Offseason Outlook: Pittsburgh Pirates
2013/10/offseason-outlook-pittsburgh-pirates.htmlGuaranteed Contracts Andrew McCutchen, OF: $44.25MM through 2017 Jose Tabata, OF: $11.75MM through 2016 Russell Martin, C: $8.5MM through 2014 Francisco Liriano, SP: $6MM through 2014 Jason Grilli, RP: $4MM through 2014 Arbitration Eligible Players (service time in parentheses) Garrett Jones, OF (4.158): $5.3MM (non-tender candidate) Neil Walker, 2B (3.166): $4.8MM Pedro Alvarez, 3B (3.085): $4MM Charlie Morton, SP (5.010): $3.9MM Mark Melancon, RP (3.098): $3MM Gaby Sanchez, 1B (4.025): $2.3MM Travis Snider, OF (3.091): $1.4MM (non-tender candidate) Michael McKenry, C (2.136): $900K (non-tender candidate) Vin Mazzaro, RP (3.021): $800K Felix Pie, OF (4.028): $500K (non-tender candidate) Contract Options Wandy Rodriguez, SP: $13MM player option (Astros will pay $5.5MM if Rodriguez accepts) Free Agents A.J. … Burnett, Justin Morneau, John Buck, Clint Barmes, Jeff Karstens, Kyle Farnsworth, Marlon Byrd Whenever a small-market team follows 20 straight losing seasons with an unexpected 94-win campaign, you know what the narrative will be: They're the young, scrappy Davids who somehow managed to compete with Goliath.
Offseason Outlook: Arizona Diamondbacks
2013/10/offseason-outlook-arizona-diamondbacks.htmlGuaranteed Contracts Miguel Montero, C: $50MM through 2017 Aaron Hill, 2B: $35MM through 2016 Martin Prado, 3B: $33MM through 2016 Paul Goldschmidt, 1B: $32MM through 2018 Trevor Cahill, SP: $19.7MM through 2015 Cody Ross, OF: $17MM through 2015 Heath Bell, RP: $9MM through 2014 ($4MM of salary will be paid for by Marlins) Brandon McCarthy, SP: $9MM through 2014 J.J. … While the Dodgers went 42-8 over a 50 game stretch, the D'Backs faltered and lost control of the NL West.
Quick Hits: Jimenez, McCann, Giants, Diamondbacks
2013/10/quick-hits-jimenez-mccann-giants-diamondbacks.htmlAaron Hill, Martin Prado and Brandon McCarthy will all have increased salaries in 2014, which means that the DBacks' payroll will likely come in at around $93MM even before considering any free agents they might add. … There is "no chance" that the Indians will sign Ubaldo Jimenez to a long-term deal, and they may not even extend a qualifying offer, Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer writes.
Offseason Outlook: Milwaukee Brewers
2013/10/offseason-outlook-milwaukee-brewers.htmlAnother option is to give catcher Jonathan Lucroy more playing time at first, which would provide additional at-bats for his backup Martin Maldonado, who struggled offensively in 2013. … Guaranteed Contracts Ryan Braun, OF: $99MM through 2020 (plus $18MM deferred to be paid in 2022-2031) Carlos Gomez, OF: $24MM through 2016 Kyle Lohse, SP: $22MM through 2015 (plus $7MM deferrred to be paid in 2016-18) Aramis Ramirez, 3B: $20MM through 2014 Yovani Gallardo, SP: $11.85MM through 2014 Rickie Weeks, 2B: $11MM through 2014 Jonathan Lucroy, C: $9.25MM through 2016 Tom Gorzelanny, RP: $2.8MM through 2014 Arbitration Eligible Players (service time in parentheses) Marco Estrada, SP (4.035): $3.5MM projected salary Burke Badenhop, RP (5.116): $2.1MM Juan Francisco, 1B/3B (2.156): $1.4MM Contract Options Norichika Aoki, OF: $1.5MM club option ($250K buyout) Free Agents Corey Hart, Michael Gonzalez, Yuniesky Betancourt With 2014 payroll obligations already in the neighborhood of $80MM (not including salaries for pre-arbitration eligible players), the Brewers have to be frugal in free agency and may not be interested in taking on much salary in any proposed trade.
James Loney Joins The Legacy Agency
2013/11/james-loney-joins-the-legacy-agency.htmlThe Legacy Agency represents a number of high-profile Major League clients including CC Sabathia, Carl Crawford, Aaron Hill, Francisco Liriano…… The 29-year-old Loney enjoyed a rebound campaign with the Rays, slashing .299/.348/.430 with 13 homers and his typically excellent defense at first base.
