Major League Baseball 2009-10 Offseason Talkback

[Anarky]

The Winter Meetings have come and gone. Moves have been made and groundwork has been laid.


http://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/sports.jpghttp://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/mlb.jpg
NYY: acquiring Curtis Granderson, re-signing Andy Pettite, and the likely re-signing of Johnny Damon to DH/OF.

SEA: signing Chone Figgins to replace Adrian Beltre at 3B. AB might return to Seattle however I believe he's Boston-bound, especially if Lowell is dealt to Texas.

The Mariners were the belle of the ball entering these meetings yet depart Indy emptyhanded. The M's lost out on the services for Granderson and Edwin Jackson. Adding insult to injury, they also failed to sign Rich Harden.

The M's are said to be suitors for OF Jason Bay, 1B Nick Johnson though I say they need Hideki "Godzilla" Matsui as their next FT DH.

Enough about my teams though, how about yours...

[Anarky]

Holy Blockbuster, Batman!

Roy Halladay buzz:

Phi gets Doc, send Cliff Lee to the Mariners, and the Jays get a bushel of prospects from both.

Others news: Lackey to sign w/ the BoSox, Godzilla to DH for Anaheim

when the dust settles this could be a major coup for the M's as long as they can keep Lee after 2010. It's clear that Trader Jack is going for it this season. They still need a bat to beef up an anemic offense.

[cohenmarioman]

Holy Blockbuster, Batman!

Roy Halladay buzz:

Phi gets Doc, send Cliff Lee to the Mariners, and the Jays get a bushel of prospects from both.

Others news: Lackey to sign w/ the BoSox, Godzilla to DH for Anaheim

when the dust settles this could be a major coup for the M's as long as they can keep Lee after 2010. It's clear that Trader Jack is going for it this season. They still need a bat to beef up an anemic offense.

Philies got rid of their best player, now they won't even stand a chance next year, who is it to say they will make the playoffs?

[bklien]

Should the Yankees or Mets be more worried with Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay switching leagues?

[Anarky]

The Mets having bigger problems than Roy Halladay...like the METS for instance! The Yankees should be on notice. It's quite possible they'll face the M's in the postseason. Worst case scenario in the ALDS. That's be a great series: Felix vs CC, Cliff vs AJ. I'd still pick the Yankees to win because of their pitching and monster offense however if the M's acquired a bat or two...:eek:

Full disclosure, I'm a Yankees fan FIRST, Mariners fan 2nd. I'm ecstatic that the M's are going for it. They're one of 3 not to advance to the World Series. Baseball fans in the NW are thirsty for it: 32 seasons!

Go Yankees, Go Mariners!

[bklien]

SNY constantly says the Mariners (Figgins, Lee) and Red Sox (Lackey, Cameron) are doing the best this offseason with signings.

[bklien]

The Winter Meetings have come and gone. Moves have been made and groundwork has been laid.


http://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/sports.jpghttp://library.toonzone.net/talkbacks/mlb.jpg
NYY: acquiring Curtis Granderson, re-signing Andy Pettite, and the likely re-signing of Johnny Damon to DH/OF.

SEA: signing Chone Figgins to replace Adrian Beltre at 3B. AB might return to Seattle however I believe he's Boston-bound, especially if Lowell is dealt to Texas.

The Mariners were the belle of the ball entering these meetings yet depart Indy emptyhanded. The M's lost out on the services for Granderson and Edwin Jackson. Adding insult to injury, they also failed to sign Rich Harden.

The M's are said to be suitors for OF Jason Bay, 1B Nick Johnson though I say they need Hideki "Godzilla" Matsui as their next FT DH.

Enough about my teams though, how about yours...
Also, I thought the Mets were going to sign Bay and Bengie Molina.

[Anarky]

Last I heard, the Mets are pretty much the only bidders for Jason Bay.

note: Mariners trade Carlos Silva to the Cubs for Milton Bradley. Silva was an absolute Bavasi bust, good riddance to him and his $25M contract. Milt is a hothead but at least he'll supply some help on offense.

Beware Cubs fans, Seattle is one of the healthiest cities in the nation. Silva is going to the land of deep dish pizzas & brats.

[bklien]

I'm not sure how much the Yankees like Cano and the Mets want to get rid of Castillo, wouild a

Yankees 2B Luis Castillo

Mets OF Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner

since they need LF help and both Melky or Gardner would be an upgrade over what they had last year (Sheffield / Beltran / Pagan) with Beltran, considering he's healthy, being the only star player.

