MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Ben Nicholson-Smith filed several posts from the 2012 GM Meetings held in Indian Wells, California, including interviews with Walt Jocketty of the Reds, Jack Zduriencik of the Mariners, Frank Wren of the Braves, Andrew Friedman of the Rays, Ben Cherington of the Red Sox, Josh Byrnes of the Padres, John Mozeliak of the Cardinals, Jeff Luhnow of the Astros, and Dan Duquette of the Orioles.
- Ben opined, based on his conversations with several GMs, that it’s prudent to maintain modest expectations for future free agent classes.
- Tim Dierkes continued the 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series by examining the Giants, Nationals, and Marlins.
- Ben summarized the Offseason Outlook for the Athletics and Braves.
- MLBTR was the first to report the Twins signed reliever Tim Wood to a minor league contract, which includes an invitation to Spring Training.
- Mike Axisa put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- Ben hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
- Here's a refresher on MLBTR's commenting policy.
West Notes: Headley, Gregerson, Dodgers, Iwakuma
Today we celebrate Veterans Day, a day to recognize every person who serves our nation valiantly in the defense of our freedom and liberty whether it be in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard. Thank you kindly to all who have served and are currently serving at home and overseas. John Schlegel of MLB.com explains how the national pastime is forever linked with the nation's armed forces and uses, as an example, the statue of Jerry Coleman erected by the Padres this past September. The pose wasn't inspired by Coleman's playing days or by his Hall of Fame broadcasting career, but of his tour of duty as a Marine pilot during World War II. Here's the latest news on the Padres and the other NL and AL West division teams:
- Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune believes it would take at least four years and $36-40MM to extend NL MVP finalist Chase Headley. Last month, MLBTR's Tim Dierkes examined the parameters of an extension for Headley.
- Also from Center's recent online chat with fans, the Padres could use their bullpen depth to acquire starting pitching with Luke Gregerson being a prime trade chip. If Gregerson is dealt, Andrew Cashner and Brad Brach would be internal candidates to take over as closer if Huston Street suffered an injury, according to Center.
- The Dodgers could place Aaron Harang and Chris Capuano on the trading block if they are able to sign Hyun-Jin Ryu and are satisfied Ted Lilly has recovered from shoulder surgery or Chad Billingsley has avoided Tommy John elbow surgery after suffering a partially torn ligament, reports MLB.com's Ken Gurnick.
- The best and only chance for new Rockies manager Walt Weiss to succeed is to change the defeatist mind-set about the altitude and make it their greatest home-field advantage, opines Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post.
- Right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma will not participate in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, so as to better focus on his second season with the Mariners, writes Greg Johns of MLB.com referencing a report from Japan's Kyodo News Agency. Iwakuma, who recently signed an extension with the Mariners, joins countryman Yu Darvish in deciding not to pitch for Japan, the two-time WBC defending champion.
Emmanuel Burriss Opts For Free Agency
Giants infielder Emmanuel Burriss has elected free agency after being outrighted to Triple-A last Tuesday, according to the MLB.com transactions page. The Giants' 2006 first-round draft pick was to be arbitration eligible for the first time and MLBTR's Matt Swartz predicted a salary of $600K.
Burriss, who will turn 28 in January, played 60 games for the World Champion Giants posting a batting line of .213/.270/.221 while playing every infield position, except first base, and even making an appearance in right field. Burriss also played 29 games at Triple-A Fresno in 2012 with a .274/.342/.377 slash line.
During his five-year career with the Giants, Burriss was a .243/.304/.269 hitter.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Tim Dierkes unveiled the seventh annual MLBTR Top 50 Free Agents List and he included his predictions as to where each player will land.
- Tim also held court with a Top 50 Free Agents live chat.
- You can add your two cents worth on where these top 50 free agents will sign by entering the second annual MLBTR Free Agent Prediction Contest. The deadline to register and save your final picks is Wednesday, November 7 at Midnight CDT.
- MLBTR learned Ervin Santana is once again represented by Proformance.
- MLBTR was the first to report Orioles left-hander Zach Phillips rejected his outright assignment to Triple-A Norfolk and became a free agent.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith previewed the Offseason Outlook for the Rays, Phillies, and Cardinals.
- Tim continued the 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series by profiling the Braves and Athletics.
- Ben provided his top ten storylines for the upcoming offseason.
