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Sunday, November 30, 2008 (11/30/2008 07:06:00 PM) - Al Tom H feels Sheets will be offered arby, but Shouse may not be. I gotta side with Adam, as I don't think Shouse poses much of a risk...at worst, he signs a 1y/$3M deal if he accepts arby. Sheets meanwhile, could get $15M in arby, and given his state of injury, may not be at 100% for some time (or he may be fine, we just do not know). My money is still on Doug offering all 3 arby, but I would hesitate on Sheets before Shouse. If you scroll down a bit, right now, 60 of 61 voters feel Ben should be offered arbitration...we'll have to see if Doug was the one "no" vote.:) 11/30/2008 07:06:00 PM (11/30/2008 06:59:00 PM) - Al On the CBS news break: --Holiday sales up 7% this weekend. --Gas prices are at a several years low of $1.83/gallon. --The stock market will open tomorrow on a 5 session winning streak. I tell ya, I'm not sure if we can stand much more of this economy! My goodness, the news could not be much more upbeat. 11/30/2008 06:59:00 PM (11/30/2008 01:52:00 PM) - Al The Brewers could soon become suitors for Francisco Rodriguez.--MLBTR, recapping BP Despite Doug's discussions about improving his rotation first, the Crew keeps getting mentioned as suitors for Fuentes and KRod. Maybe it is just because people think they will have money to spend, but often, where there's smoke, there's fire. I have said often that if anyone signs KRod to a 5y/$75M deal like he is said to want, they will regret it. However, if we're talking about a Cordero sized, 4y/$43M deal, I can't say I'm against it. All things being equal, I like Fuentes for 3y rather than KRod for 4. 11/30/2008 01:52:00 PM (11/30/2008 01:09:00 PM) - Al 11/30/2008 01:09:00 PM (11/30/2008 11:45:00 AM) - Al Some doubt the Crew might offer Sheets arby...of course, doubts about his health make sense. Remember, most folks were shocked when Doug did not offer Tomo Ohka arby, and TO has not been the same since. In Doug we trust. ADDED: Adam discusses this as well, basically saying CC and Shouse will be offered arby, no to Gagne, and the maybe is Sheets. I would have to agree 100%. Note at the bottom Doug seems very unconcerned about the bullpen, seeing no reason to discuss a deal with a veteran like Mota until others start signing. 11/30/2008 11:45:00 AM (11/30/2008 11:42:00 AM) - Al Heh, change or a 3rd term for Bush? 11/30/2008 11:42:00 AM (11/30/2008 01:32:00 AM) - Al Another name I keep hearing brought up is Orlando Hudson. OH is a solid 2B, but take a look at his career line...why the sudden success in ARI? Well, a look at his career road numbers makes it pretty obvious...he's a 750 OPS guy masquerading as an elite middle infielder because he plays half his games in the offensive paradise of Arizona. Any doubters need just to look at his 2008 splits...wow. Or if you prefer, his '07 splits. Or his 2006's? It really makes me shake my head at how many casuals want to pay more for a 2B that simply is extremely unlikely to produce more than Rickie Weeks. If you wish, make the argument Orlando is a better fielder and projects at a level similar to Rickie...but let's not expect him to match his thin air 'Zona numbers. He's a nice piece to a puzzle, but getting older and more expensive only wins more games in the bizarro world. 11/30/2008 01:32:00 AM (11/30/2008 01:04:00 AM) - Al November is going to be the 5th most visited and 4th in page views ever, but that's not bad at all, considering the lack of baseball, a short month, and a long holiday weekend. Up 40% from last year, it is all good, so thanks for visiting. 11/30/2008 01:04:00 AM (11/30/2008 01:02:00 AM) - Al Looks like it's time to come in off the ledge, as sales are up 3% on black Friday. UPDATE: Glenn is as negative as the "real" media, but his point is well taken. However, it should remain clear to retailers that deep discounting is what is bringing in the crowds and bumping up the sales. I see scary good deals on clothes and especially winter clothing on 12/26, but we do annually. Time will tell if other categories will follow. 11/30/2008 01:02:00 AM (11/30/2008 12:42:00 AM) - Al Al, I'm wondering what your take is on this. Over dinner, my wife & I were discussing the Crew and Griffey, Jr.'s name popped up. He should come relatively cheap, bats lefty, can play a couple outfield spots and seems to be resigned to the fact that he's not an everyday player anymore. I assume we'll lose Gabe (Kapler) in FA, so this may help shore up the bench (and consequently offer more nuggets of outfield wisdom for Braunie & Hart). I know the name is sexier than the player at this point, but Doug does like veteran, multi-positional guys. p.s You've helped change my appreciation for the best game ever invented. Thank you for helping me help others off the ledge this past year. Shawn I have mentioned Jim Edmonds as a more realistic option, Shawn. Griffey would indeed fit the same basic needs (though to call him a CF at this point is likely more reminiscent than realistic), but I doubt he would accept less than 100 starts a year. He would be a nice fit as a platoon guy, and of course, in the AL, where he can spell the DH or split time there. If Cameron is kept, I don't see Doug making a call to Junior's agent. EDIT: I just checked, and he'll be 39, and has taken a serious step down in production in the past 3 years. He's a mere shell of the HOF player you think of when you hear his name. He's a poor man's Gabe Gross at this point. 11/30/2008 12:42:00 AM (11/30/2008 12:25:00 AM) - Al Nice signing by the Royals, almost no risk, and any C that can do anything but swing feebly is worth bringing in. 11/30/2008 12:25:00 AM Saturday, November 29, 2008 (11/29/2008 02:27:00 PM) - Al Remember the barrage of stories we saw about how Obama kept getting $20 and $25 contributions from "regular folks". How the billions he raised was almost all from lower and middle class donors? Much like Bigfoot and women not being grumpy, looks like it was a myth created by his campaign, and of course, lapped up by the old media, with no investigation required. If it was a movie, no one would believe it. 11/29/2008 02:27:00 PM (11/29/2008 11:03:00 AM) - Al Quentin Richardson will play on Saturday despite a bruised forearm. The Knicks can't afford another injury and it doesn't sound serious, though his shot might be less reliable than usual. With only seven healthy players, the Knicks assistant coaches wound up scrimmaging on Friday.--Rotoworld It's really tough to figure out how in the world the Knicks can play for a couple weeks with only seven healthy players. What is especially funny is, Stephen Marbury had to dress to give them the league minimum of 8...but he refuses to play anyway. I suppose today one of their injured players will dress to give them 8, but c'mon. How can you not have an injured list of some sort? Imagine what tickets cost in New York City, and how much the TV and radio rights are, it is a very odd to let a team flounder like that. 11/29/2008 11:03:00 AM Friday, November 28, 2008 (11/28/2008 11:10:00 PM) - Al The Taj operation is over. The last two terrorists holed up there have been killed. It takes an Indian police chief to say this without the least bit of guilt. Of course, the only way to get rid of these goons is to eliminate them, but our media has often tried to tell the story that problems can be solved by talking softly, holding hands, and singing folk songs. 11/28/2008 11:10:00 PM (11/28/2008 07:33:00 PM) - Al Red Sox acquired RHP Wes Littleton from the Rangers for two players to be named or cash. A nice pickup for the Red Sox. Littleton hasn't been all that effective since his rookie season in 2006, but he has a 3.69 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP in 102 1/3 innings as a major leaguer. Outside of Arlington, he has a 2.70 ERA in 53 1/3 innings. When Littleton's sinker is working, he's an outstanding middle reliever. Still, he didn't show the same stuff last season as he did earlier in his career.--Rotoworld I thought Wes might end up with the Crew, but Theo strikes again. 11/28/2008 07:33:00 PM (11/28/2008 03:20:00 PM) - Al The Rambling wife is headed home, but reports that lots and stores are still packed, though not so much it is difficult to shop. 11/28/2008 03:20:00 PM (11/28/2008 03:17:00 PM) - Al Trying to project '09 pitching, and Capuano is included, but Parra is not? Needless to say, that's not going to be very accurate. 11/28/2008 03:17:00 PM (11/28/2008 12:44:00 PM) - Al Update below post, and yet another. .314/.411, 725 OPS, 77 simple runs created--Brewers' 3B production in '08 .313/.402, 705 OPS, 75 src--Mark Teahen, 2008 .332/.421, 753 OPS, 84 src--Teahen, career Bonus points if anyone can name one, two, or three of the following statlines. Hint, one is not a player, and two of them are the same player; also, it has to do with improving the Crew in '09. UPDATE: Matt correctly guesses that one is the 3B for the Crew last year, but incorrectly guesses the others are Gamel's projections or major league equivalent. What are the other two, now that you have a big hint? UPDATE 2: Mark Teahen's stats from 2008 and his career stats. I never looked into Teahan until tonight, but I don't feel he is the answer at 3B or anywhere else. He had very nice stats in 2006 and 2007, but had BABIP's of .329 and .359 in those years. I wouldn't want to trade players to find out if he is as good as his 2007-2008 seasons. Until somebody can come up with something better than a Hall/Branyan platoon or Branyan retires/seeks a contract elsewhere, that platoon seems the best way to go. If Branyan happens to get hurt, we bring up Gamel. I wouldn't trade players for a marginal upgrade. Reggie I think it's a Gamel/RH bat platoon for '09, Hall if he is still with the team. My point was, the calls to bring in Teahen, who had a worse '08 than the Hall/Branyan/Counsell combo, seems very strange. This is similar to the constant "let's replace Weeks with X, who invariably is older, more expensive, and not as productive. When Doug said Gamel projects just as well as many of the 3B on the market, it seems likely he was speaking of Teahen. After looking at Teahan I would think it compares to many of the left handed suggestions as a replacement for Cameron. Pierre and Dave Roberts being the 2 that come to mind. So far the only left handed player named that seems to make much sense is DeJesus. Every other LHB is either worse than the player they are supposed to replace or a very marginal upgrade probably not worth giving up players for. I think there are alot of people who have left handed batters on the brain. I would prefer not to go with Gamel simply because I think it would be better not to platoon him at this point. I think it would be detrimental because he is likely an everyday player for us in the future. Reggie Reggie chimes in again, and I agree fully. I've seen ridiculous names brought up (Pierre being the worst, Roberts close) because they hit for a slightly higher BA than Cameron, as if lowering the CF's OBP, SLG, and defensive ability will be what sparks the team...because the new guy will bat from the left side. It also amazes me how people act like if they have heard of a player, or if they were good a half-decade ago, they can easily just step in and play CF every day. I would like either Dave or Juan as a $1.5M reserve OF, but the point is, they are due several times that, and their days of playing 150 games per year are several trips around sun past. 11/28/2008 12:44:00 PM (11/28/2008 12:26:00 PM) - Al Theo breaks another "gentleman's agreement", and has a nice young player because of it. Simply put, he's the best GM in the game. He's a step ahead of everyone else, and in many cases, 3 or 4. 11/28/2008 12:26:00 PM (11/28/2008 12:21:00 PM) - Al Bloomberg seems to give out a lot of positives in this Black Friday article...5K people waiting outside Macy's this morning, sales expecterd to be up 1% among same stores open more than a year. My favorite was the guy outside Best Buy, complaining about th economy of course, waiting to buy a big screen TV for himself. Obviously, a necessity.:) The Rambling wife reports that places are plenty busy, but not overwhelming, and with plenty of registers open, it's a quick checkout. UPDATE: I made it out about 10, and was able to get a couple things I needed. Shopko had their lines set up like a bank, and it went back to the back of the store and then over, probably about 50 people deep, but I got through it in 10-12 minutes. There and at Walgreen's, people ahead of me complained that something did not ring up properly, and in both places, the customer was incorrect...WG still gave them the ad price, while Shopko did not. FYI, the cashier's name at Shopko was "Kramer"...not sure if it's a nickname or her given name. Amazingly, Seinfeld was around 16-17 years ago, so I guess it is possible. Crowds were very big, and carts were full...I was at Shopko with a single item, and 90% of the shoppers had a cart as I walked to the back of the line. Parking lots were packed, several people waiting for a spot after letting someone out to go in. CNBC is discussing that malls seem to be loaded with people, though they are questioning margin and profit. AMEX had issues this AM, so some people were getting "fraud alerts" and having their transactions declined, as people were buying at many different stores, like a person with a stolen card would. The Dow was up for the 5th day in a row...it seems many are as optimistic as I am that this downtime in the economy will be short, though growth may not be as robust as in the past. 11/28/2008 12:21:00 PM Thursday, November 27, 2008 (11/27/2008 09:43:00 PM) - Al I have a couple comments about Rosie's special doing so badly: 1. Middle America despises Rosie. 2. A 1.2? That's less than most cable news shows get. 3. Did I mention most people hate Rosie? You don't go around saying 9/11 was an inside job and then headline a variety show. Simply put, most Americans don't stand for that...of course, the East and West Coast folks that program the networks may be just a tad out of touch... 11/27/2008 09:43:00 PM (11/27/2008 09:26:00 PM) - Al The Crew seems to be one of the leaders in their charity work as well, both players and the team. 11/27/2008 09:26:00 PM (11/27/2008 09:25:00 PM) - Al The Brewers win an award for their in stadium sales. 11/27/2008 09:25:00 PM (11/27/2008 07:28:00 PM) - Al The Rambling wife is going out shopping early tomorrow with her family in the Twin Cities. I spoke to her and she said most were kind of unimpressed with the Black Friday ads, as nothing seems to "stand out". I just glanced through them, but I have to agree. Even the clothing deals, which don't excite us, seem lackluster. 11/27/2008 07:28:00 PM (11/27/2008 10:07:00 AM) - Al MLBTR links to Omar Minaya of the Mets thinking Brian Fuentes asking for $10-11M per for 3 years is "a little high"...heck, I'd say it's a bargain, especially when you consider his secondary numbers make him comparable to KRod, and let's face it, that's less of a commitment than the Brewers offered and the Reds gave Frankie Cordero. 11/27/2008 10:07:00 AM (11/27/2008 12:01:00 AM) - Al I know many of you won't check out the blog until Monday after work today, so I am going to post some requested and popular links here and then switch the date to tomorrow so that it has a Thanksgiving header. For Wednesday PM content, please scroll down. Dr. Schullman's Thanksgiving story. By far the most requested link in Ramblings' history, someone e-mails for this several times a year. Bobby Warns' tribute page...we should all be very thankful that we have a military full of men and women who are willing to take on evil and kill or be killed. Regardless of how many times I link to it (it's on the sidebar too, mind you), someone always writes to say they watched it for the first time and how well it is done. If you wish, there is a donation area on there for a trust fund for Bobby's daughter, who was born after he gave his life to protect ours. I promise you, no other gift this holiday season will go to a better cause. Ben Stein wrote this nearly 5 years ago, and it's just as true today, as we celebrate Thanksgiving, a true American holiday. 11/27/2008 12:01:00 AM Wednesday, November 26, 2008 (11/26/2008 11:54:00 PM) - Al We ate at a Waffle House while on our honeymoon, and we were both terribly disappointed, so this comes as no surprise to me. 11/26/2008 11:54:00 PM (11/26/2008 11:51:00 PM) - Al Take a look at this chart that looks at inflation adjusted home values, and how closely it matches nominal home value. It's like a twin. 11/26/2008 11:51:00 PM (11/26/2008 11:48:00 PM) - Al Good to see Petsmart is opening at 7AM Friday. Sometimes, things are just so stupid, the fact itself is funnier than anything I could say about it. UPDATE:Al, My question isn't what time Petsmart opens *Friday*, it's what time they open *Thursday*. Turkey's expensive, don't you know? ... Happy Thanksgiving. Cam Heh. 11/26/2008 11:48:00 PM (11/26/2008 11:00:00 PM) - Al I buy a Butterball every year. To the likes of me, that counts as a premium turkey. Glenn's answer to everything seems to be more Merlot. I've never had leg of lamb, so that would be interesting. If it were up to me, we'd either do a turkey breast or a turkey "loaf", as a turkey is just too much bird, especially since the Rambling wife is not a fan. I also request country gravy annually, but am always outvoted 1-1 (you married guys understand). Alas, it is at the in-laws this year, though I am a bit under the weather, so I don't think I will be attending. The Rambling son stayed home from school Monday with stomach issues, and it seems it has now inflicted me. I may well be having jello with a fruit juice chaser for my holiday.:) 11/26/2008 11:00:00 PM (11/26/2008 10:28:00 PM) - Al I refrained from posting these when I saw 'em, but since Vince and Ben both sent me the link, I guess it's time to post the lovely photos of Trenni's going away party...with Tony W of the JS hanging all over her, exactly as you'd expect. UPDATE: Josh e-mails to say he doesn't think that is Tony Witrado in the pics that I linked. FYI, I don't know the guy, so I could not tell you. 11/26/2008 10:28:00 PM (11/26/2008 09:29:00 PM) - Al Al, I work for a beverage company and upon recent discussions with fellow managers we have stumbled upon some interesting numbers that bring a different perspective upon our current status. If you compare our sales from the pre-Thanksgiving week one would think we are down 10 to 15% vs. prior years, which we are. But if you take a step back and look at our numbers from last year and compare them to Novembers of years past you'll find that Nov '07 was the 2nd best month for sales in the past 10 years. Nov '08 is actually down around 2 to 5% from a "normal" November. You can easily draw comparisons to "casual fans" of baseball and the "casual" fan of reading today's headline or the guy looking at the stock ticker day to day. "Sure Rickie Weeks had a tough week last week, but you compare his season numbers to other 2B he is right in the middle of the pack." Substitute the economy for Rickie, and last week with the last month and the conversations appear to be eerily similar. I remember reading somewhere on the interweb (perhaps somewhere I frequent often) that you are never as good as when things are going good, and you are never as bad as when things are going bad (or something similar) but this definitely seems to be holding true in many aspects of our lives right now. Continue being the voice of reason in our not so reasonable world. And keep up with the excellent reading material. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Scott I'm telling you Scott, whoever said that about good and bad is a genius.:) Considering that this is probably the 2nd highest traveled Thanksgiving in US history, that sure isn't being reported, I suppose because it doesn't fit into the "big picture" that is being painted. Much of the economic crunch has been seriously relieved by the decrease in gas prices, at least for many lower and middle class folks who either commute quite a bit or travel for recreation (think many hunters). However, even when Wal Mart reports record sales and profits, it is not because they are simply the most efficient retail machine that has ever sold, but because Bill and Melinda Gates are reduced to shopping there. I read the other day that while expensive French wine sales are down, the cheap (yet high quality, or at least they claim) California wines are doing big business. My goodness, if it's bad for the French, it has to be good for us, right? On a related note, it must just kill snobby wine people that bargain vintage commonly called Two Buck Chuck (it's sold for $1.99 in CA) has won awards, when matched against moderate and pricey bottles. 11/26/2008 09:29:00 PM (11/26/2008 09:21:00 PM) - Al I'm flipping some this evening, and on The Iron Chef, one of the ingredients was whole duck...head, feathers, feet, the whole carcass. One of the chefs seemed to be a master plucker, and quickly got an entire bird featherless. Another struggled, and was doing a lot of cutting off of the skin to get to the meat. The one who had done so well then started just cutting into a bird (the announcer said this was "Asian style"), literally ripping it apart with his hands, as he tore out some of the prime meat and organs, as the snow white feathers turned red. Let me tell you, if the folks who were upset about Palin visiting a poultry facility saw it, they may be lying on the floor, knees up to their chin, weeping. Here I thought they just magically transformed into plastic wrapped, giblet filled packages in the back of the grocery store.:) 11/26/2008 09:21:00 PM (11/26/2008 06:20:00 PM) - Al Al, I'm heading home so I won't be able to wait until the market closes, but did you see the Dow is up almost 20% in the last 4 days? I think that 7500 close will be looked at 5-10 years from now as a "if you would have bought here" threshold. Happy Thanksgiving. Benji America's favorite canine checks in with another fact that's quietly being ignored. UPDATE: Dow ends up 15.5%, the S&P 18%. I gotta agree with the "if" chart however. 11/26/2008 06:20:00 PM (11/26/2008 06:09:00 PM) - Al Doug thinks movement is slow partly because of the economy. Also, he has no idea where he stands on CC. 11/26/2008 06:09:00 PM (11/26/2008 05:53:00 PM) - Al It's not a war, it's a humanitarian mission. So, did Obama oppose helping people when he was against the more successful than ever imagined surge? This leads to all sorts of questions/rewriting of history. 11/26/2008 05:53:00 PM (11/26/2008 04:58:00 PM) - Al Al, If the airports were packed, all we'd see is stories about those poor stranded people who had a flight delayed. AS you say, "If it bleeds it leads", but more truthfully, "Bad news first, good news in the last 90 seconds". My wife and I often watch The 700 Club, where the good things takes up the majority of the broadcast, and "the bad" usually focuses on famine and disease elsewhere in the world. That gets you refocused quickly, as you realize our struggles involve us buying fewer brand name goodies and maybe only replacing a car every 5 years instead of every 3. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Robert W Well said, and happy holidays as well. 11/26/2008 04:58:00 PM (11/26/2008 03:14:00 PM) - Al Today, I had Yes Dear on TBS on in the background. Jimmy: Have a cheese fry. Greg: Mmm, this is good...what kind of cheese is this? Jimmy: Whiz. Heh. As a white guy who lives in the Midwest, allow me to say I enjoy Cheese Whiz on many items. That said, this helps to explain why the critics (of which every one lives in New York or LA) absolutely despised Yes Dear. 11/26/2008 03:14:00 PM (11/26/2008 02:10:00 PM) - Al Some hyperbole about fewer people traveling this Thanksgiving...estimated to be down a bit this year, but after the biggest travel ever last year, it seems likely this will be the 2nd most heavy travel of any T-giving in history...it's all in the way you report it. That's why when someone says foreclosures are double of last year, it sounds terrible; but when it is said 96% of all mortgages are current, it does not...so how do you think the dying media usually reports it? There's a reason why they're losing readers every day, my friends. 11/26/2008 02:10:00 PM (11/26/2008 02:06:00 PM) - Al An Admirals/Brewers ticket combo...basically a 2 for 1. 11/26/2008 02:06:00 PM (11/26/2008 02:00:00 PM) - Al BCB looks at the pitchers in the AFL...except for Jeffress, a low ceiling group, it would appear. Hopefully, we can get a couple relievers out of the group. 11/26/2008 02:00:00 PM (11/26/2008 01:04:00 PM) - Al Officers found a half-gallon bottle of vodka on the urine soaked seat" Drunk driving footage. You could easily make the case for just shooting this buffoon in the head, as Dennis Miller would say, to "cull the herd". 11/26/2008 01:04:00 PM (11/26/2008 12:50:00 PM) - Al Haudricourt also notes that Doug Melvin talked to Gabe Kapler but did not make an offer. Melvin may be more focused on lefthanded hitters. It's been suggested that the Red Sox could bring Kapler back.--MLBTR I'm sure Doug would be thrilled to have Kapler back, but one has to remember Gabe had a very good '08 and is unlikely to match it, but will probably be paid for it. Also, Doug would prefer an OF who bats lefty, though I'm sure a Kapler/lefty OF capable of playing all 3 OF spots would be ideal. 11/26/2008 12:50:00 PM (11/26/2008 12:44:00 AM) - Al There are no perfect fits for the right field vacancy, and the Cubs are willing to sacrifice some defense to add that middle of the order lefthanded hitter.--MLBTR Soriano in LF and they don't mind going after a terrible defensive RF like Raul Ibanez? Robbing Peter to pay Paul doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me...especially with their stellar pitching staff. 11/26/2008 12:44:00 AM (11/26/2008 12:39:00 AM) - Al Doug does not commit to offering arby to Sheets, but I can't believe he'd mind having him back for a year. No word on CC, so Doug left a message. Still looking for LH bats, but note that it is never said he wants them as regulars. 11/26/2008 12:39:00 AM Tuesday, November 25, 2008 (11/25/2008 09:19:00 PM) - Al This is amusing when one considers the spoken hatred of the coal industry by the office of the president-elect 11/25/2008 09:19:00 PM (11/25/2008 09:04:00 PM) - Al My first thought when I saw the little sign on the podium was that he didn't fire the idiot who told him to make a fake seal a few months ago. I understand the idea, Lou Holtz did it to perfection, tell everyone what a disaster you are and how great the opponent is, and then when Notre Dame wins 38-9, shrug your shoulders and feign surprise. However, it seems far from presidential. 11/25/2008 09:04:00 PM (11/25/2008 08:48:00 PM) - Al The Crew signs RJ Swindle to a major league contract, I discussed him here. Fine signing in very aspect. That guy can pitch. I would say the odds of Shouse returning are suddenly rather slim, unless he is willing to sign a one year deal. 11/25/2008 08:48:00 PM (11/25/2008 01:49:00 PM) - Al Dr. Pepper will give you a free bottle of carbonated goodness on Sunday. 11/25/2008 01:49:00 PM (11/25/2008 12:45:00 PM) - Al Rickie Weeks is a star compared to most 2nd overall picks, especially middle infielders. Strange perspective and very l-o-n-g, but interesting to see how poorly those 32 picks have fared. 11/25/2008 12:45:00 PM (11/25/2008 11:41:00 AM) - Al Some young farmhands got a tour of the famous "tent city" while in Arizona. 11/25/2008 11:41:00 AM (11/25/2008 10:29:00 AM) - Al A look at Bill Hall's future...I'd predict him more like his '07 season, right about a 750 OPS, myself. 11/25/2008 10:29:00 AM (11/25/2008 07:06:00 AM) - Al I'm on the road today, but some scheduled posts will be popping up during the day...much like this one did. 11/25/2008 07:06:00 AM Monday, November 24, 2008 (11/24/2008 10:25:00 PM) - Al BCB reviews the hitting numbers from the AFL...Lo Cain was impressive, and now that Mike Brantley is in CLE, may be the heir apparent, as he and Caleb Gindl would appear to have the highest ceiling of any OF in the system, at least until someone gets moved there. 11/24/2008 10:25:00 PM (11/24/2008 09:34:00 PM) - Al The Crew signs Jason Bourgeois to a minor league contract, with the prerequisite non-roster invite almost always given to minor league free agents. Looks like a nice utility guy, as he can play almost anywhere on the diamond in a pinch. But, as a RH bat, his chances to make the 25 man would appear bleak. He has not played SS for several years, so he would only look to make the team as a backup OF. 11/24/2008 09:34:00 PM (11/24/2008 09:10:00 PM) - Al 5 unique turkeys you can order...how awful does that vegan turkey look by the way? Oof, I think most everyone I know would gladly take sickness and an early death over eating compressed bean curd with faux "gravy" on it. Speaking of unusual poultry, I made my whole chicken in the crock pot yesterday...don't be afraid to go very heavy on the spices, as it comes out very plain. I should have layered it with salt, garlic, pepper, and probably rotisserie chicken seasoning as well...I put a few pats of butter under the skin, and should have used half a stick. However, after 3 hours, it was at 180+, so I should have watched it closer, as the white meat was a bit dry. 11/24/2008 09:10:00 PM (11/24/2008 08:17:00 PM) - Al I must admit, I'm astounded at the lack of reporting in Iraq, really ever since things started going well. It's going to be one of the quietest examples of American infantry muscle in the last 100 years. 11/24/2008 08:17:00 PM (11/24/2008 06:44:00 PM) - Al Seth McClung is in the crowd tonight at the Bucks' game in Orlando...allow it to be said his wife or girlfriend can be labeled "very attractive"...shocking, I know. 11/24/2008 06:44:00 PM (11/24/2008 05:25:00 PM) - Al Discounts seem a bit more aggressive, but I have not noticed anything that would get me out of bed at 5AM yet...heck, not even close. I talked to some former coworkers of mine today and other than selling one item well below cost on Friday, most of the deals look pedestrian...the same stuff really cheap year after year. Wal Mart's ad came in the mail today and I was impressed...but I might drive over at 10:30 or 11 to see if any of their "all day deals" are still in stock. Laptops seemed to be $199-299 a couple years ago, and not only did they stop falling, they've risen back up to the $400 range. Maybe someone can tell me why. Most all electronics, in fact, have stagnated badly. EDIT: This article gives some ideas, but to be honest, they look the same as you'd find almost any Sunday. 11/24/2008 05:25:00 PM (11/24/2008 05:10:00 PM) - Al Adam has his weekly mailbag, and rightly tells people not to worry about who the #2 SP is...1-4 all get pretty much the same chances. 11/24/2008 05:10:00 PM (11/24/2008 12:17:00 PM) - Al A list of a few Rule 5 targets, it seems easy to imagine the lefty hitting C, Skelton, fitting in on the Brewers, as Jason will likely catch 130-140 games. EDIT/BUMP: You know, if the Crew keeps Rottino as the backup C, they could literally "hide" Skelton (or any other catcher, for that matter) extremely easily...Rottino can double as a PH/all-around utility guy on days he does not catch, which would leave Skelton's only real purpose as the "last guy off the bench in case Kendall gets hurt", a role Mike Rivera filled admirably in '08. Casey McGehee has also caught on occasion, and it's possible he could be utilized in this manner as well, in the place of Rottino. 11/24/2008 12:17:00 PM (11/24/2008 11:52:00 AM) - Al River Ave Blues thinks Sheets is a better investment than Burnett, and he's right. AJ has been hurt a lot as well, but no one seems hesitant to give him 4 years, while Ben may struggle to get more than 1-2. 11/24/2008 11:52:00 AM (11/24/2008 10:01:00 AM) - Al BCB links an unnewsy interview with Ken Macha, sounds like he has chatted with Jaosn Kendall since being hired. 11/24/2008 10:01:00 AM (11/24/2008 09:53:00 AM) - Al MN ought to be ashamed of themselves, as they seem to be conducting this recount by the slowest, most inefficient means possible. 11/24/2008 09:53:00 AM Sunday, November 23, 2008 (11/23/2008 06:58:00 PM) - Al The Royals are specifically eyeing Sean Marshall and Mike Fontenot as targets while discussing a trade for Mark Teahen with the Chicago Cubs.---MLBTR I hope they do not mean both for Teahen...maybe they should throw in Felix Pie as well to get the immortal Mark Teahen...who might be a utility guy for the Royals if he's not deqalt. 11/23/2008 06:58:00 PM (11/23/2008 06:00:00 PM) - Al MLBTR discusses the Brewers in regards to Sabathia, Sheets, and signing a top closer. 11/23/2008 06:00:00 PM (11/23/2008 03:07:00 PM) - Al Who will W pardon? The ones I'd look forward to is the border agents. Note that he has been "miserly", so the number will probably be tiny compared to others. 11/23/2008 03:07:00 PM (11/23/2008 02:39:00 PM) - Al The Rambling wife mentioned this to me last night...Michaels Arts and Crafts is open Thanksgiving evening this year. By the looks of the message board, they are staffing by volunteer only, however, if one has to wonder if not enough folks want to work... I realize that some people; policemen, firefighters, security guards, movie theaters and convenience store folks to name a few, work holidays and nothing can be changed...you need gas, you need public safety, people go to the movies, and so on. But, KMart started the Thanksgiving thing, and experienced such success with it they declared bankruptcy a few years later. When I was with Toys R Us in the early 90's, they tested it, and decided it was not worth the small amount of business they did, and did mention the poor message it sent to their associates, having to work that day. I'd say it reeks of desperation, and I have to wonder how exactly three hours of good sales (assuming the herds flock to them) will have any effect on a company already open 362 days a year. ..it seems minimal to nonexistent. It also makes it tough to simply let that business go next year, hence, an evil cycle. I am not one to tell folks to "boycott" such things, as it is up to the individual to make such calls for themselves, but I will say it seems kind of sad so many plans, shoppers and employees, will be changing their plans for such a minor blip. 11/23/2008 02:39:00 PM (11/23/2008 02:03:00 PM) - Al Expect a return to norm for Dave Bush next year? Time will tell, but I seem to recall several formulas suggesting he had pitched in bad luck prior to last year. 11/23/2008 02:03:00 PM (11/23/2008 01:29:00 PM) - Al So, if delaying the raise in taxes on successful folks will help rid the downtrodden economy quicker, why would you ever raise them once things get going again? You can drive a truck through that hole in reasoning. 11/23/2008 01:29:00 PM Saturday, November 22, 2008 (11/22/2008 09:48:00 PM) - Al Jimmy Kimmel goes to an African-American barbershop to ask what he can joke about and what he can't. It's very well done, but I promise you, we'll never hear anything a fraction as bad as what has gone on the last 8 years. 11/22/2008 09:48:00 PM (11/22/2008 04:44:00 PM) - Al Sources told the Kyodo News that the Cubs, Mets, Brewers and Padres have displayed interest in free agent Ken Takahashi. Takahashi is expected to sign with a U.S. team, though he may have to settle for a minor league contract. The 39-year-old lefty was 8-5 with a 3.50 ERA for the Carp last season.--Rotoworld Sounds like he'd be a lefty specialist here in the US. If anyone offers him guaranteed money, he'll probably sign there. He's probably looking at a 1y/$600-750K deal. 11/22/2008 04:44:00 PM (11/22/2008 02:34:00 PM) - Al I remember when the Bucks played Oklahoma City, I saw the introductions and I said to myself, "They'll be lucky to win 15 games". Looks like PJ pays the price. 11/22/2008 02:34:00 PM (11/22/2008 02:15:00 PM) - Al An article about former AAA manager Frank Kremblas, which was written in Spanish and then translated, so it reads awkwardly (however, it still reads better than most all my stuff). It's easy to see some hints about why Doug let him look elsewhere. Doug did not want Dale having guys bunt and such all summer long, and I'm sure he did not care to see the backup catcher running "because Frank had a hunch". 11/22/2008 02:15:00 PM (11/22/2008 01:43:00 PM) - Al Minor league free agent John Van Benschoten informed the Pirates Friday that he is going to seek a roster spot with another organization. After eight disappointing years, the former first-round pick will try his luck with another club. Van Benschoten has always had success in the minors (he went 7-4 with a 3.92 ERA at Triple-A in '08), but basically falls apart once promoted.--Rotoworld This is exactly the type of guy who ends up with a six figure signing bonus and/or a 40 man spot as a minor league FA...former first round pick, very good AAA stats, and a 5-1 K/BB ratio in the bigs, even though he has struggled immensely. 14 HR's allowed in 90 major league innings 14 HR's allowed in 600+ minor league innings If he can avoid the long ball, he could step right into someone's rotation next year...especially a team with deep fences, like SD or SEA. See if Jack Z is paying attention.:) If he does create enough interest, yet still signs a minor league deal, another team might snap him up in the Rule 5 draft. 11/22/2008 01:43:00 PM (11/22/2008 11:06:00 AM) - Al Here are four possible trading partners for the Red Sox if they sign free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira and need to move third baseman Mike Lowell: The Dodgers, who could lose Casey Blake in free agency; the White Sox, who currently project the unproven Josh Fields at third base; the Tigers, who could move Brandon Inge back to catcher; and the Brewers, who would need to trade third baseman Bill Hall. The Red Sox would need to be creative. Lowell, who turns 35 on Feb. 24, is expected to make a full recovery from hip surgery, but is owed $25 million over the next two seasons--Ken Rosenthal Unless the Red Sox agree to pay over his salary, I can't see Doug having any interest at all in Lowell. I find it strange that Theo correctly offered Lowell a 2 year deal, but then matched the 3 year offer he got from PHIL. Overpaying just because one of your peers does is not a smart way to do business. 11/22/2008 11:06:00 AM (11/22/2008 10:54:00 AM) - Al Glenn is questioning the validity of harrassment training...it's all just common sense. I had two different companies give us an all day seminar, and both were over the top, beyond belief really. Of course, whenever HR does anything, it's bound to be a joke, but hence, I digress. 11/22/2008 10:54:00 AM (11/22/2008 12:33:00 AM) - Al Al, Where is Mike Wilkinson playing this year, I do not see him on his Greek team roster. Vic Google says he is in Russia, pro league. I hope he wears layers. 11/22/2008 12:33:00 AM (11/22/2008 12:16:00 AM) - Al Clinton made a deal to be VP in '12...I never thought of that, but it makes sense. 11/22/2008 12:16:00 AM Friday, November 21, 2008 (11/21/2008 11:22:00 PM) - Al   I have noticed in the past how similar Checkers, President Nixon's famous dog that is now remembered for the "Checkers speech", looked like our dog Ronnie. Sadly, I don't have a pic of Ron at that angle, but trust me, it's eerie. 11/21/2008 11:22:00 PM (11/21/2008 11:12:00 PM) - Al Favorite law prof of Ramblings Ann calls it the way she sees it...as I always say, people have every right not to eat meat, poultry, and so on, and are very likely healthier for it. Just quit trying to convert the rest of us, and yes, an animal has to be killed, we're aware of that nugget of information. I choose not to hunt, but always root for the hunters to remove those insurance claims just waiting to happen. On a related subject, I bought a whole chicken when they were on sale a few months ago, and the Rambling wife came across a recipe on how to make it in the crock pot...it's defrosting now, I'll let you know how it turns out. UPDATE/BUMP: I bet these guys have never cleaned a fish. Heh. With the gun deer season starting tomorrow, the Eastern media is looking especially upper-class and elitist tonight. You can almost see them shopping this weekend for their organic wheat germ (keeps 'em regular, you know) and tofurkey for their Thanksgiving dinner, wearing a matching scarf and hat, of course. UPDATE 2: An e-mailer asks if they think all the turkeys just happen to die of old age a couple weeks before the holiday. I'd call them out of touch, but I wouldn't want to offend people who are out of touch and not so ignorant. 11/21/2008 11:12:00 PM (11/21/2008 10:59:00 PM) - Al It's probably not worth a separate post, but I do find it ironic that all the "proper" folks say to defrost your huge turkey in the fridge...even though it takes forever and literally takes up a huge part of an appliance that is usually far from roomy for a family. Even one of the celeb foodies on The Food Network said last year to thaw it out in the sink...and when asked, scoffed at the germaphobes and said, "People have been doing it that way forever". Of course, what's really funny is that they insist you thaw it in the fridge and still insist you cook the living s*** out of it. 11/21/2008 10:59:00 PM (11/21/2008 09:59:00 PM) - Al I keep forgetting to discuss that before the election, MTV had some sort of marathon on, and I watched a few episodes, though I cannot recall the show, which probably tells you that it was late, not much was on, and I was able to sleep in, so staying up 'til 2 0r 3 was not an issue. The reason for this subject is between each show, they were promoting the release of Pink's new CD, and was either playing a video of her, excerpts from an interview, or both. To make it somewhat current, some of the interview questions were somewhat politically related, if you use your imagination. She talked about voting, how her mom felt about things, and why it was important to vote. Of course, all I could think of was how funny it was anyone cared what Pink thought about voting and for that matter, anything. A few years ago, Pink was the musical guest on SNL, though all that was talked about was her behavior at the after party. I recall reading how one of the male cast members said he was "embarrassed" (but, not enough to leave, mind you:) for Pink, as the singer was still drinking and dancing at 5AM...often topless and on the bar, which is just cliched enough to be especially sad. Of course, not once when I read that did I think to myself, "Hmmm, I wonder how Pink feels about a given political issue"? Years later, I found out.:) 11/21/2008 09:59:00 PM (11/21/2008 09:58:00 PM) - Al Hope, sure. Change...not so much. 11/21/2008 09:58:00 PM (11/21/2008 08:02:00 PM) - Al No news is...no news. I'm sure Doug would like to know, but the uncertainty is part of the game when you are in the mix for the top free agent. Note that it seems no other SP will sign until CC sets the top of the market. That will effectively delay much of the trade talk as well 11/21/2008 08:02:00 PM (11/21/2008 03:22:00 PM) - Al Al, There's a discussion going on about the futures of Hernan Iribarren and Vinny Rottino, and I was wondering what you would say. I am a big fan of Hernan, though he struggled last year, his first at AAA. Cheers, and keep rambling my friend. JB I like them both for what they are, which at the moment is depth. The reason I like them is due to their versatility...HI can play 2B/OF, and Vinny has played 8 positions in the minors, and could probably be looked at as a respectable backup at C/1B/3B/LF/RF, and in a pinch, would be ok, for a game or two(with limited range), at 2B/SS. That said, both are probably best suited for AAA, and to be used as depth there. Hernan's inability to play SS makes him unable to be a reserve INF, so his niche will have to be as an OF who can play 2B. Vinny is very appealing as an all-around utility guy because he can swing a bat decently and also catch, meaning he's a near perfect choice to be a 25th man...of course, over the course of 162, the final reserve is probably not even worth half a win. If I were a GM of a team with a limited payroll, I'd be happy to have a bench full of guys like those two, however, it's easy to see a major dropoff if one of your starting eight goes down and misses extended time. If your payroll is $40M, you do not have room to pay a quality reserve $2-3M, so your ability to withstand an injury or two is greatly diminished. Simply put, Hernan and Vinny can easily give a team 20 starts to spell the regulars and 100 PH/defensive appearances, but I'd hate to see either suddenly be depended on to start 4-5 times a week while Joe Regular is on the DL. 11/21/2008 03:22:00 PM (11/21/2008 02:58:00 PM) - Al Will today's 500 point gain in the Dow get half the publicity of yesterday's 400 point loss? No, no it will not. Part of that is due to the weekend coming up, but most of it has to do with the desire to be negative. You're seeing much of that in the way the increase in home sales is being reported..."Sales rise, due to foreclosures". Of course, in my world, those foreclosures are doing exactly what they are supposed to do...set the market price. Supply is up, prices are down...and many folks are snapping them up, in many cases, lowering their monthly mortgage payment and moving into a nicer house. It doesn't take a genius to see a lot of undervalued companies (and homes) out there. In both cases, I have no idea if you'll come out ahead if you look a year or two into the future, but as long as your outlook is 5+ years, I remain very bullish. 11/21/2008 02:58:00 PM (11/21/2008 02:45:00 PM) - Al Brent Brewer launched a pair of solo homers Thursday for the Javelinas of the AFL. Brewer went 9-for-30 with three homers, three doubles and two steals in the AFL. He ended up at .236/.307/.334 for two A-ball teams last season, but he's still just 20 years old and he doesn't lack for tools. Unfortunately, there's not much chance of him staying at shortstop when he has J.J. Hardy and Alcides Escobar ahead of him.--Rotoworld Lots of folks have called Brewer a bust, bu that's at least a couple years away. He's only 20, so even if he repeats high A and goes up a level a season, he'll be in the bigs at 24. As with those who did not understand why the Tribe made the obvious choice in Mike Brantley, age at a level is just as important as production at a level. Many 20 year-olds are still in college, or in rookie ball. The fact is, Brent is extremely athletic, who did not embarrass himself in a league full of 22-24 year-olds. If memory serves, he also improved as the season went along, even though he moved up a level...that's a sure sign of a young player who is putting it all together. Position should not be an issue, if he can hit, he can play any of seven positions...that's why so many SS's get drafted, it's where the best players play. 11/21/2008 02:45:00 PM (11/21/2008 02:18:00 PM) - Al Who would have guessed that signing a low OBP head case to a long-term deal would cause problems? He'd be a lot easier to put up with if he wasn't getting out 70% of the time. 11/21/2008 02:18:00 PM (11/21/2008 12:18:00 PM) - Al CC is in no hurry to sign, and is not talking...which makes sense, as I can't imagine he's a big workout guy, so he's very unlikely to get hurt in the meantime. 