For the first time in baseball history, all four LDS series will go the full five games. The Tigers and Giants advanced to the LCS round yesterday while the Yankees-Orioles and Nationals-Cardinals will sort out their series later today. Here is the latest from around the blogosphere…
- Rum Bunter interviewed Pirates manager Clint Hurdle.
- Wahoo's on First explains why the Terry Francona hiring matters for the Indians.
- Puckett's Pond thinks the Twins may be placing too much faith in GM Terry Ryan.
- Baseball News Source says Josh Hamilton and the Rangers won't have a happy ending.
- MLB Injury News wrote about Hamilton's unique free agency.
- Halo Hangout thinks the Angels should restructure Dan Haren's contract.
- Sodo Mojo wrote about the Safeco Field fences being moved in.
- Lookout Landing mused about a new contract for Felix Hernandez.
- Rays Colored Glasses wondered if the Rays could acquire Dexter Fowler.
- Red Sox Post listed some trade partners for Jacoby Ellsbury.
- Sports of Boston looks at some ways to fix the Red Sox.
- Crashburn Alley wrote about the Phillies' problem at third base.
If you have a suggestion for this feature, Mike can be reached here. Only one email per week, please.
I think the most interesting subject this winter is going to be josh Hamilton. I can see him resigning with Texas but I can also see a breakup that’s worse than the one between me and my ex.
I Hamilton going to hook up with the mailman too?
It could be Boston vs. Francona level bad.
Too bad Dan Haren has little incentive to renegotiate with the Angels unless he just really really loves playing there.
and we all know players hate playing in California
*rolls eyes
Because simply liking to play somewhere is a legit reason to pass up milliions. Said no one ever.
Weaver….. Did that exact thing
Greinke and Haren will as well.
If the Angels let Haren walk it will be because they’re preparing to give a pretty huge contract to Greinke. I don’t think he’s going to take a bargain deal to stay with the Angels.
Yeah I just mean he can go to free agency and use the good offers he’s going to get there as leverage to get a better deal out of the Angels than he could get in a re-negotiation. I’m sure the Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants would all check in with him.
“I’ve played nine years, and if I become a free agent, it would be stupid not to take advantage of that.” – a thing Haren actually said.
I’d like to see them trade Ells for Mike Morse, and insert him at 1B. That fills that hole, and he is a potential 30 HR guy with .290 BA reasonable. Then I’d like to see the Sox sign Victorino. He’s a great clubhouse guy too, which he could even team up with Pedroia and Papi (if he returns) to be leaders. He also is a leadoff hitter, something the Red Sox need. If JBJ is ready for 2013, then he could bat leadoff, and Victorino could hit lower, or hit JDJ lower.
JBJ could be ready mid or late 2013 but not rite away. Id sign Melky on a cheap one year deal. Ells for Morse is awful trade for us we can do better. One of Alex Meyer or Anthony Rendon would have to be in that deal.
Even better. I guess I value a trade where I relieve myself of having to pay a huge contract. But yes, more would be included.
Good luck getting two of their top prospects plus a power hitting 1st basemen who is locked up for 1 year of an injury prone, boras represented CF
I was just about to type a similar sentiment. Injuries and recent production actually do matter. Boras representation maybe not as much, but it’s still a factor. He’d be at home with many Boras brethren in Washington…
Get value of Ellsbury by playing him and then trade him. Worse that may happen is a Michael Morse deal or injury. Also why not start Bryce Brentz as a first basemen in the Spring training in the minors? Cody Ross will probably resign. You got Kalish, Sweeney, Nava, Ellsbury in the OF already.
Sweeney could be a non tender after missing half a season with the hand injury and up for a small raise from the 1.75m he made last year via arbitration. They resign Ross and no reason to bring him back. Kalish is an injury risk,certainly, but someone like Sweeney who does not walk, has no power and really only a glove should be lower down the depth charts than Kalish. Resign Pods as a 4-5OF even they want depth, at least he can run along with no power.
I like Melky Cabrera on a one year deal. I agree with Haren as an option and Dave Martinez for manager. The other guys are all good too and I don’t really think there is a wrong choice this time. Good reads on fixing Boston’s problems.
I think a 3 year $33 million deal for Haren would be beneficial to both the Angels and Haren.
No way man! He has a club option for $13 million. Why would you offer him 3 years $33 million when you can see if he’s going to be good next season for one year $13 million? In fact, I think the Angels should try and restructure the buyout with Haren to where they could have him 2 years and pay him 6.5 million per year. I love Haren, and would love to see him stay and succeed. But he needs to prove he’ll stay healthy and effective first.
Surprised test the trolls on here aren’t raging against that article on Hamilton’s health being an issue.
Whoever is able to lure Hamilton is getting one hell of a talent.