Red Sox Notes: Henry, James, Valentine
Red Sox principal owner John Henry met with the media today and discussed a variety of topics related to the team. Here are some highlights via various Boston media members…
- Henry emphatically told reporters that he’s not selling the team, Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reports (on Twitter).
- Henry said the Red Sox may not be done making moves to improve the team, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports (on Twitter).
- Henry downplayed the notion that the Red Sox are prioritizing profit over performance, Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald reports (on Twitter). "I know people can say that we're revenue-oriented, but the fact is that we're wins and losses-oriented,” the owner said.
- Henry said the Red Sox will use Bill James more in their front office decision making, Rob Bradford of WEEI.com reports (on Twitter).
- Henry said Bobby Valentine could be a great manager again under the right circumstances, Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com reports (on Twitter). The Red Sox dismissed Valentine following a disappointing 2012 season.
NL East Notes: Braves, Zimmermann, Phillies
As the Mets’ pursuit of Michael Bourn continues slowly but surely, let’s check in on the rest of the NL East for the latest news…
- Braves president John Schuerholz told Mark Bowman of MLB.com that the idea of acquiring both Upton brothers “probably would have been a little too much to hope for” at the outset of the offseason. Even so, Braves scouts and executives weren’t discouraged. “Nobody stopped working because we thought it was unrealistic to get it done,” Schuerholz explained. “We just kept working harder to get it done.”
- Jordan Zimmermann's arbitration hearing has been set for February 19th, Bill Ladson of MLB.com reports (on Twitter). The right-hander filed for $5.8MM with the Nationals countering at $4.6MM, as MLBTR's Arbitration Tracker shows. Zimmermann says he and the Nationals have made "a little progress" toward a one-year deal, Dan Kolko of MASNsports.com reports (on Twitter). The sides haven't engaged in long-term talks.
- Ryan Lawrence of the Philadelphia Daily News notes that two of the Phillies' offseason additions — Delmon Young and Michael Young — could be defensive liabilities in 2013. It's far from a given that the Phillies will be adequate defensively with Delmon in right field and Michael at third base.
2014 Free Agent Power Rankings
Here at MLBTR, we're always looking ahead. As the 2012-13 offseason winds down, we've already got an eye on players scheduled to reach free agency after the 2013 campaign. The full list can be found here; enjoy our first entry in the new 2014 Free Agents Power Rankings series below.
1. Robinson Cano. Cano is the clear number one choice, a corner type bat at a middle infield position. 2014 will be his age 31 season, and agent Scott Boras is surely licking his chops with an eight-year megacontract in the $200MM range within his sights. Should the Yankees allow Cano to reach the open market, I expect the Dodgers to be players.
2. Adam Wainwright. Wainwright stands as the best pitcher scheduled to become available after the 2013 season. Wainwright's Tommy John surgery is firmly in the rearview mirror, having taken place two full years ago. If he returns to a Cy Young level in 2013, he's looking at Greinke money or better. The Cardinals, however, aim to keep Wainwright off the market by locking him up prior to Opening Day.
3. Josh Johnson. Here's where the rankings get debatable. 2013 is crucial for Johnson, who had a pretty good 2012 after missing much of the previous season with a shoulder injury. Traded to the Blue Jays in November, Johnson can be among the game's best power pitchers when he's right. He can also move down this list quickly with a serious DL stint.
4. Jacoby Ellsbury. Ellsbury's detractors will point to significant time missed due to rib and shoulder injuries in 2010 and '12. On the other hand, 2014 is his age 30 season and he finished second in the 2011 MVP vote with a massive nine-win season. With a healthy '13, Boras might be able to talk his way around Ellsbury's previous injuries.
5. Roy Halladay. One of the game's best pitchers from 2006-11, Doc slipped in 2012 due to a shoulder injury. Halladay will be 37 for most of the 2014 season, but he doesn't operate on the same plane as other pitchers. Assuming he doesn't rack up 259 regular season innings this year, Halladay's 2014 option will not vest and he'll be a free agent. His potential impact this year remains large.
6. Shin-Soo Choo. Choo was sent from the Indians to the Reds as part of a three-team December trade. An arbitration hearing looms prior to his contract year season. He may be out of his element, playing in the National League and manning center field regularly for the first time in his big league career. One knock he'll try to overcome is his struggles against lefties — he's hit just .239/.329/.318 against them over the last three years. Still, he could put up strong offensive numbers overall atop the Reds' lineup.
