As Cliff Lee continues his domination of the Yankees, here's some news from around baseball…
- Zack Greinke has until after the World Series to notify the Royals about the 8-10 teams on his no-trade list, reports Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star.
- Bo Porter is not "the front runner" to be the next Marlins manager, reports Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Rodriguez also notes that Florida would've kept Cody Ross had the team not fallen out of the pennant race. Since the Marlins faded, Ross was expendable given the club's desire for Cameron Maybin to get playing time.
- Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch hears from Tony La Russa that Mark McGwire is "really torn" about returning as the Cardinals' hitting coach (Twitter link).
- In the wake of Jeff Wilpon's statement that the Mets might not hire their new GM for a few weeks, Matthew Cerrone of Metsblog.com wonders if the Mets are waiting for the postseason to be over so they can speak to Rangers GM Jon Daniels.
- Speaking of Daniels, he tells Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald that he saw the Jarrod Saltalamacchia trade "as an opportunity to give [the catcher] a fresh start."
- MLB.com's Bill Ladson looks at a few hot stove items from Washington in his latest mailbag. He has some strong words about Jason Bergmann, who was released by the Nationals last week, and doesn't think there's any chance of Adam Dunn getting an early extension completed with Washington a la Ted Lilly's deal with the Dodgers.
- Carrie Muskat has her own MLB.com mailbag concerning the Cubs. Neither Derrek Lee nor Lance Berkman, she opines, are good fits for Chicago at first base next season.
- We heard earlier that Joey Cora will interview for the Brewers' managerial job on Tuesday, and Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that Pat Listach will also interview on the same day. Listach, Washington's third base coach, won the AL Rookie Of The Year Award as a Brewer in 1992 and played for Milwaukee from 1992 to 1996.
- CSNNE.com's Sean McAdam predicts that Paul Konerko is "likely staying put" with the White Sox. (Twitter link)
I’m really, really excited to see what happens with Greinke.
As for Dunn, the Nats really need to re-sign him. 3/45 had to be able to get it done.
if i were to guess some of the teams on his NTC list(not a full list):
pirates(who would wanna go their?)
yankees
mets
red sox
dodgers
angels
In other words non-contenders and potential contenders where there is stress.
He HAS said he doesn’t ever want to pitch in NY. That being put into the air I don’t think it’s unfair to say he has his reasons. Yanks should avoid him like the plague. Good pitcher but it’s foolish to say that mental makeup isn’t a concern when you comitt to bringing someone into NY.
So you’re picking all of the large market teams? The only people who are saying that he wont succeed in a big market are the media. I don’t think he cares.
yeah, thats pretty much what i’m doing. I’d like to see some proof that says he wouldn’t care about pitching in large markets. i doubt you can give me any. the only proof either of us have is that he has had near-career ending social anxiety disorder and i doubt he would wanna risk his career their again. Your like 16 so i wouldn’t expect you to fathom how devastating depression can be on someone(unless of course you have experienced it yourself, in which case, i don’t know how you wouldn’t think it makes a huge factor in his choices).
Not using capitalization nor using the correct form of “you’re/your” really doesn’t help get your point across to someone who is “like 16” and clearly ignorant about the dark feelings of depression…
really, i could care less about grammar and to point it out is sort of snobbish. if that is a deciding factor in an argument, than more power to you but for me, i’l stick with the facts and whatnot, grammar be damned.
It’s by no means the deciding factor. But if one of your reasons to discredit someone else’s argument is (young) age, then you should at least use adult sentences and correct grammar.
I normally don’t have a problem with it, and truth be told, I really don’t here either, but when a comment replying to someone has something as meaningless as age in it, I’d at least hope the person was writing in the correct manner.
In reply to myself though, I wasn’t trying to come off as the grammar police. Whoops. Just get a little annoyed from time to time about that stuff. My mistake.
If you don’t think you get judged by your grammar, you’re deluding yourself. If nothing else, the extra minute or two it takes to proofread a post shows you actually care about the opinion you’re expressing rather than throwing crap against a wall and seeing what sticks. I’m sure you’ll claim you don’t care what some random “snobs” on the Internet think of you or your opinions in which case I wonder what you’re doing on any discussion forums at all, but I digress. (By the way, at the risk of being even more snobbish, the phrase is “couldn’t care less.”)That said, facts are obviously the preferred evaluation of an argument — but you don’t have any that support your argument. You’re simply assuming that because he had (or has) a social anxiety disorder that it affects his decision of what teams he wants to avoid. It’s not an unreasonable opinion and truth be told I would probably agree with you, but it is far from a fact. It’s a factor, but not necessarily the entire decision.I say that as somebody who was severely depressed for more than half a decade and still has to cope with some of the side effects to this day. Letting these sorts of things rule you is the worst possible thing you can do. I speak that from experience.
