Running 2012-2013 Hot Stove League Thread, aka Ervin's a Royal

Not seeing that happening.

 

Where, then? Milwaukee? San Francisco? Detroit?

(I'd love to see him with the Braves, but that ain't happenin'.)

 

I'd love to be able to get down there and see some games. I bet they'd be pretty fun to watch.

 

Never been to the AFL, but the four days I spent at spring training in Arizona a few years back was one of the best baseball experiences of my life.

 

Detroit would be my guess. Mike Ilitch definitely doesn't care how bad the contract looks by Year 5. Not sure how many other teams fall into this category after the A-Rod precedent.

Don't see Milwaukee (too much $) or San Francisco (too much long-term risk). Best situation as he ages is going to be one that includes the option of significant DH time too.

 

Veterans Committee Ballot for pre-integration era released:

Samuel Breadon
Bill Dahlen
Wes Ferrell
Marty Marion
Tony Mullane
Hank O’Day
Al Reach
Jacob Ruppert
Bucky Walters
Deacon White

 

I don't see what purpose it serves to put in guys who are long dead (some for 50 years or more), but that's just me.

 

Giants do not plan to make qualifying offers to Pagan, Scutaro or Affeldt:

http://www.csnbayarea.com/baseball-san-francisco-giants/giants-talk/Giants-do-not-plan-to-make-qualifying-of?blockID=796599&feedID=10850&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

1) Bill Dahlen - One of the top players not in Cooperstown. I hope he is elected.

2) Deacon White - perhaps the best 19th century position player left on the board... my drawback is that his best statistical years came in the 1870s. Still, as a pioneering star he would be a fine addition.

3) Al Reach - I'm really happy that this guy is on the ballot. He is in my opinion one of the most influential contributors that hasn't been enshrined yet.

4) Tony Mullane - another solid 19th century choice, though I would have rather seen Bob Caruthers. Mullane's time in the American Association may be what keeps the board from voting for him.

5) Wes Ferrell - the pitcher with the 100 OPS+. His election would make some people on the board very happy. Interesting addition to the list of nominees.

6) Jacob Ruppert - Yankee owner for 25 years, purchased Babe Ruth and built Yankee Stadium. Pretty much makes him a viable candidate by default.

7) Bucky Walters - I think the committee had better choices at this point; Walters would be among the "cream of the crop" at the "bottom of the barrell" in Cooperstown.

8) Hank O'Day - player, manager, umpire... something to ponder for a few minutes. Ten world series managed, second only to Bill Klem's eighteen.

9) Samuel Breadon - third owner on the list, has the weakest resume though his Cardinal teams won an awful lot. Most of the credit goes to Branch Rickey. There were a number of other contributors I would have rather seen on the list. Or players for that matter.

10) Marty Marion - had half of Rabbit Maranville's career. Would be the worst SS in Cooperstown.

 

Doesn't mean much. A qualifying offer is $13.3 million for one year.

 

Just means they don't get draft pick compensation if the players leave via free agency. Sometimes, those picks turn into gold (see Mike Trout).