POSSIBLE NYM LINEUP

1 SS REYES
2 CF BELTRAN
3 3B WRIGHT
4 1B GIAMBI? DELGADO? MURPHY
5 RF PAGAN
6 LF MELKY / GARDNER
7 2B ORLANDO HUDSON?
8 C SANTOS / MOLINA
9 PITCHER

[Anarky]

I'm not sure how much the Yankees like Cano and the Mets want to get rid of Castillo, wouild a

Yankees 2B Luis Castillo

Mets OF Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner

since they need LF help and both Melky or Gardner would be an upgrade over what they had last year (Sheffield / Beltran / Pagan) with Beltran, considering he's healthy, being the only star player.

POSSIBLE NYM LINEUP

1 SS REYES
2 CF BELTRAN
3 3B WRIGHT
4 1B GIAMBI? DELGADO? MURPHY
5 RF PAGAN
6 LF MELKY / GARDNER
7 2B ORLANDO HUDSON?
8 C SANTOS / MOLINA
9 PITCHER

Why would the Yankees want Luis Castillo? He's past his prime. Cano is 7 years younger. He had a lackluster postseason but killed in the regular season. Unless they come by an upgrade, Cano will remain a Yankee.

[bklien]

Think of Clemens. I never thought the Yankees to think age was a factor.

[Anarky]

Think of Clemens. I never thought the Yankees to think age was a factor.

Bro, Roger Clemens is ROGER CLEMENS. Apples and oranges. Besides, you can't compare an every 5th day pitcher to an everyday fielder.

Speaking of the Yankees: they re-acquired Javier Vazquez, sending Melkey Cabrera to Atlanta. The Yanks now have a solid 4th, possibly Phil Hughes as #5, and may reopen negotiations to bring back Johnny Damon.

Other AL note: Seattle trades Brandon Morrow to Toronto for Brandon League and a prospect. It's for the best. In Seattle, Morrow would forever walk in the shadow of Tim Lincecum. He won't have that hanging over his head in Toronto. The M's get a solid arm for the 'pen.

BTW: Jason Marquis to the Nats. Why? Must've been the caysh!

Back to the Yanks: they'll have to pay nearly $26M in luxury taxes: enjoy your stipends other MLB clubs. Try investing it back into the club instead of lining your pockets w/ Yankee dollars.

[bklien]

Can the Mets still trade Castillo to ANYONE?

Also, can the Mets get Orlando Hudson? let alone Bay, Molina and (Yorvit Torrealba)

[Anarky]

Mariners working on 2 transactions:

1. locking up Franklin Gutierrez to a 4-yr extension (option for a 5th)
2. trading for 1B Casey Kotchman

Kotchman is an interesting add. He can work the leather however his bat is questionable. The M's need power. They're not getting it from the OF or 3B. 1B and DH are their last slots for power. Kotchman and Carp are not those guys. That leaves DH, where there's a platoon of Griffey and Bradley.

Speculation: the M's might offer Vladimir Guerrero a 1-yr contract to platoon w/ #24: lefty-righty tandem at DH.

Hmmm

[sag_2002]

Big news coming tonight: Randy "Big Unit" Johnson has called it a career after 22 seasons that included over 300 wins, 4,875 strikeouts (2nd all time behind the great Nolan Ryan), 10 All-Star selections, 5 Cy Youngs, 2 no hitters (one of which being his famous 2004 perfecto against Atlanta) and a World Series ring and Co-MVP honors in 2001. Heck of a career, and one of the few players that did not succomb to the steroids bug that has ruined many a player's career. Congrats, Randy. See you in Cooperstown.

In other hot-stove news, Matt Holliday is staying with the Cardinals, agreeing to a 7-year deal worth up to $120 Mil (the largest in franchise history.) The deal is pending a physical.

[Tay the Cat]

It looks like the Red Sox have signed Adrian Beltre to a one-year deal worth $10 million guaranteed, with an option for 2011.

Hopefully he doesn't end up being a waste of money.

[purplehairedwonder]

Troy Glaus passed his physical and officially signed a one-year deal with the Braves today to play first base to go along with the Melky Cabrera trade.

Can't say I'm entirely pleased to see Javier Vazquez go to the Yankees, but we needed an outfielder with a bat and we had six starters with the Tim Hudson contract extension.I'm so ready for baseball to be back.