Rangers Sign Martin Perez To Four-Year Deal
2013/11/rangers-sign-martin-perez-to-four-year-deal.htmlDon't expect to hear Martin Perez's name on the rumor circuit anytime soon. … The Rangers announced Thursday that they have agreed to a four-year deal with their 22-year-old left-hander.
Yankees Notes: Cano, Rodriguez, Closer, Starters
2013/11/yankees-notes-cano-rodriguez-closer-starters.htmlHere's more on Cano and the Yanks: There has been no recent movement in negotiations between the Yankees' front office and Cano's representatives, reports Dan Martin of the New York Post (hat tip to Mike Axisa of River Ave. … Dodgers-Giants? Yanks-Sox? Or, perhaps, Scott Boras-Jay-Z.
Rangers Notes: International Free Agents, Moreland, Lewis, Cruz
2013/11/rangers-notes-international-free-agents-moreland-lewis-cruz.htmlMartin Perez signed in 2007 for more money ($580K) than any Rangers international signee had received since 2000. … In a special piece for Gammons Daily, Jamey Newberg examines the Rangers disappearance from the international free agent market from 2000 to 2005 and explains how re-entering that market in the middle of the last decade has saved the franchise.
Yankees Notes: Granderson, Jeter, Chavez, Joba
2013/11/yankees-notes-granderson-jeter-chavez-joba.htmlThe Yankees have discussed bringing back Eric Chavez, Dan Martin of the New York Post reports… While Granderson says he's still considering accepting the one-year deal, he seems likely to find a solid multiyear offer on the open market, his injury-shortened 2013 season notwithstanding.
Future Salary Obligations In Context, Part II
2013/11/future-salary-obligations-in-context-part-ii.htmlAnd I'll note that I updated the information to include the Rangers' recent extension of Martin Perez.] Remember, there is nothing inherently good or bad about taking on, as opposed to avoiding, future obligations. … Check out that post for background, and bear in mind we are only talking about post-2014 payroll.
Week In Review: 11/3/13 – 11/9/13
2013/11/week-in-review-11313-11913.htmlThe Rangers signed pitcher Martin Perez to a four-year extension. … The Rays re-signed outfielder David DeJesus to a two-year deal.
MLBTR Originals
2013/11/mlbtr-originals-1-5.htmlAgent Felix Olivo told Tim the extension he negotiated for his client, Rangers left-hander Martin Perez, came together in less than two weeks. … Ellsbury's teammate, Stephen Drew (#14) will garner a four-year, $48MM deal, according to Tim.
Free Agent Profile: Juan Uribe
2013/11/free-agent-profile-juan-uribe.htmlBy this measure, Uribe had a better year with the bat than Pablo Sandoval, Chase Headley, Kyle Seager, Pedro Alvarez, Martin Prado, and other starting third basemen. … Prior to the season, there was speculation the Dodgers could release Juan Uribe, eating the $7MM remaining on his contract just to open up the roster spot after he played at replacement level from 2011-12.
Texas Notes: Beltran, Garza, Castro
2013/11/texas-notes-beltran-garza-castro.htmlThe Rangers could become serious contenders for Carlos Beltran's services, writes Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. … The Rangers will not pursue Masahiro Tanaka or Matt Garza this offseason, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram tweets.
Rockies Made Offer To Carlos Ruiz
2013/11/rockies-made-offer-to-carlos-ruiz.htmlIt remains to be seen if Ruiz will ultimately top Russell Martin's two-year, $17MM deal from last winter. … TUESDAY, 4:02pm: The Rockies offered Ruiz a two-year deal worth approximately $15MM with a club option for a third year on Monday night, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
Rangers More Interested In Choo Than Ellsbury
2013/11/rangers-are-more-interested-in-choo-than-ellsbury.htmlThe Rangers aren't as intrigued by Ellsbury at this time because they are happy with center fielder Leonys Martin. … The Rangers are considering a run at Shin-Soo Choo, but they've apparently scratched the other top free agent outfielder, Jacoby Ellsbury, off of their list, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.
Phillies Pay Premium To Retain Ruiz Early
2013/11/phillies-pay-premium-to-retain-ruiz-early.htmlI am surprised to see Ruiz top Russell Martin's deal from last winter in both years and AAV, especially since Martin was five years younger and coming off a better year. … The Phillies made an aggressive strike today, agreeing to a three-year, $26MM contract with catcher Carlos Ruiz.
Reactions To The Carlos Ruiz Signing
2013/11/reactions-to-the-carlos-ruiz-signing.htmlRenck praises agent Marc Kligman for securing a larger guarantee than Russell Martin. … Earlier today it was reported that the Phillies have re-signed Carlos Ruiz to a three-year, $26MM contract.
