How fitting that a new hijack thread starts just as Fordin's mailbag is posted on bluejays.com... COMN. Rios, Song, and Olerud all get some print.

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tor/news/tor_news.jsp?ymd=20041122&content_id=915402&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp
You put the link in your Email instead of the Homepage

COMN for the working link.

Thanks Braby, i'm not well versed the the art of name-clicking ;-)

It makes one long for the Senators.

I suspect fans here in Dallas/Fort Worth and in those "other" metro twin cities, Minneapolis/St. Paul would disagree with you most strongly, sir.

Np, does anyone have that link to the pro sports rumours? I don't have it here at work and want to check out if there's any news out there today.

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/
COMN Braby. Its gonna work this time, honest

I'm old enough to remember the Senators, so yes, Mick, there was a touch of, shall we say, wistful irony there. If I had said "it almost makes one long for the Senators", I suppose that might have been better.

haha, thanks a lot Brennan.

Personally, I would have been very pleased if they'd have named the team the Washington Grays in honour of the old Negro league team.

http://www.tsn.ca/mlb/news_story.asp?id=105560
Colour me unexcited by this name and logo (COMN). It's really too bad that they didn't name the team the "Grays", in honour of the Homestead Grays, the great Negro league team that played a good number of their games out of Washington. Led by players such as Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard, they often outdrew the Senators.

I haven't seen it get much ink, but Brad Snyder's 2003 book "Beyond the Shadow of the Senators" which looks at the Grays and their role in the integration of major league baseball, is a great read. It posits a very interesting thesis - the Senators could, and should, have been the first team in MLB to integrate. They were a historically lousy team who desperately needed a talent infusion, and they played in a city where blacks would come to comprise a majority of the population. But as the owner of the Senators understood that integration would destroy the Negro Leagues, and as the Senators relied on the Grays to play out of Griffith Stadium and provide much-needed revenue in the form of rental income and concessions, the Senators were afraid to act. True to form, once the major leagues integrated the Negro leagues withered and died, but the black community in Washington was so alienated from the Senators that they refused to support the team, which led to its leaving town twice.

I'm with you there Nolan. Rarely does MLB get (or take) a chance to honour the Negro League. I for one think they should have taken the opportunity, especially since the "Nationals" is a little silly.

I think the key from this is "The new owners may choose to rename the team again." I wouldn't be surprised if that happened, and so changing the team from Nationals to something else is a lot easier than changing it from Grays or Senators to something else.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that there will never be another major league baseball team called the Expo's.

Mike and to any other BB thread starter... when you post that X team has signed X free agents, please provide a link.

I like to see who teams sign.

I suspect the marketing people with D.C. Baseball (still my choice for the team's name, btw) would have had a hairty conniption if they'd gond with "Grays."

How do you sell that? Even as an homage, you'd have to explain it over and over again in the context of "What a horrible name. Of course I won't buy your jerseys. Why'd you choose that again?"

They could always call them the Carpetbaggers, as a tribute to past ownership

I think a team in Washington called the Greys would be very marketable. Much more so than the 'Nationals'.

Well we have the Reds! I find the history of a name to be more opinion-affecting then the word itself. Though i suppose if someone wanted to name a teams the "Reds" now-a-days they'd be laughed out of the stadium.

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news.jsp?ymd=20041121&content_id=915236&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp
I would have preferred the Grays, as well. Somehow, I don't think that MLB wants the history as recounted by Four Seamer to be remembered.

The Marlins have apparently offered Al Leiter a playing/broadcasting contract. COMN.

With the correct product placement of Greys uniforms in rap video's they have the potential of being as popular as Oakland Raiders uniforms.

I don't much like Grays or Senators -- if Washington really wants to make baseball work in that city, they need to look ahead, not backwards. If they want to honour their past (and they should), they can create a standing "History of Washington Baseball" exhibit at their new ballpark. That said, "Nationals" is as boring as mud -- last I checked, very few sports teams are named after adjectives. The new team should have a new, 21st-century name, and they shouldn't feel obliged to stick with political or tourist-attraction names.

The Washington Bullets was available. Best name ever!

This logo needs to be seen... the description "Boring" doesn't capture the incredible uninspired-ness of it:


Say, I just realized: Toronto is no longer the last MLB team alphabetically.

On the other hand, the hat is pretty cool:

That hat is great. I can't wait to see what my new Castilla jersey looks like. :)

The Washington Bullets was available. Best name ever!

I don't think so. It has a completely different connotation post-Clash.

http://www.torontobaseballguys.com
Hmmm.

