Ed Wade is heading back to the NL East after four years in Houston. Here are more links from the division, starting with Wade’s longtime team…
- Mark DeRosa says he's interested in playing for the Nationals, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson (Twitter links). However, other teams are interested and DeRosa is not close to making a decision.
- Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. says he's comfortable heading into Spring Training with the team he has, according to Paul Hagen of MLB.com. The Phillies have already made major free agent signings, added complementary players such as Laynce Nix, Jim Thome and Dontrelle Willis and signed players to minor league deals, as our Free Agent Tracker shows.
- Those who know Cole Hamels doubt he would give the Phillies much of a discount on a potential extension, according to Tyler Kepner of the New York Times. The 27-year-old John Boggs & Associates client posted a 2.79 ERA with 8.1 K/9, 1.8 BB/9 and a 52.3% ground ball rate in 215 innings this past season. He's set to hit free agency after the 2012 season (MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects a $14MM salary for Hamels in his final season of arbitration eligibility).
- Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com shows that the Mets already have a projected payroll in the $90MM range. GM Sandy Alderson has suggested the team's payroll could be less than $100MM, so the Mets may not have much offseason shopping remaining.
- The Mets are interested in catcher Luis Martinez, who was designated for assignment by the Padres on Sunday, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post (on Twitter). The 26-year-old hit .203/.309/.305 in 68 plate appearances with the Padres this past season.
- The Braves and Rockies have continued discussing a possible deal that would send Seth Smith to Atlanta for Martin Prado, according to MLB.com's Thomas Harding. The Braves appear to be seeing what they can get for Jair Jurrjens first, however. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports examined possible suitors for Smith earlier today, including the Braves despite their preference for a right-handed hitter.
If/when Hamels hits free agency, it’s gonna be chaos.
If/when Lincecum reaches free agency the universe will explode.
If/when Kershaw reaches free agency…I can’t even fathom.
Do I dare mention if/when Strasburg!?! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy!Crap!
Imagine when Strasburg’s future son becomes a free agent? I heard he will get a 8M bonus in the womb.
hahaha funny funny guy! 😀 maybe he will, but i think it’s too soon to say all that stuff. I think he’s capable, but it’s too soon.
I love Strasburg’s potential but I’d like to see him pitch a full MLB season.
Well he has some catching up to do. 1 more Cy Young, a Postseason MVP, and a Championship to go.
Well he has some catching up to do. 1 more Cy Young, a Postseason MVP, and a Championship to go.
Enhanced bullpen or no, everything I see says the Mets plan to continue their reign of mediocrity in 2012. This is to be expected as long as the Wilpons hang on to the team, but it’s pretty sad.
What sort of deal do we see Cole Hamels getting if he hits FA? Certainly more than CJ Wilson got. Who’s his best comparison?
CC, Lee, and Santana. Phils are gonna have to pony up a lot to keep him. He wants to be in Philly, but won’t take less than Lee for sure. They might have to go to 7 years 160m for him, which is scary…very scary.
Probably Santana/Sabathia/Halladay money.
The starting point’s probably 6 years $120 million.
Cue the Yankees fans saying Cole will be in pinstripes…
I think this is going to be a huge season for Miami. If they act like a team, not like a circus, and can compete in the division, they will be an attractive destination. Expect them to throw money at him, and with Cole being relatively young; the money and city can be very enticing for him.
Very true
Hamels will be a Yankee, no doubt
That didn’t take long
Just like Halladay…
and Lee.
And Lee…again
carlos lee?
ha! 😀
And Lee…again
Ruben will not let Hamels walk. After Rollins,
The Blue Jays now have 30 days to reach an agreement with Darvish
Its Official, the Toronto Blue Jays have won the bidding for SP Yu Darvish at $52 000 000 (US)
incorrect sir. Rangers win.
oops!
I had no clue Hamels was so young… seems like he’s been doing his thing forever!
I didn’t realize what an incredible season Hamels had this year. He’s always been good, but now he’s stepped up to join the elite ranks of the true aces. Were there seriously 4 pitchers in the NL who were better than him this year?
Really amazing that they didn’t make it past the Cardinals.
Hamels will sign an extension in Philly before the season starts.
I hope, but I am not confident of this unless Rube goes to 6 for 130 guaranteed
wow the Phillies should sign Prince Fielder while they’re at it just throwing money around and who knows when Howard will be back?…not going to happen..I think that Hamels gets traded by the deadline if they can’t extend him..and I think the J-Rol re-signing may have tied up any additional funds that they would have to do so.
Ed Wade goes back to Phils after successfully using the Astros as the Phils’ farm team.
I like the idea of picking up Martinez to platoon with Thole, if only for the lack of depth at the catcher position. I would have preferred Jose Morales. I think the front office will take him because Martinez is a Padre and Alderson/Riccardi like former Padres and Blue Jays.
That is why the Phillies need to sign Hamels to an extension immediately. 6 years 108 million is a nice number but he may want more. But as a Phillies fan, I dont care what they pay him. Just keep him happy and happy in Philly.
Here’s hoping the Phils lose Hamels and the Sox sign him. I don’t think he will beat CC’s contract but im sure he will come within 15-25M of Lee. Just a guess.
I don’t expect much loyalty from Hamels nor should he give any. This is his chance at one of the largest pitching contracts ever given out and he’s going to have at least 3 of the biggest markets vying for his services, plus Washington, Toronto (?), Miami, among others, and the potential of the Dodger’s financial situation getting figured out.
Hoping they can lock him up and avoid the real possibility he leaves next off season.
Just to add: Hard to believe there’s a possibility that Roy Halladay is the third highest paid pitcher on the staff.
Just to add: Hard to believe there’s a possibility that Roy Halladay is the third highest paid pitcher on the staff.
Enough with the Prado/Smith rumors.
O’Dowd should have already ante-upped with Wheeler or Blackmon especially with the signing of Cuddyer. Get it done or move on, there is value in Smith.
would you call either of those two blocked by Dexter Fowler?
Yes definitely blocked by Fowler, they are buying into the second half he had. Last yr when Blackmon was healthy he played all 3 OFer positions but Cuddy is seen as the everyday RF so it’s going to be hard to find Blackmon abs, let alone Wheeler when he’s ready along with Colvin. Makes zero sense to hold onto all 3 or them when there will only limited abs to go around.
Where is Cuddyer going to play? He’s essentially Prado, so why do they still want Prado?
I don’t think Cuddy can play 2nd , which is where the Rockies are wanting him(Prado) to play .
Yes, he can play 2nd. He is really a very similar player to Prado.
Cuddy is seen as the everyday RF while playing a bit of 1B when Helton needs a day off and Rox are facing LH starter.
They don’t plan on playing him at 2B or 3B at all, at least that whats being reported.
Dodgers will have new ownership when Hamels hits free agency. So Cal kid.
D’OD will trade Smith for a PTBNL, I guarantee it
Are we really still talking about this? Prado for Smith ain’t gonna happen. Now if Danny-O wanted to include Wheeler then maybe we may have something but until then, go find your bat elsewhere.
Braves office: We are interested in Dexter Fowler is he available?
Rockies office: No but Seth Smith is.
Braves office: We’re not that interested but we really like Fowler, we have 300 good pitchers do you want any?
Rockies office: Yes we’re very interested, how about Seth Smith?
Really?
Lol, I laughed. I was thinking it would go more like…
{phone ring}
Frank Wren: Hello?
Dan O’Dowd: Hi Frank, it’s Dan O’Dowd…
FW: {interrupts} sigh…for the last time, you’re not getting Prado for Seth Smith.
DO’D: Oh come on Frank, do it!!
FW: How about you include one of those CFer’s you are stock piling like a squirrel stockpiles nuts before winter?
DO’D: How about not? Come on, Seth Smith is really good!!! He could platoon in left with that guy who beats up fans that run onto the field.
FW: Either include Wheeler or go bother someone else. {Hangs up}
Getting Prado will have to include either a replacement for Bourn or Chipper along with Seth Smith…plain and simple. Otherwise, there’s no point in moving him and Wren may as well keep Prado to play 3rd beyond 2012 and move a pitcher to obtain a CF.
Red Sox should kick the tires on Derosa. He rakes against lefties and could be a terrific RF platoon guy and give infielders occasional rest as well.
These Martin Prado for Seth Smith rumors make no sense. The ONLY way Smith would make sense would be if the Braves kept Prado and used them in a platoon. And, if the Braves wanted a platoon LF then they could just sign Luke Scott and keep Martin.
Dexter Fowler for Prado makes a lot more sense.
It doesn’t make sense but it does when you are Frank Wren and insisting on getting Wheeler along with Smith as a potential Bourn replacement.
Again, Smith is left handed. Wheeler is left handed. The Braves need to get another right handed hitter…..NOT give up a right handed hitter to get two more lefties.
Prado for Fowler makes sense. The Rockies can keep Seth Smith.
Again, Fowler isn’t going anywhere.
Never say never .
Just noticed that this rumor came from a Rockies blogger. Dream on Rox fans, you aren’t getting Prado for Seth Smith.
Harding and Renck aren’t exactly throw it against the wall types, Wren and O’Dowd are def in talks I would put money on Smith and Wheeler to ATL by Spring Training but there might need to be one more player from each side.
I can see the Braves trading Jurrjens to the Rockies but they aren’t trading one of the best right handed hitters for two lefties. That just is not happening. If it does, Frank Wren is a complete idiot…and I don’t believe that to be true at all.
Braves writers have said that the Braves would be interested in Smith but ONLY as a platoon partner with Prado….so that doesn’t sound like a Prado for Smith deal is imminent.
I would put money on the Braves making a trade that no one sees coming. This is just a smokescreen.
The deal isn’t supposed to be centered around Seth Smith. The main piece is what the Rockies will or won’t include. Wren insists on Wheeler, Blackmon or Fowler included in a potential deal. I don’t see why Braves fan think this is a 1 for 1 deal.
I don’t think we see at as a 1 for 1 deal . But Wren has clearly stated on several occasions that he is wanting a young RH bat to play in LF . Other than Fowler , the others don’t qualify . I agree with 14Rocks that we are more likely to see a trade we haven’t heard about yet . We have enough talent in the Farm System to add to a package with either Prado or Jurrjens to get something of significance back . Especially something better than some of the players we have been linked too (Smith-Col , Stubbs-Cincy , Young-Tigers , Jones-Orioles) .
Going by what Wren has stated in several interviews , Smith is not on the Braves wishlist . Not saying that he wouldn’t be put into a trade with the Rockies . But he wouldn’t be the centerpiece . I really don’t like the trade . Prado would hold more value to us than Smith would be be able to give us . If Chipper , Uggla , Freeman go down to injury , Prado can step in as he has played servicable defense at those positions . Smith is great against RH pitchers . But that doesn’t fill those other positions .
But the point of the trade is the value that it would return, depending on who is or isn’t included with Smith. It’s really not about him but whether or not COL is willing to deal one of the CFs in their organization.
No Doubt. Phil’s should’ve signed him before last year.
He’s never going to get that much. He’ll be closer to Weaver’s extension.
It is def possible. He could probably get 10-11 years from someone. He is only 27. It wouldn’t be unfathomable to see it. And to get 20 million a year is def possible. Thats why the Phillies need to sign him now. I think he would accept a 7 or 8 year deal here for around 18ish. He will stay where he wants to play and get paid handsomely to do so.
No pitcher will get 200 plus. Ever.
They’d have to hit FA at 25 or 26 to get a 10 year deal; even then, im not sure any team would go 200. Maybe 170
+1
No, he’ll be MUCH closer to CC than Weaver. If I had to guess I’d say between Lee and CC
Weaver’s extension was a huge discount… he’ll get more than that.
Weaver’s extension was a huge discount… he’ll get more than that.
He already had to get time off last year for shoulder soreness. No team is going to give a pitcher 10-11 years. That’s crazy risk.
The Phillies would never go 7-8 years. 5 for Lee was unusual for them.
no self respecting team would give a pitcher 10 years. I think 6 years 120 million sounds about right but I’m sure the Yankees or Marlins will swoop in with something ridiculous and from what I’ve heard, he wants the money.
No 27-year old pitcher will ever get 10-11 years. Ever. I dare say that no pitcher will ever get 10 years, but if I were a GM, I’d give a Felix Hernandez a deal like that, if he’d take it, for less money per year, for more years.
There’s just too many factors that could enter into it to ever make that risk worth it.
Not true. They’d go 7 for Cole…Rube has no morals.
Not true. They’d go 7 for Cole…Rube has no morals.
This is a special circumstance. Cole’s their guy. I doubt they give him an 8 year deal this offseason though.
I hope my sarcasm detector’s broken
I hope my sarcasm detector’s broken
Not that this will happen, but Kershaw COULD hit free agency at age 26. I fully expect Magic or whomever the new owner is to make a Kershaw extension priority #1. However, a 26 year-old left-hander with (likely) multiple Cy Young awards would seem likely to net upwards of $200 million.
I believe Strasburg will hit free agency at age 29. He’s probalby “only” good for a 7-year $180 million deal assuming he stays healthy.
I doubt Strasburg will get a 10 year contract when he hits free agency, but I bet he will get $200 million.
He is their guy, and I don’t think he hits FA for that reason. They’ve been desperate for a home grown pitcher since Schilling – I can’t see them letting him walk. That said, I think they’d offer a deal similar to Lee’s: 5 years with an option for a 6th. Even if he wants to, I don’t think ownership lets RAJ go 7-8.
To get a good player for a meh one.
Oh, you mean from the Braves perspective don’t you?
There is none. I’d rather just have prospects instead of a mediocre platoon lefty. We’ve got Hinske.
Because Smith’s .830 OPS would have led that team, and his 09 .889 OPS says he can be better and while he has a platoon split his 533 PA would have been 4th on ATL.
Prado costs more money and plays LF in ATL, as a 2B he is more valuable than Smith but Uggla has that locked up, Chipper has one maybe two more shots at a second WS, Bourn is leaving after this season, Huddy has a couple years left at best so the Braves might just go for it this year.
Because Smith’s .830 OPS would have led that team, and his 09 .889 OPS says he can be better and while he has a platoon split his 533 PA would have been 4th on ATL.
Prado costs more money and plays LF in ATL, as a 2B he is more valuable than Smith but Uggla has that locked up, Chipper has one maybe two more shots at a second WS, Bourn is leaving after this season, Huddy has a couple years left at best so the Braves might just go for it this year.
The centerpiece wouldn’t be either. The Rockies hotshot CF prospect Wheeler would be. That’s the only way this trade will happen.
I could see them stretching an offer to 7 if the money was right.
I could see them stretching an offer to 7 if the money was right.
Smith also has bad home/road splits, is used almost exclusively against RH pitching (which you did acknowledge), and plays bad defense. If Atlanta were to “go for it” this year, I’d hope to God they do more than trade for Seth Smith.
Martin had a terrible year last year but that was most likely due to his BABIP of .266 (his career average is .315). He also plays good defense in LF and is RIGHT handed.
Martin’s stats prior to last year:
2008 – .320/.377/.461
2009 – .307/.358/.464
2010 – .307/.350/.459 (4.4 WAR, 9th in MVP voting, all-star)
He is worth a TON more than a left handed platoon playing outfielder.
If the Braves want to “go for it” then they need to do better than trading one of their best and most versatile players for the likes of Seth Smith.
I’d honestly rather trade Uggla then Prado, then use that money to sign Beltran for 2 years.
nobody is arguing a 1 for 1 the Braves also like Wheeler who just broke the AA HR record in Tulsa as a CF. Holliday and Galaraga had dramatic H/R splits in COL they normalized when they left Frank Wren obviously values Smith more than you or your fellow fans do, or the Talks wouldn’t continue
Considering that ever since the first talks everything point to the Rockies making both Smith and Wheeler expendable by acquiring Colvin as LH OF depth, then signing Cuddyer to play RF they now have Cargo, Smith, Colvin, Blackmon, and Wheeler to play one OF spot with Cuddy and Fowler holding the other two. With Cargo obviously the best choice to roam that giant LF at Coors the other four are trade bait.
Thomas, I, along with my fellow Braves fans acknowledge Seth Smith as a completely competent LF, but please don’t make me rehash the same points everyone has touched on about Smith. Why include him in a deal with ATL when he has a career AVG vs. LHP at .202? His defense is below-par and COL doesn’t help their case about how valuable Seth Smith is to their team by going out and signing Cuddyer. Yes, Smith is more valuable than his pricetag, but he wouldn’t be as valuable to us as he would to someone, say, SEA or NYM, who could actually give you a decent value for him. With ATL, Smith would just act as a smokescreen from one of your other key prospects.
So far it looks like O’Dowd isn’t willing to part with too many top prospects, but is willing to give up lesser talent for former all-stars (Prado). Please know that Prado is a sore subject in ATL because we know how good he is, and 2011 wasn’t a great season for him. He’s only on the block if we can get a power upgrade, which Smith doesn’t provide. I really wish people would wise up about seeing some of these rumors and treat them as what they are, journalists creating news in a dead time of year in baseball.
Again, the Braves are not giving up a RIGHT handed hitter for another lefty when they already have a lefty heavy lineup. They MUST get a right handed or switch hitter back.
If WSH gives Werth $126M, they’d be insane not to give Stras $200M for that if he gives them a few years of injury-free baseball. This thing could end with Stras being paid too much to stay with WSH or demanding a trade (a la Greinke) when they don’t deliver on their rebuilding promises. It seems like this team is forever a year away from breaking through.
I agree that no self respecting team would do it, but I could see the Nationals or Orioles doing it. Hell the Nationals gave Werth 7 years when nobody was near that number and he was 32. Hamels will be 28. I can see them offering 10 years to try and get him to DC.
Exactly!! This is nothing but Rockies writers creating false hope that they will get an all-star 2B for an expendable outfielder.
I hope you’re right. That would just be a horrible move.