September 2006

« August 2006 | Main | October 2006 »

2007 MLB Free Agents: Gary Matthews Jr.

The Rangers would like to retain free agent center fielder Gary Matthews Jr., but competition could be fierce if he hits the market. It's important to remember that Sarge Jr. will be entering his age 32 season in 2007. Perhaps his athleticism will help him age better. While Matthews's .372 OBP is a career high, you'll notice that it's entirely batting average driven. He hasn't improved his walk rate at all this season. The improvement in batting average is tied to more frequent contact - he's up to 84% in that department. He's also got a career high SLG. The..   Continue Reading

---

2007 Oakland A's

Next up in the 2007 Team Outlooks are the Oakland Athletics. They stand to possibly lose a couple of key players after this season. Billy Beane's contract obligations: C - Jason Kendall - $8MM C - Adam Melhuse - $0.85MM 1B - Dan Johnson - $0.33MM 2B - Mark Ellis - $3.5MM SS - Bobby Crosby - $2.5MM 3B - Eric Chavez - $9MM IF - Marcos Scutaro - $0.34MM IF - D'Angelo Jimenez - $0.75MM LF - Nick Swisher - $0.335MM CF - Mark Kotsay - $7MM RF - Milton Bradley - $3MM OF - Bobby Kielty - $1.85MM..   Continue Reading

---

2007 Houston Astros

The Astros are due for the next Team Outlook. Tim Purpura's contract obligations: C - Brad Ausmus - $3.5MM C - Eric Munson - $0.35MM 1B - Lance Berkman - $14.5MM 2B - Chris Burke - $0.3625MM SS - Adam Everett - $1.9MM 3B - Morgan Ensberg - $3.8MM 1B/3B - Mike Lamb - $1.7MM IF - Eric Bruntlett - $0.365MM LF - Luke Scott - $0.327MM CF - Willy Taveras - $0.4MM RF - Jason Lane - $0.45MM OF - Orlando Palmeiro - $0.95MM SP - Roy Oswalt - $13MM SP - Jason Hirsh - $0.327MM SP - Wandy..   Continue Reading

---

2007 Minnesota Twins

Given their postseason berth, you wouldn't expect Twins fans to be clamoring for a writeup on the '07 club. They have been, however, and I aim to please. Terry Ryan's contract obligations: C - Joe Mauer - $0.4MM C - Mike Redmond - $0.95MM 1B - Justin Morneau - $0.385MM 2B - Luis Castillo - $5.75MM SS - Jason Bartlett - $0.38MM 3B - Nick Punto - $0.69MM IF - Luis Rodriguez - $0.38MM LF - CF - Torii Hunter - $12MM option RF - Michael Cuddyer - $1.3MM OF - Lew Ford - $0.425MM OF - Jason Tyner -..   Continue Reading

---

Royals Join Matsuzaka Chase

An unlikely eighth team has expressed interest in Daisuke Matsuzaka: the Royals. KC joins the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Rangers, Orioles, Dodgers, and Mariners as a suitor. While it's unlikely that the Royals would pony up more than $10MM annually for one player, it would bring some excitement to the '07 team. It would also be better than the way they spent free agent money in 2006: $5MM for Reggie Sanders, $4MM for Scott Elarton, $4MM for Mark Grudzielanek, $1.85MM for Doug Mientkiewicz, $1.7MM for Elmer Dessens, and $1.5MM for Tony Graffanino. Granted that was a different GM, but the..   Continue Reading

---

Sherman: Carl Crawford Available

As you may have seen, Joel Sherman's latest article mentions that the D-Rays will "dangle" Carl Crawford in return for a top starting pitching prospect. Sherman goes on to mention that TB would also explore trading Rocco Baldelli or - gasp - Delmon Young. Given Young's off-the-chart talent and future, I can't see how this is feasible. Crawford makes a sense though, as he's relatively well-paid and proven. But aside from Mr. Kazmir, how often do you see top-shelf pitching prospects moved? Here are some names: Scott Elbert, Homer Bailey, Philip Hughes, Jason Hirsh, Nick Adenhart, Humberto Sanchez, Donald Veal...   Continue Reading

---

2007 Chicago Cubs

Updated 12/07/2006 Full disclosure: I am a diehard Cubs fan. Still, I think I'm capable of pulling together a Team Outlook for this bunch. Jim Hendry's 2007 contract obligatons: C - Michael Barrett - $3MM C - Henry Blanco - $1.8MM 1B - Derrek Lee - $13MM 2B - Mark DeRosa - $4.33MM SS - Cesar Izturis - $4.15MM 3B - Aramis Ramirez - $11MM IF - Ryan Theriot - $0.38MM LF - Matt Murton - $0.38MM CF - Jacque Jones - $4MM RF - Alfonso Soriano - $9MM OF - Angel Pagan - $0.38MM SP - Carlos Zambrano -..   Continue Reading

