The 2014 Major League Baseball Player Chatter, News and Fantasy Thread

[Andy117]

The Pirates ended up getting Francisco Cervelli from the Yankees for LHP Justin Wilson.

I'm not thrilled with this trade, but not upset either. Seems like a decent swap for both teams.

I hate that guy, he's just an annoying player.

[Shortstop]

I hate that guy, he's just an annoying player.

Which one, Cervelli or Wilson?

[Andy117]

Which one, Cervelli or Wilson?

Cervelli, you'll see once the season starts.

[Shortstop]

Pirates signed their former #1 pick, Brad Lincoln to a minor league contract

Yeah, I heard this the other day. Not sure what to make of it???

[Chi_archie]

Yeah, I heard this the other day. Not sure what to make of it???

he'll be a decent candidate for a middle reliever role again

[EmpireMaker]

The Atlanta Braves have entered the Yasmany Tomas sweepstakes as a dark horse.
The Braves are slated to watch Tomas and his exploits in coming days, according to sources.
They join a big field eyeing the free-agent Cuban slugger. The Phillies, Padres and Giants have been seen as the most aggressive pursuers of the outfielder/third baseman, but there's been a lot of talk about a mystery team winning his services in recent days.
The Braves could qualify as a surprise team, but they recently made room in the outfield by trading Jason Heyward. They also have been in trade talks involving outfielders Justin Upton and Evan Gattis, but new Braves president of baseball operations John Hart has long loved power hitters, as folks may recall from his Cleveland and Texas days.
The Royals are one of many others that have scouted Tomas recently, too.
Tomas, 24, is looking to beat Rusney Castillo's record $72.5 million signing by the Red Sox.
Tomas could wait until the Winter Meetings before he signs. It was reported here Thursday that Tomas has obtained a **** and could talk face-to-face with teams at the league-wide event that begins Dec. 8 in San Diego.

[Shortstop]

he'll be a decent candidate for a middle reliever role again

I'm more excited about the Pirates signing Radhames Liz to a two-year deal.

Liz may be a project, but I heard he in throws in the high 90's.

[BigSpoon]

Red Sox offering Pablo Sandoval 5 years and $95M. His agent wants a 6 year deal. Silly money.

[Chi_archie]

I'm more excited about the Pirates signing Radhames Liz to a two-year deal.

Liz may be a project, but I heard he in throws in the high 90's.

Im im not too excited

he's been around

[EmpireMaker]

Red Sox offering Pablo Sandoval 5 years and $95M. His agent wants a 6 year deal. Silly money.

I wouldn't sign him to a 5 or 6 year deal, NO WAY.

[Shortstop]

Im im not too excited

he's been around

Me neither, I was being sarcastic.

However, I hope they both do well next year...

[Chi_archie]

Pirates got some international signing, spending money in return for Ike to the A's

[Shortstop]

It appears that Hanley Ramirez is headed to Boston and it's likely that Pablo Sandoval will be joining him.

Boston's opening up the check book...

[BigSpoon]

It appears that Hanley Ramirez is headed to Boston and it's likely that Pablo Sandoval will be joining him.

Boston's opening up the check book...

I guess they will try and trade Cespedes for a starting pitcher and try to sign Lester as well.

[koz-man]

Red Sox offering Pablo Sandoval 5 years and $95M. His agent wants a 6 year deal. Silly money.

I just looked it up. He is 28 years old.

I really thought that he was older for some reason.

I might, a big might, sign him for a 5 year deal.

[EmpireMaker]

Panda looks older, and if he doesn't control his weight it will take more and more of a toll on him as he ages. I would still stay far away.

[Ace_of_Spades]

Sox get Panda and Hanley. Thats 50+ Homers right there.

[Shortstop]

I guess they will try and trade Cespedes for a starting pitcher and try to sign Lester as well.

Yeah, they're in a very nice position right now.

I just looked it up. He is 28 years old.

I really thought that he was older for some reason.

I might, a big might, sign him for a 5 year deal.

Panda looks older, and if he doesn't control his weight it will take more and more of a toll on him as he ages. I would still stay far away.

I hope Boston included a nutritionist along with all that money.

Sox get Panda and Hanley. Thats 50+ Homers right there.

I agree. I expect them both to put up some big numbers for the Red Sox. They'll likely enjoy hitting in Fenway.

[EmpireMaker]

Report: Cubs make substantial offer to Lester

The Cubs have reportedly extended a six-year offer to Jon Lester that is worth an amount “north of” $135 million, according to CSNChicago.com’s David Kaplan.
The Cubs’ reported offer exceeds the current six-year offer from the Red Sox that is believed to be in the $110-120 million range. It was reported earlier in the day that Lester could ultimately strike a deal with an average annual value exceeding $25 million. This latest news suggests that’s certainly a possibility as the market for Lester begins to really heat up.
Lester is expected to meet with the Cardinals and Giants at some point next week, while the Braves also remain interested in the left-hander. All three teams, in addition to the Cubs and Red Sox, could use another top-end starter. The Cardinals could use Lester to off-set the loss of Shelby Miller, while the Giants’ rotation remains extremely unclear behind ace Madison Bumgarner and the Braves continue to try and bolster their rotation.
The Cubs certainly remain a front-runner in the Lester sweepstakes and extending an offer such as this one could put some pressure on the other teams in pursuit

[Andy117]

Red Sox offering Pablo Sandoval 5 years and $95M. His agent wants a 6 year deal. Silly money.

