Rangers Make Play For Beltre

ESPN's Karl Revech tweets Monday that the Rangers have made an "aggressive play" for Beltre.

I don't like this at all, because most likely it means the Yankees are getting closer to signing Cliff Lee. Scott Boras is seeking a deal in the five-year, $75-million range for Beltre, which I think is ridiculous.

The Rangers still have Michael Young under contract for three more seasons, so if they acquire Beltre they'd either need to trade Young or use him as a DH.

Anyways, we will keep you updated as this story develops, but if this rumor is true it doesn't look good for Rangers fans that were helping to hold on to Cliff Lee.

Good News For Red Sox?

Buster Olney made an interesting comment this morning about the relationship between the Angels and Scott Boras...

"They want Crawford, of course, and Beltre would be an excellent fit for Mike Scioscia's team, but remember, the Angels haven't gotten into a whole lot of give-and-take negotiations in recent years -- and Boras is the ultimate give-and-take agent. In recent years, there seems to have been a split between the Angels and Boras. We'll see if that's a factor."

From what I have read the Angels are ready to spend big this offseason, so I doubt this will matter much. I just really want Crawford, they Angels have have Beltre, because I know he is going to pull shit once he signs his name to whatever absurd contract he gets.

In not so good news, the Rangers are rumored to have jumped in the V-Mart race. I find that kind of funny, because all we did is hear they had too many good young catchers for like 4 years, and now they are out searching for one.

Ellsbury Injury Update

Ellsbury is still out with broken ribs, and there is still no word on when he could be back. The latest news is that Ellsbury is Boras are flying around to get a 2nd opinion on his ribs. The Sox have misdiagnosed this injury twice, but there are also rumors that Boras wants Ellsbury to sit out till he is 100%.

Manager Terry Francona said via the Boston Globe he has talked to Boras and the agent will try to get Ellsbury another opinion at the Kerlan-Jobe clinic in Los Angeles. Any talk of a 2nd opinion means that he isn't any closer to returning. I really wish I could even give a guess, but my hope is that he is back by July 4th (but that may be hopeful).

Strasburg, Nats Come To Terms

Stephen Strasburg and the Washington Nationals agreed to a record contract just before Monday's midnight deadline, a four-year deal that will pay the hard-throwing right-hander slightly more than $15.1 million. ESPN

This is the richest deal by 5 million and it would be fitting that Scott Boras got it done. With 77 seconds left to the deadline, the bell rang, and Strasburg is the new face of the Nats. Listen, the Nationals suck, and will always suck. They have a couple of good pieces, however, nothing to put them over the hump. Strasburg is the real deal, and I believe will be a stud once he gets brought up. He is 6'4, 220 and has a 100 mph fastball. He is going to be dirty, however, it probably won't be until he leaves the Nationals when he gets traded in three years.

Nationals Offer Not Good Enough For Strasburg

"The clock is ticking on the Stephen Strasburg negotiations. Who will blink first? The Washington Post is reporting that while the Nationals have offered a record deal for an amateur, but it will not be enough to get things done before Monday night's deadline. Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reports the Nats have made a $17 million offer, with easily attainable incentives that could push it beyond $20 million (ESPN)."

I knew there was no way that Strasburg would sign with the Nationals. Boras is going to want crazy money, and he probably really doesn't want his ace in the hole to stay in Washington. Listen, I know Strasburg might be the next Roger Clemens, but this is a ton of money for a player that has a lot of questions. You really don't know how good he'll be. There have been a lot of former #1 picks who turn out to be busts...

Luke Hochevar
Matt Bush
Delmon Young
Bryan Bullington
Matt Anderson

The list goes on and on. Now there are plenty that end of being great (Griffey), but I am just saying it is not a sure thing. I feel bad for the Nationals here, but they knew Boras was going to bust their balls. What is really unfair is that it will probably end up being a big market team that eventually lands this guy...

Nationals Can't Sign Strasburg

"No one expected it would be easy for the Nationals to sign top overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg, who is being advised by hard-line agent Scott Boras. But not sign him at all? ESPN's Pedro Gomez reported Tuesday that the Nationals are not on pace to sign Strasburg by the Aug. 17 deadline. A source told Gomez no offer has been made other than the mandatory minor league tender that all clubs must make to their picks within 10 days of the draft (ESPN)."

I said it before and I'll say it again....The Nationals have no shot at signing this kid. They don't seem to be willing to hand out the crazy money it is going to take, and I don't think Strasburg wants any part of this wasteland that is the Nationals organization. Here is an interesting thought...the Sox need a bat. Dunn is on the Nationals. So what about a trade of Dunn and the rights to Strasburg for a combo package of minor leaguers (Bowden, ect). Won't happen, but it is fun to think about....

