Odds & Ends: Gonzalez, Benson, Giants, Mariners
A quick rundown of some of the day's items…
- In an appearance on WEEI's Dale & Holley Show, ESPN's Keith Law said that the Red Sox are the clear front-runners if and when Adrian Gonzalez hits the trade market. "I really think that Boston could top anybody if Adrian Gonzalez becomes available, and he will," Law said. The transcript of Law's appearance is available here.
- It looks like Washington might still be the only team interested in Kris Benson. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer tweets that the Indians have no interest in the right-hander.
- ESPN.com's Jayson Stark polled "20 baseball wise men" to get their take on the offseason moves. The panel picked Seattle and Arizona as the most improved teams in their respective leagues, while Cleveland and the Dodgers were the least improved. John Lackey was named the winter's best free agent signing, while Brandon Lyon's deal with Houston was considered the worst.
- Giants infielder Freddy Sanchez underwent shoulder surgery on December 23, but the news of the procedure didn't come out until almost a month later. Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News believes the club wanted to keep Sanchez's condition a secret in order to help them sign Juan Uribe to a more team-friendly contract. Uribe signed a one-year, $3.25MM deal on January 5.
- MLB.com's Jim Street answers some Mariner-related questions in a fan mailbag. Some topics of note include the possibility that the M's could deal one of their surplus outfielders, and Chad Cordero could also be trade bait if he doesn't make the Seattle bullpen but otherwise appears recovered from shoulder surgery.
- Matt Klaassen of Fangraphs thinks "Arizona overpaid a bit" in the arbitration settlement between the Diamondbacks and Edwin Jackson, but also notes that "there is reason to believe this deal is fair to both sides."
- Miguel Olivo took less money to play in Colorado because he wanted to be on a contending team, reports Troy Renck of The Denver Post.
- "It's decision time" for teams to negotiate with players entering the last year of their contracts, says USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
- Wandy Rodriguez and the Astros had their arbitration hearing today, and The Associated Press reports that a decision should be reached by tomorrow. Rodriguez wants $7MM, while Houston has countered with an offer of $5MM.
- Jane Lee of MLB.com breaks down the dollars and reasoning behind Oakland's quick flip of Willy Taveras earlier this month.
- There are no new developments between Jonny Gomes and the Reds, but John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes that the two sides are still talking. GM Walt Jocketty is hopeful the team and player "can get something done this weekend."
- Chuck Finder of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette looks at some of the issues facing the Pirates this spring, and notes that the club's young players could be helped without the pressure to win starting jobs.
Texas Pursuing Jose Molina
Jose Molina is the Rangers' "No.1 target" in the free agent catching market, reports Jeff Wilson of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Molina and Rod Barajas each turned down minor-league deals from Texas, with Wilson saying that Molina "isn't in a hurry to sign until some other catchers set the early-spring market."
Molina could also be holding out for a situation where he would have a better chance at a steady role, given that he would be one of seven catchers in the Rangers camp. Taylor Teagarden and Jarrod Saltalamacchia are the favorites to win or share the starting job, but Saltalamacchia's September shoulder surgery has left Texas looking for a veteran backstop in case their young star isn't ready for Opening Day. Wilson points out that Toby Hall (another experienced catcher signed to a minor-league deal by Texas last month) and Molina share the same agent.
Molina .217/.292/.268 in 155 plate appearances for the Yankees last season. He has a career OPS of .609 in 10 major league seasons.
Edes On Lowell, Ortiz, Martinez
Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com chatted with fans today about the Red Sox, and here were a few items of note during the conversation…
- Edes said "there is a consensus expectation" that the Twins and Joe Mauer will come to terms on a long-term deal for the superstar catcher. Edes said that Mauer's negotiations might be holding up Boston's attempt to sign current backstop Victor Martinez to a contract extension, but only in the sense that the Red Sox want to use Mauer's contract to set the market, not out of a hope that they might sign Mauer in the offseason.
- Speaking of Martinez, Edes believes that the Sox will soon begin to negotiate with both the catcher and fellow impending free agent Josh Beckett.
- In response to a fan who asked why the Red Sox don't hang onto Mike Lowell (who has been considered to be as good as traded for months) as insurance in case David Ortiz has another early-season slump, Edes said that Boston thinks Lowell is simply too big of a health risk. If Ortiz does indeed struggle again, Edes believes the club will acquire a new player rather than look within the organization.
D’Backs Exploring Multi-Year Deals With Upton, Reynolds
We heard two weeks ago that Arizona was talking with slugger Mark Reynolds about a long-term contract, but today, MLB.com's Steve Gilbert reported that the Snakes were also looking at signing Justin Upton to a multi-year pact.