---

2007 St. Louis Cardinals

I already took my best shot at a 2007 plan for the Cardinals back in August. But, let's do our usual Team Outlook analysis for the club. The Viva El Birdos article was more my recommendations, so here we'll discuss more of what I think Walt Jocketty will do. 2007 contract obligations: C - Yadier Molina - $0.4MM C - 1B - Albert Pujols - $15MM 2B - Aaron Miles - $0.35MM SS - David Eckstein - $4.5MM 3B - Scott Rolen - $12MM IF - LF - Chris Duncan - $0.33MM CF - RF - Juan Encarnacion - $5MM..   Continue Reading

---

2007 MLB Free Agents: Luis Gonzalez

When we last checked in with future free agent left fielder Luis Gonzalez, he'd been informed by the D'Backs that they didn't want him back. Now, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe has a few interested teams for us: "Don't feel bad about Luis Gonzalez's Diamondbacks career being over. The Orioles, Tigers, Rangers, and Cubs are already considering him as a DH and/or left fielder for next year." Word was that Gonzo wanted to stay in the NL, meaning a return to the Cubs might be at the top of the list. The problem? The Cubs already have a left..   Continue Reading

---

2007 New York Mets

Let's see what's in store for the Mets next year. Their playoff appearance this year should ensure that ownership spends some more money to plug any holes. By the way, you can read any of my 2007 Team Outlooks here. Omar Minaya's contractual obligations: C - Paul LoDuca - $6.5MM C - Ramon Castro - $0.8MM 1B - Carlos Delgado - $14.5MM 2B - SS - Jose Reyes - $2.5MM 3B - David Wright - $1MM IF - Julio Franco - $1.1MM IF - Ruben Gotay - $0.3405MM, Anderson Hernandez - $0.327MM LF - Lastings Milledge - $0.415MM CF -..   Continue Reading

---

2007 Seattle Mariners

Next up, those Seattle Mariners. Many thanks to the fine Mariners blogs U.S.S. Mariner and Lookout Landing for their work. It's always good to consult the experts before doing a writeup on their team. Bill Bavasi's contract obligations: C - Kenji Johjima - $5.2MM C - Guillermo Quiroz - $0.3275MM 1B - Richie Sexson - $14MM 2B - Jose Lopez - $0.335MM SS - Yuniesky Betancourt - $0.4MM 3B - Adrian Beltre - $11.5MM IF - Willie Bloomquist - $1MM LF - Raul Ibanez - $5.5MM CF - Ichiro Suzuki - $11MM RF - Chris Snelling - $0.3285MM OF -..   Continue Reading

---

2007 Philadelphia Phillies

People seem to be enjoying these 2007 outlooks I've been doing by team, so I'll keep 'em coming. Check out the new 2007 Team Outlooks link to see all of the past ones. Here are the current contract obligations for the Phillies. I should also add that I utilized the terrific Beerleaguer Phillies Blog as a resource to learn some details about the team's plans. C - Carlos Ruiz - $0.33MM C - Chris Coste - $0.33MM 1B - Ryan Howard - $0.355MM 2B - Chase Utley - $0.5MM SS - Jimmy Rollins - $7MM 3B - 1B/OF - Jeff..   Continue Reading

---

Bob Wickman Stays With Braves

Finding a return to the NL to his liking, 37 year-old closer Bob Wickman has re-upped with the Braves for one year and $6.5MM. It seems a little pricey for a guy valued at about a million bucks for 2007 by Baseball Prospectus's PECOTA projection system. Still, he was the best option in a thin market. Some teams are already thinking outside the box when looking for closers. The Red Sox are considering trying hard-thrower Matt Clement in the role. His stuff is nasty, so maybe a move to the 'pen would do him good. Other possible converts include Adam..   Continue Reading

---

2007 Los Angeles Angels

So Arte Moreno has guaranteed big changes in Los Angeles this winter. Let's explore his current obligations and needs. C - Mike Napoli - $0.35MM C - Jose Molina - $1.25MM 1B - 2B - Howie Kendrick - $0.35MM SS - Orlando Cabrera - $7.5MM 3B - IF - Robb Quinlan - $0.365MM IF - Maicer Izturis - $0.35MM LF - Juan Rivera - $2.025MM CF - Chone Figgins - $3.5MM RF - Vladimir Guerrero - $13.5MM DH - Garret Anderson - $11MM SP - Bartolo Colon - $14MM SP - Kelvim Escobar - $8.5MM SP - John Lackey -..   Continue Reading

---

Carroll: Aramis Ramirez To Stay A Cub?

