Gregg Angier keeps his cool amidst drunken trade spree

The Tom Emanski franchise pulled off yet another trade early this morning with Scioscia's Doghouse. This move, centered around Joey Votto and Manny Machado, marked his 4th deal in his ongoing coup of his back to back 2nd place finishing team. Owner and manager Gregg Angier acknowledged that he has "blacked out on egg nogg" recently and we may still be seeing parts of the hangover. Controversy ensued when the contract of Machado was called into question.

Interestingly enough, rumors were floated that closed door meetings were being scheduled to start yet another impeachment process of Angier, who also holds the title of "Co-Commissioner" in the league. This marks the second consecutive year such rumors have surfaced, as controversial owner Taylor Holiday led a campaign last year to oust the current regime. Sources say that many of the same suitors were involved in the planning stages of this attempt at a power grab.

In a gesture of good faith, though, Gregg Angier undid the trade and held off his naysayers for yet another day. Mark Hennemuth, the owner of Scioscia's Doghouse, breathed a sigh of relief after noting he misunderstood Manny Machado's contract and value in the league.

                        Emotionally worn out, Hennemuth was spotted being comforted by a feline.

Angier Trades Goldschmidt, Everyone Else, "Isn't Finished"

Within hours of an overhaul of The Daily Grind's labor agreement, Gregg Angier, the maverick owner and GM of Tom Emanski, pulled the trigger on 2 blockbuster trades comprised of 18 total pieces. Angier, whose club has won 2nd place in both of the first two TDG seasons, has now sent away 7 players whose 2014 contracts total $73, including Carlos Gonzalez, Curtis Granderson, and Paul Goldschmidt.

Goldschmidt's inclusion was particularly noteworthy: not only was the superstar first baseman signed to a very team-friendly $4 contract for 2014, but earlier this year Emanski sent 4 minor leaguers to Roosevelt and the Broncos to acquire him. Apparently the enigmatic Angier changed his mind.

In return for all of this, Angier has now received 7 minor slots (only one of which is currently occupied, by Danny Salazar) and 4 major leaguers, including Aroldis Chapman and Jurickson Profar.

These two deals constitute nothing short of a total league shake-up, and opinions on Angier's moves have been correspondingly outspoken and negative. Sources from within The Spruce Bruce organization have called his decisions "terrible" and asked rhetorically, "How can he win in the next 3 years?" Smashbox GM Matthew Morris has openly stated that Angier is now out of contention for 2014, quipping, "One down 12 more to go Sent from my iPhone" (sic). 2013 champion owner Joseph DeClercq openly asked if it was a "joke."

Angier, right, partying earlier this year with
one of his many girlfriends/mistresses. 

But Angier insists that he's nothing if not serious.

Such was the tone of his official comment when asked about his moves earlier today: "Yeah, we traded a bunch of dudes. And we'll trade some more. This team isn't finished making deals that will make us better. I have only one question for my haterz: how many times have you finished 2nd place in this league? That's what I thought. Merry f****** Christmas."

No word yet on whether or not the rules committee will move to fine Angier for his comments.

Leaked Photo Falsified, Beltre Rumors Untrue

A trustworthy source inside the Ghost of Chris Carter front office claims the details surrounding the leaked photo are incorrect. Following today's owners meeting to discuss the issue of salary progression two owners were spotted discussing the days events as well as potential trades. However a source inside TGCC's camp has maintained the talks lasted no longer than ten minutes and did not result in a trade agreement. 

"No trade was made, however the framework for what we believe could be a franchise altering deal was put in place," our source, who wished to remain anonymous, shared via conference call this evening. "We have a strong relationship with the folks at Roosevelt and the Broncos and wish to re-engage them in trade discussions once the salary issue has been resolved."

Our source went on to deny the rumor that Adrian Beltre is involved in any potential deal with RTB and went on to say they are not fielding offers for the three-time All-Star third baseman.


"Beltre is under a club-friendly contract for 2014 and has the potential to reach the 500 home run milestone as a member of TGCC, a feat that Mr. DeClercq surely would reward Mr. Beltre for," Beltre's agent Scotty Boraz said. "It is unlikely that the Ghost has any interest in dealing a key member of the 2013 championship run."

