Week 17 Picks

Happy New Year everyone!!!.....I apologize if I interrupted your viewing of the worst bowl games ever played. Since the most important bowl games are not even on New Year's Day anymore, we're better off to focus on the last week of the NFL season rather than the 100+ college games.

Most of the playoff seeds are determined; some teams are fighting for the division and some for home-field advantage. So far this year, I am at a solid .500 record at picking games. Tomorrow is a new year, so I need to put the past records behind me. W2W4: NY Giants vs. Big-D 8:20pm NBC.

Home Team in Caps.......Last week 4-4-0

NY GIANTS (-6) Cowboys

PACKERS (-7.5) Lions

PATRIOTS (-9.5) Bills

Panthers (+8) SAINTS

BENGALS (+3.5) Ravens

Upset Picks: Jets (+4) DOLPHINS/ RAIDERS (-3) Chargers

Wild Card: NY Rangers over FLYERS

X-Factor: Kyle Orton against the team that cut him.....(DEN 21-19)

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from all of us here at Baseball and Football talk 101!

Week 16 Predictions

New York Jets vs. New York Giants. Who can ask for anything more before Christmas?
There are a couple great games this week, so here are my picks....Last week 5-4-0

Home Team in Caps

NY JETS (-3) NY Giants

LIONS (-5.5) Chargers

COWBOYS (-2.5) Eagles

SEAHAWKS (+1.5) Niners

Bears (+9) PACKERS

SAINTS (-6) Falcons

Upset Pick: Broncos (-4) BILLS

Wild Card: CHIEFS (-3) Raiders

X-Factor: NY Giants Personnel

Cardinals Agree To Two-Year Deal With Carlos Beltran

The Cardinals and free agent outfielder Carlos Beltran have agreed to a two-year deal, reports Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (via Twitter).

Nationals To Acquire Gio Gonzalez

The Athletics will trade Gio Gonzalez to the Nationals in a deal that further depletes Oakland's pitching staff and adds to Washington's potentially dominant rotation. The deal sends four highly-regarded young players, including three of the Nationals' top ten prospects, to the Bay Area: right-handers A.J. Cole and Brad Peacock, left-hander Tom Milone and catcher Derek Norris. ESPN.com's Keith Law broke the news on Twitter.

Gonzalez (pictured) will join Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmermann atop an impressive-looking Nationals' rotation that also figures to include John Lannan and Chien-Ming Wang. Gonzalez, 26, is under team control through 2015. He has reached the 200-inning plateau in each of the past two seasons without posting an ERA above 3.23. 

However, no MLB pitcher has walked more opponents than Gonzalez in the past two seasons and he's about to get expensive through arbitration (projected 2012 salary of $4.2MM). While most teams --the Nationals included -- can stomach a $4.2MM salary for an established, young left-handed starter, the A's haven't resolved their stadium situation and operate under a more limited payroll.

Without Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill, two of the 40 MLB pitchers to throw 200 innings this past season, Oakland's rotation will look considerably different in 2012. Brandon McCarthy, Guillermo Moscoso, Brett Anderson, Dallas Braden, Tyson Ross and Josh Outman are possible starters for the A's, who entered the offseason with a deeper rotation than most.

Peacock (#3), Cole (#4) and Norris (#9) all rank among the Nationals' top ten prospects, according to Baseball America's latest rankings. Peacock emerged as "one of the most exciting power arms in the high minors" this year, BA reports. The 23-year-old posted a 2.39 ERA with 10.9 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 in the upper minors before getting called up to the Nationals and appearing in three games.

Cole posted a 4.04 ERA with 10.9 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 89 innings at Class A this past season. The 2010 fourth rounder is just 19 years old and stands 6'4". Milone, 24, made his MLB debut this past season, posting a 3.81 ERA with 5.2 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 in five starts with the Nationals. He spent most of the season at Triple-A, where he had a 3.22 ERA with 9.4 K/9 and 1.0 BB/9 in 148 1/3 innings.

