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Doug Fister Looks To Rebound With Astros

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This winter, Doug Fister’s free agency lasted longer than most.  The right-hander was linked to a number of teams but, after waiting things out, he inked a one-year, $7MM deal with the Astros which could reach $12MM through incentives.  After an exceptionally strong 2014, Fister followed up with a disappointing 2015 which saw him relegated to the bullpen in Washington.  At the outset of free agency, observers really weren’t sure about what kind of deal Fister would land.  The pitcher says he had no idea, either.

Doug Fister (vertical)

“No, I really didn’t know what kind of contract I would get.  I kind of took the mindset that would all take care of itself,” Fister said after tossing a pair of scoreless innings in his 2016 Spring Training debut.  “I have a great agent [Page Odle, PSI Sports Management] and I leaned on him…I realized that I’ll just be where I’m going to be and I’m truly blessed to be a part of this clubhouse.  We’ve got a great team.  I can’t stress that enough.”

Fister drew varying degrees of interest from teams like the Mariners, Yankees, Marlins, Tigers, and even today’s opponent — the Phillies.  The Astros came to Fister with the right contract, and they also sold him hard on spending a year in Houston.

“I spent some time on the phone with [manager] A.J. [Hinch] and [GM] Jeff [Luhnow],” Fister explained.  “I got to know them more on a personal level, and it was almost like a job interview, really.  But they have that desire to win.  They have that fire.  The guys here got a taste of the playoffs last year, and they want to get back there.  They have that fire, that desire, and that’s what we play this game for.”

Last season was surely frustrating for Fister, but he termed the rocky year as a “learning experience.”  Ultimately, though, he refuses to complain and he says that he is embracing the challenge of reasserting himself as a starter this year.

After several strong years in Detroit, he enjoyed one of his best seasons with the Nationals in 2014.  Unfortunately, injury issues slowed him down at the outset of the season, but he performed better when he was moved to the bullpen.  The 32-year-old has a singular focus on getting back to the starting five, but after last year’s experience, he knows that he can pitch in relief again if he is ever asked to do so.

“Every starter has a routine, and I had to kind of break that up and tell myself that I have to pitch every day,” said Fister.  “I told myself that if the time comes later in my career where I have to pitch out of the bullpen, I know that I can do that.  At the same time, I know that starting is in my heart and that’s where I wanted to be this offseason.  It’s only two weeks into the spring but I’m definitely where I want to be.”

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

AL Notes: Bautista, Indians, Kimbrel, Nava, Heredia

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Jose Bautista’s asking price in an extension has been a source of controversy, and MLB Network’s Peter Gammons echoes reports indicating that Bautista sought a six-year contract in asking for a new deal with the Blue Jays. Gammons spoke to Bautista about his rigid training and diet routine, exploring his ability to defy aging curves thanks to acute physiological self-awareness and in-depth study of said aging metrics. “I am preparing to defy those aging curves by my strict adherence to physical, mental and nutritional routines,” Bautista explained in discussing his desire to play into his 40s. “When I missed time (at 31) with hip problems, I changed everything. I studied, I learned about my body, and how to keep it at peak performance levels, and how to maintain it. … It is about discipline and diet and strive for physical and mental states that defy aging. I love a good steak; I cannot eat red meat. There are a lot of things I love, but I cannot be who and what I want to be and eat and drink them.” As Gammons writes, Jays president Mark Shapiro is somewhat cut from the same cloth — seeking to instill that awareness of conditioning and physiological intellect throughout the organization.

