MLB Baseball : Offseason 2012

[Inuyasha]

Where will Albert end up?

Will there be realignment where they will have no divisions like in the old days with 15 teams in a league?

Will the Astros move to the 'AL' or whatever it'll be called?

With realignment, will the DH come to the NL?

This will all be discussed in this thread.


TWIB:

[Inuyasha]

Cubs Hire Epstein !

Sandberg maybe next!

If that happens, maybe I'll be jumping back on the -

[vinny-b]

would like for Milwaukee to return to the American League. And for the organization to permanently forsake the f#cked up uniforms they have in favor of the "ball & glove" circa 1979-1990 uniforms.

too bad none of the above will happen.

[MizzouRah]

Hopefully they get rid of the DH, period.

Albert will finish his career as a Cardinal.

[dbdynsty25]

Failing to see the fascination with Epstein. Guy has an unlimited budget in Boston and only brings them two rings...with half his players cheating the entire time as well. He's been brutal lately with his signings too. I just don't get it.

Sandberg on the other hand...I'm in. Love him.

[toonarmy]

Failing to see the fascination with Epstein. Guy has an unlimited budget in Boston and only brings them two rings...with half his players cheating the entire time as well. He's been brutal lately with his signings too. I just don't get it.

Sandberg on the other hand...I'm in. Love him.

I tend to agree with your sentiments. Getting two rings is no small accomplishment, but Epstein has been unimpressive since the last Sox series win. He's had a knack for overpaying players and not getting results. I don't see much in recent years that suggests he has a keen baseball mind. Unless the Cubs are willing to spend on the level of NYY and Boston then I think Epstein will be a failure with Chicago.

[MizzouRah]

I don't Epstein can do any worse.

[bulls23]

would like for Milwaukee to return to the American League. And for the organization to permanently forsake the f#cked up uniforms they have in favor of the "ball & glove" circa 1979-1990 uniforms.

too bad none of the above will happen.

Agree, good riddance, I'd say - lol. Let them fight it out with the Sawks and Yanks, and leave the Astros alone (so we can continue to pummel em)

Hope Albert realizes that championships can be won here and not to chase the golden road.

[RobVarak]

Failing to see the fascination with Epstein. Guy has an unlimited budget in Boston and only brings them two rings...with half his players cheating the entire time as well. He's been brutal lately with his signings too. I just don't get it.

Sandberg on the other hand...I'm in. Love him.

Couldn't be in more total disagreement. Sandberg was my boyhood idol along with Walter Payton. Classy as all hell and a great ballplayer. But I'd rather not have the Cubs investing manager dollars on guys with no track record anymore. Nothing in any ballplayer's resume is an indicator of managerial competence, and I'd just as soon let some other franchise pay the freight for finding out if a guy knows how to win games.

Epstein has had big hits and big misses, just like any other high-payroll GM. Cashman and those guys are playing poker at a different table and the game there is going to result in some bad beats. I'm a fan of his because, unlike anyone affiliated with the Cubs ever, he understands the modern game. He knows how to wed performance metrics with scouting and how to draft and develop players. He's got progressive ideas about winning baseball, which is new to the Cubs (and a lot of organizations in MLB still). He's not infallible or the ne plus ultra of sports execs, but he's about the best guy on Earth for the job.

The only bummer is that he can't handle Jerry Angelo's gig with the Bears in his spare time.

[fanatic]

I'm officially starting the "bring Yu Darvish to the Jays" campaign....

[tmdba37]

Failing to see the fascination with Epstein. Guy has an unlimited budget in Boston and only brings them two rings...with half his players cheating the entire time as well. He's been brutal lately with his signings too. I just don't get it.

Sandberg on the other hand...I'm in. Love him.

Couldn't be in more total disagreement. Sandberg was my boyhood idol along with Walter Payton. Classy as all hell and a great ballplayer. But I'd rather not have the Cubs investing manager dollars on guys with no track record anymore. Nothing in any ballplayer's resume is an indicator of managerial competence, and I'd just as soon let some other franchise pay the freight for finding out if a guy knows how to win games.

Epstein has had big hits and big misses, just like any other high-payroll GM. Cashman and those guys are playing poker at a different table and the game there is going to result in some bad beats. I'm a fan of his because, unlike anyone affiliated with the Cubs ever, he understands the modern game. He knows how to wed performance metrics with scouting and how to draft and develop players. He's got progressive ideas about winning baseball, which is new to the Cubs (and a lot of organizations in MLB still). He's not infallible or the ne plus ultra of sports execs, but he's about the best guy on Earth for the job.

