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MLB Trade Rumors: Contenders That Must Pursue Bobby Abreu

wpid 124960633 crop 650x440 MLB Trade Rumors: Contenders That Must Pursue Bobby Abreu

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There is no possible reason for the Angels to hold on to Bobby Abreu. There is no room for him in the lineup, and he doesn’t want to be there.

Abreu told Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportesLosAngeles.com the following, roughly translated from Spanish.

“I’m an everyday player, I can still be in the lineup of a major league team…I will not be on the bench knowing I can play.”

“If the Angels do not have a fixed position for me, then it is best to change me. It would be more correct. I will not do anything sitting on a bench.”

Well, the Angels aren’t going to have a spot for him. With Albert Pujols manning first base, the Los Angeles will have the designated hitter, third base and three outfield spots to play Alberto Callaspo, Vernon Wells, Kendrys Morales, Mark Trumbo, Peter Bourjos, Mike Trout and Torii Hunter. Abreu doesn’t fit in, but that doesn’t mean he has no value.

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Every one of these teams are realistic playoff contenders and would do well to bring in Abreu, who hit eight homers, drove in 60 runs and stole 21 bags in only 502 at bats a season ago.

Boston Red Sox

As things stand now, Cody Ross will be the Opening Day right fielder. He is far too streaky to be a stable force at the bottom of that order, and if 2011 is any indication, Ross won’t be on the field anywhere near enough to be depended on.

Abreu doesn’t possess a ton of range, but with speedsters Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury in the outfield, the spacious right field territory of Fenway Park could get covered.

Ross and Abreu would form a strong platoon. Neither can be depended on to carry the load, but if they’re starting based on matchups, either would be a deadly bottom-of-the-order hitter.

Tampa Bay Rays

With an unproven Desmond Jennings in left and an inconsistent (at best) Luke Scott manning the designated hitter spot, there would be plenty of chances for Abreu to get his bat in the lineup.

This is a team that significantly lacks depth in the batting order. Having a guy like Abreu in the six or seven spot to help turn the lineup around would do wonders.

He has power and, as is the case with Boston, wouldn’t be an every day player. With Los Angeles, he would get frozen out. In Boston or Tampa, Abreu would still get a lot of at bats, but also would get the needed rest.

Which team would be the best fit for Bobby Abreu?

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Los Angeles Dodgers

Remaining consistent, we’re not looking at Abreu as an every-day, middle-of-the-order guy. No, we’re looking at him as a player to take the majority of the at bats in a platoon situation for a team that needs some thump after the five or six spot.

That fits the Dodgers perfectly. Juan Rivera is not an every-day player, nor is he anything close. The pop may be there, but thinking he will get anything more than an occasional homer is overdoing it.

The Dodgers could platoon Abreu and Rivera in left. Mix that in with an outfield that includes Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier, and you have a formidable punch. Abreu would fit in great a spot or two after James Loney, giving opposing pitchers one more legitimate bat to worry about.

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David Ortiz Joins the Growing Chorus of Players Ready to Move Past 2011

wpid 91751977 crop 650x440 David Ortiz Joins the Growing Chorus of Players Ready to Move Past 2011

David Ortiz has spoken out on last season’s ending.
Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester and now David Ortiz.

How many players need to speak out and discuss the collapse of the 2011? How many times does the popular narrative that blamed the collapse on a few beers in the clubhouse need to be dismissed as a simple answer to a more complex question?

Clearly the story won’t die or even fade from prominence until the Red Sox of 2012 take the field. When that team does eventually start to play games that count, how will loyal Sox followers explain the 60 or so losses that would take place even in the event of an impressive 100-win season?

In the time since the Boston Red Sox were established in the year 1908, the team has recorded 8,381 wins and 7,813 losses. Those 7,831 losses weren’t all because of beer, were they? Was every member of the team sober through the 8,381 wins?

It’s getting a bit absurd, no?

Josh Beckett was ripped by some in the New England media when he implied in an interview two weeks ago that the issues surrounding last year’s team were as much about getting caught as the actions themselves.

Now two weeks later, David Ortiz is basically echoing the same sentiment.

