Baseball (the talkin' sport)

[hiway29]

Except for the Dodger life long die hards-which I admittedly am not-the Giants rivalry is not very relevant or passionate at the moment.

I've seen it at a heated pitch-unfortunately being in the parking lot the night a Giants fan was shot-but right now, the Giants aren't very interesting-especially without Bonds to hate. I'm more intrigued with the upcoming series with the Dbacks.

I'm watching the Yankee Stadium dvd as I type. Thanks for the tip , mstar. Many memories, and great footage. Probably because it's so recent, but the footage of Bobby Murcer going on a tear the night of Thurman Munson's funeral moved me tremendously.

[mstar1]

Glad you like it--I've been catching a series on one of the ESPNs --Baseballs Golden Age (or some such thing) which is reliving most of my days of youth--if yu have achance to catch it I know that will tickle you as well.

I have one of those horrible summer flus, which is killin me today (Im not quite as hot as Toms house --but up there). Im just a little delirious--

I had tickets to the Monday Night ESPN Game tonight Sox vs Angels...but was not feeling up to five hour ride....

I gave em to my faithful (8 years) breakfast waitress Heather yesterday It was a great scene at the restaurant.

If you see a cute blond with pigtails goin crazy tonight --thats probably her.

As much as I'd like to be there, it feels good that someone got them who appreciates them

[Tom Strange]

get feeling better starman...

Baseball's Golden Age is on the FSN here... first one was on here last night... haven't watched it yet but it's on the DVR... the next one is in a couple of days, I don't know if they show them on your local FSN at different times but you could probably search for it... it looks like it's gonna be good...

[Tom Strange]

From Newberg this morning:

Not to be confused with Cincinnati-Louisville Shuttle occupant Todd Coffey, the TROT COFFEY is a mailing list-only update on what the media has unearthed as we approach Thursday’s conventional trade deadline:

Some early Tuesday notes, as we sit at a year plus two days since Texas traded for Max Ramirez and a year minus two days since Texas traded for Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Matt Harrison, Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, Beau Jones, David Murphy, Engel Beltre, and Kason Gabbard:

· The scouting section in Rangers Ballpark last night included representatives from Tampa Bay, Arizona, and Detroit (Richard Durrett of the Dallas Morning News)

[of course, there are plenty of Mariners purportedly on the block too]· A couple outlets reported that the Rangers were among several teams (the Tigers, Mets, Nationals, and Giants were also identified) scouting the Astros Monday night (primarily Jose De Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle)

[oddly, the inference that the Rangers were scouting the Astros ignores what would seem to be the better likelihood, which is that they were scouting Houston’s opponent, the Reds . . . who are said to covet Gerald Laird]

· The Marlins have reportedly emerged as “the most aggressive suitor” for Laird, but Milwaukee has now joined the mix, which also includes the Reds and Yankees (Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports)

[good farm choices with all of them; could force the Yankees’ hand if they want to stay in]

· Florida, in on Laird as well, is also considering Ramon Hernandez (bad contract), Bengie Molina (not clear whether he’s available), and Ryan Doumit (same) (Mike Berardino of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Joe Frisaro of MLB.com)

· Colorado’s Brian Fuentes is reportedly off the market now, and Baltimore’s George Sherrill may be nearing similar status since nobody will give the Orioles a young shortstop they can build with (Rosenthal)

[theoretically, this moves Eddie Guardado up the punch list]

· The Marlins have shown “light interest” in Guardado (Berardino)

· If Boston wants Saltalamacchia, Ramirez, or Taylor Teagarden, it would “likely cost the Sox a premier pitching prospect like Michael Bowden, and while Bowden is considered to be close to untouchable by the organization, he might be moved for a highly regarded catcher” (Sean McAdam of the Providence Journal)

· The list of “Plan B” alternatives for a number of teams reportedly includes Marlon Byrd, Adrian Beltre, Matt Murton, and Jeff Kent (Will Carroll of Baseball Prospectus)

[but apparently not Jay Novacek, James Washington, Ray Horton, Vinson Smith, Alfredo Roberts, or Tommie Agee]

· The Mets, who are looking for an outfielder and a left-handed relief pitcher, had righthander John Maine exit his start last night with shoulder stiffness. Shoulders are scary.

