Free Agent Stock Watch: Bronson Arroyo
If the Reds don't pick up Bronson Arroyo's option for 2011, he'll be in high demand. Only three pitchers have logged more innings than Arroyo over the course of the past five seasons and the 33-year-old has posted a 3.97 ERA with 6.2 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 over that span. Arroyo's 2010 season has been strong, as usual. He has a 3.84 ERA with 4.7 K/9 and 2.6 BB/9 for the NL Central leaders this year.
Arroyo hasn't started fewer than 28 games in a season since joining Boston's rotation in 2004. That kind of consistency has value on the open market, even if Arroyo doesn't have overpowering stuff. The Mariners, Orioles, Tigers, Royals, Indians, Rockies, Brewers, Nationals and Diamondbacks are some of the teams that could have interest in adding an innings eater this winter. There are other options of course – Kevin Millwood, Ted Lilly, Javier Vazquez and Dave Bush will be available – but Arroyo would have no trouble finding a job if the Reds decline his option.
It would cost Cincinnati $2MM to decline Arroyo's option and either $11MM or $13MM to pick it up (the cost depends on how many innings the right-hander pitches). The Reds have many pitchers to consider for their 2011 rotation, but none of them are as predictable as Arroyo. It would not be surprising at all to see the Reds pick up Arroyo's option.
If GM Walt Jocketty decides to turn down the option, the Reds will have to decide whether to offer arbitration to Arroyo, who currently projects as a Type A free agent. They could obtain compensatory picks if Arroyo declined an offer of arbitration to sign elsewhere, but he could always accept their offer.
Jason Marquis, another durable early thirties right-hander, signed a two-year deal worth $15MM last offseason despite similarly low strikeout rates. If Arroyo hits the open market this winter, it would not be surprising to see him sign a two-year deal worth $20MM or so.
Potential Trade Destinations For Colby Rasmus
Most teams fortunate enough to have cheap, productive players don’t have a whole lot of interest in trading them. The Cardinals, however, may consider offers for Colby Rasmus this winter. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that his 24-year-old center fielder asked for a trade, and GM John Mozeliak must now decide whether to make one.
Rasmus denies that he asked for a trade, but has undeniably drawn the ire of La Russa and Albert Pujols. La Russa is a free agent after the season, so the Cardinals could simply hire another manager this winter to avoid clubhouse tension. But Pujols isn’t going anywhere and he says the Cards should trade Rasmus if he doesn’t want to play in St. Louis. Of course Pujols isn’t the one making this decision. Mozeliak would likely have serious reservations about dealing a cornerstone player, regardless of Pujols’ feelings and Rasmus’ reported demand.
After all, Rasmus doesn’t hit free agency until after the 2014 season. He has an .849 OPS this year and plays a premium defensive position for the MLB minimum salary. It is extremely difficult to replace that kind of asset, which is precisely why other teams would have interest in Rasmus if the Cardinals decide to trade their center fielder. Here’s a list of potential suitors for Rasmus, but do keep in mind that Cardinals executives have given no public indication that they are seriously considering a trade:
- The Braves have a pair of disappointing center fielders (Melky Cabrera and Nate McLouth) and a thing for Georgia natives, so they would presumably have interest in Rasmus.
- The Padres have Tony Gwynn, Ryan Ludwick, Kyle Blanks and others under team control in 2011, so they’d have to get creative.
- The Brewers would likely have trouble prying Rasmus away from the Cards, since they play in the same division, but an outfield of Ryan Braun, Rasmus and Corey Hart wouldn’t look bad.
- The A’s traded away a promising center fielder (Carlos Gonzalez) two offseasons ago; maybe they’d seize the chance to acquire an equally promising young player.
- The Red Sox have a pair of options under contract for 2011, but injuries to Mike Cameron and Jacoby Ellsbury diminished the team’s center field depth.
- The Nationals, who are now dealing with their own center fielder’s issues, would likely have interest in Rasmus if the Cards make him available.
- The Royals don't have a long-term option in center field.
