With Felipe Lopez finally catching on with the Cardinals, essentially every big name free agent is off the market (no disrespect to Jermaine Dye and Jarrod Washburn). That allows us to sit back and reflect on all of the offseason's moves, and try to figure out which one was the very best.
Here are some candidates…
- Mets sign Jason Bay to a four-year, $66MM contract.
- Yankees acquire Curtis Granderson for three prospects.
- Phillies acquire Roy Halladay for three prospects.
- Red Sox sign John Lackey to a five-year, $82.5MM contract.
- Mariners acquire Cliff Lee for three prospects.
- Rays acquire Rafael Soriano for Jesse Chavez.
There's certainly no shortage of candidates, but one has to be the best of the best, right? What do you think it is?
NOT Jason Bay! Ha ha……..
Definitely the M’s getting Lee is the best. It’s going to impact them the most out of all the other signings other teams made.
Lee was the best move, but I disagree with your second statement. The move give them 1 year of Lee. How could 1 year of Lee (123 ERA+ in last three years) be more impactful than 3 years of Roy Halladay (141 ERA+ in last three years)?
Also Rich Harden and Hideki Matsui were good moves in the west. As was the Michael Taylor acquisition.
Re Matt: As many writers have pointed out, Lee could actually have the least impact, because he replaces Washburn/ the other guy (forget name) who pitched 200odd innings of 2.7 ball last year for the M’s.
That being said, its still easily the best deal. THere was a mis-print in the article, the M’s got Lee for three ‘prospects’, not three prospects.
Even if they turn out ok, Phillies could and should have gotten more.
The same thing applies for Halladay – short term impact of that one is hard, made the WS and Lee won his games, Halladay replaces Lee, so not sure what impact Halladay can have. Phillies were before and after the trade the best team in the NL by a lot.
Most impact could be Lackey, replacing Smoltz/ Penny – that is a huge change if the other pitching stays good.
Bay wasn’t a great signing, it was just necessary.
Cliff Lee replacing Washburn/Bedard is actually not true. Washburn was traded away from the mariners for prospects during the season. Cliff Lee signing with the mariners means he took away a spot on the starting rotation. Which means he replaces who ever would have been the number 5 starter for the mariners, not Washburn.
On a side note I hate when people compare Bedard/Washburn to lee mostly since Bedard only pitched 5 innings, while Lee is sure to give you at least 7, which has a huge impact on the team and gives the bullpen more time to rest. Something the numbers don’t reflect.
But I really like the Chone Figgins signing, he will have the most impact for years to come, mostly because the Angels don’t have him š But I’d say Figgins has the most impact long term unless we sign a extension with lee(I’d love it if we did but could you imagine having so much money tied up in two pitchers)
LAD locking up Ethier, Broxton, and Kemp for a couple of guaranteed years is a legit great move, possibly the top in my opinion.
although these moves are good moves for the dodgers. This still didnt do enough to beat the phils in the playoffs. The dodgers rotation needed help and well they didnt do enough to fix that. So all in all the Dodgers will still lose the Phils in the playoffs should they meet again.
Can’t I just say it was a great off-season and no move was dreadful and that I love every single move?
I personally think that this off-season was fantastic! And I’m not sure how I could pick a favorite. With that said, my top 3 favorites (not in order) are
Curtis Granderson trade to the Yankees
Chone Figgins and his 4/36MM deal with the Mariners
Cliff Lee to the Mariners
I couldn’t really pick a best move because as I said, it was just a great off-season and a fantastic Hot Stove League.
Now it’s time for the season! Let the Baseball Season begin!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can’t I just say it was a great off-season and no move was dreadful and that I love every single move?
I personally think that this off-season was fantastic! And I’m not sure how I could pick a favorite. With that said, my top 3 favorites (not in order) are
Curtis Granderson trade to the Yankees
Chone Figgins and his 4/36MM deal with the Mariners
Cliff Lee to the Mariners
I couldn’t really pick a best move because as I said, it was just a great off-season and a fantastic Hot Stove League.
Now it’s time for the season! Let the Baseball Season begin!!!!!!!!!!!!
And let’s be really real here,Milton Bradley for Carlos Silva was magnificent! By all textbook and heavenly standards, possibly the most perfect trade of all mankind.
I’d rank them:
Lee
Soriano
Halladay
Granderson
Bay
Lackey
This would be my exact order too.
I should have included my explanation for each.
Lee gives the M’s a formidable 1-2 with Felix. A healthy Bedard (albet an “if”) would give them a very good front 3. They didn’t have to give up much either.