So basically, the marketing dept. did:


+

=




... and called it a day. Way to work up a sweat there boys. Betcha' there's a eagle patch coming to a sleeve near you...

You nailed it, TBG Jim. That's exactly what I thought.

How incredibly... blah.

The hat is good.

If you go to montrealexpos.com, you get the Washington site.
Could they retire the domain? That's just mean.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=lukas/041118
I'm guessing that whoever buys the team can change the logo along with the team name. I think that the league figured, why put in all that work if it's going to change anyways. At least, that's what I'm hoping.

Paul lukas had at piece at ESPN.com on the new Washington logo and has a bunch pretty good logos that fans sent in....COMN. I like the ones by Scott turner and Kevin Callahan.

Ohhh cool.

I quite like the one sent in by "Lukas Johnson."

http://www.torontobaseballguys.com
Hey, if anyone is looking for a chance to design their own team name and logo - not to mention draft their own roster - there are still a couple of spots left in the fledgling TBG Diamond Mind Sim League. How's that for a segue?

Jim- What is required to sign up for said league?

http://www.torontobaseballguys.com
Just send an email here requesting a team. You don't need the Diamond Mind software and the cost is free.

Thanks Jim.

The Marlins have apparently offered Al Leiter a playing/broadcasting contract. COMN.

Now we just gotta get the cat to sign one.

Still, it's all a matter of perspective. Rios came up early and was just trying to get the bat on the ball for his first two months -- he was trying to survive, not play Home Run Derby. When September rolled around, you could see that mentality leaving. He began to realize he belonged, and he began to trust his bat speed against the best pitchers on the planet.

While that's a plausible theory, Spencer should really check his numbers.

This statement was true when comparing Rios' June to his July. But he regressed in August, and then completely fell off a cliff in September/October.

Having said that, I'm not overly concerned. The collapse in August/September was likely due to fatigue, and playing more than he ever had in previous seasons.

While "the Nationals" may not be the most inspiring of names, I'm just glad they didn't follow the expansion team template of "whacky colours and a predatory animal".

I still think Rios needs to deconstruct his swing to a large degree. If he's going to hit for power he needs to get some lift on the ball(second highest GB ratio in the league) and start looking to pull the inside pitch (only 20% of his hits are to L.F.)

Such an adjustment won't be easy, he may have to even go back to the minors for a brief period to get it together.

I'm just glad they didn't follow the expansion team template of "whacky colours and a predatory animal".

Devil Rays are actually quite docile, much like the baseball team.

The Nationals' new cap mimics the Senators cap from the late sixties, I think. I'm glad they went with (or stole) a simple design.

I'm just glad they didn't follow the expansion team template of "whacky colours and a predatory animal".

Like these two teams?

While "the Nationals" may not be the most inspiring of names, I'm just glad they didn't follow the expansion team template of "whacky colours and a predatory animal".

I couldn't agree more.
Nationals may be boring, but at least it looks like they're trying to do things with a certain level of class, and going for that old-timey look.
I, for one, am impressed that they didn't give into 'popular' or trendy pressures.

Grand Funk out

Maybe the Nationals are bringing about a new era

Forgive the crudeness of my "chart"

Team / Year/ League/ Predator?

Nationals 2005 MLB nope
Bobcats 2004 NBA yeah
Wild 2000 NHL logo only
Blue Jackets 2000 NHL yup
Thrashers 1999 NHL I think so
Predators 1998 NHL ---
Diamondbacks 1998 MLB yes
Devil Rays 1998 MLB yes and no
Raptors 1995 NBA probably
Grizzlies 1995 NBA usually

The thing is, I wouldn't be caught DEAD wearing merchandise from ANY of those teams, based on the fact that I'd feel like a preschooler with those awful logos. I'm an adult, give me something adult to wear. The 'Nationals' have got it right.

Grand Funk out.

Oh, and I think we can add the atrocious new Jays uni's and logo to that list, too. I'm a diehard fan, but you won't catch me wearing that crap.

Grand Funk out.

Technicaly even the Blue Jays tried to make the blue jay look like a predator this year.

Why can't teams have non violent names anymore like, oh I dunno, the Philharmonics, or the Magentas, or the Lonesome Doves?

woops. Yeah, what he said above me. Although I'm still digging the black uni :)

Well I disagree with you two completely. You can't get much more lame than team names like "white socks" and "pussywillows."

Lameness works both ways too, like desperatly searching for a violent name that's not taken for your team and then calling yourselves the Predators.

The whole thing smacks of NFH's EXTREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEME!!! channel or the XFL.

