Tuesday Hotstove
So, JP Ricciardi is bitching about the economy now. "We've got growing concerns about what's happening in the world," he told the Star. "It would be foolish of us to stick our heads in the sand and say, `We're not affected by any of this.' Our payroll hasn't been adjusted, but everyone is aware of what's going on."
Now, I do understand that there are legitimate concerns here-- the Canadian dollar is back in the shitter, and I'm sure there is some worry over the ad revenue usually generated by the Jays' relationship with GM-- but... why the fuck does everything Ricciardi says have to sound like he's creating a goddamn built-in excuse for his imminent failure?
I suppose it's a smart way to lower expectations, but holy shit is it ever fucking nauseating.
And now he's also saying shit like, "I don't think there's anything out there that we can get involved in at this point that makes any sense for us," which is just going to rile up the fuckwits who-- fuelled by this kind of Griffin nonsense-- honestly believe that there's a chance the Jays will stand pat.
For fuck sakes, Cot's put the Jays 2008 payroll for the 25 man roster at just a hair over $97M, and if you take a calculator through what they've got committed for '09, right now it's in the $80M range. With a GM who's on his third last chance in a row, who just lost one of his biggest allies in Godfrey, do you honestly think he's going to sit on a fucking cent?
And hey, what's this?
"Compared to many companies today, we're extremely well-financed to weather a storm – even a big one," is what Uncle Ted said three weeks ago when announcing that Rogers made record profits-- $495M-- in the last quarter.
So, yeah... even though I'm going to guess that approximately none of that was through the Jays, it's a little bit retarded to be going nuts over this. Maybe they won't make a gigantic splash, but for fuck sakes, they will do something. And not just a Mencherson-like something, either [shudder]. It's totally ridiculous to think otherwise, and we-- myself obviously included-- should probably know by now, difficult as it sometimes is, not to take JP's fucking posturing so seriously.
Things That Are Not Completely Fucking Ridiculous
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, via our friends at I can't stress enough how invaluable this site is, MLB Trade Rumors, the Cubs are going to re-signing Ryan Dempster for four years at $52M. Thank fuck! Get him off the market and stop this flag-waving nonsense about bringing him here. Take away 2004, where he was decent for a whole 20 innings, and he's had two really good years, two really average years and three shit years out of the last seven. Pass.
We're through with this AJ nonsense, right? Because the Yankees are, according to the New York Post, possibly talking five years and $80M for him. Buster Olney discusses this in his latest blog, where he goes through AJ's record against the division this year and concludes that "the Yankees know he can handle the stress of pitching in the AL East." Hahahahahaha. Oh boy, I hope that's what they really think. I can't wait to watch Pete Puma handle the mindfuck of New York expectations.
Peter Gammons writes this in his latest blog: "Expect Toronto to make good on its promise to Milton Bradley that he is the Blue Jays' priority." Do it! I know, I know, only once has he had more than 415 at-bats in a season, and the Jays have an annoying trait of overlooking injury risks, but... well... sometimes you have to root through the discount bin for the best deals-- and yeah, maybe sometimes you end up getting the shits, but other times you might get a mouthwatering 153 and 163 OPS+, like Bradley's done in his last two years. That's a risk I'd be willing to take-- assuming Rogers doesn't come to their senses and do whatever it takes to get Manny. I'd certainly take Bradley over Giambi-- and not only because I really want to follow what kind of crazy shit Milton gets up to day in and day out.
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79 comments:
Plus, I'm about 99% committed to booing Giambi for being on the juice, even if he's in a Blue Jays uniform.
Last week Godfrey was saying pretty much the same shit about the economy, and how they wouldn't raise their payroll at all. All they are trying to do is lower the fans' expectations because they know how difficult it will be this year to beat the Yankees, Sox, and Rays.
Hopefully the Cubs and Yankees get both Dempster and Burnett off the market. We'll take the draft picks.
