What's your opinion on the Red Sox's bid to get Matsuzaka for 51.1 million? Now they are saying he want more!
823221
The 51.1 million goes to his team the Seibu Lions as a posting fee, to compensate the team for the loss of Matsuzaka. Now they have the right to create his actual contract which will be 4-5 years for 7-10 million a year or around $40 mill which goes to him. The $51 million isn't included in the luxury tax, and think about the Japanese people buying Red Sox Matsuzaka jerseys. The man is a hero to them because of his performance in the WBC. The Red Sox will make back the $51 million posting fee before he becomes a free agent. Even if this is a lot to you, Barry Zito will make over $90 million and his numbers have gotten worse every year. And he's 26, so he's actually quite young, younger than Zito and entering his prime. Get your facts straight.\n\nThe only real argument is that this is a lot of money for a guy who will be classified as a rookie next year.
901840
Something may be amiss in San Diego. Boche's departure for San Francisco was strange, and one wonders if he was perturbed with the front office.\n\nYou're disregarding the two trades the Padres have made:\n\nThe Josh Barfield trade looks dumb to me. Kouzmanoff can rake, but he's a fringy defender. Some scouts think he's a defensive liability. They also got Andrew Brown in the trade; he could provide some bullpen help, but his ceiling is not high.  \n\nGetting rid of Barfield looks especially dumb given the second basemen currently on the free agent market. There's no one too exciting. There was talk of interest in Craig Counsell but the front office has since denied that; now there is indication they are going after Tony Graffanino. A nice player, but a step down from what Barfield offered near term and definitely long term.\n\nThere's rumors the Padres might look to trade for Marcus Giles, which would seal the deal for their stupidity award this offseason. MG's numbers have declined in each of the last three seasons. \n\nThe Padres also traded young outfielder Ben Johnson for a couple more bullpen arms. I have no idea why they were so adamant about adding to the bullpen; as far as I'm concerned they were already stacked! However, I think Ben Johnson was overrated by the Padres, and I think they were finally starting to realize that. I think his potential to be a legit everyday player is questionable.\n\nThe Padres need to add at least one impact bat and a 3 or 4 starter. I don't think they will be able to resign Piazza since Boche left. Cliff Floyd has said he wants to stay in the National League and has the potential to replace Piazza's production if he stays healthy. He would also come at a significant discount to Piazza. If the Padres aren't comfortable with Bard and Bowen sharing catching duties, Bengie Molina or Rod Barajas are available. I like Bard's bat. I don't like that he only threw out 20% of basestealers last season, but that's far better than Piazza who threw out less than 10%.\n\nI think they should consider a second-tier free agent starter with some upside. Tony Armas or Jason Marquis can probably be had for $3 to $4 million per year. I think they'd be smart to add a budget veteran too, perhaps Miguel Batista (who also has experience in relief) or John Thomson (ditto). Steve Trachsel is also out there.\n\nOf the big fish, The Padres have met with Scott Boras to discuss Greg Maddux and Barry Zito. Perhaps notable also that Jeff Weaver is a Boras client and a return to the west coast could be appealing, though Adam Eaton's choice of the Phillies over the Cards will make St. Louis more anxious to secure Weaver.\n\nShould be interesting to see what they do from here.
1185671
First of all, the Yankees suck. Second, they keep trying to buy Boston's players because the Red Sox are the BEST team. Unfortunately, Johnny Damon, Babe Ruth to name a few that went to the Yankees are nothing without the Red Sox. The Red Sox will continue to win and will win the series. Plus not to mention the Yankees lost a game to the Nationals that's embarrassing. The Nationals suck even more. Go Boston!!! :)
767936
Well that Red Sox rotation really trails off\n\nSchilling, Beckett, Papelbon, Matsuzaka and... Wakefield\n\nAs a Sox fan, i question the amount of money, but love the rotation for a few years.\n\nBeckett, Papelbon, Matsuzaka with a lot of young guys, Lester, Bard, \n\n\nIt has not been officially annouced, the bid has not been officially accepted, and Matsuzaka has not signed a contract - three things to remember..
533031
Honestly, and I don't say this much about Pujols, but yes. Does the team who offered that to you have Matt Holliday? If he/she does, then take it. Holliday will drive in 120 runs and hit 35 homers, and you know what the other guys will do. That is as very fair trade, because it is upgrading your entire team. having a poor OF sucks, and can cause lost points.However, if they can't accept a trade which would bring YOU 3 players, and they get ONLY Pujols, don't do it.