- The Blue Jays would presumably inquire, as they did when Yunel Escobar fell out of favor in Atlanta.
Other teams would likely have interest, too, since players like Rasmus aren’t often available via trade. Again, the Cardinals will likely make every effort to keep Rasmus in St. Louis before putting him on the market. But if they do decide to trade him this winter, a variety of rival teams should show interest.
Varitek Intends To Play In 2011
Jason Varitek told Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal that he intends to play in 2011. The catcher, who hits free agency after the season, missed July and August with a broken foot, but he says he wants to continue his career, partly because he feels fresher than usual.
The Marlins, Tigers and Dodgers are among the teams that could have interest in adding a free agent catcher this offseason, so Varitek should draw interest, even if the Red Sox don’t re-sign him. Varitek started the 2010 season on an offensive tear, so it seemed that agent Scott Boras could demand a two-year deal for the 38-year-old. But the .342/.419/.868 line Varitek had on May 13th soon faded; he has batted just .211/.258/.333 since. The sample size is tiny, because of Varitek’s injury and status as a bench player, but a two-year deal seems less likely now than it did after Varitek's hot start and before his injury.
Odds & Ends: Choo, Larish, Fox, Maya, Orioles
Links for Sunday evening as the Dodgers and Giants battle it out in Los Angeles..
- Shin-Soo Choo is reminding his former team, the Mariners, of how talented he is, writes Doug Miller of MLB.com. Seattle sent Choo to Cleveland in a deal for Ben Broussard in 2006.
- Jeff Larish is enjoying his second stint with the A's, writes MLB.com's Alex Espinoza.
- Twins manager Rod Gardenhire told Kelly Thesier of MLB.com that designating Matt Fox for assignment was not an easy decision.
- Yuneski Maya is excited to make his major league debut, writes George Von Benko in piece for MLB.com.
- Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun spoke to Cal Ripken Jr. who has high hopes for Manny Machado.
MLBTR Originals
Here's a look back at some of the analysis and reporting MLBTR's writing team produced this week..
- This week we brought you up to speed on a pair of non-tender candidates: Dodgers second baseman Ryan Theriot and Mariners second baseman Jose Lopez.
- Brandon Webb's agent emailed MLBTR to make it known that his client is seeking an incentive-based contract with a significant base salary. The contracts of Brad Penny, Rich Harden, Ben Sheets, and Tim Hudson will be used as starting points, says Jonathan Maurer.
- This week we unfurled the "5 Surprises" series. The Dodgers, Rockies, and D'Backs were all chosen to kick off the new feature.
- After the season the Elias Sports Bureau will label free agents as Type A, B, or leave them without a label. MLBTR readers can keep track of how players will be designated thanks to Eddie Bajek's projected Elias rankings.
- We picked up our "Free Agent Stock Watch" series this week with examinations of Giants outfielder Pat Burrell and Orioles reliever Koji Uehara.
- Is your favorite team out of contention? Don't worry, we got you covered. Now you can track your team's bid for a higher draft pick on our reverse standings page.
- Tim Dierkes broke down the arbitration-eligible players for the White Sox, Indians, Tigers, Royals, and Twins.
- Oakland's Trevor Cahill could be in line to receive an extension, writes Luke Adams. Meanwhile, Ben Nicholson-Smith says that Jon Lester's deal will be a model for Clay Buchholz's extension, if Boston decides to go that route.
- On Wednesday Tim conducted his weekly chat.
- Our look at 2011 rotations rolled on with previews of the Twins, Cardinals, Mariners, Rays, White Sox, Red Sox, Orioles, and Blue Jays.
- If you're unclear on how September trades work, we have a post explaining everything you need to know.
- Howard Megdal wrote an entertaining recap of the 1982 trade deadline.
- MLBTR readers voted on a pair of phenoms, which late-season addition will perform better, the White Sox's acquisition of Ramirez, and discussed Adrian Beltre's next contract.
Rasmus Denies Making Trade Request
8:20pm: Rasmus denied making a trade request earlier this season, according to B.J. Rains of FoxSportsMidwest.com.