7. Brian McCann. McCann underwent shoulder surgery in mid-October, but the Braves had enough confidence to exercise his $12MM option the following month. If he returns to form, he'll be an elite offensive catcher playing at age 30 in 2014. He has a chance to move up this list once he returns from the injury.
8. Tim Lincecum. There was a time not long ago that Lincecum was a candidate to become baseball's first $200MM pitcher, with a pair of Cy Youngs under his belt. However, 2012 was a career-worst season for Lincecum, who averaged below 91 miles per hour on his fastball, walked 4.4 per nine innings, and allowed nearly a hit per inning. Since he'll pitch at age 30 in 2014 and has never been hurt, he gets the benefit of the doubt for now and a top ten spot.
9. Matt Garza. Garza had also been cruising toward a big payday until 2012, when an elbow injury derailed his season. He's another guy who will play at age 30 in '14 and is entering a pivotal contract year. A midseason trade could benefit Garza greatly, erasing the issue of a qualifying offer.
10. Hunter Pence. Pence hit 24 home runs and drove in 104 runs in 2012, but it was still an off-year as he struggled mightily upon being traded to the Giants. If he posts an offensive line around his career average, he'll be in good shape entering free agency aside from a potential qualifying offer concern.
These rankings will change significantly throughout the season, with so many players entering critical contract years. Some players with a chance to muscle their way into my top ten include Curtis Granderson, Nelson Cruz, Carlos Gomez, Corey Hart, and Phil Hughes. I'm not ranking Ben Zobrist, Chris B. Young, Jon Lester, or James Shields here in anticipation of their club options being exercised after the season.
Quick Hits: Mariners, Ryan Lavarnway, Red Sox
On this day in 2000, the Reds acquired Ken Griffey Jr. from the Mariners in exchange for pitchers Brett Tomko and Jake Meyer, center fielder Mike Cameron and infielder Antonio Perez. Griffey would sign the largest contract in MLB history at the time to the tune of a nine-year, $116.5MM deal. Let's catch up on the latest news and stories making headlines from around the big leagues.
- The Mariners enter Spring Training with more than just a handful of outfielders competing for four or five spots on the roster, writes Ryan Divish of The News Tribune. Casper Wells, gifted defensively but lacking a consistent bat, may be lost on waivers if he is designated for assignment as he is out of options.
- Ryan Lavarnway's chances of making the Opening Day roster for the Red Sox may be beyond his control given the presence of Jarrod Saltalamacchia and David Ross as well as his option, says Rob Bradford of WEEI.com. “For me, I want to win the World Series,” Lavarnway said. "It doesn’t matter if I’m there for however long. We play this game to win and if you’re not playing this game to win then I don’t know why you’re playing. However I can help."
- The Red Sox made a series of offseason acquisitions which has to raise the question of how will all of the new players fit in to the culture of the clubhouse, wonders Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe. Abraham says GM Ben Cherington wants to field a squad that looks new in 2013 and hopes the additions made in the offseason will foster a different vibe in the clubhouse.
AL Central Notes: Kazmir, Sanchez, Tigers
A rebuilt Indians club should add to the mix of what was a competitive AL Central Division race during the 2012 season. While the Royals and Twins aren't expected to be much of a factor in 2013, the Indians, Tigers and White Sox may find themselves fighting for a playoff spot well into September. Let's catch up on the latest news and headlines from around the division.
- Scott Kazmir told Jordan Bastian of MLB.com that he had a variety of offers to choose from but chose to sign with the Indians mostly due to the presence of manager Terry Francona (via Twitter). The 29-year-old lefty signed a minor league deal with Cleveland in December and will be given an opportunity to crack the squad's starting rotation.
- The Twins remain uninterested in signing free agent Freddy Sanchez, who has been plagued by injuries the past two seasons, writes Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN (on Twitter). Sanchez, 35, last appeared in over 100 games during the 2010 season with the Giants where he posted a batting line of .292/.342/.397.
