MLB Offseason Thread

[Keirik]

Foulke retires

Keith Foulke retires; Indians have one less closer

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Reliever Keith Foulke, who was on the mound when Boston ended its 86-year World Series drought, retired Friday just as he was about to begin competing for a closer's job with the Cleveland Indians.

Foulke agreed to a $5 million, one-year free agent contract with the Indians in January. The right-hander had battled injury problems the past two seasons, and last year he was replaced as Boston's closer by rookie Jonathan Papelbon.

The 34-year-old informed the Indians of his decision on Thursday when the club's pitchers and catchers reported to Winter Haven, Fla.

"While we are disappointed that Keith will not be pitching for the Indians this year, I have a tremendous amount of respect for him and the way he went about this decision," general manager Mark Shapiro said. "Keith clearly demonstrated a great deal of integrity and character in this matter and we wish him success in his future endeavors."

Foulke's departure leaves Joe Borowski as Cleveland's most experienced closer. The Indians recorded a major league-low 23 saves last season and Shapiro spent the offseason rebuilding his bullpen.

Foulke went 3-1 with a 4.35 ERA but no saves in 44 games in 2006, and he missed two months with elbow tendinitis.

A stretch of 11 straight scoreless appearances in September gave the Indians hope he could fix their problems at closer. Foulke, who had 190 career saves, passed a physical with the club in January.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

gotta say, that's something to walk away from a 5 mil one year contract...

[T-Zero]

that's too bad. i was at the Bruins game that the Red Sox brought him to when he was in town meeting with the team about a possible contract. thought it was pretty funny they even had Bobby Orr meet with him and talk about Boston sports. and just like Orr, Foulke helped us win a Championship so i'll always think about Foulke with good words and since he caught the last out of that World Series it'll be hard to forget him

[Maakala]

Originally Posted by tml240

Wrigley Field: no longer free of ads
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070214&content_id=1802
103&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

Now that is gonna look weird. I guess they need to sell ads to pay for Soriano, Lilly and Big Z's contract demands.

[tml240]

oh noes another griffey injury

all i can say is.... wow.

[T-Zero]

Originally Posted by tml240

oh noes another griffey injury

all i can say is.... wow.

i thought this was going to be another injury in addition to the hand he broke in december. good thing it's just an update on the situation.

my favorite MLB player, can't say i'm happy with his career post-Mariners. really wish Grif, ARod and the Unit all stayed in Seattle.

[T-Zero]

Spring Training has begun

[Maakala]

Originally Posted by T-Zero

Spring Training has begun

And I couldn't be happier. One of these years I'm gonna go down to Florida for some Spring Training action.

[T-Zero]

Originally Posted by Maakala

And I couldn't be happier. One of these years I'm gonna go down to Florida for some Spring Training action.

same here. actually, this year i'll be down in Florida from March 2-10 so i might actually check some games out this time. gotta find out what teams are close to where i'm staying, used to be the Orioles when i was younger, but i think they moved.

too bad i'll be on the opposite side of the state as the Red Sox