NL Notes: Rockies, Pirates, Mets, Managerial Searches
The NLCS is taking a day off as the scene shifts to Los Angeles for Game 3 tomorrow night with the Cardinals leading the Dodgers 2-0. Here is the latest news and notes out of the National League today:
- The Rockies need to improve their talent acquisition via the draft and Latin America in order to overcome the crushing injuries suffered in recent seasons, according to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. Tim Hudson, whose free agency was profiled this past week by MLBTR's Steve Adams, would make a perfect middle-of-the-rotation starter for the Rockies, Renck opines.
- The Pirates' payroll will increase significantly in 2014 aiding their efforts to retain free agents Marlon Byrd and A.J. Burnett while also trying to sign Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez to long-term extensions, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Rob Biertempfel.
- The Mets will face a dilemma with their 40-man roster when it comes time to protect minor league players from the Rule 5 draft, reports ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin. The Mets' 40-man roster is currently full and will be so again once the eight players on the 60-day disabled list replace the eight pending free agents on the 40-man. Jordany Valdespin headlines Rubin's list of eight Mets who could lose their roster spot.
- The Reds' managerial search is centered on pitching coach Bryan Price and Triple-A manager Jim Riggleman, writes John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Fay expects Price to get the job; but, if neither candidate impresses ownership in upcoming interviews, the search may be expanded.
- Nationals third-base coach Trent Jewett has an excellent shot to become the team's next manager, reports ESPN.com's Buster Olney (Insider subscription required).
Cafardo On Price, BoSox, Granderson, Loney, Dodgers
While David Price has resigned himself to being traded, the Rays appear to be trying to figure out ways to make their ace the focal point of their pitching staff for many years to come, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. Cafardo notes, however, the Rays' front office realizes it could be a losing battle, so a trade is likely with nearly half of baseball rumored to be interested in the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner. "It's a big name, a big-time pitcher," one National League GM told Cafardo. "Even if you feel you don't need that level of pitcher, you look into it because he's so special and such a game changer. You do more than kick the tires. You try to make something happen, and I think you'll see teams that don't even need him step up." Here's more from Cafardo's column:
- The Red Sox will likely trade one of their veteran starters to make room for their young arms. Cafardo suggests Jon Lester and Jake Peavy could be available while Ryan Dempster, John Lackey, and Felix Doubront are also vulnerable.
- Jacoby Ellsbury is a perfect fit for the Mariners and Carlos Beltran likewise for the Orioles.
- Curtis Granderson will likely receive a qualifying offer from the Yankees and there's a strong possibility he would take it because he could post his biggest numbers at Yankee Stadium.
- The Dodgers will make Andre Ethier and/or Matt Kemp available this winter. Kemp will come with injury concerns, but that shouldn't prevent a team from taking a chance on his talent.
- James Loney has rebuilt his value with a strong season in Tampa (.299/.348/.430 with a 2.1 oWAR in 158 games and 598 plate appearances). Loney could find a market with the Rangers, if the Rays don't re-sign the free agent first baseman.
- Reds pitching coach Bryan Price appears to be the front-runner to replace Dusty Baker as manager in Cincinnati while Nationals bench coach Randy Knorr is in a strong position to take over from Davey Johnson, unless ownership wants a bigger name as its new manager.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:
- Tim Dierkes posted the final edition of MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings. Robinson Cano and Jacoby Ellsbury remain the top two while Masahiro Tanaka (who will need to be posted by his NPL team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles) and Mike Napoli break into the top ten.
- The offseason began for 22 of the 30 MLB teams this past week and so did two offseason staples on MLBTR: Offseason Outlook and Arbitration Eligibles.
- Jeff Todd detailed the offseason outlook for the Marlins, Zach Links examined the Astros and Rockies, and Tim summarized the Cubs.
- Tim also kicked off the Arbitration Eligibles series with a look at the Marlins, Mets, Cubs, Astros, Mariners, Blue Jays, Phillies, and Rockies.
- There were four new installments in MLBTR's Free Agent Profile series.
- Tim foresees a team giving Mike Napoli $42MM over three years, Carlos Ruiz a two-year, $14MM contract, and a four-year, $36MM deal to Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
- Steve Adams predicts right-handed reliever Jesse Crain will sign for one-year and $3.5MM with incentives based on innings pitched and, perhaps, games finished.
- Matt Sosnick, the agent for Josh Johnson, told MLBTR the right-hander underwent elbow surgery Tuesday to remove bone spurs and will begin a throwing program in five weeks and will be ready for Spring Training. Johnson enters free agency for the first time this winter.
- Ryan Galla of CAA Baseball told MLBTR a few roster moves made during September has increased his Super Two cutoff calculation by one day. Players will now need two years and 122 days (2.122) of service time to earn an extra year of salary arbitration.
- MLBTR was the first to learn Tim Hudson expects to be fully recovered from ankle surgery by mid-November and the right-hander will seek a Major League contract during free agency.
- Steve hosted this week's chat.
