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MLBTR Originals

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A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:

  • Tim Trafficanda, the agent for Adam Kennedy, told MLBTR discussions are underway with 3 to 4 teams about a 2013 contract for the free agent infielder.  
  • Ben Nicholson-Smith attended the Blue Jays' press conference introducing R.A. Dickey and reported the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner was sold on Toronto after listening to GM Alex Anthopoulos explain his vision for 2013 and beyond.
  • Ben also highlighted the non-Dickey news and notes from the press conference about Darren Oliver, Josh Thole, possible contract extensions, and the Blue Jays' bench and bullpen. 
  • Zach Links participated in the conference call announcing the Nationals' signing of Adam LaRoche and reported GM Mike Rizzo was in an "enviable position in negotiations," but was anxious to finalize the deal.
  • LaRoche spoke with the media the next day and Zach reported LaRoche's desire for a no-trade clause and how he felt being tied to draft pick compensation adversely affected his market. 
  • Ben spoke with several GMs about how they must adjust their offseason plans throughout the course of the winter.
  • Matt Swartz provided an in-depth breakdown of the arbitration cases for Chase Headley, Hunter Pence, and Max Scherzer.
  • Ben noted an increase in the number of multi-year contracts given to free agents this winter, as compared to the previous two offseasons.
  • Ben reviewed the market for the remaining free agent right-handed relievers.
  • Tim Dierkes was the first to report the Reds signed infielder Nate Samson to a minor league deal.
  • Ben asked MLBTR readers whether the Phillies will add another outfielder to their current mix. Over 57% of you believe they will either by trade or free agency. 
  • Ben hosted the weekly live chat.
  • Mike Axisa gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
  • Here's the schedule for MLBTR's roster of weekly features and exactly what to expect from them.

Florida Notes: Lee, Morrison, Capps, Kearns, Rays

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Seventeen years ago today, Cuban defector Livan Hernandez inked a four-year, $4.5MM contract with the Marlins, which included a record $2.5MM signing bonus. Hernandez made his Major League debut just eight months later as a September call-up. Hernandez was instrumental in the Marlins' 1997 World Series title run earning NLCS MVP honors and being named the MVP of the Fall Classic after winning both of his starts against the Indians. Hernandez has found steady employment ever since donning the uniform of the Giants, Expos, Nationals, Diamondbacks, Twins, Rockies, Mets, Nationals (again), Braves, and Brewers. The 37-year-old right-hander pitched for the latter two clubs in 2012 compiling a 6.42 ERA, 6.4 K/9, 2.1 BB/9, and 2.0 HR/9 in 67 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. The Praver/Shapiro client has said he wants to pitch in 2013. In other other news involving MLB's Florida teams:

  • The Marlins have no interest in re-signing first baseman Carlos Lee despite concerns about the health of Logan Morrison, according to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. Morrison, recovering from right knee surgery, isn't expected to begin running until a week into Spring Training. 
  • The Marlins are one of several teams in talks with free agent reliever Matt Capps, reports Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
  • Within the same piece, Jackson writes the Marlins are expected to sign Austin Kearns. Clark Spencer, Jackson's colleague at the Herald, adds the deal includes an invitation to Spring Training. Kearns spent 2012 in Miami posting a slash line of .245/.366/.367 in 175 plate appearances while playing both corner outfield positions, first base, and serving as DH in interleague play and as the team's primary right-handed pinch hitter. 
  • Jackson also writes Marlins owner Jeffery Loria has told team president David Samson he can no longer do interviews. This comes in the wake of Loria banning Samson from doing his radio show. Jackson opines this is a mistake because Samson has made himself more accountable and accessible than many team presidents, even amid unpopular decisions made solely by Loria, who, Jackson adds, has refused to speak to the media since mid-November.
  • The Rays will hold their annual development camp this week for 31 of their top prospects. One point of emphasis will be baseball's drug policy in the wake of the organization seeing six of their minor leaguers receive 50-game suspensions in 2012, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "It stunk, very disappointing," Rays Director of Minor League Operations Mitch Lukevics said of the suspensions. "We spend as much time on the education of 'Do's and Don'ts' and derailers as much as we do hitting or pitching or throwing. It was very disappointing, there's no getting around it."

Javier Vazquez “Not In A Hurry” To Sign

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Javier Vazquez told Ruben Rodriguez of El Nuevo Dia (translation courtesy of Nick Collias) that he has not started negotiating with any team.

"We’re not evaluating any offers. Not yet," Vazquez said. "I’m not in a hurry or under pressure. If it comes, great. There’s a desire in me that there wasn’t last year. I’ve got the itch to pitch again. I didn’t have it before; but, now, I’m considering returning to pitch in the big leagues. I’m ready to pitch now; but, to make the decision, I need to be 100 percent."

The Nationals are showing "heavy interest" in signing the 36-year-old right-hander. In fact, GM Mike Rizzo traveled to Puerto Rico Wednesday to see Vazquez throw six innings with 10 strikeouts and his fastball reportedly touching 95 mph. Vazquez says he spoke with Rizzo afterwards, but the conversation was strictly informal.

