Andruw Jones: Devastating or Disapointing?

Several weeks ago, the Braves of Atlanta announced that they would not re-sign their star CF, Andruw Jones. One can assume that this is because they would rather build the franchise around Mark Teixeria, which I can envision.

With the forthcoming Free Agency bonanza among CF's, I cannot help but imagine where Andruw will end up.

Here are a few ideas in no particular order:

-San Fransisco Giants: We have heard rumors about A-rod ending up by the Bay to assume the role of resident superstar following the departure of Barry Lamar Bonds. If this falls through, why can't Andruw take that spot? They might need a new OF, so why not? I say "maybe" because Rajai Davis (the reward for dumping Matt Morris onto the Pirates) has potential, but he is not the next best thing. Shift Winn to LF and let Andruw bat #4.

-Los Angeles Dodgers: Ned Coletti does not like Scott Boras because of this recent trend of opting out of contracts (see JD Drew). On top of that, they already have a pretty full OF (unless you trade Kemp for a new SS, like Tejada). Regardless, the Dodgers need that big bat and like San Fransisco, Andruw Jones would not be a consolation prize if you lose the A-rod sweepstakes.

-Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles formerly of Orange Country (wait for it, it will happen): Artie has wanted a "big bat" for many years. As I mentioned earlier, Andruw could be very valuable to those that cannot obtain A-rod's services. Then again, would Andruw be the ideal candidate? The Angels pride themselves on small ball and manufacturing runs. Andruw has averaged 130 strikeouts for the past 5 seasons. It just doesn't add up. On top of that, the Angels could potentially have a crowded OF if Anderson can remain slightly productive, Mathews can come away clean from the HGH scandal and Vlad's knee holds up. Reggie Willits fits with the Angels mold a little better than Andruw, so I will not put a lot of faith in Andruw being an Angel. Expect a nice commentary from Mr. Southpaw regarding this section.

-Milwaukee Brewers: Why not? He could complement Prince as well as possibly be the difference between #1 and #2 in the NL Central.

-Minnesota Twins: This would be a terrible move, but it looks like they will not be able to afford Torii. If Andruw accepts a 1-2 year deal, why not? Again, this would be stupid.

-Chicago White Sox: If Rowand (a fan favorite) is off the market, the Sox could waste more money and put Andruw in CF. Years later, Andruw and Paul Konerko will regale each other with stories of the last time they were in the post-season and how they wish they could come back.

-St. Louis Cardinals: I do not see Andruw in Cardinal red, but with Jimmy Edmonds on the decline, it could make sense in the future, but not 2008. The Cards have a couple of replacements in the farm system, but not with the pop that Andruw could provide.

-Boston Red Sox: Kidding

-San Diego Padres: This would only happen if Andruw gets a massive deal. There is no way he could improve his numbers in PetCo for a future contract, so if he goes there, he stays there. The Pads will have the cash and the need with Cameron departing, so why not? I see the Pads shifting over to a "win now" versus the "don't worry, we will win the NL West" attitude they had from April-August.

Any other ideas?

Robert Goulet - Dead at 73

Robert Goulet, once called the "American Baritone from Canada", died yesterday at the age of 73 while waiting for a lung transplant.

Several weeks ago, he was diagnosed with a rare form of pulmonary fibrosis, a degenerative condition that is fatal without a transplant.

For many people older than 40, Goulet was rememberd for his breakthrough performance as "Lancelot" in the Broadway production of "Camelot".

Those of us that are younger remember Goulet not for his velvety smooth voice, but rather how Will Ferrell portrayed him on "Saturday Night Live".

This sketch remains one of the more popular Ferrell sketches and is credited with introducing another generation to this boistrous baritone.

I encourage all of you to check out a couple of Robert's songs. They will take you back to the days when girls liked to be called "dames", martini's flowed like waterfalls and casual sex was as common as breathing.

Robert Goulet (1933-2007) is survived by his wife, Vera, and 3 children.

Baseball - 1st trade of the offseason

Will this be an offseason that is full of trades due to the weak free agency class? The 1st trade has been completed only a couple days after the WS.

