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MaoTosiFanClub

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Zona90 said:
Looks like Mantei has signed with the Red Sox, this according to the SoSH board.

1 year at 750K. An absolute steal if he's healthy and if he isn't, 750K is nothing for the big market Sox.
 

Phill11

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MaoTosiFanClub said:
1 year at 750K. An absolute steal if he's healthy and if he isn't, 750K is nothing for the big market Sox.


That is a steal. He'll be a dominant setup/fill in closer.
 

BC867

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boondockdrunk said:
I remember reading something about that because he was compared to a D'backs farm hand that also has problems with blisters.
In 1969, the Miracle Mets had a young pitcher who had problems with blisters. Every day he would soak his hand in pickle juice. (That is true.)

I think Nolan Ryan went on to have a few good years in baseball, didn't he? :rolleyes:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

P.S.: 'Just looked it up. 24 more years. And all but the last with an ERA of under 4.00.
 

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MaoTosiFanClub said:
Surprising names are JD Drew and Carlos Delgado. JD in RF and his bro at SS would be nice if Glaus goes elsewhere. Beware any starting pitcher the Braves let walk, such as Joe Jr. favorite Russ Ortiz. QUOTE]

If Joe Jr. feels the need to invest large (or semi-large) money in a FA starting pitcher over 30 years of age, why not the sinkerball variety like Derek Lowe? Take a look at the g/f ratios from last season (which Lowe was admittedly bad) and you'll see the difference. Ortiz will get hammered over the course of one year at BOB.
 
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Lefty

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Glaus is a Diamondback.
Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 9, 2004 12:00 AM

The Diamondbacks effectively ended their contract stalemate with slugger Richie Sexson by convincing free-agent third baseman Troy Glaus to sign a four-year, $45 million contract with the club, The Arizona Republic has learned.

Glaus, the Most Valuable Player of the 2002 World Series as a member of the Anaheim Angels who has put up Sexson-like power numbers, agreed to terms with Arizona late Wednesday night following three days of heavy negotiations.

He will be introduced during a news conference today at Bank One Ballpark, at which time Diamondbacks officials are expected to say they no longer have interest in re-signing Sexson, a free agent being courted by a handful of other clubs, including the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Glaus, 28, will be given a $4 million signing bonus and a salary of $8.25 million this season. He'll make $9.25 million in 2006, $10.75 million in 2007 and $12.75 million in 2008.

None of the money will be deferred.

The acquisition of Glaus means Chad Tracy, an All-Rookie third baseman last season, will likely switch to the outfield, or possibly first base. Depending on how Glaus' surgically repaired shoulder feels, Glaus may also see some time at first.

A right-handed hitter, Glaus has battled shoulder problems each of the past two years and underwent surgery last season. He returned to the Angels lineup and in 58 games (and 207 at-bats), mostly in a designated hitter's role, hit .251 with 18 home runs and 42 RBIs.

Sexson, 30, was limited to 23 games after also having shoulder problems.

Two checked swings resulted in season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum. He hit .233 with nine homers and 23 RBIs, but the Diamondbacks medical staff said they predicted a 10 percent chance of the injury recurring, which dragged contract talks between Sexson and the club.

The Diamondbacks offered Sexson salary arbitration on Tuesday, which allows them to continue negotiating with the player through Jan. 8, but more importantly, it preserves draft-pick compensation to the team for losing him to another club.

The Diamondbacks will receive two picks for Sexson - either a first- or second-round pick and a supplemental sandwich pick - based on his status as an "A" player from his statistics the previous two seasons.

As for Glaus, Diamondbacks physicians gave him an extensive physical in the Valley on Monday, and reportedly everything checked out fine with his shoulder.

It wasn't immediately known whether any of his salary is to be based on games-played or at-bat provisions, as were all previous offers made by the club to Sexson.

A first-round pick by the Angels in 1997 (the third pick overall), Glaus has been selected to the All-Star Game three times (2000, 2001 and 2002).

In other developments, Steve Finley is still considering a return to the Diamondbacks, along with offers from the Angels, the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers. Finley's agent said negotiations have been heating up and that Arizona was at the front and center of talks.

"The Diamondbacks have been the most aggressive," Tommy Tanzer said. "It's flattering. He loves the coaching staff they've put together. It's going to be a hard decision."

Arizona is also trying to land free-agent pitcher Russ Ortiz, who went 15-9 last season with the Atlanta Braves, as well as shortstop Royce Clayton and outfielder David Dellucci.
 

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Clayton meets with Diamondbacks

By Thomas Harding and Steve Gilbert / MLB.com
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PHOENIX -- Veteran shortstop Royce Clayton arrived at his Scottsdale, Ariz., home on Wednesday and reported a major development with far-reaching future implications.


