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Braves and South Siders Strike a Deal

By brandini | December 4, 2008 | The Outsiders Look at the Insides of Baseball

The San Diego Padres may have been bluffing about Jake Peavy after all. While the demands for the ace right handed pitcher were not unreasonable on paper, in today's baseball world, asking for three of a teams top prospects for any player is asking a lot. Today, the Padres officially lost out on what seemed to be the best match for Peavy.On Thursday morning, the Braves introduced the new ace to their rotation, right handed starter Javier Vazquez. While nobody would ever confuse Vazquez for Peavy, the cost, as well as years under control make Vazquez equally as valuable.Upon first glance, this is a trade that I feel favors the White Sox. However, this is not to say that I feel as though the Braves are not winners in their own right.The Atlanta Braves receive the best player in this deal, 32 year old Javier Vazquez, the perpetually disappointing Vazquez....

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, Javier Vazquez, MLB, The Hot Stove League, The OLIB

Wilson rumors heating up

By Matt Bandi | December 4, 2008 | Pittsburgh Lumber Co.

A report out of New Jersey this afternoon confirmed that Jack Wilson had been traded to the Tigers, but that information was apparently premature. The Pirates continue to discuss Wilson with both the Tigers and Dodgers, but no deal is official as of now. I wouldn't be surprised if something happens very soon, and I will be here to provide updates if additional information becomes available....

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Sumo Lounge TRIVIA: Pedey's nickname

By Evan | December 4, 2008 | Fire Brand of the American League

What is Dustin Pedroia's Spanish nickname and what does it mean?

Read more | 5 Comments | Tags: Boston Red Sox, MLB

Gas Is Down, and So Is Manny

By Mike Scioscia's tragic illness | December 4, 2008 | Mike Scioscia's Tragic Illness

Holy crap, is there a lot going on today. I hardly even know where to begin! Trust me on this, you're going to want to read to the end - we're saving the best for last. * I am crushed for Scott Boras right now. Buster Olney, hit me. Executives around baseball wonder if that will change in the next few days, because they are having a difficult time envisioning how Ramirez would make more in salary in 2009 than if he accepted arbitration. He made $20 million last season -- although the present-day value was just a little more than $17 million -- and following a historic performance in which Ramirez hit .396 for the Dodgers in two months, driving in 53 runs in 53 games, his arbitration award would be breathtaking. Boras would be in position to set a new and stunning standard through that process, and could ask...

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The Tigers want Jack Wilson? Jack F'N Wilson? Seriously?

By Big Al | December 4, 2008 | The Wayne Fontes Experience

NJ.com broke a story early this afternoon claiming the Detroit Tigers had agreed to a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates for shortstop Jack Wilson, with no word as to what the Pirates received in return.In the time since the news hit the web around noon today, both sides have denied any trade between the 2 teams had occurred. But where there's smoke...you know the rest. Something is afoot! A trade is going down, and going down soon.Let's connect the dots with what we do know.1. The Tigers don't think backup Ramon Santiago is a full-time solution, and SS heir apparent Cale Iorg is a year or 2 away from making the big club.2. The Pirates have been trying to unload Wilson's contract for who knows how long now. 3. This isn't the first time the Tigers have been connected with Wilson, they've shown varying degrees of interest in him for...

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December Updates

By brandini | December 4, 2008 | The Outsiders Look at the Insides of Baseball

Despite a lack of activity recently, there is quite a bit going on here at The OLIB. First, I am in the midst of moving to the Most Valuable Network. MVN offered to host my weblog and it was something I simply could not turn down. Nothing will change except for me, there is some added exposure. My complete archive has been moved to MVN where my posts will slowly begin to pop up. Next, WWOD has been cancelled. It was a lot of fun, but a lot of work. Each article took me upwards of four hours to complete. I also decided that the teams in the top half of the league don't really need my help (although the Astros might consider me). That being said, I intend to concentrate additional time and effort on my prospect lists. This is something I had been doing while putting together the...

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The Luis-es are Hitting

By Nancy | December 4, 2008 | Sandlot Swashbucklers

Pirates' farmhands and friends continue in winter ball...For those who might be counting (surely I'm not the only one), Opening Day for the minor league system is 18 weeks from today!Mexican League:Naranjeros de Hermosillo 6, Venados de Mazatlan 5C Humberto Cota hit two 2-run homers and a single to lead Hermosillo at the plate. Two singles plus a sacrifice bunt gave Hermosillo the winning run in the bottom of the 9th. Tomateros de Culiacan 5, Aguilas de Mexicali 3OF Kevin Thompson, whose 2008 season with the Indy Indians was cut short by a wrist injury requiring surgery, made his Mexican League debut with Mexicali last night. He came in as a pinch-hitter in the 8th inning (struck out) and then played one inning in left field. Yaquis de Obregon 7, Caneros de Mochis 3LF Luis Cruz singled twice for Obregon, including in the 6th inning rally. He also walked,...

