More 2011 Baseball Winter Meetings Discussion

by John Sickels on Dec 8, 2025 3:25 PM EST

Here is some fresh thread for the finale of the 2011 Baseball Winter Meetings.

All the attention in the baseball world today is focused on St. Louis. The huge news of course is the selection by the Cardinals of pitcher Shooter Hunt in the Triple-A portion of the Rule 5 draft.

There was also a small item about a first baseman named Albert something signing a large contract.

Discuss to your heart's content.

Tweet Comment 62 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Well I predicted 10 year, $260 million

So I am feeling pretty good right now. Only $600k a year off.

by cookiedabookie on Dec 8, 2025 3:30 PM EST reply actions

i predicted the trade was not going to be worth it

so i am feeling pretty good as well because i thought at 22 million a year it was a dumb deal now at 26 million per year i know i was right.

by James Westfall on Dec 8, 2025 3:32 PM EST up reply actions

and by trade i mean

the trade of more than 1/4 of a billion dollars for pujols. aka “free agent” signing.

on a side note thank god for shooter hunt…he is the perfect breath of fresh air that Cards fans are searching for after being punched in the stomach.

by James Westfall on Dec 8, 2025 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

clearly they just wanted somebody in the org that they can bring in specifically for the purpose of facing Pujols

by mrkupe on Dec 8, 2025 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

lol, when is the first interleague series?

by cookiedabookie on Dec 8, 2025 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

Marlins and Angels pick up the big names

But they spent a ton of money. Really wonder how these deals will be described in 3-5 years

by daveyork on Dec 8, 2025 5:01 PM EST reply actions

SEE: Giants, San Francisco

They are in a place right now that could very well describe the 2016 Florida Marlins. I don’t think the Angels will completely regret signing Pujols, but I think by year 8 they might be some issues. Of course if any of these teams wins a World Series then they will be fine…just like the Giants…Rowand, Renteria, etc.

FLAGS FLY FOREVER!!!

by James Westfall on Dec 8, 2025 6:48 PM EST up reply actions

You mean the Giants who won the 2010 World Series?

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 8, 2025 7:28 PM EST up reply actions

Sorry for the snarky response

I didn’t intend for that to read as it did. My feeling is that when a team wins the Series, their fans are very forgiving for any bad moves that got them there. As a Jays fan I would have loved to have Jeff Kent on the Jays for longer but he was key in landing David Cone so I didn’t miss him at all.

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 8, 2025 7:32 PM EST up reply actions

If it makes you feel any better, we ended up trading Kent for nothing

SELL THE METS

by piazza62 on Dec 8, 2025 8:34 PM EST up reply actions

Haha

True enough

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 8, 2025 9:46 PM EST up reply actions

haha

its funny but winning solves so many problems…if you win the world series it makes those ugly deals a little less ugly..at least until the next off season.

by James Westfall on Dec 9, 2025 6:58 PM EST up reply actions

I think if you were to take all the good 6+ year contracts

And put them on the scale against all the bad 6+ year contracts, the bad side would be waaaay heavier.

Who knows though, maybe they’ll win it all just like the free-spending Philadelphia Eagles will this winter.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Dec 8, 2025 10:40 PM EST up reply actions

A bit overshadowed by Pujols and rightfully so but

our Scouting Director Jeff Luhnow has also left the Cardinals to become GM for the Astros. There are still other bright minds that as of right now are still in our scouting/player development department, so wonder what your thoughts on this are John? The system has turned a virtual 180 from where it was in 2003-04ish since Jeff took over, but like i said there are obviously other people who helped to make that happen so heres to hoping we can continue to have a strong system in the future.

by cardsman99 on Dec 8, 2025 6:00 PM EST reply actions

Wow

Mike Matheny was just dealt a might shitty hand over the last two days.

First the second or third best player in baseball(Pujols really isn’t the best player in baseball anymore. I’d probably rather have Kemp), and then the man that is responsible for supplying his team with cheap and effective major league talent books to Houston.