"I never did that,” said Rasmus following today's game. "I don’t know where that’s coming from. I just want to play baseball and have fun…I love being here. I love the fans. I’m moving forward and just trying to play hard and I’m happy we won today."
Tony La Russa also addressed the topic in today's post-game press conference. The manager insisted that he doesn't have an issue with Rasmus and that he will see significant playing time down the stretch.
2:04pm: Pujols had even more to say on the matter, writes Passan.
“If he doesn’t want to be here next year, we need to figure out a way to get him out of here and find somebody that wants to be here and play,” said the nine-time All-Star. “That’s a reality.
“That’ll show you right there a young player that doesn’t respect what he’s got,” Pujols added. “He needs to find out the talent and ability that he has and pretty much keep his mouth shut and play the game. Let the organization make those decisions, not himself.”
1:55pm: First baseman Albert Pujols has weighed in on the situation, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (via Twitter).
"We need to figure out a way to get him out of here," said the nine-time All-Star.
1:26pm: Cardinals skipper Tony La Russa confirmed that center fielder Colby Rasmus has requested a trade, writes Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. However, La Russa declined to delve much deeper into the matter with reporters.
"What do you want me to say? Ask Colby. Just ask Colby," said the manager. "He can handle it however he wants to handle it. He's capable of explaining himself and what he was thinking at the time."
Despite La Russa's suggestion, Rasmus would not confirm his trade request before taking the field against the Reds this afternoon. He also declined to say whether he hoped to remain with the club next season. La Russa seems to think that the center fielder has had a change of heart.
"I think he's thinking probably the grass is not greener other places and that this is a good situation, a great organization, teammates, everything. That's what I think. You can ask him," said La Russa, who also said that the outfielder made a similar request in his rookie season.
Rasmus came to GM John Mozeliak with his request during the Cards' July 23-25 series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, according to a source familiar with the situation. After the center fielder arrived late to the park, La Russa threatened to option him to Triple-A in a closed door meeting. However, when talking to Rasmus, Mozeliak assured him that he would be staying put.
Poll: Colby Rasmus
Earlier today, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa confirmed that Colby Rasmus requested a trade earlier this season. While La Russa seems confident that Rasmus' desire to be relocated has since cooled off, the 24-year-old was reluctant to address the story and would not say whether he wanted to return to St. Louis in 2011. This also isn't the first time that the talented center fielder has asked for a one-way ticket out of town: La Russa acknowledged that Rasmus requested a trade in his rookie year last season.
With what appears to be a serious rift, one would imagine that the Cards would look to deal their unhappy outfielder. However, GM John Mozeliak is obviously less-than-thrilled about the prospect of parting with a 24-year-old star in the making. Rasmus has followed up a strong 2009 debut with an even better 2010. In 117 games, the left-handed hitter has a slash line of .264/.349/.495 with 19 homers. While his -7.0 UZR/150 this season doesn't impress, his 13.5 UZR/150 from his rookie campaign shows that he is capable of playing better in the field.
There's no question that Rasmus would yield a strong return for the Cardinals, but St. Louis would obviously prefer to keep the burgeoning hitter. With his dissatisfaction now public, it may not be advantageous for the Cardinals to move him this offseason. Albert Pujols says he should go, Tony La Russa won't say much, but we want to know what you have to say.
If you were in the position of GM John Mozeliak, would you trade Rasmus this offseason?
Week In Review: 8/29/10 – 9/4/10
It's time to take a look back at the highlights of this past week which included the waiver trade deadline..
- Unquestionably, the biggest story of the week was the White Sox being awarded Manny Ramirez after submitting the winning claim. Chicago will owe the slugger $3.8MM for the remainder of 2010 but three-quarters of that will be deferred without interest. White Sox GM Kenny Williams doesn't think that the quirky superstar will be a clubhouse distraction.
- Texas swung a deal for Jeff Francoeur by sending Joaquin Arias to the Mets. The Rangers DFA'd Brandon Boggs to make room for him.
