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Orioles Front Office Notes: Stockstill, Watson

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The Orioles announced nearly three weeks ago that Andy MacPhail will not return as the club’s president of baseball operations in 2012. They haven’t introduced a replacement yet, so here’s the latest on the club’s search for a new general manager:

  • The Orioles will interview their own director of player development, John Stockstill, for the GM position Friday, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun (on Twitter).
  • The team is "closing in" toward resolution, according to MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli (on Twitter).
  • The Orioles are expected to interview one or two more candidates for their GM job, according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. Jerry Dipoto of the Diamondbacks, Tony LaCava of the Blue Jays and De Jon Watson of the Dodgers all interviewed well, according to Connolly. We heard earlier in the week that Thad Levine of the Rangers may also interview for the position.
  • Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com lists two people who could become the Orioles’ next scouting director. Dipoto could hire Indians crosschecker Chuck Ricci and LaCava could hire Blue Jays crosschecker Marc Tramuta, according to Kubatko. Former Orioles scouting director Joe Jordan recently joined the Phillies.
  • For more on LaCava, Dipoto and Watson check out MLBTR's GM Candidate pieces.

Quick Hits: Valverde, Wang, Cubs

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Links for Thursday afternoon, before what may be the final baseball game of the 2011 season…

  • The Tigers are expected to pick up Jose Valverde’s $9MM option for 2012 soon, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (Twitter link).
  • Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post hears from Alan Nero, the agent for Chien-Ming Wang, that a new deal between the right-hander and the Nationals is likely. The Nationals are Wang's first choice and negotiations are "routine," according to Nero. Washington GM Mike Rizzo confirmed yesterday that the sides are working toward a new contract.
  • Cubs assistant GM Randy Bush will stay on under president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times (on Twitter).
  • Melissa Segura of SI.com hears that baseball’s upcoming collective bargaining agreement could include a cap in the $2-2.5MM range for international signings (Twitter link). It’s not clear whether the cap would apply to all countries or just the Dominican Republic.

Latest On Dodgers Settlement Talks

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Dodgers owner Frank McCourt and MLB have reached a hurdle in their talks about a potential settlement, according to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times. While MLB is willing to work with McCourt on an auction, it is not willing to guarantee him a specific sale price. In other words, MLB is not prepared to make up the difference if the Dodgers sell for less than expected.

The Dodgers’ bankruptcy trial was delayed yesterday. Settlement talks took place earlier this week, so the sides may not have to go to court. McCourt aims to sell the Dodgers' media rights, while the commissioner's office is pushing to sell the Dodgers to a new owner.

McCourt estimates that the Dodgers are worth over $1 billion, including Dodger Stadium and surrounding land. Forbes, however, valued the assets at $800MM earlier in 2011. McCourt may need more than $1 billion to break even after paying off debts, according to Shaikin.

Matt Kemp’s Agent Talks Extension

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If the Dodgers attempt to lock Matt Kemp up to an extension this offseason, they shouldn't expect much of a hometown discount. Kemp's agent, Dave Stewart, told Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times that the center fielder cares about more than winning and team chemistry.

"It's also important for him to be seen by his peers as one of the best," Stewart said. "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."

Kemp, 27, 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, his final season before hitting free agency. He has said he won't discuss an extension once the 2012 season begins.

Last offseason's top outfielders, Carl Crawford and Jayson Werth, signed multiyear deals that valued their free agent seasons in the $18-21MM range. Perhaps the Kemp and the Dodgers would consider a seven-year deal that pays Kemp $15MM in 2012 and $20MM in each of the following six seasons for a seven-year total of $135MM.

MLB is in talks with owner Frank McCourt to try to make him sell the Dodgers. The team has another candidate for a substantial extension, starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

Yankees Notes: Beltran, Sabathia, Cashman, Montero

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We heard this morning that Robinson Cano is looking to re-work his deal with the Yankees. Here’s more news about the defending American League East champions…

