The late Jose Fernandez would have been eligible for free agency this offseason, a concept The Athletic’s Jayson Stark explores (subscription required) in an outstanding remembrance of the former Marlins ace. Fernandez emerged as perhaps the top young pitcher in all of baseball over 471 1/3 innings with Miami from 2013-16, and he would’ve reached free agency as a 26-year-old, the same age as Bryce Harper and Manny Machado this winter. Assuming Fernandez had continued his dominant pace, agent Scott Boras had visions of a $400MM deal for his client. Miami had already offered to sign Fernandez to an extension prior to the 2015 season, and even though Fernandez was coming off Tommy John surgery, he rejected that $40.7MM in guaranteed money to bet on himself — a sign of the self-confidence that had both positive and negative effects on Fernandez throughout his life. Stark’s piece includes comments from a wide range of former teammates, coaches, and Marlins personnel about their memories of the star right-hander, who had already become a Miami baseball icon at the time of his tragic passing on September 25, 2016.
Some items from around the starting pitching scene…
- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts provided an update on Clayton Kershaw to reporters (including MLB.com’s Ken Gurnick), saying that Kershaw had a five-minute game of catch for the second straight day. “Clayton said he let it go about 80 percent and he felt good, he felt strong,” Roberts said. “Tomorrow we’re going to stretch him out some more as far as length and intensity. In talking to him today, we’re pretty encouraged.” Kershaw was shut down last week due to shoulder soreness, and the Dodgers will continue to take it slow with their ace southpaw.
- The Dodgers are taking a similar path with Walker Buehler, who has only been throwing on flat ground since tossing a single bullpen session during the first week of spring camp. There isn’t anything physically wrong with the young righty, Roberts said, as Buehler is simply being “slow-played” in his ramp-up to the 2019 season as a nod to his increased workload last year. Between the minors, the MLB regular season, and the postseason, Buehler tossed 177 innings in 2018. It was a vast increase for a pitcher in just his third pro season, especially considering Buehler underwent Tommy John surgery in 2015 and tossed only 98 total innings in 2017.
- There hasn’t been much reported progress in contract talks between the Mets and Jacob deGrom, and according to the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, “the word circulating is specifically [Mets owner] Fred Wilpon” has some hesitation about extending the right-hander. As Sherman points out, if the elder Wilpon has concerns, they wouldn’t be unjustified — deGrom turns 31 in June, has undergone a Tommy John surgery in his past, and is already controlled through the 2020 season. (Plus, the Mets have been burned on several pricey contracts in recent years.) Sherman proposes a possible extension that could satisfy both sides; a four-year deal covering the 2020-23 seasons for $124MM in guaranteed money, plus a vesting option for 2024 that pays deGrom another $10MM in a buyout, and up to $31MM for 2024 if the option vests.
- Michael Pineda tossed two scoreless innings and threw 18 of his 26 pitches for strikes in an outing against the Red Sox today, his first time facing MLB hitters since July 5, 2017. He threw between 93-95mph, matching his old fastball speed, though Pineda told The Athletic’s Dan Hayes and other media that “I’m not focused on the velocity. My goal is to be healthy and get some focus and be back. And be Michael Pineda, back like he used to be.” Pineda underwent Tommy John surgery in July 2017, and his hopes of a return in 2018 were dashed after he suffered a torn meniscus. After signing a two-year, $10MM deal with the Twins in the 2017-18 offseason, Pineda is making positive steps towards being a contributor for Minnesota this year.
Kershaw is still a great pitcher but it seems like he might be better suited as a #2. He killed it in game 2 of the 2018 NLDS. Less pressure might help his post season confidence.
does it really matter where he pitches in terms of the regular season?
It does. Going against most teams #2 should give him a pretty good season. Hopefully leading to more confidence in the post season.
But he wouldn’t always be facing the other teams #2 pitcher, with other teams having days off, other pitchers getting injured, etc. the schedule gets mixed up to where he can be facing any pitcher (1-5/6) in the oppositions rotation.
When someone has a limited understanding of the game of baseball.
Mets… please let Degrom make it to free agency. I’ll take him if you don’t want him.
Fernandez’s death was truly a earth shattering day across the league and all of sports
Yup, truly sad. Maybe if he knew how to control his emotions he would have chosen not to take drugs, drink alcohol and drive his speedboat at break neck speed in the middle of the night because he had a tiff with his girlfriend. Maybe if he made better choices he wouldn’t have killed his two friends and changed so many lives with his selfless actions.