And Milton Bradley would be a great acquisition. In fact, I would consider the offseason a success if they got him. I'm pretty fucking sure Cito could sell him on coming here, too.
And Jesse, fuck you. Stop judging somebody for taking a drug 5 years ago that everybody in baseball was taking.
Have you seen the size of his head? It's disgusting.
More on topic, he's a cheater. Cheating was more than just breaking the rules when we were 7 (which you may still be), and it's more than that now.
I have more respect for someone that owns up to the cheating than someone that denys it. See Clemens, Roger.
"More on topic, he's a cheater. Cheating was more than just breaking the rules when we were 7 (which you may still be), and it's more than that now."
You should go watch a movie called Bigger, Stronger, Faster* It might get you some fucking perspective, which you clearly need.
Oh, and FYI, taking steroids weren't agaisnt the rules of baseball until 2004.
Does Gammons actually know anything about teams outside of NY or Mass?
fuck jp.
I've actually fucking wanted to create my own fucking blog just to preach this: STEROIDS AINT CHEATIN.
That said, I wouldn't advise people to use it... I'd still prefer it if steroids weren't being used... but if people wanna risk their fucking lives with dangerous fucking shit then so be it. If steroids weren't so fucking dangerous, I'd advise the whole fucking world to use the shit.
friendly fucker, you also need some perspective, too.
Steroids are not even close to as dangerous as two drugs that are legally available in this country, alcohol and tobacco. The media has associated a lot of bad things with steroids that just aren't true, and because of that, an incredibly negative stigma has been associated with them.
I mean...did you know the FDA and AMA in the United States tried to oppose Congress back in 1990 when they were making it an illegal substance? Why? Because anabolic steroids aren't that dangerous.
I sure did miss Brad Fullmer fan being the moral compass for us all. I mean, he's a Brad Fullmer fan, and he's preaching on steroids. Clearly he has the most unbiased and educated opinion available.
Stedron, if you think you know so much on the topic, why don't you spread the knowledge around? Believe me, I'd love to hear it.
I don't which is why I'm keeping my mouth shut. A trait you have yet to learn.
I'm just telling you the facts here. Steroids aren't as dangerous as alcohol or tobacco (you can look this shit up, there is no "expert" that will tell you otherwise), and the AMA/FDA were opposed to the ban at the time it was made.
Steroids (not orals (pills), but injectables of a testosterone base) are indeed safer and less harmful than cigarettes and alcohol. I learned this during my 4 year pharmacology degree and certainly side with Fullmer here.
However, if abused steroids are just as bad as the others listed. It's not really worthwhile to shred up your liver with orals or take injections in excess in light of this. Since most teams probably had McNamee-like juice-specific trainers, most MLBers probably consumed responsible amounts.
You're also telling some of us that we NEED perspective and spouting "fuck you" to others. We've been through this before. If you packaged your fun facts on tobacco and alcohol being more dangerous...then fine. If you wanted to give us your AMA/FDA update, fine. But don't be such a little prick when you do it.
My limited knowledge on this comes from an acquaintence of mine....who is a doctor.....and takes/has taken steroids for the purpose of bodybuilding. From my very VERY limited knowledge of this, I have this problem with what you're saying:
If you want to start comparing steroids to recreational LEGAL substances, your argument is faulty in the area of moderate misuse. Steroids used responsibly are less dangerous than tobacco used sparingly (because there is no good reason to use tabacco.) Alcohol on this level is a wash. Heavily abusing any of these substances is...um..let me find a profound word......"bad".....duh.
But - Irresponsibly ramping up a steroid cycle is exponentially more damaging and dangerous then drinking at a level of most of us here on this site, which I'm assuming is slightly more than average.
This could all very well be bullshit, and this is only my opinion based on what I've captured in blurry drinking discussions with this individual. The moral of the story is that until you're Brad Fullmer Fan MD, kindly leave some grey area in your comments. Your just so damn detestable.
