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Archives for July 2013

Mike Dee Hired As Padres CEO

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The Padres announced that they have hired Miami Dolphins CEO Mike Dee as their new president and CEO. The announcement was made by lead investor Peter Seidler and executive chairman Ron Fowler. Seidler and Fowler issued the following joint statement:

“We are ecstatic to bring Mike back to San Diego as our president and CEO. He has the experience, passion and intellect to drive this organization to great success. All of these qualities, combined with his familiarity with our community and his legendary energy, are going to assure exciting times for Padres’ fans.”

Dee began his professional sports career by spending eight seasons with the Padres, ascending to senior vice president of business affairs in 2001. He left the Padres to become executive vice president of business affairs for the Red Sox in 2002 before being named Dolphins CEO in 2009. Dee offered the following quote, via press release:

"I am thrilled to be coming home to San Diego – an extraordinary community that has always been very special to me. The Padres organization is where I started my sports career nearly two decades ago, and I am grateful to Ron and Peter for the opportunity to return to my roots."

The Padres have been on the lookout for a new president/CEO since Tom Garfinkel stepped down from the position in early June. It's been a busy year for the Padres, who last August were sold to a group fronted by former Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley as well as Seidler and Fowler.

Trade Market For Right-Handed Relievers

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The trade market for relievers kicked off last week with Boston's acquisition of Matt Thornton, but plenty of other bullpen arms figure to be available. Jonathan Broxton, Brett Myers, Edward Mujica and Francisco Cordero were just a few of the right-handed relievers we saw change teams at last season's trade deadline. Here's a look at some names who could be on the move in 2013…

Current Closers

Jonathan Papelbon (Phillies), Kevin Gregg (Cubs), Francisco Rodriguez (Brewers), Steve Cishek (Marlins), Jose Veras (Astros), Tom Wilhelmsen (Mariners), Huston Street (Padres)

Papelbon is the biggest name of the bunch, but for the time being the Phillies don't sound like they're going to be sellers. Even if they go on a losing streak, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said he thinks Papelbon would be difficult to replace. Still, given Papelbon's contract and declines in strikeout rate and velocity, the Phillies would be wise to listen if a team in need decided to pay for the brand name closer by offering an elite prospect.

Gregg's once dominant numbers have taken a tumble recently, particularly in his final outing before the All-Star break in which he surrendered four runs in one inning against the Cardinals. Still, his 2.97 ERA (3.69 FIP, 3.56 xFIP) and 9.5 K/9 rate would be a welcome addition to any bullpen. As a free agent at year's end who signed a minor league deal this season, he's financially feasible for any club, and the asking price won't be all that high.

Rodriguez, like Gregg, signed midseason and has revived his status as a credible Major League reliever. He's sporting a pristine 1.19 ERA, though his 3.06 FIP suggests that number is due for some correction. With a 9.9 K/9 rate and solid command (3.2 BB/9), K-Rod figures to be attractive to any team looking for a closer or setup man. He's saved nine games for Milwaukee this season, crossing the 300 mark for his career in the process.

The Marlins don't want to trade Cishek, but there's something to be said for a rebuilding team cashing in on a reliever that's performing well. Still, with four years of team control remaining and a 3.24 ERA with 8.9 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9, the Marlins consider him a building block. Recent reports said a team would need to part with its No. 1 prospect to acquire Cishek, and if that's the case, he's likely staying put.

Veras figures to be as available as any reliever on the market. I examined him as a trade candidate last month, and he's improved his stock by firing 8 1/3 scoreless innings since (he did allow one unearned run in that time). Veras has 42 punchouts in 39 1/3 innings to go along with the best control of his career (3.2 BB/9). He signed for $1.85MM in 2013 (plus incentives) and has a $3.25MM club option for 2014, so he's plenty affordable.

Wilhelmsen briefly lost his job and has seen his strikeout rate dip in 2013 while his walk rate has risen — none of which can be good for his trade value. He's back in the closer's role now, but he's not yet arbitration-eligible and has four years of team control remaining beyond 2013, so the Mariners may not feel a rush to trade him.

Street's price tag is down thanks to a 4.15 ERA and a career-worst 5.4 K/9 rate. He's spent time on the DL again this season, so his $7MM salary in 2014 doesn't seem as reasonable as it was when the Padres extended him instead of trading him last July. 