Nationals may be boring

Don't be afraid to be boring!

Yankees. Canadiens. Packers.

Not a predator in the house!

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that there will never be another major league baseball team called the Expos.

The odds are with you, although I can certainly remember a day when I would have said there will never be another MHL team named the Senators.

Speaking of... "Maroons" would be a cool name for someone, no?

another MHL team named the Senators.

Or an NHL team, either.

Speaking of... "Maroons" would be a cool name for someone, no?



And "The Millionaires" would take on a whole new meaning if another hockey team should dust that off and use it. Green jersey's with dollar signs on them.... they could call the rink "The Vault".

I can't tell you how many nightmares I've had about Leafs of all sorts trying to kill me. I must say, Maple Leafs are by far the most gruesome and dangerous of all leaf varieties. Infact, Maple Leaf, roughly translated from latin, means 'Leaf of prey'.

P.S. I know how to spell leaves. Other spelling mistakes were unintended.

And I don't think a team could get away with spelling their name wrong either nowadays. Those are always classics. You know what I blame this on the breakdown of?

society.

I get what you're saying Jobu, but to me the whole idea of having a nickname is to have something that sounds, for lack of a better word, cool.

I mean, why would you want to call a team the Greys? I realize it's an homage to the old Negro Leagues, and that's fine, but really, can you get more boring than the Greys? Is there a color that is more "blah" than grey? Raptors, Grizzlies, Raiders; these are names that sound good to me. Better than White sox, Red sox, and Nationals.

Millionaires is a good idea though.

Also disagree with you about teams spelling their names wrong. Now that smacks of the trendy X-TREEM crap that floats around today.

I can picture it now: the NHL re-locates to Winnipeg as the Winnipeg Sk8er Bois.

BLECH.

Well I didn't mean spelling their names wrong now. It doesn't have the same effect. The "spell your name wrong and be classic" window closed in about 1939.

Well I think we can both agree about the worst team name out there, yes?

The "spell your name wrong and be classic" window closed in about 1939.

Are you telling me that in 50 years we won't be getting nostalgic about the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx?

unless we called them the Mighty Diamond Jaxx of West Tenn.

The only part that weirds me out is the 'of Anaheim' bit. 'Mighty Ducks' rather amuses me. Certainly more imaginative than most other names. Just the right amount of goofiness. Then again, I like the Broncos' and Suns' uniforms, so what do I know?

And I don't think a team could get away with spelling their name wrong either nowadays. Those are always classics. You know what I blame this on the breakdown of?

society.

Maybe there's hope for you yet, Jobu. You noticed. But take things one at a time. Don't worry about society yet: just keep on working on your spelling. I'll be watching.

I've heard the Angels are considering changing their name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, if you can believe it. That's incredible.

I read a suggestion today for Angels that could appease both the ownership who wants Los Angelos in the name and Anaheim which, understandably, wants to keep it Anaheim Angels:

It's simple. Go completely Spanish. Anaheim Angels can reasonably be translated as Los Angeles de Anaheim.

Works for me :)

I enjoy commiserating with Willy over what is wrong with today’s vocabulary. Aside from the breakdown of society, and improper spelling of sports teams, there are two things that people don’t do enough of today that we took for granted way back when

1. Guys wearing hats (real hats) nearly all the time.
2. Saying “obliged”. You just don’t hear that word enough for my liking. Consarnit.

Much obliged for your time folks.

So if they became the Los Angeles Angels then do they win the prize for most redundant team name of all time? I would be unable to prevent myself from constantly refering to them as their spanish equivalent "Los Angeles de Los Angeles". Or abbreviated: the LALA's.

And count me as someone who loves the older "blah" names like Packers, Browns, Yankees, Maple Leafs and has a strong dislike for most teams named after predatory animals. I much prefer names like this one or at least something mildly original but non-goofy. Greys would have been cool, Silver Seven is cool, Mighty Ducks is not. I actually find that the best sports names can be found in US colleges IMHO. Crimson Tide, Sooners, Jayhawks, Blue Devils, Volunteers, Hoosiers, Fighting Irish, Rainbow Warriors, etc. Of course they also have some of the worst such as the Moundbuilders, Hustlin' Quakers, Lasers, Poets, Wonder Boys.

The "spell your name wrong and be classic" window closed in about 1939.

Unless you were a rock band in the 1960s. The Beatles were making a pun: Beetles (after Buddy Holly's Crickets) and Beat music. But Byrds?
Human Beinz? Left Banke? Cryan' Shames? and so on and so forth...