“Not because of the beer or the chicken. The problem was when they did it,” Ortiz said. “They came out and apologized. That means they’re not going to do it again. For that, you need to turn the page. We’re going to be thinking about the fried chicken and the beer that they had last September in March or February 2012? No. You’re not going to solve any problems with that.” – David Ortiz Boston Globe 2/22/12

wpid 115816685 crop 340x234 David Ortiz Joins the Growing Chorus of Players Ready to Move Past 2011 Ortiz’s statements were similar in tone to those of Clay Buchholz.
Abelimages/Getty Images

Is this getting tiring? Beckett, after taking heat in the media, adjusted his stance this past weekend when he made a tacit admission of responsibility for his role in the team’s weak finish last season.

“The bottom line is my last two starts, they just weren’t that good,’’ he said. “I’m not saying we didn’t make mistakes because we made mistakes in the clubhouse, but the biggest mistakes I made was not pitching well vs. Baltimore. I was prepared to pitch every time I went out there. I just didn’t execute pitches when I needed to.’’ – Boston Globe 2/20/12

Beckett still seems to think that how he performed on the mound is more important than his actions on his off days. That’s probably because they are. The words change, the tone can change too. After all, these aren’t robots being interviewed, they’re human beings.

None of them have ever claimed to be perfect and the manner in which they handle circumstances such as this will have its variances.

Clay Buchholz, who was injured for the entire second half of last season (funny how missing Buchholz is never blamed for a one-win difference in the standings), has echoed the sentiment that these clubhouse issues are entirely overblown.

“I think, still, if we had made the playoffs, it wouldn’t have been that big a topic. There’s got to be a reason for everything, a reason for us not being in the postseason. I think it was blown out of proportion a little bit.’’ – Boston Globe 2/16/12

There is a common thread here. Yes, there were things going on in the clubhouse that probably shouldn’t have gone on. Ironically enough, almost every player willing to comment on it seems to say that those clubhouse issues were not the cause of the collapse.

wpid 134443796 crop 340x234 David Ortiz Joins the Growing Chorus of Players Ready to Move Past 2011 New manager Bobby Valentine is expected to promote a new clubhouse atmosphere.
Elsa/Getty Images

Players sometimes don’t play well. The Red Sox had a terrible slump at a terrible time, which coincided with another team within their division having a pretty good month. The end results are that the Red Sox finished their season with 90 wins on September 28th, 2011 and the Tampa Bay Rays finished their season with 91 wins.

That one-win difference completely changed the manner in which the 2011 season was defined.

Had the Sox somehow gotten into the playoffs, where would the team be right now? Perhaps the dynamics within the clubhouse that many have been quick to blame for the team’s collapse would still exist? Maybe this upcoming season would be far worse than the manner in which last season ended?

We’ll never know, but we do know that the men who actually have been playing baseball at a fairly high level for quite a few years all seem to be saying the same thing.

Perhaps it’s time that people started believing them.

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Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: Anibal Sanchez and More Crucial Players to Draft

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Anibal Sanchez is legit and you need to mark him down as a crucial part of your starting rotation.

The Miami Marlins are welcoming their pitchers and catchers, which means one thing for you, fantasy owners, the research is long overdue.

If you are going to dominate your war room and take on all comers, it starts with identifying the sleepers before spring training uncovers what we already know.

Sanchez is just one of a few players that will light up Rotisserie Leagues with solid and consistent play all season long. Fantasy baseball is the best game around and it’s players like Sanchez that make it a breeze.

wpid 124561965 crop 340x234 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: Anibal Sanchez and More Crucial Players to Draft Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Here are some sleepers to target for late-round domination.

Anibal Sanchez

The Miami Marlins have a high-risk, high-reward rotation. There are some volatile fireballers in the mix, some with durability issues.

There is no doubt that Sanchez will have to play a big part of the Marlins pitching success in 2012. He will fight Ricky Nolasco and Carlos Zambrano for the No. 3 spot and is my favorite to win it by the end of spring training.

The 27-year-old settled in at a 3.67 ERA and had 202 strikeouts. He is at the age where he should hit his high soon. Expect a boost to wins with a star-studded lineup giving him far more run support this season.

