MVN: Most Valuable Network

Baldelli, Smoltz agree to terms

By bottomlinesox | January 8, 2009 | The Bottom Line

We haven't seen all the details, but here's what Chad Finn is reporting at The Globe: "Smoltz, 41, will sign a $5 million guaranteed deal with Boston that includes the possibility of earning another $5 million in bonuses. The Smoltz deal was expected to be finalized later today according to a source familiar with the negotiations, the AP reported. The Red Sox did not announce terms of Baldelli's contract, but a baseball source told the Globe that he will receive $500,000 guaranteed, and can earn another $1.75 million in bonuses solely for remaining on the active roster -- in other words, his salary would be $2.25 million if he remains on the active roster all season. On top of that, the 27-year-old also has significant bonuses based on plate appearances that could elevate the value of the contract to as high as $7.5 million, though that number is attainable only...

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Who is the biggest jerk in Baseball?

By Joe Loudmouth | January 8, 2009 | Joe Loudmouth

Welcome to the new fan's site at MVN. Every week we will post a new poll for you the fan to express your opinion. Who is that player that makes you want to puke? Who is that player that you would love to see humiliated? Leave a comment... tell us who the biggest jerk is.

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Best of MVN: Murray Chass on Selig, Bonds, Clemens

By Staff Report | January 8, 2009 | MVN Outsider

On weekdays we highlight posts from Most Valuable Network that are considered to be a cut above the rest. This work is the best of MVN, the posts that made us think -- and we want to make sure you see it, too. Consider nominating a post for recognition via e-mail. Murray Chass, formerly of The New York Times, joins Ed Berliner to talk about Bud Selig's Hall of Fame chances, Barry Bonds' free agency and Roger Clemens' conviction in the court of public opinion. From Cold Hard Sports: Despite his many critics, there are a number of good reasons Bud Selig should be considered for the Hall of Fame. It will be interesting to see how Selig's involvement in two past issues will affect his potential induction. *** Big Al and Greg Eno chat about the resignation of Rob Parker from The Detroit News, the reappearance of Matt Millen...

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Rocco Baldelli, John Smoltz signings are master strokes

By Evan | January 8, 2009 | Fire Brand of the American League

Smoltz - y-its-mom (Flickr)

As we all know by now, the Boston Red Sox are on the cusp of signing outfielder Rocco Baldelli and starting pitcher John Smoltz to contracts. These are master strokes by general manager Theo Epstein.

All that's standing in the way of Penny, Smoltz and Baldelli is not ineffectiveness, it's injury. And all indications (considering the Red Sox do their homework on this) is that these players do not have injuries holding them back anymore.

They're ready and able to get Boston that World Series ring in a year where they have two heavyweights on their back in the Yankees and Rays. What the Yankees and Rays may not be counting on, however, is that the Sox, as presently constituted, could be better than them.

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Smoltz to BoSox?

By TD | January 8, 2009 | Rain Delay

Apparently according to beat writer Mark Bowman.A Major League source who was in contact with Smoltz on Wednesday night said the 41-year-old right-hander will be calling the Braves on Thursday morning to tell them that he has decided to sign with the Red Sox.I'm not sure exactly what to say about this at the moment....

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John Smoltz will be.... A Red Sock

By Will Schaffer | January 7, 2009 | Chop-n-Change

Mark Bowman is reporting that free agent starter John Smoltz will sign with the Red Sox as early as tomorrow. Boston is reportedly giving him a $5.5 million base salary with "easily attainable" incentives that could make the deal worth as much as $10 million. With almost none of the Braves' boatloads of money spent so far, I'm pretty dissapointed that Frank Wren couldn't bring Smolzie back. Regardless, Smoltz has done more than enough for the Braves over his career and if this report is true, all I can say is good luck John!...

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Cafardo's Latest: Baldelli, Smoltz close

By Ryne Crabb | January 7, 2009 | Fire Brand of the American League

Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe is reporting that Rocco Baldelli and the Boston Red Sox are close to agreeing on terms for the Rhode Island native to become the fourth outfielder for 2009. The St. Petersburg Times reported earlier this evening that Baldelli was likely to sign soon, and Peter Gammons later reported that Rocco and the Red Sox "close."

