Elias Rankings Update
After the season the Elias Sports Bureau will take all players over the 2009-10 period, divide them into five groups for each league, and rank them based on various statistics. Then each player will be labeled a Type A, B, or none. Those designations and the possible accompanying arbitration offers determine draft pick compensation (click here for a refresher).
Eddie Bajek has reverse-engineered the Elias rankings, and he's providing that information exclusively at MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a look at how the players rank for the period beginning with the 2009 season running through August 21st, 2010. The Google spreadsheet below has separate tabs for each position group. You can also go directly to the Google spreadsheet here. Our last set of Elias projections is here, in case you want to see what changed.
Lowell Still Likely To Retire After Season
Boston infielder Mike Lowell told reporters that he's still likely to retire after this season, writes Alex Speier of WEEI. Lowell first suggested that 2010 would be his final season back in April.
"I'm pretty much set in knowing what I'm going to do after this year," the four-time All-Star said. "It will be fun. It will be fun enjoying my kids."
Injuries caused Lowell to play just 47 games this season in which he hit .226/.305/.380 with four homers. That slash line is a far cry from his career posting of .279/.342/.465 across 13 big league seasons.
The 36-year-old has been involved in trade rumors since the last quarter of 2009 when he was nearly sent to Texas for catcher Max Ramirez. However, a torn radial collateral ligament in Lowell's right thumb caused the Rangers to get cold feet and back out of the swap. There's still a possibility the veteran could finish the year elsewhere as he cleared waivers in early August.
Lowell has earned roughly $76.5MM in his career thanks in large part to the three-year, $37.5MM contract he signed with Boston in November of 2007.
MLBTR Originals
Here's a look back at some of the analysis and reporting MLBTR's writing team delivered this week..
- This week MLBTR continued to look at the probable and possible starting rotations for clubs in 2011. The Yankees, Giants, Rockies, Phillies, Marlins, Athletics, and Padres have all been profiled in the last seven days. To see all of our 2011 rotation previews, click here.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith drew a comparison between Josh Hamilton and Kevin Youkilis.
- On Monday we unfurled our listing of final-year arbitration-eligible players.
- Howard Megdal reflected on the 1980 trade deadline. Fun Fact: This was the year that Gaylord Perry, then 41, was shipped to the Yankees. Perry started eight games for the Bombers that year.
- The Phillies have been doling out contract years like candy, says Tim Dierkes.
- David Chadd, the vice president of amateur scouting for the Tigers, spoke to Ben Nicholson-Smith about the club's 2010 draft.
- MLBTR was first to learn of the Phillies' agreements with draft picks Brian Pointer and Jonathan Musser. Both players were signed for more than their slot suggested.
- Tim Dierkes analyzed the trade market for veteran Craig Counsell.
- As always we conducted our weekly chat and if you missed out you can review the transcript.
- MLBTR readers voted on Adam LaRoche's future, Francisco Rodriguez's contract, the wisdom of tendering a contract offer to J.J. Hardy and discussed where Magglio Ordonez will end up, whether the Dodgers should deal Ted Lilly, and what the Mets should do with R.A. Dickey.
Odds & Ends: Barajas, Piniella, Nats, Ramirez, Jackson
From the South Bay to the Valley, from the West Side to the East Side, everybody is very happy because Vin Scully will return in 2011. Let's check out some links from around the web..
- A member of the Mets watching Rod Barajas say goodbye to his teammates quipped "Can I go with him?", tweets Andy Martino of the New York Daily News.
- Ken Rosenthal pays tribute to Lou Piniella, and opines that Joe Girardi would be a perfect managerial replacement, though he has doubts that the Cubs could pry him away from New York.
- The Nationals have extended their affiliation with the Syracuse Chiefs for an additional two seasons, according to the team's official Twitter page.
- Josh Thole is excited about having the opportunity to start every day now that Rod Barajas has been claimed off waivers by the Dodgers, writes Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com.
- The Rays might be willing to take a chance on Manny Ramirez, writes Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times.
- With the way Austin Jackson is playing, it looks like the Tigers got the better end of the Curtis Granderson deal, writes Marc Carig of the Newark Star-Ledger.
- Pittsburgh's signing of Mexican hurler Luis Heredia was years in the making, writes Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
- Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer writes that the Indians weren't afraid to spend on the draft this year. Cleveland's top ten picks all signed for more than their recommended slot.
- Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated (via Twitter) jokes that Buck Showalter has done too well with the Orioles as the club might now lose out on the first overall pick in the draft. Baltimore is now 44-80 while the Pirates are 40-83.
Indians Sign Saul Rivera
The Indians have signed reliever Saul Rivera and assigned him to Triple-A Columbus, according to the team's transactions page. This marks the righthander's second stint with the Tribe.
Rivera, 32, was shipped from Cleveland to Arizona in May for cash considerations. The D'Backs went on to designate the veteran for assignment in June and release him in August.
From 2006 through 2008, Rivera found a role in the Nationals bullpen as he posted a 3.72 ERA with 6.4 K/9 and 4.1 BB/9. However his fortune turned in 2009 when he delivered a 6.10 ERA with 4.9 K/9 and 3.3 BB/9.
