Dropped Third Strike

Mets + Delgado & Tatis - Good Move

Now that I'm finally over the loss of the Rays in the Fall Classic, I figure it's time to start on my promise to blog about each and every team before the start of Spring Training (and trust me, I'll hit several more than once.) I figure there is no better place to start than with the Metropolitans of New York. Let's take a look at two of their recent moves:

According to this article from the AP via ESPN, the Mets have signed Fernando Tatis to a one year deal worth 1.7 million bucks. Tatis, who seemed to recapture some of the form from earlier in his career, was a solid fill in for the Mets this year when both Alou and Church went down with inuries. Tatis had a somewhat solid start to his carrer with St Louis and Texas, but when the century turned he took a spill downhill and missed the majors completely in 2004, 2005, and 2007. This year, he hit .297 with 11 homers and 47 RBI in just 92 games - now thats a pretty good year. He played fine defensively at 4 different positions (although mostly in the outfield) and had some pretty clutch hits. To me - this a great signing by Minaya.

Now if you head over to this guys post, you'll read that the Mets picked up Carlos Delgado's $12 million option. It was entirely reasonable to think it possible for Delgado to have been released earlier this year, but he had one of the biggest turn arounds you'll ever see. He finished with what I consider to be an MVP caliber season during which he for a .271 average with 38 homers and 115 RBI. With the buyout on his option being $4 million, they essentially got him for $8 millon. Really - this was a no brainer.

Who knows - maybe Minaya isn't as bad as I thought.

Now I've got the Mets done - 29 more teams to go.

Varitek Should Get 5 years/$100 million

Ok - so maybe not that much, but he's probably going to get paid.

So 36 year old, Scott Boras client, former Lake Brantley Patriot (that's where he went to high school), and all star-catcher Jason Varitek is up for free agency at the conclusion of this season. Usually at the end of a contract, players will put up career numbers in order to get paid in their next (and in his case, final) contract; see the 2007 Jorge Posada for a good example of this. Jason Varitek didn't disappoint in his contract year, putting up an impressive .220 batting average while driving in a cool 43 runs. Oh, he also attempted to steal one base, but didn't quite make it. Usually subpar offense is okay for a catcher (although subpar doesn't begin to describe this) as long as they have great defense, but he wasn't anything impressive behind the dish this year either.

Here's the big question - if it was anyone but the Red Sox captain - would you think about offering him a multi-year deal for big money? Of course you wouldn't. There are far better options out there if you are looking for an over-the-hill catcher (see Ivan Rodriguez) and they would probably come a shade cheaper than Varitek.

The front office of the Pink Hat Red Sox nation has a history of handling contract issues with no regard for emotional attachment (see Nomar for example) and I really hope that is what happens here. Realistically, this guy deserves a 1 or 2 year deal without big money becuase he will probably end up backing up whoever else you have. With Boras as his agent, he'll probably end up being over-valued and demanding 3-4 years with larger cash and a garunteed Metamucil endorsement.

Bottom line, the guys numbers have been down the past 3 years so it isn't just a fluke that he sucked this year. If you're going to sign him - it should most likely be for a situation where he won't be catching every day.

Also - Jason, please stop wearing the C on your jersey. I know you're the captain, but I find it annoying.

Mark Prior Still Pitches?

According to ESPN's Buster Olney (Go Vandy) here, Mark Prior is getting ready to start pitching again in 2009. Three questions come to mind.......
1. Who is Mark Prior Again?
2. Will he be any good after the surgeries and all the time away?
3. Who will want him?

So Mark Prior, the 2nd overall pick in the 2001 draft, hasn't pitched in a major league game since the 2006 season when he put up an impressive 7.21 ERA in 43.7 innings. Wow - that's pretty not good. I'm pretty sure the problems started for Prior in 2003 when his innings total nearly doubled to 211.3 IP from the previous year (116.7.) That crazy Dusty Baker and has great abuse management of those young arms. In that 2003 season, Prior tossed up a mid-2's ERA and put up a very impressive 245 strikeouts. Since then - Prior has been plagued by injuries (some caused by bad luck.) In 2005, he was on his way back to his old form but couldn't stay healthy and after 2006, yeah - well we just havent' seen him.

I think someone will take a small risk on Prior as the Padres did this year (although their risk didn't turn out so well.) I'm sure a lot of teams will be interested in something similar to this year, about a million garunteed with a whole bunch of performance incentives. I'd love to see a team like the Rays grab him as they have taken chances on a lot of players over the past couple of years.

My best guess is that Prior ends up with an NL team as he's been pitched in that league his entire career. I think, in the right circumstances and with managed work load, we may see the Mark Prior that was so impressive 5 years ago.

