Immediately after the Rangers' 5-1 loss to the Orioles in the AL Wild Card game, the focus shifted to Josh Hamilton and his impending free agency. The slugger reiterated his desire to stay in Texas and said that he would allow the club to match any offer that is put in front of him. He also took a crack at quantifying his chances of returning and pegged them at 50/50. It's possible that the outfielder knows just as much as we do about where he may wind up.
Typically, someone with a .285/.354/.577 batting line and 43 home runs in their walk year would be a lock for a hefty, long-term deal, but Hamilton's injury history and off-the-field concerns make him a risky signing. He may also have less big market suitors than a free agent of his caliber would expect. The free-spending Dodgers are already set in the outfield with Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Carl Crawford. The Red Sox have plenty of room to work with thanks to their blockbuster deal with the Dodgers, but all signs point to them exercising caution in this offseason in order to avoid more ill-advised long-term deals. The Cubs expect to spend, but reportedly, spending $150MM+ on one player isn't what they have in mind.
The Rangers know that there's a limit to how much they can budget for the 31-year-old, but they may not have to stretch too far to sign him given his question marks and his fairly limited pool of suitors. When the dust settles, do you see Hamilton in Arlington or elsewhere in 2013?
No. Rangers will CJ him a low ball offer and not match any other offers.
The Rangers didn’t make CJ Wilson an offer..
Thats really a low ball! “You can play for us, but we wont pay you”
I’m not sure I’d rule out those free-spending Dodgers. I wouldn’t put it past them to sign Hamilton and make the high-priced Crawford a 4th OF. Especially with more interleague games now (meaning more games where they can have a DH).
Yes, that is a genius idea.
Save the condescension. I never said it was a good idea. I said I wouldn’t rule it out. The new Dodger ownership group has made it pretty clear that they don’t mind spending, and even wasting, big money.
Wasting money? Sure they are spending a lot of money, but when did they waste? Every acquisition was a need or an upgrade.
I’m referring to their trade with Boston. As good as Adrian is, he’s not worth taking on the terrible contracts of Crawford and Beckett. They’ll be spending approximately $60M a year on those three for the next 3 years. And I seriously doubt they’ll get anywhere near $60M worth of production from that trio in any of the next 3 years.
2/31.5 for Beckett is hardly a “terrible” contract. Sure, he’s not on Kershaw’s level, but as a solid #3 starter, I’ll take it.
all in all, it was still a pretty crappy deal for the Dodgers. It would have been a decent deal if it was only absorbing the contracts but to give up prospects as well, it really was a bad trade for them.
15M a year for a #3 is about market value. Gonzalez makes about 20M a year, instead of 25- 30M by Votto, Fielder and Albert. Crawford has not been healthy since he was an all star. when he is healthy, in a great lineup, and not dealing with the Boston media can do wonders. Don’t see how this was so bad. There was no way to make this team better than that trade did
I don’t think they wasted any money. Hanley Ramirez is an upgrade over what they had at short and third. Gonzalez is a huge upgrade over Loney. I didn’t really like getting Beckett, but he pitched well for the Dodgers down the stretch. And Crawford has a huge contract, but I think he’s better suited to Dodger Stadium than Fenway and it’s a risk, but let’s wait and see how he plays before calling it wasted money.
142 million dollar 4th OF?
Teams played 18 inter league games this year and will play 20 next year.
You do realize there’s only twenty interleague games with only ten of those in AL parks? $20M / year for ten games + pinch hitting?
I never said Crawford would only start in games where they can put someone at DH. Kemp is injury-prone. So is Hamilton. And no one knows when Crawford will be 100% again. He’d still likely get plenty of playing time when he’s healthy.
I’m not saying it would be a good idea. It would be a terrible one. But so was their trade with Boston that they were so eager to pull off, which is why I’m not ruling out.