Setup Men

Jesse Crain (White Sox), Matt Lindstrom (White Sox), Jared Burton (Twins), Chad Qualls (Marlins), John Axford (Brewers), Luke Gregerson (Padres)

Crain, currently on the disabled list, isn't a closer but might be the most coveted name on the relief market. In the final year of an affordable three-year deal, the 32-year-old has a 0.74 ERA following a historic scoreless streak. He could slide into the ninth inning for many teams or continue in the eighth inning role in which he has excelled. He should be healthy before the deadline, barring a setback, and numerous teams including the Rockies and Red Sox have been connected to him.

Lindstrom is also in the midst of a strong season. He has a $4MM team option for 2014 which seems reasonable, given his 2.87 ERA. His strikeout rate is down and his velocity has dipped a bit, but he's still averaging 94.9 mph on his heater. He also has an impressive 53.7 percent ground-ball rate.

Burton emerged as a brilliant setup man for Minnesota after signing a minor league deal prior to the 2012 campaign. His outstanding season last year netted him a cheap two-year, $5.45MM extension that will be appealing to other teams. He also has a team option for $3.6MM in 2015. Burton struggled in June but rattled off six scoreless innings entering the break, which may quiet some concern surrounding him.

Qualls has seen quite a bit of time in the eighth inning for Miami and posted a 2.89 ERA with 6.8 K/9, 2.2 BB/9 and a whopping 66.4 percent ground-ball rate. A free agent after the season, the Marlins have made Qualls available and it seems likely that his days in Miami are numbered.

Axford lost the closer's gig in Milwaukee almost immediately this season, but he's on a roll in a setup capacity of late. He hasn't allowed multiple runs in an inning since May 1, posting a 0.99 ERA with 27 strikeouts and 15 walks in 27 1/3 innings in that stretch. He's arbitration-eligible for a second time this offseason and as a Super Two player, will be arb-eligible twice more before free agency.

Gregerson is controlled through 2014 and in the midst of arguably the best season of his career. He's pitched to a 2.93 ERA with 8.1 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 in 40 innings of work. He's earning just $3.2MM as a second-time arbitration player this season, though that number figures to rise considerably in 2014. Teams not willing to pay for a "proven closer" may look to Gregerson as a ninth-inning option, though he does have a notable platoon split.

Middle Innings Relievers

Ryan Webb (Marlins), Burke Badenhop (Brewers), LaTroy Hawkins (Mets), Scott Atchison (Mets), David Aardsma (Mets)

Webb is controlled through 2015, and Badenhop is controlled through 2014. Both are ground-ball pitchers with uninspiring strikeout rates, and Webb's command has taken a significant step backwards in 2013. The Marlins and Brewers don't need to rush to trade either, but both could be had by a team who is intrigued by their ground-ball rates and team control.

Hawkins and Aardsma are eligible for free agency following the minor league deals they signed earlier this season, while Atchison could be controlled through arbitration. Hawkins has the best peripherals of the bunch, while Aardsma has the best strikeout rate in a smaller sample. Atchison has only whiffed seven batters in his 18 1/3 innings, which doesn't do much for his value.

Change of Scenery Candidates

Joba Chamberlain (Yankees), Alfredo Aceves (Red Sox)

Chamberlain is a free agent at season's end, and his tumultuous fall from once-prized prospect has been well-documented. On the plus side, his velocity remains strong and he's struck out 25 batters in 23 1/3 innings this season. However, he's also walked 13 in that time and seen his ground-ball rate plummet to 34.7 percent. The Yankees have reportedly been pushing Chamberlain and Phil Hughes in trades, and there may be a contender willing to take a chance on his velocity and whiff rate.

Aceves was outrighted off the 40-man roster over the weekend, likely signaling the end of his time with the Red Sox. He's clashed with managers and coaches throughout his Boston tenure, most recently having his effort and intensity called into question in 2013. He possesses talent, as evidenced by a career 3.69 ERA (4.37 FIP), but Boston wouldn't get anything of note in a trade at this point.

For more on the 2013 trade market, take a look at Tim Dierkes' examination of the market for catchers, first basemen, shortstops, third basemen and starting pitchers, as well as my own look at the market for second basemen, corner outfielders and center fielders.

