Odds and Ends: Santos, Blalock, Lo Duca
Let’s dig through today’s rumor bin…
- The Jays claimed southpaw Reid Santos off waivers from the Indians. MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince says the Indians are clearing room on their 40-man roster in preparation for the winter.
- Dejan Kovacevic has yet to observe why new Pirates third baseman Andy LaRoche is so highly regarded.
- Jamey Newberg feels Hank Blalock‘s $6.2MM option for ’09 is an easy call to exercise.
- J.C. Bradbury sees a rift within the Braves organization.
- Craig Calcaterra dismisses the silly idea of Frank McCourt suing Andruw Jones.
- Paul Lo Duca would prefer a non-guaranteed deal next year if he gets a chance to compete for a starting job.
- Ian O’Connor doesn’t see Alex Rodriguez finishing his contract as a Yankee.
- C.C. Sabathia just wants to be happy in his next destination.
- Will the Braves re-sign Mike Hampton this winter? Is it possible both he and Carl Pavano are useful pitchers in 2009?
Offseason Outlook: Texas Rangers
The Rangers are next in our Offseason Outlook series. Their likely commitments for 2009:
C – Gerald Laird – $1.6MM+
C – Taylor Teagarden – $400K
1B – Chris Davis – $400K
2B – Ian Kinsler – $3MM
SS – Michael Young – $16MM
3B – Hank Blalock – $6.2MM club option, $250K buyout
IF – German Duran – $400K
IF – Joaquin Arias – $400K
LF – David Murphy – $400K
CF – Josh Hamilton – $400K
RF – Nelson Cruz – $400K
OF – Marlon Byrd – $1.8MM+
DH – Frank Catalanotto – $4MM
SP – Kevin Millwood – $11MM
SP – Vicente Padilla – $12MM
SP – Scott Feldman – $400K
SP – Brandon McCarthy -$405K+
SP – Dustin Nippert – $400K
RP – Joaquin Benoit – $3.5MM
RP – Frank Francisco – $775K+
RP – C.J. Wilson – $418K+
RP – Josh Rupe – $400K
RP – Warner Madrigal – $400K
RP – Wes Littleton – $400K
RP – Kameron Loe – $411K+
Other commitments: Julio Borbon – $325K, buyout for Kaz Fukumori – $200K
Other rotation candidates: Kason Gabbard – $400K, Matt Harrison – $400K
If Blalock is retained, the Rangers have $62.8MM committed before arbitration raises to Laird, Byrd, McCarthy, Francisco, Wilson, and Loe. So, payroll could near $70MM with the current group. The Rangers had an opening day payroll of $67.7MM.
The Rangers had a league-leading offense this year, but also the AL’s worst pitching staff. Pitching is clearly the offseason priority.
The Rangers have the game’s best catching surplus, with Laird, Teagarden, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Max Ramirez. The Red Sox, Royals, Marlins, and Reds might be looking for help at the position. It would not be surprising if Jon Daniels inquires on pitchers like Clay Buchholz, Zack Greinke, and Homer Bailey. However, Jamey Newberg raises a good point – the ’09 rotation already has at least six viable candidates. Standing pat with the catcher surplus this winter would not be a crime.
I’m not sure how they’d fit in, but maybe the Rangers will pursue reclamation projects like Bartolo Colon or Freddy Garcia. Texas could also be an interesting longshot destination for C.C. Sabathia, if the Rangers are willing to raise payroll to secure their ace.
The offense has two question marks in Blalock and Milton Bradley. Is it worth $6MM to give Blalock one more chance? He’s having a strong September and could be used at first base or DH if necessary.
Bradley presents a trickier decision. He requires multiple guaranteed years, and he’s been an incredible offensive force this season. He’s driving toward his first 500 plate appearance season since ’04, battling numerous injuries despite only playing 20 games in the field. Does two years, $20MM plus incentives get it done? Otherwise the Rangers might have to let their best hitter sign elsewhere.
Odds and Ends : Snyder, Ludwick, Bradley
Reading material for Tuesday…
- Chris Carpenter is reportedly dealing with a unique and career-threatening nerve injury, which could increase the Cardinals’ need for starting pitching this winter.
- Viva El Birdos says the Cardinals should offer Ryan Ludwick and others for Matt Cain. Can’t hurt to ask.
