In his latest ESPN Insider-only blog (subscription required), Buster Olney looks at the latest chapter in the Alex Rodriguez saga — a report from the Miami Herald indicating that Rodriguez admitted his PED use to the DEA in January — and opines that the Yankees need to do everything in their power to be free of him. Olney wonders if the Yankees could release or suspend him and invoke the player conduct clause in their standard contract in an effort to legally absolve themselves of the remaining $61MM commitment in light of his confession. Industry perception, Olney writes, is that the conduct clause is superseded by the language in the CBA, but no one has ever really made a challenge using the player conduct clause. And, he writes, the worst-case scenario would be paying him the remainder of his salary while getting nothing in return — an outcome which could happen even with Rodriguez in uniform. Of course, it’s not a given that Rodriguez doesn’t have some productivity left in his bat, but it’s hard to fault Olney for doubting the possible contributions of a 39-year-old who has appeared in just 265 games since Opening Day 2011.
More from Olney’s piece…
- Hanley Ramirez’s strong desire to play shortstop — or the infield in general — will be a detriment to his free agent stock, Olney writes. He suggests that Ramirez announce to teams right now that he is willing to play a corner outfield position, shortstop or third base next season in order to create the strongest market possible for his services. Olney rightly points out that the idea of Ramirez in a corner outfield spot would broaden his appeal to numerous clubs and help to create a bidding war for his services. It doesn’t seem that Ramirez is changing his plans anytime soon, however. As Bill Shaikin of the L.A. Times pointed out today (Twitter link), Ramirez has changed his Twitter bio to read “MLB Shortstop.”
- Olney has gotten indications that the Mets will be aggressive with at least one free agent signing and one trade this offseason, and he lists the familiar matchup of the Cubs as an ideal trade partner. Starlin Castro’s name arises as a speculative target for Olney, though he adds that the price tag could be prohibitive: Jacob deGrom or Zack Wheeler.
- The Giants are interested in working out a new deal with right-hander Jake Peavy following his excellent work for the Giants after their July acquisition. Peavy struggled in the playoffs, but his regular-season work in San Francisco was excellent: a 2.17 ERA (3.03 FIP/3.91 SIERA) with 6.6 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9 in 78 2/3 innings (12 starts).
“Olney wonders if the Yankees could release or suspend him and invoke
the player conduct clause in their standard contract in an effort to
legally absolve themselves of the remaining $61MM commitment in light of
his confession.”
You’d think people would stop wondering this, but nope.
Maybe the word that people should use instead of “wonder” is *hope*?
It seems worth a try. It isn’t as if there is any real risk of damaging the relationship between A-Rod and the Yankees, or fans, or players… or really anyone. And, for the record, I am not an A-Rod hater/defender. I am pretty neutral about the whole thing.
It’s not worth a try. For $61m I’d rather get use of his bat which we need anyway. Unless we can get rid of the last 3 years on his deal, I don’t want to damage the relationship.
That’s a lot of money. I highly doubt it would work though, since he already went through the suspension process that was way far beyond what the precedent was.
Simply cutting him is such a bad idea.
Correct except for the “unprecedented” part of your post. There was no precedent for someone trying to tamper with the evidence. He’s the first and only to do that act, and apparently it gets you a season suspension.
Ryan Braun?
Sorry, circumvent was the wrong word. I meant to use “tamper”. A-Rod was tampering with the evidence while lying. Braun only lied.
Sure, but Braun was given 65 games, and Arod 211. How does that make any sense?
Because A-Rod tampered with evidence while Braun did not.
What’s worse:
A. Lying and cheating
B. Lying, cheating, and tampering
Meh. All of those things are bad. And frankly, Ryan Braun actually maligned a man’s reputation claiming the testing guy was involved in a conspiracy because he was anti-semitic and a Cubs fan. So, both are bad.
Realistically though, if those things aren’t a violation of the conduct clause then MLB owes Pete Rose an apology. Teams have to have the right to terminate contracts for players if the players conduct is unacceptable.
