In a lengthy and interesting piece, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times looks at the potentially fractured relationship between the Mariners and Michael Saunders following some comments made by GM Jack Zduriencik at an end-of-season press conference. Asked at the time what he felt about Saunders’ future with the team, Zduriencik said, “…It’s up to Michael. … He was playing well, got hurt, came back, got sick, came back again and did some nice things. But I think what Michael has to do and has to answer this to himself, is ‘how do I prepare myself to play as many games through the course of 162 that I can possibly play without being setback by injury.’ … some of these things need to be handled from a maintenance standpoint where he put himself in a position where he’s able to compete through the course of the season.”
Divish spoke to Saunders himself, who declined to comment on the situation. Saunders’ agent, Michael McCann, said it was both “shocking” and “very disappointing.” Said McCann: “These comments don’t reflect Michael Saunders’ work habits. They imply that that he’s lackadaisical.” Part of the trouble, Divish writes, is that Saunders had never before had his work ethic or preparation questioned by the Mariners, and to have that done in a public forum was hurtful. Zduriencik clarified that the comments he made could be applied to any player, and he was adamant to Divish that the organization is not planning on moving on from Saunders. However, he has previously identified corner outfield as a potential area to add some offense. Divish speculates on an offseason trade, though he also notes that even if Saunders is pushed to the role of fourth outfielder, his low salary (he should earn less than $3MM via arbitration) would be an acceptable price for that role, especially given his upside. Over the past three seasons, the former top prospect has batted .248/.320/.423 with 39 homers and 38 steals. I should note that Divish’s entire piece is well worth the read, as this brief write-up doesn’t capture nearly all of the quotes and information he compiled.
Here’s more from baseball’s Western divisions…
- The Diamondbacks should give strong consideration to moving one of their young shortstops if it can bolster the rotation, writes the Arizona Republic’s Nick Piecoro. The Snakes finished the season with Didi Gregorius, Chris Owings and Nick Ahmed all on the roster, but no room to play all three of them with Aaron Hill being owed $24MM through 2016 and prospects Jake Lamb and Brandon Drury both looking like third base options in the near future. (Lamb already received a taste of the Majors in 2014.) The team seems to view Owings as the best of the bunch, given his greater offensive ceiling, but both Gregorius and Ahmed have value to other clubs. Piecoro spoke to rival executives about each shortstop, with one stating that while Gregorius might not bring back “a Matt Harvey or a Jacob deGrom,” he could be worth someone such as Rafael Montero of the Mets. Another evaluator told Piecoro that his club actually prefers Ahmed to Gregorius, so both could seemingly have good trade value.
- Though he’s been a popular managerial candidate this year, Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo will not be interviewed by the D’Backs for their own managerial vacancy, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe (Twitter link). Lovullo interviewed with the Astros prior to their hiring of A.J. Hinch, he’s already interviewed with the Rangers and will reportedly interview with the Twins as well.
- Padres executive chairman Ron Fowler tells Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union Tribune that they have “definitely expanded our international focus under [new GM] A.J. [Preller].” Lin examines whether or not that could mean a legitimate run at Yasmany Tomas, though as he notes, that would be an unprecedented move for the Friars. In fact, last season’s signing of Joaquin Benoit to a two-year, $15.5MM contract was the largest free agent expenditure in franchise history, Lin points out. The largest contract in franchise history, he adds, is Jake Peavy’s old three-year, $52MM deal. Tomas could cost double that amount, but the Padres have just $40.5MM committed to next year’s payroll, and the $90MM Opening Day figure from 2014 could rise, ownership has said.
- After losing hitting coach John Mallee to the Cubs, Astros GM Jeff Luhnow spoke highly about Mallee’s work to Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle. Drellich points out that Mallee deserves some credit for the success of Jose Altuve and Chris Carter in 2014, although skeptics could also point to the strikeout problems some of the other team’s young hitters had. Luhnow said he hopes to have a finalized coaching staff in place by month’s end, and as Drellich notes, only pitching coach Brent Strom is a guarantee to return at this point.
A deal the Mets would have to make.
No way. Moving one of the top pitchers in the organization for Didi Gregorius? Sure, the Mets have a surplus of young starters but why would they need to move one when his value is low?
Gregorius would not be a big upgrade over Ruben Tejada. He’s an unproven hitter at the big league level and essentially, the only reason TO acquire him is that he is not named Ruben Tejada and at one point was considered a top 100 prospect years ago.
I’d much rather pry Chris Owings (I know that’s not possible) away or even Nick Ahmed. But for Didi, the biggest pitcher I’d want them to give up would be a guy like Mazzoni.
True, Gregorius’ unexpectedly good performance at the start of 2013, which is out of place with the rest of his career, has led people to believe he is a significant talent.
While Gregorius can play SS very well, it’s becoming increasingly clear that he is a liability with the bat. He does have power to hit 10+ HR, but that means nothing if he can’t get a hit at all.
I can’t see giving up a legit starting pitching prospect like Montero for someone who represents a mild upgrade (if that) over Ruben Tejada.
His biggest upgrade would be defensively. First preference for me is Machado, (though I doubt he is moved) then it would be Alexei. Everyday SS are costly in terms of dollars or prospects. I am still high on Montero but in a 1 for 1 deal I don’t know who else he would warrant.
