MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:
- The week was highlighted by the Prince Fielder–Ian Kinsler blockbuster. MLBTR's coverage began with Rangers GM Jon Daniels telling Zach Links the deal came together in a matter of hours. Zach also spoke with Tigers President/CEO/GM Dave Dombrowksi, who said the trade makes a Max Scherzer extension "more possible going forward."
- Tim Dierkes opined the Tigers and Rangers will each reap benefits from the swap while Jeff Todd addressed its impact on both the trade and free agent markets.
- Tim sees the Yankees' agreement with Brian McCann (#4 on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list) as a major upgrade and a sign the team isn't putting their offseason plan on hold while they negotiate with Robinson Cano.
- Tim suggests few saw Jhonny Peralta's (#21) four-year, $53MM contract coming and Stephen Drew (#14) should do better even though he's down a suitor and tied to draft pick compensation.
- Tim believes the Phillies paid an acceptable premium to retain catcher Carlos Ruiz (#29) while the Padres obtained a low-risk, high-reward hurler in Josh Johnson (#30).
- Steve Adams argues the Giants' gamble on Tim Hudson (#31) is worthwhile considering the right-hander's market value compared to the other inconsistent options available.
- Steve isn't as bullish about the Royals' signing of Jason Vargas (#35) because there's little room for upside and four years is an overpay in length of contract.
- Steve profiled MLBTR's top-ranked free agent, Robinson Cano.
- Free agent second baseman Omar Infante (#19) is a good fit for the Yankees, according to Tim.
- Tim was the first to report the incentives in Josh Johnson's contract ($1.25MM for making 26 starts), the Pirates were the runners-up for his services, and the other finalists were all NL teams.
- MLBTR was the first to learn Roy Oswalt plans on pitching in 2014, intends to sign this offseason so as to fully participate in Spring Training, and is open to a late-inning relief role.
- Tim broke the news of the Dodgers signing infielder Brendan Harris to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
- Tim heard multiple teams are interested in right-handed reliever Matt Albers with a two-year deal a possibility and learned catcher Henry Blanco wants to play one more season.
- Rex Gary, the agent for Shaun Marcum, told MLBTR the right-hander's recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome is progressing well and will participate in his normal offseason throwing program.
- Mike Moye, the agent for Gavin Floyd, updated MLBTR on the right-hander's rehab from elbow surgery.
- Ibrahim Rojas of CMHS Radio Caibarién told MLBTR a trio of Cuban players (19-year-old pitcher Javier Gonzalez, 22-year-old pitcher Jorge Hernandez, and 25-year-old outfielder Dayron Varona) have left their island homeland.
- MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz detailed the arbitration case of Orioles closer Jim Johnson.
- Steve hosted this week's live chat.
- Zach assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
Reaction To The Jhonny Peralta Signing
The Cardinals have reached agreement on a four-year contract with Jhonny Peralta worth $53MM. Here's the reaction to the signing from around baseball:
- Peralta was asking interested teams for a five-year, $75MM deal, but accepted less from the Cardinals because he wanted to play in St. Louis, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.
- MLBTR's Tim Dierkes tweets not many people predicted this kind of contract for Peralta and Stephen Drew should do better even though he's tied to draft pick compensation and is down a suitor.
- Keith Law of ESPN.com writes in an Insider Only post (subscription required) the move could work out in the short term, but Peralta isn't the type of player he would want to commit to for four years.
- The Cardinals explored trade talks with the Diamondbacks and Angels before settling on Peralta, tweets USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
- The Cardinals used their payroll flexibility to acquire Peralta and were going to have to overpay anyway to obtain a much-needed shortstop either financially in free agency or in prospects on the trade market, opines the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Bernie Miklasz.
- Within the same article, Miklasz offers six reasons why the Cardinals preferred Peralta over Drew.
- The lack of draft pick compensation helped fueled Peralta's market, tweets Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News. Feinsand, in a second tweet, isn't surprised Peralta was able to net such a lucrative deal despite being suspended 50 games for his involvement in the Biogenesis affair citing the two-year, $16MM pact the Blue Jays gave Melky Cabrera last offseason after his 50-game PED suspension in 2012.
