Tiki Barber's Comeback Not Going So Well

In all the craziness of the past couple of days of NFL signings we all kind of forgot about Tiki Barber. He made headlines earlier this offseason when he announced he would make a comeback. Yet, no one has picked him up. Our friends over at FitzandVig.com pointed out that Tiki is most likely going to have to try to play in the UFL next season and show that he still has something in the tank. I think this whole comeback thing was a stupid idea and was doomed to fail from the beginning, so it's really not all that shocking. There are just too many young players that a team could bring in that have a better chance of being productive and will have about 1/2 the ego.

There is one story out there from opposingviews.com that claims Tiki is about to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but I just can't see that being true.

Red Sox Contact Bengie Molina

"There has been speculation for weeks that the Boston Red Sox are losing patience with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, with one weekend report by Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com claiming the team had contacted free agent Bengie Molina.

There are already concerns about Salty's defense, and his .203 batting average with three walks and 19 strikeouts this season isn't helping things (ESPN)."

Tek isn't going anywhere, but I could really see the Sox getting rid Salty. I wouldn't do it just yet, as I do feel like he has been a little better at the plate, but we also can't have Tek catching 2 of every 5 games (or more), which seems to be what's going on right now.

Molina hasn't played all season, so maybe it would be a good idea to sign him soon and let him get some swings in the minors, and that would also buy Salty a little time to see if he can get going. Last year Molina played for Texas and San Francisco batting .249 with 5 HRs and 36 RBIs in 118 games. Nothing special there, but he plays good defense, and that offense is way more then we are getting from Tek or Salty.

Chargers Sign Bob Sanders

"Former Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders plans to sign a one-year deal with the San Diego Chargers Thursday night, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter (ESPN)."

There was a time when I thought Bob Sanders was one of the biggest difference makers at the safety position in the NFL, but Sanders has played in only 9 regular season games for the Colts in the last 3 years. I don't know what he has left in the tank, or if he can stay on the field. It is a long shot, but for a one year deal I guess you can't argue with it too much. Maybe playing on real grass will help....but I doubt it.

Peja Stojakovic To Mavericks

"The Mavs are close to a verbal agreement to sign Peja Stojakovic once he clears waivers Monday, two league sources confirmed to CBSSports.com. Only hours after his buyout with Toronto was finalized, the Mavs expressed "strong interest," said the source, who added that Dallas fits Stojakovic's desire to hook up with a Western Conference contender. Stojakovic is expected to sign a one-year deal at the prorated veteran's minimum of $1.4 million on Monday after the 48-hour waiver period expires (CBS Sports)."

Not a bad signing by the Mavericks. They really need a guy who can spread the floor after the loss of Caron Butler. Peja is still a guy that can knock down three, and score around 12-15 points a game. You give him a PG like Kidd I feel he can still be an asset to this team. One way he will not be is an asset is the defensive side of the court, but he really should only be a scoring option off the bench (like Eddie House/Nate Robinson).

Nationals Sign Adam LaRoche

The Nationals have agreed to sign Adam LaRoche to a two-year (with a 3rd year option) deal worth $7MM in 2011 and $8MM in 2012 before the $10MM mutual option.

Good deal for the Nationals. LaRoche has hit at least 20 homers and posted an OPS of .775 or better for six consecutive seasons. He hit exactly 25 homers in each of the past three seasons and has a career .271/.339/.488 stat line. It sounds like they got him for the correct amount of money and Werth, LaRoche, Zimmerman, and Bryce Harper should give them something to build on for years to come.

Angels About To Make Some Moves (UPDATED)

After losing out of Carl Crawford the Angels have for the most part been in a standstill. At the beginning of the offseason they were thought to be one of the teams that would be throwing around a lot of money, but since have really done nothing.

Today there are rumors that Scott Boras has informed some teams that he has a five-year, $70 million offer in hand for Beltre, which is thought to be from the Angels. Along with that there are a lot of rumors that they are about to sign Scott Podsednik.

At this point if the Angels are going to compete at all next year Beltre is a must. Yea, I think he is going to do nothing once he signs that contract, but the Angels really could use some offensive power.

Scott Podsednik I guess is the poor mans Carl Crawford. Actually I don't even like that. He has speed, but not as much as he used to, and he is nothing but a band-aid.


***UPDATE***

Maybe it wasn't the Angels that offered that deal... "there are hints that the Halos have dropped out of the Beltre sweepstakes, according to Joe McDonnel, after Beltre turned down the club's mega offer. McDonnel cites a source that says "there's no room for further negotiation (ESPN)."