  • The Yankees are considering Carlos Beltran as a possible right fielder, according to Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com. The Yankees have a $10.25MM option for Nick Swisher that they have to make a decision on after the World Series, but they could pick up the option, sign Beltran and trade Swisher.
  • The Yankees’ negotiations with C.C. Sabathia could come down to the team's willingness to guarantee the left-hander a seventh year, according to George A. King III of the New York Post. While the Yankees would be comfortable with a five or six-year deal worth roughly $25MM per season, the Yankees would pause if Sabathia wants a seven or eight-year deal. Sabathia is expected to opt out of the four years and $92MM remaining on his contract.
  • Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News hears that Brian Cashman’s extension with the Yankees is “just about” complete. The GM’s deal, which appears to be for three years or more, could be announced as soon as the World Series ends.
  • Joel Sherman of the New York Post draws parallels between Mike Napoli of the Rangers and Yankees catching prospect Jesus Montero. Montero can hit despite questions about his defensive ability, so Sherman suggests it might be wise for the Yankees to keep Montero instead of trading him for starting pitching.

Cardinals Exercised Wainwright’s Options

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The Cardinals officially exercised Adam Wainwright's options for 2012 and 2013 during this year's playoff run, according to Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Wainwright, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, will earn $21MM over the course of the next two seasons.

Wainwright has embraced his role as motivator and cheerleader during his team's extended playoff run and he has offered — apparently in jest — to pitch if necessary. He has resumed throwing and is nearing maximum effort again. The Cardinals expect Wainwright to have a normal offseason and be ready for Spring Training 2012.

Wainwright, 30, posted a 2.42 ERA with 8.3 K/9 and 2.2 BB/9 in 230 1/3 innings in 2010, finishing second in NL Cy Young voting. He placed third the previous year, when he posted a 2.63 ERA with 8.2 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 233 innings. Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said in August that he doesn't expect to explore the possibility of a long-term extension with the right-hander.

Offseason Outlook: San Francisco Giants

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The Giants want to determine the long-term futures of their top starting pitchers, and support them in 2012 with improved offense at shortstop or in the outfield. 

Guaranteed Contracts

Contractual Options

Arbitration Eligible Players (estimated salaries)

Free Agents

The Giants won a World Series in 2010 based on great pitching, despite a middling offense.  The following offseason GM Brian Sabean was not aggressive in pursuing upgrades, and the Giants' offense had little margin for error heading into the 2011 season.  Huff and Torres declined markedly this year, while Sandoval and Buster Posey suffered critical injuries.  The result was the worst offense in the National League, despite solid midseason additions of Beltran and Keppinger.

It's natural to think Sabean adds a couple of offensive-minded position players this winter, but payroll constraints could get in the way.  The team's payroll is expected to remain around $125MM, and the Giants have an expensive and large arbitration class.  Lincecum, Sanchez, and Sandoval could total nearly $30MM.  Non-tendering or trading other arbitration eligibles like Torres and Fontenot won't make a big difference.  Sabean spoke in September about Jonathan Sanchez as a viable candidate for the fifth starter job, but trading him could create much-needed payroll flexibility.  Keppinger is another movable piece, if the Giants feel Freddy Sanchez will be healthy for 2012.  Declining Affeldt's option or exercising it and trading the lefty could clear some payroll space, but Sabean expects the reliever back next year.  Lopez may depart for greener pastures, but he's worthy of an arbitration offer, enabling the Giants to acquire a supplemental draft pick.

Sabean's initial offseason focus is clear, as he told reporters, "Our pitching’s going to get expensive, that’s the punch line and we have to take care of that first."  Cain is locked in at $15MM next year, but it's clear Sabean views extending him as a pressing concern.  Any years added beyond 2012 will surely be north of $15MM, so Cain's situation affects the Giants' ability to sign big multiyear free agent deals. 

Lincecum's salary is an unknown, but with a historic arbitration case on the horizon, the Giants can expect $18-20MM for 2012.  Lincecum's 2013 salary projects as even more, and knocking a few million off per year with a multiyear deal would create cost certainty.  If Lincecum drives a hard bargain, his two arbitration years might cost the team $40MM as part of a multiyear deal.  Adding another six free agent years at $22MM per season would result in a contract worth more than $170MM, the largest ever for a pitcher.  I'm not sure the Giants should take that plunge. 

