Brownie19

Albert Pujols' wife, Deidre Pujols, wrote on Instagram Monday that "today is the first day of the last season of one of the most remarkable careers in sports!" The obvious indication here would be that Pujols is planning to retire at the conclusion of the 2021 campaign, and he did add a few heart emojis under his wife's post before telling USA Today's Bob Nightengale that he has yet to make a decision. This is indeed the final year of the 10-year, $240 million free agent contract that Pujols signed with the Angels back in December 2011, following a ridiculous 11-year run in St. Louis that included two World Series titles. The veteran slugger is currently sitting on 3,236 hits, 662 home runs, and 2,100 RBI, to go along with a lifetime .299/.377/.546 batting line. He'll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when the time comes. --------------------------------------------------------- This isn't surprising, but I must say it will be bittersweet to see this legend retire from the game. I still remember his rookie season when he took the league (and every fantasy league) by storm out of nowhere and never looked back. The guy was an absolute beast and a fantastic ambassador for the game of baseball. It's been so difficult watching him the past couple of seasons - but I still have the utmost respect for him and will continue cheering him on as he finishes up his career.

I can't imagine JO will sign for less than Walker. I could see us offering like a 1 year $17.5M deal or something to entice him to settle on a 1 year deal. Otherwise, I'm fine with giving him a 2 year $25M with some incentives (and hopefully a club option for year 3).

Semien (probably) "f*** me - this team actually has support staff, free soda in the clubhouse and the dugout doesn't smell like sewage - I love it here"

Curious why Correa would be your first choice. You think he'll be the best value?

Yeah I don't personally see the big arm lag that people suggest may lead to arm injuries or push him into the pen.

Easy there Greta - I was just quoting Gibby as that was exactly something I'd have expected him to say whilst shoveling snow in Texas.

yeah - that's not how it would play out at all...

Global warming my ass - classic Gibby. f*** I love this guy.

Powell has been fantastic this year. It's really a shame that if we want to keep him, we'll end up with about 80% of our payroll locked up in FVV, OG, Powell and Siakam - leaving us no room for any impact player (either at C or SG). I have grown to love all 4 of those players and while I think we can win a lot of game with that core, I don't think that core wins playoff rounds and thus I think ultimately, something will have to give.

Will be if his arm falls off. For someone who's thrown like 50 innings combined in the last 3 years - you can see why he'd want that included as an option.

Apparently he got a club option for a 3 year. Yuck. I agree with Laika - we end up with Porcello at these costs. JO would be a solid fit, but he may get 3 years $45M if Walker got 2 years $20M + a player option.

I think we all knew he was going to sign somewhere where he can be the closer. That wasn't going to be Toronto.

You may be right - but it must be really hard when you're in the middle of a season, fighting for 1st place and the best player on the team gets called up to the next level. You may also have situations where teams aren't playing the best players available (to win that game) - instead focusing on the development of certain players. I also wonder if the top prospects are much less likely to play through an injury to help the team than the career minor league guy is?

Kevin Pillar signed with the Mets - you going to start a new thread for that too?

I wonder how much minor league players care about making the playoffs and/or winning in general. I mean there's the general desire to win, but for most real prospects, the goal is probably aimed towards development and advancement to the next level v. being passionate about helping your team win. This probably varies quite a bit within the clubhouse. The stud prospects probably care the least about whether the team is winning or losing, while the career minor leaguer is probably much more invested in the success of the team. That must be a difficult dynamic within the clubhouse.

I mean whatever will he do with just $169M?

Because he isn't very good, is extremely injury prone and wants a multi year deal for $10M+ AAV?

I think real estate agents should follow suit. For the most part they make a killing based off old outdated practices.

Moreland signed with the A's. Brian Dozier has retired.

Yeah I just read a couple articles on it. Apparently he has over 120 player under contract. Pretty crazy business.

Interesting fact - I never knew that (or if I did, I've forgotten).

That's insane. What was the $300K for?

1 year behind Rick Dipeitro for the longest contract in sports.

How does reducing the number of minor league affiliates (thus reducing the opportunities and making it harder to pursue baseball) attract a younger fanbase? I'm reading between the lines here, but you started out by complaining there were too many players at camp and I think what you're struggling with is the shear number of players within the organization and trying to keep track of them all as a fan. I get that. When the Jays call guys up or make trades with minor league players involved, I get 4 or 5 texts from my buddies asking for my analysis. However, I can't imagine that's anywhere near the top of the list of the issues baseball has with the youth of America. Personally, I love following the Jays farm system as much as I do the big league club. I've always loved the history of baseball and the statistics behind it. For me, the affiliates are all part of that and I love them.

I think we have to assume there's a good reason why Paxton only got 1 year $8.5M - and it's probably because there's a very high chance he's cooked.