A few more notes from around the American League…

  • Terry Francona’s proficiency in managing platoons will be tested early in the regular season, writes MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince, as the Indians attempt to make due with a patchwork outfield mix while Michael Brantley recovers from shoulder surgery. With Abraham Almonte suspended, Cleveland could lean on a combination of Rajai Davis, Collin Cowgill, Lonnie Chisenhall, Joey Butler, Will Venable, Robbie Grossman, Shane Robinson, Michael Choice and prospects Tyler Naquin and James Ramsey — there will be no Austin Jackson signing or Jay Bruce trade, Castrovince reaffirms — none of whom necessarily profiles as an everyday option.
  • Tim Britton of the Providence Journal chronicles a foot injury suffered by Craig Kimbrel at 18 years of age that helped transform him add more than 10 miles per hour to his formerly unimposing fastball. Kimbrel dropped 12 panels of sheet rock on his left foot while working with his father, an electrician, thus resulting in nearly a semester wearing a cast. During that time, his coach at Wallace State Community College began a unique throwing program to build arm strength in Kimbrel, which involved him throwing from both knees. Kimbrel and coach Randy Putman both explained to Britton that the program isn’t for everyone, and Kimbrel’s flexibility and athleticism made him uniquely suited for the unorthodox exercises. When healthy enough to pitch, Kimbrel’s stamina was also impacted by missed time with the foot injury, thus prompting a move to the bullpen — a role in which he has excelled ever since.
  • Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com and Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register each profiled the nearly unfathomable route that Daniel Nava took to the Major Leagues in a pair of columns this week. Angels fans that are unfamiliar with their new left fielder’s obstacle-ridden road to the big leagues will want to explore the 33-year-old’s journey from equipment manager of his college club to indy ball player that was signed by the Red Sox for one dollar to 27-year-old rookie that turned the first Major League pitch that he saw into a grand slam. Gonzalez notes, in fact, that Hollywood producers have contacted Nava to inquire about making a movie out of his journey, though the new Angels outfielder says he has no intention of entertaining any such inquiry while his career is still going.
  • The Mariners will likely send recently signed Cuban center fielder Guillermo Heredia to Class-A Advanced or Double-A to begin his professional career in the U.S., writes MLB.com’s Greg Johns. As Johns points out, Heredia hasn’t played in a game since 2014 due to the lengthy nature of his defection from Cuba, so the club is prepared for some rust that will need to be shaken off. Heredia spoke, through an interpreter, about his excitement for the opportunity to take the next step in his pro career and also explained that the presence of countryman Leonys Martin (who, not coincidentally, shares an adjacent locker) will help to ease his transition. Heredia has known Martin since the two were both in Cuba, and he’s already begun soliciting Martin for advice as he works toward a big league career.

Injury Notes: Brantley, Matusz, Loup, Gardner, Rodriguez

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Spring Training is still young, but we’ve already seen a rash of injuries, with Brett Anderson going down for three to five months due to back surgery while a pair of AL Central outfielders — Jarrod Dyson (link) and Cameron Maybin (link) — could each be out up to six weeks. Here’s a look around the league at some other injuries that could potentially carry roster ramifications…

  • Indians left fielder Michael Brantley has “flown through” his rehabilitation from shoulder surgery, manager Terry Francona told reporters, including Cleveland.com’s Zack Meisel, on Wednesday. Brantley’s next step is to hit in a batting cage, and from there he’ll progress to full batting practice, per Francona, who said he doesn’t think Brantley will need to be out as long as the initial projections that pegged him for an early May return. While Francona notes that there’s still a significant progression required before Brantley is game-ready, the general feeling surrounding his return appears to be optimistic in nature.
  • The outlook on Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz, however, doesn’t appear as rosy; manager Buck Showalter told reporters that the reliever would undergo an MRI, and his return to action isn’t imminent (links to Twitter from MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko and MLB.com’s Britt Ghiroli). As Ghiroli notes, the club expects to know more on the status of Matusz tomorrow.
  • Blue Jays lefty Aaron Loup is also ailing, writes Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet. Loup is experiencing tightness in his left forearm and could be headed for an MRI, though the next steps in his rehab aren’t yet known. “He threw today and didn’t feel real good, so they’re going to check it out,” said manager John Gibbons.
  • Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner isn’t expected to play in spring games until after March 14, MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch writes, as he’s currently dealing with lingering effects from a deep bone bruise in his wrist suffered in the American League Wild Card game last season. Gardner faced live pitching on Wednesday after taking the winter off from hitting, Hoch notes, and while everything went well, he’s still behind the rest of the club’s outfielders. However, despite the fact that his spring debut will be delayed by a couple of weeks, Gardner should have enough time to get up to speed for the regular season, in the estimation of manager Joe Girardi.
  • Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez suffered a dislocated right kneecap earlier this week, but the team hopes to have him ready for Opening Day, writes Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald. “There’s still a little bit of swelling in the knee, but he’s improving to the point where we’ll put a ball in his hand today and he’ll begin a throwing program on flat ground that will be shortened distance,” explained manager John Farrell, who also noted that while Opening Day is the goal, Rodriguez will “be out there when he’s out of danger.”