Aroldis Chapman

The Reds pitcher will once again enter the season as a sleeper ready to bust out as an ace. I am confident he will actually live up to his promise this time around.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Dusty Baker will try to get the most out of his pitcher this spring. He will get a ton of time as a starter and will show that he can corral the heat and throw strikes.

With another season of maturity, Chapman will go from wild thing to ace.

wpid 124581849 crop 650x440 Fantasy Baseball Sleepers 2012: Anibal Sanchez and More Crucial Players to Draft Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Javy Guerra

We have two starters for the sleeper pile, but our favorite reliever to target is Dodgers pitcher Javy Guerra.

The Dodgers will open up camp with Guerra as the closer, according to NBC Sports, and he should hold onto that title through the year.

Guerra finished the season with a 2.31 ERA and 21 saves. He was nearly lights-out after relieving Broxton of his duties, saving 21 of 23 attempts. This is a budding closer that will deal you a bevy of saves.

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MLB Free Agency: NL Titles to Come Despite Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder AL Leap

wpid 136313428 crop 650x440 MLB Free Agency: NL Titles to Come Despite Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder AL Leap

Fielder and Pujols have changed teams. But will that mean more AL titles?
Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Pitchers and catchers have reported!

And it’s about time we started talking about the pitchers because we’ve spent all winter discussing power hitters and their new deals. But it’s the pitching—not the high-priced sluggers—that will ultimately decide who raises the Commissioner’s Trophy this fall, and for many falls to come.

Oh, I’ve heard the hype: Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder are supposed to make the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Detroit Tigers, respectively, the favorites in a stacked American League.

Heck, some people think that the recent power shift to the AL will create such a disparity that the National League will be forced to institute the designated hitter.

After seeing Miguel Cabrera, Mark Teixeira, Adrian Gonzalez, Albert Puols and Prince Fielder all switch to the Junior Circuit, it’s easy to see why so many people think the American League will be a dynasty for years to come.

But, in fact, the ridiculous spending on power bats the last few seasons may lead to more NL championships in the near future.

Why? Because pitching wins World Series, great arms are available and National League teams have the revenue and luxury tax room to sign these pitchers.

Pitching Wins World Series

wpid 106475444 crop 340x234 MLB Free Agency: NL Titles to Come Despite Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder AL Leap Texas had the better lineup in the 2010 World Series, but Tim Lincecum and the Giant’s pitching staff quieted the Rangers bats
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

It’s an old adage, but it’s true.

To win the Series, you have to have a strong, deep rotation—the kind that shuts down elite, postseason offenses.

For the past two years, the Texas Rangers have had the better offense and lost the World Series. In fact, since 2005, the team with the better postseason ERA has won every World Series.

Year

World Series Winner

Postseason ERA

World Series Loser

Post-season ERA

2011

St. Louis Cardinals

4.05

Texas Rangers

4.35

2010

San Francisco Giants

2.47

Texas Rangers

3.70

2009

New York Yankees

2.26

Philadelphia Phillies

3.95

2008

Philadelphia Phillies

3.07

Tampa Bay Rays

3.81

2007

Boston Red Sox

3.29

Colorado Rockies

4.00

2006

St. Louis Cardinals

2.68

Detroit Tigers

2.95

2005

Chicago White Sox

2.55

Houston Astros

3.76

Remember when the Marlins’ Brad Penny, Josh Beckett and Carl Pavano shut down the mighty Yankees in ’03? Or when the weak-hitting New York Mets stymied the far superior Red Sox lineup in ‘86?

In the playoffs, it’s pitching, and not a high-priced lineup, that wins games.

wpid 2738474 crop 340x234 MLB Free Agency: NL Titles to Come Despite Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder AL Leap Josh Beckett and the Marlins pitching staff held the Yankees at bay in the 2003 World Series.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Great Arms Are Available

Upcoming free-agent pitching classes are both talented and deep.

As Bleacher Report’s Robert Knapel writes, the 2013 class includes James Shields, Jonathan Sanchez, Anibal Sanchez, Jake Peavy, Shaun Marcum, Colby Lewis, Dan Haren, Zack Greinke, Cole Hamels, Matt Cain, Tim Hudson, Ervin Santana, Francisco Liriano, Carl Pavano, Joel Pineiro and Daisuke Matsuzaka.

