Roto Snips

[Edwards Kings]

The closest that I would compare Trout to if he won a league award would be Rick Sutcliffe in 1984. Sutcliffe didn’t make his first start in the NL until June 19th after being traded to the Cubs from the Indians. In 20 starts, Sutcliffe went 16-1 and received the NL Cy Young Award.

Ahhh memories! That was my first year in fantasy baseball (a points league) and I traded for Sutcliffe. He started the season OK, then tanked a pretty hard. Was traded with only four wins. I get him on a lucky hunch and he catches fire with only one loss and three no-decisions to go with the sixteen wins. Strikes everybody out in August and September. We gave 10 points for wins and -4 for losses. I had a money spot because of his arm.

I haven't been that lucky since!

[Joe Sambito]

Both Dallas McPherson and Daniel Cabrera get a mention today on rotoworld. Did I just enter a time warp?

[Joe Sambito]

Who the hell is Jon Heyman talking to, Greg Ambrosius?

CBS Sports' Jon Heyman reports that Scott Kazmir is drawing "a lot of interest."
Kazmir didn't pitch at all in the majors this past season, but he's currently throwing in the 90-94 mph range during winter ball in Puerto Rico. The southpaw should be able to land a spring training invite somewhere.

[DOUGHBOYS]

Nationals manager Davey Johnson views Christian Garcia as the team's "sixth starter," but the club wouldn't mind adding a veteran for that role.
Garcia impressed this past season with the Nats, posting a 2.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 15/2 K/BB ratio in 12 2/3 innings of relief. He has the repertoire to start and did it plenty in the minors, but he often had trouble staying healthy in such a role. He's ultimately probably better suited as a reliever.

Translation:
He'll never start for us, this is the nicest way I can put it.

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Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said Neil Walker (back) "is getting close to getting into his [regular] offseason routine after a great rehab program."
"The rehab went really well, and he's worked his tail off and looks forward to coming into spring training in the best shape of his life," Huntington said. Walker had only 52 at-bats after August 15 due to back woes, as well as dislocated right little finger. The Pirates are expected to explore a long-term extension with him this winter.

Translation:
Walker is an under performer on the field, but he blows away other rehabbers.

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Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the Mariners are interested in Cody Ross.
It's yet another hitter option the Mariners seem to be considering. The M's have been connected to big names like Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher, Billy Butler and Justin Upton, as well as the smaller ones like Ryan Ludwick, Brennan Boesch, Raul Ibanez and Delmon Young. They've also, of course, already agreed to terms with Jason Bay. At least one more hitter figures to land in Seattle.

Translation:
Slow news day, who else can we rumor to Seattle?

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ESPN's Buster Olney says the Mets view the Blue Jays, Royals and Rangers as the most likely suitors for R.A. Dickey.
CBS Sports' Jon Heyman listed the Blue Jays and Rangers as still involved in trade talks for the knuckleballer on Thursday night. Olney correctly points out, though, that with the prices being paid so far for pitching, Dickey's contract demands are looking more and more reasonable. The Mets might ultimately just decide to pay up.

Translation:
We have no freakin' idea what is going to happen....but we'll keep guessin' for ya!

[DOUGHBOYS]

Let's get up to date....

'Mets manager Terry Collins insisted Wednesday night that Frank Francisco will serve as the Mets' closer.'

Collins said this over and over in the mirror before the press conference.
Finally mastering, 'Francisco is my Closer' without a snicker.

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'Yankees prospect outfielder Mason Williams said Wednesday that said his left shoulder is close to 100 percent that he should be back to "full practice" in two weeks'

If he were a pitcher, he'd be throwing 'Classical Gas'

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'According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, agent Scott Boras has denied planting a rumor suggesting that the Marlins were interested in his client, Jose Valverde.


Carnac Says, 'what do you call Kyle Lohse, Michael Bourn, Jose Valverde, and Scott Boras?

Carnac Answer is- A Poser, a Go-ser, a Closer, and a Hoser.

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'David Ortiz told Rob Bradford of WEEI.com on Wednesday morning that he's encouraged by his progress from his right Achilles tendon injury'

It's February, right?
Gee, makes me wanna rush out and draft him.