[big start tomorrow for Vicente Padilla, who is 1-0, 2.00 in three starts against Seattle this season]

Edited July 29, 2008 by Tom Strange

[mstar1]

This is always an interesting time of year--48 hours and we'll know for sure.

Im almost of the opinion the Sox should pack it in this year--(I said almost) ...too much coasting for the last month or so...unless something turns around ala 04 after the Nomar trade its not going to happen this year

Hiway--tell us your OK--A little shaken but not stirred would be good news

I do enjoy firm ground myself although the hail around here has been near biblical this year

[Tom Strange]

Just got word that the freaking Angels have traded for Texeira...

(the guys on the local sportstalk station are broadcasting from Oxnard, Ca this week... they had an earthquake on the air about three hours ago... 5.8 or something like that... HIWAY... TIME FOR YOU TO CHECK IN)

[Tom Strange]

This is always an interesting time of year--48 hours and we'll know for sure.

Im almost of the opinion the Sox should pack it in this year--(I said almost) ...too much coasting for the last month or so...unless something turns around ala 04 after the Nomar trade its not going to happen this year

Hiway--tell us your OK--A little shaken but not stirred would be good news

I do enjoy firm ground myself although the hail around here has been near biblical this year

starman... according to Tony Masarotti of the Boston Herald: "...Manny Ramirez is no longer an elite hitter, and in fact has been outproduced in the last half-season by David Murphy. That’s right, the same David Murphy whom the Red Sox dealt to the Texas Rangers because, quite simply, there was no place for him to play”

Have I asked you to thank Theo lately?

:)

[mstar1]

Yes yes yes <_<

they had a phony article in the Globe today to trade Manny for someone with stronger bat--someone like ---David Murphy....

I heard about the Kotchman/ Teixiera trade a few hours ago---The Angels are already very tough without upgrading. Theyve been playing exciting baseball in a lot of areas--(they pulled a beautifully executed squeeze last night)at this pointTex puts em way over the top imo and makes em the favorite

[hiway29]

The Angels are looking like the strongest team anywhere right now.I hesitate to 'pick' them, only because this is still baseball and anything can happen-especially in the playoffs.

Still-I'm looking forward to heading south to Angel Stadium this month. One of the Dodgers biggest mistakes (among many) was letting Mike Scoscia get away. The

Angels play the game 'right'( are we done calling it 'National league' style baseball ? I cringe whenever I hear that-and have yet to see much of it at Dodger Stadium lately).

That was an impressive move, getting Teixera, and unloading Kotchman. That's the best the Braves could do ?

[mstar1]

Good to see you're still typing--

I dont know exactly who the 'prospect' was, but Kotchman is linked to a multiyear deal and Tex of course is a rental--so maybe it will work for both clubs....The Braves might have done a little better if they waited but they did OK and got it done...

The Angels just moved from very very good, to scary good....aside from all the other strengths in their game-- Lackey came within two outs of throwing the first no hitter against the Sox at Fenway in 50 years last night.

I know anything can happen, (and usually does) but after watching them dominate every facet in two series over the last few weeks and great managing by Mike Sciosia--on paper at least they are the team to beat.

Playoffs of course are a crapshoot where you never know--but they are strong--real strong

[hiway29]

Maybe Kotchman going to the Braves will work out for him, and them. He was one of those 'can't miss' prospects, that never seemed to pull it together with the Angels. He also had issues with Mike Sciosia, who usually sat him down against left handed pitchers. Maybe he'll realize his potential with a new team, and Bobby Cox.

[Tom Strange]

That was an impressive move, getting Teixera, and unloading Kotchman. That's the best the Braves could do ?

They probably figured that it was better that what they could get with their two compensatory draft picks... or maybe they (the Braves) just wanted to really try and get back at the stRangers for the amount of (potential) quality players they gave up to rent him for a year...

Maybe the Angels will get lucky and Mike S can talk some sense into him during this last half...

