Tigers Notes: Rodney, Perry, Polanco
It took 163 games to determine the AL Central title in 2009. The Detroit Tigers were, of course, on the losing end. After leading the Tigers to the 2006 World Series in his first year as their skipper, Jim Leyland has been unable to steer the club back to the postseason.
As Keith Law writes, "This one will be hard to get past." Along with Baseball Prospectus and the ESPN Insider staff, Law takes a look at this past season and what the Tigs can do to improve in 2010. An Insider subscription is required to read the article, but here are some of the key tidbits from the piece:
- Law highlights the team's lack of production at the DH spot as one of its biggest shortcomings. However, GM Dave Dombrowski recently said that the team is unlikely to employ a full-time DH next season. If for some reason he has a change of heart, he will find more than a few candidates on the open market.
- Bullpen staples Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney are headed for free agency. Law says that Rodney "has the closer's mantle but not closer command." Ryan Perry should be able to step into that role eventually, but currently lacks the control to do so. if the youngster is asked to be the fireman and Lyon and Rodney walk, it'll leave a significant void in the 'pen.
- Christina Kahrl of Baseball Prospectus points out the poor performances of mid-season acquisitions Jarrod Washburn and Aubrey Huff. After posting a 2.64 ERA, 7.4 H/9 and 2.2 BB/9 in 20 starts with Seattle, Washburn recorded a 7.33 ERA, 10.7 H/9 and 3.3 BB/9 in eight starts. Huff was supposed to strengthen the middle of the Tigers' lineup but instead floundered as he recorded an OPS of .567.
- Tigers' second baseman Placido Polanco is a free agent after completing a four-year deal worth $4.6MM annually. The article says that retaining him would require $6-7MM per season, a steep price for a player who is not likely to improve much on his 2009 season in which he hit .285/.331/.396 with 10 HRs. Polanco, who turns 34 tomorrow, has been a $50MM value over the last three years according to Fangraphs.
- When Buster Olney polled six GMs asking if Detroit would keep Polanco, they were split. Law & Co. think that there's a good chance that Polanco plays elsewhere next season.
- Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus writes that 24-year-old Scott Sizemore is ready to take over for Polanco at second base. Scouts feel that he will become a well-rounded offensive player who should be able to hit ".280-plus with 12-15 home runs, 60 walks and 15-20 stolen bases annually."
- Because of high-priced commitments to Magglio Ordonez and Dontrelle Willis, the Tigers don't have much financial flexibility. Expect Detroit to find their next closer on the cheap from within the organization.
- Kahrl closes the piece by saying, "they need a major upgrade at DH or left if they're going to offensively afford themselves a luxury like a plus defender at shortstop." Dave Dombrowski will have to get creative as he is handcuffed by several bad contracts.
Tigers Notes: Rodney, Perry, Polanco
It took 163 games to determine the AL Central title in 2009. The Detroit Tigers were, of course, on the losing end. After leading the Tigers to the 2006 World Series in his first year as their skipper, Jim Leyland has been unable to steer the club back to the postseason.
As Keith Law writes, "This one will be hard to get past." Along with Baseball Prospectus and the ESPN Insider staff, Law takes a look at this past season and what the Tigs can do to improve in 2010. An Insider subscription is required to read the article, but here are some of the key tidbits from the piece:
- Law highlights the team's lack of production at the DH spot as one of its biggest shortcomings. However, GM Dave Dombrowski recently said that the team is unlikely to employ a full-time DH next season. If for some reason he has a change of heart, he will find more than a few candidates on the open market.
- Bullpen staples Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney are headed for free agency. Law says that Rodney "has the closer's mantle but not closer command." Ryan Perry should be able to step into that role eventually, but currently lacks the control to do so. if the youngster is asked to be the fireman and Lyon and Rodney walk, it'll leave a significant void in the 'pen.
- Christina Kahrl of Baseball Prospectus points out the poor performances of mid-season acquisitions Jarrod Washburn and Aubrey Huff. After posting a 2.64 ERA, 7.4 H/9 and 2.2 BB/9 in 20 starts with Seattle, Washburn recorded a 7.33 ERA, 10.7 H/9 and 3.3 BB/9 in eight starts. Huff was supposed to strengthen the middle of the Tigers' lineup but instead floundered as he recorded an OPS of .567.
- Tigers' second baseman Placido Polanco is a free agent after completing a four-year deal worth $4.6MM annually. The article says that retaining him would require $6-7MM per season, a steep price for a player who is not likely to improve much on his 2009 season in which he hit .285/.331/.396 with 10 HRs. Polanco, who turns 34 tomorrow, has been a $50MM value over the last three years according to Fangraphs.
- When Buster Olney polled six GMs asking if Detroit would keep Polanco, they were split. Law & Co. think that there's a good chance that Polanco plays elsewhere next season.
- Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus writes that 24-year-old Scott Sizemore is ready to take over for Polanco at second base. Scouts feel that he will become a well-rounded offensive player who should be able to hit ".280-plus with 12-15 home runs, 60 walks and 15-20 stolen bases annually."
- Because of high-priced commitments to Magglio Ordonez and Dontrelle Willis, the Tigers don't have much financial flexibility. Expect Detroit to find their next closer on the cheap from within the organization.
- Kahrl closes the piece by saying, "they need a major upgrade at DH or left if they're going to offensively afford themselves a luxury like a plus defender at shortstop." Dave Dombrowski will have to get creative as he is handcuffed by several bad contracts.
Odds & Ends: Astros, Marlins, Reds
Let's check out some links as the Twins try to even the score in New York:
- Brian McTaggart of MLB.com has the latest on the Astros' manager search from GM Ed Wade.
- Two Marlins coaches declined offers to return to the club next season, writes Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. The departures of Bo Porter (third base/outfield) and Steve Porter (bullpen) mean that the Fish now have four spots to fill on their coaching staff after letting pitching coach Mark Wiley and first-base coach Andy Fox walk. The Marlins also outrighted infielder Andy Gonzalez and right-hander Dallas Trahern to Triple-A New Orleans.
- ESPN.com's Rob Neyer looks into the postseason success of Wild Cards.
- John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer runs down the ex-Reds currently in the playoffs. Fay says that "you can't really kick the Reds" for letting these players get away.
Odds & Ends: Astros, Marlins, Reds
Let's check out some links as the Twins try to even the score in New York:
- Brian McTaggart of MLB.com has the latest on the Astros' manager search from GM Ed Wade.
- Two Marlins coaches declined offers to return to the club next season, writes Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. The departures of Bo Porter (third base/outfield) and Steve Porter (bullpen) mean that the Fish now have four spots to fill on their coaching staff after letting pitching coach Mark Wiley and first-base coach Andy Fox walk. The Marlins also outrighted infielder Andy Gonzalez and right-hander Dallas Trahern to Triple-A New Orleans.
- ESPN.com's Rob Neyer looks into the postseason success of Wild Cards.
- John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer runs down the ex-Reds currently in the playoffs. Fay says that "you can't really kick the Reds" for letting these players get away.
Padres Rumors: GM, Cameron, Correia
FRIDAY, 5:53pm: Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports writes that the Padres and Diamondbacks could work out a compensation package for Arizona VP of player personnel Jerry DiPoto. San Diego CEO Jeff Moorad has what he characterized as a "gentleman's agreement" not to raid his former club for candidates, but Morosi says that the stipulation could be waived for the right price. Moorad is said to have a "very high opinion" of DiPoto.
In addition to labeling Red Sox assistant GM Jed Hoyer as a "strong candidate" (per industry sources), Morosi writes that some in the industry expect Dodgers assistant GM Kim Ng to be considered. Rangers assistant GM Thad Levine has drawn the interest of the Padres, but the team has yet to seek permission to interview him.
WEDNESDAY, 2:02pm: MLB.com's Corey Brock, via Twitter, says Forst has not been interviewed and the Gillick rumor below is untrue. Furthermore, the A's emailed the AP to say the Padres have not asked permission to interview Forst. SI's Jon Heyman's sources believe Hoyer is the favorite.
WEDNESDAY, 8:37am: Center says the Padres have two more GM interviews in addition to the three they've already conducted. He says Hoyer, David Forst, and Pat Gillick "have surfaced in connection with the Padres vacancy." Meanwhile, Newsday's Ken Davidoff says via Twitter that the Padres have not contacted the Yankees for permission to speak with Eppler.
TUESDAY: Let's discuss the latest buzz around the Padres.
- MLB.com's Corey Brock says the team's baseball operations department will be run by manager Bud Black, executive VP Paul DePodesta and assistant GM Fred Uhlman Jr. until CEO Jeff Moorad finds Kevin Towers' replacement at GM.
- Moorad has interviewed three candidates for GM, with more to come. He hopes to make the hire within a few weeks. Red Sox assistant GM Jed Hoyer and Yankees director of pro scouting Billy Eppler have been rumored.
- Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune writes about the Padres' offseason needs (they have roughly $10MM to spend). Center says the team needs a right-handed hitting center fielder, and Mike Cameron's name surfaced.
- Center suggests that to save money the Padres might have to shop Kevin Kouzmanoff, Heath Bell, or both. He even wonders if they'd non-tender Kevin Correia and attempt to sign him more cheaply (presumably using his desire to play near home as leverage).
- On his blog, DePodesta writes about the difficult realities of working within baseball.
- Mike Axisa of River Ave. Blues suggests the Yankees should add Towers to their front office.
White Sox Discussed New Deal For Podsednik
Outfielder DeWayne Wise has chosen free agency over a Triple A assignment from the White Sox, but there's a chance Scott Podsednik could return. According to Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune, Podsednik's agent Ryan Gleichowski had a preliminary discussion with Sox assistant GM Rick Hahn. They'll talk again later this month.