"We just said, 'Hi,' to each other and he asked me how I felt," said Vazquez.

Vazquez sat out the 2012 season after pitching to a 3.69 ERA with 7.6 K/9 and 2.3 BB/9 in 192 2/3 innings for the Marlins in 2011. The ACES client has been scouted by the Red Sox, White Sox, Phillies, Royals, Rays, and Mets in recent weeks and has been contacted by 15 teams to express their interest.

Cafardo On Napoli, Lohse, Upton, Bourn, Soriano

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It has been six weeks since the Red Sox and Mike Napoli agreed to terms on a three-year, $39MM contract. The holdup in finalizing the deal is concern with one of Napoli's hips and the team's desire to write protective language into the contract. Recently, we learned the Red Sox are continuing negotiations with Napoli, but would like to shorten the deal to just one year and have been in contact with the Nationals about Mike Morse. A major league source told Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe this about Napoli's hip, "It’s one of those things where it could go anytime or five years from now. Nobody really knows, which is why the Red Sox want strong language after putting $40 million on the table for him.” Cafardo believes it's starting to make sense for the Red Sox to trade for Justin Morneau or to make Daniel Nava a first baseman/left fielder. More from Cafardo:

  • That Kyle Lohse is still available at this late date is somewhat of a stunner to Cafardo. Lohse's market has been stunted with him being tied to draft pick compensation and that no one seems willing to go beyond two years, although several teams needs starting pitching and his stuff translates to both leagues. 
  • Draft pick compensation has also shrunk the market for Michael Bourn. Another factor, according to a NL GM, has been the Twins trading both Denard Span and Ben Revere and the Braves signing B.J. Upton.
  • Cafardo thought it was strange for Justin Upton to reject his trade to Seattle since it's one of the nicest cities in the country and the fences at Safeco Field have been moved in.
  • Cubs President Theo Epstein has come to realize Alfonso Soriano is an excellent clubhouse presence because of his willingness to help younger players. With that and his excellent 2012 season, Epstein wants a player of note in any deal where the Cubs eat a majority of the $36MM left on Soriano's contract.
  • Discussions to include Garrett Jones in the Joel Hanrahan trade never progressed very far because "the Pirates really valued Jones highly," a major league source told Cafardo.   
  • One NL GM told Cafardo Roy Oswalt may still want to pitch, but on his terms and perhaps for only a half a season. Many teams have given up trying to persuade the 35-year-old to pitch, feeling the vibe is that he just doesn’t want it bad enough. Cafardo also notes Oswalt suffered a forearm strain at the end of his time with the Rangers last season. 
  • Bobby Valentine has turned down some opportunities to serve as an advisor for teams. Valentine has instead decided to focus on expanding his restaurant business, growing his film company, and working for NBC Sports since being fired as manager of the Red Sox.

MLBTR Originals

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A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week, as 2012 became 2013:

  • Tim Dierkes attended the Cubs' press conference announcing their signing of Edwin Jackson and reported GM Jed Hoyer's rationale behind the move and the benefits Jackson sees in having a long-term contract for the first time in his career.
  • Matt Swartz provided an in-depth breakdown of the arbitration cases for David Price and Buster Posey.
  • Mark Polishuk listed the key non-moves of 2012.
  • Ben Nicholson-Smith, the 94th most influential Canadian in baseball, detailed how the seven teams that allowed the most runs in 2012 have tried to improve themselves. 
  • Zach Links asked MLBTR readers which of the seven remaining unsigned players on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents list will be the last to come to terms. More than 30% of you picked Jose Valverde (#44) with Rafael Soriano (#17) close behind at 29%. 
  • Ben asked MLBTR readers how the Diamondbacks should address their outfield depth. Nearly 41% of you would break the logjam by trading Jason Kubel while over 39% of you would deal Justin Upton.
  • Zach revisited the 2012 New Year's Day trade between the White Sox and Blue Jays that sent Jason Frasor back to Toronto in exchange for two minor leaguers.
  • I looked back at the Messersmith-McNally decision on its 37th anniversary, a ruling that effectively voided baseball's reserve clause and established true free agency for players.
  • Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
  • Mike Axisa put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
  • Hopefully, one of your New Year's resolutions is to abide by MLBTR's commenting policy.

