[Savage Henry]

bluetooner, on 25 January 2012 - 02:57, said:

They were already contenders. Fielder's signing just makes them better. Fielder/Cabrera 3-4 is just incredibly scary.

Yeah, but nine years for a guy built like Fielder? They'll keep him for three or four seasons and then trade him. The tail end seasons are anyone's guess.

Edited to add; Fielder for 9 years and $214 million, or Pablo Sandoval for three years and $17 million. Which is the better deal? I think the answer's blindingly obvious.

This post has been edited by Savage Henry: 25 January 2012 - 08:17

[Clarko_son]

Carl Crawford set to miss the start of the season, that's annoying in itself but he waited until now to get surgery on his wrist which had been bothering him since the end of last season. Kinda confusing as to why he'd wait 3 months before doing anything about it, also makes the Red Sox look stupid as well. Seems to imply that noone at any point decided to contact Crawford and ask how the wrist was feeling.

And to top it all off apparently there's already friction between Crawford and Valentine over remarks he made when BV was commentating for ESPN.

[calum_gers]

When i was watching ESPN's Baseball coverage last year, Valentine always struck me as they stereotypical ex-player. I couldn't believe it when i found out he was a long time manager.

[Clarko_son]

calum_gers, on 25 January 2012 - 13:58, said:

When i was watching ESPN's Baseball coverage last year, Valentine always struck me as they stereotypical ex-player. I couldn't believe it when i found out he was a long time manager.

It was over something stupid, he criticised Crawford's swing or stance. So Crawford decided not to return Valentine's calls for 3 weeks

Also Fielder was due his physical at the Tigers, apparently there's some stalling over side points of the contract, one of which is supposedly a weight clause

[lichtie23]

The think Fielder is overweight?

[Clarko_son]

lichtie23, on 25 January 2012 - 16:15, said:

The think Fielder is overweight?

Imagine him in 8 years time after having no incentive to work on it

[Shuggie_Murray7]

lichtie23, on 25 January 2012 - 16:15, said:

The think Fielder is overweight?

No. Not at all.

[lichtie23]

He might be overweight but he is still a hell of a hitter.

And he does get round those base pads pretty quickly

[Cowshed Chris]

Big contract for Fielder - will be interesting to see how his production goes throughout the length of the contract.

Phillies trade RHP Wilson Valdez for LHP Jeremy Horst.
I don't understand this move at all - Valdez was extremely valuable last season and we already have 2 lefties in the pen.

Very strange.

[Clarko_son]

Red Sox pick up Cody Ross (OF) on a 1 year deal. With Crawford out It gives an outfield of Ross Ellsbury Sweeney for opening day

[Clarko_son]

Red Sox sign John Maine on a minor league deal with a view to using him out the bullpen, he was good in the Mets starting rotation but since he's had surgery has looked absolutely woeful. Had a ERA of 7.45 and managed more walks than strikeouts whilst in triple A last year. I realise he'll be cheap and if some time away from the game has helped it could not too bad an addition but the real issue is Oswalt and Jackson have been linked a few times with the Red Sox and there seems to be a lot of interest. However there's now a ridiculous amounts of pitchers for spring training and on Thursday Valentine was quoted saying "I'm already going to have trouble finding innings in Spring Training for the guys already on board"

so instead of trying to get one of 2 guys who could slot straight into the rotation, they've picked up a guy who maybe, might, hopefully with time find a spot in the bullpen

[Clarko_son]

seen MLBtv has been unveiled for this season

$125 for premium (£79)
$110 for standard (£70)

Excellent value for a season's entertainment

[Shuggie_Murray7]

Clarko_son, on 13 February 2012 - 00:06, said:

seen MLBtv has been unveiled for this season

$125 for premium (£79)
$110 for standard (£70)

Excellent value for a season's entertainment

What do you get?

[Clarko_son]

Shuggie_Murray7, on 13 February 2012 - 00:29, said:

What do you get?

every single regular season game, live or archived

[A-Mac]

After growing to love baseball since 2010 & having a slight interest in both the Mariners & White Sox, i decided to pick a team to follow in the MLB once and for all.

Given my love for Seinfeld, i picked the NY Mets.

[calum_gers]

A-Mac, on 13 February 2012 - 02:56, said:

After growing to love baseball since 2010 & having a slight interest in both the Mariners & White Sox, i decided to pick a team to follow in the MLB once and for all.

Given my love for Seinfeld, i picked the NY Mets.

Do you have an addiction to losing?

I plumped for the Mets at the start of last season too and enjoyed watching them actually, i'm not so sure about this season! Have a look at www.metstoday.com if you haven't already. Worth a look, i think anyway...

This post has been edited by calum_gers: 13 February 2012 - 12:20

[Shuggie_Murray7]

calum_gers, on 13 February 2012 - 12:18, said:

Do you have an addiction to losing?

Could be worse, could be a Cubs fan

[Savage Henry]

calum_gers, on 13 February 2012 - 12:18, said:

Do you have an addiction to losing?

I plumped for the Mets at the start of last season too and enjoyed watching them actually, i'm not so sure about this season! Have a look at www.metstoday.com if you haven't already. Worth a look, i think anyway...

Equally, do you have an addiction to financial irregularities?

You know fellows, when I started supporting the Giants, they weren't that good, and for a while, they only got worse. A couple of 74 win seasons along the way there.... but then, 2010, bang. So as much as I may mock your unfortunate afflictions, one day it will come good. Possible.

[A-Mac]

calum_gers, on 13 February 2012 - 12:18, said:

Do you have an addiction to losing?

I plumped for the Mets at the start of last season too and enjoyed watching them actually, i'm not so sure about this season! Have a look at www.metstoday.com if you haven't already. Worth a look, i think anyway...

I think i do, most of my clubs never win anything

My baseball team in Australia, just lost the ABL Championship due to a wild pitch into the dirt

Thanks for the site, i will check it out.

This post has been edited by A-Mac: 13 February 2012 - 12:40

[calum_gers]

Shuggie_Murray7, on 13 February 2012 - 12:26, said:

Could be worse, could be a Cubs fan

At least the Cubs have some sort of coherent plan. The Mets have just spent the close season dumping salary because the owners don't care / are skint or corrupt or whatever. I'm sure i read somewhere last week that the Mets will set a record on the opening day for having dumped the most salary, i can't remember if that's from the end of last season or opening day last year. Either way it's not good.

[lichtie23]

Both the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants look quite good value at 20/1

[calum_gers]

lichtie23, on 13 February 2012 - 13:31, said:

Both the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants look quite good value at 20/1

Giants maybe, the Marlins have to get past the Phillies, the Braves and the Nationals to even make the play-offs.

[Savage Henry]

calum_gers, on 13 February 2012 - 23:54, said:

Giants maybe, the Marlins have to get past the Phillies, the Braves and the Nationals to even make the play-offs.

Miami have been splashing the cash. That might be the most competitive division in the majors. I wouldn't be surprised if Miami did do something.

[Cowshed Chris]

Savage Henry, on 14 February 2012 - 05:52, said:

Miami have been splashing the cash. That might be the most competitive division in the majors. I wouldn't be surprised if Miami did do something.

Both the AL East and NL East are going to be fantastic this year.

On another note, anyone investing in MLB The Show 12 due to be released in a couple of weeks? Looks epic... I loved 2008 so much I never bothered "upgrading" to any of the newer ones (my Road to the Show game was too important to me) but defo getting this one.

[David W]

I'm still on 2010 version. I can't let go of my starting shortstop role at the Phillies that easily either.