Yeti73

One trip to the playoffs during the course of this contract will make it worth it for me. Plus, anything can happen once you're there. I also think that in year 3, if Lohse holds up physically, his contract could make him very tradeable.

Isn't that sort of the classic example of something you should be doing in the offseason? I always liked Marcum, but maybe his bad health wasn't totally bad luck.

That is what I remember also. Here is a quote from 11.5 months ago in the JS: "In his statement, union executive director Michael Weiner said, “The breach of confidentiality associated with this matter is unfortunate but, after investigation, we are confident that it was not caused by the Commissioner’s Office, the MLBPA or anyone associated in any way with the Program.” So, the union that represents Braun cleared itself, the Commissioner’s office and anyone associated with the drug program of leaking the news of the positive test. That would include the highly regarded testing laboratory in Montreal as well as much-maligned collector Dino Laurienzi, whose delay in shipping Braun’s urine sample led to a chain-of-custody dispute and the eventual exoneration of Braun. Conspicuously missing from being cleared by the union’s investigation is Braun’s camp. But someone connected with his side of the issue said “without question” news of the leak did not come from Braun, any of his representatives or defense team. So, who did leak the report to ESPN, which broke the news of the positive test on its “Outside the Lines” program on Dec. 10? Word was starting to spread Friday that someone contacted by Braun’s defense team as a possible expert in the dos and don’ts of drug testing might have betrayed them. “ESPN’s investigative team has done a lot with drug testing in baseball,” said my source. “They probably know some of the same people that Braun’s defense team could have talked to. They might have let their circle get too wide.” During his impassioned and detailed news conference, Braun was asked if his side had tried to determine the source of the leak and if any possible legal action could take place. He was somewhat evasive in his answer. "Do we have some idea how this could have occurred? Yes, but we don't know anything with any type of certainty," he said. "I think commenting further than that wouldn't be fair for me."" I don't want to argue about whether I should believe he's a doper. It is each individual's decision based on the facts available. I will say, though, that this is becoming a more and more interesting story. It wouldn't be an absurd conclusion to determine that Boesch was consulted, got some dirt, held it over Braun's camp's heads, leaked the story, pissed Braun's camp off leading them to not paying, but now they can't throw him further under the bus because Boesch still has dirt on him. It isn't unlike the Clemons' trainer. A desperate lunatic with some painful information. Clemons was able to discredit the guy a lot, but damage was done. Not that anyone cares, I still believe in Braun and will cheer him on regardless.

ESPN is saying that Braun's story is "stunning" that no one is "less qualified to consult on PEDs" than Boesch. I disagree strongly based off the little I know about Boesch.

I believe that explanation. I worry that Boesch will blackmail him at some level and sort of has him by the balls, but I feel like the truth should be easy to discover here. I really wish we didn't have to worry about this sort of thing in sports, but it is the reality we live in. I think the best argument has to be that there is no way that he goes back to the well after what happened last off season. Just no way. He knew that MLB was after him and would love to bust him, so it would be bolder than brass to go out there and push the envelope again. On the other hand, the "Braun Advantage" comment also is very strange. Could "Braun Advantage" has become a term in the roid industry for successfully taking something and winning an appeal? That part confuses me.

Man, I forgot Macha even coached this team. He was so disappointing. As for the deal, I love it. I think SeaBass will get 1-2 starts at SS each week and he'll be 1 or 2 off the bench as a PH each game. He'll end up with ~275 ABs sort of like Ransom in 2012 and Counsell in 2010. Bianchis are a dime a dozen from a production perspective. Nothing against the guy, but he doesn't really offer any upside.

Solid work Reilly. Really interesting look. I think if you went back another 5 years, you'd probably have consistent results with this although Gagne, Riske and Soup really were foul. I don't really recall many significant FA signings from 99-05 though other than Jim Abbott. In the 90s, I think our biggest FA signing was Ben McDonald. It is pretty stunning that the 2nd best values were two mediocre catchers, one of whom drove these forums crazy for two years. I bet if you put our "All Free Agent Team" vs our "All Scrap Heap/Waivers Team", the latter would dominate.

I hope this is a joke. Yes, he's in the record books for most pinch hits (I believe) and his longevity is pretty remarkable, but the guy was a low average, low OBP hitter with little power. He was a decent infielder, but Segura has a far higher floor and ceiling. I loved that GoGo's comparable was Tim Raines. If that is the case, lock him up now!!!

Curious why Rogers doesn't project at all for the pen? Seems like his 'stuff' fits with the stereotypical reliever 'stuff'.

Love this deal from Cleveland's perspective. Bauer is going to be a very good pitcher and Choo is an aging/poor defending/inconsistent outfielder. Stubbs has a great glove, but could benefit from some coaching. He strikes me as a slightly more powerful Gomez. This clearly adds to the Reds 'all in' goals right now, but I just don't think they've made wise moves over the past 12 months and it will come back to bite them.

I would find it hard to believe that EJax would fall into our price range. I would prefer him over all the other FA SPs left out there (maybe equal with Anibal). I would worry about the mileage on that arm over the past few years, so I wouldn't go more than two, but I'd much prefer him to Dempster. He seems to be the sort of innings eater that we will need with the young arms and question marks.

This seems very crazy to me. The Reds are now locked in at $75 mm (11 players) for 2013 and $63 mm (7 players) for 2014. That is even before Votto's deal balloons. You can bet your house that Chapman is going to opt out of his deal after 2014, so maybe they are going all in for 2 years. Latos, Cueto and Chapman (assuming he converts well to a starter) could be a top 5 top of the rotation, but who knows what you're going to get from Arroyo/Baily/Leake. Why not spend the $ on an outfielder and try Arredondo or someone as closer?

Looks like Baker is going to the sCrUBS. http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/8627136/scott-baker-signs-chicago-cubs Would've been a good move for the crew. I guarantee you there is a game next summer where Baker shuts us down.

Looks like Toronto is sending homophobic Escobar, Marisnick and Hechavarria. That would be like us sending Gonzo (I know he's gone), Khris Davis and Hunter Morris. I get that this is all about salary, but I don't think any of those guys are absolutely terrible contracts. Johnson is one year at 13.5, which we all would take in a heartbeat. Reyes is 5 years, $96 million, but he has a $4 mm buyout for that last year. Buehrle is only $11 million next year, but balloons a bit after that to $18 mm a year for two years, which is high, but it isn't terrible considering his resume. Bonifacio is a solid player. He's versatile and still has a few years in arbitration.

Oooooooooo Nellie.

This is must see TV here. I'm nervous with the heart of their lineup....

aoki, rickie, Braun and A-Ram, the non pitching reason we r still in this chase

Amazing.

Anyone else annoyed by that crowd noise?

Wow. I live here and there is no reason it couldn't have started an hour ago. Great news for the Crew.

Too bad the world wide leader tarnished his name. What an incredible 2 seasons he's had.

If you're interested: http://www.talkingchop.com/2012/9/12/3323058/open-thread-9-12-braves-vs-brewers Some fear that they may blow their WC lead again...

WOW. What an inning. Imagine what the Braves board looks like.

We are just a game and a half behind the media darling Pirates who have lost 8 of 10. I still think we're long shots, but this is great.

The fact that this team is keeping things interesting is really impressive. I'm not sure who deserves credit, but there are a few obvious choices: Braun, ARam, GoGo, Roenicke, Fiers, Yo, Aoki.... This team just really is impressive.