So I've been gone for quite a while, tending to finals and other end-of-the-quarter things. So I was really looking forward to tomorrow, after I had submitted my fellowship application, to rehash all that I've missed, including the Winter Meetings and my opinion on the Granderson-Jackson blockbuster.
Well those plans just exploded in my face.
This morning I did my usual quick halosphere check for any major news and despite my distress over the Lackey news, I decided to finish up my work before I sat down and contemplated the effect on the Angels.
Well those plans just exploded in my face.
Checking for any updates on Lackey, I instead learned of the blockbuster Halladay-Lee trade. Talk about a one-two punch... The Halos emerge a clear loser in today's offseason dealings. After the FO made it clear that it was going to focus on pitching rather than Bay (which I thought was a good move), they lose out on all the best pitching options. Lackey was always my first choice, since I believed that Halladay would be too costly. But when Philly emerged a viable Halladay landing spot and Rosenthal suggested that Lee may be dealt, you can bet that Lee would be a fabulous (and less expensive) addition to the Halos rotation.
But today, all three are gone. Worse still, Lackey went to the BoSox and Lee to the M's.
The halosphere is up in arms, and understandably so. The FO just got its ass handed to it. And you can be sure that a Matsui signing won't placate them.
Deep breath everybody. Now is not the time to panic. But I'm sure the FO (and the fans) are wondering whether what's left out there is even worth pursuing.
14 December 2009
04 December 2009
Figgy likely to the M's
Everywhere is reporting that Figgins will sign with Seattle.
:::sigh:::
It sucks that he's leaving, but I'm not as up in arms as some of the halosphere. As I stated earlier, BWood needs his shot. Most of those that are flat-out freakin out are *certain* that BWood is bad, just like Dallas McPherson, etc. Let's take a deep breath and consider some of these charges:
:::sigh:::
It sucks that he's leaving, but I'm not as up in arms as some of the halosphere. As I stated earlier, BWood needs his shot. Most of those that are flat-out freakin out are *certain* that BWood is bad, just like Dallas McPherson, etc. Let's take a deep breath and consider some of these charges:
01 December 2009
arbitration offers for Lackey, Figgins
The Angels offered arbitration to Lackey and Figgins, which was certainly a no-brainer. Not offering to Vlad was another obvious choice since he would get at least $12M. (Though it pains me to think Vlad will have trouble finding a job, he would not be worth that salary. Sometimes a FO needs to execute painful decisions if it makes the club better.)
The head-scratcher was not offering to Oliver. Oliver is a Type A, so if he signs elsewhere, they could've gotten a first-round draft pick and a supplemental. More likely, he would have accepted since most other teams would balk at forfeiting a first-rounder for a middle reliever. Some in the halosphere point out that Oliver most certainly would have gotten a raise in arbitration. That would put him at ~$4M and much higher than what he would have gotten on the open market, since there's a surplus of relievers. If they're right, then this is a payroll move. Me? I'm not convinced it was a great move. They may save a few mil, but the FO be kicking themselves if they guessed wrong. Oliver was the lone lefty in the bullpen and was very effective. If he goes to another team (Texas??) then it would be a double blow when you think of those lovely draft picks they could've picked up.
The head-scratcher was not offering to Oliver. Oliver is a Type A, so if he signs elsewhere, they could've gotten a first-round draft pick and a supplemental. More likely, he would have accepted since most other teams would balk at forfeiting a first-rounder for a middle reliever. Some in the halosphere point out that Oliver most certainly would have gotten a raise in arbitration. That would put him at ~$4M and much higher than what he would have gotten on the open market, since there's a surplus of relievers. If they're right, then this is a payroll move. Me? I'm not convinced it was a great move. They may save a few mil, but the FO be kicking themselves if they guessed wrong. Oliver was the lone lefty in the bullpen and was very effective. If he goes to another team (Texas??) then it would be a double blow when you think of those lovely draft picks they could've picked up.
