He’s Derek Jeter, he’ll play wherever the hell he pleases)

Best Choice at 3B…A-Rod. Ok I’d rather have Wright or Longoria, but this contract is here to stay. If only we could unload A-Rod to the Angels for Lackey, Adenhart, Hunter, and Figgins…too bad this isn’t fantasy baseball.

Best Choice at C…Jorge. But he’ll be at 1st by season’s end. I’m almost sure of it. So maybe the Yanks might pursue Russel Martin, who I heard they had interest in. Others….Yorvit Torrealba or put baseball’s greatest backup out there every day, Molina.

Best Choice in RF… I hope we see Abreu on a one year deal or Xman.

Best Choice in CF…Aaron Rowand. Cmon, who doesn’t like Rowand? Eat some salary and get this guy, I don’t think he’s gonna cost much in terms of players if we offer to eat his contract. Then after 09 we lose Nady and Damon, so we put him in right or left, Ajax in Center, and fill the other hole as best we can. Otherwise I’m fine with putting Gardner or Melky out there. The Mike Cameron idea…not a huge fan, but hell if it’ll get us CC then we should do it. I’m not big on selling low on Melky though, I bet ya he improves vastly this year. Mark Kotsay could be a stopgap guy and I’m not opposed to a one year rental of Brian Giles.

Best Choice in LF-Johnny Damon. We need his speed, hustle, and leadership. Holliday’s going to cost way too much(ie. Franchise Phil) and seriously he’s going to be a free agent after this year. Boras is NOT going to have him sign an extension now, so if we really want him, let’s just wait a year, then he can be out there with Jackson.

Rotation…
Joba, Chien-Ming and….?
Pettitte or Mussina in one slot.
CC Sabathia(Depends if he really would take the money over playing in CA)
Ryan Dempster(The Yankees have no Ex-Cubs right now, or at least I’m pretty sure they don’t, so adding one wouldn’t have a drastic effect on them losing the WS)
Phil Hughes/Ian Kennedy/Alfredo Aceves/Humberto Sanchez/Whoever earns the spot.

Maybe Cashman can use money and resources to his advantage and get spring invites or low cost contracts(eg. Sergio Mitre) to some players that might be ab le to contribute next year…Odalis Perez, Mark Prior, Josh Fogg, Victor Zambrano, Eric Milton,Bartolo Colon. No they’re not great, but I’m fine with dishing out 5mm just in case it might be worth it. Of the bunch Odalis is most likely to have a role in a rotation next year, but Prior has the highest ceiling.

You may have noticied I didn’t say anything about Derek Lowe or AJ Burnett. Let me tell you why. AJ Burnett WILL get injured. Not sure for how long, or for what team, but he will be injured during the 09 season. He could very well be another Pavano. And Lowe, well he’s old and has been playing in the NL. He’s going to want multiple years which we should not give. I also didn’t mention Peavy. I am a HUGE Peavy fan, but over the rest of his contract I think Hughes will be more valuable, and he is who the Pads would want in return. The Pads also like AJax, who we really shouldn’t trade, he is going to be an awesome Yankee. They don’t want Cano, and Kennedy isn’t seen at his real value anymore. So I really doubt a deal going through.

In the ‘pen I hope we see…

CL Rivera
SU Melancon
SU Marte
MRP Veras
MRP Bruney
MRP Britton
LRP Rasner
LHP Coke

 
Colin says:

i cant believe i just read all of that

 
steve (different one) says:

Sean Casey?! because he’s……nice?

pat says:

chris britton because hes… fat?

 
 
 
 
cupz says:

Again, I’ll throw it out again, because it got lost in the archies last time.

Kind of off topic from Democrats and the correlation with Yankee victories, but what would it take for a Greinke/DeJesus trade? The farm? Could do a lot for the team though…

Either one of them would take a lot. Both of them would take everything.

There’s oodles of other options available in free agency. Pass.

Mike Pop says:

What your telling me Dejesus for IPK/Melky wouldnt work

Steve says:

No, what I’m telling you is a DOG’S ASS for Melky/IPK won’t work.

Mike Pop says:

From the comments above, you were not telling me anything

Steve says:

No offense, I’m just being goofy.

 
 
 
 
 
Steve says:

Aren’t you even a slight bit concerned that a guy who has battled social phobias might not be a good fit in the biggest city in the country?

