Some Tuesday links…
- After talking to someone familiar with the process, FoxSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi guesses (via Twitter) that Tim Lincecum will file for somewhere between $12-13MM in arbitration.
- John Fay of The Cincinnati Enquirer has the Reds' 2010 payroll at just about $70MM at the moment.
- In a mailbag, Amalie Benjamin of The Boston Globe says that the Red Sox aren't likely to go out and spend on a high-risk, high-reward pitcher like Ben Sheets after signing John Lackey.
- Joe Frisaro of MLB.com doesn't think the Marlins will look to trade Dan Uggla, even after he agreed to a deal yesterday that makes him the team's highest paid player in 2010.
- Meanwhile, Frisaro says that Cody Ross is likely headed to an arbitration hearing after negotiations hit an impasse.
- Tony Massarotti of The Boston Globe wonders if the Red Sox are doing the right thing by going year-to-year with Jonathan Papelbon through his arbitration years.
- After turning down the Mets' latest offer, ESPN's Buster Olney thinks (via Twitter) that the Mariners might be a good fit for Bengie Molina.
- MLB.com's Adam McCalvy tweets that the Brewers will continue negotiating with their six remaining arbitration eligible players today, though GM Doug Melvin said that no multi-year deals are in the mix.
- John Lowe of The Detroit Free Press says it wouldn't be a shock if Justin Verlander sought at least $6MM through arbitration this year after seeking $4.15MM last year. Joe Blanton received just under $5.5MM in his second year of arbitration, so I wouldn't be surprised if Verlander submitted a figure closer to $8-9MM.
- Meanwhile, Lynn Henning of The Detroit News spoke to some scouts who think Austin Jackson might not be ready for the big leagues, at least at the plate. Jackson is slated to start the year as the Tigers' everyday center fielder.
- MLB.com's Jason Beck tweets that the Jose Valverde deal is official.
- The Rays aren't close to deals with any of their four arbitration eligible players, reports Marc Topkin of The St. Petersburg Times. Tampa has a self-imposed deadline of noon ET today to get deals done, which is when the two sides must submit their salary figures.
- In a chat with readers, Tom Boswell of The Washington Post said he heard the Nationals were close to a "trade for a major-league ready pitcher of Jordan Zimmermann quality but it fell through when the other team backed out." He thinks Josh Willingham may have been involved.
- The Giants haven't confirmed if they're still interested in Miguel Tejada according to Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com, however he spoke to someone who says Tejada remains on the Twins' radar.
Austin Jackson needs to make some major improvements if he wants to come close to matching the hype. I would agree that he should start the year at AAA to work on his approach at the plate.
I agree, I don’t think the Tigers will be in the hunt for a title this year so why not give him time.
I think Verlander is worth at least $9m.
Either Tejada or Hudson, maybe both, are going to get the shaft this year. Someone will get above average production for less than average pay.
I completely agree. I think that Miggy would be a great fit for the Twins. Especially being a veteran presence with the Twins moving into Target Field.
Free agent pitcher of Jordan Zimmermann quality? Who would he be talking about?
It would have been a trade.
But for who? Who do the Nats have in trade that would net them a Zimmerman type young pitcher?
My mistake, I meant trade. But who do you think it was? Yankees for Hughes or Joba? Giants? Braves?
It sounds like the Giants Jonathan Sanchez for Josh Willingham but the Giants realized Sanchez could (possible) be a good #2-4 STARTER
That reminds me of last season. There was all the Sanchez for Nick Johnson talk and then Sanchez goes out and tosses the No Hitter and the talk ceased.
That reminds me of last season. There was all the Sanchez for Nick Johnson talk and then Sanchez goes out and tosses the No Hitter and the talk ceased.
(deleted)
Verlander will probably request and get what he’s asking for, or quite close to it. It’s probably the reason that Granderson was traded. Everybody in Detroit knows that Illitch is committed to winning. Signing Valverde is step one, and signing Verlander is a key peice.
