We've already looked at the NL West tonight, so let's stay on the left side of the map to check in on the latest from the AL West…
- Ian Kinsler and the Rangers had "one serious conversation" about a contract extension this offseason but that was "about it," reports MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan. Kinsler expects the club to re-open talks during Spring Training and said he wants to stay in Texas, noting that a possible switch from second base would be "open for discussion." The Rangers will pay Kinsler $7MM this season and they hold a $10MM option on him for 2013.
- Manny Ramirez's deal with the A's has led to some "mixed results" in the Athletics' clubhouse, writes Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Ramirez's ex-teammates Coco Crisp and Bartolo Colon are in favor of the move, while one unnamed player "expressed concern" that if Ramirez makes the team, he'll be taking away at-bats from younger players who will be a bigger part of Oakland's future.
- Angels manager Mike Scioscia talked to Bobby Abreu last month to discuss his role on the team, reports Mark Saxon of ESPN Los Angeles. "In talking to Bobby, he does want to play every day, but he's tempered that with an understanding of the potential of this team to win and he understands the situation," Scioscia said. Abreu is expected to split time with Kendrys Morales and/or Mark Trumbo at DH this season and last week the Halos explored a deal that would've sent Abreu to the Yankees in exchange for A.J. Burnett. I recently looked at the fantasy implications of the Halos' DH situation in a post for MLBTR's sister site Roto Authority.
Abreu for Inge. Please?
Where is Inge going to play? behind Izturis and Callaspo? If Abreu is traded it will be for either minor leaguers + salary relief, a BP arm, or a starter.
That one unnamed player from the A’s should have spoken up sooner!
I read Slusser’s article further… she mentioned that some current A’s would have liked Matsui back and now that doesn’t look like a possibility. Matsui was a good ball player and a from my viewpoint a stand up guy. Hopefully, he signs with someone.
Yeah it is disappointing he will go despite the age and first half struggles he had last year. When Melvin came in, Matsui looked much better at the plate because he was better used with him, who unlike Geren, actually kept in the starting lineup against lefties, who Matsui hit better against throughout the year. Plus, he served as a good clubhouse guy and a mentor despite the language barrier. However, despite all of that, I wouldn’t have been in favor of him coming back just because in a rebuilding year, we should give some of the younger guys such as Carter, Allen, and Taylor a chance to prove themselves to see where they fit in the future. At least with the Ramirez move, it will allow the time to see whether or not Carter and Allen can produce this year and whether or not Ramirez will actually be needed. However, in a weird sense, I think it puts a little pressure on the A’s young hitters to produce early on and because of that, I wouldn’t be surprised to see guys like Carter and Allen trying to push too much at the plate.
Give Ian whatever he wants. He’s hugely underrated and has been a major bargain for the club for years. I’ll be crushed if they let him get away.
Let’s not forget Ian isn’t a picture of perfect health, will likely move off 2B to a more offensive demanding position (LF), and that he’s not likely to have 30+ SBs as he grows into that extension. He’s a great player, but he’s not without concerns.
He loses a lot of value moving from 2b. He hits well enough to play almost anywhere, but you don’t move a plus defender with an elite bat for a middle infielder unless you absolutely have to
I had my thoughts of abreu being an assett to the Angels because of his voice and leadership in the club house; not a bad bat/player off the bench either. With the leadership the Angels already have in that locker room and on the field (Torii Hunter)(Albert Pujols), I dont see the need to pay $9 mil for that extra voice or leadership, and I really feel the Angels would rather have alberto callaspo in the line up ahead of bobby. Right now at this moment the angels r good and we could just sit back and see what happens, but if another AL team really likes Abreu for their DH spot I say give him to them get enough salary relief (probably $2-3 million) maybe recieve a low level prospect, and with the money saved sign Roy Oswalt.
#1 Jered Weaver
#2 CJ Wilson
#3 Dan Haren
#4 Ervin Santana
#5 Roy Oswalt
Ridiculous Rotation!
“one unnamed player “expressed concern” that if Ramirez makes the team,
he’ll be taking away at-bats from younger players who will be a bigger
part of Oakland’s future.”
The A’s HAVE a future??