LEAGUE NEWS

Whats up Phoenix League members? Its LEAGUE NEWS hosted by me, OMGsmitty.

With the World Series over, now its time for all the transactions thats going to happen in the next few months BEFORE spring training, I will keep u up 2 date the best i can but i know its gonna b a WILD off season as usual.

NEWS-With at least 100 players going into arbituation this year there will be some REALLY BIG NAMES getting let go by there teams because they just CANT afford them (SMALL MARKET TEAMS) this off season, look for this to happen in the next 30 to 40 days. I feel for the Pirates, Royals, Brewers etc. The dream of a CHAMPIONSHIP will NEVER happen for them until baseball changes there ways.

TRANSACTIONS-The Redsox acquire OF J. Hermida from the Marlins for 2 prospects, M. Kotsay re-signs the Whitesox on a one year contract,B. Abreau re-signs with the Angels on a 2 year deal,Royals IF/OF B. Teahean was TRADED to the Whitesox for 3b J. Fields and 2b C. Getz,T. Hudson signs a 3 year deal with the Braves,former Rays 2b A. Iwamura was TRADED to the Pirates for a minor leaguer,Rays OF G. Kapler signs a one year deal with the Rays.

PLLLLLLEEEEEEENNNNNNTTTTTTTTYYYYYYYYYYY more to COME.

What's up Phoenix League members? Its time for some LEAGUE NEWS hosted by me OMGsmitty.

TRANSACTIONS- Brewers SS J.J Hardy was TRADED to the Twins for OF C. Gomez
-M. Ramirez exercises his option with the Dodgers for 2010
-Diamondbacks pick up option on pitcher B. Webb for 2010
-Phillies pick up option on pitcher C. Lee for 2010
-Rays exercise option on OF C. Crawford
-Redsox exercise option on C/1B V. Martinez
-K. Griffey jr signs a one year deal with the Mariners
-J. Varitek exercises his option to stay with the Redsox
-SS J. Wilson signs a 2 year deal with the Mariners.

So many RUMORS out there so many teams talking about making changes to there team and with the WINTER MEETINGS coming up there should be plenty of moves
made BEFORE,DURING and AFTER the meetings!!!!!!

NEWS-Today is the day where FREE AGENTS can hit the open market. I am expecting ALOT of moves and trades in the next few months. The BIG free agents are J. Bay M. Holliday and J. Lackey and I think R. Halliday WILL be traded this off season. Heres my opinion on where i think these guys will go.

J. Bay-I know he just neglected an offer from the Redsox but i think he will end up STAYING with the Redsox

M. Holliday-It all depends on J. Bay, if he stays with the Redsox then i think Holliday will end up with the Mets, or staying with the Cards (I hope). If J. Bay leaves the Redsox then he will end up with the Redsox.

J. Lackey- I think he will end up STAYING with the Angels

R. Halliday- I got a FEELING the Redsox are gonna get him, just a feeling.

MAKING MOVES- Teams i think are gonna have a BUSY off-season are the Mets Redsox Phillies Rangers Angels Braves Tigers Brewers Cubs and Giants. This is just a FEELING.

MY PS3-I have to send my PS3 to Sony to get it fixed. I plan on sending it to Sony in early December, I hope i get it back in time for the season. Enjoy the off season and holla at u soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let me know your opinions about the off season free agents and what YOU think is going to happen.........................

What's up PHOENIX LEAGUE members its omgsmitty with some off-season news

TRANSACTIONS

-p. A. Heilman was TRADED to the Dbacks for 2 minor leaguers
-p. B. Thompson SIGNS with the Royals
-ss. O. Vizquel SIGNS a one year deal with the Whitesox
-of. A. Jones SIGNS a one year deal with the Whitesox
-ss. A. Gonzalez SIGNS a 2 year deal with the Bluejays
-c. B. Schneider SIGNS a 2 year deal with the Phillies
-Indians TRADE c. K. Shoppach to the Rays for a minor leaguer
-p. B. Wagner SIGNS a one year deal with the Braves
-p. T. Saito SIGNS a one year deal with the Braves
-if. P. Palanco SIGNS a 3year deal with the Phillies
-ss M. Scutaro SIGNS a 2year deal with the Redsox

NOT OFFICIAL- if. C. Figgans is CLOSE to SIGNING with the Mariners, more info 2 come on this situation.

What up Phoenix League members? its OMGsmitty with some off season news.

