Offseason In Review: Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are next in our Offseason In Review series.
Major League/International Signings
- Jorge de la Rosa, SP: three years, $32MM. Third year (2013) is an $11MM player option which if exercised gives Rockies $11MM club option for 2014.
- Ty Wigginton, IF: two years, $8MM. Includes $4MM option for 2013 with a $500K buyout.
- Total spend: $40MM.
Notable Minor League Signings
- Jason Giambi, John Maine, Chris Sampson, Billy Buckner, Eric Stults, Claudio Vargas, Sean White, Chad Moeller, Alfredo Amezaga, Hernan Iribarren, Mike Jacobs, Willy Taveras, Matt Pagnozzi, Eric Duncan, Jeff Salazar, Tug Hulett, Jesus Colome
Extensions
- Troy Tulowitzki, SS: seven years, $134MM in new guaranteed money. Includes $15MM club option for 2021 with a $4MM buyout.
- Carlos Gonzalez, LF: seven years, $80MM.
- Matt Lindstrom, RP: two years, $6.6MM. $4MM club option for 2013 with a $200K buyout.
- Jason Hammel, SP: two years, $7.75MM.
- Rafael Betancourt, RP: one year, $4.25MM. Includes $4.25MM mutual option for 2013 with a $250K buyout.
- Matt Belisle, RP: two years, $6.125MM.
Trades and Claims
- Acquired P Felipe Paulino from Astros for IF Clint Barmes
- Acquired IF Jose Lopez from Mariners for SP Chaz Roe
- Acquired C Jose Morales from Twins for RP Paul Bargas
- Acquired RP Matt Lindstrom from Astros for RP Jonnathan Aristil and SP Wes Musick
- Acquired SP Clayton Mortensen from Athletics for SP Ethan Hollingsworth
Notable Losses
- Miguel Olivo, Clint Barmes, Melvin Mora, Jeff Francis, Manny Corpas, Joe Beimel, Octavio Dotel, Chaz Roe, Paul Bargas, Jonnathan Aristil, Wes Musick, Ethan Hollingsworth
Summary
Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd is all about locking up his own players, despite mixed results. The initial contracts for Troy Tulowitzki and Ubaldo Jimenez were masterstrokes, while extra years and dollars guaranteed to Huston Street, Chris Iannetta, and Aaron Cook have been regrettable. Six Rockies were extended this winter, headlined by Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez.
The Tulo and CarGo extensions were very different situations, and I analyzed them here and here. Both players were already under control through 2014, so O'Dowd is planning four years into the future with these deals. He's gambled $167MM on nine player seasons for the pair from the year 2015 forward. Whether these players age well is anyone's guess, but the contracts carry big risk and big potential reward. It's not often we see a GM looking so far ahead.
The Rockies established cost certainty with the extensions for arbitration eligible pitchers Lindstrom and Hammel, though the safe move would have been going year-to-year. The Rockies bought out a couple of free agent years at reasonable rates for Betancourt and Belisle after deciding not to offer a third year to free agent Matt Guerrier.
The Rockies made a pair of free agent commitments, retaining De La Rosa (pictured) and bringing in Wigginton. On one hand, the De La Rosa contract was a win in that the Rockies didn't have to commit to a fourth year for a guy who's never topped 185 innings and posts ugly walk rates. On the other, player options often ensure that the player re-enters the free agent market if he has a strong final season and stays put if he's not worth his option price. I felt that the Rockies overpaid for Wigginton's versatility in an offseason where Eric Hinske signed for one year and $1.35MM.
On the trade front, I love the acquistion of Paulino for Barmes. Barmes seemed headed for a non-tender, while Paulino's big strikeout rate and velocity qualify him as a sleeper. The Rockies acquired a non-tender candidate of their own in Lopez, though $3.6MM isn't a bad gamble. The price to acquire Lindstrom was reasonable as well.
The 2011 Rockies look like an improved team, if De La Rosa, Hammel, and Jhoulys Chacin are able to provide full seasons in support of Jimenez. Even if not, the bullpen looks deeper given the addition of Lindstrom and assuming good health for Street. But this offseason was about much more than 2011, as O'Dowd invested heavily in the futures of Tulowitzki and Gonzalez.