11/21/2008 12:18:00 PM (11/21/2008 10:33:00 AM) - Al Dave Pinto discusses pitchers' defense, and has the Brewers at the bottom, as both Sheets and Bush rank very low, with Suppan very good. I can recall Jeff making several nice plays, but cannot say Ben or Dave struggled. Do you? 11/21/2008 10:33:00 AM (11/21/2008 07:16:00 AM) - Al Aaron's link report is full of goodness, as per usual. 11/21/2008 07:16:00 AM (11/21/2008 12:55:00 AM) - Al Hope, change, and...whoa, slow down! May we live in interesting times. I just can't wait for him to start paying my mortgage and gas bills, as that's just more I spend on pie and pudding pops. 11/21/2008 12:55:00 AM (11/21/2008 12:07:00 AM) - Al Rangers designated RHP Wes Littleton and RHP Kameron Loe for assignment. Loe will have to clear waivers before he can be sold to a Japanese team. Littleton had a 1.73 ERA in 33 relief appearances for the Rangers in 2006, but he hasn't been the same pitcher since. If he gets his sinker diving like it used to, he could be an extremely valuable middle reliever. He might clear waivers, though.--Rotoworld Wouldn't be surprised to see Littleton claimed by the Brewers, solely because they have several 40 man spots open. Wes also was decent in '07, allows few HR's, which would fit into Miller Park nicely. He's a bit of a "niche" pitcher, while Doug is fond of hard throwers. He's also a former 4th round pick, so if nothing else, he's been highly thought of for ages. If nothing else, he'd be a good guy to claim, put on the 40, and then try and sneak through waivers later on. 11/21/2008 12:07:00 AM Thursday, November 20, 2008 (11/20/2008 10:59:00 PM) - Al From B.P.---making Weeks their center fielder Why do people think he will be a CF? Am I missing something? Ed I don't get it either. Here's what I see with Rickie...he used to be pretty weak with the glove. Now, after a few years, he has worked his way up to being "just" below average...he now also makes a few really good plays to go along with a few too many errors and lingering issues (mostly, he struggles to turn the DP smoothly). What really frustrates me is many of the names the casuals throw out are in no way as good as Weeks...they are not as good now, and they do not project anywhere near as well...and to be sure, none of them have anywhere near the breakout potential of Rickie (he's .369/.421, 790 OPS for the 2nd half in his career, so he certainly has been very good at times). The only name I've seen mentioned that is in his league is Kelly Johnson of ATL, or if JJ agrees to move to 2B. Otherwise, I don't see 2B as being improved in '09 or beyond if Rickie is not there. Is it possible to weaken 2B some and still be a better overall team? Possible, but not probable. 11/20/2008 10:59:00 PM (11/20/2008 08:47:00 PM) - Al Baseball Prospectus takes a look at the NL Central...though they seem to be saying the Crew will offer Escobar in trade, which I find unlikely, to say the least. If Alcides was deemed as untouchable in the Sabathia trade, in which they gave up two phenomenal prospects in Laporta and Brantley, I don't see him being offered for anyone. 11/20/2008 08:47:00 PM (11/20/2008 04:13:00 PM) - Al An e-mailer sends in this poll, I guess to see what the media focused on during the election...no one knows Biden plagurized a speech, or that the Democrats controlled both houses of Congress...but they do know Palin's daughter is pregnant...yet hardly anyone could recall Obama said he had been to 57 states, nor that he said his policies would bankrupt the coal industry and raise electricity costs. 11/20/2008 04:13:00 PM (11/20/2008 04:04:00 PM) - Al I'm sure most everyone has seen this, but how pathetic. The Franken team is challenging the ballot because "it might have an X in it". Of course, I mark all those stupid circles on applications with an X, because it's quicker and easier, and no one seems to mind. That's just painful. Obviously, one name is marked, and Coleman should get the vote. Anyone who questions that is quite apparently not out to get the count right, but to squirm their way to a victory. 11/20/2008 04:04:00 PM (11/20/2008 03:52:00 PM) - Al Free agent Jerome Williams allowed one run and one hit over eight innings Wednesday for Mayaguez of the PRWL. Williams was perfect outside of a Rob Cosby homer, striking out five and walking none while facing 25 batters. The former Giants prospect has a 2.45 ERA in three starts in Puerto Rico. He also had some success for Triple-A Las Vegas in the second half of the season, so there could be significant interest in him as a minor league free agent this winter.--Rotoworld I had Williams as a sought after minor league free agent last year, and if he ever gets and stays healthy, he should at least be a decent bullpen guy. He used to throw hard, but not sure how the years have affected his velocity. He was almost as good as Matt Cain when he was 22 and 23. 11/20/2008 03:52:00 PM (11/20/2008 03:41:00 PM) - Al NYT still has interest in Cameron, per JS linking to others. 11/20/2008 03:41:00 PM (11/20/2008 03:37:00 PM) - Al MLBTR updates us on CC...does not sound like Sabathia is in any rush, and to be honest, there's not much hurry, as the offers may well go up. 11/20/2008 03:37:00 PM (11/20/2008 11:15:00 AM) - Al So, last night, I tried the crock pot (for you those of you from outside the Midwest, I meant slow cooker) turkey recipe I linked to yesterday. A couple thoughts: 1. Turkey breast has gone up about 75% in price since last time I checked. Even "turkey loaf", which I buy frequently all year round, is up 50% or more. Thanks ethanol, you rock. 2. A couple trips around the sun ago, a store had a crock pot on sale in its Black Friday ad. It was fancier than ours because it had a "warm" mode (after 4,6,8, or 10 hours of cooking, it stops cooking and just warms the food until you shut it off. I would often set it before I left for work, especially if the Rambling wife was off to visit the Rambling in-laws for the weekend, and I'd get home to an overcooked piece of roast beef. I asked for this crock pot and a large charcoal grill for Xmas, as I felt I had plenty of ties, socks, and soaps shaped like footballs and planets (you had to be careful with Saturn, but hence, I digress). I was rewarded with both. I love my grill, and I hate this crock pot. It simply runs too hot. You can cook stuff quicker in there than an oven, and that's not the idea. Even on low, the lid, despite being coated with the same stuff that protects the space shuttle on reentry, is usually too hot to touch. It also rattles often, as the liquid inside is always boiling, which causes the moisture to condense, which causes the lid to move, and it makes an irritating rattle. I'm afraid to leave the thing on when I leave the house, as it's like leaving a 400 degree fire on the counter. I was forced to use the shiny, new "reserve" crock pot because our old beat-up first string one was being washed, as we had used it to make baked beans over the weekend. You know how it says 7-8 hours in the recipe? Ha, 160 degrees after 3.5 in ours, though it requires a nuclear technician to be on duty and a team in hazmat suits on standby to be legal in 48 states (and the District of Columbia). 3. Did I mention how hot in runs? The windows in the kitchen were all fogged up. I think you could market this thing as a space heater/food prep appliance combo. 4. I keep expecting an infomercial to show up on TV talking about my special "ultrafast megacompact supercooker", which would of course star the lady who looks like Mrs. Constanza, saying things like, "How long does it take to cook a frozen steak?", and then when the answers range from 3 hours to a day and a half, she says "20 minutes", and the all-Caucasian studio audience stands and cheers as if they were just told it's an open bar until close. By the way, the turkey was very good, but as you know, you really can't mess up turkey...unless you just cook it too long. 11/20/2008 11:15:00 AM Wednesday, November 19, 2008 (11/19/2008 11:20:00 PM) - Al Al, Why wasn't Lorenzo Cain added to the 40 man? He seems like a 5 tool type that could be chosen and hidden as a reserve OF in the majors. Lawrence Lawrence, one thing to keep in mind is this...whenever someone says someone is out of options or needs to be protected on the 40 man, unless that person is Doug Melvin or Gord Ash, you can assume they are incorrect. If Cain needed to be protected, he would have been. The guys who were added are here. UPDATE: Cain was drafted in 2004, but did not play until '05. He does not need to be on the 40 until next year. 11/19/2008 11:20:00 PM (11/19/2008 08:38:00 PM) - Al I've said it on nearly every dip, but it bears repeating...the entire market is loaded with bargains right now...many quality stocks, for companies that will be around long after all of us are gone, are selling at 4-7 times projected earnings...and earnings tend to be very conservative in this climate. Personally, I'd load up on high dividend utilities and "best in breed" companies flush with cash, as they will probably look to buy up some cheap competitors next year. CNBC mentioned a couple times today that many feel this is a referendum on the Obama tax proposals...many folks are selling stocks they have held long-term, several years, and paying the taxes, because they feel they will be going up as early as next year. Those sellers are simply tilting the market downward. 11/19/2008 08:38:00 PM (11/19/2008 08:30:00 PM) - Al I'm not sure what exactly the life history of his grandparents has to do with it, but SEA names a new manager. 11/19/2008 08:30:00 PM (11/19/2008 07:51:00 PM) - Al There seems to be "some dialog" between the Giants and Brewers regarding Prince Fielder and JJ Hardy. However, Schulman notes that teams across the league, the Brewers included, are hesitant to give up everyday players in exchange for anything but top-tier pitching.---MLBTR Since Matt Cain has been deemed as untouchable, it's tough to come up with a match...unless you think the Crew has some interest in Barry Zito (I might, if the Giants pay the majority of his contract). 11/19/2008 07:51:00 PM (11/19/2008 01:49:00 PM) - Al Al, Just wanted to echo your thoughts on the auto industry bailout with fear and need being the greatest motivators. In my really lean days, I could take $20 and get enough gas in the car to get to and from work and also feed myself for an entire week. Sometimes I felt like surely this would be the week I fell over the cliff. Nope, figured it out every time. Why should it be different for anyone else? Anyway, still checking in daily during the off-season. Even though our politics differ, the blog stays a must-read for me, and at the very least, you give me new things to think about and consider. Jim CNBC and the committee itself is ripping them for flying in on and having no plans to sell their private planes. Fiscal responsibility begins with spending money wisely at home, and you get the feeling every penny they get will just delay the inevitable...paying union members a premium and retired folks BILLIONS of dollars every week will have to be changed, or eventually, be it this year or a decade from now, they're going away. Jim, thanks for continuing to read and for the kind words. 11/19/2008 01:49:00 PM (11/19/2008 01:46:00 PM) - Al Jon sends this along, Somalia is reaping the financial rewards of not doing anything about the "pirates". Can't way for them to do anything about it, just like Darfur, a never ending issue that just leads to finger pointing. 11/19/2008 01:46:00 PM (11/19/2008 01:41:00 PM) - Al With all the deals on turkey breast this time of year, I'll have to try this soon. Sounds really good, and exceedingly simple. 11/19/2008 01:41:00 PM (11/19/2008 12:49:00 PM) - Al Coco Crisp to the Royals, another very capable reliever leaves KC. The Royals certainly have far too many OF's now, Teahen and Dejesus may both end up elesewhere. 11/19/2008 12:49:00 PM (11/19/2008 12:41:00 PM) - Al The JS says the Giants may be prepping a bid for CC, while MLBTR thinks the Dodgers already have. I wish he'd go to the AL for selfish reasons, but I think the Crew gets a higher pick if LA gets him, so I guess I'll root for them as my top NL team. 11/19/2008 12:41:00 PM (11/19/2008 12:39:00 PM) - Al Mitt Romney says a bailout would ruin the automakers, and I agree with every word. Change does not come quickly when money is being given to you, the best motivators are fear and need. 11/19/2008 12:39:00 PM (11/19/2008 08:31:00 AM) - Al Heh. If only the automakers would spend as much time figuring out how to make better cars and getting out of those union dinosaur contracts as they do embarrassing themselves. 11/19/2008 08:31:00 AM Tuesday, November 18, 2008 (11/18/2008 11:36:00 PM) - Al Cubs are after Teahen? To be honest, I think I'd rather have Pie for the minimum than Teahen for what he'll get paid. If the Royals could get both Fontenot and Pie, that'd be an outstanding deal for them. UPDATE/BUMP: Dave Dejesus' name is now involved as well, though only in a denial. DD would be a much better fit than Teahen, though I think Pie will outperform him once someone just leaves him alone and plays him every day. 11/18/2008 11:36:00 PM (11/18/2008 10:47:00 PM) - Al Nightline just did a piece on this investor, who is making a fortune on real estate...because he gets it. Even he said, "I don't know why banks and Fannie Mae don't do this". Neither do I. I assume they think it is too tough to make money, so they sell the houses to guys like this...homes that were listed for $110K last year (I assume often with windows broken and graffiti covered) are sold to Barnes for $2000. 11/18/2008 10:47:00 PM (11/18/2008 08:57:00 PM) - Al The Marcel projections, which involve no thinking or thought process at all, 100% math, are now on the player pages at Fangraphs. 11/18/2008 08:57:00 PM (11/18/2008 07:27:00 PM) - Al Gas is at $1.99 throughout Wausau today...I have to imagine the small towns in the area are 5-10 cents less, as per usual. I blame W. 11/18/2008 07:27:00 PM (11/18/2008 07:26:00 PM) - Al The Badgers are on the Big Ten network again at 7:30, FYI. 11/18/2008 07:26:00 PM (11/18/2008 06:56:00 PM) - Al 45 minutes for roast turkey? Despite this, most folks will still overcook the living crap out of their bird, because of senseless fears about illness. The other night, Emeril was on, and he said to pull poultry out of the oven when it hits 150 degrees. After the crowd murmuring began, he said, "I know, you're saying, I've heard 180. Maybe 190. Well let me tell you a couple things. It will keep cooking, and if you check again in 15 minutes, it'll probably say 160-170. If you let it go to 190, it's gonna be 210 by the time you carve it. You wanna know a little secret? Nothing tastes good at 210." Common sense would tell you since water boils away at 212, 210 is going to be criminally dry. I recall one of the main problems on the Butterball hotline each year is people calling and saying "the pop-out thing hasn't popped out yet"...and upon double checking, the turkey did not come equipped with such a device. If you don't own a meat thermometer, buy one next time you're out...it has saved us tons of "too done" meat, and also, you don't need to cut stuff open to see if it is done...the Rambling wife got tired of always eating that piece.:) 11/18/2008 06:56:00 PM (11/18/2008 06:48:00 PM) - Al You get the feeling the US will have to take the lead on this, as once again, the UN simply ignores the events where they should be taking the lead. Because of increased insurance, consumers everywhere will be the ones paying the price. Too bad someone doesn't take a "no one gets off the boat alive" stance...I have to figure that would eliminate all but the most daring and professional "pirates" immediately. 11/18/2008 06:48:00 PM (11/18/2008 06:41:00 PM) - Al Dempster signs 4y/$52M...probably a bit of a hometown discount, as Ryan has stated he is happy in Chicago. That's a very good top 4 of the rotation, though it is doubtful they will age well and healthily. 11/18/2008 06:41:00 PM (11/18/2008 05:26:00 PM) - Al There seems to be more and more stuff out questioning global warming, and/or, it's getting more play in the press. 11/18/2008 05:26:00 PM Monday, November 17, 2008 (11/17/2008 11:46:00 PM) - Al Sometimes, I'm just floored by folks undervaluing the players on the Crew. I just read on a fan site that Nick Punto should be brought in to replace Craig Counsell because he is so much better. Counsell, 2006-8:.334/.323, 657 OPS Punto, 2006-2008:.327/.337, 664 The pain, I can't stand the pain!!!! Punto did have a heckuva 2008, but he didn't even get on base 30% of the time previously. I'm still hoping for a Counsell return myself, but to think Punto is an upgrade is about as casual as one can be. 11/17/2008 11:46:00 PM (11/17/2008 08:18:00 PM) - Al The rumor on Furcal has gone from 4y/$40M to 3y/$39M in a matter of hours. $13M per for years 31-33 of a SS who isn't that much above average? Jeepers. 11/17/2008 08:18:00 PM (11/17/2008 07:43:00 PM) - Al I voted Fielder higher than Braun because Fielder had a much better September when the Brewers were clawing to get in the playoffs. Braun was ailing, as we discovered, and did have the homer that put the Brewers in the playoffs, but I just felt Fielder did more down the stretch.--Tom H, JS Heh. Of course, the award should be given to who had the best season. What's especially funny is that you would think any simpleton would figure out games in April and May mean just as much as they do in September...especially when the team made the playoffs by a single game. 11/17/2008 07:43:00 PM (11/17/2008 07:29:00 PM) - Al I told the Rambling wife when we were watching the game that Garnett would be suspended for throwing a punch, so I did not understand why he was not ejected. What's really sad about this is, the refs watched the replay and still missed the flagrant on Bogut and the swing by Garnett. Seriously, one has to wonder how 3 guys can look at it on replay and not even come close to the league's decision truly makes you wonder how you can remotely expect them to get a charge/block call right with 10 seconds left that easily could decide the game. 11/17/2008 07:29:00 PM (11/17/2008 05:28:00 PM) - Al Braun finishes 3rd in NL MVP, he may well have been the runner-up had he stayed healthy. CC 6th, Prince 20th. 11/17/2008 05:28:00 PM (11/17/2008 05:23:00 PM) - Al BCB reviews the prospects who played in Hawaii. My brief recap...Caleb Gindl is a very good, maybe even top 5 prospect. The others look to be far lower ceiling, reserve/bullpen types. 11/17/2008 05:23:00 PM (11/17/2008 05:11:00 PM) - Al Raffy Furcal is rumored to be getting an offer close to 4y/$40M. He'll be 31 next year, and has a career line of .352/.412, 764 OPS, 146 OXS . Right now, JJ is 26, and has career numbers of .329/.446, 775 OPS, 147 OXS. Needless to say, if he stays healthy and effective, Hardy is going to break the bank after 2010, when he will be a FA at 28. I have spoken of signing him long-term and having him agree to play 2B or 3B, but the reality is, not only is JJ unlikely to want that, paying a 2B or 3B $10-12M a year to be "good" does not make a lot of sense to me. 11/17/2008 05:11:00 PM (11/17/2008 05:08:00 PM) - Al It sure is tough for me to look at a decent reliever getting $4M per as a "bargain", but I guess market is market. I have more of a problem with the 2 years than I do the $4M, I guess. 11/17/2008 05:08:00 PM (11/17/2008 10:57:00 AM) - Al Adam is joining the Gamel at 3B bandwagon, and also sees Dillard as being in the bullpen in '09. 11/17/2008 10:57:00 AM (11/17/2008 10:33:00 AM) - Al CNBC is reporting the SEC is charging Mark Cuban with insider trading. If he had a chance to buy the Cubs before, he doesn't now. 11/17/2008 10:33:00 AM (11/17/2008 10:25:00 AM) - Al However, it also means that he'll be cheap and Gagne quietly had a 20-to-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio from July 1 on while allowing zero runs in 24 of 30 games. He's a shell of his old self, but look closely and he still has more upside than anyone in his price range. Offer: One year, $3 million plus incentives.--AG.com Gleeman also notices Eric's ceiling. Add in his friendly projection from Bill James, Gagne is going to get a lot more attention than I would have guessed a couple weeks ago. 11/17/2008 10:25:00 AM (11/17/2008 10:06:00 AM) - Al Fangraphs takes a look at Corey Hart's penchant for swinging at a lot of early pitches, and how he seems to be regressing. 11/17/2008 10:06:00 AM Sunday, November 16, 2008 (11/16/2008 07:52:00 PM) - Al I bet she clings to her religion too. Glenn and Ken might have just unknowingly created the next Allison Stokke. 11/16/2008 07:52:00 PM (11/16/2008 07:34:00 PM) - Al One name to keep in mind until the Crew adds a closer...JJ Putz is 6-5, 250, and is due to make $5M in '09 ($8.6M option for '10). Perhaps more importantly, Jack Z is now running SEA, and I promise you he knows better than to have a "closer" on a team that lost 100 games last year, and may be projected to lose 90+ in '09 as well. I can't say I know much about what SEA needs, but Jarrod Washburn is also available, and has a friendly projection. Washburn has a better ERA on the road the past two years, despite pitching in Safeco. 11/16/2008 07:34:00 PM (11/16/2008 07:23:00 PM) - Al Al, Doesn't it scare you that they may well be planning on handing the 3B job to Gamel? Bradley Not as long as they have Hall and quite possibly, another proven entity (Branyan? Lamb? Hinske?) there just in case. Now, if the utility IF's on April 1st are Escobar and Durham, and Gamel is starting at 3B; then, needless to say, I'd be plenty concerned. Doug knows better than that though, so I think it'll be fine. In Doug we trust. 11/16/2008 07:23:00 PM (11/16/2008 07:05:00 PM) - Al I just thought to look up Brian Roberts' projection for next year, as many fans insist he'd be an upgrade over Weeks. I have long argued he either would be very slight or none at all, and the James' guess bears that out, giving him a 778 OPS, compared to 799 for Weeks. As I mentioned yesterday when I looked at Fangraphs, most of the names I've heard most often (Grudz, Durham) do not even come close to Rickie. However, not to toot my own horn, but the one player I have yearned for, even though he plays 2B, is Kelly Johnson...who projects out even better than Rickie. Toot, toot. 11/16/2008 07:05:00 PM (11/16/2008 05:52:00 PM) - Al Long Beach State did look mighty tough today, but they played BYU tough a couple nights ago as well. Hopefully, some depth will emerge, as the bench looked only a couple deep today. Still it sure is nice to see some sports in the Badgers' programs don't run away from good non-conference competition...gee, I wonder how the, ahem, Cal-Poly game will go this coming weekend? 11/16/2008 05:52:00 PM (11/16/2008 04:56:00 PM) - Jason You dont want to be playing your best basketball in November, nobody will disupte that. But the fact that Wisconsin is pushed to the limit at home by a team that was 6-25 last year speaks volumes to how much work UW needs to to before the Big 10 season begins. Dont get me wrong, I like close, competitive basketball games in the non-conference. But not from teams like Long Beach St. 11/16/2008 04:56:00 PM (11/16/2008 03:00:00 PM) - Al The Badgers are playing Long Beach State on the Big Ten Network right now in men's basketball. Thanks to Charter, I can now watch them at home, rather than going to a sports bar where, heaven forbid, the waitresses may be wearing suggestive attire...which I could barely tolerate. 