MSBNYY
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El Guapo
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Post by MSBNYY on Feb 7, 2009 15:04:13 GMT -5
I think I read only 3 or 4 1st overall picks never sniffed the major leagues.
One of them was drafted last year, so that doesn't count.
BRIEN TAYLOR FOR LIFE!!!!
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Post by Chris on Feb 21, 2009 1:48:33 GMT -5
Pete Rose played at least 500 games at each of FIVE different positions: 1B, 2B, 3B, LF, RF
HOLY FUCK!
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Feb 28, 2009 1:30:39 GMT -5
Nats to fire special assistant Rijo
The Washington Nationals have decided to fire special assistant Jose Rijo and will shut down the team's academy in the Dominican Republic as part of a restructuring of the team's operations in Latin America in the wake of an age-changing scandal involving one of the team's top prospects, several baseball sources have confirmed.
The team's academy operates out of a complex owned by Rijo in San Cristobal.
Nationals assistant general manager and vice president Mike Rizzo arrived in Santo Domingo on Tuesday to look for alternative sites for the team's Dominican academy. The Nationals will at least temporarily use a facility in San Pedro owned by former major league pitcher Balvino Galvez while looking for a long-term solution, sources told ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas.
Rizzo also met with Fernando Ravelo, general manager for the Dominican Winter League Tigres de Licey, about replacing Rijo as the team's director of Dominican operations.
When asked whether he had been offered Rijo's position, Ravelo told Rojas, "maybe."
Ravelo planned on meeting with Licey executives on Wednesday night to let them know he has decided to join the Nationals.
The Nationals have already contacted people in Boca Chica about the possibility of the team moving its academy into the area for the short term and possibly constructing an academy in the area. Most team academies are located in the Boca Chica region. Another source said the team spoke with the Los Angeles Dodgers about their facility. Tampa Bay currently rents space in Los Angeles' Campo Las Palmas but it will move out of that complex by the end of March into a brand new complex.
Jose Castellanos, the Dodgers director of operations in the Dominican Republic, had no comment when asked about the Nationals' potential move.
Rijo told Rojas that he had not yet been contacted by the Nationals concerning his future with the team, but on Tuesday he admitted, "Considering the latest developments, it wouldn't surprise me if the Nats apply drastic changes to their team operations in the Dominican Republic."
The decision comes less than a week after it was discovered that prized prospect Esmailyn Gonzalez, who received a $1.4 million signing bonus in 2006, was actually Carlos Daniel Alvarez Lugo and was four years older than originally thought. The player, prior to signing with the Nationals, had trained at Rijo's academy and was represented by trainer Basilio Vizcaino, a childhood friend of Rijo's.
Vizcaino and Rijo have both denied any wrongdoing or any knowledge of the player's actions in regards to the altering of his age.
Nationals president Stan Kasten did not respond to a request for comment.
On Sunday, Rijo took a leave of absence from Nationals spring training camp in Viera, Fla. and returned home to the Dominican Republic to oversee the team's academy.
The team previously acknowledged that general manager Jim Bowden and Rijo are both the subject of a baseball investigation in the Dominican Republic concerning the skimming of bonus money from amateur signees.
This move by Nationals ownership may not be a good sign for Bowden, who hired Rijo and has known him since Bowden was the general manager of the Cincinnati Reds, where Rijo played from 1988-2002. Bowden was Cincinnati's GM from 1993-2003.
Prior to joining the Nationals in 2005 Rijo owned and operated his own training academy in the Dominican, which Washington first rented from him in 2006 when the ownership group led by Theodore N. Lerner took control of the team.
The Detroit Tigers also use Rijo's complex as its academy and have a contract with Rijo to use the facility through this season.
"We'll just continue to operate as normal," Tigers assistant general manager Al Avila said. "There's really nothing to comment on."
