2014 Official Major League Baseball Thread

[Merlot]

BOYZZZ!

...you are getting your pants wet over the play of 5 rookies...

From the mind of someone who worships a guy under his own name, unsurprisingly.

All season long, the Sox have been trying to sign him to an extension.

Incorrect. This has been discussed hundreds of times since spring training on WEEI and insiders have said discussions have been on hold because Lester is the type that doesn't want to be diverted from his performances by the issue. There may have been and almost certainly was some discussion in spots, but to say it's been going on all the times is grossly misleading and in effect just untrue.

As I've said weeks ago, Lester wants a contract of 5 years or more, and as I've said before about his pitching style I wouldn't want to sign to more than 3 years because he is not the type who is likely to change from an overwhelming pitcher to a corners pitcher.

...pretzel stick(accident waiting to happen), he also sucks.

I could see John Lester going but then again why would they trade one of their best players unless he wants out, nobody likes playing for a last place team.

Oh MY POOR BOY. You are either a) being purposely biased with nonsense or b) just totally uninformed. Jon Lester is a very athletic 6'4", 240 lbs. I saw him IN THE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP PARADE in person last October at a distance of 10 to 12 feet. So he sucks with an ERA of 2.65 and a 134 SOs in 19 games. :lol: OMG Joe, that's a very ignorant statement for any baseball fan to make. Lester has been pitching for a pretty lame team with little run support and he's still doing excellently...as bespeaks his All-Star selection. He has some down times during the season, but in the playoffs he's been a killer with a 2.11 ERA over 8 playoff series...and is 3 and 0 with an astonishing 0.43 ERA and a 0.762 WHIP in World Series appearances. In other words the more critical the game the tougher he is and the more he thrives.

As Doc said his trade value at this time is very solid. However Joe, you did manage to cite the main problem...as with that old saying...the sun shines on every dog's *** once. The problem is it's very tough to find a solid number 1 pitcher. So any trade is giving up something fairly rare. Believe me, with the pitching situation in New York and the prospect of a possibly tragic contract with Tanaka and a fading Sabathia, Cashman is licking his chops at the mere thought of obtaining a proven stalwart. Too bad the Yanks have so little to trade except maybe some relievers, and don't think Cashman isn't considering it.

Cheers Boy,

Merlot

 

[smuler]

I hope I speak for all Met fans

Congrats to a true professional tonite . The true definition of class in baseball

Derek Jeter..

A man who defines " being in the know "

Best Regards

Smuler

 

[lgna69xxx]

And you my friend are one classy guy as well, besides "being in the know" haha that will never get old, thanks for reminding me

How about Cap'n Clutch's first at bat for a "Instant CLassic"? A Patented Jeter Inside Out Swing for a Double down the line :thumb: Then of course we got lester getting hit all over the park, that also is "Classic" :lol:

I hope I speak for all Met fans

Congrats to a true professional tonite . The true definition of class in baseball
Derek Jeter..
A man who defines " being in the know "

Best Regards
Smuler

 

[lgna69xxx]

I would say buckholtz is more like a piece of glass than a pretzel stick. He either is healthy and sucks this year or he is injured and sucks even more, which aint hard to do, for him. Look at last year, his best ever and now look at him... that means once again another * goes to a rouge hose player. (for what he did last season)

Maybe a few years ago but certainly not now, the Sux blew their chance, they should have traded him years ago when even the Boston announcers were calling for the trade but his value is very low now due to the fact that the guy is a walking pretzel stick(accident waiting to happen), he also sucks

 

[Joe.t]

Oh MY POOR BOY. You are either a) being purposely biased with nonsense or b) just totally uninformed. Jon Lester is a very athletic 6'4", 240 lbs. I saw him IN THE WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP PARADE in person last October at a distance of 10 to 12 feet. So he sucks with an ERA of 2.65 and a 134 SOs in 19 games. :lol: OMG Joe, that's a very ignorant statement for any baseball fan to make. Lester has been pitching for a pretty lame team with little run support and he's still doing excellently...as bespeaks his All-Star selection. He has some down times during the season, but in the playoffs he's been a killer with a 2.11 ERA over 8 playoff series...and is 3 and 0 with an astonishing 0.43 ERA and a 0.762 WHIP in World Series appearances. In other words the more critical the game the tougher he is and the more he thrives.

As Doc said his trade value at this time is very solid. However Joe, you did manage to site the main problem...as with that old saying...the sun shines on every dog's *** once. The problem is it's very tough to find a solid number 1 pitcher. So any trade is giving up something fairly rare. Believe me, with the pitching situation in New York and the prospect of a possibly tragic contract with Tanaka and a fading Sabathia, Cashman is licking his chops at the mere thought of obtaining a proven stalwart. Too bad the Yanks have so little to trade except maybe some relievers, and don't think Cashman isn't considering it.

Cheers Boy,

Merlot

My Pretzel remark was in reference to Buchholz and not Lester, you silly, silly boy Merlie.