And, for teams that miss out on these guys, the 2014 class includes Phil Hughes, Edinson Volquez, Chris Carpenter, Matt Garza, Josh Johnson and Jair Jurrjens.

That’s six no-hitters, 13 World Series championships, 27 All-Star selections, three Cy Young awards and a World Series MVP award available in the next two years—with no draft picks or prospects required in return!

It makes sense for American League teams to invest in hefty corner infielders: as their bodies grow and their range shrinks, these players are easily transformed into DHs.

But, for National League Teams, who don’t have this luxury, their money is best invested in pitching.

National League Teams Have Money and Luxury Tax Room

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs and Mets were all idle this offseason.

The Dodgers were being sold after owner Frank McCourt’s divorce, the Cubs were rebuilding both their team and their front office, and the Mets’ assets still depend on a court’s decision regarding owner Fred Wilpon’s involvement in Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme.

wpid 81133926 crop 340x234 MLB Free Agency: NL Titles to Come Despite Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder AL Leap Fielder’s fielding – and size – could land him in a DH role
Jim Rogash/Getty Images

These teams play in the three biggest markets—and two of them are the most popular teams in town. By 2013, all three of these teams should be back doing what they do best: overpaying for marquee free agents!

As of February 7, the Dodgers’ 2012 payroll is below $86 million. The Mets will be under $91 million and the Cubs will be just over $100 million.

So, when 16 top-of-the-rotation pitchers hit the market next offseason, the three most profitable teams in the NL can spend $70 million, per team, without exceeding the luxury tax.

Other NL teams will have extra spending money after the upcoming season, too.

Without Pujols and Fielder, the Cardinals and Brewers have more to spend on pitching. And, if Adam LaRoche walks next year, the Washington Nationals can afford a $10-million-per-year pitcher, also.

Big-market AL teams don’t have this flexibility.

The Red Sox were over the luxury tax in 2011 after extending Adrian Gonzalez’s deal and signing Carl Crawford last winter. The Yankees are over the luxury tax and still overpaying for A-Rod, Jeter and A.J. Burnett.

And, now the Angels and Tigers have committed almost $500 million over the next 10 years to Pujols and Fielder, respectively.

None of these teams will be in a position to offer the long, rich contracts that elite pitchers require.

The National League had seven of the top ten pitching staffs in Major League Baseball last year. And, when big-market NL teams land the biggest free-agent pitchers, the NL will control almost all of the elite pitchers.

And, when the National League pitches better than the American League hits, the Senior Circuit will be lined up for long-term World Series success.

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Boston Red Sox: Getting Chris Carpenter as Compensation Is a Victory for Sox

wpid 116274855 crop 650x440 Boston Red Sox: Getting Chris Carpenter as Compensation Is a Victory for Sox

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The rumors about Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein leaving the organization to join the Chicago Cubs were swirling as far back as June. Theo and the ownership group were at times evasive on the matter but generally denied it. Sometimes, however, there really is no smoke without fire.

After the Red Sox completed their September implosion, Epstein left and took over as president of baseball operations in the Windy City. Signing Epstein when he was still under contract meant Chicago owed Boston compensation.

At first, there was a lot of media attention and debate about whom the Sox should receive in exchange for their GM. The team took it seriously, too, reportedly seeking as grand a prize as the young and very promising Starlin Castro.

Weeks went by with no apparent progress, and it appeared clear the sides weren’t close in their negotiations. As the weeks turned into months, we knew Boston wouldn’t get anyone like Castro in the deal. Indeed, it seemed new GM Ben Cherington would have to be happy to receive anyone above Double-A.

Finally, on February 21, the compensation was worked out. It took them four months, but the sides have now reportedly agreed on RHP Chris Carpenter and a player to be named being sent to Boston for a player to be named.

The Red Sox can count this as a big victory, providing the player to be named later turns out to be someone they’re particularly big on.

Here’s why.

