Yeah that's a shame. Baseball doesn't really appeal to young people anymore (and in the case of billionaires, young is under 50). It's easier to get rich and achieve individual fame in football and basketball, so the best athletes are pursuing those.

The Rangers get Adrian Beltre. Why is Arte Moreno such a penny pincher? Oh well, at least we didn't overspend on him (6 years and 96 million dollars is too much for Beltre I think, which shows why Scott Boras is the devil). Now I can't see how the Rangers can not repeat their AL West title.

Agreed, ever since their pennant win, they knew that the fanbase is going to grow, especially since the Cowboys suck so hard. Anyway, with all the revenue they will get, it was wise to pay a premium. One of Nolan Ryans strategies I heard was to copy the Angels success by also having family deals to bring in more people (which will lower the average ticket price). That's why the Angels are always in the top 5 in attendance because of low ticket prices and a family deals making us the top team in bringing in families. At least they have the Antler gimmick to help them bring more families.

Matt Garza is off to the Cubs. They look worse and worse as the off season goes. hey grabbed 5 new ones though so who knows.

Sad Story, about the 9 Year Old Girl who was shot in Arizona...she was the only kid there as she was invited.....but additionally

she was born on 9/11/2001
she died on this date, bookmarked with those 2 events
her grandfather was a famous baseball man - Dallas Green
her father worked for the Dodgers in an executive position

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110110/ap_ ... _shot_girl

9-year-old shooting victim was aspiring politician

Yankees Get Rafael Soriano. Set up man perhaps and maybe a closer if Mo is out.

LMAO we traded the Vernon Wells contract! WTF Angels? THIS IS THE BEST BASEBALL MOMENT OF MY LIFE!

I'm so sorry Scott!!!!

Actually, I love this trade. Napoli may hit for power, but strikes out too much and doesn't hit in RISP. Not to mention, he can't play defense for jack. Plus, the catcher role is already too crowded (Mathis, Wilson and Conger, who are all superior defensively). Rivera is showing his age. He can't run, and his bat is declining big time. With Wells, the Angels got what we needed, a power bat in the outfield with a gold glove (for cheaper than Crawford). We put him in center and Hunter with Right, and with the two of them, we have a big duo (Gold Glove Sluggers). Unless we get a left fielder (Posednik is in the hunt), we can use Peter Bourjas in left and make Abreu the DH. Don't need to apologize, I love it.

Also, Both Johnny Damon and Manny sign with the Rays. Good signings since they needed a DH (Manny), but Damon is no Crawford, but he'll have to do. They do bring Veteran presence though.

It's a good deal for $6 million, but it doesn't in any way improve their standings in the East. The only thing this guarantees is that Tampa should sell out every game against the Sox and Yanks.

Manny signs for 2 Million? Shit that is basically what he earned every 2/3 weeks for the past 10 years.

What do you think he is doing...trying to be a good boy this year and get a better contract next year?

Especially since his numbers weren't bad last year - he hit for average but it was just the first year that he didn't hit homers.....or was he coming down from his magic juice?

I'd go with the latter. His is past his prime after getting caught.

Don't count the Rays out. The Yankees are a CC Sabathia injury away from a meltdown.

The only thing I'm sure of is the obvious Sox/Phillies World Series won't happen.

How about that. Mike Napoli gets traded again, now with the Rangers for Frank Franscisco. I guess there is no room for Nap anywhere.

Andy Pettitte officially retires. What a great career he's had.

In other news, Vladdy is going to the Orioles. Oh the irony (since he was originally going to sign with the Orioles in 2004, until the Angels got him at the last minute. I remember how loudly booed he got at Camden Yards that first game, well, better late the never). This O's offense is going to be powerful, maybe like last year's version of the Blue Jays (with Derek Lee and Mark Reynolds joining the team too), and Camden Yards is very hitter friendly.