MLB Off-Season moves and discussion

Dr. Giganto · 12-13-2007, 03:47 PM

Right...I just did the guaranteed stuff. It's impossible to know if/when he'll reach those milestones, so you cant really factor it in, unless you just make a best guess.

Suntan Superman · 12-15-2007, 04:04 AM

PHOENIX -- The D-backs completed a deal to acquire right-handers Dan Haren and Connor Robertson from the A's in exchange for six prospects, it was announced Friday afternoon.

In addition, the D-backs sent closer Jose Valverde to the Astros in exchange for infielder Chris Burke and right-handers Chad Qualls and Juan Gutierrez.

Included in the trade to Oakland are pitchers Brett Anderson, Greg Smith and Dana Eveland along with outfielders Carlos Gonzalez and Aaron Cunningham and first baseman Chris Carter.

Also OF Jim Edmonds was sent to the Padres for 3B David Freese and cash.

Dr. Giganto · 12-15-2007, 05:11 AM

holy shit about the Haren trade...

Blitzkrieg · 12-15-2007, 05:21 AM

Haren & Webb. D-Backs make the playoffs once again?

Dr. Giganto · 12-15-2007, 01:14 PM

especially if their young hitters develop nicely

Twist of lEMOn · 12-15-2007, 02:57 PM

I didn't see this posted yet >.>

Quote:

ORONTO (AP) -- Even though they already had a shortstop, the Toronto Blue Jays weren't going to miss a chance to acquire David Eckstein.

The 2006 World Series MVP passed his physical Friday and finalized a $4.5 million, one-year contract with the Blue Jays, who had planned to enter next season with John McDonald as their everyday shortstop.

General manager J.P. Ricciardi said Eckstein's attitude and offensive skills were too good to resist.

"He's great clubhouse guy. He's a leader," Ricciardi said. "The more guys we can have like this helps to lengthen our lineup."

The 5-foot-7, 175-pound Eckstein is expected bat leadoff for Toronto. The St. Louis Cardinals declined to re-sign him after he made a career-high 20 errors in 117 games this season. He was better at the plate, hitting a career-best .309 with three homers, 31 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

ADVERTISEMENT
Eckstein batted .364 with four RBIs and three doubles against Detroit in the 2006 World Series as St. Louis won in five games for its first championship since 1982. He also helped the Anaheim Angels win the 2002 World Series.

"There's a lot of stability that comes with him," Ricciardi said.

Eckstein didn't need much persuading to accept Toronto's offer.

"It's definitely a great opportunity," he said. "They have a great ballclub intact. When they came and said they were interested in me, I got very excited because I think they have a good chance to win."

The move means McDonald, who signed a $3.8 million, two-year contract in September, will mostly be relegated to a backup role.

"I don't think you'll see John just sit on the bench," Ricciardi said. "It's conceivable that when we have certain guys on the mound who are groundball pitchers, Johnny may get the nod. We'll utilize him to the best of our ability to take advantage of what he is, which is a very good defensive player."

Eckstein, who turns 33 next month, was an NL All-Star in 2005 and 2006.

"He's a very good offensive player, a .350 on-base guy," Ricciardi said. "He's a tough, tough guy to strike out. You can do a lot of things with him, you can hit-and-run him. He handles the bat really well."

Eckstein, who replaced fan favorite Edgar Renteria when he joined the Cardinals before the 2005 season, has known McDonald since they played against each other in the minors. Eckstein said he'll ask McDonald to help ease his adjustment back to the American League.

The Blue Jays also agreed to a minor league contract with catcher Sal Fasano and invited him to spring training. But Ricciardi will keep trying to strengthen his catching tandem.

"We'll still keep looking," Ricciardi said. "It just gives us a little bit of security, knowing we have someone that the pitchers like. There are a few guys still out there that could fit our needs, via free agency."

Ricciardi acknowledged he's interested in pursuing free-agent catcher Miguel Olivo, but said he won't make an offer to Johnny Estrada.

Im not so up on baseball lately...ftW?

Freak · 12-16-2007, 01:04 AM

Eckstein will help, but it's not a significant signing. His defense last year was pretty bad, but hopefully he can rebound. At worst, the Jays have John McDonald to replace him late in games when they're protecting leads.

The key to Eckstein for the Jays is that it gives them a semi-reliable leadoff hitter, and it means they'll probably try to move Reed Johnson before the season starts.

Blitzkrieg · 12-16-2007, 01:30 AM

I heard they were trying to move Rios. Not sure why they'd want to unless it's an extension they aren't willing to pay.. Dude seems like a stud.

Freak · 12-16-2007, 01:50 AM

I don't know if they were actively shopping him or anything, but there were some pretty well-reported rumours of Rios going to the Giants for either Lincecum or Cain -- which I would have loved as a Jays fan. But then San Fran signed Rowand. I've heard whisperings of Rios to Cincy for Homer Bailey, but not for over a week now.

Rios is a good player who should get a lot better as his power increases, but like you said, it comes down to money. The Jays have seen what CFs are getting paid this offseason (Rios would play CF on most teams) and I think they're afraid they won't be able to re-sign him. Especially having locked Vernon Wells up like they did.

As for next season, assuming Rios sticks around, I'll be thrilled to never see him hit lead-off again.

Danny Diamond · 12-18-2007, 08:05 PM

Good post about Rios Freak.

I would like to see him stay in Toronto. San Fran and Cincy seem like barren wastelands for his talent to fully develop. His career is best served staying in Toronto.

J.P. Richarddi needs to win in 2008 or call it a career as a GM. He has had plenty of opportunity.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
NFL In-Season Discussion	Suntan Superman	North American Sports	202	12-26-2007 06:57 PM
MLB Off and Season Discussion Thread	Killswitch	North American Sports	17	05-06-2007 02:20 PM
24 Season 6 Discussion thread *Will include discussion of all currently run episodes	Danny Diamond	Entertainment	11	01-20-2007 01:46 PM
24 Season 5 Discussion Spoilers	Snowman	Entertainment	9	01-24-2006 10:16 AM

MLB Off-Season moves and discussion

NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, Golf. All the latest sports news, scores, rumors, fantasy games, and more.