Here's a look back at the original analysis and reporting churned out by the MLBTR writing team over the past week. We'll begin with the GM Meetings in Milwaukee, where our own Ben Nicholson-Smith was reporting …
- MLB executive VP for baseball operations Joe Torre discussed roster sizes, the use of instant replay in baseball, and realignment.
- Cardinals GM John Mozeliak ruled out the possibility of the Redbirds pursuing Prince Fielder.
- The Angels were asking around about catchers, according to Ben, who also spoke with new Angels GM Jerry Dipoto about the Halos' plan for the position.
- New Orioles GM Dan Duquette told MLBTR that the O's will likely be bargain hunting for free-agent starters this offseason.
- Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski discussed Justin Verlander's Cy Young-worthy 2011, his preference to keep Ryan Raburn's bat in the lineup, and the odds of Wilson Betemit re-signing with Detroit.
- Rangers assistant GM Thad Levine told MLBTR about Texas' bullpen, the plan for Neftali Feliz, and Mitch Moreland.
- A handful of GMs told MLBTR that they were conducting their offseasons normally despite the uncertainty surrounding the then-unfinished CBA.
- Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos told MLBTR that the Blue Jays are seeking a "front-to-mid-rotation" starter but that they won't make such a move in haste.
- Pirates GM Neal Huntington talked about signing Rod Barajas and addressed the possibility of re-signing Ronny Cedeno.
And the rest of our standard original work:
- Tim Dierkes wrote up a list of more than 50 players who are candidates to be non-tendered, thus making them free agents.
- Tim polled MLBTR readers about the size of Jose Reyes' next contract.
- Tim hosted the weekly MLBTR chat. Click here for the transcript.
- Mike Axisa dutifully rounded up some of the best pieces from around baseball's blogosphere. Among the hot topics: a proposal for the Mets to retain Jose Reyes, Matt Kemp's new contract, and MLB's realignment.
New Orioles GM Dan Duquette told MLBTR that the O’s will likely be bargain hunting for free-agent starters this offseason.
From the Great Line from the Movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Sir Galahad declares to the ” French Taunter” Is there someone else up there we could talk to? The French Taunter replies: No. Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time.
In the Orioles case, it’s a Greek Taunting and now I am thinking that there was “Good” Reason as to why Duquette was out of the game for 10 years. Andy MacPhail did all this already for 4 and 1/2 years. His Plan was a Phailure and now we have a different knucklehead in charge, but still the same “Silly” plan. Why????????
Right. Instead, Duquette should go out and overpay for Edwin Jackson and C.J. Wilson. Doing that would win the AL East for the O’s, right?
When have I ever mentioned that I wanted E Jack or Wilson? I am quite certain you can file that under Never! I am not even going to argue as to whom I want.
Now I have to ask , Is there someone else out there I could talk to?
My point is that what is Duquette supposed to do, go out and overpay for second-tier starting pitchers? Now flash forward a couple years.
Maybe Wieters and Jones are superstars, Matusz and Tillman have developed into cornerstone type pitchers, and a couple trades have paid off. Perhaps the farm system is restocked with guys like Machado knocking on the door.
THEN you go after top free agents.
For now, the best course of action for Duquette is to stand pat. Acquire guys on short-term deals and hope to flip them for prospects.
Now I have to ask, what would YOU do if you were GM?
Its November 20th and the Os are already throwing in the towel.
You’d think with a perennially last place starting pitching staff they’d at least make some lame attempt to get someone anyone with even a shred of MLB success to fill one of their spots… if nothing more than to at least come back and tell the fans, “hey we tried but no one is stupid enough to come here.”
Instant replay really isn’t difficult to fix. Here, I will tell you have to fix instant replay FOREVER while simultaneously making the game shorter (NOT LONGER):
Step 1: Require all Stadiums install a simple replay system. This system may be implemented in any manner a team desires, but it will require two large, easily visible, and easily identifiable lights. One will be red, the other green. These lights would be required in center field, but may also be placed on the scoreboard and/or in other locations around the park at the discretion of the team.
Step 2: The official scorer will become an official MLB umpire, will be situated in the film room, and will have access to any and all video broadcast streams from the game. He will be responsible for all the duties currently given to the official scorer, with the addition of the following responsibility:
Step 3: The official scorer will have access to three buttons. One button clearly labeled ‘Safe’ with a large green marker. One button clearly labeled ‘Out’ with a large red marker. The third button, when triggered, will indicate the final decision. This indication will activate the appropriate light in the center field fence.
Step 4: A manager will be able to challenge any call during a game, except balls and strikes, by going to the top step of his respective dugout and raising both arms in the air. This signal will be relayed to the official scorer who, in real time, will have access to any and all instant replays. He will, as appropriate, flip the switch of either ‘safe’ or ‘out,’ followed by the transmit switch, when he feels his decision is finalized. Any manager who argues this final call will be immediately thrown out of the game.
There. I fixed instant replay. I fixed the official scorer. I sped up the game. Done. You’re welcome.