Lee's Playoff Preview Extravaganza - World Series Edition

When I said that there would be a Dodgers/Red Sox World Series a couple of weeks ago, I really meant Phillies/Rays! Ok, not really, but everyone deserves a second chance, right? On to the pick!

 

World Series – Philadelphia Phillies vs. Tampa Bay Rays

 

Hitting: Both teams possess potent everyday lineups, but seem to excel at different facets of the art of hitting. Tampa Bay, despite B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria seemingly activating “Beast Mode” this postseason, makes its hay with Angels-style small ball, while the Phillies are known more for mashing the Rawlings out of the Bank every chance they get, with power bats like Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Pat Burrell, and Matt Stairs. Ok, kidding about the last one, but when you combine their power (Howard was the M.L. leader in home runs this year, by the way) with their speed and ability to manufacture runs with guys like Rollins and Victorino (they do play in the National League, by the way) at a rate at least on par with the Rays, you have to think that the Rays’ arms are in trouble, especially those of their bullpen, which have appeared a bit shaky lately.

 

Advantage: Phillies

 

Starting Pitching: The Phillies have two starters with a better ERA this postseason than anyone in the Rays’ rotation. That’s a good start. I love the chances for a well-rested Cole Hamels to steal game one at the Trop, while the Rays starting rotation will try to counter with the physically tired (Kazmir), the mentally tired (Shields), and the overrated (Sonnanstine). Garza looked great in the ALCS (obviously, which is why he was the MVP), but he can’t do it all, and who knows how much gas he’ll have left in the tank physically, or if he’ll have another costly emotional outburst on the mound. Look for the more veteran staff to control this series especially if the real Brett Myers (that’s the good one, for the record) shows up. He is absolutely the X-Factor once again for Philadelphia.

 

Advantage: Phillies

 

Bullpen: This one’s not even close. It was logical to assume that when Tom Gordon went down, the Phillies’ bullpen would implode, but for the second year in a row, it’s been very, very solid. J.P. Howell looked very hittable, while Dan Wheeler and Grant Balfour looked like human piñatas, against clutch Boston hitting in the ALCS.  On the flip-side, Phillies’ relievers Brad Lidge, J.C. Romero, Scott Eyre, Clay Condrey and Ryan Madson combined for a whopping 0.00 ERA in the NLCS. I know that the Rays are a better team than the Dodgers, but that’s still pretty damn impressive in a pennant-clinching series. The Rays bullpen has been shaken mentally, and will be, at least by comparison, fatigued physically. I’m just much more confident with Philly’s ‘pen in a tough situation, and you should be too! Trust them!

 

Advantage: Phillies

 

Managing: In spite of his blunders in game five of the ALCS (taking Kazmir out too soon, and not having Fernando Perez in Right), nobody in Major League Baseball has done a better job of managing in 2008 than Joe Maddon, period. He was just in a battle of wits with Terry Francona for seven grueling games, and let me tell you, Charlie Manual is no Terry Francona. Maddon has done far more with far less all year, so I’ll give the Rays skipper the nod here.

 

Advantage: Rays

 

Intangibles: The Rays have home field advantage, no Florida team has ever lost a playoff series (it’s true, look it up), Dick Vitale is a season ticket holder – all irrelevant. The Rays really have the advantage in this category because they’ve just come off of an intensely emotional seven game series where they were put in a position where they could have easily submitted to the lore of a much more battle tested opponent, but they did not, so kudos to the St. Pete Nine on a great run to this point (that might be a hint as to what’s coming next).

 

Advantage: Rays

 

The Pick: To recap, the Phillies have the more talented and well rested pitching staff, and a more explosive everyday lineup. I gave the Rays the advantage in the last two categories, but Joe Maddon will not be registering a single at bat in this series, nor will Dick Vitale or any of his cowbell-toting comrades be throwing a single pitch out of the bullpen. You can’t overstate what Tampa Bay has done all season, and who’s to say their run stops now? Well, since I’m picking with my head, and not my gut, me. Let the parade commence on Broad Street; the Phillies will be your 2008 World Series Champions. After all, that’s what I said in my last post, right?

 

Prediction: Phillies in Phive Five

 

 

Joba gets D.U.I.

Update: Turns out Joba's blood-alcohol level was .134 - which is pretty high (that state limit is .08). Sounds like he had plenty to drink, far too intoxicated to be driving around. Hank Steinbrenner says he is only 23, and is a good kid? Last I checked, 23 is an adult. If he is old enough to drink, he is old enough to get the consequences that come with drinking and driving. How can everyone be sympathetic towards him? If he were a lesser pitcher, would he get the same treatment?