3 $20M players and a $17M one to sit 1 on the bench everyday is ridiculous. They are much more likely to spend that $20M+ aav that hamilton wants and sign Youkilis for 3rd or greinke for pitching. Those 2 deals have much more bang for their buck. No point signing 4 OFer when your 3rd base situation is weak still.
“3 $20M players and a $17M one to sit 1 on the bench everyday is ridiculous.”
I agree 100%! I never said it would be a good move, or that it was my prediction. I just said that I wouldn’t rule it out. And I doubt it would prevent them from also signing an ace pitcher.
I would, If they really want Hamilton then I could see them eating a significant chunk of ethier’s contract and trading him. I think a bigger priority would be signing Youk for 3B, since it is a weak spot, rather than strengthening a strength.
Luis Cruz. Makes 400K and did much better than Youk, offensively and defensively
EDIT: We also just signed Andre and there is no reason to trade him in an inflated market and then go after someone who is less of a sure thing, for 10M more a year most likely
I reallly don’t see them trading ethier either. I don’t think that cruz is the long term answer at 3rd. He is 28, and had 1 good month, rest were pretty mediocre. His obp is also pretty ugly.
Cruz was a 2.6 WAR player in just 78 games. He has a great glove at 3B and hit 297 with a 753 OPS. From a position that has had Uribe start the year at, it is amazing production. There is no one that can give the Dodgers that production for anywhere close to how little Cruz makes. I don’t see any reason to want to replace Cruz
July: .258/.295/.427
Aug: .333/.378/.476
Sep: .313/.313/.424
Oct: .182/.182/.182
Opposing pitchers are going to figure him out much more next year. He doesn’t have good plate discipline.
He was helped by one good month, other than that his obp was very mediocre.
and when you really look at that, its a 3 game October sample and then his first full month of MLB pitching. In reality, he was good for two of his 3 months in the majors. And like I said, there is nothing better out there. Im not arguing his OBP problems- but there is nothing better out there
yeah running into a wall is injury prone. And I still don’t see how ‘terrible’ is to get a #3 starter, a top 5 1B, who is underpaid, and a potentially All star LF for 2 good prospects and 2 average ones, one of the top guys is coming off TJ
I’m sure Crawford would be fine with being 4th OF.
Or they could move either to first it’s not like he’s a great defensive outfielder.
Except for, you know, Adrian Gonzalez. Wait, he could be their 5th OF!!!
Yup he did play of in Boston.
one thing you dont do with a top 5 1B in the game… move him off 1b. Why do people think this is MLB 12 The Show?
Hamilton to the Giants, Napoli to the Dodgers.
Napoli can’t leave the American league if he wants to remain a successful everyday player, even with the additional DH games
I think Napoli would be looking for a starting job, not the backup catcher position.
I don’t think he will resign. Too many problems to commit to the contract he is probably looking for.
And if they let him go there is no way they pass the angels next year.
I think you mean A’s?
I think they mean BOTH!!!
Meant Angels…
I think that a full season of Trout (won’t be as spectacular as this year, but still good), and Haren and Wilson somewhat returning to form; should help put them over the bump. Taking Hamilton out of that lineup means that Beltre is your only middle of the order hitter of any value. Bump him up to 3rd, and Your #4 hitter is Cruz or Young, both who had an obp below .320, 24 hr is nice, but you need more than that for your #4 especially since considering that is 24 hr in a small stadium.
Olt could have a breakout year, but as of yet he has not proven anything.
I really don’t know what to expect from the A’s next year. Milone and Parker could really be much stronger next year, or they could struggle after pitching 180+ innings in their first year. Relying on so many young players like that is unpredictable, but I don’t think the A’s care. That is their only chance to compete in that division.
The A’s were the only team in front of the Rangers. That makes the A’s the only team they can “pass”!
As a Ranger fan, there is no way he is back with Texas. Ryan, Daniels, and Washington are fed up with his act. But money will be spent on a CF (Bourn -???).
What’s wrong with Gentry?
