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The Closer Carousel

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Teams pay a premium for saves; it's how Rafael Soriano was able to get a three-year, $35MM contract last offseason.  Impending free agents who have picked up at least five saves this year: Jose Valverde (club option), Heath Bell, Francisco Cordero (club option), Jonathan Papelbon, Ryan Madson, Francisco Rodriguez, Kyle Farnsworth (club option), Matt Capps, Joe Nathan (club option), Jon Rauch (club option), Frank Francisco, Jason Isringhausen, and Jonathan Broxton.  Brad Lidge is another consideration, though he has a ways to go.  Options for Valverde and Farnsworth could be exercised and several more will likely be content to set up, but we're left with a minimum of five relievers who will expect to close next year.  They won't get to choose their role, but trade candidates such as Brandon League, Leo Nunez, or Huston Street could enter the picture as well.

As many as 16 teams may be in the market for a closer in the offseason to varying degrees:

  • Orioles: I'm not sure the team's new GM will want to throw good money after bad, but Kevin Gregg is the worst reliever holding a closer job currently.
  • Red Sox: They could re-sign Papelbon, though Daniel Bard certainly appears ready.
  • Blue Jays: Jason Frasor and Octavio Dotel are gone, while Shawn Camp, Rauch, and Francisco are eligible for free agency.  Perhaps the Jays will bring several relievers in on one-year deals again, and/or pick up Rauch's option.
  • Tigers: They could save $9MM by declining Valverde's option, allowing them to use Joaquin Benoit in the ninth or sign someone cheaper.
  • Twins: With Capps and Nathan up for free agency, Glen Perkins could get the job.  Or, Nathan could be re-signed at a much lower rate or they could see who else is out there.
  • Mariners: David Aardsma figures to miss most of 2012, so League may be needed again.  Otherwise, the Mariners could flip League at his peak value and bring in someone else.
  • Marlins: The Marlins reportedly intend to retain Nunez as next year's closer, but they could change their mind and put him on the market.
  • Mets: Bobby Parnell has the early line on the job, but they could bring in someone more seasoned to take on an Isringhausen-type role.
  • Phillies: I expect a legitimate attempt to re-sign Madson.  Antonio Bastardo might be capable of stepping in if that fails, but the Phillies figure to be in the market for a veteran closer.
  • Reds: Cordero's option is certain to be declined, so the question becomes whether to use Aroldis Chapman as a closer or starter.
  • Astros: I wouldn't expect them to sign Papelbon, but an experienced reliever would make sense even if Mark Melancon retains the job.
  • Cardinals: They can make it work with Fernando Salas, Jason Motte, and others, and may need to skimp given the big names they have up for free agency.
  • Rockies: They could save money by moving Street and using Rafael Betancourt or others.
  • Dodgers: There's no reason not to stick with Javy Guerra, and Kenley Jansen has closer potential as well.  Matt Guerrier is around to fill the veteran reliever role, so they might not be in the closer market.
  • Padres: If they don't figure something out with Bell, I'd expect a cheap veteran signing or two.  It'd be a dream opportunity for most relievers.
  • Giants: Depending on how Brian Wilson's elbow soreness turns out, they could be in the market.

Certainly there are enough closer jobs to go around, though I don't see too many teams likely to join a high-end bidding war for Papelbon or Madson.

If you enjoy following all things closer-related for your fantasy team, check out CloserNews on Twitter as well as the website.

Phillies Acquire John Bowker

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WEDNESDAY: The Phillies announced the trade.  They are sending a player to be named later or cash considerations to the Pirates for Bowker, and Jose Contreras goes to the 60-day DL to make room on the 40-man roster.

TUESDAY: The Phillies acquired outfielder John Bowker from the Pirates, reports Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly.  Bowker is expected to join the Phillies for Wednesday's game in Cincinnati.  Salisbury says reliever Michael Schwimer was sent to Triple-A to create a spot on the active roster, though the Phillies will still need to open a 40-man spot.

Bowker, a 28-year-old left-handed hitter, has spent most of the year at Triple-A, where he's hit .308/.351/.487 in 445 plate appearances while playing the outfield corners and first base.  The Pirates acquired Bowker from the Giants at last year's trade deadline in the Javier Lopez deal, designated him for assignment in April of this year, and outrighted him to Triple-A a few days later.

Bowker, a third-round pick in 2004, is one of eight players in Giants history to homer in his big league debut.  He played college ball at Long Beach State, where he was a teammate of Troy Tulowitzki and Jason Vargas.

Rangers To Acquire Matt Treanor

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1:57pm: The Royals are about to send catcher Matt Treanor back to the Rangers in a cash transaction, tweets Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star.

12:50pm: A club source tells MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan the Rangers will "likely do something today."  In Sullivan's opinion, the team's biggest need is a right-handed bat.

This post was originally published at 12:50 pm CDT on Wednesday, August 31st, 2011.

Arbitration Eligibles: Toronto Blue Jays

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We've covered the Orioles, Red Sox, Yankees, and Rays in our arbitration eligibles series.  Let's finish off the AL East by discussing the Blue Jays players who will be eligible for arbitration after the season.

Carlson and McGowan are non-tender candidates, though on the other hand neither would cost much more than the league minimum.  Carlson's season ended with a torn rotator cuff, while McGowan is expected to pitch for Toronto next month for the first time since 2008.