Photo courtesy of Icon SMI.
Rangers Still Asking A Lot For Michael Young
The Rangers still want top prospects in return for infielder Michael Young, reports ESPN's Buster Olney, and "don't want to eat as much of the $48 million still owed to Young over the next three years." Olney's sources view Young as a $6-7MM player (presumably per year) as opposed to the $16MM per year he's owed. The Diamondbacks reportedly expressed interest in Young in the first week in March, and other teams have come up in a speculative sense, but there seems to be a gulf between the Rangers' perception of Young's value and that of possible suitors.
Young requested a trade in early February, saying, "I've been misled and manipulated." Rangers GM Jon Daniels is on the other end of the dispute. Young said last month that the trade request had nothing to do with his role, but "a lot of things led up to this point." The Rangers signed third baseman Adrian Beltre in January and acquired Mike Napoli later that month.
Young can veto trades to all teams except the Cardinals, Yankees, Twins, Astros, Rockies, Dodgers, Angels and Padres until May, when his 10-and-5 rights kick in and his approval will be needed for any deal. Since Young requested the trade, I'm guessing he'll be flexible if the Rangers do find a match. It may be in their best interest to hang on to him with Beltre on the mend from a calf injury.
Out Of Options 2011
The following 40-man roster/60-day DL/restricted list players have less than five years of service time and are out of options. That means they must clear waivers before being sent to the minors. I've excluded players on multiyear deals.
Angels
Rich Thompson, Jason Bulger, Brandon Wood, Bobby Wilson, Alberto Callaspo
Astros
Alberto Arias, Nelson Figueroa, Jeff Keppinger, Humberto Quintero, Ryan Rowland-Smith, Angel Sanchez
Athletics
None
Blue Jays
Dustin McGowan, David Purcey, Jo-Jo Reyes
Braves
Joe Mather
Brewers
Brandon Boggs, Luis Cruz, Sean Green, George Kottaras, Kameron Loe, Chris Narveson, Wil Nieves, Manny Parra
Cardinals
None
Cubs
Jeff Baker, Koyie Hill, Max Ramirez, Geovany Soto, Jeff Samardzija (no-trade clause)
Diamondbacks
Juan Gutierrez, Juan Miranda, Tony Abreu, Carlos Rosa
Dodgers
Xavier Paul, Blake Hawksworth, Hong-Chih Kuo, Ronald Belisario, Hector Jimenez
Giants
Travis Ishikawa, Nate Schierholtz, Andres Torres
Indians
Shin-Soo Choo, Jensen Lewis, Jayson Nix, Rafael Perez, Mitch Talbot
Mariners
Cesar Jimenez, Garrett Olson, David Pauley, Josh Wilson, David Aardsma, Jack Cust, Brandon League, Jason Vargas
Marlins
Edward Mujica, Leo Nunez, Brian Sanches, Emilio Bonifacio
Mets
Nick Evans, Chin-lung Hu, Manny Acosta, Luis Hernandez, Pat Misch, Taylor Buchholz
Nationals
Tyler Clippard, Alberto Gonzalez, Tom Gorzelanny, Mike Morse, Henry Rodriguez
Orioles
Jeremy Accardo, Robert Andino, Jake Fox, Jeremy Guthrie, Jim Johnson, Felix Pie, Rick VandenHurk
Padres
Mike Adams, Chris Denorfia, Jarrett Hoffpauir, Cameron Maybin, Dustin Moseley, Eric Patterson, Tim Stauffer, Joe Thatcher
Phillies
Wilson Valdez
Pirates
Jose Ascanio, Kevin Hart, Charlie Morton, Chris Resop, John Bowker, Joel Hanrahan, James McDonald
Rangers
Nelson Cruz
Rays
Adam Russell, Sam Fuld, Elliot Johnson, Matt Joyce
Reds
Jose Arrendondo, Bill Bray, Homer Bailey, Fred Lewis, Nick Masset
Red Sox
Darnell McDonald, Matt Albers
Rockies
Felipe Paulino, Jose Morales
Royals
Gregor Blanco, Melky Cabrera, Luke Hochevar, Mitch Maier, Lucas May, Brayan Pena, Robinson Tejeda
Tigers
Don Kelly, Brad Thomas
Twins
Alexi Casilla, Jose Mijares, Glen Perkins, Delmon Young
White Sox
Philip Humber, Brent Lillibridge, Jeff Marquez, Sergio Santos
Yankees
Romulo Sanchez, Boone Logan
Thanks to the following people for contributing information: Kevin Baxter, Gregor Chisholm, Brewerfan.net, Steve Gilbert, Nick Piecoro, Chris Haft, Corey Brock, Bill Ladson, Jenifer Langosch, Rob Bradford, Troy Renck, Bob Dutton, Bill Shaikin, John Lowe, Mike Axisa, and Ben Nicholson-Smith.