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'Pirates signed LHP Jonathan Sanchez to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training'

Since leaving the Giants, he has caught on with the Rockies, Royals, and Pirates.
Is he running out of bad teams to sign with?

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'According to Bill Madden, Teri Thompson and Michael O'Keeffe of the New York Daily News, Jesus Montero is named in records from the Miami-based Biogenesis clinic which reportedly distributed performance-enhancing drugs to players.'

Michael Pineda was seen leaving the clinic, pen in hand, snickering.

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'Ryan Braun released a statement on Tuesday night explaining his connection to the Biogenesis clinic'.

Man oh man, why do these guys get to just release a statement now?
It robs us of the "I did not have sex with that woman!' moment.

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'Wilson Ramos (knee) is able to squat down into his catching stance and run without any pain'


Many would take this as bad news.
Not Ramos.
Last off season, he was kidnapped and held at gun point.
Just the same, he has become the poster boy of bad off seasons.

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'Rangers general manager Jon Daniels hasn't ruled out the possibility that Jurickson Profar could make the Opening Day roster'

This is a 'slow news day' blurb.
Gee, thanks.

[DOUGHBOYS]

One more to add without the humorous touch....

'Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported earlier Wednesday that the Mets could be willing to offer Bourn a four-year contract, which, at this point, might be enough to reel him in.'

Hopefully, this is more RotoWorld 'junk' or a Boras plant.
judy's are just never worth the money or long years in free agency.

Bourn, age 30 Last year- .274/96/9/57/42
Figgins age 31 Last year before long contract- .298/114/5/54/42

Figgins was even a guy with positionality.
Speed is never a reason to sign somebody to along contract.
Speed fades badly and there's usually nothing left when gone.
Two years would have me listening, three would have to be a sweetheart deal.

[Captain Hook]

BUT the only way the Mets will sign Bourn for any deal is IF MLB rules it will not cost them their first round draft pick

Which IMO they deserve - the new rules stated that the bottom ten teams from the year before - IOW the first ten picks this June would have that pick protected ....but the rule that if a team doesn't sign their first round choice they would get a compensatory pick the following year was also kept but they didn't straighten this out so by giving the Pirates the 9th pick (to replace the 8th pick that didnt' sign last year they aribtrarily bumped the Mets to 11th which "wouldn't be protected" solution in the future is to make the compensatory pick #11

[BK METS]

One more to add without the humorous touch....

'Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported earlier Wednesday that the Mets could be willing to offer Bourn a four-year contract, which, at this point, might be enough to reel him in.'

Hopefully, this is more RotoWorld 'junk' or a Boras plant.
judy's are just never worth the money or long years in free agency.

Bourn, age 30 Last year- .274/96/9/57/42
Figgins age 31 Last year before long contract- .298/114/5/54/42

Figgins was even a guy with positionality.
Speed is never a reason to sign somebody to along contract.
Speed fades badly and there's usually nothing left when gone.
Two years would have me listening, three would have to be a sweetheart deal.

Being a Mets fan, I think they have no choice. They NEED to sign Bourn. He is perfect for what they need. A gold glove center fielder with speed. I get the comparison with Figgins regarding speed, but Bourn is a far better defensive player and the Mets have NO outfield. And I agree with Hook's point.. they only sign him if they don't lose the draft pick, which they have a very good case. Its not ideal as I would have preferred BJ Upton, but Bourn is the only guy at this point that could make a difference. I think we also need to realize that these aren't the same Mets of a few years ago. They are building on young pitching and I believe the RA Dickey trade (brilliant in my mind) shows that this GM has a thought process unlike Mets GM's of the past.

[DOUGHBOYS]

They DO have a choice. They can say no to 4 years.
If Boras gets Bourn 4-5 years, he will have won. No other team wants him that long. He's simply not worth it.
Possibly the first year, he's worth his contract, then a fade, and that'll be when the Mets will want him to perform the most as their kids progress.

Like said, this Mets organization is a bit smarter than the past. I think this is RotoWorld gossip.

[BK METS]

They DO have a choice. They can say no to 4 years.
If Boras gets Bourn 4-5 years, he will have won. No other team wants him that long. He's simply not worth it.
Possibly the first year, he's worth his contract, then a fade, and that'll be when the Mets will want him to perform the most as their kids progress.

