Offseason In Review: Chicago Cubs
The Cubs were heavily involved in free agency, adding four starting pitchers as well as relief and outfield depth.
Major League Signings
- Scott Hairston, OF: two years, $5MM.
- Carlos Villanueva, P: two years, $10MM.
- Edwin Jackson, SP: four years, $52MM.
- Nate Schierholtz, OF: one year, $2.25MM.
- Ian Stewart, 3B: one year, $2MM.
- Scott Feldman, SP: one year, $6MM.
- Shawn Camp, RP: one year, $1.35MM.
- Dioner Navarro, C: one year, $1.75MM.
- Scott Baker, SP: one year, $5.5MM.
- Total Spend: $85.85MM.
International Signings
- Armando Rivero, P: $3.1MM.
- Chang-Yong Lim, RP: $5MM.
- Kyuji Fujikawa, RP: two years, $9.5MM. $5.5MM Club option for 2015.
Notable Minor League Signings
- Alberto Gonzalez, Brent Lillibridge, Brian Bogusevic, Darnell McDonald, Jensen Lewis, Cory Wade, Dontrelle Willis, Hisanori Takahashi.
Trades and Claims
- Claimed P Hector Rondon from Indians in Rule five draft.
- Claimed P Carlos Gutierrez off waivers from Twins.
- Claimed P Sandy Rosario off waivers from Red Sox.
- Claimed P Zach Putnam off waivers from Rockies.
Notable Losses
- Bryan LaHair, Tony Campana, Jacob Brigham, Miguel Socolovich, Chris Volstad, Jeff Beliveau.
Needs Addressed
Last year the Cubs gave a total of 54 starts to Chris Volstad, Justin Germano, Chris Rusin, Brooks Raley, Jason Berken, Randy Wells, and Casey Coleman. With the injury to Matt Garza and trades of Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm, a rotation that seemed decent at the start of the season was exposed for its lack of depth. By signing four starting pitchers this offseason — almost an entire rotation — the Cubs are better-equipped to handle injuries and potential trades. President Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer committed $73.5MM to Jackson, Villanueva, Baker, and Feldman, and did not have to surrender a draft pick or young player in the process.
The Cubs ran parallel pursuits of my second and third-best free agent starters of the offseason, Jackson and Anibal Sanchez. From the team's point of view, both pitchers are young enough to help the next good Cubs team, and neither required surrendering their second round pick. Ultimately the team landed Jackson, giving him the sixth-largest free agent contract of the offseason. Before signing Jackson, they'd taken a run at a hurler who became my fourth-best available free agent, Dan Haren, then of the Angels. Shipping walk-happy, $9.8MM closer Carlos Marmol to the Halos for Haren seemed like a big win for the Cubs, who balked over medical concerns. If Haren does stay healthy and somewhat effective, the Cubs will be second-guessed for killing the trade.
Villanueva, 29, set a career-high last year with 125 1/3 big league innings for Toronto. His 3.44 K/BB in 92 innings as a starter was promising, though he allowed 18 home runs in that span. He'll be a useful swingman. Feldman allowed 130 hits in 110 innings as a starter last year for Texas, though he seemed serviceable otherwise. He pitches to contact generally, so the Cubs' infield defense will be put to the test. Baker had Tommy John surgery in mid-April of last year, and I think the Cubs' expectations for the former Twin early in the season were low. It's concerning that he's still experiencing elbow issues, however. With Baker and Garza set to open the season on the DL, the Cubs will use Feldman, Villanueva, and Travis Wood from the outset. If eventually all seven starters are healthy at once, that'll be a good problem to have.
Fujikawa landed a two-year deal to serve as Marmol's setup man, at least until the Cubs move Marmol or his contract expires. I like the pickup. Japanese relievers have had success in MLB, and Fujikawa was quite good with the Hanshin Tigers. Camp was retained at a small salary, but the bullpen is still a weak spot for the Cubs. International signing Armando Rivero could move quickly through the minors given his professional experience in Cuba, though Ben Badler of Baseball America says the pitcher has just "middle relief potential." Like Fujikawa, Korean reliever Chang-Yong Lim is another successful NPB closer. However, Lim is sidelined into 2014 due to Tommy John surgery. The Cubs are clearly thinking short-term here, as the righty is 36.
The Cubs took an affordable platoon approach to right field, and it might work in terms of getting some pop out of the position. Nate Schierholtz hit .270/.334/.440 against right-handers over the last three years, while Scott Hairston is at .263/.308/.464 against lefties.