Norris, 22, entered the 2011 season as the 72nd best prospect in the game, according to Baseball America. He responded by posting a .210/.367/.446 line in his first stint at Double-A, adding 20 homers and 77 walks.

Though Nationals GM Mike Rizzo would no doubt have preferred to acquire Gonzalez for lesser prospects, it was clear from the beginning of the offseason that Gonzalez would require a substantial return. The Red Sox, Rangers, Marlins, Yankees, Blue Jays, Tigers and Mariners were also linked to Gonzalez this winter. Earlier in the offseason, A's GM Billy Beane obtained minor leaguers Jarrod Parker, Collin Cowgill and Ryan Cook for Cahill and Craig Breslow.

Photo courtesy Icon SMI.

White Sox, John Danks Agree To Extension

Despite many rumors to the contrary, John Danks isn’t going anywhere. The White Sox have agreed to sign the left-hander to a five-year, $65MM contract extension, according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (Twitter links). The news won't be announced before next week, since Danks has to take a physical for the move to become official. Doug Seyller reported the agreement on Twitter five hours ago and appears to have broken the story.

Danks would have been eligible for free agency following the 2012 season, his final year as an arbitration eligible player. Matt Swartz projected a 2012 salary of $7.6MM for the 26-year-old CAA client, who earned $6MM in 2011. That means the White Sox are paying $14-15MM for each of the four free agent seasons the deal buys out (Danks' age 28-31 seasons).

Danks posted a 4.33 ERA with 7.1 K/9, 2.4 BB/9 and a 43.8% ground ball rate in 170 1/3 innings for the White Sox this past season. Only 16 pitchers in baseball have produced more wins above replacement since 2008 (15.6)

Houston Astros Acquire INF Jed Lowrie & RH Kyle Weiland from Boston Red Sox for RHP Mark Melancon

ASTROS ACQUIRE LOWRIE, WEILAND FROM BOSTON

Melancon traded for infielder, right-handed pitcher; Bixler designated for assignment

HOUSTON, TX —  The Houston Astros announced today that the club has acquired infielder Jed Lowrie and right-handed pitcher Kyle Weiland from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for right-handed pitcher Mark Melancon. To make room for Lowrie and Weiland on the 40-man roster, the club designated infielder Brian Bixler for assignment. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.

“We’re extremely excited to have Jed and Kyle as part of our club,” Luhnow said. “They fill two significant needs for the Major League club, which are shortstop and pitching depth. Both are talented young players that we feel have the chance to help us.”

Lowrie, 27, hit .252 (78x309) with six home runs and 36 RBI in 88 games for the Red Sox last season. Lowrie, a switch-hitter, played every infield position in 2011, making 46 starts at shortstop and 29 at third base. He’s played in parts of four seasons with Boston (2008-11), appearing primarily as a shortstop, including 130 starts at the position. Lowrie, a supplemental first-round selection by Boston in 2005 (45th pick overall), is a career .252 (204x808) Major League hitter with 19 home runs and 117 RBI.

Weiland, 25, spent most of 2011 at Triple A Pawtucket, compiling an 8-10 record and a 3.58 ERA (51ER/128.1IP) in 24 starts. He struck out 126 hitters in 128.1 innings pitched, while allowing a .232 opponent’s batting average. He also made his Major League debut with the Red Sox, appearing in seven games (five starts) while going 0-3 with a 7.66 ERA (21ER/24.2IP). Weiland was originally a third-round selection in the 2008 draft.

Melancon, 26, went 8-4 with 20 saves and a 2.78 ERA (23ER/74.1IP) in 71 appearances for the Astros this season. Melancon and infielder Jimmy Paredes were acquired by Houston from the New York Yankees on July 31, 2010, in exchange for infielder Lance Berkman.

“Mark did a great job in his time with Houston,” said Luhnow. “He was a significant member of the Astros bullpen and we wish him the best in his career.”

