2011-12 Hot Stove Thread

Two things I didn't know until just now: MLB is negotiating to play a three-game set in Holland in 2014, and the Dutch, U.S. and Canadian baseball World Cup teams will be playing a series of exhibitions against MLB teams at Al Lang Stadium in St. Pete in March. Apparently it's the "second annual" such event.

(Canada vs. the Blue Jays on March 13, in what would probably be the first game in a long time not to have the Star-Spangled Banner before first pitch. )

 

I have some friends with the Netherlands organization, so I went to a couple of their games in St. Pete last year during spring training. I don't recall any major league teams participating in the tournament, though.

 

Having dug up last year's schedule, maybe you went earlier on? Looks like the MLB teams only got involved later on, and only against the Netherlands.

 

Edwin Jackson to the Nats. One-year deal apparently. Nats also apparently looking to trade Lannan for a CF. A day after beating Lannan in arb.

 

That's a really nice pickup for the Nats. I really love their approach to building a baseball team and will continue to make them my sleeper pick until it actually hits one of these years.

If the Nats are looking for a CFer, Marlon Byrd is probably available. Not sure if the Cubs would want Lannan though.

 

Would love to see Lannan dealt. He owns the Braves (8-5, 3.25 ERA in 15 career starts).

 

As a Yankee fan, I'm still waiting for the Burnett trade - Carlos Lee would be best, but I'd settle for Dunn. No thanks on Soriano or Wells.

 

How about Bay?

 

If he's healthy? A lefty is better to platoon with Jones (I know Lee is a righty, but I think he's just better than the others). I'd do it if I couldn't get Lee or Dunn and, the Mets would have to make the money even up.

 

Not sure I'd say he "owns" the Braves. He doesn't suck against them, though.

 

now about that long-term contract for josh hamilton

http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2012/02/source-rangers-josh-hamilton-h.html

 

Hamilton's past would make me really nervous as far as any extension goes, never mind that he doesn't have a great health record as he heads into his 30s. If you're the Rangers, I think you can use both factors as leverage, but you run the risk of pissing him off and having him leave just out of spite.