The Cubs re-signed Stewart for $2MM, saving a little money versus tendering him a contract. Stewart's wrist is finally better, but now he's nursing a quad injury. His non-tender mostly closed the thread on the Cubs' December 2011 deal that sent Tyler Colvin and DJ LeMahieu to Colorado for Stewart and Casey Weathers. At the time I sensed that Epstein and Hoyer moved Colvin without much regard because he wasn't one of their guys. Elsewhere in free agency, the Cubs snagged Navarro on a big league deal to be their backup catcher, though he played only 24 games in the Majors last year.
Questions Remaining
With major question marks in the offense and bullpen, the Cubs don't seem to be making a big push to contend in 2014 despite their rotation expenditures. They still seem much more likely to be sellers than buyers at the July trade deadline, stripping the team down again for another ugly finish. Cubs fans seem fine with another punted season from the new front office, if it will bring long-term success. I think fans will require a strong contender by 2015, after enduring an intentional two or three-year rebuilding project in a major market.
On a smaller level, the Cubs were unable to extend 2012 breakout starter Jeff Samardzija. Samardzija is a Jim Hendry guy who worked out, but the new front office deserves credit for giving him a shot in the rotation. In October I suggested a four-year, $27MM deal for Samardzija, similar to one signed by the Reds' Johnny Cueto in January 2011. The Cubs did make a five-year offer, though the amount is unknown. Another good year will likely send the price tag north of $50MM on a five-year deal.
Deal of Note
The Cubs' push for two of the better available starters this offseason was surprising. They paid about market value for Jackson, which could net a profit if he improves. The contract will make more sense to me if the Cubs aim to contend in 2014. Otherwise, they won't get a lot out of the first half of the contract, when Jackson is closest to his prime. A contract of this nature might have been a better move during the 2013-14 offseason, when the team will be presumably closer to winning.
Overview
Fourth place seems to be the best case scenario for the Cubs, who will probably remain more focused on acquiring young talent and could certainly finish last. ESPN's Keith Law ranks their farm system fifth in baseball, while Baseball America had them 12th. Epstein and Hoyer may sell off pieces one more time this summer, particularly Garza, Marmol, and Alfonso Soriano, and then it will be time to create a Major League winner.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
July 2nd Rumors: Aybar, Devers, Zapata, Jimenez
Kiley McDaniel of sbb.scout.com has a primer on the international signing period, which begins July 2nd every year. That's when 16-year-olds from countries such as the Dominican Republic and Venezuela can be signed by Major League teams. The latest from McDaniel:
- There is no super elite prospect this year, writes McDaniel. He notes that under the new collective bargaining agreement, most teams will have budgets in the $1.5-4MM range, as determined by the 2012 MLB standings. The Astros could have north of $7MM to spend, however. McDaniel notes that teams can trade for up to 50% of their assigned cap.
- In another article, McDaniel looks at particular players in this July 2nd class. Dominican shortstop Obispo Aybar could get a $1MM bonus, even though MLB is investigating his age and clubs believe he is 18 or 19.
- Dominican third baseman Rafael Devers has been connected to the Red Sox, with a possible bonus over $1MM.
- Right fielder Micker Zapata, born on the island of St. Thomas but trained in the Dominican in recent years, has drawn interest from the Phillies, Mariners, Twins, and Indians. McDaniel notes that Zapata "speaks perfect English from his upbringing in St. Thomas."
- Dominican right fielder Eloy Jimenez has shown similar tools to Zapata with plus speed, a right field arm, and big raw power to his pull side. Jimenez has been rumored to be in line for a bonus that would likely top the class, ranging from $2.5MM-$3MM and is most often linked to the Astros.
- Gleyber Torres is a Venezuelan shortstop who doesn’t offer a ton of projection but has the smoothness and skills to put him into the top group of talents in this class. The Cubs are said to like him and they could spend over $2MM on him.
- Fellow Venezuelan shortstop Yeltsin Gudino is rumored to be in line for over $1MM with the A's and Mariners mentioned most often.
- Dominican shortstop Franly Mallen is further along than Gudino and has caught the attention of a number of teams. Rumor has it that a couple of clubs have already offered him a bonus in the high six figures.
- Dominican righties Mayky Perez and Marcos Diplan are the top two pitchers this year. Perez is 6’5, 205 pounds and shows three average or better pitches with a physical, projectable frame. Diplan, meanwhile, is skinny at 6’0, 160 pounds and boasts a 90-94 mph fastball with an above average breaking ball.
Zach Links contributed to this post.
Angels Sign Mark Lowe
The Angels signed reliever Mark Lowe to a minor league deal, tweets Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times. Lowe will be in big-league camp with the Halos, who open the season in Cincinnati on Monday. Lowe had signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers in February, but was released three days ago. He's represented by Frye McCann Sports.
