Phightins

The thing that I keep coming back to is this: if David Price was in this trade instead of James Shields, how would the trade be viewed? I'd still view it as awesome for Tampa. Would have been a win-win.

Surprisingly, Kauffman is usually in the top half of offense-friendly stadiums in the league, and the Trop is near the bottom. I'm sure a lot of this is how awful the Royals pitching has been. But yes, great point about Fenway and Yankee Stadium. I guess time will tell with this one.

Another thing that scares me about Shields, that I had not thought about before... http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g96/philsphan1210/ScreenShot2012-12-10at54534PM.png I'm sure this will somewhat be cancelled out by the fact that he is leaving the AL East and going to a rather awful offensive division, but more evidence that maybe Shields isn't quite an "ace". I still think he will be very good in KC though, but I stand by my idea that KC should have gotten more.

I'm only concerned about Shields' age because of how close he is to free agency. Joe Blanton just got a contract worth $8 million per year. This market is insane. Shields is going to make bank in two years. I get why the Royals did it, and I'll be happy for them if they make the playoffs. Shields will likely dominate that division. I just think that for Myers and Odorizzi, they should have gotten a younger guy who will be under team control for longer (AKA Price or Moore).

I generally agree but I think Myers is the closest thing to a lock that there is. He was Baseball America's minor league player of the year. I think I read somewhere that of the last 14 hitters to win that, 12 went on to become all stars. My numbers may be off a bit, but that award is no joke. Shields is awesome, but also older and close to the point in his career where he is extremely overpaid. KC ownership supposedly told the entire baseball staff that if they didn't make a run this season, there would be major changes. So to me, this seems like a panic move. Giving up a potentially sick core for the next ten seasons in exchange for an outside chance to make the playoffs in 2013. For that prospect haul, KC should have been able to get David Price or Matt Moore, IMO. I don't think 2 years of James Shields (and a 50/50 chance that Wade Davis can even be a starter) is worth all that.

Royals gave way too much IMO. Rays are going to be sick for quite a while.

WTF ROYALS???

Eagles game is perfect. Foles looks decent, team still losing. Perfect outcome. Just do this three more times to finish the season and I will be happy.

Holy shit Jason Avant

Holy shit! Imagine if they sign Anibal too...

Greinke to Dodgers. Shocker. 6 years/$145 million. Yeesh. Wonder what they would have given Hamels...

I have calmed down about the Revere trade. I actually kind of like it now. Young though? Bleh. I guess you could make the case that there are no better options (although I'd have been just as fine with a Kevin Frandsen/Freddy Galvis platoon), and Lindblom was totally tradable since there are 6 or 7 relievers I like better than him, and Bonilla is a total crapshoot. Since we gave up just about nothing and are paying a very tiny portion of his salary, I suppose it could have been worse. Wondering if a run at Hamilton is upcoming.

The way Fehr deliberately held that press conference to get the hopes of fans up, only to crush them about 15 minutes later, was disgraceful. Some players are saying Fehr told them to hold out, even though they were ready to accept a deal. I can understand this, but this means he knew the situation was not nearly as positive as he led on in that first presser. I know Bettman is the easy target in all of this (and deservedly so), but wow. Everyone involved should be ashamed.

Ruben Amaro, GTFO. I like Ben Revere, but wouldn't have given Worley or May on their own for him in a 1-for-1 trade, much less trade BOTH of them. Unreal. And I am hoping Michael Young uses his no trade clause to reject this trade, because he is just absolutely awful.

Looks like this is going off the rails again. What a god damn soap opera. This is why I said I'd remain skeptical until games are being played.

The post you quoted was a Kypreos scoop...

Kypreos isn't a Boston reporter

Progress? I will remain skeptical until I see a signed CBA, but this is easily the best sign we've had so far.

Nevermind...Daly already shot it down.

ECN...thoughts on WBZ Sports?

So, I am now officially on the Josh Hamilton bandwagon. If Ruben Amaro is going to grossly overpay an OFer, I'd rather it be Hamilton than Micheal Bourn.

This is awkward. I really want Nick Foles to play well, but I also realize that losing is in the best interest of the team moving forward. Both of these are not likely to happen together. I am quite conflicted.

Tommy Hanson for Jordan Walden. Interesting. The Braves must be really down on Hanson's health if they are willing to move him for a relief pitcher.

Nationals get Denard Span for Alex Meyer. Pretty sweet deal for both teams IMO. Scary part for me is that it leaves Michael Bourn out there for the Phillies without much competition. Do not want. Also, that Nats outfield will be pretty sick with Werth and Harper in the corners. A lot of ground will be covered.

Sounds like mediation was a failure. This may be the final blow. Sad.