I worked as a professional editor for a couple of years, still pick up a few bucks on the side with a freelance gig. And yeah, it annoys me when I see bad grammar because I have this urge to attempt to make edits. But consider the fact I just started a sentence with “and.” This is the internet, imperfect grammar is to be expected especially in forums because it’s more about showing your voice rather than a penned debate. When I’m stating my opinion on this site I like to think it’s something I’d feel like I’m sitting down and having a conversation… not writing an opinion paper for my last high school English teacher.
No your absolutley right about everything you just said (except for my age, 17) but I agree that hopefully we can get some information from Greinke himself because like last year with A-Gon for example, were left with nothing but to speculate. The thing is though, we know about his disorder, but as you said we really don’t know anything about he dealt with it and whatever, so we can’t say for sure if he will or won’t succeed in a large market. To me though, any place outside of Chicago, NY, or Boston is considered a “lower pressure” enviorment (when talking about potential Greinke suitors.)
The one thing I will say though, I really think that the Dodgers have the best packages to offer to the Royals. For example, Matt Kemp and Josh Lindblom for example. Or Dee Gordon, Trayvon Robinson, Allen Webster, and Kenley Jansen. All speculatives, but you get the point.
BS! Call me crazy but I’m starting to think you just want Betances, Montero, and co. to go to the Royals farm system for your own nefarious purposes…
EDIT: Just kidding Spanny.
Did I miss something? Did he make a trade scenario w/ those two?
Yeah he did. David Adams, Betances, and Montero for Grienke.
Yeah he did. David Adams, Betances, and Montero for Grienke.
1st of all Henry, I have no idea what nefar means.
2, you obviously know my thoughts on Betances and Montero, but seriously, I only see fits like the Dodgers, Rangers, Yankees, Mets, Nationals for Greinke-all not small market teams.
By the way, you know my love for the Royals, but if I had to take a teams package for Greinke, it would be the Dodgers not Yankees. Your welcome.
I’m pretty sure Henry is an Atlanta fan.I’ve lived in the midwest for a while, so I’ve always had a soft spot for the Royals. I remember being at a game in 1999 against the Indians when Colon was on the mound for Cleveland. He was pitching an absolute gem and the Royals were down 7-1 in the 8th, they loaded up the bases with 1 out in the 8th and Cleveland pulled Colon. 20 minutes later the Royals had put together a 10 run inning and were up 11-7 heading into the 9th. That has to be one of my favorite experiences ever in a ball park… ok second only to the game in 2006 where Damon and Mirabelli returned to Fenway.So I understand the urge to trade Greinke, if anything just to open the window for a competitive team for a bit. But I hope whoever they trade him to they take them to the cleaners. Royals in 2013? By the way SPAN, thought about your offer… you can GM the team and hire me on as your manager.
No, I’m a Yankee fan. But Atlanta is my second favorite team.
Impossible, the two are mutually exclusive.
Wrong, it’s Impossible to successfully divide by zero. However it is fully possible to be a Yankees-Braves fan.
The Royals will be one of Baseballs best teams by 2013. Hopefully I’ve finally convinced you about their farm. I’m pretty sure Henry loves the Yankees.
I have been a Royals fan for 33 years now and I hope you are right but I just dont see it…The Royals cant win with just prospects; they have to man up and go get a true all star to show these prospects how to play and win…
With that said I would love to see Grienke delt one for one for a young true all star bat…
and please dont let it be to the Yanks or the Cards as I might just puke in my mouth!
Dodgers dodgers dodgers dodgers.
But trust me, the future Royals are going to do it. Believe me!
Tampa tampa tampa tampa.
Boston boston boston boston…
I like these two teams as well if he doesnt veto a deal to Boston…
Desmond Jennings and Reid Brigan would be a nice add…
Ellsbury stock is falling in Boston and would love to see a deal that starts with him… Damn it would be nice to have a lead off hitter again…
Haha ok. Then who would you get from the Dodgers, Trayvon Robinson and Dee Gordon?
