Agent Scott Boras has told interested teams that Denard Span will be available for workouts after the New Year to show that he’s healthy, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com (Twitter links). Crasnick added that the Mets, Orioles, Royals, Giants, and Padres could all be fits for the veteran, but it’s not clear how much interest each of those clubs have.
At his annual Winter Meetings scrum, Boras was asked by a reporter if Span could wind up signing on as someone’s fourth outfielder. After three seconds of silence, Boras tersely said “Next!” and moved along with his Q&A session. He also rejected the notion that Span might settle for a one-year deal rather than a multi-year pact. It’s still hard to see Span winding up as anyone’s reserve outfield option, but one has to wonder if Span is going to get the kind of deal he envisioned for himself a couple of months ago. At the outset of the offseason, MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes projected that Span could net a three-year, $39MM deal. Lately, however, there hasn’t been much chatter surrounding Span.
The Nationals and Mets have both been linked to Span, though Washington wants to feel comfortable with Span’s health before offering up a deal. Span, who is coming up on his 32nd birthday, has been excellent when healthy, slashing a combined .301/.358/.421 over the past two seasons with 42 stolen bases in 943 plate appearances.
Boras really wants him to be an everyday outfielder
I don’t see why anyone would sign Span as fourth outfielder. When healthy he is a well above average center fielder. His problem is staying on the field. If anything I would want to have a good 4th outfielder behind Span to play CF when he is on the DL.
Not saying he shouldnt be a 4th outfielder. I think he plays really well when healthy.
What does a workout mean when you can’t predict a healthy full season from him?
He’ll be holding out a tin plate and a sign next week. Great work ur doing there Boras. Keep it up!
Every time I see numbers like this I think how lucky the Pirates got in extending McCutcheon when they did at the price they did.
That 13mil projection for Span is exactly what Cutch will make this season
The Tigers really do not have a leadoff hitter. Span would fill this need at a reasonable cost. He could slot in as the LF, in Comerica’s huge OF. This would move Maybin to a CF platoon with Gose. It would be so nice to have base runners on for Miggy, Victor, and JD to drive in.
What you say seems logical, Avila will never go for it.
I always liked Span, remember a lot of triples into those Comerica gaps from his days with Minnesota. He’d be perfect for the Tigers if he’s healthy. Comerica’s LF is bigger than most, playing a corner spot might be a bit less wear to help him stay healthy, and he can mentor Gose. He’s also been a pretty solid lead off hitter.
Have to admit that his health is the main concern, and its not like the Tigers to sign someone with such risk. However, they are now shopping the bargain bin, and since they are taking a chance with Pelfrey being healthy, maybe its time to take a risk with their outfield as well.
Really? Because Victor Martinez had missed an entire season just a couple of years before free agency and his free agent contract was to start at 36. Span’s will start at 32 and he has not missed an entire season. Span has started 361 games the past 3 years, Martinez had started 310 in the 3 years prior to free agency.
Angels better be in this.
When I think about the decrepid span getting 13 mil per yr I am glad my team got heyward because he can play a full year for his 23 mil per span will be a guy that maybe plays out 2/3’s of his contract if he has nothing major happen to him. If the cubs didnt get howard, fowler is a much better option than span.
heyward not howard
Recency bias much? Dude played full seasons the two years before this last one.
And wouldn’t it be funny if the Cubs signed him?