There is this idea that gets floated around every winter that if you do not sign top free agents, you’re punting the off-season or playing (wait for it) “moneyball.” In most instances, a free agent hits the market toward the end of his prime years. You’re purchasing an unknown commodity that is likely overpriced and will depreciate the second the deal is done. There’s no doubt in my mind that free agent signings play a [...]

With 2012 now in the books, let’s take a look at some of the more interesting and important baseball stories of the year. There were many to choose from, ranging from the feel-good, to the sad, to the historic, to the inane. There are dozens that will fall into the category of being a trivia question answer, but let’s settle on ten: GIANTS WIN THE SERIES:  This might be my favorite because I like the way [...]

Tonight, December 31, is the deadline for all eligible BBWAA voters to submit their Hall of Fame ballots. My own ballot has already been cast and I voted for Mike Piazza, Craig Biggio, Edgar Martinez, Jeff Bagwell, Fred McGriff, Jack Morris, Don Mattingly and Tim Raines. I know many Met fans will anxiously await the outcome of the vote with the earnest hope that Mike Piazza gets in as first ballot Hall of Famer. Remember, a candidate [...]

Free agent Nick Swisher has agreed to a four-year, $56 million contract with the Cleveland Indians, as first reported by Mark Feinsand of the Daily News. Feinsand adds that the contract includes a vesting option for a fifth season that could bring the deal’s value to $70 million. The 32-year-old Swisher spent the last four seasons with the New York Yankees and batted .272 this year with 24 homers and 93 RBIs. The Mariners have agreed to terms with outfielder/DH Raul Ibanez on [...]

With the Mets still on the hunt for an outfield, we received the following e-mail from Phil: I can’t believe the Mets haven’t traded for Josh Willingham yet. After some injury issues he averaged .253/.350/.501 with 64 HRs the last two years. At worst, he’s slightly better defensively than Duda. I kept hearing the Twins would be looking for a #4 or 5 pitcher in return. Isn’t two years of Willingham worth a Dillon Gee? Or Familia [...]

I received this e-mail from Hitman: What do you think about the possibility of bringing in Drew Smyly of the Tigers? I’ve already touched up previously in a few comments about his great breaking stuff and if you haven’t seen a highlight video of his from the 2012 season on Youtube, watch it. You’ll be impressed in what you see. Alderson was talking about bringing in another starter that could win 10-12 games. This is [...]

2012 saw Miguel Cabrera become the first Triple Crown winner in 45 years. I wonder if Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski has considered trading Cabrera. Surely after putting up numbers like that he could definitely get some good prospects. We had a pitcher once who seemed to be slipping. He was approaching 33, his best years behind him. Over his last two seasons, his ERA rose 26%, his strikeouts decreased by about 8%, his wins dropped [...]

Update 3:20 PM In fact have been told #Angels aren/t 1 of teams currently trying to obtain Dickey. So guess we could stop Bourjos or Trumbo thoughts. #Mets — Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) December 13, 2012 Other teams asked about Mark Trumbo, and been told that he’s not available; the Angels have said they are keeping him. — Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 13, 2012 Well then… It should also be known that the Red Sox have [...]

The Reds and Indians are deep in talks that would send Shin-Soo Choo to Cincinnati, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. The Indians would receive center fielder Drew Stubbs and shortstop Didi Gregorius in return. The Reds are expected to receive another player in addition to Choo. The Reds plan to use Choo in center field and as their leadoff man. Choo has played just 10 games in center field for the Indians, none since 2009. But the [...]

Less than 24 hours after the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to pay free-agent right-hander Zack Greinke $147 million over the next six seasons, they announced that they signed South Korean left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu to a six-year, $36 million contract. Ryu, 25, was a seven-time All-Star and league most valuable player with the Hanwha Eagles. Over his career, he was 98-52 with a 2.80 earned-run average. When you add in the $25.7 million posting fee, the investment [...]

There is an old adage in baseball that says pitching wins championships.  The San Francisco Giants can attest to that, as they’ve won two titles in three years on the strength of their stellar starting rotation and deep bullpen.  But while pitching wins titles, it’s youth that keeps teams playing for championships. After winning four World Series in five seasons from 1996 to 2000 with a number of homegrown players who were still in their [...]