Will Roy O want out of the hellhole that is Houston? I hate this new GM Ed Wade just as much as Poo-poo-rah. What a doofus.
I think Tirk hit most of the big issues. You've got to win now. If the Brewers had their way, it would have been Gamel not Laporta to go, but Cleveland wanted who they wanted. As useless as Laporta is in the field (he could maybe play some left field, but that would require Corey Hart being able to play center and Braun to play right), Gamel is that much worse. He's reportedly a worse 3b than Braun. The Brewers will not be able to resign C.C., but they'll get 2 picks when he walks. Gallardo will be back next year and Para will be that much better, so the staff shouldn't be aweful. The strategy for small market teams is to accumulate a great collection of young cheap talent and hope that they all come into their own at the same time. This has happened for the Brewers and they are doing what they can to supplement it with a top tier pitcher (which we all know is required to progress into November). Of course it could blow up--they could miss the playoffs, C.C. walks next year, and they watch Laporta grow into and All-Star--but I give them credit for taking a shot and doing what they can to win now. They have as good a chance as anyone in the NL.
I don't know if I'd call it a big piece, but the Rangers may end up moving one of their catchers. Of the top 10 catchers under 25, 3 are in Texas. I'd imagine Saltalamacchia would be the most likely to be sent off, but they need him to go on a tear to get his value up. Max Ramirez and Taylor Teagarden won't be able to wait forever (Ramirez is up now, but will soon be back in AAA). Also, Milton Bradley is always a possibility to be dealt. I believe he's in his contract year, and he's been absolutely killing it this year (it's amazing how healthy you can stay when $ is on the line). Of course, he's bat**** crazy and teams will be hesitant to deal for him--but at the end of the day run production and a .450 OBP will likely win out.
In interesting baseball news, last Wednesday was the international signing day. The A's, never known for their deep pockets, shelled out over $4 million for a 16-year-old pitcher from the Dominican--Michael Inoa. Other teams (Texas and Cincinnatti) were willing to go over $5 million. He's got a great frame (something like 6'6 220), and is throwing mid-90's with solid breaking stuff and excellent mechanics. Who knows if he's really 16, but even at 18 that's a hell of a lot of potential. It says something that Oakland, who typically has some of the best scouting in baseball, would shell out that kind of money for a young pitcher when they are absolutely LOADED with great young arms. He'll be fun to watch over the next few years. The King Felix comparisons will be sure to follow if he has any success.
Samardzija is in. Has some nasty stuff. Clocked at 98 but seems scared to throw anything other than his fastball.
he was pretty close to being irrelevant and cut last year, well if not for the money they signed him to being a little issue. strange he has turned things around so quickly and was even called up. I see no success in his future probably because I still see him whining from that sugar bowl game.
He's a tough one to get a handle on. Got crushed last year and wasn't doing a whole lot better this year in AA. Got promoted to AAA Iowa and started blowing people away. We'll see... He's got a really nasty fastball--upper 90's with a lot of movement--but not much in the way of off-speed stuff. I think he's got the talent to figure it all out and be pretty good, but I don't really expect him to ever be anything special.
yanks cant catch a break. joba is on his way to gumpville to visit dr james andrews. bad news for the kid it seems. sure hope not.
they've caught a break 26 seasons. Don't feel too sorry for them. :wave: For real, though, this kid is an amazing talent. I hope he is healthy.