Things generally tend to work out in the end for St. Louis, but its going to be a shaky couple of years probably.

by CoolCat23 on Dec 9, 2025 4:10 PM EST up reply actions

Cubs Trade for Ian Stewart

If this was discussed in the other post, I apologize. I really like the gamble for the Cubs on Stewart. I don’t love Stewart, but for the cost given up and his potential, it’s a worthwhile risk.

by toonsterwu on Dec 8, 2025 9:31 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

Not much to give up - 4th OF and a AAAAish second baseman. Stewart has been a 1 WAR third baseman until last year when injuries hurt him. Decent bet to rebound in a new environment. And they get Weathers to boot, who I don’t like much, but he’s a nice throw-in lottery ticket.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Dec 8, 2025 10:41 PM EST up reply actions

Well the Cubs got the best and the worst player in the trade

But Weathers probably won’t hurt them too much if he never makes it out of the minors. I think it is a pretty even trade, value-wise. DJ may be able to contribute what Stewart could, but five years younger, and a lot cheaper. If they get .75 Stewart’s value from both DJ and Tyler, then they get more overall value, at a lower cost, with more years of control, albeit taking up two roster spots.

by cookiedabookie on Dec 8, 2025 11:23 PM EST up reply actions

Colvin also makes it easier to deal Seth Smith for Martin Prado

If that happens.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Dec 8, 2025 11:32 PM EST up reply actions

What's the feeling on whether the Sox trade Jed Lowrie

And what his value is? Seems like Red Sox fans wildly overvalue him, and opposing fans wildly undervalue him.

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Dec 8, 2025 11:31 PM EST reply actions

there was a rumor that Lowrie for Parnell

was being discussed. I don’t care for that as a Met fan.

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Dec 8, 2025 11:54 PM EST up reply actions

Really?

I would take that trade in a heartbeat. A SS averaging 3.2 bWAR per 162 games, still cheap and hitting his prime, for a career 0 WAR reliever with control issues. It is much easier to find a Parnell than it is to find a Lowrie.

by cookiedabookie on Dec 9, 2025 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

the Mets have been pimping Ruben Tejada for a while now.

I assume hes the plan at SS until he shows he cannot handle it.

And I still have to believe that Reese Havens is the long term plan at 2B. So, unless Lowrie would be the fallback plan at 3B if/when Wright gets pawned off, I’d prefer the Mets to target a C, 3Bman or OFer if they want to add position players.

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Dec 9, 2025 3:42 PM EST up reply actions

josh thole

what is the word on him. i know very little about the mets, but he looks like a good player

by James Westfall on Dec 9, 2025 7:02 PM EST up reply actions

I was just talking about value

At worst, it frees them up to deal an extra SS for another piece. I would have to think they could get a pretty good C, 3Bman, or OF for Lowrie or Tejada.

by cookiedabookie on Dec 10, 2025 1:41 AM EST up reply actions

I'm not sure why the Sox need to deal Lowrie.

by ThnkGoodnessforHowieRose on Dec 8, 2025 11:55 PM EST up reply actions

Lowrie

I am not a red sox or mets fan, but trading Lowrie for Parnell would be a huge undersale of his value. Lowrie I believe can be a solid MLB player, and I don’t see why the Red Soxs would trade Lowrie.

by ZeFreed on Dec 9, 2025 3:13 AM EST up reply actions

Where does Lowrie play in Boston?

The Sox blocked him again with the Scutaro signing.

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 9, 2025 6:55 AM EST up reply actions

With non-youngsters Youkilis and Scutaro at 3rd and SS, there should be plenty of at bats for Lowrie, but if he’s worth more to a team that can play him more often and can help them fill a hole they could give him up

by Jim in NC on Dec 9, 2025 7:54 AM EST up reply actions

They also have Aviles

And presumably want to play him from time to time

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Dec 9, 2025 10:08 AM EST up reply actions

Iglesias

Weaker bat or not, the Sox seem pretty set to give Iglesias his chance, and that likely trumps Lowrie, with Aviles already in-house as the utility guy. Not saying it’s the best move, but they should look to deal Lowrie if they can. Once Iglesias takes over SS, they can always re-sign Scoutaro to be the utility IF. For Lowrie, it was just bad timing interwoven with injuries that will be the end of his time in Boston.

by dbreer23 on Dec 9, 2025 12:22 PM EST up reply actions

I've never been a Lowrie fan and criticized the A- grade he received but he would a good roving infielder on a contender.

