Mets Notes: Reyes, Wright, Alderson
Let's round up some links from Flushing. Here's the latest on the Mets…
- In today's Insider-only blog post, ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Mets will not engage in a bidding war for free agent shortstop Jose Reyes. They will make him an offer they feel comfortable with, then move on if he rejects it.
- Within the same piece, Olney says that David Wright will be gone by the time the Mets are ready to compete for a championship, so trading him now could produce players that lead to contention sooner.
- MetsBlog.com's Matt Cerrone spoke to GM Sandy Alderson last week about the team's spending and overall strategy. "Considering where we are now with respect to revenues, in order for us to approach a break-even proposition, we have to keep our payroll at a lower range than it has been in the last few years," said Alderson. "Now, as the team performs better and the revenues increase, there will be the opportunity to increase payroll."
- Alderson also spoke about the need to "rebalance" the organization after years of spending big on free agents while receiving little impact. "You can only have so many players on your team making $15 to $20 million," he added. "And so the farm system becomes important to the success of any team, including teams in big markets as evidence of the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies."
Free Agent Stock Watch: Chris Capuano
Free agent left-hander Chris Capuano seeks a multiyear deal this offseason and, as improbable as it would have seemed two years ago, he may actually get one. The 33-year-old has recovered from Tommy John surgery — his second such operation — and two lost seasons to become a solid back-of-the-rotation option.
Capuano, who didn’t pitch in the Major Leagues in 2008 or 2009, returned to the Brewers in 2010 and pitched effectively, mostly out of the bullpen. Then, in 2011, he posted a 4.55 ERA with 8.1 K/9, 2.6 BB/9 and a 42.7% ground ball rate in 186 innings for the Mets.
His unsightly ERA may be deceptive, since xFIP (3.67) and SIERA (3.60) suggest he pitched better. Capuano placed 33rd on MLBTR’s list of top free agents and you can make the argument that he’s one of the top ten starters on the open market.
The Mets appear to prefer one-year bargains, but Capuano’s representatives at Moye Sports Associates are likely to hear from many other interested teams. At least a dozen teams will likely have interest in filling out the back of their rotations with arms such as Capuano, Bruce Chen and Freddy Garcia. For example, the Red Sox had some interest in Capuano at the end of the season and their need for pitching still exists.
Capuano, an unranked free agent, signed for $1.5MM plus incentives last offseason. After approaching the 200-inning plateau, he has earned a raise and a shot at a multiyear deal. Kevin Correia signed a two-year deal worth $8MM last offseason and I expect a similar contract for Capuano before Spring Training 2012.
Wilson Ramos Kidnapped In Venezuela
THURSDAY: Ramos is alive, according to multiple reports, including this one from Rafael Rojas Cremonesi (on Twitter).
WEDNESDAY: Wilson Ramos' Venezuelan Winter League team, the Aragua Tigers, confirmed on Twitter that the Nationals catcher has been kidnapped. Four gunmen approached the 24-year-old near his home and took him away, according to El Nacional. The kidnappers have not yet contacted the family, but they were in touch with the police. Hopefully Ramos has a safe and speedy recovery.
Pirates Sign Rod Barajas
The Pirates announced that they signed catcher Rod Barajas to a one-year deal that includes a team option for 2013. Barajas will earn a $4MM salary in 2012 and the option would pay him another $3.5MM in 2013, according to Yahoo's Tim Brown (on Twitter). There's no buyout on the option, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter). Icon Sports Group represents the 36-year-old backstop.
Barajas spent the 2011 season with the Dodgers and he posted a .230/.287/.430 line with 16 home runs. Los Angeles will obtain a compensatory pick in the 2012 draft for losing Barajas, a Type B free agent. However, Pittsburgh won’t have to surrender any draft choices. The Pirates, who declined their team options for Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit earlier this offseason, obtain a catcher with above-average power and below-average on-base skills in Barajas (the average MLB catcher hit .244/.312/.388 in 2011).
Indians Interested In Shinobu Fukuhara
The Indians are interested in Japanese right-hander Shinobu Fukuhara, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (on Twitter). The 34-year-old is a free agent and can sign with any team.
Fukuhara posted a 2.59 ERA with 11.0 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 in 48 2/3 innings for the Hanshin Tigers in 2011. According to NPB Tracker, Fukuhara's fastball tops out around 92 mph and he also throws a slider and curve. From 2007-10, he posted a 5.24 ERA with 5.5 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 as a starter and reliever in Japan.