Because they're less dangerous than other substances doesn't make them okay. They're still dangerous. Driving drunk is more dangerous than roller blading drunk, but I still don't recommend either one.
As for the Professor, in the comments on his article (in which he pretty much claims that losing AJ will cost the Jays 11 wins) they are discussing moving Vernon to 1B (because he would hit better than Overbay). If nothing else they will have all the money they offer AJ to find somebody to take his place, which Griff fails to account for.
Dude, there are people out there who don't know what they are booing and have hate for things that they don't understand. Like this Jesse guy. Or friendly fucker who thinks anabolic steroid use is somehow "dangerous" They are the ones that need some fucking perspective.
It's not your place to tell them that. It's not a big stretch to call anabolic steroid use "dangerous." It is very dangerous if you're not educated on the topic.
"Because they're less dangerous than other substances doesn't make them okay. They're still dangerous. Driving drunk is more dangerous than roller blading drunk, but I still don't recommend either one."
I'm not saying that anabolic steroids don't have certain risks, but could you tell us all what exactly it is that anabolic steroids do?
Stedron, what makes you think I'm not educated on this topic?
Taking anabolic steroids responsibly is no more dangerous than drinking responsibly. But I don't see people here calling alcohol dangerous.
Honestly. I don't feel like you're really educated in anything. I think you're probably a little Trivial Persuit nerd who knows a little about a lot, and not much about anything useful. You mix your moderate topical knowledge with some pampas bullshit to come off as the final word on everything.
Does anyone have to say that alcohol is dangerous? Of course it is. I already stated my position on this, which is that the way it was explained to me, MODERATE MISUSE is where anabolic steroids trumps alcohol - when you eliminate driving drunk from the equation of course.
You should probably learn how to spell before lecturing me about things that you think I do and do not know.
Nice one. Typical flame warrior. I have nothing intelligent to say, so I'll throw a barb about a spelling mistake. Geeez. I am so burnt. YOU WIN FULLMER! YOU WIN! I'M OFF TO RETHINK MY LIFE!
There's more than one spelling mistake on that post, stedron.
Oh, and moderate misuse of alcohol easily trumps the moderate misuse of anabolic steroids. I'd suggest going to research this stuff before re-thinking your life.
Why does it matter what they do or how they work? Doesn't how people perceive how they work matter more? I don't care if Jason Giambi uses steroids until his balls are peanut sized and he dies at 50, but I do care if because he hits lots of home runs kids in the minors or the general public thinks they can hit lots of home runs and use steroids, not understanding the risks and not understanding proper methods of use, and they risk their lives because of it.
It's glorification of something dangerous by a public figure, just like I disagree with rap artists glorifying gang violence or cocaine use. And to say that it's not his responsibility that kids look up to him isn't true, he's paid to be an entertainer, because professional sports are entertainment, and therefore he does have some degree of responsibility for his fans.
"Why does it matter what they do or how they work? Doesn't how people perceive how they work matter more?"
No, because the majority of these people are uninformed, and have absolutely no idea what they are talking about.
"I don't care if Jason Giambi uses steroids until his balls are peanut sized and he dies at 50, but I do care if because he hits lots of home runs kids in the minors or the general public thinks they can hit lots of home runs and use steroids, not understanding the risks and not understanding proper methods of use, and they risk their lives because of it."
What are these risks? That's what I want to hear from you.
"It's glorification of something dangerous by a public figure, just like I disagree with rap artists glorifying gang violence or cocaine use. And to say that it's not his responsibility that kids look up to him isn't true, he's paid to be an entertainer, because professional sports are entertainment, and therefore he does have some degree of responsibility for his fans."
It's the job of parents to tell their kids not to do something, not athletes.
I'm not on a steroid cycle, so researching this doesn't really do me any good at all. I told you where my info came from, and told you it could very well be bullshit.
Your use of the word easily there is what destroys any credibility you may be able to create with your contributions. Please share with me your research that shows the impact of moderate misuse of alcohol as compared to moderate misuse of anabolic steroids on a control group.
