(11-24-2014 10:38 PM)Genius Wrote: [ -> ] (11-24-2014 09:15 PM)Rover Wrote: [ -> ]t, but I would never vote for a 2B or SS as a petty protest.
Hi Rover! How would you like to become a card-carrying member of the Baseball Writers Association of America?
He'd have to write something
Smoltz is a first ballot hall of famer. I am looking forward to being in Cooperstown seeing him get inducted this summer. I had a blast seeing Maddux, Glavine, and Cox get inducted this past summer.
(11-25-2014 12:30 AM)Rover Wrote: [ -> ]Larkin: .298/.369/.451 OPS+122 135 HR, 254 2B, 5618 PA
Trammell: .289/.354/.436 OPS+115 116 HR, 231 2B, 4748 PA
That's the comparison over the 11 years that Larkin and Trammell's careers overlapped. So the first 11 years for Larkin vs. the last 11 for Trammell, including his awful 4 of 5 to end his career.
Are those extra 900 PAs valuable? Yes. Is it clear that Larkin is the no questions asked much better offensive slugger that gets into the HoF without any thought?
I don't think Larkin should have been the slam dunk that he was. I think there was probably a big narrative discussion saying, "but Barry WOULD HAVE BEEN regarded as the best SS in the NL IF there was no Ozzie Smith". That's how the writers think. But he is better in every offensive category, and was better defensively. Trammell was a really good player, but borderline at best for the HOF, and with the logjam of guys that I think should obviously be in still waiting, there's no way I'd put him in.
After the A's said Josh Donaldson wasn't going anywhere, they have traded him to the Blue Jays for Brett Lawrie and his tattoos.
The A's are also close to trading away Jeff Samardzija for what is called "MLB level hitters". Boston is believed to be the target
Edit: it might the Braves for Upton & Gattis
Now it's apparently Samardzija to the White Sox. He's going everywhere.
Goddamn the A's are blowing shit up fast. I knew they rented Lester but I thought they might try to keep Samardzija.
Mariners give Nelson Cruz a 4-year $58 mil deal. Keep in mind he's 34 and already a known PED user.
Now they move Saunders to Toronto for haap. Setting up a move of Paxton or Walker for justin upton? Would make sense.
Nick Markakis 4 year deal with the Braves. Up to $45 mil.