Firstly, these negotiations were so protracted and messy, both sides are lucky they didn’t end up having Commissioner Bud Selig make the decision for them.

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Secondly, it was looking like the Sox would get a player no one had heard of. Someone who was buried so deep in the minors that he would never see major league action. Not only did they receive a good prospect, he has already pitched in the bigs.

Pitching in June last year, Carpenter made 10 appearances. The 26-year-old was effective, holding his opponents scoreless in eight of those outings. He posted a 2.79 ERA and limited left-handed hitters to a .143 average (2-for-14). Between Double-A, Triple-A and MLB last year, he had 42 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings.

The scouting report is very good, too.

His fastball sits comfortably between 92 and 96 mph but has hit 101 in the Arizona Fall League. He also has a good slider and a decent changeup. Control is his biggest problem, but all the tools are there for him to be a worthwhile late-innings guy.

If he sees big league action at all in 2012, it will be in late September, but when you consider that even a few days ago, it looked like Boston would get a nobody as compensation, this has to be a good result for the Red Sox.

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MLB’s Manny (Ramirez) Being Manny (Ramirez) …But Now in Oakland

wpid 105074976 crop 650x4401 MLBs Manny (Ramirez) Being Manny (Ramirez) ...But Now in Oakland

Dreadlocked slugger Manny Ramirez signs with Oakland A’s.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Me, myself and I have always been the only three people on the planet that newly signed Oakland A’s Manny Ramirez has ever cared about.

And baseball fans, not only in Oakland but around the country, should be dreading what this dastardly designated hitter will do next in his unexpected return to Major League Baseball.

Yesterday, the oft-maligned, mercurial Manny made many murmur when the Dominican-born slugger inked a $500,000 per year minor league contract with the Oakland A’s, his sixth and hopefully last major league team. The recalcitrant Ramirez’s return to MLB was met with the same mix of cynicism and guarded optimism reserved for what a Terrell Owens NFL signing or an Allen Iverson NBA signing would yield.

The controversy, unprofessionalism and intrigue that have followed the petulant Ramirez during stints with the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox and most recently with the Tampa Bay Rays are certain to surface again in Oakland with the A’s.

How Ramirez’s LA Dodgers Manny-wood antics with all their distractions will return is not necessarily guaranteed, but is widely expected by everyone who has ever watched this terrifically talented hitter tear the cover off a 90 MPH fastball.

Manny will be Manny with no regard for what he leaves on the base paths behind him.

Expect this malcontent, once again, to march off the field, knock over a water cooler, shove a locker room attendant, ignore the press and then kick the cat when he gets home.

Because that’s Manny being Manny without any concern for anyone or anything except himself. There’s no you or we or us in Ramirez’s company of friends, but merely me, myself and I, which beckons me to ask: Why don’t paying fans use their collective clout and send a signal to MLB management that Ramirez’s boorish behavior has grown tiresome?

Why should we once again tolerate the nonsense from this 12-time All Star?

Why haven’t his previous teammates collectively kicked Ramirez in the keister?

Why haven’t A’s faithful slowed down Northern California servers with tweets, blog posts and nasty emails decrying the signing of this dreadlocked lout?

Why did A’s management soften its style and succumb to the silly theory that the soon-to-be 40-year-old Manny will actually help a team that finished third in last year’s AL West with a 74-88 record?

How unconscionable for Major League Baseball to allow Ramirez back on the field again after violating the league’s drug policy for a second time.

Without a doubt, the Ramirez signing will dominate sports news today. And, speculation will continue and questions will linger about how Ramirez will acclimate in Oakland before his anticipated return versus the Kansas City Royals on June 2.

However, when you only think in terms of me, myself and I, and your whopping $205 Million in career earnings has been safely secured in the bank, it’s easy to understand why Manny will be Manny again—just this time with the A’s.

Straight talk. No static.

MIKE – aka Mike Raffone – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

http://www.facebook.com/theemikefans

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Mariano Rivera: Quite Possibly the Greatest Yankee Ever

wpid 133991295 crop 650x440 Mariano Rivera: Quite Possibly the Greatest Yankee Ever

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I remember the first time I saw Mariano Rivera. Coincidentally enough it was his first major league game.