- Tim listed his non-tender candidates.
- MLBTR has made its projected arbitration salaries for 2013 available for download in an Excel spreadsheet. The list can also be found in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.
- MLBTR's 2013 Free Agent Tracker is now available. It can also be found in the sidebar under MLBTR Features.
- Ben explained how the new system of qualifying offers works.
- Tim surveyed MLBTR readers as to which players will receive qualifying offers.
- Zach Links listed the nine free agents who did receive qualifying offers from their 2012 team.
- Mike Axisa presented the Free Agent Faceoff between Anibal Sanchez and Kyle Lohse. Nearly 70% of MLBTR readers would prefer to sign Sanchez.
- Ben hosted this week's chat.
- Mike compiled this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
Josh Hamilton’s Asking Price Is Seven Years, $175MM
Josh Hamilton, ranked second on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agent List, is said to be looking for a seven-year contract worth $175MM, tweets John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus (h/t the Dallas Morning News).
While the asking price doesn't match the length Albert Pujols received from the Angels last offseason, it would put Hamilton, represented by Moye Sports Associates, on par in terms of average annual salary at $25MM. Hamilton is widely regarded as the best free agent position player available, but he may have trouble finding a club with the financial flexibility to sign him. It hasn't, however, stopped reports of teams like the Braves and the Brewers being intrigued by the possibility of signing the five-time All-Star.
Hamilton said last month he will give the Rangers an oppportunity to match any offer he receives. The Rangers reportedly aren't prepared to offer Hamilton a long-term deal, but did extend him a qualifying offer worth $13.3MM. He has until next Friday to either accept or decline the tender. If Hamilton declines, any team signing him will also have to factor in the cost of losing a top draft choice.
MLBTR asked its readers last month whether Hamilton will remain with the Rangers and more than 73% of you believe he will play elswhere in 2013.
Dodgers Outright Alfredo Silverio to Triple-A
The Dodgers have outrighted outfielder Alfredo Silverio to Triple-A Albuquerque, reports Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. The Dodgers now have four openings on their 40-man roster.
Silverio, considered one of the organization's better outfield prospects a year ago, was seriously injured during a car accident in his native Dominican Republic on January 23. Silverio missed the entire 2012 season because of the injuries he sustained in the crash including a severe concussion and damage to his throwing elbow, which required Tommy John surgery in May.
The 24-year-old was coming off a breakthrough season in 2011 when he hit .306/.340/.542 with 16 homers and 90 runs scored for Double-A Chattanooga.
NL West Notes: Kershaw, Rockies’ Opening, Dodgers
The San Francisco Giants have the opportunity this evening to give the National League its third consecutive World Series win, the Senior Circuit's longest such streak in three decades. If Game Four starter Matt Cain wins tonight, he will become only the third pitcher in MLB history to record three series clinching victories in one post-season. As the Giants try to bring the Commissioner's Trophy to the NL West for the second time in three years, here's the latest from that division:
- Major League Baseball presented Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw with the Roberto Clemente Award, given to the player who most embodies the humanitarian vision of the late Pirates star, prior to the start of Game 4 of the World Series, writes Mark Saxon of ESPNLosAngeles.com.
- The Rockies have expressed interested in interviewing Giants bench coach Ron Wotus for their managerial opening, reports the Denver Post's Patrick Saunders. Saunders also confirmed Matt Williams, the Diamondbacks' third base coach, is the sixth candidate to be interviewed joining Rockies bench coach Tom Runnells, Jason Giambi, former Rockies shortstop Walt Weiss, ex-White Sox and Mets manager Jerry Manuel, and former Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin.
- Weiss would be an inspired choice to become the Rockies next manager, according to Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post. Weiss was universally respected for his knowledge and work ethic by his teammates and he knows the Rockies' culture, having played for the team and worked as a special assistant for general manager Dan O'Dowd, opined Renck.
- Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis, in his World Series column for the Los Angeles Times, understands the logic of those who believe it is difficult for teams in Southern California to win the World Series because of the cold weather conditions in October.
- MLB is in discussions about the possibility of starting its 2014 season in Australia, reports Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times. A MLB spokesman said the possibility of playing in Australia is not currently being explored. Dilbeck also referenced a report in the Sydney Morning Herald where the preference of the Australian promoters is a series between the Dodgers and Diamondbacks in Sydney.