Charlie Manuel On Phillies’ Rebuilding Process

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The rebuilding Phillies have just two players left from their 2008 World Series Championship team — Ryan Howard and Carlos Ruiz.  They’re not the only members of the organization that were in the dugout then, however; former manager Charlie Manuel is now serving as a senior advisor to the General Manager — a job that keeps him involved and plugged in as the team looks to continue its rebuilding process.  The overhaul has left the Phillies with an exceptionally young club, but that’s not unfamiliar territory for Manuel. Charlie Manuel (vertical)

“When I was with the Twins in 1986 and ’87 we had some young players.  We had [Kent] Hrbek, [Gary] Gaetti, [Kirby] Puckett, and all these young guys that turned out to be real good players.  This group of guys is something similar to them,” Manuel told MLBTR in a one-on-one interview in Clearwater, Florida.  “When you look at this group, we’ve got a lot of talent.  These players have a lot of tools.  We can go first to third, we can go second to home, but we still have to develop ourselves as hitters to be able to be regular players at the Major League level.  And, when it comes to young pitchers, we got so many that some of them have to be good.”

Manuel is particularly impressed with the team’s young pitching and pointed to Aaron Nola, Jerad Eickhoff, and Jake Thompson as “big arm” pitchers that can be future stars for the club.  Part of Manuel’s new role with the team will be to help identify the next crop of amateur pitchers that can blossom into impact players.

“During the season, I go to all of our minor league teams and help evaluate players,” the World Series winning manager explained.  “Also, when Spring Training is over, I’ll get involved in the amateur draft and I’ll check out some of the top guys, guys that are going in the first through fifth rounds.  After the summer, I’ll pick up some Major League scouting and key in on some free agents.  I’ll also be in Philadelphia up in our box as a part of our own in-house evaluations.”

In 2008, Manuel’s Phillies won 92 games on their way to an National League East crown and, of course, a World Series title.  This year’s Phillies aren’t a popular pick for the postseason, but the 72-year-old ex-manager doesn’t think it’ll be long before we see the Phillies in the postseason again.

“I think a few years from now, you’ll see us where the Astros are,” Manuel said as he gestured towards the visiting dugout. “They backed up and made a lot of good draft choices and look at how good they are now.  That’s what we’re hoping to do.”

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Cameron Maybin Out Four To Six Weeks With Fractured Hand

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Tigers outfielder Cameron Maybin will be sidelined for the next four to six weeks due to a non-displaced hairline fracture in his left hand, manager Brad Ausmus told reporters, including Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press (Twitter link). Maybin was hit by a pitch in yesterday’s Grapefruit League opener, leading to today’s injury news.

Maybin, 29 in April, was drafted by the Tigers with the 10th pick in the 2005 draft but traded to the Marlins in the Miguel Cabrera blockbuster back in 2007. He bounced from Miami to San Diego to Atlanta before being reacquired by the Tigers this offseason in exchange for relievers Ian Krol and Gabe Speier. Detroit’s subsequent signing of Justin Upton to a six-year deal shifted Maybin to a timeshare with the left-handed-hitting Anthony Gose in center field. With Maybin now doubtful to open the season with the club, Gose could see an increased role early on in the year.