1045992
Well, here's the thing.  If you think players are making ridiculous amounts of money (and I agree), what about the owners?  The owners are the ones that can afford to pay them this money.  On the one hand, I'd rather see the players make more money than the owners; however, I do think they are overpaid considering they are only playing a game.  \n\nRemember in Field of Dreams when Shoeless Joe says, "Man, I did love this game. I'd have played for food money. It was the game... The sounds, the smells. Did you ever hold a ball or a glove to your face? ..... It was the crowd, rising to their feet when the ball was hit deep. Shoot, I'd play for nothing!"  That's the kind of love for the game that has been missing in recent years.  It became about contract years and free agency, not just pure, simple love of the game.\n\nShould they get paid?  Yeah, it's their job.  Should they be paid millions of dollars?  I don't think so.  My job can be just as dangerous.  I have just as much chance getting injured as a player.  Do I matter less because I'm not in the limelight?  I'm having trouble walking right now because I got banged up at a softball game Wednesday night, but I'm still going to be heading to work in about an hour and a half, getting paid $10/hr to help people shop.  I don't expect to sit down and still get paid today.\n\nThe good thing is that a lot of players do not blow all their money on themselves.  Many of them have set up foundations and charities to help the underpriviledged.  I don't mind those players making a ton of money.  In fact, I'd rather see those players make more than anybody else for the simple fact that they have more to give away.
584238
Getting a little ahead of yourself, aren't you?  It's only May!  LOL\n\nThat being said, may I add...\n\nGod willing, Boston will not only defeat the Evil Empire, but they'll send them back to the Bronx in shame.  \n\nGO SOX GO!
26530
Dear , When the player sells him self to whom pays more ! what do you expect !?\nI guss this's life ; and we don't rule it !
408937
The Yankees try to buy championships every year.  I see that $250 million payroll really work for 'em last year!  The White Sox won the World Series on the same amount of payroll for the team (about $96 million) as the Yankees first 6 starters in the Yankee line up!  Way to waste that money Steinbrenner!!!!
788029
You've nailed it Jen.  The truth!!  All of these people who claim to disagree with you are just not being honest with themselves.  Of course they wish their teams were as successful as the Yankees.  What fan wouldn't?  The bottom line is that money or not the players still have to get the job done on the field.  Georgie is always talking about the Yankees not winning a world series in this century.  The fact is the Tigers haven't won still 1984.  So what is your point Georgie?  The Tigers are nothing more than a one hit wonder.  Big deal, you won a pennant.  You are all missing the point.  It's all about the legend of the Yankees and how it overshadows all of baseball.  No matter what the other teams do, it's still all about the Yankees and how your teams compare.  Some of you just have to make your hateful comments to relieve your frustration.  I think that's pitiful.  Instead of being mad at the Yankees what don't you turn to your own teams ownership and ask them why they don't put a winner on the field.  And don't give me this money crap.  All franchises have the money to buy anyone they want.  It's a matter of stepping up to the plate and doing it.  Obviously they don't have the guts.
631480
I am!!!\n\nBeing a Tiger Fan For Life, I never would have thought this was possible.\n\nHow can ANYONE NOT be impressed???\n\nThey have the BEST record in baseball right now. Are 20 games OVER .500 (not UNDER)!!!\n\nIt's like all the pieces are coming together. I believe Jim Leyland is the key. He says it's the players, but he's keeping the players focused on TODAY, not next week.\n\nThey have won 14 out of thier last 15, and are currently \n2 1/2 games in front of the white sox.\n\nWill this last all season? I hope so, but I doubt it.\n\nThe white sox are just too good a team for us to over take (as much as I would love that!).\n\nWe might win the wild card...but seriously i would be very happy if they won 82=84 games (considering they havent seen .500 in 12 years).\n\nWe;ll see...the next 10 games will show us just how good they really are (2 more with Cleveland, 4 with the evil yankees, and 3 with the equally evil red sox).
733867
First, just to clarify something about the $51 million, the RedSox only have to pay it if he agrees to a contract. If he doesn't agree to a contract, the RedSox don't pay anything. Secondly, he is being represented by Scott Boras, who is notorious for getting players the most money possible.\n\nBoras also only wants a 3 or 4 year deal, allowing Matzusaka to become a free agent before he turns 30 years old, allowing him to hit the free agent market in his prime and command an even larger contract. (of course this all becomes a moot point if he doesn't sign) \n\nFrom the reports that I've heard, it's expected that if he signs it will be for around 10 million a year.  So ultimately they will end up paying 80 to 90 million dollars for a 3 to 4 year contract.\n\nThis is all stuff that I've heard on espnews.\n\nI think that they will sign him. Even though he's never pitched a major league game, he has faced, and performed very well, agianst major leaguers in the World Baseball Classic. He dominated in the World Baseball Classic earlier this year, winning the MVP for the tournament.