Guys wearing hats (real hats) nearly all the time.

All the time would be excellent, says I (as I remember my hair.) Its just that they make you remove it in many public places, and it feels like you're unveiling A Great Nothing. Like "Aw crap, saw through my little ruse..."

" Guys wearing hats (real hats) nearly all the time.

All the time would be excellent, says I (as I remember my hair.) Its just that they make you remove it in many public places, and it feels like you're unveiling A Great Nothing. Like "Aw crap, saw through my little ruse..." "

I wish this day too. Speaking for males with much hair, I resent having to coover it up in public places... and all places.

Such are generation gaps.

" " Guys wearing hats (real hats) nearly all the time.

All the time would be excellent, says I (as I remember my hair.) Its just that they make you remove it in many public places, and it feels like you're unveiling A Great Nothing. Like "Aw crap, saw through my little ruse..." "

I wish this day too. Speaking for males with much hair, I resent having to coover it up in public places... and all places.

Such are generation gaps."

... Such is coming home intoxicated and trying to make and intelligent comment.

I'm not usually up this late, so I though I'd come and make a "I'm up the latest" type post...I do not expect to get any sleep till Thursday anyway (stupid three essays due on Wednesday...ALL for the SAME class, ugh)

...And something baseball related...hmmm...OK, i got hooked on baseball cards as an eight year old and in my first pack ever (dad bought it for me), I got an Alan Trammel card and he became one of my favourite players due to his 1800 plus career homeruns, which I knew was a lot even at that age.

I was not, however, old enough to know that "h" meant hits...

Well I think we can both agree about the worst team name out there, yes?

Well, at least they're the "mighty" and not the "lame"

Although that would be pretty funny

If they were the "lame ducks", they'd have to be in either Washington or Ottawa. Actually, I might take to calling the Nationals by that name.

If they were the "lame ducks", they'd have to be in either Washington or Ottawa. Actually, I might take to calling the Nationals by that name.

The Nationals already played in Ottawa, though:

I enjoy commiserating with Willy over what is wrong with today’s vocabulary.

You young ones hang in late. I went to bed. But I did want to congratulate Jobu on getting "commiserating" right--not always easy. And for even knowing "commiserating". Sheesh, maybe he's not just a pretty face who works at National Sports after all.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1929508
Charley Steiner has moved from the Yankees broadcasting team to the Dodgers' team. COMN. Is nothing sacred anymore?

In a related note, the Dodgers announced that Jeff Weaver was being shipped back to the Yankees for $1.59 and a bucket of balls. "We figured we owed them something for Steiner", GM Paul DePodesta commented in a press conference. :)

I wish this day too. Speaking for males with much hair, I resent having to coover it up in public places... and all places.

Such are generation gaps."

Close one there, Caino. "Coover" I'll let go--since you were intoxicated, and of a challenged generation; but "public" was only an "l" short of trouble. And you made it through. Well done.

Sheesh, maybe he's not just a pretty face who works at National Sports after all.

Well you’d be happy to know I don’t work very hard. In fact I’m bringing the place down from the inside

*taps nose*

Now back to the fedoras for everyone campaign!

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2002098303_mari23.html
Seattle may be the Jay's biggest nemesis this off-season(comm)

If they're going to sign Carlos away they should at least have the decency to do it before December 7th. Come on Bill, you did it for Ibanez.

Jays just signed Myers...

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/brew/nov04/277858.asp
The Brewers are expected to announce the signing of Type A free agent Damian Miller within a few days. If freakin' Damian Miller is giving a team draft picks, Delgado should.

Thats nice - I called the Brewers signing of Miller in the free agent thread a few weeks ago. (Miller is from Wisconsin, i gather).

At least the Myers signing is on a minor league contract and thus doesnt need to be added to the 40-man roster (although he could be taken in the rule 5 draft, right?).

C.

http://toronto.bluejays.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/tor/news/tor_news.jsp?ymd=20041123&content_id=915914&vkey=news_tor&fext=.jsp
COMN for the Myers Press Release.

Minor league contract with an invite to Spring Training.

Well not so much a press release as an article by SF actually.

I was looking at the Blue Jays 40-man roster at their site and noticed that they've removed Carlos Delgado and Gregg Zaun, but Frank Menechino is still listed.

Did he get signed - did I miss something?

Anyone know?

Menechino is arbitration eligible.

Menechino has less than 6 years service time, so he's not eligible for free agency. There's not much doubt he'll be offered arbitration and thus be back for 2005.

Ahhh.