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 9, 2025 5:03 PM EST up reply actions

Rays just inked Matt Moore to a 5 yr 14 mil extension

Making him theirs for 8 years 40 mil max ….amazing what they keep doing

by Dbullsfan on Dec 9, 2025 12:57 PM EST via mobile reply actions

8 years - $37.5mil

Wow! Friedman is amazing (makes me jealous as a Yankees fan).

by cookiedabookie on Dec 9, 2025 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

*$39.75 million

I saw 37.5 elsewhere.

by cookiedabookie on Dec 9, 2025 2:22 PM EST up reply actions

still how far behind is he from Wilson who just got 35 mil more with 3 less years

by Dbullsfan on Dec 9, 2025 2:40 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I'd rather have Moore's contract than CJ's, that's for sure

by cookiedabookie on Dec 9, 2025 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

I don't like this from Moore standpoint.

He should have done like Lincecum and Papelbon and go year to year. I think that if we celebrate when a HS player that hasn’t prove anything yet gets paid $5 million, then we can’t celebrate when a deserving player like Moore or Longoria that has prove at the AAA level that they are good doesn’t get paid accordingly. Just my opinion.

by LCT on Dec 9, 2025 4:16 PM EST up reply actions

They won't be hurting for money.

Wanting that security ($14M basically means you’re set for life if you’re smart with your money) is understandable coming out of a minor league environment where you can barely afford food and rent.

http://www.crawfishboxes.com

by OremLK on Dec 9, 2025 4:25 PM EST up reply actions

plus i think he only got like 115K for signing as a draft pick

so he could you the walking around money

by James Westfall on Dec 9, 2025 7:04 PM EST up reply actions

Really?

What if he blows out his arm in year 1? If I was him I would play the odds and take the guaranteed money. Good deal for both sides. Friedman is definitely the second best GM in the game.

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 9, 2025 5:06 PM EST up reply actions

Who's the best?

http://www.crawfishboxes.com

by OremLK on Dec 9, 2025 6:19 PM EST up reply actions

lets just say..

KBR’s #1 GM’s initials are the same as where Brian Sabean has Giants fan’s needing to go after he idly stands by adding nothing to a team whose window for another champion ship is slamming shut due to a lack of offense….short story long it’s AA.

by James Westfall on Dec 9, 2025 7:08 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I actually like Sabean too!!!!

But Alex Anthopolous is the best in the BIDNESS!!!!!

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 9, 2025 10:04 PM EST up reply actions

Nope

Still Friedman, AA is a close second.

by cookiedabookie on Dec 10, 2025 1:42 AM EST up reply actions

While it appears AA is assempling a good team, he has yet to win a lot of games like Friedman has.

by mr. maniac on Dec 10, 2025 1:49 AM EST up reply actions

AA hasn't had the same time frame to put a good team on the field

He also didn’t inherit the minor system and young talent that Friedman did.

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 10, 2025 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

Well, Friedman had a part in what he inherited as Director of Baseball Development 2004-06

But, really, his track record proves his success was only a small part a result of what he inherited, but a large part what he did as GM.

Players important in 2008, 2011 inherited by Friedman (more than 2 WAR in that year):
Carl Crawford
BJ Upton
James Shields
Scott Kazmir
Jeremy Hellickson (although slowing down pitcher development under Friedman probably helped Hellboy become the player he is)

Players important in 2008, 2011 acquired by Friedman (more than 2 WAR in that year):
Evan Longoria
Carlos Peña
Dioner Navarro
Matt Garza
Grant Balfour
J.P. Howell
Edwin Jackson
Ben Zobrist
Matthew Joyce
Johnny Damon
Casey Kotchman
Sean Rodriguez
Desmond Jennings
David Price

That is a 3:1 ratio. And it doesn’t take into account his great team-friendly contracts (Longoria, Shields, Davis, Zobrist, Moore)

Now, obviously AA needs more time to truly compare to Friedman, and maybe in 2013, he will lead the Jays to the playoffs, and we can start comparing the first four years for each.

by cookiedabookie on Dec 10, 2025 11:09 AM EST up reply actions

This "inherited" nonsense always comes up

Remove the useless “young” qualifier and you get…

From the post below:

AF inherited…

Carl Crawford
BJ Upton
James Shields
Scott Kazmir
Jeremy Hellickson

…and from my quick looking (didn’t bother to check the Jays milb sys.) AA inherited…

Roy Halliday
Jose Bautista
J.P. Arencibia
Adam Lind
Travis Snider
Ricky Romero
Shaun Marcum

Who inherited more?