- The Marlins and pitcher Ricky Nolasco are far apart on terms for a long-term contract. The hurler still has two arbitration years left because of his Super Two status.
- Matt Kemp is reportedly seeking a deal similar to that of Nick Markakis but knows that he won't get that out of the Dodgers.
- The Dodgers will be on the lookout for a big bat and a catcher this offseason. They will also pursue an extension with Ted Lilly. The Yankees had the winning claim on the lefthander but couldn't get a deal done with Ned Colletti & Co.
- The Rockies bolstered their bullpen by acquiring Manny Delcarmen from the Red Sox. Boston received minor league righty Chris Balcom-Miller in return.
- Righthander Chad Durbin wants to return to the Phillies and it sounds like the feeling is mutual.
- Mark Prior inked a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. The righthander will turn 30 on Tuesday.
- For the umpteenth time, the Rangers were on the cusp of acquiring Mike Lowell but ultimately did not.
- Washington extended Livan Hernandez's deal, giving him a $1MM, one-year pact laden with incentives.
- Two MLB stars have parted ways with their agents. Alex Rodriguez is no longer with Scott Boras and Jayson Werth is looking for new representation.
- Oakland signed Jeremy Hermida and assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate. He was cut loose by the BoSox earlier in the week.
- The Mets are open to a multi-year deal with knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.
- Milwaukee will be on the lookout for pitching this winter.
- The Red Sox claimed Mike Napoli on waivers but couldn't reach a deal with the Halos.
- Minnesota shipped Loek Van Mil to the Angels to complete the Brian Fuentes deal. The Twins DFA'd the 7'1" pitcher earlier in the week.
- Colorado signed Luis Ayala.
- Former big league catcher Mike Rivera found a new home with the Marlins.
- The Padres DFA'd righthander Cesar Carrillo on Wednesday.
Odds & Ends: Nady, Orioles, Darvish, Zambrano
Links for Sunday, as the White Sox complete a weekend sweep in Boston….
- Xavier Nady has been doing quite well since the Cubs dealt Derrek Lee to the Braves, writes MLB.com's Carrie Muskat.
- Cal Ripken Jr. told Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun that recently-appointed O's manager Buck Showalter is one of the best baseball guys he has spoken to.
- Javier Lopez tells Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle that he's not too upset about falling just short of free agency heading into next year.
- There's a chance Rod Barajas remains a Dodger past this season, according to Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times.
- NPB Tracker, via Twitter, passes on a news item from Sponichi that says the Mets, Rangers, and Rays all watched Yu Darvish pitch this weekend.
- Toni Ginnetti of the Chicago Sun-Times wonders if Carlos Zambrano's impressive performance over the last month means the Cubs may not ditch him after all.
- What does the future hold for the Yankees' "Core Four"? Joel Sherman of the New York Post explores that question in his latest column.
- Tim Wallach's number one goal this winter is landing a major league managerial job, writes Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times.
- Newsday's Ken Davidoff lists three "hot names" for potential general manager openings this offseason: Damon Oppenheimer, Kevin Towers, and Logan White.
White Sox Hope To Retain Garcia
White Sox GM Ken Williams says that he hopes to re-sign Freddy Garcia after his contract runs out this season, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. There was some speculation that there might not be room in the rotation for the veteran righthander.
Earlier this month, Garcia told Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune that a proverbial game of musical chairs could leave him without a place to sit.
"Look around," said Garcia. "Now they got (Edwin) Jackson, another pitcher with a lot of money. So they want to get (Jake) Peavy back next year, who knows? They got (John) Danks, (Mark) Buehrle and (Gavin) Floyd. I don't know what the situation is for me."
Having six starters in the mix would give the White Sox some much needed insurance as Peavy might not be healthy by Opening Day. Rookie Chris Sale is also likely to being the season in the minors to convert back into a starting pitcher.
In 25 starts this season, Garcia has turned in a 4.82 ERA with 5.3 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9. His 142 major league innings so for in 2010 eclipse his combined IP from 2007-2009.