- Diamondbacks reliever (and union representative) Brad Ziegler was critical of rewarding a player suspended for PED use with such a contract. "It pays to cheat…Thanks, owners, for encouraging PED use. People really don't understand how this works. We thought 50 games would be a deterrent. Obviously it's not. So we are working on it again." (Twitter links)
- Jim Bowden of ESPN and MLB Network Radio wonders if the Cardinals will play Peralta at third base, keep Matt Carpenter at second base, and trade Kolten Wong for a better overall shortstop (via Twitter).
- This type of free agent acquisition is not typical for the Cardinals, according to ESPN.com's Mark Simon.
- Steven Goldman of SBNation.com compares the Cardinals' signing of Peralta with the Yankees' signing of Brian McCann: a massive upgrade on the incumbent over the short term with a hazier outlook over the long run.
- On its face, Fangraphs' Eno Sarris sees this as a perfect signing for the Cardinals.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Steve Adams covered the GM Meetings in Orlando for MLBTR and posted interviews with Mets special assistant J.P. Ricciardi, White Sox GM Rick Hahn, and Padres GM Josh Byrnes.
- The Offseason Outlook series concluded with Mark Polishuk's forecast for the World Champion Red Sox while Steve looked ahead for the team Boston vanquished in the ALCS, the Tigers.
- Tim Dierkes expects Juan Uribe to sign a two-year, $12MM deal in free agency while Steve imagines a team will give Jhonny Peralta a three-year contract worth $36MM.
- Tim was first to report the signings of catcher J.C. Boscan and 1B/OF Jamie Romak, both with the Dodgers. He also reported pitcher Michael Crotta signed with the Nippon Ham Fighters.
- MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz provided an in-depth breakdown of the arbitration cases for the newly crowned AL Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer of the Tigers; Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton; Rays ace David Price, and relievers Steve Cishek, Ernesto Frieri, Greg Holland, and Kenley Jansen.
- Zach Links gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
Orioles Notes: Wieters, McLouth, Beltran, Pitching
The Orioles have been one of the most mentioned teams on MLBTR with the club trying to decide whether to extend or trade Matt Wieters and approaching the Cardinals about a J.J. Hardy–Shelby Miller trade. Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com weighs in on those and other topics in a "Because You Asked" column:
- The Hardy-Miller talks were just preliminary, but not unexpected because of the Orioles' quest for starting pitching and the Cardinals' need for a shortstop. Kubatko sees the O's acquiring a starter and keeping Hardy.
- Wieters is not untouchable and the Orioles are willing to trade him, but are not feverishly shopping the catcher. Financial constraints are compounding the Wieters situation, as the front office is trying to figure out how to accomodate within their budget the pursuit of free agents like Carlos Beltran and arbitration raises for Wieters and others (MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects $41.2MM for eight arbitration eligible players).
- There is no progress in negotiations with outfielder Nate McLouth. The Orioles are concerned with other clubs offering him a two-year deal. MLBTR's Tim Dierkes predicted two years and $10MM for McLouth to which a person in the Orioles organization, when asked by Kubatko late in the season, responded: "Well, he won't be getting that from us."
- Kubatko suggests the Orioles swallow hard and give McLouth a two-year contract since they did so for Wilson Betemit. If re-signed, Kubatko doesn't necessarily see McLouth as the full-time starter in left, but a valuable fourth outfielder, occasional DH, pinch-runner, and defensive replacement.
- The Orioles like Carlos Beltran and see him as a great fit; but, will have to outbid some big spending teams, which they haven't done historically.
- One option worth debating to free up payroll space for Beltran, according to Kubatko, is trading Jim Johnson and his expected $10.8MM arbitration salary. The Orioles have said they intend to keep their closer.
- Kubatko spoke with someone in the organization recently who steered him away from Scott Kazmir, as if the Orioles have no interest. The O's, however, do have interest in Tim Hudson.
- There is a definite possibility Brian Roberts will return to Baltimore. If not, Mark Ellis is on the club's radar as an alternative because he won't command a three-year deal like Omar Infante.
Royals Sign Francisco Pena
The Royals signed catcher Francisco Pena to a Major League contract, adding him to their 40-man roster, reports MLB.com's Dick Kaegel. Pena, who had been a six-year minor league free agent, is represented by the Kinzer Management Group (per MLBTR's Agency Database).