Soriano, while not a great closer, provides stability the Rays need. And landing him at the cost of Chavez (who was acquired for Iwamura) makes it better.
Halladay is undoubtedly one of the best pitchers in the game. However, how much of an upgrade is he over Lee? Was it enough that justifies the Phillies giving up the prospects that they did? I think they would have been in just as good of a position keeping those prospects and Lee. We’ll see though.
Granderson obviously struggles against lefties, but that bandbox is going to do wonders to his numbers. Plus he’ll be hitting in a much deeper lineup. Even if he’s not the greatest defensive OF, he’s an upgrade over Damon whose throws barely make it to the cutoff man.
Bay will probably be 20-25 HR. He’ll still hit HR. The Citi Field factor is VERY overrated. The problem was the Mets’ lineup, not the stadium. Alex Cora, Luis Castillo, and all the other replacements wouldn’t have hit HRs anywhere.
Lackey, while a good pitcher, was overpaid. He’s not left ST healthy since 2007 IIRC. If the Red Sox get 3 straight healthy years out of him, they should count themselves lucky. They’ll probably be fine with him the first 2, but look out during years 3-5.
Oakland acquires Kevin Kouzmanoff and Eric Sogard for Scott Hairston and Aaron Cunningham?
Time will tell if this trade is a good move, but it very well could end up being one of the better moves of the offseason…
It was a good move but it doesn’t highlight the A’s off-season. Personally, I like the Michael Taylor acquisition.
Michael Taylor and Chris Carter are the next Derrek Lee and Ryan Howard respectively.
except that Taylor plays in the outfield
except that Taylor plays in the outfield
It was a good move but it doesn’t highlight the A’s off-season. Personally, I like the Michael Taylor acquisition.
Michael Taylor and Chris Carter are the next Derrek Lee and Ryan Howard respectively.
I think I have to go with Roy Halladay to the Phillies, and not simply because they acquired him, but also because they signed him to a reasonable (considering what most top line starters have gotten over the last few years) extension afterward.
Gotta go with Lee to the Mariners first, then probably the Raffy Soriano move as a sleeper second.
It’s too bad the compensation screwed up Soriano’s contract…
It would have been nice to get a top draft pick + a supplemental pick…
But Chavez seems like he could be a good middle reliever
It’s too bad the compensation screwed up Soriano’s contract…
It would have been nice to get a top draft pick + a supplemental pick…
But Chavez seems like he could be a good middle reliever
You kinda forgot the Javier Vazquez trade.
I think it was a great trade for the Yanks and a decent trade for the Braves. Who knows, could end up an amazing trade for the Braves.
While it’s true that this trade could end up great for the Braves, everything the Yankees gave up was completely expandable. As are all parts they use in trades.
Same could be said for the Braves. Logan was a back-up LHP and Javier was 1 of 6 pitchers in the rotation for the Braves. Braves could have used Javier greatly, but they don’t need him. If the Braves end up in the post-season this year, then it was an amazing trade on both ends.
Same could be said for the Braves. Logan was a back-up LHP and Javier was 1 of 6 pitchers in the rotation for the Braves. Braves could have used Javier greatly, but they don’t need him. If the Braves end up in the post-season this year, then it was an amazing trade on both ends.
While it’s true that this trade could end up great for the Braves, everything the Yankees gave up was completely expandable. As are all parts they use in trades.
I think it was a great trade for the Yanks and a decent trade for the Braves. Who knows, could end up an amazing trade for the Braves.
Chapman to the Reds? May not have most immediate impact but heck of a move for the Reds.
Agreed. Also don’t forget about the Kevin Millwood trade to mentor the young guys.
yep; and they gave up nothing. (Chris Ray)
yep; and they gave up nothing. (Chris Ray)
The young guys in Baltimore do show alot of promise. However they are not going to learn a great deal from Milwood being that he will getting lit up by the AL East and the young guns will not want to take advice from a has been. Again I still like the Orioles young staff and if they keep that young talented team together they can makes some great strides in taking down the evil empire.
Agreed. Also don’t forget about the Kevin Millwood trade to mentor the young guys.
Chapman to any other team would be an absolute Top Runner but because its our beloved Reds the media tries to down play it
Chapman to any other team would be an absolute Top Runner but because its our beloved Reds the media tries to down play it
it will be curtis granderson in time
I didn’t. I just didn’t want to list too many moves.
Bah, wrong spot. This was supposed to be a reply to WisBrave above.
its cool, i kind of figured
I thought so.