959265
Don't look now but Fox Sports just reported that it was 51.1 million.  Just to talk to him!  That is insane.  A previous answerer said the would need 20 million more to sign him.  Fat chance, Scott Boras is his agent and he's already started harping about how pitching is at a premium this year.  I bet he won't sign for less than 10 or 11 million a year and that he is going to want at least a 4 year contract.  That would bring his overall cost to at least 91 million for a 4 yr contract.  I know the Red Sox really want to plant a foot in the Japanese market but wow, that is some price to pay.  It should also be noted that if they don't sign him, they don't have to pay the 51 million and no other team gets to talk to him until the end of next season when he is a free agent.
1075266
[AP Wire]\n\nSAN DIEGO -- Jose Canseco returned to baseball Thursday when he agreed to a contract with the independent San Diego Surf Dawgs, planning to be their designated hitter and -- get this -- pitch.\n\nThe Golden Baseball League announced the deal Thursday night, saying the former AL MVP and Rookie of the Year will make his Surf Dawgs debut Monday night on the road against the Chico Outlaws.\n\nCanseco will make his debut at 10:05 ET on July 3.\n\nCanseco's return to baseball comes some 19 months after he attracted Congress' attention with an autobiography, "Juiced," that accused several top players of steroid use.\n\nIn March 2005, he testified before the House Government Reform committee that he used performance-enhancing drugs as a player.\n\nCanseco didn't immediately return a message left on his cell phone.\n\nThe news release announcing the deal said Canseco will be the DH "and will showcase his knuckleball as a member of the team's pitching staff."\n\nCanseco made one big league pitching appearance, working the final inning for the Texas Rangers in a 15-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox on May 29, 1993. He walked the bases loaded and allowed three runs and two hits. He threw 12 strikes and 21 balls, most of which were far from the strike zone.\n\nCanseco will be playing for the league maximum of $2,500 per month.\n\n"We strive to provide a high quality entertainment product, and Jose will undoubtedly be entertaining for our fans," GBL president Amit Patel said in a statement.\n\nThe GBL is essentially baseball's lowest rung. Rickey Henderson played for the Surf Dawgs last year as he tried to attract the attention of a big league team.\n\nCanseco hasn't played in the big leagues since 2001 with the Chicago White Sox, who purchased his contract from the independent Newark Bears.\n---------------------------------------------------\n\nDon't bank on a cup of coffee coming his way.
715842
That's funny!! \n\nIt is WAY too early to even have this discussion since free agent and trade time haven't started yet.
1085024
The best thing for them to do is to take it easy (i.e. don't trade him right away, NOT slack off on some games) for another month, and see where they are on July 28th or so.  If they think they can still contend, then they need to keep him; however, most likely they will not be in it by then (I hate saying that, I'd like to see the little guys play well, but let's face it, there's just not as much parity in MLB as there is in the NFL).  The nice thing is that they can afford to wait and listen to some serious offers, and as long as they stay within striking distance, they can drive the offers up.\n\nThey will definitely lose him at the end of the season, so they would be wise to trade him for some good talent that is locked up for a year or two, but the closer they are, the more they'll get for him.
947793
Boston Red Sox owner in talks to buy part of Roush: While Roush Racing president Geoff Smith isn't sure where discussions with Boston Red Sox owner John Henry and his Fenway Sports Group will lead, he doesn't envision a scenario in which Jack Roush would relinquish control of the operation. Negotiations have been ongoing throughout the summer, Smith said late Tuesday afternoon. He's not sure what percentage of the team - which competes in all three of NASCAR's national series - could be sold, if any, but expects one thing to remain the same. "I can't see Jack Roush giving up control of Roush Racing," Smith said. "I don't see that as an outcome." Roush and Henry, who heads the NESV partnership, have been friends for several years, sparking occasional rumors that Henry was looking to buy into Roush Racing. In the past, though, Smith said the two sides were just discussing marketing possibilities, not a sale. The two were seen together on Sunday at New Hampshire International Speedway and Roush Racing released a statement Tuesday that confirmed discussions about selling an interest in the team were ongoing.(in part from the SceneDaily.com)\nAND: According to multiple executives briefed on the negotiations, Fenway Sports Group is in talks to buy as much as 50 percent of privately held Roush Racing, the class of NASCAR, for something north of $50 million. No deal is imminent, these executives cautioned, and the negotiations, which have started and stopped before, could still falter. Both the Fenway Sports Group and Roush Racing confirmed the talks, but both said there is no agreement. Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing, called the Red Sox unit "attractive partners" because of its marketing capabilities, particularly in the Northeast. Said Mike Dee, president of Fenway Sports Group: "If these discussions are fruitful, we will be happy to talk about them."(in part from the Boston Globe)\nAND II: “Roush Racing confirms,” said Geoff Smith president of Roush Racing, “It has entered into discussions to sell an interest in Roush Racing to Fenway Sports Group, Boston. Should these discussions ultimately materialize into a definitive agreement Roush Racing will provide further information on the topic.”(