[Tom Strange]

...and now freakin' Blalock turns up injured again last night... and Milton was grabbing his quad last night and had to come out.

He's been so good for this team, and we'd love to keep him around, but you have to figure he's gonna miss a third of a season each year don't you?

If Jon Daniels can work some magic without touching the core of this offense, which has Michael Young as the eldest, then I think everyone will be happy... but I'd heard that teams were even inquiring about him (MY)...

Newberg says that we've been inquiring about KC RHP Zack Greinke, Minn RHP Boof Bonser and CWS RHP Nick Masset (Bonser & Masset are childhood buddies).

I think every stRanger fan would be just fine dealing BOTH Laird and Salty and going with Ramirez/Teagarden on a daily basis... if we can turn them into even more prospects to use in trades to get pitching or use them in a couple of three way deals to get pitching life will be better...

We just can't seem to make up any ground on the Angels because they keep on devouring the rest of the AL... we've only lost (I think) 2 series since April and we can't make up any ground on them... we'll just have to take care of business when we play head up...

should be an interesting day.

Edited July 30, 2008 by Tom Strange

[mstar1]

Maybe the Angels will get lucky and Mike S can talk some sense into him during this last half...

It'll be a new situation for Tex--This trade is for a ring--

The Angels could coast into the playoffs without him. This trade is for just a handful of key playoff at bats where they need that big bat.

Sciosia has a few months...I would hope that any personality issues that Texiera may have could get set aside for a few moments when what could be a once in his lifetime opportunity knocks on his door-- like it is now--hopefully it shouldnt take Dr Freud to get through to him...

[Tom Strange]

I have no doubt that Tex will deliver for them... and if nothing else, Sciosia should be able to control the room at least along the lines of "he's only gonna be here a half a year" so that his "mercinary qualities" won't disrupt the room...

He's a Boras guy thru and thru... his lifetime goal is to play for his hometown Orioles and if not them, the NYY... but he does love the money...

[mstar1]

The Angels are tough but they have a few in thier decline years (noticably Vlad) and from what I hear not a lot in the hole...

If the Rangers play this out right for good young prospects and keep the core veterans together they'll be a force in the west very very soon........

...and...

anybody with a name like Boof Bonser definitely should have their own cartoon show

[Tom Strange]

Pudge to the NYY for Farnsworth just went down.

[mstar1]

that one could backfire imo----- Farnsworth has been great in the setup role for Mariano, and Molina has been an excellent defensive catcher for the Yanks..

I suppose if you have a chance to pick up Pudge you do--but sacrificing your set up man is a big key to give up ---even if you do get someone proven like him....

A mild offensive upgrade for your key set up guy?

I dunno----thats a real tough call--Id think two three or ten times before id do it

[hiway29]

You could be right , mstar-I'm sure they thought about it several times-that doesn't mean it will work out though.

The NY Post-newspapers version of Fox news, ran a full page back cover picture of Manny and Pedro Martinez-Pedro is campaigning for the Mets to trade for him.Oddly enough, the Mets are the one team where a Manny deal makes sense to me . He'll wear out his welcome the first time he has 'sore knees', but would likely go on a tear for the rest of this season, and be the star of the NY rags for awhile.

[mstar1]

As much as Manny is unpopular right now with some Sox fans I dont think the FO will let him go--unless it was in some genuine way to upgrade for this year which would be a very hard thing to do losing his bat.

Even though the annual act is wearing thin Manny is still hugely popular in most circles.--If the front office were to trade him-and not make it a definitively better team now-and he went on a tear somewhere else--It could negatively effect the franchise more than putting up with him for another few months. Its a real tough call...

Im pretty sure he'd love to be back with Pedro but I dont think anythings gonna happen.

But of course Yogis well worn phrase is still ringin in my ears...

Theres no way of knowing until it happens

...and as far as Farnsworth the yanks could have J.J. Putz in their sights for all I know to fill the gap

Edited July 31, 2008 by mstar1

[mstar1]

Manny may have broke the camels back just now

In an interview he said that the "Red Sox dont deserve me" and then sat in the dugout during the game with a sign that said "Im being traded to Green Bay for Brett Favre"

The thing I just found out that I didnt know was that over the All Star Break Manny met with Toms favorite antichrist Scott M(*&^%%F&^%$g Bora$--which is right when all this trade and 'being mistreated' crap started up. Suddenly It all makes sense now...