Baseball Prospectus's Will Carroll gave hope to Cubs fans everywhere in his chat today. When posed a question about Aramis Ramirez leaving the Cubs as a free agent, he responded: "I don't think Ramirez will leave. In fact, I think the deal's essentially done to keep him." I thought that one line was definitely noteworthy, as Carroll is known to have some solid Cubs sources. Last month, the Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan indicated that Ramirez would stay, while SI's Jon Heyman thought differently   Continue Reading

---

New York Teams Back Off On Zito

Not what Scott Boras wanted to hear: multiple newspapers are reporting that both New York teams have minimal interest in Barry Zito. This is the complete opposite of what we were hearing in April. Popular speculation is that the Padres and Rangers are now the biggest horses in the race. Some other possibilities: Orioles - Another offseason, another promise of spending money. Doesn't seem like Angelos would meet Zito's price, though he probably loves the flawless medical record. In addition, Angelos does not like to deal with Boras. So scratch this possibility; they'll probably acquire a lesser starter. Blue Jays..   Continue Reading

---

Daisuke Matsuzaka Video

A little more on Japanese hurler Daisuke Matsuzaka. Check out this video of him throwing his various pitches. It's the best look I've had at his breaking ball. It might be a screwball or something weird, but let's remember that Jeff Passan has established that it's not a gyroball. When we last checked in, there was a 50/50 chance of Matsuzaka being posted by the Lions. Here's a rundown on the suitors: This Boston Herald article informed us that the Red Sox, Yankees, and Mets are currently scouting Matsuzaka in Japan. As of September 11th, his numbers looked like this...   Continue Reading

---

2007 Boston Red Sox

Recently, I took a look at how the 2007 Blue Jays might spend their money this winter. Let's give the Red Sox the same treatment. Under contract for 2007: Expected 2007 payroll: $120-140MM (Olney) C - Jason Varitek - $9MM 1B - Kevin Youkilis - $0.4MM 2B - Dustin Pedroia - 0.3MM SS - 3B - Mike Lowell - $9MM LF - Manny Ramirez - $18MM CF - Coco Crisp - $3.5MM RF - Wily Mo Pena - $2.5MM, Eric Hinske - $5.625MM DH - David Ortiz - $12.5MM SP - Curt Schilling - $13MM SP - Josh Beckett -..   Continue Reading

---

Red Sox Should Trade For Lidge

Given Jonathan Papelbon's recent hints about starting in 2007, there's a lot of hubbub about who might close for the Red Sox next season. Let me preface this by saying that I agree with Baseball Prospectus's Nate Silver: Papelbon should remain a closer. His utter dominance in relief, the taxing nature of his splitter, the open question about his ability to throw 200 innings. Why risk it? As Silver says, "A great closer is as valuable as all but the very best starters, once we properly account for the effects of leverage." But say the Red Sox do use Papelbon..   Continue Reading

---

2007 MLB Free Agents: Luis Gonzalez

It's been reported in multiple papers that the Diamondbacks will not be offering left fielder Luis Gonzalez a contract for 2007. He'll join a robust free agent left fielder market this winter. The average left fielder posts an OPS in the .810-.825 range, while Gonzalez stands at .824 this season. A second half doubles surge, which included a .906 OPS, has brought him up to that mark after a subpar first half in the power department. Baseball Prospectus projects a .266/.355/.463 line from him next year (that'd be an .818 OPS in his age 39 season). Such a performance would..   Continue Reading

---

2007 MLB Free Agents: Woody Williams

Last year, one of the "in the bag" free agent signings was Frank Thomas to the Athletics. It had been long-rumored, and both sides wanted to make it happen. This year, Woody Williams and the Astros may be a similar match. Said John P. Lopez of the Houston Chronicle on August 31st: "And that front-line starting pitcher the Astros will try to land come the winter? He's out there, watching. His name could well be Woody Williams, the Padres starter and long-rumored Astros acquisition who's apparently keen on making it happen this time." Williams is thought to be intent on..   Continue Reading

---

Angels Look To Lock Up K-Rod

According to Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times, one of the biggest priorities for the Angels this offseason will be locking up closer Francisco Rodriguez to a long-term deal. K-Rod is due for free agency after the '08 season, and the Yankees are already said to be eyeing him up as the heir to Mariano Rivera. This year is Rodriguez's age 24 season, and he's already accumulated 100 saves. He's showing the best command of his career, though the side effect is that he's got the worst hit rate of his career. Still, 6.5 hits per nine is pretty..   Continue Reading

---

Chone Figgins On The Block?

