2014 Offseason Thread

[Da Schwab]

I have no problem with a pitcher winning the MVP like some people do, but Stanton deserved it this year.

I know the Marlins were a losing team, but that team loses 90+ without him in that lineup.

[Da Schwab]

Oh, and congrats to Kershaw on a great season.

Now put that together in the postseason and we'll start talking GOAT status.

[Da Schwab]

One more comment on the award:

If Stanton played for Dodgers and the team were in the same situation (under .500 and whatnot), he would have won.

Yes, I believe the market killed his chances.

[Stanford]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/explaini ... vp-ballot/

Dave Cameron voted Stanton third.

[Quake Griffin]

One more comment on the award:

If Stanton played for Dodgers and the team were in the same situation (under .500 and whatnot), he would have won.

Yes, I believe the market killed his chances.

think so?

[Da Schwab]

Yes. I do.

Kemp had a legitimate co-contender in Braun that year (PEDs notwithstanding).

[Da Schwab]

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/explaining-my-national-league-mvp-ballot/

Dave Cameron voted Stanton third.

Good read.

As much as I think Stanton should've won, I can't knock people for giving it to Kershaw.

[Higga]

Kershaw was deserving to win MVP. Nobody else really stood out to me. Stanton is a monster but for me it's tough to give MVP to a guy on a bad team, and then you throw in the fact that he got hurt...

How about my boy Anthony Rendon finishing 5th in MVP votes though

[Ralnor]

AJ Burnett is heading back to Pittsburgh.

The Pirates and the veteran right-hander met again on Friday, when he agreed with the club for a 2015 contract at $8.5 million

The weird thing is, he turned down his player option for $12.75 million.

Did he realize the market was not going to offer him more than 8.5 million for a season?

[Da Schwab]

AJ Burnett is heading back to Pittsburgh.

The Pirates and the veteran right-hander met again on Friday, when he agreed with the club for a 2015 contract at $8.5 million

The weird thing is, he turned down his player option for $12.75 million.

Did he realize the market was not going to offer him more than 8.5 million for a season?

No. He realized the Phillies are a pit of despair and that he values being on a winning team over a paycheck.

Imagine that.

[Da Schwab]

So... 13 years and $325 million for Stanton seems to be the confirmed number. No trade clause, opt-out clause kicks in in 2020.

Like I said before, he's incredibly deserving of a new and relatively massive deal, but these types of contracts never work out. I do like that the Marlins are finally building around a homegrown piece, though. Between him, Jose Fernandez, and guys like Yelich/McGehee/Hechavarria, this franchise could have a Rays-esque run in them.

[TyCobb]

The only way I don't see it working out is if he stays injured.

Glad it happened. Will set the bar for future contracts to never surpass, except maybe Trout.

[Da Schwab]

The only way I don't see it working out is if he stays injured.

Glad it happened. Will set the bar for future contracts to never surpass, except maybe Trout.

He just turned 25 and has played a max of 150 games in a season (though he would have eclipsed that had he not been beheaded with two weeks to go). He hasn't been incredibly durable outside of this season. I figure it will be worth the money if the Marlins continue to build around him and they become very successful before that opt-out window opens up.

The only two players I could see getting a larger payoff are Trout, as you mentioned, who would be 26 at the earliest point of possible free agency; and maybe (a big maybe) Bryce Harper.

[Quake Griffin]

Trout will have finished his age 28 season by the time his deal is up.

Man I don't want to be the team that acquiesces to his demands at that age.

[BramptonYute]

Im more surprised Stanton wants to stay there for that long. Maybe its cause he knows the Marlins will probably trade him 2 years into the deal?

[TyCobb]

I'm gonna say it's 90% because of the women.

[Mehar]

So... 13 years and $325 million for Stanton seems to be the confirmed number. No trade clause, opt-out clause kicks in in 2020.

Like I said before, he's incredibly deserving of a new and relatively massive deal, but these types of contracts never work out. I do like that the Marlins are finally building around a homegrown piece, though. Between him, Jose Fernandez, and guys like Yelich/McGehee/Hechavarria, this franchise could have a Rays-esque run in them.

A 13 year contract for any player is ridiculous, even for Stanton. This 300 M contract is another barometer that will escalate players contracts once more. I do not even regard Stanton as the best player in the league. He hit just .249 in 2013, and i remember some people in Miami were actually criticizing his play. He did have a very good 2014. Anyways, It happened in 2000 when A-Rod signed his 10 year deal, and players like Manny Ramirez then asked and got 8 years from the Red Sox, and then guys like Helton got 9 years from Colorado.

There was no need for the Marlins to give this guy 13 years. The Marlins already have one of the worst attendances in MLB, and this is another foolish move by this organization. I am pretty sure owners and executives around the league are shaking their heads. Leave it to the Marlins of all people to drive up salaries one more time in MLB.

[Quake Griffin]

what is the actual point of signing someone that long?
who are you bidding against?
I can see a Pujols or a Cano....because someone else is going to give them the years just to have them for the now and it's a bidding war. But the Stanton deal...smh.

survey says so far....Joey Votto has missed significant time 2 out of 4 seasons since his big extension on top of his 1st extension....good luck dealing with that until age 40.

[Mehar]

what is the actual point of signing someone that long?
who are you bidding against?
I can see a Pujols or a Cano....because someone else is going to give them the years just to have them for the now and it's a bidding war. But the Stanton deal...smh.

survey says so far....Joey Votto has missed significant time 2 out of 4 seasons since his big extension on top of his 1st extension....good luck dealing with that until age 40.

Absolutely man. Well said. Then the owners start bitching about how the players are getting too much money in the next CBA talks. There was no bidding war, and the Marlins of all people, with all their issues, and the owner Loria only two years ago complaining how they had to get rid of guys like Reyes and Beurhle because of their salaries- turns around and makes this foolish 13 years $325 unprecedented, and ridiculous contract offer.

In 2013- Stanton hit .249 and people in Miami were actually criticizing him. One very good year later (where he hit still not hit .300), he is being paid as the best player in the league, when he is not. Stanton is a very good talent, but this contract is just nuts. Marlins outbid themselves when there was no need to do so. This will be another contract that will further drive salaries and contract lengths to new levels. I am just shaking my head at this. 13 years for any player, even Stanton, who turned 25- is a very bad move.

[Da Schwab]

Stanton got that much money because he has yet to reach his ceiling as a player. He's gotten better defensively and at the plate as his career has progressed. The Marlins are banking on him becoming damn near unstoppable.

And, as for your point about the A-Rod deal triggering big money for guys like Manny and Helton, it seemed to work out for them. They were both pretty damn productive for the span of those contracts.