The Official MLB Season Thread (Opening in Japan at 6:00 a.m.)

[BioMechanic]

He's a strikeout hitter who's changing leagues in the middle of a season, for one.

Plus, he's going from a tiny market team that hasn't played a meaningful game in years to one of the most scrutinized organizations in professional sports, and one that's in the middle of a heated pennant race. And he's replacing Manny Ramirez, of all hitters. The pressure will be on for instant results in a major, major way.

Bay's never been in this position as a pro, so he's not exactly a proven performer. Big risk, but potentially big payoff. I like his game a lot, but many good players have wilted under the spotlight.

edit: Yeah, Pittsburgh did darn well for themselves, as they weren't going to be able to re-up Bay with Boras as his agent anyways. Deeper pockets do indeed tip the scales, unfortunately.

[magnifiedplaid]

I have two things to say:

LOL Dodgers (sorry plaid)

Yeah, this definitely smells like a desperation move to me on the Dodgers part. McCourt felt like he had to make a move because the Angels showed up the Dodgers by getting Texeira. Colletti also thinks this deal will save his job.

Also, as I posted a few days ago, I think that Manny's numbers are on the decline...and honestly I probably would have wanted Jason Bay more than Manny at this point.

The one upside about this move, for the Dodgers, is that they still didn't really give up anything to get Manny. LaRoche has been an overhyped prospect, and it just seemed like he fell out of favor with the front office when he injured his back again this spring and Blake Dewitt was forced to take over at third base for the start of the season. The Dodgers never intended to give LaRoche another fair chance after his injury.

This trade can also be a debacle if Torre doesn't get some balls and step up to make the announcement that Ethier, Kemp, and Ramirez will be the starting outfield for the remainder of the season. Pierre and Jones are gonna be pissed...lol.

EDIT - I'm absolutely LOVING Casey Blake BTW. This dude is my type of ballplayer. Hopefully the Dodgers can resign him to a one year contract in the off season and put Blake Dewitt at 2nd base.

[Rich]

yanks apparently signed victor zambrano to the minors.

[SpoDaddy]

yanks apparently signed victor zambrano to the minors.

Now we just need Peterson and 10 minutes.

[SpoDaddy]

Also, as I posted a few days ago, I think that Manny's numbers are on the decline...and honestly I probably would have wanted Jason Bay more than Manny at this point.

You'll change your mind on that quickly. Bay is a good player that you can strikeout if you're careful. Manny is an unstoppable force of nature at the plate; he single-handedly makes a lineup dangerous. And he's going to be determined to play well for the Dodgers A) to embarrass Boston and B) to get the $100 million pot of gold Boras is promising him.

[stormy]

Manny now != Manny 5 years ago. You CAN throw heat by him.

[Razor Ramon]

The Yanks are now allergic to winning, apparently.

[Brisco Bold]

yanks apparently signed victor zambrano to the minors.

What a worthless piece of shit that guy is.

[Rich]

What a worthless piece of shit that guy is.

he's giving up more runs than innings this year

[youandwhosearmy]

Bay has a chance in a real lineup with actual protection to put up some decent numbers. Boston's plan with him I think is to hopefully get a decent year and a half out of Bay (25-30 HR's, 90-100 RBI) and then make a run at Matt Holliday.

I by no means think its a slam dunk though.

The yanks did a really good job at the deadline this year. They have no business not getting over the hump.