Feel free to make spelling mistakes if what you're saying is interesting. I'd rather read a butchered story that has substance over some spell-checked douchbaggery.
you guys are typing a shit load of words. i started reading them but quit.
Are you claiming that even if misused there are no risks to steroids? I don't need research to know there are, if you misuse tylenol there can be risks.
My point is exactly that, this isn't about what well-informed people do with steroids, it's about what the uninformed do to try and keep up.
For a 19-year old triple-A player, living alone far from his parents, it is not the parent's responsibility to sit him down and talk to him. It's his decision to use steroids, but a decision influenced by outside sources. If Giambi is his idol and he knows Giambi takes steroids then maybe he will too, except maybe he won't do the research to make sure he doesn't abuse them because some douchebag online said that they're safer than having a beer after the game.
"What are these risks? That's what I want to hear from you."
They change how your body regulates chemicals such as Serotonin and Dopamine, thus altering how your body maintains "mood." This directly relates to "roid rage."
They have also been proven to stunt skeletal development in younger users.
Animal tests have also shown that animals will self-administer anabolic steroids, proving that they have an addictive quality.
Fuck off.
Stedron, alcohol use is related to cancer and liver disease. Two things that anabolic steroids have never been proven to cause.
I'm shocked. A fan of brad fullmer is defending steroid use.
"They change how your body regulates chemicals such as Serotonin and Dopamine, thus altering how your body maintains "mood." This directly relates to "roid rage."
"Roid rage" is an absolute myth, stedron. The studies that have been done on the topic are all inconclusive.
"They have also been proven to stunt skeletal development in younger users."
Why would anybody give steroids to young people (other than of course for the medical uses in growth stimulation)?
"Animal tests have also shown that animals will self-administer anabolic steroids, proving that they have an addictive quality."
LOL, that's your proof that they are addictive? Animals?
You fuck off, stedron.
Ok. Let's go organ by organ, tissue by tissue and have a tale of the tape of alcohol/tobacco vs steroids.
Do you honestly think what you type betters your position? You entertain the fuck out of me (of course, after I've gone through the scratching my eyes out portion of reading your nonsense.)
I also wasn't aware Brad Fullmer used steroids. Is there some kind of proof out there for that, or are you talking out of your ass?
"Are you claiming that even if misused there are no risks to steroids? I don't need research to know there are, if you misuse tylenol there can be risks."
Not at all. I'm asking you what those risks are. You know...to check if you have any idea what you're talking about.
Ok, so your field is not biology. Animals self-administering substances is the accepted method for establishing said substances propencity for addiction.
18 year olds are not always fully developed. Fully developed does not mean some kid. Which goes back to Colin's point about the A ball player.
You have shown your true ignorance by laughing at the FACTS that were just provided to you.
Brad Fullmer Fan - still an intolerable douche.
"Ok. Let's go organ by organ, tissue by tissue and have a tale of the tape of alcohol/tobacco vs steroids."
Go ahead. I assure you my side will come out favourably.
I gave you risks. Why are you asking for them again from Colin?
But you sir, are the one that said your side will win "easily." I think you have the burden of proof here.
Here are some more for you.
Liver damage, jaundice (yellowing of the skin, tissues, and body fluids), fluid retention, high blood pressure, increases in LDL (bad cholesterol), and decreases in HDL (good cholesterol,) renal failure, severe acne, uncontrollable trembling.....
I don't know all the risks of casual heroin use either, but I don't use heroin because I know there are risks. Isn't that enough? Unless you can prove that there are NO risks, then my potential scenario above holds.
And yes, you read that right. Steroid abuse has been linked to liver disease - going directly against your original claim. So Dr. Fullmer Fan, I can't wait for you to release your findings to the medical world to disprove this.
"Ok, so your field is not biology. Animals self-administering substances is the accepted method for establishing said substances propencity for addiction."