- The Tigers remain in need of a right-hander off the bench and will look to find the right piece internally before exploring the free-agent market, says Jason Beck of MLB.com. According to GM Dave Dombrowski, Danny Worth and Jeff Kobernus will receive heavy consideration for the open spot on the roster.
Week In Review: 2/3/13 – 2/9/13
As we gladly welcome pitchers and catchers reporting to camp in the coming days, let's take a look back at the week that was here at MLBTR…
- The Mariners and Felix Hernandez agreed to terms on a five-year, $135.5MM contract extension that will run from 2015-2019. The successful completion of the deal remains uncertain due to the condition of his throwing elbow. Hernandez will take a physical on Tuesday when he reports to Spring Training as workouts begin on Wednesday.
- The Astros sent shortstop Jed Lowrie to the Athletics in a five-player trade. The Astros acquired first baseman Chris Carter, starting pitcher Brad Peacock and catching prospect Max Stassi from the A's in the deal, which sent right-handed reliever Fernando Rodriguez to Oakland along with Lowrie.
- The Diamondbacks extended second baseman Aaron Hill through 2016 with a deal valued at $35MM.
- The Giants avoided arbitration with closer Sergio Romo by agreeing to a two-year deal worth $9MM.
- The Tigers avoided arbitration with right-hander Max Scherzer by agreeing on a one-year contract worth $6.725MM.
- The Brewers signed free agent shortstop Alex Gonzalez to a one-year, Major League contract worth $1.5MM plus $1MM in incentives.
- The Rays signed second baseman Kelly Johnson to a one-year deal worth $2.45MM.
- The Indians signed slugger Jason Giambi to a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
- The Rays signed free agent reliever Kyle Farnsworth to a one-year, Major League contract worth $1.25MM with a chance to double his salary through incentives.
- The Rays designated Reid Brignac and Elliot Johnson for assignment to clear roster space for Kyle Farnsworth and Kelly Johnson.
- Francisco Liriano's deal with the Pirates became official after the left-hander passed his physical with the organization.
- The Angels finalized their two-year, $8.975MM contract with Alberto Callaspo.
- The Mariners signed Jon Garland to a minor league contract with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
- The Orioles avoided arbitration with Jason Hammel by agreeing to a one-year deal worth $6.75MM.
- The Orioles and closer Jim Johnson avoided arbitration with a one-year contract for $6.5MM.
- The Cardinals agreed to a one-year deal with David Freese worth $3.15MM, avoiding arbitration.
- The Mariners agreed to a one-year deal worth $6.5MM plus $1MM in incentives with free agent left-hander Joe Saunders.
- The Mets signed free agent right-hander Brandon Lyon to a one-year contract with a base salary between $750K to $900K.
- The Dodgers agreed to sign right-handed reliever Mark Lowe to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
- The Mariners designated right-hander Shawn Kelley for assignment. The move creates roster space for Kelly Shoppach, whose one-year deal is now official.
- The Indians avoided arbitration with Mike Aviles, agreeing to a two-year contract worth $6MM.
- The Rays designated Dane De La Rosa for assignment to create room on the 40-man roster for Luke Scott after his one-year, $2.75MM deal was finalized.
- The Padres designated infielder Jeudy Valdez for assignment to allow the club to make room for Fautino De Los Santos, who was claimed off of waivers.
- The Mets signed outfielders Corey Patterson and Mike Wilson to minor league deals.
- Left-hander Jonathan Sanchez signed a minor league contract with the Pirates that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
- The Marlins signed free agent right-hander Jon Rauch to a one-year deal worth $1MM plus up to $750K in incentives.
- The Nationals signed right-hander Jeremy Accardo to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
- The Yankees agreed to sign Juan Rivera to a minor league deal worth $1.2MM plus up to $800K in incentives.
- Ramon Ramirez signed a minor league contract with the Giants that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
- The Nationals agreed to sign catcher Chris Snyder to a minor league deal with an invitation to MLB Spring Training.
- Former National League Cy Young winner Brandon Webb retired from baseball after injuries curtailed his career.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Tim Dierkes wrote the new draft pick compensation system is superior, but a qualifying offer is a major drag on the leverage of good-but-not-great free agents.
- MLBTR was the first to report right-handed reliever Mike MacDougal will throw for interested teams in Tempe on Tuesday.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith examined the top ten free agent contracts for starting pitchers this offseason.