Lowe, 29, posted a 3.43 ERA, 6.4 K/9, 3.0 BB/9, 1.14 HR/9, and 33.9% groundball rate in 39 1/3 big league innings for the Rangers last year. The hard-throwing righty missed time with an abdomen strain.
Yesterday, MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez wrote that three relievers — Mitch Stetter, David Carpenter, and favorite Garrett Richards — were fighting for two spots in the Angels' Opening Day bullpen. The team's bullpen also includes Ernesto Frieri, Sean Burnett, Kevin Jepsen, Scott Downs, and Jerome Williams, with Ryan Madson slated to start the season on the DL.
Article XX(B) Free Agents Update: Tuesday
Major League Baseball's new collective bargaining agreement contains a provision that allows certain free agents who are signed to minor league contracts to receive a $100K retention bonus if they are not on the team's 25-man roster or the Major League disabled list five days prior to the season.
Free agents who qualify for this distinction are those who have at least six years of Major League service time and had a Major League contract expire at the end of the previous season, but signed a minor league deal ten or more days prior to Opening Day.
MLBTR has confirmed with MLB that the deadline for teams to decide on these players is today at 11am central time. By the deadline, teams with these players in camp need to decide whether to:
- Add the player to their 25-man roster or Major League disabled list (or agree to do so in writing).
- Grant the player his outright release from the minor league contract so that he may pursue opportunities with other teams.
- Pay the player a $100K retention bonus to keep him in the organization beyond the deadline and send him to the minors.
Here's the latest news from around the league on Article XX(B) signees and their roster statuses with their respective teams (newest updates on top).
- Miguel Olivo has been offered the $100k retention bonus and is still deciding whether to accept it, tweets John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
- Austin Kearns and Casey Kotchman made the Marlins' 25-man roster, according to the team.
- Mets reliever Tim Byrdak will report to the minors and take the $100K retention bonus, MLBTR has learned. Byrdak is returning from August shoulder surgery.
- The Rangers told Derek Lowe that he has made the team as a reliever, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.
- Chad Gaudin's contract was purchased and added to the Giants' roster, tweets Andrew Baggarly of CSNBayArea.com.
- Chad Qualls made the Marlins' bullpen, MLBTR has learned.
- With Brandon Gomes being optioned to Triple-A, it looks like reliever Jamey Wright has made the Rays, tweets Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune. The Rays have told both Wright and Juan Carlos Oviedo they will be added to the roster, tweets Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Oviedo had Tommy John surgery in September, so I imagine he'll land on the 60-day disabled list.
- The Pirates have committed to keeping Brandon Inge on the roster, tweets Sanserino, though he may start the season on the DL after being hit by a pitch.
- Reliever Pedro Feliciano accepted a minor league assignment from the Mets, tweets Marc Carig of Newsday, so he'll snag the $100K retention bonus.
- Jonathan Sanchez made the Pirates' rotation, tweets Michael Sanserino of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The 30-year-old posted a 4.73 ERA with a 1.11 K/BB ratio in 13 1/3 innings this spring, but the Pirates saw something they liked.
- Lyle Overbay and Aaron Cook were released by their respective teams today.
Yankees Sign Lyle Overbay
The Yankees signed first baseman Lyle Overbay to a minor league deal, tweets Erik Boland of Newsday. Overbay was released this morning by the rival Red Sox, who avoided a $100K retention bonus in the process.
Overbay, 36, hit .259/.331/.397 in 131 plate appearances for the Diamondbacks and Braves last year. He was squeezed out in Boston due to their Mike Carp acquisition, but has found a potential opportunity with the Yankees due to a wrist injury that will sideline first baseman Mark Teixeira into May in the best case.
The Yankees have also added Vernon Wells, Ben Francisco, and Brennan Boesch since Teixeira and Curtis Granderson were injured.
Yankees Acquire Vernon Wells
A player with a supposedly untradeable contract has been dealt for a second time, as the Yankees acquired outfielder Vernon Wells from the Angels on a salary dump deal. The trade was announced officially today, and the Halos received a couple of token minor leaguers in outfielder Exicardo Cayones and lefty reliever Kramer Sneed. The big benefit for the Angels was salary relief, as the Yankees will reportedly assume a surprising $13.9MM of the $42MM owed to Wells for 2013-14, of which they'll pay $11.5MM this year to avoid a luxury tax hit in 2014. Wells was happy to waive his no-trade clause and escape a likely fate of being buried on the Angels' bench.