[Anarky]

Once news broke on The Mullet's retirement, people in Seattle started clamoring for Jack Z to make him an offer. Not gun happ'n. For what it's worth, the Yankees were the last club to get the best from RJ. He had a solid '08 w/ a terrible Dback squad. I wouldn't close the book on the Mullet just yet however. He may receive an offer/spring training invite by another NL club. Just know that he will not even entertain an AL offer so sorry Mariners Nation, you won't get to see the Mullet battle Ichiro for the rights to don #51. Enjoy retirement RJ and we'll see you in Cooperstown in 2015. Perfect timing too. He retired on the eve of this year's HOF balloting.

sidebar: opinion poll - Edgar Martinez, HOF or not?

[DisneyFan]

It looks like the Red Sox have signed Adrian Beltre to a one-year deal worth $10 million guaranteed, with an option for 2011.

Hopefully he doesn't end up being a waste of money.


I wonder what they do with Lowell. I guess they just need to pray Lowell recovers from his surgery well and is traded. I don't see Beltre being a bench guy .

Troy Glaus passed his physical and officially signed a one-year deal with the Braves today to play first base to go along with the Melky Cabrera trade.

Can't say I'm entirely pleased to see Javier Vazquez go to the Yankees, but we needed an outfielder with a bat and we had six starters with the Tim Hudson contract extension.I'm so ready for baseball to be back.

I'm not entirely pleased about Vazquez either but for a different reason. His last stint with the Yankees wasn't really that good. I hope he is better this time then he was last time he played for us. Truthfully I'm surprised they didn't let Gardner go and Melky stay. I thought Gardner would be the guy who went.

[Anarky]

Congrats to Andre "Hawk" Dawson. Better luck next year for Bert Blyleven, Roberto Alomar, & Barry Larkin. Edgar Martinez WILL be inducted eventually. I've still got an axe to grind over Don Mattingly's exclusion: 1 AL MVP, 9 Gold Gloves, 3 Silver Slugger Awards, 6-time All-Star, and he was clutch in the '95 ALDS (his sole postseason appearance). Donnie Baseball was the premiere 1B of the 80's. He'll get in via the veterans' committee so choke on it BBWAA.

[Tay the Cat]

Congrats to Andre "Hawk" Dawson. Better luck next year for Bert Blyleven, Roberto Alomar, & Barry Larkin. Edgar Martinez WILL be inducted eventually. I've still got an axe to grind over Don Mattingly's exclusion: 1 AL MVP, 9 Gold Gloves, 3 Silver Slugger Awards, 6-time All-Star, and he was clutch in the '95 ALDS (his sole postseason appearance). Donnie Baseball was the premiere 1B of the 80's. He'll get in via the veterans' committee so choke on it BBWAA.
If Mattingly deserves to get in, so does Will Clark, whose career numbers were similar.

Yeah, not happening.

[DisneyFan]

I'm not sure how much the Yankees like Cano and the Mets want to get rid of Castillo, wouild a

Yankees 2B Luis Castillo

Mets OF Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner

since they need LF help and both Melky or Gardner would be an upgrade over what they had last year (Sheffield / Beltran / Pagan) with Beltran, considering he's healthy, being the only star player.


POSSIBLE NYM LINEUP

1 SS REYES
2 CF BELTRAN
3 3B WRIGHT
4 1B GIAMBI? DELGADO? MURPHY
5 RF PAGAN
6 LF MELKY / GARDNER
7 2B ORLANDO HUDSON?
8 C SANTOS / MOLINA
9 PITCHER

Well 2 things...........................

Melky is all ready gone. If you want Melky you're gonna need to talk to the team we traded him to for Vazquez which would be the Braves. And 2. I don't think I'm really interested in trading for Castillo. I like Cano and Gardner.

I am quite scared of the M's getting to the playoffs. They have got a great team.

[Anarky]

Well 2 things...........................

Melky is all ready gone. If you want Melky you're gonna need to talk to the team we traded him to for Vazquez which would be the Braves. And 2. I don't think I'm really interested in trading for Castillo. I like Cano and Gardner.

I am quite scared of the M's getting to the playoffs. They have got a great team.

We're cautiously optimistic here in the NW. Here's the lowdown on the M's:

Pitching: A+
Defense: A+
Offense: F-

The M's were last or near last in every offensive category and have done little to remedy that. We're holding our collective breaths for Adrian Gonzalez's oft-rumored arrival. My conservative prediction: Seattle will need to win 50+ home games because I'd be shocked if they win 35 on the road. As is, the line-up is too tailored to Safeco.

