Some items about notable names on the open market….
- Mike Napoli received some interest from the Mariners earlier this month, though one club official tells Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune that Napoli “doesn’t fit” into Seattle’s roster plans. The M’s intend to give Dan Vogelbach and Ben Gamel a clear shot at the regular first base and right field jobs, with Danny Valencia the top choice to spell both against left-handed pitching. Guillermo Heredia, Richie Shaffer and Taylor Motter are also in the mix as right-handed bats to platoon with Gamel or Seth Smith. (Dutton’s piece was written before the Mariners acquired yet another right-handed hitting outfielder in Mitch Haniger from the D’Backs.) With all of these platoon pieces on hand and Nelson Cruz getting the bulk of DH at-bats, there just isn’t room for Napoli. Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto said earlier today that he is happy with his club’s position players and will now turn his focus to adding starting pitching.
- Could Colorado native Mark Melancon return to his home state in a Rockies uniform? Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post has serious doubts, as the Rockies have been burned on big pitching contracts in the past and the team would have to outbid several big-market teams in need of a closer to land Melancon’s services. Making the signing, on the other hand, would show that the Rockies are serious about contending with their current core of talent, and Melancon would obviously be a big upgrade for a Colorado bullpen that struggled last year.
- Ben Revere has long been considered a non-tender candidate, and Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com still thinks that will be the case, it isn’t out of the question that Revere returns to the Nationals. Zuckerman points out that Revere was bothered by an oblique injury for much of the season, which likely contributed to his career-worst .217/.260/.300 slash line over 375 plate appearances. While Revere could very well bounce back if fully healthy in 2017, I would guess that the Nats would only re-sign him for a backup role or even a minor league deal.
If the nationals non-tender Revere , the angels could sign him real cheap
And were would he play?
he can play in left, him and maybin can platoon, plus he is a speed guy.
Maybin is a speed guy as well…..
*where
LF. Maybin will likely be on the DL for half the season.
Very true! CM will be on the DL the vast majority of the season.
Okay, and?
I am sure your that Angel fan that wants Napoli back as well. If anything at least the Halos would have 1 player on the team with personality.
I would like Napoli back but it wouldn’t work because him and Scioscia wouldn’t get along
Dude has to much personality to be an Angel is why. What team wants a fun clubhouse? For sure not the Angels. Party at Napoli’s!!!!
He could be a cheap option for the Tigers with Maybin gone, and perhaps JD Martinez as well.
He would play center and they could trade Mike Trout finally
While I consider him a breakout candidate, I think Heredia is in another uniform next season. Possibly Oakland. He seems expendable in Seattle and if given an opportunity, he could be a very strong outfielder. Hit tool is promising, love the defense, love the plate discipline, as will the A’s. Plus there’s a clear need in the outfield there.
Or he’s an easy RH option bounce around the OF type of guy.
…. so what you are saying is Sonny Gray to Seattle?
I wish, if there’s a way to make it happen without giving up any top 10 prospects, but I don’t think that happens.
Napoli could be a good fit in Colorado. They need a first baseman, and he would benefit from the thin air out in Denver.
Melancon is one of the better home run suppressing pitchers out there, maybe that could play well in Colorado.
But the Rockies need about 15 more WAR to their roster this off-season to even be in the conversation with LAD and SFG
Beyond his hometown ties, I have a hard time seeing Melancon and Colorado as a fit for each other. With his repertoire (almost exclusively Cutter/Knuckle Curve), his success has been heavily reliant on spin and late movement. Coors Field seems like a poor choice of destination for that to play over a full season.
Wonder if another team like the Cardinals would have interest in Revere?
revere is best to wait out free agency
the fowler runner ups will come calling.
if I was the blue jays I would consider bringing revere back. cheaper option than fowler in LF, knows a good chunk of the room knows the field and brings a speed and left handed element the Jays lack.
I’ve been saying that for about a month now. Revere would add a new dynamic and much needed speed to a slow, HR heavy Jays lineup.
I’ve advocated St. Louis looking into Revere as a bounce back player but haven’t gotten much agreement. Still under 30, put him back on natural grass. Team that needs a speed upgrade and a reason to move Carpenter to the middle of the order. He has graded well defensively over the years. 2 years, 13-17 mill to let him rebuild his reputation on a team likely to challenge for playoffs. Seems like a great fit. Keeps the future open for Bader, Sierra. I’d rather spend 4th outfield money on someone with speed and defence than all or nothing moss like last year.
unfortunately the cardinals probably aren’t gonna get him they’re probably gonna go after bigger players like Dexter Fowler :(, Ian Desmond, or maybe Carlos Gomez
Cubs need to sign Jansen or Melancon. Trade for a controllable pitcher for 3 or more years. Only if they don’t think Arrieta will stay. I think he will stay. He’ll settle for 5 years with a 6th year option
Jansen? Yes. Melancon? No. And if love to see Revere help spell Almora in CF. probably no room though
The Tribe is one step further to resigning Napoli. Teams need to keep dropping out!
I could see a reunion between Revere and the BlueJays
Interested to see what Seattle do with pitching trades. There are both high and low options available.
JeDi seems to successfully trade very young players for current Major Leaguers, keeping the farm from being depleted and having future pieces such as Tyler O’Neill, Luis Gohara, DJ Peterson, A-Ajax and Kyle Lewis.
He did scare me with the Gohara for Cozart rumor at the trade deadline. I am not sure that would have been a good trade, trading Walker for Segura seems to be a better one if he continues his O. I am not sure Gohara has the ceiling Walker has but I also am not sure Walker will hit it either. I am interested to see how it pans out. Not getting my hopes too high Bavasi and Z taught me not to do that.
“Ben Revere has long been considered a non-tender candidate, and Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com still thinks that will be the case, it isn’t out of the question that Revere returns to the Nationals.”
Is there a word missing here?
I just interpolated a “while”, we know what he’s trying to say
No
Revere will fit right in with the Jays Upton, Pillar !
Then why didn’t they keep him? Haha
Go cheap, get Revere, and save money for the back end of bullpen!
I think it’s hilarious that any professional baseball writer would waste time with an article about the Rockies signing Melancon.
it’s speculation, which tends to be pretty popular during the offseason
Ya don’t say
Melancon said he sees Colorado as a possible destination