Two choices
Dee Gordon, Trayvon Robinson, Allen Webster, and Kenley Jansen
Matt Kemp, Rubby De La Rosa.
Take your pick if your a Royals fan and take your pick of your a Dodgers fan.
I pick the first one. The Royals weakest department is probably outfield, Trayvon Robinson would be good. And Dee Gordon is a better option than Jeff Bianchi.
Jeff Bianchi isn’t a prospect really anymore and Dee is tops in the minors at his position but that’s not the point, the point is do the Royals want a player with best in the game potential, or the 4 with tons of talent as well. I’d be happy with either one.
Well i’ve heard Matt Kemp has priced himself over the Dodgers, a reason they should trade him. The Royals couldn’t possibly afford him in his walk year. Much rather have athletic Dee Gordon, and athletic Trayvon Robinson. Do you see a future with Jarred Dyson on this team?
Dyson needs to have a big spring training to be considered a valuable piece for the Royals.
Agree 110%. Zack Greinke is not going to go somewhere where the media can completely unravel him. Consciously or not, he’s not up to it. Any team that has a large media base is going to go on that NTC. Yankees, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, Dodgers, Giants, Angels, Cubs, White Sox…
Zack Greinke kind of rubs me the wrong way. He wants to win in scrutiny. How can you consider yourself successful that way? Just my take on it. He’ll go somewhere where he can fly under the radar and maybe be successful. I’d bet he’d love to play for a team like the Rays or Padres, and I think a trade to the Padres would fit both teams well.
McGwire is “torn”??? Really? See ya pal, Cards offense sucked last year.
It sucked when Hal McCrae was here too. Maybe its not the coach, hymm? Perhaps its actually the players who deserve some blame! I know, its a revelation to not blame a coach for all the faults of a team.
No doubt about it. Blame the players. I don’t think too much of McGuire because of…well, you can figure it out. But I can’t understand the turn on him. Hitting, pitching and all coaches get too much blame and get too much credit. I’m not downgrading the benefits of good coaching. I just think fans give too much credit to hitting, pitching and all coaching and in return give them too much blame. Put the emphasis on where it matters, the players.
Nonsense! How could a team giving significant at-bats to players like Skip Schumaker, Brendan Ryan, Randy Winn, Pedro Feliz, and Aaron Miles struggle offensively?
Cardinals were 5th in the NL in OBP (.07 points off Atlanta, who lead in that category) It’s not McGwire who is causing the problems. I actually hope he comes back.
It would be amazing if Greinke landed in Florida. The Marlins are one pitcher away from big things, well if the bullpen is solidified too. I’m talking playoff and NLCS run in the next season or two, if the pitching is there.
Not unless Bud Selig is handing out vouchers.
I wonder if Greinke would entertain signing an extension w/ the Royals beyond the two years he’s under contract?
I believe there was an article on here about how Greinke is pessimistic about the Royals future or something along those lines. It might be what started all the speculation.
You are correct…
Yes, yes he was. However looking at the loaded pitching system, with alot of good-great hitting prospects, I wouldn’t exactly be pessimistic about the Royals future.
Here is my crazy thought. I’m not a White Sox fan, but I think Greinke would fit well on that team.
Yeah a guy with a Cy Young in 2009 improving a 2011 rotation = crazy.
Greinke’s talent would fit on any team.
The above posts were talking about his mental ability not to handle larger market teams. I made the proposal of a large market. That was the reason for my post. Ofcourse, his talent would fit on any team.
Greinke’s talent would fit on any team.
Why would anyone leave the Rangers, a team with loads of talent, a growing payroll, and a bright future to go be the GM of the Mets, a Franchise with an owner notorious for meddling and hamstrung by more than a few bad contracts and overrated players?
I was wondering the same thing.
Greinke needs to go to the other, better team in Missouri 🙂 Waino, Carp, Greinke, Garcia, and Westbrook is lights out. Would be best rotation in baseball. Besides Shelby Miller I don’t know what else it would take. But it’s not going to happen anyways so ehhhh.
Zeinke already said he wants out of the AL Central, unless he goes Twins or White Sox
y would u WANT to play for Chicago,(I Love the White Sox btw) if they have the best hitters park in baseball…I would love to see Zack in a Sox uni but if I were a Cy Young pitcher coming off a bad season, I would go to a pitcher’s park like Ney York(Mets obviously) or LA…just sayin
Royals looking to dump some big salaries? How about this 10 player swap with Boston?