How is brandon Lyon for 3/15 not on this list!!!!!
Um, because it was not a good deal perhaps?
That was sarcasm…
Sorry, my bad Ferrari…
I believe there is a hint of sarcasm.
I believe there is a hint of sarcasm.
Um, because it was not a good deal perhaps?
Halladay, then Lee.
You know, I might be biased, but signing LaRoche should be up there.
And seriously? Jason Bay? The guy couldn’t even cover left field in Fenway, and that’s with a 37 foot wall behind him deflecting everything right back.
the cliff lee trade was the best. john lackey was the worst
The John Lackey signing was only the worst if they can’t retain Beckett.
The John Lackey signing was only the worst if they can’t retain Beckett.
Pardon? The only way they would not sign Beckett is if he asked more than they were willing to offer. It won’t be due to being out of money.
The only way the two things (Lackey’s signing and Beckett’s future one) could be meaningfully related is if Lackey has a good year and Beckett’s value to the team decreases as a consequence, leading them to let him walk. But in that case Lackey is pitching well and it makes little sense to call his signing bad.
I agree with the Mariners getting Lee. They stole him… I don’t care if it is for 1 year. I love the Phillies, but this was a very very bad move. The Roy Halladay trade/signing saved them!
Cliff Lee to the Mariners!
(if he signs with them)
It’d be nice if MLBTR had some sort of Poll system so we could vote
They do.
But you have to go to the forum and make your own thread.
They do.
But you have to go to the forum and make your own thread.
Cliff Lee to the Mariners!
(if he signs with them)
It’d be nice if MLBTR had some sort of Poll system so we could vote
The dodgers signing Russ Ortiz is by far the best move of the off season.
LOL… Thats a good joke right there hahaha…
LOL… Thats a good joke right there hahaha…
Plinko
Plinko
Matt Holliday to the Cardinals. If it does nothing else than aid in us keeping Pujols, it was the best deal by far. Just don’t lose it in the lights Matty.
I wondering how far down into the comments I would have to go until I found a Matt Holliday mention. He was worth it all if he gets Pujols to stay. The fact that the Cards will actually have a clean up hitter is just an added bonus.
I wondering how far down into the comments I would have to go until I found a Matt Holliday mention. He was worth it all if he gets Pujols to stay. The fact that the Cards will actually have a clean up hitter is just an added bonus.
Matt Holliday to the Cardinals. If it does nothing else than aid in us keeping Pujols, it was the best deal by far. Just don’t lose it in the lights Matty.
Since it is Spring Training, and hope is in the air, let me offer the signing of Chien-Ming Wang by the Nationals as a dark horse. If he makes it back to 19-win form, then it will certainly deserve to be one of the candidates, especially as a bargain. It certainly should be considered by anyone who wants to discuss Ben Sheets.
Since it is Spring Training, and hope is in the air, let me offer the signing of Chien-Ming Wang by the Nationals as a dark horse. If he makes it back to 19-win form, then it will certainly deserve to be one of the candidates, especially as a bargain. It certainly should be considered by anyone who wants to discuss Ben Sheets.
In order:
Lee (no doubt about it)
Soriano (a steal, but not on Lee’s magnitude)
Bay (good signing for a team that needed a lot more)
Halladay (without trading Lee, it’s a great move. The loss in prospects from Halladay to Lee is a huge trade off)
Lackey (overpaid)
Granderson (overrated center fielder, who looks more like a platoon player…not a big AJax or Kennedy fan but this trade wasn’t much)
Platoon players usually don’t post up 3+ WAR seasons.
You listed Lackey as overpaid but what of Bay? The Red Sox didn’t need him. Who else was bidding for his services? Good hitters that are terrible fielders aren’t so attractive anymore. It seemed quite clear that Bay overplayed his cards by leaving the Red Sox offer; though, the Mets didn’t take advantage of this.
It is also puzzling that you listed the Halladay trade there while having the Lee trade as the best. I liked the bold move but supposedly “having to trade” Lee basically nullified any benefits for the Phillies. I suppose the three way trade was 2 separate entities since nothing went from the M’s to the Jays.
Platoon players usually don’t post up 3+ WAR seasons.
You listed Lackey as overpaid but what of Bay? The Red Sox didn’t need him. Who else was bidding for his services? Good hitters that are terrible fielders aren’t so attractive anymore. It seemed quite clear that Bay overplayed his cards by leaving the Red Sox offer; though, the Mets didn’t take advantage of this.