[DisneyFan]

We're cautiously optimistic here in the NW. Here's the lowdown on the M's:

Pitching: A+
Defense: A+
Offense: F-

The M's were last or near last in every offensive category and have done little to remedy that. We're holding our collective breaths for Adrian Gonzalez's oft-rumored arrival. My conservative prediction: Seattle will need to win 50+ home games because I'd be shocked if they win 35 on the road. As is, the line-up is too tailored to Safeco.

A-gon huh? How much would you be willing to give to the Padres? Seeing as how Adrian Gonzales isn't a free agent. He might cost you guys a good package. Adrian Gonzales is a really good hitter and perhaps just the extra boost you need. But, how much is too much?

[RedNinja84]

The Reds have apparently signed Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman. He was a pitcher with the Cuban baseball team who defected during last year's World Baseball Classic and has a heck of an arm. The Angels and Red Sox were interested in him. Hopefully he can become the future ace of the Reds pitching staff. He could make ut to the big leagues this year and help the Reds compete in the NL Central.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4813486

[bigddan11]

If you're a Rangers fan, then good news came down the pipe these last couple of days. Vladimir Guerrero has signed a contract to be the DH for the Rangers with a one year guarantee and a second year option on the contract.
http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100109&content_id=7895540&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex

The Rangers also signed Khalil Greene to replace Omar Vizquel as the utility infielder after Vizquel went to the White Sox.
http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100109&content_id=7896058&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex

With Darren Oliver having rejoined the club earlier and the Rangers having traded Kevin Millwood for some younger pitching, the Rangers are looking like they could very well become the team to beat in the AL West this next season. The question will solely depend on how strong the starting pitching ends up. 2 of the 5 rotational spots are already filled, but the Rangers feel they have enough depth to actually go to a 6-man rotation this next season. We'll have to see what develops, but it's clear there's a reason to be excited now that the Rangers are under new ownership with Nolan Ryan owning a share of the team and helping guide the various ideas.

[DisneyFan]

The Reds have apparently signed Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman. He was a pitcher with the Cuban baseball team who defected during last year's World Baseball Classic and has a heck of an arm. The Angels and Red Sox were interested in him. Hopefully he can become the future ace of the Reds pitching staff. He could make ut to the big leagues this year and help the Reds compete in the NL Central.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4813486

What I am worried about isn't the team but the team's manager. Chapman is a great young guy who has a really bright future but there is a manager by the name of Dusty Baker. I just hope that Dusty Baker doesn't ruin him. This guy overused Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. They have never been the same since. I just hope this guy doesn't hurt Chapman. He has a strong tendency to overuse young pitching and hurt them in the long run or ruin their careers.

[RedNinja84]

What I am worried about isn't the team but the team's manager. Chapman is a great young guy who has a really bright future but there is a manager by the name of Dusty Baker. I just hope that Dusty Baker doesn't ruin him. This guy overused Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. They have never been the same since. I just hope this guy doesn't hurt Chapman. He has a strong tendency to overuse young pitching and hurt them in the long run or ruin their careers.

I'm worried about the same thing too. He really manages pitchers badly and has left guys in too long. Plus another thing I don't like about Dusty is that he plays favorites and puts guys in the lineup who are as cold as a glacier. I'm hoping he's gone after this year.

[Anarky]

A-gon huh? How much would you be willing to give to the Padres? Seeing as how Adrian Gonzales isn't a free agent. He might cost you guys a good package. Adrian Gonzales is a really good hitter and perhaps just the extra boost you need. But, how much is too much?

At this point, probably 2B Jose Lopez and top-level prospects. The Pads were interested in a package including Brandon Morrow but apparently he wasn't valued that highly seeing how the M's only reaped a middle-reliever for him. Lopez is expendable in Seattle because the M's are grooming Dustin Ackley, who might be up in 2011 or 2012.

I'm not holding my breath for A-Gon. Chances are the BoSox or another club will have a more appealing offer than Seattle. The cupboards are rather bare up here. Trader Jack is building a new farm system.


If you're a Rangers fan, then good news came down the pipe these last couple of days. Vladimir Guerrero has signed a contract to be the DH for the Rangers with a one year guarantee and a second year option on the contract.
http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100109&content_id=7895540&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex

The Rangers also signed Khalil Greene to replace Omar Vizquel as the utility infielder after Vizquel went to the White Sox.
http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100109&content_id=7896058&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex

With Darren Oliver having rejoined the club earlier and the Rangers having traded Kevin Millwood for some younger pitching, the Rangers are looking like they could very well become the team to beat in the AL West this next season. The question will solely depend on how strong the starting pitching ends up. 2 of the 5 rotational spots are already filled, but the Rangers feel they have enough depth to actually go to a 6-man rotation this next season. We'll have to see what develops, but it's clear there's a reason to be excited now that the Rangers are under new ownership with Nolan Ryan owning a share of the team and helping guide the various ideas.