RHP-Grienke , RP-Soria and OF-DeJesus… for
C-Varitek, SS-Navarro, RRP-Bowden, RHP-Doubront, LRP-Richardson, OF-MacDonald & RHP-Wakefield
KC saves $10-12M in salaries
Sox fill need for LF, late inning reliever, another SP
KC improves relief corps (Bowden, Richardson,) gets more SP (Doubront, Wakefield), fills SS need (Navarro), LF (MacDonald) and helps catching & young pitchers (Varitek)
Thank you!!! I’ve been constipated the last two days and you made me laugh so hard that I could finally go. A little pee even came out too.
Obviously you do not read the sports pages, or sports web sites… For if you did,
and checked out the performance of your team, and its entire roster, you would not be laughing. Quite the contrary, you would be crying in your beer (if you are old enough to consume alcohol) over your team’s 2010 record of 67-95 including the 10-14 & 4.10 era performance by your so called pitching ace..
IMO, Theo Epstein would be doing your club a favor with the offer I have suggested..as many holes in that team’s lineup could be plugged..with major leagueready, low cost talent
Wish all you want, but the truth is the Royals cannot afford to pay for the talent noted in my proposal.
Ummmmm huh? My team had the 2nd best record in the AL and are currently playing in the post-season. What are you talking about?
And it doesn’t take a Royals fan to know that your trade proposal (which btw I thought was you being humorous) makes no sense. Greinke is earning below market value and could be absorbed by 70% of baseball teams while Soria is even more affordable.
I’m not sure if a Greinke trade would be a salary dump or just moving a guy who they won’t be able to keep in two years. Either way they can and should get a lot more talent than what you’re offering.
Yup, Yankee fans are out in force tonite…
Ummmmm huh? My team had the 2nd best record in the AL and are currently playing in the post-season. What are you talking about?
And it doesn’t take a Royals fan to know that your trade proposal (which btw I thought was you being humorous) makes no sense. Greinke is earning below market value and could be absorbed by 70% of baseball teams while Soria is even more affordable.
I’m not sure if a Greinke trade would be a salary dump or just moving a guy who they won’t be able to keep in two years. Either way they can and should get a lot more talent than what you’re offering.
My point proven this guy just replied to YanksFanSince78 like he is a Royals fan… He was just making fun of the DUMB trade offer that you made… some one help this guy!
Now let me to reply since I know you were trying to talk to me…
I know very well what my team did because I am a True Fan who lives in Kansas City…Yes they sucked but to say they cant afford Grienke and Soria contract makes no sense… We are a small market yes but we can pay a few players some cash…
Whats funny is that you said I dont check the sports page or sports web sites… because every where you look you see that is going to take alot of top prospects to get Grienke…Plus I am on this site which is a sports web site you fool!!!
If KC mamagement wants to cut the payroll back to $60+M in 2011
they will not be able to ignore the fact that Greineke, Soria and DeJesus will consume $23M (about 38%) of their total payroll.
If one believes that,chances are better than 60/40 that at least two, if not all three, of the aforenamed will be gone, probably to either New York, LA or Boston.
Problem in New York is they already have a payroll of about $220M with over half that amount committed to 5 players, two of whom had their worst years in 2010. And, with respect to LA, if the sign Beltre and Crawford, they will add around $40M to the $120M already committed.
So, I ask you what kind of packages will LA and NY offer up, that tops the Red Sox. Keep in mind, KC’s management has stated they want guys who are major league ready now..
Not sure what Red Sox package you would compare them to and let me state that I don’t want the Yanks to go after either Greinke or Soria but in case you’re not familair with the Yanks system, and regardless of what the Royals have/need already, we have the following all at AA or AAA (which sort of means that perhaps they are 1 or 2 years away from being able to help a big league club).
