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Archives for February 2007

Twins Sign Mauer To Extension

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As you’ve likely heard by now, the Twins signed superstar catcher Joe Mauer to a four-year, $33MM deal today.  With the contract, the Twins bought out what would’ve been Mauer’s first year of free agency, 2010.  These types of deals are becoming all the rage these days.  The supply of star players making it to free agency after six seasons is definitely on the decline. 

Mauer will earn $3.75MM in ’07, $6.25MM in ’08, $10.5MM in ’09, and $12.5MM in ’10. In case you were wondering, PECOTA absolutely adores Mauer and his future.  Guess how much PECOTA thinks Mauer is worth over the life of his new contract?  Just over $140 million for the four seasons.  The projection system values him at almost $37MM in 2010 alone.  I guess that’s because not too many catchers are projected to hit .326/.406/.497 that year.  I should add that his peak projected value is 2009, when he could be worth almost $40 million.   

Miguel Cabrera will be eligible for free agency after the 2009 season.  PECOTA thinks he’ll be worth $29.275MM in 2010 and $30.15MM in 2011.  How’s seven years, $200 million sound?  Should be fun. 

RotoAuthority Fantasy Guide

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Which second year starter who no one’s talking about could rack up over 200 strikeouts in 2007? 

Which rookie closer could post a sub-3 ERA?

Which unheralded, undrafted leadoff man could mash 20 HR and score 100?

Which player batted below .220 last year but could mash 30 HR as a $10 player this year?

Can you name five rarely mentioned 20/20 candidates?

RotoAuthority unlocks the answers to all of these questions in our 2007 Fantasy Guide.  It’s only $9.99 and is updated weekly.  At the least, visit the page to download a free sample containing the Cubs, Cardinals, and White Sox to see if you like it. 

RotoAuthority Fantasy Guide

By | at

Which second year starter who no one’s talking about could rack up over 200 strikeouts in 2007? 

Which rookie closer could post a sub-3 ERA?

Which unheralded, undrafted leadoff man could mash 20 HR and score 100?

Which player batted below .220 last year but could mash 30 HR as a $10 player this year?

Can you name five rarely mentioned 20/20 candidates?

RotoAuthority unlocks the answers to all of these questions in our 2007 Fantasy Guide.  It’s only $9.99 and is updated weekly.  At the least, visit the page to download a free sample containing the Cubs, Cardinals, and White Sox to see if you like it. 

Will Cards Trade For Pitching?

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We discussed this just a week ago, but the St. Louis Post Dispatch is again questioning whether the Cardinals might trade for a starter.

The focus is again on Jon Lieber, Carl Pavano, and whoever the Dodgers might give up (Mark Hendrickson?)  The Cardinals don’t really need any of these guys, but rumors will probably float about all spring because much of their rotation is unproven.  I say, trust the youth!  PECOTA has Reyes at a 3.89 ERA, Wainwright at 4.00.  Thus the team has one ace, two very solid youngsters, a nice project in Kip Wells in the #4 slot, and a host of solid candidates for the last.  I know there’s a faction of Cardinals fans who think their rotation is better than last year’s.  I agree.

The article also mentions that Walt Jocketty will attempt to sign David Eckstein to an extension this spring.  PECOTA says $21MM for 2008-10.  Shouldn’t be a problem. 

One more Cardinal-related note: Phil Rogers has a source saying Kenny Rogers was using "the tacky adhesive used by trainers in wrapping ankles."

Will Cards Trade For Pitching?

By | at

We discussed this just a week ago, but the St. Louis Post Dispatch is again questioning whether the Cardinals might trade for a starter.

The focus is again on Jon Lieber, Carl Pavano, and whoever the Dodgers might give up (Mark Hendrickson?)  The Cardinals don’t really need any of these guys, but rumors will probably float about all spring because much of their rotation is unproven.  I say, trust the youth!  PECOTA has Reyes at a 3.89 ERA, Wainwright at 4.00.  Thus the team has one ace, two very solid youngsters, a nice project in Kip Wells in the #4 slot, and a host of solid candidates for the last.  I know there’s a faction of Cardinals fans who think their rotation is better than last year’s.  I agree.

The article also mentions that Walt Jocketty will attempt to sign David Eckstein to an extension this spring.  PECOTA says $21MM for 2008-10.  Shouldn’t be a problem. 

One more Cardinal-related note: Phil Rogers has a source saying Kenny Rogers was using "the tacky adhesive used by trainers in wrapping ankles."

Bernie Won’t Take Minor League Offer

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Slow news day, so I’ll update you on the Bernie Williams situation.  A bunch of reporters followed him to a Connecticut concert to get a few quotes last night.

The New York Times says Williams will stay in shape and wait for that guaranteed offer from the Yankees.  The story indicated that he’d turn down guaranteed offers from other teams.  Scott Boras said this week that several other teams have expressed interest in Williams.

Williams does not believe he’ll play with the Yankees this year, but wants a more definitive answer.  He’s not ready to retire.  He had his uses as a fourth outfielder last year, hitting .281/.332/.436 in 420 ABs.  Many teams would have a use for that.

Bernie Won’t Take Minor League Offer

By | at

Slow news day, so I’ll update you on the Bernie Williams situation.  A bunch of reporters followed him to a Connecticut concert to get a few quotes last night.

The New York Times says Williams will stay in shape and wait for that guaranteed offer from the Yankees.  The story indicated that he’d turn down guaranteed offers from other teams.  Scott Boras said this week that several other teams have expressed interest in Williams.

Williams does not believe he’ll play with the Yankees this year, but wants a more definitive answer.  He’s not ready to retire.  He had his uses as a fourth outfielder last year, hitting .281/.332/.436 in 420 ABs.  Many teams would have a use for that.

Armando Benitez On The Block

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The Giants are looking to trade 34 year-old reliever Armando Benitez, though he needs to prove he’s healthy first.

The Giants’ head trainer isn’t allowed to discuss the condition of Benitez’s knee, but he can tell us that Benitez’s attitude is just peachy.  Helpful.  We do know that Benitez will throw off a mound today for the first time since September.  We also know that the team would like him to lose a few pounds.

Even with the inflated market for relievers, I can’t see the Giants drumming up much interest in Benitez.  He’s not young.  His control has always been poor, and his strikeout rate has been down in recent years.  And he makes $7.6MM.  The Giants should probably hang on to him and hope he gives them 35-40 helpful innings.  They’d probably have to take on $5MM of his salary in a trade.  Even then, a team like the Marlins might be better off using internal options.

Armando Benitez On The Block

By | at

The Giants are looking to trade 34 year-old reliever Armando Benitez, though he needs to prove he’s healthy first.

The Giants’ head trainer isn’t allowed to discuss the condition of Benitez’s knee, but he can tell us that Benitez’s attitude is just peachy.  Helpful.  We do know that Benitez will throw off a mound today for the first time since September.  We also know that the team would like him to lose a few pounds.

Even with the inflated market for relievers, I can’t see the Giants drumming up much interest in Benitez.  He’s not young.  His control has always been poor, and his strikeout rate has been down in recent years.  And he makes $7.6MM.  The Giants should probably hang on to him and hope he gives them 35-40 helpful innings.  They’d probably have to take on $5MM of his salary in a trade.  Even then, a team like the Marlins might be better off using internal options.

Juan Gone Still On The Radar?

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Despite published reports to the contrary, Tracy Ringolsby says the Tigers and Orioles are considering extending a spring training invite to Juan Gonzalez.  He adds that despite Bill Stoneman’s denial, the Angels had scouts watching Gonzalez in Puerto Rico this winter.

Now let us all sit back and wait for those three clubs to re-deny interest.  It’s funny to me that the clubs even felt compelled to comment on the rumor in the first place.

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