Baseball Playoffs! (1 Viewer)

[Rob]

I shall keep an eye out for the Phillies then Brad.I guess i should also watch how the Arizona Diamond backs do as i have a lot of family in and around Phoenix.I'm really looking forward to learning how the game works,the atmosphere always looks good too.Your posts are very informative and are helping to set the scene for me.Am hoping to return to the states next year and hopefully come home loaded with baseball shirts/caps etc!

Rob

 

[jazzeum]

First two games of the World Series were pretty well played and well pitched generally. Phillies got screwed in the 9th inning tonight with the non call on Rollins but what are you going to do. They looked to be evenly matched and it looks like it will be a very tight series, maybe 7 games.

The Rays rotation looks to be loaded with Kazmir, Shields Garza and now Price who is ticketed as a starter next year. They look to have one of the more impressive starting rotations around. They probably need a closer and tinker with the bullpen a little but not too much. This team looks like it could be set for awhile.

With the talent the Phillies have, it wouldn't surprise me if we see these teams playing for the title again in the next few years.

 

[Louis Badolato]

First two games of the World Series were pretty well played and well pitched generally. Phillies got screwed in the 9th inning tonight with the non call on Rollins but what are you going to do. They looked to be evenly matched and it looks like it will be a very tight series, maybe 7 games.

The Rays rotation looks to be loaded with Kazmir, Shields Garza and now Price who is ticketed as a starter next year. They look to have one of the more impressive starting rotations around. They probably need a closer and tinker with the bullpen a little but not too much. This team looks like it could be set for awhile.

With the talent the Phillies have, it wouldn't surprise me if we see these teams playing for the title again in the next few years.

The Rays players are only signed (or not arbitration eligable) through next year. This team ceases to exist under its current constitution after next year, unless the owners, who presently have a 44 million dollar pay roll, are willing to more than double their payroll, at least according to the guns on ESPN radio. I think its much more likely that the more tradional powerhouses in the AL and NL east will replace these teams rather quickly . . . I can't imagine the Mets aren't going to go out and buy themselves a bullpen, and the Braves are already working on getting Jake Peavy. The Yanks have already announced they are making CC Sabathia and the Angels 1st baseman their offseason priorities. The Redsox are going to go after a big bat.

 

[eborris]

Hi, Dave,

Actually, as far as the Yankee's farm system goes, they have had a good crop of players at AA-Trenton the past few seasons; the Thunder have placed well in the Eastern League standings in that time, winning their division this year. If they can hold on to those players and let them premiere with the big club, before trading them away, they'll add some strength to their lineup.

Prost!
Brad (other Brad)

I think the Yankees best farm system right now is the Tampa Bay Rays, don't be surprised if you see some of their young stars in the Yankee pin stripes in the not too distant future. Tampa's attendance is not too great and when they are eligible for free agency Tampa won't have the money to pay them, so they will be moving on to bigger stages.

 

[jazzeum]

Actually, that's not quite correct. Per the Wall Street Journal, they have locked up their core players to long term contracts so that should keep them competive in the AL East for several years. Obviously, these things are cyclical as things can change very quickly in sports. In addition, they will be recieving $30 million from revenue sharing another $30 million from media contracts and merchandise sales. And it isn't like they haven't spent money already; Stu Sternberg, formerly of Wall Street, spent $18 million to improve that god awful stadium.

However, they do have to meet a budget and their problem seems to be attracting fans, which now that they are the real thing may not be as difficult. Notwithstanding, expenses will rise and local politicians are trying to help but for long term viability they will need a new stadium; the plan for a new stadium (which included Sternberg putting up $150 million for a $450 million stadium) was shelved because of the economy.

So for the short term they will not be going away. Long term, who knows?

Ultimately, the more established teams in the bigger markets like the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Phillies, Mets, Angels, etc. will have their way. Obviously, the solution is something like NFL revenue sharing (thereby, allowing teams like the Packers to survive) but in baseball that's not a possibility.

 

[eborris]

Actually, that's not quite correct. Per the Wall Street Journal, they have locked up their core players to long term contracts so that should keep them competive in the AL East for several years. Obviously, these things are cyclical as things can change very quickly in sports. In addition, they will be recieving $30 million from revenue sharing another $30 million from media contracts and merchandise sales. And it isn't like they haven't spent money already; Stu Sternberg, formerly of Wall Street, spent $18 million to improve that god awful stadium.

