Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?

[BaseballGuru]

Looks like both deals are almost done... should be good moves for both teams.

With the Braves losing Glavine and/or Maddux, I wouldn't put it past the Mets to make a run for that division with Howe leading the way. I doubt all of their hitters will slump for the second year in a row... scary.

[Heelfan71]

Re: Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?

The Braves always have some good pitching in the minors though.

[BaseballGuru]

Re: Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?

Yeah, they've got Hodges ready to step up into the starting rotation... I worry about putting Millwood into the role of staff ace though.

I guess they could move Smoltz back to the rotation and put Spooney as the closer... that would give them Smoltz, Millwood, Moss, Marquis, and Hodges as a starting five. Not bad.

Put Betemit at SS, Furcal at 2B, Derosa at 3B and either Matt Franco or Wes Helms at 1B and you're in good shape. Not alot of power, but they should be fast and make good contact.

[Heelfan71]

Re: Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?

I think they said Smoltz will be the closer next year regardless of what happens to Maddux and Glavine.

[snaz16]

Re: Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?

I was under the impression they would try to resign one of them. Being Glavine is a southpaw......

[BaseballGuru]

Re: Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?

They offered him $8 million and he basically laughed at them.... after his post season, he is lucky they are offering him $8.

[caseyd]

Re: Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?

I just find this so funny. He laughs at a 1 year, 8 million dollar contract, when chances are, he could have a great year and then sign another one year deal for a ton of money. I guess, being a regular guy, I just don't think in the same way that these guys do, but I would give my left nut to stay on the same team (a team that has a chance at the ring year after year) for my entire career and make a ton of money doing it. Like you said, after his pathetic playoff performance, he's lucky they offered that much. I would prefer they try to keep Maddux anyway.

[BaseballGuru]

Re: Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?

I agree 110%... I like Glavine because he's been a Brave for as long as I can remember, but I won't miss him that much, especially after this last post season. He really blew a golden opportunity to improve his own worth and help get the Braves a little further in October.

Maddux, I think, is just a better pitcher. Better location, better movement, and more reliable.

[caseyd]

Re: Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?

I suppose they think the same way we do, just in bigger amounts, but seriously, how much is enough for a baseball player? At what point do you say "I'm going to uproot my family from the place they've been for 14 years, just so I can have 1 more guaranteed year on a contract." As if the $8 million alone weren't enough. 99 percent of the people in this world will never make 8 million in their lifetimes, much less 1 year. It just really baffles me.

[BaseballGuru]

Re: Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?

Yup... I don't doubt that I could spend that much in a year... no problem. But do I need that to survive? Does Glavine need that to survive? Unless he's got 10 homes and a private jet and a staff of 30 people, somehow I doubt it.

It's all about numbers and pride... that guy got $10 million, so Glavine feels he should get more because his numbers are better, and his pride is hurt that he's not getting what he feels the market price is for a pitcher like him. Moss got the minimum this season, and I'm looking more forward to his return than I am Glavine's.

[Heelfan71]

Re: Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?

Screw him ! Take the money and go some where else. The Braves have been loyal to him for so long, now it's time for him to do the same. Keep Maddux.

[BaseballGuru]

Re: Howe to the Mets, Piniella to the D-Rays?