Will Johnny Damon Be Claimed?
Tigers left fielder and designated hitter Johnny Damon was placed on waivers on Thursday, so the window to make a claim closes Monday. Damon explained the situation to MLB.com's Jason Beck on Friday:
"I know they would probably like to keep me, but if this is a way they can possibly save a little bit of money this year and get a prospect, then that's something they have to do."
Damon's open attitude implies that he might not block a trade, even though he hopes to re-sign with the Tigers. Of his $8MM salary, about $1.8MM remains. Damon, 36, predictably saw his power slip with the switch from Yankee Stadium to Comerica Park. He's hitting .270/.355/.409 on the season and has logged only 268 innings in the outfield.
Damon hasn't been great, but we've seen varying returns in August moves. Jim Edmonds and Derrek Lee brought useful players back, while Cody Ross and Jose Guillen did not. Damon profiles as a Type B free agent, but I can't envision the Tigers offering arbitration. The Tigers could dump Damon's contract on a claiming club, or eat some money and try to get a useful player back.
Six American League contenders remain: the Yankees, Rays, Red Sox, Twins, White Sox, and Rangers. Lance Berkman's ankle injury frees up the Yankees' DH spot; would they bring Damon back given the offseason drama? The Rays and Red Sox could block the Yanks, and both clubs could use him. Damon back in the AL East would be an intriguing storyline. The Rangers, with Nelson Cruz out, could consider Damon. The White Sox might be content to use Mark Kotsay and Mark Teahen at DH, while the Twins don't look like a fit.
In the National League I think we can safely cross off the Giants as a Damon possibility, leaving the Braves, Phillies, Reds, Cardinals, and Padres as remaining contenders. Would the Braves want Damon in the left field picture? The Reds probably wouldn't add Damon after getting Edmonds. The Cardinals sent Ryan Ludwick to the Padres, though the Friars could still find room after losing Tony Gwynn. The Phillies don't seem to have a need for Damon.
The American League certainly seems a better fit for Damon. Hopefully we'll find out today whether any teams risked claims.
Week In Review: 8/15/10 – 8/21/10
Here's a look back at the trades, DFAs, and draft news from the past week:
- The Braves acquired Derrek Lee for three prospects. His overall line's not great, but he's having a strong second half. Chicago will pay $1.7MM of the remaining $3.4MM owed to Lee.
- The Cardinals acquired Pedro Feliz from Houston for minor league David Carpenter. Surprising to see Feliz go anywhere, as his defense has declined and he's statistically one of the least valuable players in baseball this season. But, his first two games in St. Louis have been good at least! Maybe a change of scenery will help.
- The Indians acquired Zach McAllister from the Yankees to complete the Austin Kearns trade. McAllister has struggled in 2010, but anytime you can flip a minor league signee (Kearns) for someone who was an organization's #5 prospect heading into the season (McAllister), you've done well.
- The deadline to sign draft picks came and went this week, with Bryce Harper signing a five-year major league deal that guarantees him $9.9MM. Here's the scoop on the rest of the first-rounders, as well as some notable non-first rounders.
- One first rounder who didn't sign, Barret Loux, will actually be granted free agency on Sept. 1, the commissioner's office ruled. The D'Backs retracted their offer to the #6 overall pick when he failed his physical, but due to his ineligibility to return to NCAA ball, he was granted free agency in fairness to both sides. Arizona will receive the #7 pick in next year's draft as compensation.
- The Rockies DFA'ed Brad Hawpe this week, and the Phillies may have interest. The Rangers have interest, and the Giants did as well, but that's probably out the window thanks to their claim of Cody Ross today.
- Another NL West left-handed hitter cleared waivers this week, but surprisingly, Adam LaRoche isn't drawing interest. He may not mind though, as he's in preliminary extension talks with the D'Backs.
- Billy Wagner's option vested this week, but he still plans to retire. The Braves' closer isn't worried about surpassing John Franco for fourth on the all-time saves list, and he's also apparently not swayed by a guaranteed $6.5MM. Wish I could make that claim myself.
- In international signings, the Pirates signed Mexican pitching prospect Luis Heredia for $2.6MM — the largest bonus ever shelled out by the Buccos on an international amateur. The Red Sox signed Cuban catcher Adalberto Ibarra for a reduced bonus of $700K-$800K after he failed his physical.
- The Marlins extended Wes Helms, signing the veteran to a one-year, $1MM deal for 2011. In other extension news, the Reds offered Dusty Baker an extension beyond the 2010 campaign. Baker is in the final year of a three-year pact.
- The Mets plan on exercising their $11MM option on Jose Reyes, and will likely explore a contract extension.
- The Orioles won't trade Luke Scott or Ty Wigginton. In Scott's case, it makes sense, as he's under team control beyond 2010. Wigginton, however, will be a free agent and won't bring back any form of compensation. The O's could surely have gotten some kind of return in a trade.
- Be sure to check out MLBTR's Transactions section in order to see all of the minor-league signings and players DFA'ed or released this past week!