MEETINGS-With the winter meetings now behind us there has been plenty of moves.

-Yankees TRADE p B. Brunley to the Nationals for a minor leaguer
-p B. Penny agrees on a 1yr deal with the Cardinals
-c. I Rodriguez agrees to a 2yr deal with the Nationals
-p. R. Wolf signs a 3yr deal with the Brewers
-p. A. Pettitte signs a 1yr deal with the Yankees
-3 team TRADE: Yankees get of C. Granderson, Dbacks get p. E. Jackson and p. I. Kennedy Tigers get pitchers M. Scherzer, P. Coke, and D. Schlereth and of A. Jackson.
-p. L Hawkins signs a 2yr deal with the Brewers
-Orioles TRADE p. C. Ray to the Rangers for p. K. Millwood
-Marlins TRADE p. M. Lindstrom to the Astros for 2 monor leaguers
-p. R. Harden signs a 1yr deal with the Rangers
-Redsox TRADE 3b. M. Lowell to the Rangers for c/1b M. Ramirez
-p. B. Lyon signs a 3yr deal with the Astros
-3b P. Feliz signs a 1yr deal with the Astros
-Braves TRADE p. R. Soriano to the Rays for p. J. Chavez
-ss B. Crosby signs a 1yr deal with the Pirates
-p. JJ Putz signs a 1yr deal with the Whitesox

AS A METS FAN-Let's goooo Omar Minaya it seems like every other team realizes that its the off season,lets start making some moves before the few big free agents out there will be gone. My wishlist which i KNOW WONT happen is Bay or Holliday, J. Pineiro or Lackey, a setup guy and i REALLY like the Odog O. Hudson, TRADE L. Castillo he's a bumb, and solve the issue at firstbase. Give the Mets fans SOMETHING to look forward 2 next season OMAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's up Phoenix League members? it's OMGsmitty with some off season news

-p. J. Lackey signs a 5yr deal with the Redsox
-4 team TRADE Phillies get p. R. Halladay and minor leaguers, Mariners get p. C. Lee, Bluejays get minor leaguers, A's get a minor leaguer
-of/dh H. Matsui signs a 1yr deal with the Angels
-of M. Cameron signs a 2yr deal with the Redsox
-of J. Pierre was TRADED to the Whitesox for cash and 2 minor leaguers
-p. M. Gonzalez signs a 2yr deal with the Orioles
-3b G. Atkins signs a 1yr deal with the Orioles
-Cubs TRADE of M. Bradley to the Mariners for p. C. Silva
-Yankees sign 1b/dh N. Johnson to a 1yr deal
-Mets sign p. R. Tgarashi to a 2yr deal
-Reds sign 3b S. Rolen to a 2yr deal
-Rangers sign p. D. Oliver to a 1yr deal
-A's sign CoCo Crisp to a 1yr deal
-p. J. Marquis signs a 2yr deal with the Nationals
-Yankees TRADE of M. Cabrera to the Braves for p. J. Vaquez
-Braves sign if T. Glaus to a 1yr deal
-Royals sign of B. Anderson to a 1yr deal
-Angels sign p. F. Rodney to a 2yr deal
-Mets sign p. E. Escobar to a 1yr deal
-p. M. Capps signs a 1yr deal with the Nationals

AS A METS FAN-aaaahhhhhhh. I think someone needs to tell the Mets that the OFF SEASON AS STARTED. Even the Nationals are making moves this off season. Let's see: we need starting pitching: Pineiro,Sheets,Wang etc are out there,NO OFFERS, we need a left fielder:an offer to J. Bay NO RESPONSE. (great),we need a catcher:an offer to B. Molina NO RESPONSE (great),we need a 1st basemen: NO OFFERS, Knowing Omar he's waiting on C. Delgado who has ONE GOOD LEG. L. Castillo is a BUM and Odog is out there NO OFFERS. I was expecting BIG things this off season but i guess NOT. February will be here before u know it Omar, give your fans SOMETHING to look forward to in 2010. So far Omar your grade from me is an F. 2 months left let's bring that grade UP.

What's up Phoenix League members? Its OMGsmitty with some off season news.