- Sharon Robinson, daughter of Jackie Robinson, told Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times she will be joining the Dodgers' board of directors representing her family and the Jackie Robinson Foundation. A Dodgers official said the team is finalizing an agreement with the Robinson family but declined to comment publicly in advance of an announcement.
Daniel Seco contributed to this post.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- MLBTR learned from a source close to the situation that the Angels are highly unlikely to re-sign Torii Hunter.
- MLBTR introduced Free Agent Faceoff, a new series where two comparable free agents are analyzed side by side and our readers vote on the value of the two players. The inaugural installment featured Joe Saunders versus Joe Blanton and nearly 76% of you would prefer having Saunders on your team. The next faceoff involved Ryan Madson and Joakim Soria with more than 60% of you favoring Soria.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith summarized the Offseason Outlook for the Indians, Orioles, Angels, Pirates, and Reds.
- Tim Dierkes continued the 2013 Arbitration Eligibles series with a detailed look at the Pirates, Angels, Rays, Reds, Phillies, and Cardinals.
- Ben compiled a calendar of hot stove events, as the MLB season is nearing its conclusion.
- Ben hosted this week's live chat.
- Mike Axisa assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
Quick Hits: Leyland, Orioles, Chris Perez
Let's take a look at the latest news and notes on what could be the final day of the 2012 baseball season.
- Jim Leyland's future as manager of the Tigers is still unclear, tweets Tom Gage of the Detroit News. Before tonight's World Series game, Leyland said nobody puts a team together better than team President/CEO/GM Dave Dombrowski adding "hopefully he feels I'm the guy to manage it."
- The Orioles' most pressing needs for 2013 are a frontline starter, a second baseman, and dealing with the unsettled positions of left field and first base, writes MASN.com's Roch Kubatko.
- Manny Machado and Dylan Bundy are among the Orioles who could make a big step in 2013, according to Rich Dubroff of CSNBaltimore.com.
- The Indians should only trade Chris Perez if they feel Vinnie Pestano can replace him as closer, opined Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer as he delved into his readers' mailbag. Hoynes also believes Lonnie Chisenhall will be given every opportunity to be the everyday third baseman and Sandy Alomar, Jr. would have been the slam-dunk choice as manager, if Terry Francona hadn’t been so adamant about getting back in the dugout.
- In the wake of Shohei Otani's announced intention to pursue a MLB career rather than play in Japan, Japanese baseball officials are considering stricter rules for amateur players who want to do the same, reports the Associated Press (via the Boston Herald).
- Tom Kotchman denied he was forced out by the Angels insisting his decision to leave was due to a desire to find something closer to his Tampa-St. Petersburg area home, reports Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times.
- Congratulations to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, who was named the first female president in the 104-year history of the Baseball Writers Association of America.
- Manny Ramirez's quest to resurrect his baseball career has the slugger heading to the Dominican Republic in hopes of catching the eye of a potential suitor during a tryout for three Japanese teams, writes George A. King III of the New York Post.
Daniel Seco contributed to this post.
NL Central Notes: Astros, Cardinals, Braun, Cubs
- Astros GM Jeff Luhnow's vision to rebuild the franchise is a club that grows and develops its players but can spend when it needs to thanks to increased revenue from a new local cable partnership with Comcast, according to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle.
- There will be competition for at least one spot in the Cardinals' starting rotation, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold. Goold theorizes that competition will pit incumbent Lance Lynn against Joe Kelly, Trevor Rosenthal, and Shelby Miller.
- In a separate piece, Goold named the seven best starting pitching prospects in the Cardinals' system that have yet to exhaust their rookie eligibility, including the aforementioned Rosenthal and Miller.
- Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch lists five reasons for optimism and five reasons for concern for the 2013 Cardinals.
- After speaking with members of the Baseball Writers Association of America, Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has the distinct impression that Ryan Braun will be penalized in the voting for NL MVP because of his failed drug test last year and subsequent successful appeal. Haudricourt also believes the failed drug test played a role in Buster Posey being named the NL winner of the Hank Aaron Award instead of Braun.
- The Cubs have hired Derek Johnson to become their new minor league pitching coordinator, tweets Baseball America's Aaron Fitt. Johnson was Associate Head Coach/pitching coach at Vanderbilt where he tutored six pitchers who were drafted in the first round including David Price and Sonny Gray.