Johan & Minnesota Don't See Eye to Eye; Francisco Cordero A Red For Big Money...

Well, it looks like Johan Santana remaining in Minnesota seems to be diminishing by the day. The Twins are attempting to keep one of the best arms in the game, but they are not getting cooperation from Santana and his people.

From CNNSI.com: "The Minnesota Twins recently offered superstar pitcher Johan Santana a four-year extension for about $80 million, SI.com has learned, leaving a sizable and significant gap in contract negotiations and perhaps even enhancing the chances that Santana may be traded this winter, possibly even by end of the Winter Meetings, which run from Dec. 3-7 in Nashville, Tenn.

The Twins have been telling people they will do their best to retain Santana, who is considered the sports' most dynamic pitcher and is still only 28. However, two executives on competing teams said they foresaw little likelihood the Twins could keep Santana long-term barring a stunning turnaround in negotiations, and one said he believed Santana is "out there'' already as a trade possibility."

The chatter should increase, and it looks like Santana not only wants a long term deal, but get paid -- and paid big time.

From CNNSI.com: "...While Santana's asking price isn't known, it is generally thought to be well in excess of the $126-million contract the Giants gave last winter to free agent pitcher Barry Zito, who isn't considered in Santana's league. It is believed that as a free agent next winter the lefthanded Santana could earn at least $150 million, or more, providing he stays on his current path of productivity. So the sides could be as much as $50 million apart, or even more."

Considering lack of reliable pitching and premier arms -- someone will pay him, rest assured.

***

The Cincinnati Reds had a horrendous bullpen in 2007, and on Friday they took steps to fix it.

With the market being as it is, the organization was proactive as they signed one of the best closers in the game in 2007.

According to ESPN: The Cincinnati Reds have reached preliminary agreement on a four-year, $46 million contract with closer Francisco Cordero, a baseball source confirmed Friday to ESPN.com.

The deal, which includes a club option for a fifth year, is subject to Cordero passing a physical exam. The agreement was first reported by Foxsports.com.

Cordero, 32, has 177 career saves in nine seasons with Detroit, Texas and Milwaukee. He ranked second in the National League with 44 saves last season in Milwaukee and made the National League All-Star team.

I'm not sure if this is the most prudent move signing a closer for years with the amount of money offered; however, the best arms want long-term deals, and the Reds gave in.

He'd turned down a 4 year, $42 million dollar deal from Milwaukee.

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Reds Fans Do Not Like Dusty Baker; Thoughts and Opinions...

I saw this title from Babes Love Baseball and the title fit so well that I’m going to use it – “Marge Schott Rolls Over in Her Grave”.

Well, as noted yesterday, Dusty Baker got hired as manager for the Cincinnati Reds, taking over for interim manager Pete Mackanin was not retained, although he did have a winning record with the team in his time as its leader.

This would have never happened a generation ago.

It looks like Reds fans are not happy with the decision at all. If you take a look at some of the Reds forums, articles and blogs out there, fans are disgusted with the hire and some are willing to forego going to Reds’ games in the future.

Based on Baker’s resume, Cincinnati could have had a far worse hire.

Huh? Give this guy a chance to manage? I don’t want to scream out racism, but it would be sad if some close-minded people preferred someone who was white.

If he helps you win, fans won’t care if he’s green. Then again, if he loses in Cincinnati, there will be far other reasons you’ll hate him for because of his race.

And if some people do dislike him because he’s an African-American, where were you all when Marge Schott was praising Hitler? I’d hate to blame racism for some Reds fans reaction, but I being a minority in this country know it permeates pretty much every sub-section of this country – yes, including sports, which is more or less a great equalizer.

Meanwhile, Keith Law does not think he's a good fit for the Reds. I don't either, as I think he needs a ready-to-contend team, and one with veterans; alas, Cincinnati is not that. However, we shall see how it turns out.

Eric Gagne: I'd Hate to Be You Right Now; Reds Get Dusty Baker, The Family Steinbrenner; Other Random Thoughts...

While I was up in Beantown, I saw you rip the heart out of Sox fans hoping for a 2-0 lead in the ALCS, but I saw you stink it up.

If it were not for you, the Baltimore Orioles would have two less wins than they should have gotten otherwise. However, since you joined the Red Sox, you have sucked and it's just sad how far you have fallen from your days with the Dodgers.

Son, would I not like to be you this week.

***



It looks like Dusty Baker is coming back!

According to various media sources, Dusty has signed a three-year deal to become manager of the Reds.