Cafardo is also reporting the team is likely to announce a deal with 42-year old veteran John Smoltz. Sources involved with negotiations indicate Smoltz with get a one year, $5.5 million deal with the potential to make $10 million in 2009. Smoltz is likely to return by early May and has a desire to be a starter.

Read more  |  41 Comments  |  Tags: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, MLB, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays

Initial Thoughts of MLB Network

By Alan Smodic | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

On January 1, Major League Baseball followed in the footsteps of the NFL and NHL by unveiling its own channel -- the MLB Network.If you don't already know what this exactly is, MLBNetwork.com's about page helps:MLB Network stands for Major League Baseball Network, which means access to more baseball than America's ever seen! This new 24-hour network delves into the world of baseball, going far beyond the field. Fans can tune in at any time for fresh perspectives, current news, the latest trade rumors, pre and post-game banter, highlights and more.Again, if you've seen the NFL or NHL networks, just picture those and think baseball. I wasn't sure if I'd receive the channel (I get the NFL network, but not the NHL), so I was surprised to see it coming in through my satellite. Obviously, I checked it out.I was impressed with my first viewing. The first show I saw...

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Best of MVN: Murray Chass on Selig, Bonds, Clemens

By Staff Report | January 8, 2009 | MVN Outsider

On weekdays we highlight posts from Most Valuable Network that are considered to be a cut above the rest. This work is the best of MVN, the posts that made us think -- and we want to make sure you see it, too. Consider nominating a post for recognition via e-mail. Murray Chass, formerly of The New York Times, joins Ed Berliner to talk about Bud Selig's Hall of Fame chances, Barry Bonds' free agency and Roger Clemens' conviction in the court of public opinion. From Cold Hard Sports: Despite his many critics, there are a number of good reasons Bud Selig should be considered for the Hall of Fame. It will be interesting to see how Selig's involvement in two past issues will affect his potential induction. *** Big Al and Greg Eno chat about the resignation of Rob Parker from The Detroit News, the reappearance of Matt Millen...Read more

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Initial Thoughts of MLB Network

By Alan Smodic | January 6, 2009 | MVN Outsider

On January 1, Major League Baseball followed in the footsteps of the NFL and NHL by unveiling its own channel -- the MLB Network.If you don't already know what this exactly is, MLBNetwork.com's about page helps:MLB Network stands for Major League Baseball Network, which means access to more baseball than America's ever seen! This new 24-hour network delves into the world of baseball, going far beyond the field. Fans can tune in at any time for fresh perspectives, current news, the latest trade rumors, pre and post-game banter, highlights and more.Again, if you've seen the NFL or NHL networks, just picture those and think baseball. I wasn't sure if I'd receive the channel (I get the NFL network, but not the NHL), so I was surprised to see it coming in through my satellite. Obviously, I checked it out.I was impressed with my first viewing. The first show I saw...Read more

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Top Fits for Andruw Jones

By Evan | January 5, 2009 | MVN Outsider

With word that the Los Angeles Dodgers have restructured outfielder Andruw Jones' contract to an affordable $5 million deal (with the rest of the $15 million deferred over the next six years without interest) and a pledge by the Dodgers to release or trade Jones so he can land with a new team, which teams seem like fits for Jones?There are a couple criteria that need to be met to fit for Jones. One is that Jones is primarily a centerfielder, although we won't let that play too much into our fits -- outfielders, centerfielders most notably, tend to move around the outfield corners more often than infielders do.Secondly, Jones has expressed a desire to start and will control his fate if he is released. Only through the trade market would a team be able to secure him as a fourth outfielder if they promised to give him ample playing...Read more

Read more  |  4 Comments  |  Tags: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers

See you in five years, Greg

By Alan Smodic | December 6, 2008 | MVN Outsider

If you're around the same age as I am, then you grew up as a youngster watching baseball in the 90s. And if you were the type of player I was, then you weren't idolizing the long ball. You didn't tune into games to watch Barry Bonds or Mark McGwire.I was a pitcher. I first started pitching at age nine. By that time, Greg Maddux had already entrenched himself as arguably the best in the game. It was around then when Maddux became my favorite player.I grew up outside of Pittsburgh and have always been a Pirates fan. I wasn't on a Braves bandwagon. In fact, I still disliked the Braves for my first MLB memory -- the slide. But I loved Maddux.I tuned into TBS to watch the Braves every time he pitched. My parents got me tickets to Pirates/Braves at Three Rivers Stadium anytime he was scheduled to start. He...Read more

