"It's tough for me to look at Holliday's deal with the Cards and think it's way too much for far too long...and what a tremendous bargain the Brewers have with Ryan Braun." - Al's Ramblings
My wife and I were talking last night about the Cards paying that much for Holliday & what it will mean when they give Pujols the farm. The first comment out of her mouth echoed Al's... Braunie is an absolute steal.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Bill (clap, clap) Hall To BoSox
"something they could do with the $7-8M received from the Brewers when they dealt for Hall last summer" - WEEI.com
Maybe I'm reading too much into this comment, but I recall Al speculating that Hall's remaining contract may well have been added to last year's budget. This comment seems to reinforce that notion.
Maybe I'm reading too much into this comment, but I recall Al speculating that Hall's remaining contract may well have been added to last year's budget. This comment seems to reinforce that notion.
Cards Sign Holliday
This'll make for a lot of firepower. Remember when Pujols needed to carry the lineup alone? Not anymore.
Just think, when Pujols comes up for his contract, this one will look small.
Just think, when Pujols comes up for his contract, this one will look small.
A little personal blurb... today marks the 2nd anniversary of quitting smoking. I did it cold turkey, without counseling or hypnosis, or that horrific tasting "gum" they try to push on people.
My advice is two-fold: Decide on the times you smoke the most and focus on changing that. Second, stay away from smokers, bars, alcohol, and such for at least a month after deciding to quit.
I never thought I would have the ability to do it, yet here I am.
My advice is two-fold: Decide on the times you smoke the most and focus on changing that. Second, stay away from smokers, bars, alcohol, and such for at least a month after deciding to quit.
I never thought I would have the ability to do it, yet here I am.
Arbitration Begins
Today is the first day for arbitration filings. What this means for the Crew is in the next week or so, Doug should have a better idea what he has left to allocate to the 2010 team.
As KL Snow notes in Tuesday's Frosty Mug, if Rosenthal and Haudricourt are correct, there should be plenty of competition for innings in the Brewers rotation next year.
As KL Snow notes in Tuesday's Frosty Mug, if Rosenthal and Haudricourt are correct, there should be plenty of competition for innings in the Brewers rotation next year.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Woodson / Matthews
While Darrelle Revis is a phenomenal cover-corner, it's hard to argue against Charles Woodson for Defensive POY. He's played all over the field, covered everyone short of St. Peter, and been a force since Harris went down with injury.
Clay Matthews looks to have a good view of some hardware, too. Since getting regular playing time, he's been an animal. It's been a while since the Pack has had a linebacker with his kind of motor.
Clay Matthews looks to have a good view of some hardware, too. Since getting regular playing time, he's been an animal. It's been a while since the Pack has had a linebacker with his kind of motor.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Quick Thoughts on CF
After reading this post from McCalvy, especially blurb #10, I was reminded of what we gave up for CC.
Aside from LaPorta (who may have been able to man 1b after Prince's exit), we lost Michael Brantley. Some scouts have said he is very reminiscent of Kenny Lofton. Casuals just don't understand that you can't teach a .400 OBP at such a young age. That's simply talent.
Aside from LaPorta (who may have been able to man 1b after Prince's exit), we lost Michael Brantley. Some scouts have said he is very reminiscent of Kenny Lofton. Casuals just don't understand that you can't teach a .400 OBP at such a young age. That's simply talent.
Most Improved
I would have to agree with the consensus of posts in this, also. The M's and Jack Zduriencik have added some good pieces this offseason.
Losing Jack Z. was a blow to the Brewers, but his track record on pitchers hasn't been the best (injuries obviously played a part in that). Judging by the first draft from Bruce Seid, the Crew may already be transitioning from the "big bat" philosophy, to the "load up on pitching & see who sticks" angle.
And remember, Braun is locked up until '15, but Fielder comes up on FA after the '11 season. A possible trade next offseason would certainly bring a bounty of talent back, if they decide to go that way.
Losing Jack Z. was a blow to the Brewers, but his track record on pitchers hasn't been the best (injuries obviously played a part in that). Judging by the first draft from Bruce Seid, the Crew may already be transitioning from the "big bat" philosophy, to the "load up on pitching & see who sticks" angle.
