Cubs Rumors: Hendry, Bradley, Iwamura
Cubs GM Jim Hendry told Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune that he doesn't feel like he's "on the clock" this year, even though new owners are taking over and the Cubs are coming off a disappointing season. Instead, Hendry says he's focused on building a strong team for 2010.
The Cubs are working on re-signing John Grabow and they'd also like to acquire a speedy leadoff hitter.
The club's direction depends on its ability to move Milton Bradley and the $21MM remaining on his contract. Sullivan speculates on a possible trade that would send Bradley to the Rays for Akinori Iwamura and Pat Burrell.
Atlanta’s Offseason Needs
If and when Tim Hudson signs an extension with the Braves, MLB.com's Mark Bowman says GM Frank Wren appears likely to shop Derek Lowe or Javier Vazquez. Moving one of the two veterans would create the financial flexibility to allow the Braves to pursue a first baseman, a closer and, possibly, an outfielder.
It's a "strong possibility" that Adam LaRoche, Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano will all sign elsewhere as free agents. Bowman says the Braves may consider signing Billy Wagner or trading for Matt Capps if they don't retain Gonzalez and Soriano.
Jason Heyward looms in the minor leagues. He's arguably the game's top prospect, but the Braves may choose to sign an outfielder. This would enable Heyward to pick up more minor league experience – he's only played 50 games in the upper minors – and would allow the Braves to prevent Heyward from becoming a Super Two. It's the strategy they used with Tommy Hanson this year and it makes sense to do the same with Heyward.
Last week, Tim suggested the Braves spend on a first baseman and a left fielder. To cut costs, he recommends the Braves save on the bullpen. Trading Vazquez would free up $11.5MM for the upcoming season and trading Lowe would free up $15MM, but the Braves may ultimately need the pitching depth.
Can The Blue Jays Re-Sign Scutaro & Barajas?
The Blue Jays would like to re-sign Marco Scutaro, Rod Barajas and John McDonald, but retaining the free agents may not be realistic. GM Alex Anthopoulos told Shi Davidi of the Canadian Press that he's not necessarily bringing them back.
"As much as I like John McDonald, Rod Barajas and Marco Scutaro, there might be alternatives that make this organization better and are the right alternatives for this team," Anthopoulos said.
Scutaro is one of the offseason's most appealing free agent shortstops. He hit .282/.379/.409 and was a solid defender, according to UZR/150, so he's in line for a raise from his 2009 salary of $1.1MM.
"We'd like to bring them back," Anthopoulos said, "(but) everything has to fit with respect to what the alternatives are and with respect to what their financial requirements are. I'm starting to get a pretty good handle on where their expectations are with respect to the market and what they feel their value might be."
Scutaro will be a Type A free agent, so the Blue Jays will obtain two top draft picks if he turns down an arbitration offer to sign elsewhere. Barajas will be a Type B free agent; the Jays won't necessarily offer him arbitration.
Davidi also reports that the Blue Jays won't bring Kevin Millar back for another season. The 38-year-old hit .223/.311/.363 in his lone season with the Jays.
Braves Interested In Chapman?
10:07pm: In an e-mail to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, Braves GM Frank Wren denied having any plans to meet with Chapman.
7:37pm: The Atlanta Braves have joined the list of suitors after Cuban pitcher Aroldis Chapman, writes Melissa Segura of SI.com. While an exact date, time and location has not been decided on yet, the two parties are "expected to schedule formal conversations in the coming weeks."
Segura identifies the Orioles, Red Sox, White Sox, Cubs, Yankees, Mets, Athletics and Cardinals as other clubs also believed to be interested in the 21-year-old. Our review of the Chapman sweepstakes cites information that indicates Detroit, Seattle and San Francisco also have some level of interest in signing the lefty.
Odds & Ends: Giants, Cubs, Mets
Some links on this Monday evening…
- The Giants have hired Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens as their hitting coach, writes Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle. Meulens – who previously held the same position with San Francisco's Triple-A affiliate – recorded an OPS of .641 in his Major League career.
- MLB.com's Chris Haft brings us a look at Bam Bam's resume. Meulens was the only candidate manager Bruce Bochy spoke to before he and GM Brian Sabean made their choice, writes Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News.