Update - Joba released a statement apologizing for his stupidity: "I want to apologize to the New York Yankees and the fans for an error in judgment and for putting myself in a difficult situation," Chamberlain said in a statement released by his agent, Randy Hendricks. "I intend to properly resolve this situation, and do not intend to be in such a situation again. My goal is to focus on pitching for the Yankees in the 2009 season." (ESPN)

Wow, the well-worded apology written released by his agent sounds so sincere, it makes me want to believe him....

Link: FOXNews.com - New York Yankees Pitcher Joba Chamberlain Arrested for DUI - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News.

Joba Chamberlain was arrested in Nebraska for driving under the influence, speeding, and driving with an open container early on Saturday. Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo refused to comment on Chamberlain in an e-mail. I am looking around online and have not seen much else about it yet, but will keep looking...

I am not sure what to make of this - the guy hangs out in New York City for the entire season, then gets arrested because he's partying in Lincoln, Nebraska?? I am surprised with all of the rules the Yanks have for him, that this could happen. I figured they had a well-guarded facility for him somewhere in the Bronx, maybe a 24-hour chaperone. I guess they didn't, but maybe he needs one. Don't look for the Yankees to react much about this, they don't seem to mind when their players behave badly. Oh, and don't forget the whole steroids and HGH thing...

Manny being Manny

Link: Manny Quotes: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com.

It was only matter of time until Manny opened his big mouth. The Dodger's season is now over, so the Manny Ramirez can start again.

"I just want to go home and spend some time with my family. I want to see who is the highest bidder. Gas is up and so am I," says Manny. Granted, his performance since joining the Dodgers has been incredible, and he deserves a large portion of the credit for L.A.'s success, but is his stock really up? After his ridiculous stunt with the Red Sox, I am sure there are teams who won't even consider him. Besides, gas is down.

Then, there was this comment when asked what he is worth: "I guess you got to talk to my agent now. I'm a five-tool player. That's me now." Really??? A five-tool player??? What tools are we talking about it? Certainly not speed or defense. His tools include an incredible lack of personal hygiene and a huge ego.

That being said, it will be very interesting to see where he ends up. As a Mets fan, I would to see a player with that kind of bat in the lineup. The circus he brings with him makes me think it's not worth it though, but, could you imagine this lineup:
1. Reyes - SS
2. Beltran - CF
3. Wright - 3B
4. Ramirez - LF
5. Delgado - 1B
6. Church - RF
7. Murphy - 2B
8. Schneider - C

It's a nice thought, but I am sure there are other options that will work. I hope that he does not get the huge contract he is looking for. I can see someone offering it to him, but I think after the nonsense he has pulled a smaller contract with performance-based incentives built in, this way, he is only getting the big money with the big effort.

Cano - Time to Say Good-bye........

Let me first start off by saying yes, I know I blog way too much about the Yankees. I've made it my official off-season resolution to blog at least once about every single team before spring training starts. But - as the playoffs are still going on and the Rays are still doing a pretty good job at beating up on the BoSox, I figure I can squeeze in another post or two on the Bombers.

I think its time for the Yankees to say good-bye to Mr. Cano and end his tenure at 2nd base before the new stadium opens. Maybe I'm being overly negative about him, but his performance this year scares me way more than a little. Given his sub-Melky performance to start the year, it would have been difficult for him to find his numbers from the previous years no matter how well he hit the rest of the year. If I recall correctly, Cano got off to a slow start in the '07 season as well and needed a great season to save his stats for the year. Here are his BA's the last 3 seasons: 06 - .342, 07 - .306, 08 - .271. Is it me, or does it seem like he's moving in the wrong direction here?

After this year with Hughes and Kennedy (way more so with Kennedy), I think it is pretty clear that the Yankees have a over valued their younger players in some situations and I fear this may be one of them. I say its time to ship out Cano while he still has some decent value and they can fill a whole with the player he would net them (perhaps a mid-range starting pitcher or a middle infielder to take his place?) There has been talk of shifting Cano over to first and trying to find a new 2B instead of a 1B but his offense doesn't now and will never be able to support him playing there.

Mr. Cano - I'm sorry but it's time to go. You'll do more good in a trade than you will playing 2nd base. The Dodgers are interested - maybe being with Larry Bowa will remind you how to hit.

According to this link, apparently Omar Minaya regreats signing Luis Castillo for 4 years. Man - whoulda thought that would be a bad idea? Oh thats right, everyone did. Good job buddy.......