Lucchino Not A Boras Fan

Lucchino was speaking to a Washington based paper today. He touched on many subjects, but one I found interesting was Scott Boras...

"Certainly you can see how the pre-draft hype and hyperbole are quite similar," said Larry Lucchino, Baltimore's team president in 1989, who now holds a similar position with the Red Sox. "And if anything that hype has probably increased in intensity. The team is similarly situated, with external pressure. And then [Scott] Boras as the player's agent." Lucchino sighed, then added, "I'm sure it will be a long and protracted negotiation at the detriment of the player's development (Extra Bases)."

Lucchino and Boras have gone head to head many times. Most recently was over Mark Teixeira. Needless to say neither think much of the other, but you wonder if this bad blood will lead to more problem since Boras has a lot of the most high profile players under his belt. Anyways, just thought it was interesting...

Strasburg Won't Sign With Nationals

"The Nationals picked Stephen Strasburg No. 1 in yesterday's MLB Draft, but some are already speculating that the club and the pitcher won't agree on a contract. On "Mike and Mike" this morning, ESPN analyst and former Mets GM Steve Phillips said he thinks Strasburg won't agree to a deal with the Nationals before the signing deadline, which is Aug. 17. (The usual deadline is Aug. 15, but it was moved back because it falls on a Saturday this year.) If Strasburg doesn't sign, he will have to re-enter the draft next year (ESPN)."

Honestly who wants to play for the Nationals. They suck, and I doubt they are going to throw the 50 million over 6 years that Boras wants. There is so much hype around this kid that he can wait a year, and probably get that deal with someone else. If he does sign I think the Nationals are going to force him to the Majors right away, which will most likely fuck up his career. It is never a good sign when you are already hearing that a player doesn't want to sign before you even start negotiating.

Sox Sign Varitek

"Jason Varitek will remain with the Red Sox, after all. Varitek is closing in on a two-year deal, CBSSports.com has confirmed. The Red Sox had offered Varitek one guaranteed year and a mutual option last week, and had asked for an answer by today (Sportsline)."

All I can say is I am glad this is over. Varitek caved in and will now be here for another two years, and I know a lot of people (DP) will be pissed. There is a part of me that agrees with that feeling, but the other side of me says "fuck it, most catchers suck, and at least he knows our pitchers". So fine, whatever, I hate the "C" on his jersey, I hate his batting stance, but at least I don't have to write another stupid fucking post about whether or not the Sox sign some do nothing catcher. We will give you word when the exact contract is announced.

Smell that? DP just threw up.

**UPDATE**
"Varitek is receiving a $5 million salary this year, with the team holding a $5 million option for next season. If the Red Sox decline it, Varitek can exercise a $3 million option that includes an additional $2 million in performance bonuses that could push the deal back up to $10 million (Boston Herald)."

Varitek Update

I am sick of this as I am sure you all are, but it should all be over by Saturday, so here is the latest:

According to Michael Holley:

"I have moles who have told me if the deadline were today, no deal (Sportsline)."

How can Tek turn down that deal? He can't have many other options, and there can't be many teams being willing to give up a draft pick for Tek. So, he either thinks the Red Sox will blink (they won't) and offer him a bigger/longer contract, or he is willing to sit out till June, when he can sign with a team without the Red Sox getting compensation.

Here is what another writer is saying:

"Michael Silverman noted today that if Varitek declines the current $5MM plus an option offer, the Red Sox would either move on or make a lesser offer (Sportsline)."

Tek has to take this contract, but maybe he really thinks he will get a better deal if someone overreacts to bad catcher play through the first 3 months of the season, and give him the deal he wants.

A Few Thoughts...

Recently I have had a tough time to sit down and come up with logical explanations for the crazy shit that has happened this year in the sporting world. So Im going to do what I generally do and wing it.

-First off I want to make it known that Eddie House is terrible, I dont care if you think differently and I will tell you why. 1, what possition can he defend? He can't guard any point guard, and he can't guard a shooting guard that has 3 of 4 inches on him. He is incapable of running an offence, or a single offensive play other than huck up a three from anywhere. He is one of the most inconsitant shooters that I have watched in a long time. And the main reason why he sucks is because he doesn't make anyone he plays with better, the guy is a liability on the court and Im probably the only one that see's this.

-Second, Im sick of hearing Scott Boras's name. This guy will single handedly lead to the next labor strike in the game. Point is that non of these guys deserve to be making 20 million dollars a year to play a fucking sport. And as for Jason Fucking Veritek, fuck him let him go and get someone that will be productive in a platoon system until somebody is ready to take over full time.