The Snakes should keep all three of their young shortstops trade Aaron Hill for a top three starting pitcher. Now up the middle infield you have Didi, Owings, and Ahmed.
Best you’d get for Aaron Hill would be Edwin Jackson or trading yourself for Bronson Arroyo.
Or they could trade for the rights to Dan Uggla’s buyout. At least then they’d only be stuck with paying $13M for 2015.
Yankees, Blue Jays, and Nationals. Although I think Toronto and New York would be most interested in Aaron Hill’s services
Not really. Yankees already have Martin Prado. No need.
Hill was a huge disappointment in Toronto. Do you even know he used to be on the team?
yes and I’d take another look at his stats while with Toronto he had some career years there.
He’s also vastly overpaid and was sent away after being a huge disappointment. The Dbacks are going to need to eat a ton of money wherever he goes.
Eric, Aaron Hill was once called a top 5 second baseman in the game and he’s only 32. If Toronto went after him I see R.A. Dickey for Aaron Hill and pitching prospect Charles Brewer who is more of a finess pitcher who will still get the occasional strike out with 5 years of control.
That would be a good trade Scott. They Diamondbacks need pitching and Hill is just holding back younger players with potential. I’d still see about trading Didi or Ahmed for pitching. If they got Dickey and another decent starter they’d be well on their way to fielding a more successful team.
Toronto chased Aaron Hill out of Canada, we were pretty sure this was made crystal clear when we traded him for the bag of balls we call Kelly Johnson.
Eating all of Aaron Hill’s contract is a must if the Diamondbacks want to get anything significant or really any return at all.
Yankees would have a tough time pulling off any trade for Hill, however, I think Hill would look great in pinstripes!
You’re severely over valuing Hill’s worth. No one wants him.
Padres contending days will soon come. Especially if they can sign a guy like Tomas. If
he’s all that everyone says he can be.
Jack Z makes the classic Kevin Towers mistake of airing his dirty laundry to the media. Simply unacceptable. It’s one thing to think it and to say it behind closed doors. But this statement is not going to make him any friends with the clubhouse. He’s lucky this is at the end of the year and not the beginning. Bobby V learned that the hard way.
Did the Mariners improve this year?
How does Phil Jackson get the most out of so-so basketball players?
The Mariners’ record has nothing to do with this. You don’t criticize your players to the media. That’s a surefire way to bring problems into the clubhouse. Jack Z put together a good team, which makes it all the more sad when he’s unable to follow basic procedures like this.
Phil Jackson and others have done it with great success.
Maybe the problem we don’t see is that this player is soft and has ignored past interventions regarding his work habits. We don’t know.
As for “problems in the clubhouse” – yes, when when players get used to a country club environment such as the Red Sox have had most of the past 35-40 years, those players will take offense at statements like this.
What Phil Jackson did before he became a household name is irrelevant to Jack Z, Mariners, and baseball as a whole. That was a different time period. Stuff like this doesn’t fly anymore when everything that gets said to the media is accessible for anyone to see.
The Red Sox thrived under Francona, a players manager, who never badmouthed his players to the media even when they deserved it. It’s no surprise that hot heads like Bobby V get sent packing wherever they go.
Don’t air your dirty laundry is something everyone should live by. That sort of behavior only belongs on The Real Housewives, not in baseball.
You are correct Ben, those “country club team’s” in Boston that have won 3 of the last 10 ten world series’ have been such a bother with their sensitive nature.
I agree, Jack Z does not deal with success well. Its like as soon as he gets to say he’s right on a couple things he gets drunk with power.
I’d do Montero for Owings or Ahmed but for Gregorius? No thanks. Not that any of them posted an OBP above .300 this season but at least you get some speed with Owings or Ahmed.
Ahmed and Gregorius are good defenders, but for a team with offensive issues, like the Mets, to take on such players, the offensive floor has to be higher. I agree that these players are not worth Montero.
Owings would actually be a perfect pickup for the Mets in this deal, which allows them to keep their most highly regarded pitchers. I’m not sure if that’s enough for Owings.
Niese, Montero & Plawecki enough?
Wow! You’d have to think the D-Backs would take that deal, especially since Plawecki is himself a very good position player at a scarce position. I wonder if Montero + Plawecki or Niese + Plawecki would be enough.
I hope these are conversations Sandy has had or will have in the coming months.
In my opinion, none of the DBacks infielders mentioned in this article are difference makers for a contending team. I just don’t think you make runs to the palyoffs and World Series with those guys in the starting lineup.
Really going out on a limb to say that Gregorius wouldn’t bring back a “Matt Harvey type”.
To Saunder’s defense, in interviews and in dolling out playing time, McClendon often treated him like a red headed step child…the guy has serious tools and may thrive with a change of scenery.
Agreed, Saunders has plus talent and it’s just a matter of time before he is producing big time. Have noticed his tools for a few years now. If the Mariners let him go before he turns it on, Jack Z will have another bad transaction to add to the list.
Saunders doesn’t even need a change of scenery to thrive. All he needs is his health, something that the Mariners should be cool with letting play out. If an upgrade presents itself, by all means, ship Saunders off. But the organization seems to be dismissing Saunders simply because of health. There’s never been questions about his work ethic, and Z actually does seem out of line here, and I’m one of the biggest Zduriencik supporters left.