Yankees Notes: Cano, Tanaka, A-Rod, Ibanez
2013/11/yankees-notes-cano-tanaka-a-rod-ibanez.htmlAlso from Martino, the Yankees' interest in Peralta is bad news for the Mets, as it remains to be seen if they can afford a bidding war for Peralta's services with the Yankees or any other free-spending team. … "A-Rod could slow everything down," a baseball official told Marchard.
Cano’s Agents Called Meeting With Mets
2013/11/canos-agents-called-meeting-with-mets.html7:43am: The agents for free agent second baseman Robinson Cano called a meeting with the Mets to discuss the player's free agency Monday night at a Manhattan hotel, according to Ken Davidoff and Dan Martin of the New York Post. … ESPN's Adam Rubin tweets that the Mets took the meeting primarily as a means of getting to know a new agent, Jay-Z.
Full List Of Yesterday’s 40-Man Additions
2013/11/full-list-of-yesterdays-40-man-additions.htmlRiefenhauser (LHP), Vince Belnome (2B/3B/1B), Jesse Hahn (RHP) Red Sox Anthony Ranaudo (RHP), Bryce Brentz (OF), Garin Cecchini (3B) Yankees Dean Anna (2B/SS, acquired from Padres), Jose Campos (RHP), Shane Greene (RHP), Slade Heathcott (OF), Bryan Mitchell (RHP), Gary Sanchez (C) NL West Diamondbacks Ender Inciarte (OF), Bo Schultz (RHP) Dodgers Pedro Baez (RHP), Yimi Garcia (RHP), Jarret Martin (LHP) Giants Gary Brown (OF), Adam Duvall (3B), Hunter Strickland (RHP), Kendry Flores (RHP) Padres Donn Roach (RHP), Keyvius Sampson (RHP), Juan Oramas (LHP) Rockies Tyler Matzek (LHP), Jayson Aquino (LHP), Rosell Herrera (SS), Kyle Parker (OF), Raul Fernandez (RHP), Kraig Sitton (LHP), Kent Matthes (OF) NL Central Brewers Hunter Morris (1B), Jason Rogers (1B) Kevin Shackelford (RHP), Brooks Hall (RHP) Cardinals Oscar Taveras (OF), Mike O'Neill (OF), Greg Garcia Cubs Arismendy Alcantara (2B/SS), Dallas Beeler (RHP) Pirates Gregory Polanco (OF), Alen Hanson (SS), Casey Sadler (RHP) Reds Tucker Barnhart (C), Ryan LaMarre (OF), Juan Duran (OF), Chad Rogers (RHP) NL East Braves Luis Vasquez (RHP), Carlos Perez (LHP), Elmer Reyes (SS) Marlins Jose Urena (RHP), J.T. … The deadline for teams to make additions to their 40-man rosters in order to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft has come and gone, and we saw a flurry of roster moves yesterday as a result.
Quick Hits: Tulowitzki, McKenry, Athletics
2013/12/rockies-pirates-notes-tulowitzki-nolasco-mckenry.htmlMcKenry only projects to make $900K in arbitration, though, and he has an option left, so the Pirates could tender him as an insurance policy if either Sanchez or Russell Martin get hurt. … Three-team trades aren't easy to dream up, let alone to achieve, but ESPN's David Schoenfield has five of them to entertain you in what's been a quiet day at the hot stove.
Pirates Acquire Chris Stewart
2013/12/pirates-to-acquire-chris-stewart.htmlPittsburgh could also carry all three into Spring Training, where the trio would compete for the right to play second fiddle to primary catcher Russell Martin. … Stewart, 32 in February, was a non-tender candidate after hitting .211/.293/.272 in a career-high 340 plate appearances with the Yankees in 2013.
Yankees Sign Brian McCann
2013/12/yankees-to-sign-brian-mccann.html10:30am: The Yankees' decision to let Russell Martin depart as a free agent and use in-house options at catcher last offseason proved to be costly, but general manager Brian Cashman has made sure to upgrade that hole in his lineup in the biggest possible way. … McCann will earn $17MM per season from 2014-18.
D-Backs Looking To Trade Market For Ace, Power Bats
2013/12/diamondbacks-prioritizing-trade-for-ace.htmlMartin Prado's presence means that Arizona could also be inclined to include Matt Davidson in potential trades, and the presence of both A.J. … Rosenthal reports that the D-Backs and A's recently discussed a trade that would send Yoenis Cespedes to Arizona in exchange for Tyler Skaggs, A.J.