jaysfan2014

Plus, neither Rotoworld or MLB Trade Rumors has even mentioned it. And who are these "two sources?"

Watch as some "mystery" team likely signs Sandoval and/or Lester instead of the Red Sox.. it's been like this for years.

No chance. With $18T in debt, taxes are more likely going up. And in addition, Obamacare premiums are about to soar..

Braves must be planning a big run at some international free agents.. and the La Stella part of the trade is confusing on the Cubs side.. don't they have Baez, Russell and Alcantara already?

Nice depth.. but they need offense in the worst way (worst in the AL. Astros and Yankees were 2nd and 3rd worst.) So more trades are likely.

Matt Silverman was responsible for this trade.

And the Rays aren't likely done trading. Zobrist is likely next out the door, along with Joyce and S-Rod. And don't rule out Loney or even Longoria(unlikely) either.. remember, this franchise said payroll will be MUCH lower next year.

That's great to hear.. but will it translate when he reaches higher levels of competition? He hasn't played above Low-A ball yet.

Hard to call. They're Arizona's #12 and #14 prospects. They're 3 years away at best.. by that time, there may be no fans left in Tampa, and possibly no team either if no new stadium movement occurs soon. Here's MLB's description on Velazquez: Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 30 | Run: 60 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45 Velazquez went under the radar coming out of Fordham Prep in New York City in 2012, and he didn't raise his profile much in his first full professional season. That changed this year when Velazquez reached base in 74 consecutive games, setting a new Minor League record. One of the keys to the record was Velazquez's improved approach at the plate. Armed with a better awareness of the strike zone, he has become a more disciplined hitter, though there is still some swing-and-miss in his game. Velazquez generates good bat speed, but his small size limits his power output. His improved on-base skills and his plus speed make him an ideal fit at the top of the order. Defensively, Velazquez is still learning the infield after playing mostly center field in high school. He has good range and a strong arm, and he could develop into a solid defender in time. And for Williams: Scouting grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 60 | Run: 40 | Arm: 50 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45 Williams was one of the youngest players in the 2013 Draft class, and he had some of the best power. His age hasn't been apparent at the plate, as he has more than held his own everywhere the D-backs have sent him. Williams packs a lot of power in his big, physical frame. His approach at the plate is still a work in progress, however, limiting how much of that power he can use in games. At his best, Williams uses the whole field to hit, and with more experience, he should be able to drive the ball out of any part of the park. Williams was a shortstop in high school, but he was quickly moved to left field by Arizona. He has the tools to become an adequate outfielder once he gets used to the new position. Basically, both are lottery tickets.

Not Raptors related, but who the heck is running the D for the Cavs? 101 points after 3 quarters given up. It's like watching Bonifacio fail at 2B last year the way the Cavs are defending. And Cleveland still has no bench..

Not in our lifetime barring hyperinflation. A contract that expensive would bankrupt a ballclub.

Well, blowing a 1st place division lead after the All-Star break cost him votes..

No surprise. If it hadn't been for the injury to Stanton late in the season, it might've been closer. Now if only Kershaw could get to the World Series.. all that money and they still haven't been able to get there, while the Giants have 3 titles!

$50m/3 years for someone who was previously busted for PEDs and is tied to draft pick compensation? No way. Something in the middle, like 3 years/$45M would be suitable.

Haven't the Angels already destroyed their bonus pool from the Baldoquin signing? And other teams will likely be after him as well.

Cervelli finally escapes New York! Still waiting on the return. Good trade for the Pirates.. Cervelli would be an everyday catcher on most teams anyway except the Yankees, who prefer to pay McCann a ton.. Justin Wilson goes to NY in the deal, BTW.

They'll be basically like the Phillies in a few years, if not sooner. And we've all seen that disaster RAJ has left over there.

Some sucker of a team is going to give him too much money to be a closer.. and it won't be Boston.

One more thing.. David Ortiz is really important to the Red Sox.. most of their success in the past decade has been when Ortiz has been healthy.. he's been a big part of the 3 World Series titles in Boston. When he's struggled(such as 2010 and 2014) or been hurt, the Sox don't win.

And Ortiz is on his way to 500+HR barring injury and a HOF induction, yet V-Mart has only hit 30+ HRs once, mostly because of having Miguel Cabrera as protection and getting to pound the AL Central all the time (7 HRs vs. Indians, 5 vs. Twins, 3 vs. White Sox). Otherwise, his numbers are basically pedestrian.

Especially considering Cruz can play defense and V-Mart can't (his 1B work is AWFUL.) O's better start looking for a different option.. Cruz is going to be way out of their price range.

Terrible deal. Despite his plate discipline, he's getting way overpaid for a career year in 2014. I mean, $17M/year for a DH, yet David Ortiz is getting paid less for better numbers.. Detroit is really desperate for a World Series before Illitch passes away.

How are the Tigers going to afford this in coming years, especially with the risk of Mike Illitch passing on in coming years(he's 85.)?

V-Mart about to resign for 4 years with the Tigers. Ken RosenthalVerified account ‏@Ken_Rosenthal Sources: #Tigers close to re-signing Victor Martinez to four-year deal. No surprise, but the years may be a bit much for a Tigers team facing a declining core in upcoming years.

Jon Lester getting interest from 6 teams: http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2014/11/12/source-six-teams-showing-legitimate-interest-in-jon-lester/ Boston fans are going to get a huge disappointment..