That's a lot of money for a very over rated player.

[Ace_of_Spades]

That's a lot of money for a very over rated player.

You haven't even seen him play in the AL yet. Cut the guy some slack.

[EmpireMaker]

Mariners pursuing trade for big-name outfielder

The Mariners are reportedly in trade talks for a number of top-end, right-handed outfielders, including Matt Kemp, Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Upton, according to FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi.
Seattle has expressed interest in both Kemp and Upton in the past, while the Red Sox have a surplus of outfielders that has led to speculation that Cespedes could be available this offseason. The Red Sox could be interested in Mariners starter Hisashi Iwakuma, though it’s unclear whether or not Seattle would be willing to part with Iwakuma in a potential Cespedes deal.
As for Upton, many expect the Braves to move him this offseason after trading away fellow outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals earlier this offseason. Like Heyward, Upton is set to hit free agency following next season.
The Mariners are already on the verge of signing third baseman Kyle Seager to a seven-year, $100 million extension, just one year after signing second baseman Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240 million contract last offseason. Their next big move could be landing one of these right-handed hitting outfielders, though it’s not clear at this point what exactly they are prepared to offer in return in any of these scenarios.

[EmpireMaker]

Iwakuma is a lot more valuable in my book than Cespedes.

[Shortstop]

Mariners pursuing trade for big-name outfielder

The Mariners are reportedly in trade talks for a number of top-end, right-handed outfielders, including Matt Kemp, Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Upton, according to FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi.
Seattle has expressed interest in both Kemp and Upton in the past, while the Red Sox have a surplus of outfielders that has led to speculation that Cespedes could be available this offseason. The Red Sox could be interested in Mariners starter Hisashi Iwakuma, though it’s unclear whether or not Seattle would be willing to part with Iwakuma in a potential Cespedes deal.
As for Upton, many expect the Braves to move him this offseason after trading away fellow outfielder Jason Heyward to the Cardinals earlier this offseason. Like Heyward, Upton is set to hit free agency following next season.
The Mariners are already on the verge of signing third baseman Kyle Seager to a seven-year, $100 million extension, just one year after signing second baseman Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240 million contract last offseason. Their next big move could be landing one of these right-handed hitting outfielders, though it’s not clear at this point what exactly they are prepared to offer in return in any of these scenarios.

Paying Seager this much money simply blows my mind!

Granted, I'm on the East Coast and don't see him play that much...

Is he really worth that contract???

[Chi_archie]

What will Neil walker be worth with another good season?

[koz-man]

Panda looks older, and if he doesn't control his weight it will take more and more of a toll on him as he ages. I would still stay far away.

Agree.

I'm sure they will be on him to stay in shape.

[EmpireMaker]

Paying Seager this much money simply blows my mind!

Granted, I'm on the East Coast and don't see him play that much...

Is he really worth that contract???

I don't think Seager is worth that money, he is decent but not great.

[EmpireMaker]

Agree.

I'm sure they will be on him to stay in shape.

If I did sign him I would put a clause in his contract the he doesn't get paid if he goes over a certain weight.

[Shortstop]

What will Neil walker be worth with another good season?

Good question. It's tough to tell with the crazy contracts players are receiving these days...

[koz-man]

I don't think Seager is worth that money, he is decent but not great.

Does Jayson Werth ring a bell?? 20 mil this past year and 21 mil the next 3 yrs.

[Chi_archie]

Does Jayson Werth ring a bell?? 20 mil this past year and 21 mil the next 3 yrs.

Yikes

[koz-man]

Yikes

Ya. This is probably the worst signing by a team (money wise) that I have ever heard.

20 mil bought....

.292

.394

.455

.849 156 hits, 37 doubles, 16 hrs, 82 rbis, 83 bb, & 113 ko's

[Shortstop]

Does Jayson Werth ring a bell?? 20 mil this past year and 21 mil the next 3 yrs.

Yikes

Ya. This is probably the worst signing by a team (money wise) that I have ever heard.

20 mil bought....

.292

.394

.455

.849 156 hits, 37 doubles, 16 hrs, 82 rbis, 83 bb, & 113 ko's

He's definitely not "Werth" that contract, in my opinion.

I remember referring to him as Jayson "Werth-less" when he was with the Dodgers.

I've just never been a fan of this guy...

[BigSpoon]

Toronto gets Josh Donaldson from the A's for Brett Lawrie and 3 prospects. Got to like that deal if you are a Jays fan.

[koz-man]

Toronto gets Josh Donaldson from the A's for Brett Lawrie and 3 prospects. Got to like that deal if you are a Jays fan.

A's trading away all their power.

Is Brett related to Jed Lawrie who is on the A's?