I really really hate that guy..

There are a million rumors going around ---latest from alot of sources has Manny going to the Marlins, Jeremy Hermida going to the Pirates and Jason Bay coming to the Sox--with a whole bunch of secondary parts and prospects going every which way.

Manny has been too much fun for too many years, it will really sukc if this ends like a bad and nasty divorce because of some complete craphead like Boras

[hiway29]

if there is an anti-Christ,Boras has to be it.

[hiway29]

I was going to 'joke' about this situation and how this is just 'Manny being Manny', but I think it's sad , not funny. What's wrong with this guy ? Why go out of your way to dismantle a relationship with a team and a city like this ?

I guess it's going to be the Cubs-Angels in the Series-unless it's not. I'm sure that 9 out of 10 fans outside of Anaheim will be pulling for the Cubs, because of the 100 year mark, and the incredible press they get every year (much of which is because of Wrigley Field, imo).

I've never bought into the Cubs-though I like the current team and manager, and would love to see a game at Wrigley.The team is usually no more interesting than the Reds, or Astros to me.

We'll probably get all crossed up and it will be Twins-Phillies, which sounds fun to me.

[mstar1]

Im sad this morning----I have a hard time believing that I may have just watched Manny's last game with the Sox ....and its going to end ugly..

Over the last 8 years, he reignited my passion for baseball like I hadnt known since I was a kid and became my favorite player to watch not only in this era -- but ever--iI know im a Manny apologist and fan but it shouldnt end this way--it is sad

was going to 'joke' about this situation and how this is just 'Manny being Manny', but I think it's sad , not funny. What's wrong with this guy ? Why go out of your way to dismantle a relationship with a team and a city like this ?

I smell Boras (the daimon) behind the scenes pulling manny's strings...I really do.

Ive said a thousand times over the years that Manny in many ways is like a child. Ive been his apologist. He acts strange, he acts goofy he makes up his own rules, he gets easily swept up in strange ideas for alittle while then comes back---but he has never been outright malicious or done anything this outlandish before. I have no doubt Boras is pushing the buttons and stirring this up .

Manny's a touch crazy but hes not malicious.

.........

Its such a damn distraction...the Red Sox have other complex needs besdies this-

Rumor is a 3 or 4 way deal is in the works -then maybe side deals based on those...

Today would be a good day for some group to make a documentary following all the GM's around minute by minute 24 style so we could see the inside on the decision making process (plus the deals that didnt happen)...

8 and half more hours

----------------------

Is this my last Manny Moment?

[Tom Strange]

Don't know what to tell ya about Manny... from here on the outside it looks like he's gone across the line of "playful antics", which is how he usually comes across from here...

another story has Bay going to the Cards which would kill the Marlin deal... I know that three way has gotten a lot of pub, but I can't see the Marlin taking on that contract and for the life of me, I can't understand why Manny would want to play there where he'd have to play a large size outfield in a stadium where home runs go to die... I wouldn't be surprised if he's still in Boston tomorrow, you guys all kiss and make up and he goes on a tear...

Pudge to the NYY... sadly, he's not the same Pudge offensively since now that we're in the "post steroid era"... but each team he's jumped to after leaving here has won a ring...

We don't know what the stRangers are gonna do, they're saying that they're "listeners" this year... personally, I don't care if they trade a couple of the catchers for some pitching but there's not really any quality pitching being offered out there... there are a couple of pieces (Byrd, Catalanato) that they could trade... but they're acting (and hopefully will stay the course) like we're just fine, we don't want to give away the farm just to get someone... everyone likes the core of the team... too bad that Blalock has turned to glass the last couple of years.

Junior to the Cubbies? ...back with Sweet Lou? it could happen... which also reminds me, watch out if Cuban gets the Cubs, he's not afraid to write a check...