Minor Moves: Martinez, Spence, Shirek, Blue Jays
The latest minor moves from around MLB…
- The Brewers have agreed to a $50K contract with Dominican outfielder Geraldy Martinez, according to the Dominican Prospect League. Martinez, 17, hits from the right side of the plate and "hits the ball hard gap to gap with true power from [his] pull side," according to the DPL website.
- The Yankees announced that they have outrighted left-hander Josh Spence to Triple-A after Spence cleared waivers. Spence was claimed off waivers from San Diego earlier this month and designated for assignment by New York earlier this week to create 40-man roster space for Kevin Youkilis.
- The White Sox announced that they have requested unconditional release waivers on Charlie Shirek so that the right-hander can pursue opportunities in Asia. The 27-year-old spent this past season at Triple-A Charlotte, where he posted a 3.65 ERA with 6.2 K/9 and 1.5 BB/9 in 170 1/3 innings as a starter. Shirek, who does not have any MLB experience, will pitch in Korea, MLB.com’s Scott Merkin reports (on Twitter). Chicago’s 40-man roster now has 38 players.
- The Blue Jays announced that they signed right-hander Ramon Ortiz and outfielder Ryan Langerhans to minor league deals that include invitations to MLB Spring Training. The 39-year-old Ortiz spent the 2012 season with the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate, posting a 3.45 ERA in 27 starts. Langerhans, 32, spent most of this past season with the Angels' Triple-A affiliate, but he did appear in two games at the MLB level. He posted a .250/.369/.446 batting line in 401 Triple-A plate appearances.
- The Blue Jays also signed minor league infielder Lance Zawadzki to a minor-league deal, Shi Davidi of Sportsnet.ca reports (on Twitter).
Rays Sign Roberto Hernandez
The Rays announced that they haved signed free agent right-hander Roberto Hernandez to a one-year, Major League contract. The deal is worth $3.25MM, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. The deal includes $1.85MM in incentives, some of which are based on innings and some of which are based on relief appearances. Topkin reported last week that the Rays were nearing a deal with the 32-year-old, who's represented by Jorge Brito and Charisse Espinosa-Dash.
Hernandez, who was formerly known as Fausto Carmona, made just three appearances at the MLB level this past season because of visa issues related to his identity fraud case. He allowed 15 runs in 14 2/3 innings spread across three late-season starts for the Indians.
Carmona hasn't appeared out of the bullpen since his rookie season, back in 2006. It appears that the Rays are considering him for the rotation and the bullpen based on the incentives in his contract.
Topkin first reported the agreement.
Indians Designate Russ Canzler For Assignment
The Indians announced that they designated Russ Canzler for assignment. The move creates roster space for Mark Reynolds, whose one-year deal became official today.
Canzler appeared in 26 games for the Indians this past season. The 26-year-old posted a .269/.299/.398 batting line in 97 MLB plate appearances while playing first base and left field. He spent most of the season at Triple-A, where he posted a .265/.328/.487 batting line with 22 home runs and 36 doubles in 539 plate appearances.
Rangers To Meet With Pierzynski
The Rangers will meet with free agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski and his agent in Arlington today, Bruce Levine of ESPNChicago.com reports. Pierzynski, an Octagon client, would provide the Rangers with an established left-handed hitter capable of replacing Mike Napoli as the club’s primary catcher.
The Rangers have done background work on Pierzynski, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported today. The 35-year-old ranked 30th on MLBTR's list of top 50 free agents following a strong offensive season in which he hit 27 home runs and posted a .278/.326/.501 batting line in 520 plate appearances. Pierzynski also appeared in 135 games, reaching the 100 games threshold for the 12th consecutive season.
Geovany Soto projects as Texas' starting catcher for now. Recently claimed backstop Eli Whiteside provides depth as a potential bench player.
Indians Making Push For Nick Swisher
2:24pm: Swisher hasn't signed, but he has a standing offer from the Indians, Bastian reports (on Twitter). The outfielder is now on his way to a different team's city for another visit.
TUESDAY, 12:37pm: Swisher is now meeting with Indians executives, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports (on Twitter). The outfielder is scheduled to leave Cleveland this afternoon.
MONDAY, 12:45pm: Swisher is visiting Cleveland tonight to have dinner with Indians team president Mark Shapiro, Nick Camino of WTAM 1100 in Cleveland reports (on Twitter).
11:15am: The Indians are making a push to sign free agent outfielder Nick Swisher, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports (on Twitter). The Indians were in "aggressive pursuit" of Swisher last week after trading right fielder Shin-Soo Choo to Cincinnati in a three-team deal. Earlier in the month the Indians had reportedly been hoping to sign Swisher for four years and $48-50MM.
As of last week, multiple teams continued pursuing Swisher and he didn't appear to be close to deciding on a new team. The Red Sox, Phillies, Mariners, Rangers, and Orioles have also been linked to the switch-hitting MVP Sports Group client this winter.
Swisher ranked sixth on MLBTR's top 50 free agent list. He obtained a qualifying offer from the Yankees, which means he's linked to draft pick compensation.