NL Notes: D’backs, Rafael Soriano, Posey, Marlins

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Seven years ago today, the Diamondbacks came to terms with Justin Upton, the first overall selection in the 2005 amateur draft, on a five-year, $6.1MM contract. The deal marked the largest signing bonus given in a minor league contract for a drafted player, who was not a free agent. Today, Upton is the prime trade target of the offseason. Just within the last 24 hours, we learned there is no match with the Padres, the Braves haven't engaged in Upton talks since before Christmas, and speculation that a deal will happen as soon as Arizona is offered the right mix of players. In non-Upton news involving the Diamondbacks and the rest of the Senior Circuit:

Indians Notes: Payroll, Hafner, DH, Starting Rotation

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The Indians have been very busy during the first days of 2013 officially announcing the free agent signings of Nick Swisher and Brett Myers. MLB.com's Jordan Bastian reports the team will open the season with a payroll hovering around $66-68MM (not including the $2.75MM buyout of Travis Hafner's 2013 club option and the $3.5MM sent to the Reds in the Shin-Soo Choo trade). As a result, GM Chris Antonetti has said the team's financial resources have been exhausted. The lone remaining hole in the lineup is designated hitter. Bastian says the Tribe could rely on internal options like Mike Aviles, Yan Gomes, Ezequiel Carrera, Tim Fedroff, and Rule 5 selection Chris McGuiness. Even bringing back Hafner is a possibility according to Antonetti, "I think some of that is going to depend upon other opportunities for Travis and his thoughts on returning, as well as what opportunities we may have for him compared to other guys." Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has more news and notes concerning the Indians:

  • Hoynes adds Matt LaPorta to the list of in-house DH options, but says Antonetti could still sign a hitter or bring one in on a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training. 
  • Hoynes thinks Delmon Young would look good as the Tribe's DH, but doesn't see it happening at this time because of his asking price and character issues.
  • The Indians will still consider trading Asdrubal Cabrera or Chris Perez, but only if the return is comparable to what they received in the Choo deal.
  • The starting rotation looks like Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Myers, and Zach McAllister. Trevor Bauer and Carlos Carrasco are the leading candidates for the fifth spot.
  • With the flush of spending of this season, does this put extra pressure on the front office to win now? Hoynes doesn't sense any panic in the hallways of power, especially since new manager Terry Francona can opt-out of his deal if certain members of management lose their jobs.

Roberto Clemente: A Remembrance

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MLBTR's Mark Polishuk paid tribute to Roberto Clemente who lost his life 40 years ago today in a plane crash off the coast of Puerto Rico. Clemente was on a mission of mercy delivering emergency supplies to earthquake-ravaged Nicaragua. David Maraniss, in his biography Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball‘s Last Hero, wrote, "The mythic aspects of baseball…usually draw on cliches of the innocent past. (Clemente's myth) arcs the other way, to the future, not the past, to what people hope they can become." (h/t Bob Cohn of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review). Here are more remembrances of the first Latin American inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame:

  • David Brown of Yahoo! Sports writes Pirates' second baseman Neil Walker can thank Clemente for being born. Tom Walker, Neil's father, was a pitcher for the Expos and wanted to accompany his friend Clemente on that fateful flight. Clemente told Tom Walker to go enjoy New Year's Eve instead.
  • FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi tweeted a quote from Tom Walker, "If there had been 6 seats on the plane I would have gone. There were 5."
  • Alfredo R. Berrios of ESPNDeportes.com offers his own recollections of that night in 1972 and those of other Latin American sportswriters and sportscasters who covered Clemente.
  • Jorge L. Ortiz of USA Today discusses Clemente's impact throughout Latin America. Ortiz adds Clemente's athletic legacy may have waned in Puerto Rico, but his dignity and devotion to those less fortunate continues to resonate. 
  • Jim Lachimia, in a special to MLB.com, spoke with Roberto Clemente Jr. about his father.
  • MLB Network has posted a video, hosted by Bob Costas, paying respect to Clemente's life and the lives he impacted in baseball and around the world.

Quick Hits: Royals, Stanton, Draft, Mets, Nationals

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Earlier tonight, the Royals announced the signing of Miguel Tejada to a minor league contract. Whether or not the deal includes an invitation to Spring Training will be announced at a later date, the Royals said in a release. Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star tweeted the addition of Tejada could make Tony Abreu or Irving Falu expendable. Dutton added Falu has options remaining while Abreu doesn't (Twitter link). As the East Coast drops the ball on 2013, let's enjoy another round of MLB news and notes: 

  • Dutton projects the Royals' payroll to be in neighborhood of $83MM and it's hard for him to see it go much higher (via Twitter). The Royals could free up some salary by moving Luke Hochevar or Bruce Chen, but Dutton doesn't sense any urgency from the club to move either one. Another possibility, although less likely, is Chris Getz (Twitter links).
  • The Mariners have contacted the Marlins about Giancarlo Stanton, tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOXSports.com. However, one source Morosi spoke with doubts a trade will occur. 
  • Baseball America's Jim Callis has updated the 2013 amateur draft order. There are four potential compensation free agents remaining on the market (Michael Bourn, Adam LaRoche, Kyle Lohse, and Rafael Soriano). If they change addresses, their former club will get a pick at the end of the first round and their new team will forfeit their top choice (unless it's one of the top 10 overall).
  • Within the same piece, Callis remains surprised the Mets were able to obtain Noah Syndergaard from the Blue Jays in the R.A. Dickey trade. By adding Travis d'Arnaud and Syndergaard, which Callis projects as the Mets' second and third best prospects, the club has boosted their farm system into the top 20.
  • Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post listed the Nationals posting the best record in baseball as the club's top storyline in 2012.

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