- Ben noted an increase in the number of contract extensions given this winter which did not extend the amount of team control over the player.
- Steve Adams asked MLBTR readers which was the best transaction by the A's this offseason. More than 41% of you believe GM Billy Beane's best move was acquiring Chris Young from the Diamondbacks.
- Daniel Seco asked MLBTR readers which team had the most disappointing offseason. There was a near even split between the Rangers (31%), Marlins (29%), and Yankees (25.5%).
- Ben listed the remaining arbitration cases.
- Zach Links revisted the notable transactions from February 2012.
- Ben hosted the weekly live chat.
- Zach gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
NL Notes: Phillies, Reds, Rockies, Figgins
As players, coaches, and front office personnel begin to arrive in Florida and Arizona for Spring Training 2013, let's take a look at the news and notes from the National League:
- The Phillies were surprised Ben Revere was available and, in fact, it was the Twins who brought his name up in trade talks after dealing Denard Span to the Nationals, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer's Bob Brookover.
- Within the same article, Brookover writes the struggles of Domonic Brown were one reason the Phillies were forced to alter their offseason blueprint. "We were hopeful that Domonic would lock down one of those corner outfield spots," GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said. "He did not do that. He still may do that…but we can't necessarily count on that to happen. Because of that, then we were kind of filling all three outfield positions."
- MLB.com's Mark Sheldon provided additional contract details for some of the players the Reds have signed within the last month including right-hander Logan Ondrusek, who has more than two dozen different escalators, incentives, and bonuses written into the two-year deal he signed last month.
- Jorge De La Rosa, Jhoulys Chacin, Juan Nicasio, and Jeff Francis are near locks for the first four slots in the Rockies' starting rotation leaving Drew Pomeranz, Christian Friedrich, Tyler Chatwood and Chris Volstad jockeying for the fifth spot, according to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post.
- MLB.com's Thomas Harding tweets the candidates for the Rockies' rotation change daily, but the final two spots could come down to Nicasio, Pomeranz, and Chatwood.
- Larry Beinfest, the Marlins' president of baseball operations, envisions the recently signed Chone Figgins in a Alfredo Amezaga-type role, tweets Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun-Sentinel. Amezaga played every position, except pitcher and catcher, during his four-year stint in Miami.
Indians To Sign Brett Myers
FEBRUARY 10th: Myers' 2014 option vests if he pitches 200 innings this year and passes a physical at season's end, tweets Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.
JANUARY 4th: The Indians have agreed to sign right-hander Brett Myers to a one-year, $7MM deal with a club option. Myers, an LSW Baseball client, passed his physical, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports (on Twitter). Myers' 2014 option is valued at $8MM, MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports (on Twitter).
Myers, 32, pitched to a 3.31 ERA with 5.6 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 in 70 relief appearances last season for the Astros and White Sox. However, he has been vocal about his desire to be a starting pitcher once again in 2013. The Tribe will plug Myers into the starting five, according to Hoynes (on Twitter).
Even though he's a year removed from the role, Myers stood as one of the few innings eaters left on the open market this winter. For his career as a starter, Myers owns a 4.27 ERA with 7.2 K/9 with 2.97 BB/9 in 249 starts. He also pitched a combined 439 and 2/3 innings in 2010 and '11.
Myers became a free agent in October when the White Sox declined his $10MM option for the 2013 season, opting instead to pay him a $3MM buyout. The right-hander had interest from a number of clubs this offseason, including the Padres, Twins, and Royals.
Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com first reported the deal and its terms (Twitterlinks). Edward Creech contributed to this post. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Dodgers Sign Kevin Gregg
The Dodgers have announced the signing of reliever Kevin Gregg to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training (Twitter link). This is the second right-handed reliever the Dodgers have signed to a minor league deal in the last three days, as they came to terms with Mark Lowe on Friday.
Gregg signed a two-year, $10MM contract with Baltimore after the 2010 season, but he struggled with the Orioles, posting a 4.53 ERA from 2011-12. He appeared in 40 games before being released last September, with a 4.74 ERA, 7.6 K/9, 4.9 BB/9 and a 47.8 % ground ball rate in 43 2/3 innings. The Beverly Hills Sports Counsel Client was not linked to any team this offseason.