Yankees Notes: Granderson, Hughes

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Mariano Rivera took home MVP honors in last night's All-Star Game victory after tossing a perfect eighth inning. Manager Jim Leyland told reporters, including Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times, that he wanted to ensure Rivera got into the game. If the NL took the lead in the bottom of the eighth against a different pitcher, there might not have been a bottom of the ninth to pitch. Leyland also joked, "I wanted to make sure I got out of here alive." Rivera's moment was an instant classic; his teammates allowed him to take the field all alone to "Enter Sandman" as he received a standing ovation from the fans and both dugouts (video link courtesy of MLB.com). Here's more on the Yankees…

  • Joel Sherman of the New York Post spoke with a prominent agent and two front office executives that said Curtis Granderson's injuries make him more likely to remain with the Yankees beyond 2013. Each said Granderson wouldn't top his $15MM annual salary on the open market, and he could accept a one-year qualifying offer (roughly $13.8MM) to re-establish value. It could also give the Yanks a shot to sign him to a four-year deal similar to Nick Swisher deal with Cleveland this offseason.
  • The Yankees haven't been able to find an acceptable return in trade discussions for Phil Hughes, who will become a free agent after this season, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com writes. The Dodgers were a potential fit for Hughes, but they're no longer on the hunt for a mid-rotation starter after acquiring Ricky Nolasco. The Giants and Padres probably shouldn't be considered active buyers at this point because of recent poor play, Heyman says.
  • Heyman adds that the Angels have long been interested in Hughes, nearly drafting him in 2004 before owner Arte Moreno insisted the team select Jered Weaver. However, given the Halos' current record, they don't appear to be buyers.

Aaron Steen contributed to this post.

Jesse Crain Rumors: Tuesday

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Jesse Crain's rapidly rising trade value took a hit when he was placed on the 15-day disabled list earlier this month with a right shoulder strain, but the right-hander is still likely to be highly sought if he returns healthy next week, as he's expected to do. Here's the latest on the White Sox setup man…

  • The Rockies are very interested in Crain given the struggles of Wilton Lopez, writes Troy Renck of the Denver Post. The Rockies have long coveted Crain, according to Renck. While Crain was born in Toronto, he attended high school in Colorado and admitted to Renck that he nearly accepted a two-year offer from the Rockies prior to signing his three-year pact with the White Sox.
  • Crain told Rob Bradford of WEEI.com that "it would be fun" to play for the first-place Red Sox. Crain says he's heard plenty of rumors about Boston being a potential destination for him on the trade market, and that trade rumors were frequently on his mind prior to his injury. He's now focused on getting healthy rather than where he will be pitching come August 1.

Travis Wood Hopes For Extension From Cubs

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Left-hander Travis Wood has been with the Cubs for just over 18 months after being acquired in a rare intra-division trade that saw the Reds send Wood, Dave Sappelt and Ronald Torreyes to Chicago in exchange for setup ace Sean Marshall. However, as Wood explained to Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com, he'd like to be wearing a Cubs uniform significantly longer. Wood told Hayes that he hopes to be considered a core component and receive an extension similar to the ones signed by Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro in the past year:

“Theo and Jed and them are moving in the right direction,” Wood said. “We’ve got a great group of guys there, and everybody plays hard and as of late we’ve played solid ball. … I’d love to be a part of the core group and stay around Chicago for a while, but that’s out of my hands.”

The 26-year-old Wood has enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Cubs thus far in 2013, pitching to a 2.79 ERA with 6.3 K/9, 2.8 BB/9 and a 33.7 percent ground-ball rate. Advanced metrics like FIP (3.59), xFIP (4.40) and SIERA (4.45) all suggest that Wood's ERA should be higher than its current mark. He will be arbitration-eligible for the first time following this season and is under team control through the 2016 season.

Wood's former teammate Joey Votto offered high praise for Wood within Hayes' piece, stating that he always thought highly of the left-hander and that he feels it's unfortunate Wood didn't enjoy this level of success in Cincinnati.

Matt Garza Rumors: Tuesday

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On January 8th, 2011, the previous Cubs front office led by GM Jim Hendry finalized a trade that brought Matt Garza (and Fernando Perez and Zach Rosscup) to Chicago from the Rays for Chris Archer, Hak-Ju Lee, Robinson Chirinos, Sam Fuld, and Brandon Guyer.  At the time, ESPN's Buster Olney heard that Andrew Friedman and the Rays "didn't get much in the way of high-end prospects; more depth type guys than impact."  Archer, 24, seems ready to challenge that evaluation as a member of the Rays' rotation, while Lee, a 22-year-old shortstop, was knocking on the door of the Majors until a knee injury ended his season in April.  It's clear now the Cubs gave up a huge haul to acquire three years of Garza; now their new regime is marketing the remaining two to three months of his services to recoup as much young talent as possible.  The latest:

  • Jon Heyman of CBS Sports echoes Sullivan's earlier report that the Rangers aren't willing to include Martin Perez in a trade for Garza. The Red Sox are said to be "thinking about" Garza and would be a major threat if they entered the fray, according to Heyman. Boston has many pitching prospects acquired by Theo Epstein during his time as the team's GM. The Diamondbacks are in the mix as well, though they may prefer Jake Peavy. The Cubs are likely to place more emphasis on ceiling than proximity to the Major Leagues, according to Heyman, with a slight preference for pitching as opposed to position players.

Earlier Updates

  • The Rangers, Cardinals, Pirates, Indians, Blue Jays, and Dodgers "are the strongest pursuers" with a handful of other teams showing at least cursory interest in Garza, writes David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com.  A handful of club executives who spoke to Kaplan consider Garza a very strong No. 3 starter, for whom the Cubs have an "exceptionally high" asking price.  Kaplan adds that the Rangers and Blue Jays "are both deciding how far they want to go to acquire Garza."  Kaplan's baseball personnel experts feel the Cubs will come close but fall short of the Brewers' Zack Greinke package from last summer, which consisted of shortstop Jean Segura and pitchers Johnny Hellweg and Ariel Pena.  Complicating that comparison is the fact that Segura raised his stock considerably this year; at the time of the deal, Baseball America ranked him 43rd among prospects and ESPN's Keith Law had him outside of his top 50.
  • Baseball America's midseason top 50 prospects list came out last week.  Prospects in the 35-50 range who play for potential Garza suitors include Joc Pederson of the Dodgers, Anthony Ranaudo and Garin Cecchini of the Red Sox, Alen Hanson of the Pirates, Aaron Sanchez of the Blue Jays, Mike Olt of the Rangers, Kolten Wong of the Cardinals, and Adam Eaton of the Diamondbacks.  Kaplan notes that the Rangers are "thought to be dangling" Olt, a third baseman.  A lot of the position players named here either seem unlikely to be traded or aren't great fits for the Cubs, who might prefer to get a pitcher as the headliner.
  • The personnel heads who spoke to Joel Sherman of the New York Post picture Garza going to the Rangers, who have the need and the goods to make a deal.  22-year-old southpaw Martin Perez "could be a key element for the Cubs to move Garza to Texas," writes Sherman.  The Rangers are not going to give up Perez, writes MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan.  He names Neil Ramirez, Carlos Pimentel, Leury Garcia, and Luis Sardinas as more realistic possibilities.

International Signings: Astros, Dodgers, Orioles

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Here are today's international signings…

  • The Astros signed Dominican shortstop Wander Franco, Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle reports. According to Smith, the team began following the now 16-year-old Franco when he was just 13 (Twitter links). He'll receive $575,000, Ben Badler of Baseball America writes. In a short scouting report, Badler notes that the 6-foot, 180-pound Franco is a nephew of Angels shortstop Erick Aybar and former big leaguer Willy Aybar. Though not a toolsy player, the switch-hitting Franco impressed some teams with his performances against live pitching.
  • Badler also reports that the Dodgers signed Alberto Estrella out of the Dominican Republic for $600,000. A 16-year-old right-handed hitter with power potential, Estrella is notable for his size, as he stands at 6'4" and weighs 195 pounds. Though he's played some shortstop and might be able to handle third base, his build suggests that he could end up moving to a corner outfield position or first base.
  • The Orioles signed South Korean lefty Jung-hyun Yoon, Dan Kurtz of MyKBO.net reported earlier this month (Twitter link). According to a report from Yonhap, Yoon was just a mid-round draft pick in the Korea Baseball Organization out of high school, but Orioles scout Choi Eun-chul says the team believes he's already good enough to pitch in A ball. However, the O's plan to start him in the Rookie League. Yoon, who has touched 92 mph with his fastball, says he hopes to emulate the success of the Dodgers' Hyun-jin Ryu. Yonhap's article didn't include a dollar figure for the signing.

Michael Weiner Talks Biogenesis

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4:50pm: Furthering Passan's quote below, Knobler writes that players could be suspended for any number of games. Knobler quotes Weiner: "In theory, a player in the Biogenesis case could be suspended for five games or 500 games." Players will likely be able to negotiate shorter punishments by agreeing to serve a suspension without filing an appeal.