Potential Suitors For Michael Bourn
Now that Josh Hamilton has signed, Michael Bourn is the top free agent position player available. But the market for Bourn still doesn’t seem clear. The Braves, Nationals, Phillies, Giants, Reds and Athletics have all added center fielders this offseason, which will limit Bourn’s list of potential suitors. That said, Bourn should still generate interest, as many teams continue looking for outfield help.
Here’s speculative look at some potential suitors for the 29-year-old Scott Boras client. I’m focusing on teams with openings or potential openings in center field, since Bourn generates much of his value on defense.
- Rangers – The Rangers watched as potential targets such as Hamilton, Zack Greinke, Anibal Sanchez, James Shields and R.A. Dickey joined other teams. Signing Bourn would give them an elite defender to place between Nelson Cruz and David Murphy. If I’m Boras, I’m working to sell the Rangers on Bourn.
- Mariners – The Mariners seem to be in on just about every available bat as their search for offense continues. They appear to like Bourn, though he might have been a better fit before they decided to move the fences in at Safeco Field.
- Indians – For now the Indians appear to be targeting Nick Swisher, but if that pursuit falls through, I wonder if Bourn could be a fit. While Cleveland hasn't traditionally spent aggressively on free agents, the team's willingness to bid on Swisher and Shane Victorino suggests ownership has approved one major signing. The Indians will presumably add an outfielder now that they have traded Shin-Soo Choo.
- Cubs – The Cubs have had conversations with Boras about Bourn, and based on the team’s pursuit of Sanchez, it appears that Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer are prepared to spend on free agents under the right circumstances. It’s not clear if Chicago’s interest amounts to more than due diligence, however.
- Braves – The Braves could use another outfielder, but they have a center fielder in B.J. Upton and they figure to prioritize right-handed hitters. This doesn't seem like a fit.
- Phillies – Like the Braves, the Phillies could use another outfielder. However, after adding Ben Revere in a trade with the Twins, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. doesn't need to act out of desperation. If Bourn's price drops enough, the Phillies could sign him and move Revere back to a corner outfield spot.
- Yankees – Some believe the Yankees are quietly interested in Bourn, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reported this past weekend. He’s not an ideal financial fit since the Yankees are trying to avoid the luxury tax by 2014. Plus, like outfielders Curtis Granderson, Brett Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki, Bourn bats from the left side.
- Red Sox – The Red Sox appeared to have interest in Bourn earlier in the offseason. Now that they’ve added Victorino and Jonny Gomes, Bourn no longer seems like an obvious fit. If the Red Sox change plans and decide to trade Jacoby Ellsbury, they could have renewed interest.
- Dodgers – The Dodgers could pursue Bourn if they trade Andre Ethier, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports suggested this morning. However, the team doesn’t seem overly eager to deal Ethier.
- White Sox – The White Sox have discussed deals involving center fielder Alejandro De Aza and would like to add a left-handed bat. Know of any left-handed hitting outfielders who could replace De Aza in Chicago's outfield? Sounds like Bourn to me, so it'd make sense for Boras to be sure GM Rick Hahn has access to lots of Bourn-related viewing and reading material. Still, this is just speculation on my part. This idea seems like a longshot at best.
- Mystery team – Never rule out a mystery team when it comes to a player of Bourn’s caliber.
For Bourn to maximize his value in this market, it’d be helpful if the Yankees or Dodgers got seriously involved in the bidding. Add in teams such as the Mariners, Phillies and Rangers and it’s clear that there are enough potential suitors remaining for Bourn to obtain a lucrative multiyear deal. However, if enough of these teams determine that they’d prefer to rely on internal options or explore trades for players such as Dexter Fowler, the market for Bourn would look less promising.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Rosenthal On Rangers, Nakajima, Upton
The latest from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports…
- Rangers officials aren’t overwhelmed by the remaining free agent position players available, Rosenthal reports. Texas has done background work on A.J. Pierzynski, and could work to sign him. However, Adam LaRoche, Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn seem like less likely targets. The Rangers are particularly concerned about makeup, according to Rosenthal. Manager Ron Washington knows Swisher from their days in Oakland and likes the outfielder, Rosenthal reports.
- The Rangers still want to add to their bullpen, and Rosenthal suggests they could make a play for Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan. The team is also exploring other bullpen options via trades and free agency. Hanrahan’s projected salary of $6.9MM limits interest from the Dodgers and Tigers, Rosenthal writes.
- Hiroyuki Nakajima has range that is average “at best,” one executive told Rosenthal. However, the A’s agreed to sign the 30-year-old free agent to a two-year deal in part because they like his offensive potential.
- Now that many free agent third basemen have signed, the Marlins could pursue a top third base prospect who’s close to contributing at the MLB level. However, it would be difficult to put together a package for a player such as Mike Olt.
- Some executives believe the Diamondbacks will trade Justin Upton even after GM Kevin Towers said a deal seems unlikely. There’s a perception that the Diamondbacks are down on Upton, Rosenthal notes.
