MLB needs more Hollidays

By Dan Rodgers

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. It's the most wonderful time of the year, MLB Spring Training begins today. Major League Baseball is a fantastic thing and is reserved for the select few who have respect for it.

One thing that teams deal with before the season and during spring training is re-signing players whose contracts expire at the end of the year. Albert Pujols, arguably the best player in baseball, is set to be a free agent at the conclusion of this coming season.

Pujols gave the Cardinals a deadline of Wednesday the 16 by noon to come up with a contract offer. Pujols also stated that if he doesn't agree to the deal he is ceasing all negotiations and declaring free agency after the season.

In a kind of related act, Cards OF Matt Holliday came out and said he would be interested in deferring money if it would help keep Big Al in St. Louis. Something every coach, GM and owner wants to hear, but no agent wants to hear (per usatoday.com):

"I [Holliday] deferred $2 million a year for the whole contract. I would be willing, if they [Cardinals management] came to me and said, 'Hey, this is what it's going to take to get Albert done, would you do it again or do more?' Scott (Boras) probably wouldn't like me to say that, but if that's what it took, I would be willing to do that."

I don't know about you but Holliday should be praised for this. I professional athlete who is making millions upon millions of dollars said he would give some back if it would help the team sign their best player. That is the ultimate team act and something I would look for in a player: putting the team before yourself.

Rodgers That

MLB Off-season Moves

By Dan Rodgers

Well, pitchers and catchers are beginning to report to camp and baseball season is right around the corner. Here is a look at some of the big moves that were made this off-season:


Phils sign Placido Polanco
Mariner's sign Chone Figgins to four-year deal
O's trade Chris Ray to Texas for Kevin Millwood
White Sox trade for Juan Pierre
Jays trade Halladay to Phils for prospects
Phils deal Cliff Lee to Seattle for prospects
World Series MVP, Matsui, goes to the Angels
Boston signs John Lackey and Mike Cameron
Yanks bring back Nick Johnson for one year
Mets overpay former Red Sox OF, Jason Bay
Cards sign Matt Holiday to seven-year deal
Rangers bring in Vlad the Impaler
San Fran brings in vet, Aubrey Huff
Braves steal Melky Cabrera from Yanks
O's bring back Miguel Tejada
Twins bring in 2B Orlando Hudson for one year
Tigers give Verlander five year extension
Rockies sign B-more native Melvin Mora
Yanks add depth to outfield with Randy Winn
Giants agree to two-year extension with Lincecum
Nats sign vet Chien-Ming Wang
Dodgers bring back Gagne
Tigers swap with Yanks, sign Damon

Quite an active off-season if I may say...can't wait for April...

Rodgers That