I just heard on the radio that rumours out of Baltimore suggest that the O's have signed Richie Sexson. That's literally all they said.

I'm glad the Jays are giving Myers a chance, anyone else feel that they won't be going after Zaun anymore? There's no reason why Myers won't be fine, and I'd imagine JP is going to go with a Myers/Quiroz split w/ Cash being invited to camp w/ another chance to prove himself.

Anyone know how much Frank should get through arbitration?

There's no reason why Myers won't be fine

He's 38 years old and missed most of last season due to injury. I think that constitutes a reason to believe he might not be fine.

He's 38 years old and missed most of last season due to injury. I think that constitutes a reason to believe he might not be fine.

He was 37 years old last year, and since he has given his body a years rest, I'd think that it wouldn't be an issue.

He was out with an injury, but an ankle injury, not an arm or shoulder, or even knee, I don't see why he wouldn't be 100% a year removed from the injury.

He was out with an injury, but an ankle injury, not an arm or shoulder, or even knee, I don't see why he wouldn't be 100% a year removed from the injury.

I'm not so optimistic. Try squating as a catcher would for the next 5 minutes and then tell me that the ankle does not matter. It is a tough position at the best of times. He may catch a bit but I think the Jays will be happy if he is a left handed bat and DH. I still think the Jays will offer Zaun arbitration because it won't cost them much and if he gets signed by someone else they get a draft pick or two. Between Zaun, Cash and Myers they should have some decent flexibility at the position.

I see your point, I just assume that if they offered him a contract, that he is at 100%, but I never thought about the Left Handed DH.

How much would Zaun cost (and Frankie M) if the Jays offer them arbitration?

Between Zaun, Cash and Myers they should have some decent flexibility at the position.

Especially since last year the Jays saw five players have to fill the position over the course of the year. After last year, I'm happy to see JP being well prepared in case of a worst-case emergency.

For conspiracy theorists out there...rumour has it that Arte Moreno is serious about renaming his club the Los Angeles Angels, possibly as soon as this season. Compare this top left corner with, say, this top left corner or this top left corner.

The Angels are the only team without the formula "Official Site of the [city] [club name]." Instead, it's now just "OFFICIAL SITE OF THE ANGELS."

I'm not so sure on that. I think Baseball was talking about whether they would pay the Orioles compensation for all the years Angelos owned the team. He was holding out so it would continue after that. I am not sure where that has wound up.

If this is true the Orioles may be on Bud Selig's welfare program for a while and they may have plenty of money.

I sure hope so Greg. Course, in a couple seasons we may have balanced scheduals within the league...

Balanced scheduals make a lot more sense, teams are playing the teams in their divisions way too much. But from a revenue stand point, its a great thing for the Jays having so many home games against the Yankee's, and the World Series Champs. Obviously if they were in another division revenue may be just as high or higher b/c they could possibly be a playoff team. (Not in 2004 haha)

I agree. It would be just about a wash. But i think from a league's perspective, they're T.V. deal is probly more lucrative with boston and NY playing that many more times a year. Or maybe not, though I pressume it does have some impact.

So ... bored. Want ... baseball news.

So, I was looking through the transactions for last year's offseason.

Here's how it went down last year:

November 18: Jays sign Hentgen, acquire Lilly
November 24: Angels sign Kelvim Escobar
November 25: Cubs-Marlins trade Choi-Lee
November 28: Red Sox acquire Schilling
December 1: D-backs acquire Sexson
December 2: Yanks sign Gordon
December 4: Yanks get Vazquez, sign Quantrill
December 8: Mets sign Matsui
December 9: Jays sign Ligtenberg
December 10: Mariners sign Guardado

Today is November 23. Things should start picking up soon. Hopefully.

Heh, I was just on Sportsline and noticed the message boards were talking about a potential trade between Detroit and Texas that is apparently being discussed on Detroit radio. The trade would be:

Detroit Gets:
Blalock
Soriano

Texas Gets:
Maroth
Urbina
Munson
Infante

(or some variation)

I really had to supress an urge to laugh. There is no way that Texas would make a trade like this. Ever. If they even considered it, the Jays would have to jump in. I'd pay Soriano $8.5 MM/year through arbritration in order to get Blalock. You could just turn around and trade Soriano. Anyway, fun rumour, but one that probably less basis in facts than a Marty York report.

Speaking of the Tigers, I read BA's report on thier prospects. Ouch.

Looks like I may win the latest post tonite. Do I get anything? Please be a good grade on this essay... Or atleast a picture of some sort.

http://www.christmasinternational.com/nutcracker/images/mpharm.jpg
Sorry Caino, but I'm up all night again...two in a row, I've never done that before.