Can you imagine how much payroll the Tigers will drop once the 2010 season ends…The contracts of Ordonez, Willis, Bonderman, Robertson, Inge, Everett, and Laird will be coming off the books. And Granderson and Jackson as well. They will be spending a ton next off-season.
Even though the rumors are to the contrary, I also believe that the Tigers will sign Damon because of the inexperience of Jackson.
Im guessing Nationals were talking with the Jays who have dana brown in the front office who was with the nats last year. jays have a lot of pitchers similar to Zimmerman(Cecil) and could use an outfielder. If by chance it was the Jays I’m glad they backed out as willingham is not worth a promising young arm who is under team control for a long time.
delete this double post
Whoo, 12-13mm for Lincecum is much more reasonable than the numbers that have been flying around recently. It’s still a bit high IMO, but what can I say: I believe that simply because he’s in the National League, his numbers get a boost. 😛 But that’s my opinion. Also, if Lincecum deserves 12-13m, Verlander easily deserves 8-9mm.
Also, an interesting Papelbon link there. While I would like to see Papelbon stick around, as Bard is still a prospect, I think he needs to get over himself. He’s made it public that he’s in it for the money; I can respect that, but right now I don’t think he deserves the money he wants. A couple years ago, sure. But his fastball has lost mileage and he has completely lost the split. If Farrell thinks he’ll have those back next year, plus hopefully figure out the injury problems, I’d love to see Papelbon closing for us for years to come. Otherwise…start prepping Bard.
Tejada on the twins? Wow that would be a pretty sweet lineup.
I think we shouldn’t underestimate the knowledge Detroit has in evaluting their young players. This reminds of the Rick Porcello and Ryan Perry situation last year. No one thought Perry would make the team out of spring training, and absolutely everyone said Porcello needed more time. What happened? They both made the team, and they both had decent years, heck, I can go so far as to say Porcello had a great year and only got better as the season progressed. Austin Jackson is a high upside player, I think he will start the season as the starting CFer, whether he remains the Tigers CFer remains to be seen, but it appears that Dombroski and Leyland think he’s a good hitter and they have the confidence to put him in Comerica’s spacious CF and put him in an everyday major league lineup. A tall order, yes, but it’s not unrealistic to me seeing him be a successful hitter in the majors next year. I’m not saying .300, but successful.
In regards to Verlander, I think the Tigers absolutely need to resign him this season. They can’t wait until all of that money comes off of the books with Verlander one year from free agency. By that time, most pitchers do not want to resign and therefore test the free agent market. I think the Tigers need to use Felix’s new 5-year, $78MM contract as a precedent for his extension as they both have similar ability. I feel that the Tigers HAVE to lock this guy up if they plan on being competitive in the future, plus it just wouldn’t be right not having him in the Motor City at least a few more years.
please say the twins add tejada if not lopez or hudson
sheets with one of those 3 would make the twins a real contender
In case you missed it:
“Street, who was arbitration eligible for the third and final time, agreed to a three year deal worth $22.5MM with an option for a fourth year.”
The Twins I feel need another quality arm for the rotation. Perhaps Pineiro or Sheets?
“doesn’t think the Marlins will look to trade Dan Uggla, even after he agreed to a deal yesterday that makes him the team’s highest paid player in 2010.” – It doesn’t take much to be the highest paid player on the Marlins.
I’m suprised to see Lincecum filing for $12-13M when he easily could be making more.
As a Giants Fan i have to say I would be happy if this is how much he wants!!! I want to lock him LONG TERM soo we dont have issues in the Future!!! Giants were relectant this offseason to get Jason Bay because of Lincecum asking for 20MM and Zito and Rowand contracts also bind us from getting a good solid hitter
“Tony Massarotti of The Boston Globe wonders if the Red Sox are doing the right thing by going year-to-year with Jonathan Papelbon through his arbitration years.”
They offered him multiple years. He didn’t want that. So what do you propose, Tony? Trade him? Release him? Put him on waivers? Make him the owner?