The 2015 Major League Baseball Player Chatter, News and Fantasy Thread

[MexicanStallion]

Great post, k-m!

Johan is definitely banged up. Unfortunately, it may be time to hang 'em up...

Johan has been washed up for some time now. I was a fan of his while he was in Minnesota.

[EmpireMaker]

Being left-handed he could try being a specialist out of the pen.

He can't throw fast enough to be effective, he is just finished. Maybe he can be a coach or something if he needs a job.

[koz-man]

Ernie Banks dies at age 83



"Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks, the Hall of Fame slugger and two-time MVP who never lost his boundless enthusiasm for baseball despite years of playing on losing Chicago Cubs teams, died Friday night. He was 83.

The Cubs announced Banks' death but did not provide a cause.

"Words cannot express how important Ernie Banks will always be to the Chicago Cubs, the city of Chicago and Major League Baseball. He was one of the greatest players of all time," Tom Ricketts, chairman of the Cubs, said in a statement released by the team. "He was a pioneer in the major leagues. And more importantly, he was the warmest and most sincere person I've ever known.

"Approachable, ever optimistic and kind hearted, Ernie Banks is and always will be Mr. Cub. My family and I grieve the loss of such a great and good-hearted man, but we look forward to celebrating Ernie's life in the days ahead."

Banks hit 512 home runs during his 19-year career and was fond of saying, "It's a great day for baseball. Let's play two!'' That finish to his famous catchphrase adorns his statue outside Wrigley Field.

RIP Mr Cub

[Chi_archie]

Ernie Banks dies at age 83



"Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks, the Hall of Fame slugger and two-time MVP who never lost his boundless enthusiasm for baseball despite years of playing on losing Chicago Cubs teams, died Friday night. He was 83.

The Cubs announced Banks' death but did not provide a cause.

"Words cannot express how important Ernie Banks will always be to the Chicago Cubs, the city of Chicago and Major League Baseball. He was one of the greatest players of all time," Tom Ricketts, chairman of the Cubs, said in a statement released by the team. "He was a pioneer in the major leagues. And more importantly, he was the warmest and most sincere person I've ever known.

"Approachable, ever optimistic and kind hearted, Ernie Banks is and always will be Mr. Cub. My family and I grieve the loss of such a great and good-hearted man, but we look forward to celebrating Ernie's life in the days ahead."

Banks hit 512 home runs during his 19-year career and was fond of saying, "It's a great day for baseball. Let's play two!'' That finish to his famous catchphrase adorns his statue outside Wrigley Field.

RIP Mr Cub

one of the greatest

[Andy117]

He can't throw fast enough to be effective, he is just finished. Maybe he can be a coach or something if he needs a job.

If he could stay healthy he'd probably be very effective out of the pen, problem is he can't stay healthy.

[MexicanStallion]

The Brewers and Phillies haven't talked about a possible Jonathan Papelbon trade in two days, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Don't understand the Brewers need for Papelbon. They could go with Broxton or sign a possible cheaper option with K-Rod or Soriano in Free Agency. Not worth giving up players and paying Papelbon.

[Shortstop]

Ernie Banks dies at age 83



"Mr. Cub" Ernie Banks, the Hall of Fame slugger and two-time MVP who never lost his boundless enthusiasm for baseball despite years of playing on losing Chicago Cubs teams, died Friday night. He was 83.

The Cubs announced Banks' death but did not provide a cause.

"Words cannot express how important Ernie Banks will always be to the Chicago Cubs, the city of Chicago and Major League Baseball. He was one of the greatest players of all time," Tom Ricketts, chairman of the Cubs, said in a statement released by the team. "He was a pioneer in the major leagues. And more importantly, he was the warmest and most sincere person I've ever known.

"Approachable, ever optimistic and kind hearted, Ernie Banks is and always will be Mr. Cub. My family and I grieve the loss of such a great and good-hearted man, but we look forward to celebrating Ernie's life in the days ahead."

Banks hit 512 home runs during his 19-year career and was fond of saying, "It's a great day for baseball. Let's play two!'' That finish to his famous catchphrase adorns his statue outside Wrigley Field.

RIP Mr Cub

Sad news! Yes, Rest In Peace Mister Cub...

one of the greatest

Word!

[EmpireMaker]

Report: Papelbon trade hits snag

Trade talks between the Phillies and Brewers regarding closer Jonathan Papelbon have “dissipated,” Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Saturday.
“It doesn’t appear there’s any momentum to it right now,” Melvin told the newspaper. “It could be revived later, I guess, but right now there’s nothing happening.
“Whatever traction there was seems to have dissipated.”
The biggest hang-ups, according to the report, are Papelbon’s contract and his no-trade clause. The right-handed closer can block deals to 17 teams, one of which includes Milwaukee. He is also due a $13-million option for 2016 should he finish 48 games. Papelbon has finished at least 48 games in every year but his rookie season.
The potential for a deal is not yet off the table, a source told CSNPhilly.com, but those issues complicate it.
Papelbon, 34, has 325 saves in 10 seasons with the Red Sox and Phillies.

