merry christmas

Merry Christmas, Joyeaux Noel, Happy Holiday to all readers of this blog.

Boston signs Japanese star Matsuzaka

The big signing of the day was hands down Boston Red Sox finally inking coveted Japanese League star Daisuke Mastuzaka to a 103-million 6-year deal. For a time it appeared as if the Red Sox would be unable to come to an agreement before tonights deadline. Matsuzaka is just the latest of Japanese stars to defect over to North America. This reminds me of the current fiasco involving the Russian Super League and the NHL. Ihope his Japanese team takes the Red Sox to court over this. It's completely unfair for the North American pro sports teams to essentially steal the top players of the international leagues. The teams should at least be required to give up a top draft pick or two.

Outfielder Jay Payton has signed with the Baltimore Orioles for the next 2 seasons. An excellant contact hitter with some gap power. He'll work the count in his favor, and he's an excellent runner who can be a force on the base paths. While a fine runner, Payton does need to work on his base-stealing technique. Struggles in clutch situations. Look for Payton in the #2 spot of the O's line-up.

Jose Mesa is heading back to the AL after spending the last 6 seasons in the NL. He'll be looking to solidify an already solid bullpen of WS Champs Detroit Tigers. Mesa still owns a fastball that clocks in the mid-90's and it has some movement on it. His splitter is also a deadly weapon, although many hitters have learned to stay off of it. Not very mobile base-runners snatch bases with relative ease. He's prone to making it too close in the late innings.

Eric Gagne has a new home. He signed a one-year deal with performance incentives with the Texas Rangers. Predominately a power pitcher, Gagne has enough in his arsenal to successfully work out of jams, including a jolting change-up. He's ideally suited to be a closer because of his unshakesble poise under pressure. He needs to learn to get batters out when behind in the count and not pitch around them or give in. Base-runners salivate with him on the mound. If Gagne stays healthy, he could provide a big boost to the Ranger's 'pen.

Reliever David Weathers made Cincinatti his home for the next 2 seasons. His success comes from his ability to change speeds with his fastball. He throws a four-seamer and a two-seamer, both of which come with identical arm action. He is durable and can appear in back-to-back games. He is far too easy to run on. With is deluberate, almost lethargic delivery he gives a catcher no chance to throw. He should provide the Reds with a solid middle reliever.

The Minnesota Twins signed utility infielder Jeff Cirillo. Cirillo is a line drive hitter who is deadly with two strikes on him and cranks out doubles without breaking a sweat. With runners in scoring position, he's phenomenol. He's always a bunt threat and doesn't do a thing wrong at the hot corner. He doesn't have the home-run power you'd like to see from a third baseman. Also, he's taken a step back in the patience department. Look for Cirillo to come off the bench and get the occasional start in the infield when starters need a rest.

Starter Greg Maddux signed one-year deal with the San Diego Padres. Maddux's mastery of the plate is unparalleled. While not relying so much on his fastball anymore, the right-hander mixes speeds with the best of them. He possesses outstanding knowledge of hitters and the art of pitching. Very capable at the plate and peerless as a fifth infielder. Maddux's only real weakness appears to be his control of base runners on the base paths. He occasionally has command trouble against left-handed hitters, and his endurance has waned late in his career. Look for him to take David Well's spot in the rotation.

posible skytrain strike

I am embarrased and appalled by the STA's (skytrain assistants). To be honest, the STA's do NOT deserve what they are asking for as countless times I have been on Skytrain and there have been no visible security force there. As a resul, the chances of an emergency happening go up and they may not get there in time to save a life should someone have a heart attack or some other medical emergency. Plus many people depend on transit, like me to get around, so this is a catastrophe. STA's need to act like adults and NEGOTIATE a deal. What are they a bunch of babies?

final winter meeting signings and FA signings since

There are several signings in the MLB to report.

The Kansas City Royals shored up their pitching. They signed reliever Octavio Dotel. He's got a great fastball with an uncanny ability to rack up the K's. He's murder on lefties and can really bear down and get the job done with runners aboard. He has wild tendencies and, though he isn't hit more often than the average pitcher, when he is hit, he's hit to the moon. Dotel should provide the Royals with a quality setup man.