- In a radio interview this morning on WGN-AM 720, Cubs owner Tom Ricketts said that he wants the Cubs' payroll to remain in the top three in baseball. Signing John Grabow to a new deal would help towards that goal.
- MLB.com's Mets beat writer Marty Noble answered fan questions in his latest mailbag installment and says that he is not sure that the club wants to rid themselves of John Maine or Fernando Martinez. However, the Mets would be willing to part with them in a deal to acquire a much needed number two starter or power hitter.
- More Mets news from Noble as Jeff Francoeur is expected to be ready in time for spring training after undergoing thumb surgery. Francoeur, who is entering his second year of arbitration, will likely be retained by Omar Minaya & Co. However, it remains a slight possibility that the Mets do not tender the 25-year-old an offer.
Twins Notes: Mauer, Crede, Duensing
MLB.com's Kelly Thesier fielded questions from Twins fans in her mailbag today. Here are some of the more noteworthy tidbits:
- While the Twins may raise their payroll to about $85-90MM, most of that increase will go towards retaining their own players and, potentially, an extension for Joe Mauer. Thesier says that as a result, it is not likely to be a busy offseason for the team in terms of acquisitions. However, the team still may have enough space to add an infielder or starting pitcher.
- With that in mind, it is "very unlikely" that the Twins will pursue free agent Chone Figgins. The 31-year-old could possibly receive a deal worth $50MM over five years, which is more than the Twins are willing to spend. Figgins projects as a Type B free agent.
- It is unlikely that the club re-signs Joe Crede, who says his recovery from back surgery is going well. Third baseman Danny Valencia is close to being ready for the majors, making Crede's return less than probable. There is a "small chance" that Crede – who hit .225/.289/.414 with 15 HRs in '09 – could return if he comes at a bargain price.
- Brian Duensing will "more than likely" be a member of Minnesota's rotation in 2010, unless the team signs two starters on the open market. The 26-year-old recorded an ERA of 5.17 in 15 relief appearances but found more success as a starter, posting a 2.73 ERA in nine games. Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn and Kevin Slowey "appear to be locks" in the starting five.
- For more on what lies ahead for the club, take a look at our Twins Offseason Outlook.
Cubs Discussing Contract With John Grabow
The Cubs are still discussing a new contract with lefty reliever John Grabow, according to ESPN Chicago's Bruce Levine. Levine says they're talking about a two-year deal in the $6.5-7.5MM range (plus incentives), with Grabow's agent pushing for a third-year vesting option.
I still don't understand the Cubs' infatuation with Grabow, who turns 31 in a few days. He managed a 3.36 ERA in 72.3 innings, but walked 40 and had an xFIP over 4.90. If you're tight on payroll there are better ways to spend $3-4MM.
Offseason Outlook: Minnesota Twins
Next up in our Offseason Outlook series, the Twins. Their likely commitments for 2010:
C – Joe Mauer – $12.5MM
C – Jose Morales – $400K
1B – Justin Morneau – $14MM
2B – Alexi Casilla – $428K
SS – Nick Punto – $4MM
3B – Brendan Harris – $466K+
IF – Matt Tolbert – $405K
IF – Brian Buscher – $413K
LF – Delmon Young – $1.152MM+
CF – Denard Span – $435K
RF – Michael Cuddyer – $8.5MM
OF – Carlos Gomez – $438K+
DH – Jason Kubel – $4.1MM
SP – Scott Baker – $3MM
SP – Nick Blackburn – $440K
SP – Kevin Slowey – $440K
SP – Glen Perkins – $430K
SP – Francisco Liriano – $430K+
Other candidates: Brian Duensing, Anthony Swarzak
RP – Joe Nathan – $11.25MM
RP – Jon Rauch – $2.9MM
RP – Jesse Crain – $1.7MM+
RP – Matt Guerrier – $1.475MM+
RP – Pat Neshek – $440K+
RP – Brian Duensing – $400K
RP – Jose Mijares – $400K
Other candidates: Bobby Keppel, Jeff Manship
Non-tender candidates: Boof Bonser, Delmon Young
The Twins have about $70.5MM committed before arbitration raises to Harris, Young, Gomez, Liriano, Crain, Guerrier, and Neshek. (Perkins is considering a grievance over missing Super Two status). They'll be in the high $70MMs range if all those players are tendered contracts. The Twins entered the '09 season at $65.3MM, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. Fortunately, there's a rumor payroll could jump to the $90-100MM range with the new stadium opening in 2010.