Like said, this Mets organization is a bit smarter than the past. I think this is RotoWorld gossip.

Here is my prediction.. he signs with the Mets for 3 years $39 million, with a 4th year club option.

[DOUGHBOYS]

Here is my prediction.. he signs with the Mets for 3 years $39 million, with a 4th year club option.

Here's mine. A one, possibly two year deal with a team trying to contend...

[BK METS]

I believe Bourn stabilizes the Mets outfield offensively and defensively and is worth the 3 year contract. Boras will not let him sign for 1 or 2 years. Not gonna happen, in my opinion. Boras doesnt care about teams in contention. He is all about the money.

[NorCalAtlFan]

geez doughboy, let the Mutts fan(s) enjoy this moment. 1-2-3-4-5 years, doesn't matter. Mutts ain't contending in that time frame, so if they want to overspend on an asset they don't need, let them!

[DOUGHBOYS]

Alright, alright, I give.
If that's who you want for a lot of years, I hope you get what is coming to you.

[DOUGHBOYS]

Just to make things clear, Alan.
I love these little debates with you and there are never any hard feelings on my end.
Just pure entertainment.

[Edwards Kings]

This one made me smile, Dan.

Red Sox manager John Farrell said he has no concerns about the health of Mike Napoli's hip.
After originally agreeing to a three-year, $39 million contract, Napoli had to end up settling on a one-year, $5 million deal due to the hip issue. But, he's been running on a treadmill with no issues, and the Red Sox don't expect him to have any problems during the season. He will not catch during camp, but that's not really a concern since he's not expected to catch much during the season.

No concerns about health? Why did they move from a three year, $39 million contract to a $5 million one off? Must be because of the dandruff.

[Edwards Kings]

And this one.

Jarrod Dyson has set a goal of stealing "at least 50" bases this season.
"I would at least say 50," Dyson said. "I got 30 last year and my numbers weren’t even close to what I just said (.280 batting average, over .350 OBP). I just want to do whatever it takes to help this team win." Dyson certainly has the wheels to pilfer 50 bags in a regular role, but right now he's slated to back up Lorenzo Cain in center field. Of course, if Cain has another injury-plagued year, the opportunity might be there.

No starting job, but going to steal 50 bases? Only if he has the keys to the property room at the stadium.

[DOUGHBOYS]

And this one.

Jarrod Dyson has set a goal of stealing "at least 50" bases this season.
"I would at least say 50," Dyson said. "I got 30 last year and my numbers weren’t even close to what I just said (.280 batting average, over .350 OBP). I just want to do whatever it takes to help this team win." Dyson certainly has the wheels to pilfer 50 bags in a regular role, but right now he's slated to back up Lorenzo Cain in center field. Of course, if Cain has another injury-plagued year, the opportunity might be there.

No starting job, but going to steal 50 bases? Only if he has the keys to the property room at the stadium.

I gotta horse laugh out of this one too.
It's sorta like speedsters can't come to spring training spouting of how much weight was lost, so they have to say how many more bases they'll steal.
Is it hope springs eternal?
Or in spring, hope is eternal?

[BK METS]

geez doughboy, let the Mutts fan(s) enjoy this moment. 1-2-3-4-5 years, doesn't matter. Mutts ain't contending in that time frame, so if they want to overspend on an asset they don't need, let them!

Interesting comment. They do have a good amount of young talent, especially in pitching. I can see them contending in a few years, once they are able to remove Santana from the books and add a couple of hitters.

For you to say they don't need a gold glove speed outfielder, when they have no legit outfielders, is obviously just to pick a fight. I was having a rather intelligent conversation and debate with Dan. It appears you have just lowered the bar.

[BK METS]

Just to make things clear, Alan.
I love these little debates with you and there are never any hard feelings on my end.
Just pure entertainment.