It is also puzzling that you listed the Halladay trade there while having the Lee trade as the best. I liked the bold move but supposedly “having to trade” Lee basically nullified any benefits for the Phillies. I suppose the three way trade was 2 separate entities since nothing went from the M’s to the Jays.
Phils had to give up too much to get Halladay (moving Lee was part of that deal). I’d have to go with either Lee or Holliday. M’s and Redbirds had the best offseason both getting 2 of the top 10 players moved (Lee and Figgins & Holliday and Lopez).
Phils had to give up too much to get Halladay (moving Lee was part of that deal). I’d have to go with either Lee or Holliday. M’s and Redbirds had the best offseason both getting 2 of the top 10 players moved (Lee and Figgins & Holliday and Lopez).
Matt Holliday signed by the Cardinals. If it does nothing but keep Albert happy enough to re-sign, it was by far the best deal of the offseason. Now that I have that out of my system, it’s Doc to the Phils. He’s a stud, and they are the team to beat in the NL.
Matt Holliday signed by the Cardinals. If it does nothing but keep Albert happy enough to re-sign, it was by far the best deal of the offseason. Now that I have that out of my system, it’s Doc to the Phils. He’s a stud, and they are the team to beat in the NL.
best offseasons for non-contending teams goes to pirates and nationals
best offseasons for non-contending teams goes to pirates and nationals
No way is it Jason Bay… definitely Lee though I think Soriano may be a very good pick up
No way is it Jason Bay… definitely Lee though I think Soriano may be a very good pick up
a quick note:
I’d bet a lot of money on the Mets going full out for Cliff Lee next off season. I don’t think the Mariners will now have the money to resign him, and a lot of other teams (Red Sox, Phillies) are already probably out on a high paid pitcher. The Mets are saying they “don’t have anymore money” but I think it’s pretty obvious that they are saving up for 2011.
i agree, the mets payroll is around 125 mill maybe less. last year it was 149 mill, they might go after lee. next years market is full of good pitchers, a lot of them could come at a bargain.
I wouldn’t discount it but…
How are we sure that the Wilpons will put their faith (and all that cash) in Minaya after years of failure? Plus that whole Madoff incident.
They also might experience a decrease in sales after such a bad season.
Hopefully they will spend because that club really needs a spark.
Mets going after Lee makes way too much sense. I say they re-up O. Perez for another 3/36, that deal was gold.
Huge 1B market next year also, I see the Mets really involved in that.
a quick note:
I’d bet a lot of money on the Mets going full out for Cliff Lee next off season. I don’t think the Mariners will now have the money to resign him, and a lot of other teams (Red Sox, Phillies) are already probably out on a high paid pitcher. The Mets are saying they “don’t have anymore money” but I think it’s pretty obvious that they are saving up for 2011.
This may sound crazy, but the Lopez deal today was as good as any. I know he’s not an impact player, but considering that he’s a very good hitter and an above average defender that can play multiple positions it was a good signing on its own merits. But when you factor in the price: only one year and $1M (guaranteed), it was an outright steal. As a Cubs fan, I’m jealous.
Bobby – absolutely the best bargain signing of the offseason. I can’t believe the Mets wouldn’t take a look at him, given that he’s at worst Luis Castillo at the plate, but a superior fielder that can save probably 15-20 more runs a season. That’s a bunch of wins for a few mil…
Bobby – absolutely the best bargain signing of the offseason. I can’t believe the Mets wouldn’t take a look at him, given that he’s at worst Luis Castillo at the plate, but a superior fielder that can save probably 15-20 more runs a season. That’s a bunch of wins for a few mil…
Agreed. That guy for $1M when Cora’s getting twice that? Absolute steal.
Agreed. That guy for $1M when Cora’s getting twice that? Absolute steal.
This may sound crazy, but the Lopez deal today was as good as any. I know he’s not an impact player, but considering that he’s a very good hitter and an above average defender that can play multiple positions it was a good signing on its own merits. But when you factor in the price: only one year and $1M (guaranteed), it was an outright steal. As a Cubs fan, I’m jealous.
You could say the Hallday deal was the best, but if they kept Lee that rotation would have been awesome.
You could say the Hallday deal was the best, but if they kept Lee that rotation would have been awesome.
I would go with Lee as the best. Halladay is bringing just a little more strength to the rotation then Lee already did. the Hernandez lee combo will do big things for seattle, and I think they have a chance at being a contender.