Pena, the son of former Royals manager and current Yankees bench coach Tony Pena, spent the past six seasons in the Mets organization. He has yet to reach the Majors, but competition for his services must have been strong enough to warrant the MLB deal. The 24-year-old split 89 games between Triple-A Las Vegas and Double-A Binghamton in 2013 posting a .254/.300/.429 slash line in 315 plate appearances while also throwing out 30% of runners attempting to steal. Pena will battle Brett Hayes and George Kottaras to win the backup job to Salvador Perez.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:
- With tonight's 11:59 PM (CT) deadline to enter the third annual MLBTR Free Agent Prediction Contest fast approaching, you may want to review every installment in our Free Agent Profile series. There were six new entries this week (ranking on MLBTR's 2014 Top 50 Free Agents list in parenthesis).
- Tim Dierkes envisions $150MM over seven years for Jacoby Ellsbury (#2).
- Ellsbury's teammate, Stephen Drew (#14) will garner a four-year, $48MM deal, according to Tim.
- Steve Adams foresees Nelson Cruz (#17) landing a three-year pact worth $39MM.
- Steve anticipates Bartolo Colon (#22) and Dan Haren (#34) both signing for one year and $10MM.
- Tim predicts a two-year, $16MM contract for James Loney (#37).
- Agent Jim Munsey told Tim the Red Sox have called to express their interest in re-signing his client, Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
- MLBTR was the first to learn the Blue Jays would not be tendering Josh Johnson a qualifying offer.
- Steve listed the 13 free agents who did receive qualifying offers.
- Charlie Wilmoth previewed the Offseason Outlook for the NL Champion Cardinals.
- Tim completed the 2014 Arbitration Eligibles series with his analysis of the Indians, Pirates, Tigers, Cardinals, and Red Sox.
- MLBTR has made its projected 2014 arbitration salaries available for download in an Excel spreadsheet. The list can also be found in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.
- MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz explains the arbitration cases of Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw and Orioles slugger Chris Davis.
- Tim named his non-tender candidates.
- Jeff Todd charted the future salary obligations (2015-2024) for all 30 MLB teams in a two-part series (I, II).
- MLBTR was the first to report the Twins are not interested, at this time, in right-hander Randy Messenger, who is weighing a three-year extension with the Hanshin Tigers.
- Ibrahim Rojas of CMHS Radio Caibarién told MLBTR right-hander Raicel Iglesias, who defected from Cuba recently, is currently in Mexico.
- Agent Felix Olivo told Tim the extension he negotiated for his client, Rangers left-hander Martin Perez, came together in less than two weeks.
- Steve hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
- Zach Links compiled the latest edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
Brewers Notes: Payroll, Free Agency, Hart, First Base
The GM Meetings begin tomorrow in Orlando and run through Wednesday, but it could be a very quiet three days for the Brewers. "I don't anticipate us being overly active at this point but things could change," GM Doug Melvin told Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "There's not a lot of openings in the regular lineup." Budget constraints will also play a role in the Brewers' level of activity, according to Haudricourt, as the club is approximately $14MM under its 2013 Opening Day payroll (not including arbitration and pre-arbitration salaries). Here's more from Haudricourt's piece:
- "There's nothing major on the free-agent market we'll probably get involved with," Melvin said. "Maybe we'll do something with the bullpen, make an addition or two."
- Melvin sees first base as the one position the Brewers need to fill. Re-signing Corey Hart, who is drawing interest from the Mets and a handful of other teams, is the coventional wisdom, but Melvin has only committed to speaking with agent Jeff Berry about Hart's status at some point.
- The Brewers are not believed to have interest in Justin Morneau, James Loney, and/or Mike Napoli at this stage.
- If Hart doesn't re-sign with Milwaukee, one internal option is Juan Francisco, who is showing improvement offensively during Dominican Winter League play (.338/.437/.568 with 18 RBIs – second in the DWL – in 74 at-bats including a .404/.462/.702 slash with 14 RBIs versus left-handers in 47 at-bats, per MLB.com). At the least, Haudricourt sees Francisco providing depth at both infield corners (Francisco has split his time with Licey between third base and DH while appearing in just three games at first).
- Providing middle infield depth will be Elian Herrera, who the Brewers claimed off waivers from the Dodgers on Monday. "He's somebody who can play all over the field, including shortstop if we need it," said Melvin.