Upton, the first overall pick in the 2005 entry draft, hit .300./.366/.532 in 588 plate appearances in 2009. His .899 OPS was the highest of any Diamondbacks regular, edging out Reynolds' .892 mark. As Gilbert points out, a long-term contract for Upton would be more expensive than a similar deal for Reynolds, given Upton's success at a young age and overall high profile as a prospect coming through Arizona's system. That said, if Upton continues to improve as he has through his first three years in the bigs, the D'Backs could be saving themselves some serious cash (and arbitration hearing headaches) by getting Upton signed now.
Both Reynolds and Upton aren't eligible for arbitration until after this season and aren't eligible for free agency until after the 2013 campaign. But, signing one or both of the young stars to long-term deals would alleviate any fan disappointment that might arise if Brandon Webb leaves as a free agent or is dealt at mid-season.
Gilbert notes that managing general partner Ken Kendrick doesn't want any negotiations to interfere with the regular season, so if the Snakes are going to lock their young duo up, it will have to happen before the end of spring training.
Offseason In Review: Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are next in our Offseason In Review series.
Major League Signings
- Gabe Kapler, OF: one year, $1.05MM.
- Dan Johnson, 1B: one year, $500K.
- Total spend: $1.55MM.
Notable Minor League Signings
- Joaquin Benoit, Ryan Shealy, Winston Abreu, Jeff Bennett, Heath Phillips, R.J. Swindle, Alvin Colina, Angel Chavez, Joe Dillon, J.J. Furmaniak, Chris Richard, Carlos Hernandez, Matt Bush, Stepan Havlicek
Trades and Claims
- Acquired RP Jesse Chavez from Pirates for 2B Akinori Iwamura
- Acquired C Kelly Shoppach and cash from Indians for P Mitch Talbot
- Traded Rule 5 pick P Armando Zerpa to Dodgers for cash
- Acquired RP Rafael Soriano from Braves for RP Jesse Chavez
- Claimed RP Mike Ekstrom off waivers from Padres
Extensions
- Kelly Shoppach, C: two years, $5.55MM. Includes $3.2MM club option for '12 with a $300K buyout.
Notable Losses
- Jesse Chavez, Akinori Iwamura, Mitch Talbot, Armando Zerpa, Ramon A. Ramirez, Gabe Gross, Michel Hernandez, Gregg Zaun, Shawn Riggans, Joe Nelson, Brian Shouse, Russ Springer, Troy Percival, Chad Bradford, Jason Isringhausen
The Rays did very little in free agency, taking flyers on guys like Johnson and Benoit. Instead, executive VP of baseball operations Andrew Friedman upgraded his catcher and closer situations by importing Shoppach and Soriano via trade. Shoppach will be paired with Dioner Navarro behind the plate, who the Rays were able to retain without giving a raise. The Soriano acquisition was surprising, as he'll be paid $7.25MM in 2010.
As is, the Rays have a lineup that could reasonably top 800 runs again. Right field and DH remain two potential areas to upgrade. Top prospect Desmond Jennings could provide a midseason outfield boost, while Friedman has made efforts this winter to improve upon Burrell. The Rays could still bench Burrell and sign Russell Branyan or Jermaine Dye, a change that could add a crucial win or two.
Despite trading Edwin Jackson, Jason Hammel, and Scott Kazmir in the last year or so, the Rays maintain excellent rotation depth. Projection systems probably sell their #3-5 starters short, as Jeff Niemann, David Price, and Wade Davis have the stuff to beat CHONE's 4.60ish ERA predictions.
With payroll headed back down in 2011, this is an important year for the Rays to strike. They've got the talent to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox, and will hopefully stretch even further if midseason additions can help them eke out a few extra wins.
Nationals Re-Sign Ron Villone
The Nationals re-signed lefty reliever Ron Villone to a minor league deal, tweets NatsTown News. Villone, 40, posted a 4.25 ERA, 6.1 K/9, and 5.4 BB/9 in 48.6 innings for the Nationals last year. The veteran was unable to shut down lefties in '09, but he did a decent job against them the two previous years.
Other non-roster pitching invites by the Nats include Miguel Batista, Eddie Guardado, Joel Peralta, and Ryan Speier.
Odds & Ends: Cubs, Lowell, Mauer, Adrian
Links for Wednesday…
- I recently did an Orioles-centric phone interview with Tom Sedlacek of the Bowie Baysox website.
- The Cubs signed 18-year-old Korean righty Kim Jin-yeong for $1.2MM, reports Matt DeWoskin of True Stories Of Korean Baseball. I have heard that this is not official yet, however.
- Ted Lilly would like to remain with the Cubs beyond 2010, writes Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, but the lefty doesn't want to be a distraction.