I would go with Lee as the best. Halladay is bringing just a little more strength to the rotation then Lee already did. the Hernandez lee combo will do big things for seattle, and I think they have a chance at being a contender.
If Holliday secures Albert at a ( some discounted rate) and keeps this generations best hitter in STL I would say that deserves to be on the list. Did we over pay Holliday you betcha… it was kind of a loose loose if we didnt though.
If Holliday secures Albert at a ( some discounted rate) and keeps this generations best hitter in STL I would say that deserves to be on the list. Did we over pay Holliday you betcha… it was kind of a loose loose if we didnt though.
Im a Braves fan but i have t agree with most of these people that Cliff Lee was the best one by far….
Glaus was a fairly low risk, high reward signing, but we’ll be screwed if he gets hurt (Hinske at 1st), which is the major downside, to signing him instead of someone like LaRoche.Vazquez, I don’t think he’ll repeat last year, but if he had stayed in ATL, I feel that he would have has about a 3.60 ERA; but with the Yanks, I don’t think he’ll do too well (4.40 ERA maybe). Melky is a good player to have on the roster with all the young guys coming up, he can fill in anywhere. Mike Dunn has more upside than Logan, and from what I year, Arodys Vizcaino has huge upside (Neftali Feliz talent), but he won’t be up for around 4 years anyway, and is certainly no guarantee. I would have liked to see them sign Felipe Lopez; they’re bench depth in the infield is terrible besides Infante.
Glaus was a fairly low risk, high reward signing, but we’ll be screwed if he gets hurt (Hinske at 1st), which is the major downside, to signing him instead of someone like LaRoche.Vazquez, I don’t think he’ll repeat last year, but if he had stayed in ATL, I feel that he would have has about a 3.60 ERA; but with the Yanks, I don’t think he’ll do too well (4.40 ERA maybe). Melky is a good player to have on the roster with all the young guys coming up, he can fill in anywhere. Mike Dunn has more upside than Logan, and from what I year, Arodys Vizcaino has huge upside (Neftali Feliz talent), but he won’t be up for around 4 years anyway, and is certainly no guarantee. I would have liked to see them sign Felipe Lopez; they’re bench depth in the infield is terrible besides Infante.
Im a Braves fan but i have t agree with most of these people that Cliff Lee was the best one by far….
Hardy to the Twins for an excess outfielder.
I think that would be up there, but the Twins got rid of the wrong outfielder. Gomez was a speedy guy, and even though he did not do much on offense, he was a threat on the basepaths and way better then Young.
Ben Sheets to the A’s, anyone?
I like that too… That is one to thank about… Im
with you though
I would have liked that deal too; if he had gotten Bedard money, even a little more (5m+5m incentives perhaps)
If he’s healthy though, he’ll make good trade bait.
But in my opinion, he definitely does not deserve to be consider the best acquisition.
I would have liked that deal too; if he had gotten Bedard money, even a little more (5m+5m incentives perhaps)
If he’s healthy though, he’ll make good trade bait.
But in my opinion, he definitely does not deserve to be consider the best acquisition.
I like that too… That is one to thank about… Im
with you though
Ben Sheets to the A’s, anyone?
anything that isn’t Halladay to the Phillies is wrong.
anything that isn’t Halladay to the Phillies is wrong.
I think the best will be the Granderson move for the Tigers. I think giving up a platoon player for Austin Jackson (a young leadoff guy who will be a stud), Phil Coke (a lefty who I feel will be a starter), and then Kennedy for Schleshish (a lefty stud who has closer material). I think the long run will show it was a win for the Tigers.
I think the best will be the Granderson move for the Tigers. I think giving up a platoon player for Austin Jackson (a young leadoff guy who will be a stud), Phil Coke (a lefty who I feel will be a starter), and then Kennedy for Schleshish (a lefty stud who has closer material). I think the long run will show it was a win for the Tigers.
A couple under the radar ones: Johhny Gomes on a minor league deal, Aaron Cunningham to the Pads and playing left when A-Gon gets traded mid-season, Morrow traded to Jays, Johnson and LaRoche go to the D-backs, and Hardy to the Twins.
A couple under the radar ones: Johhny Gomes on a minor league deal, Aaron Cunningham to the Pads and playing left when A-Gon gets traded mid-season, Morrow traded to Jays, Johnson and LaRoche go to the D-backs, and Hardy to the Twins.
Y’ALL MISSED THE BEST MOVE OF THE OFF SEASON.. RUSSELL THE MUSCLE… PAUL BRANYAN AND HIS BIG AXE RETURNS TO THE WIGWAM.. NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE!!!!!!!!