Pavano's Market Clearing Up

With Zack Greinke being traded, and Cliff Lee going to the Phillies the market is starting to clear up for Pavano, who is the best free agent pitcher available. One would think the Rangers would make a hard push for him, but most rumors suggest that it is the Nationals, and Twins making the biggest push for him.

The Nationals surprised us earlier in the offseason when they threw crazy amounts of money at Werth, but my gut is telling me that Pavano will end up back with the Twins. I was very confused on why the Rangers aren't involved in all this after Lee left them for the Phillies, but there are rumors going around they would like to make a hard push for Matt Garza, so maybe that's why.

A's Sign Rich Harden

"The A's have agreed to a major league deal with Rich Harden, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle (MLBTradeRumors)."

I love that people get excited about this guy. He has never done anything, yet is treated like he's friggin' Ace. He has never had more then 11 wins in a season, and that 11 win year was back in 2004. He is constantly hurt, and now the A's have signed him to just be a bullpen guy. Maybe that will be good for him, because he still a good strikeout guy, but then again having this guy pitching every day (or every other day) probably won't work out with his injury history.

Yankees Sign Russell Martin

Well the Yankees finally beat the Red Sox to someone...

"The Yankees have reached an agreement with catcher Russell Martin, reports MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez. With Jorge Posada moving into a designated hitter role next year, Martin should be the Yankees' starting catcher. Since Martin has less than five years of service time, he's under team control for 2012 as an arbitration eligible player (MLBTradeRumors)."

Solid signing from the Yankees. Martin is coming off a fractured hip, but he has shown in the past that he has the talent to be a very good player (19 HRs, 87 RBIs, 21 SBs in 2007). Still, he is a big injury risk, and you have to worry about a guy that used to use his speed coming off of hip surgery. In New York we could see his power numbers go up, so maybe it will work out, but overall this isn't going to calm down angry Yankee fans.

Oh, side note the Cardinals reached an agreement with catcher Gerald Laird. Good defensive guy, but doesn't bring much to the plate.

What If The Yankees Don't Get Cliff Lee?

I still think Cliff Lee will end up with the Yankees, but what if he didn't? I believe the Yankees could be in a lot of trouble. If The Yankees lose out on Lee to the Rangers, and Pettitte retires that means their rotation would look like this...

1. C.C. Sabathia
2. Phil Hughes
3. A.J. Burnett
4. Ivan Nova
5. Sergio Mitre

Yuck...

The Yankee could go out and trade for a guy like Grienke, but does anyone really think that he won't implode on that kind of stage? I mean the guy had anxiety problems and he was only with the Royals, wait till the New York media gets a hold of him.

Like I said before, I think the Yankee will end up with Cliff Lee, but if they don't they could have some serious problems. Guys like A-Rod, Jeter, Rivera, and Posada aren't getting any younger. Plus their bullpen (other then Rivera) is somewhat suspect.

Here's to hoping I am wrong and Lee goes to the Rangers.

White Sox Resign Konerko

The White Sox reached an agreement with first baseman Paul Konerko on a three-year deal, reports Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The deal is worth $37.5MM, tweets SI's Jon Heyman. The contract includes deferred money, as outlined by MLB.com's Scott Merkin. The contract has now been officially announced by the White Sox.

Konerko is getting up there in age (35), but I like this deal for the White Sox. Konerko is coming off one of his best seasons with 39 HRs and hit .312. He is also one of Ozzie's guys, so you know that will make him happy. I really think that Konerko can play for the next 3 years, and if Pena is to make $10 million next year, then Konerko making $12.5 seems to make sense.

Thinking About The Red Sox

So Adrian Gonzalez is on the Red Sox, but their offseason is far from over. The Sox still need to figure out what they are going to do with their outfield and bullpen. Many people have thought the Red Sox will be the team that signs Crawford, but after seeing the crazy contract Werth got, I am thinking that is less and less likely, on top of that I am less and less comfortable with it.

Werth got a 7 year deal, and I am thinking that means Crawford is going to get 8. That really makes me nervous because he is a speed guy, and if he loses a step he could be a far less constant hitter. He doesn't have a very good arm either, which is another reason I get a little scared. Don't get me wrong if the contract turns out to be shorter (5 years), then I am all for it, but when you are talking about guaranteeing a guy who realize on his speed for 8 years is more then a little bit concerning.

