Talks progressing on new Marlins' home- MLB.com

The Marlins want to call South Florida home for many years to come and now MLB has begun to step in to see that this becomes a reality. Despite not having a strong fan base, the fish have been very successful in their 14 years of existence and they want to continue their winning ways in the city of Miami.



MLB helping team secure funding for stadium in South Florida
By Joe Frisaro / MLB.com


MIAMI -- If no news is good news, then this was an encouraging week for the Marlins' stadium effort.

Earlier this week, Major League Baseball president Bob DuPuy was in South Florida taking part in a series of stadium-related meetings with team and local officials.

Securing funding for a new Marlins' home has become a high-league priority, and Major League Baseball has assumed an active role in the push to end more than a decade of stadium struggles in South Florida.

The Marlins had no comment on the meetings, which have quietly been going on outside of the public's eye.

MLB.com has learned that stadium talks are progressing.

One proposed site that is gaining momentum is the city of Miami, just south of the Miami Arena off I-95. Pompano, in Broward County, is also a viable location. And the city of Hialeah, in Miami-Dade County, is another possibility.

Since their inaugural 1993 season, the Marlins have been sharing Dolphin Stadium with the Miami Dolphins. A series of leases to remain in a park designed primarily for football expires after the 2010 season.

To secure the long-term stability of the franchise, the Marlins have long been searching for their own park, which would offer the team a much more favorable revenue stream.

With the Marlins having to be out of their current home after 2010, the clock is ticking to get a deal done in the near future. It takes three years to build a park, and ideally the team would like to move into a new home in 2010 rather than remain for the final year of their Dolphin Stadium deal.

Due to South Florida's scorching hot temperatures, and unpredictable rain patterns, the Marlins insist that a retractable-roof park is a necessity. One reason the city of Miami site is attractive is because parking isn't part of the estimated $430 million cost for a 38,000-seat facility.

The city of Miami has ample public parking already in the surrounding areas, plus the stadium would be accessible by the Metrorail train system.

DuPuy's presence at these meetings is significant because it shows the league's desire to keep baseball entrenched in South Florida.

Last year, the Marlins were granted permission to seek relocation after a proposed stadium plan next to the Orange Bowl in Miami fell through.

Marlins officials visited other markets, and while San Antonio, Texas, was impressive, there is no talk now of relocation.

MLB and team management want the franchise, with two World Series titles in their relatively brief history, to remain in South Florida.

Finding the Marlins a new home has moved up on the league's priority list because a series of events -- which includes the launching of the first World Baseball Classic, the new collective bargaining agreement and the Twins and A's stadium stalemates -- have all been addressed

Wells and Blue Jays agree to $126 million, 7 year extension- AP

Blue Jays Outfielder Vernon Wells was given an early holiday present on Friday as he agreed to a new contract worth a whopping $126 million. By keeping their franchise player, Toronto is able to keep their quest alive of over taking the Yankees and winning the AL East.

By ROB GILLIES, Associated Press Writer
December 16, 2006

TORONTO (AP) -- Vernon Wells said he wanted to take care of his kid's kids. He'll get that chance with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The All-Star center fielder and the Blue Jays agreed Friday night to a $126 million, seven-year contract extension through 2014, the sixth-largest deal in baseball history.

"How can you not be happy?" Wells said during a telephone interview with The Associated Press hours before terms of the deal were finalized. "Like I said, my family comes first. Obviously this gives me an opportunity to set my family up for a couple of generations. That's the biggest part of this thing. And this gives me a chance to do something special in Toronto that hasn't been done in a while."

The contract value trails only those of Alex Rodriguez ($252 million), Derek Jeter ($189 million), Manny Ramirez ($160 million), Todd Helton ($141.5 million) and Alfonso Soriano ($136 million). It is the 13th $100 million deal in baseball history and the third of the offseason, following those of Soriano with the Cubs and Carlos Lee ($100 million) with Houston.

Wells is due $5.6 million next season in the final year of his old contract. The extension calls for a $25.5 million signing bonus, payable in three $8.5 million installments each March 1 in 2008, 2009 and 2010. He will receive a salary of just $500,000 in 2008 and $1.5 million in 2009, but his salary jumps to $12.5 million in 2010 and $23 million in 2011. Wells receives $21 million in each of the final three seasons.

Under the extension, Wells has the right to terminate his agreement after the 2011 season and become eligible for free agency.

He gets a full no-trade clause and could earn bonuses of $250,000 for MVP, $200,000 for World Series MVP, $150,000 for league championship series MVP and $100,000 for receiving the most votes in his league in All-Star game balloting.

In addition, he will donate $143,000 annually to the Jays Care Foundation.

Wells hit .303 with 32 homers and 106 RBIs last season. He would have been eligible for free agency after next season.

He thought about trying to play with his hometown Texas Rangers.