Ah, finally a legitimate trade rumor. The well had been running dry for a while. Doug Padilla of the L.A. Daily News tells us that center fielder/utility man Chone Figgins could be traded this offseason, possibly to the White Sox for Joe Crede. Crede, who is represented by Scott Boras, has continually inked one-year deals with the Sox. This is his fourth full season, and he's making a little less than $3MM. Crede's breakout .298/.331/.535 campaign should bring another hefty raise. Crede should cross or near the 30 HR, 100 RBI plateaus for the first time in his career. He'll..   Continue Reading

---

Wells, Meche Giving Home Team Consideration

It's a common refrain among impending free agents: "I'll give my current team every chance to re-sign me before hitting the open market." Recently, it's been Vernon Wells and Gil Meche singing that particular tune. Here's the thing about Wells: he's not an impending free agent. He'll be a free agent after 2007; he'll earn $5.6MM next year. The standard superstar practice is to start the contract negotiations a year early. Almost as if the Blue Jays owe Wells something because he's playing at a below-market price in 2007. Which is silly, because it was the Jays taking on the..   Continue Reading

---

Edmonds Option To Be Declined?

Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch has an informative look at how the Cardinals will reshape their team this winter. Aside from a major rotation makeover, there's also the issue of Jim Edmonds's $10MM option. According to Strauss: "The Cardinals are increasingly unlikely to assume Edmonds' $10 million option for 2007, an issue complicated by the Gold Glove outfielder's ongoing struggle with post-concussion syndrome, according to club sources." I have a lot of faith in Strauss's club sources, and this has definitely been the vibe lately. Edmonds himself feels that it will be declined. I know it's been a..   Continue Reading

---

2007 MLB Free Agent Market: Middle Relievers

Updated 1-9-07 Is there anyone useful left among the free agent relievers? At this point, it's a mixed bag. Take a look at the available free agents. Mike DeJean - He had shoulder surgery in June and barely pitched in 2006. He was useful in 2005 so someone will bring him aboard. Dustin Hermanson - The White Sox declined their $3.65MM option on him after his back limited him to less than seven innings with the big club this year. The Yankees took a look at his medical records earlier this month. Dan Kolb - Despite two full seasons of..   Continue Reading

---

The All-Bargain Free Agent Rotation

A week ago, I assembled a pretty decent squad of free agent position players for about $40MM in 2007. This week I'll take a crack at putting together the All-Bargain Rotation, no easy task given the market inflation. Given the nature of free agency, this is going to be a staff of veterans past their prime. SP1 - Andy Pettitte. The 34 year-old southpaw has righted the ship since July. He's still got good command and gets his Ks. He also keeps the ball on the ground reasonably well. Would $16MM over two years do the trick? And is he..   Continue Reading

---

Chuck James and Rich Hill Examined

A couple of interesting rookie southpaws have burst onto the scene in recent months. RotoAuthority has an in-depth look at Rich Hill and Chuck James. Rich Hill Examined Chuck James Examine   Continue Reading

---

2007 MLB Free Agents: Juan Pierre

There's been some talk in the Chicago papers that the Cubs may offer Juan Pierre three years and $24MM this offseason. Let's take a closer look at the 29 year-old speedster. The Cubs acquired Pierre to play center field on December 7th of last year. Before then, the Cubs flirted with Milton Bradley, Brad Wilkerson, Austin Kearns, and Dave Roberts. Definitely a mixed bag there knowing what we know now. I was not a fan of the Pierre acquisition, though the price didn't seem terribly high to me. In hindsight, Cubs fans wouldn't mind having Ricky Nolasco back. Pierre had..   Continue Reading

---

Rosenthal: Padres Will Join Zito Bidding

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Padres will be involved in the Barry Zito sweepstakes this winter. Other interested parties include the Mets and Dodgers. The Padres will free up a significant amount of cash with Chan Ho Park and Ryan Klesko coming off the books. Park is actually the one Padre who retains Scott Boras as his agent, so perhaps that will serve as a cautionary tale for Kevin Towers and Co. Zito has actually been fairly mediocre this year: 2006 League Averages for Pitchers: AL: 4.53 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 3.18 BB/9, 6.41 K/9, 1.13 HR/9, 9.49 H/9 NL: 4.50..   Continue Reading

---

Julio Lugo Considering Mets

Word comes today from the New York Post that free agent infielder Julio Lugo grew up a Mets fan and will "definitely" consider the club if they're interested. He's open to second base or shortstop for his new team. Last year, Lugo's age 29 season, looked like a career year for the shortstop. He hit .295/.362/.403 and was the fifth best shortstop in baseball according to Baseball Prospectus. This season, in an injury-shortened 72 games with the Devil Rays, Lugo hit .308/.373/.498. All three marks are career bests. At the trading deadline, the Dodgers sent promising young prosect Joel Guzman..   Continue Reading

---

2009 MLB Free Agents: Johan Santana

Is it too early to be talking about this? Apparently not. Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press throws it out there: what's going to happen when Johan Santana hits free agency after the 2008 season? Walters says Santana will still be just 29. In reality, 2009 will be his age 30 season. Let's use Baseball Prospectus PECOTA projection system to forecast how much money Santana might receive on the open market. Let's start with Roy Oswalt, who will receive $14.6MM annually in his new five-year deal. PECOTA says his forecasted performance is worth about $40MM for 2007-11 as opposed to..   Continue Reading

---

2007 Toronto Blue Jays

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Blue Jays plan to increase player payroll "perhaps to $100 million or beyond." How should they spend their money to best position themselves for 2007? Here are J.P. Ricciardi's contract obligations: C - C - Jason Phillips - $0.55MM 1B - Lyle Overbay - $3MM 2B - Aaron Hill - $0.4MM SS - John McDonald - $0.5MM 3B - Troy Glaus - $10.75MM IF - John McDonald - $0.5MM LF - Reed Johnson - $2MM CF - Vernon Wells - $5.6MM RF - Alex Rios - $0.4MM OF - Adam Lind - $0.38MM SP -..   Continue Reading

---

Will Bonds Hot Streak Affect Future?

Since the beginning of August, Barry Bonds has been on a tear. He's hitting .329/.459/.709 over those 27 games. The slugging ranks 4th among Major Leaguers, behind Travis Hafner, Ryan Howard, and Adam LaRoche. Overall, Bonds's 1.001 OPS this season ranks 11th in baseball, right behind Miguel Cabrera. Any reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated. Bonds has appeared in 112 games this season, or about 81% of the Giants' contests. The 130 game pace beats preseason expectations. He also sports the game's best OBP at .462. The OBP leaderboard is littered with similarly slow-footed sluggers, so we shouldn't hold..   Continue Reading

---

Could Jeremy Bonderman Be Available?

Lynn Henning of the Detroit News raises an interesting possibility: perhaps, with all of their starting pitching depth, the Tigers would consider trading Jeremy Bonderman this winter. Said Henning: "He may yet be considered untouchable by the Tigers. But he will become a free agent at the end of 2008. He has also shown some fourth-year inconsistency that might be troubling to the Tigers, typified by last week's loss at New York in less-than-inspiring fashion. Bonderman would, theoretically, be the kind of pitcher who could draw a heavy return. Conceivably, the Tigers could land a power first baseman, as well..   Continue Reading

---

30 Homer Surprises

For those of you interested in fantasy baseball and possibilities for 2007, check out the latest post at RotoAuthority: 30 Homer Surprises   Continue Reading

---

The All-Bargain Free Agent Lineup

It's tough to find bargains via free agency. Players are past their peaks and are being compensated more for their past performance than their future. Still, a few deals slip through the cracks every year. Let's assemble a lineup with the best bargains at each position. I'll do the pitchers in another post. C - Gregg Zaun. A million bucks, .360 OBP. I'll take that any time for my catcher. J.P. Ricciardi can complain about payroll, but there was no good reason to toss $5 mil at Bengie Molina this year. 1B - Craig Wilson. The first base crop is..   Continue Reading

---

2007 MLB Free Agents: Dave Roberts

There's been some chatter about Dave Roberts lately - he'll be a coveted free agent this winter. Back in July, I discussed Roberts in my center fielder free agent market review: "Roberts, 34, is best known for his stolen base in the 2004 ALCS. He's solidly above average at hitting but is ranked just 30th on defense. He's got a weak arm but was a solid defender prior to 2005. According to the Fielding Bible, Roberts still has his speed and range so he should bounce back defensively if healthy. He's been moved to left field to make an excellent..   Continue Reading

---

Search MLBTR

MLBTR Mailing List

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

MLBTR Features

Recent Posts

Rumors By Team

Monthly Archives

Live Chats

Tuesdays at 2 p.m. CST