The Rangers signed Joe Nathan to a two-year, $14.5MM deal and announced that they’re moving Neftali Feliz to the rotation last night. Here’s the latest from the AL West, starting with some notes from Texas…
- The Rangers, who haven’t ruled out pursuing starters even after moving Feliz to the rotation, have shown interest in Matt Garza in the past, as Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports explains (Twitter links). The Cubs are willing to move Garza, so the Rangers may inquire on the right-hander.
- Some in the Rangers organization were concerned about Feliz’s ability to recover from his blown save in Game 6 of the World Series, according to ESPN.com’s Buster Olney.
- Though Nathan's deal may seem generous, two agents had pegged the 37-year-old for a two-year deal in the $14-15MM range, according to Rosenthal.
- A’s GM Billy Beane accompanied owner Lew Wolff to meet commissioner Bud Selig and discuss the team’s stadium situation earlier in the month, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.
- The A's lost money for the first time this century, Beane told Slusser. Though they obtain tens of millions in revenue sharing each season, the A's are expected to lose several million dollars in 2011.
Though Nathan’s deal may seem generous, two agents had pegged the 37-year-old for a two-year deal in the $14-15MM range, according to Rosenthal
Nolan Ryan and Jon Daniels are a good team. When they identify a player and then decide they want him. They have gotten him. As long as Nathan is healthy, he will be productive. Looks like the Rangers could have had Huston Street and passed, because it looks as if the Orioles have him in their sights. I am not happy this about because, I don’t think he’s a very good reliever in addition to being a big pain! Andrew Bailey is an interesting trade candidate, but the A’s were not going to trade him to the Rangers. The way Ranger fans should look at this and this fact should calm them down if they are upset. The Rangers could have traded for Kevin Gregg and his 5 to 6 million a year contract. The guy stinks whether he’s healthy of not. So for a million or two more and if healthy Nathan should be very valuable if not better than Gregg. If not it’s a small disaster, not an unmitigated one like the entire Oriole bullpen.
That’s a low blow, you know I’m allergic to the dyes in deodorant.
-K. Gregg
Yeah they sure got Cliff Lee last offseason.
“Some in the Rangers organization were concerned about Feliz’s ability to recover from his blown save in Game 6 of the World Series”
Is Texas afraid this guy has Calvin Schiraldi syndrome or something? Was the fact Feliz was sweating hand grenades out there maybe a clue and a throwback to other WS watchers back to ’86 and the plight of Schiraldi from ’87 on?
Ryan might well remember and is ready for a plan B..Just in case.
Funny how people seem to forget that Feliz is only 23 and has been in the big leagues just 2 seasons and some change. Seems to me that he’s allowed to be nervous and blow a big game or three. He won’t be the first to do so…nor the last.
Don’t get me wrong there.. Was not a dice on Feliz, nor a hammer on the Rangers, just protection if Feliz does have long term problems from the melt down in a crucial game that seemed to derail a ultra promising career in Schiraldi’s case that he never got over in game 6 of ’86.
That makes no sense at all. Why would The Cubs move Matt Garza unless they don’t see themselves winning in the next 3-5 seasons. He is young, under control, and the ace of the staff even if he isn’t an actual ace. Sure his value is high right now, but it better be an amazing return if we are going to be getting rid of the only solid starter we have.
“Why would The Cubs move Matt Garza unless they don’t see themselves winning in the next 3-5 seasons.”
They are the Cubs. They never win.
Do you see the Cubs winning in the next three seasons? I mean, with their resources and the amount of money coming off the books it might have been possible to contend somewhat quickly, but I’m not sure there are a lot of quality guys to throw the money at even if they wanted. CJ Wilson is a good pitcher, but he’s not a $100MM pitcher and I don’t consider him an ace either. The free agent market next year isn’t really flush with talent either.
In any event, whether the Cubs could contend in three years would have largely been predicated on using this offseason as a major stepping stone to that goal and it certainly seems like the Cubs are going in the opposite direction, looking to sell off whatever we have and largely start over. It will probably be painful for a couple of years, but the plan isn’t to take a shot at the division — the plan is to take multiple shots at the division, to establish a sustainable model of success, and you don’t do that by picking up a bunch of expensive free agents most of whom are already past their primes.
I like Garza, he’s a really good player, but if he is a part of the next winning Cubs team it will be because we threw a lot of money at him for an extension, not because we got there while he was still under control. I’m not opposed to that, but if Theo and Jed think trading him helps get us where we want to be faster I am okay with that too. This team has a lot of enormous holes and not a ton of prospects in the system to get excited about filling them. Garza would probably be a top three starting pitcher available, and available for less money than most of the other options would go for. You have to at least listen on that.
I agree with your analysis.
I think after 3 years the Cubs could possibly compete, assuming no major set backs. At that time Gazra will be in his early 30s and signed to a lucrative deal in Chicago or elsewhere. Chicago has the resources to hold onto him but it’s never a bad idea to see if someone is willing to buy for more than a player is worth.
I agree with your analysis except for the part where you say the Cubs are largely starting over. I don’t think Theo and his team want a worse team than 2011, the laughing-stock of the NL. Your idea suggests that–don’t agree. This ownership group has to get average taxpayers in a bad economy sold on the idea of a Wrigley renovation. Losing more games than last year would not be a step in the right direction for that need. I think also if they’re going to move Garza it would have to be for at least 1-2 MLB ready pieces, one of which includes a talented pitcher. No, it won’t be for the top echelon prospects of teams but maybe a hidden gem like Peacock of the Nationals. Don’t think the Nats are gonna do the Garza trade, though, just using Peacock as an example.
It all remains to be seen, of course. But look at it this way: The Cubs are currently the same team as last year, except they don’t have Pena, Ramirez or Fukudome. None of those are great players, but our replacements right now appear to be seeing what LaHair has (1B or RF), who-the-heck-knows and oh-crap-Colvin-for-a-year? Baring some kind of ridiculous performances or incredible bounce-back years from… well, everybody, I’d say we’re starting below last year’s level.
Now of course it’s possible that Theo runs off and grabs himself a case of Albert Pujols and a side order of CJ Wilson, but I don’t see that happening. Unless Theo is just a master of surprise, he hasn’t even given much of an indication that he’s going to make that kind of a pickup; in fact he has done the opposite, with story after story about how the Cubs are listening on everybody. I think last year’s level is actually a pretty good estimate for where the team will end up with a little extra health and a little less power and predictable offensive performance (as I expect a number of rookies to be plugged in to these holes).
True points. But I just wonder how much this new CBA is going to effect Theo’s philosophy going forward. After all, the reactionary statement to reorganizing the draft on Selig’s part, flies in the face of what Theo was so successful in doing for many years. So, does this mean Fielder or Puljos on the North Side. No, but it could mean a trade of Garza to acquire others’ prospects. Maybe even a trade of Cubs’ prospects that are higher ranked, like Brett Jackson, because Theo is not enamored with their defensive abilities or OBP. We could see lots of trades this winter, and if big FAs were to come the Cubs way, they might through the international market. That could marginally improve the Cubs record. I think Theo would be ok with a move of 10 more wins this season. Doesn’t mean a contending team, just not one throwing in the towel.
Y’all wouldn’t get an “amazing” return for him. He’s a good #2, but I don’t see most teams giving up any of their top 2 or 3 prospects for him.
did you see the return he netted the rays last season? he has one less year of control now, but his stock has shot up and the starting pitching market has dried up. the cubs have to at least try to move him. could end up being a huge july trade if nothing else
Yea, you’re right. The market is dry, but if teams are willing to wait until next winter there are quite a few names on the market.
Garza I guess is a possibility, but what will he cost the Rangers? Unless the Cubs want a package of Scott Feldman and maybe Harrison…then I wouldn’t do it and neither will JD probably. There are guys still out there that the Rangers can pursue without surrendering draft picks and young talent.
My guess is it would start with Profar. Theo’s not going to let Garza go for nothing, and even though he has Castro already he’s not going to turn down a shot at a major chip like that (not that I think he’d get him, but he’d certainly try).
lol Profar? Hang up that phone.
profar’s on a special list right now. theo could ask, but wouldn’t receive. better to focus on martin perez imo
I would hope that Theo’s discussion centers around Mitch Moreland, actually.
The Cubs gutted their farm system, not even a year ago, to acquire Garza.
I think Theo will be asking more for Garza than anyone is willing to part with.
His 2011 numbers don’t tell his story. On a good team like Texas, with his stuff, he could win 18 games a year well into the future.
If Theo is smart, which I think many who follow this site believe he is, he won’t make Garza completely unattainable. He’ll want to restock the Cubs organization through a trade like Garza. Why? because now he’ll realize how much MLB will penalize if he doesn’t play by the rules via the draft. Not saying I agree with it, but this is now the reality of baseball and its parameters.
Charlie Finley said the A’s lost money in 1979 when they drew just over 300,000 fans for the year.
Different century right?
I predict the Rangers will sign Oswalt and trade for John Danks focused around a package of Alexi Ogando. And will pass on Wilson
Feliz will be pitching in Rock Rock with Martin Perez
Feliz will not be in Round Rock this year. He is to good. He had an off year this year. He will get a starting job somewhere, whether its in the bullpen or starting.
Where’s this Good, TX you speak of? They have an affiliate there too?
The point for them is to add to what they have, not subtract.
Why would we want John Danks who would be the worst starter in our rotation? Certainly wouldn’t include Alexi Ogando in any trade…
That wasn’t even your dumbest statement….Feliz in Round Rock? C’mon man.
Garza is #1 pitcher with experience, he won’t come cheap. Any team going after him would have to give up at least 3 top prospects. For Texas you talking Perez, Ross, and Olt, for the Yanks Montero, Warren, and Betances.
Really?….Really? Perez, Ross, and Olt? Maybe if we were talking Josh Johnson…
Fangraphs rates Garza a 5.0 WAR this year which is ace material. Plus he has playoff experience with the Rays, but I think you right he’s only a #2 on a good team. The Rangers should be able to get him for Perez and 2 lower prospects.
I know it’s dangerous to just go off of potential, but Perez’s upside is too high. I don’t think I would make that trade.
Now sign Garza, and Prince Fielder, and we’re set for another shot!!
I think you mean trade for Garza and sign Fielder.
I am not so sure if I would do either. The Rangers are still the class of the AL West, even if they do nothing more this offseason
I wouldn’t sign Fielder or Pujols. I would attempt to bid on them though in order to drive up the price for Anaheim or Seattle though.
This is true but Fielder would make them the best line up in baseball.
The Rangers are already top 3 in baseball. We don’t need Fielder.
I for one am glad the Twins did not overpay for the aging Nathan
Garza for Derek Holland Ill do that
Neither team would do that.