Archives for July 2011

Updates On Converted Relievers Now Starting

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 4, 2011 at 9:16am CDT

From the moment they're drafted to the day they retire, starting pitchers are generally more highly coveted than relievers. They're selected earlier on draft day, they earn more in arbitration and they sign more lucrative free agent contracts. There are exceptions of course: Drew Storen was a first rounder, Jonathan Papelbon earned nearly $30MM through arbitration and most starters would love to match Mariano Rivera's free agent earning power. But for the most part, teams invest more in starters.

So when a rotation opening emerges or a pitcher is particularly impressive out of the 'pen, baseball officials are often tempted to convert relievers into starters. This year has been no exception, so let's take another look at converted relievers. None of the pitchers below had more than two MLB starts to his name before the 2011 season and all of them were big league relievers last year:

Alexi Ogando, Rangers – Ogando has been tremendous for the Rangers. The converted outfielder has a 2.86 ERA with 6.7 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9 in 97 2/3 innings. His ground ball rate has dropped to 36.3%, yet his average fastball velocity is impressively high at 94.7 mph. After successfully converting C.J. Wilson in 2010 and Ogando this year, will Texas move Neftali Feliz to the rotation in 2012?
Phil Coke, Tigers – Coke lost his rotation spot last week after posting a 4.91 ERA with 4.3 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9 in 77 innings. The left-hander was solid in April and May, but put together a string of ugly outings in June.
Kyle McClellan, Cardinals – McClellan, who is replacing the injured Adam Wainwright, has a 4.27 ERA with 4.7 K/9 and 2.9 BB/9 through 90 2/3 innings. McClellan's ERA has jumped two runs this year and he has already set a career-high in innings pitched. He has not surpassed 100 innings since he was a starter in the Midwest League seven years ago.
Phil Humber, White Sox – It took a while, but Humber is finally putting it together in the Major Leagues. The former third overall pick has a 2.69 ERA with 5.5 K/9, 2.3 BB/9 and a 46.1% ground ball rate in 103 2/3 innings. Even if Humber's ERA rises – his peripheral stats suggest it will – the White Sox have found themselves a valuable arm.

Mets Unlikely To Trade Reyes; Big Offer Possible

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 4, 2011 at 8:14am CDT

There’s “almost no way” the Mets will trade Jose Reyes this summer, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Instead, GM Sandy Alderson is leaning strongly toward authorizing a substantial offer for the shortstop after the season, when he hits free agency.

Reyes, who could return from a mild hamstring strain this week, has been among the best players in the league to this point in the season. Alderson doesn’t sound particularly concerned about the injury, but Reyes has told the team he doesn’t want to negotiate in-season, so there’s plenty of time to determine the severity of the strain.

Alderson believes re-signing Reyes would energize the fan base and prevent a hole from opening up in the lineup, according to Sherman. The GM will have to convince ownership that a substantial offer is vital for the team’s success. Earlier this season owner Fred Wilpon said that Reyes isn’t worth a $142MM contract.

Alderson doesn’t generally like massive free agent contracts, but he acknowledges that some big market teams need to invest in stars for fans to spend on and cheer for. The New York front office is not concerned that a big contract would affect Reyes’ drive to succeed.

Quick Hits: Jones, Rivera, Wang

By Dan Mennella | July 3, 2011 at 10:12pm CDT

Here are a few items of note as the Dodgers and Angels finish up the Freeway Series …

The Tigers dismissed pitching coach Rick Knapp today and promoted bullpen coach Jeff Jones to replace him, writes Jason Beck of MLB.com. The move was made in the wake of a rough patch for Tigers pitchers, who gave up 51 runs over a five-game stretch last week, according to Beck.
The Phillies will likely have a look at Juan Rivera, who was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays this morning, according to Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer (via Twitter). The Phils are rumored to be seeking a right-handed bat, and Rivera would fit that bill at a presumably cheap price. For his career, the 33-year-old (today) is hitting .292/.339/.509 against southpaws.
Nationals right-hander Chien-Ming Wang is making rehab starts and seeking a return to the Majors, writes Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post. Wang will be a free agent at season's end, so it will be interesting to see if he can piece together a decent couple months' worth of starts.

Clay Rapada Clears Waivers

By Ben Nicholson-Smith | July 3, 2011 at 9:16pm CDT

SUNDAY: Rapada has cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter).

WEDNESDAY: The Orioles announced that they designated Clay Rapada for assignment to create active roster space for Alfredo Simon. The Orioles open up a 40-man roster spot by activating Simon from the 15-day disabled list and removing Rapada from the roster.

Baltimore signed Rapada to a minor league deal in January, a few months after the Rangers released him. The 30-year-old lefty appeared in 22 games for the Orioles (12 1/3 innings) and posted a 7.30 ERA with 9.5 K/9 and 4.4 BB/9. Rapada has thrown his slider 43.8% of the time this year a mark that only 11 pitchers have surpassed so far in 2011 (minimum 10 IP).

Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun first reported the move (on Twitter).

Poll: Francisco Liriano’s Trade Value

By Dan Mennella | July 3, 2011 at 8:12pm CDT

Twins lefty Franciso Liriano is an intriguing potential trade candidate. It feels like he's been around forever, but he's just 27 and under team control through 2012, so he's still well within his prime years and relatively cheap for another season and a half.

Liriano's raw stuff is nasty, but the road back from Tommy John surgery in 2006 has been marked by notable highs and lows. He appeared to be fully recovered in 2010, posting a 3.62 ERA (2.62 FIP), 9.44 K/9, 2.72 BB/9 and 53.6% GB percentage. He's regressed in 2011, however, with his control (4.65 BB/9) being especially problematic.

Between Liriano's bouncing between dominance and mediocrity, and the Twins' uphill climb in the AL Central (eight games behind the Indians through today), it's quite possible that the lefty could be made available on the trade market this month. This came up in last week's MLBTR Chat with Tim Dierkes, who suggested that the Twins would probably recoup a top-50 prospect in exchange for Liriano, considering his age and contract status. (For reference, here are Keith Law's, Baseball America's and Baseball Prospectus' respective top-100 prospects for 2011).

The reasons to justify such a payment for Liriano are self-evident: His potential is huge, and he's been dominant for stretches in his career. But is it a no-brainer? Prospects are valued as highly now as they've ever been, and Liriano's inconsistencies are scary, as is his reliance on what may be an arm-taxing slider, as Eno Sarris of Fangraphs recently illustrated.

If you were a suitor, what would you do?

Give Up A Top-50 Prospect For Liriano?

No - the prospect is too valuable, and Liriano too inconsistent. 51.53% (4,310 votes)

Yes - Liriano's potential is worth the risk. 48.47% (4,054 votes)

Total Votes: 8,364

MLBTR Originals: 6/26/11 – 7/2/11

By Dan Mennella | July 3, 2011 at 7:09pm CDT

A look back at the original work we published this week here at MLBTR. The bad news is that we're publishing fewer of these pieces as we head into the heart of trading season, but the good news is that we're heading into the heart of trading season. On with the retrospective …

The latest Elias rankings update is out.
Being a Type B free agent has its advantages, as Tim Dierkes writes.
The Indians have been scanning the trade market, so Tim Dierkes looks at what they need to improve.
Reds catcher Ramon Hernandez is identified as a trade candidate by Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Are old managers the new market inefficiency? Howard Megdal examines this in the wake of 80-year-old Jack McKeon and 68-year-old Davey Johnson resurfacing as big league skippers.
Several contenders could use an upgrade in center field, while others could use an upgrade in right field. Tim Dierkes has a look.
Here's the transcript to this week's MLBTR Chat with Tim Dierkes.
Starting pitchers are among the best low-risk pickups, writes Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Mike Cameron was DFA'd by the Red Sox, prompting Mike Axisa to look at some potential suitors for the outfielder.
Mike Axisa compiles this week's best from around the baseball blogosphere. Among the hot topics: James Shields, Jose Reyes and Michael Pineda.
Zach Links rounds up the July 2 IFA signings.
I put the question to you, dear readers: Should the Nats have extended Jim Riggleman rather than allowing him to resign?

Week In Review: 6/26/11 – 7/2/11

By Steve Adams | July 3, 2011 at 6:14pm CDT

We're officially into July, and the trade deadline is less than a month away, so things will really start to pick up around here in the coming weeks. Let's take a look back at the last seven days:

Summer dealing kicked off this week with the Athletics trading Mark Ellis to the Rockies for minor leaguer Bruce Billings and a player to be named. Ellis had become expendable to the A's with the strong play by Jemile Weeks. Billings has impressive minor league strikeout numbers.
The two biggest July 2 International signings were both made by the Rangers. They signed Dominican outfielder Ronald Guzman for $3.5MM and dished out a record amount of over $5MM to Dominican outfielder Nomar Mazara. Here's a link to the roundup of all the signings from yesterday.
The Nationals named Davey Johnson their new manager.
Lots of familiar faces got the boot. The Indians released Adam Everett, the Yankees released Carlos Silva, the Cardinals released Ryan Franklin, the Cubs released Doug Davis, and the Diamondbacks released Melvin Mora. Jose Lopez was designated for assignment by the Marlins, David Bush was designated for assignment by the Rangers, Jayson Nix was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays, and Mike Cameron was designated for assignment by the Red Sox.
In addition to those farewells, a couple notable names caught on in new places. J.C. Romero signed a minor league deal with the Nationals, and Luis Durango was claimed by the Astros.
Angels GM Tony Reagins said he will be able to add payroll if the right deal comes along, contrary to prior reports, and the Diamondbacks are in the same boat, as are the Rays. Meanwhile, Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd said his club has little financial flexibility. The Red Sox are apparently in a similar situation as the Rox.
The Dodgers filed for bankruptcy.
The Mets' firesale was put on hold.
Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda cropped up in trade rumors, but the Dodgers haven't had serious talks yet about dealing the righty. Kuroda requires compensation if he should waive his no-trade clause.
Free agent lefty Scott Kazmir worked out for the Rangers. Free agent infielder David Eckstein said he'd return in the right situation.
Cubs reliever Kerry Wood implied he probably won't waive his no-trade clause. Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran said he would waive his no-trade clause, however.
The Rockies agreed to terms with high school shortstop Trevor Story, whom they took in the supplemental round of the Draft. They also expressed interest in acquiring Dodgers utility man Jamey Carroll.
The Tigers were said to be targeting starters, not Mets shortstop Jose Reyes, and gauged the trade interest in lefty reliever Brad Thomas. Meanwhile, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he doesn't expect to acquire a top starter via trade.
Rangers president Nolan Ryan said Texas won't necessarily look to bolster its bullpen by trade. Also, he likes the idea of adding the Astros to the AL West.
The Yankees acquired right-hander Sergio Mitre after he was designated for assignment by the Brewers.
The Orioles commenced extension talks with shortstop J.J. Hardy.
Prince Fielder said he won't rule out serving as a DH should he sign with an AL club this offseason.
Chris Bootcheck was granted his release by the Rays after he was expected to exercise his July 1 opt-out clause. Brian Barden became a free agent after opting out of his minor league deal with the Rangers.
Josh Fields, a former top prospect with the White Sox, was acquired by the Yomiuri Giants.

Dan Mennella contributed to this post.

Indians Sign Anthony Santander

By Steve Adams | July 3, 2011 at 4:53pm CDT

The Indians have signed Venezuelan outfielder Anthony Santander for a bonus of $385K, according to Baseball America's Ben Badler.

Badler writes that the 16-year-old Santander is a switch-hitter who stands 6'2" tall and has an athletic 185-pound frame. He's trimmed nearly a full second off his 60-yard dash, with one scout clocking him at 6.65 seconds recently. He projects to play left field due to a somewhat weak throwing arm, but makes good contact with average power.

Baseball America had projected Santander to receive the 29th-largest bonus of any international signing. The Indians also signed Dorssys Paulino for $1.1MM earlier today.

Quick Hits: Hanrahan, Harden, Dodgers, Ring

By Zachary Links | July 3, 2011 at 4:11pm CDT

Some links for Sunday afternoon…

Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review tweets that All-Star Joel Hanrahan doesn't have a bonus for being selected to the All-Star Game built into this year's contract with the Pirates, but you can bet his 2012 contract will have one.
ESPN's Buster Olney tweets that Rich Harden could make sense for the Rockies or Diamondbacks if he continues throwing well.
Olney quotes ESPN's Evan Cohen in this tweet, pointing out that the Dodgers owe $74MM to 40 creditors, which is more than twice the $31MM they have committed to players for 2012.
The New York Post's Joel Sherman spoke to a Yankees executive and says it's unlikely that they pursue Royce Ring (Twitter link), who opted out of his contract with the Mariners today. Ring had a solid 2010 season for the Yanks' Triple-A affiliate.
The Indians could use an outfielder and Paul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer outlined some possible trade targets for the Tribe. Ryan Ludwick, Melky Cabrera, Jeff Francoeur, and Jason Kubel are among the names suggested.
Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter) expects Padres reliever Chad Qualls to be dealt.
Between Latin American prospects Elier Hernandez and Nomar Mazara, Ben Badler of Baseball America (via Twitter) prefers the potential of Hernandez. Hernandez signed with the Royals yesterday for $3.05MM while Mazara agreed to a record setting deal worth more than $5MM with the Rangers.

Blue Jays Designate Juan Rivera For Assignment

By Steve Adams | July 3, 2011 at 2:58pm CDT

The Blue Jays have designated Juan Rivera for assignment and will recall Travis Snider for tomorrow's game, tweets MLB.com's Gregor Chisolm.

Rivera, 32, came to the Jays in the trade that sent Vernon Wells to the Angels back in January. In 271 plate appearances in Toronto, Rivera hit just .246/.310/.365 with six homers. He split his time fairly evenly between left field, first base, and designated hitter, though he did make a handful of appearances in right field as well.

Many were surprised to see the Jays demote Snider, a long-time top prospect who played well when he was healthy in 2010, after just 99 plate appearances this season. Snider hit just .184/.276/.264 but showed significant improvement in the minors, hitting .333/.403/.488 in 226 plate appearances. Snider was rated as the game's sixth-best prospect prior to the 2009 season, and is still just 23 years old despite having 208 Major League games under his belt.

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