by BobBob on Dec 10, 2025 1:19 PM EST up reply actions

You left out other guys

Delmon Young (used to acquire Garza)
Aubrey Huff (when he was damn feared as a hitter)
Jorge Cantu (coming off a monster season)
Rocco Baldelli (was one of the hottest young players at the time)
Edwin Jackson
Elijah (you dead dawn) Dukes

I am not saying that Friedman is BAD. I am saying he is the SECOND BEST GM in baseball. That is a huge compliment. I just prefer my boy Alex A because he seems to be the best trader in the business and is inking guys to long term team friendly contracts. Also, I am a homer so it makes me love him even more. ;)

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 10, 2025 1:37 PM EST up reply actions

AF traded Brendan Harris, Delmon Young, and Jason Pridie for

3 good years out of Jason Barlett and Matt Garza, Chris Archer, Hak Ju Lee, Brandon Guyer, Sam Fuld, Robinson Chirinos, Brandon Gomes, and Cole Figueroa.

I’m not saying AA is bad at making trades, but to use that as the reason he is better than AF, I’m not so sure about.

by Dbullsfan on Dec 10, 2025 1:57 PM EST up reply actions

I'm not saying he isn't good

But AA is the best. Look at these sexy deals:

1. Rasmus for middle relievers
2. Escobar for an Alex Gonzalez rental
3. 6 years of Lawrie for Marcum
4. Trading Vernon Wells away while only picking up $5 million of the $84 million remaining on his contract,
5. Gose for Brett “the Walrus” Wallace
6. Morrow for League
7. Inking Jose Bautista to 5 years/$65 million!!!!!!!
8. Sergio “Savemaster” Santos for Molina

Over the last 2 years nobody has done more to help their squad then my baby Alex Anthopolous!!!!

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 10, 2025 3:02 PM EST up reply actions

The "he inherited x" argument doesn't fly.

That’s my only point.

Objectively you’d have to apply that same logic to all GMs.

AA started with arguably the best hitter and pitcher in baseball.

If you think AA’s better because of trades, fine. That’s not what you originally said though.

by BobBob on Dec 10, 2025 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

I actually never gave a reason originally for one I think he is the best

But if you want my reasoning it is because he is the best at trading and drafting in the majors. And he went to McMaster University which is badass too!

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 10, 2025 3:39 PM EST up reply actions

Also when AA started Bautista was not arguably the best hitter in baseball

He was a guy that nobody in the majors wanted and it wasn’t until the year after Anthopolous got there that he finally flourished in a full season.

Big Sexy

Follow KBR and Dewey on Twitter! @KBRandDewey

by King Billy Royal on Dec 10, 2025 3:41 PM EST up reply actions

Irrelevant

He was an asset already in the organization.

by BobBob on Dec 10, 2025 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

rumors of Jarrod Parker & Collin Cowgill for Trevor Cahill & Breslow

I’d want more than that for Cahill, personally, who’s only eight months older than Parker.

by PrincetonCubs on Dec 9, 2025 5:56 PM EST reply actions

looks like it s done deal

cahill and breslow in exchange for parker, cowgill, and ryan cook.

knee jerk reaction: A’s win.

by James Westfall on Dec 9, 2025 7:17 PM EST up reply actions

BTW

AZ gives up #2, #14, #23 form Johns list for Cahill and Breslow

by James Westfall on Dec 9, 2025 7:38 PM EST up reply actions

I think I like it for the D-backs a bit

Not a bad deal (Greinke style) by any stretch, but I think the A’s could have gotten more. Parker is still a work in progress with some risk and an injury history. His stuff may be a bit better, but Cahill’s is pretty good, and he’s a known quantity, while being only slightly older and more durable (583 innings in three major lg seasons, career xFIP of 4.23.) I’d have wanted one more decent prospect, and Cowgill isn’t much of a piece for me—I would have pressed for Davidson or Borchering.

by PrincetonCubs on Dec 9, 2025 7:39 PM EST up reply actions

I do think its pretty fair

both teams got what they needed in the sense that Cahill is a solid innings eater who wont hurt you and the A’s get a 95% ML-ready SP with potential to be an #1. I think that this is just a precursor to the trade of Gio and Bailey, and the A’s will get some cheaper younger talent than their already chap young talent

by James Westfall on Dec 9, 2025 7:46 PM EST up reply actions