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Odds & Ends: Vazquez, A’s, Orioles, Marlins

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A few links…

  • ESPN's Keith Law rated David Ortiz signing with Boston as the best free agent pickup of the decade. Darren Dreifort's deal with the Dodgers was the worst, and he called the Erik Bedard trade the biggest of the decade. That last one is certainly debatable; I prefer the Bartolo Colon for Grady Sizemore (plus others) deal.
  • Interestingly, Yankees' GM Brian Cashman noted today that the club tried to acquire Javier Vazquez from Arizona after 2005 and the White Sox after 2008, “but we just didn’t match up," reports Chad Jennings of The Journal News.
  • Bruce Jenkins of The SF Chronicle says that the A's are winning the battle of the Bay Area this offseason. Of course, the regular season is the battle you really want to win.
  • Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com reports that Orioles' president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said "My guess is I wouldn't think we'll be doing anything anytime soon, which is not to be interpreted as not doing anything between now and Sarasota." The O's finalized the Garrett Atkins deal today.
  • MLB.com's Joe Frisaro writes about the Marlins' first base situation, noting that there's certainly no shortage of in-house options.
  • Bill Ladson of MLB.com tweets that the Nationals continue to show interest in righty John Smoltz, "but they are not willing to break the bank to get him."
  • Coco Crisp's physical with the A's was delayed because of travel issues, so the announcement of his signing will have to wait says Susan Slusser of The SF Chronicle. 
  • Maury Brown at The Biz of Baseball takes a look at the growth of player salaries over the last decade.
  • Here's some news on a different kind of contract negotiation: According to the AP (via ESPN) MLB and the umpires hope to have a new agreement in place tomorrow, which will allow for greater flexibility with postseason assignments.

MLBTR Forums

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The MLBTR Forums are hopping, with over 1,800 users signed up and engaging in baseball discussions and debates.  We've got areas for trade rumors, free agent talk, the draft, fantasy baseball, general baseball, and each of the 30 teams.  Sign up today!

Wren: We’re Going To Add A Run Producer

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Following today’s Javier Vazquez deal, Braves’ GM Frank Wren was a guest on 790 The Zone to talk about what lies ahead for his team. Click here to listen to the audio. 

Wren discussed how he sees the deal helping his team, but adds that “There’s definitely some more things we’re doing.” When asked directly if he was looking to add a middle of the order bat, Wren replied “We think we’re in the mix for a guy just like that. We’re going to add a run producer that’s going to round out our offense.”

The Vazquez deal saves the team about $9MM next season, and they’re known to be seeking a righthander hitter. Jason Bay and Matt Holliday both appear to be too expensive, though names like Marlon Byrd and Adam LaRoche have been kicked around.

Rangers Sign Darren Oliver

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Free agent lefty Darren Oliver signed a one-year, $3.5MM deal with the Rangers today, with a vesting option for 2011.  ESPN's Jerry Crasnick first reported progress Sunday on the deal, providing financial terms.  This marks Oliver's third stint with the Rangers.

Last year with the Angels, Oliver posted a 2.71 ERA, 8.0 K/9, and 2/7 BB/9 in 73 innings.  Since the Angels did not offer arbitration to the Type A free agent, there will be no draft pick compensation.

Javier Vazquez Trade Reactions

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Javier Vazquez was traded for the fifth time in his 12-season career today, and we've collected reactions.

  • Braves GM Frank Wren told reporters that Melky Cabrera is a nice fit, but he's still looking for offense.  David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution says the $8MM or so saved by the Braves probably won't go toward Jason Bay or Matt Holliday, but he wonders if they'll try for Adrian Gonzalez.  We've got more on potential bats for the Braves here.
  • ESPN's Keith Law says the Braves were "lucky to get a young pitcher as good as Arodys Vizcaino," as he feels this trade was basically a salary dump.  Law believes the Braves' Kenshin Kawakami signing in January was unnecessary, and that led to this Vazquez trade.
  • Joel Sherman of the New York Post has pretty much every Yankees angle covered.  Vazquez was simply the best available option for them.  The Yanks' payroll is up around $198MM against a $200MM target, though trading Sergio Mitre and/or Chad Gaudin would free up a little cash.  The Yanks will try to snag a veteran left fielder at a bargain rate, and aren't considering Holliday or Bay.
  • Yankees GM Brian Cashman confirmed that he won't be adding a big piece (MLB.com's Bryan Hoch reporting).  Chad Jennings of The LoHud Journal has quotes from Vazquez from the conference call.
  • Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says the Rays, Orioles, and Blue Jays should just give up now.

Nationals Notes: Garland, Orlando Hudson

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So far this winter the Nationals have traded for reliever Brian Bruney and signed starter Jason Marquis and catcher Ivan Rodriguez.  They're a finalist to sign reliever Matt Capps.  They've also added Joel Peralta, Jamie Burke, and Doug Slaten, among others.  What's next for GM Mike Rizzo? 

  • Chico Harlan of the Washington Post says the Nats initially targeted Jon Garland, but Garland prefers to sign with a West Coast team.  He should have some options if he's willing to take a one-year deal in the $6-7MM range.
  • MLB.com's Bill Ladson tweets that the Nationals still have interest in free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson.  Signing Hudson would mean keeping Cristian Guzman at shortstop.

Orioles Sign Garrett Atkins

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The Orioles signed corner infielder Garrett Atkins to a one-year, $4.5MM deal today.  He has an $8.5MM club option for 2011 with a $500K buyout.  Atkins can earn up to $500K in incentives in 2010.  Dan Connolly and Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun broke news of the agreement on December 16th, while Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post and MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez (via Twitter) followed with contract details.

Atkins was non-tendered by Colorado on December 12th after hitting .226/.308/.342 in 399 plate appearances in 2009.  Atkins spent his entire seven-year major league career with the Rockies, posting a career .811 OPS.  He's logged time at first and third base in recent years, and his versatility gives the O's the ability to sign another corner infielder if they choose.

My expectations for Atkins are pretty low, but there's little harm in the Orioles giving him a shot.

This post was rewritten by Tim Dierkes.

Nationals Sign Jason Marquis

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The Nationals signed starting pitcher Jason Marquis to a two-year, $15MM deal today.  MASN was first to report the agreement yesterday, with MLB Network's Hazel Mae adding the length and Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News tweeting the value.  The Phillies and Mets were other clubs reportedly in the mix for the 31-year-old righty.  Back on December 15th, Marquis explained to MLB.com's Bill Ladson that he found the ability to mentor the Nats' young pitching staff appealing.

Marquis racked up 216 innings for the Rockies this year with a 4.04 ERA, 4.8 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, and 55.6% groundball rate.  The Rox will receive a supplemental draft pick for their loss.  I have to wonder if Marquis agreed in advance to turn down their arbitration offer.

My take: this is an uninspired move by the Nationals.  I understand that an innings-eater is needed to take pressure off young pitchers, but it's likely that similar pitchers will be available in March at a fraction of the commitment.  Plus, unlike an Erik Bedard type gamble, Marquis doesn't have upside.

Odds & Ends: Gomes, Duchscherer, Chapman

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Some links for your Tuesday…

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