The year was 1995, long before the advent of the smart phone and the Internet age—and long before Bleacher Report.

I was a senior in high school living in New York City. New York Yankees games at the time were televised on the Madison Square Garden network. I vaguely remember the game in question.

Rivera was pitching against the California Angels. Historical records indicate that Rivera was selected to start due to an injury to Jimmy Key. His game line was far from stellar. The official line: 3.1 IP, 8 H, 5 K, 3 BB, 5 ER.

I didn’t think much of him

Quite honestly, I didn’t think much of the Yankees at the time either.

To a fan, the Yankees at that time were a total disappointment. I grew up in the age of Kevin Mass, Steve Trout and Matt Nokes. The Yankee teams of the late 80′s and early 90′s were far from competitive.

They were perennial doormats for better-run organizations such as the Oakland A’s, Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. It looked like the Yankees were on the verge of breaking their postseason drought in 1994 when they sported the best record in the American League.

Then came the players strike.

I remember being disenchanted with baseball. My friends and I used to spend our days talking about the NBA and the New York Knicks. But for some reason, I don’t know why, I still had some hope that the Yankees would be successful again.

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Rivera would be the first piece of what would become known as the “Core Four.” The “Core Four” consisted of Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada. The term was coined because these four players were part of each of the Yankees’ five World Championship teams from 1996-2009.

The “Great Mariano” was not truly discovered until the 1996 season when he inherited the right-handed setup role in the Joe Torre bullpen. Rivera would post a 8-5 record with a 2.09 ERA.

Some have wondered whether or not he could have made a difference in Game 5 or the 1995 American League Division Series. The Yankees lost the series finale 6-5 in the bottom of the 12th inning on an Edgar Martinez game-winning double off of Jack McDowell.

Rivera would assume the closer duties in 1997 after incumbent closer John Wettleland chose to sign a free-agent deal with the Texas Rangers. He would post 43 saves in his first season as closer but would be most remembered for surrendering an ALDS Game 4 game-tying home run to Sandy Alomar Jr.

The Yankees wound up losing the series to the Cleveland Indians and some started to question whether or not Rivera could bounce back from the postseason disaster.

He would.

Rivera would compile 117 saves over the next three seasons, contributing to three World Championships. His postseason numbers were equally as stellar, compiling 18 saves and a sub 2.00 ERA.

The Yankees were on the verge of winning their fourth straight championship in 2001 but were denied by the Arizona Diamondbacks. A broken bat blooper by Luis Gonzales off the almost-perfect Rivera ended the Yankees first title reign.

It would be another eight years before the Yankees and Rivera would be the best in baseball. Rivera would be key contributor to the 2009 championship run, culminating with two saves and a 0.00 ERA in the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Is Rivera the greatest Yankee ever?

I feel he is in the discussion.

His career numbers are awesome and not just his regular season numbers. Through 2011, Rivera is 75-57, 2.21 ERA, with 883 saves! Those numbers are quite impressive. What is even more impressive and quite mind-boggling are his postseason numbers. Through 2011, Rivera is 8-1, with 42 saves and a 0.70 ERA.

0.70 ERA!

It’s safe to say Rivera was the main difference between the Yankees winning five championships and teams such as the Atlanta Braves winning more than one.

At 42, this could possibly be the last season for Rivera. I can definitely say I think very highly of him, a future Hall-of-Famer.

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MLB Breaking News: Oakland A’s Remain Relevant, Reportedly Sign Manny Ramirez

wpid 102533685 crop 650x440 MLB Breaking News: Oakland As Remain Relevant, Reportedly Sign Manny Ramirez

The Oakland A’s reportedly have come to an agreement with free agent outfielder Manny Ramirez
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

Like it or not—believe it or not—the Oakland Athletics have reportedly come to terms with free agent Manny Ramirez. According to Pedro Gomez of ESPN.com, the A’s brass have reached a deal with the embattled slugger—a deal worth roughly $500,000.

The oft-beleaguered Ramirez has not played in the Major Leagues since last May, when he retired from the Tampa Bay Rays following a second failed drug test.