Maybin struggled for much of his tenure with the Marlins and Padres but had somewhat of a rebound with the Braves last season, batting .267/.327/.370 with 10 homers and 23 stolen bases. His career splits don’t necessarily make him an ideal platoon partner for Gose, but Gose’s extreme struggles against fellow lefties (career .202/.256/.269 batting line) make Maybin’s .241/.298/.347 slash against lefties seem more appealing. Maybin is slated to earn $8MM this season — $2.5MM of which will be paid by Atlanta — and the Tigers hold a $9MM club option ($1MM buyout) over him for the 2017 season.

Beane: Athletics “Exploring” Extension With Josh Reddick

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Athletics president of baseball operations Billy Beane says that his organization is “exploring” a new deal with outfielder Josh Reddick, as Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM tweets. Last we heard, late in February, the sides had not engaged in talks about an extension.

As things stand, Reddick is set to reach free agency after this season. He is playing on a $6.575MM salary in his final arbitration campaign. Reddick has also made clear that he doesn’t wish to continue talks into the season, so there are only a few weeks to try to nail down a pact.

The 29-year-old has accumulated a lengthy track record of solid production at the plate, compiling a .255/.317/.441 slash line with 83 homers since the start of 2011. Other than an off 2013, he’s been a fairly consistent contributor when healthy.

A significant piece of Reddick’s value has come from his glove; at times, he has registered as an elite defender, per leading defensive metrics UZR and DRS. He has trailed off more recently, although that could conceivably be a sample blip or off year rather than a trend.

Both sides have previously expressed interest in continuing the relationship into the future, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll see eye to eye with Reddick nearing the open market. He’s a difficult free agent to predict at this point, but could conceivably earn a big payday with a strong all-around 2016 season. Meanwhile, Oakland could choose instead to dangle a qualifying offer after the season or even put Reddick on the block this summer if things don’t break right.

Podcast: Evan Grant On Rangers; Bradley Woodrum On TJ Surgery

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Jul 11, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) catches a fly ball hit by Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (not pictured) during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY SportsToday’s MLBTR podcast features two great guests. First, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News hops on the show to fill us in on an upbeat Rangers camp. The topics include the signing of Ian Desmond, what Texas might do with its ample depth, whether there are any trades to explore this spring, and the extension situation with veteran third baseman Adrian Beltre.

Next, host Jeff Todd is joined by Bradley Woodrum to discuss his recent statistical research into predicting the likelihood of Tommy John surgeries. You can find the post on his findings right here on MLBTR, and Brad’s podcast discussion is essential listening for those interested in understanding it fully. He provides an excellent look at the process, the results (including what they do and don’t tell us), and what still remains to be investigated.

Click here to subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, and please leave a review! The podcast is also available via Stitcher at this link.

The MLB Trade Rumors Podcast runs weekly on Thursday afternoons.

Peter Bourjos Eager For Fresh Start With Phillies

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In December, the Phillies added to an already stacked outfield mix when they claimed Peter Bourjos off waivers from the Cardinals.  The outfielder’s time in St. Louis was not terribly memorable and many pointed to his lingering hip injury as the culprit for his struggles.  However, Bourjos says it was something else keeping him from playing his best with the Cards. Peter Bourjos (vertical)

“I think it was more just being in and out of the lineup.  It was tough getting into a rhythm,” Bourjos told MLBTR in Clearwater, Florida on Thursday. “That’s the role I was in, that was the role I accepted, and you just try to do your best with it.  It’s tough coming in and facing the set-up guy or the closer in pinch hit at-bats.  It’s tough to get something going.”

Because of his inconsistent playing time, it was no surprise to Bourjos when he was exposed to waivers in the offseason.