I would say buckholtz is more like a piece of glass than a pretzel stick. He either is healthy and sucks this year or he is injured and sucks even more, which aint hard to do, for him. Look at last year, his best ever and now look at him... that means once again another * goes to a rouge hose player. (for what he did last season)

Excellent breakdown iggy, the bottom line is that he flat out stinks, oh what this team is doing to poor rumpleforskin who has admitted that the Red Sux suck, thank God he has Lucille that he can draw comfort from to help ease the pain.

 

[EagerBeaver]

Controversy Over Wainright Grooving Pitches To Jeter

I think what happened was that Wainright threw hard, but right at Jeter's hitting zone. Jeter still had to hit the ball:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/allstar14/st...all-star-game-possible-assist-adam-wainwright

This happened also at the end of Mickey Mantle's career when Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain indicated to Mickey Mantle that he would groove pitches for him and proceeded to throw several pitches down the middle, and Mantle took the first couple but then hit the 3rd one for a homer. In interviews after he retired, McLain stated that the game was 6-1 Tigers at the time in the 8th inning at Yankee Stadium, no one was on based and Mantle deserved to go out with a bang in front of the home fans.

 

[joelcairo]

In interviews after he retired, McLain stated that the game was 6-1 Tigers at the time in the 8th inning at Yankee Stadium, no one was on based and Mantle deserved to go out with a bang in front of the home fans.

....a prelude to the racketeering that came later. So much for baseball's last 30 game winner.

 

[Merlot]

BOYZZZ!

My Pretzel remark was in reference to Buchholz and not Lester, you silly, silly boy Merlie.

Of course the rest of the post was ignored because it kicked your butt.

Red Sox Trade Rumors:

The latest thing is a rumor that the Red Sox are scouting Cole Hamels of the Phillies who has done well there with a 2.93 ERA. However, there are two big factors. The first is the cost of Hamels who has four years at $90 million left on his contract. That's less money and less years than Lester, but it will cost the Red Sox a number of prospects who may well work out at practically nothing as salaries go. The other factor is the National League to American League transition. Many have tried and many have failed. ERAs tend to rise about 1.00 earned run. A 3.93 is extremely poor for $22.5 million. Many believe Lester will take 5 years at $125 million and he's proven he can stand up very well in the AL, and Boston to top it off, without losing prospects.

Given all of that if you will go four years then go five with a proven commodity especially when they are both about the same age, and without the loss of future talent...even if the prospects still may be a bargaining chip for other deals. Stay with Lester.

BTW: "100 years ago today, Boston was in last place, 11.5 games back at 34-43. They swept Philadelphia in the World Series." Not saying that has much of any chance, just stating fact.

Cheers,

Merlot

 

[EagerBeaver]

2014 Yankees Clubhouse Survey

http://online.wsj.com/articles/inside-pitches-the-2014-new-york-yankees-clubhouse-survey-1405560919

 

[Doc Holliday]

Will Matt Kemp be traded?

Outfielder wants to be traded if it means playing every day

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a crowded outfield, and if that gets in the way of Matt Kemp playing every day he would be open to a trade.

Matt Kemp's agent told FoxSports.com that Kemp would be open to a trade if it meant he would be able to play every day.

The outfielder's agent, former major league pitcher Dave Stewart, said that Kemp wants to be an everyday center fielder and if the Dodgers cannot make that happen, Kemp would be open to a trade, according to a report from FoxSports.com.

"Whatever they want to do we're favorable to, as long as it gives him an opportunity to play every day," Stewart told FoxSports.com. "He'd like to eventually go back to center field. He's not opposed to right or left. But his hope at some point is to get back to center."

The Dodgers removed Kemp from center field for defensive reasons at the end of May. Carl Crawford injured his left ankle on May 28, and Kemp has been the everyday left fielder ever since. Kemp is batting .269 with eight home runs and 35 RBI this season.

Crawford returned from the disabled list last Thursday, and again, the Dodgers have five healthy outfielders -- Crawford, Kemp, Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier and Scott Van Slyke. Ethier and Van Slyke have started the majority of games in center field.

After Crawford was activated, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said there are no plans to use either Crawford or Kemp in center.

The crowded outfield has been an issue since early in spring training, when Kemp declared, "I'm not a fourth outfielder. We can cut that off right there. I won't accept that role."

Kemp still has $107 million remaining on his contract from 2015 to 2019. He does not have a no-trade clause in his deal.

Matt Kemp open to trade if it means playing every day

 

[Doc Holliday]

I learned earlier on MLB Radio that the Red Sox have no intention of trading Mike Napoli, David Ortiz & Dustin Pedroia.

They also mentionned that players who are likely/might be moved are the likes of Shane Victorino, Stephen Drew, Wade Middlebrooks & quite possibly their closer, Uehara. They don't believe John Lester will be moved since he's a homegrown player & the Sox like to hang onto those.

 

[EagerBeaver]

Betances' WHIP is down to 0.68 after his latest lights out performance. 1.42 ERA and 87 Ks in 57 innings.

