On this date five years ago, the Dodgers signed Japanese veteran Takashi Saito to a minor league contract that paid him just $500K in the big leagues. Saito, then 36, seized the team's closer role by mid-May, and in three years with the Dodgers he pitched to a 1.95 ERA with 11.6 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 189 2/3 innings.
Here's some notes from the worldwide leader…
- ESPN's Jerry Crasnick graded the offseason of the five AL Central clubs, giving the Tigers a B+ for their additions of Victor Martinez, Joaquin Benoit, and Brad Penny. Indians' fans, I'm sorry to say your team received a D.
- David Wright told ESPN's Jayson Stark that he believes his Mets teammates will be impacted by a lawsuit seeking $1B from ownership. "When something is going on with them, of course it's going trickle down," said Wright. "You have to understand that unfortunately there's some great parts about this business and there's some situations like this." Make sure you check out Howard Megdal's simple guide to the Madoff/Wilpon mess.
- Dodgers GM Ned Colletti spoke to Jon Weisman of ESPN Los Angeles about a variety of topics, including closer Jonathan Broxton and the team's outfield situation. I recently identified Broxton as a player entering a make or break year.
- ESPN Boston's Gordon Edes spoke to Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, who said he's comfortable with his role on the team. The Sox imported Bobby Jenks this offseason, and it's been speculated that he could replace Papelbon if he struggles.
1billion!?!?! Holy crap.
One billion dollers. (puts pinky to corner of mouth)
And what do you make of Broxton’s break?
“I recently identified Broxton as a player entering a make *of* break year.”
I’m suing the Pirates for 1 billion for knowing that they are putting out an awful team, year after year.
let me know how that works out.
I just realized that since the owners keep all of the revenue sharing money that they have really good lawyers. I think I’ll just sue the Mets instead.
Remember that guy who sued the Angels a couple of years back because they wouldn’t give him a free tote bag as part of a mother’s day give away. Yeah, just keep thinking about that.
Fine, I’ll sue the “Rally Monkey.”
The sad part is you’d probably get a lawyer to take on your case.
Yeah, Lionel Hutz.
“I move for a bad court thingy.”
Lionel Hutz died thirteen years ago.
Phil Hartman died 13 years ago, Lionel Hutz is forever. You may also know him as Troy McClure!
Sounds familiar, I might remember him from such self-help videos as “Smoke Yourself Thin”, and “Get Confident, Stupid.”
*Sigh* I miss Phil Hartman.
“Get Confident, Stupid.”
lmao…
Time to sell the team, Fred.
How would you react if you fire up the computer or the tv and found out the Wilpons sold all their stake in the Mets?
Probably the same way I’d react if you inserted “McCourts” in place of “Wilpons” and “Dodgers” in place of “Mets”.
I would throw a party in the Citi Field parking lot….and give Fred [and Saul] a nice big send-off!! (meaning I would send them off and then start partying!)
One of these years, we WILL get an “A.” Until then, I’ll still be crying.
Dodger fans, read the Jon Weisman article. Don’t wait, do it now.
Breaking News: Wilpon trades David Wright to Philadelphia
Mets are reportedly receiving 2 cheesesteaks, a tour of the Constitution Center, and the 2007 NL East Championship pennant. Sources closes to Wright have said this is a dream come true as he has always wanted to play for a winner and never liked New Yorkers.
Really?
Papelbon will have a good year. He’s been waiting for this contract year for 4 years. Can you say “Adrian Beltre contract year”?
I don’t think it’s a contract year thing. Beltre has had good years outside of contract years. He’s won gold gloves, etc. His last year in Seattle he didn’t have a “big” contract year. He was hurt. While in Seattle, his numbers were lower anyways because it is not a hitters park. As for Papelbon, he’s been getting in some early work and I hope the competition between him, Bard, and Jenks lights a fire under him.
I’ve always liked Papelbon so I’m not trying to slam him. He has made no bones about getting a big contract through free agency. I hope he has a big year and gets a big contract, works for all parties.
I hope you’re right. Have an awesome year…and then go sign a 10 year contract with the Yankees.
If Wright hit free agency you can bet he would bolt from the Mets in a flash
So what are you trying to say? If he doesn’t want to extend his contract with the Mets he WILL hit free agency.