Yeah, the question with the Rangers is always their pitching. It'll be interesting to see takes the West this season: Seattle pitching & defense vs. Texas offense.

[DisneyFan]

At this point, probably 2B Jose Lopez and top-level prospects. The Pads were interested in a package including Brandon Morrow but apparently he wasn't valued that highly seeing how the M's only reaped a middle-reliever for him. Lopez is expendable in Seattle because the M's are grooming Dustin Ackley, who might be up in 2011 or 2012.

I'm not holding my breath for A-Gon. Chances are the BoSox or another club will have a more appealing offer than Seattle. The cupboards are rather bare up here. Trader Jack is building a new farm system.

The Bo Sox did have a few chances to get Gonzales. But the Padres probably asked for Bucholz or Bard. And the Red Sox said "No Way" . The Red Sox have some really high hopes for Clay and Bard. To a better extent Clay. Bucholz is preety good.


I'm worried about the same thing too. He really manages pitchers badly and has left guys in too long. Plus another thing I don't like about Dusty is that he plays favorites and puts guys in the lineup who are as cold as a glacier. I'm hoping he's gone after this year.


This keeps going where it's going he will be. I don't want him ruining great young guys like Vozquez and Chapman. It's just not fair to them. Something tells me he won't even last the season you just watch Dusty will probably be given the pink slip mid 2010 Baseball season.

[RedNinja84]

This keeps going where it's going he will be. I don't want him ruining great young guys like Vozquez and Chapman. It's just not fair to them. Something tells me he won't even last the season you just watch Dusty will probably be given the pink slip mid 2010 Baseball season.

It sucks because I feel that way but I want the Reds to win lol

[DisneyFan]

It sucks because I feel that way but I want the Reds to win lol

But, who's to say that when Dusty gets fired you guys won't get a manager who can make you guys win more? I truly believe that you guys may have a better chance at keeping your guys healthy and maybe even getting to the playoffs under a different manager.

[RedNinja84]

But, who's to say that when Dusty gets fired you guys won't get a manager who can make you guys win more? I truly believe that you guys may have a better chance at keeping your guys healthy and maybe even getting to the playoffs under a different manager.
That's what I'm hoping for. If they are tanking in May, I hope Dusty's gone and a better manager steps in. And hopefullt the team stays healthy this year, they are always killed by the amount of injuries that happen to them.

[Anarky]

I've been distracted the last 2 weeks w/ the whole Team Conan thing. I just learned the Angels fleeced the Mets into acquiring Gary Matthews Jr.:D

That is all kinds of funny! Check out Buster Olney's summation of Matthews:

"The Mets acquired Gary Matthews Jr., an outfielder who can't hit for average, can't hit for power and can't play defense. Why?"

that's a good burn

also
Miggy Tejada back to the O's for 1-yr
Seattle locked up Felix Hernandez & Franklin Gutierrez long-term, closer Aardsma and set-up man remain intact

oh, and McGwire juiced

[Duke]

You would think Balmer would be up in arms about Miggy coming back, but it's been mostly positive here. Probably because a) O's fans love holding out for hope, b) Miggy will give the lineup a boost, c) he ain't playing shortstop, and d) he's just a stopgap until Josh Bell starts next year.

Though this pretty much puts Wigginton on the trading block, as his playing time has now been cut back dramatically. Sadly don't expect to see Luke Scott at the end of the year, but hopefully Andy can get something good for him.

Now if the starters can improve and show their stuff, the O's might actually be competitive this year.

Then again, they've been around .500 when facing teams not from New York or Boston the last few years...

[Anarky]

Ben Sheets to Oakland
Thome to Minnesota
Garland to the Padres
Nady to the Cubs

[DisneyFan]

Ben Sheets to Oakland
Thome to Minnesota
Garland to the Padres
Nady to the Cubs

WTF when the hell did this happen?Darn it, mark one more Left Fielder which the Yankees can't have off the list. They really do need a Left Fielder.

