MLB 2011-2012 Offseason Thread

[B.A.]

Originally Posted by Mr. Cinema

Just heard on Colin Cowherd that the Marlins' offer to Pujols is around 9 years/$225 million.

Thankfully, this whole contract situation is in God's hands.

[cardsfan111]

Originally Posted by kefrank

That's what was reported on yahoo sports as well. The money isn't "offer you can't refuse" money, but 9 years is more than most teams, including the Cardinals, are probably willing to go.

I know Pujols wants long-term security, but if I were him, I'd be wary of signing a long-term deal with a team like the Marlins that has not proven to be a perennial contender. They're throwing a lot of money around right now, but what will it look like in 3 or 4 years if the fans aren't coming?

That's why it's a stretch for me to see Pujols in Miami as well. Even if the Marlins commit to putting a better team on the field year in and year out, the NL East would seem to be a tougher division going forward with big spending teams like the Phillies, Mets and even the Nationals present.

But hey, if Pujols wants more at-bats versus Halladay, Lee and Strasburg, along with a bigger deal, maybe it'll happen. Interesting to note that Miami opens up their new stadium next year with a home game against St. Louis.

[cardsfan111]

Francona looks like he'd rather take some time off from managing after not getting the Cards' job. Link

[kefrank]

Originally Posted by starman9000

Then he gets traded to a contender that's willing to pay I imagine?

From his perspective, there's no way to guarantee that. And the impression that's been given is that he's seeking a long-term deal for the security of finishing out his career with whatever team he signs with, not just the general security of a lot of years in baseball.

[starman9000]

Wouldn't he have a no-trade clause? If they can't pay him (your scenario) then I don't see what other option they would have.

[Goat3001]

Maddon and Gibson voted managers of the year.

good choices

[dsa_shea]

Originally Posted by cardsfan111

Francona looks like he'd rather take some time off from managing after not getting the Cards' job. Link

I have read a few posts from different people that supposedly he really wanted the Cubs job and I guess that this proves that to not be true. I wonder which direction the Cubs will ultimately go? Who will be their savior?

[dsa_shea]

Originally Posted by B.A.

Thankfully, this whole contract situation is in God's hands.

His putting his contract situation in "God's hands" has always irked me a little bit. To me it doesn't seem right to think that God would want anything to do with or care anything about how many millions of dollars you make playing baseball.

[dsa_shea]

Originally Posted by starman9000

Then he gets traded to a contender that's willing to pay I imagine?

If most teams are not willing to take him on for big bucks now then they are less likely to want him unless he smashes right out of the gate. I think that many teams are skeptical of his abilities maintaining for the next few years much less 8 or 9.

[Mr. Cinema]

Originally Posted by cardsfan111

Francona looks like he'd rather take some time off from managing after not getting the Cards' job. Link

I thought he did a great job broadcasting during the playoffs for Fox.

[starman9000]

Originally Posted by dsa_shea

If most teams are not willing to take him on for big bucks now then they are less likely to want him unless he smashes right out of the gate. I think that many teams are skeptical of his abilities maintaining for the next few years much less 8 or 9.

But if he sucks at that point, why would it be bad for him to be getting paid in Miami? And if Miami is desperate for cash at that point, they'd likely eat a lot of his contract in the trade just to save money.

[LurkerDan]

The super long contracts are slowly going to become a thing of the past. People are going to see ARod getting paid a bajillion dollars at the age of 43 to do squat, and Pujols the same, and are going to realize that without steroids, players generally decline in their mid-30s.

Oh yeah, like it used to be.

[davidh777]

Originally Posted by dsa_shea

I have read a few posts from different people that supposedly he really wanted the Cubs job and I guess that this proves that to not be true. I wonder which direction the Cubs will ultimately go? Who will be their savior?

It sounds like Sveum might have a leg up in Boston. If he's out of the running, my gut is that Mike Maddux is more attractive than Mackanin or Alomar.

[kefrank]

Originally Posted by starman9000

Wouldn't he have a no-trade clause? If they can't pay him (your scenario) then I don't see what other option they would have.

Maybe I should have been clearer before. The concern isn't that they wouldn't be able to afford to pay him what's in the contract. The concern is that he'd be stuck for years on a crappy team that can't afford to field a contender (or just doesn't want to). Pujols cares about the money, no doubt, but he also cares about winning.

[wildcatlh]

FWIW, the 9/225 offer may (according to Jayson Stark on local sports radio here in South Florida) be frontloaded to some extent.

But he's not going to Miami. Doesn't make sense. Pujols takes up too much of the budget. Reyes allows them to sign Buehrle and other pieces.

[LurkerDan]

Miami ownership has said (what, I shouldn't trust Loria? ) that they can afford Pujols, Reyes, and Buehrle.

[dsa_shea]

Originally Posted by LurkerDan

Miami ownership has said (what, I shouldn't trust Loria? ) that they can afford Pujols, Reyes, and Buehrle.

If they become a three man team and Buerhle is on the mound day after day.

[Goat3001]

Originally Posted by LurkerDan

Miami ownership has said (what, I shouldn't trust Loria? ) that they can afford Pujols, Reyes, and Buehrle.

Apparently they're also going to sign Ryan Madson and the 1992 Chicago Bulls.

[Deftones]

to Gibson winning the MOY award. Should've been unanimous, though.

[Red Dog]

Since when do the Marlins throw around such money? Do they think that the mindset of South Floridians towards sports is going to change just because they built a new stadium?

In more important off-season news, the Orioles are going back to the cartoon bird on their caps. Well, if you can't return the glory days to the field, might as try your best to look like the glory day O's.

[cardsfan111]

Only a few changes to the St. Louis coaching staff. Duncan, McGwire and Oquendo are all coming back.

[dsa_shea]

Originally Posted by cardsfan111

Only a few changes to the St. Louis coaching staff. Duncan, McGwire and Oquendo are all coming back.

Good news! I like to see consistency with the team.

[LurkerDan]

Originally Posted by Red Dog

Since when do the Marlins throw around such money? Do they think that the mindset of South Floridians towards sports is going to change just because they built a new stadium?

isn't the new stadium also in a much more convenient location?

[wildcatlh]

Originally Posted by LurkerDan

isn't the new stadium also in a much more convenient location?

It is.

Joe Robbie/Pro Player/whatever the hell they're calling the stadium right now is in a TERRIBLE location when it comes to baseball. It's 45 minutes or so from downtown Miami to the stadium in evening traffic. There's no real public transportation. And during the summer there's always the risk of a thunderstorm. At least the new stadium is downtown and covered, which is going to help a lot. Not sure it completely turns things around, but it's definitely going to help.

[B.A.]

Originally Posted by wildcatlh

It is.

Joe Robbie/Pro Player/whatever the hell they're calling the stadium right now is in a TERRIBLE location when it comes to baseball. It's 45 minutes or so from downtown Miami to the stadium in evening traffic. There's no real public transportation. And during the summer there's always the risk of a thunderstorm. At least the new stadium is downtown and covered, which is going to help a lot. Not sure it completely turns things around, but it's definitely going to help.

How far from the arena is it?