-This has been nagging at me for almost 2 years now. I love KG, but when the fuck is he going to take over a game and score 35 points or more with 10 or more rebounds like he did with the shity Wolves. Ya, they have a 7 or 8 win streak going, but for what its worth the loosing streak was the fact that nobody wanted to step up and be the leader and win a game or two(the goes to the rest of the BIG 3 not just KG). Right not Ray Ray is far and away the best and most consistant performer on the C's. As for the comments by Gary Payton, I agree with him, KG shouldnt be starting mainly because Bosh has had better year on a shitty team compared to what KG has been doing.

-Fuck the Yankees and this 400+ million dollar spending spree in a time of economic shittiness. The best part about this is that they still are not the best team in their division. They are set up to fail and they will because of Alex Rodrigez. Great player, shitty teamate, and a punk bitch in all regards of life.

Red Sox Set Deadline On Varitek

"A baseball source confirmed this morning that the Red Sox have presented Varitek with a Jan. 31 deadline to accept or decline their most recent proposal, a one-year offer for a guaranteed $5 million with a dual option for 2010. The proposal affords the Sox a $5 million option on the player for that season; should the team decline to exercise the option, Varitek subsequently can return to the team at a salary of $3 million (Boston Globe)."

At least we know that all this drama will soon be coming to an end soon. By Saturday night Tek will have to decide whether or not he wants to return to the Red Sox. Boston will not go any higher with their offer, and Varitek does not seem to have any offers on the table. With no offers, he has no leverage, and basically has to take this deal. Expect Boras and Tek to make the Sox sweat until Saturday night before finally caving in. If for some reason Tek decides not to accept the deal the Sox will likely move fast on one of the young catchers they had been looking at (i.e. Salty,ect). Also, if Tek turned the offer down we most likely will not see him until June, when teams can sign him without giving up a draft pick.

Daily Teixeira Update

"This may actually be more of a non-update, but here goes: Based on what Nick Cafardo and I have heard from sources around the league involved with Teixeira Mania (and what a quick trip around the internets suggests) the Red Sox remain a prominent – if not primary – factor in the race to sign the first baseman. Those monstrous offers John Henry referenced in his e-mail last night, it seems likely, are merely figments of Borasian negotiation. As Tony Massarotti explained in his edifying column this morning, the agent has done this before, and Henry may be (successfully) calling a bluff. Then again, the most definitive piece of information available is a statement made by the Red Sox owner saying “it seems clear we are not going to be a factor,” so it would seem premature to start calling the Red Sox favorites again (Boston Globe)."

I don't know what to think anymore, but this seems to fall in line with what I was saying yesterday. This "deal" that Boras said he got, that blew the Sox out of the water does not exist, so the Sox are calling his bluff. This could blow up in their face, and some other team could up their offer, and steal Teixeira, or the Sox will still have the best offer on the table and Boras will have to admit his defeat. The more I am reading, the more I like what the Sox are doing. Even if they don't get him, they had to put some kind of line in the sand, if not Boras would have them signing like a 10 year 250 million contract. You have to draw the line somewhere.

-BMack

Scott Boras You Tricky Bastard

There were reports coming out today that the Boston Red Sox had offered a contract to Jason Varitek. The funny thing was no one had any idea of how long or how much. Now, multiple sources are saying that this "offer" rumor that was going around was started by Boras, and the actual "offer" that he was speaking of is the arbitration offer Varitek declined a couple days back. Do I blame Boras? Absolutely not, but it's starting to show that he is getting desperate. The market for Varitek is extremely thin, and it looks like his only way out is back to the Sox, since no one wants to pay an aging catcher for more then 1 year, plus have to give up a draft pick.

During the MLB offseason you'll hear a lot of "rumors", it's important to remember that just because there's smoke, doesn't mean there's fire. A lot of rumors are from agents, and management, to create an advantage for themselves.

My expectation is that Varitek will most likely be back, but it won't be on "Boras" terms. It will be a 1-2 year deal worth about 5-6 million a year.

-BMack

Varitek Declines Arbitration

In short...I am shocked.

I know a lot of people said that Varitek would turn down the arbitration offer from the Red Sox, because Tek and his agent (Boras) think he can get a multi-year deal in the free agent market. Maybe they are right, but it will be no where near the 10-11 million he would have got next year from the Sox if he went to arbitration. Now, he has to go meet with other teams and convince them that not only he is better then he played last year, but that he is worth giving up a first round pick (or more). If you remember since the Sox offered him this arbitration, they now get picks from Tek signs anywhere else. I really hope he does since I don't want him back anyways, and it would be great for the Sox to get more young talent. I am very interested to see what the market on Tek is.