Yes but tampering with evidence in an investigation is obviously illegal and more punishable than Braun’s mostly immoral actions.
Oh, I agree with you. I think both A-Rod and Braun should be at risk for more than a suspension. Especially, the tampering.
Look okay everyone needs to stop worrying. Back in ’07 he was a monster ok. Once his deal was up everyone knew that it was him being a yankee because no other team was shelling out 250+ million. You mean to tell me the Yankees didn’t know at least something? Plus I didn’t hear them complaining when he had a terrific postseason in 2009 and helped them win a title. You want to suspend Arod and cut him now ? Forfeit the title or at least keep an asterisk there. This is their consequence. You don’t just throw money at anyone ok. Deal with it , they payed him their problem maybe this will teach them not to throw the world at every good player that walks into free agency.
This is nothing new. The Yankees have been throwing money at players for over a century. Some pan out and leave a positive legend. Some fizzle out and leave a negative legend. Most are just overpaid and overrated.
” You mean to tell me the Yankees didn’t know at least something?Plus I didn’t hear them complaining when he had a terrific postseason in 2009 and helped them win a title”
Cashman may have known something, which is why he did not want to resign him once he opted out. Also, I don’t hear the Yankees complaining about him. Everyone else is, but honestly the Yankees have taken a fairly proactive approach to the whole thing. I’m not sure what lesson this is supposed to teach, as you suggest. They Yankees weren’t ‘just throwing money at someone’, they were buying what they thought was someone who would eventually be the home run king and one of the best players of all time. And honestly, whats wrong with paying good money for the best FA players? Isn’t it every teams goal to get the best players they can?
not the twins. hiyooo!
Ikr? A-Rod would have to be god awful in order for him to be released. He’s been working out and has his eyes set on the HR record. My only concern is if he can shake off all that rust from a year off, but he should be fine. Just look at how V-Mart is doing after taking 2012 off for knee surgery.
He will be fortunate to hit .265/.270 with maybe 20 HR’s.
Not very cost effective, but that is not an issue with the large market teams.
That is roughly what he’ll hit and honestly it’s not awful. It’s well above replacement level unlike Teixeira.
i’m not willing to trade degrom or wheeler for castro……maybe montero and a gee/niece..
Very much this.
I rather deal Thor. castro is good but he’s not a great defender and supposedly a headache in the clubhouse. There’s been rumors the Mets are interested in Alexie Rameriaz. I rather go after him because he’s a gold glove SS with a very solid bat and won’t cost us that much. If I’m giving up wheeler it’s only for a middle of the order bat like Jose Bautista or Stanton.
get Alexie for SS. Move flores to 2B. Trade Niese, Murphy. gee, Montero for a middle of the order RF or you can deal Thor as well depending on who the player were getting back.
I’ve never read even a suggestion that Castro is a “headache in the clubhouse.” Any source on this?
Who is Montero? And a Gee or Niese? Really? I’m a Cubs fan and Castro has a VERY VERY team friendly contract and has the most hits for a SS since his rookie season, if not all of the NL. Plus if you come asking for a player, the price will be steep or we just won’t trade.
Well if you did your research youre talking about a top 10 prospect in a very deep farm system in montero, a pretty good left handed pitcher with a VERY reasonable contract in Niese and a good middle of the rotation arm in Gee. For a team that needs pitching as bad as the cubs it sounds pretty good.
Most Cubs fans (myself included) acknowledge that Castro can be maddening at times. That being said, he’s a 25 year old, 3x All-Star, with a well above average bat considering his position.
The Mets certainly have desirable prospects (including the ones you outlined), but if the Cubs were to trade a guy as young and proven as Castro, they would need a TOR pitching prospect in return. If that’s too much to ask, then there is really no point in continuing the discussion.
Jed Hoyer has been on the record a number of times saying “Castro is our shortstop”. I don’t understand why people don’t believe him. BTW, not trying to sound like I’m talking down to you (or anyone else), I’m just baffled by all this.