—Pedie Gomezz, ESPN

Ghost and Roosevelt conduct secret trade summit on violet lane

Although it's difficult to see, if you look close enough you will see Ghost of Chris Carter manager Joey speaking excitedly with Roosevelt manager Matthew Faris.  For over an hour after the winter meetings concluded the two managers were seen speaking in the street. Rumor has it RB has his sights set on Wil Myers, Jonathan Lucroy and Andrian Beltre. Ghost continues to maintain the position that he is keeping everyone while despite our sources confirming that every team in the league has received offers for his high priced pieces. Time will tell if these talks will amount to anything but for now I'm just gonna bring them some hot coccoa cause it's real cold out there. 

Signing off from the Violet lane meetings. 

-Geeter Pammons

Multiple Owners Interested in Billy Hamilton

Sources from within The Moneygraph Saberbeanes organization say that multiple teams have inquired about Billy Hamilton. Hamilton's actual availability is unknown, apparently even to Saberbeanes' GM Andrew Faris. Sources say that Faris is almost totally uncertain of how to value him because of the massive range of possible outcomes for his performance (though he is also notorious for saying that no player on his roster is ever considered "untouchable.")

When asked to comment on the rumors surrounding his name, Hamilton said, "I just go out there each day and play my game, give it 110%. This game is a business, and there's nothing I can do but just try to keep getting better, one day at a time."

Taylor Searching for Meaning, Purpose.

After his most recent and very public search for the meaning in baseball, those close to Taylor fear that he has reached an existential crossroads in his fantasy baseball career.  Never known for his stability, Taylor appears to have "gone off the deep end" according to one rival manager.

"i want to really dive into understanding what makes us love baseball so very much"  Taylor employes a classic defense mechanism here called "projecting".  He wants to know why "we" love baseball so much.  It would be too vulnerable for him to ask why "I" love baseball so much.  The answers may be too scary for him to handle.

"if you could quickly give me the reasons why you love Baseball I would greatly appreciate it"  Again, Taylor deflects having to search for the answers himself and tries to pin his crisis on the rest of the league.

The stress from missing the playoffs in year one and then crashing out in the playoffs and finishing in 4th in year two has just been too much for Taylor to handle.  

- Kim Turkjian

Cold Feet for The Spruce Bruce?

With a trade offer sitting in his box for almost 24 hours now, many are speculating that The Spruce Bruce front office has cold feet and is afraid to move Chris Davis.  Conflicting reports have Taylor "loving" Davis one day and "wanting to unload the one year wonder" the next.  When asked to comment Taylor added, "Ive made the most trades in the league.  Im not afraid to make my team better unlike Morris."  Cheapshot aside, only time will tell if Taylor will swing for the fences or strikeout looking.

Kim Turkjian

Blockbuster

Rumor has it Tom Emanski and The Spruce Bruce are nearing a blockbuster trade involving 6 top 5 players. Stay tuned as we keep you up to date on any new movement. 

-Geeter Pammons 

Leaked text messages show break down in Taylor Holiday's spelling ability

Leaked text messages show break down in Davis/Scherzer talks

The Ax Man Closeth

With the Cleveland Indians' recent jettisoning of Chris Perez and signing of John Axford, some Daily Grinders have questioned whether or not The Moneygraph Saberbeanes cut bait one too many times on the Tribe's new closer.

Last year's auction saw nearly every closer fetch a full $10 and the Indians stated upon signing Axford that he will be their 9th inning man. But with 2015's rule change coming (where Saves will be replaced by Saves+Holds) and Axford's reputation as a fantasy roller coaster still hanging over his head, owners are wondering how much cash they'll really need to budget to make a run at the hard-throwing righty.

Gregg Angier, owner of Tom Emanski, was not immediately available for comment, though most who know him have assumed that Angier is willing to go to $35 for Axford or any other opening-day closers.

Stay or Go

One of the big questions that was floating around the winter meetings last week is what are teams going to do with over priced stars?  Verlander, Holliday, Kershaw, Pujols, Kemp, Tulowitzki, Braun, Bautista, Upton, A Gon, Lee, Lincecum and Fielder were a few of the names up for debate.  After sorting through all the whispers and speaking with some owners directly here is our best prediction early in the process.