Wells, 34, was acquired to serve as the Yankees' everyday left fielder until Curtis Granderson returns to the lineup in May from a broken wrist. Signed to a seven-year, $126MM extension by the Blue Jays in 2006, Wells posted a solid year in 2010 that allowed Toronto to unload most of his remaining $86MM on the Angels, which also cost the Halos Mike Napoli and cost GM Tony Reagins his job. Wells performed terribly after the trade, hitting .222/.258/.409 in 791 plate appearances. It was surprising to see the Yankees essentially give a two-year, $13.9MM contract to a player most teams would consider a fourth outfielder at best. By comparison, the Cubs signed Scott Hairston this offseason for two years and $5MM. The trade is a big win for Angels GM Jerry Dipoto, who unloads a player he didn't need and avoids the Competitive Balance Tax.
Cayones, 21, was acquired by the Yankees from the Pirates in the A.J. Burnett trade in February of last year, so he's again attached to a salary dump. He hit .228/.374/.291 in 200 Low-A plate appearances last year, playing mostly right field. Sneed, 24, posted a 5.37 ERA, 6.9 K/9, 5.7 BB/9, and 0.71 HR/9 in 63 2/3 High-A innings last year. Neither is considered much of a prospect, which makes sense with the Yankees assuming so much of Wells' contract.
Yahoo's Jeff Passan first broke the story on Sunday, with Jim Bowden, Mike DiGiovanna, Alden Gonzalez, Jon Heyman, Buster Olney, Joel Sherman, and Mark Feinsand also contributing along the way. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Latest On Chris Young
33-year-old righty Chris Young is officially a free agent, having been granted his release by the Nationals today. He should sign within a day or two, hears Andy Martino of the New York Daily News, but MLB.com's Bill Ladson says Young is not close to signing with any team. The latest:
- The Mets are in talks with Young, tweets Jim Bowden of MLB Network Radio and ESPN, though Jon Heyman of CBS Sports says the Mets "don't appear to be thinking about" a reunion. Earlier today, we heard that the Mets have "legitimate concerns" about pitcher Shaun Marcum's availability for the season due to a neck issue, based on comments pitching coach Dan Warthen made to Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com. Rubin said the Mets were internally discussing bringing Young back, "but a team insider portrayed it as not the most likely of scenarios," partially because the pitcher's future would be uncertain once all the Mets' starters are healthy.
- The Rangers are not interested in a reunion with Young, tweets Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
- Young has not ruled out a return to the Nationals, tweets Ladson.
- The Blue Jays, Orioles, Twins, Indians, Cubs, Cardinals, Red Sox, Mets, and Brewers had scouts in attendance for Young's start yesterday, tweeted Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, though those scouts were not necessarily there for him.
Varvaro, Cristhian Martinez Likely To Stay Put
3:08pm: With Jonny Venters spraining his elbow today, Varvaro and Martinez are both likely to begin the year with the Braves, tweets MLB.com's Mark Bowman.
7:55am: Right-handed relievers Anthony Varvaro and Cristhian Martinez were a couple of solid waiver claims by the Braves, as both have made contributions to the team's Major League bullpen. However, since both pitchers are out of options, one of them could be traded if Jordan Walden is ready for Opening Day on Monday, writes MLB.com's Mark Bowman.
Walden was injured earlier this spring, and the Braves could retain Varvaro and Martinez for now by putting Walden on the disabled list to start the season. Otherwise, it would make sense to trade Varvaro or Martinez rather than expose one to waivers.
Varvaro, 28, was claimed off waivers from the Mariners in January 2011. He's got some control issues, and has spent much of the last two seasons at Triple-A. He seems the more expendable of the two for the Braves.
Martinez, 31, joined the Braves via waivers from the Marlins in April 2010. Since then he has a 3.81 ERA, 7.4 K/9, 2.2 BB/9, and 0.86 HR/9 in 177 1/3 innings.
Brewers Sign Yuniesky Betancourt
The Brewers signed infielder Yuniesky Betancourt to a Major League deal, according to a press release from his agency. He'd been the team's starting shortstop in 2011, and now he'll serve in a utility role.
Betancourt, 31, hit .228/.256/.400 in 228 plate appearances for the Royals last year, playing mostly second base. He was on a minor league deal with the Phillies this spring, but opted out a few days ago.
Yankees Claim Dan Otero
The Yankees claimed righty reliever Dan Otero off waivers from the Giants, tweets Andrew Baggarly of CSNBayArea.com.
The move opens a 40-man roster spot for the Giants, but only complicates the situation for the Yankees, as detailed prior to the pickup by Chad Jennings of The Journal News. The Yankees announced the move, noting that Cesar Cabral was placed on the 60-day DL to make room. The team's 40-man roster is full, but they've got many players they'd like to add, including the newly-acquired Vernon Wells.
Otero, 28, made his Major League debut with the Giants in 2012. He spent most of the year at Triple-A, where he posted a 2.90 ERA, 6.5 K/9, 1.2 BB/9, and 0.58 HR/9 in 62 innings.