Smith's areas of focus should be second base, shortstop, and third base. Second base options are plentiful on the free agent market. Among shortstops Smith would be well-served to target Milwaukee's J.J. Hardy, but Hardy should have multiple suitors. Adrian Beltre and Troy Glaus could be interesting third base considerations.
The Twins are set in the outfield, though there's a case to be made for non-tendering Young and using that money for a left field/DH type.
The rotation has question marks behind Baker and Blackburn. Slowey is coming back from wrist surgery, Perkins from a shoulder injury, and Liriano from post-Tommy John elbow issues. Duensing had a 2.73 ERA in nine starts, though his peripheral stats were less inspiring. The Twins will have to find the Carl Pavano of 2010, an innings eater who can be had for a few million bucks.
Trading Nathan should be considered; he's owed $24.5MM over the next two seasons. He might bring a few decent pieces in return, and the savings could be used to add a veteran starter and/or late-inning reliever. On the other hand, the market will be flooded with closers this winter and the Twins could be starved for suitors.
Additionally, the Twins will attempt to sign Mauer long-term. Even with a hometown discount this might require a $100MM commitment.
Last winter, Smith used his budget to re-sign Punto and add Joe Crede and Luis Ayala. He supplemented those moves with the midseason additions of Orlando Cabrera, Ron Mahay, Pavano, and Rauch. The shuffling should continue this winter, as the Twins continue to seek infield solutions. With the pitching depth taking a hit, Smith will need every penny of that increased payroll.
Manny Ramirez Rumor Shot Down
2:21pm: Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times says (via Twitter) that Dodgers GM Ned Colletti shot down the rumor below. By the way, Hernandez just joined Twitter, so get following!
12:16pm: From Bob Keisser of the Long Beach Press-Telegram (hat tip to Diamond Leung):
A baseball insider says the club has been contacted by an American League team that is interested in Manny Ramirez if the team will pay part of his $20 million salary for 2010. It's a team that plays in a very mediocre division, has a few team officials familiar with Ramirez, and always needs a bump in notoriety.
MLBTR has not referenced a rumor from Keisser in its four-year history, but let's explore this one anyway.
SI's Jon Heyman wrote Wednesday that Manny "is planning to exercise" his $20MM player option. Manny hit well in 2009, but a 50-game PED suspension marred his season.
As for Keisser's clues, he appears to be referring to the AL Central. Did the Twins, Tigers, White Sox, Indians, or Royals express interest in Manny? Indians GM Mark Shapiro crossed paths with Ramirez. The Tigers' David Chadd worked for the Red Sox when Manny was there. Do any of the other teams have officials familiar with the slugger? In general, do you buy this rumor?
Jarrod Washburn Discusses The Future
MLB.com's Jim Street talked to free agent lefty Jarrod Washburn recently. Washburn, a 35-year-old Scott Boras client, posted a 3.78 ERA in 176 innings this year for the Mariners and Tigers. A few highlights from their chat:
- Back in Spring Training, Washburn was planning to retire after the '09 season. He wasn't enjoying the game anymore. However, Washburn's improved performance and the Mariners' clubhouse chemistry ended the retirement plans.
- Washburn will be ready for Spring Training 2010 after having his knee cleaned out surgically. He said the knee limited him with the Tigers, for whom he posted a 7.33 ERA in 43 innings.
- Washburn says the Mariners are "definitely toward the top of my list." His desired contract length is unknown, except that he doesn't want to play for another four years. It's not known whether the Mariners want him back. SI's Jon Heyman expects the Brewers to be in the mix; Washburn was born in Wisconsin.
- Washburn's performance with the Tigers pushed him out of Type B status, so there's no reason for them to offer arbitration.