Exactly what I came here to post….
The victims families don’t remember him as fondly. If he was driving a car, he would be vilified, but he gets a huge pass because it was a boat…. for some reason
They weren’t forced onto the boat, they signed their waiver the second they got on. It’s not like he hit a sober persons boat.
I don’t think he gets a pass or anything… people just don’t bring up those negative facts as much out of respect for the fact that he died
I agree tigersfan1320… but as you can see above your comments, there are 3 sh ! T hedz who don’t care for much respect.
His death was definitely earth shattering to Marlins Fans and Miami community
One of the deceased was related to one of my coworkers. They were shattered. Jose was stupid. It’s a hard lesson. Just because you are superhuman on the mound doesn’t always translate everywhere off the field.
It was a terrible loss and a terrible waste of three talented young men.
Why is everything so either/or in America right now? It can be earth shattering to baseball and the city of Miami AANNNDDDD you can also be pissed at him AANNDD sad/mad for the families.
Not controlling his emotions on the field is why baseball fans everywhere loved him, and why he was one of a kind. Otherwise, we would have been watching another Kluber.
Not controlling his emotions in life may have been what got them killed. Easy for us to say. But we’ve also never been a 24 year old Cuban defector who lived a life we can’t imagine before getting to the United States.
The deaths of Janis Joplin, James Dean, Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Paul Walker, Ryan Dunn, Heath Ledger etc. are no less sad to their industries because they made bad choices. In many cases, their choices make it more sad.
well said
It’s a tragedy for all involved
Hey Thor etc.-Do you read before you post or are your eyes fixated on looking at yourself in the mirror.
You speak of choices that he made without regard for the accepted studies and principles regarding addiction.
Time to climb off your soap box and come down to reality that for people who have this disease your comments are shallow and unacceptable.
Mike Yank only comments if it’s a Mets post or he likes to post about comments by guys who are Mets fans.
The bottom line Mike is the guy got loaded and drove a boat. Was he an addict or was it an isolated incident because he got into a tiff with his girl. I’d like to think if he was an addict MLB would have picked up in it.
Either he was a junkie who killed other people or he was a emotional guy who lost control of his emotions and did something stupid. Bottom line is he’s dead and so are his friends.
When reached for comment Wagon Wheel had no comment and Mutt and Jeff laughed at you
You have proven dummy to be able to sink to new lows with your ignorant attitude on this post. “You would like to think that if he was an addict MLB would have picked up on it,” You are dumber than dumb. Its not about what you would like to think stupid. Its about the fact that baseball reflects society in general. and drug addiction is still. a. major problem.
Bottom. line is there is NO NEED to add flaming comments. about people. who are. sick or. dead. You. may want to educate yourself on this subject rather than just running your mouth.
Everyone on this site, no matter what team affiliates thinks that your vile mouth has stench like feces. Its. time to start using Listerine to wash out your foul mouth.
Wow, you’re triggered
Says the dude who spews hate with almost every comment he types…
I wasn’t there to witness the ‘tiff’, and know nothing of it’s foundations.
But I do know, … the longer a couple is together, the better they learn what buttons to push during a disagreement.
Hmmm…..earth shattering? Geez, you don’t hear that phrase very often. Then again, I guess it was earth shattering to those who lost loved ones in an accident that could have been avoided.
Just say no to drinking and driving any type of vehicle. And no to drugs, of course.
Only time I’ve ever cried reading this site.
Boras has done absolutely nothing for Fernandez’s family since his death. David Samson and Jeffrey Loria have helped that family so much.
Have they done anything for the families of the 2 guys Fernandez killed? Honest question, not trying to be a jerk.
I don’t know if they have but the suit has been settled.
I live in Miami and have a lot of friends in the know. Those 2 men were there to take his money. One was a banker and it’s confirmed the other friend told him you have to come down and meet Jose hes drunk you can get him to invest. They got on that boat with greed in their hearts. No one deserves to die. Jose was hurt I won’t go in to the rumours to why he did what he did but I’ve been burned and gone on a bender. This one killed them. But none were saints.
I am devastated BEYOND! Is that what happened. He was upset by being burned??? Omg by who?? Who would hurt Josè?
Megfree, you still don’t understand.
Someone doesn’t understand so they ask a question. Crazy concept.
This is the first I’ve heard of this story. Is there any sites you can recommend for further reading?