A guy who battled social phobias to the point that he couldn’t handle the criticism in the press… in KANSAS CITY… and walked away from baseball for a year?

You think Peavy doesn’t want to play in New York… yeeesh.

 
Steve H says:

How is that not brought up more often? The guy walked away from baseball because he couldn’t live up to the pressure…………..in Kansas City!! I don’t want him anywhere near NYC. Ed Whitson would look like Coney compared to Grienke.

Mike A. says:

What about the possibility that he might be tougher and better equipped to succeed as a big leaguer now because of that experience? It’s obviously no longer an issue.

True, but still… maybe a few years from now when he ages, improves, and hits free agency.

I’m reluctant to part with good prospects when there’s alternatives in the free agent market. I’m doubly reluctant to part with them in Greinke’s case, since he’s still young and already couldn’t handle pro baseball in Kansas City.

Wait and see.

 
 
 
 
Thomas says:

What is the obsession with DeJesus? He is good but people think he’d be great. He isn’t very good in center, more of a left fielder according to Dayton Moore. He hits worse than Damon though. Why do we want him?

 
 
Ivan says:

How about this?

Which draft was worse in 2000?

The NBA or MLB?

Mike A. says:

Oof, gotta be the NBA. Just looking at it on wiki gave me a headache.

Ivan says:

Well when Keyon Martin is the #1 overall pick, yea not an exciting draft to say the least.

 
 
Thomas says:

The MLB is easily better. Adrian Gonzalez and Chase Utley are far superior to anything produced in the NBA draft. Plus guys like Wainwright and McGowan still have high potential.

That NBA draft really only produced K-Mart and Redd.

Mike A. says:

Don’t forget 8th rounder Brandon Webb.

Thomas says:

Only bothered looking at the first round by then it was clear the MLB was far superior.

 
 
Ivan says:

And Grady Sizemore came outta that draft.

 
Mike Pop says:

Crawford out of Michigan

Crawford blows. He’s good enough to pop off for 50 points once a year, which foolishly convinces him to think he’s a good scorer, even though he’s not. So then he follows up that 50 point game with two months of shooting 10 for 26 and destroying his team with his ballhogging and turnovers.

Mike Pop says:

I wish I was as bad as him making that kind of money and having thast kind of talent

There’s tons of men in every sport who have lots of money and lots of talent and yet are still not good players.

You’re not really saying anything.

Mike Pop says:

W.e man I just disagree with you that Crawford is trash cuz I think he is a very talented player and in the right situation he could be a consistent scorer and big part of a team.. Of course over the past years that situation cannot be the knicks

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Doug says:

High volume, low efficiency scorer, can’t play D.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

The 2000 NBA draft was sooo bad but you remember how good Darius was SUPPOSE to be

Ivan says:

Well the 00 NBA draft is not going to be mention with 84, 96 and 03.

Mike Pop says:

Still cant believe that Pistons really took Darko over Bosh, Melo, Wade.. My god that was really bad… Thats why knicks shoulda took Augustin or Gordon… That incident alone

Ivan says:

Yea that was bad for Pistons.

Gordon? Im not a fan. Subpar ball handling, not a good passer and a streaky shooter. Great athlete with explosion though but I would taken Gallinari over him.

I wouldn’t have.

Gordon has just as much potential to be an impact scorer as Gallinari. Gordon’s stroke is pure. Gallinari, however may be the worst defender in the league already. Gordon is not a liability on the other end.

Gordon > Gallinari

 
 
E-ROC says:

That poor choice in a draft pick didn’t stop them from winning a championship.

Mike Pop says:

If they picked one of the other guys they would have been in the finals more and made it past the eastern conference.. So technically you could argue that it did stop them from potentially winning 2 or 3 championships

 
Steve H says:

But probably kept them from winning multiple championships.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

Yo tommie this was one of the best parts and quotes of that movie

We need you. Hell, I need you. I’m a mess without ya. I miss you so damn much. I miss being with you. I miss being near you! I miss your laugh! I miss – I miss your scent. I miss your musk. When this all gets sorted out, I think you and me should get an apartment together.–Champ

Announcer: You’re watching Channel 4 News with five-time Emmy award-winning anchor Ron Burgundy, and, Tits McGee.
Veronica Corningstone: Good evening, San Diego. I’m Veronica Corningstone. Tits McGee is on vacation.
Ron Burgundy: And I’m Tits… I’m Ron Burgundy.