Knobler adds that it's not clear whether or not names will be released prior to the appeals process. MLB feels that a clause in the Joint Drug Agreement makes this possible, but the union disagrees, so the issue could end up going to an arbitrator. MLB will not rush to get suspensions announced prior to the trade deadline and insists that the investigation is not complete. The union maintains that it is not yet aware of all players that MLB will attempt to suspend.

Meanwhile, Shaikin writes that the commissioner's office and the union still need to discuss how to handle an unprecedented amount of hearings in an efficient manner. David Prouty, general counsel of the players association, told Shaikin that hearings are mandated within 10 days of a suspension's announcement, and the arbitrator's decision is mandated within 25 days of that hearing. However, because MLB will be using a single arbitrator, Shaikin reiterates that suspensions aren't likely until 2014 for players who wish to challenge their suspension.

12:12pm: MLBPA executive director Michael Weiner told reporters today he expects Biogenesis suspension announcement discussions to take place between the players' union and MLB within the next month with appeal hearings getting underway "as soon as September" (Twitter links).  Players are expected to be able to play while under appeal.  Meanwhile, Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times hears it is unlikely suspensions will be announced this week.

Furthermore, Weiner explained that suspensions are subject to negotiations with the league office and without an agreement between the two parties, it's unlikely players will miss time in the 2013 season, tweets Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.  The MLBPA chief added that 50-game suspensions may not apply to non-analytical positive results, with the length of suspensions open for discussion, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports tweets.  

Last week, Weiner spoke out against the leaks that have come out in recent weeks regarding the Biogenesis situation.  The most recent leak was a sizable one as T.J. Quinn and Mike Fish of ESPN.com reported that the commissioner's office was planning to suspend Ryan Braun, Alex Rodriguez, and as many as 20 players sometime after the All-Star break.  Commissioner Bud Selig expressed displeasure with the leaks, adding that they "do not come from us."

On a non-Biogenesis note, Weiner opined that the current schedule "sucks" and said that it will be a big topic in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement, Knobler tweets.  The current CBA will be in effect until December 1st, 2016.

Weiner Does Not Expect Fehr To Return

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TUESDAY: While speaking with reporters (including Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times) earlier today, Weiner said that the MLBPA is actively pursuing contingency plans for when he is no longer able to work. While Weiner declined to list specific candidates to be his successor, he did say that he doesn't expect Fehr to return.

FRIDAY: With executive director Michael Weiner's health in question, the MLB Players Association is contemplating the return of Weiner's predecessor, Donald Fehr, reports Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. Weiner, 51, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in August 2012.

Since stepping down as the MLBPA's executive director in 2009, Fehr has been voted the director of the National Hockey League Players Association. Passan reports that it's not clear if Fehr would return to the MLBPA in a senior management or adviser role.

Passan adds that Fehr has shown no inclination to leave the NHLPA and that the MLBPA is considering a number of names as it prepares contingency plans. Weiner is also heavily involved in the current Biogenesis scandal, as the MLBPA works to ensure that each player in the scandal is given a fair appeal. Weiner has issued a pair of statements on the Biogenesis situation, condemning the early leaks of names in the clinic's logs as well as voicing a desire to defend the players and uphold the integrity of the Joint Drug Agreement. Weiner is on his fourth round of cancer treatments, according to Passan's report.

Cuban Pitcher Hinojosa Granted Free Agency

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Cuban righty Dalier Hinojosa received clearance from the U.S. government and has been granted free agency by MLB, tweets MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez.  Hinojosa defected from Cuba in February, establishing residency in Haiti, according to a source.  The Cubs, Dodgers, Red Sox, and Yankees are among the teams that have shown interest in the 27-year-old, Sanchez wrote in June.  Hinojosa is represented by Praver/Shapiro, MLBTR has learned, and he has already showcased his talents for teams.

Hinojosa throws in the low-to-mid 90s with a slider, curveball, two-seam fastball, and changeup, according to Sanchez.  He starred with the Cuban national team, and is a former teammate of Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez.  Gonzalez has also been cleared to sign with MLB teams.  There is no limitation to the contracts these Cuban defectors may receive, because they are at least 23 years old and have played as a professional in a Cuban professional league for at least three seasons.  For the 2014-15 international signing period, that minimum requirement will jump to five seasons.

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