The impending Ramirez signing adds to a flurry of transactions by the Oakland A’s, a morbidly moribund team that has been surprisingly active this offseason.

The revamped and rebuilding ballclub has lobbied heavily for a new ballpark in San Jose, traded away a slew of key players, extended the contract of its face-of-the-franchise general manager and somehow signed several free agent veterans.

It’s been a roller-coaster winter for the organization, with the signing of Ramirez becoming the plunging corkscrew that will hopefully have fans screaming.

Many have questioned the Athletics’ pursuit of Manny, however. After all, by the time he becomes eligible to play this season, it will have been over a year since he last played a major league game. And, coincidentally, his projected return date is May 30th—his 40th birthday.

What exactly is Oakland’s intention for acquiring an over-the-hill, declining-in-productivity, PED-ically induced Ramirez?

First and foremost, one thing is clear: Oakland has continued to try. Given their circumstances—imagined or not—they are indeed doing their best. While critics have predicted that the A’s will scrape the bottom of their division for a tortuous 162 games, Oakland has surprisingly constructed a roster that has the makings of a spunky and enthusiastic team.

But the Athletics hope that their multitude of small splashes can somehow outdo the cannonballs of their AL West counterparts. Maybe the A’s can compete a little bit this season.

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With the out-of-nowhere catch of Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, and now the addition of Ramirez, the A’s have a lineup that has some promise and excitement, one that Oakland foresees will score some runs and make things happen.

Ramirez’s right-handed power replaces that of the departed Josh Willingham. And, if anything, he’ll provide a light-hearted atmosphere with his Manny Being Manny antics—which fits right in with Oakland’s notoriously laid-back clubhouse personality. Plus, at $500,000, there is little risk in Ramirez. If he fails, he fails. If not, good for Oakland.

Certainly, General Manager Billy Beane and the A’s public relations department are aware of the attention that Ramirez will bring to the franchise—both good and bad. After all, Ramirez sort of disappeared when he “retired” last season following reports of his failed drug test.

The media will absolutely be on his case for him to respond to those unanswered questions whenever he makes his first appearance in spring training. The circus will follow Ramirez wherever he goes for a little while.

But, hopefully, because of Oakland’s dim spotlight, Ramirez can quietly go about his business after the initial crush of questioning dies down. And then he can focus on getting back his health and timing and contributing to his new ballclub. At which point, if all goes according to Oakland’s plans, Ramirez will add to his 555 career home runs and 1,831 runs batted in.

If he produces at a high level, he could become a feel-good story of sorts, and the media attention would shift to Ramirez’s career achievements.

Which would be the perfect irony for the Oakland franchise, one of the first nests for performance-enhancing drugs and steroid use. Everything would come full circle from the hotbed of Jose Canseco’s days with the A’s in the early ’90s, when steroids were initially becoming prevalent throughout the MLB.

To have Ramirez come to and be successful in the Bay Area, the breeding ground of steroids and BALCO so long ago, would be a nice little bow on the use of PEDs in baseball.

To be sure, though, Oakland has perplexed fans with its offseason activity. They have proved that there is one way to run their ballclub: the A’s way.

No matter what hurdles face them, be it territorial rights or low payroll or a recessive economy, the Athletics will keep trying to move forward, keep up and be there in the middle of it all. The signing of Ramirez is proof that they’re certainly going to make things interesting this year.

Follow me on Twitter: @nathanieljue

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New York Yankees Agree to 1-Year Deal with LF Raul Ibanez

wpid 128280296 crop 650x440 New York Yankees Agree to 1 Year Deal with LF Raul Ibanez

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The New York Yankees continue to be very active this offseason, as they have now picked up left fielder Raul Ibanez.

According to Buster Olney of ESPN, Ibanez and the Yankees have agreed to a one-year deal “worth around $1 million plus incentives.”

On Sunday, the Yankees finalized a trade that sent pitcher A.J. Burnett to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for minor leaguers.

Not long after, the Yankees find a solid hitter that will contribute in the field some but also provide power to the designated hitter spot.

Is this a good move by the New York Yankees?

Yes, Ibanez is a solid addition No, Ibanez is too old Submit Vote vote to see results

Is this a good move by the New York Yankees?