Orioles Notes: Wilson, Cuddyer, Posada
The Orioles officially hired executive VP of baseball operations Dan Duquette this week. Here’s the latest on the team as they begin their first offseason under Duquette…
- Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun is convinced there's no chance of the Orioles spending on free agents such as Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder and C.J. Wilson. It seems more likely Duquette will build the Orioles from within, but it's not as though the team will sit free agency out entirely.
- Connolly gets the sense that Michael Cuddyer is near the top of the Orioles' wish list, but the Phillies seem to be a more likely destination for the free agent outfielder.
- Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com looks ahead to the Orioles’ options for backing up catcher Matt Wieters in 2012 and wonders if veterans such as Ivan Rodriguez and Jorge Posada could be fits.
- Jon Heyman of SI.com expects Posada to sign with the Orioles or Marlins if he continues playing in 2012 (Twitter link). Posada knows he won't return to the Yankees.
Norichika Aoki To Be Posted
The Tokyo Yakult Swallows are posting three-time Central League batting champion Norichika Aoki, according to the Japan Times (via Patrick Newman). Teams can now bid for the right to negotiate with the 29-year-old outfielder via the posting system. CAA agent Nez Balelo will represent Aoki, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter).
Aoki hit .292/.358/.360 in 643 plate appearances in 2011 – a definite dropoff compared to 2010, when he won his third batting title. Last year Newman called Aoki "the best pure hitter Japan has produced since Ichiro," and explained that the outfielder has great range and a below-average arm.
Dodgers, Kemp Talking Extension
Matt Kemp and the Dodgers are discussing a long-term deal and talks have had “more substance lately,” according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. Kemp, who is on track to hit free agency after the 2012 season, will not negotiate after Opening Day, according to his agent.
The 27-year-old center fielder is a leading candidate for the National League MVP after hitting an NL-best 39 home runs with a .324/.399/.586 line. MLBTR projects a $16.3MM salary for Kemp in 2012 and each one of his free agent seasons could cost the Dodgers $20MM or more. It doesn’t appear that Kemp will be giving the Dodgers any discounts this offseason, as much as he enjoys playing in Los Angeles.
"It's also important for him to be seen by his peers as one of the best," agent Dave Stewart told the LA Times in October. "This isn't Matt saying this, this is me saying this … but, unfortunately, the way these things are seen is often based on how you're paid."
Though the Dodgers’ sale will likely prevent the team from pursuing top free agents such as Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols, GM Ned Colletti appears to have the flexibility to consider extensions for Kemp and left-hander Clayton Kershaw.
Offseason Outlook: Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are poised to spend big on a closer and must also consider acquiring a left fielder, shortstop, and utility infielder.
Guaranteed Contracts
- Roy Halladay, SP: $40MM through 2013, vesting option for 2014
- Ryan Howard, 1B: $125MM through 2016
- Cliff Lee, SP: $109MM through 2015, unless 2016 option vests
- Chase Utley, 2B: $30MM through 2013
- Joe Blanton, SP: $8.5MM through 2012
- Shane Victorino, CF: $9.5MM through 2012
- Placido Polanco, 3B: $7.25MM through 2012
- Carlos Ruiz, C: $4.2MM through 2012
- Jose Contreras, RP: $3MM through 2012
- Jim Thome, PH: $1.25MM through 2012
Arbitration Eligible Players (estimated salaries)
- Cole Hamels, SP: $14MM
- Hunter Pence, RF: $11.1MM
- Kyle Kendrick, SP/RP: $3.2MM
- Ben Francisco, OF: $1.5MM
- Wilson Valdez, IF: $900K (non-tender candidate
Free Agents
- Jimmy Rollins (Type A SS), Raul Ibanez (Type B LF), Brian Schneider (unranked C), Ross Gload (unranked 1B/OF), Roy Oswalt (Type A SP), Ryan Madson (Type A RP), Brad Lidge (Type B RP)
The Phillies won a franchise-record, MLB-best 102 regular season games in 2011, but didn't make it past the first round of the playoffs. They made the playoffs in each of the last five seasons, winning one World Series and participating in another. With several key free agents and ten players already under contract, here's a look at how GM Ruben Amaro Jr. might go about trying to sustain his success.
The Phillies' payroll should rise to the $175MM range next year, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. Including the team's arbitration eligible players they have about $138MM in 2012 commitments before accounting for minimum salary players. The Phillies could have approximately $35MM to spend on 2012 salaries.