- Zach put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- Aaron Steen culminated the week with a Free Agent Faceoff between Masahiro Tanaka (#5 on MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings) and Matt Garza (#7). Nearly two-thirds of you favor the Japanese right-hander.
Minor Moves: Brian Omogrosso, Matt Pagnozzi
Here are Sunday's minor moves from around MLB:
- Right-hander Brian Omogrosso has elected free agency after being outrighted off the White Sox's 40-man roster, according to the International League's transactions page. The 29-year-old made his MLB debut in 2012 with the White Sox pitching to a 2.57 ERA, 7.7 K/9, and 3.3 BB/9 in 17 appearances out of the bullpen covering 21 innings. Omogrosso regressed this past season with a 9.37 ERA, 8.8 K/9, 5.0 BB/9 in 16 1/3 innings over 12 games.
- Catcher Matt Pagnozzi chose to become a free agent after he was outrighted to Triple-A by the Astros, per the Pacific Coast League's transaction page. Pagnozzi, who was acquired from the Braves last month, was removed from the Astros' 40-man roster after managing just three hits in 22 plate appearances since the trade. The 30-year-old has a career slash line of .272/.323/.326 in 105 plate appearances across parts of four seasons with the Astros, Pirates, Rockies, and Cardinals.
NL Notes: Brewers, Padres, Beltran, Mets
The National League takes center stage as the MLB playoffs continue with Division Series action in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles. Will there be any goats at either PNC Park or Dodger Stadium? Probably not, especially after what happened to the Cubs 68 years ago today when they kicked out Chicago tavern owner Billy Sianis and his goat from Game Four of the World Series. Sianis proclaimed "Them Cubs, they ain't gonna win no more," which started the now infamous "Curse of the Billy Goat." Here's the latest news and notes from the Senior Circuit:
- The Brewers' solid play over the final two months of the season has changed thoughts of a complete teardown to mere retooling, writes Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Can we win with this roster? Yeah, we can win with the roster we have," GM Doug Melvin told Haudricourt. "I think if our best players are on the field and our young guys take that next step, we can be there." Melvin, however, admitted the Brewers are probably not as talented as in past years.
- The Padres say payroll will increase to $80MM next year, but it still may not be enough to compete in the NL West, according to Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Times. Center opines the Padres need to add a middle-of-the-order bat and could package outfielders Will Venable or Chris Denorfia with a pitching prospect for a corner outfielder or peddle Yonder Alonso for a more traditional power-hitting first baseman.
- Carlos Beltran confirmed he spoke with Mets COO Jeff Wilpon, but would not reveal what was discussed, reports the New York Post's Mike Puma. Beltran, a free agent after the World Series, was diplomatic when asked about a reunion with the club, "I'm going to listen to everybody and we’ll see what happens."
- Wilpon is growing antsy and needs the Mets to start peforming in order to increase attendance and the overall value of the franchise, sources have told Matthew Cerrone of MetsBlog.com. With this in mind and based on his knowledge of the front office and his limited conversations to date, Cerrone lists the Mets' potential free agent and trade targets and one notable name is missing: Shin-Soo Choo.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- MLBTR's Free Agent Profile series continued with Tim Dierkes and Steve Adams issuing six such portraits.
- Tim anticipates Paul Maholm settling for a one-year, $7MM contract, but two years and $14MM isn't out of the realm of possibility for the left-hander.
- Tim also envisions a five-year, $80MM deal for Brian McCann and a two-year, $10MM pact for Nate McLouth.
- Steve foresees Curtis Granderson receiving $45MM over three years and Hiroki Kuroda and A.J. Pierzynski both signing for one year ($16MM for Kuroda and $6.5MM for Pierzynski).
- Charlie Wilmoth pitted outfielders Carlos Beltran and Nelson Cruz in a Free Agent Faceoff. Over 69% of MLBTR readers would prefer to sign Beltran.
- Aaron Steen provided a second Free Agent Faceoff between starters Phil Hughes and Scott Kazmir. Approximately 71% of you favor Kazmir.
- MLBTR was the first to report the Reds released right-hander Kyle Lotzkar.
- Tim asked MLBTR readers which free agents will receive a qualifying offer. An overwhelming 83% of you who responded to the survey believe the Yankees will tender Robinson Cano while a majority also sees a QO for Jacoby Ellsbury (75%), Shin-Soo Choo (72.5%), Brian McCann (59%), Curtis Granderson (55%), and Carlos Beltran (50%).
- Steve hosted this week's live chat.
- Zach Links assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
Managerial Notes: Girardi, Scioscia, Gardy, Collins
As regular season finales are being played out across MLB today, rumors have already started to swirl about the fate of several managers. Here's the latest news and notes on that front:
- Joe Girardi met with reporters today (Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger provides a partial transcript) and admitted he has yet to make up his mind about returning to the Yankees next season. "It comes down to family. They are first," said Girardi. "Whatever is best for the group of us, not one individual, not me or just my wife, or just one of my children, whatever is best for us as a group, that’s what we’ll decide to do. And that’s something I put some thought into, and I’m going to have to think about a lot over the next few days, obviously." Girardi added money will not play a factor in his decision.