However, they do have to meet a budget and their problem seems to be attracting fans, which now that they are the real thing may not be as difficult. Notwithstanding, expenses will rise and local politicians are trying to help but for long term viability they will need a new stadium; the plan for a new stadium (which included Sternberg putting up $150 million for a $450 million stadium) was shelved because of the economy.

So for the short term they will not be going away. Long term, who knows?

Ultimately, the more established teams in the bigger markets like the Yankees, Cubs, Dodgers, Phillies, Mets, Angels, etc. will have their way. Obviously, the solution is something like NFL revenue sharing (thereby, allowing teams like the Packers to survive) but in baseball that's not a possibility.

That doesn't mean that their revenues will increase to the point that they will be able to afford paying those long term contracts and that they won't be looking to dump them should attendance not increase. Time will tell. Did they mention who these core players were and the length of those contracts?

 

[jazzeum]

You are, of course, correct. The only player mentioned was Longoria. I'm assuming that some of the core players are Longoria, Upton, Kazmir, Pena and maybe Price.

 

[Louis Badolato]

The ESPN guys specifically mentioned that several of the young players, including their ace Garza, who are being paid less than a million perseason, were going to be arbitration eligable after next season which means their salaries will jump tenfold, or they will be free agents if the Rays dio not offer arbitration. Strangely, Longoria already signed an extension for 8 years at ridiculously below market value, so they do have him locked up. However, according to the ESPN radio guys, after next season, to keep the same roster, their payroll will jump from 44 million to nearly 100 million. That is just not going to happen in that market.

 

[theBaron]

1 for 28 with men in scoring position, so far. The Phils have to do better than that.

 

[jazzeum]

I don't know what the ESPN guys said but the part about becoming a free agent if you're not offered arbitration doesn't apply if you've been with your team for less than six years as they control the rights during that period. However, after your second year, assuming a player meets certain criteria, a player is eligible for salary arbitration. The ability to leave a team only applies after the six years are up. Sometimes a team will offer arbitration and if the player declines then he's free to go elsewhere.

For players like Kazmir or Upton, unless they've signed long term contracts, they can't leave until they've completed their six year period. Now, I don't how that applies to Garza since I don't what his length of service is or how that is affected when you're traded.

 

[6th Wisconsin]

I think the Yankees best farm system right now is the Tampa Bay Rays, don't be surprised if you see some of their young stars in the Yankee pin stripes in the not too distant future. Tampa's attendance is not too great and when they are eligible for free agency Tampa won't have the money to pay them, so they will be moving on to bigger stages.

Let's hope that doesn't happen. Of course, as a Red Sox fan I wish the Rays were not in the Series, but I am pulling for them now and would hate to see them unload like the Marlins did years back after they won. Of course, I am sure a few players will go to greener pastures (moneywise). That seems to always happen after a team wins and guys get attention on the big stage - in all sports.

 

[jazzeum]

World Series Rumors

These are the latest rumors coming out of the World Series:

Yankees

They are determined to get CC Sabbathia, willing to outbid anyone and are the odds on favorite. However, since Sabbathia has indicated an interest in the West Coast and to play in the NL, apparently it's going to cost them. Apparently, this one will go fast; CC doesn't want to extend it out.

They have some interest in Mike Cameron in CF since they have a need there.

Texeira: This could be competitive. Angels, Yankees and Red Sox are very interested. The Angels gave up a highly regarded 1B, Casey Kotchman, to get him so they're going to be a determined player. Red Sox, obviously are not happy with the way things ended and have several needs that Texiera could fill: back up Ortiz and take Lowell's offensive position in the lineup since who knows if and when he will be available. All three teams have money so this could be expensive.

Mets

Looking at Brian Fuentes as a possible closer (he closed in Colorado).

Manny is probably not a good fit here.

Orlando Hudson a possibility for 2B.

Both teams are moving into new stadiums so they're both looking to spend money to kick off the seasons right.

Other Players

Manny: He and the Dodgers are talking but Manny wants a six year contract, figuring he could play until the age Bonds played to. Dodgers have offered two and are willling to pay ARod money for the two.

Matt Holliday: Rockies are listening to offers. Would be a great fit for any team that needs a LF like Yankees or Mets.

Jake Peavey: Atlanta has the inside edge as the Braves have the players the Pods want but not a sure thing yet. Dodgers/Angels reportedly interested.

Derek Lowe: Wants to head east and finished season strong. Good be pricey. Red Sox and Mets are interested.