Here's a prize for being the second last poster- I googled "last one here" and this was the first pic...COMN

Hahaha... Nolan's pic is too good not to share with the non-clickers



[Image courtesy of christmasinternational.com]

John Neary, this is your future... :)

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1930367
Juan Castro signs with the Twins. COMN. It's been a slow news week, all right.

Carlos Tosca is the new third base coach in Arizona. His arm should not get too tired there.

RotoWorld reports that Bob Wickman re-upped with Cleveland for $2.75M and that David Riske may be traded or non-tendered. A career 11.6 K/9? Colour me interested!

Riske's a tough one. Jacobs Field has been playing as a pitcher's park for the last 3 years. Riske's road stats the last 3 years are scary: 93.1 IP, 40 W, 19(!) HR, 94K. The DIPSaholic in me feels the road stats are probably a good approximation of how he'd do in TO.

http://www.nj.com/yankees/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-2/1101279056297450.xml
Slow news day, so here's some rumours - of the pinstripes variety

Vasquez for Johnson swap

Yanks close to signing Leiber to a 2yr/$6M deal, and Milton to a 3 year deal.

Slow news day, so here's some rumours - of the pinstripes variety

Vasquez for Johnson swap

Rumour? You're only about a year late.

Oh.. you mean Randy Johnson. :)

Vazquez!

Or, if you prefer, Vazzquezzz!

If the Yanks reup Leiber AND sign Milton, I don't see them acquiring Johnson. (Randy or Nick, or Cliff or Alex for that matter.)

Things may indeed pick up. TSN is reporting that Kendall for Redman and Rhodes could happen soon.

In other news, the Globe reports that JP plans to offer Zaun arbitration. The Jays must be confident in their ability to retain Zaun for a good price even in arbitration.

If they do offer arbitration then it's tough to see another team giving up a draft pick to sign Zaun. Although stranger things have happened.

This also likely places their 2005 catching tandem as Zaun plus Myers or Cash. They seem to feel pretty good about Myers' ability to contribute as well.

I would have interest in Riske if he was non-tendered. I would be quite way of giving up anything significant in trade.

I think Rich Griffin may already have the "Another Riske Deal for J.P." column written.

Apparently the Nationals have acquired J.J. Davis from the Pirates for outfielder Antonio Sucre.

Bowden's first good move, in my opinon.

Sucre, 21, at Low-A Savannah this year: .240/.327/.353
Davis, 25, had only 84 at-bats at Triple-A Nashville this year, hitting: .250/.270/.631
In a full season there last year he hit .284/.342/.554

He's not done well in 80 big league at-bats so far in his career, but he looks like he could be a good reserve outfielder, and for what appears to basically be a non-prospect, that's good return.

Well, it looks like Damian Miller's deal is on hold. (COMN)

Anyone else think that maybe, just maybe the Brewers are trying to extend this as long as possible so that they don't have to give up the draft picks?

I know much everyone loves Marty York, but he just reported on sportsnetnews that Godfrey has offered Carlos a contract, which is obviously significantly lower than what he made last year, and Delgado is reportedly thinking of signing the deal, b/c of the lack of interest from other clubs. Apparently Seattle wants Sexson, Baltimore wants Ordonez, and the 2 NY's and LA aren't interested. Also apparently the lack of interest is b/c of Carlos's cronic knee problems. Again no clue if its true, and probably not, but that's the rumour.

I no longer care if Delgado leaves or not, everyday my interest fades even more.. I'm actually leaning towards hoping he leaves.

The Washington Bullets was available. Best name ever!

I'm surprised Mike Green didn't mention this but the team with the best name was the ECHL's Macon Whoopee, where Mike once played apparently. Also was a teammate of Triumph's Rik Emmett.

Click here for proof

Just when you thought you knew someone :)

I know much everyone loves Marty York.

On Sportsnet last week-end, Marty was the one who said "his sources" told him Casey Printers would start for B.C. in the Grey Cup. Nice call, Marty.

I know this is late but I gotta do it.....

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOS!

How about a new Box-ing Out Thread?

How about those Raptors. hard to be negative after such a lop-sided victory, but frigg. Talk about inconsistant.

Concerning Delgado, I'm of two minds on the subject. I definatly feel it's a good move if the price is reasonable, and J.P. can unload Hinske or Batista.

I just want the Delgado situation to be done. I'd like him to come back, but its a win win situation either way. winwin referring to: if we sign him great, but if we don't money can be spent elsewhere.