If Crawford does ask way too much the Sox could go with a stopgap option like Magglio Ordonez. He is obviously a big injury risk, but the Sox could probably get him cheap, and would only have to commit for a year, so it could be something the Sox take a look at.

As for the bullpen, they have a lot of work to do. Their are rumors that the Sox are looking at Brian Fuentes. I am not very high on him, but at this point they need bodies out there. I would like to see them sign Scott Downs and maybe a guy like Jason Frasor. If you could add any two of those three that could be enough to solidify the bullpen with Papelbon and Bard.

Overall I like where this offseason is going, and I have all the faith in the world now that they'll figure it out.

Beltre Wants To Stay With Red Sox?

"There's a lot going on right now, but I do hope I stay with the Red Sox," Beltre said in Friday's Boston Globe. "I could make a deal right now if I wanted to, but I want to wait and make sure I make the right decision (Boston.com)."

I'm not buying it. I have heard from the beginning that Beltre would like to go back to the west coast. Rumors have it the Red Sox will go no more than four years, $52 million. That offer has already been beaten by the A's who offered him a five-year, $64-million offer. I just don't see Beltre taking a discount to stay in Boston.

And to be honest, I don't really want Beltre back. I know he is going get his money and then turn into a very average player. I have said from the beginning that I want the Sox to land a power hitting first baseman (Konerko, Gonzalez, Fielder, ect), because I feel the Sox really lack a hitter that pitcher will fear. They have basically been missing that since Manny left, so all and all I hope I'm right and Beltre takes off for Oakland.

Starting To Think Manny Won't Be In The MLB Next Year

Maybe I am being a little bold here, but the more I think about it the more I am starting to believe that Manny Ramirez is done in the MLB. He had a terrible year last season, once again pulled shit (this time with the Dodgers), and I just don't see a lot of teams jumping on the chance to grab him. Plus, I think Manny is one of those guys that if he isn't getting paid what he think he is worth he will just walk away.

At this point I think we can all agree Manny is a DH, and no longer an option in the field. So that eliminates all the NL teams. You can put Boston on the list of teams that won't touch him. The rest of the AL just doesn't seem like they will be jumping at the chance.

I thought his best chance was actually going back to the White Sox, but I am sold on the thought they are going to sign Dunn, and resign Konerko, leaving no room for him. The Rays could for the right price, but they have such a young team do you really want this asshole influencing them? Same could be said about teams like the Orioles, Jays, Royals, Indians, A's, and so on. Out of those the Jays are really the only one I can see, because they could use a DH, and have shown in the past they are willing to spend some money.

Just a thought, but what do you guys think? I mean Jermaine Dye sat out all last year, and you could make the argument that he is a better bat at this point.

Latest On V-Mart

ESPN and MLBTradeRumors.com seem to be on board with the idea of V-Mart choosing his team for next season soon.

"The Tigers are widely seen, in other front offices, as the front-runner to sign Martinez, to add depth to their lineup and to be their regular catcher. Some other teams interested in signing Martinez peg him as a part-time catcher who mostly serves as a designated hitter or first baseman (Buster Olney - ESPN)."

The Tigers are reported to be all over him, and are willing to go up to 5 years to have V-Mart in their uniform next year. That is a long time for a catcher who will be 32 in December, but to be honest I don't care I want him back.

There are no other catchers (with the exception of Mauer) that can hit like V-Mart. The only way I could be talked into being OK with V-Mart walking is if Adrian Gonzalez is playing 1st for the Sox next year.

DP and I have said since last year that we have a really bad feeling that V-Mart will not be back with the Red Sox next year, and it's looking more and more that we might be right (unfortunately).

Dolphins Sign Al Harris

Earlier this week the Packers made the surprise move of cutting Al Harris. He tore up his knee pretty bad last year (he tore the anterior cruciate ligament, the lateral collateral ligament, the IT band, the fibular collateral ligament and the lateral hamstring), and the Packers felt he was no longer a valuable asset. So, he finally cleared waivers and the Dolphins stepped in and signed the free agent.

It is unclear how much Al Harris will be able to play, and I am not completely sold that he will pass the physical to be able to join the team. Back in the day he was one of the better cover corners in the NFL, so I guess it is always worth a shot even if he can only play limited snaps.

Top 10 MLB Free Agents

Here is the guys you'll be hearing a lot about all offseason. So, here is my top 10...