That’s some crazy hollywood chit right there. I had no idea, I guess I just left it at a young guy did something crazy and paid the ultimate price
Stick a fork in Kershaw.
If you did it will probably be sent back quickly at 95mph with sink.
95? Lol, not even close. More like 90/91.
I’m amazed at how much everyone likes to talk trash about Fernandez. I looked through some of Ken Rosenthal’s twitter responses and it made me sick. As someone who used to do tons of drugs, and drive drunk as often as driving sober, all I can say is some people are lucky, and some aren’t. I doubt he even knew what was happening, it’s not really you making decisions when you are blacked out. It might not make any of it right, but I understand.
So you think he was blacked out when all this happened? I know there is no proof of that but that’s one huge assumption you are giving him.
He’s talking about the “Blacked Out” that comes from excessive drinking and/or drug us……I think. It doesn’t mean that he’s unconscious.
Still, it’s a ton of speculation.
But everyone needs to stop with the Nasty Comments.
Oscar T’s GF said “He’s Got This” to several people before they drove away. She knew he was hammered and chose to get in the car. They all begged her to not get in the car, and for both to stay where they were. Both laughed and said it would be fine (yes, I know someone who was there).
She posted an instagram pic moments before the accident. Neither had seat belts on..
Passengers aren’t always as much of an “innocent victim”….as they are “participants”.
Why didn’t the other two guys make Jose slow down?
Why didn’t one of them drive?
Probably……most likely…….because “They Were All Having Fun” until the boat hit the “Jetty with no lights on it”.
It’s Called “An Accident” for a reason.
They are all dead. Let them be.
I understand what you mean and I don’t entirely disagree but Jose was being completely irresponsible. As a big leaguer he should be held to a higher standard. He was to be at the ballpark in the morning with his teammates. It’s an obligation under a contract for all of them. Especially having an opportunity like that after the struggles he endured. Not every player gets that chance at the majors making millions. That standard must be honored and respected at all times.
You are right. However how often does life play out that way? Seems like all the money and glory makes them feel invincible… Seems like a lot of athletes behave this way
That’s a pretty ridiculous way of looking at it. You completely contradict your entire point of saying he behaved irresponsibly when you say he lived a life of a million struggles. Someone earlier posted that you have zero idea what he lived through and saw and zero clue what ACTUALLY happened that day.
What’s even more laughable is the fact that you think athletes need to be held to a higher standard because they make more money. How about the entire league in the 80s? How about the Mets roster with Doc, Strawberry, and Lenny Dykstra? Do you crucify them, or they get a pass because they didn’t kill someone else in their stupidity?
And for the record, I’m someone who grew up with a ton of this around me. I don’t tolerate people who make the decision to step into a vehicle under the influence because they very easily make it a gamble on somebody else’s life. That doesn’t mean that you can’t be sympathetic for the situation and the effects that result.
Think of it as being on ‘auto-pilot’.
I think Stark’s framing of “oooh how much MONEY would he have made??” totally dehumanizes a person’s life and that’s way more offensive than anyone going off about how drugs are bad. Stark is trash for this. No one should be caring one iota about a dead mans earning potential or potential financial worth. Gross.
Amen
Hmm… yeah DeGrom is not taking 4 years lol
deGrom is ecstatic at the recent news of Harper signing and old man Mutt not wanting to extend. He should impose an innings limit to stay healthy and go directly to free agency.
When asked about the Sherman post, deGrom commented, “Does anyone believe Joel Sherman? All that he writes is his wishful thinking. Don’t get me wrong, I’ m now happy if it comes true.”
When asked what. he. and his agent are. planning, deGrom indicated that “I asked my agent to stop on the way to meeting me to pickup. some cheesesteaks at Gino’s. That should give you. an idea of where are heads are at.”
Dude, we waited and all you gave us was Mutt?? Not even a full Mutt and Jeff? Or a Wagon Wheel? Come on, your fans were waiting…..
Correction, “fan”
Correction and congratulations!. You’ve been issued a new identity that reflects your posting persona:
DumberThanDumb
Still can’t believe the Mets have haters thanks for helping us become legit
However dawg—where are all the Mets fans who were banging their fists on their chests when they traded for over the hill Cano?
It seems like every year the Hot Stove enthusiasm depletes. Last year they were raging through late April and disappeared in the May swoon.
What’s the over/under for this season?