Godfrey has offered Carlos a contract, which is obviously significantly lower than what he made last year

It's a given that it will be under $9-10 million, but how much lower. Anybody know (6,7 million)?

I'm going to say 8.5 over three. Just as a guess.

P.S. I may be the last post of the night. So, my girlfriend is up visiting, I don't need another nut cracker. ZING.

P.S. I may be the last post of the night.

I veto that.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1101336609871&call_pageid=969907739730&col=970081600908
Carlos Tosca back in the show.(comm)

"Word in Boston is that the Red Sox are trying to dump the $4.5 million contract ex-Twin Doug Mientkiewicz has for next season"

I read on http://www.prosportsdaily.com/mlb/mlbrumors.html

I think the Jays be interested in Mientksfdjdsahfkacz if they can't resign Delgado and decided to sign Clement.

I know this has been canvassed to death, but please: Mientkiewicz is not that difficult a name to spell, but in any event it would be much preferable if posters at least made an honest attempt to spell it, right or wrong, than string out a bunch of letters. It's just common courtesy, that's all.

Four seamer, don't worry about it.
Mienkie would be a good guy to have as his defence is great, and is a reasonable hitter at the same time. If Carlos isn't here then i wouldn't mind seeing him at first.

Well put, Four Seamer.

Obviously I could've copied and pasted his name if I really cared enough to. I don't think that Doug M. will ever come on this site, so I don't see where common courtesy comes into play. I don't see why people get mad when we use BBatista, Ligterfluid, etc. Who really cares?

I don't see why people get mad when we use BBatista, Ligterfluid, etc. Who really cares?

You answered your own question. It seems the people who get mad are the ones who care.

Beyond the simple "it's not nice" rationale, I think there's another very persuasive reason to desist with the nicknames: It's not funny. One or two times, sure, maybe it's clever. After that, it just gets repetitive. Making fun of a person's name is funny in first grade, and not much beyond.

I don't see why people get mad when we use BBatista, Ligterfluid, etc. Who really cares?

You answered your own question. It seems the people who get mad are the ones who care.

My question wasn't WHO gets mad, its WHY do people get mad? So I don't see how I answered my own question.

Beyond the simple "it's not nice" rationale, I think there's another very persuasive reason to desist with the nicknames: It's not funny. One or two times, sure, maybe it's clever. After that, it just gets repetitive. Making fun of a person's name is funny in first grade, and not much beyond.

I guess that's your opinion, obviously others think it is funny.

Can we get a new Hijack Central started??

Braby21, I don't want to pick on you because you are obviously not the only person who's doing it. And for what it's worth, I like a lot of your posts. But whether Doug Mientkiewicz, Miguel Batista, Kerry Ligtenberg, Eric Hinske or any of the other victims of the name game surf this site is besides the point. You can be silly and irreverent - and funny nicknames can be just that - but it is demeaning to purposefully misspell a person's name because you can't be bothered to try, or bastardize somebody's name to exploit their perceived failings as a baseball player or human being. It debases the site when people do this.

That said, it's awful uncomfortable standing on this soapbox.

I don't think that Doug M. will ever come on this site, so I don't see where common courtesy comes into play.

Well, firstly he's still a human being, and secondly, that's a bad assumption to make. After all, you never know who's reading what you're writing.

Sure, Mientkiewicz is a lot more removed from us than Tom Wilson. But it's still a bad assumption to make.

After reading that I still don't THINK that Doug M. will ever be on this site, but I may be wrong, I'll still go with the odds.

Four seamer I guess we will have to agree to disagree, and I'll do my best to look up the long names and spell them correctly. I don't think I've ever use the Nicknames except for Menkasjkflsdahfsacz, I just personally don't really have a problem with them. I'll still use V Dubb, Los, Sparky for Vernon, Carlos and Reed.

BBastista and Ligterfluid made me laugh when I first saw them, but Dinske is just stupid.

P.S. I may be the last post of the night.

I veto that.

New nicknames for Jobu: China. People's Republic of Jobu.

http://me.woot.net
I don't see where common courtesy comes into play

And that, in a nutshell, describes what's wrong with so many people's attitude on the Internet. This is not a free-for-all. This is our place, and you're messing it all up by talking the way you do.

I realise "Braby21" has said he'll stop using the stupid nicknames, but this is a fundamental problem for many people. Change your tune or get lost!

What also sucks about names like "Lighterfluid" that is that if the rumor about Ligtenburg not being able to pitch anymore because of arthritis is true, then the name callers have been making fun of a guy because he has a degenerative condition that has ended his dream of playing baseball professionally.