By hiring Dusty Baker as their next manager, the Cincinnati Reds have made a pronounced change in philosophy, turning to an outsider to run the team for the first time in 18 years.

The last time they did it, they won a championship.

The Reds confirmed on Sunday that Baker will become their next manager. Baker, who has a three-year deal, will be introduced at a news conference Monday in Cincinnati.

"Dusty is extremely excited to join the Cincinnati Reds with its rich history, and looks forward to helping re-establish the legacy of the Big Red Machine," said his agent, Greg Genske.

The move got the players' attention. Instead of promoting from within, the Reds went for someone with no ties to the organization. During his 14 seasons as manager, the 58-year-old Baker led San Francisco to the World Series and the Chicago Cubs to the playoffs.

"Since I've been here, we haven't had the big-name manager," said right-hander Aaron Harang, who has been with the Reds for the last five years.

Interim manager Pete Mackanin was not retained, although he did have a winning record with the team in his time as it's leader.

Time will tell if the Reds are a good fit for Dusty Baker, but they did lure a marquee name into the organization.

***

Right now, the big talk of New York and Yankee fans are not only how the team is going to improve in '08, but also about the condition of George Steinbrenner.

Over the weekend, it has been reported by several media outlets that Steinbrenner will be handing a lot of the responsibility of running the Yankees to his sons, Hal and Hank.

Here's some of the text from the news via ESPN:

George Steinbrenner's sons Hank and Hal have taken over the daily running of the New York Yankees, according to a report.

The New York Post said the details about the control of the franchise will be ironed out at top-level meetings the Yankees are holding this week in Tampa. According to The Associated Press manager Joe Torre's status for next season will be decided during discussions starting on Tuesday morning.

"George has taken on a role like the chairman of a major corporation," team president Randy Levine told the paper. "He's been saying for years he's wanted to get his sons involved in the family business. Both of them have stepped up and are taking on the day-to-day duties of what's required to run the Yankees."

and...

Hank Steinbrenner said in the interview that he will share final say on team decisions with his brother Hal but Hank will apparently focus more on the baseball side of the business. Hal Steinbrenner will focus more on the construction of the new Yankee Stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2009.

"There's always been a succession -- and that's myself and my brother," Hank Steinbrenner told the paper.

Levine told AP on Sunday night, however, that George Steinbrenner, 77, will still have the final say on Torre.

"He's still the boss," he said.

It was in the plans to get his sons active in the team. As they are building a new stadium which will be ready in '09, signing A-Rod, Posada, Rivera, as well as trying to rebuild their team, all eyes will again be on Steinbrenners, this time, with the whole family included.

The Ides of Pete Rose - The Admission

Well, this topic was touched on the “Hits Keeping Coming” Radio Show last night, but I missed posting about it since I was too busy planning for the radio show, plus dealing with my every day.

All-time hits header, Pete Rose mentioned later on the radio yesterday that he bet on the Reds "every night" while he was manager of the team. That admission would be in line with that the Dowd Report said, as well as investigations done.

He spoke Wednesday with Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann on ESPN Radio’s the “Dan Patrick Show” to discuss the new Pete Rose exhibit that will be on display at the Great American Ballpark as part of the Reds Hall of Fame; however, his admission seemed to just come out of the blue during the show.

Soundclip: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2798498#

"I bet on my team every night. I didn't bet on my team four nights a week. I was wrong," Rose said.

Rose said that he believed in his team so much that he bet on them to win every night.

"I bet on my team to win every night because I love my team, I believe in my team," Rose said. "I did everything in my power every night to win that game." (ESPN)

Well, my thoughts of the admission is that I knew that he was indeed guilty his indiscretions, and all he had to do was simply confess and take his lumps for a few years and he’d be in the Hall of Fame.

The man had an addiction, I believe, but in all honesty, he was a professional and should have known better to gamble.

Furthermore, he gambled on his own team, much less once he was managing!

In the case of Pete Rose, the cover-up was worse than the crime (although Rose’s crime was downright serious to begin with and compromised the integrity of the game).

America is a pretty forgiving society if you’re a celebrity, and unless you committed murder or pedophilia, you are more than likely to be absolved of your sins and move on.

With the admission from Pete yesterday, his Hall of Fame candidacy is all but done. If he ever gets in the Hall, it will be either on his death bed or after he’s left the earth.

Thoughts on Josh Hamilton

I was on ESPN.com and was taking a look at an article on Josh Hamilton, the hot Rule 5 baseball player who is on fire for the Cincinnati Reds in spring training.