 

[hungry101]

I think what happened was that Wainright threw hard, but right at Jeter's hitting zone. Jeter still had to hit the ball:

http://espn.go.com/mlb/allstar14/st...all-star-game-possible-assist-adam-wainwright

This happened also at the end of Mickey Mantle's career when Detroit Tigers pitcher Denny McLain indicated to Mickey Mantle that he would groove pitches for him and proceeded to throw several pitches down the middle, and Mantle took the first couple but then hit the 3rd one for a homer. In interviews after he retired, McLain stated that the game was 6-1 Tigers at the time in the 8th inning at Yankee Stadium, no one was on based and Mantle deserved to go out with a bang in front of the home fans.

I was too young to remember McLain grooving that pitch but I heard an interview a few years back where he admitted it. The Mick was McLain's boyhood hero. McLain was an unsavory character but he gives the most entertaining interviews on the MLB network. He and Pete Rose are the two most entertaining interviews and both of them have a few skeletons in their closets.

I just want to say the following: Jeter has been a great ambassador for the game. He is one of the great pure hitters of all time. I was really glad to see Derick Jeter go out on a high note in his last All-Star game. This was very similar to the way Mariano Rivera went out. A guy that defined the position of the modern closer. Good for Jeter and good for baseball.

 

[EagerBeaver]

hungry101.

I believe McLain said that he made hand signals to Mantle (tipped his cap and gestured with his hands) and Mantle said he did not believe it was serious until he saw the third straight pitch come dead over the plate, which he then crushed for a solo homer. McLain had very good control at that time-1968. The funny thing is that everyone knew what had happened and the next batter up, Joe Pepitone of the Yankees, who was something of a clubhouse clown, strode up to the plate and gestured with his hands where he wanted the pitch. McLain then threw a brushback pitch that nearly hit Pepitone, sending the message that the grooved pitch was a gift for Mantle only.

 

[Doc Holliday]

The story was told on MLB Radio the other day. They replayed an audio clip of Mantle talking about the incident in question.

McLain called his catcher Bill Freehan over. He told him he wanted Mick to hit one out, so he'd throw him fastballs right down the middle. Freehan said okay, and walked back to his position behind the plate. Mantle had overheard the conversation but wasn't sure if he had heard right, and asked Freehan if he had heard it right. Freehan nodded.

The first pitch was right down the pipe. Mantle hadn't swung, since his first intuition was that the two were joking. The next pitch was also right down the middle and he swung, hitting it into the outfield bleachers. As he was rounding the bases, he noticed McLain grinning. As he rounded third, McLain gave him a wink.

Mantle seemed to find the whole thing funny as he told the story & didn't mention being upset about it.

However, this was the homerun that made him pass Jimmy Foxs for third place in the all-time homerun leaders list. This was before Aaron, McGwire & Bonds, so it was a very big deal. But he didn't want this particular homerun to be an easy one & later cause controversy, so he said it gave him the incentive to hit another one. A few games later, he hit another one to seal the deal.

Here is a videoclip of Mantle retelling the incident:

[video=youtube;qdl6ABq6E3w]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdl6ABq6E3w[/video]

 

[EagerBeaver]

I believe Mickey did deserve that break. He had a lot of bad breaks and bad luck in his career. I also recall Brett Favre permitted Michael Strahan to sack him to get the NFLseason sack record. It was the same thing, he basically allowed himself to be tackled, just like McLain grooved the pitch to Mantle.

 

[Joe.t]

Betances' WHIP is down to 0.68 after his latest lights out performance. 1.42 ERA and 87 Ks in 57 innings.

Why he didn't make the all-star team is a real head scratcher

 

[lgna69xxx]

2 words, John Farrell :nod:

Why he didn't make the all-star team is a real head scratcher

 

[hungry101]

Yes, but they have to have a representative from every team and honor the fan balloting not to mention John Ferrell has to keep peace in his clubhouse.

I like that fact that they have made the All-Star game count for something. Keep in mind that home field advantage doesn't seem to count for too much this year in baseball. I guess it is one more game you can use the DH if you are an AL team but then the NL can always come up with a pretty darn good DH too.

I also think the fans did a pretty good job of voting in the correct starters in both leagues.

 

[hungry101]

Will Matt Kemp be traded?

Outfielder wants to be traded if it means playing every day

The Los Angeles Dodgers have a crowded outfield, and if that gets in the way of Matt Kemp playing every day he would be open to a trade.

The crowded outfield has been an issue since early in spring training, when Kemp declared, "I'm not a fourth outfielder. We can cut that off right there. I won't accept that role."

Kemp still has $107 million remaining on his contract from 2015 to 2019. He does not have a no-trade clause in his deal.

Matt Kemp open to trade if it means playing every day

Boy, I sure would like to see him in Detroit I think. Not that Austin Jackson is awful it is Kemp is that good and this team has to win now or never. But 21MM$/year is awful risky.