Bixler, 29, was acquired by Houston off waivers from Washington on November 3, 2011. He appeared in 79 games for the Nationals in 2011, hitting .205 (17x83) with a double, two triples and two RBI. Bixler also played in 25 games for Triple A Syracuse and posted a .314 average (27x86) with five doubles, a homer and six RBIS.

NFL Week 15 Picks

Another exhausting week for football. The Denver Tebowers defeated the Chicago Bears in an OT thriller and the NY Giants won a game that will go down as one of their greatest victories, only because if they lost, their season would be finished. Trailing 34-22 with three minutes left in the fourth, Giants fans lost their swag and fantasies and turned off their TV's (We all know you did......i did also!). After receiving a text from a friend that Eli just ran down the field with a minute to be down five, it was down to the defense to survive (which meant you had to get out of bed, silently go downstairs, and make sure you wouldn't wake the rest of the family). The Big D went 3 and out and Eli Manning completed another spectacular comeback with second left. Jason Pierre-Paul is the MVP......period.

Okay, there's a couple good games this week, so I thought another week of picks wouldn't hurt........LAST WEEK: 4-5-0

Home Team in Caps

Cowboys (-5.5) BUCS

BILLS (-4) Dolphins

EAGLES (-3) Jets

TEXANS (-8.5) Panthers

GIANTS (-8.5) Redskins

Patriots (-5.5) BRONCOS

Lions (-1.5) RAIDERS

Ravens (-4.5) CHARGERS

Steelers (+3) NINERS

My Yankees Club by sportsguyTH

After witnessing many top performers come and go, I have realized that you can't always get what you want. After living through 5 championships since 1996, I just assume that Brian Cashman's "Dream Team" will always be around. Remember David Cone, David Wells, Orlando Hernandez? Three 20-game winners in in 2000. Now in 2011, CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes, and Ivan Nova just don't seem to cut it. Of course we want to put the best team possible on the field, but there's an era for everyone, whether it's called by the names of Babe, Mantle, Jackson, or Jeter. So I decided to give my fantasy Yankees Roster. (All statistics are from years with NYY)

SP- Mike Mussina- 123 career wins with NY from '01-'08

SP- Andy Pettitte- 18 post-season wins, 3 ASG appearances

SP- Whitey Ford- 236 wins with NY, career 2.75 ERA

SP- Ron Guidry- 170 wins, 3.29 ERA, 2 WS Championships ('77-78)

SP- CC Sabathia- 59 wins in 3 years with NY, 3.18 ERA, 624 SO

RP- Goose Gossage- 2.14 ERA, !51 saves

RP- Catfish Hunter- 65 wins, 3.55 ERA

RP- Mike Stanton- 31 wins, 3.77 ERA, 407 SO

CP- Mariano Rivera- 603 saves (most all-time), 42 saves in postseason since 1995

C- Yogi Berra- 360 HR, 1430 RBI, .285 AVG, 10 championships, HOF

1B- Lou Gehrig- 493 HR, 1995 RBI, .340 AVG, 2 MVP, '34 Triple Crown

2B- Robinson Cano- 144 HR, .308 AVG, 2010 AL Gold Glove

3B- Graig Nettles- 250 HR, 834 RBI, '77-78 AL Gold Glove, '78 ALCS MVP

SS- Derek Jeter- 3008 hits (NY record), .313 AVG, 11 ASG, '06-08 Silver Slugger

LF- Dave Winfield- 205 HR, 818 RBI, HOF, 11 ASG, 7 Gold Gloves, 3000+ hits

CF- Mickey Mantle- 536 HR, 1509 RBI, .298 AVG, 20 ASG, '56 Triple Crown, 3 MVP

RF- Babe Ruth- 659 HR, 1971 RBI, .349 AVG (that explains enough)

DH- Reggie Jackson- 144 HR, 14 ASG, 2 Silver Slugger, '73 MVP

Yes, I'm aware that other greats aren't on the list (DiMaggio, Mattingly, Munson, etc.)

Hey, when you're the greatest franchise in sports, it's hard not to love every player from every era.....

