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Jay Buhner and Tino Martinez as well. The problem was the rotation was hot garbage aside from Randy Johnson. That Cleveland lineup was a nightmare, so stacked.Comment -
9:20pm: Springer has offers in hand north of $100MM, according to a tweet from Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Those bids nevertheless remain well shy of the veteran’s asking price, per the report.
3:47pm: The Mets and Blue Jays have been known to be the strongest suitors for free agent slugger George Springer for weeks, but Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News takes that notion a bit further, reporting that the Mets and Jays are the two “final clubs” bidding on Springer in free agency.
That, however, doesn’t necessarily mean a decision from Springer is nigh. Springer isn’t expected to sign until January, Thosar writes. While that technically could mean as soon as Friday, SNY’s Andy Martino writes that many involved in the bidding expect that Springer’s free agency could drag “well” into next month. Per Martino, the Mets and Springer aren’t yet close to a deal, and Springer’s camp is still seeking more than $150MM in guaranteed money.
In all likelihood, a $150MM+ contract would make Springer the top paid position player of the winter — possibly the top paid free agent overall. Such a contract could take multiple shapes; clubs more concerned about maintaining year-over-year flexibility could opt for a six-year pact in the $25MM-per-year range, or a team less concerned about approaching the luxury threshold could up the annual rate to around $30MM per year on a five-year term. Given the Blue Jays’ affordable young core, they seem less likely to be concerned with the luxury barrier than the Mets, who have several expensive stars already scattered about the roster.
Notably, Martino suggests that the Mets “might be willing to approach” the $150MM mark to secure Springer, although it’s likely telling to some extent that the two sides aren’t yet close to a deal in spite of that willingness. The Mets and the Blue Jays are considered to be two of the market’s most aggressive buyers this winter, and their reported interests carry some overlap beyond Springer; both have been linked to DJ LeMahieu, and both were tied to J.T. Realmuto — although the Mets are obviously out of that market now after signing James McCann to a four-year, $40.6MM contract.
Reports surrounding the two clubs seem to paint the Mets as the aggressor in the Springer market. New York is said to be focused on the longtime Astros center fielder as its top target, while the Jays remain linked to a bevy of top-tier free agents, including Springer, LeMahieu, Realmuto and Trevor Bauer. Both the Mets and the Blue Jays have also been rumored as possible landing spots when Francisco Lindor is ultimately traded.
Springer has raked at career-high rates over the past two seasons, posting a combined .284/.376/.576 batting line with 53 home runs, 26 doubles and five triples in 173 games and 778 plate appearances. Both Toronto and New York have somewhat crowded outfield pictures as it is, but either could move some pieces around to accommodate an impact bat of Springer’s caliber. Since Opening Day 2019, Springer has been 53 percent better than a league-average bat, by measure of wRC+. Only six players in that time top his mark of 153: Mike Trout, Nelson Cruz, Alex Bregman, Christian Yelich, Juan Soto and Anthony Rendon.Comment -
'95 was a good year.
So was '96, I don't care if you were a Yankee hater, you had to be over the moon for Joe Torre that season.
He was like 24th choice to be named Yankee manager, the NY media called him 'Clueless Joe' before the start of the season.
Nobody, but nobody gave him and the Yanks a chance in hell against the Braves.
Down 0-2 he went into Steinbrenner's office and pretty much told George "we're going to sweep the next four games"
George was pretty much "yeah, right"
And the rest of the story is history.Comment -
Happy New Year guys. Hopefully 2021 is a better for everyone cheers
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Happy New YearComment -
Happy 2021 everybody.
I'll resume my nonsensical baseball banter tomorrow, I just thought I'd drop by and wish all my baseball buddies a Happy New year.
That includes all, especially fans of the Dodgers.Comment -
Happy new year, Jake and to the San Diegans.Comment -
Ah, San Diego.... definitely having a better baseball new year than us.Comment -
And Happy Birthday today to Fernando Tatis, Jr.Comment -
Is there a Fernando tatis III yet?Comment -
DJ LeMahieu to the dodgers?Comment -
There are not many problems with MLB the product, oh sure it's not a perfected program, MLB has a couple of problems like any other business, and this fascination with power hitters and homeruns is not good for the game.
You need several keep the ball in play, get on base guys.
And DJ is as good as it gets at that.
Too much power and striking out is not a good thing.
It's never been a really good thing, just because the fans like games with 4 or more flyballs going over the fence doesn't make it goodComment -
Tanaka wants to stay in the USA but doesn't want to sign with the Yankees.Comment -
I just gave the AL East a look over.
The Yanks and Red Sox have taken several step backs from super team status.
The Rays will prove to be a one year wonder as one by one like rats on a sinking ship they are desering.
Hey Blue Jays!
The time to take control is now!
The Yankees and Sox can be had.
Just make a few sound business moves, tighten up some areas like pitching, and you too could be playing playoff baseball.
It'll behoove the Blue Jays to act now tough, this window will be closed at the end of 2023.
Good teams with money (Boston, New York) are going to get real good again in a couple of years.
Those two teams will figure it out.
Sorry Baltimore, you have way too much work to do to surpass the other three teams in front if you.Comment -
If the Jays can sign Bauer and Springer they may have a shot this year.Comment -
Rays offering Springer 5 year deal that is less money than what he wanted.Comment