"Royce Jr. took six steps today," Clayton said. "He'll be playing shortstop next year."

The fact Clayton was home to celebrate could be a factor in his future decision. Before getting to his firstborn, who is nearly 11 months old, Clayton spent the day at the Diamondbacks' offices, discussing the possibility of signing with the club. Clayton said the Diamondbacks are one of four teams interested in him, but he declined to name the others.

Arizona, however, has been a rumored destination throughout the process for Clayton, who batted .279 and led National League shortstops in fielding percentage in 2004 while playing for the Colorado Rockies. Wednesday's meeting occurred a day after the Rockies declined to offer him arbitration, which would have subjected the team that signs him to compensating the Rockies with a 2005 draft pick.

Jeff Moorad, general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. and advisor Matt Williams met with Clayton and his agent, Rick Licht. Clayton reported that the meeting was honest and positive.

"It was a great conversation, up close and personal," Clayton said. "I am always happy to sit in and talk about myself, the organization I'm possibly going to be playing for and the business of baseball. I'd like to sit in on those types of meetings to help determine my future in the Major Leagues."

Garagiola was not available for comment on Wednesday.

"Jeff Moorad was able to present a clear vision for how the organization is headed," Licht said. "I would say that it was very productive."

Of particular importance was the attendance of Williams, a teammate of Clayton's during his time with the Giants. The retired third baseman's knowledge of the game and the Arizona organization -- as well as his familiarity with Clayton -- were helpful.

"I think his presence was very beneficial," Licht said of Williams.

The two sides have gone back and forth on offers. The Diamondbacks are thought to have an advantage with Clayton being a resident of Scottsdale.

"We're looking to make a sound decision as a family, and the future of my family is the top priority to me," said Clayton, whose wife is the former Samantha Davies, an Olympic sprinter from Great Britain. "That's definitely a priority after experiencing playing in the West and being closer to my family this past year."

Clayton's immediate future is much brighter than it was this time last year.

Coming off a 2003 season with Milwaukee that saw him bat .228 and lose playing time at the end to younger players, Clayton ended up taking a minor league deal with Colorado even though he was penciled in as the starting shortstop.

Batting second in the Rockies' order, Clayton unleashed a bunting ability that had been largely unused and finished with a Major League-leading 24 sacrifices and 15 bunt singles. The tactic helped him reposition fielders and open up other parts of the field when he took full swings.

Clayton, who turns 35 on Jan. 2, knew he'd be headed elsewhere for 2005 when the Rockies began phasing prospect Clint Barmes into the shortstop job. Manager Clint Hurdle continued to give Clayton somewhat regular playing time as a reward for his performance, but the only way the Rockies would bring him back would be as a backup. However, Clayton believes he reestablished himself as a starter.

"I told [the Diamondbacks] that there's a stark difference between last year and this year, but as a player I am mature enough to accept both," Clayton said. "I was mature enough as I came off a bad year with the Brewers from a personal standpoint to understand I had to take some things I wasn't particularly comfortable with, such as not being a roster player and not getting the kind of money I would deserve playing every day.

"But I maximized my opportunity and showed I am that type of player. I don't want anyone to pay me for what I didn't do. But I'm coming off a good year and looking to be compensated for that year."

Arizona is a similar situation to Colorado this past season. The Diamondbacks are recruiting Clayton to be their regular shortstop but also have a prospect in Jerry Gil, who batted .184 in a 29-game trial in 2004. Gil is a candidate for more seasoning at Triple-A Tucson, where he batted .278 with 11 home runs and 58 RBIs in 114 games.

"I can't speculate what's going to play out a year from now," Clayton said. "I'm just preparing myself to play every day for my team, take care of business and help my team win that particular day." What team that will be remains to be seen.
 

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New York or nothing

ESPN News says a MLB Insider states that RJ will only waive his no-trade clause if going to the Yankees and that talks are on life support.And that Arizona is looking to sign him to an extention. :shrug:
 

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:lmao:

That really strikes me funny. I tell you, HE bought Troy Glaus as an early Xmas present to himself.

For two months, Matt Williams and Brian Harper on radio have been saying they believe RJ doesn't WANT to go, that being settled here at home and being with his kids is incredibly important to him, that he doesn't want to uproot them, that he loves Arizona, and they would be very surprised if he went anywhere - Matty even hinted at an extension a couple weeks ago. I assumed they'd been snorting hot sauce to say that.

Be awfully amusing if Sexson snubbed us for Baltimore and we DID end up competitive. But gloating over fantasies is bad Karma...
 