- Many have speculated Girardi could be the next Cubs manager, if Dale Sveum is fired. Girardi, however, downplayed the connection to his hometown. "I haven’t lived there since 2006. I have a brother still there, a couple brothers there, actually. But my father’s gone. My mother’s gone. So there’s not as much there as there used to be."
- Davey Johnson told reporters, including MASNsports.com's Dan Kolko, he will not manage in 2014. "I wouldn't know the talent level, wouldn't know the organization," Johnson said. "I wouldn't be a good fit. I never say 'Never' to anything. I'm always open for new challenges. But I don't see that as being a challenge that would get my motor really revved up."
- Mike Scioscia told reporters, including Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com, he has not been informed whether he will return as Angels manager. "I'm sure that at some point they're going to let us know," said Scioscia. "It's not an issue. It really isn't. It's going to be addressed at some point. I'm sure it's going to be addressed before February."
- Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN.com expects the Twins to sign Ron Gardenhire to a two-year contract and presumes a decision on his fate will be made either tonight or tomorrow (Twitter links).
- If not retained by the Twins, Gardenhire could be a possibility to replace Eric Wedge in Seattle, tweets FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. In a separate tweet, Rosenthal reports the Mariners will also consider Reds pitching coach Bryan Price and former White Sox bench coach Joey Cora, who played in Seattle from 1995 to 1998.
- The Mets have issued a press release announcing an 11am (CT) news conference tomorrow featuring GM Sandy Alderson. It is expected the topic will be a new deal for manager Terry Collins. People with direct knowledge of the negotiations tell Andy Martino of the New York Daily News the contract is for two years and about $2MM, with a club option for 2016.
Raicel Iglesias Detained Trying To Defect From Cuba
Right-hander Raicel Iglesias has been detained by Cuban authorities for attempting to defect, three sources have told Diario De Cuba (h/t Ben Badler of Baseball America). An employee of the Dirección de Deportes en Nueva Gerona confirmed Iglesias is being detained and will no longer train with the local team.
Diaro De Cuba reports the 23-year-old was hiding in the mountains of Isla de la Juventud until Thursday when he left searching for food and water. The report says Iglesias attempted to leave Cuba September 22 in the area of Punta de Piedra, but failed. Diaro De Cuba quotes Lázaro Ricardo Pérez, an independent journalist, as saying Iglesias was hiding with several individuals, including his brother, and all were dehyrdated. Pérez added rumors of the right-hander's escape became public Tuesday alerting authorities while Iglesias was still in hiding.
Iglesias, who impressed scouts on Cuba's U.S. tour where he hit 92-95 mph on the gun and made batters miss often with his breaking ball, according to Badler, could be released from custody as early as today, but it is not known whether he will face charges.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR the past seven days:
- Need a starting rotation makeover? Check out this week´s installments of MLBTR´s new recurring series: Free Agent Profile.
- Steve Adams sees a three-year, $39MM deal for Ubaldo Jimenez and a two-year, $17MM contract with a vesting option for Scott Feldman.
- Tim Dierkes meanwhile predicts Roberto Hernandez will receive a one-year pact worth $5MM, plus incentives, Bronson Arroyo will secure $24MM over two years, and Scott Kazmir will net two years and $16MM.
- Zach Links spoke to former Dodgers GM Fred Claire about the ups and downs of the franchise since his departure 15 years ago.
- MLBTR´s Free Agent Faceoff returned as Steve featured closers Grant Balfour and Joaquin Benoit. Nearly 69% of you would prefer to sign Balfour.
- Jeff Todd presented a second Free Agent Faceoff between right-handed starters Tim Lincecum and Ubaldo Jimenez. Just under 62% of you favor Lincecum.
- Aaron Steen offered a third Free Agent Faceoff: Josh Johnson versus Roy Halladay. Over 53% of you chose the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
- Charlie Wilmoth revisited the Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki contract extensions in a Transaction Retrospection.
- Steve hosted the weekly live chat.
- Zach gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- MLBTR introduced a new recurring series called Free Agent Profile. Tim Dierkes penned the first two installments: Omar Infante and Ricky Nolasco.
- Charlie Wilmoth examined Brewers shortstop Jean Segura as a possible extension candidate.
- Steve Adams interviewed Pirates GM Neal Huntington, who shared his rationale for signing free agents Russell Martin and Francisco Liriano, re-signing Jason Grilli, and trading for A.J. Burnett and Mark Melancon, five key pieces to ending the franchise's streak of two decades without a winning season.
- Tim listed the top 34 free agent starting pitchers.
- Steve asked MLBTR readers who is the Angels' best trade chip other than Mike Trout. More than 62% of you believe Mark Trumbo would bring back the best return.
- Aaron Steen asked MLBTR readers whether the Blue Jays should extend a qualifying offer to Josh Johnson. Approximately 72% of you believe doing so would be a mistake.
- Zach Links tracked the progress players with a 2014 vesting option are making toward exercising those options.
- Steve hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
- Zach put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- Want the latest rumors for your favorite team? Check out MLBTR's team-by-team links for Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds.