MLB News & Notes (other than Cubs or Sox)

[biggz]

<!--quoteo(post=34269:date=Apr 30 2009, 02:03 PM:name=Butcher)-->QUOTE (Butcher @ Apr 30 2009, 02:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34266:date=Apr 30 2009, 02:00 PM:name=veryzer)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (veryzer @ Apr 30 2009, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34259:date=Apr 30 2009, 01:48 PM:name=KBwsb)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KBwsb @ Apr 30 2009, 01:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->If Pujols doesn't come up for FA until 2012, he won't get a $252 M contract. He'll be 32 or 33 years old by then, and <b>Hendry is the only GM who thinks guys get better in their 30's.</b>

A-Rod's deal was a perfect storm: he was 24, going on 25 when he hit free agency, so even the low IQ folks knew that his best years were ahead of him. He was a shortstop (a premier defensive position) yet he hit like Pujols. He had a hard-working, "Mr. Clean" rep.
And not only did he have Boras, but he was willing to go to whatever team gave him the most money, no matter how shitty the team was, or how uncomfortable the situation would be.
That's a lot of things that have to be lined up just perfectly, which is why it's unlikely to happen again.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

is that why he rought back derosa? oh wait.....
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
He traded DeRosa because he bats right-handed.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

No, I think DeRosa was traded because Lou wanted to get less "hot wifey." The same reason Wood wasn't resigned.

[PcB]

<!--quoteo(post=34211:date=Apr 30 2009, 12:40 PM:name=veryzer)-->QUOTE (veryzer @ Apr 30 2009, 12:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=31504:date=Apr 18 2009, 12:37 PM:name=PcB)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PcB @ Apr 18 2009, 12:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I was checking out GatewayRedbirds.com and came across this gold nugget.

<!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <!--quotec-->Richie Allen wrote:
Albert sure didn't pick a very good time to bail on us. Perhaps he wakes up after another frustrating loss.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->


<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->phinstd wrote:
You know, comments like this remind me how unreal and pressure filled it must be to be Albert Pujols. It's part of the deal, I definitely get that, but man oh man, he gets called out and said to have "bailed" on the team on a day when he drove in a run, reached base twice, made a great read on a ball to go first to third, and scores a run and had an on base percentage of .400. This all just makes his exploits even more amazing to me...<b>he also takes it all in stride, and from most accounts, is a great person as well as player.</b> Amazing I tell you. It is my mission to never take one second of Albert Pujols for granted in all the years of my fandom.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Really, could they suck Pujols's dick more?
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if pujols were a cub, you'd be the first one on your knees.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
That took long enough...

[Clapp]

Pujols wants to be a Cardinal for life, and will be.

[Butcher]

<!--quoteo(post=34292:date=Apr 30 2009, 02:58 PM:name=Clapp)-->QUOTE (Clapp @ Apr 30 2009, 02:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Pujols wants to be a Cardinal for life, and will be.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'm just hoping "for life" means until about June 2009 or so...

[PcB]

<!--quoteo(post=34296:date=Apr 30 2009, 03:16 PM:name=Butcher)-->QUOTE (Butcher @ Apr 30 2009, 03:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34292:date=Apr 30 2009, 02:58 PM:name=Clapp)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Clapp @ Apr 30 2009, 02:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->Pujols wants to be a Cardinal for life, and will be.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'm just hoping "for life" means until about June 2009 or so...
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img] Wow dude.

[kbwsb]

I wonder who the Cards would accept in a trade for Pujols. Nobody is untradeable.
However, I think it would have to be two guys, at least.
But if the Mets offered Wright and Reyes, the Cards would be stupid <i>not</i> to take it.

[Clapp]

<!--quoteo(post=34303:date=Apr 30 2009, 02:39 PM:name=KBwsb)-->QUOTE (KBwsb @ Apr 30 2009, 02:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I wonder who the Cards would accept in a trade for Pujols. Nobody is untradeable.
However, I think it would have to be two guys, at least.
But if the Mets offered Wright and Reyes, the Cards would be stupid <i>not</i> to take it.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
No they wouldn't, he's the best player in baseball that's already got them a title without much around him. What have Reyes and Wright done? Pujols is MJ to me in his sport, I'm not trading him for anything. You will contend every single year with him on your team. He puts fear in the opposing pitcher, and they're -always- aware of where he is in the lineup, which greatly helps the rest of the players around him. He makes everybody else in his lineup better, just ask Ryan Ludwick.

