2013-14 Hot Stove League Thread

[Sportsforever]

I know the playoffs are about to get in full swing, but for 19 teams the Hot Stove league is already kicking off. The Cubs strike first, firing Dale Sveum:

http://tracking.si.com/2013/09/30/cu..._a15&eref=sihp

I wonder who Theo/Jed are going after. Probably kicking themselves for not getting Francona when he was available last year.

[SPTO]

If i'm the Cubs i'd try like hell to hire Dave Martinez.

[55]

Quote: Originally Posted by SPTO

If i'm the Cubs i'd try like hell to hire Dave Martinez.

I certainly hope not. That's Maddon's protege, after all.

However, if he does leave I'd rather he go to a team with some decent talent on the roster so he could have a little bit of success.

Either way, I hope he grows this bad boy back:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mul...content.3.html

[BleacherBum2310]

I think it will be Girardi for the Cubs and if not probably go after Maddux again.

[ESPNdeportes]

Obviously old news, but the Reds let Dusty Baker go. Honestly, bittersweet for me. 3 playoff years in the last 4, he helped bring the Reds to relevance (15 years between playoff births). But, they fell flat on their face in each postseason. The players seemed to really like him.

Rumor is that pitching coach Bryan Price is the leader- well respected in the clubhouse and league. A lot of folks feel he inspire better than Dusty.

As for off-season- We'll have to see if the Reds can sign Choo. He had a great year, and I'd love have him back, but I think he'll get better money elsewhere. Another key question is the development of Billy Hamilton- can his hitting improve enough to be an MLB starter? He'll probably start the season in AAA. Reds desperately need a solid R-handed bat in the lineup, preferably a 2 hitter. IMO that should be their top goal.

[SPTO]

What about Chris Spier? Apparently he did a very good job when Baker had his health scare.

[Perfect Zero]

Quote: Originally Posted by BleacherBum2310

I think it will be Girardi for the Cubs and if not probably go after Maddux again.

Maddux may not be too far fetched as his daughter was promoting him to go to the Cubs on twitter. Now, I don't think she has any clout, but it could mean that he secretly wants to move up.

That would be a blow to the Rangers. Maddux has helped to completely rebuild our bullpen and has made the staff one of the top five in all of Baseball. The Cubs would do good if they were to hire him.

[areobee401]

Joe Girardi has signed a contract through the 2017 season to manage the Yankees.