- The Cubs claimed outfielder Brad Snyder off waivers from the Indians. He was the 18th overall pick in 2003, but hasn’t produced enough in the minors.
- Milton Bradley stands to earn another half-million bucks if he can snag seven more plate appearances. Bradley met with the Rangers a few months ago to discuss a long-term deal, but nothing is close. Bradley feels the Rangers are dragging their feet, and gives 50-50 odds on a return. He said he’d quit baseball if he couldn’t find a multiyear deal somewhere.
- Sam Mellinger reminds Royals fans that their long-term success hinges on the development of in-house youngsters rather than free agent signings.
- Steven Goldman notes that the Red Sox are far better prepared for the future than the Yankees.
Bradley Wants Long Term Contract
The often, uhm, misunderstood Milton Bradley rarely speaks to the press, but in a recent exchange with Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Rangers outfielder outlined how he expects his contract situation to work out this offseason.
Bradley feels his offsensive production this year warrants a long-term deal, something the Rangers haven’t offered him (yet), and as such, he sees the possibility of returning to the team at 50-50.
"I just know I deserve to quit getting [stuck] with these one-year deals. I need to have a long-term contract. I’m not just a rent-a-player for one year. I’m looking for fair value. I’m one of the better hitters in the game, and .320 hitters with .440 on-base percentages don’t grow on trees, so you need to take advantage of it when you got it."
For the record, Rangers assitant general manager Thad Levine told Davison the team will negotiate with Bradley’s agent, but they’ll keep all negotiation discussions internal.
Alejandro A. Leal writes for UmpBump.com and can be reached here: alexo05 (at) umpbump (dot) com.
Odds and Ends: LaRoche, Bradley, Burnett
Digging into today’s random links…
- Joel Sherman looks at what went wrong for the Yankees this year. Did they fall too in love with their farm system?
- At least six teams have called the Pirates about third baseman Andy LaRoche in recent weeks. If LaRoche pans out and Pedro Alvarez comes aboard, the Bucs could have a surplus at some point.
- Craig Harris examines the rise of D’Backs GM Josh Byrnes.
- Eddie Bajek updated the Elias rankings for the AL 1B/OF/DH category. They’re fluctuating wildly. Eddie also did catchers for both leagues; Ivan Rodriguez is headed into Type B territory. Gregg Zaun lost Type B status.
- Mike Hindman conducted a roundtable asking what kind of contract the Rangers should offer Milton Bradley.
- 29 teams passed on Rays reliever Grant Balfour last spring. Now he has a 1.62 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 50 innings. Balfour’s been through a lot.
- Joe McDonald and Sean McAdam don’t see the Red Sox signing A.J. Burnett (or any big-name free agent starter).
- Padres CEO Sandy Alderson scoffed at the idea of a $40MM payroll for ’09. I never heard that figure tossed around; Buster Olney suggested the $50MM range.
- Maury Brown heard a rumor that Thomas Ricketts won the bid for the Cubs.
Cafardo’s Latest: Salty, Renteria, Pudge
Let’s take a look at the latest column from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
- The Red Sox are "intrigued" by Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (I believe they have been for some time). Jamey Newberg would like to see Clay Buchholz in a Rangers uniform, but admits the deal would have to be expanded.
- The Red Sox will not have to pay the $3MM buyout on Edgar Renteria if the Tigers decline his $11MM option for ’09. The free agent market for shorstops is weak, but the Tigers will probably look elsewhere given Renteria’s .269/.318/.375 showing.
- Cafardo wonders if Jason Bay or Matt Holliday will be on the Braves’ radar this winter (both are signed through ’09). You’d have to think the Sox will want to keep Bay. The Braves will have $30-40MM to spend, and Bobby Cox expects two starting pitchers to be added.
- Cafardo talked to a scout who feels Ivan Rodriguez still has something left to offer despite his poor performance for the Yankees. Ideally he’d sign a one-year deal. It won’t be with the Yankees; Jorge Posada noted that Pudge is "going to have to go somewhere else."
Rosenthal’s Latest: Hudson, Ordonez, Fielder, Howard
Let’s swing through Ken Rosenthal’s latest column.
