Deeg

Frankly, if its going to take 4/$60 - which I would guess is about right - I'll be pleased if the Dodger report is true. Schmidt isn't nearly the pitcher he was a few years ago, and might regress a lot further in four years time.

Link? I'm far too lazy to go digging through a bunch of crap. http://mb9.scout.com/flosangelesdodgersfrm1.showMessageRange?topicID=3775.topic&start=5881&stop=5887[/url] The guy who made the post there has sixteen total posts. It could be a dubious source. Well if he heard the story and Deeg heard the exact same story I think its a safe bet that it was an actual report. What, Pistol - you don't think I'd make up a story about a guy signing in Los Angeles and attribute it to a San Francisco source to piss off people in Chicago? Seems perfectly logical to me! :roll:

The station made the report, but you have to take it context - Barbieri is a host, not a newscaster. Thus, the "FWIW" in my original post. No one is more suspect of sports talk radio than me - in fact, Barbieri's show is the only one I listen to. But he's a pretty connected guy - pretty much the dean of local sports radio and very well-respected. I like him because he takes the view of an extremely knowledgeable fan. He went on fishing trips with Baker, but wasn't afraid to knock him when it was merited (in fact, that ended their friendship eventually - ironically due to Barbieri calling Dusty out for not taking criticism well). He likes Sabean and pretty much has him to himself interview-wise, but rips him when he deserves to be ripped. He generally only reports rumors when they're credible. When Dusty was rumored to be leaving SF after the '02 series Ralph had the story scooped every step of the way, from the departure to the terms of the Cubs' contract. As for Robinson, Ralph always says he loves to talk to him becuase he's so "well-connected" in baseball circles (unlike his regular co-host Tom Tolbert, who pretty much knows nothing about the sport). Ted seemed to back up Barbieri's info on this deal. You have to understand - losing Schmidt to the Dodgers would be like losing Zambrano to the White Sox - in a Giants town, it's a big deal. They already lost out on Pierre to the Dodgers (lucky though that may be) so the Giants are smarting already. So there you go. Is it fact? No - but a pretty credible source for hearsay. Again, the "FWIW". Barbieri is more often right than wrong on local stuff, so I suspect this is probably good info. We'll know soon enough.

I thought you're in SF?? And did WSCR break out of Blackhawks play-by-play to allow Ralph Whatever-his-name-is to discuss Jason Schmidt? EDIT: Olney doesn't work for WSCR either, he works for ESPN which would be WMVP. EDIT #2: Barbieri works in SF sports radio. LOL! Sorry, brainfart - I meant KNBR 680. Too much time browsing these boards, I guess. It was during his show this afternoon, with what's his name (the tennis/baseball/hockey guy) subbing for Tolbert. Ted Robinson!

I thought you're in SF?? And did WSCR break out of Blackhawks play-by-play to allow Ralph Whatever-his-name-is to discuss Jason Schmidt? EDIT: Olney doesn't work for WSCR either, he works for ESPN which would be WMVP. EDIT #2: Barbieri works in SF sports radio. LOL! Sorry, brainfart - I meant KNBR 680. Too much time browsing these boards, I guess. It was during his show this afternoon, with what's his name (the tennis/baseball/hockey guy) subbing for Tolbert.

It's being reported on WSCR here, by the usually fairly reliable Ralph Barbieri. I believe he mentioned Olney as a source, but I wouldn't swear to it. Might not be true, of course, but the stuff I hear on Barbieri's show is usually pretty solid.

Local media here in SF is reporting that Schmidt to the Dodgers is a done deal, FWIW...

I like Figgins, and I think he's a better hitter than what he showed in '06. He has enough flexibility that he wouldn't block Pie long-term. That said, I doubt the Angels move him.

How much better is Wells over either of them? Lots and lots.

Bottom line, folks, is the Trib don't care about the payroll in five years because they won't own the team. Hendry doesn't care because he must win NOW or lose his job. Result? Spend it, baby! Eight years? No problem. Six years for Schmidt? No problem. $8 million for Meche? Where's my pen?

Cotts is young and, as far as we know, healthy - I don't see any problem stretching him out to the point where he can start. His metrics point towards the conclusion that he's better suited to be a starter - he simply doesn't have any lefty-lefty advantage. My big concern is that his wildness would limit his ability to go deep into games, but I'd certainly be willing to give him a look.

A starter his whole career, Cotts struggled last year to set up his changeup, his best pitch. His fastball doesn't get much above 90 and his deceptive motion was not a big issue for lefthanded batters, who hit him surprisingly hard. Cotts was up with too many pitches last season, allowing more homers than he had in his minor-league career. He needs to work on his move to first base as he was easy to run on a year ago.

Agreed. Cub fans have short memories, I guess - we've heard this sort of talk before. The Cubs are great at coming up second or third for the big FAs - and while I certainly don't fault them for not bidding $51 million, let's not forget they came in fifth for Matsuzaka. The talk is fine, but so far the offseason has netted Mark DeRosa. Upping the payroll by overpaying for spread-it-around guys doesn't help. When the Cubs actually come home with some real players, then you can crow about all this.

4/56 for Drew> 7/105 for Alph.

$51 million is insane. Simply insane. I really have to wonder if that was a serious offer - the second place team may yet get their chance.

If Boston really bid that much, why in the world did it take so long for it to be accepted? Something doesn't smell right here.

No offense, guys, but yer nuts if you think 5/$73 will get it done. He's either going to get 6 years minimum, or something like $18 million per on a 4 or 5 year deal. I'd rather have Drew myself, but reality is reality.

Thought Betre has only had one great season, he's only 27 and last year he was actually quite good given his numbers are depressed by Safeco. He's overpaid enough that the cost in talent would probably be minimal. He a good glove and a good athlete, and I suspect he'd have some very decent years at Wrigley.

Throat-warbler Mangrove

I still see no reason to thing the Yankees won't win this. Money is obviously no object, and there's widespread belief the process is fixed, anyway. They certainly wouldn't fix it in favor of the Cubs.

He's all three. Four-seamer mid 90's, sinker around 92, excellent curve and change (and occasional gyroball) and pinpoint control.

I've seen speculation that it will take something in the $25-30 million range. Then, figure $9-10 million per for 3-4 years. And you know what? I suspect it will be a bargain.

Let's hope there are some equally good alternatives available after next season, when Lou forces the Cubs to release him to pursue the Yankees job. Unfortunately I think that's hugely unlikely.

Tim Flannery is a giant horse's ass. His credibility is about the same as Hawk Harrelson's.

I lived in SD for six years and saw dozens of Padres games live, and countless others on TV. Most of this criticism of Bochy is pure BS - he's a very sharp baseball guy who gets a lot out of mediocre talent. He'll bunt occasionally, hit and run sometimes, and play for the big inning when its appropriate. He's a moderate - not a devotee of any rigid managerial style. And as for the OBP question - anyone who plans to use Brian Giles as his leadoff hitter (as Bochy has said he will next year) clearly apprecaites OBP. Can you imagine Baker or Piniella even considering it?