11/16/2008 03:00:00 PM (11/16/2008 02:52:00 PM) - Al Al, How many more runs do you see the offense scoring if they hit Bill James' predictions? Is it enough to make up for CC and Ben leaving? Henry the Hammer I don't know, that's a lot of work for me to figure out. Maybe I should get me an intern... Actually, BCB estimated an increase to 4.97 runs a game, up from 4.63...so that's be about 7-8% more runs, or about 55 more scored. That seems rather optimistic, but so do James' projections. That's assuming the starters remain healthy too, of course. 11/16/2008 02:52:00 PM (11/16/2008 02:48:00 PM) - Al Al, What are the odds that Gamel starts the season in the bigs next year? I know it's VERY early, but I still see him starting in the minors next year. Follow Braun's footsteps to a tee. Let him him start in AAA and bring him up after 2 months if he deserves it. I can see the Brewers signing Counsel to a 1 year deal and move him into a coaching position the year after. Also, what's the latest on Mike Lamb? Will/Could he be back next year? Thanks Dan I would have agreed with you up until a couple weeks ago, but with Doug mentioning Gamel as a possibility, then asking aloud who would be better (such as Lamb and other similar players), and then seeing James' projection (it seems likely the in-house stat guy has given Doug a positive review as well, or the quote would not have been said). Hall is there if Mat needs seasoning, as is McGehee. In my mind, Gamel is the 3B until we are told otherwise. 11/16/2008 02:48:00 PM (11/16/2008 01:41:00 PM) - Jason Something that I forgot to mention because of all the hot stove activity... With basketball season now underway, let me mention that the WIAC conference is, bar-none, the best small-school college basketball conference in the nation, either in Div. II or Div. III. In case you didnt notice, UW-Whitewater gave the Badgers all they wanted for 30 minutes earlier this week, and last weekend UW-Platteville knocked off perennial "bracket buster" Bradley. In their house. If you live near any of these schools (Platteville, Whitewater, LaCrosse, River Falls, Superior, Stevens Point, Stout, Eau Claire), be sure to check out the conference basketball action. Quite simply, its some of the best basketball you will see all winter. 11/16/2008 01:41:00 PM (11/16/2008 12:47:00 PM) - Al Meanwhile, if they put the Yellowbook.com "tattoo removal" ad on a continuous loop on a channel somewhere, I think I'd throw away my remote. It is astounding that a few years ago, we would have no idea who the model was in that ad, and now it takes about 10 seconds on Google to find she's a former Miss Mexico World named Blanca Soto who quite obviously was a huge winner in the genetic lottery...and appears to be very "talented". 11/16/2008 12:47:00 PM (11/16/2008 11:34:00 AM) - Al CC is under peer pressure to take the money and run. Of course, he has every right to do so, or sign for far less if he chooses. If you wonder why unions have a fraction of the power they once did, look no further than stuff like this. People blessed to live in a nation where they have incredible wealth and freedom do not take kindly to some pencil pusher telling them to give that up for the betterment of others. Of course, if he doesn't sign with MIL, I hope he does end up in the AL. 11/16/2008 11:34:00 AM (11/16/2008 10:37:00 AM) - Al On Monday nights, I enjoy watching both Little People, Big World and 17 and Counting. Both are reality shows that as we all know, have many scripted (suggested?) story lines, because honestly, none of us would sit and watch everyday life that involved people sitting around watching TV and burping. However, allow me to say that Jon and Kate Plus 8, while always having been all but unwatchable, has not just jumped the shark, but I think I can safely say is only a dream sequence away from being off-the-charts, historically bad. Honestly, I have only seen bits and pieces, but while it once a show about a cute couple with 8 kids, it has become a bit of an infomercial, going from one sponsored vacation to the next. Currently, the drool infested clan is somewhere (Hawaii?) watching with pretend awe as (stop me if you've seen this before) Jon and Kate are having a second wedding! With the kids as part of the wedding party! Wow! I'm currently ready to overdose on the whole package...and I've only seen the ads on TLC as I watch other stuff. I'm telling you, they're in-laws living next door away (or maybe an actor being brought in to replace one of their children) from their lives turning into a sitcom, a very unfunny, unbearable sitcom. 11/16/2008 10:37:00 AM (11/16/2008 10:28:00 AM) - Al The Rambling wife informs me the local paper has a huge article about gun sales "booming" since the election, as well as ammo. Since this is hunting prep as well, some of the increase can be attributed to that, I s'pose...but that also means a lot of folks are buying weapons this time of year anyway, making the huge increase even more impressive. My goodness, for the old media to put guns on the front page, you know this is overwhelming. 11/16/2008 10:28:00 AM (11/16/2008 10:18:00 AM) - Al Nice recap of 5 myths about the past election we continue to see treated as fact. I haven't heard anyone else say it, so I will now...if the GOP candidate would have come out strongly against the "rescue plan", they may not have won, but they would have set up the party nicely for '12, as it is currently a perfect example of government in action... 1. Panic. 2. Pass a bill. 3. Watch as bill gets stuck in mundane clutter of government inefficiency. 4. Wonder why this bill, which was vital mind you, isn't really working...but still, the free market is dealing with the problem. House sales were up last month...because prices have fallen. Supply and demand is accomplishing, at no cost, what intervention is struggling to do, despite billions being spent. You want proof small government is a better option? Watch big government stumble around for a while. 11/16/2008 10:18:00 AM (11/16/2008 09:57:00 AM) - Al KRod's agent tries to defend the drop in velocity. Other than his saves, KRod's numbers got worse across the board last year, and especially in the past few years. I doubt he's injured, but he is far less effective than he was as a hard throwing youngster, meaning he is probably just suffering from aging and throwing the ball as hard as he can 3-4 days most weeks. He's a very good closer, don't get me wrong, but he isn't worth a penny more than Wagner or Rivera. I much prefer Fuentes, based on their past. It's also worth noting that I believe I heard not a single one of KRod's saves were more than 3 outs, meaning he's been babied immensely...I'd be afraid to see his results being asked to pitch like Torres did for the Crew last year...come into tie games, pitch 2 innings, get a 5 out save, and so on. 11/16/2008 09:57:00 AM (11/16/2008 09:41:00 AM) - Al This is why I never got upset about some folks in New Orleans not getting help for a couple days...in the US, we really don't know what "suffering" means. 11/16/2008 09:41:00 AM (11/16/2008 01:42:00 AM) - Al I would love to see Loretta as well, but he has many suitors, including some teams who want him to start at 2B. I don't see Cruz being a target of Melvin's...Doug loves "big" guys who throw hard and throw strikes...Juan is thin and lanky and throws a lot of ball ones...and ball fours. I would guess Cruz gets big money as well, which Doug has said he does not want to spend on a reliever. Garland is possible, but I feel Doug will look at trades, especially a veteran with only a year or two left on his contract. One name we might hear brought up is Javier Vazquez, a SP who fits the veteran description, and who is supposedly in the sizable doghouse of Ozzie Guillen. Kevin Millwood is another older guy who may be considered. Jason Jennings is a nice out of the box thought, especially if he's willing to sign a AAA deal. 11/16/2008 01:42:00 AM Saturday, November 15, 2008 (11/15/2008 11:41:00 PM) - Jason To add on to Al's thoughts regarding 3B, I dont think Melvin goes out to try and sign a one-year stop-gap type, simply because there arent really any out there that would sign for one year that would be any marked improvement over Gamel, especially if the projections are even close to accurate. Casey Blake wants a multi-year deal, and Im sure a guy like Eric Hinske would as well. Ditto for a guy like Joe Crede. The Brewers may indeed treat Gamel like they treated Ryan Braun when he first came up to the bigs...play him at 3B and take the good (bat) with the bad (glove), and hope that the production with the bat trumps any deficiencies with the glove until the opportunity arises to move Gamel to a different position, whether that be at 1B when/if Prince Fielder is traded or RF when Corey Hart is finally moved to CF, where he probably will be when Mike Cameron's time with the club is up. One guy that I wouldnt be shocked to see given a call is Mark Loretta. Yes, he is a RH bat, but he can play every infield spot, simply knows how to hit and how to get on base, and is the ultimate team player. On top of that, he has had nothing but good things to say about Milwaukee. He obviously is gonna try and latch on to a team that will give him a shot to play everyday, but should that not happen, I think the Brewers could do a lot worse. Dont forget about Mike Lamb, either. Its easy to forget that he had quite a few big hits for this club in September, and wasnt really given a shot to play the field anywhere. He can play either corner spot, and hits LH. If the Brewers are going to spend money in the off-season, they need to do it on the mound. The depth of both the SP and RP in this year's free agent class is the best in a long time. And many would be in the Brewers price range. In most years, a guy like Jon Garland is a top 3 FA starting pitcher...this year, he is in the second half of the top 10, and can be easily attainable for Milwaukee if they so desire. Oliver Perez will drive people crazy with his walks, but simply put has the best stuff of any LHP out there other than CC. Braden Looper was solid last year for the Cardinals, and is a fit in the back of the rotation and provides good insurance. Mark Hendrickson has Wisconsin ties, formerly playing semi-pro ball in LaCrosse, and is a decent 1 or 2 year type of guy. A good risk/reward candidate could be Jason Jennings, who has had injury problems his last two seasons but has talent and can probably be had cheaply. Or there's a pitcher like Jack Cassel, who was completely mismanaged and given away this offseason by the Houston Astros after putting up a 7-1 record, a 1.98 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP at AAA last year. He's only 28. In the pen, I would personally start my list with a guy I have liked for a long time: Juan Cruz. If the Brewers dont want to go after one of the "big ticket" closers, they need to go after Cruz and go hard. Cruz will be highly sought after once the big 4 of K-Rod, Fuentes, Wood, and Hoffman are signed. Cruz simply has closer stuff but has not been given the opportunity to close games on a consistent basis yet. He could be had for set-up guy money if the Brewers act quickly enough. Another guy that could be high on the list is David Weathers, who is versatile enough to pitch in middle, late, or closing relief, and has a history with Milwaukee. There are a number of candidates that the Brewers can get, throw against the wall, and see what sticks. Kevin Correia put up a nice 2006-07 for SF pitching mostly out of the pen, but struggled last year when forced to be in the rotation half the year. He belongs in the pen and could be very productive there. Franklyn German is one of those big, hard-throwing types that Doug Melvin likes. He has warts, as he walks too many guys, but most bullpen guys who arent closers do have warts...its why they are in the pen in the first place. Brad Hennessey, another pitcher whom the Giants gave up on way too early because he had a bad 2008, saved 19 games in 2007 and also has been decent in a starting role. Justin Lehr, who once was considered a up-and-coming pitcher in Oakland, posted a 2.41 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP in Cincy's AAA affiliate in 2008. Guys like these arent household names, but household names typically dont make up good bullpens. Building a good pen comes down to using the pitchers you have in the best situations, and giving them opportunities to succeed. Just ask guys like Seth McClung or Todd Coffey. 11/15/2008 11:41:00 PM (11/15/2008 11:39:00 PM) - Al So many guns are being purchased, even the JS felt the need to report on it. 11/15/2008 11:39:00 PM (11/15/2008 09:38:00 PM) - Al I was just considering if Doug is looking to improve 3B at all, or if he is at peace with Gamel and a RH bat splitting time there in '09. Certainly, it is pointless to try and improve the offense if Mat is even close to his James projection. Note he often has said he is looking for a LH bat, but he never specifically mentions 3B. I also wonder if Mcgehee was picked up solely to "protect" Gamel, as he is a solid glove man, just in case Hall is traded. 11/15/2008 09:38:00 PM (11/15/2008 08:37:00 PM) - Jason In today's news, one funny tidbit: the Yankees sold P Darrell Rasner to a Japan club for $1 million. If the reports are accurate about the Yankees offer to CC Sabathia, that $1 million would pay for a grand total of 0.7% off CC's reported contract offer. Who says the economy is bad? FA Tracker updated with the days events. Everybody out there seems to be waiting on two things: 1) Where CC will sign, and 2) Where the Padres will trade Jake Peavy Once one of those two dominoes fall, expect a flurry of activity. 11/15/2008 08:37:00 PM (11/15/2008 04:15:00 PM) - Al Al, Your analysis of the Bill James' projection is exactly the reason I check in to your site. When I was a young boy, one of my friends got Packer Report delivered to his home, and I always loved going over there and getting extra coverage that the newspaper simply did not print. Great work, and I appreciate it. Keep it up. Doc Thanks for the kind words, Doc. 11/15/2008 04:15:00 PM (11/15/2008 03:53:00 PM) - Al Florida is concentrating on pitching, speed, and defense...just like the Rays, they say. Of course, the problem with that is, almost all the emphasis is on one side of the ball...preventing runs. Speed may help you score a few more over the course of a season, but for the most part, offense is OBP x SLG to a 98% level of accuracy. Speed without OBP is like pie without sugar...destined to fail. 11/15/2008 03:53:00 PM (11/15/2008 03:41:00 PM) - Al Free agent Bob Howry is open to the possibility of signing with the Giants. Howry opened his career in the Giants organization before being traded, along with Keith Foulke, to the White Sox in a nine-player deal 11 years ago. "Howry does have some interest in returning to the Giants," agent Craig Landis said. "It may be a possibility. It is too early to tell." Howry is a Type A free agent, but it seems unlikely that the Cubs will offer him arbitration and risk having him come back at $4 million-$5 million next year.--Rotoworld I'd put Howry near the top of my list if the Cubs do not offer him arby. He's been as consistent as Riske, and is a big bodied, hard thrower, just like Melvin prefers. 11/15/2008 03:41:00 PM (11/15/2008 03:23:00 PM) - Al You can bail out the big 3 all you want, eventually, they will need to declare bankruptcy to get out from under the horrible decisions of the past. There's a reason why unions are on life support, and the one industry still utilizing unions heavily is all but bankrupt. They were an important part of the industrial revolution, and making it safe to work in a factory setting, but time has passed them by. Denying it is hearkening back to the days of one screen, family owned movie theaters and carbonated beverages coming in returnable bottles. 11/15/2008 03:23:00 PM (11/15/2008 03:18:00 PM) - Al Any doubt there's bargains to be had in the stock market? These 11 are all trading for less than they have in cash. 11/15/2008 03:18:00 PM (11/15/2008 01:00:00 PM) - Al Bill James has his projections up for 2009, and there is almost nothing but positives as far as the Brewers are concerned. Almost every single player's numbers are improved from their actual 2008 campaign. Also, the kids that project to begin '09 at AAA have friendly guesses as well, especially Mat Gamel, whose '09 is prognosticated to be better than anyone other than Braun or Fielder. If Doug is getting numbers even remotely similar from his in-house guy, I can see why he has little to no interest in acquiring a stopgap at the hot corner. Another prediction worth mentioning...Sheets 3.38 ERA, Sabathia 3.39 ERA...granted, he has CC throwing about 55 more frames. Fielder--.379/.545, 926 OPS...Prince has a career OPS of 903, and put up an 879 last season. Like almost every single member of the team, his '09 projection is about 5% higher than his actual '08 production. Weeks--.364/.435, 799...I'm an unabashed fan of Weeks, though I'm the first to admit I'm surprised he has not "broken out" for an entire season like I had hoped. However, many of his detractors point to his BA and K's...both as meaningless as his middle name. What's especially humorous to me is every time a possible replacement is brought up, that player's numbers simply aren't as god as what Weeks has actually done, never mind his ceiling. After a 740 OPS in his career and a 758 OPS last year, a nice jump is hoped for by James. Hardy--.336/.462, 798...it's just hard to believe that JJ is projected just below Rickie. Projected just above his career marks, and actually below last year, one of the very few projected lower. Gamel--.364/.482, 846...just look at how high this kid is projected, it's a head shaker. I can only hope James nails this one. The way Doug floated his name a while back, it seems likely Mat is penciled in as the '09 3B, and his lefty bat does seem to fit in with what the team needs. Braun--.364/.620, 984...monster, but still, probably very close to where he was when he injured his rib muscle in August. 44 homers, by the way. Just lower than his '07 numbers. Cameron--.325/.434, 759...788 career, 808 LY, if Mike plays half his games in Miller Park, I would say he destroys his projection. Hart--.336/.496, 832...September struggles were forgotten, nice projection given his 759 in '08 and 808 career. Kendall--.343/.330, 673...well lower than his career, but actually a bit higher than his 651 OPS in '08. I think anyone would take that OBP out of the #8 spot. Hall--.311/.431, 742...down from his 771 career, but up from his 689 (689?!) OPS in '08. Just taking a look at the way things look to be set up as of this minute, Bill, big salary and all, is probably going to platoon at 3B and back up the middle IF spots. Kapler--.333/.418, 751...I'm afraid BOS is going to make an offer Gabe can't refuse, but since Bill has him returning to earth, I'm not going to overreact. Just below his career, and nowhere near his 838 OPS last year. Branyan--.340/.492, 832...I'm tempted to keep Branyan around as depth for Gamel, a reserve for LF/RF/1B, and as the power bat off the bench. Escobar--.328/.385, 713...this is an Alcides kind projection, only a couple wins behind Hardy offensively, using the rule of 10. Salome--.349/.477, 826...oh, to have a catcher hit like this, it'd be worth 2.5 wins over Kendall, though I'm sure he'd give it up behind the plate. Let's hope Charlie Greene, former outstanding defensive catcher and current minor league instructor, can work with this youngster and get him up to decent by 2010. I think Doug will mostly be shopping for proven vets who can start for extended periods if needed, especially where they do not have anyone at AAA ready to step in. If Branyan is not brought back, I look for Menasha native Eric Hinske to get a call. If not Kapler, another 4th OF will be needed, probably with a LH bat...Jim Edmonds might be a fit, Scott Posednik as well. I still hope Craig Counsell comes back at a reduced rate, Jerry Hairston Jr. might be a fit as an all-around utility guy. Gallardo--3.61 ERA Parra--3.95 Bush--3.99 Suppan--4.70 McClung--4.69 Villanueva--3.85 Riske--3.95 Stetter--3.20 Gagne--3.11 Mota--3.86 Shouse--3.77 Gagne is projected much better than most of the FA closers who will sign for $8-12M per. He may well get a shot to close, from a bargain hunting team. Coffey was not projected, by the way. I would expect the nine guys above (the 8 plus Coffey) to be on the opening day roster, barring injury of course, and Tim Dillard probably has his foot in the door as well. That leaves two spots left, plus 3+ for depth purposes (one of those spots I've already given to DiFelice in my mind). If they can add an SP and a RP that are better than what they currently have, I think the top 12 looks solid; good but not great (I especially doubt many teams will run out 3 SP's projected under 4). I think either Shouse or Mota will return (heck, Gagne is possible as well). Doug is looking for complimentary pieces, not stars. Odds are, those guys won't be talking a lot until several of the main difference makers start signing. 11/15/2008 01:00:00 PM Friday, November 14, 2008 (11/14/2008 11:34:00 PM) - Al Adam looks at the first day of the CC sweepstakes. 11/14/2008 11:34:00 PM (11/14/2008 07:33:00 PM) - Al Drudge has a headline, no link yet, that says Hormel is struggling to keep up with demand for Spam, the heavily salted meat product that comes in a can. I assume it has something to do with purchases made in bulk by survival groups, and/or because of the economy (though I do not recall Spam being cheap by any means). All I can say is, allow me to wonder how much the folks in hell are enjoying their recent snowfall. UPDATE: Link added, it is supposedly because of the economy, but I'm not sure how $3.20 a pound is inexpensive...it's comparable to steak, and much more than ground beef, pork roasts, beef roasts, poultry, and so on...even canned meats like tuna, chicken, and such are cheaper. Admittedly though, I think Spam Low Sodium sounds ok, as the extreme salt content is why I've never liked it. 11/14/2008 07:33:00 PM (11/14/2008 06:30:00 PM) - Al I just noticed this link, absolutely hilarious piece on senior portraits. I suppose the above could offend the very easily offended, but trust me, lighten up, it's funny. 11/14/2008 06:30:00 PM (11/14/2008 05:53:00 PM) - Al I agree with Adam, MIL is an unlikely destination for Kerry Wood. I'm all for signing a guy like riske to a multi-year deal, or a guy with injury/effectiveness concerns like Gagne to a one year deal (like they did with Eric). Heck, considering Gagne's numbers in the second half (after he got healthy), I have no issue bringing him back, for that matter. 11/14/2008 05:53:00 PM (11/14/2008 05:40:00 PM) - Al I sure hope one of the seven footers redshirts as well, as one of them will play less than 50 minutes this year. With the breakout of Nankovil thus far, it's sure sad to see him having wasted a year of eligibility last year barely breaking a sweat. I'm all for Bo Ryan letting the kids decide, but I sure wouldn't be above "suggesting" it to the freshmen who weren't in the top 12. 11/14/2008 05:40:00 PM (11/14/2008 05:34:00 PM) - Al Sometimes, the constant coaching changes looks a bit odd, and then, you get stuff like this, from a team barely below .500 a month into the season, in a campaign that can best be described as infinite in length. 11/14/2008 05:34:00 PM (11/14/2008 05:12:00 PM) - Al "History", in this case, is only 44 years, and took a change in 1991 to even happen. Needless to say, I think the moon landing and Pearl Harbor remain safe in the mythical hierarchy of historical events. 