[Duke]

WTF when the hell did this happen?Darn it, mark one more Left Fielder which the Yankees can't have off the list. They really do need a Left Fielder.They signed Randy Winn, so I guess they're content with an outfield of Granderson/Gardner/Swisher/Winn.

Minnesota suddenly becomes a bit more dangerous with Thome there. The Twins' big problem in recent years has been offensive production, so Thome will help there.

[DisneyFan]

They signed Randy Winn, so I guess they're content with an outfield of Granderson/Gardner/Swisher/Winn.

Minnesota suddenly becomes a bit more dangerous with Thome there. The Twins' big problem in recent years has been offensive production, so Thome will help there.

I'm not to happy with Winn here. But, since it was only for 2 million and only one year. This could be used to pick up Carl Crawford next off season and or Lee.

[Anarky]

I'm not to happy with Winn here. But, since it was only for 2 million and only one year. This could be used to pick up Carl Crawford next off season and or Lee.

I like Randy Winn, switch hitter w/ some speed on the bags.

As for Cliff Lee, the Mariners have a season to sell him on Seattle. There's lots to love about the 206: high quality of life, beautiful environs, No State Income Tax, pitcher friendly ballpark, the long-term prospects of a Felix Hernandez-Lee tandem, a vastly improved front office namely Jack Z.

The downside: the M's need to work on their offense, the perception of the isolated Northwest

If 2010 doesn't pan out to the Mariners' expectations, they'll have an excellent chip in Lee and will likely reap a handsome package in return.

I can see Lee eyeing the Yankees as well: promise of perennial contention, teaming w/ Sebathia & Burnett, bigger world stage, the usual factors.

It all depends on where Lee's priorities lie. It may turn out he's not a "NY" guy. He wouldn't be the first. But I can see the Bombers plotting to convert the Yankee Killer.

More news from the PNW:

M's add Eric Byrnes & Ryan Garko. Seattle needed some RH bats so there you have it. Brynes will platoon OF/DH, Garko will platoon at 1B/DH/C.

Word is the Mariners might be offering Erik Bedard a 1-yr $1.5M contract. It's no secret that former GM Bill Bavasi got fleeced in the Bedard deal however when he's on, he's on. He'd be a strong #3 IF he returns to form. Jarrod Washburn might be in the fold as well. He's narrowed the field to Seattle & Minnesota.

Back to Bedard, the M's are getting a steal of a deal compared to the $10M that Ben Sheets got and the $7.5M given to Rich Harden.

[Anarky]

Spring is unofficially here! Pitchers and Catchers reported to camp today! Less than 2 weeks from ST baseball.

programming note: the College Urban Invitational is this Saturday on MLB Network.

UC-Northridge vs Southern University
UCLA vs Bethune-Cookman College

[DisneyFan]

I like Randy Winn, switch hitter w/ some speed on the bags.

As for Cliff Lee, the Mariners have a season to sell him on Seattle. There's lots to love about the 206: high quality of life, beautiful environs, No State Income Tax, pitcher friendly ballpark, the long-term prospects of a Felix Hernandez-Lee tandem, a vastly improved front office namely Jack Z.

The downside: the M's need to work on their offense, the perception of the isolated Northwest

If 2010 doesn't pan out to the Mariners' expectations, they'll have an excellent chip in Lee and will likely reap a handsome package in return.

I can see Lee eyeing the Yankees as well: promise of perennial contention, teaming w/ Sebathia & Burnett, bigger world stage, the usual factors.

It all depends on where Lee's priorities lie. It may turn out he's not a "NY" guy. He wouldn't be the first. But I can see the Bombers plotting to convert the Yankee Killer.

More news from the PNW:

M's add Eric Byrnes & Ryan Garko. Seattle needed some RH bats so there you have it. Brynes will platoon OF/DH, Garko will platoon at 1B/DH/C.

Word is the Mariners might be offering Erik Bedard a 1-yr $1.5M contract. It's no secret that former GM Bill Bavasi got fleeced in the Bedard deal however when he's on, he's on. He'd be a strong #3 IF he returns to form. Jarrod Washburn might be in the fold as well. He's narrowed the field to Seattle & Minnesota.

Back to Bedard, the M's are getting a steal of a deal compared to the $10M that Ben Sheets got and the $7.5M given to Rich Harden.

Josh Beckett is supposedly a free agent after this year too. Beckett is a good pitcher so If Beckett becomes a free agent at least the Yankees have a "Option B"

Finally Damon has signed with the Tigers. I love the guy but it took way to long for someone to sign him.