Braves receive - (SP) Jair Jurrgens and (CF) Gorkys Hernandez
Tigers receive - (SS) Renteria

Here's my take on this:

Braves - The Braves received 2 young prospects. Dangerous situation to be in especially trading away a prospect, however, this is a great move by the Braves front office. They get rid of the 10 mil a year contract in Renteria and let Yunel Escobar play full time. They receive a young SP prospect who will contend for a starting spot this year. I consider Gorkys irrelevant because he's still very young and in low class A league. He's still at least 4-5 years away from making the big leagues.

** (out of 5) because they now go to the future and let Yunel show off his ultra prospect abilities. They also get the 2nd highly touted Tigers pitching prospect (after Andrew Miller) and deplete the ever-thinning Tigers farm/"prospect" system.


Tigers - 3 words, they have Guillen. Guillen signed a 4 year deal this past season and has done very well the past few seasons. Renteria's .330 average in 2007, to me, was a fluke. I think he'll come back down to reality and hit his usual .285 and "teen" home runs. However, they do get an additional veteran presense. Does this mean that the Tigers are possibly (very small chance) willing to move Guillen to 3B and let Inge ride the pine until another top prospect, Ryan Raburn comes into his own? Obviously, the Tigers are now willing to spend the money and if I'm correct, they are now at over 100 million with exercising I-rod's option.

* 1/2 (out of 5) because they obtained a veteran SS, but they had to give up 2 prospects (one of whom was considered an above average, not "cream of the crop, can't miss" prospect). However, I'm confused as to why they would need Renteria when Guillen has been so consistent. My only thought would be moving Renteria or Guillen to 3B, but not sure if that is reasonable.

Braves goes out on top in this trade.

Intro - Mr. Southpaw

Hi Everyone,

Let me start this off with an introduction. The Seeing Eye was created by 2 unique, 20-something working professionals, who happens to love everything about baseball. In this blog, expect topics of discussion for everything from baseball to 12" softball to politics to music to whatever. Feel free to comment as we would love to hear your opinions. As my colleague so eloquently put it, you might be ridiculed, but that shouldn't stop you from giving your own.

Here's what to expect from my individual contributions to The Seeing Eye:

• Video games - I own a PS3 and a Wii; how many hours a week do I play video games? not often enough. I miss the days where I would sneak behind my parents' back to play video games. Ever since I have become free from their reign, I have played video games about once every other week (go figure), but that one time I do play lasts about 7 hours (guitar hero III anyone?).
• Baseball - Everything about baseball. I am an avid follower of the Dodgers (#1) and Angels (#2). My younger brother (freshman) plays baseball (SP) at a community college in Oregon. And I enjoy everything about baseball - playing it, watching it, discussing it.
• 12" softball - I manage a 12" mens softball league so I could throw you a curveball (or a 30' pitch in the case of my unlimited arc league) and discuss something about this subject.
• Tennis - I play on (4) USTA Northern Illinois tennis teams. Due to those commitments, I end up playing 3 days a week competitively and then once a week for drills/casual play with friends (if my lower back holds up.....). I don't enjoy watching the game as much, but hopefully there are some tennis fans out there.
• Music - completely random...maybe more towards the CD reviews and/or brand new singles before it becomes mainstream (mostly hip hop) - look forward to this part of it. On the Rock scene, my colleague is a know-it-all when it comes to the underground, who-the-hell-was-that, underrated, rock/alternative rock type of guy so any inquiries about new music you never thought you'd know about, he's your guy.
• College Football/NCAA March Madness - I'm not much of an NBA fan, but I do enjoy the NFL. However, my passion for watching sports is easily College Football and of course, March Madness. The 2007 college football season....nuff said.
• Sports collectibles - I collect/buy/sell sports cards (big on Pujols). I am a dealer at local card shows. I also like sports memorabilia such as autographed hats, baseballs, authentic MLB jerseys, 8x10 action photos, etc.
• TV Shows - Big fan of The Office, House, Prison Break...can't think of the others at the moment.
• Miscellaneous - random topics here and there.

As I go through comments, there might be times when a follow-up topic is warranted. I look forward to reading all your comments and I thank you for taking the time to read what's on my/our mind(s).

-Mr. Southpaw-

This is the beginning.......

Welcome to "The Seeing Eye".

This is a blog that will delve deep into topics such as: baseball, girls, triathlon, political commentary,tennis, processed foods and many more things.

There is no such thing as a dumb opinion, but there are opinions that will be ridiculed......so chat away!!!!!!!