"The ballpark is 20 minutes from my house. It's obviously a temptation, but (with) everything that I've gone through with Toronto and the relationships I've built there, it's tough to leave," Wells said.

The contract is the largest in franchise history -- dwarfing the $68 million, four-year deal that Carlos Delgado got from Toronto in 2000.

"We've said all along we're going to make every effort to sign him," general manager J.P. Ricciardi said Friday afternoon.

Ricciardi inherited Delgado's contract when the team's payroll was around $50 million, but it will be more than $90 million next season. A stronger Canadian dollar and ownership of the Rogers Center is allowing the team to spend more.

In the final month of the season, Rogers Communications chief executive officer Ted Rogers agreed that the team needed to increase its $72 million payroll to compete with New York and Boston in the AL East. The Blue Jays finished second in the division, trailing New York, which had an opening-day payroll of $198 million. Boston ($120 million) finished third.

Ricciardi said retaining Wells gives Toronto one of the best lineups in baseball.

"I know Gibby likes him in the third hole. We like our lineup. We think it's as good a lineup as there is in the American League," Ricciardi said.

Toronto could have traded Wells if it didn't get an extension done. While Toronto lost out on signing free agent pitchers Ted Lilly and Gil Meche, Ricciardi denied that those decisions freed up the money to sign Wells.

The contract is somewhat of a surprise because Ricciardi said after the season that if Wells wanted a contract similar the seven-year, $119 million deal Carlos Beltran got with the New York Mets two years ago they wouldn't be able to handle it.

The Blue Jays didn't include Wells in advertisements this winter, leading many to speculate that they wouldn't re-sign him.

Wells said the contract doesn't necessarily mean he'll retire a Blue Jay.

"It all depends on where my career is," he said.

AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this report.

Updated on Saturday, Dec 16, 2006 2:58 am EST

Daisuke Matsuzaka ends up in Boston

By David
Kaye

The negotiations might have went down to the wire, but the Boston Red Sox and stud pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka were able to come to terms on a contract. Over the next 6 years, Matsuzaka will be making a comfortable $52 million and when you include incentives the deal could total $60 million. On top of the $51.1 million the Red Sox paid Matsizkaka's former team the Seibu Lions just to speak with the pitcher, this investment in the Japanese star totals $103.11 million.

Boston was able to sign Daisuke just in time because the deadline to come to terms with him was Thursday at midnight. There was no way that Daisuke wanted to return to Japan and he was content with the offer the Red Sox made him. On the other hand his agent Scott Boras who has become famous for getting players outrageous contratcts over the years was holding out until he got his client what he believed to be fair market value.

Boras was eyeing the $11 million that Gil Meche received from the Royals earlier this month, but for a player who has never thrown a pitch in a major league game $8.66 million per season is extremely respectable. Matsuzaka comes over to the states with very impressive credentials. In his Japanese career he had a 108-60 record to go along with a 2.95 ERA. He was also named MVP of this years World Baseball Classic.

The Boston brain trust that had to fly over to California just to solidify a contract with the pitcher is very confident that he will fit in nicely in an already potent starting rotation. He will be added to a staff that includes Schilling, Beckett, Papelbon, Wakefield and possibly Lester who is currently recovering from cancer. After struggling last season, the Red Sox instantly become contenders in a tough American League.

Still, if they want to overtake the Yankees in the AL East they will need to find a closer because last years man Jonathan Papelbon defected to the starting rotation. Matsuzaka said "I'm very happy and excited to be a member of the Boston Red Sox " and the Red Sox fans will be equally as pleased to have him if he can duplicate the success that he had over in Japan.

Busy day in the world of Baseball

By David
Kaye

Today was an extremely hectic day around Major League Baseball as players continued to sign with new teams. Today is also the deadline for clubs to tender contracts to their arbitrationally eligible players and many teams decided to let players walk.

The Baltimore Orioles improved their offense by signing veteran Outfielder Jay Payton to a two year deal worth $9.5 million. Formerly of the A's, Payton is a versatile player who can play all three Outfield positions and will fit in nicely in the O's lineup. After not tendering a deal to right hander Joel Pineiro, the Mariners went out and signed fellow right hander Miguel Batista to a three year contract worth a staggering $27 million.

Batista pitched last season in the desert for the Diamondbacks where he won 11 games and posted a 4.58 ERA. I'm curious to see what Seattle management thought was so enticing about Batista. I might not be a general manager, but when I take a look at Batista's career the fact that he's lost 11 more games than he's won and that he has a career 4.46 ERA doesn't make me want to offer him $9 million per season.

On a positive note, the Texas Rangers reached an agreement with former NL Cy Young winner Eric Gagne on a one year contract. He has battled injuries over the last two seasons, but it's nice to see that he'll get a fresh start in Arlington.

Marcus Giles has spent his entire six year major league career as a member of the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, next season Giles will be calling another city home after becoming another example of a player who was not tendered a contract by his team. The Padres seem like the most logical choice for him to land because his brother Brian is the teams Right Fielder.