Mike Pop says:

Ron: I saw that! Brick killed a guy. Did you throw a trident?

Brick: Yea, there were horses and a man on fire and I killed a guy with a trident.

Ron: Brick, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. You should find yourself a safe house or a relative close by because you’re probably wanted for murder.

NOT SO FAST, INGRATES! Public News Team is taking a break from its pledge drive to kick some ass. NO COMMERCIALS, NO MERCY!!!!

Mike Pop says:

Idk if your gonna keep scrolling up cuz i have it ther but his is hilarious

brian fantana: what in the hell’z diversity?

ron burgundy: I could be wrong, but i believe that diversity is an old, old wooden ship from the civil war era.

Champ Kind: I will take your mother out to a nice seafood dinner and NEVER call her again!

Wes Mantooth: Dorothy Mantooth is a Saint!

love that movie

I ate fiberglass insulation. It wasn’t cotton candy like the guy said… my tummy itches.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

Hey Tommmie,

If you had the #1 pick in the NBA, who will you pick? (And no LeBron cuz that’s cheating)

Mike Pop says:

Im not Tommie but Dwight Howard… Dominant Big Men win Championshipss and lead to dynasties or long runs… Shaq/Duncan and you can go back in history even more for that.. Chris Paul is a REAL close 2nd

 
Ivan says:

The problem with Howard, is that his game is still raw somewhat, and relies more on athleticism than his actual skill. Duncan skill set was better than Howard at the same age, but Howard is a freak of an athlete.

Mike Pop says:

and can only get better.. but big men do lead to dynasties.. You need a big man to be a force year in and year out imo

Mike Pop says:

Let me restate that.. A big man who can be a force both on offense and defense… Not just some scrub.. Ultimately I think the Rockets are going to win it this year and Im pulling for their “big three” to stay healthy

Ivan says:

True. Im not dissing Howard at all. I love the guy. He’s really more Shaq than Duncan though.

Mike Pop says:

I agree but Ill take either in their prime

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Steve says:

Mike, what’s your guess on Brackman? As a college pitcher with a MLB deal, you’d think he should move quickly next year through the farm system.

But as a huge guy coming off TJ who’s actually never pitched much, it makes you think he could easily spend 2-3 years in the minors.

Mike A. says:

He’ll need more time than a typical college pitcher because he’s so big and still raw. He’s got 3 options left, and the Yanks can ask for a fourth because he missed the year with TJ, so there’s no rush. If he needs 2 or 3 years, so be it. I don’t think he’ll be able to major an impact for another few years anyway, maybe 4 years.

Steve says:

OK, let me throw something else at you. I have this weird, sneaking suspicion that he becomes the Yanks version of Bobby Jenks. That he can never keep his mechanics straight for 7 innings, but can do it for 1-2 and be utterly dominating. Plus, at 6′10″ he would make quite the intimidating presence coming out of the pen late in a game.

Tell me why I’m wrong.

Mike A. says:

You could end up being right, but they’ll give him every chance to stick in the rotation.

Steve says:

Yeah, I really have no basis for it. I once looked up Daniel Cabrera’s career splits and if I remember correctly he was more effective in the 7th than he was in the first inning, and there was really no rhyme or reason to any of the rest. Randy Johnson was great in the first few innings even in his early wild days, but nobody ever hit him much back then in any inning. His problem was always walks until around 1993-94.

Kay Sturns says:

well cabrera hardly ever gets to the 7th, and when he does, it is because he has his good stuff; sample size of the 7th inning split

 
 
 
pat says:

because you based your argument on a sneaking suspicion

Steve says:

I have a sneaking suspicion that you’re making fun of me.

pat says:

hahah if thats the case your sneaking suspicions about brackmizzle might have merit…jk

 
 
 
Joey H says:

Maybe its a tall you are the longer it take for you to develop sorta thing?

 
 
 
 
Manimal says:

Heres a good question. Who reaches the MLB first, A-Jax or Tabata?

Mike A. says:

Probably Tabata. The Pirates have nothing to lose by throwing him right into the fire next season.