Agreed. Starlin is nearly two full years younger than DeGrom averages nearly 3 WAR per year and is on a VERY friendly contract while playing a premium position. DeGrom is the starting point for a trade.
The Cubs aren’t in the mode of shedding established MLB players for a top ten prospect anymore folks. So Montero & Gee/Niese doesn’t cut it Mets fans.
Finally a reasonable Cubs fan. I dont think I, most mets fans, or Sandy Alderson would want to give up a TOR level package for Castro but hes definately a great SS. I dont think wed want him so bad if he wasnt. I just dont think trading Wheeler or deGrom is exactly something we like to think about.
For sure. If the tables were turned, I would be very reluctant to give up TOR prospects for anyone, especially a guy with well documented “mental lapses”.
If I were in a position of power with the Cubs, the only middle infield player I would even consider trading (to any team) is Javier Baez. There is a lot of potential with him (even more than Castro), but there is also a high bust risk (as we saw with his crazy high K rate).
I personally love the thought of Castro and Addison Russell being the middle infield of the future (regardless of which position either is playing).
It’s okay we don’t want him
That’s where Cubs fans are mistaken. Castro’s contract is NOT team friendly. It’s long term but is paying him more than he would have made through arb. He’s tied up for $43 million, he’s not elite, and he has a $16 million option in 2020. That’s high pay for a 3 war player. Josh donaldson is a 5-6 WAR player and he’ll likely make less than that when arb kicks in this year. Castro’s contract could easily turn into an albatross, esp if he does a repeat or 2 of 2013
$ per WAR range from $6 to $7 million depending on who you believe so $16 for a 3 WAR player is actually below market. That’s in TODAYS $$$, what will 2020 $/WAR be?. That $16M is a TEAM option with only a $1M buyout. So $44M guaranteed over the next 5 years averages $8.8 for a 24 year old that is currently averaging 3 WAR per year = a VERY friendly team contract.
On the Cub side….we wouldn’t take Montero and a Gee/Niece. Castro = DeGrom or Wheeler. When was the last time you had a real shortstop?
If youre talking about the Mets we had Jose Reyes not that long ago. Pretty sure he was decent
In other words, you’re only interested in a deal if it’s ridiculously lopsided in favor of the team you root for.
Cubs have enough money to pick up FA pitching, they dont need to make trades to get it. Whoever wants Starlin, is going to have to PAY to get him… just sayin
Then you won’t be getting Castro. I’m not a Cubs or a Mets fan, but I can tell you that no team will get a young SS who has already accomplished what Castro has on the MLB level and has a team-friendly contract through his most productive years by talking only about players named Montero, Gee and Niece…I mean Niese. I mean, maybe if you have a hot niece in her 20s who might service Theo Epstein that might help, but if you’re talking about the serviceable Jon Niese, that won’t be enough. The Cubs can get impact players for Castro.
Not a chance the Cubs do that. Gee and Niese are highly overrated
Niese has a 6.2 career WAR in 7 seasons, 5 of them as a starter, 3 of them with 30 starts. His ERA+ for his career is only 96 and he’s only had a WAR over 2 just once
Gee has a career ERA+ of 93, has never reached 100 in any season except 2010 when he started a grand total of 5 games, and has a career WAR of 5.4 in 4 full seasons, surpassing a 1.0 WAR only Once.
i know that a lot of cub fans are ripping gee and niece saying ”their not that good” but remember one thing my friends…..NEITHER are the mets..
the mets never hit….had these two guys had a little bit better production they probably win 18 games each…..but i guess will see when they get traded.
Under no realistic circumstances should the Mets consider trading Wheeler or deGrom especially Wheeler. Hes one step away from being a star and i personally think he will be better than harvey degrom or thor in the long run. But i trust Sandy not to be so crazy.
One step from being a star is generous for Wheeler. He is a solid middle of the rotation arm at best currently until he irons out his command issues.
Exactly. Command issues= 1 step. If youve ever seen him pitch or read what just about any scout has to say about him you know hes more than a middle of the rotation pitcher.