The list of other big leaguers who were not tendered contracts include: the Dodgers Jayson Werth and Toby Hall, Atlanta's Chris Reitsma, the Yankees Aaron Guiel, the Mets Victor Zambrano and the Tigers ''playoff hero'' Alexis Gomez.

Freddy Garcia in the city of brotherly love

By David
Kaye

The Philadelphia Phillies enjoyed a successful winter meetings as they were able to trade for work horse Freddy Garcia. In exchange for the two time all star, Philly shipped pitchers Gavin Floyd and Gio Gonzalez to the windy city.

Almost a week after the deal was completed Garcia is finally speaking out about his new team. He recently added that "I'm really happy to go to Philadelphia" and that ''It's a young team with good players." The 30 year old right hander will be on his third team since 2004. He will be able to provide playoff leadership to his new team and teach his teammates about the art of winning.

Along with the off season signing of Adam Eaton, the Phillies are constructing a pretty formidable starting rotation that will be able to contend with the Mets for the NL East crown. Presently, Philadelphia's starting rotation includes Garcia, Eaton, Lieber, Moyer, Hamels and Myers. Myers and Hamels are two solid youngsters and at the age of 44 Jamie Moyer has the ability to nurture these two young pitchers.

Obviously, with the addition of Garcia the Phillies head into spring training with six starting pitchers. The question to ask is who will be the odd man out in Charlie Manuel's rotation? Will it be Adam Eaton who is getting paid slightly over $ 8 million per season or might veteran Jon Lieber be traded.

Garcia is coming off an impressive 17 win season with the White Sox and he will need to continue pitching well if the Phillies are to have any chance of making the playoffs. Despite winning 85 games in 2006 Philadelphia lost out on the Wild Card to the Dodgers. Freddy Garcia recently said "I love to pitch." and hopefully his love for the game can elevate the Phillies into the postseason.

Rule 5 Pick Pitches A Perfecto- MLB.com

The Kansas City Royals have been the laughing stock of baseball over the last few seasons, but maybe their luck has finally changed. The Royals selected pitcher Joakim Soria in this years Rule 5 draft and the first thing Soria did as a member of the Royals 40 man roster was pitch a perfect game for his team in the Mexican Pacific League. The Royals will get their first up close and personal look at how great this right hander is during spring training.


It took Joakim Soria about 48 hours to justify the Kansas City Royals' faith.

Two days after the Royals made him the second overall pick in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft, Soria pitched a perfect game in the Mexican Pacific League on Saturday night as the Yaquis de Obregon blanked the Naranjeros de Hermosillo, 6-0.

Soria already was dominating the winter circuit, leading all three pitching triple crown categories (9-0, 1.77 ERA, 73 strikeouts). But the 22-year-old right-hander struck out nine and threw 101 pitches to remain unbeaten.

Soria tamed a lineup that included one current and one former big leaguer. Jerry Hairston Jr. batted leadoff for the Naranjeros and failed to get the ball out of the infield in three at-bats, while Geronimo Gil struck out and grounded out before leaving for a defensive replacement.

Making his 11th start for the Yaquis, Soria struck out Braves prospect Ivan Terrazas and Jorge Luis Valle to begin the ninth inning. With the count full, he retired Alejandro Ahumada on a ground ball to third base on his 101st pitch to finish off the third no-hitter in league history.

It was the first complete game of the season for Soria, who missed all of 2003 due to an injury. As a member of the Padres organization, he made seven relief appearances for Class A Fort Wayne in 2006 and went 1-0 with a 2.31 ERA. Before joining the Wizards, the 6-foot-2, 170-pounder served as the closer for the Mexican League's Diablos Rojos and compiled 15 saves and a 3.89 ERA in 39 games.

When Kansas City selected Soria from San Diego on Thursday, Royals general manager Dayton Moore raved about his repertoire.

"He throws three above-average pitches, and his mound presence was outstanding," Moore said. "He was almost too good to be true when we saw him."

To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, Kansas City released one-time top prospect Runelvys Hernandez.

"I think (Soria's) going to fit in well with some of the young arms we have coming into the organization," Moore said. "I think he's got a chance, a year from now, to be mentioned in the same vein with some of our younger prospects. He could be that kinda guy for us."

The Yaquis scored all of their runs on homers. Adan Munoz slugged a grand slam in the fourth inning off reliever Juan Alvarez, while Colorado Rockies outfielder Ryan Spilborghs and Kit Pellow connected for back-to-back solo shots in the fifth.

Daren Smith is a staff writer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Barry Bonds Remains With The SF Giants - SF Chronicle

All I can say is "Yeah!"


BONDS TO STAY WITH GIANTS
$16 million, 1-year deal would allow slugger to chase homer record in S.F. uniform
John Shea, Henry Schulman, Chronicle Staff Writers
Friday, December 8, 2006

(12-08) 04:00 PST Lake Buena Vista, Fla. -- Roll in the leather recliner. Dust off the row of lockers. Alert the entourage.

Barry Bonds is ready to sign with the Giants for next season.

A source close to contract negotiations confirmed that Bonds and the Giants had reached an agreement on a one-year contract for $16 million, and the deal would be consummated once certain language is finalized and Bonds passes a physical.

"We're working real hard to get something done," Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, said early this morning. "I'm optimistic we're going to get something done."

Giants Executive Vice President Larry Baer had no comment other than to say, "Some progress was made."

Early Thursday, sources on both sides of the negotiations said they believed the deal was on the verge of being done. In recent days, the sides narrowed the gap on how many millions Bonds would make in 2007 -- he wanted to be paid in the high teens, and the Giants preferred to pay in the low teens.

There was substantial give-and-take on both ends. Bonds wanted a vested option, hoping he could secure a second year by staying healthy, but the Giants insisted on only a one-year deal. They agreed to a higher base salary if Bonds took his eye off a second year, and it took weeks of hard negotiating to reach the compromise.

The deal, according to the Associated Press, includes performance bonuses that could push it to $20 million.

The sides had a series of phone conversations Thursday, one day after a three-hour meeting involving Borris and general manager Brian Sabean and a follow-up phone call.

Further dialogue was necessary to resolve issues, some nonmonetary, and it's possible the Giants will regulate Bonds differently -- for example, limit his number of assistants and their access.

As the winter meetings ended, Sabean hinted he wasn't willing to wait much longer to cut a deal. He was asked if he had any idea if other teams were interested in Bonds.

"No," he said.

Did he care?

"No."

Bonds didn't attend the Giants' negotiations here -- "It wasn't prudent," Sabean said -- but Borris made it seem Bonds was at the winter meetings hotel to visit with multiple teams. As the meetings ended, however, no other team emerged with legitimate interest in the 42-year-old left fielder.

Though published reports pointed to the Cardinals as the mystery team that could enter negotiations, they were no mystery at all. GM Walt Jocketty told reporters after Thursday morning's Rule 5 draft, "There's nothing on with Bonds. I'm sick and tired of people asking that. We don't have money for Bonds. We're trying to sign pitching."

The Cardinals never were interested in Bonds, sources said, and the stories were generated based on manager Tony La Russa's intrigue with big-name players. While Borris met with the Cardinals on Wednesday, sources said, Bonds was not present. On the other hand, Bonds did meet with Tigers manager Jim Leyland, apparently a long-awaited social visit.

With Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt a close friend of President Bush -- who called for pro leagues to get rid of steroids in his 2004 State of the Union address -- and the Cardinals still stinging from Mark McGwire's connection with the steroid scandal and embarrassing performance at a congressional hearing in 2005, St. Louis was never a fit.

It seemed clear Borris brought Bonds to the winter meetings to drum up interest for his client, but the Giants said his presence did not affect or accelerate negotiations.

What did alter negotiations was the free-agent market, which saw Alfonso Soriano sign for $136 million and Carlos Lee for $100 million, thus helping Bonds' bargaining power. The Giants pursued both players, along with a trade for Manny Ramirez, and adding any of them probably would have ended Bonds' time in San Francisco.

Instead, he's headed for a 15th season with the Giants. Though he's 22 home runs from breaking Hank Aaron's all-time record, Bonds wasn't attractive to other teams largely because of his involvement in the BALCO steroids scandal. From the outset, the Giants seemed Bonds' only possible choice.

Although Borris repeatedly said Bonds' main focus was winning a World Series, the Giants have posted consecutive losing seasons and lost ace pitcher Jason Schmidt to free agency. But Bonds often talked of retiring with the Giants, for whom his father (Bobby) and godfather (Willie Mays) played.

Bonds won five of his seven MVP awards with the Giants and set the single-season homers record in 2001. His last MVP was in 2004, and he was limited to 14 games in 2005 after undergoing multiple knee surgeries.

Last season, he played 130 games and didn't go on the disabled list. He hit .271 with 26 homers and 77 RBIs. He's coming off a five-year, $90 million contract.

E-mail the writers at jshea@sfchronicle.com and hschulman@sfchronicle.com.

Andy Pettitte returns to the Yankees

By David
Kaye

Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees have agreed on a one year deal worth $16 million. Pettitte will be returning to the team that he helped win four World Series titles during his first nine seasons in the Bronx.

After spending the last three seasons pitching along side his good friend and former Yankee Roger Clemens in Houston, Pettitte began to contemplate retirement. He had an immediate offer from Brian Cashman on the table and decided that he will end his career where it began.

This is a great and much overdue move by the Bronx Bombers who should have never let their star lefty defect to his home town team. This signing will bring stability and a regained sense of pride to the Yankees who have struggled to find a true sense of character since Pettitte left.