-BMack

Teixeira Meets With Yankees

"The Yankees’ priority is pitching, and Cashman met with Teixeira at the request of the agent Scott Boras, who also represents starters Derek Lowe and Oliver Perez and outfielder Manny Ramirez. Boras was present at the meeting with Teixeira, who was visiting family in Maryland. The Yankees would love to add Teixeira, a switch-hitter with power who has won two Gold Gloves. But it is unlikely they could sign both Teixeira and Sabathia, to whom they offered a six-year, $140 million deal on Nov. 14 (Boston Globe)."

Classic Boras move here. He is looking to drive up the price on Teixeira, and make teams like the Angels and Red Sox worry. It could work, but I think both those teams know that the Yankees are going to sign a pitcher or two, and even they will not have deep enough wallets to sign Teixeira on top of that. My thought is that after inquiring how much Teixeira would cost the Yanks, they quickly switched gears to talking about Derek Lowe, but only time will tell. Teixeira did say that he wanted to be signed before Christmas.

-BMack

Red Sox Offer Varitek Contract

The Red Sox have offered Varitek a contract, but I don't think Tek or Boras will be very happy with it. The Sox offered him only a one year deal (thank God). Rumors were going around that Tek was looking for a 3-4 year deal, but as I said before, I wouldn't be comfortable signing this guy to anything more then a year or two. I think this is a smart move by the Sox, and it could be a sign that they are looking to grab a younger catcher. I have said from the beginning I wouldn't mind Tek here if he is teaching a young guy, and the Sox could bring the young catcher along slowly, giving him more and more playing time as the season goes on.

There has been no word on how much the 1 year deal was for, but reports suggest that it is no where near the $13.1 million Posada gets every year. I will keep you posted as I hear more.

**UPDATE** Boras denies reports that the Sox have made an offer, though Rob Bradford says they are true. My thought is that they are most likely true, but Boras doesn't want reports of a low balled offer getting out, since it could hurt Tek's already slumping status.

-BMack

Dodgers Make Offer To Manny

I guess the Dodgers were freeing up some money when they declined Brad Penny's option, because they came out the very next day and offered Manny Ramirez a contract that is worth 25 million a year for 2 or 3 years. I don't think this is the offer Manny will take, but this is exactly what I think he is worth. The Dodgers know he won't take this deal, but at least (for the fans sake) it looks like they have tried with an honest offer. Manny said he wanted to test the market, and see who the highest bidder would be. I really believe he doesn't care where he plays as long as Boras and Manny get the biggest payday they can.

"I want to see who is the highest bidder. Gas is up and so am I" says Manny.

-BMack

It's Official: Scott Boras Has Lost His Mind

Scott Boras came out and said that he thinks Varitek should get the same type of contract that Posada got last offseason (4 years $52.4 million). OK Boras, I know Mass. decriminalized weed yesterday, but you need to lay off that stuff. First off, Posada didn't deserve that deal, and I bet the Yankees are kicking themselves for giving it to him. Second, Tek has had declining numbers for awhile now, and just came off his worst offensive year. VARITEK CAN'T HIT THE BALL!!!

I know some people are defending him saying that he was going through a divorce, but I don't buy it. I will go as far to say that I think Varitek was one of the steroid guys (Tanguay/Dickerson said that while I was working at FSN, not sure if it's true, but I believe it).

Listen, Tek had a great career with the Sox. He was great with pitchers (yada, yada, yada), but he is at the tail end of his career, and it's time for the Sox to move on. I really hope that the Sox don't sign him long term (or at all for that matter), but like I said before...I really could see them making the same mistake the Yankees did last offseason.

-BMack


DP's Take:

GOD I HATE QUEERATEK!!


Boras sees Posada's 4-year, $52m deal as benchmark. Agent Scott Boras is eyeing Yankee catcher Jorge Posada's four-year, $52.4 million deal as a benchmark for Varitek. And if that's the case, writes the Globe's Nick Cafardo, Boras and the Red Sox will be as far apart in their views as San Diego and Bangor. "It is probably representative age-wise and it's also representative of what a player on a winning team - for very different reasons, obviously - can do," Boras said. "You aren't going to have many catchers with those performance levels - a 60 percent winning percentage on a franchise which has won two championships, caught four no-hitters. I can go on and on. Boston.com

HAHAHAHA. Man I wish I wasn't at work just so I could create a terrible picture of him. Scott Boras must be smoking some of the finest to think this. Not only is Varitek not worth close that amount, but he should pay a team to pick him up. Fuck Queeratek. He hardly batted over .200 last year and killed the Red Sox momentum every time we had men on base all year. In my eyes, four no hitters is irrelevant to how good he is, and the same goes with two championship rings. If that is the case Doug Mirabelli is also the best catcher in the league and should be treated as a hall of famer (which I think he should) If the Red Sox get this man I swear to God I will murder a kitten and potentially not be a Red Sox fan anymore (well not that far but I will complain a lot more).