Tim Healey of The Hardball Times paints a fascinating portrait of an oddball deal in a deep look at the Red Sox’ 2006 re-acquisition of catcher Doug Mirabelli from the Padres. Truth be told, I don’t have any observations on the piece other than that it demands to be read and is well worth your time.
Here are a few notes from the AL East:
- MLB Network’s Jon Heyman tweets that while he believes Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista would take less than his reported asking price of more than $150MM over five to six years, he doesn’t believe Bautista would entertain any offers for less than $100MM. Bautista’s alleged asking price was the source of a great deal of controversy in Spring Training, and while $150MM+ doesn’t seem particularly realistic, he would probably have a strong case for $100MM on the open market this winter. Bautista may be 35, but he’s been remarkably consistent since his 2010 breakout and is off to a strong start, batting .247/.394/.519 with four homers and an AL-leading 20 walks drawn.
- In other extension-related news, the Rays have not seriously engaged with center fielder Kevin Kiermaier about a deal over the last several months, according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation (Twitter link). Nevertheless, Tampa Bay has given some indication of interest at some point. The 26-year-old seems like the type of player the Rays would target for a bargain contract, as he had only accumulated 1.131 years of service entering the season and is a glove-first player whose on-field value may not translate particularly well into arbitration earnings. Even if he can’t replicate last year’s magical season in the field, he seems like a good bet to continue as a solid asset for years to come. While it seems unlikely that the sides will get anything started in the near term, last year’s Juan Lagares extension looks like as good a comp as one could hope for. Lagares was the same age and featured a similar profile, though he was much more certain at the time to reach Super Two status (and, it’s fair to note, has done less with the bat in his career).
- Even after adding veteran Wandy Rodriguez, the Orioles continue to stay in touch with righty Kyle Lohse, Dan Connolly of BaltimoreBaseball.com reports. As we’ve heard previously, Baltimore has made an offer to Lohse but, obviously, has yet to reach agreement. It’s still not clear what the 37-year-old is prioritizing in deciding upon a club with which to attempt a bounceback, but the O’s rotation certainly seems to offer a reasonable likelihood of opportunity over the coming months.
I was actually at the game where Mirabelli made his return. One of my favorite times in Fenway ever. Also I’m fairly certain it’s the only time in baseball history when a back up catcher appeared he was met with a standing ovation. Meredith at the time was considered a potential closer. But even so he was well worth the price to get back someone experienced enough to catch Wakefield.
Doug Mirabelli also has a very unique distinction in Giants history. He is the first player to hit a triple in a game at (then) Pac Bell Park in “Triples Alley” — the distinct 421-foot right-center power alley. He did this in the first Spring exhibition game there (which I attended). I had always hoped that since it was so quirky that a slow-footed catcher was the very first to hit a triple in competition there that it would be known as “Mirabelli Alley”. The name didn’t catch on and only the very diehard Giants fan will know what you mean when you refer to it as “Mirabelli Alley”.
Call me crazy, but If I’m the Rays, I would maybe think about shopping Kiermaier. I know, I know… Rays fans are probably too happy with that idea. But hear me out. The Cardinals traded Shelby Miller and Tyrell Jenkins for Heyward, a Gold Glove OF, with offensive potential. Kiermaier is sort of the same, in a general sense. The Angels traded Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis for Andrelton Simmons. Like Kiermaier, Simmons is a Gold Glover with offensive potential, but still not a great hitter.
My point is, the Braves got three really good prospects, (and MLB ready talent), for players who were average offensive players, but elite defensively. Given Kiermaier is 26, and the Rays may not compete this year, I wonder what interested teams would give up for him? Controlled for another 4 years, and has the potential to hit for power and has speed. Add in his G.G defense, his value would be worth exploring.
Also a selling point could be that this upcoming offseason doesn’t have a good selection of hitters, and the acquiring team wouldn’t have to dish out a big contract to get Kiermaier. The Rays probably really want to keep him, but why not take advantage of a trend?
It amazes me the Rays don’t use their main chip, Longoria, to get some added bats. They have a nice player that teams know is their “go to” guy that could probably provide a haul of young bats and positional players to go along with their deep arm talent.
Ex, reuniting him with his former manager in Chicago or his former GM in LA might result in 3 really good young players.
Longoria seems to be on the backside of his career. Not bad numbers the last few years but hardly the big producer he was the first few years.
The Cubs have no use for him with Rizzo and Bryant at the corners. And Longoria made remarks that he was done with Maddon’s club house antics. Plus, there would be no reason for the Rays to trade away a proven asset for minor leaguers who haven’t proven anything on a major league field.
Silverman is operating a different way than Friedman did. But he still operates trades the way they have before. Trade from a position of power. They don’t have too many top notch offensive prospects, but have a glut of pitchers. This could probably be one of the reasons we never saw them make their trade this off season with the Cubs.
Trading major leaguers for prospects hardly seems out of character for the Rays.
Why in the world would the Cubs trade for an infielder? Do you really think Longoria and his contract are a fit? That is an expensive utility guy. Either that or blocking the young talent they are so excited about up there.
You are totally right (re both the Cubs not needed longoria and the value Epstein/Maddon put on chemistry and clubhouse).
Theo/Jed have been amazing at how they have built the 25 and 40 man rosters and ‘not’ touching (other than starlin Castro) their prospect pool.
With the Cubs (hopefully) drafting low for years to come, theo/Jed understand the importance of being diligent, short term smart and long term smart with the prospects (I do think they will make a move before 8/1, but they won’t give up (3) for anything (unless we are talking a Kluber, archer or sale kind of controllable top of rotation kind of pitcher)
(I think) from a position player perspective, they can get most anything they need from a ‘older veteran’ (i.e. Lower cost) perspective … I would look towards how the Cubs match up against the mets (pitching), Washington, Pittsburgh (hitters) and St. Louis (hitters/starters (Martinez/wacha/Garcia)) to identify what gaps the Cubs might want to close