First Round Picks On The Move At Winter Meetings

At least 50 transactions were completed during the winter meetings this week, including 16 free agent signings, eight trades, three waiver claims, and 14 minor league signings. A total of eight first round picks were involved in those transactions, not including Jeremy Hermidaand Andrew Miller, former first rounders who were designated for assignment by the Padres and re-signed by the Red Sox, respectively. Let's recap the first rounders that changed addresses during the last five days...

• Ian Stewart, Casey Weathers & Tyler Colvin - Stewart was the 10th overall pick in 2003, Weathers the 8th overall pick in 2007, and Colvin the 13th overall pick in 2006. Stewart and Weathers were traded by the Rockies to the Cubs for Colvin and DJ LeMahieu.
• David Purcey - 16th overall in 2004, signed a minor league deal with the Phillies.
• Jarrod Parker - 9th overall in 2007, traded by the Diamondbacks with Ryan Cook andCollin Cowgill to the Athletics for Trevor Cahill and Craig Breslow.
• Nick Schmidt - 23rd overall pick in 2007, traded by the Padres to the Rockies forHuston Street. Street was the 40th overall pick in 2004, a compensation pick forMiguel Tejada.
• Ryan Perry - 21st overall pick in 2008, traded by the Tigers to the Nationals for Collin Balester.
• Sergio Santos - 27th overall in 2002, back when he was an infielder. The White Soxtraded him to the Blue Jays for Nestor Molina.

Interestingly enough, three of the four largest contracts handed out this week were given to players selected in the 5th round (C.J. Wilson), 13th round (Albert Pujols), and 38th round (Mark Buehrle) of the draft. The lone exception is Jose Reyes, who signed with the Mets as an international free agent.

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Ryan Braun Test’s Positive for P.E.D’s

10 December 2011

The baseball nation was shocked on Saturday by an ESPN report, announcing reigning NL MVP Ryan Braun had tested positive for a P.E.D (performance enhancing drug). The MLB has not issued a penalty for Braun, which would be a 50-game suspension to initiate the 2012 baseball season – due to the fact Braun has made the decision to appeal this ruling. One of Ryan Braun’s spokesperson had released a statement, later that Saturday, when the results came in, saying, "There are highly unusual circumstances surrounding this case which will support Ryan's complete innocence and demonstrate that there was absolutely no intentional violation of the program. While Ryan has impeccable character and no previous history, unfortunately, because of the process we have to maintain confidentiality and are not able to discuss it any further, but we are confident that he will ultimately be exonerated." The news of Braun's positive testing is arguably on of the most damaging P.E.D news in baseball, next to Manny Ramirez's suspension in 2009. Unfortunately this also takes place in a time when the game of baseball and the baseball nation was pleasurly enjoying a run of positive press, no more damaging news had been released and it seemed as if the “steroid age” was slowly disappearing. To speak the truth I myself would have never thought Braun would be using P.E.D’s. He seemed a young innocent player who was having a terrific year. He batted a great .332 with 33 home runs, 111 RBI’s and a .337 OBP (on base percentage). The 28-year-old Ryan to me, was a great player, and never seemed suspicious to me and I find this news shocking. Hopefully, these results are wrong, and order is restored in the game of baseball. Once again coming to you and on behalf of Baseballtalk101, Kevin Bond.

My Yankees X-Mas List

What ever happened to the juggernaut of the American League? After the loss of Steinbrenner, things have settled down.......there is no doubt in mind that he would have went after Mark Buerhle and C.J. Wilson. Even though the Bombers brought in CC, AJ, and Tex in the '08 off season, transactions have surprisingly decreased. Yes I know, Granderson, Garcia, and Colon worked but yet again, Cashman spend over $800 million in '07 and '08.

So here's my baseball Christmas list......