Peace out-

A few closing and completely unrelated thoughts:

Manny should not get 6 years but I bet he actually does just becuase that's what Boras has set his sights on. We all know that old people are cranky and crotchety and Manny is already getting up there in baseball age. Do we really need a 42 year old baby running around in someone's outfield with fake injuries becuase he wants more money again?

K-Rod is overrated and someone is going to end up over paying for him big time. He wants 5 years and that seems like a terrible idea. 5 years seems like a long time for any pitchers, especially with the injuries they are prone to. I'd put 5 bucks on the mets over spending on the years for him - they need to make up for being awful to close out the past two years.

Go Rays. Now I just wish I could get playoff tickets. I've been to a game every season for the past 5 seasons and now I get shutout from them becuase they are doing well. Oh well - at least they are finally getting attention, right?

Lee's Playoff Preview Extravaganza - NL/ALCS Edition

Are you finally done talking your Cub-fan friend off the ledge? Have you burned all of your CC Sabathia Brewers merchandise? Are you now convinced that there are in fact, no such things as angels in any outfield? Well then, let’s get to the picks!

NLCS – Philadelphia Phillies vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

First of all, can we talk about the Cubs? Wow. It’s not that I had a whole lot of faith in their World Series hopes (scroll down to see my NLDS picks), but I at least thought that they would have, you know, realized that the playoffs started when Torre and Co. came to town. Show some heart, North-Siders, or at least learn how to hit in games that matter. Yikes.

Back to the present - both of these teams looked very impressive in their first round victories over what turned out to be somewhat lackluster competition. In terms of momentum, you’d have to say the Dodgers are coming into this series with slightly more, having gone on the road to get two in Wrigley against a tougher team than Milwaukee, and hitting the crap out of anything in sight at the plate in the process. Speaking of which, who knew that an N.L. West lineup could be so scary? Loney, Martin and Ramirez is not the name of a law firm on the back of your phonebook, but rather, they are a collective hitting force sent to destroy your team’s pitching staff. And it’s funny you should mention pitching, because although Jamie Moyer may have more life experience than well, the three of us DTS writers combined, post-season pitching experience is what I’m looking for here, and Derek Lowe has plenty of it. Look for the Dodgers to steal game one behind the former Boston hurler, and eventually close this one out in L.A.

Will a Philadelphia team ever win a major sports championship in my lifetime (no, the Soul’s AFL title this summer does not count)? Possibly, but it won’t be the Phillies - at least not in 2008.

Prediction: Dodgers in Five

ALCS – Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox

Man, I was wrong about the Red Sox in the ALDS. And I mean really wrong.

No Josh Beckett in the most important games pitching at his best? Enter Jon Lester to mow ‘em down with a vengeance. No Mike Lowell for clutch at bats? Enter homegrown talent Jed Lowrie to knock in the winning run in game four. These guys are like a horror movie villain that just won’t die, no matter how many blows they take.

I know that Tampa Bay has a lot of experience against the Red Sox, and that they are, after all, the 2008 A.L. East division champs, but something tells me that Boston is enjoying flying under the radar, at least as much as a team with that payroll can. I like their pitching, especially their bullpen, better than I do the Rays’ in this series, and as I said, I love how their getting contributions from seemingly everyone that Terry Francona has been throwing out there in the lineup thus far in the playoffs. Who knew that Jason Bay would actually produce in big games, for example? Boston moves on in a tough, but well-played series, setting up one heck of a Fall Classic.

Prediction: Red Sox in Six

IMHO - 10.5.08

What a week - not only did the Mets miss the playoffs, but the two teams that caused this are playing each other, so one of them will get to move on.

The Cubs, however, will not get to move on. I feel badly for Cubs fans (at least they made the playoffs...), but I don't care that they have waiting 100 years. I have not been alive for most of those 100 years, as is the case with the vast majority of the Cubs fans, so lets stop using that battle cry. I thought this might be the year though, they just ran into a Dodgers team that played very well.

I am sorry to see that the Phillies moved on - I was hoping for a humiliating defeat. Maybe the Dodgers can do this. The Dodgers have been good - Manny has been huge, and Joe Torre is one of the best. What if the Dodgers played the Red Sox in the World Series. That would be some story line - Manny coming back to Fenway, and Joe Torre vs. the Sox yet again. This won't happen though, I think the Rays will come out of the A.L.

Good for Joe Torre, finding success in L.A. It goes to show you, he wasn't the problem in NY, it was everyone else. I wonder how the view is from third place.

It's not fair, I have been to Rays games when there were 7000 fans in attendance. They become successful, and I lose a lottery to get tickets to a playoff game. Meanwhile, the other winners are selling them on Ebay. Oh well, at least a soda doesn't cost $5 when I watch the game at home.