Dan, nothing you say to me will ever cause hard feelings. I know the heart behind the keyboard and you make some decent points, unlike others. I was hoping the Mets would do more than they have done this offseason, but I can understand why they haven't. They need to make an attempt for their fans to show they are trying to get better. Over the past 2 years, they have added Wheeler and D'Arnaud, two of the best prospects in baseball who are not multiple year away. I believe their goal is, once they are able to remove Santana from the books, and add 1 or 2 hitters, is to contend over the next few years. Having Harvey/Wheeler/Niese at the beginning of their rotation for many years to come is the formula for a decent future. These guys aren't single A prospects..

[NorCalAtlFan]

bad teams don't need expensive OF's of his particular skill set. would he help them in respect to their OF situation being horrible? absolutely. but to tie up that kind of money now would be foolhardy.
the club also had some good young talent, especially in pitching, 15? year ago. pulsipher, isringhausen, wilson, and ?
no guarantees.
be nice if the ny team is competitive. helps the division. i just don't see it for a few years.

[swampass]

i agree with some other posters here. I dont get why the mets would want to go more than 2-3 years on bourn if at all. as we all know they are desperate for outfielders with lucas duda really being the only decent option. i dont think i trust or believe in neiwenhuis or baxter, but to just give bourn and boras what they want for more than a couple of years could really hamstring them later as some of their young talent starts to shine. bourn is not a power hitter and yet he struck out a whopping 150+ times last year. he would make them more competitive this year, but as others have said... speed goes away and then what are you left with? a $15 million per year OF who doesnt hit for power, a guy who can struggle with average, and a guy who if he loses a step or two could see is 340ish obp drop even more.

if they were smart they would let him dangle in the wind and maybe slightly over pay him for 1 year of service as he may not get any better offers as other teams dont want to lose a draft pick nor the money associated with it.

kyle lohse is in a worse situation.. who the hell is going to sign that guy?

[BK METS]

bad teams don't need expensive OF's of his particular skill set. would he help them in respect to their OF situation being horrible? absolutely. but to tie up that kind of money now would be foolhardy.
the club also had some good young talent, especially in pitching, 15? year ago. pulsipher, isringhausen, wilson, and ?
no guarantees.
be nice if the ny team is competitive. helps the division. i just don't see it for a few years.

I understand the Mets have been bad for several years, but they play in New York and the fans aren't going to wait 5 years. When you are building your team around pitching and defense, and you don't have a good defensive CF, something has got to give. The pitching has already proved some things.... With Niese already an above average pitcher in the majors with upside and Harvey having a good start to his career. Nothing is for certain. But, every GM in the majors agreed that the Mets made a great trade with what they received for Dickey. Playing in Citi Field, and having a solid defense and good pitching, they can contend, maybe not this year, but definitely over the next couple of years. They have banked the future on a good farm system with a 5-tool potential CF in Brandon Nimmo, about 2-3 years away. Spending on Michael Bourn makes perfect sense, especially in New York, with the young talent they have. They would sign him for his defense in that big ball park, as much as his offense. In 2-3 years, here is their prospective lineup -

1B - Ike Davis
2B - Wilmer Flores
SS - Ruben Tejada (Cecchini)
3B - David Wright
LF - (?) Duda
CF - Brandon Nimmo or Michael Bourn
RF - (?)
C - Travis D'Arnaud
SP - Wheeler/Harvey/Niese/Syndergaard/Fulmer (Tapia, Montero, Mateo, Familia also on the horizon)

The holes are in the outfield... which obviously don't have to be addressed now. They were the only team in the majors last year to field an entire lineup (more than once) who were homegrown talent and the first time for the Mets since 1971. They are doing things the right way. Sprinkle in a few good free agents, and we have a competing team next year.

[Roy's Outlaws]

The Mets should only sign Bourn to no more than a 2 year deal with a team option. I think they should be looking to trade for an outfielded with speed that they could get on the cheap. Someone like Rajai Davis,or Eric Young,or see if the Angels are interested in trading Peter Bourjos. I bet they could get Julio Borborn from texas for a bag of bagels. All these guy could leadoff and play good defense in centerfield and cost a Hell of a lot less then Bourn. (Plus i love to see Boras sweat just a little) how he alway find some dumb team to always bail him out amazes me.

[Schwks]

Diehard Mets fan here...just say no to Bourn! Stick with a plan for once...rebuild slowly but the right way