It's uncertain at this point what this decision means for the Nationals' presence in Latin America or what will happen to the players who currently train at the team's facility near San Cristobal. The signing of Gonzalez was seen as a signal by the team that it wanted to be a player in the Dominican market. However, without an academy presence, it's unlikely the team can successfully compete for the top players.
The Nationals could also possibly move into the academy recently vacated by the New York Mets, which is only a few miles away from Rijo's complex or move into the abandoned Hiroshima Carp complex in San Pedro de Macoris. Neither facility though is seen as a long-term solution, which is why the team will continue to research options in Boca Chica.
It's not likely the Nationals will stop bidding for players in the Dominican. Sources spotted Rizzo early on Wednesday at a tryout for several Dominican prospects.
The other two teams in the San Cristobal area, the San Diego Padres and the Tigers, could be financially affected when the Nationals move out of Rijo's academy. Their Dominican Summer League teams would have to travel more than 2 hours each way to Boca Chica in order to fill out their schedule. Currently the Padres and Tigers play in a four-team division in the summer league in the San Cristobal area. The Nats have two teams in the division.
The Milwaukee Brewers are the only organization without a Dominican academy.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Mar 2, 2009 17:35:20 GMT -5
I post this cause I am a fan of this guy. Prospect De Jesus breaks left leg Dodgers up-and-coming infielder could miss entire seasonPHOENIX -- The Dodgers may have lost Ivan De Jesus Jr., a top infield prospect and their 2008 organizational Minor League Player of the Year, for the season after he broke his left leg sliding into home plate during a "B" game against the Brewers on Monday at the Camelback Ranch complex.
De Jesus was taken off the field on the back of a golf cart and rushed for X-rays, which revealed that he had broken his lower tibia. He was checked into nearby Banner-Estrella Medical Center, where he will remain overnight. A determination whether he will need surgery is expected to be made on Tuesday.
"It's [probably] the whole season," manager Joe Torre said about the 21-year-old native of Puerto Rico. "Hopefully that's all. His age will obviously be on his side. It's too bad. He's been working hard, but they've all been working hard."
The play happened in the Dodgers' half of the fourth inning as De Jesus, the sixth highest ranked prospect in the organization according to Baseball America, charged in from second on a single and tried to score.
The plate was blocked by the Brewers' Carlos Corporan, and De Jesus slid in a little high, smashing into the catcher's shin pads. De Jesus then lay prone to the right side of the plate until he was removed from the field. The ball kicked free to the backstop, but De Jesus wasn't able to touch the plate and was called out.
"Juan Pierre was telling him to slide, yelling, 'Get down, get down, get down, get down,'" Torre said. "Somebody happened to get in front of me, and I missed the contact. I heard the thud, and I saw him lying over there."
Trainer Stan Conte said through a Dodgers spokesman that De Jesus' long-term status wouldn't be determined until Tuesday, when a decision is made about surgery. He was taken to the hospital with a full brace securing his left leg.
Asked whether he thought the injury would indeed cost De Jesus the season, Torre said: "If not all, probably most of it. That's my opinion just off the fact that there's a chance of surgery."
De Jesus batted .324 last year for Double-A Jacksonville, where he also had a .419 on-base percentage. He led all full-season Dodgers Minor Leaguers last season with 91 runs scored and 76 walks.
His father, Ivan De Jesus Sr., was a Major League second baseman from 1974-88 and played his first 88 games over the course of three seasons with the Dodgers.
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Post by 9 on Mar 2, 2009 18:10:45 GMT -5
That sucks. The only good thing is that he'll come back 100% from this, unlike something like an ACL or rotator cuff, where you never know.
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Post by baldvinny on Mar 2, 2009 19:12:30 GMT -5
(i'll play the role of MSB here)
wow, tough break
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Post by 9 on Mar 2, 2009 19:25:12 GMT -5
Well played. Therefore: BOOOOOOOOO!
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Post by Jason Giambi on Mar 2, 2009 21:52:47 GMT -5
there was something wrong with that play, but i can't put a finger on it.