1. Albert Pujols: Ah crap he's gone

2. C.J. Wilson: Ah crap he's gone too

3. Two real outfielders: Gardner, Swisher and Grandy? Cmon, that's not working.

4. Hiroyuki Nakajima: Which means: The Difference Maker, in Japanese.

5. Roy Oswalt: I don't understand why no one wants the ace. Forget his past, think future.

6. Matt Cain or Brandon Webb: 2 talented pitchers who have great potential

7. FORGET YU DARVISH

8. Bobby V is fired 100 games in by the Sawx, with an astonishing record of 38-62

9. 2 more wild card teams: Hell, let everyone make it!

10. Make eating chicken and beer legal in the clubhouse and dugouts (your welcome Red Sox)

Pedro Martinez to Retire

PEDRO MARTINEZ TO RETIRE

December 8, 2011
Kevin Bond

“If Sandy Koufax has the left arm of God, then Pedro Martinez has the right.”

Pedro Martinez, who at his peak was debatably one of the most preeminent pitchers in the game, has announced Saturday that his intentions are to make his retirement plan official. Pedro, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is now 40. He had never officially left the game of baseball, leaving the door open on a potential return after his last Major League outing, which was in Game 6 of the 2009 World Series with the Phillies. According to the media, Martinez had made a statement saying: "I'm going to [officially announce it], I'm going to do it," Martinez said. "But I want to throw a party too. I want to make it part of every place that I'm going to be remembered and loved by the fans. I'm going to start by doing something in the Dominican, officially signing the papers, probably coming back to Boston and getting something going with you guys." Now not being a Boston Red Sox fan I can’t say I like Pedro Martinez as a baseball player, but I have to respect him. He has done much for the organazation over time and the retirement of him, whether a Red Sox fan or not, is a big deal. Pedro said he would have made this statement during the course of November, but unfortunately his wife had become sick. Personally I agree with Pedro’s decision. The man is now 40 years old and I believe he no longer has a part in the game of baseball. He has contributed many things to the game and its rivalries but I strongly believe Pedro is too old, and does not have the control and skill he once had. Although the retirement isn’t official yet, I assure you ladies and gentlemen it will be very soon.
Keeping you up to date and on behalf of Baseball Talk 101, Kevin Bond.

Belated Pedro

If Sandy Koufax has the left arm of God, then Pedro Martinez has the right.”
Pedro Martinez, who at his peak was debatably one of the most preeminent pitcher in the game, has announced Saturday that his intentions are to make his retirement plan official. Pedro, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, is now 40. He had never officially left the game of baseball, leaving the door open on a potential return after his last Major League outing, which was in Game 6 of the 2009 World Series with the Phillies. According to the media, Martinez had made a statement saying: "I'm going to [officially announce it], I'm going to do it," Martinez said. "But I want to throw a party too. I want to make it part of every place that I'm going to be remembered and loved by the fans. I'm going to start by doing something in the Dominican, officially signing the papers, probably coming back to Boston and getting something going with you guys." Now not being a Boston Red Sox fan I can’t say I like Pedro Martinez as a baseball player, but I have to respect him. He has done much for the organazation over time and the retirement of him, whether a Red Sox fan or not, is a big deal. Pedro said he would have made this statement during the course of November, but unfortunately his wife had become sick. Personally I agree with Pedro’s decision. The man is now 40 years old and I believe he no longer has a part in the game of baseball. He has contributed many things to the game and its rivalries but I strongly believe Pedro is too old, and does not have the control and skill he once had.

Although the retirement isn’t official yet, I assure you ladies and gentlemen it will be very soon.

