Cory Luebke, Padres Agree to Extension

[caption id="attachment_1037" align="alignnone" width="187" caption="Credit: Associated Press"][/caption]

Joining Padres teammates Cameron Maybin and Nick Hundley in the early extension category, breakout lefty Cory Luebke signed through 2015 with two club options at the end, which would take him through his first year of scheduled free agency.  After starting 2011 in a long relief role, Luebke had a good showing as a starter in the second half, leaving him as the probable #2 starter this season.  His ERA was good at 3.29, but his 2.93 FIP and 2.89 SIERA show signs of elite performance possible.

Royals, Alex Gordon Reach Extension

After finally having a breakout season, Alex Gordon was rewarded with a 4 year $37.5 million dollar contract that includes a $12.5 million dollar player option for 2016. As far as annual salary goes he will be paid $6 million in 2012, $9 million in 2013, $10 million in 2014, and $12.5 million in 2015. Gordon most likely won't repeat what he did last season (6.9 WAR), but if he can manage 3.5-5 WAR a season during the contract it should end up really nice for both sides.

Why Did the Blue Jays Extend Dustin McGowan?

The Blue Jays gave Dustin a three deal for $4.1 million, and it doesn't make very much sense to me. Besides starting 4 games last season, he hadn't pitched in a major league game since the 2008 season.

All-Decade Teams: The 1900s

With the rules and schedules finally stabilized, the 1900s began the modern era of baseball.  The American League was able to establish themselves as a competitive "major league" in 1901, creating the still-standing basis of the MLB.  The Pirates dominated the early part of the decade, and the Cubs and Tigers dominated the end.  Every pitcher and all but two position players selected are in the Hall of Fame.

All-Decade Teams: The 1910's

Ah yes, the Deadball Era.  Only one player hit at least 100 HR in the decade, and the league ERA was just below 3.00.  Errors were commonplace, causing about 1/4 of all runs scored to be unearned.  This decade also marked the last attempt of competition to the NL and AL.  The Federal League lasted just two years, 1914 and 1915, but its effects lasted a long time.  World War I had a much smaller impact on the game, though the 1918 was cut short a month early, fitting the World Series in before the "Work or Fight" mandate began.  Seven of the players selected are in the Hall of Fame.

All-Time Greats: Los Angeles Angels Part 2

All-Time Greats: Los Angeles Angels

This evening I'm starting a new series called the "All-Time Greats". I will be looking at the 10 best position players, and 10 best pitchers all-time for every organization in baseball. To start if off we are going to look at the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. I will be starting with just the offense.

All-Decade Team: The 1920s

The Roaring 20's brought the roar of the home run into the game, increasing scoring by nearly a full run per game for the decade.  Two hitters dominated the decade, posting the highest WAR totals of any player so far.  No pitcher was able to maintain great success, due to the change in offensive philosophy and the aging of some of the best of all time.  11 of the selections are in the Hall of Fame.

Could Justin Upton Become the Best Player in Baseball?

Justin Upton is coming off a career year where he posted 6.4 WAR, and established himself as one of the best players in the game.  Heading into the coming season could he establish himself as the best overall player though? It won't be easy, there's Evan Longoria, Albert Pujols, and Troy Tulowitzki, but Upton is very good.

All-Decade Teams: The 1930s

During the Great Depression, baseball remained as one of the strong areas in the American culture.  Offense remained at some of the highest levels in the modern era.  There were a couple of the best first basemen ever to play the game dominating this decade.  Only two pitchers really separated themselves as great, though one of them was an all-time great.  11 of the players selected are in the Hall of Fame.

Andrew McCutchen Signs Extension

Early this morning it was announced that the Pittsburgh Pirates and outfielder Andrew McCutchen came to terms on a 6 year deal worth $51.25 million dollars. There's also a team option for $14.75 million dollar option, making the total contract 7 years, for $66 million dollars. In short this was a fantastic deal for both sides. Andrew McCutchen got paid, and the Pirates locked up their stud outfielder for the foreseeable future.

What Yadier Molina and History Means for Brian McCann

Yesterday it was announced that the St. Louis Cardinals, and Yadier Molina agreed to a 5 year extension, that will pay him $75 million dollars. After the 2013 season Brian McCann is expected hit the free agent market. When he does he will be 30 years old. Based on the contract that Molina received, what kind of contract could Brian McCann expect?

Yadier Molina Signs Extension

Yadier Molina has signed a 5-year, $75M extension with the Cardinals, with a mutual option for 2018.  His $7M salary for 2012 will hold, with the $15M starting in 2013.  Molina turns 30 in July, so it's safe to say his peak is ending at this moment.  $15M a year for a catcher in his 30s is quite risky.  There was definitely some pressure on the front office to lock him up after letting Pujols go.

All-Decade Teams: The 1940's

The 1940's probably contained the most change and adversity of any decade for Major League Baseball.  The big story in the first half of the decade was World War II and the legions of players who had to leave baseball to serve the country.  The brand of baseball suffered significantly in '44 and '45, but that turned around quickly with the end of the war.  Integration began with the signing of Jackie Robinson in '46, and the influx of African-American and Latin talent created the Golden Age of Baseball.  As a note, there will no relief pitchers selected, since there were no significant pitchers who pitched most of the decade in relief.  Six of the position players and two of the pitchers are in the HOF.