Here’s a Flushing Fact question that dopes like dummy can’t refute:
Name the Met’s $100 million plus signings:
Carlos Beltran, Johan Santana, David Wright and Yoenis Cespedes
Here’s another Flushing Fact:
Which player spent the a majority of the contract on the DL?
Come on dummy. Time to do some research and then add your corrupt rationalizations to each deal.
Freddie & Jeff… you need to let go of the pain from previous signings and “love” again. You need to set a realistic budget for your team payroll and let baseball people handle the decisions within your budget.
Stop haggling with ballplayers by email on who will pay for the collect call to negotiate a contract. Gomez was appalled yesterday about your ALL CAPS insistence that he pay for the call.
Remember the salmon meal Curtis Granderson said he paid when he negotiated his contract with the Mets?
Hey Sargent-the pain of previous signings was self inflicted. Without a long term commitment they are forced to alternate
long droughts with contests to piss money away as fast as they can.
They are in love with their fantasy that Mets fans love them, when only the submissive ones who love pain do.
So the drought from last year was offset by the dumbest trade to inherit old man Cabo’s contract.
Do you realize that at the conclusion of Manny Machado’s recently signed contract, he will be as old as Cano is RIGHT NOW? So Metsies you are getting 5 older years than the Padres ever will.
And don’t bring up Ellsbury with old news. Baseball had different accepted principles back 5 years ago. Get with the program of 2019 and there were ZERO other teams interested in lazy Robbie.
The Mets have got too much family (brother in law Sol Katz, etc), and too many cronies (“TC is at the head of the list) on the payroll. They have zero clue about what they are doing.
Mike, I am your fan. You didn’t drop any Mutt and Jeff’s or Wagon Wheels.
Do you comment on anything else besides Mets stuff? Either Mets articles or comments by Mets fans? You really are giving people the vibe that you’re a butt hurt former Met fan.
If you’re going to troll, be a real troll…. like me and spread the wealth. Either that or seek therapy for your Mets addiction. It’s ok if you changed sides. Sports teams don’t need over sensitive fans anyway. Stick to the Yankees. You deserve each other
I didn’t change sides dope. I’m not addicted to the Mets. I get simple enjoyment into pointing out how feeble the Mets’ franchise is as a way to predict. the. future. And you can’t deny that my predictions. have been coming true. in the feeble Wilpon era.
You are not a troll dummy. Even trolls have brains. You are just an angry pervert with a lonely life who wastes money on Mets’ tickets.
Keep posting to show everyone how easy it is to get under your skin.
Rumor has it, Degrom wants to join the Phillies with Trout!
Ok, I’m dreaming, but not on the Trout part! Basically a guarantee at this point. Degrom is not going to want to face that lineup, DH or no DH.
Nice to see Michael Pineda looking like he’s back on track. Good luck to him this season.
RIP Jose. What an awesome player and person that guy was. A hitter too
Why don’t I see you praising Andrew Gallo? (the drunk driver that hit and killed Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart back in 2009) That’s basically who Jose Fernandez was.
Anyone else here never make a mistake their entire life? Or is there only one guy?
Driving a boat while drunk and high on cocaine isn’t a mistake. It’s a choice.
So making that choice wasn’t a mistake? Got it
Oh yeah, I remember the time I “mistakenly” drank a bunch of alcohol and then did a bunch of cocaine and then drove a boat! Oh wait, I didn’t do that. No one does!
Again, why don’t I see you praising and defending Andrew Gallo? How was what he did any different than what Fernandez did?
For real. Why are people still talking about Jose Fernandez? He was a murderer plain and simple
Your anger may be misplaced here.. It is possible to be a good person and make a horrible mistake
The crusade should be against binge drinking for sport. So many people make the mistake that Fernandez made. It’s sad and preventable. This is where our efforts would make a greater impact
Driving a boat while drunk and high on cocaine isn’t a mistake. It’s a choice. And I doubt it’s the first time he made that choice.
So many people drive boats while drunk and high on cocaine? Certainly no one I know. Fernandez was scum and the Marlins should be doing everything they can to distance themselves from him.
Not here to debate Jose Fernandez, however the one thing that isn’t debatable is his death was a massive setback for the Marlins. They had a very good core prepared to win in 2017. Now they’re still picking up the pieces, so to speak, that can take them into contention after 2020. I believe Stanton would still be a Marlin, as would Yelich and Ozuna. Even Gordon.