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$heriff Tom
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Groom ba ya ya ya
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Post by $heriff Tom on Mar 18, 2009 11:23:48 GMT -5
Astros's Aaron Boone to have open heart surgery
KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Aaron Boone of the Houston Astros will have open heart surgery to replace an aortic valve.
Boone made the announcement Wednesday, saying he has known about his heart condition since college but tests done after his routine physical determined he needed surgery. It is not an emergency, but doctors indicated the procedure was needed.
He said doctors told him he could play baseball when he recovers, but he's not sure if he will.
An emotional Boone delivered the news flanked by general manager Ed Wade and manager Cecil Cooper and in front of a somber room filled with teammates and Astros officials.
"It definitely hits home, but I'm doing well with it," Boone said. "I feel like I'm fairly educated on it now. I have a strong faith and a great family and friends and teammates. I really am doing well and I'm ready to tackle this thing and get it behind me and get on with life."
Wade said a local doctor who did the team physicals and team doctor Jim Muntz worked together to conduct tests on Boone because they knew of his condition.
"Unfortunately the test results came out indicating there was an acceleration of the condition that Aaron has been dealing with for a number of years," Wade said.
He has a bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital defect where the valve has only two cusps to manage the flow of blood through the heart, as opposed to the normal three. The surgery has not been scheduled, but Boone expects to set a date for the procedure later this week.
Cooper rubbed Boone's back as he expressed his concern for the player.
"As a baseball family we're here to support Aaron, as you can see by all the teammates and front office personnel we have here," Cooper said. "And anything he needs we're going to be there to help him out."
Boone said he feels fine, but that he's never had symptoms of the problem.
The third baseman signed with the Astros in the offseason after spending last season with the Washington Nationals. Now, the 36-year-old isn't sure if he'll ever play for Houston, or any other team, again.
"I think about it a little bit, but at the end of the thought or the end of the day it's about getting this and we'll see where I am a month from now, two months from now, three months from now," he said.
He'll make decisions on his future after he recovers and can research and talk with athletes who have returned to play after heart surgery. He mentioned getting in touch with Golden State's Ronny Turiaf, who had a similar procedure and currently plays in the NBA.
Boone has also played for Cincinnati, the New York Yankees, Cleveland and Florida in his 12-year career
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Post by Jason Giambi on Mar 18, 2009 11:50:35 GMT -5
good luck Aaron.
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Post by Chris on Apr 1, 2009 0:13:18 GMT -5
The Tigers have swallowed 14 MILLION DOLLARS, giving Gary Sheffield his outright release.
Many are speculating that the Tigers know something that Sheffield isn't letting on - namely, being injured.
Sheffield, on MLB Tonight, has stated that Jim Leland told him, "We're making this move to get more versatile" - an idea Sheff scoffed at. What a surprise. Sheff also indicated that the Phillies, MARLINS, and Tampa Bay Rays have expressed interest.
Personally, even though he left on very bad terms, I think the Dodgers would be a good fit. That's a HUGE bat the Dodgers could add on the cheap, for a year. And it's not like they have Gold Glovers out there now. Sheff and Manny in the same OF would probably be the highest producing OF offensively in the game.
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Apr 1, 2009 7:11:57 GMT -5
They probably just grew tired of Sheff's surly and abrasive persona. He just rubs people the wrong way, they say.
And Lelands take makes sense....why lock one guy into the DH spot, when you have a handful of other guys angling for playing time, that you can shuffle in and out of the space.
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Post by Lindsey on Apr 1, 2009 7:43:53 GMT -5
Whatttttt? A ball club making up some lame excuse for getting rid of someone? Now I've heard everything!
and tom's right. When you spend that kind of dough on a player its basically saying 'ok you're playing every single night.' and with the very distinct possability that Sheff is injured (which would just be shocking!) why not free some of that up?
Hopefully Detroit can pull their shit back together this year.
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Post by Chris on Apr 1, 2009 8:21:05 GMT -5
EDIT - Phillies, MARLINS, and Tampa Bay Rays have expressed interest (according to Sheffield)
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Post by Chris on Apr 1, 2009 8:24:00 GMT -5
There's no salary cap in baseball...so releasing someone doesn't "free up" any money. Besides, even in sports with salary caps, I believe if you just release someone, that salary you're eating still goes against the cap.
Methinks Tom is on to something. Maybe this Sheffield character is problematic in the clubhouse. Do guys really get released for that?? ;D
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Post by Lindsey on Apr 1, 2009 10:18:28 GMT -5
It does 'free up' money. Money that you don't have versus money that you now have available to throw around? buying something v. not? Not every team makes their own money under the stadium, like the yankees.
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Post by Furious D on Apr 1, 2009 11:12:36 GMT -5
On MLB tonight last night, both Al Leiter and Sean Casey had nothing but great things to say about Sheffield in the clubhouse. How he was such a great teammate. I always remembered Sheffield as trouble wherever he went.
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Post by Jason Giambi on Apr 1, 2009 12:00:02 GMT -5
It does 'free up' money. Money that you don't have versus money that you now have available to throw around? buying something v. not? Not every team makes their own money under the stadium, like the yankees. The Tigers are on the hook for 13.6 million, they "freed" up the league minimum of 400k.
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Post by Lindsey on Apr 1, 2009 12:20:41 GMT -5
Yeah, I see that. my B!
We love you so much, you're so great. we're willing to cough up 14mil to get rid of you.
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Post by Chris on Apr 1, 2009 12:24:06 GMT -5
I'm still not sure I comprehend the idea of freeing up money by releasing him...they still have to pay him...it's still part of their payroll. The only difference is that he's not in uniform.
As a matter of fact, it actually costs them MORE money than just the salary they ate, because now on top of his salary, they have to pay another player who's filling his spot.
So basically Sheffield's replacement costs the Tigers Sheff's remaining salary plus that player's salary.
So the real point is...what does that say about Sheff...that a team is willing to give a 14mill outright release to a Hall Of Famer one homer shy of notching 500 HRs in their uniform?
Sheff says his real goal is 3000 hits....he's about 300 or so away.
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Post by Lindsey on Apr 1, 2009 12:28:04 GMT -5
Yeah, I dont know how I read that. I didn't think he was just outright released. But you're right, they're going to have to eat his salary on top of paying someone else.
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Post by Jason Giambi on Apr 1, 2009 16:41:23 GMT -5
Yeah, I see that. my B! We love you so much, you're so great. we're willing to cough up 14mil to get rid of you. i wish someone hated me as much.
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Post by Lindsey on Apr 1, 2009 19:33:34 GMT -5
my new goal in life is to be so awesome that someone want to GIVE me 14mil. Do it!
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Post by 9 on Apr 1, 2009 21:22:43 GMT -5
Staten Island's finest, Frank Catalanotto, cut to make room for douchebag Andruw Jones.
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Post by Lindsey on Apr 3, 2009 9:45:31 GMT -5
Andruw Jones is no douchebag, he's just misunderstood!
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Post by 9 on Apr 3, 2009 10:12:50 GMT -5
I think you're misremembering.
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Post by Lindsey on Apr 3, 2009 10:37:30 GMT -5
Andruw Jones (up until he quit drugs) was a complete beast. AND he has a captain's wheel in his bed room... thusly, awesome!
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$heriff Tom
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Post by $heriff Tom on Apr 5, 2009 9:11:53 GMT -5
The Braves, to the surprise of none, will be retiring Greg Maddux' # this year.
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Post by Lindsey on Apr 5, 2009 10:28:44 GMT -5
I saw that! So awesome! I'm planning to go to Atlanta to watch the game on the 17th.
Or maybe I'll go to Chicago, since he's getting retired in both cities. Does anyone have a heads up at to when that cubs game is?
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Post by 9 on Apr 5, 2009 10:37:30 GMT -5
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