11/14/2008 05:12:00 PM (11/14/2008 04:27:00 PM) - Al I'm not sure what to make of the fact this is getting no publicity at all, while Obama being elected is looked at as a historical event. Gender vs. racial? Elected versus earned? A general disdain for the military, despite claims to the contrary? I'm actually surprised she is the first, though I assume this is a rank only a select few reach. 11/14/2008 04:27:00 PM (11/14/2008 04:22:00 PM) - Al Nagin is still a disaster, and there's no W to try and pin the blame on this time. Honestly, the idea he's still in office tells me all I need to know about Nawlins. It's a perfect example of how not to run a city. 11/14/2008 04:22:00 PM (11/14/2008 03:45:00 PM) - Al Stan Kyles named bullpen coach, he's been Nashville's pitching coach the past 4 years, and amazingly, has done very well when given good arms to work with, and struggles when he didn't.:) 11/14/2008 03:45:00 PM (11/14/2008 08:41:00 AM) - Al AG.com runs its weekly link report, including news on the guys who didn't bother checking to see who was a rookie and who wasn't. 11/14/2008 08:41:00 AM Thursday, November 13, 2008 (11/13/2008 09:22:00 PM) - Al Man bites dog, carbon emissions keep us out of Ice Age? Heh, I'm out to idle the car for no apparent reason. 11/13/2008 09:22:00 PM (11/13/2008 08:34:00 PM) - Al The Kevin Gregg trade would look a lot better if he was more than a single season away from free agency. I'd rather have Bob Howry, to be honest. Tomorrow, free agents can begin receiving offers, and many of the top players will immediately begin accepting offers, which will thin the herd to a much more manageable amount by early next week. It will also create more trade discussions, because no one wants to give up a player when one is available on the open market. I would assume Doug's main targets will be a 3B and a SP, and he has mentioned a desire to add a LH bat. One thing we have not seen discussed much, other than with the Cameron rumor, is a deal that would involve dealing a player for a pair of players, one to replace the player dealt, and another player as well. Like Melky for Mike, the replacements would not be as good, though you could easily see the Crew getting a pair of young players with potential. Heck, while we're talking about trades that make too much sense to ever happen, swapping Bill Hall for Mark Teahen of the Royals just oozes sensibility. Hall would be a huge improvement as an everyday SS, and allow their solid rookie Aviles to move to 2B, where he would be a better fit defensively. Even in his down years, Bill is a decent run producer at SS, and he has the history to be well above average. Teahen is far from a huge upgrade at 3B, but he is a lefty bat and passable defender. 11/13/2008 08:34:00 PM (11/13/2008 07:21:00 PM) - Al Seems several celebs have trouble running a charity that stands up to any scrutiny at all. Bono's seems especially risque, spending donations on U2 tickets...oof. 11/13/2008 07:21:00 PM (11/13/2008 07:00:00 PM) - Al BCB looks over the bullpen candidates, I had actually forgotten about Todd Coffey myself. I expect Doug to add 2-3 pitchers of merit, likely one SP and a bullpen fella or two. 11/13/2008 07:00:00 PM (11/13/2008 06:50:00 PM) - Jason As I said in this space earlier this week, business would pick up at the end of the week as teams prepare for free agency to officially begin in earnest tomorrow. Teams looking to get trades done before the Winter Meetings try to get them done before free agency begins, so they can know for sure which way they would like to go. Two trades today, one involving the chief rival to the Brewers in the NL Central: - Just when you think the Cubs are taking positive steps forward, they trade for Kevin Gregg, and in the process announce that they are not going to re-sign Kerry Wood. Wood is seeking a multi-year deal, and the Cubs are obviously worried about doing that, which is fine...but trading for Kevin Gregg is hardly an upgrade - or even a lateral move. In fact, its a large dropoff, especially when you look at the free agent class and see there are a plethora of relievers available that could probably put up similar (if not better) numbers for the salary ($4 million) that Gregg will make in 2009. It gets worse when you find out that the Cubs traded RHP Jose Ceda to the Marlins for Gregg. Ceda throws in the mid-90's on a regular basis, and struck out 42 batters in 30 innings and posted a 2.08 ERA in AA. You cant teach guys to throw hard, and to deal young, hard-throwing pitchers in a trade, you need to get better players in return. Any way you slice it, its good news for the Brewers, as the Cubs weakened their bullpen significantly today. Let me just add that there is a certain general manager 90 miles north of Chicago who likes hard-throwing pitchers in his bullpen. Seeing Kerry Wood's name linked to Milwaukee as a possible destination wouldn't shock me in the least. In fact, its starting to make a little bit too much sense. - The Yankees take advantage of a White Sox salary dump in acquiring Nick Swisher. There is no other way to analyze this trade any other way from Chicago's point of view, as none of the three players they got in return are that significant to warrant dealing such a quality player. Wilson Betemit, a guy whose name has come up in some rumors going to the Brewers as a throw-in guy in a possible Mike Cameron deal, is a decent enough infielder, but if the White Sox wanted him that badly it shouldnt have cost them Swisher. Its a classic case of the Sox selling low out of frustration, and the Yankees buying low looking for furstrated teams and/or players. Swisher only hit .219 last year, thats true...but 24 HR in 500 AB's isn't anything to sneeze at, and he knows how to get on base even when he's not hitting (84 walks). Simply put, when you can get a player with a career .805 OPS, 25-35 HR power, you can get him at his prime ages (27), and you are willing to trade an infielder not in your future plans (Betemit), its an absolute no-brainer. Plus, Swisher can play first base and any OF spot, giving the Yankees great flexibility, something that hasn't existed in their OF in some time. A great deal for New York, and a head-scratcher for the Sox. On a personal note, let me just say it was a joy to watch Salomon Torres pitch last year, and I wish him and his family well. Needless to say, his departure means that other than Seth McClung and Carlos Villanueva, the Brewers bullpen will be totally different than last year, and Doug Melvin has hinted as much. I expect the Brewers to be very busy in the relief pitcher department this offseason, and not for "big-name" players, either. If there is one GM who has proven a good bullpen can be built cheaply and still be effective, its Melvin. And now that Al brings up the fact that Aaron Gleeman is thinking along with me in saying that a JJ Hardy for Kevin Slowey and a prospect or two swap is a good idea means that it has no chance in happening. I still think the Twins don't really want to trade a good young pitcher from that staff, which is set up to be really good for a real long time, I dont think the Brewers are keen on trading JJ Hardy, as they dont have to. FA Tracker will be updated shortly with today's news. Expect the news and rumors to be flying full force starting tomorrow. 11/13/2008 06:50:00 PM (11/13/2008 06:50:00 PM) - Al Add Kerry Wood to the list of closers available. 11/13/2008 06:50:00 PM Wednesday, November 12, 2008 (11/12/2008 11:02:00 PM) - Al Doug sounds like he is looking for one top of the rotation SP, as he mentions it twice. It also sounds like he suspects Sheets may "come down" to their range. He again mentions there are "plenty of relievers" available, so you know one of them will be among the first players added.:) 11/12/2008 11:02:00 PM (11/12/2008 09:39:00 PM) - Al Al, Did you watch the WSOP final table last night? Do you think they will continue to delay the final table like they did this year? Trent I did, though I was switching between that and the Bucks (and playing poker online, and either blogging or looking for info to blog about). I see AG said he was surprised by the risky play, and I agree...raising all-in with A high? Going all-in with 9/10 with a J on the board? One of my problems is that I am a bit of a conservative player...I often sneak into the money, yet I often do so with a well below average stack with hampers my attempt at making the "big" money, which in my case, is often $1.76, but hence, I digress. The thing is, if there was ever a time to play like me, last night was it, as 9th place got $900K and 1st place got $9M, with the money going up rather evenly...my gosh, if folding a lot and playing premium hands only is ever a good strategy, last night was the time to do it. Some might scoff and mutter something about "playing for 4th place", but when 4th place pays $4M+, so be it. Right now, as I often am, I'm playing in a pair of "double or nothing" tourneys, in which 10 players sit down and the last 5 standing win twice their entry fee back...simply put, it is a tourney set-up made for me. Considering the small fee to enter, you have to "win" 54% of the time to break even, and currently, I'm sitting at 74%...it's literally getting paid for "not losing"! I assume they will continue to delay the final table, as it became an event, with people camping outside for seats and the like. That's a lot of free publicity, and can only be good for the game. Daniel N agrees. 11/12/2008 09:39:00 PM (11/12/2008 08:00:00 PM) - Al DePo should be the next GM hired. The guy simply knows baseball. 11/12/2008 08:00:00 PM (11/12/2008 07:39:00 PM) - Al In his chat today, Aaron Gleeman suggests JJ Hardy for Kevin Slowey and a prospect no fewer than three times, and Jason has also suggested it. Hence, something that makes this much sense doesn't stand a chance of getting done. 11/12/2008 07:39:00 PM (11/12/2008 07:07:00 PM) - Al Al, I see that the Yanks signed Marte for a reported $12 mil over 3yrs. Is this a possible precursor to trading Cameron in a package that includes Damaso? I know you've said many times that he'd be a good fit with the Crew. Shawn Teams that sign players to multi-year contracts cannot trade them until at least July 1st, or something very close to that. I do feel the Crew will sign/trade for someone in that $3-4M price range, as well as probably another in the $2M range (probably Shouse, possibly Mota). 11/12/2008 07:07:00 PM (11/12/2008 07:03:00 PM) - Al Did someone lose a bet? Was it a game of "truth or dare"? How does Dale Sveum get a 3rd place vote? Making a mockery of the system! Keep rambling, Ed Considering Edison Volquez got several votes for Rookie of the Year...and you know, wasn't a rookie, I think it is safe to say many writers don't really put a lot of time and effort into these selections. I can honestly say I haven't paid a bit of attention to any of them since Morneau won MVP despite being the 4th best player on his own team. 11/12/2008 07:03:00 PM Tuesday, November 11, 2008 (11/11/2008 08:52:00 PM) - Al "There are more relief pitchers out there than starting pitchers and left-handed bats we're interested in. It usually takes some time to put together your bullpen." Melvin mentioned hard-throwing right-hander Seth McClung as an internal option to try as closer. He said he didn't plan to bid on high-priced free agent closers such as Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes. "We're not going to spend a big chunk of money on a closer," said Melvin. "We've found closers in the past. You usually don't find that out until later (in the off-season). "It's way too early at this point."--JS As suspected, Doug will go cheap in the bullpen. Actually, I think much of the bullpen depth issue will take care of itself...Carlos V, Riske, and Stetter will almost surely be back, and if Doug is looking at McClung as a reliever, that's 4. Add in Dillard or DiFelice, that's 5, and they might bring back Shouse or Mota as well. UPDATE: "We're going to have to retool the bullpen a little bit," Melvin said. "We have [David] Riske back, [Seth] McClung back, unless he goes into a starting role, and then [Carlos] Villanueva. We do have some holes to fill, but we had holes last year to fill, too."--MLB.com Doug seems to know Seth will return, but not his role. I'd say they probably know 8 of the 12 man staff at this point, barring injuries, of course. 11/11/2008 08:52:00 PM (11/11/2008 08:44:00 PM) - Al Evan sent this along and asked for a link, so I will give him one...however, I don't see Lowe or Marte ending up with the Crew (though I might have at one time), and certainly not Byrd or Blake. 11/11/2008 08:44:00 PM (11/11/2008 05:05:00 PM) - Al You know what would be really bold? Cutting spending to get rid of the deficit rather than raising taxes. 11/11/2008 05:05:00 PM (11/11/2008 04:24:00 PM) - Al I agree, the retailers will be having sales to ensure they do not carry over excess merchandise, and it will be a great holiday for those willing to spend cash for discounted merchandise...especially stuff no one really needs, like fancy plate sets and the like. If you want to buy some expensive outerwear, for example, you might get fortunate and hit a perfect storm of a warm winter and a fearful retailer. I can easily see $299 coats going for $129...which, for those of you not in the know, is quite possibly right around cost. 11/11/2008 04:24:00 PM (11/11/2008 04:19:00 PM) - Al I think I gained a pound just looking at it, but bacon flavored mayo may be the condiment that goes on everything. 11/11/2008 04:19:00 PM (11/11/2008 03:40:00 PM) - Al Torres has decided to retire, at least as of now. Ramblings wishes Sal all the best, if indeed he is done with the game. However, let's not forget Torres "considered" retirement after he was traded from the Pirates. With him having to make a decision now, because his option was due, he may have felt rushed or forced, and have second thoughts as time goes by. I'm not sure if Doug had planned to go to Arizona with Torres as the closer or not, but I doubt this means Doug will look for a "proven" closer, as he ended up going with option #3/4 last year, and Torres worked out very nicely. However, I would say adding another "body" to the mix may move up the priority list. It also may place more emphasis on the Crew resigning Shouse. EDIT: No, I don't think the Crew has any interest in KRod...possibly in Fuentes, but I doubt that too. Hoffman, if he's not offered arby by the Padres, might be an option, however. 11/11/2008 03:40:00 PM Monday, November 10, 2008 (11/10/2008 10:46:00 PM) - Al Cameron ranks a bit lower than you'd expect, though the others (Kapler and Gwynn) bring them up overall. 11/10/2008 10:46:00 PM (11/10/2008 10:42:00 PM) - Al Corey Hart and Brewers both in the middle of the pack in RF, per Dave Pinto. 11/10/2008 10:42:00 PM (11/10/2008 10:01:00 PM) - Al Well, I had not heard of the FLA/DC trade until Jason mentioned it. I like Emilio more than many do, but Olsen is unlikely to be much more than what he is. I do like Willingham a lot, but he's not getting any younger, and most guys have trouble staying healthier when they hit 30. Eyre was simply thrown out with the bathwater in Chicago, he never failed to get LH hitters out, but was often misused by Sweet Lou, who often takes a decent player and is unable to get mediocrity out of them. UPDATE: I should mention that I assume FLA had little negotiating room, as they probably cannot afford to offer those guys arby, they had to take what they could get, or risk non-tendering them and not getting anything for 'em. 11/10/2008 10:01:00 PM (11/10/2008 07:21:00 PM) - Jason Al, you are going to have to focus in on another LOOGY....Scott Eyre has re-signed with Philly. A few other updates made at FA Tracker. 11/10/2008 07:21:00 PM (11/10/2008 06:40:00 PM) - Jason Congratulations to the Oakland A's, for a couple of reasons. - First off, I totally disagree with Rotoworld's assessment that they gave up too much for Matt Holliday. Greg Smith may indeed develop into a decent big league pitcher, but his very pedestrian 2008 is not far off his minor league career numbers. And to be honest, his numbers aren't going to be any better in Coors Field. Huston Street is a fine young pitcher, and the A's smartly moved him before he reaches his arbitration years, where he is going to make a substantial amount of money...as all good pitchers do. Carlos Gonzalez is a good young outfielder, but needs a year, as stated before. Basically, the A's moved three players that they truly didn't "need" to pick up one of the best hitters in the game. And as Al pointed out, if things go sour for the A's early in 2009, Holliday can easily be flipped for a couple blue-chip prospects. Its a shrewd move by Billy Beane. Remember, the A's flipped Joe Blanton to the Phillies for Adrian Cardenas, widely considered the best second base prospect in the game. Mark Ellis, an underrated second baseman at a good price tag, can also easily be moved if/when Cardenas is ready for more pieces. And with guys like Justin Duchscherer, Dana Eveland, Sean Gallagher, and Joey Devine all in the fold on the pitching staff, they are in good shape there. If Holliday is indeed flipped next summer, simply put, Billy Beane is setting up the A's to be really good for a real long time. - Secondly, a selfish reason: Im glad he is going to Oakland and not St. Louis. If Ryan Ludwick can put up the numbers he did protecting Albert Pujols, I shutter to think what kind of numbers Holliday could have put up hitting behind the best offensive player in the game. It should be noted that reports are that Colorado is going to try and deal Huston Street to another team. The steal of the off-season was just made, though, by Washington of all teams. They literally stole Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham from Florida for Emilio Bonifacio and two minor leaguers. What it must like to be a fan of that Marlins organization. 11/10/2008 06:40:00 PM (11/10/2008 05:43:00 PM) - Al A source told Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown that the Rockies would get Carlos Gonzalez, Huston Street and Greg Smith from the A's for Matt Holliday. The Rockies did extremely well and the A's gave up too much for just one year of a player who has never played at a superstar level outside of Coors Field. Manny Corpas owners should be disappointed if Street is in the deal, as Street would likely close for the Rockies. Smith would jump right into the rotation. Gonzalez could be a candidate to play left field or even center for a year, but everything that happened in 2008 suggests that he needs more minor league time.--Rotoworld Not only do I think it looks pretty even, I also think Beane may well use this as an opportunity to trade Holliday next July and get a couple top prospects at the deadline. Street is a solid reliever, Gonzalez looks solid, but is not ready. Smith's secondary numbers are kind of plain, his K/BB ratio and his K/9 look to me like he may have overachieved a bit...and Beane is a master at selling high. 11/10/2008 05:43:00 PM (11/10/2008 01:48:00 PM) - Al I can't say I know a thing about Bruce Seid, but he's the new scouting director. 11/10/2008 01:48:00 PM (11/10/2008 01:44:00 PM) - Al Geovany Soto claimed 31 of the 32 first-place votes to win National League Rookie of the Year honors on Monday. Joey Votto had a fine season and was clearly the NL's No. 2 rookie, but the writer that voted him first over Soto just isn't taking his privilege seriously. Votto was second on 21 of the other ballots and finished with 76 points to Soto's 158. Jair Jurrjens was third with 34 points. Edinson Volquez, who wasn't a rookie after throwing 70 innings for the Rangers from 2005-07, was given three second-place votes. For some reason, those have been allowed to stand and he finished in fourth place with nine points. Apparently, no one in the BBWAA cares to make sure its writers turn in legal ballots.--Rotoworld Oof. I wonder why the old media is struggling so, with such high standards of quality control. And yes, if it's one the JS guys, it will be especially funny. 11/10/2008 01:44:00 PM (11/10/2008 01:33:00 PM) - Al The A's have acquired Holliday from the Rockies...apparently, Beane thought he was being undervalued. MLBTR will have more as it is known. 11/10/2008 01:33:00 PM (11/10/2008 12:10:00 AM) - Al Dave Pinto's range model scores the Crew pretty well at 3B defense as well. Much of the talk about the Crew's defense is just cliche and people not realizing how tough Miller Park scorers are. 11/10/2008 12:10:00 AM Sunday, November 09, 2008 (11/09/2008 11:26:00 PM) - Al Adam with what I've been hinting at...it's tough to predict the offseason until you know the fate of the top free agent or two. Very nice work by AM. 11/09/2008 11:26:00 PM (11/09/2008 11:17:00 PM) - Al The Badgers' football team will make a bowl if they win one of their last two games...but I can't imagine too many fans being excited about a trip to The Motor City Bowl. I've never been to Detroit, so I think it'd be kind of interesting, but I doubt many would agree with me. Add to that that it's the day after Xmas, and it's supposed to be against a team from the MAC, I can't see it as being a popular trek. Just what their economy needs, huh?:) 11/09/2008 11:17:00 PM (11/09/2008 11:05:00 PM) - Al I agree with Glenn, nothing will push that favorability rating down quicker than higher gas prices. Heck, I'll bet we'll see some better consumer opinions on the economy in the upcoming months based solely on near $2 gas (we saw $2.12 this weekend, filled up for $2.19). It will be interesting to see the first Obama polls...usually, they are very friendly, but I feel an early backlash will exist, because of excessive media coverage and very partisan appointments and views on taxes that are being focused on. 11/09/2008 11:05:00 PM (11/09/2008 09:35:00 PM) - Al I'm sure the Brewers would love to have Slowey, without a doubt. The price of young pitching is very high...and Hardy would be a good pickup for them. I think the Crew would probably try and get a prospect a little closer to being ready...either AAA ready or AAA experienced, but Jason's trade is, dare I say, incredibly clear considering it came from the internet. Yo, Manny, Slowey, Bush, and Suppan...with McClung as your #6 guy, is suddenly among the top starting fives in the NL, though very young of course, the top 3 guys all are cheap and loaded with potential. Now, this would, with no doubt, take several runs away from the offense...I would likely project Escobar as a .310/.330 guy if he was pushed into duty in '09, while JJ is closer to a .340/.470 projected line..., that's about 96 simple runs to 61, a huge 35 run difference to make up elsewhere. I would say this is a deal if the Crew indeed loses CC and quite possibly "steps back" rather than going forward full speed...I would not call it rebuilding, but some may refer to it as "reloading". 