Y’ALL MISSED THE BEST MOVE OF THE OFF SEASON.. RUSSELL THE MUSCLE… PAUL BRANYAN AND HIS BIG AXE RETURNS TO THE WIGWAM.. NOTHING ELSE COMES CLOSE!!!!!!!!
I like the Jays swapping Michael Taylor for Brett Wallace; who is just about major league ready, and might replace Encarnacion at third, but if that doesn’t work out, he’ll replace Overbay at first…
and he can sure hit.
(Although that probably wouldn’t be considered for the best offseason move)
I like the Jays swapping Michael Taylor for Brett Wallace; who is just about major league ready, and might replace Encarnacion at third, but if that doesn’t work out, he’ll replace Overbay at first…
and he can sure hit.
(Although that probably wouldn’t be considered for the best offseason move)
Best? Cliff Lee trade. Overvalued prospects for an Ace.
Halladay for the Phils wasn’t that great a move, as I see it. It was more of a lateral move once you figure in the downgrade in prospects.
Worst on that list is either Bay or Lackey. Bay because the Mets overpaid by a lot, bidding against themselves, and Lackey because even though he is a good pitcher, you do not sign a pitcher with an injury history to a 5 year contract, especially at that cost. Its moves like that that give you the Hamilton’s, Schmidt’s and Brown’s.
Best? Cliff Lee trade. Overvalued prospects for an Ace.
Halladay for the Phils wasn’t that great a move, as I see it. It was more of a lateral move once you figure in the downgrade in prospects.
Worst on that list is either Bay or Lackey. Bay because the Mets overpaid by a lot, bidding against themselves, and Lackey because even though he is a good pitcher, you do not sign a pitcher with an injury history to a 5 year contract, especially at that cost. Its moves like that that give you the Hamilton’s, Schmidt’s and Brown’s.
I can’t pick one, but 4 or 5 standout to me. There were other moves like others mentioned on a much smaller scale, that were pretty good such as the Kouzmanouff trade.
1) Cliff lee. I completely agree with others that as long as he remains healthy this is the best move by any team and will have the biggest impact in 2010. That trade instantly shifted the AL West to favor Seattle as division winners in my opinion.
2) Granderson. All things considered this was a very good trade for the Yanks and Detroit. Factor in the Vasquez trade, the Yanks essentially forked over nothing. A couple of back, back…back end type arms and 2 young outfielders. Quite frankly, the Yanks moves this off season, aside the Mariners moves were the most intelligent. It’s silly to think the Yanks picked up Vasquez for basically Melky Caberera. #4 in the cy young ballets for a 4th/5th OF.
3) Roy Halladay, but let’s face it, I do not think the move took any of us by surprise. I’d hardly call it the best move of the off season. It safe to say it was the best player to move this offseason, and Toronto did get a nice package, but it wasn’t lights out.
4) Felipe Lopez signing today was pretty damn good. Talk about a huge upside player for virtually nothing.
5) I actually really like the Bradley/Silva swap. I like it for the Mariners. Let’s face it, I’ve never met Bradley, yeah rumor has it he is problematic on teams, but at least he can play. Silva was dead weight.
6) we forget a long time ago, the Twins picked up J.J Hardy for nothing. Not a bad little swap.
Team most exposed this season: Boston Red Sox
Consistent to my #4 Lopez, it makes both the Scutaro and Belte signings look a little silly. Add in the Hardy trade and I’m still scratching my head as to where the Sox where for that one.
The Yank’s signing of Randy Winn, the Giants DeRosa, as well as others I am forgetting makes the 38 yo Cameron signing look absurd. I’m going to include my worst move of the offseason as the Lackey signing as others commented above. Let’s face it though, Red Sox management was backed into a corner, they pulled the trigger way too soon for some of these players. All things considered they did get the better options available to them, but I just have the dirty feeling like they blew their wade of cash at some not so great girls at the you know what (T) bar. Not saying these moves won’t help them on the field. The moves just really make no sense, for their cost and for the age of the player. I just have that feeling they dug an already deep hole, deeper. No? In theory not even the Met’s were able to pull that off. They were just stalled, kinda of like the Astros. Are they still a baseball team? Cinncinati did some weird things, neither bad or good, but just weird.
Bay was not the best move. It is what it is.
One of the few on here to show some objectivity and knowledge of the game.
I can’t pick one, but 4 or 5 standout to me. There were other moves like others mentioned on a much smaller scale, that were pretty good such as the Kouzmanouff trade.