[Shortstop]

Ichiro Suzuki is now a Florida Marlin. He agreed to a one-year deal.

The future Hall of Famer has 2844 career hits.

Doubt he'll get to 3000 this year, but if he stays healthy he should get it in 2016...

[Chi_archie]

Ichiro Suzuki is now a Florida Marlin. He agreed to a one-year deal.

The future Hall of Famer has 2844 career hits.

Doubt he'll get to 3000 this year, but if he stays healthy he should get it in 2016...

wow, I figured he'd retire


nice

[Andy117]

Ichiro Suzuki is now a Florida Marlin. He agreed to a one-year deal.

The future Hall of Famer has 2844 career hits.

Doubt he'll get to 3000 this year, but if he stays healthy he should get it in 2016...

He would have a been a guy to challenge Rose if he had played his whole career here.

[koz-man]

He would have a been a guy to challenge Rose if he had played his whole career here.

No doubt.

[MexicanStallion]

Ichiro Suzuki is now a Florida Marlin. He agreed to a one-year deal.

The future Hall of Famer has 2844 career hits.

Doubt he'll get to 3000 this year, but if he stays healthy he should get it in 2016...

I would love to see Ichiro get his 300 hits. An awesome career that started late. He will definitely need two years. Hopefully puts a huge dent into the total and can grind out the rest in 2016.

[EmpireMaker]

Every time I see Russel Martin getting 82 million over 5yrs, I think that they very much overpaid for him. What do you Pirate fans think based on his recent play ?

[Chi_archie]

Every time I see Russel Martin getting 82 million over 5yrs, I think that they very much overpaid for him. What do you Pirate fans think based on his recent play ?

Most pirate fans think of him just a slight bit below Cutch in terms of his value to the team the last 2 years.

but that contract is a bit too steep and long IMO

[Shortstop]

Every time I see Russel Martin getting 82 million over 5yrs, I think that they very much overpaid for him. What do you Pirate fans think based on his recent play ?

Most pirate fans think of him just a slight bit below Cutch in terms of his value to the team the last 2 years.

but that contract is a bit too steep and long IMO

A lot of fans considered him to be the Pirates MVP.

Not just because of his stats and his "clutchness" but also for his positive attitude and leadership qualities.

However, like Arch said, unfortunately his price tag was simply too high for him to stay in Pittsburgh...

[koz-man]

A lot of fans considered him to be the Pirates MVP.

Not just because of his stats and his "clutchness" but also for his positive attitude and leadership qualities.

However, like Arch said, unfortunately his price tag was simply too high for him to stay in Pittsburgh...

I don't mind a player making more money if they have these attributes, But this contract is a little to much...

[MexicanStallion]

Reds signed C Devin Mesoraco to a four-year, $28 million contract extension.

Here's hoping it works out like the Cueto signing. The small extensions have worked well for the Reds. The big long term ones though...

[EmpireMaker]

Reds signed C Devin Mesoraco to a four-year, $28 million contract extension.

Here's hoping it works out like the Cueto signing. The small extensions have worked well for the Reds. The big long term ones though...

Mesoraco hit like a champ last season until he got injured but still hit OK after he came back. If he can hit like the first part of last season then the Reds got themselves a steal.

[EmpireMaker]

SPECULATION
- Cleveland Indians: Considering a contract extension for right-hander Corey Kluber within "the next couple of months," team president Mark Shapiro says. Kluber isn't eligible for arbitration until after the 2016 season. (MLB.com's Jordan Bastian)
– Brewers: Looking at re-signing Francisco Rodriguez in lieu of aborting attempts to trade for Philadelphia's Jonathan Papelbon. K-Rod made the All-Star team and saved 44 games for Milwaukee in 2014. (Tom Haudricourt via Twitter)
TRANSACTION
- Mariners: Re-signed outfielder Endy Chavez, who turns 37 in February, to a minor-league deal. (MLB Trade Rumors)

[EmpireMaker]

2010	LAD	97	331	45	82	5	26	48	61	6	2	.347	.332	.248
2011	NYY	125	417	57	99	18	65	50	81	8	2	.324	.408	.237
2012	NYY	133	422	50	89	21	53	53	95	6	1	.311	.403	.211
2013	PIT	127	438	51	99	15	55	58	108	9	5	.327	.377	.226
2014	PIT	111	379	45	110	11	67	59	78	4	4	.402	.430	.290

5 years $82 million to a 31 year old catcher with these last 5 seasons of work
I would never do it

[EmpireMaker]

2014

CIN

114

384

54

105

25

80

41

103

1

3

.359

.534

.273

26 year old catcher 4 years $28 million

[Shortstop]

Reds signed C Devin Mesoraco to a four-year, $28 million contract extension.