“The Pirates have nothing to lose.” Ever.

That’s all you need to say, the rest is superfluous.

 
 
 
Mike A. says:
Mike Pop says:
 
 
Joey H says:

SIGN KYLE FARNSWORTH

WHY THAT’S USELESS

I CAN TALK IN CAPS TOO

Joey H says:

I know it was my first post of the day. You are a very provoking character on here I must say Mr. tommiesmithjohncarlos.

Joey H says:
 

“You are a very provoking character” = “God, you’re an insufferable asshole”

Mike Pop says:

I think of you as a comic relief of the blog but you also make some great points.. That said………your an asshole too =/

 
 
 
 
 
 
E-ROC says:

Mike, would you trade Hideki Matsui for Ryan Rowland-Smith, if that rumor were true?

Joey H says:

I’m not Mike. But i really don’t see that happening given the amount of contracts they have on their hands that they don’t want.

 
Steve H says:

I’m not Mike, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 
Steve says:

I’m not Mike, but the last thing the Yanks need is another reliever.

E-ROC says:

RRS can start or relieve. I would imagine the Yanks would have him be a starter.

Steve says:

He can also broadcast the Channel 2 news.

 
 
 
Mike A. says:

I would. RRS has some upside.

I think every sane person would, which is why the rumor was such off-the-wall crazy bullshit. That trade is awesome for us, and awful for them.

Steve H says:

And once he was a Yankee prospect, we could have people proposing to trade RRS back to Seattle for King Felix. Or maybe flip him to Philly for Hamels and Utley.

 
 
 
 
Kevin says:

Her’s what I think the Yankees lineup and strarting rotation will be in 2009:

Hitters:

C: Posada
1B: Teixeira
2B: Cano (I don’t think he’s going anywhere)
3B: A-Rod
SS: Jeter
LF: Damon
CF: Gardner and Melky will battle over it in spring training but I think Gardner wins
RF: Nady
DH: Matsui

Starting rotation(in no particular order):

Sabathia
Wang
Joba
Hughes/IPK/Aceves (whoever pitches best in Spring Training)
Another FA pitcher

Mike Pop says:

Id be A OK with that

 
Joey H says:

How about an idea of the bullpen and who the second starter will be.

Sheets for the second starter. All things considered, probably the best option amongst the non-CC FA options (and trading for a starter would be silly and unwise.)

No need to comment on the bullpen, it’s set.

WITHOUT Kyle Farnsworth, much to your chagrin.

Joey H says:

you would sign sheets for like 38 mill over 3 years with CC?

 
 
 
 
Steve says:

Sign Sheets/Burnett. Hughes/IPK start the season in AAA, Aceves is the long man-spot starter out of ST. The 5th starter is Pettitte.

That’s mine.

Kevin says:

I forgot about Pettitte. In that case, I would do what you did.

Kay Sturns says:

pettitte will go to teh stros so we can get another Hughes, maybe crow?

I like sheets at 3 yrs/38. by the time he is done, say Hello to Zmac/Betances/Brackman

pat says:

sandlot is on…. schweet

 
 
 
 

Glad to see you’ve stepped back from the ledge.

Kevin says:

I’m not the same person.

You’re not Rappaport?

My bad, sorry.

Kevin G. says:

I’ll call myself Kevin G. to avoid any confusion.

 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

Of the 4 sports (Baseball, Basketball, Football and Hockey)

Which player has the greatest ceiling/upside? I might go Crosby but Im pickin LeBron.

Joey H says:

Chris Paul of the Hornets(NBA) mark my words, in 10 years he’ll be up there with the best PG’s of all time

 
Steve H says:

LeBron. Chance to be the best ever, Crosby will never reach Gretzky status, and doesn’t have a chance.

Mike A. says:

It’s amazing how far ahead of everyone Gretzky is. If he never scored a single goal in his career, he’s still have the most points in history. Insane.

Mike Pop says:

1.92 ppg pretty impressive

 
Steve says:

and think of Gretzky as a physical package. Too skinny, not a great skater, no physical attributes than would lead you to believe he would be even a good player, much less the greatest player who ever lived.

He just was always three steps ahead of everyone else.