1) Cliff lee. I completely agree with others that as long as he remains healthy this is the best move by any team and will have the biggest impact in 2010. That trade instantly shifted the AL West to favor Seattle as division winners in my opinion.
2) Granderson. All things considered this was a very good trade for the Yanks and Detroit. Factor in the Vasquez trade, the Yanks essentially forked over nothing. A couple of back, back…back end type arms and 2 young outfielders. Quite frankly, the Yanks moves this off season, aside the Mariners moves were the most intelligent. It’s silly to think the Yanks picked up Vasquez for basically Melky Caberera. #4 in the cy young ballets for a 4th/5th OF.
3) Roy Halladay, but let’s face it, I do not think the move took any of us by surprise. I’d hardly call it the best move of the off season. It safe to say it was the best player to move this offseason, and Toronto did get a nice package, but it wasn’t lights out.
4) Felipe Lopez signing today was pretty damn good. Talk about a huge upside player for virtually nothing.
5) I actually really like the Bradley/Silva swap. I like it for the Mariners. Let’s face it, I’ve never met Bradley, yeah rumor has it he is problematic on teams, but at least he can play. Silva was dead weight.
6) we forget a long time ago, the Twins picked up J.J Hardy for nothing. Not a bad little swap.
Team most exposed this season: Boston Red Sox
Consistent to my #4 Lopez, it makes both the Scutaro and Belte signings look a little silly. Add in the Hardy trade and I’m still scratching my head as to where the Sox where for that one.
The Yank’s signing of Randy Winn, the Giants DeRosa, as well as others I am forgetting makes the 38 yo Cameron signing look absurd. I’m going to include my worst move of the offseason as the Lackey signing as others commented above. Let’s face it though, Red Sox management was backed into a corner, they pulled the trigger way too soon for some of these players. All things considered they did get the better options available to them, but I just have the dirty feeling like they blew their wade of cash at some not so great girls at the you know what (T) bar. Not saying these moves won’t help them on the field. The moves just really make no sense, for their cost and for the age of the player. I just have that feeling they dug an already deep hole, deeper. No? In theory not even the Met’s were able to pull that off. They were just stalled, kinda of like the Astros. Are they still a baseball team? Cinncinati did some weird things, neither bad or good, but just weird.
Bay was not the best move. It is what it is.
This offseason for my Yankees really impressed me. Instead of spending a lot of money like they usually do, they made some great trades and made real good small signings. Maybe the days of signing players in their mid 30s to 5 or 6 year contracts are over not gonna count Jeter. The Yankees got younger! Bye bye Damon and your womans softball arm.
Lackey to the Sox, that move really stands out to me. That rotation has the potential to all have 15 wins.
Lackey to the Sox, that move really stands out to me. That rotation has the potential to all have 15 wins.
As for the most unexpected move that was awesome, definitely Lackey. That totally blindsided me.
As for the best move this off season, essentially the entire Mariners off season.
As for the most unexpected move that was awesome, definitely Lackey. That totally blindsided me.
As for the best move this off season, essentially the entire Mariners off season.
Granderson to the Yankees is Good (Reminds me of 70’s trade for one Mickey Rivers)
Yankees went to the World Series 76-78 after trade.
Vasquez to Yankees Baaaaad! (Could not pitch in the American league last time he was in the league)
As for Trade with the most impact: Gotta go with Cliff Lee ( Even for one Year)
As a Die Hard Red Sox fan, Granderson scares me, but Lee will impact his team more.
Granderson to the Yankees is Good (Reminds me of 70’s trade for one Mickey Rivers)
Yankees went to the World Series 76-78 after trade.
Vasquez to Yankees Baaaaad! (Could not pitch in the American league last time he was in the league)
As for Trade with the most impact: Gotta go with Cliff Lee ( Even for one Year)
As a Die Hard Red Sox fan, Granderson scares me, but Lee will impact his team more.
Best move this offseason:
The ricketts hiring greg maddux as assistant GM so hendry can’t spend 6mil/yr on relievers.
Cliff Lee trade for sure.
Cliff Lee and Matt Holliday were probably the best moves.
Bay for $16M a year is terrible. Mets could have had 75% of Bay’s production by signing Dye for a buck and a half! They might have some money to fix the rest of their problems.
The Jays getting their future ace in Morrow on the cheap may blow all of these moves out of the water if he has the career we all expect.