Cody Ross Awarded To Giants
SUNDAY, 3:13pm: Ross was awarded to the Giants, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Ross will join recently-acquired outfielders Pat Burrell and Jose Guillen in what's become a very crowded outfield scenario in San Francisco. In addition to that trio, the Giants also have Aaron Rowand, Andres Torres, and Nate Schierholtz.
Ross will be arbitration-eligible for the final time following this season, should the Giants choose to tender him a contract. The outfielder earned $4.45MM for 2010 and therefore San Francisco will owe the slugger a shade over $1MM for the remainder of the season.
It's likely that the Giants put the claim on Ross in order to block division rival San Diego. The Padres are in need help in center field and possibly could have used Ross as he started 70 games at the position in 2010.
FRIDAY, 2:23pm: The Giants claimed Ross, sources tell Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. That's unconfirmed, but the Braves and Phillies did not win the claim. The Marlins, who aren't sure whether the claiming team actually wants to strike a deal or just wants to prevent a rival from making one, have until Monday to agree on a trade or pull Ross off of waivers.
1:47pm: An unknown National League team claimed Cody Ross on waivers today, according to Jayson Stark of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Stark reports that the Marlins are expected to explore a deal with the claiming team.
The Phillies and Giants, two teams thought to be potential suitors for Brad Hawpe, could have interest in Ross as well. The Padres just lost Tony Gwynn Jr. to the disabled list, so they would presumably have interest in Ross. The 29-year-old is under team control for 2011 as an arbitration-eligible player, so even a non-contender could have claimed him.
Jon Jay has been playing well in St. Louis, and Randy Winn has been serviceable, so the Cardinals don't appear like a natural fit for Ross. The same goes for the Rockies, Dodgers, Reds and Braves.
Ross has a strong 4.9 UZR/150 in just over 1,000 innings in the outfield this year, but his offense hasn't been as good as his defense. His .261/.312/.390 line doesn't compare to the numbers he posted in 2007-09. About $1.1MM remains on Ross's $4.45MM salary.
Crawford And Pena Talk Oakland
With the Athletics hosting Tampa Bay this weekend, the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser spoke with both Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena about the possibility of joining the A's next season.
While it's far from qualifying evidence to say that either player is writing Oakland down atop his offseason wish list, it's worth noting that both players had positive things to say about the organization as well. Crawford dodged the question somewhat, though he did praise Oakland's pitching staff:
"The main thing is that I want to see how the season ends and how things work out with this team," Crawford said. "I hope things go well, and if not, I'll have to see what's out there. (Oakland) does have good pitching. I'll weigh a lot of things, but obviously I want to go somewhere where the team can win."
Crawford has been connected to the Yankees frequently, and that's no surprise. The market's top free agents are often linked with the Bronx Bombers, and with good reason; in recent years they've snatched Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia, and A.J. Burnett from the free agent market. If the Yankees decide that they prefer fellow free agents Jayson Werth and/or Cliff Lee to Crawford, then Crawford may be looking for work in other markets.
Oakland's pitching would love Crawford's defense, and the ballpark's spacious confines would suit Crawford's speedy skillset quite nicely. Just ask fellow outfielder Coco Crisp, who's enjoying a .304/.366/.530 line in Oakland with eight doubles and three triples in just 136 PAs. If Crisp's option is exercised, the outfield situation could become muddled with Rajai Davis, Ryan Sweeney returning, and Michael Taylor waiting in the wings.
Pena spent 40 games of the 2002 season as the A's first baseman. He tells Slusser that he never rules anything out, and that he enjoys the Oakland area. Pena's strikeouts and walks are both slightly down this season, but he remains a power threat and is still walking in 14.5% of his plate appearances. The A's currently have Daric Barton, Chris Carter, and Jack Cust as 1B/DH candidates (with Carter seeing some OF time).
Again, it's far from conclusive evidence to support that either player will be heading to Oakland following the 2010 campaign, but the A's have over $20MM coming off the books, largely thanks to Ben Sheets and Eric Chavez. Billy Beane will have the money to spend, and the need to add some offense to a club that ranks 26th in both team OPS and runs scored. Keep in mind that the A's have quietly managed a .500 season — they may not be as far from winning as their modest offense suggests.
Damon Wants To Return To Tigers
After reportedly being placed on waivers along with third baseman Brandon Inge, Tigers slugger Johnny Damon could be traded to a contender before the year is through. However, even if he is sent elsewhere, Damon wants to return to Motown in 2011, writes Terry Foster of The Detroit News.
"I like it here," the 36-year-old said. "I have a bunch of friends that live in Detroit. Spring training (Lakeland, Fla.) is 45 minutes from home. There are a lot of benefits for me and hopefully I get to stay with this club. I love it so far. It is as simple as that."
Damon signed a one-year, $8MM deal with Detroit and will be a free agent at the end of the year. The two-time All-Star says that if he finishes out the season with another team, he will tell his representatives to get in touch with club president Dave Dombrowski and owner Mike Ilitch about returning.