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Good Morning Rumormill! J.J. Putz Available

By Michael Taylor | December 4, 2008 | Tribe Report

Baltimore vs. M's 4-22-08 vb # (52) by Mark Sobba, on Flickr

J.J. Putz is now an option in the trade market. -- photo courtesy Mark Sobba/flickr

Some great news hit my inbox this morning as an Indians fan. The Seattle Mariners are now willingly open to trading their closer J.J. Putz. The same Putz who was arguably the top shutdown closer in the game just two short seasons ago before giving his best "Wild Thing" Rick Vaughn impersonation with over five walks per nine innings in 2008.Though, that problem can be somewhat, if not completely, attributed to the fact that Putz was not healthy for the majority of the year, as he struggled with a rib cage injury in April, and then a hyperexteded elbow in June. Before this, Putz was known for having excellent command of the strike zone with K/BB ratios of over six in '06 and '07!Other than this sudden batch of wildness, one other thing changed. A stat that arguably has a hint of luck (or bad luck) involved. Putz' batting average...

Read more | 3 Comments | Tags: Adrian Beltre, AL Central, Cleveland Indians, Indians, J.J. Putz, MLB

Top Prospect Profile: Lars Anderson

By Evan | December 4, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Lars Anderson - Red Sox first baseman Age: 21Height: 6'4"Weight: 210Bats: LeftPosition: First BaseRelevant Statistics: Anderson, the Red Sox's best positional prospect, was promoted to Double-A Portland midway through the year and amassed 133 at-bats. He hit .316/.436/.526 with 5 home runs and many scouts feel he could play in the majors immediately. Scouting Report: Anderson possesses the classic power hitter's frame and has unlimited power potential. Some scouts have said that he will be a perennial 40-homer guy. He has an excellent eye at the plate but whiffs a bit too frequently, although he has made slight improvements in that area. There is no true drawback to his game. He runs as well as can be expected and holds his own in the field. Resume: Anderson was picked out of high school and bonus demands allowed the Sox to scoop him up in the 18th round of 2006. At...

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Top Prospect Profile: Pedro Alvarez

By Alan Smodic | December 3, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Pedro Alvarez - Icon SMI

Pedro Alvarez - Pirates Third BasemanAge: 21Height: 6'2"Weight: 212Bats: LeftPosition: Third BaseRelevent Statistics: I'll direct you here for Alvarez's college statistics. The best number involving him, however, is this: 4 years/$6.355M (2009-12), plus 2013-14 club options. The fact that Alvarez signed and is a Pirate is his most relevent statistic. Scouting Report: Alvarez's best tool is his bat. His draft report card dubbed him as "about as safe as a bet as there is, Alvarez is a polished and poised hitter and should hit for average in the big leagues." He contains power now and should develop more as he continues up the ranks, potentially becoming a 25+ HR guy in the show. Speed on the basepaths is not his game, stealing 16 bases in his collegiate career. Talk about his defense claims that he'll be OK to stay at third base, which is where the Pirates will look to start him. However, a move...

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: MLB, MLB Prospect Profiles, Pedro Alvarez, Pittsburgh Pirates

Could Orioles make Peavy trade happen?

By Evan | December 1, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Garrett Olson - Evan Brunell

According to Jeff Zrebiec and Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun, (I bet poor Peter got razzed in junior high for that last name) the Baltimore Orioles may be the third team that San Diego Padres' GM Kevin Towers needed in order to ship Jake Peavy to the Chicago Cubs.Towers is looking for young pitchers and hitters in return for Peavy and while the Cubs can offer third base prospect Josh Vitters, they don't have the pitching needed to make the deal on their own.Enter the Orioles, who last year almost matched up with the Cubs on a deal involving second baseman Brian Roberts heading to Chicago for, amongst other things, centerfielder Felix Pie. Club president Andy McPhail acknowledged that the Orioles are looking at Pie as a way to bolster their depth in outfield.Pie, 23, supposed to be the future long-term centerfielder for the Cubs, has struggled these...

Read more | 5 Comments | Tags: Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, MLB, San Diego Padres

Top Prospect Profile: Ben Revere

By EJ Fagan | November 29, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Ben Revere / flickr.com, gcl_twins

Ben Revere - Twins OutfielderAge: 20Height: 5'9"Weight: 166Bats: LeftPosition: CenterfieldRelevent Statistics: .379/.433/.497 in 83 games for the Beloit Snappers in the Single-A Midwest League in 2008. 44 stolen bases and 13 CS. 31 strikeouts, 27 walks.Scouting Report: He's fast. Revere doesn't grade out as an 80 foot speed prospect on the 20-80 scouting scale, but he's close. He is not a slap hitter - Revere hit a solid 15% of his balls in play for line drives, and managed to hit 28 extra base hits in his half-season. Revere's hitting ability compares favorably to Jacoby Ellsbury on a good day. He was stopped by a minor knee injury in the late summer, which shortened his season, but is considered healthy. He has superb control of the strike zone, with a career K/BB ratio of 1.275.His defense is comparable to Juan Pierre's - with a lot of speed but a poor...