What also sucks about names like "Lighterfluid" that is that if the rumor about Ligtenburg not being able to pitch...

This is actually kind of funny in a thread about using people's names properly... :)

Dammit, I resist the temptation to add that extra H and instead I substitute a U for the E.

Red-handed.

New nicknames for Jobu: China. People's Republic of Jobu.

In other news, the P.R.J. has made a progressive treaty, opening relations with the USA and President Nixon, seen here.

Attention Braby21,

People have been asking you to try to spell player names correctly. If you don't care about trying to post properly maybe you should think of why you are posting here.

"I don't see why people get mad when we use BBatista, Ligterfluid, etc. Who really cares?"

After Four Seamer asked you to try to spell a players name correctly you wrote back.

"After reading that I still don't THINK that Doug M. will ever be on this site, but I may be wrong, I'll still go with the odds."

The point is not if Doug Mientkiewicz will ever see your post. The point is your not caring about trying to spell correctly. We all make spelling mistakes but the problem I have with your post is that you don't care.

I agree with Joe's post.

I am off the soap box :-)

Attention Jeff Geauvreau, Joe wrote...

I realise "Braby21" has said he'll stop using the stupid nicknames, but this is a fundamental problem for many people. Change your tune or get lost!

I don't really see what you're trying to say. Or a point to your post. The funny thing is I actually don't often make fun of those guys by spelling their names different, but I do think its funny when I read the new one's, except for Dinske, not really that funny at all.

So ya, kind of confused. I think you read parts of my posts but didn't read the posts before or after, b/c basically all those quotes you copied were taken out of context. But I'll think why I post here for ya anyways.

People here are notorius for jumping on other people's backs when they see something they dont like. If Braby's constant misspellings irritate you so much, dont read past his name and move on to the next comment. This is a great site for Jays fans who love reading intelligent thought out comments about the Jays. Worrying about people who have nick names for players that aren't BB sanctioned is silly. Believe it or not, Braby isn't making a joke or misspelling a name to insult other posters here. he is doing it because thats the way he wants to post. Its funny how certain things are tolerated and others aren't, For example me grimlock has a very odd posting style, but it is one of the things that makes this site a community and an interesting place to be.
PS Dont sweat the petty stuff and dont pet the sweaty stuff.

I think it was ironic that the "Marty York Report" said there's a lack of interest in signing Delgado because of injury, etc.

Pro Sports Daily said today that signing Delgado was their #1 priority.

In another article on Pro Sports Daily, it said that Seattle would like to sign both Sexson and Delgado, implying that Delgado would spend time at DH.

I highly doubt Delgado would like to DH.

I also keep in mind that it was the "Marty York Report" and Pro Sports Daily and only that.

signing Delgado was their #1 priority

Seattle's #1 priority.

Ya I noticed both, I'm sure there's probably a little truth to both, but I'm willing to bet that the Jays haven't put an offer on the table.

I'm hoping that Seattle goes after Sexson, and Baltimore signs Ordonez so Carlos may be forced to look at re-signing for less with the Jays.

I'm also hoping something starts to happen soon, we haven't really heard much about the Jays except for the small items.

This thread is exactly the reason that blogging will never be confused with journalism, to further the points being made on another thread currently active.

The very point of journalistic gatekeepers is to cull the news and present what matters. While this thread started with some really interesting and entertaining news and speculation, more than a third of the posts in the thread are about the thread itself. Ugh. It's partly the space limitations and partly the lack of participatory options and immediacy that are limitations of print that not even the most tightly controlled electronic shared spaces -- of which Batter's Box most assuredly is not one, at this point -- can completely overcome.

I think probably a good deal more than half of the really interesting writing on BB is provided by people other than the roster. But combining that more than half with the roster contributions, the total pales in comparison to the electronic detritus that can accumulate.

But, then, I'm an elitist writer/editor print media snob, and well aware of that fact. I would LOVE to see BB put together and publish the equivalent of THT Book just made public, but the interactive nature of the discourse would make that virtually impossible (pun intended).

http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/7928406
Looks as though the the A's are about to get Kendall... COMN.

I wonder who Pittsburg can flip Rhodes for?

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/world-cup-squads-part-one-venezuela-and-canada/
Check out Craig Burley's piece on the projected Venezuelan and Canadian squads in 2006. COMN. Venezuela looks like a monster to me, and Canada, well, let's hope that Rich Harden and Jeff Francis develop fast.

http://me.woot.net
I've created a new Hijack Central thread.