The Royals also won the Gil Meche sweepstakes, meaning that the Blue Jays went home from the winter meetings having only accomplished signing a 4th outfielder and drafting Smith in the rule five draft. Meche can throw a quality sinker in the low 90's to get groundball outs. He also has the heat to rack up impressive strikeout numbers. It's so early in his careera and he's already been hobbled by injuries for most of it. On the mound, command has been a problem. Meche is a solid .500 starter and should be the Royals #2 or 3 starter.

The Royals signed a second starter in John Bale who was playing in the Japanese league last season. If any bloggers know anything about him I would like to kow his career numbers.

The Chicago cubs added a fourth outfielder and pinch hitter in Daryle Wade. The left-handed slugger has a power to burn and is developing a knack for hitting in the clutch. He's over-aggressive at the plate, swinging at anything and is inexperienced against lefties. Defensively, he doesn't make anyone forget about Williw Mays. Look for Wade to be used as a pinch hittr late in games.

Catcher Mike Piazza has found a home in Oakland and he can pretty well leave his catching glove behind in San Diego as he'll primarily be the A's DH. Simply put, Mike Piazza can be one of the most powerful hitters in the game. Despite his aggressiveness, he does not strike out a lot and makes contact at will. Behind the plate, he blocks balls fearlessly. Overall, Piazza is rather poor defensively. It's his weak throwing arm that's been the source of most of his problems. He was also a weak first baseman when he experimented there. Also, he lacks the speed and runs the bases conservatively. Look for Piazza to hit anywhere from 3-5.

Back-up catcher Paul Bako has signed a 1 year deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Bako is very solid defensively. He reads the game well and has a good command of his pitchers when he's behind the plate. Bako understands his role and is a good leader in the clubhouse. He'll never contend for any batting titles, to say the least. His strikeout rate is shockingly high and he consistently fails to get the job done with runners aboard.

Apparently Barry Bonds was right, he said that he could have a deal done with a snap of his fingers and less than 24 hours later he had signed on the dotted line for another season with the Giants. Bonds is just 22 home runs shy of making baseball history in surpassing Hank Aaron for top spot in career home run totals. Bonds' incomparable performance at the plate is a result of his selectiveness. He only swings when he is certain he will make contact, which makes it very tough for opposing pitchers to work to him. And if they don't want to pitch to him, he'll gladly take a stroll to first base. Bonds was once the best defensive left fielder in the game. Age has taken its toll on this aspect of his game, but he continues to be a dependable glove. Look for Bonds to take more games off, especially with a day-night double-header or two consecutive games where the Giants play one night and play a day game the following day.

Starter Andy Pettite rejoined the Yankees for at least a season. Pettite has one of the most devastating pick-off moves in the history of the game. He has great movement on all his pitches, especially his cutter that moves on righties. Needs to keep his base runners down. He consistently averages, over one hit per inning, which keeps him out of the elite class. Pettite would be a #2 starter 0n any other team, but on this team he'll likely start fourth.

Lefty specialist Russ Springer signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. Could he be next season's Ray King for the Cards?

Another lefty specialist, Steve Kline signed with the SF Giants. He's tough on righties, but even tougher on lefties. He's a ground-ball pitcher who gets his team out of a lot of jams via the double play ball. He's becoming somewhat inconsistent. Despite being a lefty, base-stealers have free reign with Kline on the mound.

The LA Dodgers signed a trio of players. Outfielder Luis Gonzalez signed with the Dodgers for next season. A consistent line drive hitterost of his career, he has found a power stroke in the desert. He now lays off high heat, isn't above taking a walk, and uses the entire field to his advantage. Gonzalez is only an average fielder, partly because his speed and arm strength have lessened with age. His loss of step has also impaired his base-running ability. Gonzalez should provide leadership in the clubhouse and provide a solid bat in the middle of the Dodgers line-up.

The Dodgers also signed catcher Mike Lieberthal to a on-year pact. Lieberthal calls a magnificent game and logs a ton of innings. He's strong and can crush the ball to any part of the park. His throwing arm has been an asset in the past, but it's waning a bit. Lieberthal will go into slumps at the plate where he tries to pull everything, becoming easy prey for the high fastball. Look for him to start b/w 100-120 games.

