Jay-Z’s Roc Nation Chasing Puig, Cespedes
2013/07/jay-zs-roc-nation-chasing-puig-cespedes.htmlAs the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reports, Cespedes says he is "very happy with Adam and with the work he's done for me." THURSDAY: "We're not inflicted with that disease," Jay-Z said in reference to other agents' belief in doing only one thing, speaking yesterday on The Breakfast Club Power 105.1 (hat tip to Forbes contributor Darren Heitner). … In regard to other agents, he said, "They've been sitting around for 20-30 years just not doing anything, so me coming, that's a problem for them.
NL West Notes: Puig, Kershaw, Rockies, Garfinkel
2013/07/nl-west-notes-puig-kershaw-rockies-garfinkel.htmlThe move doesn't affect Puig's baseball representation, which is handled by agent Jamie Torres, though it ends speculation that Puig would hire Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports agency to represent him in both on- and off-the-field ventures. … We heard about a month ago that the two sides were making progress on a seven-year deal that would pay Kershaw at least $180MM, and the prospect of a 12-year, $300MM contract had also been discussed.
Beltran Aims To Play Three Or Four More Years
2013/07/beltran-aims-to-play-three-or-four-more-years.htmlHere's a look at the center field JAWS leaders, using Jay Jaffe's metric. … It's difficult to ignore his production and relative durability since signing with the Cardinals prior to the 2012 season; he's hit .284/.346/.510 in 969 plate appearances and made the All-Star team both years.
The Latest On Alex Rodriguez
2013/07/the-latest-on-alex-rodriguez.htmlRodriguez hired David Cornwell, the attorney who helped Braun win his 2011 appeal, back in June to join Jay Reisinger on his legal team. … The Biogenesis fallout began the other day with a season-ending suspension for Ryan Braun and the news that Alex Rodriguez would likely face a lengthier punishment than Braun's 65-game ban.
Yankees, Reds Inquired On Hunter Pence
2013/07/reds-inquired-on-hunter-pence.htmlIt seems an odd fit for the Reds, who have Jay Bruce and Shin-Soo Choo entrenched in their outfield and Ryan Ludwick on a rehab assignment following April shoulder surgery.
Quick Hits: Cubs, Bell, Garcia
2013/08/before-looking-ahead-lets-take-a-quick-look-back-at-former-braves-shortstop-johnny-logan-who-passed-away-yesterday-the-fou.htmlWith the Nationals' future managerial needs becoming an increasing priority, the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore writes that Pirates coach Jay Bell could be another name to watch. … The four-time all-star racked up over thirty wins above replacement in his thirteen year career, most of which were accumulated during his 1953-61 run with the Braves in Milwaukee.
AL East Notes: Cano, Rays, Morneau, Konerko, Young
2013/08/al-east-notes-cano-rays-morneau-konerko-young.htmlMany believe that Jay-Z is looking to make a statement with Robinson Cano's contract this winter, writes Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. … “My opinion is that (Jay-Z) is very concerned with making a public display of self-promotion.
Quick Hits: Moreno, Pujols, Tejada, Benoit
2013/08/quick-hits-moreno-pujols-tejada-benoit.htmlRobinson Cano, the top free agent of the coming offseason, made waves when he left Boras in April and hired CAA and Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports to handle his representation. … Pujols was bothered by foot injuries for much of the year and hit .258/.330/.437 with 17 homers in 443 PA, the worst season of his 13-year career.
Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Chen, D’Backs, Upton
2013/08/baseball-blogs-weigh-in-11.htmli70 Baseball gives a tip of the cap to Jon Jay for silencing critics. … The Reds' manager signed a five-page agreement with Giamatti in which he agreed to a lifetime penalty but did not admit to gambling on the national pastime.
Diamondbacks To Pursue Power Bat
2013/09/diamondbacks-to-pursue-power-bat.htmlThough the organization has gone over $100MM in payroll one time (2002), team president and CEO Derrick Hall seems to predict only measured growth in salary rather than a Blue Jays or Dodgers-esque jump: "So long as our revenues increase, we will continue to invest those dollars in the team and the facility. … Other than Goldschmidt, the team's only player with an ISO greater than .180 is part-timer Eric Chavez, who is set to become a free agent.
Robinson Cano Seeking Ten Years, $305MM
2013/09/robinson-cano-seeking-ten-years-305mm.htmlEarlier this year, Cano left the Boras Corporation in favor of Jay-Z's start-up agency, Roc Nation Sports, which is currently partnering with CAA Sports. … 9:33am: Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that the Yankees' offer to Cano in Spring Training was similar to David Wright's eight-year, $138MM contract with the Mets (Twitter link).