Read more | 3 Comments | Tags: Milb, Minnesota Twins, MLB, MLB Prospect Profiles, Prospects

Hot Stove Dishes - November 28, 2008

By Brian Joseph | November 28, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The latest buzz served up from baseball's Hot Stove League. Ten of the hottest stories, moves and rumors from the past week: Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia -- the L.A. Angels "shell game" continues.The Angels haven't made an offer to Mark Teixeira even though they want him but have floated the idea of offering big money to CC Sabathia -- even though it might be tough to match the Yankees' gigantic offer -- and Teixeira's side has countered. Teixeira's agent Scott Boras revealed that Teixeira has had offers worth considering. All of the peripheral talk from the Angels about Sabathia as an alternative target and Teixeira's interest from other clubs stems from a difference in years of service the club is looking to give Teixeira and the 10 years that the slugger is seeking. You got to love the Hot Stove posturing, don't you? Brian Fuentes wants major cash and K-Rod doesn't want...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: A.J. Burnett, Baltimore Orioles, Barry Bonds, Brian Fuentes, CC Sabathia, Detroit Tigers, Francisco Rodriguez, Freddy Garcia, Houston Astros, Jake Peavy, Ken Griffey Jr., Los Angeles Angels, Mark Teixeira, MLB, New York Mets, Oakland Athletics, Rafael Furcal, Randy Wolf, Roger Clemens, San Diego Padres, Toronto Blue Jays

On Bedard: 'There's no saving that move'

By Alan Smodic | November 26, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Can Bedard turn it around? -- wcamnlin/Flickr.com

In an ongoing discussion with bloggers outside of the MVN network about their respective MLB teams, I'd like to welcome Jeff Sullivan. Sullivan is the author of the Seattle Mariners blog, Lookout Landing.Alan: What were your reasonable expectations for the Mariners this season? And at what point did things start to go wrong -- is there a moment you can pinpoint to?Jeff: Given the active offseason they had, I went into the year with the M's pegged as a true talent -- 84-88 win team, good enough to stay interesting but not good enough to beat out the Angels in a fair fight. Lackey and Escobar getting injured certainly lifted my spirits, and while I remained forever cautious, I was guardedly optimistic. Then the baseball happened. As tempting as it is to point to the second day of the season as the turning point - the bulletproof JJ Putz got...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Erik Bedard, Jeff Clement, MLB, Seattle Mariners

Turkeys of baseball's free agent class

By Evan | November 24, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Casey Blake - imagesbyferg

Gobble gobble!This week has Thanksgiving in it. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to sitting down and stuffing my face with turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mashed potatoes. Oh, the seeing family thing is alright too, I guess.So while we have turkey on our minds, how about the top 5 free agents that people will come to most regret signing? Who is the next Carlos Silva or Andruw Jones?There are plenty of lousy free agents available (Hi, Chris Gomez!) but which of the ones that will get significant money will bomb? Let's count it down...5. A.J. BurnettSo, let me get this straight. He just had his second full injury-free season in 10 years and threw a career high 222.1 innings. He's on the wrong side of 30 and he's going to command a five-year contract and the requisite dollars? Not buying it. Whoever signs him will get...

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MVN Top-30 MLB Prospect Rankings

By EJ Fagan | November 22, 2008 | MVN Outsider

As promised, here is the list: Matt Wieters - C, Orioles - Like Soto, but better at everything.David Price - LHP, Rays - A great prospect, but Wieters edges him. The Rays won't complain.Matt LaPorta - LF/1b, Indians - I love him more than most. Think about Carlos Lee. Rick Porcello - RHP, Tigers - He got that MLB Contract out of HS for a reason.Jason Heyward - OF, Braves - Another genius pick up from the Braves. Colby Rasmus - CF, Cardinals - His 2008 wasn't great, but he retains Bobby Abreu-like skills.Madison Bumgarner - LHP, Giants - 154/21 K/BB ratio in 134 2/3 innings... and a lefty.Trevor Cahill - RHP, A's - A young Brandon Webb, but with much better control.Cameron Maybin - CF, Marlins - Started to cut back on Ks in 2008, and stepped everything elsePedro Alvarez - 3b, Pirates - Contract drama included, I'll take...

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Braves and South Siders Strike a Deal

By brandini | December 4, 2008

1 recommendations | Discuss

Sumo Lounge TRIVIA: Pedey's nickname

By Evan | December 4, 2008

What is Dustin Pedroia's Spanish nickname and what does it mean? (Two-parter answer.)HONOR CODE: No search engines.Previous trivia question: Joe Harris holds the American League-record 20 consecutive scoreless innings in a game? (He is also tied for the AL record in most innings pitched in a game overall.). He did this on Sept 1, 1906, in a 4-1 loss to the Philadelphia A's. That was the year Harris went 2-21, the middle year of a...

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