Overall it's an affordable arbitration group.  We've got Morrow at $4.1MM, Rasmus at $2.8MM, Villanueva at $2MM, Janssen at $1.5MM, and Litsch at $1.3MM.  Rasmus switched agencies partially because of this upcoming arbitration case.

NL West Notes: Ethier, Giants, D’Backs

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As MLBTR's Reverse Standings page shows, the Padres, Dodgers and Rockies project to have protected first round picks in next year's draft. Here are the latest links as the Giants continue chasing the D'Backs for the division lead…

  • Agent Nez Balelo told Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times that Andre Ethier wants to return to the Dodgers next year and stay there for the rest of his career. Ethier, who hit a grand slam tonight, returned to the lineup yesterday after the Dodgers' medical staff determined that his injured knee wouldn't deteriorate if he keeps playing. He is under team control through 2012.
  • Giants GM Brian Sabean told Chris Haft and Adam Berry of MLB.com that he doesn't expect to make any moves this month.
  • The Giants announced that they discovered evidence of possible embezzlement by former payroll manager Robin O'Connor. They dismissed O'Connor and are working with federal authorities on the matter.
  • The 2009 trade that sent Curtis Granderson to the Yankees has helped all three teams involved, including the D'Backs, Matthew Leach writes at MLB.com. The D'Backs acquired Ian Kennedy and Edwin Jackson in the deal before flipping Jackson for Daniel Hudson.

NL Central Notes: Berkman, McLane, Crane

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Lance Berkman doesn't expect to be traded, but he doesn't have the final say in the matter. Here's the latest on the switch-hitting slugger, plus an update on his former team…

  • Cardinals GM John Mozeliak acknowledged to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that trading Berkman doesn’t make a lot of sense considering the team’s 2012 plans (Twitter links). The Cardinals are more inclined to keep him and attempt to work out a deal after the season, because signing Berkman from another team would likely cost St. Louis a top draft pick.
  • There's a definite possibility that MLB won't approve the sale of the Astros from Drayton McLane to Jim Crane, according to Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle.
  • However, Astros officials told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com that they haven't been informed that Crane's bid is in trouble.

Nationals Notes: Strasburg, Harper, Zimmermann

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The Nationals expect Stephen Strasburg to return to the Major Leagues one week from today. Here are some links from D.C. in the meantime… 

  • Nationals manager Davey Johnson told Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post that he intends to handle Strasburg with "kid gloves" as the right-hander completes his return from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last September.
  • Livan Hernandez said today that he wants to return to Washington in 2012, even if it means working in middle relief next year, Kilgore reports (on Twitter).
  • Top 2010 draft pick Bryce Harper will suit up for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League this year, MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo writes. Harper, who made it to Double-A in his first professional season, is now recovering from a hamstring injury. 
  • Kilgore suggests Nationals starter Jordan Zimmermann could be an extension candidate this offseason. Zimmermann, a likely super two player, came back from Tommy John surgery to put together a fantastic season in 2011, but he has now reached his innings limit for the year.
  • For a look at a key member of the Nationals' front office, check out MLBTR's piece on GM candidate Bryan Minniti.

Red Sox Sign Trever Miller

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The Red Sox signed Trever Miller and assigned him to Triple-A, according to Dan Hoard, the radio voice of the Pawtucket Red Sox (on Twitter). The Blue Jays designated the 38-year-old lefty for assignment on August 16th and released him five days later.

Miller appeared in six games for the Blue Jays after they acquired him in the July trade that sent Colby Rasmus to Toronto. In 19 1/3 innings for the Cardinals and Blue Jays this year, the 13-year veteran has a 4.19 ERA with 5.1 K/9, 5.6 BB/9 and a 38.8 % ground ball rate.

Ozzie Guillen Wants Extension, Could Leave

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White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said he is prepared to walk away from the final year of his contract if he doesn’t get an extension by Opening Day 2012, Doug Padilla of ESPNChicago reports. Guillen's contract expires after 2012 and he's looking for more.

"One thing I make clear, I don't think I'm going to be back here for a one-year contract and I don't know what to do with the next year," Guillen said. 

Guillen said he has not discussed an extension with White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and isn’t going to ask for a new deal any time soon. The skipper says he’d be “embarrassed” to ask for a contract after a “bad year.” The White Sox, who have been under Guillen’s guidance since 2004, began the day with a 67-65 record, trailing the Tigers by 5.0 games.

Guillen says he and GM Kenny Williams have a better relationship than anyone in the game, despite a report to the contrary. Earlier today, Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that the relationship between Guillen and GM Kenny Williams has become increasingly strained. The White Sox are getting a feel for potential alternatives to Guillen and are renewing talks with the Marlins about a possible deal involving the manager, according to Cowley.

MacPhail Decides On Future With Orioles

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Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail has reached a decision about his future with the team, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Two high-ranking Orioles officials told Nightengale that they expect MacPhail to walk away without pursuing an extension.  Said MacPhail to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun: "You can get two sources to say the moon is made of green cheese."  He told Nightengale, "Let's just get to the end of the year.  And see what unfolds. We'll see. We'll see."

The Orioles have brought several GM candidates up internally, according to Nightengale. GM Brian Cashman, whose contract with the Yankees expires after the season, tops Baltimore’s list, according to Nightengale. Orioles manager Buck Showalter says he’s not interested in moving to the GM’s office, but he’s expected to have a role in the team's decision.

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