Mike Pop says:

Ya I cant speak on it cuz I know nothing bout hockey but he is a legend and just dominated his sport in his time.. Also being 18 I never really saw his games

 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:
 
Thomas says:

How about Barry Bonds? He still isn’t retired and he may be the best baseball player ever. Though he is well past his prime and used steriods/HGH, his upside was well above anyone else.

 

Of the 4 sports (Baseball, Basketball, Football and Hockey), Which player has the greatest ceiling/upside?

Eddy Curry.

 
 
E-ROC says:

I think this question would only apply to only hockey and basketball as an athlete can impact and take over a game. With that said, I will go with……Derrick Rose. My other choice would be Crosby.

Mike Pop says:
E-ROC says:

The other choices are obvious with Lebron, Crosby, and Paul; so I went with Derrick Rose. Rose has a good understanding of the game for such a young age much like Paul and Deron Williams. He’s a good passer and defender. Good shooting mechanics. His athleticism is unmatched at that position. Doug Collins called him a small Lebron James.

 
Mike Pop says:

Ok I wasnt arguing just wanted to see why.. Good point but I think it might be too early to say him.. He is a very talented young man though no question

 
 
Ivan says:

He’s not even garanteed to be better than Daren Williams.

Nothing is guaranteed… I thought that was the point of the whole “upside” question.

Ivan says:

I miswrote that, with Rose, 5-6 years down the line, I can see Williams being better than Rose. Williams is a better pure shooter than Rose and even Paul.

 
 
E-ROC says:

Anyone want to take a guess for next year’s awards like the MVPs, Cy Young winners, and Rookies of the Year?

E-ROC says:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Scott of 3 Kids Tickets says:

OK…choose:

a) Sabathia for a boatload of money

2) Peavey for IPK, Hughes, Melky, and 2 top Tier minor leaguers

D) Texiera for a boatload of money

7) Lowe & Burnett for 2nd tier money

Cash can only do one…which would it be?

I’m leaning towards D or 7. We need pitching though.

-Scott

Steve H says:
 
Steve says:

a-2-D-7?

A-B-C-D doesn’t work anymore?

 
Mike Pop says:

Scott we should sign CC and then trade A-Rod to the Reds for Votto and Encanacion.. Cuz Encarnacion does it for you right ?

 
 

Hold on, Scott from 3 Kids Tickets, let me go look up everybody’s “Clutch” stats and then I’ll tell you. Whichever combination gives us the guys with the best “Clutch” stats, that’s the one we should do.

Mike Pop says:

Well then it might be UPTON/LONGORIA or Howard considering what they did in the postseason and world series(Howard).. Def NOT A “unclutchy mcClutchclutch” Rod

Steve H says:

Longoria, not so clutch in the WS.

 
 
 
Thomas says:

I choose X, picking up both Casey Blake and Eckstein thus increasing our grit level.

Is Darin Erstad still alive?

Mike Pop says:

Yes, but what bout Shea Hillenbrand?

 
Scott of 3 Kids Tickets says:

At least I’m talkin baseball in the “hot stove” topic. I can’t say the same for most of you.

AND if we could get good value I’d trade Alex in a heartbeat. Of course he’d never go for it until he gets booed for another few years.

FURTHERMORE the clutch stat was in the MVP voting thread. It’s not valid to expect your MVP to be clutch? I thought that’s pretty much the definition.

Fellas/Fanboys keep it coming. I can take it AND dish it when needed, without being too insulting. I’m not the type who needs to wear a BOSTON SUX shirt to enjoy a great rivalry.

-Scott

Mike Pop says:

Relax we just messing with ya

 
Mike Pop says:

It is also an open thread.. Plus we have only been over the CC Tex topic 1000 times on this blog..

 

I’m just bustin your balls a little.

Scott of 3 Kids Tickets says:

No shit fellas, but much appreciated regardless…

-Scott

 
 
 
 
 
 
Ivan says:

I,ve watch baseball all my life, really since 96. I,ve witness every team in the MLB be a good except the Pirates. The Pirates sucked since my time watching baseball. Isn’t that sad?

Well, the Pirates were pretty good right before you started watching, so it’s kind of a cutoff issue.

But yeah, it’s sad. At least they’ve got an awesome stadium.