- WEEI's Rob Bradford chatted with Mike Lowell about his near-trade to the Rangers and his future with the Red Sox.
- Bob Nightengale of USA Today examines the Joe Mauer extension situation, drawing a parallel to Cal Ripken in 1992.
- This time, Padres CEO Jeff Moorad talked about hope and optimism regarding an extension for Adrian Gonzalez (Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune reporting).
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports tweets that the Nationals, Reds, and Indians made big league offers to Chien-Ming Wang, while the Dodgers and Rays showed interest but did not make offers.
- Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports wonders if the Tigers traded Curtis Granderson because they soured on him as a player.
- Maury Brown of The Biz of Baseball has the numbers on the five remaining arbitration cases.
Sizing Up Interest In Eric Gagne
WEDNESDAY, 1:22pm: SI's Jon Heyman tweets that the Dodgers are the most likely landing spot for Gagne, with the Rockies in the mix. However, Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post says a pedestrian throwing session yesterday makes Gagne a longshot for Colorado.
TUESDAY, 4:41pm: It wasn't long ago that Eric Gagne was in the midst of one of most dominant stretches a reliever has ever had. After disappointing stints in Boston and Milwaukee and a year in the Can-Am League, one thing is clear: Gagne wants to pitch in the majors again. Here are the details on his preferences and the teams that are considering him:
- Gagne wants to be a Dodger again, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. GM Ned Colletti confirmed to MLB.com that his scouts have watched Gagne throw, though the Dodgers have not yet made an offer.
- Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times tweets that the Dodgers' interest in Gagne has been overstated, but Gagne has another suitor if that's the case.
- The Rockies watched Gagne throw today, tweets MLB.com's Thomas Harding. GM Dan O'Dowd was in attendance with manager Jim Tracy, who used to manage Gagne in LA.
Nationals Win Arbitration Hearing Against Bruney
WEDNESDAY, 12:12pm: The Nationals won their hearing against Bruney, reports the AP. He'll be paid $1.5MM, saving the team $350K over his request.
TUESDAY, 5:13pm: The Nationals and reliever Brian Bruney were unable to come to an agreement on a contract for 2010, so the two sides went to an arbitration hearing today according to the AP (via The Miami Herald). Bruney filed for $1.85MM, the team $1.5MM.
Bruney, who turns 28 tomorrow, was acquired from the Yankees in December for the rights to the first overall pick in the Rule 5 Draft. He posted a 3.92 ERA with an 8.3 K/9 in 39 innings last year, battling elbow trouble in the first half. Bruney's fastball routinely sits in the mid-90's, but he often doesn't know where it's going (6.2 BB/9) and has trouble staying on the field (three DL trips since 2008).
The Nationals only other remaining arbitration case is lefty Sean Burnett, who filed for $925K. The team countered with $775K.
Offseason In Review: New York Yankees
Next up in our Offseason In Review series, the Yankees.
Major League Signings
- Andy Pettitte, SP: one year, $11.75MM
- Nick Johnson, DH: one year, $5.75MM. Includes $5.5MM mutual option for '11 with a $250K buyout.
- Randy Winn, OF: one year, $1.1MM.
- Total spend: $18.6MM.
Notable Minor League Signings
Trades and Claims
- Acquired Rule 5 pick OF Jamie Hoffmann for RP Brian Bruney
- Acquired OF Curtis Granderson from Tigers, giving up SP Ian Kennedy, CF Austin Jackson, RP Phil Coke
- Acquired SP Javier Vazquez and RP Boone Logan from Braves for P Arodys Vizcaino, LF Melky Cabrera, and P Michael Dunn
- Acquired OF Greg Golson from Rangers for 1B Mitch Hilligoss
Notable Losses
- Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Melky Cabrera, Chien-Ming Wang, Phil Coke, Brian Bruney, Austin Jackson, Ian Kennedy, Arodys Vizcaino, Jose Molina, Eric Hinske, Jerry Hairston Jr., Xavier Nady, Kevin Cash, Shelley Duncan, Mitch Hilligoss, Michael Dunn, Josh Towers
Summary
The Yankees limited their free agent spending this offseason, making only two major moves in Pettitte and Johnson. They kept both to one-year commitments. GM Brian Cashman was an active trader in adding Granderson and Vazquez, and he didn't surrender a ton or take on ridiculous contracts. Cashman's fine offseason was not about payroll clout this time.
CHONE projections have the new Yankee lineup scoring over 5.8 runs per game. Even if that's optimistic, it still looks like the best offense in the league. The addition of Vazquez plus Phil Hughes possibly replacing Joba Chamberlain is likely to push the Yankees' rotation ERA below 2009's 4.48 mark. Cashman should be applauded for affordably improving upon a World Series champion, at least on paper.