“I didn’t really think I’d be back there, just because of how things played out down the stretch.  I think I had three or four starts in the second half of the year.  I didn’t really have a lot of at-bats.  You can just kind of see the writing on the wall, that they had a lot of good young outfielders coming and it probably just wasn’t going to be a good fit,” said Bourjos.

Realizing that he wouldn’t be back with the Cardinals, Bourjos and agent Curtis Dishman huddled up to discuss potential landing spots and which teams would make the best fit for him.  With the potential for significant and consistent playing time, the Phillies were “at the top” of his personal wish list.  General Manager Matt Klentak told MLBTR back in December that his familiarity with Bourjos from their shared Angels days played a role in acquiring him, but the outfielder says that the Phillies have actually had interest in him for years, dating back to the Ruben Amaro-led front office.

It’s easy to see why the Phillies would have coveted Bourjos for so long.  In 2011, the defensive wizard made a name for himself in baseball when he slashed .271/.327/.438.  Now on his third big league team, Bourjos is determined to make the most of his fresh start.

“Whenever I’ve had consistent at-bats, I’ve played pretty well, and that goes back to 2013.  The at-bats were consistent, but I got hurt.  I was playing pretty well up until that point.  It’s about getting out there and being consistent in the lineup.  It kind of goes both ways, I have to prove that I can do that.  I can’t get off to a bad start, I have to prove that I belong out there.”

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Brett Anderson To Undergo Back Surgery, Out 3 To 5 Months

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Dodgers lefty Brett Anderson is set to undergo surgery today on a bulging disk in his back, MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick reports (Twitter links). Anderson is expected to miss three to five months.

The news comes as a major blow to a Dodgers organization that has rolled the dice on several starters with injury questions. Anderson accepted the team’s $15.8MM qualifying offer at the outset of the offseason, returning on a one-year deal after his first healthy season in recent memory.

This won’t be Anderson’s first procedure for a bulging disk, as he underwent a similar surgery late in 2014. He’s missed time with other maladies before and since, of course, but his back health will now be an even greater question than it had been previously.

While there’s still hope that Anderson will contribute to the staff this year, that doesn’t mean the loss won’t tell. Fellow lefty Hyun-jin Ryu is still working back from shoulder surgery and has experienced some soreness. Brandon McCarthy remains a ways off from returning from a Tommy John procedure. Even the team’s newest MLB additions — Kenta Maeda and Scott Kazmir — are pitchers who have long-term health questions. Likewise, righty Frankie Montas, who profiled as a young rotation possibility as the season progresses, will miss time with rib surgery. (All that after the team blew up a prospective deal with Hisashi Iwakuma over the results of his physical.)

All that being said, it isn’t as if the club is hurting for options. Alex Wood now looks like a good bet to open in the rotation, where he’s had plenty of past success (despite coming with his own questions given his unusual delivery). Mike Bolsinger and Carlos Frias had their moments last year. The oft-injured Brandon Beachy is back on a minor league deal. Just-signed Cuban free agent Yaisel Sierra could potentially factor in, as could a variety of rising prospects including Jharel Cotton, Chris Anderson, Zach Lee, and top prospects Jose De Leon and Julio Urias.

Anderson, who only just turned 28, turned in 180 1/3 innings of 3.69 ERA ball last year, more than justifying the risk taken by Los Angeles. Indeed, he was even better than his results by measure of xFIP (3.51) and SIERA (3.46). But he hadn’t even logged 100 frames in a single season for the four preceding years, leading to questions about how his market would develop and aiding his decision to accept the QO.

The talented southpaw will, hopefully, have an opportunity to re-establish his health at some point later in the 2016 season. He could well provide a significant boost at that point, as might McCarthy, and it’s entirely possible that the Dodgers will have plenty of options down the stretch. As things stand, though, he’ll have to battle through another tough medical setback. Needless to say, both his future earning outlook and the possibility of the team benefiting from making a second consecutive QO have taken a hit.

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