Yes, Ibanez is a solid addition

74.1%

No, Ibanez is too old

25.9%

Total votes: 54

Olney’s report also states that “the Yankees were to receive $5 million in salary relief from Pittsburgh this year that they could use in part to sign Ibanez.”

The left fielder will turn 40 this coming season, and the Yankees are hopeful he doesn’t continue on a downward spiral.

Over the last few seasons, Ibanez’s production has dropped. New York needs him to be better than his .245 batting average from last year.

Ibanez will mostly face right-handed pitchers, which could benefit the aging baseball player. Focusing on hitting could help his numbers climb back up.

wpid follow me c New York Yankees Agree to 1 Year Deal with LF Raul Ibanez

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Chicago Cubs: 2012 Is the Season of Hope That Has No Hope

wpid 123490927 crop 650x440 Chicago Cubs: 2012 Is the Season of Hope That Has No Hope

Brian Kersey/Getty Images

Spring training is upon us. Pitchers and catchers reported on Saturday for the Chicago Cubs in Arizona.

Usually spring training is the time for hope in every baseball town. The time of year where there is hope of what could be. However, things are different for the Cubs this season.

For the first time in a long time, there is real hope of what the future could hold on the north side of Chicago.

For the first time in a long time, there is an actual plan on the north side.

For the first time in, I believe, ever, the Cubs are actually rebuilding, which means 2012 will just be another season that doesn’t end with a World Series championship.

And when I say “rebuilding,” I mean they are ripping up the foundation and starting from the ground up.

Therefore, while there is hope for the future, there is no hope for the 2012 season.

Gone are Jim Hendry, Mike Quade and the old way of doing business. In their place are Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, Dale Sveum and a whole new way of doing business.

The Cubs decided to avoid repeating the same mistakes and didn’t overpay for Prince Fielder, Albert Pujols or C.J. Wilson.

The big free-agent signing of the offseason was David DeJesus. We have seen trades sending away Sean Marshall, Tyler Colvin and Andrew Cashner and bringing back Ian Stewart, Travis Wood and Anthony Rizzo.

wpid 127535994 crop 340x234 Chicago Cubs: 2012 Is the Season of Hope That Has No Hope Denis Poroy/Getty Images

Oh, and before I forget, Carlos Zambrano also got a one-way ticket out of town and Aramis Ramirez signed with the division rival Milwaukee Brewers.

So who is left? Who will be taking the field for the Cubs on opening day?

Well, in the outfield we will see the familiar faces of Alfonso Soriano, Marlon Byrd along with newcomer DeJesus in right field.

The infield got a big face lift with Starlin Castro, Darwin Barney and Geovany Soto being joined by Stewart at third and Bryan LeHair at first.

If you are thinking that this team might have trouble scoring, you are probably right and by looking at the pitching staff you might realize it could be hard for this team to stop their opponents from scoring as well.

Travis Wood, Paul Maholm and Chris Volstead will join Matt Garza and Ryan Dempster in the starting rotation while the only familiar names in the bullpen are Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood. Randy Wells and Jeff Samardzija will compete for starting spots, but could land in the bullpen or be possibly traded if they don’t make the rotation.

The only position players who might push for a spot from the minors are outfielder Brett Jackson and the newly acquired Rizzo, who is projected to be the first baseman of the future.

In no way am I attacking Epstein or the plan they are putting in place. All I am pointing out is how different this season will be compared to any other that the Cubs faithful have experienced.

wpid 127411112 crop 340x234 Chicago Cubs: 2012 Is the Season of Hope That Has No Hope Denis Poroy/Getty Images

Chairman of the board Tom Ricketts brought Epstein in to do away with the lovable losers and actually bring a meaning to the Cubs’ way of doing things.

It will not be an easy task. It will not be something accomplished over night.

The product on the field this season won’t be pretty. There will be a lot of losses.

Just remember there is hope. They hired the right guy and when the time is right they will have money to spend.

Just don’t expect that 103 World Series drought to end this season.

Make sure to follow me on Twitter @DaChicagoFan and check out my Web site The MG Experience for my weekly Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks podcasts.

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