Finally, the Dodgers signed starting pitcher Jason Schmidt to a three-year deal. Schmidt relies on a mid-upper-90's heater and a hard slider for outs. He is most successful when he can run his fastball in on the hands of batters. He also throws a change-up that helps to keep hitters off balance. Though he's made huge strides with his game, he still winds up with unnecessarily high pitch counts and a lot of walks. Look for Schmidt to be the Dodgers #2 starter.

The final major signing to report currenty is the Texas Rangers re-signing Vincente Padilla. The right-hander dominates right-handed hitters with his hard heat. Padilla keeps his pitches down and throws strikes. Very much a sinker-slider pitcher. Must continue to work on pitching inside, in particular against left-handers. He's also got to work on his ability to last beyond the 6th inning. Look for Padilla to be the Rangers # 3 starter.

Joe Nieuwendyk retires

Center Joe Nieuwendyk, in a surprise move Wednesday ended a fine 19 year career that began in Calgary and included stops in Dallas, New Jersey, Toronto and Florida. Nieuwendyk was slowed by injuries in recent years, including a chronic back injury. Nieuwendyk's career numbers were as follows: 1257 regular season games played; 564 G; 562 A; 1126 Pts; +155; 677 PIM; 17.4 successful shot percentage. In the playoffs, his numbers were as follows: 158 GP; 66 G; 50A; 116 Pts, an even rating and 91 PIM.

happenings at MLB Winter meetings

There have been several developments at this years winter meetings in Orlando FLA.

First of all, Rightie starter Tanyon Sturtze is heading to the Atlanta Braves who are looking to rebuild after finally losing a division title last season and not even making the playoffs. He has good heat thanks to his size but most of all he can get hitters to beat the ball into the ground. He's strong with runners in scoring position. Off the mound, he's a capable fielder. His head tends to stray permanently toward the dugout with 2 out and he gets beat up. On the whole, his pitch placement needs work because when he gets hit he gets hit hard and when you get hit hard after all the bases on balls he gives up, you're in trouble. Sturtze should provide a sound #3 starter for the Braves.

Outfielder Jose Guillen is heading to the NW after inking a one-year deal with the Seattle Mariners. He has great raw power with the ability to spray the ball all over the park and out over all fences. Defesively, his arm ranks among the best in the game. Although he's made huge strides as an evevryday player in recent years, he's becoming a clubhouse liability with is temper. Doesn't walk nearly enough. Guillen could be a bad move for the Mariners, especially with his temper. He does provide pop, but the Mariners don't need his temper tantrums.

Infielder Rich Aurilia is heading back to San Francisco, three seasons after leaving the Giants for greener pastures. Aurilia's success at the plate is a result of his ability to maintain balance, thus increasing the opportunity to make contact with any pitch in the strike zone. He has surprising power and an ability to produce runs. His defense is sometimes shaky, as he has limited range and arm strength and is not always consistent with routine plays. Tends to have trouble in the clutch. He should provide a decent bat in the 7 or 8 hole. Aurilia's signing all but spells the end of Shea Hillenbrand's brief, but decent stint with the Giants after being traded in the middle of last season.

The Giants also re-signed 3b Pedro Feliz. He has shown considerable power and run producton, but also has the legs to run out doubles. Although he isn't flashy, his defense is solid and reliable at the infield corners. The biggest drawback with Feliz is that he tends to be a very free swinger. Just can't seem to get around consistently on righties. Look for Feliz to control 3b next season for the Giants.

Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter has re-upped for another five seasons. A big man who can rear back and throw some fire when he needs to. He's developed great intensity and has got a tremendous curveball and a solid move to first from the right side. Carpenter still hs a little work to do on keeping his focus with runners aboard. Left-handed hitters can nail him. Carpenter will need to be at his Cy Young award winning self most starts if the Cardinals are to succeed next season.

The Colorado Rockies shored up their bullpen at the winter meetings agreeing to a one-year deal with reliever Latroy Hawkins. He can consistently pump his heater into the mid-90's and bear down with 2 outs. Hitters from both sides find him tough and he's strong with runners on. His fastball is too stright so hitters expect it on the first pitch and crush it. When he overcompensates to that, he falls behind. Hawkins should provide the Rockies with a solid set-up man.