Here's hoping it works out like the Cueto signing. The small extensions have worked well for the Reds. The big long term ones though...

Mesoraco hit like a champ last season until he got injured but still hit OK after he came back. If he can hit like the first part of last season then the Reds got themselves a steal.

Good signing for the Reds, in my opinion.

Hopefully he fails against the Buccos!

[koz-man]

Reds signed C Devin Mesoraco to a four-year, $28 million contract extension.

Here's hoping it works out like the Cueto signing. The small extensions have worked well for the Reds. The big long term ones though...

Mesoraco hit like a champ last season until he got injured but still hit OK after he came back. If he can hit like the first part of last season then the Reds got themselves a steal.

Very happy with this signing.

Here's to "The Groundhog" having a Great season this year and forward..

[koz-man]

Especially against that team in Western PA that wear black and gold.

[Chi_archie]

Very happy with this signing.

Here's to "The Groundhog" having a Great season this year and forward..

oh yeah groundhog day right around the corner

[EmpireMaker]

As part of the trade sending outfielder Travis Snider to the Orioles, the Pirates will receive prospect Stephen Tarpley and a player to be named later, the team announced.
The left-handed Tarpley pitched at Class A in 2014 and went 3-5 with a 3.68 ERA.
Snider hit .264 with 13 home runs and 38 RBI in 2014 and will be a free agent after the 2016 season. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said Snider fits in well with the team, reports MASNsports.com.
"Snider is a solid dependable power-hitting outfielder and is an excellent fit for Camden Yards," Duquette said.
To make room for Snider, the Orioles designated Michael Ohlman for assignment.

[Chi_archie]

Snider had a very solid 2nh half, he could break out big time thus year


lets hope Lambo steps up

[sweep]

david buchanan should easily win the 5 th spot for the phils this ŷear....prob should be a 3 in that garbage rotation

[koz-man]

Very happy with this signing.

Here's to "The Groundhog" having a Great season this year and forward..

Don't know if anyone caught this, But Reds catcher Devin Mesoracois nicknamed "The Groundhog".

Because he if from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. As is Punxsutawney Phil.

Punxsutawney Phil is a legendary groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. On February 2 of each year, the town of Punxsutawney celebrates the legendary groundhog with a festive atmosphere of music and food

[Shortstop]

Very happy with this signing.

Here's to "The Groundhog" having a Great season this year and forward..

Especially against that team in Western PA that wear black and gold.

[Shortstop]

As part of the trade sending outfielder Travis Snider to the Orioles, the Pirates will receive prospect Stephen Tarpley and a player to be named later, the team announced.
The left-handed Tarpley pitched at Class A in 2014 and went 3-5 with a 3.68 ERA.
Snider hit .264 with 13 home runs and 38 RBI in 2014 and will be a free agent after the 2016 season. Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said Snider fits in well with the team, reports MASNsports.com.
"Snider is a solid dependable power-hitting outfielder and is an excellent fit for Camden Yards," Duquette said.
To make room for Snider, the Orioles designated Michael Ohlman for assignment.

I'm not happy about this trade at all! Bad move in my opinion...

[Shortstop]

Don't know if anyone caught this, But Reds catcher Devin Mesoracois nicknamed "The Groundhog".

Because he if from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. As is Punxsutawney Phil.

Punxsutawney Phil is a legendary groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. On February 2 of each year, the town of Punxsutawney celebrates the legendary groundhog with a festive atmosphere of music and food

Haha! Yeah, I knew he was from western PA but not sure exactly which town.

I've never been up there for Groundhog Day but I hear it's a good time!

Maybe one of these February 2nd's I'll make the drive.

[Shortstop]

Snider had a very solid 2nh half, he could break out big time thus year


lets hope Lambo steps up

Crowded outfield and I like Lambo, but I think Snider was settling in nicely here.

Hate to see him go...

I'll never forget the cheap shot he took during this brawl. Absolute bush league!

However, he should have taken the shades off before heading onto the field.

He sported a nice shiner for a while after this one...

[EmpireMaker]

Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka told the Japan Times that his elbow feels fine as he prepares for spring training, per The Star-Ledger. Tanaka has a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament that could eventually require Tommy John surgery.
Tanaka missed more than two months last season due to the injury. After the layoff, he was able to make two starts toward the end of the season and finished 13-5 with a 2.77 ERA.
"So far, so good -- including that [elbow]," Tanaka said.
The Yankees signed Tanaka last offseason to a seven-year, $155 million contract.



I hope he makes it through the season and doesn't need TJ surgery. He is a total ACE.