Giants Decline Ryan Vogelsong’s Option
MONDAY: The Giants have officially declined Vogelsong's option, Baggarly tweets.
SUNDAY: The Giants have informed right-hander Ryan Vogelsong his $6.5MM club option will not be exercised but negotiations have begun on a restructured contract, sources tell Andrew Baggarly of CSNBayArea.com. Vogelsong will receive a $300K buyout.
The Giants are interested in bringing back Vogelsong, according to Baggarly, but for a smaller guaranteed salary with incentives based on innings and/or starts. Vogelsong missed nearly three months with a broken pinky on his throwing hand and struggled to a 5.73 ERA, 5.8 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, and 10.8 H/9 in 103 2/3 innings over 19 starts. Baggarly theorizes the savings from Vogelsong could be reinvested into re-signing lefty specialist Javier Lopez.
The Giants are expected to officially announce its decision on Vogelsong tomorrow.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR last week as the Boston Red Sox celebrated their third World Championship in the last ten years.
- Tim Dierkes unveiled the eighth annual MLBTR Top 50 Free Agents List and he included his predictions as to where each player will land.
- Where do you think these top 50 free agents will sign? Match your insight against the MLBTR staff and fellow MLBTR readers by entering the third annual MLBTR Free Agent Prediction Contest. The deadline to register (a Facebook account is required) and save your final picks is Sunday, November 10 at Midnight (CT).
- MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Tracker is now available with the start of the free agency spending spree only hours away. It can be found in the Tools drop down menu at the top of the page or in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.
- There were seven installments of MLBTR's Free Agent Profile series this past week.
- Steve Adams expects Matt Garza will receive a four-year, $64MM contract, Fernando Rodney will collect $18MM over two years, Marlon Byrd's payday will be two years and $16MM, Jason Vargas will net a three-year pact worth $28.5MM, and Phil Hughes and Justin Morneau will try to re-establish their value with one-year deals ($8MM for Hughes and $7MM for Morneau).
- Tim estimates Suk-min Yoon will sign for two-years and $10MM, as he makes the jump from the KBO to MLB.
- I previewed the upcoming offseason for the Brewers and Athletics.
- Jeff Todd and Mark Polishuk summarized the winter ahead for the Braves and Orioles, respectively.
- Tim continued the Arbitration Eligibles series with a look at the Rangers, Athletics, Braves, and Dodgers.
- MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz broke down the arbitration case of Braves closer Craig Kimbrel.
- Tim has compiled a calendar of hot stove events, as the offseason is now in full swing.
- MLBTR was the first to report White Sox left-hander Hector Santiago had hired a new agent: Jim Murray of Excel Sports Management.
- Tim hosted this week's chat.
Cafardo On Free Agency, Price, Nathan, Lackey
Free agents are not allowed to negotiate with all 30 MLB clubs until 11:01 pm (CT) Monday, but agent Scott Boras says his phone was ringing off the hook regarding Jacoby Ellsbury and Stephen Drew within hours of the Red Sox winning the World Series, reports Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. The Yankees will be the most interesting team during free agency, according to Cafardo, but will be hamstrung until a decision is made on Alex Rodriguez's appeal. Cafardo also lists the Phillies, Tigers, Giants, Orioles, Blue Jays, and Rangers as active participants in the free agent market. In other tidbits from his Sunday Baseball Notes column:
- Both LA teams are interested in acquiring David Price from the Rays. The Angels may have a slight edge because they can put together package with bats like Mark Trumbo and Howie Kendrick while the Dodgers have an overstocked rotation.
- Joe Nathan should be of interest to both the Tigers and Yankees even though the latter seems to have settled on David Robertson as Mariano Rivera's replacement.
- There may be no better time for the Red Sox to trade John Lackey than right now.
- The Red Sox may consider re-signing Joel Hanrahan after he recovers from Tommy John surgery to provide protection for incumbent closer Koji Uehara.
- Franklin Gutierrez, whose $7.5MM club option was declined by the Mariners, is an intriguing player who can still perform at a high level when healthy. Staying healthy has been an issue for Gutierrez with six trips to the disabled list in the last four years.
- Johan Santana, whose $25MM club option was declined by the Mets, is another pretty good low-cost gamble.