That’s a large step. Witnessed too many of his starts with 4+ walks.
Yeah but i think its a step he can overcome. Most pitchers have worse bumps in the road in the beginning of their careers.
But there is no guarantee that it is something that ever gets soled.
Command is one step from star? That’s awesome! I’ve never thrown a baseball in my life but I just need command and pitches so I’m two steps from stardom!
To be fair Wheeler throws 98 MPH, was drafted out of HS and is 6 foot 4. Those types can be late bloomers and command is usually the last skill to develop.
At least Wheeler has legitimate star potential. deGrom, not so much…
dude he hasn’t even pitched 2 full yrs….give him a brake.
Harvey was a cy young candidate as a rookie. Wheeler better than harvey would be hard to believe.
Harvey also just had Tommy John and has had his fair share of off field issues.
I don’t think Castro is going anywhere. To be honest I’m more comfortable trading Baez over Castro. Baez can hit dingers but Castro can hit 15-20 while having around a .280 batting average
Agreed. I’m not high on anyone who has that swing and miss potential.
Would you say Arismendy Alcantara for Rafael Montero is fair? He started as a SS, and I haven’t seen anything as to why he wouldn’t be able to go back.
Baez isnt going anywhere. its proven he struggles when he moves up. the cubs will give him a full year to see if there is improvement. The cubs are so high on Addison russell he will be the cubs future ss. with Castro’s contract make him more valuable. i would like to see Starlin stay in cubbie blue, i just dont see it likely. Whoever wants him is going to have to pay BIG.
Exactly. Baez has a TON of potential, but Castro has actually proven himself in the majors. Addison Russell might not be as flashy as Baez, but he should be much more consistent, which is far more valuable IMHO.
I would package Baez, Almora, Vogelbach, and Eloy Jimenez in an offer for Cole Hamels. Not sure if that would be enough, but that would solve the “log jam” in the infield, and would get the Cubs their ace.
Saw a post in r/cubs yesterday offering Alcantara, McKinney, Vogelbach, and Travis Wood.
Logically, I think that makes sense – Alcantara is redundant with Castro/Baez/Russell in the mix. Vogelbach has a lot of upside, but will never take the 1B job from Rizzo. McKinney is roughly the equivalent of Almora, but Almora was developed in our farm system and is more familiar with our coaches. Travis Wood is a Major League starter who’ll have no place in the Cubs’ rotation if they trade for Hamels.
I’d rather hold on to Jimenez – he’s ostensibly part of the third wave of talent that will sustain this team into the future.
agree 100%
I’d hire Hanley Ramirez to play 3B. I know he’s not the best but at least he isn’t Middlebrooks. His bat definitely makes up his defensive shortcoming. Ramirez at SS though? No way.
i would give up wheeler, degrom’s control is superb., castro is ready for the big lights of new york
Agreed. As a Nats fan. From what I’ve seen on the opposing side Wheeler seems like the least sure thing of your young arms. Haven’t seen Syndegaard pitch, so I can’t comment about him. Hopefully, Harvey responds well from his TJ. It took Strasburg some time after he returned to fully recover.
I agree. Only problem with trading Wheeler for Castro is that it will likely cost more than just Wheeler to obtain Castro. Still worth it though.
Wheeler and maybe a 5-10 system prospect. That may be generous though.
Might be generous but then the Mets have a 3.0 WAR SS for the next six years on a team friendly contract. I’d take that deal, especially with the way the Free Market is/has been for SS.
The Mets would be smart to trade for Castro or A. Ramirez if they could unload Murphy. Put Flores at second where he hits better and plays better defense. I think Ramirez would be better because his defense is a bit stronger. If it takes Murphy and Montero I’d be down if they threw in another hitting prospect as well.
I have not heard a Murphy for Cespedes trade scenario. Trade fills need for both teams. Both have 1 year left. Murphy will slot into 3b and immediately become a fan favorite in Boston with his Irish charm and blue collar mentality. Cespedes will satisfy the mets fans “need for power” even thought he hits .230.