Mulli

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AZZenny said:
:lmao:

Matt Williams and Brian Harper
Are you referring to Matty and Boomer? Or is that Matty and Greener? I forgot those guys had real names.
 

AZZenny

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That's funny - I have to say that although I listen to that show (its more athlete-driven than media-driven which is a nice change) I have no clue who most of the nick-named guys are - I know Matty and Sir Charles and Eddie Johnson, and that's about it.
 

MaoTosiFanClub

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I swear to God Gammons must use internet message boards as his "sources." According to SoSH, he is reporting that most likely RJ to the Yankees deal is going to involve the White Sox. Vazquez to Chicago - Unit to NY - Garland and Konerko to Arizona. Cash to the Sox and prospects would most likely go to both.

First, the White Sox would be insane to do this deal. Second, if this was in serious discussion I'd rather have Aaron Rowand (and forget this Steve Finley v2.0 nonsense) than Paul Konerko and make up the difference in a cheap 1B like Tino Martinez or Shea Hillenbrand.

Last, now that it appears we are going to jump headfirst back into free agency and a "win-now" approach, I wonder what is going to happen with former big prospects like Chad Tracy and Scott Hairston. Both have some value and from all indications have no spot on the team unless we ****** their growth by having them coming off the bench. Any suggestions?
 

MaoTosiFanClub

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Rosenthal is backing down from the $10 million rumor. Now is saying the number is somewhere between $7-8 million. Thank God.
 
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sly fly

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MaoTosiFanClub said:
Looks like both of my teams are overspending. Finley to the Angels for $10 million. Arte Moreno's desire to spite the Dodgers must be driving him mad.

http://msn.foxsports.com/story/3233388

Finley is an amazing athlete. Props to him for snagging this much dough with the Angels.

He's over 40, yet looks 10 years younger. And, doing it without the "cream" or "clear".

He deserves everything he gets.
 

Djaughe

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MaoTosiFanClub said:
....Arte Moreno's desire to spite the Dodgers must be driving him mad....
It drives me nuts that moreno practically begged J.C. for a shot to buy the diamondbacks....
 

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The owners are proving that a hard salary cap may be needed - they simply cannot stop themselves from grossly overspending. What gluttons!

$10 M a year for Steve Finley makes what we're paying Troy Glaus seem a bit less insane.
 

coyoteshockeyfan

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MaoTosiFanClub said:
Last, now that it appears we are going to jump headfirst back into free agency and a "win-now" approach, I wonder what is going to happen with former big prospects like Chad Tracy and Scott Hairston. Both have some value and from all indications have no spot on the team unless we ****** their growth by having them coming off the bench. Any suggestions?

I thought about Hairston at LF with Gonzalez at 1st and Glaus at 3rd. No spot for Tracy or Hillenbrand though.

Or Hairston at 2nd, Glaus at 1st, and Tracy at 3rd. No spot for Hillenbrand, and Hairston's defense at 2nd is a question mark, but he could move to LF next year when Gonzalez retires/gets traded.

I guess its nice to have too many players than not enough though. What do you think?
 

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AZZenny said:
The owners are proving that a hard salary cap may be needed - they simply cannot stop themselves from grossly overspending. What gluttons!

$10 M a year for Steve Finley makes what we're paying Troy Glaus seem a bit less insane.

People on the Angels Message board aren't warming up to the possible signing

To much for Fins
 

MaoTosiFanClub

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coyoteshockeyfan said:
I thought about Hairston at LF with Gonzalez at 1st and Glaus at 3rd. No spot for Tracy or Hillenbrand though.

Or Hairston at 2nd, Glaus at 1st, and Tracy at 3rd. No spot for Hillenbrand, and Hairston's defense at 2nd is a question mark, but he could move to LF next year when Gonzalez retires/gets traded.

I guess its nice to have too many players than not enough though. What do you think?

Here's the set positions as of right now. There's no way they move Gonzo to 1B even though I have repeatedly stated it might be a good idea.

LF - Gonzo
3B - Glaus
SS - Clayton
2B - Kata/Cintron (been widely reported Hairston is done as 2B for DBacks)
C - Hill/Snyder
1B - ?
CF - ?
RF - ?

From all indications, we're looking to acquire two OFs this offseason as offers or interest in Finley, Dellucci, Burnitz and Dye confirm. That leaves only a void at 1B. I guess Tracy or Hillenbrand is going to play there although their production will not match their defense to make it worthwhile so neither should be looked at as a long-term solution to 1B.

So that leaves Terrero, Hairston, and maybe Chad Tracy as either being bench players, minor leaguers, or trade bait. I wonder which direction the organization is going to go with these guys.
 

coyoteshockeyfan

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MaoTosiFanClub said:
So that leaves Terrero, Hairston, and maybe Chad Tracy as either being bench players, minor leaguers, or trade bait. I wonder which direction the organization is going to go with these guys.