Keeping you up to date and on behalf of Baseball Talk 101

Yankees Win Rights To Hiroyuki Nakajima

Saturday, 2:41pm: Nakajima spoke to Nikkan Sports (Japanese link) about the Yankees submitting the top bid.  "I thought 'whoa!'. I got a bid from a great team," said the shortstop before adding that he doesn't know how everything will turn out.  Thanks to Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker for the translation.
Thursday, 6:18am: ESPN's Buster Olney tweets that the question is being explored as to whether or not the Yankees will trade Nakajima, as they don't really have a role for them on their club.
Wednesday, 6:43pm: Given the low salary Nakajima figures to receive, the Yankees aren't confident they'll sign the infielder, tweets Heyman. Nakajima could decide to stay in Japan.
11:34am: The Yankees won the bid for about $2MM, tweets Jon Heyman.  Noting Nakajima's preference to play for a West Coast team, Rosenthal wonders if he'll be willing to be a utility player for the Yankees.
11:18am: The Yankees won the rights to negotiate with Nakajima, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.  They now have 30 days to work out a deal with him.
11:08am: The Yankees submitted a posting bid on Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima with an eye on using him in a utility role, tweets David Waldstein.  One person believes the Yankees won the bid, but Waldstein has not yet confirmed that.  The Seibu Lions should announce the winning bidder today.

MLB Predictions 12/9/2011

Is it too early to post predictions on the winners next year?.....I don't think so

AL East: Yankees (94-68)

AL Central: Tigers (90-72)

AL West: Angels (95-67)

Wild Cards: Red Sox (86-76)

Rangers (87-75)

NL East: Phillies (96-66)

NL Central: Brewers (98-64)

NL West: D-Backs (92-70)

Wild Cards: Cardinals (85-77)

Braves (89-73)

AL WILD CARD: BOS over TEX

NL WILD CARD ATL over STL

ALDS: LAA (3) over BOS (1)

ALDS: NYY (3) over DET (1)

NLDS: MIL (3) over ATL (0)

NLDS: PHI (3) over ARZ (2)

ALCS: LAA (4) over NYY (2)

NLCS: MIL (4) over PHI (2)

WS: LAA (4) over MIL (3)

WINNER: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (95-67)

NFL Week 14 Picks

Another surprising week in the NFL; more than half of the thirty-two teams are finished and nearly half are still competing for a playoff berth.....

I've been good at betting on games for many years......so here are my Week 14 Picks

Home Team in Caps

STEELERS (-10.5) Browns

RAVENS (-15.5) Colts

NY JETS (-8) Chiefs

Saints (-3.5) TITANS

Patriots (-13.5) REDSKINS

PACKERS (-9.5) Raiders

PANTHERS (+ 1.5) Falcons

BRONCOS (-4) Bears

DOLPHINS (-4) Eagles

COWBOYS (-3.5) NY Giants

Another busy day at the meetings

The Angels are the bridesmaid no more! Albert Pujols has signed signed a ten-year agreement with the La Angels of Anaheim, reports Tim Brown. He receives a full no-trade clause, which the Marlins were not willing to give. Pujols decided this morning, writes Brown. The Angels have since announced the monumental signing.


Within an hour of the Pujols signing breaking, Dipoto completed a five-year, $77.5MM deal with free agent lefty C.J. Wilson, bringing the team's total today to $331.5MM.


ESPN's Buster Olney says is for $254MM. It's the second-largest contract in baseball history in terms of overall and average annual value, behind Alex Rodriguez's ten-year, $275MM deal with the Yankees four years ago. 


The unexpected has happened! More so Pujols than Wilson, as Wilson lives about 20 Minutes form his new home field. 


This free agent season is unprecedented by any year since free agency with introduced in the 1970's. I am baffled by this news today. I thought for sure that the king would be hang down to south beach for the next decade, but I stand corrected. This is like last year when everyone thought Cliff Lee would be signing with the Yankees, but bought the ticket to Philly instead. 


On the other hand, CJ's name was tossed around from the Marlins, Nationals, Yankees, and the Angels. I thought that he would either go with one of the east coast teams, as it looks now the east is the place to be for winning. 

Pujols is represented by Dan Lozano of Icon Sports Group.

PLEASE COMMENT WITH YOUR REACTION BELOW 

Marlins....Again

So the Miami Marlins are making tremendous progress. Becoming a contender in the NL East in the matter of days.


Today, Reyes was officially announced as a Marlin during a press conference at the Winter Meetings. 


About an hour ago, the Marlins inked Mark Buehrle on a 4-Year 58 Million dollar deal. 


Marlins have committed $191MM in just for days on Reyes, Buehrle and Bell alone! Yet, they are still serious contenders for Wilson and Pujols! Multiple insiders have confirmed that if the Pujols deal falls through, they will make Fielder their top priority. 