You need to go back and read any red sox post on here that deals with cespedes. There are about 10 mets fans that keep saying this and a army of red soxs fans that say no.
I think Starlin Castro is somehow both underrated and overrated at the same time. He’s underrated in that at 24, he’s accomplished lots – leading the league in hitting and being a three time all star. He’s overrated because his defense is really starting to erode his value. Even still…he’d be a boon for the Mets (depending on the deal).
The better deal for both teams might be Syndergaard for Russell. For all their potential, neither have done anything on the big league level and could both bust. As a pure baseball fan, I would love to see a true high end prospect for high end prospect deal.
That’s certainly an intriguing trade…
Personally, I like Wheeler, I think he may really break out next season and live up to his billing as a frontline starter.
Russell may well be the Cubs best shortstop, but he still has some development ahead of him. The Mets probably want a ML-ready SS if they are going to trade away pitching like Syndergaard or Wheeler.
I think the Mets like Wheeler too. He was arguably Alderson’s first good big move – so while they may spout analytics, everyone’s human…and that to me means Wheelers has extra sentimental value to them as well as he could be very good. As for Russell, it would be a big enough coup that I think the Mets could wait half a season (or more if needed) for him; besides promoting Herrera and Russell mid-season would be like trading for two high-impact guys for a stretch run. Anyway, it would be interesting Syndergaard for Russell…just not sure it’ll be happening.
lol…the Mets would jump all over a Russell/Syndergaard trade. Let’s see, a top-10 overall prospect at a premium position for a pitching prospect who dealt with arm problems and had a 1.48 WHIP in AAA.
Looking at Degrom’s numbers did he develop a new pitch or something this year. His numbers were mostly just average until this year then pitched great in the minors and the bigs.
There were a number of things that changed for him. This year, all of a sudden, he was throwing much harder, by 2-3 mph on the fastball and slider. In addition, he finally learned to throw a curveball. Last year, he rarely (if ever) used it, and when he did, it was big and loopy. He worked on it with Dan Warthen, and reintroduced it mid-season as a new, tight, and very effective curve.
Yes, He credits Johan for teaching him a change up and showing him how to work on it on his off days. I believe it was something like throwing it with the same hand position during his long toss sessions. That pitch alone has made him a very good pitcher…atleast for last year. Im still not positive if it continues into his 2nd year after teams are on to him now. But, a lot of experts really like him
Degrom / Wheeler / Syndergaard for Chris Taylor?
The player’s union would immediately come to the defense of A-Rod, and the overwhelming majority of MLB players would come to his defense. It has nothing to do with liking him; it has everything to do with liking themselves. Under no circumstance do they want the “morality clause” used to overturn a contract. Talk about a MLB version of Pandora’s Box. It would be quite fun though to watch, because not only would A-Rod have to defend himself, but so would Bud Selig, MLB, the NY Yankees and basically all teams that not only supported, but encouraged PED use over the years. Nothing to lose? Lots to lose. If the Yankees were to go down that path and lose (which they would), A-Rod is not just suing for his contract. No one is clean here.
I can change my Twítter bio to read “MLB Shortstop”.
It doesnt mean i should be allowed to play there either.
It s blatantly obvious, the media s main objective this offseason is to rid MLB of Arod.. If they re successful, who will they target next??? It s nothing but a power play… They re regurgitating stories, to drum up hatred for the guy.. As a Yankee fan (and not a big Arod fan), I hope he comes back, gets on whatever N Cruz was on, and has a H/E/L/L of a year, and drives these elitist snobs, nuts!!!!
A-Rod devil
Jeter angel
LOL!!! Media= Devil s Master..
AROD will have the same problem as other AL hitters. Starting pitching has improved a lot across the league in the past two years. With all his faults he is fiercely competitive and may surprise if he can stay healthy.
Crawford is owed 100 mil and is on the way down. At least Andrus has youth on his side and a better attitude.
Decrom for Baez seems fair??
no way baez is a big risk. He couldn’t make enough contact last year