11/09/2008 09:35:00 PM (11/09/2008 08:21:00 PM) - Jason A few different thoughts from the weekend: - First, the weekend's events are updated at FA Tracker. Things getting a bit quieter out there now after the GM Meetings ended, which is understandable. The exclusive-rights signing period ends on Friday, so expect a flurry of activity this weekend as teams can officially negotiate contracts with free agents from other squads. I would expect a few "lower-level" free agents to sign over the weekend, and perhaps one or two "big ticket" guys. - Ryan Dempster contines to shop himself around heavily, and reportedly TOR has interest to go along with ATL. If Dempster is shopping himself to merely raise his price with the Cubs, he has succeeded beautifully. The Chicago Tribune reports Dempster could sign with the Cubs this week before Friday, which may indeed happen...but if it does, its going to be for the 5-year, $75 million deal he is looking for, or at least close to it. The Cubs had reportedly have a 3-year deal on the table. - I expect the Jake Peavy trade to happen this week, before Friday even. The teams involved in this deal are going to want to get it done before the signing period starts this weekend, as landing or not landing Peavy can have a big determination on what direction the club goes in free agency. The Cubs and Dodgers, reportedly two teams interested along with the Braves, certainly will want to get it done. - To respond to the link Al has up below: I see Washington making an offer to Mark Teixiera, as I reported a couple days ago, but I will be shocked to see him sign there. - To respond to the JJ Hardy to Minnesota rumor that is linked below: I admit it makes some sense, but I dont see it happening. I just find it hard to believe that the Twins would part with a couple of their major-league youngsters, especially since they are built to be quite good for a while in a weak division. The Brewers would have all the leverage in this situation, simply because they have a spot for both Hardy and Alcides Escobar, assuming the Brewers are open to moving Hardy to 2B. Now, if the Twins came to me with a package involving a pitcher like Kevin Slowey and a prospect like Ben Revere, a speedy outfielder with great OBP skills (ranked as BA's #6 prospect in MIN organization -he was the twins #1 pick last year) or Wilson Ramos (a highly regarded young catcher, #3 prospect according to BA), I would be listening. Revere posted a .433 OBP in 340 AB's at A-Beloit last year, and as Al would tell you, OBP skills are often the toughest thing for a young player to learn. There is no reason for the Brewers to not ask for a lot for Hardy, if teams want to trade for him...he is still cheap in comparison to other SS who put up simliar numbers. - An e-mailer asked me a couple days back if the Yankees would really deal a guy like Phil Hughes for Mike Cameron. I dont know, but its where I would start. Quite simply, if the Brewers trade position players, they should be looking for pitching in return, because teams in the Brewers position need to build that way. Now, thats assuming CC Sabathia does indeed move on elsewhere. If he were to shock the world and stay in Milwaukee, then Doug Melvin's priorities may change drastically. - Finally, in response to the link Al put up saying that the Washington Post basically was in the tank for Obama - should anyone be surprised? The reason why they did that? Because Sarah Palin has a future in politics for the GOP, and is a threat to future Democrats. Thats why you saw interviewer after interviewer do nothing but try and play "gotcha" with her, looking to discredit her at every turn possible. If she were not a threat, she would have just been passed off as such by the media. That's part of the reason Joe Biden was treated the way he was...after 4 or 8 years of being Obama's VP, his political career is most likely over. That's not the case for Palin. 11/09/2008 08:21:00 PM (11/09/2008 07:24:00 PM) - Al Brad Nelson hit his sixth and seventh homers of the DWL season on Saturday. Nelson is batting .304/.381/.804 in 17 games. It looks like he'll stick on the Brewers' 40-man roster this winter after making his major league debut in September and serving as a pinch-hitter in the NLDS. Still, he not going to make a lot of sense for Milwaukee's 25-man roster next year.--Rotoworld Actually, if the Crew keeps Cameron and resigns Kapler, I'd say Brad would fit it nicely as the 5th OF (and reserve 1B), as he provides LH pop for the mimimum. I don't think his ceiling is much higher than that, but if he keeps up with the 800+ SLG, I can be persuaded. 11/09/2008 07:24:00 PM (11/09/2008 06:22:00 PM) - Al We just got home to a lonely and worried cocker spaniel after enjoying a trip to the Dells for lunch with the Ramblings family and the Bucks' game last night (thanks free hotel room with credit card "points"). I'll be back with more later tonight. 11/09/2008 06:22:00 PM (11/09/2008 06:19:00 PM) - Al This fella sees DC paying $200M for a 1B...oof. And any team that gives Manny more than 2 years will be sorely disappointed, without a doubt. 11/09/2008 06:19:00 PM (11/09/2008 12:38:00 AM) - Al One paper admits to being in the tank so deep they got stuck in the filter under the gravel, and ignoring the record of Biden while digging through Palin's trash. Of course, I have to wonder: 1. Why? 2. Where are all the other papers and networks? The old media is a dinosaur for a reason. Admitting you suck but not fixing the problem...that means you really, really suck. 11/09/2008 12:38:00 AM (11/09/2008 12:24:00 AM) - Al The Twins are going to talk to the Crew about JJ, and would expect to give up young pitching for him. If you need pitching, MIN is the place to go for it, no doubt. 11/09/2008 12:24:00 AM Saturday, November 08, 2008 (11/08/2008 11:56:00 PM) - Al Willie Randolph named bench coach, unless he picks up a manager's job. Bullpen coach still pending, though they have interviewed a couple internals. 11/08/2008 11:56:00 PM Friday, November 07, 2008 (11/07/2008 10:21:00 PM) - Al I noted a mention of increased weapon and ammo prices on a survival blog (I'm not a survivalist, but I do laugh at them often), and apparently, it's so obvious even the big media have noticed...one gun store in Texas says they've done about $100K a day since the election, about 3x normal. 1. Obviously, despite Obama's claims to be pro-gun (with minor restrictions), folks have their doubts. 2. I can't believe a gun store in TX usually does $33K a day. How many varmints are there around those parts? 3. One of the "rumors" floating around seems to be a restriction on foreign ammo will be either passed or newly enforced...some of those prices have more than doubled. Just one more reason to buy American, my friends. UPDATE: Nightline ran a piece about sales at that same gun store, Cheaper Than Dirt in Forth Worth, where the owner said he could have doubled his business if he only had the inventory. After the piece, the ABC anchor comes on and says "The stockpiling of deadly weapons continues". Heh. Thank goodness they go with the unbiased viewpoint at the alphabet network, and most would say, a constitutionally protected right. Personally, I have no desire to own a gun, but believe strongly in your right to do so if you wish. When 10-year-old Austin Smith heard Barack Obama had been elected president, he had one question: Does this mean I won't get a new gun for Christmas? That brought his mother, the camouflage-clad Rachel Smith, to Bob Moates Sports Shop on Thursday, where she was picking out that special 20-gauge shotgun — one of at least five weapons she plans to buy before Obama takes office in January. You can read the whole thing here, but those two paragraphs are simply comic gold. 11/07/2008 10:21:00 PM (11/07/2008 10:09:00 PM) - Al They just showed a 15 second clip of a local high school as they ran a story pertaining to something a few students were doing. In that time, I would guess I saw a minimum of 20 young ladies dressed in such a manner that I would say is either inappropriate, or on the borderline of such. Honestly, I'm not sure how the dads of 12-18 year-old girls sleep a wink. 11/07/2008 10:09:00 PM (11/07/2008 05:49:00 PM) - Al Thanks to Mike for e-mailing me this survey, which says 75% of Republicans feel Palin had no impact, or helped win votes. 91% of elephant party supporters say they have a favorable opinion of Palin. I said a couple times during the campaign that I felt Sarah was a rock star among conservatives, but did not sway many independents or liberals, even Hillary supporters. This seems to agree wholeheartedly with what I said then. Of course, to this day Dan Quayle remains popular in the Bible Belt, giving many speeches for big dollar amounts each year. He's not going to run for president, so this is not to say Palin is the favorite for '12 or anything else. However, it probably says a lot about the "bench" of the Republicans in that the gal few knew 3 months ago is now the choice of 2/3rd's of them when they pick a nominee for 2012. If one were to ask me who the '12 GOP pick will be (and I'm not sure why you would, since I picked Rudy in '08 and McCain in '00), I'd go with the dull pick of Huckabee, with Palin and Jindahl as the next most likely, probably Crist should be mentioned as well ...of course, I seriously question whether Palin will choose to go under the microscope again, especially since she probably can't be much more popular than she is now...it's all downhill from here, as the saying goes. Then there's this bit from ABC News: Forget Iowa. The first round in the battle for 2012 is looking like it will be fought out in Georgia -- and much, much sooner rather than later. With the Senate race in Georgia headed for a run-off, Sen. Saxby Chambliss’ campaign has been in touch with a fleet of prominent Republicans -- including Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich, and Rudy Giuliani -- to have them campaign for the senator’s reelection over the next four weeks. “We’re bringing in all the superstars,” said Michelle Grasso, the Chambliss campaign’s communications director. “We’re in the process of reaching out to everyone. And it’s not just us reaching out, people are contacting us to ask how they can be helpful.” Chambliss, R-Ga., announced Friday that Sen. John McCain will campaign for him during the run-off period, though no date has been set for his appearance. I've mentioned numerous times Palin puts butts in the seats, but if she is disliked by indys, maybe it's a negative, I don't know. I don't get that at all, but then again, I'm a small town hick just like her.:) 11/07/2008 05:49:00 PM (11/07/2008 05:48:00 PM) - Al Castro does get the pitching coach's job, congrats to him. This leaves Macha needing a bench coach and a bullpen coach. 11/07/2008 05:48:00 PM (11/07/2008 05:14:00 PM) - Al Rickie Weeks shows up right in the middle of the pack as far as defensive ability at 2B, with many guys casuals hope replace Rickie well below him. Durham was well down the list, so from what I've seen of these rankings, I feel they are pretty good. 11/07/2008 05:14:00 PM (11/07/2008 02:17:00 PM) - Al MLBTR was kind enough to link to BA's list of minor league free agents...as usual, there's a plethora of fellas none of us have heard of, but I will link to a few names I recognized. If I was a team like the Padres or Mariners, I'd look to load up on the quality players from that list, and for the most part, just hope to throw enough of 'em against the wall and hope a couple stick. While the top 5 might actually get a six figure bonus and/or a 40 man roster spot, most get $10K or less, many almost nothing. While a team made up of minor league FA's would have a tough time winning more than 40 games or so (basically, at or about replacement level) over the course of 162, it would also be a team that would happily play for 25 times the league minimum, which is right about $400K, so about a $10M team. Here is one person's attempt at fielding a team made up of nothing but minor league FA's, needless to say, more to find the areas of strength, depth, and weakness than an actual experiment. Jorge Sosa--4.67 career ERA, throws hard. He'll have plenty of suitors. Kiko Calero--Had a nice few years of service, was hurt last year. Career 3.50 ERA. Brandon Medders--Brandon has had some success in the bigs, and has more than a K per inning in the minors. Royce Ring---Ring had a nice stretch with ATL, then fell apart this year. Lefty set-up man. Randy Keisler--I recall him vaguely as a member of the SL bullpen a couple years ago. 45-45 with a 4 ERA in almost 1000 AAA innings, he'll be a member of the mythical rotation. Jason Childers--Soft tossing reliever, career 3 AAA ERA, only 18 HR's allowed in 361 IP. Certainly not ever going to be dominant, but he's durable and would not embarrass anyone as a middle relief guy. Justin Lehr--Has had success starting and relieving, but has not shown up in the bigs since a short stint in MIL in '06. 3.65 ERA and a 2.5-1 K/BB ratio in 500 AAA innings. Nelson Figueroa--Solid career, very good AAA numbers. Probably be the ace of the staff, does everything well except keep the ball in the park. Chris Gissell--Unspectacular, but a 4ish ERA in AAA and 7 K's/9 IP works him onto the staff. 6-5 RH, at least has big league size. Marino Salas-Struggled with control in 17 big league innings, but throws hard and has a 3.52 minor league ERA, still just 27. He's a combo of velocity and youth, he'll be among the most sought after of the minor league FA's. Travis Chick--Just 25, pretty good overall numbers in the minors. Will be highly coveted on age alone. Colter Bean--440 K's in 375 AAA IP...what more do you need to know? Astounding he hasn't got an extended shot in the bigs. Luke Carlin--Switch-hitting catcher with a .362 OBP in 600 AAA AB's...who wouldn't want him? JD Closser --1000 AAA AB's, .360/.421, also switch-hitting backstop. Why did SD have both these guys at AAA last year? Tag Bozied --50 homers in the past 2 seasons at AAA, career .355/.509 in about 2000 AAA AB's. RH pop at 1B that you think would fit onto someone's team. Rob Mackowiak--Can play either IF/OF corner, and CF in a pinch, with a career .332/.405 statline. Lefty bat as well, he might be the best player on this list. Danny Klassen--2600 AAA AB's, .335/.409 line at that level. Has played 2B/SS/3B/OF over the years. Adam Morrissey.344/.404 at AAA over 4 years at AAA, 2B/3B capable, his inability to play SS has kept him down on the farm. D'Angelo Jimenez--Very good middle infielder, and an outstanding .371/.440 AAA history. Excellent OBP skills for a capable 2B/SS. Mike Rouse--Lefty hitter, .343 OBP in 6 AAA seasons. Let's be honest, AAA SS's don't hit a whole lot...that's why they're in AAA. John Rodriguez--Best known for his time with the Cards, a LH bat with power, a 900 OPS in oodles of AAA AB's. John-Ford Griffin--Former 1st round pick, .350/.450 line in AAA, good athlete. He will be very sought after this offseason. Jeff Davanon--Career .350 OBP in the big leagues, switch-hitter, capable of playing all 3 OF spots, this guy would not embarrass any team being on their roster. Last year, Gleeman wanted the Twins to bring him in to be their CF, and that's the spot I have him assigned as well. Jason Dubois--He's always been able to hit, compiling a near 900 OPS in almost 2000 AAA AB's. Hard to believe this kind of RH power has never found a spot in the bigs as at least a role player...last year in Iowa (Cubs AAA), he put up .400/.663 with 25 HR's in 238 AB's...golly. Jason Lane--Decent big leaguer, and very solid AAA numbers over the years. Chris Duffy--PIT chose him over McLouth a few years ago, nice .369/.467 AAA numbers. Nice, cheap reserve for anyone. It doesn't take much to see what the weakness of this group would be...most anyone in the bullpen could fit into an 11th/12th man role. Either catcher could be a backup for many teams. The infield is unspectacular, but wouldn't devastate you either. Any of the outfielders would fit in as a reserve. However, even I'm man enough to admit a rotation of Figueroa, Sosa, Keisler, Lehr, and Gissell would be a nightly struggle. That's why SP depth is so important to accumulate, as there is no free talent available in that area, even in the offseason. 11/07/2008 02:17:00 PM (11/07/2008 02:00:00 PM) - Al MLB.com takes a look at the minor league system. Not as pretty as it was before Laporta and Brantley went to CLE, but I would guess still above average, though a bit of gap between AAA and A ball. 11/07/2008 02:00:00 PM Thursday, November 06, 2008 (11/06/2008 09:30:00 PM) - Al Doug says the Yankees have asked about Cameron, and he's waiting for a counteroffer....that would mean he's already offered Cameron, meaning the names in the original rumor may well be accurate, or close to it. That's about as much as Doug ever admits to the media...of course, since this is all over the NY papers, no sense denying it, I suppose. The package; Cabrera, Betemit, and a pitcher, makes sense as well, as do the quotes about the Crew trying to add lefty bats, given the Brewers' needs and what the Yankees have to give up. Don't know if a deal will get done, but there's obviously a match and interest both ways. 11/06/2008 09:30:00 PM (11/06/2008 09:18:00 PM) - Al Friend of Ramblings Ed sends this link proclaiming JJ as a top defensive SS, even range wise. Scutaro is often said to not be rangy at all, yet he ranks #1. One of the first players Ramblings noticed was Marco, who was labeled a utility guy simply because no one gave him a chance despite excellent AAA numbers. Once again, the armchair scouts are clueless. EDIT: The team ranked even higher than JJ, meaning Counsell must have been excellent as well. 11/06/2008 09:18:00 PM (11/06/2008 07:13:00 PM) - Jason FA Tracker is updated with the day's events. - The situation involving Rafael Furcal is going to be quite interesting this winter. No fewer than 5 teams have expressed interest publicly, while it is rumored as many as 8 teams have more than just a passing interest at signing him. The Dodgers "broke the ice" with him today, offering a 2-year deal worth anywhere from $12-15 million per season. The dollar figure might be right, but I think the Dodgers are at least 3 years short of where they need to be. - Another situation developing is that of Cubs SP Ryan Dempster, which may explained the heightened interest Chicago has in landing Jake Peavy. Rumors are that Dempster wants a 5-year, $75 million deal. It was believed that Dempster would sign quickly, and that fact that he is openly shopping himself on the market cant make the Cubbies feel good. If they lose Dempster and are unable to lure Peavy from SD, their rotation takes a big hit. - It looks like Washington will be the sacrificial lamb, so to speak, with regards to the opening bid on Mark Teixiera. They have as much chance signing him as I do, but it does matter as other teams have a starting price to begin with. - The New York Mets seem to have contacted virtually every major free agent out there that they can. They seem to be ready and willing to "go for broke" next year, the first year in their new ballpark. Reportedly, they have a deal on the table for LHP Brian Fuentes for a 4-year, $44 million deal. Fuentes agent denies the deal, but once again, a price is set out there. Many rumors link the Brewers as a possible destination for Fuentes, but I dont know if Doug Melvin is willing to shell out $11-12 million per season over a multi-year deal. Let me also just comment on the Mike Cameron to New York rumors: it makes too much sense. If the Brewers dont get Sabathia back, which like I said am 95% certain it wont happen, there is no reason for the team to pay an aging CF $10 million when they may indeed take a step back next year. If the Brewers can swing a deal involving Cameron for Ian Kennedy or Phil Hughes, two guys reportedly on the block in New York, its a deal the Brewers should strongly consider...and it makes it almost a no-brainer if the Melky Cabrera rumors have legs. 11/06/2008 07:13:00 PM (11/06/2008 06:54:00 PM) - Al Trenni is officially leaving, though she's not allowed to say she's going to MLB Network. After looking at the various comments, I sense much of her popularity is because she's an attractive young female...yet not so good looking as to be unapproachable. She's kind of like the pretty girl from work who joins the rest of the losers at the sports bar Friday after work...not so gorgeous you can't talk to her, yet far too good looking to even dream of asking out. I said yesterday that every e-mail I get casually mentions her figure somehow, and in the e-mail that sent me the link above, a regular reader of mine said, "I'm going to miss her, I really am. Both of her." As you can imagine, I was quite offended. If you'll excuse me, I'm off to weep. 11/06/2008 06:54:00 PM (11/06/2008 04:26:00 PM) - Al Castro has interviewed with Macha. I admit, I'm rooting for him. 11/06/2008 04:26:00 PM (11/06/2008 03:58:00 PM) - Al Jon Heyman with a pair of links about Cameron and the proposed deal with the Yankees. Supposedly, NY asked ARod about Cameron. Also, the Crew is unlikely to trade Cameron until they know they are out of the CC sweepstakes. That makes sense to me on many levels, as if CC is not in MIL, it may indeed be proper to "take a step back", rather than continue onward with a 36 year-old CF only under contract for a single year. 11/06/2008 03:58:00 PM (11/06/2008 01:10:00 PM) - Al Al, This is as good a time as any to thank you for your calm, understated analysis. After reading your feelings on the proposed trade, which took into account age, experience, salaries, and projected short and long term performance, all in a couple paragraphs, I spent the next 20 minutes reading the comments on the internet, which say the Brewers should go after Wang in return, that top Yankees' prospects Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes suck, and we should get Matsui and put him in CF (apparently, the LF is now ready to play CF after a pair of knee surgeries). My favorite though was the guy who said Melky Cabrera, who spent most of the last 3 years starting in CF as a 21-23 year old for the Yankees mind you, is a 5th OF on a good team. I guess the mighty Bronx Bombers have indeed fallen. Keep rambling. Todd 11/06/2008 01:10:00 PM (11/06/2008 01:08:00 PM) - Al Jon e-mails to say 538.com hit their numbers perfectly, off 0.1% on popular vote, and 49 of 50 states on electoral. 11/06/2008 01:08:00 PM (11/06/2008 12:34:00 PM) - Al It's Wal Mart's world, other retailers just live in it. WalMart and the dollar stores are pretty much recession proof, so if we eventually end up in one, they are the places to shop (and to own, if you are an evil capitalist). 11/06/2008 12:34:00 PM (11/06/2008 10:58:00 AM) - Al If you watch only one Onion video all year, may this be the one. I bet many of them are wondering when the streets will be paved with gold... 11/06/2008 10:58:00 AM (11/06/2008 10:34:00 AM) - Al Update at the bottom. The New York Post reports that "the Yankees have inquired about the availability of Mike Cameron and the Brewers are weighing whether to deal the center fielder." Milwaukee recently picked up Cameron's $10 million option for 2009, but may still deal him and have reportedly "been asking around about Melky Cabrera." The newspaper speculates that the Yankees may offer up Cabrera, Wilson Betemit and "a pitcher" for Cameron.