Mets busy evening

Tonight, aside from all of the Marlins Pujols drama, the Mets made a few moves of their own.

They signed both Jon Rauch and Frank Fransisco

They also traded Angel Pagan for Andres Torres and Ramon Ramirez

These are some good low cost signings for this Mets team which is now in a rebuilding stage. Fransisco will close, Rauch will be either a SU or MR, Ramirez will most likely become a MR, and Torres will be the everyday center fielder.

King Albert

"DALLAS -- The Miami Marlins have made a 10-year offer to the biggest fish on the free-agent market, first baseman Albert Pujols, baseball sources told ESPN the Magazine's Buster Olney on Tuesday.

It is unclear what the monetary figure of the offer is, and a key question is whether the Marlins would agree to include a no-trade clause in their offer. The club did not offer shortstop Jose Reyes such a clause, which Pujols had with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Marlins' latest offer is an increase from the nine-year proposal made in their first meeting with Lozano.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs spoke to Lozano on Monday and made a qualifying offer to Pujols, according to reports.

Clubs that have spoken to the Marlins at the winter meetings have come away with the clear impression they are pressing to sign Pujols quickly. In a public appearance following the team's official announcement of the signing of new closer Heath Bell on Monday, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria did nothing to discourage talk that they have payroll room to sign Pujols, even after reeling in Bell and Reyes; the latter agreed Sunday to a six-year, $106 million contract.

The signings of All-Stars Reyes and Bell come as the Marlins prepare to open the 2012 season in a new downtown Miami ballpark"

The Marlins Road Trip

"DALLAS — For a team that continues to talk about the need for starting pitching, the Marlins certainly are spending their time and money on improving their lineup. 

Jose Reyes is on the brink of finalizing his six-year deal, and on Monday, the organization pushed hard for Albert Pujols.


This team is the most active in the past week or so!
Is this the right strategy for a roster that seeks two proven starters?

The simple answer is the pursuit of Pujols means the Marlins are traveling one of many paths that the team has mapped out.

If they are able to pull Pujols away from St. Louis, then they will move into another direction in terms of finding a couple of starters.

If the pursuit of Pujols falls short, look for the Marlins to allocate more dollars toward potential rotation upgrades.

The reason the Marlins are going hard after Pujols is because they feel the need for offense. Signing Reyes provides an impact bat, but the Marlins want more.

In a division that features some of the best starting pitchers in the game, the Marlins are looking for as much offensive punch as they can get. And Pujols is the slugger who would take the lineup to the next level.

The Marlins met early afternoon with Pujols’ agent, Dan Lozano, on Monday. And they reportedly will meet again at night. Look for on-going dialogue between both sides throughout the Winter Meetings.

Should Pujols sign with Miami, look for the Marlins to seek starting pitchers through trades. The team is willing to part with its top prospects for quality arms."

Ron Santo

Today, we got some good news on a matter that should have happened a long time ago

Ron Santo was elected to the HOF

Let's take a look at his numbers...

Career statistics
Batting average	.277
Home runs	342
Hits	2,254
Runs batted in	1,331
Teams
Chicago Cubs (1960–1973) Chicago White Sox (1974)
Career highlights and awards
9× All-Star (1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973) 5× Gold Glove Award winner (1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968) 1973 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Chicago Cubs #10 retired How are these numbers not worthy of the Hall? This is long overdue, and i'm glad to see it happen. I am not sure why he was over looked over all these years? But the day has come, and I'm sure Ron would have liked to be here for this day.

My Day in the Life as NY Giants Fan 12/4/11

I guess the best way to start this story is from the end...then slowly making my way back to the beginning with details from the middle and end.......here's a breakdown of the day

10:34 am: woke up, ate the breakfast of champions and took a shower

11:30 am: decided to go to church to throw in a little extra praying for later

12:30 pm: flipped between CBS and FOX, only to discover how no one ever picks the Giants to win (note: Frank Caliendo's picks are crap)

12:31 pm: after flipping through the channels, i decided not to even bother watching ESPN countdown, only because i hate that group of guys with passion

1-4:05 pm: sat down and watched the redskins lose....you heard me right (the Jets didn't win come on now!)