[cigar]

The rumor down here is that Pujols is looking for a big payday on his next contract. Supposedly no hometown discount this time around.

[kbwsb]

<!--quoteo(post=34304:date=Apr 30 2009, 03:47 PM:name=Clapp)-->QUOTE (Clapp @ Apr 30 2009, 03:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34303:date=Apr 30 2009, 02:39 PM:name=KBwsb)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KBwsb @ Apr 30 2009, 02:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I wonder who the Cards would accept in a trade for Pujols. Nobody is untradeable.
However, I think it would have to be two guys, at least.
But if the Mets offered Wright and Reyes, the Cards would be stupid <i>not</i> to take it.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
No they wouldn't, he's the best player in baseball that's already got them a title without much around him. What have Reyes and Wright done? Pujols is MJ to me in his sport, I'm not trading him for anything. You will contend every single year with him on your team. He puts fear in the opposing pitcher, and they're -always- aware of where he is in the lineup, which greatly helps the rest of the players around him. He makes everybody else in his lineup better, just ask Ryan Ludwick.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Clapp, I agree with every part of your statement. Except the main part.
Yes, Pujols is the very best ballplayer on earth. It's pretty much not in dispute. (And this is a freaking CUBS board.) Yes he makes everyone around him better. Yes he has a ring.

But you wouldn't take TWO superstars for him? And Pujols is not Michael Jordan, who won 6 rings, and was widely considered the greatest player of all-time. Pujols is like Mickey Mantle, or Joe DiMaggio; magnificent, yes, but not in the Jordan/Babe Ruth stratosphere.

Wayne Gretsky was traded in his prime. So was Wilt. Frank Robinson, Roger Clemens, Shaq...it's not unheard of for massive superstars to get traded.

Age is also a factor here. Pujols, at 29, is leaving his prime. Like most players of his ilk, he'll continue to be great for many more years, but ballplayers almost ALWAYS peak between ages 25-27, or sometimes 25-29. (In other words, the exact ages that Wright and Reyes are now <i>entering</i>.)

This is not meant to denigrate Pujols, who I begrudgingly admit is THE best baseball player there is. It's simply a discussion of reality. I mean, at what point <i>would</i> you trade Pujols? There's got to be a tipping point, right?
What if the Mets offered Wright, Reyes (2 perennial MVP candidates) <i>and</i> Johan Santana, arguably the planet's best pitcher?
Then would you listen?

[PcB]

Wayne Gretzky...

[Clapp]

<!--quoteo(post=34375:date=Apr 30 2009, 06:59 PM:name=KBwsb)-->QUOTE (KBwsb @ Apr 30 2009, 06:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34304:date=Apr 30 2009, 03:47 PM:name=Clapp)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Clapp @ Apr 30 2009, 03:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34303:date=Apr 30 2009, 02:39 PM:name=KBwsb)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KBwsb @ Apr 30 2009, 02:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I wonder who the Cards would accept in a trade for Pujols. Nobody is untradeable.
However, I think it would have to be two guys, at least.
But if the Mets offered Wright and Reyes, the Cards would be stupid <i>not</i> to take it.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
No they wouldn't, he's the best player in baseball that's already got them a title without much around him. What have Reyes and Wright done? Pujols is MJ to me in his sport, I'm not trading him for anything. You will contend every single year with him on your team. He puts fear in the opposing pitcher, and they're -always- aware of where he is in the lineup, which greatly helps the rest of the players around him. He makes everybody else in his lineup better, just ask Ryan Ludwick.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Clapp, I agree with every part of your statement. Except the main part.
Yes, Pujols is the very best ballplayer on earth. It's pretty much not in dispute. (And this is a freaking CUBS board.) Yes he makes everyone around him better. Yes he has a ring.

But you wouldn't take TWO superstars for him? And Pujols is not Michael Jordan, who won 6 rings, and was widely considered the greatest player of all-time. Pujols is like Mickey Mantle, or Joe DiMaggio; magnificent, yes, but not in the Jordan/Babe Ruth stratosphere.

Wayne Gretsky was traded in his prime. So was Wilt. Frank Robinson, Roger Clemens, Shaq...it's not unheard of for massive superstars to get traded.

Age is also a factor here. Pujols, at 29, is leaving his prime. Like most players of his ilk, he'll continue to be great for many more years, but ballplayers almost ALWAYS peak between ages 25-27, or sometimes 25-29. (In other words, the exact ages that Wright and Reyes are now <i>entering</i>.)

This is not meant to denigrate Pujols, who I begrudgingly admit is THE best baseball player there is. It's simply a discussion of reality. I mean, at what point <i>would</i> you trade Pujols? There's got to be a tipping point, right?
What if the Mets offered Wright, Reyes (2 perennial MVP candidates) <i>and</i> Johan Santana, arguably the planet's best pitcher?
Then would you listen?
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If you're getting Santana too, then it's hard to turn down. It's gotta be something overwhelming like that to me. The Cards have shown they don't need much around him to compete. I hate Pujols, but I still think people GREATLY underestimate just how good he is and what he does for that lineup. Add in he's a leader, and an incredibly intelligent baseball player. I watched him score on a lazy throw into the infield recently, when they assumed he'd just stay at third base. Stuff like that rubs off on the rest of the team. Everybody credits LaRussa, Duncan, etc, for the way they play and how they overachieve, I think the way Pujols plays makes a huge difference on the rest of the team.

[rok]

<!--quoteo(post=34541:date=Apr 30 2009, 11:16 PM:name=Clapp)-->QUOTE (Clapp @ Apr 30 2009, 11:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34375:date=Apr 30 2009, 06:59 PM:name=KBwsb)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KBwsb @ Apr 30 2009, 06:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34304:date=Apr 30 2009, 03:47 PM:name=Clapp)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Clapp @ Apr 30 2009, 03:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34303:date=Apr 30 2009, 02:39 PM:name=KBwsb)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KBwsb @ Apr 30 2009, 02:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I wonder who the Cards would accept in a trade for Pujols. Nobody is untradeable.
However, I think it would have to be two guys, at least.
But if the Mets offered Wright and Reyes, the Cards would be stupid <i>not</i> to take it.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
No they wouldn't, he's the best player in baseball that's already got them a title without much around him. What have Reyes and Wright done? Pujols is MJ to me in his sport, I'm not trading him for anything. You will contend every single year with him on your team. He puts fear in the opposing pitcher, and they're -always- aware of where he is in the lineup, which greatly helps the rest of the players around him. He makes everybody else in his lineup better, just ask Ryan Ludwick.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Clapp, I agree with every part of your statement. Except the main part.
Yes, Pujols is the very best ballplayer on earth. It's pretty much not in dispute. (And this is a freaking CUBS board.) Yes he makes everyone around him better. Yes he has a ring.

But you wouldn't take TWO superstars for him? And Pujols is not Michael Jordan, who won 6 rings, and was widely considered the greatest player of all-time. Pujols is like Mickey Mantle, or Joe DiMaggio; magnificent, yes, but not in the Jordan/Babe Ruth stratosphere.

Wayne Gretsky was traded in his prime. So was Wilt. Frank Robinson, Roger Clemens, Shaq...it's not unheard of for massive superstars to get traded.

Age is also a factor here. Pujols, at 29, is leaving his prime. Like most players of his ilk, he'll continue to be great for many more years, but ballplayers almost ALWAYS peak between ages 25-27, or sometimes 25-29. (In other words, the exact ages that Wright and Reyes are now <i>entering</i>.)

This is not meant to denigrate Pujols, who I begrudgingly admit is THE best baseball player there is. It's simply a discussion of reality. I mean, at what point <i>would</i> you trade Pujols? There's got to be a tipping point, right?
What if the Mets offered Wright, Reyes (2 perennial MVP candidates) <i>and</i> Johan Santana, arguably the planet's best pitcher?
Then would you listen?
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If you're getting Santana too, then it's hard to turn down. It's gotta be something overwhelming like that to me. The Cards have shown they don't need much around him to compete. I hate Pujols, but I still think people GREATLY underestimate just how good he is and what he does for that lineup. Add in he's a leader, and an incredibly intelligent baseball player. I watched him score on a lazy throw into the infield recently, when they assumed he'd just stay at third base. Stuff like that rubs off on the rest of the team. Everybody credits LaRussa, Duncan, etc, for the way they play and how they overachieve, I think the way Pujols plays makes a huge difference on the rest of the team.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Agreed. Though, I'd always be concerned that Pujols might get lazy and that his baseball IQ might slowly erode by spending too much time in a Cubs uniform. I'm being totally serious too.