The veteran will be re-united with former teammates Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams and battery mate Jorge Posada. During his nine stellar seasons in New York, Pettitte posted a 149 and 78 record to go along a 3.94 ERA. He also won 13 postseason games and helped the Yankees capture the AL East seven times. Pettitte is definitely accustomed to the pressures of October and the Yankees will need his veteran leadership if they want to return to the World Series. Ironically, the last time the Bronx Bombers represented the AL in the World Series was in Pettitte's final year in pinstripes.

Fellow pitcher Mike Mussina commented that "It will be good to have him back." and as a whole, all of New York can't wait for him to toe the rubber at Yankee Stadium for one more go around. Is it possible that the signing of Pettitte will foreshadow a return by his close friend Roger Clemens to the Bronx? It seems that both men are closely attached and that the actions of one man predicates what the other one does. Only time will tell, but I hope that the rocket will follow in the foot steps of Andy Pettitte and end his career as a New York Yankee.

Greg Maddux signs with the Padres

By David
Kaye

Twenty one year veteran and to be hall of famer Greg Maddux has agreed to a one year contract with the San Diego Padres. During his illustrious career Maddux has compiled 333 career wins and an impressive 3.07 ERA.

He will be added to a starting rotation that already includes all star Jake Peavy, Chris Young, Clay Hensley and Tim Stauffer. Last season, the Padres posted the lowest ERA in the NL at 3.87 and were the only team to see their ERA be under four. With the addition of Maddux and former pitching coach Bud Black as their new manager, the Padres are stating a strong case as a team that will be able to compete with the Cardinals and Mets for National League supremacy.

Oakland A's Barry Zito To Meet With Texas Rangers

Oh. Oh. Don't look now, but Barry Zito's meeting with the Texas Rangers, who just hired Ron Washington, the A"s ace third-base coach. According to MickSports, which you can view with a click on the title of this post, Zito met with Rangers Officials including owner Tom Hicks this week.

Looks like the A's are set to lose another great player.

Off season transactions

By David
Kaye

The list of the top available free agents is dwindling as teams continue to sign players to handsome contracts. Many starting pitchers agreed to contracts this week and the most notable name on that list was Mike Mussina. At the age of 38 the ''moose'' agreed to a two year contract to stay with the Yankees.

This was a major move for the Yankees as they re-signed a pitcher who has solidified himself as the number two guy behind Chien-Ming Wang in the starting rotation. Last season, Mussina enjoyed his greatest success in pinstripes as he went 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA. His contract will pay him $23 million over the next two seasons.

Left hander Randy Wolf is headed west to play for the Dodgers after spending his first eight major league seasons playing for the Phillies. It seems that reliever Danys Baez has finally found a permanent home after he agreed to a three year contract with the Orioles. This will be the fifth team Baez will pitch for since 2003.

Starting pitcher Adam Eaton will be extremely thankful this holiday season after Philadelphia gave him a three year contract worth $24.5 million. My question is: For what is Eaton deservent of this large contract? After having a productive 2005 campaign with the Padres, he was traded to the Texas Rangers during the off season. He spent much of last season on the disabled list and in the 13 games in which he pitched he posted an inflated 5.12 ERA. It boggles my mind that in today's market a pitcher who has never won more than 11 games and has never had an ERA below 4.08 can be making $8 million a season.

On a brighter note lefty Jeff Francis of the Colorado Rockies agreed to a new four year contract that will pay him $13.25 million. At the age of 25, Francis is blossoming into one of the best young pitchers in all of baseball. Last season he enjoyed his greatest success as he went 13-11 with a 4.16 ERA. That might not seem like much, but take into account that he's pitching in Coors Field. His ERA dropped by an impressive 1.52 from the previous season and became the fourth lowest in team history.

The trade market

By David
Kaye

The hot stove season got off to a bang in the trade market with the Brewers and the Diamondbacks swapping players. Milwaukee sent pitchers Doug Davis, Dana Eveland and Outfielder David Krynzel to the desert in exchange for pitchers Claudio Vargas, Greg Aquino and catcher Johnny Estrada. Once again Arizona has shipped out quality players for what can be called at best mediocre ones.

Even though lefty Doug Davis is a good person to have on your team and Outfielder David Krynzel who is only 25 could pan out to be a promising prospect, they don't compare to what the Brew crew received in return. Vargas might not have the most impressive numbers, but he is young and showed potential last season as he posted a 12 and 10 record. Reliever Greg Aquino is a solid reliever and he posted a 2 and zero record to go along with a 4.47 ERA last year with Arizona.

The hidden gem from this deal and a player who is transforming into an elite major league catcher is Johnny Estrada. This will be the third team he will be playing for in two years, but I feel he has found a long term home in Milkwaukee. Besides posting good numbers last season, he knew that Arizona would only be a temporary stop because of how loaded their farm system is.

