As spring training games continue and we inch closer to the 2021 season, let’s check in on a couple of notes from around the game…
- Veterans Steve Cishek and Steven Souza Jr. are working to make the Astros’ roster out of camp, but their chances took a hit yesterday with the signing of Jake Odorizzi, writes the Athletic’s Jake Kaplan. Cishek would make a $2.25MM salary were he to make the team, while Souza would earn $1.15MM. The Astros very much prefer to stay under the luxury tax to avoid the worsening of the draft pick compensation they might receive if Carlos Correa, Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, or Lance McCullers Jr. are offered (and decline) a qualifying offer at year’s end. While the terms of Odorizzi’s deal are not yet known, it’s likely to take them close to the $210 luxury tax threshold.
- With Adam Haseley on the injured list and likely to miss opening day, Odubel Herrera has jumped into pole position to be the guy in center when the season starts, per Matt Breen of the Philadelphia Inquirer. He was an All-Star in the grass in 2017, but an 85-game suspension under the league’s domestic violence policy in 2019 derailed his once-promising career. Said manager Joe Girardi on Herrera’s chances to make the team, “We’re not allowed to punish anyone more than what MLB did. If Odubel doesn’t make the team, it would be what we would consider probably a lack of performance or we’d be more comfortable with getting a few more at-bats. That sort of thing. He’s in the running just like a lot of other guys.” The 29-year-old fell off dramatically after posting a 107 wRC+ from 2015 to 2017. He has not appeared in a big-league game since May 2019.
I’m hoping Moniak can take CF
He’ll have to slip Herrera a Mickey first.
Lol
Aren’t the Phillies trying to stay under the cap? That would be tough if Odubel makes the team ($6.1m).
I think he still counts towards the tax threshold either way
correct. he was outrighted after that rule was changed.
Thanks to the Red Sox and the Diamondbacks stashing Rusney Castillo and Yasmani Tomas in the minors so they wouldn’t count towards the luxury tax. Phillies on the hook for Herrera either way so if he’s producing they might as well just let him play
He already counts towards the luxury tax even though he isn’t t on the 40 man roster. All major league contracts are guaranteed. It wouldn’t be popular for the sinless fans of Philly, but if he becomes the Hererra of 2017 hitting out of the 8 hole that would be a huge shot in the arm
They’re on the hook for Odubel’s contract whether he makes the team or not. Still counts toward the Luxury Tax threshold.
Unless the rule was changed, if he’s not on the 40-man roster then it doesn’t count toward the luxury tax. It’s what the Red Sox did with Rusney Castillo.
It’s since been changed, Castillo was only kept down because of a loophole related to his status before the rules were changed, and that if he got called up then his salary would count against the luxury tax, even if they outrighted him off the 40-man immediately afterwards.
Another case of an MLB team being scared of the luxury tax boogeyman. I can understand the reasoning for trying to ring out one more season under the tax line, but I hope that they don’t just end their run next season because of some fictional monster. Less competition for the Rangers though…
its one thing to be afraid of the repeat penalties, but to make the pick compensation a sticking point is lame. another reason why the whole system sucks.
Yep, and while I don’t want a salary cap implemented, I do think that stricter luxury tax rules should be. Along with that a minimum salary cap of 55 mil should be instituted as well. They just need to try to make teams more fair because of the harsh disparities we see in the game today. There shouldn’t be a 200+ million dollar payroll difference between two teams but there is (Pirates and Dodgers). The next CBA needs to look into those implementations, but they won’t… because… Manfred.
Should be a salary floor higher than 55m, more like 100m so don’t see cheap-o teams like Tampa every season just flat out not pay, but trade away anyone making a fair amount. Make the playoffs or not, it’s wrong to get handouts in the way of free cash from other owners, along with extra draft picks, then go out and not pay anyone and several teams do this.
No salary floor at a respectable level? No salary cap and no handouts, or extra picks to those who refuse to pay their own.
Throw the A’s in there too…just how do those A’s do it?
I don’t think the draft pick compensation would be such an issue if they didn’t just have their first and second round picks taken away for 2 years straight.
They won’t have to worry about it next year without Greinke and Verlander making up so much of their payroll, although Zack will still count $12.5M for each of the next 5 years. Ugh. Even at 29-31 they finished 7 games ahead of the Rangers last season, and made the playoffs for the 4th straight year (and 5 times in the last 6 years).
I am a big believer in this team – don’t get me wrong – but I also believe in my Rangers come next season. This year will be lackluster, but we will be coming back into the WC hunt in 2022. That’s not a knock against the Stros’, but they will have some good competition next season.
@Rangers29- I to am a firm believer in this team. I for sure know they’ll find a new way to cheat and win another championship. I have all the faith in the world. Lol! Well good luck with you’re Rangers anyway. At least they don’t cheat.
What happened to starting Kingery in CF?
Ya I thought that was the plan too.
Kingery happened to that. He was always gonna be in competition anyway.
Kingery is probably better served to be a super utility to give guys a day off. Right now Odubel, Moniak, and even Travis Jankowski look better than Kingery.
Kingery will play CF vs LHP and be the primary backup at 2B & SS. You can bet your bottom dollar Kingery will be in the lineup if an opponent is throwing a LH starter. Odubel & Haseley might see less than 50 PA all year gainst lefties this season, Girardi is adamant about that.
Side note: I think Joe should bat Harper in the #2 hole. He likes batting Hoskins there because of the high OBP. I’d hit Ryhs 3rd (still guarantees he gets up in the 1st inning) to avoid him clogging up the base paths. Harper is an aggressive base runner and I dont like the idea of two RH hitters hitting consecutively to start the game.
Cutch LF
Harper RF
Ryhs 1B
Bohm 3B
Didi SS
Realmuto C
Segura 2B
Haseley/Odubel CF
Lineup is so balanced that way. Some might think JT should hit higher, but as a catcher it’s good for him to focus on establishing a rhythm with the SP in the 1st inning; as opposed to situational hitting. Plus I like the idea of Didi batting behind Bohm. If JT hits 2nd for instance, you’re asking him to do more- like work counts and go harder on the base paths. I’d rather see them take it easy with JT in that regard and let him be an RBI guy. VS LHP I’d flip flop him and Didi.
Kingery not actually being a CF happened
Unless Odorizzi is going to be the 4th Outfielder and come out of the bullpen I’m not sure how that really effects them. Astros still players on their roster and may have four draft picks coming from Qualifying offers next winter
@Rsox- yeah as you can see teams we’re really lining up to take Odorizzi this season? The Stro’s are garbage. Oh, excuse me. Trash cans.
Oh no the cheaters owner has to pay a luxury tax. Never forget, never forgotten, trash can gang
Greinke has already received a qualifying offer.
Can’t see the Phillies being very good. Several career types years would be needed. I’m not here often, why do they lock so many articles
First, I believe Odubel is only due $10m. It really doesn’t matter because on or off the team, it still counts. Moniak needs to hit and other than two games in ST, that hasn’t happened. Scott Kingery is a bench piece only. Still not hitting
My guess is that Goofy starts in center and will split time with Roman Quinn. Hasely when he gets heathy will also play some there.
I personally think Kingery might be a bust. Maybe the new hitting coach can fix whatever is the issue.
$10.35 million base this year plus a tad more in buyouts the next two years. ~14 total commitment remaining.
True, but the buy outs do not count with the LT.
I just don’t see an issue there..Of the group, OH is the better all around athlete for CF..We’re talking hit, run, catch and throw..