Howard ruptured his Achilles tendon in the final game of the season, and although he may not be ready for Opening Day, the Phillies will probably fill first base internally until he's ready. Potential needs remain plentiful: shortstop, left field, multiple relievers, and perhaps a utility infielder. Re-signing Oswalt or replacing him in the rotation with an outside veteran is an option, but seemingly not a priority given viable internal candidates and three aces at the front.
It appears to be time to move on from Rollins, if he insists on four or five years at $13MM or so annually. Whether the Phillies use internal option Freddy Galvis or a lesser free agent, it's a hit they seem prepared to take. I'm a little surprised signing Jose Reyes isn't being entertained, but I won't rule it out given the team's history of moving quickly and aggressively. Otherwise, the Phillies should at least invest in Rafael Furcal, Clint Barmes, or Jamey Carroll to minimize the loss of Rollins. Carroll, in particular, could contribute at other infield positions if Polanco and Utley need days off.
Ibanez provided little value to the Phillies in the last two years of his three-year deal, yet they appear to be headed down the same path with Michael Cuddyer as his replacement. The Phillies' first-round draft pick would likely be part of the cost. Cuddyer turns 33 in March and has been inconsistent offensively, plus his defense does not come well-regarded. His versatility could come in handy in 2012, though, as he could back up the infield corners and second base. Given that possibility, he wouldn't necessarily block top prospect Domonic Brown in the long-term. I understand that the Phillies are in win-now mode, but their best moves have been acquiring star-caliber players. Granting that the Phillies wouldn't be overly concerned about the back-end of either contract, they should pursue Reyes at the expense of Cuddyer.
Whether or not the Phillies lock down Madson at a reported four years and $44MM, Amaro's willingness to make that level of a commitment to a reliever is troubling. The team just finished paying Lidge $37.5MM for 123 2/3 innings of 4.73 ERA ball. Madson and Jonathan Papelbon aren't Mariano Rivera, and giving either closer $40MM+ will be a mistake. Overpaying for relievers is something win-now teams sometimes have to do, but Madson would be looking at half the money without the 32 saves this year.
It feels odd to so easily criticize the moves of a team after an impressive five-year run. Despite the annual handful of questionable contracts, the Phillies have authored enough shrewd acquisitions and extensions that perhaps Amaro and company deserve the benefit of the doubt. Much of the Phillies' success over the last five years is owed to four players with uncertain futures: Hamels, Utley, Rollins, and Victorino. Perhaps Amaro has already begun to acquire the next wave of stars, as the elite Halladay-Lee tandem may be together through 2014 and Pence is under control for two more seasons. Hamels could remain a cornerstone beyond 2012, but only if the Phillies are willing to commit over $100MM. The Phillies still won't be immune to criticism if they embark on another five-year playoff run, but at some point we'll have to acknowledge that they get the major decisions right.
Dipoto Talks Angels Offseason
10:43pm: Dipoto said the Angels aren't interested in Aramis Ramirez but are interested in C.J. Wilson, according to Bowden (all links go to Twitter). Dipoto said he's looking for an upgrade at catcher, improved on-base percentage in the lineup and a rotation stabilizer. The Angels intend to tender a contract to Kendrys Morales, who hasn't played since an ill-fated walk-off celebration in 2010.
9:47pm: Angels GM Jerry Dipoto told ESPN.com’s Jim Bowden that the Angels may be interested in Prince Fielder and Albert Pujols. Morales and Rookie of the Year candidate Mark Trumbo provide the Angels with two internal options at first base, but Dipoto hasn’t ruled out others.
"Don't assume that we have no interest in Fielder or Pujols," Dipoto said. "We don't want to lock the door. We are a high-revenue team and I'm a big believer in acquiring impact players. However, they are not our greatest need and are not priority number one on our list."
Dipoto explained that the Angels intend to pursue right-handed relievers this offseason in order to strengthen the back of their bullpen. Meanwhile, top prospect Mike Trout hasn’t assured himself of a starting job in the Major Leagues yet. Torii Hunter, Peter Bourjos and Vernon Wells have everyday outfield jobs heading into Spring Training and the Angels intend to find regular at bats for the 20-year-old Trout.
"I know one thing, he's going to play every day and if it's not in the Major Leagues then it will be in our farm system," Dipoto said.
For a detailed look at the team's offseason outlook, click here.