Last season in 115 games Estrada batted .302 with 71 runs batted in. In 2004 with Atlanta he batted .314 with 76 RBI's and since breaking into the majors in 2001 with the Phillies he has gotten progressively better every year. Estrada is lethal behind the plate as he has a career .994 fielding percentage and will be counted on with the Brewers to assist their young pitchers.

Doug Melvin and the Milwaukee Brewers have once again pulled off an excellent trade in acquiring great talent. Don't look now, but the Brewers might shock everybody this season and sneak into the playoffs.

Baseball off season frenzy

During this past week we have seen a plethora of signings throughout Major League Baseball. Top free agent Outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. who is coming off a career year, cashed in with a five year contract worth $50 million with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Evidently, the days of not signing with a rival team are over after Matthews Jr. defected from Texas for the halos.

Outfielders who have found new homes include: Speed stir Juan Pierre who signed a five year deal worth $44 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Frank Catalanotto who will return for a second stint with the Texas Rangers after signing a three year contract and veteran Moises Alou who is headed to Flushing to play left field for the New York Mets after signing a one year deal.

Around the infield we saw all star Nomar Garciaparra re-sign with the Dodgers for two more seasons. This was an excellent decision by Dodger management to commit to Nomar for two more years even though he is coming off many nagging injuries that sidelined him for portions of last season. Alex Gonzalez, formerly of the Red Sox's signed a three year contract with the Reds to become their new starting Shortstop. Gonzalez might not be the best with the bat, but is very potent defensively.

Left handed reliever Jamie Walker who was intrical in the success of the Tigers this past season signed a three year deal with the Orioles. If Baltimore wants to be competitive in the Al East
next year, they will need great pitching and they made a great leap forward in achieving their goal by signing a top of the line relief pitcher.

Carlos Lee signs with the Astros

By David
Kaye

The Houston Astros inked slugger Carlos Lee to a six year, $100 million contract this past week. Lee will provide a much needed offensive threat to the middle of the Astros lineup which has struggled with the bat the last few seasons. Along with fellow Outfielder Lance Berkman, Houston will have a formidable one two threat for many years to come.

''El Caballo'' has been spectacular over the last five seasons as he has compiled a .288 average with 157 home runs and 522 runs batted in. Since beginning his career with the White Sox, Lee has played with the Brewers and most recently the Rangers. He has a cattle ranch not too far from Houston and from what I can observe this signing seems to be a perfect fit for both sides.

With the short fences in left and right field Lee will love hitting at Minute Maid Park. Over an 81 game span Lee has the potential to break several records at his new ballpark. The signing of Lee was very critical for the Astros this off season because they have struggled offensively for many years and now they have finally found the bat to compliment Lance Berkman. Their pitching has always been capable of keeping them in the game, but when it came playoff time the Houston hitters were non existent.

By giving Carlos Lee the largest contract in team history, general manager Tim Purpura is demonstrating that he is committed to taking the Astros to the next level and that he believes ''El Caballo is the man to lead them to their first ever World Series title.

Still, with many teams in their division improving Houston will need to do more in order to distinguish themselves as the class of the Nl Central. At the top of their list,they must convince
Roger Clemens to return for one more season and for his good friend Andy Pettitte to re-sign. If both things happen then you can look at the Astros as major contenders in the National League along with the New York Mets.

Houston did a great thing in going out and signing the second best hitter on the market and according to Lee Houston fans ''won't be disappointed. I see him as being gravy for the Astros for years to come.

Ryan Howard & Justin Morneau win MVP honors

By David
Kaye

Fellow first basemen Ryan Howard and Justin Morneau took home the MVP award in their respective leagues. At the age of 27, the Phillies slugger overpowered opposing National League pitching to the tune of 58 home runs and 149 runs batted in. In the American League, 25 year old Justin Morneau surprised all of baseball in defeating Yankees shortstop and seven time all star Derek Jeter by a slim 14 points. Morneau became only the second Canadien born player to win the award since Larry Walker.

Both players enjoyed remarkable seasons as Howard lead the major leagues in home runs, RBI's, total bases and finished tied for second with a .659 slugging percentage and third with a 1.084 OPS. Morneau rebounded extremly well from a disappointing 2005 campaign where he batted .239 with 79 RBI's to bat .321 with 34 home runs and 130 runs batted in.

Still, Morneau was overshadowed by the heart felt story of catcher Joe Mauer winning the batting title and having the AL CY young winner and arguebly the best pitcher in baseball Johan Santana on his team. This is why Jeter should have won the award because he was the focal point of his teams success and with out him the Bronx Bombers would not have made the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Ryan Howard was the odds on favorite to win the award and even though slugger Albert Pujols enjoyed a productive season, with out Howard the Phillies would have never been in playoff contention. His numbers on the field don't speak enough volume to how overpowering he is at the plate. Just watching him clobber home runs to all sides of the field with such ease is startling for a player only in his second major league season. If Howard can continue on his current pace of destruction he will go down as one of the very best to ever play the game.