The only bummer is that he can't handle Jerry Angelo's gig with the Bears in his spare time.

I agree 100% with you Rob. Sandberg is my all-time favorite player, but the problem with him is that he cut his "Managerial" chops in the Jim Hendry Led Cubs Organization with little developmental success. The Epstein led Cubs are going to need managers at each level with ties to their new organizational approach and as such, I see no chance of him being hired as Manager. Nor see any chance on Mike Quade coming back either.

The thing with Epstein and crew is that they are going to change the Cubs from top to bottom. The Cubs haven't developed any significant position player since Mark Grace. Starlin Castro is a budding star, but he's a natural talent and not a guy that was "groomed" by the system. I actually see a scenario where he gets traded down the road because he clashes with the concept of taking pitches and leading with defense that will most certainly be stressed in the New Cubs Way being promoted by the new managerial team in charge.

[snaz16]

Can't believe no one has posted the blockbuster deal that sent Derek Lowe,and his 5+ERA, to Cleveland for a "AA" pitcher and remain on the hook 10 of 15 mil. owed him. And in minor news that shocks no one, Mike Quadde (spelling) is out in Wrigleyville. And listening to MLB on XM radio,the press release stated that Epstien will be looking for someone with
mlb managerial experience. Sounds like that would leave Sandberg out. Time will tell. Just a gut feeling,but Tito Francona might be headed to the Cubs, presuming Oquendo gets the Cardinal job to soothe Pujol's desire,and help him resign with the Cards.

[dbdynsty25]

Can't believe no one has posted the blockbuster deal that sent Derek Lowe,and his 5+ERA, to Cleveland for a "AA" pitcher and remain on the hook 10 of 15 mil. owed him.

It's a blockbuster in any Braves fan's mind. Paying 10 mil to NOT have Lowe pitching in Atlanta was an early Christmas present for me. The Braves have 9 or 10 pitchers that are better than him throughout their organization and another 6-7 with the potential to be better, so good riddance. Enjoy watching his ERA hit 6+ in the AL. The reason the Braves signed him back in 08 was because of his durability and ability to throw 200+ innings a year. It's really difficult to get to 200 innings when you only go 4 or 5 innings a start. He's held up his end of the bargain from a durability standpoint, but been a severe disappointment from the innings pitched standpoint.

[snaz16]

Can't believe no one has posted the blockbuster deal that sent Derek Lowe,and his 5+ERA, to Cleveland for a "AA" pitcher and remain on the hook 10 of 15 mil. owed him.

It's a blockbuster in any Braves fan's mind. Paying 10 mil to NOT have Lowe pitching in Atlanta was an early Christmas present for me. The Braves have 9 or 10 pitchers that are better than him throughout their organization and another 6-7 with the potential to be better, so good riddance. Enjoy watching his ERA hit 6+ in the AL. The reason the Braves signed him back in 08 was because of his durability and ability to throw 200+ innings a year. It's really difficult to get to 200 innings when you only go 4 or 5 innings a start. He's held up his end of the bargain from a durability standpoint, but been a severe disappointment from the innings pitched standpoint.

I get that,and I want to thank you for that Andy Marte trade several years back,(via the Bosox) that the Tribe got...you warned me(and a "I told ya so is in order). Unfortunately,this is how the Tribe has to operate (and it infuriates the Tribe fan base)and sign players that have success in the past,hoping to catch "lightning in a bottle")and its happened before with Kevin Millwood and Juan Gonzalez. The Tribe also did not pick up the option on Grady Sizemore,and there are already overatures from Boston in signing him. Always loved Grady,except he is so injury prone....as is the case with Cle....fully expect Grady to have a healthy and monster year with another team. Ahh the life as a Tribe fan.

[dbdynsty25]

I get that,and I want to thank you for that Andy Marte trade several years back,(via the Bosox) that the Tribe got...you warned me(and a "I told ya so is in order). Unfortunately,this is how the Tribe has to operate (and it infuriates the Tribe fan base)and sign players that have success in the past,hoping to catch "lightning in a bottle")and its happened before with Kevin Millwood and Juan Gonzalez. The Tribe also did not pick up the option on Grady Sizemore,and there are already overatures from Boston in signing him. Always loved Grady,except he is so injury prone....as is the case with Cle....fully expect Grady to have a healthy and monster year with another team. Ahh the life as a Tribe fan.