Studies have been done that suggest both sides of this argument are right. The question of whether anabolic steroids are addictive remains inconclusive.
The only truly ignorant person is one who isn't open to new ideas because of a negative media-driven stigma.
"Liver damage, jaundice (yellowing of the skin, tissues, and body fluids), fluid retention, high blood pressure, increases in LDL (bad cholesterol), and decreases in HDL (good cholesterol,) renal failure, severe acne, uncontrollable trembling."
Alright...now can you explain how those side-effects are worse than tobacco and alcohol?
"And yes, you read that right. Steroid abuse has been linked to liver disease - going directly against your original claim. So Dr. Fullmer Fan, I can't wait for you to release your findings to the medical world to disprove this."
Abuse of oral steroids has been linked to liver disease. Not the injectable kind that athletes use.
You wanted a list of risks. There you go.
How about I keep drinking, and you start doing steroids....you know..since you're advocating them. We'll get together in a few years and see how each other is doing. My abuse of choice has even had a 15 year head start on you. You will surely be in better shape than I at the end.
Accept this challenge or shut the fuck up.
Did you forget Derek's post from above, stedron, saying exactly that?
Did you forget Derek's post from above, stedron, saying exactly that?
I'm open to drugs that fight cancer with negative side effects. If they could make us smarter and help solve world issues then that would be different. Helping people hit baseballs does not carry the same weight.
If you're trying to make the argument that we don't yet truly understand their effects, then why are you arguing in favour of their use to help people play sports? These aren't clinical trials, they're general use for trivial matters.
Fuck off Parkes
"How about I keep drinking, and you start doing steroids....you know..since you're advocating them. We'll get together in a few years and see how each other is doing. My abuse of choice has even had a 15 year head start on you. You will surely be in better shape than I at the end.
Accept this challenge or shut the fuck up."
That's what you think has to be done, eh?
Well, sounds like fun to me (as I would be jacked, and completely in shape).
Let's do it. I'm challenging your will.
"If you're trying to make the argument that we don't yet truly understand their effects, then why are you arguing in favour of their use to help people play sports? These aren't clinical trials, they're general use for trivial matters."
I don't believe I've said anything about that, but if you want to know my opinion, I don't think they should be agaisnt the rules in sports. Getting into my opinion on that is an entirely different argument.
How much sweeter do I have to make this for you? Let's say we schedule to box in November of 2011. Get yourself ripped, then you can beat the fuck out of me, AND be right. All at the same time. I'll even come to you. We can have the Drunks (presuming they are still around) call the fight on a podcast. The whole DJF world will see you in your height of glory.
How can you pass this up?
It's tempting to be sure. I could probably increase my size from 6'4 190 to an actual force to be recknoned with. But is it really necessary? The research is already out there to suggest alcohol is far more dangerous than anabolic steroids.
Why don't you all shut the fuck up?
Bitchez!
Because you are so for it, it begs the question why you aren't already taking them.
My challenge stands. I will make all the arrangements. You can accept, or be a little bitch. (Well, you're apparently tall, but 6'4".......190? Sounds like "little" is still an appropriate adjective.)
I can't wait until the morning to read how you dodged this.
"Because you are so for it, it begs the question why you aren't already taking them."
I believe a grown adult in this country should be able to take what they want, yes. It's about freedoms and liberties with me. That doesn't mean I'd necessarily choose to take any drug, myself.
As for this challenge, I don't see how it will prove anything we don't know. There is nobody out there that will tell you that alcohol is better for you than anabolic steroids. Atleast, not anybody that knows what they are talking about.
can we pls get dick pics and just fucking settle this already.
"Well, you're apparently tall, but 6'4".......190? Sounds like "little" is still an appropriate adjective."
Oh come on, it's not THAT little. How big are you, stedron?
Stedron would never agree to that Stoeten.
"friendly fucker, you also need some perspective, too.