It seems to me that the winners of this years MVP award are beginning to open up a new breed of baseball players. Howard and Morneau are two young first basemen who play the game the right way. They are extremly diligent, very benevolent in the press and conduct themselves in a professional manner. If the rest of MLB could acquire some tips from these men maybe the game would be much more attractive for people to watch.

Alfonso Soriano signs with the Cubs

By David
Kaye

Five time all star Alfonso Soriano is headed to the north side of Chicago to help out a Cub team that limped to a 66-96 record last year. This perennial slugger and one of the brightest stars in the game today will be added to a potent lineup that already includes all stars Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee. By going out and signing the biggest name on the market early in the off season the Cubs have disguinished themselves as a team to reckon with in the NL Central.

Going back to his days as a Yankee, the knock on Soriano has been his inability to blend in as a team player and his lack for following directions. He proved last season after voluntarily switching to left field that he has started to break out of his shell and is now more of a team oriented player. Soriano inked an 8 year deal worth $136 million and this is unprecedent for a player who was undrafted coming out of the Dominican Republic. His contract is the fifth largest in baseball history and the largest in team history.


From the signing of manager Lou Piniella, to the re-signing of Aramis Ramirez and now this recent deal general manager Jim Hendry has invested heavily in bringing a winning product to Cubs fans. Still, with so much young pitching, an ambiguous bullpen and only one viable starting pitcher in Carlos Zambrano it's tough to envision this team making the playoffs next season.

With all the positive news surrounding the acquisition of Soriano it was lost today that the Cubs lost center fielder Juan Pierre to the Dodgers. He was an intrical part of the Marlins winning the World Series in 2003 and is one of, if not the best base stealer in the game. He was the table setter for the Cubbies last year and his presence will be greatly missed.

When you look down their lineup 1-8, the Cubs present major offensive threats with outfielders Alfonso Soriano, Matt Murton and Jacque Jones as well as Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. Alone, Soriano and Ramirez combined for 84 home runs, 214 runs batted in and 84 doubles. These two sluggers will be relied upon heavily after the front office invested $211 million in these men this off season. Soriano also set a major league record as the first player to have at least 40 homers, 40 doubles and 40 steals in a season. He will be batting lead off for Chicago and will be sure to bring a plethora of fire power to the top of the order.

I am intrigued by the vision veteran manager Lou Piniella has for his new team. He took over the worst team in the NL with the knowledge that management would spend the money needed to bring a winning team to the north side of Chicago. The Cubs by far have made the most moves of any team this winter as they've gone on a spending spree to attract the best players. As the Yankees have proven time and time again despite how much offense you have, if you want to win you need good pitching and I don't feel at the present time that the Chicago Cubs have the pitching to be major players in the National League.

Frank Thomas signs with the Blue Jays

By David
Kaye

Slugger Frank Thomas is headed north of the border after signing a two year deal with Toronto worth $18.12 million. Thomas also has an option for 2009 that will pay him $10 million. This is a great acquisition for J.P. Ricciardi and the Blue Jays as Frank is a major offensive threat.

Last year, as a member of the A's he batted .270 with 39 home runs and 114 runs batted in. He will be added to an already potent lineup that includes all star Vernon Wells, Troy Glaus, Alex Rios, Reed Johnson and Lyle Overbay. The big hurt is currently the only Blue Jay to be born before 1974. This team is founded on its youth and by adding a crafty veteran in Thomas you are telling your fans that you are serious about winning.

During last years off season general manager J.P. Ricciardi went out and signed pitchers A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan. Many people including myself thought that he was crazy in giving them such large contracts, but they both proved that they were worth the money. By going out early into this years off season and signing one of the best offensive players ever to play the game the Blue Jays will now find themselves up there with the best teams in the AL come October.

Toronto took a major step last season in leap frogging the Red Sox's into second place and this season I expect them to finish in first. When you can combine the pitching of all star and former CY young winner Roy Halladay with A.J. Burnett who has won a World Series ring before you are making a great one two tandem that will plow down opposing hitters. The knock on Burnett has been that he's never been able to stay healthy, but this year he will prove the doubters wrong.

Still, if the Blue Jays are to first make the playoffs and have a chance of going deep they need to solidify the back end of their rotation. Toronto possesses an above average bullpen that is lead by closer B.J. Ryan who posted an impressive 1.37 ERA last season and racked up 38 saves. Their offense featured six hitters who had at least a .300 or better average last season and with the addition of Frank Thomas their power numbers will sky rocket. The big hurt will be laying tremendous damage on American League pitching and hopefully he is successful enough to lead the Blue Jays into the playoffs.