-if/of M. Derosa signs a 2yr deal with the Giants
-of J. Bay signs a 4yr deal with the Mets
-Dbacks sign 2b K. Johnson to a 1yr deal
-if J. Uribe resigns with the Giants
-p. D. Baez sings a 1yr deal with the Phillies
-of M. Byrd signs a 3yr deal with the Cubs
-c M. Olivo signs a 1yr deal with the Rockies
-of M. Holliday signs a 7yr deal with the Cardinals (major coins cha ching)
-3b A. Beltre signs a 1yr deal with the Redsox
-Redsox TRADE 1b C. Kotchman to the Mariners for if/of B. Hall and a minor leaguer

Randy Johnson RETIRES after 22 ML seasons-Congrats Randy on a stellar HOF career. In my opinion you are the BEST left hander in my lifetime (the left handed Nolan Ryan). You have done it all: a World Series, 5 Cy Youngs, 2nd in all time strikeouts and one of the most INTIMIDATING pitchers of alltime. Next stop for you is COOPERSTOWN on the first ballot.

AS A METS FAN-J. Bay signing is outstanding but there is ALOT more work to do. J. Pineiro would b a great signing and try and find a SUCKER to trade for L. Castillo so we can get Odog in here, he has wanted to be a Met for the last 2yrs, lets make that happen. B. Molina wants 3yrs we are offering 1yr and an option (i agree).Not sure about Wang now, he wont be able to throw 4 another 6 to 8 weeks (oh no). Sheets? (maybe). C. Delgado looks healthy playing winter ball, sign him to a 1yr contract with incentives if he gets a certain amount of at bats.This is the month to make some moves happen b4 spring training. Grade right now is now longer an F but an incomplete, we will see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's up Phoenix League members it's OMGsmitty with some league news, i been away for a bit to let some moves happen so here we go. A smiley face for good moves LOL (I just wanted a reason 2 use the smiley face LOL)

-dh/of J. Cust signs a 1yr deal with the A's
-if/of E. Heinske signs a 1yr deal with the Braves
-p S. Mitre signs a 1yr deal with the Yankees
-of S. Podsednik signs a 1yr deal withe the Royals
-p B. Myers signs a 1yr deal with the Astros
-dh/of V. Guerrero signs a 1yr deal with the Rangers
-if K. Greene signs a 1yr deal with the Rangers
-of R. Church signs a 1yr deal with the Pirates
-c R. Castro signs a 1yr deal with the Whitesox
-1b A. Laroche signs a 1yr deal with the Dbacks
-p J. Valverde signs a 2yr deal with the Tigers
-p J Johnson signs a 4yr deal with the Marlins
-of M. Kemp signs a 2yr deal with the Dodgers
-p C. Billingsly signs a 1yr deal with the Dodgers
-if/of C. Jackson signs a 1yr deal with the Dbacks
-p O. Dotel signs a 1yr deal with the Pirates
-p H. Bell signs a 1yr deal with the Padres
-c M. Montero signs a 1yr deal with the Dbacks

AS A METS FAN-uuggghhh!!! The FO and the Mets doctors cant even get something as SIMPLE as C. Beltran surgery right,he's out til the end of April and as a Mets fan im already thinking here we go again with the injuries. Pitchers and catchers for the Mets report 2 spring training Feb 18, the key words are PITCHERS and CATCHERS, 2 things the Mets NEED and have not addressed,the bullpen is set but we NEED a starter or two and now i hear the Dodgers are in the mix for J. Pineiro and are the frontrunners,hey Omar u OVERPAID for O. Perez why not pay for a pitcher who's not a HEADCASE and will give u innings and wins. B. Molina and the Mets is the only option work something out Omar and get that guy 2 spring training. BENCH L. Castello and get O. Hudson in here, another TERRIBLE contract Omar but its your fault so EAT that contract and get a guy in Odog who is a Gold glover and can actually HIT and NOT drop popups 2 lose a game to the Yankees (Im STILL mad about that). No more sitting on your hands Omar waiting for things to happen, time to MAKE things happen otherwise the J. Bay singing is MEANINGLESS

My PS3-I sent it off earlier in the week and I will be getting an UPGRADE in the near
future, I cant wait 2 get my system back and i cant wait for mlb10 with Joe Mauer on the cover.

always a good job Smitty!!!