I like Gentry…. But Washington doesnt seem to have much faith in him. There is also L. Martin in AAA who could also be a in-house option.
I think the smart move is to let Martin play everyday, keep Murphy in left and have Gentry as the #4 and look to see who might be available at the deadline to add some power. Pitching wins baseball, power only allows you to have bad pitching and squeak through.
Good point. L. Martin was signed with that intent (starting in CF). But at this point in his young career, he has yet to show that he can handle it (MLB pitching). Until he does so (or at least signs of something), Gentry will be infront of him on the depth chart.
Gentry is a backup at best. I think a team that has aspirations of going to the postseason really needs a better backup than Gentry.
You are probably right…. But do we really know? Hard to know for sure when you only play twice a week, maybe. Granted there hasnt been a spot for Gentry to gain alot of AB’s in this crowded OF, but Washington doesnt exactly give any of the young position players a chance (Olt and Profar are in the same situation).
There’s a crowd to win the CF job. I dismiss the rumors of Bourn and Hunter being obtained. We have Martin, Borbon, Gentry…maybe even Murphy if they shift him and move Moreland out to the OF.
Just because you are a OF doesnt mean that you can play CF. Both the Rangers and Angels have made it pretty clear that Torii Hunter and David Murphy are not capable of playing CF. If you recall earlier this year Hunter played right feild even when Trout was in the minors. Torii simply doesnt run like he used too at 33+ years old. Murphy has never played CF on a regular basis here in Texas (emergency only) with Boston (minor leaguer), or even at Baylor (college), because he is just a corner outfeilder. Borbon has the speed, but his instincts in the OF are horrible (worse than Nelson Cruz). His stock with the organization continues to plumet, which became even more evident when Julio was not called up when ML rosters expanded. With all that said, the Rangers can not afford to go into 2013 with Martin and Gentry as there only two options in centerfeild. A centerfeilder of sometype will be brought in for depth alone.
I expect the rangers to offer him a relatively short contract with a very high AAS, probably something in the range of 4 years 110 mill. If not, expect them to dangle Elvis Andrus as trade bait for a strong power bat. I like the Upton rumors, but don’t necessarily see that coming to fruition. As strong as the outfield market is this year, the drop off is pretty significant after Hamilton, with the next biggest power bat being the other Upton. And that won’t be enough. Either way, the rangers will be involved in a massive play for an outfielder, and won’t stay quiet, especially after their quick exit this year. While that kind of action may deter some teams, expect it to only motivate them.
I am thinking differently… I dont think the club has any interest in resigning Hamilton, allowing him to walk. I then think Elvis will be dangled in a package for pitching (David Price). Opening up SS for Profair. Then a FA will be signed to play CF and leadoff (Bourn).
i’m not a big rangers fan but if they land price and bourn and plug profar in at SS they could be crazy good, with or without hamilton.
I think Texas deals Elvis Andrus to Toronto for a deal including JP Arencibia and some other talent. This is because they will also let Napoli walk. Remember with both losses, they gain two draft picks in the first round next June. This is the new Ranger-way to build. They have some money to spend, but I don’t really see the power bat out there that they would like at the price they would like.
That is a interesting idea. And there is a need for improvement at Catcher – esp. defensively. But I still think pitching would be the priority (as it most always is). David Price being the target if he is indeed “on the block” as rumored.
A power bat would be nice… But i think a true leadoff hitter that can play everyday in CF would be just as nice. Forcing Kinsler into becoming that power bat (yeah scary – i know).
POLL: Will Jim Thome retire after this year?
Not if there’s someone out there dumb enough to sign him.
I think that the Rangers need him to come back more than he needs them. Take him out of that lineup and it is pretty average, and puts them behind the angels in runs scored.
No, but they will be worse off next year because of it. They simply can’t replace the HRs and RBIs he gives them. Who they need to get rid of is Michael Young and Ron Washington. They probably need to trade Ian Kinsler as well.
Whoever signs him, they’re going to pay for him now, and then they’re going to pay for it later.
Does Texas have the option of offering salary arb?
No – they will have to make him a qualifing offer in order to get a draft pick, once he signs elsewhere.
He’ll land in SF. The only AL team I see even giving him an offer other than Texas is the O’s…maybe the halos; and even that is a long shot. I think any low ball offers could come from the jays, and I don’t see anyone in the NL other than the giants giving a somewhat legit offer. I think he could come cheaper than people actually think. There is no market really but then again teams will change things around for players like Hamilton. The Red Sox and cubs could even get involved at some point. The only thing I know is he will sign late in the offseason and a lot can change from now until then. But I think the lack of offense from the giants right now could make them more aggressive for a big bat like Hamilton in the offseason.
Would not be surprised if the Mariners make an offer
I’m torn between the Rangers being the best fit for him, but also them not wanting to commit to him long term. It did seem that they were fed up with his quirks and personality, too. I don’t think they’ll go beyond 5 years and that’s probably more like 4 years and a club option. I know he just bought a ranch down here in Texas because I know his realtor. He’s also really close friends with David Murphy who is from Texas. They’re also making a movie about him as a Ranger, and it’d probably make more money if he were still a Ranger when it comes out. Not that that really matters when you’re talking about 100+ million dollars. We’ll see it all play out and he’ll probably surprise us all. I personally would let him walk, no player is worth that kind of money, not even Pujols.
I don’t think the Rangers will move Elvis over Ian Kinsler right now. I think Profar is going to be stuck playing 2B. Moreland isn’t a great option at 1B, but he might platoon with Young & Olt there and whoever doesn’t play 1B will DH. If Elvis is expendable, then it will be to Arizona for Upton. I think Napoli will stay, but Hamilton will be allowed to go to some team who is willing to risk more years/money on him. The Rangers definitely have some trade chips to play with–it’ll be interesting to see JD do his thing and turn this club around next year by bringing in Josh’s replacement, upgrading the middle infield and adding another frontline pitcher.
I would love for the middle infeild to be Andrus and Profair…. But lets face it, Kinsler’s salary (total cost and length of it) far out weighs his performance…. I am afraid Kinsler is nearly untradeable, unless your definition of “move” means into LF. Even then, I am not what the value of the Pop-Up King would be.
Olt will be traded or back in the minors. Having him split AB’s with Young, Moreland, Beltre, and whoever else simply will not work. He will get everyday AB’s somewhere..
I heard on the fly from a pretty good source, that says the Texas Rangers will not be in the hunt for Hamilton, how ever they are going to make him at least one offer. Texas is very interested in Trading Andrus for Rajai Davis and then sign Shane Victorino to a 5 year deal. They belive this will make the team infanetly better.
Victorino? 5 year deal? When they have Andrus, Profar and Kinsler at the Top of the lineup? no way is that possible
I’m a Rangers fan, and I’d offer him $105 for 7 years, take it or leave it.
The Rangers will let Hamilton go, and Gentry will fill CF nicely; Murphy will play everyday this time (2013), and Ian Kinsler will be traded for more starting pitching (because you can’t have too many of those going into Spring.
Also, Michael Young is still an exceptional middle infielder, and he’ll fill 2nd base while Jurickson Profar will be given a chance to take it away from him.
Moreland will be given another chance to hit .280 with 30+ homers, but if he can’t do it, the Rangers will trade for a slugging 1st baseman (but I think they should go for a disciplined hitter at first, with an exceptional glove).
No because they will spend that money on acquiring Cliff Lee.
The media vitriol around Hamilton didn’t intensify until after they lost Game 162 and went 1-5 to end the regular season and lost the AL West. Hamilton made an easy scapegoat to blame for losing Game 162 (and the division), even if the Rangers lost by 7 runs and not 1 or 2 runs.
He’s not likely to stay in Texas, but I don’t doubt that the Rangers will offer him a 100MM+ contract to keep him there.
I will fire myself if that happens!