[Clapp]

<!--quoteo(post=34542:date=Apr 30 2009, 10:23 PM:name=rok)-->QUOTE (rok @ Apr 30 2009, 10:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34541:date=Apr 30 2009, 11:16 PM:name=Clapp)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Clapp @ Apr 30 2009, 11:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34375:date=Apr 30 2009, 06:59 PM:name=KBwsb)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KBwsb @ Apr 30 2009, 06:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34304:date=Apr 30 2009, 03:47 PM:name=Clapp)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Clapp @ Apr 30 2009, 03:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=34303:date=Apr 30 2009, 02:39 PM:name=KBwsb)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KBwsb @ Apr 30 2009, 02:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->I wonder who the Cards would accept in a trade for Pujols. Nobody is untradeable.
However, I think it would have to be two guys, at least.
But if the Mets offered Wright and Reyes, the Cards would be stupid <i>not</i> to take it.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
No they wouldn't, he's the best player in baseball that's already got them a title without much around him. What have Reyes and Wright done? Pujols is MJ to me in his sport, I'm not trading him for anything. You will contend every single year with him on your team. He puts fear in the opposing pitcher, and they're -always- aware of where he is in the lineup, which greatly helps the rest of the players around him. He makes everybody else in his lineup better, just ask Ryan Ludwick.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Clapp, I agree with every part of your statement. Except the main part.
Yes, Pujols is the very best ballplayer on earth. It's pretty much not in dispute. (And this is a freaking CUBS board.) Yes he makes everyone around him better. Yes he has a ring.

But you wouldn't take TWO superstars for him? And Pujols is not Michael Jordan, who won 6 rings, and was widely considered the greatest player of all-time. Pujols is like Mickey Mantle, or Joe DiMaggio; magnificent, yes, but not in the Jordan/Babe Ruth stratosphere.

Wayne Gretsky was traded in his prime. So was Wilt. Frank Robinson, Roger Clemens, Shaq...it's not unheard of for massive superstars to get traded.

Age is also a factor here. Pujols, at 29, is leaving his prime. Like most players of his ilk, he'll continue to be great for many more years, but ballplayers almost ALWAYS peak between ages 25-27, or sometimes 25-29. (In other words, the exact ages that Wright and Reyes are now <i>entering</i>.)

This is not meant to denigrate Pujols, who I begrudgingly admit is THE best baseball player there is. It's simply a discussion of reality. I mean, at what point <i>would</i> you trade Pujols? There's got to be a tipping point, right?
What if the Mets offered Wright, Reyes (2 perennial MVP candidates) <i>and</i> Johan Santana, arguably the planet's best pitcher?
Then would you listen?
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
If you're getting Santana too, then it's hard to turn down. It's gotta be something overwhelming like that to me. The Cards have shown they don't need much around him to compete. I hate Pujols, but I still think people GREATLY underestimate just how good he is and what he does for that lineup. Add in he's a leader, and an incredibly intelligent baseball player. I watched him score on a lazy throw into the infield recently, when they assumed he'd just stay at third base. Stuff like that rubs off on the rest of the team. Everybody credits LaRussa, Duncan, etc, for the way they play and how they overachieve, I think the way Pujols plays makes a huge difference on the rest of the team.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Agreed. Though, I'd always be concerned that Pujols might get lazy and that his baseball IQ might slowly erode by spending too much time in a Cubs uniform. I'm being totally serious too.
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img] For sure.

[ColoradoCub]

Pussy...

<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Mark Prior reported feeling pain in his shoulder after a bullpen session Tuesday at the Padres' spring training complex.
Sounds about right. The Padres have instructed him to "take a step back" in his rehab, and it's not clear when he'll begin throwing again. "The poor guy just can't seem to get over the hump," said manager Bud Black. "He is doing everything possible for him to come back. ... I hope it works out for him."<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

[Runnys]

If Pujols next contract is for less than 23 million a year I will be surprised.