Certain to go:  Pujols (38) Lincecum (24) and Lee (25)
Albert may once have been worth this price tag but those days are behind us.  Spruce traded for the expiring contract in hopes of a title run but a gimpy foot derailed those hopes.  Hard to imagine one of the new teams taking him on at that price so all signs point to Albert being a key free agent up for auction.  Like Albert Cliff Lee is an aging star on a team with budget issues its almost certain he will end up back in free agency but may end up costing around the same price.

Likely to go: Adrian Gonzalez (26), Kemp (33) Braun (33) Holliday (25) Verlander (26) Fielder (27)
Adrian just has not lived up to the power potential of his earlier years and Kemp is riddled with injury risk, but despite what seem like obvious drops Kurt is a true wild card.  Holliday and Verlander may not make it to free agency but we would be surprised if they are on Spruce's Roster come the spring.  Braun and Fielder are the most intriguing names on this list. Just too many question marks surround and steroid less Braun to risk 15% of your salary.  The only reason Fielder is on this list is because Joey's salary currently sits at a whopping $262 making some moves necessary.  Fielder could be moved via trade or shopped for some less expensive talent.

Likely to Stay: Bautista (31) Kershaw (41) Upton (27)
Despite the astronomical salary for Kershaw his game 7 performance has earned him the price tag and manager Joey's love.  Hard to see him moving.  Bautista almost certainly would have been gone had he stayed with Gregg but after giving up a cheap young piece to get him Andrew will almost certainly keep him.  Upton is a question mark and has perhaps the worst contract/value ratio of anyone on this list (outside of Lincecum) but his Andrew's lack of offensive talent will force him into paying the bad contract for at least another year.

Certain to Stay: Tulowitzki (33)
Another high risk high reward player but after giving up budding superstar Mike Stanton to get him Tulo will be staying put at SS for the Saberbeans.  Hard to imagine him going for any less on the open market at such a scarce position.

Reporting From The Winter Meetings,

-Geter Pammons

Zobrist Available?

Ben Zobrist, utility superman, may be playing for a new manager come April.  One source close to FICA has confirmed that Jeremy has put out feelers to gauge interest.  Scrolling through his roster, Zobrist's contract of $14 sticks out as the only player being paid in the double digits.  Jeremy has done a good job of building for the future and a 32 year old, high priced player may not be the best fit for him. Another interested manager told us that Jeremy "wants too much for Zobrist."

With middle infield always being thin and an expansion draft lurking will the market cool down or heat up for Zorilla?

Davis On The Block?

Spoke with a few GM's around the league that have told me that there is tremendous interest in Chris Davis.  Calling him one of the most valuable contracts in the league, these anonymous managers shared that there are at least 3 offers pending.  The asking price has been high, with the meat of the deal focused on replacing Davis and Dunn.  The Spruce Bruce owner is a sucker for the long ball so it will take a serious upgrade to pry away their prize possession.

Reporting from Camden Yards,

-Geter Pammons

Chris Davis on the move?

Sources close to the Spruce Bruce have confirmed there have been talks over the last few days with another team to move Chris Davis. Taylor is expecting a haul in return for the slugger.  The deal is reportedly still in its initial stages and the teams are still "far apart".


Update: The other team in the Moneygraph Saberbeanes.  Max Scherzer is reported to be the cornerstone of the return package.  No word yet on how many other players are involved or if they have gotten any closer.

Welcome to TDGTR

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."  Rogers Hornsby

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball.  I'll tell you what I do.  I look constantly at the league page, read every update, and send out trade proposals."  Gregg Angier

I like to think that if Rogers was alive today, that he would be a member of The Daily Grind.  Rogers had the tenacity and commitment that it takes to be successful in a league like this.  

In the winter, it can be hard to fill the void of hours each day that we usually spend watching baseball.  Its cold, it gets dark early, and I've been eliminated from my fantasy football league.  There is nothing good about this time of year.  To help us all cope, TDGTR was created to track all of the offseason rumors.  Read, laugh, cry, judge everyone else's lack of a life, and post.  

Keep your ear to the street and keep grinding.