And remember, Braun is locked up until '15, but Fielder comes up on FA after the '11 season. A possible trade next offseason would certainly bring a bounty of talent back, if they decide to go that way.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Cards/Holliday Gaining Momentum
Huh... This has shades of Texas & A-Rod. Aside from the 8yr/130mil the O's reportedly offered, it almost feels like the Cards are bidding against themselves for Holliday's services.
Keeping Holliday/Pujols together would be very powerful, just as the Braun/Fielder combo drives the Crew's offense.
Keeping Holliday/Pujols together would be very powerful, just as the Braun/Fielder combo drives the Crew's offense.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
DeRosa To The Giants
Looks like 2yr/12mil for DeRosa. Seems a little pricey for a 35-year-old utlility man whose only come into consciousness in the last few years.
I agree with Al on this though: Pushing Sandoval across the diamond essentially lowers Pablo's value as a 1st baseman. I wouldn't mind DeRosa on the Crew, either. But only as a super-utility guy, not a starter. 35-year-olds rarely continue past offensive production, especially when that offensive production didn't show up until after age 30.
I agree with Al on this though: Pushing Sandoval across the diamond essentially lowers Pablo's value as a 1st baseman. I wouldn't mind DeRosa on the Crew, either. But only as a super-utility guy, not a starter. 35-year-olds rarely continue past offensive production, especially when that offensive production didn't show up until after age 30.
Metropolitans Sign Bay
Jason Bay and the Mets agreed to a 3yr/66mil deal, with a 5th year vesting option that probably puts it in the $80mil range.
We'll see how the dimensions of Citi Field affect his power numbers, as it appears it did to David Wright this past season. I'll qualify that statement by saying I haven't delved into any numbers to back that up, though.
Bay is a solid player, but I get the feeling he is valued higher simply because he went to Boston instead of wading around in the general obscurity of Pittsburgh. A good coup for NYM considering I'd seen many comments this offseason about how the Mets weren't doing anything to improve.
We'll see how the dimensions of Citi Field affect his power numbers, as it appears it did to David Wright this past season. I'll qualify that statement by saying I haven't delved into any numbers to back that up, though.
Bay is a solid player, but I get the feeling he is valued higher simply because he went to Boston instead of wading around in the general obscurity of Pittsburgh. A good coup for NYM considering I'd seen many comments this offseason about how the Mets weren't doing anything to improve.
Badgers Win!
Congrats on a 10-win season, culminating in beating the U in the Champ Sports Bowl 20-14!
The defense was outstanding tonight, especially the front 4. John Clay took the MVP with 121 yds & 2 touches. I would've given it to Kendricks, as every catch seemed to be in a huge situation. Nevertheless, a great season from a team that was picked to do nothing this year.
The defense was outstanding tonight, especially the front 4. John Clay took the MVP with 121 yds & 2 touches. I would've given it to Kendricks, as every catch seemed to be in a huge situation. Nevertheless, a great season from a team that was picked to do nothing this year.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Health Care Questions
I have been told that my company's insurance plan is absolutely outstanding. They do a bang-up job of trying to keep premium costs down for the employees.
Articles like this make me worry.
The Land of Opportunity is fast becoming the Land of Where The Hell Is My Handout.
I've said it before & I'll say it again: The problem is not the coverage, it's the industry costs. For instance, it shouldn't cost $125 just to walk in, then get sent somewhere else in the building for a test (another office visit charge), then back where you came from for... wait for it... wait for it... another $125 office visit charge.
I'm fast becoming sick & tired of paying for other people's lives, then wondering how I'll pay for my own.
Nanny State, be thy name.
Articles like this make me worry.
The Land of Opportunity is fast becoming the Land of Where The Hell Is My Handout.
I've said it before & I'll say it again: The problem is not the coverage, it's the industry costs. For instance, it shouldn't cost $125 just to walk in, then get sent somewhere else in the building for a test (another office visit charge), then back where you came from for... wait for it... wait for it... another $125 office visit charge.
I'm fast becoming sick & tired of paying for other people's lives, then wondering how I'll pay for my own.
Nanny State, be thy name.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
MLB/Umpires Reach Deal
The real question is will this do anything to upgrade the pathetic state of umpiring.
