Walking the Plank: Apoca-Links

Friday, 21 December 2012 01:46

Written by Michael Sanserino

See what I did there?

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Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan is the Red Sox top bullpen target this offseason. So for all the talk during the Winter Meetings about Hanrahan's diminished trade value, it appears the Pirates are gaining some leverage due to the number of potential suitors getting involved. 

The Chicago Cubs signed Edwin Jackson to a four-year, $52 million deal. As Jon Heyman points out on Twitter, he looks smart for turning down the Pirates' three-year, $27 million offer last season for the Nationals' one-year, $11 million deal. $63 million > $27 million (I know, not apples to apples. But still). 

The Texas Rangers FINALLY landed an offseason target, signing catcher A.J. Pierzynski to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million. (Russell Martin will make $6.5 million in 2013 and $8.5 million in 2014. He also earned a $2 million signing bonus). 

ESPN's Jayson Stark analyzed the five teams that improved and the five teams that hurt their 2013 World Series chances with offseason moves, using computer win projections and Las Vegas odds. The Pirates did not make either list. 

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Holiday Movie Countdown: No. 5

I mentioned this to Hunter (who disapproved of my Home Alone 2 vs. Home Alone analysis) that he should email me his movie picks. Now that we're in Top 5 territory, I'd encourage you to do the same. Just include your numbered movie picks (1-4) and your username. I will post your picks in our countdown leading up to Christmas. 

Michael: "Prancer" Hope my dad doesn’t read the blog because… We watched Prancer after Thanksgiving every year. And he cried every time. 

Bill: "Home Alone" This has it all. John Candy appearances, South Bend references, Joe Pesci tripping and falling every which way and explaining to Marv that the kid can't call the cops from a treehouse.