Terrero is out of options so its now or never for him.

As for Gonzo, I remember a quote from GM Joe about Hairston being likely to move to the OF, with LF being a possibilty. Maybe theyve warmed up to the idea of Gonzalez moving to first. :shrug:
 
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Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 10, 2004 12:00 AM

The Diamondbacks took a major step toward regaining respectability in the baseball world with Thursday's signing of free-agent third baseman Troy Glaus, and a top-end starting pitcher could be just around the corner.

Indications are that Arizona is on the verge of landing right-hander Russ Ortiz to a three-year free-agent contract worth approximately $27 million, which would help stabilize a starting rotation that could include another surprise.

The Diamondbacks, who stumbled to a 51-111 record in 2004 and are still smarting somewhat from the failed managerial hiring of Wally Backman, plan to return from this weekend's winter meetings in Anaheim with at least one or two other free agents.

Their focus is now on adding quality pitching to a staff that, at least for now, includes five-time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson. They were awaiting word from Ortiz's camp Thursday night, and left-hander Shawn Estes could be the team's next target.

"We have had a number of discussions that are ongoing with several free agents, and who ends up next remains to be seen," Diamondbacks CEO-elect Jeff Moorad said. "But we're hoping Troy is just the first of many to join us."

Glaus agreed to a four-year, $45 million deal after weeklong negotiations and a comprehensive examination by the club's medical staff and outside specialists.

Glaus, who underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum and a partially torn rotator cuff and played 58 games last season, passed all of the medical tests. He will earn $12.25 million in 2005, including a $4 million signing bonus.

Although he was used as a designated hitter last season, Glaus, 28, vowed during his news conference at Bank One Ballpark on Thursday that he will be ready for everyday starting duties at third base.

"I've been throwing. My arm feels great. I don't foresee any problems there," he said. " . . . It's healed, it's fixed. Now it's just a matter of time in the throwing program and things like that, and I'll be ready in the spring, without any doubt."

Glaus' signing does not necessarily signal the end of Richie Sexson's tenure with the Diamondbacks, although Sexson's agent, Casey Close, acknowledged that the free-agent first baseman will almost assuredly sign elsewhere.

"We've got plenty of options," Close said. Seattle, Baltimore and the New York Mets, along with two other clubs, have made offers to Sexson.

Ken Kendrick, the Diamondbacks' managing general partner, called the signing of Glaus the "first day of the new Diamondbacks." He said he expects the baseball industry to take notice that Arizona is reloading, not rebuilding, and has more surprises up its sleeves.

The Diamondbacks are courting shortstop Royce Clayton, outfielder David Dellucci and utility man Craig Counsell. They are also committed to retooling the rotation.

Estes, 31, was 15-8 in 34 starts as the Colorado Rockies' No. 1 pitcher last season.

If the Diamondbacks decide to trade Johnson, 41, they will do so only if they get the right package in return, including cash and even more immediate help at various positions.

"We're not desperate. We're not," said Dale Jensen, another general partner of the ownership group. "Have patience. I think our fans are going to be pleasantly surprised at how we go about all of this."

Glaus, who hit 182 homers and drove in 515 runs during 6 1/2 seasons with Anaheim, said he has been informed of the club's plans and he trusts the team will be capable of winning the National League West.

"I didn't come here to lose," he said. "I didn't come here to be on a team that's going to be in that 95- to 100-loss area. If I believed that would be the case, then I wouldn't be sitting here right now."

New manager Bob Melvin wasn't prepared to say how the rest of the infield will shake out, but he said Glaus is much more than a power hitter.

"I'm ecstatic," Melvin said. "It not only shows our fans and our players, but it shows the baseball world that we're serious about getting back to where we've been, and that this is the first step.

"Hopefully, it acts like a domino effect to where everybody realizes, 'Hey, wait a minute. These guys aren't going through a rebuilding process, they're trying to get it done right now and be competitive this year.' "
 

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Milwaukee is reportedly dangling Scott Podsednik and closer Dan Kolb in exchange for a power hitter or pitching depth. I would LOVE to see Podesdnik covering CF at BOB for the next few years. I love his gameThe only way we could swing this trade is to include the Brewers in a Randy trade
 
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Ryanwb said:
Milwaukee is reportedly dangling Scott Podsednik and closer Dan Kolb in exchange for a power hitter or pitching depth. I would LOVE to see Podesdnik covering CF at BOB for the next few years. I love his gameThe only way we could swing this trade is to include the Brewers in a Randy trade

RJ would never agree to go to Milwaukee.
 
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