--Rotoworld As seen on the sidebar right here on Ramblings. I know I mentioned Cabrera a while back, who I like, but seems to have stagnated at 24. If he continues his downhill slide, he might hit Tony Gwynn Jr. projected numbers in '09. However, even a return to his career stats would be passable, especially since I am pretty sure he is a solid defensive CF. Of course, New York is not a friendly city in which to be a young fella that is struggling a bit either. However, the inclusion of Betemit in this rumor gives it some credence to myself...he is a switch-hitter, but much better from the LH side of the plate, in an offseason where few lefty 3B bats are available. The strange thing is, Robert said he would pick up Cameron's option even if the Crew did not want him, to try and trade him, and I said I wouldn't, because only the Brewers and Yankees has expressed interest in him since after the 2006 season...wouldn't it be something if he got dealt to the one other team who liked him, for pieces the Crew needs? UPDATE: The original link says the Brewers have been asking around as to why Melky struggled last year. The other mentions, that the Brewers would like to add lefty bats to a RH lineup, makes me believe this is as close to accurate as any "rumor" out there. This is a tough one, because Melky is at least a win or two behind Cameron for '09, but of course has youth on his side and could bounce back. He is cheaper as well, allowing cash to be spent elsewhere. And, let's be honest, if Melky were doing well, he would not be available. Take a look at the Cabrera link above, and take a look at the similar players at 23 near the bottom...for the most part, if you are an everyday player at 23, you have/had a pretty good career. We have no idea if the details are correct, or even if the premise has merit...though Doug asking about a player and admitting to a RH heavy lineup sure sounds like it may be. I keep going back to what Doug said about the Brewers needing to be a team like the A's, that keep making changes, "flipping the roster" so to speak. With Mike Brantley now in CLE, CF is a black hole in the organization, with only Lo Cain at AA, who does not project to be ready by '10. Trading a 36 year-old for a pair of guys under 27, both former top prospects, has to be seriously considered, even if it may weaken the team in the short run. 11/06/2008 10:34:00 AM (11/06/2008 10:04:00 AM) - Al According to the Los Angeles Times, several Dodgers officials "have questioned the severity" of Brad Penny's shoulder problems and "blamed his 6-9 record and 6.27 ERA on what they called a poor work ethic." Los Angeles declined to pick up Penny's $8.75 million option for 2009, paying him a $3 million buyout instead. Suffice it to say that he's unlikely to re-sign.--Rotoworld Hard to believe LA is so poorly run as to let stuff like this slip out to the press. Personally, this makes Penny even more attractive, as his injury must not look severe on x-rays. Of course, the idea his ERA went up 3 runs without being hurt seems funny to me as well. 11/06/2008 10:04:00 AM (11/06/2008 09:11:00 AM) - Al Ken Rosenthal says the Cubs are the frontrunner for Peavy, "perhaps even ahead of the Braves." He says the Cubs also want to re-sign Ryan Dempster. The Cubs' dream rotation would be Peavy, Carlos Zambrano, Dempster, Ted Lilly, and Rich Harden.--MLBTR If that were to be the case, allow me to be thankful for the wildcard. That must be about a $45M rotation though. 11/06/2008 09:11:00 AM (11/06/2008 08:08:00 AM) - Al Just as I was about to begin a dedicated jogging routine, my fear of foxes now will not allow it. Now if you'll pardon me, I'm off to snack heavily. 11/06/2008 08:08:00 AM (11/06/2008 07:06:00 AM) - Al Update at the bottom. Another added as well. Only in the USA would 120M vote for one of two candidates, and 63M of them vote one way, and it be labeled "a landslide". Also, is 120M really a huge turnout? I keep hearing there are 300M people in the nation, and while many are under 18, that just doesn't seem very impressive to me. It seems to me one reason I'm just out of the element here is I have never for a second felt that a woman or an African-American (or, for that matter, an A/A woman) could not be elected as president. I mean, Geraldine Ferraro ran for VP more than two decades ago, right? Colin Powell has been a proposed candidate since Desert Storm. Heck, while I was one of the early ones to speak fondly of Sarah Palin, I was positive about Condi Rice being on the ticket even before that. I'm not sure if I was just brought up to be color/gender blind or what. I often watch the investment shows on Saturday morning (in the same way bald guys peruse the shampoo aisle), and while I suppose the majority of the panelists are white males, many are women, and many are African-American, just like in business everywhere. No one ever says, "Let's go to our black contributor"...it's just kind of a given that the show is like the entire country, a melting pot of every race and religion. Today, it's become politically correct to mention race as a descriptive term again. I think that's strange. UPDATE: I finally found someone who listed popular vote percentages, thanks USAT. I predicted: Obama--50.8 McCain-48.2 Others-1.0 What happened: Obama--52.4 McCain-46.3 Others-1.3 Not to toot my own horn, but I was oodles closer than Gallup and ABC who predicted a double digit gap...and I never did a single poll! UPDATE 2: Still a bit curious, I looked up the '04 vote totals...W had 62M, Kerry 59M, and Nader got the others. George Stephan....s threw forth the idea last night that many Republicans simply stayed home, as many young people voting for the first time voted Obama. That seems rather simplistic, but obviously, it is true, to a degree at least. We'll see a lot of analysis that ponders this, but it seems likely that many will totally miss the point...Obama got just a few more votes than W did 4 years ago, and despite grandios predictions of a record voter turnout, they did not materialize. Obama got a few more than W, McCain a few less than Kerry, and the conservative Bob Barr running as a Libertarian probably stole some disenchanted folks on the far-right, who are likely stocking up on canned goods as we speak. 11/06/2008 07:06:00 AM Wednesday, November 05, 2008 (11/05/2008 10:41:00 PM) - Jason Just as a sidebar to Al's post about the Cubs and Peavy, the same story that says that the Cubs have "deep interest" in CC Sabathia also claims that the Cubs really have no interest in dealing for Peavy...I believe the word used to describe the Cubs interest in Peavy was "limited". It also says that Rich Hill's trade value is next to nothing after his horrible 2008 season. Obviously, somebody is lying, for whatever reason. Ken Rosenthal is usually right much more than he is wrong, so I dont know what to make about these two contradictory stories. I highly doubt the Chicago Sun-Times would print a story saying there is "limited" interest in Peavy, the most sought after pitcher out there, without feeling rock solid about it. But then again, it is a newspaper we are talking about. 11/05/2008 10:41:00 PM (11/05/2008 10:20:00 PM) - Al The Cubs may have overtaken the Braves as the favorites to land Jake Peavy, according to FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. Felix Pie would seem to be pretty close to a lock to be included in a Peavy deal with the Cubs. Other possibilities include Rich Hill, Sean Marshall, Ronny Cedeno, Mike Fontenot and Donald Veal. Rosenthal believes the Cubs could possibly acquire Peavy and re-sign Ryan Dempster, but that it would cost them a chance of retaining Kerry Wood.--Rotoworld I was just wondering today what would become of Pie, and in a lesser sense Hill, who is out of options. Peavy is a heckuva pitcher, though he's been far from a guaranteed 200 inning guy. Just looking at that list, the Cubs sure seem to have a lot of guys who never hit their potential despite very solid results in limited time. 11/05/2008 10:20:00 PM (11/05/2008 07:47:00 PM) - Jason Lots of new stuff in today's news, updated at FA Tracker. Some interesting tidbits today: - News that will make Brewers fans cringe: the Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Cubs have "deep interest" in CC Sabathia. Lets be frank...if Sabathia doesnt take less money and re-sign with Milwaukee (and I say its 95% certainty he leaves), there are only a handful of teams that can afford him. The Cubs are one of them. They certainly have a rotation spot open, even if Ryan Dempster stays. This doesnt shock me that the Cubs are now players for CC, but its not where I think he will end up. - In other news that may be important to Brewers fans (I know Al would be interested): LHP Damaso Marte was given the kiss of death today - he was listed as a Type A free agent. Basically, it means that any team signing Marte would have to surrender a top-50 draft pick to get him, assuming Marte's $6 million option is declined by the Yankees. Small-market clubs that build through the draft can now basically cross him off their list, which is too bad. That shouldnt happen to a situational lefty reliever. I know I would like to see him in the Brewers pen, but you know the Brewers, who value the draft as much or perhaps more than most teams, wont give up the draft pick. - The Angels feel they can afford both Mark Teixiera and Sabathia. Good luck. - In other news sure to disappoint Al, the Phillies are hoping to sign LHP Scott Eyre before the Nov. 14 cutoff for exclusive rights negotiations. The hot stove is already starting to get interesting, and he arent even in full free-agent mode yet. 11/05/2008 07:47:00 PM (11/05/2008 07:19:00 PM) - Al Glenn provides a military blog roundup...I have always understood that they tend to lean Republican, and these comments tend to agree. 11/05/2008 07:19:00 PM (11/05/2008 04:45:00 PM) - Al Nate McLouth, Carlos Beltran and Shane Victorino were the NL Gold Glove outfielders announced on Wednesday. Also winning were pitcher Greg Maddux, catcher Yadier Molina, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, second baseman Brandon Phillips, third baseman David Wright and shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Wright is just as bad of a pick as he was last year, but McLouth getting the nod is the single worst selection that NL managers and coaches have made in at least a decade. The 27-year-old is probably an above average corner outfielder, but he was perhaps the game's worst full-time center fielder last season. Beltran and Chris Young were the NL's best outfielders. Victorino isn't a bad third choice, though Mike Cameron also would have been fine. If they wanted to include a corner outfielder, Randy Winn would have been an option.--Rotoworld McLouth was ranked about 20 runs under average by one of the "we overrate defense" formulas, and while that is way high, the fact a guy who is pretty much viewed as "ok" won a Gold Glove tells you why I haven't paid a bit of attention to them in ages. I think we all know McLouth won based mostly on his offensive production. 11/05/2008 04:45:00 PM (11/05/2008 04:30:00 PM) - Al Brad Penny is a bit of an injury risk, but in any game of risk versus reward, he comes out pretty well. He's a guy I'd go after strong, as soon as CC tells the Crew he will be going elsewhere. He's not been a beacon of health, but that's why he might well be available on a one-year deal. I'm surprised LA declined his option...$6M is a lot of money to you and me, but almost any SP capable of taking the mound is worth that. They must have plenty of injury concerns. 11/05/2008 04:30:00 PM (11/05/2008 12:52:00 PM) - Al Let's not pretend Matt Millen was the only problem with the Lions...they reek of a rudderless ship. 11/05/2008 12:52:00 PM (11/05/2008 12:46:00 PM) - Al Paul Ryan was talked about a lot last night, and yes, Doyle has not even discussed running for re-election, as far as I know, so he is likely gone to DC. It should be noted a guy that no one had ever heard of a few months before the 2006 election gave Doyle a decent race. As Norm Coleman is finding out, it's usually best to get out before you are challenged that closely. 11/05/2008 12:46:00 PM (11/05/2008 12:40:00 PM) - Al All this spending...$100M here, $150M there, where's all this money coming from? How much are they going to give to these few solar companies? They've been doing that for 20 years, and they aren't even close to being profitable. How does the government create a million jobs? Take the money from the private sector, where it would have created two million jobs.--CNBC This was in one 30 second segment before they sent it to commercial. It seems the honeymoon has been cut short by the financial network. 11/05/2008 12:40:00 PM (11/05/2008 12:11:00 PM) - Jason A few quick points as I eat my lunch this afternoon: - The Cubs being interested in Raul Ibanez makes no sense. As Al says, it makes the Cubs defense - already not a strong suit with the players they have - much worse. To be frank, he belongs in the AL as a DH, just like Pat Burrell does. That being said, if they are to land Brian Roberts, it makes their offense that much better. - I hate to go back to politics, but news is surfacing today that President-elect Obama has offered his White House Chief of Staff job to Rahm Emanuel, a current member of the House and a former staffer to Pres. Clinton. Folks that know politics know that Emanuel is one of the most partisan, ruthless members in the House. If this is the type of person that Obama is going to put in management roles, which is what the White House Chief of Staff is, a management position, it certainly gives some insight as to how the rest of his staff will fill out. Of course, Obama is able to name whomever he wants to these positions, as he won the election...but if this is the type of "change" that he campaigned on for almost 2 years, people who voted for Obama thinking he would govern from the center and be "moderate" will be largely disappointed. Its troubling to me that a man with as little legislative experience in Washington has named a guy like Emanuel to man the most important position of his administration in the White House. As I said last night, you reap what you sow, especially when you vote for people who you dont really know. - Speaking of the House, Rep. Paul Ryan, a very popular congressman from the Janesville area, has been mentioned by name at least three different times since last night as "up-and-coming" GOP members. Fox News even interviewed him last night during their election coverage. As Al mentioned last night, the GOP is already planning for 2012 with the Gov. of Louisiana making a trip to Iowa. I would personally like to see Ryan run for Governor of Wisconsin, as there is a decent chance that current Gov. Jim Doyle will be offered a spot in the Obama Administration. That being said, if Ryan has aspirations for bigger things, it seems to be the GOP will support him fully. 11/05/2008 12:11:00 PM (11/05/2008 12:07:00 PM) - Al The Royals do not believe in OBP..in fact, they seem almost opposed to it. That said, I'm all for buying low on Francouer...he'll probably never be much of an on-base guy, but he's got enough pop in his bat, and plenty of youth and other skills to still be worthwhile. 11/05/2008 12:07:00 PM (11/05/2008 11:53:00 AM) - Al Not a day goes by (ok, rarely) that I don't get an e-mail which says something to the effect of "Al, how come you haven't done an end of season roundtable yet"? I've been putting it off, first I decided to wait until after the MLB season, and now, I've been putting off doing some training/certification for work, so I decided to wait until I complete that. 11/05/2008 11:53:00 AM (11/05/2008 11:46:00 AM) - Al I spoke of Trenni leaving yesterday, though it should be noted that the Wiki page I linked has been changed. However, another e-mail confirms she will be an anchor for the MLB Network, so I think it is safe to assume she is still gone. While I'm sure some would feel it is sexist, but allow me to giggle at the fact every single e-mail or reference to Trenni I see includes a compliment about her anatomy. 11/05/2008 11:46:00 AM (11/05/2008 11:26:00 AM) - Al According to the Boston Herald, agent Scott Boras said Tuesday that Jorge Posada's four-year, $52.4 million contract "will serve as a benchmark for any team looking to land" Jason Varitek. To put the absurdity of that comparison into context, consider that Posada hit .338/.426/.543 with 20 homers and 90 RBI in the season before signing his four-year deal. Meanwhile, Varitek batted .220/.313/.359 with 13 homers and 43 RBI in 2008. Gotta love agents.--Rotoworld Most folks seem to realize Varitek will be fortunate to land a 2 year deal, and Posada is already showing it is a bad idea to sign older catchers to long-term contracts anyway. 11/05/2008 11:26:00 AM (11/05/2008 11:18:00 AM) - Al the Cubs continue to pursue Brian Roberts and Raul Ibanez. Ibanez would play right field for the Cubs, even though he allowed 18 more bases than the average left fielder this year.--MLBTR Soriano in LF and Ibanez in RF...defense will be weak in Wrigley, to say the least, if this occurs. Raul is 37 and when I checked a while back, I don't think he's even played RF in years. That's quite a reach, to assume he can play there 130 games. 11/05/2008 11:18:00 AM (11/05/2008 01:29:00 AM) - Al My short addition to Jason's views: 1. If McCain would have carried OH, at least it would have added some suspense. It was embarrassing for me to watch the networks be afraid to call the race even after the McCain camp admitted they simply did not have the states left. Still, no one would "call it", despite overwhelming math. ABC actually sat silently for 10 seconds before 10PM...oof. I recall in 1984 the networks called it for Reagan at 7PM...because it was obvious. This was even moreso...yet they waited. 2. Looks like it may end up about 52-47, a bit higher than I expected. Very close percentage wise, but the electoral college is going to look lopsided. 3. Coleman/Franken is a near dead heat with 50% of the vote counted. The 3rd party dude has 15% thus far...which usually means the public is simply fed up with the race, for a variety of reasons. And just when you think you've heard it all, check out this Ralph Nader quote from today: It would be a three-way race if I'd been in the debates. I bet the sky is mighty full of color in Ralph's world. UPDATE: AT 11:30PM, Franken was ahead 799187-799186, with 69% of the votes tabulated...that's right...by one vote. That's simply off-the-charts. UPDATE 2: At 1:20AM, Coleman leads 1077756-1077644, 112 apart with about 2.5M ballots cast and counted (that's 93%). 11/05/2008 01:29:00 AM Tuesday, November 04, 2008 (11/04/2008 11:51:00 PM) - Al Not to add common sense to the debate, but bipartisanship? Why? The Dems now control all three major areas of importance. They can do whatever they desire, for the most part, and if they plan it out well, will pass much of what they wish in their first six months, with token opposition. A couple people have said what McCain needed was to bring terror and war back into the forefront, but because of the success in Iraq (though not Afghanistan) and the safety on our own shores, that became impossible. They just said Bobby Jindahl, governor of LA, will be in Iowa later this month, perhaps to set his '12 plans in motion. Heh. 11/04/2008 11:51:00 PM (11/04/2008 11:43:00 PM) - Jason And let me add just one other thing on top of the previous two comments - after Obama's acceptance speech - which was very good, as usual - Keith Olbermann and Chris Matthews both gushed about how important it was to regain the "bi-partisanship" and to rid the current political system of the bitterness that exists between the two major parties in this nation, a topic that both Obama and McCain speaked to at length in their speeches. This coming from two guys, Olbermann and Matthews, who have consistently for the last two years hosted two of the TV "news" shows that spewed out more hatred and partisanship than any other show on TV cable. Olbermann has built his career at MSNBC by doing nothing more than making fun of the other party as much as possible, ranting beyond control on a near daily basis with no real regard for what he was saying or how it would affect the people he was talking about. But now that their guy won, all is well and its time to put the bitterness aside. Uh-huh. 11/04/2008 11:43:00 PM (11/04/2008 08:49:00 PM) - Jason With Barack Obama now carrying Ohio and Pennsylvania, its become basically a mathematical impossibility that John McCain can get to the 270 electoral vote number needed to win the presidency. Let me preface my remarks by saying this: I do not say the following just because I didnt vote for Sen. Obama. With that being said... Its amazing what this country has become and what it takes for people to get into important elected positions in government. Sen. Obama is by far the most unknown presidential candidate in the history of this country....and yet it looks like he is going to win by a more than comfortable margin. His positions on many, many important issues remain unknown. But yet, for the mere reason that he has an unbelievable gift of public speaking, he is going to be the President of the United States in 7 short weeks. Let me say that again: a man who is a FRESHMAN senator is going to be the leader of the free world, quite literally because he can give a good speech. Im not saying that to be partisan...Im saying that because its the truth. Let me put it another way, and Im not being "racist": if Barack Obama were white, we would not be having this conversation right now, and he would not be President-elect. Similarly, if Sen. Obama had a (R) next to his name instead of (D), he certainly would have no chance of being President-elect. Sen. Obama has basically built his political life on three facts: he is black, he is a Democrat, and he is articulate. In a nutshell, that is the new President of the United States. Sen. Obama rode a tidal wave of negativity - and quite frankly, some bad luck on the financial status of the country - to the White House. He didnt have to really explain or defend any of his positions on anything, whereas McCain needed to defend pretty much everything, simply because he is of the same party as an unpopular President Bush. But, you reap what you sow. President Obama is going to enter the White House with at least a large majority in both the Senate and House, and possibly a super-majority in the Senate. The Democratic Party will have NO EXCUSES in terms of the direction they want to take the country, and they will no longer have President Bush there to blame everything on if it doesnt work. And in 4 years - 2 years for some members of Congress - the American people will decide on Obama's policies, much like this election is basically a referendum on the Bush administration. And so I close my thoughts on this election with a famous line from the great newsman, Keith Olbermann - good night and good luck. 11/04/2008 08:49:00 PM (11/04/2008 06:45:00 PM) - Jason The FA Tracker is updated with the day's events...the biggest news of the day is that, as expected, AJ Burnett has declined his option with Toronto and is now a free agent. If I had to guess now, I would say Burnett will be the most seriously pursued top-level pitcher. Other guys will get more money (Sabathia, maybe Sheets) but the sheer amount of teams needing pitching help combined with Burnett's great stuff will make him the most popular "big ticket" item for teams. His option that he declined was for $24 million over 2 years...needless to say, Burnett is going to command $15-18 million per year at least. In news Brewers fans may want to watch, Ryan Dempster seems focused on at least seeing what he is worth before just re-signing with the Cubs, something that was expected he would have done by now. The Braves reportedly have contacted Dempster's agent, and an Atlanta newspaper reports Dempster has a 3-year, $36 million deal on the table from the Cubs. Very interesting. Dempster is somebody I wouldnt mind seeing in a Brewers uniform, simply because his pitching style (sinker/slider, ground ball-type pitcher) fits well in Milller Park. Much more over at FA Tracker, including all of the published rumors out there, all in one place. 11/04/2008 06:45:00 PM (11/04/2008 05:50:00 PM) - Al If Doug is able to get some teams interested in Bill Hall (most likely as a SS), a good place to start is to see which teams got terrible production from SS last year. BAL, SF, and PIT were the worst, and while SF had a couple youngsters kind of thrown to the wolves, BAL could vastly improve by adding Hall. The O's didn't get much more out of their shortstops than a decent hitting pitcher. Amazingly, some folks are still under the impression Jack Wilson is not a huge waste of money, despite much proof to the contrary. 