 
Mike Pop says:

Well like my Dad says they deserve to suck after what Bill “THE CLUTCH” Mazerowski did to our boys in 1960 I believe.. That was some series I think the Yanks outscored them by a large margin

Ivan says:

Every game the Yanks won, they destroyed them and the pirates won the close games.

Really one of the great upsets in sports history.

The fucked up part though is the pirates has a ton of history and tradition for a team to suck like this for so long.

Mike Pop says:

Def, Clemente and Mazerowski plus some other greats.. Even Nady lol.. What about Giles he was some power threat in Pittsburgh.. Im not calling him a Pitt great but he was a great ballplayer with them right ? Same with Kendall

Ivan says:

Stargell and Bonds too.

Giles had his best years with Pitt.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
pat says:

I bough ncaa college football 04when it came out and every year since then I rent the next one when it comes out and when its time to return it I put the older year in the box instead of the new one. Stupid people in blockbuster only open the box to check that theres a disc and never notice the difference.
Also works with madden and nba live.
You’re welcome.

Mike Pop says:
 

Little do you know that RAB is nothing but a front for an elaborate sting operation by Blockbuster, Inc. to catch thieves and scofflaws. We’ve been monitoring you for months, “pat”, waiting for you to slip up.

Don’t bother trying to run. We’ve surrounded your location. Put your hands up and come out quietly.

Mike Pop says:

Why do you think the E-Mail is required… idiot… he walked right into the beartrap

 
pat says:

dammit u let ur guard down for just one minue and everything goes to shit YOU WIN AGAIN BLOCKBUSTER YOU ALWAYS DO

 
pat says:

HAHA just thought of this- RAB Really Actually Blockbuster

 
 
 
E-ROC says:

Anyone want to take a guess for next year’s awards like the MVPs, Cy Young winners, and Rookies of the Year?

Steve H says:

Igawa/Igawa/Igawa. And if Igawa doesn’t have rookie status, they’ll change the rules for him. GG too.

 
Mike Pop says:

MVPS- Arod and Pujols

Cy Youngs- Halladay and Webb

ROY’s- Maybin and Wieters

 
pat says:

Well its an odd year so arod is mvp, weiters is al roy with dprice in a close 2nd and just for shits none other than jon lester wins cy young

JeffG says:

AL
MVP: ARod
CY: Halliday
ROY: Price

NL
MVP: Puljos
CY: Santana
ROY: Maybin

 
 

MVP: Jacoby Ellsbury
Cy Young: Jon Lester
Rookie of the Year: Casey Kelly
Rolaids Relief Ace of the Year: Manny Delcarmen
Smartest Executive on the Face of the Planet: Theo Epstien, Billy Beane (tie)

For Diamond Cutters, I’m Peter Gammons, ESPN.

Mike Pop says:

GM of the centuray award goes to Theo “Einstein” Epstein without question

 
Thomas says:
pat says:

hahahaha nicely done

 
 
E-ROC says:

Correction: Rolaids Relief Ace of the Year: Justin Masterson

 
Erik says:

Ha Tommy, that was great !!!!

 
 
Ivan says:

A-Rod is will win another useless MVP in 09.

Mike Pop says:

Right on his way to that 305 million.. Gotta get those incentives

 
 
Thomas says:

AL
MVP: ARod
CY: Lackey
ROY: Weiters

NL
MVP: Utley
CY: Santana
ROY: No idea, possibly a no name or a midseason call up like Tommy Hanson

 
 
Spaceman.Spiff says:

If we miss out on Tex, how about playing Nady at first base next year? I know he’s played there before for 544.2 innings it appears, but I don’t know how he is defensively. If he’s above average there and we miss out on Tex, is it reasonable to sign a guy like Manny for a 3 year contract and put out a lineup like this:

C: Posada/Molina
1B: Nady
2B: Cano
3B: A-Rod
SS: Jeter
LF: Damon
CF: Melky/Gardner (let them fight it out for it in ST and hope for great strides)
RF: Manny/Matsui
DH: Matsui/Manny

Obviously, I would prefer to sign Tex but if we miss out on him, I was just wondering if we could play Nady and first and stick either Abreu or Manny in right on short term?

 
 
Manimal says:

Would IPK+ Zach McAllister+ One of the catchers be enough for Peavy?

Mike Pop says:

Im no expert but I dont think so.

 
 
JeffG says: