Links for Wednesday night as we await arbitration decisions from the National and American Leagues…
- Rob Bradford of WEEI.com surveyed this offseason's stronger-than-usual relief market with the help of many Major League GMs. The Red Sox aren’t desperate for a closer, because Daniel Bard and Bobby Jenks are already in their ‘pen, but GM Ben Cherington figures to explore the market for closers after losing Jonathan Papelbon to the Phillies.
- The Phillies, Rockies and Cubs had more interest in Grady Sizemore than any teams except the Indians, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (Twitter links). Hoynes has the details on Sizemore’s incentives: the outfielder obtains $1MM if he reaches 500 plate appearances and $500K for every 25 plate appearances until he reaches 650.
- The Padres aren’t likely to sign any free agent pitchers to Major League deals this offseason, according to MLB.com’s Corey Brock (on Twitter). Padres GM Josh Byrnes sent starter Wade LeBlanc to Miami yesterday.
- The Rockies had mild interest in Bruce Chen before he re-signed in Kansas City, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post (on Twitter).
- The Twins and Cubs were Chen’s primary suitors other than the Royals, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter).
Yeah why should the Padres upgrade the rotation when they already have Mat Latos and that other…guy…plus those…other three guys…
those no-names managed only the 6th best ERA in the majors despite injuries and no player earning more than $5m a year.
not to mention the fact that they had the best minor league rotation in all of baseball last year with their AA affiliate.
i don’t think their fans will be disappointed that they traded away a replacement level swing man like leblanc or failed to sign a slightly above replacement level starter like bruce chen.
well, the no-names with mat latos’ 3.47 did. but if you adjust that figure for park factors, they were a below league average 17th (104 ERA-). 23rd in FIP-
Chen in Colorado wouldve been a disaster.
Cherrington must realize that losing Papelbon was a big loss. I don’t see the Sox going into next year with Jenks and Bard in the back of the rotation. They will get someone else once Bobby V is set.
Bobby Jenks isn’t in the bullpen, he’s in the clubhouse eating chicken wings!…and onion rings…and french fries…and burgers…and milkshakes…and… i dunno what else.
This is a departure from what Hoyer had said. Hoyer seemed committed to adding a FA pitcher before he departed. I guess Byrnes will start making his own stamp on this team. I wonder if Harang will accept arb? If so, the rotation would seem set. I am in favor of not signing a FA pitcher unless it is a Roy Oswalt or better. This team needs hitters.