- Rosenthal names the Mets, Yankees, Rangers, White Sox, Indians, Rockies, and Cardinals as speculative fits for free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson. Obviously several of those scenarios would involve shuffling players to other positions or trades. The Yankees’ infield defense could certainly use the boost.
- Rosenthal considers Frank Wren’s midseason trip to Japan a sign that he might be active in that market.
- The Tigers may shop Magglio Ordonez for pitching this winter. Maggs will need fewer than 500 plate appearances next year to cause his 2010 and 2011 options to vest. So he’s essentially owed $48MM over three years.
- Don’t forget two other sluggers who may be available this winter: Prince Fielder and Ryan Howard. It works well for the Brewers and Phillies, as the free agent market is weak at first base.
Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Rasmus, Tazawa, Manny
Let’s take a look at what is being written in the Blogosphere…
- Cardinals Diaspora reads between the lines and feels the Cards will shop their top prospect, Colby Rasmus, this winter.
- The Detroit Tigers Weblog would like to see the Tigers go after Japanese amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa.
- East Windup Chronicle looks at the Japanese free agent crop.
- River Ave. Blues thinks the Yankees and Manny Ramirez would be a "perfect fit" despite those that say it won’t happen.
- Drunk Jays Fans thinks the Mets should inquire with the Jays about the availability of B.J. Ryan.
- Rays Index takes a look at the Rays’ ’09 roster and sees too many starting pitchers and not enough chairs, which could lead to one or two being traded this off-season.
- McCovey Chronicles projects the Giants’ ’09 roster and sees all positions spoken for except possibly third base, but still wonders if Brian Sabean will feel the need to sign an impact free agent.
- Lone Star Ball takes a look at the Rangers’ ’09 40-man roster.
Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.
Odds and Ends: Ellis, Patterson, Sweeney
Rounding up today’s links…
- Willie Bloomquist may have played his last game with the Mariners.
- The Rays feel they can be consistent contenders with a new stadium, as they could raise their payroll to the $80MM range.
- Former Dodgers GM Fred Claire takes a look at the free agent market.
- Athletics Nation notes the price on second baseman Mark Ellis has dropped.
- MLB.com’s Mark Bowman explains the Braves’ working agreement with the Hanshin Tigers. The Tigers don’t have any of the big name free agents, but Frank Wren could still consider adding Koji Uehara or Kenshin Kawakami to his rotation.
- The Padres added pitcher Scott Patterson, formerly of the Yankees. Paul DePodesta weighs in on Patterson and Charlie Haeger.
- Mike Sweeney hopes to sign with another club for the final few weeks of the season.
- Andrew Baggarly would be surprised to see the Giants trade Randy Winn this winter.
- Mike Hindman on Michael Young‘s huge contract extension, which kicks in next year. Click here to see the reaction from MLBTR readers at the time of the signing.
Odds and Ends: Pettitte, Hampton, Tazawa, Blalock
Let’s round ’em up…
- Chat today, 2pm CST.
- Andy Pettitte seems to want to play next year, but Peter Abraham believes he may have to take a pay cut.
- Gerry Fraley writes about the Rockies and Mike Hampton. It’s safe to rule out a return to Colorado for Hampton, who is currently auditioning for his next team.
- The Royals dismissed their scouting director Deric Ladnier, offering him another position in the organization. Craig Brown reflects on Ladnier’s tenure.
- More Royals linkage: Rany Jazayerli defends the Gil Meche signing and implores the team to lock up Zack Greinke this winter. Jazayerli would also like the team to pick up knuckleballer Charlie Haeger, recently designated for assignment by the White Sox.
- Patrick Newman continues to update us on Japanese amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa, who is coveted by several MLB teams. If Tazawa starts a trend, an interesting debate could follow. Newman also has a running list of Japanese free agents for this winter.
- Bobby Valentine may be clashing with his boss over in Japan.
- Will the Rangers cut Hank Blalock loose, or exercise his $6.2MM option? Blalock’s ability to play third base remains a question mark, but he will try to improve his arm strength this winter.
- Neither the Pirates nor Pedro Alvarez‘s people will be present at today’s hearing. ESPN’s Buster Olney says Alvarez can’t win – he’s either villified in Pittsburgh or forced into next year’s draft. In the latter case, Alvarez could lose money down the line.