The Giants are interested in re-signing Beltran, and you have to wonder if there is an element of saving face since they surrendered top prospect Zack Wheeler for a couple months of Beltran in the July trade.  Sabean's comments imply a greater focus on a leadoff hitter/center fielder.  Coco Crisp would probably require a two-year deal, and he posted just a .314 on-base percentage this year.  Grady Sizemore and David DeJesus are one-year deal options, though their ability to play center field every day is in question.  The best free agent fit might be Jimmy Rollins, an Oakland native who could fill the team's shortstop and leadoff void while also improving the defense.  The idea of signing Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols seems silly, having discussed the Giants' payroll and priorities.

The Giants project to have at least one more year of elite pitching, so it's up to the game's longest-tenured GM to assemble a passable offense.  Sabean appears to be up against budget limitations, though he has mentioned the possibility of asking ownership for additional money toward adding a specific player.  That request makes sense, with the window on Cain and Lincecum potentially closing.

Free Agent And Trade Market For Shortstops

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The Twins, Phillies, Braves, Mets, Brewers, Cardinals, Pirates, Astros and Giants are likely to express interest in shortstops this offseason and other clubs may become involved as well. Here's a look at an unusually strong market for shortstops.

Starting Shortstops Available In Free Agency

Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins are the top shortstops available. Reyes has a case for a nine-figure contract and Rollins wants a five-year deal. The options for Rafael Furcal, Yuniesky Betancourt will likely be declined, making them free agents, but Marco Scutaro  probably won't hit the open market and it's too early to call Ronny Cedeno's option. Clint Barmes, Jamey Carroll and Alex Gonzalez are also capable of handling an everyday shortstop job.

Quality Backups

Willie Bloomquist, Jerry Hairston Jr., Ramon Santiago, John McDonald, Orlando Cabrera, Craig Counsell, Cesar Izturis, Edgar Renteria and Jack Wilson are utility and backup types to consider. Some could draw interest as second basemen.

Non-Tender Candidates

Ryan Theriot, Mike Fontenot, Emmanuel Burriss, Chris Getz, Adam Rosales, Luis Rodriguez, Donnie Murphy, Alberto Gonzalez, Wilson Valdez, Brandon Wood, Mike Aviles and Paul Janish could all be non-tendered this offseason. They're also trade canidates leading up to the December deadline for teams to tender contracts to their arbitration eligible players.

Thinking Outside The Box

Players are converted from shortstop, not to shortstop, so don't expect that slugging left fielder to solve your team's middle infield woes. The vast majority of realistic shortstop options already play the position, which means there's not much mystery here.

Patient teams could wait until the big names have been signed and inquire on players or prospects who have been pushed down on the depth chart. For example, slick-fielding prospect Brandon Crawford could be available if the Giants sign a shortstop or Ian Desmond could be available if the Nationals obtain a more established player.

Other Trade Candidates

Jed Lowrie will likely be a bench player for the Red Sox and could be moved. Teams could inquire on Sean Rodriguez or Reid Brignac of the Rays. Yet another AL East shortstop, Eduardo Nunez, could also be available. The same goes for Jason Bartlett of the Padres.

Check out the full free agent list, as well as our articles on the markets at catcher, first base and second base.

Quick Hits: Wright, Hanley, Aramis, Mariners

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There’s no World Series game to watch tonight, but you can always count on MLBTR for the latest links. Can the updates below make up for the postponement of the big game? We'll let you be the judge…

NL West Notes: Hill, Kuo, Ross

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It's been a busy day in the NL West. The Padres announced a leadership change and the Dodgers' bankruptcy trial was delayed. Here's more news from the division…

  • Aaron Hill has switched agents and is now a client of Greg Genske of Legacy Sports, according to Steve Gilbert of MLB.com. Hill, a former Beverly Hills Sports Council client, could return to the Diamondbacks in 2012 if the team picks up its $8MM option. Though the D’Backs would like Hill back, they’d rather work out a new deal, according to Gilbert. You can keep track of every player’s agent using MLBTR’s Agency Database.
  • Dodgers left-hander Hong-Chih Kuo will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his pitching elbow, according to the team (on Twitter). He would earn about $2.5MM if the Dodgers offer arbitration, which makes him a non-tender candidate. He intends to pitch in 2012, according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times (on Twitter).
  • Cody Ross told Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle that he has not yet started negotiating a potential deal with the Giants. The free agent outfielder says the sides have mutual interest in a new deal, but Schulman doubts the Giants would match Ross' 2011 salary of $5.3MM (Twitter links).

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