A lot of the posters there were harping on how much attention he has received as he’s on the comeback trail, although his failures in the game was mostly due to his own doing – drugs and lack of initiative to play baseball.

Take a look at the article, and read some of the comments.

I’ll tell you one thing – drug use and abuse is a disease, plain and simple. It’s a topic I know all too much about in my family.

Let us all remember, Josh was a young man when all of this went down, and is still a young man at 25. He’s done a lot of harm to his family, but nearly destroyed a dream that most of us would be die for.

Look, I think a lot of people are angry because a young man blew immense talent initially, but found his way back and may have on spot on the Reds – deserved or not.

For me, life is about how you learn from your mistakes and how you overcome. Yes, Josh Hamilton did make a lot of mistakes, but he’s making the best of a second chance with his family and at life; therefore, it is short sighted that fans are throwing darts at him.

I, for one, hope he succeeds with the Reds and becomes a shining example of how one can overcome their failures. Well, I don't think most athletes are role models, but in this instance, he if can turn his life around, he could inspire a lot to do the same...

NL Central Preview: A Capsule...

In tight division, expect to see a lot of action the National League Central and for it to be a dog fight.

Let me know what you think...

St. Louis Cardinals (88-74): St. Louis had an exhilarating end to 2006, the winter for the Cardinals has not been relatively full of fanfare. Even though the Cardinals have not signed a marquee free agent, the team took the initiative to extend ace Chris Carpenter’s contract, as well as resigned Jim Edmonds and Scott Speizio, who was nothing short of clutch in the playoffs. Meanwhile, pitchers Jeff Suppan and Jason Marquis left the team for greener pastures and join rivals within the division.

However, fans should feel confident that the National League Central is fairly weak this season, so anyone has a shot to win the division, with exception of perhaps the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Thus, the Cardinals have a good as chance to win the division.

The Cardinals have won consistently in the past decade, and there’s no reason to doubt the team can’t do it in 2007. The Cardinals do not look as strong on paper as they have in past seasons, but there’s no doubt that they will be contenders in the National League.

Carpenter, of course is the man in the starting rotation as he’ll be expected to win and put up solid numbers as usual. Mark Mulder will be counted on returning back to pre-injury form; Anthony Reyes and Adam Wainwright will need take his success from the playoff run in 2006 and translate into to big things in 2007. The bullpen in 2006 was amazingly reliable and will be counted on to do the same in ’07.

The offense, although aging, still has a lot of firepower and will be productive. The team of course, has the deadly first baseman Albert Pujols batting the middle & we know he’ll do a lot of damage and put up some amazing numbers. Third baseman Scott Rolen also carries a big stick, and although he struggled with some ailments at times in 2006, especially a sore shoulder, he’ll be a key to the offense and should keep in line with his career numbers since. Expect young Chris Duncan to do damage, and Jim Edminds, although aging, should be solid.

In the end, although the Cardinals lost a few key players that helped in their run to the World Series, Redbird fans should still count on the team to do well and contend in 2007. Although it is unknown if the Cardinals can duplicate their World Series run from 2006 in the upcoming season, but Tony LaRussa, Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter and company should keep Busch Stadium rocking. Even though the Cardinals didn’t make a huge splash this winter, expect the team to continue to win and possibly take the NL Central again.

Chicago Cubs (86-76): With a last place finish in the National League Central, Cubs GM Jim Hendry instituted a radical change in the roster. With the Cubs not having won the World Series since 1908, and not having an appearance in it since 1945, the folks in Chicago are now becoming restless and wondering if and when they’ll ever see a trophy.

As the Cubs have been criticized in the past for not spending any money on premier talent, and only looking to make a buck and fill seats; this winter the Cubs spent about $300 million in acquiring free agents and talent in hopes of winning the NL Central and getting back into the World Series. Lou Piniella takes the helm from Dusty Baker in 2007, and he’s already installing a new brand of thinking for the Cubs.

The team spent a lot of money this offseason to secure free agents like Alfonso Soriano, Ted Lilly, Mark DeRosa & Jason Marquis. The Cubs also spent big money to re-sign Aramis Ramirez, Kerry Wood and Wade Miller. The offense should be greatly improved to complement a hopefully healthy Derek Lee. The Cubs last year were killed by injuries, lack of offense and poor pitching production. Gone from the team is Juan Pierre who signed a huge deal with the Dodgers, and Greg Maddux who was traded to the Dodgers in July of '06.

As much as the Cubs spent in the offseason, the offense may score a lot of runs, but the pitching situation is still shaky as ever.

After Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs go into the unknown in terms of their rotation, and Cub Nation will need big Z to deliver. Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis were some of the ballyhooed free agents signed by the team and given contracts that many thought were a bit much for their abilities.

The other wild cards in the rotation include Mark Prior and Wade Miller, as both men are trying to recover from injuries and a poor 2006 season.

The Cubs in 2007 should have an improved team, but with the Cardinals and Astros in the National League Central, things may be tough. However, based on the results of 2006, the division may be wide open next season and with questions concerning the Cardinals and Astros, the Cubs might be back in the playoffs if all goes right and the team can stay healthy.


Milwaukee Brewers (85-77): In 2006, the Brewers were seen to be a team on the rise mainly due to its young and talented starting corps and an electric collection of youngsters; however, it was not the Brewers year. With a litany of injuries, a pitching staff that didn’t live up expectations, and an offense lackluster at times, the Brewers only limped to a disappointing 75 wins.

Although the team had a season that did not live up to expectations, they have a great, talented core and should be primed to make an impact in the National League Central.

During the winter, the team added NLCS MVP, pitcher Jeff Suppan and longtime veteran Craig Counsell via free agency, acquired Johnny Estrada, Claudio Vargas and Greg Aquino via trade; however, the Brewers lost infielder Jeff Cirillo, and pitcher Tomo Ohka to free agency, and Edward Campusano, Doug Davis, Dana Eveland along with Dave Krynzel to trades.

Much of the promise for the Brewers comes with their starting pitching, and the top of the rotation is spear-headed by Ben Sheets and Chris Capuano, along with free agent signing Jeff Suppan.

The bullpen for the Brewers on paper looks strong; however, it had it share of struggles in 2006, so it will need Francisco Cordero and Derrick Turnbow to deliver.

The everyday lineup will be fairly young, but they have some big bats easily capable of doing damage. Once again, count on Bill Hall, Prince Fielder to carry big sticks, and for Geoff Jenkins to find his stroke again. Expect good things from youngsters Ricky Weeks, J.J. Hardy and grizzled veterans Tony Graffanino & Corey Koskie to help out.

The team now has even a greater infusion of young talent and will be exciting to watch; however, don’t discount the Brewers lack of experience – they have talent, skills and a good all-around game.

However, I think they will fall short.

Cincinnati Reds (82-80): GM Wayne Krivsky instead of relying on the homer happy offense of the past several seasons in 2006, took a huge gamble to rebuild the pitching corps (mainly the bullpen) along with defense by trading away talent. The trade that sparked the most talk in baseball during in 2006 was outfielder Austin Kearns and infielder Felipe Lopez sent to the Nationals for pitchers Gary Majewski, Bill Bray and Royce Clayton.

However, the team last season strengthened their bullpen and defense for 2007 and beyond.

The Reds had a quiet offseason on the market, but they added quite a bit of new pieces for 2007, including Alex Gonzales and Mike Stanton via free agency, and the team acquired Jeff Keppinger, Kirk Saarloos, Josh Hamilton and Jeff Conine via trade.

The pitching rotation for the Reds came up big in 2006, and it should remain pretty much the same as it did last year. The top of the rotation is spear-headed by Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang. A week ago, both pitchers received lucrative contract extensions, so the team should have two strong and durable hurlers for 2007 and beyond, but the rest of the staff is a question mark with Eric Milton, Kyle Lohse and Kirk Sarloos.

The Reds in 2007 will once again have the appearance of a strong bullpen, albeit, there’s not a real closer. The bullpen in 2006 early on was a big problem, as Wayne Krivsky realized it was weak, and he spent the much of 2006 on improving thing as well as fighting for a playoff spot.

In the bullpen this year will be young guns Bill Bray, Gary Majewski, and veterans Rheal Cormier, Mike Stanton and “Everyday” Eddie Guardado (though he is coming back from injury and won’t be back until mid-season), David Weathers and Todd Coffey. The team will probably employ a bullpen-by-committee to establish a closer, but David Weathers & Mike Stanton are strong candidates to close out games this upcoming season until Guardado returns. Majewski (coming back from injury) and Bray may be in long/middle relief, as they were both incredibly solid in Washington before they were traded.

The offense has gone from some changes from 2006 into 2007, but however, the offense should still be formidable with young players and veterans in the mix. Instead on relying on the home run, the team now looks to manufacture runs with speed and small ball; however, the longball is very much a weapon with Dunn and Griffey in the middle of the lineup.

