Detroit Tigers Release Gary Sheffield

When the Tigers traded for Josh Hamilton, everyone did a complete "whaaa?". But today, with Gary Sheffield being released, it is making a little more sense. Sheffield has no doubt struggled in Spring Training, but it is still a bit of a shocker the news today that he was released with the Tigers still owing him $14 million this year. I have no doubt someone will now sign Sheffield as a low cost, high potential OF, but it is possible he goes by the way of Barry Bonds...forced into a retirement. Will be interesting to find out the reasons for the Tiger release in the coming days.

Pudge Signs with Astros

Ivan Rodriguez signed a one year, $1.5 million guaranteed contract, with another $1.5 million in incentives. I'm pretty sure the Astros didn't think they would get Pudge so cheap, so they barely even mentioned it as a possibility. Nice signing, considering the fact the Astros catchers were offensively offensive in Spring Training.

It's Official: Manny Ramirez Signs Two Year Deal with Dodgers

Well, it's finally official. After all the hullaballooooo...Manny Ramirez signed the deal that the Dodgers wanted him to sign last year. But wasn't it fun?

The contract is apparently signed for a two year deal with the Dodgers worth $45 million guaranteed. The Dodgers will need to do a roster move to get Manny in camp, which will probably happen today.

One wonders if Manny is loving Scott Boras about now.

Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers Rumors Continue

The new rumor is that Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers have agreed on a three year deal, with two years guaranteed at $45 million, with a third year vesting player option of $15 million. No confirmation yet on this...

Hot Stove League Awards

Well, time again for the Hot Stove League Awards, 2009 edition. Email me at marc@hotstovereport.com for your thoughts on the 2009 Season. The Categories are...

1. 2009 Best Hot Stove League Season -- Sort of the MVP Team of the offseason.
2. 2009 Best Hot Stove League Player Signing (Team and Player)
3. 2009 Best Hot Stove League Trade (Team and Players)
4. 2009 Best Hot Stove League Player Agent
5. 2009 Best Hot Stove League GM
6. 2009 Most Intriguing Free Agent Signing
7. 2009 Biggest Surprise of the HSL
8. 2009 Worst HSL Season
9. 2009 Worst HSL Player Signing
10. 2009 Worst HSL Agent
11. 2009 Worst HSL GM
12. 2009 HSL Best Owner
13. 2009 HSL Worst Owner


This is for the offseason leading up to the 2009 MLB season. We'll be releasing the nominees on March 15, 2009, and, after you all email us your thoughts, the winners on Opening Day 2009. You may also use this thread...Let us know what you think!

Boras Rejects Latest Manny Offer, Talks to Resume Today

The Los Angeles Dodgers' most recent offer of two years, $45 million to Manny Ramirez apparently was rejected late last night by Scott Boras, but both sides are saying that the talks will continue. It appears that the Dodgers' deal was predicated on deferment of Manny's salary, so although the team would owe him $45 million in the deal, the payments for 2009 would be more like $15 million with the remaining deferred. According to the reports, the rejection was due to the deferment, but Boras and ManRam are ok with $45 million as a concept. This tells me that sometime today they will reach a deal. We'll see.

Manny Ramirez Rumored to be Close to Signing

Undisclosed internal office workers with the LA Dodgers apparently have indicated that Manny Ramirez is very close to signing with them. The last offer made by the Dodgers according to some reports was one year, $25 million, with a player option for the second year at $20 million. One report says that Manny Ramirez will have to respond to the offer by this Friday the 27th of February. The Dodgers have opened camp without him, but apparently the Dodgers organization is anxious to sign the talented outfielder to a deal. The Giants have apparently indicated to Manny Ramirez's agent Scott Boras that they are no longer bidding for his services.

Tom Glavine Re-Signs with Atlanta Braves

Smoltz is gone, but the Atlanta Braves have one of their glory days pitchers returning to the bump. Tom Glavine signed a one year, $1 million contract with the Braves plus incentives. The Braves hope he and the umpires will rediscover the eight foot wide strike zone that brought him prominence throughout the 90s.