1. Cliff Lee - Best pitcher available, and even though he struggled in a bit in the World Series he was way too impressive during the regular season and playoffs not to be making $20+ million a year.
Prediction: Yankees

2. Carl Crawford: He has been around forever, but is still only 29 years old. His speed is where he makes his money, but he set a career high for HRs too. He has proved he can hit in the AL East and if you can hit there you can hit anywhere.
Prediction: Red Sox

3. Victor Martinez: He was hurt last year, and people question if he can play catcher long term. Still, he is the 2nd best catcher in the minors, and getting production from that position can change a team. Also, his defense has been getting better.
Prediction: Red Sox

4. Adam Dunn - All he does is hit bombs. He is not a great fielder, but in the age of the pitcher guys who can hit 40+ HRs are hard to come by. Imagine if he actually has protection around him.
Prediction: Cubs

5. Jayson Werth - Plays the field well, can hit for power and has a great beard, but I still think this will most likely be the most overpaid player for his production in this free agent class.
Prediction: Phillies

6. Adrian Beltre - Had a huge year for the Sox, but we have seen him do this before in a contract year. His defense was a little off last year, but I doubt that will be a problem for him.
Prediction: Angels

7. Paul Konerko - It's too bad there are so many first baseman in this years free agent class, because he deserves to get paid. 39 HRs and 111 RBIs, but at age 34 you have to wonder how much longer he can put up numbers like that.
Prediction: White Sox

8. Carl Pavano - As long as he isn't a Yankee he is a good pitcher. I would still be worried about signing him, but you can't argue with the impressive 17 wins he had this year for the Twins.
Prediction: Cardinals

9. Andy Pettitte - When he is healthy he is still one of the most consistent guys in the majors. He also has had a great playoff career, too bad he won't play for someone else.
Prediction: Yankees

10. Rafael Soriano - He isn't a fluke anymore, he has had big save numbers for 2 years now, and some team will overpay him to be a closer.
Prediction: Angels

Yankees Staying Out Of Werth/Crawford Race

We all know the Yankees are going to make a hard push for Cliff Lee, but if you can remember just a year back everyone and their mother thought the Yankees would be going after Crawford when he became available. Now it seems things have changed. After a solid season from Brett Gardner and Nick Swisher, plus the strong push by Ganderson at the end of the season, the Yankees are thinking they are all set in their outfield.

Do I buy it? Yea, to a point. The Yankees already have their hands full trying to resign Jeter and Rivera, while also going out and outbidding the Rangers (and others) for Cliff Lee. With that being said, things can change very quickly and much like what happened with Mark Teixeira two years ago, we all know they can jump in at anytime.

My thinking is that there is no shot they get involved in anyway for Werth, and the only way they will get involved in trying to sign Crawford is if the lose out on Lee and their fan base starts going mental.

McNabb Is Too Fat, So They Sign JaMarcus Russell?

Shanahan made the perplexing move of benching McNabb for Grossman to run the two minute drill, saying that McNabb wasn't in good enough shape to run it. I found the whole thing stupid, but yet hilarious.

Little did I know the laughs have just begun...

Reports are coming out today that the Redskins are working out JaMarcus Russell. Yup, the same guy who loves to show up to camp weighing more then some offensive lineman, and oh yea and he has a slight codeine problem.

This basically sums up my reaction...

I have no idea what the Redskins are doing. They bring in a borderline Hall Of Famer (McNabb), he gets them to at least be respectable, and even though his numbers aren't good he has been winning them some very close games. Then they bench him because he is fat, so they go out and get the fattest QB in the league (Russell).

Wow.

How about you actually get someone that McNabb can throw to?

Well, if nothing else at least we can have a good chuckle over this.

Red Sox Resigning Varitek?

"Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, however, says there is a good chance Varitek may be in Boston's plans. GM Theo Epstein apparently things Varitek is still its best defensive catcher, the best handler of pitchers, and an invaluable piece of the team (ESPN)."

I don't mind if they resign him IF they resign V-Mart, but right now there are rumors that the Sox don't want to give V-Mart anymore then a 3 year deal and he is looking for a 4-6 year deal. As I wrote at the end of last week the Sox HAVE TO resign V-Mart. Other then that I really don't care all that much about who's behind him. They have Jarrod Saltalamacchia also, be he has been a bust, so I guess having Tek behind V-Mart is a little better.

Then again getting rid of Tek and his stupid "C" is long overdue.