Right now I must go with the Halladay deal. A contending team getting perhaps the most valuable player in the game on a good contract for no major league ready parts is always a steal
what about the A’s signing of Ben Sheets?? and when they traded Brett Wallace for Michael Taylor and when we traded Scott Hairston for Kevin kouzmanoff!! those are the best moves!! Oakland A’s AL West champs!!
The A’s overpayed Sheets by a big amount, IMO. He’s making a pretty good amount for someone who hasn’t played since 2008.
More like the signing of Justin Duscherer…
Cliff Lee by far.
Getting Javier Vasquez for a 4th outfielder and a prospect pretty early in development is quite a coup.
Well there is absolutely no way any of you can seriously say the Phillies getting Halladay for 3 prospects is the best move – are you not aware they LOST Lee in order to make that deal? They didn’t get Halladay for just 3 prospects they got him for those three AND for giving up Lee at the same time. If anything that should belong on the worst moves for them not simply holding onto Lee.
by the end of the season it will be the braves signing troy glaus for 3.75mil and he puts up an mvp worthy season of 30+HRs and 100 RBI’s which is basically what ppl are expecting from Bay and Holliday at a fraction of the cost
I like your enthusiasm for a guy who basically robbed his last team of $12 million to not play. But I suspect that Glaus may never be an everyday player again, even at first, where he doesn’t have to make too many demanding throws. He was not swinging freely or getting much extension with his shoulder when he did return last September, and it’s not entirely clear he will be able to this year, either. That’s why he went unsigned for as long as he did, and why he had to settle for less than a third of what he formerly made.
The Curtis Granderson move will pan out as being one of the deals of the offseason for numerous factors.
Look at Granderson’s splits away from Comerica Park every season of his career, it is remarkable. Its like a completely different player.
2006 Home – .249 AVG, .326 OBP, .389 SLG, .715 OPS, 7 HR, 33 RBI
2006 Away – .271 AVG, .343 OBP, .485 SLG, .828 OPS, 12 HR, 35 RBI
2007 Home – .286 AVG, .351 OBP, .512 SLG, .863 OPS, 10 HR, 36 RBI
2007 Away – .318 AVG, .370 OBP, .592 SLG, .962 OPS, 13 HR, 38 RBI
2008 Home – .277 AVG, .361 OBP, .493 SLG, .854 OPS, 11 HR, 35 RBI
2008 Away – .283 AVG, .368 OBP, .495 SLG, .863 OPS, 11 HR, 31 RBI
2009 Home – .230 AVG, .307 OBP, .388 SLG, .695 OPS, 10 HR, 34 RBI
2009 Away – .267 AVG, .345 OBP, .516 SLG, .861 OPS, 20 HR, 37 RBI
Career
Home – .260 AVG, .336 OBP, .445 SLG, .781 OPS, 38 HR, 138 RBI
Away – .284 AVG, 356 OBP, .522 SLG, 878 OPS, 56 HR, 141 RBI
Take into account
*Granderson is a better player away from Comerica every season of his career
*Away from Detroit in his career he has
+24 points on his AVG
+20 points on his OBP
+77 points on his SLG
+97 points on his OPS
*29 years of age
*Coming to Yankee Stadium and a terrific lineup
*No longer hitting leadoff
Those numbers weren’t coincidence when they are that drastic every single season.
I mean we are talking a solid average and OBP, very good slugging and OPS, more power away from Detroit his whole career.
The Felipe Lopez move (1 year @ $1 Million + 1.2Million) seems like an absolute steal for the Cardinals. Lopez’s is young and his .855 OPS makes that salary very attractive. Plus (if he replicates those numbers), he could get the Cardinals 2 draft picks next year.
The Felipe Lopez move (1 year @ $1 Million + 1.2Million) seems like an absolute steal for the Cardinals. Lopez’s is young and his .855 OPS makes that salary very attractive. Plus (if he replicates those numbers), he could get the Cardinals 2 draft picks next year.
i got to say the best move was Seattle getting figgins. He was such a huge part of the angels dominance, and by taking him away can drastically shift the weight of favorite to the Ms
i got to say the best move was Seattle getting figgins. He was such a huge part of the angels dominance, and by taking him away can drastically shift the weight of favorite to the Ms
I vote for Harden and Ray to the Rangers for Millwood money. Exactly what that team needed. Seattle gets the press but the Rangers have the team in the AL West put together to win.
Easily Cliff Lee. A definite, significant upgrade and a perfect fit for the ballpark and a wide-open division.
Greatest NON-Signing …Carlos Delgado …give the mets some credit here…