Do the Reds have enough to compete in the NL Central? Maybe not, but then again the NL Central is still fairly weak, and everyone in the division with exception of the Pittsburgh Pirates have a chance to contend for a division title. Although the pitching has improved, the Reds may be haunted by the deal with the Nationals as they traded offensive threats, Kearns and Lopez. Nevertheless, I expect the Reds to be in the middle of thing 2007 and be a contender, though they do have some weaknesses.

Houston Astros (79-83): In this weak division, the Astros may be contenders, plus they are retooled with an upgraded offense with new addition Carlos Lee, and two new veteran pitchers. However, questions still remain about the starting pitching and if key members of the offense, especially Morgan Ensburg can bounce back from a dismal 2006.

The other huge question for the team in 2007 is whether Roger Clemens will come back to Houston, or if he’ll go to the American League and possibly help out the Yankees or Red Sox.

Houston added the aforementioned Carlos Lee, infielder Mark Loretta and pitcher Woody Williams via free agency, while gaining Jason Jennings and Miguel Asencio via trade during the winter; however, they lost Aubrey Huff, Andy Pettitte & Russ Springer to free agency, and Taylor Buchholz, Jason Hirsh and Willy Taveras via trade.

The Houston Astros have had some turnover in the pitching staff, as Andy Pettitte returned to New York City. As well, Brandon Backe is out maybe until the All-Star break, if not longer, so the team right now is in flux in terms of the pitching staff for 2007.

Expect another solid year from Roy Oswalt, and Jason Jennings and Woody Williams should be solid in 2007, but there is uncertainty for the rest of the pitching staff & it will need to step up if Houston has any hope of contending.

The bullpen for the Astros had some ups and downs in 2006, and the organization hopes 2007 will show a lot of improvement. The closer for now will be Brad Lidge, but his struggles in 2006 were cause for concern. Expect Dan Wheeler to step in as the closer if Lidge struggles.

The offense for the Astros served as an Achilles’ heel during the most of the season, and in turn very much hampered the team. Changes had to be made, & the checkbook was opened up for Carlos Lee, but for the most part the offense remains the same from last year and that too may remain a problem, unless key guys step up.

Again, expect a big year once again from Lance Berkman.

The Astros may once again make things interesting in the NL Central, but the team has way too many questions going to the season.

For the team to contend, a lot has to go right, including the offense and pitching performing to their potential and a key piece retuning - Roger Clemens.


Pittsburgh Pirates (74-88): The Pittsburgh Pirates have endured 14 losing seasons, but the team is blessed with young talent like Jason Bay and Freddy Sanchez, but they will once again finish in the second division.

The team is still young, raw and the pitching situation has a lot of promise, but most likely cannot be consistent enough to deliver to be a contender.

The starting pitching for the Pirates in 2007 will be very young, with exception of veterans Tony Armas and Shawn Chacon. The rotation for the moment will consist of Ian Snell, Zach Duke, Paul Malholm, Tom Gorzelanny or perhaps Shawn Chacon or Tony Armas having some role in the rotation. As well, the Pirates have plenty of young arms in the organization to call up from the minors if anyone struggle.

For a young team, the Pittsburgh bullpen was very solid, and should continue to be heading into 2007. The one big difference in the bullpen is that stud closer, Mike Gonzales who recorded 24 saves was traded to Atlanta for Adam LaRoche; however, Salomon Torres saved 12 games last year when Gonzales fell to injury, and finished with a 3.28 ERA last season. Torres will probably be the closer for now.

The offense for the Pirates was devoid of power for most part, and the Pirates spent the winter looking a power bat, and eventually got one with Adam LaRoche, although they had to part with young pitcher, Mike Gonzalez.

It remains to be seen if Freddy Sanchez can follow up on a great 2006, but Bay should be good for 30 homers and 100 RBIs. The Pirates have youngsters Jose Castillo, Xavier Nady and Ronny Paulino to help out the offense. Bay, LaRoche and Freddy Sanchez may do well, but they are still short at least once more bat offensively to compete.

In the end, the Pirates certainly may not have enough to be a contender in a weak National League, but they have enough young pieces in the organization to build a franchise around or perhaps deal and trade. As well, the Pirates have a potentially deep core of young pitching, but the development of the talent is paramount and the team is not quite there yet. The offense backed by Bay, LaRoche and Freddy Sanchez may do well, but they are still short at least once more bat offensively to compete.

Despite the Pirates’ weaknesses, the Steel City should have hope for optimism with a young team, filled with talent and potential diamonds in the rough.