Outfielder J.D. Drew inked a monstrous five-year, 70 million dollar contract with the Boston Red Sox. Drew is the complete package. He has a cannon for an arm, plenty of speed and tons of power. He's also become a terrific hitter with runners in scoring position. Though he's gifted with natural speed, injuries are doing their best to slow him down. He struggles terribly against left-handers, especially for power. Look for Drew to either complement or replace Manny Ramirez in the Red Sox outfield, depending on what pans out with a possible deal at the winter meetings.

The Cleveland Indians continued their wheelings and dealings signing a paoir of players. Outfielder David Delucci signed on with the team for the next three seasons. He has a keen eye for the breaking ball and is a reliable hitter with runners in scoring position. He's a good defensive outfielder. This left-handed hitters seems allergic to southpaws. Just can't hit them, which is what keeps him from playing every day. Look for delucci to be in the #7 hole when he's in the line-up.

The Idians also signed reliever Joe Borowski to a 1-year deal. Borowski has good heat and is surprisingly effective against left-handed hitters, considering he's a righty. He's not afraid to challenge hitters. His command has been shaky in previous big-league stints, and that is primarily what kept him in the minors. Borowski should be a good setup man for the Indians 'pen.

Finally, ex-Jays catcher Benjie Molina inked a three-year deal with the San Francisco Giants. Molina has a great bat, but he's a terrible base runner (see game last season against Chicago White Sox where 2b threw him out on a play that just about every other player, minus the pitcher, would have beat out.) He also had a terrible time throwing out base runners. On the plus side, Molina is great at handling pitchers and should provide the rebuilding Giants with a decent backstop.

Western Conference Northwest Division still toughest in NHL?

The Northwest division featuring the likes of Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Minnesota, and Colorado. Heading into tonights action Edmonton leads the division and Vancouver sits in the basement. By Monday, Vancouver could sit in top spot in the NW division and hold the third playoff spot. Chad, if the playoffs started tonght, your flame-outs would hold the 8th and final playoff spot and they would be facing a red-hot Anaheim Ducks team who has lost only twice in regulation, 6 times in overtime/shootout this season.

MLB signings updated

There were several more signings to report.

40-year old veteran Tom Glavine has re-signed with the New York Mets, citing his like for the organozation and his strong family commitments. Glavine controls the plate as well as any pitcher in the league. Glanvine's change-up has proven to be fearsome for opposing hitters. He's very determine on the mound and is a fighter who won't give in with an easy pitch with three balls on the hitter. The two-time Cy Young winner doesn't have an overpowering fastball and sometimes it gets up over the plate, which can spell trouble. He does suffer the occasional lapse in control. At least until June, Glavine will be the staff ace while Pedro Martinez recovers from rotator cuff surgery.

Ray Durham has re-signed with the San Francisco Giants. The switching-hitting Durham has improved rom the right side of the plate, thus making opposing managers less likely to bring in a lefthander to face him late in games. Speed remains his biggest weapon. Although he works the count from both sides of the plate, he strikes out far too much. Tat's not the way to take advantage of your speed. Defensively, tends to fall into nasty spells. He'll be good at protecting the heavy hitters in the Giants line-up.

The Cleveland Indians signed a pair of relievers. Lefty specialist Aaron Fultzsigned a one-year deal with the Indians. Fultz has the velocity and movement on his fastball to be able to overpower hitters. He also has enough control to work inside to right-handed batters. He's often used for more than an inning, but shouldn't be. Right-handed hitters paste him. Look for him to come in to face the oppositions lefties.

Roberto Hernandez also signed with the Indians. Though he's aging, Hernandez' biggest asset remains a fastball that at one time had so much power behind it that it occasionally looked like his arm was powered by NASA. His phenomenol heat sets up a shocking splitter. He's a little streaky and tends to peak during the hot summer months, Problems arise hen he struggles with his control and his slider doesn't slide.

Finally, speedster Dave Roberts has inked a deal with the San Francisco Giants. Roberts is a speedster who can get on base and make things happen. He's an excellent bunter. Has a reputation for hitting poorly against lefties, so he rarely faces them. His bat isn't consistent enough. Look for Roberts to lead-off in the Giants' line-up.