Jesus Montero C/21/AAA (.289/.353/.517 w/ 34 dbls and 21 hrs)
Austin Romine C/22/AA (.268/.324/.402 w/ 31 dbls and 10 hrs)
Brandon Laird 3B/23/AA-AAA (.281/.336/.482 w/ 28 dbls and 25 hrs)
Eduardo Nunez SS/23/AAA (.289/.340 w/ 25 dbls and 23 SB)
Ivan Nova SP/23/AAA-MLB (2.86, 115 ko in 145 IP)
David Phelps SP/24/AA-AAA (2.50, 141 ko in 158 IP)
Hector Noesi SP/23/A+-AA-AAA (3.20, 153 ko in 160 IP)
Dellen Betances SP/22/A+ – AA (2.11, 108 ko in 85 IP) started late
Manny Banuelos SP/19/A+ – AA (2.51, 85 ko in 65 IP) started late
Andrew Brackman SP/25/A+- AA (3.90, 126 ko in 140 IP)
Adam Warren SP/23/A+ – AA (2.59, 126 ko in 135 IP)
So that’s 7 starting pitchers, 2 catchers, 1 SS and 1 3B that have had good years and finished @ AA or AAA last year and a couple have had a MLB call up already.
They have plenty of other guys that had good year but were hurt (2B David Adams @ AA w/ .309/.393 w/ 15 dbls in 39 G) and plenty of guys that are good prospects but more than 3 years away.
Yanks shouldn’t empty out the farm for Greinke but if they wanted to I think they can make some great trade offers. And that’s not even guys on the mlb team they might dangle like Joba or Brett Gardner if they were to sign Crawford or add a bullpen arm.
My point proven this guy just replied to YanksFanSince78 like he is a Royals fan… He was just making fun of the DUMB trade offer that you made… some one help this guy!
Now let me to reply since I know you were trying to talk to me…
I know very well what my team did because I am a True Fan who lives in Kansas City…Yes they sucked but to say they cant afford Grienke and Soria contract makes no sense… We are a small market yes but we can pay a few players some cash…
Whats funny is that you said I dont check the sports page or sports web sites… because every where you look you see that is going to take alot of top prospects to get Grienke…Plus I am on this site which is a sports web site you fool!!!
Obviously you do not read the sports pages, or sports web sites… For if you did,
and checked out the performance of your team, and its entire roster, you would not be laughing. Quite the contrary, you would be crying in your beer (if you are old enough to consume alcohol) over your team’s 2010 record of 67-95 including the 10-14 & 4.10 era performance by your so called pitching ace..
IMO, Theo Epstein would be doing your club a favor with the offer I have suggested..as many holes in that team’s lineup could be plugged..with major leagueready, low cost talent
Wish all you want, but the truth is the Royals cannot afford to pay for the talent noted in my proposal.
I’ll be a homer and say I’d love to see the Brewers trade for him. He’s exactly what they need (duh…a #1 type starting pitcher to help Gallardo). I fear they’d have to give up too much in prospects to pry him away from KC, though. And then inevitably he’d walk after 2012.
The only reason Mark McGwire took the job as the Cards hitting coach was to get his name back in the limelight and possibly improve his chances of getting voted into the HOF. He failed.
Uhhh, he failed how?
When are the Marlins going to figure out that Maybin is a ceiling AAAA player. He tears up AAA pitching and is one of the most lost hitters have seen at the plate on the MLB level. This guy is a virtual twin to Emilio Bonifacio, only with a slightly better glove and they continue to give him starting chances because they gave away Donte Willis and Cabrera with him as the headline piece, along with Andrew Miller, another 100% bust.
Yeah that deal looks horrible from the Marlins perspective. Maybin crushes it in the minors but can’t seem to get going in the bigs. Miller just can’t stay healthy.
When are the Marlins going to figure out that Maybin is a ceiling AAAA player. He tears up AAA pitching and is one of the most lost hitters have seen at the plate on the MLB level. This guy is a virtual twin to Emilio Bonifacio, only with a slightly better glove and they continue to give him starting chances because they gave away Donte Willis and Cabrera with him as the headline piece, along with Andrew Miller, another 100% bust.
Wonder when the Marlins are going to do what they always do(trade their star players), and trade Josh Johnson and Hanley Ramirez.
Wonder when the Marlins are going to do what they always do(trade their star players), and trade Josh Johnson and Hanley Ramirez.
e’s more to look at than just game day pressure and amenities.
Greinke should consider a nu All players aren’t right for the RS and the RS aren’t right for all players. However…
thermber of things. Terry Francona is one of the easiest guys to play for in this game. And I’m sure Epstein would listen to his concerns. I would imagine the RS are interested given the possibility of other moves.