Cardinals Claim Joey Butler
2013/10/cardinals-claim-joey-butler.htmlHe should serve as a nice depth piece for the Cardinals, though with Matt Holliday, Jon Jay and Oscar Taveras looking like the future starting outfield going forward, Butler is unlikely to be afforded the chance to see if his stellar Triple-A production can translate to the Majors in an everyday role. … Texas designated Butler for assignment earlier in the week when reinstating Nelson Cruz from the restricted list at the completion of his 50-game suspension.
2014 Free Agent Power Rankings
2013/10/2014-free-agent-power-rankings.htmlIn April, it was revealed Cano had left the Boras Corporation for Brodie Van Wagenen of CAA and rapper Jay Z. … Though Hunter Pence was only able to snag an honorable mention at that point, he still signed a five-year, $90MM deal in late September.
Reds Notes: Phillips, Baker, Perez
2013/10/reds-notes-phillips-baker-perez.html"It's obviously a bit shocking," says Jay Bruce. … Of course, it might be fair to question whether a 90-win team needs the kind of makeover that involves trading established players for prospects, or how easy it would be for the Reds to trade Phillips (who is 32, coming off a down season, and owed $50MM through 2017), for top-notch prospects in the first place.
Offseason Outlook: Cincinnati Reds
2013/10/offseason-outlook-cincinnati-reds.html(The Reds quickly replaced him with pitching coach Bryan Price.) Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, who set the table brilliantly with a .423 on-base percentage, is a free agent. … Guaranteed contracts: Joey Votto, 1B: $225MM through 2023 Brandon Phillips, 2B: $50MM through 2017 Jay Bruce, OF: $37.5MM through 2016 Jonathan Broxton, RP: $17MM through 2015 Sean Marshall, RP: $12MM through 2015 Ryan Ludwick, OF: $12MM through 2014 Johnny Cueto, SP: $10.8MM through 2014 Mat Latos, SP: $7.25MM through 2014 Jack Hannahan, INF: $3MM through 2014 Logan Ondrusek, RP: $1.35MM through 2014 Arbitration Eligible Players (service time in parentheses) Homer Bailey, SP (5.017): $9.3MM Mike Leake, SP (4.000): $5.9MM Aroldis Chapman, RP (3.034): $4.6MM Ryan Hanigan, C (5.077): $2.3MM Chris Heisey, OF (3.157): $1.7MM Alfredo Simon, RP (4.142): $1.6MM Sam LeCure, RP (3.072): $1MM Xavier Paul, OF (3.119): $1MM Corky Miller, C (4.111): $700K (non-tender candidate) Free Agents Shin-Soo Choo, Bronson Arroyo, Nick Masset, Manny Parra, Cesar Izturis, Zach Duke The 2013 Reds won 90 or more games for the third time in the past four seasons, but that doesn't mean that all is well in Cincinnati.
Free Agent Profile: Carlos Beltran
2013/10/free-agent-profile-carlos-beltran.htmlThat move would push Jon Jay out of the picture and make him a trade candidate, as someone would likely still want him around at his projected $4.4MM salary. … The 36-year-old will head into free agency for the third time in his career, this time sporting a .296/.339/.491 batting line with 24 homers in his walk season.
Offseason Outlook: St. Louis Cardinals
2013/11/offseason-outlook-st-louis-cardinals.html(They'll also likely lose Jake Westbrook, whose option they recently declined.) That will leave them with only a few areas that they clearly need to address this offseason. … Guaranteed Contracts Adam Wainwright: $97.5MM through 2018 Yadier Molina, C: $60MM through 2017 Matt Holliday, OF: $52MM through 2016 Allen Craig, 1B/OF: $29.25MM through 2017 Jaime Garcia, P: $17.5MM through 2015 Jason Motte, RP: $7MM through 2014 Randy Choate, RP: $6MM through 2015 Arbitration Eligibles John Axford, RP (3.170): $5.7MM (non-tender candidate) David Freese, 3B (4.028): $4.4MM Jon Jay, CF (3.314): $3.4MM Daniel Descalso, IF (3.016): $1.2MM Fernando Salas, RP (3.048): $700K (non-tender candidate) Rob Johnson, C (4.013): $600K (non-tender candidate) Free Agents Carlos Beltran (received qualifying offer), Chris Carpenter, Rafael Furcal, Edward Mujica With a terrific 2013 season, a strong big-league core in place and more young talent on the way, the Cardinals are in excellent shape, and nothing that happens this offseason is likely to change that.
2014 Top 50 Free Agents With Predictions
2013/11/2014-top-50-free-agents-with-predictions-1.htmlCano made news in April, dropping agent Scott Boras in favor of Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports, which will be supported by CAA's Brodie Van Wagenen in negotiations. … Robinson Cano - Yankees.
Arbitration Eligibles: St. Louis Cardinals
2013/11/arbitration-eligibles-st-louis-cardinals.htmlJohn Axford (3.170): $5.7MM David Freese (4.028): $4.4MM Jon Jay (3.134): $3.4MM Daniel Descalso (3.016): $1.2MM Fernando Salas (3.014): $700K The Cardinals added Axford in a late August trade with the Brewers, and the 30-year-old righty did a nice job in 10 1/3 regular season innings for St. … Axford would be useful to pencil into next year's pen, with Edward Mujica up for free agency and a decent-sized contract and Carlos Martinez being considered for the rotation.
Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2014
2013/11/projected-arbitration-salaries-for-2014.htmlAngels (8) Mark Trumbo - $4.7MM Jerome Williams - $3.9MM Tommy Hanson - $3.9MM Ernesto Frieri - $3.4MM Kevin Jepsen - $1.4MM Juan Gutierrez - $1.1MM Peter Bourjos - $1.1MM Chris Nelson - $1MM Astros (1) Jason Castro - $2.2MM Athletics (11) Jed Lowrie - $4.8MM Seth Smith - $4.3MM Brandon Moss - $3.8MM John Jaso - $2.2MM Josh Reddick - $2.2MM Jerry Blevins - $1.5MM Daric Barton - $1.4MM Pat Neshek - $1.2MM Jesse Chavez - $600K Scott Sizemore - $600K Fernando Rodriguez - $500K Blue Jays (4) Colby Rasmus - $6.5MM J.P. … Arencibia - $2.8MM Esmil Rogers - $1MM Brett Cecil - $900K Braves (14) Craig Kimbrel - $7.25MM Kris Medlen - $5.9MM Freddie Freeman - $4.9MM Jason Heyward - $4.5MM Chris Johnson - $4.2MM Mike Minor - $3.5MM Jonny Venters - $1.625MM Jordan Walden - $1.5MM Jordan Schafer - $1MM Elliot Johnson - $900K Brandon Beachy - $900K Cristhian Martinez - $750K Paul Janish - $725K Ramiro Pena - $600K Brewers (3) Marco Estrada - $3.5MM Burke Badenhop - $2.1MM Juan Francisco - $1.4MM Cardinals (5) John Axford - $5.7MM David Freese - $4.4MM Jon Jay - $3.4MM Daniel Descalso - $1.2MM Fernando Salas - $700K Cubs (10) Jeff Samardzija - $4.9MM Nate Schierholtz - $4.4MM Travis Wood - $3.6MM Darwin Barney - $2.1MM Daniel Bard - $1.8625MM James Russell - $1.7MM Luis Valbuena - $1.5MM Donnie Murphy - $1MM Pedro Strop - $1MM Mat Gamel - $500K Diamondbacks (7) Brad Ziegler - $5MM Gerardo Parra - $4.2MM Joe Thatcher - $2MM Tony Sipp - $1.4MM Daniel Hudson - $1.1MM Josh Collmenter - $900K Matt Reynolds - Avoided arbitration for $600K Dodgers (7) Clayton Kershaw - $18.25MM Kenley Jansen - $4.8MM A.J.
Yankees Notes: Cano, Granderson, Jay-Z
2013/11/al-east-notes-4.htmlRobinson Cano's agent, Jay-Z, may have inadvertently violated the MLBPA's agent regulations by giving his client a $33,900 watch as a birthday gift, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. … The ten-year, $300MM proposal was given to the Bombers before the All-Star break.
Central Notes: Bruce, Phillips, Arroyo, Johan
2013/11/central-notes-bruce-phillips-arroyo-johan.htmlWhile Jay Bruce's agent, Matt Sosnick, said his client hasn't discussed an extension with the Reds, he didn't quash the idea either, writes Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports. … While the Reds control Bruce through 2017 with three guaranteed years at $34.5MM and a team option for $13MM, the idea of a pre-emptive extension makes sense since the slugger will only be 30 upon hitting the open market.
Yankees Notes: Cano, Rodriguez, Closer, Starters
2013/11/yankees-notes-cano-rodriguez-closer-starters.htmlDodgers-Giants? Yanks-Sox? Or, perhaps, Scott Boras-Jay-Z. … As Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com writes in a fascinating piece, the rapper-turned-mogul's challenge to baseball's old school super agent is a real one, but the success of the gambit could turn on whether or not Jay-Z lands Robinson Cano a contract that befits his status as the game's premier free agent.
Blue Jays Notes: Catching, Arencibia, Kawasaki, Davis
2013/11/blue-jays-notes-catching-starters-davis-melky.htmlHere's the latest on the Blue Jays, who look set for another busy offseason... … Arencibia is projected to earn $2.8MM as a first-time arbitration eligible player this winter and the Jays would certainly prefer getting something back for him in a trade than simply non-tendering him.
Ohio Notes: Jimenez, LaPorta, Masterson, Reds
2013/11/ohio-notes-jimenez-laporta-masterson-reds.htmlThe Reds will hire Jay Bell as their new bench coach, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports (via Twitter)… Hoynes interprets this as meaning that the Tribe made Jimenez a multiyear offer in addition to the $14.1MM one-year qualifying offer, but Jimenez is very likely to sign elsewhere.