Podsednik, 34 in March, signed a minor league deal with the Rockies in January. He was released in April, and the White Sox scooped him up. Pods went on to hit .304/.353/.412 in 587 plate appearances while playing mostly left and center field. His defense graded out as average, based on UZR and plus-minus.
MLB.com's Scott Merkin spoke to Podsednik earlier this month, who expressed a desire to return but said "we are going to wait it out and see what happens." Podsednik fell short of Type B status, so there will be no draft pick compensation involved.
D’Backs Receive Tony Abreu To Complete Garland Trade
The Diamondbacks received infielder Tony Abreu from the Dodgers to complete the Jon Garland trade, according to the team's Twitter feed. Abreu had been rumored as the likely return since the August 31st trade, but presumably the teams waited until now because he did not clear waivers. Another factor: a dispute over Abreu's service time. MLB.com's Ken Gurnick says this grievance was settled, with Abreu receiving an additional 30 days service time.
Abreu, 25 in November, hit .353/.385/.615 in 236 Triple A plate appearances this year. He spent most of his time at second base, and is expected to compete for the starting job in Arizona next year. The D'Backs clearly think highly of Abreu, since they were willing to take on Garland's remaining salary as well as his buyout.
Marlins Release Scott Proctor, Dave Davidson
The Marlins released pitchers Scott Proctor and Dave Davidson, according to Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Proctor, 33 in January, was non-tendered by the Dodgers in December of last year. He agreed to a $750K deal with the Marlins in January, but was not able to return from flexor tendon surgery as expected. In May, he decided to undergo Tommy John surgery. Proctor's best year was 2006, when he posted a 3.52 ERA in 102.3 relief innings for the Yankees.
Davidson, 26 in April, was claimed off waivers from the Pirates in April but designated for assignment by the Fish in May. The southpaw worked only 10.6 innings for the Marlins' Triple A club. A June waiver claim of Davidson by Baltmore was voided due to a shoulder injury. Davidson found his way to the big league 60-day DL, earning a few extra bucks in the process. Poor guy earned it – Fredi Gonzalez had him throw 52 pitches in his lone big league inning.
Odds & Ends: Henry, Kikuchi, Accardo
Links for Friday…
- MLB.com's Brian McTaggart tells us via Twitter that the Astros released pitchers Chad Paronto and Billy Sadler.
- The Nationals interviewed longtime Braves scouting director Roy Clark, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
- The Blue Jays fired J.P. Ricciardi advisor Dick Scott, according to Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun.
- Interesting note from WEEI's Alex Speier. Back in 2002, upon purchasing the Red Sox and selling the Marlins, John Henry attempted to have Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett transferred to the Sox.
- NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman says NPB is lobbying Japan's High School Baseball Federation to have Yusei Kikuchi appear in person for meetings with NPB teams but not MLB clubs. Newman still likes the Rangers as Kikuchi's top suitor, based on reports.
- Newman also tells us that pitcher Koji Mitsui, who was posted twice last winter but received no bids, has been released and will attempt to sign with an MLB team.
- Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times has a plan for the Cubs that includes signing Chone Figgins and avoiding long-term free agent deals.
- Padres exec Paul DePodesta explains the team's recent roster moves.
- Via Twitter, ESPN's Jorge Arangure Jr. passes along info from Miguel Angel Sano's agent Rob Plummer.
- In an MLB.com chat, Blue Jays reliever Jeremy Accardo says that his first choice is to stay with Toronto for his entire career, but his second choice is to pitch on the West Coast.
Odds & Ends: Henry, Kikuchi, Accardo
Links for Friday…
- MLB.com's Brian McTaggart tells us via Twitter that the Astros released pitchers Chad Paronto and Billy Sadler.
- The Nationals interviewed longtime Braves scouting director Roy Clark, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
- The Blue Jays fired J.P. Ricciardi advisor Dick Scott, according to Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun.
- Interesting note from WEEI's Alex Speier. Back in 2002, upon purchasing the Red Sox and selling the Marlins, John Henry attempted to have Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett transferred to the Sox.
- NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman says NPB is lobbying Japan's High School Baseball Federation to have Yusei Kikuchi appear in person for meetings with NPB teams but not MLB clubs. Newman still likes the Rangers as Kikuchi's top suitor, based on reports.
- Newman also tells us that pitcher Koji Mitsui, who was posted twice last winter but received no bids, has been released and will attempt to sign with an MLB team.
- Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times has a plan for the Cubs that includes signing Chone Figgins and avoiding long-term free agent deals.
- Padres exec Paul DePodesta explains the team's recent roster moves.
- Via Twitter, ESPN's Jorge Arangure Jr. passes along info from Miguel Angel Sano's agent Rob Plummer.
- In an MLB.com chat, Blue Jays reliever Jeremy Accardo says that his first choice is to stay with Toronto for his entire career, but his second choice is to pitch on the West Coast.