Late Innings

Some random links for today. I’ll keep these short and sweet, since a heavy night of drinking is about to commence.

• Cole Hamels‘ stellar postseason should help net him a big payday in 2009, his first arbitration season. I’m predicting that he’ll be awarded a 6MM salary in 2009, given the past qualms about his contract from this year. It should be noted that even though Ryan Howard is struggling in the postseason, he’ll probably be given a 3MM or so raise and get into the 13MM ballpark, year two of salary arbitration for him.
• RotoProfessor looks at Chris Tillman (one-time Mariners prospect that the Orioles received in the Erik Bedard trade.) Some points of note, he may be useful for them in 2009, given the lack of starters that Baltimore has. His 1.33 WHIP from last year was alarming though, and comparisons were drawn to another walk-prone pitcher with all the talent in the world: Daniel Cabrera.
• J.J. Cooper of Baseball America looks at the accomplishments of (new Mariners GM) Jack Zduriencik in Milwaukee.
• Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun reminds the Cubs that they can have Brian Roberts, however it’ll cost them Josh Vitters to start. I know that teams are reluctant to trade their 2007 first round picks, but this is what it’ll cost to get Roberts.
• The Blue Jays and other teams (outside of Baltimore) are interested in Adam Loewen as a hitter. I think the glowing words from MASN’s Roch Kubatko about Loewen’s patience kindled the interest. Speaking of jokes on Jamie Moyer, some clever humor about him (I think I was five when the Orioles traded him to the Red Sox.) Correction, Boston signed him in 1996.
• Billy Beane talks health care, Moneyball-style.
• Raising Arizona — the AFL’s “Rising Stars” game starts today. An incredible cast of young talent will be featured.