What's up Phoenix League members? It's OMGsmitty with some more league news, ALOT has been going on since pitchers and catchers report in a month and with all the arbitration cases being worked out. These next few weeks should be EXTREMELY busy because there is still alot of good players out there who needs a team, here is what's going on:

-A's TRADE of S. Hairston to the Padres for 3b K. Kouzmanoff
-p B. Jenks signs a 1yr deal with the Whitesox
-of C. Quentin signs a 1yr deal with the Whitesox
-2b D. Uggla signs a 1yr deal with the Marlins
-if/of J. Hairston signs a 1yr deal with the Padres
-p F. Hernandez signs a 5yr deal with the Mariners
-p H. Street signs a 3yr deal with the Rockies
-of J. Hamilton signs a 1yr deal with the Rangers
-if H. Kendrick signs a 1yr deal with the Angels
-p J. Sanchez signs a 1yr deal with the Giants
-if R. Weeks signs a 1yr deal with the Brewers
-of C. Gomez signs a 1yr deal with the Brewers
-of R. Ludwick signs a 1yr deal with the Cardinals
-of J. Francoeur signs a 1yr deal with the Mets
-p J. Papelbon signs a 1yr deal with the Redsox
-of A. Eithier signs a 2yr deal with the Dodgers
-c B. Molina signs a 1yr deal with the Giants

AS A METS FAN-That last signing i reported really hurts, B. Molina goes back to the Giants, that means the Mets will be starting a ROOKIE catcher to start the season. 76 days til opening day and what i thought was going 2 b a GREAT off-season turns out 2 b all speculations with so many deals in the works but NOTHING getting done. NO starting pitcher NO catcher NO agressive FO trying to get some deals done. Im looking forward to playing MLB10 MORE than the Mets season,the Mets are banking on ALOT of IF's this season, IF we stay healthy,IF our starters pitch well,IF guys play to there potential,IF everything goes right then we can compete,IF our ROOKIE catcher plays well. Too many IF's and NOT enough ANSWERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MY PS3-Sony has my system now and i should be getting an UPGRADE within 7 to 10 days i hope, cant wait to get back in the mix once again

MLB NETWORK-I cant believe that it took this long for a ALL baseball network, I been watching from the first day it came on i actually watched the countdown of the network when the first show started. It has been a year now and i CANT do without it from HOTSTOVE to PRIME 9 to ALL TIME GREAT GAMES, MLB network is what EVERY baseball fan NEEDS in there life, keep up the GREAT work MLB NETWORK

What's up Phoenix League members? it's OMGsmitty with some news.

CRUNCH TIME-Spring training is WEEKS away now and it's time for FA to get signed and get ready for the season, i expect ALOT of signings and moves in the next few weeks and on into spring training, great time of year.

-p D. Davis signs a 1yr deal with the Brewers
-p J. Pineiro signs a 1yr deal with the Angels
-p J. Blanton signs a 3yr deal with the Phillies
-p V. Padilla signs a 1yr deal with the Dodgers
-of S. Victorino signs a 3yr deal with the Phillies
-of R. Ankiel signs a 1yr deal with the Royals
-Mets TRADE p. B. Stokes to the Angels for of G. Mathews jr
-p J. Contreas sign a 1yr deal with Phillies
-1b J. Giambi signs a 1yr deal with the Rockies
-if M. Tejada signs a 1yr deal with the Orioles
-c C. Ruiz signs a 3yr deal with the Phillies
-p B. Sheets signs a 1yr deal with the A's
-of X. Nady signs a 1yr deal with the Cubs
-p J. Garland signs a 1yr deal with the Padres
-dh J. Thome signs a 1yr deal with the Twins (Good for you Jim)

AS A METS FAN-Looking forward to 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MY PS3-UPS should be delivering my system tomorrow and i cant wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MY OPINION-The off season is down to the end and I CANT BELIEVE that there are some players that are NOT signed already (J. Damon,J. Dye,O. Hudson,O. Cabrera,etc),i know that the market is NOT the same as it was 3 or 4 years ago but COME ON,theres some guys out there that SHOULDNT be still looking for a job,theres some guys out there that can put you over the top,I wonder which one of these guys are gonna be this years B. Abreu (Angels got him for a discount and he MORE than lived up to his contract).Time is ticking and these solid players need a team,spring training is on the HORIZON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What's up Phoenix League members? It's OMGsmitty here with some LEAGUE NEWS,theres still ALOT of moves yet to be made before spring training and here are just a few.