4:25 pm: Travis Beckum? okay, i'll take it

5:15 pm: i have taken my Jacobs jersey off after Manning's fumble...all was well until that

5:16 pm: TV is off until the 3rd quarter....don't care what the score is

5:30 pm: okay only down a couple.........need that D to show up

5:44 pm: 21-17.....ok this could turn out alright.....wait a sec, who left Jennings wide open? F**k

6:27 pm: 28-24.....niceeeeeeeee

6:45 pm: you have the packers 3 and out and get called for a penalty???......that's my defense baby!!!!

6:59 pm: 28-27 on a 50 yd field goal.....Tynes is money

7:11 pm: HOW BOUT DEM COWBOYS? Thank you RedZone for the coverage...

7:23 pm: jennings, nelson, driver.......35-27......that was too easy....better not happen again

7:28 pm: somethings gotta give.....Eli only shows up in the 4th with 2 mins left!

7:38 pm: Eli delivers......35-34.....figures

7:39 pm: my eyes are shut and the mute is on.......cant watch this anymore

7:40 pm: WTF!?!? 2-point conversion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

7:41 pm: 58 seconds...too much time for rodgers (knock on wood)

7:41-7:46 pm: just about 6 plays to get the Packers from their own 20 to the Giant's 15

7:48 pm: 38-35......yepp.....6-6.

7:55 pm: decided to order some chinese and call it a day

M.E.T.S : Marlins Enjoy Taking Sluggers

yep. just when you think Ozzie Guillen is enough, Jose Reyes signs a 6 year-110 million dollar contract to take his talents to south beach......

Finally, we can take Bosh out of the Big 3 and put Reyes where he belongs (D-wade, LBJ, Reyes....sounds more like it)

Yet, where will Florida put him in the field? (side comment: I apologize for saying Florida and not Miami....i just got fined $500)

Solution: Let Reyes play short while Hanley Ramirez can play crybaby......

Albert Pujols saga contines...

Latest on the hot stove is that if Albert Pujols decides not to re-sign with St Louis he will be singed with the Marlins.

Where are the Marlins getting this money from? This reminds me when the Nationals signed Werth last off season to the mega deal. These teams have to have a secret money tree someplace. I think Pujols is still a great player and would make a great fit in Miami, adding that raw power bat in the middle of that line up. I'm sure Ozzie would like to pencil him into that lineup everyday.

Winter Mettings

Manny wants to what?

So Manny Ramirez wants his ticket back to the show.

Is this really a good move on his part?

I don't think so. He is aging and his production is declining. We saw how he played this past season with the Rays. He looked aged and like he had no gas in the tank. Is there even a team that would want him? He cannot play left or right daily, all he would be good for is a PH or a DH. Let's not forget the drug issues!

If the price is right, I could see Manny as a Miami Marlin, Met, Indian, or a Mariner?

Whats your thought?

Heath Bell

So we have all heard by now that Heath Bell former Padre and Met is heading down to the bank of Miami.

This is a 3 Year deal worth $27 Million.


Heath Bell becomes the Marlins first stable closer since Antonio Alfonseca.

This deal works out very well for the Miami Marlins. It gives them stability in the later innings of the ballgame. Heath Bell is a big guy who throws hard and commands the strike zone. I'm wondering how the Marlins ever got Bell. He was set on staying in San Diego. He made a point of saying it multiple times. In the long run, I think he wanted to go someplace where he could win in the near future. Now, this team isn't there yet, but some of the pieces are. It all has to start some where!

Inaugural Post

Hello everyone and welcome to Baseball Talk 101 where I discuss the good bad and in between within the sort of baseball. I will break down news, signings, predictions, big wins and loses, and much more. I hope you all enjoy this blog!