I'm actually hoping the Braves do the whole "lightning in a bottle thing" with Sizemore. They've got a gaping hole in LF (Prado is a utility guy, not an everyday LF) and backup CF and Sizemore would be the perfect addition at the right price. Having Prado around to fill in during Chipper and Grady's inevitable DL stints is a nice luxury and would minimize the risk (thinking less than 5 mil per year for Grady).

And, as I've stated here many times...it's rare that the Braves give up on minor league guys...and then a few years later they come back to bite them in the ass. I don't count trades like Feliz/Andrus to TX for Texiera or Wainwright to STL for JD Drew because they have to give up prospects to get All-Stars in return. It's the big name, highly touted guys like Marte that you have to be very scared about. They don't make mistakes often.

[tjung0831]

Cardinals have asked permission to talk to Ryne Sandberg, he's going to get 1st dibs at being Larussa's replacement.

[Diablo25]

Cardinals have asked permission to talk to Ryne Sandberg, he's going to get 1st dibs at being Larussa's replacement.

He did a great job for the Phillies this year in AAA. He loves it in the Phillies organization. Part of me hopes he gets the job but part of me wants him to stay because Manuel is getting older. I'd like Sandberg to be the next Phillies manger. We will see I guess.

[MizzouRah]

Cardinals have asked permission to talk to Ryne Sandberg, he's going to get 1st dibs at being Larussa's replacement.

Very interesting.

[tmdba37]

Cardinals have asked permission to talk to Ryne Sandberg, he's going to get 1st dibs at being Larussa's replacement.

Very interesting.

Seems like the Cards have six guys lined up for interviews. . .Joe McEwing is on the list as well.

[tjung0831]

Yep, the list was announced tonight. Sandberg, Francona, former cardinal players Jose Oquendo(3rd base coach), Joe McEwing, Mike Matheny and somebody named Chris Maloney. Apparently it's going to be one of these guys.

[dbdynsty25]

Not to mention David Eckstein said that if they want to keep Pujols...they may want to hire Oquendo. Apparently that's who big Al wants.

[MizzouRah]

I'm not that big on Oquendo.. but he wouldn't be all that bad I guess. Mike Matheny is very interesting to me.

[tjung0831]

Not to mention David Eckstein said that if they want to keep Pujols...they may want to hire Oquendo. Apparently that's who big Al wants.

Yep and Cardinal management weren't happy with those comments either, basically saying that's not fair to Oquendo because that could make some fans think he didn't really earn the job but was possibly hired to keep Pujols here. For what it's worth though, I really don't want Oquendo to get the job, I don't even think he was that great of a 3rd base coach. The Cardinals have had lots of issues regarding guys rounding 3rd when they weren't supposed to or stopping at 3rd when they should have ran to home. I'd have to think at this point that Sandberg is probably who they want, so provided he doesn't mess up his interview, I think he will be the guy. Matheny is very interesting because he was always one of the most respected players in the dugout during his day. He's probably the darkhorse at this point.

[MizzouRah]

Not to mention David Eckstein said that if they want to keep Pujols...they may want to hire Oquendo. Apparently that's who big Al wants.

Yep and Cardinal management weren't happy with those comments either, basically saying that's not fair to Oquendo because that could make some fans think he didn't really earn the job but was possibly hired to keep Pujols here. For what it's worth though, I really don't want Oquendo to get the job, I don't even think he was that great of a 3rd base coach. The Cardinals have had lots of issues regarding guys rounding 3rd when they weren't supposed to or stopping at 3rd when they should have ran to home. I'd have to think at this point that Sandberg is probably who they want, so provided he doesn't mess up his interview, I think he will be the guy. Matheny is very interesting because he was always one of the most respected players in the dugout during his day. He's probably the darkhorse at this point.

I completely agree.

[Diablo25]

Yep, the list was announced tonight. Sandberg, Francona, former cardinal players Jose Oquendo(3rd base coach), Joe McEwing, Mike Matheny and somebody named Chris Maloney. Apparently it's going to be one of these guys.

Holy crap, my former teammate Mike Matheny up for a managerial job. Now I feel old! He's a tremendous guy. I am rooting for him.