Steroids are not even close to as dangerous as two drugs that are legally available in this country, alcohol and tobacco. The media has associated a lot of bad things with steroids that just aren't true, and because of that, an incredibly negative stigma has been associated with them."
I didn't say steroids were the pinacle of danger, so what perspective do I need? Alcohol and cigs are fucking dangerous as well. So? I dont smoke cigarrettes... and I drink, but not to the point where I can feel my liver trying to squeeze out my ass.
Like I said about steroids, if others wanna fuck up their body, go ahead... but I dont advise other fuckers to do either. If they weren't dangerous, I'd have no problem advising everybody to drink and smoke.
You have chastised people for claiming athletes should not use them, therefore I assume you don't think it's wrong. Otherwise you'd be a giant fucking hypocrite.
And you didn't address my point, if you want to claim that we don't completely understand the effects of steroids then why do you think that they should be allowed to be used in trivial matters? If we don't know the full effects then is there not the potential for serious danger? Would that not be something that a young player might not understand and might not consider?
Stedron would never agree to that Stoeten.
Please don't take my words and use them in any way to promote this nonsense.
Brad Fullmer Fan said...
That's what you think has to be done, eh?
Well, sounds like fun to me (as I would be jacked, and completely in shape).
LMFAO, ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't see what's funny. If I were to take steroids (along with proper weight training of course), I'd be in the best shape of my life.
"Please don't take my words and use them in any way to promote this nonsense."
I find this comments section better when it isn't just anonymouses saying Fuck off Parkes or calling you an asshole, don't you?
Stoeten's just trying to feel relevant by shitting on your little debate.
But then again, with the volume of posts, the repetition, and yer mama complaining about being bored, maybe it is time for Stoeten to dump something from his smelly ass
You would not be in the best shape of your life without corresponding cardiac activity. Jogging, cycling, etc would all put you in far better shape than weight training. You would likely be stronger and more muscular than ever before.
Shocker. Challenge not accepted. Just keep dodging the direct questions/challenges and keep hiding behind your words and fake h/w/a/s/l. Ugh, you're like a resident troll.
Does it matter how big I am? I'm offering to get my ass beat by a roided out monster AND make all the arrangements to boot? I could be a midget amputee and you should still be jumping all over this.
Where do I send this dick pic? Wait, do you want limp, semi, or full-on? Can I get a semi and call it limp for my own benifit? Do you want an action shot? There are so many possibilities...
Holy shit this is lame. Steroids. Not against baseball rules. They are counter to the laws of the country. I'm pretty sure murder ain't against MLB's guidelines, but you'd have a hard time pleading your case to stay in the league after Rae Carruthing your wife.
Cue Fullmer fan to jump all over my apparent moral equivalence. Blah blah shut the fuck up.
It's simple -- you allow steroid use, then that level of performance becomes the baseline. Minor leaguers have to use it to break into the league. High schoolers have to use it to get the top draft picks. Junior high kids use it to make the team.
^^^^ that's the nut of it.
"Holy shit this is lame. Steroids. Not against baseball rules. They are counter to the laws of the country. I'm pretty sure murder ain't against MLB's guidelines, but you'd have a hard time pleading your case to stay in the league after Rae Carruthing your wife."
So marijuana use or drunk driving constitute cheating now? There's a difference between breaking laws and breaking a sport's rules. Before 2004, there was no rule agaisnt steroids in baseball.
"It's simple -- you allow steroid use, then that level of performance becomes the baseline. Minor leaguers have to use it to break into the league. High schoolers have to use it to get the top draft picks. Junior high kids use it to make the team."
It's cute that you don't think this isn't already happening on a massive scale, or that it isn't already the baseline. Athletes will always use PEDs whether they are agaisnt the rules or not. The only players that end up getting caught, however, are the poorer ones who don't have the money to spend on up-to-date masking agents. That's the system we've created.
Oh and fuck you, stedron. Your challenge serves no purpose at all.
It serves the purpose of showing that you're a pussy.
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