Off-Season Baseball Moves

[braz]

Okay, I'll reluctantly admit to being a Mets fan, and as a result this Winter is suddenly extremely interesting. It appears my boys from Queens offered Pedro Martinez a three-year guaranteed deal, with an option for a fourth, that brings the total dollars to $50 million.

Granted, we overpaid for Mo Vaughn (and Cliff Floyd, and Piazza, and especially the third year of Tommy Glavine's contract) but if this goes through, the Mets have a shot at being a contender for the NL East title.

Any rumors or deals that have your hopes for 2005 rekindled?

[Mr_Slice]

It sounds like the St. Louis Cardinals (my favorite team since childhood) are really trying to find a way to get Randy Johnson. However, if the reports I have seen are correct, there is no way I would be happy the young talent they would have to give up. Obviously, they need pitching (like they have for the last several years) to get over the hump. But I don't believe that one stud pitcher is better than three or four solid starters.

The Mets? They'll find a way to lose the division even if they do get Pedro. ;)

[braz]

Cards with Johnson? I don't see it happening, especially with Steinbrenner on the prowl. Plus you hit the nail on the head - the Cards would have to empty their farm system to pull it off. It's like the Scott Kazmir trade the Mets pulled off last year.

"We won't trade away our core young talent, because we're in this for the long run."

"Hey! We're doing better than we thought! We could get Kris Benson! Trade away!"

::sigh:: I hate baseball, almost as much as I hate golf.

[pahonix]

Any rumors or deals that have your hopes for 2005 rekindled?

Being a Braves fan, I'm just hoping they get J.D. Drew signed. I'd hate to see him go after putting in such a great year for Atlanta.

[iacas]

How old is Pedro? The Mets sure have signed on some old people, that's for sure. The point is not to get them when they're 33, but when they're 28. It will be interesting to see how well he fares in the national league if he makes the jump. Johnson did well - but sometimes switching leagues just doesn't work for people. Plus, he'll have to hit!

I'm a Pirates fan. The only moves they ever make in the off-season is getting rid of people because they're a small-market team. So I hate the off-season: any good players we had usually leave.

Clemens had a good year, but that guy's part bionic, I swear.

[Mr_Slice]

Pedro started in the National League. It shouldn't be too much of a change. The really good pitchers can pitch against anyone. Most pitchers can't hit anyway, so I doubt that'll make a huge difference. You can sacrifice one batter in the line-up if the pitcher is holding opposing teams to only 1 or 2 runs.

I don't think he'll end up in N.Y., though... at least not THAT N.Y.

[dale]

I saw somebody posting about having or trading away Kris Benson. Before you say anything about Kris, just check out his WIFE. When he was here at Pittsburgh,the best part about going to the game was hoping she'd be hanging out somewhere. She was recently on the Howard Stearn show lookin fine. She has a calendar out,i think you can see it at her website,annbenson.com, i think is the name or just do a google search. In short,keep Benson for the scenery he brings to your club ! http://www.annabenson.net/home.html

[iacas]

I saw somebody posting about having or trading away Kris Benson. Before you say anything about Kris, just check out his WIFE. When he was here at Pittsburgh,the best part about going to the game was hoping she'd be hanging out somewhere. She was recently on the Howard Stearn show lookin fine. She has a calendar out,i think you can see it at her website,annbenson.com, i think is the name or just do a google search. In short,keep Benson for the scenery he brings to your club.

Very very close, Dale, and I didn't even know about his wife. Here ya go:

http://annabenson.net/ . For the second time in ten minutes I say: YOW!!!

[Mr_Slice]

Why are my Cardinals suddenly making all of the wrong moves?

Now I'm worried. Maybe we need to sign Kris Benson. At least it'd give the team a reason to come to the ballpark every day.