- When Mets executive Paul DePodesta watched outfield prospect Wuilmer Becerra in 2011, he liked the prospect’s athleticism and effort. The Mets acquired the 18-year-old Becerra in the R.A. Dickey trade.
- The Red Sox are always looking to upgrade their bullpen, Rosenthal adds.
Los Angeles Notes: Hamilton, Trumbo, Dodgers
The latest on the MLB’s two Los Angeles area teams…
- There's a clause in Josh Hamilton's new contract that calls for the Angels to donate $400K per season to the outfielder's charity, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). That will amount to a $2MM total over the course of Hamilton's five-year deal.
- The Angels and Marlins have talked about the Angels’ spare bats, ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark reports (on Twitter). The Marlins appear to prefer Mark Trumbo, though he’s the least likely to be traded. The Angels could also deal Peter Bourjos, Kendrys Morales or Vernon Wells.
- The Dodgers now aim to find a reliever, preferably a lefty, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter).
- The Dodgers could pursue free agent center fielder Michael Bourn if they trade Andre Ethier, Rosenthal writes.
AL East Notes: Drew, Orioles, Blue Jays, Rays
On this date 21 years ago, the Blue Jays signed free agent starter Jack Morris to a two-year contract. The right-hander had recently led the Twins to a memorable World Series win over the Braves, out-pitching John Smoltz with ten shutout innings in the deciding seventh game. Morris won 21 games for the 1992 Blue Jays, and Toronto captured its first World Series title. Though Morris struggled in 1993, the Blue Jays successfully defended their title. Now 57, Morris is a candidate for Hall of Fame induction. Here are today's AL East links…
- Stephen Drew will obtain $500K if he reaches 500 plate appearances in 2013, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter). Drew agreed to terms with the Red Sox on a one-year, $9.5MM deal yesterday.
- The Orioles have spoken with at least six teams about possible trades, Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com reports. The Orioles are seeking a middle of the order bat, but aren't willing to trade their best prospects to obtain one. While there's some interest in pitchers such as Brian Matusz, Jake Arrieta, Chris Tillman and Zach Britton, there are indications the Orioles wouldn't want to trade more than one of them. Plus, their trade value isn't particularly high.
- The Blue Jays are prioritizing present gains over future potential, Shi Davidi writes at Sportsnet.ca. But it's not about a one-year gamble for GM Alex Anthopoulos. "This allows us to really put what we feel is a contending team together for an extended run, for a three-to-five year period," Anthopoulos said. An interesting note from Davidi's piece: Zack Greinke will out-earn Dickey's $30MM contract about a month into the 2014 season. The two contracts were signed under different circumstances, of course, but it’s still noteworthy.
- Curtis Granderson expects to hit free agency after the 2013 season, Ken Davidoff of the New York Post reports. The Yankees have a team policy of waiting until players hit free agency before negotiating extensions, and Granderson doesn’t expect GM Brian Cashman to make an exception for him. “I’m just excited to play this year, and then, once we get to the end, we’ll take it at that point,” he said.
- In a separate piece, Davidoff suggests that the best-run teams — he cites the Rays as one example — look to contend every year instead of targeting specific windows.
Dodgers Will Listen On Andre Ethier
10:04am: A source close to the Dodgers told Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com that the team's one conversation with Swisher came weeks ago (Twitter links). The Dodgers aren't shopping Ethier and haven't received offers for him so far, Heyman adds.
9:30am: Two American League teams asked about Ethier, but the Dodgers have "zero intention" of trading him, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). The Dodgers will listen to offers.
8:34am: Six months after extending Andre Ethier, the Dodgers are considering trading him. The Dodgers are shopping Ethier, and could be a suitor for Nick Swisher if they complete a trade, Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reports (on Twitter).
Ethier will earn $85MM from 2013-17 after signing a five-year deal with the Dodgers this past June. Ethier’s deal took place soon after Guggenheim Baseball Management gained control of the team, and foreshadowed the aggressive spending that would take place in the months that followed. The Dodgers acquired Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett from the Red Sox in a midseason trade, taking on approximately $260MM in the process. Then, once the offseason began, they spent aggressively on international free agents and landed the top pitcher available, signing Zack Greinke for $147MM.
While recent history suggests the team can afford to spend big on Swisher, GM Ned Colletti would need to create roster space for him. Swisher, a client of MVP Sports Group, is two years older than the 30-year-old Ethier. A switch-hitter, Swisher doesn't have the same pronounced platoon splits Ethier does. While Ethier thrives against right-handers and struggles against left-handers, Swisher has a career OPS of .820 against right-handers and a career OPS of .842 against left-handers.
The Indians met with Swisher last night and the Red Sox, Phillies, Mariners, Rangers, and Orioles have also been linked to him. Some of these teams could have interest in trading for Ethier, particularly if the Dodgers are willing to cover some salary to facilitate a deal.
Swisher ranked sixth on MLBTR's top 50 free agent list. He obtained a qualifying offer from the Yankees, which means he's linked to draft pick compensation.