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Hot Stove Dishes - November 22, 2008

By Brian Joseph | November 22, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The latest buzz served up from baseball's Hot Stove League.  Ten of the hottest stories, moves and rumors from the past week: The Giants are the dark horse to be big time players this offseason.Out of nowhere, rumors swirled that the Giants would be inserting themselves into the CC Sabathia chase.  San Francisco already went out and signed one of the better lefty relievers on the market.  Besides Sabathia, the Giants are after Edgar Renteria and might jump into the fray on another higher end infielder to fill their middle infield needs.  If the Giants land Sabathia, they would instantly be contenders in the National League West. Mike Mussina retires!We can move on from the discussion of will Mike Mussina return to the Yankees or not for 2009 since he officially announced his retirement this week.  The 270-game winner now will be discussed based on his merits for Hall of...Read more

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, CC Sabathia, Chase Utley, Edgar Renteria, Francisco Rodriguez, Joe Beimel, Los Angeles Dodgers, Mike Hampton, Mike Mussina, MLB, MLB Playoffs, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Ramon Vazquez, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Trever Miller

Hot Stove Dishes - November 14, 2008

By Brian Joseph | November 14, 2008 | MVN Outsider

The latest buzz served up from baseball's Hot Stove League.  Ten of the hottest stories, moves and rumors from the past week: Yankees out to buy back in to playoffs, offer Sabathia record deal The New York Yankees are tired of missing the playoffs.  The one-year absence has driven them to offer CC Sabathia a six-year, $140-million contract to bring his talent to the Bronx.  The Brewers want to keep Sabathia but can they afford the price of competing with the Yankees in the free agent market.  Better yet, can anyone? Padres go one way with offering Peavy, Braves go the other At some point in the past seven days there was buzz that the Braves and Padres were very close to a deal that would send Padres ace Jake Peavy to Atlanta.  After an entire offseason of talks, the Braves announced that they were calling off their pursuit of...Read more

Read more  |  1 Comment  |  Tags: Atlanta Braves, BBWAA, CC Sabathia, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Dayan Viciedo, Hot Stove, Jake Peavy, Kerry Wood, Kevin Gregg, Los Angeles Dodgers, Manager, Manny Ramirez, Milwaukee Brewers, MLB, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Scott Boras, Trevor Hoffman

Friday's Hot Stove Dishes - November 7, 2008

By Brian Joseph | November 7, 2008 | MVN Outsider

Check MVN Outsider ever Friday for the ten hottest rumors during the Hot Stove League and a recap of all of the latest moves in Major League Baseball: Peavy's days numbered in San Diego.  Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves highlight possible destinations. As San Diego Padres GM has stated, the Jake Peavy "train has kind of left the station."  Since the Peavy rumors started, he has informed the Padres that he will lift his no-trade clause for seven teams -- the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, Houston Astros, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees.  Of that group, the Braves and Cubs have emerged as the front-runners.  The Braves seem to be dangling Yunel Escobar and young pitching but not prospect Tommy Hanson who the Padres have been rumored to be interested in.  Also, the talk of Escobar being part of the deal has Peavy concerned about Atlanta's...Read more

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: Andy Sonnanstine, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Coco Crisp, Colorado Rockies, Edwin Jackson, Hot Stove, Jake Peavy, Jason Varitek, Junichi Tazawa, Matt Holliday, MLB, New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers

Being the GM: 2009 Atlanta Braves

By Evan | October 12, 2008 | MVN Outsider

This series is predicated on educated guesses, past history of the team/general manager, rumors that have been out there for a while, and actions that I feel could be taken. This exercise is me playing GM to inspire conversation and a new way of approaching things. Moves that I complete as previous GMs of teams will carry over here. Trades only include principal, significant players. The Atlanta Braves were supposed to come roaring back in 2008 after an off 2007. Whoops. 90 games later, the Braves have roughly $45 million to spend, and they plan on doing just that --- spending --- to get back to where they were for the entire decade of the 1990s. How will they do it? Atlanta Braves sign pitcher Oliver Perez. Step one is to bring in a pitcher worthy of being called one of the team's better pitchers. After an impressive 2004 with...Read more

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