It's not too much to ask that a strike is called a strike, calls are not made simply because the ball beat the runner, and umpires be the mediators they are supposed to be instead of the attention-seeking buffoons they've become.
I wonder if Phil Cuzzi can get some Optometry coverage on the insurance plan?
And can someone please tell Tim McClelland to make the call before I age another year. I heard a rumor that he finally finished his last strike call of the 2009 season yesterday.
It's not too much to ask that a strike is called a strike, calls are not made simply because the ball beat the runner, and umpires be the mediators they are supposed to be instead of the attention-seeking buffoons they've become.
I wonder if Phil Cuzzi can get some Optometry coverage on the insurance plan?
And can someone please tell Tim McClelland to make the call before I age another year. I heard a rumor that he finally finished his last strike call of the 2009 season yesterday.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
LeRoy Butler
One of the things I look forward to most after a Packer game is the 5 Questions segment with Butler in the Jounal Sentinel.
I especially enjoy when he gives those little insights that only a former player can disclose. I'm surprised he hasn't been approached for an analyst or TV job (or maybe he has and doesn't have an interest).
I mean, honestly, if Key and Irvin can get hired, there's gotta be a place open for an articulate defensive player.
I especially enjoy when he gives those little insights that only a former player can disclose. I'm surprised he hasn't been approached for an analyst or TV job (or maybe he has and doesn't have an interest).
I mean, honestly, if Key and Irvin can get hired, there's gotta be a place open for an articulate defensive player.
Braves Looking For A Bat
Rumor is the Braves are looking for a bat now that the Vasquez trade with the Yanks is done. The link mentions Marlon Byrd, DeRosa, Nady.
There have been countless ponderings of a Corey Hart-centered trade for awhile now.
You can rest assured that Doug would ask for pitching back, which the Braves always have (as they acquired two young ones in this deal). The problem is I think Corey's stock has fallen quite a bit over the last year. Although many GM's would recognize his speed and power as two attractive attributes.
There have been countless ponderings of a Corey Hart-centered trade for awhile now.
You can rest assured that Doug would ask for pitching back, which the Braves always have (as they acquired two young ones in this deal). The problem is I think Corey's stock has fallen quite a bit over the last year. Although many GM's would recognize his speed and power as two attractive attributes.
Yanks Trade For Vasquez
And the rich keep getting richer...
Yikes, that's a formidable rotation. Now if they could only land some hitting...
Yikes, that's a formidable rotation. Now if they could only land some hitting...
Friday, December 18, 2009
Brewers Sign Catcher
The Crew signed Matt Treanor today.
It would certainly make looking for the Wive's Section worthwhile.
It would certainly make looking for the Wive's Section worthwhile.
Love That State Gov't
I guess I shouldn't worry about WI problems too much. Especially when they're dealing with such tough issues like The Official State Motorcycle.
Thank goodness we don't have a waste of time and resources like other states.
I won't even go into the debacle that is state-funded childcare. Take a look at some of the older stories.
And there are people that think government should run health care?! Ahh, Nanny State be thy name.
Thank goodness we don't have a waste of time and resources like other states.
I won't even go into the debacle that is state-funded childcare. Take a look at some of the older stories.
And there are people that think government should run health care?! Ahh, Nanny State be thy name.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Bucks/Lakers
Pretty amusing exchange.
I know, I know, stop Kobe and you win... make free throws at the end and you win. It shouldn't have come down to that. Not only did Kobe travel 1st, then charge Bogut, he was awarded a basket. Even if Donaghy's story is 25% true, it's like the Sith: There cannot be one without another. How are we not supposed to think the rules are applied wherever an official sees fit.
The Bucks played valiantly and have nothing to show for it. I will tell you one thing... the Bucks play with alot more urgency and presence under Skiles than the previous three regimes.
I know, I know, stop Kobe and you win... make free throws at the end and you win. It shouldn't have come down to that. Not only did Kobe travel 1st, then charge Bogut, he was awarded a basket. Even if Donaghy's story is 25% true, it's like the Sith: There cannot be one without another. How are we not supposed to think the rules are applied wherever an official sees fit.
The Bucks played valiantly and have nothing to show for it. I will tell you one thing... the Bucks play with alot more urgency and presence under Skiles than the previous three regimes.
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