-of R. Wynn signs a 1yr deal with the Yankees (Bye Bye Johnny)
-p F. Francisco signs a 1yr deal with the Rangers
-of J. Edmonds signs with the Brewers (Welcome back Jimmy)
-if/of F. Tatis signs a 1yr deal with the Mets
-of E. Byrnes signs a 1yr deal with the Mariners
-p M Wuertz signs a 2yr deal with the A's
-p J. Suanders signs a 1yr deal with the Angels
-p S. Feldman signs a 1yr deal with the Rangers
-B. Wilson signs a 1yr deal with the Giants
-if M. Mora signs a 1yr deal with the Rockies
-of G. Gross signs a 1yr deal with the A's
-p J. Fogg signs with the Mets
-if O. Cabrera signs a 1yr deal with the Reds
-1b/dh R. Garko signs a 1yr deal with the Mariners
-of R. Johnson signs a 1yr deal with the Dodgers
-p K. Gregg signs a 1yr deal with the Bluejays

OPENING DAY-61 days til opening day

March 2-is when MLB10 comes out (I heard that the online play was a focus and will be better,im PRAYING that is true)

AS A METS FAN-Not the off season i was hoping for and it was FULL of DISAPPOINTMENT.All every fan wants is to see there team make IMPROVEMENTS to get better and show there fans that the goal of the team is to make the playoffs and beyond,when your in the SAME division as the National League Champ Phillies u wanna see some moves. The NL Champs made moves to improve there team so you would THINK a team 20games UNDER 500 would have PLENTY of moves to make, instead theres 1 big move (j. Bay) and MILLIONS of rumors with NO results. Yes the Mets had PLENTY of injuries but depending on everyone being HEALTHY is just WISHFUL thinking,there has not been a pitch thrown in the 2010 season and C. Beltran is already on the shelf,in most cities EXCEPT New York 1 big move would be acceptable but NOT in the BIG APPLE,there is something wrong with the Mets organization internally and it starts with Omar,the Mets need to put Omar on the shelf for good and get this team rolling again WITHOUT BAD CONTRACTS OMAR (Castillo and Perez just TERRIBLE decisions)

IN MY OPINION-Hurry up and buy I mean hurry up and sign,it makes NO sense for these players to keep trying to get what they want, it's NOT gonna happen especially this close to spring training, BIG egos will keep you JOBLESS just ask J. Damon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See you guys next time

What's up Phoenix League memers? I have some BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING NEWS-Just minutes after i finished my LEAGUE NEWS post i saw that the Tigers ace pitcher J. Verlander signs a 5yr 80million dollar deal (Cha Ching ) Great move for the Tigers and this deal is similar to the F. Hernandez deal with the Mariners(5yrs 78Million). An ace pitcher is something that BOTH of these teams will NOT have to worry about for a long time.

Hey Smitty, any TWIB notes on the Phoenix League? I thought that was one of the best aspects of season two.

What? And should he peel some grapes for you too??!!

My bad, I thought that was the point of the League News.

No bad brother, just kiddin wit ya!

I know, there was supposed to be a smiley face at the end of that last post lol

Good question RSN, but i wont start the TWIB notes about the Phoenix League until next season,that way mostly ALL the league members are playing in the league and also for me it's EASIER doing TWIB notes when im involved in the season so i can see FIRSTHAND what's going on,im not really FOLLOWING this season that close so i dont wanna write about something that i dont know,i wouldnt wanna DISREPECT the league like that.

*TWIB notes next month when MLB10 comes out!!!!!!!!

Sounds great brother. I really did enjoy how you recapped what was going on in season 2. It brings a realistic feel to what we're doing here. Thanks again.

omgsmitty wrote:

Good question RSN, but i wont start the TWIB notes about the Phoenix League until next season,that way mostly ALL the league members are playing in the league and also for me it's EASIER doing TWIB notes when im involved in the season so i can see FIRSTHAND what's going on,im not really FOLLOWING this season that close so i dont wanna write about something that i dont know,i wouldnt wanna DISREPECT the league like that.

*TWIB notes next month when MLB10 comes out!!!!!!!!

***waives a warm and hearty hello to the massive elephant in the room****

Thank you RSN for the positive feedback,to be honest i enjoyed Season 2 because i could give my opinion on the season and EVERYTHING that was going on,i agree about a realistic aspect to the season(kinda like picking up the paper and reading the sports section). I cant wait for season 4 to get back in the swing of things but for now i just wanna give the league the TRANSACTIONS over the off season because ALL of us got a few teams in mind for season 4 and thats NOT that far away!!!!!!!

Milkman my bad Thanks for he positive feedback as well u ALWAYS give me positive feedback and i appreciate it bro!!!!!!!!!!!

There will be a TS:10 league, Mike. We will throw in the funds to buy you the game if we must!

Money's not the only problem. I'm not committing either way right now.