11/04/2008 05:50:00 PM (11/04/2008 05:42:00 PM) - Al Jack Z seems to have a lot of Brewers' related people on his list to be manager. Hat tip to BCB. 11/04/2008 05:42:00 PM (11/04/2008 05:31:00 PM) - Al It makes sense that if we're seeing this trade rumored, that a Corey Hart/Kelly Johnson swap may garner some discussion as well. 11/04/2008 05:31:00 PM (11/04/2008 05:17:00 PM) - Al Scott sends in this link to the MLB Network which refers to Trenni as a "former Fox Sports Wisconsin reporter". I liked Trenni, though admittedly, as much for her appearance as anything else. I've been steadily pushing our local sports babe, but she remains stuck in the tiny market of Wausau. If only Erin Andrews was looking for work... 11/04/2008 05:17:00 PM (11/04/2008 03:58:00 PM) - Al Just a word of warning, Blogger has had user issues in the past the evenings of November elections, both in 2004 and 2006. I would bet on trouble tonight. I've said what Rosenthal reported today a couple times, though I don't think Weeks will be dealt either, though he may be the most likely to go. Doug has said numerous times he is not a fan of weakening one spot to strengthen another, yet I've seen oodles of suggestions to do just that. The real irony here is, I've seen many people suggest trading Prince for aging, expensive veterans...that might be fine in a bizarro world, but if Fielder was dealt, I would expect a pair of top prospects or pre-arby guys. 11/04/2008 03:58:00 PM (11/04/2008 12:12:00 PM) - Jason Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports states the Brewers are "highly unlikely" to trade Prince Fielder and are "reluctant" to trade JJ Hardy. Both aren't surprises, but Rosenthal also brings up Rickie Weeks' name, and I agree that if the Brewers do trade a position player it would be Weeks. Weeks is still young enough to get some value for, as I believe (as silly as it sounds to some fans out there) he holds at least intriguing interest for some team to just throw him in at second base, leave him alone for a season, and see how it turns out. Unless the Brewers plan on moving Mat Gamel to first base, trading Fielder now is silly, especially at the $7-8 million price tag he will likely get in arbitration this winter. The Brewers have no reason to trade Fielder, in my opinion, until Prince hits the end of his arby eligibility. 40-50 HR and 100+ RBI is nothing to sneeze at. I find it interesting that Rosenthal chooses "reluctant" with regards to trading Hardy, meaning that at least in his eyes, the Brewers have inviting options to move JJ should they choose to. Moving Hardy to second base makes too much sense, especially if the team wants to make Alcides Escobar the opening day starter at SS. I would think the Brewers would need to get a trade offer involving a SP that knocks their socks off to seriously consider it. 11/04/2008 12:12:00 PM Monday, November 03, 2008 (11/03/2008 11:07:00 PM) - Al Tonight I read a book to the Rambling son called First Base Hero, which was written by Keith Hernandez, he of the Cards, Mets, and Seinfeld. After I finished, this conversation took place: Andrew: (Looking at the back of the book, which has one of Keith's old baseball cards on it) I think the player who wrote this is dead. Al: No, he doesn't play anymore, but he's just retired. He's not dead. Andrew: Oh. What city does he live in? Al: I don't know son. Andrew: Then how do you know he's not dead? Defeated once again by a 6 year-old. 11/03/2008 11:07:00 PM (11/03/2008 09:58:00 PM) - Al I can't find the link, but I read today a "can McCain win?" piece that had the following sentence, perhaps written more with heart than with their head: When they called Pennsylvania for McCain, Olbermann's head exploded. Heh. I'd pay to see that, heck with who wins. 11/03/2008 09:58:00 PM (11/03/2008 09:17:00 PM) - Al Jason, don't be silly...it's all about hope and change (or is it "change and hope?"). Of course, I have seen many blogs linking to "if McCain wins, I'm leaving" sites (and granted, I've seen a couple the other way, though they may have been in jest). I realize I am lucky enough to be an American that I would never leave, and though I am not much of a fan of the Robin Hood economy, I feel the US economy is far too strong to suffer much regardless of leadership. Sure, the "boom" might last a bit less and the "bust" a bit longer, but considering "recession" is thrown around despite not reaching its definition, that's debatable regardless. I do have little doubt many will be very surprised at how close the popular vote is, though I have not studied up on the electoral college enough to know. I'm guessing about 50.8% for Obama, with the 3rd parties picking up just under 1% (what's that old saying, it doesn't matter how close it is, 1 out of 100 people just insist on throwing their vote away). I'm not a huge proponent of going out to vote unless you feel strongly one way or another...of course, most will just split their vote anyway. However, I am honored to live in a nation where I have that right, most of it because of the men and women who fought for our freedoms. If you have served, or are serving, thank you. 11/03/2008 09:17:00 PM (11/03/2008 08:21:00 PM) - Al BCB discusses the actual value of Mike Cameron, and if it makes sense. Allow me to say when the best option is a near 40 year-old, injury prone guy who would have to be platooned...I think they made a good call. I really like Edmonds as a reserve, but as a starter, it's kind of like imagining your old college girlfriend still looks like she did then...she doesn't, and Edmonds is no longer an everyday CF. 11/03/2008 08:21:00 PM (11/03/2008 08:19:00 PM) - Jason I appreciate Al welcoming me back on the blog. I look forward to contributing to what already is a very popular and thought-provoking blog. Since Al has commented on the upcoming election tomorrow, let me give my two cents to this whole deal: First off, let me say that it is very important that everybody who can get out and vote do so. While here in Wisconsin, as Al has pointed out, Obama seems poised to win comfortably, there are many state assembly and state senate races that are hotly contested, at least in the area I live in (SW Wisconsin). Now more than ever, local and state governments are becoming as - if not more - important than the national government. How voters cast their ballots locally has a direct effect on their everyday life, and yet it seems to be overlooked every election cycle by the "big ticket" items on the ballot. In addition, things like school referendums should be reason enough for anyone to vote, as it directly affects your tax rate, especially if you are a home or land owner of any kind. Its amazing to me how the "favorite" in this election, Sen. Obama, is still for the most part an unknown commodity. Seriously. If you ask the "common" person on the street anything about Obama, I would be shocked if most people could tell you his position on more than a couple of different things...it seems to me that the only thing most people could tell you about Obama is the fact that he is going to give the "middle class" money. Its quite shocking how a man running for the most important elected position in the world is still a "mystery" in so many areas. You dont know what he is going to do in tax policy. You dont know his plan in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with other foreign policy matters. You really dont know much at all...about anything. Other than the fact that its gonna be "change." Its a testament to how his campaign has been run, and it also shows just how little the media seems to want to know about him. The media has turned up more "stuff" and seemed to have no problem investigating every position and platform of Gov. Palin in the last three months than they have turned up on Obama in the 2 years he has been a presidential candidate. And Palin isn't even at the top of her party's ticket. Simply put, I dont trust Sen. Obama. There is just something about him that doesnt sit well with me. And it goes without saying that I dont agree with most of his positions. My family owns an incorporated business. I know first-hand the kinds of policies that the Democrats want to put in place will do to a business, because I have seen it with my own eyes. Al uses the term the "casual fan" quite a bit, and I use that term dealing with people and politics as well. Most people are "casual fans" of politics; they know who is running and what party they belong to, but thats about it. For example, most people dont know how things like raising taxes on "the rich" really does cripple tens of millions of people. People dont understand that many small businesses out there - businesses like the local tavern, the local restaurant, the local independent gas station, the local grocery store - usually file taxes as INDIVIDUALS. Therefore, if said business turns a $200,000 profit for the year, that is their income, and what they are taxed on. Raising rates on these folks directly affects every person who does business with them. If the local tavern loses profit on higher taxes, they pass on those extra costs to the consumer...that $2 bottle of beer suddenly jumps to $2.50. Or that breakfast at the local diner jumps from $3.99 to $4.99. Or that local grocery store decides that they dont need that extra one or two part-time employees. Unless they are directly affected, people dont seem to want to get involved with the nuts-and-bolts on how politics and policy affects real folks. Im telling people straight out....if Sen. Obama becomes President, things like I described above WILL happen. A lot. Its principles like these that make me get out and vote, even if my vote as it turns out doesnt sway the election how I want it. Its the one time every two or four years that I can speak my mind to people who dont listen to anybody but lobbyists and fundraisers except for those two months out of the election cycle that they need to campaign. No matter which way you vote in the election, make sure you vote. And make sure you know about the candidate you are voting for before just checking the box or pulling the lever...it doesnt take much to find out where each candidate stands, but you need to be willing to find out and actually think about it. 11/03/2008 08:19:00 PM (11/03/2008 07:56:00 PM) - Al First of all, allow me to introduce Jason back to the site. Jason was a contributor a while back, until real life got in the way. Not only has he agreed to return, he is also keeping track of the current free agent class at Free Agent Tracker, a blog he is keeping up, which he will update and link to regularly...it is also near the top on the sidebar as well. Join me in welcoming Jason back. I will be adding his e-mail addy soon. 11/03/2008 07:56:00 PM (11/03/2008 03:35:00 PM) - Al UPDATE: The Rambling wife and I did make it out to the village hall and voted this afternoon. There were people waiting both when we got there and when we left, but were in and out in about 10-12 minutes. 11/03/2008 03:35:00 PM (11/03/2008 02:56:00 PM) - Al I'm telling you, it's not a good idea to make the folks who are the most productive want to work less. Back in my retail days, I recall when a couple of "overachievers", who because of the corporate structure I was locked into, made about 15-20 cents an hour more than the ones who just showed up, got on the case of one of the "underachievers" about taking too long to do something or not giving a good effort. One of my assistant managers told me about this and asked if I was going to do anything. I declined., saying I considered it to be "positive peer pressure", and as long as they did it professionally, more power to them. To me, we as a nation are about to tell people to work less, or less smart. I don't see any good coming out of it at all. 11/03/2008 02:56:00 PM (11/03/2008 02:50:00 PM) - Al It's simple Al. Old people make laws and rules. Old people like to get up early and go to bed early. They prefer the sun (or a rooster) to wake them up, not an alarm clock. I want 4 hours of darkness before bed, and so do old people. The difference is that I go to be at midnight...not during the 9 o'clock news. Billy It does surprise me how many folks my age go to bed at 9 or 10...though some have to get up early for work, or because their kids have to be on the bus at 6:15. I've even gone so far as to say we should leave the time the way it is all year (at the one hour "forward" daylight time) and then bump it ahead another hour in the summer. When I'm up at 5:30 to use the bathroom and it's light out, that's just wrong. 11/03/2008 02:50:00 PM (11/03/2008 01:00:00 PM) - Al MLBTR guesses where the top 50 FA's will end up...he agrees with me that Sheets will end up in ATL. I don't see Fuentes or Garland ending up in MIL...though I wouldn't be terribly upset at the prospect of either. 11/03/2008 01:00:00 PM (11/03/2008 11:39:00 AM) - Al I'd say that as of this moment, finding a solid reserve OF or two is very important. Cameron is getting older, and had some nicks and bruises. Hart finished out the year horribly, and as of yet, no one can find an excuse why. Braun also played hurt much of the last month and a half. Kapler will be welcomed back, but he seems a perfect fit for BOS, and is popular there. I saw Jim Edmonds say he wants to return, he'd be a nice fit as a PT player. As Jason points out, paying Cameron means they may have to go a bit cheap in other areas...like backups especially. If they have a solid 4th OF, able to start for a couple weeks at all three spots, be a top bat off the bench, and so on; they may choose to go with an inexperienced guy as the 5th OF. If the #4 is a guy with a weak arm unable to play RF, or without enough speed to play CF, they might have to go with a pair of veterans. I admit, the one thing about Cameron is he seems like a guy who you don't appreciate until he's gone...not many CF's have the power he does. He works the count, takes a good share of walks, steals a base when you need it, always takes the extra base when he can, and flat out makes the tough play look routine. 11/03/2008 11:39:00 AM (11/03/2008 11:12:00 AM) - Jason Christopherson I have to say that I am thrilled to see Mike Cameron back at basically $9.25 M after considering the buyout number. Like Doug said, the Brewers viewed this as 7.5M per year over two years, which is a steal for his level of production. I know the numbers police will probably throw the book at me for saying this, but he seems like a positive influence in the locker room and he's well-liked by his teammates. He's hustling all the time and I love his baserunning ability. On the other hand, it is $10M committed to salary next year when solid replacements like Al mentioned could have been had for less. It leads me to believe that the team probably (and reasonably) expects CC to wear another uniform next season. It's a timing issue of course--the Brewers had to decide today on Cameron--but I guess had they not picked up the option I would think the team was more optimistic about their offer to CC. 11/03/2008 11:12:00 AM (11/03/2008 10:59:00 AM) - Al Cameron's option picked up. I have little doubt he's the best CF on the market (the Brewers have him #6 in MLB last year), but I do think he's overpaid a bit...of course, it's not my money. 11/03/2008 10:59:00 AM (11/03/2008 10:27:00 AM) - Al Jon Heyman goes over his most important names in MLB at the GM meetings. Allow me to say how bad some team will look in a couple years if they give Frankie Rodriguez 5y/$75M. I'd rather have Brian Fuentes at the same money. Every single number is negative in the last couple years, except saves. 11/03/2008 10:27:00 AM (11/03/2008 09:27:00 AM) - Al I've been saying this my whole life. Who wants it dark at 4:30PM? 11/03/2008 09:27:00 AM Sunday, November 02, 2008 (11/02/2008 10:36:00 PM) - Al TEX "overwhelms" Maddux with a big offer, so he's off to Arlington. I had heard Macha was interviewing replacements just in case, so I assume the rest of his staff will be named within a day or two. 11/02/2008 10:36:00 PM (11/02/2008 10:18:00 PM) - Al Madison has figured out how to handle the thousands who show up each year for Halloween. Even they have figured it out...if you can't beat 'em, profit from them. 39K show up for the party, which included a concert by OAR...no, I'm never heard of them either, but more power to them. 11/02/2008 10:18:00 PM (11/02/2008 09:24:00 PM) - Al The Brewers have to decide whether or not to pick up Cameron's option for $10M in 2009 tomorrow. Many think it's a no-brainer, and I think the Crew will, but I think you could certainly make an argument both ways. First of all, if they do not want Mike in CF, I doubt they pick up the option and then try to trade him...his value, as a 35+ CF is quite limited...in fact, only the Brewers and Yankees discussed a deal with his seriously last year. I have trouble finding a better CF for '09, but at $10M, it is unlikely he'll be worth that kind of money either. As I said the other day during the chat, Coco Crisp at $4M may be a better idea than Mike at $10M. Ditto for Dave Dejesus of KC, long rumored to be on the trading block. 11/02/2008 09:24:00 PM (11/02/2008 06:56:00 PM) - Al One of the many things I like about Glenn is the way he admits his love of many different forms of literature, even those that probably make him seem "less cool" to many of his readers. I agree, I bet those books would be plenty fun to read, if of course, I did not spend much of my waking hours playing poker online and watching Cosby Show and Andy Griffith reruns. I used to enjoy reading books that were called "choose your own adventure", in which the reader was the main character on a mission of some sort, and eventually, you either succeeded or were killed. I'm sure many would find those silly as well, but, I'm not here to impress anyone. 11/02/2008 06:56:00 PM (11/02/2008 01:49:00 PM) - Al We won't know until Tuesday night, but I do find it ironic the IBD poll has had it so close and had such consistent results each day. 11/02/2008 01:49:00 PM (11/02/2008 12:47:00 PM) - Al Does anyone else remember Eric Gagne being this good in the 2nd half? .267 OBPA, and a 1 WHIP? He may get a better deal than I had thought, as it is very unlikely he was anywhere near 100% in the first half. 11/02/2008 12:47:00 PM (11/02/2008 11:39:00 AM) - Al Hernan Iribarren went 4-for-5 with two doubles and four runs scored Friday for Lara of the VWL. Iribarren made his major league debut in April and also spent part of June with the Brewers, but he wasn't heard from in the second half after going into a slump in Triple-A. He ended up hitting .277/.329/.341 with 19 steals in 361 at-bats for Nashville. Because he can hit for average and play both second base and the outfield, he has a chance at a career as a bench player. However, he's probably going to open next year back in Triple-A.--Rotoworld Some places have Hernan being out of options, and some have him with one left. He is a unique player, a lefty bat able to play 2B and anywhere in the OF. However, the fact the Brewers had 36 of 40 guys on their September roster, yet did not bother calling up HI, would seemingly tell me that his future may be elsewhere. A year or two ago, it would have seemed all but impossible to not see Tony Gwynn Jr. or Hernan as a part of the future, especially as reserves. I would still think HI is a better bet for the long-term, due to his versatility and his ability to hit some line drives, prior to '08. Gwynn's an outstanding defender, but he seems to have regressed with the bat. 11/02/2008 11:39:00 AM Saturday, November 01, 2008 (11/01/2008 06:52:00 PM) - Al The M's sign former Brewers' farmhand Steve Moss out of indy ball. Moss is a gifted CF and good athlete who can't hit a lick. Hat tip MLBTR. 11/01/2008 06:52:00 PM (11/01/2008 06:18:00 PM) - Al Sveum will be the hitting coach, so Macha will bring in a bench coach and a 3B coach. They are also looking at pitching coaches, if Maddux decides to leave. UPDATE: Rumor has it Brad Fischer, former Madison Muskies manager, will be the 3B coach under Macha, who I assume knows Brad because of their days in the A's system. 11/01/2008 06:18:00 PM (11/01/2008 01:21:00 PM) - Al As an unabashed fan of Craig Counsell, I admit, I'm a bit disappointed that the Crew did not pick up his option for next year. However, I realize that is a lot to pay a reserve infielder, especially one that's about my age and does not possess even a dash of pop in his bat. However, I am happy they want Craig back, as they said they will try and negotiate a deal with him at a lower salary...Rotoworld on the sidebar guesses about $1.5-2M, which is probably about right. However, when one looks at how little offense the average 2B/SS provides, and then when you figure in Counsell's plus defense at all three infield skill spots, as well as his OBP skills, I would make the argument that Craig may indeed be worth about $3M...especially when you consider that there is little risk in a one-year contract. Ave 2B---------.340/.409, 749 OPS Ave SS---------.331/.398, 729 Craig, '08-----.355/.302, 657 Craig, career--.343/.344, 687 No doubt Counsell is below average, but if he wasn't, he'd be a starter somewhere. Some folks feel Hall may be the main IF reserve next year, and considering his financial commitment, the Brewers may feel they do not have the capability of paying $10M to a pair of reserve infielders, and are looking to go cheap with the 2nd IF backup. Looking at the list of free agents, Felipe Lopez, who Doug has expressed interest in before, is available; as is Dave Eckstein. Both are solid players, but I have to believe both will get $3M or more a season, while providing an OBP number similar to Counsell in '08, with some doubles power. Or, just maybe, the Brewers are hoping Craig will take less to play for them, and sleep in his own bed half the summer, and are willing to risk losing him to save $1.5M or so. 11/01/2008 01:21:00 PM (11/01/2008 11:54:00 AM) - Al My favorite poker site has added what they call "double or nothing" tournaments...you either lose your entry fee or you "double up"...it does not take a math wizard to figure out that you "win" the tourney if you survive until half the entrants have been knocked out. Thus far, I have only participated in the 10 player sit'n'gos, but thus far I am 4 of 5. It pretty much is a perfect set-up for a player like myself, who folds a lot and likes to slow play when I hit a big hand. 11/01/2008 11:54:00 AM (11/01/2008 08:57:00 AM) - Al I keep forgetting to mention a couple good deals for many folks out there in the Badger state. --The Bucks are offering $10 tickets for all of November and December. Of course, as if you need proof of how poorly the Bucks market themselves, when I went to their site to check on availability, I could not find any...turns out, they have them all listed as $9 for some reason, not including a $1 fee on each ticket. The Ramblings family will be enjoying an upcoming Saturday night game, and looking forward to it. --Family Video is quietly offering up to 2 free rentals a day to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Of course, new releases are not included, but when you consider they offer many kid's films free every day, as well as free rentals for good grades on report cards, you can open an account just for the freebies. 11/01/2008 08:57:00 AM (11/01/2008 12:06:00 AM) - Al As we've talked about many times, poverty in the USA is still living the good life anywhere else in the world. I used to want to be rich, until I discovered I could be poor and have more than enough of everything I needed. As I tell my wife, I used to have nothing, so I ate a lot of macaroni. Then, I hit it big, so since then, I eat a lot of pasta... 11/01/2008 12:06:00 AM |
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