Hot Stove Baseball

By David
Kaye

The baseball off season got even more interesting today when we learned that Japanese phenom Daisuke Matsuzaka will most likely be signing with the Red Sox's. All 30 major league teams had the right to bid for the 26 year old pitcher, but Boston entered the highest bid at $51.1 million. Remember that this dollar amount is only for the Sox's to negotiate with the pitcher and not the amount of his contract.

Matsuzaka said "I was very surprised when I heard the figure" and I concur with his comments. It's unthinkable to believe that any team would bid that much money for a player. I understand that any person in any type of profession is entitled to a reservation wage, but the amount of money many major leaguers are making today is absurd. The re-signing of Aramis Ramirez by the Cubs for five years and $73 million as well as this recent transaction should be a good indicator for what the rest of the market has in store. Now, we will see many players who might have average skills receive large contracts.

The move by the Red Sox's will have major repercussions on the field. Their pitching staff struggled throughout last season and by acquiring this outstanding pitcher they are greatly bolstering their team. The tandem of Schilling, Beckett, Papelbon, Matsuzaka and Wakefield will be hard for hitters to beat.


In other news around baseball Jim Leyland of the American League Champion Tigers won the AL manager of the year. This award was expected after his teams surprising success, but you can't count out the hard work Leyland put into having such a great season. Many people laughed at the prospect of Leyland taking over a team that endured so many losing seasons, but he silenced the critics.

Over on the NL side Joe Girardi won manager of the year for the Marlins, but it's unfortunate he won't be back to continue his success. He took over a team that many people said was the worst in the game, but instead guided his club to a 78-84 record and was in contention for the wild card for much of September. More than any manager Girardi deserved this award as he showed the baseball community just how good he is and more importantly how much he was capable of doing with a team full of rookies. I hope that Joe Girardi will return to baseball and manage a team that appreciates his abilities.

Justin Verlander & Hanley Ramirez: 2006 Rookies of the Year

By David
Kaye

In what was one of the best rookie classes in recent memory Justin Verlander of the American League Champion Tigers and Hanley Ramirez of the Marlins took top honors in their respective leagues. Verlander became the run away favorite after Boston's Jonathan Papelban and Minnesota's Francisco Liriano suffered mid season injuries.

Verlander distinguished himself as one of the best pitchers in the AL after posting a record of 17-9 with a 3.63 ERA. As his young career progresses he will be among baseballs best pitchers. The National League race for rookie of the year was hotly contested between Washington's third basemen Ryan Zimmerman and Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez who went on to win. There was only a difference of four points between both players and this was the closest race in 26 years.

Ramirez was part of a Marlins team that had six players receive at least one point in voting for the NL rookie of the year and this is a major league record. Besides Ramirez, the list includes Dan Uggla, Josh Johnson, Scott Olsen, Anibal Sanchez and Josh Willingham. This speaks volume to the depth of talent the fish have and why they are one of the brightest teams in all of baseball.

After being acquired in an off season trade with the Red Sox's Hanley batted .292 with 17 home runs, 59 runs batted in, 46 doubles, 11 triples, 185 hits and an impressive 51 stolen bases. His 51 stolen bases ranked third in the NL and his seven lead off home runs tied a rookie record set by Nomar Garciaparra. Ramirez's lightning speed and knack for getting on base was a major reason why Florida shattered their expectations. He recently said "If we bring the same energy next year, we're going to be unbelievable." This optimism is a major factor into why this young ball club is so fun to watch on a regular basis.

The rookie class of 2006 exemplified how hard work can pay off. Many of the Marlins rookies and others around the league took a tough road to get to the majors, but these young men have now become very successful baseball players. When a pitcher can go 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 144 strike outs in 28 games[started sixteen] and a hitter can bat .271 with 28 home runs and 81 runs batted in and not win the rookie of the year, you begin to realize just how talented this class of rookies were. If these players were so good in their first year just imagine how good they will become in years to come.

Manny Acta, The new Manager of the Washington Nationals

By David
Kaye


The Nationals are set to hire Manny Acta as their new manager. Acta previously served as the Mets third base coach for the last two seasons and he will be taking over a team that has finished in last place for the last two years. Hall of famer Frank Robinson was dismissed of his managerial duties six weeks ago and this permitted the Nats to go after Acta. He separated himself from the other managerial candidates because of his hard work ethic and knowledge of the game.

The newly appointed manager will be taking over a team that showed very limited signs of improvement last year. The only bright spot was rookie third basemen Ryan Zimmerman who batted .287 with 20 home runs and 110 runs batted in. Unfortunately, Washington will most likely be losing their best player and one of the best sluggers in baseball in Alfonso Soriano to free agency. Last season the Nats pitching staff posted the highest ERA, pitched the fewest shut outs and hit the most batters in the National League. It will definitely be an up hill battle for first year manager Manny Acta.

It's nice to see a man who started as a coach back in 1992 with Class A Asheville finally get an opportunity to manage a big league club. With the hiring of Manny Acta, hopefully the Nationals will be able to return the sense of winning to the nations capital.