Offseason In Review: Chicago White Sox
The White Sox are next in our Offseason In Review series.
Major League/International Signings
- Adam Dunn, DH: four years, $56MM. Also gave up #23 overall draft pick to Nationals.
- Paul Konerko, 1B; three years, $37.5MM. $7MM of 2013 salary deferred, paid in $1MM installments from 2014-20.
- Jesse Crain, RP: three years, $13MM.
- A.J. Pierzynski, C: two years, $8MM.
- Will Ohman, RP: two years, $4MM.
- Matt Thornton, RP: one year, $3MM. Club option exercised.
- Omar Vizquel, IF: one year, $1.75MM.
- Ramon Castro, C: one year, $1.2MM. Club option exercised.
- Total spend: $124.45MM
Notable Minor League Signings
- Lastings Milledge, Dallas McPherson, Daryle Ward, Jeff Gray, Donny Lucy, Brian Bruney, Josh Kinney, Shane Lindsay
Extensions
- Alexei Ramirez, SS: four years, $32.5MM. Includes $10MM club option for 2016 with a $1MM buyout.
- Matt Thornton, RP: two years, $12MM. Includes $6MM club option for 2014 with a $1MM buyout.
Trades and Claims
- Acquired P Kyle Cofield from Braves for RP Scott Linebrink and $3.5MM
- Claimed SP Philip Humber off waivers from Athletics
Notable Losses
- Bobby Jenks, J.J. Putz, Freddy Garcia, Scott Linebrink, Manny Ramirez, Andruw Jones, Mark Kotsay, Randy Williams, Carlos Torres, Erick Threets
Summary
White Sox GM Kenny Williams spent lavishly on free agents this offseason. He brought in Dunn to replace last year's DH rotation, spent big to replace bullpen losses, and retained longtime favorites Konerko and Pierzynski at the last minute.
Dunn hit his standard 38-40 home runs in 2010, though he drew about 40 fewer walks than usual. The slugger wasn't expected to accept a full-time DH job, but National League teams weren't calling and the White Sox offered him a chance to play for a contender without taking a discount. Power always comes at an inflated price on the free agent market, but Dunn should provide a reliable middle of the order bat for Chicago. Keep in mind that the signing came before the Sox knew they'd be able to retain Konerko. Dunn came with the added cost of the #23 overall draft pick, which perhaps the White Sox could stomach because they are starting to build up depth in the lower minors.
The White Sox came close to losing Konerko to the Diamondbacks but ultimately compensated him well for a season that saw him place fifth in the AL MVP voting. That Konerko's monster year came at age 34 made the term a tricky issue, as the Sox probably would have preferred not to guarantee three years. Konerko was able to rest by playing 23 games at DH last year, a luxury he'll continue to have when Dunn plays first base on occasion. That was not an option when Jim Thome was on the club and healthy.
Similarly, the White Sox retained Pierzynski at the last minute. He nearly signed a deal with the Dodgers, which would have caused Williams to turn to Miguel Olivo. I don't mind the signing, as reliable everyday veteran catchers are a rare commodity. The White Sox could have reduced Pierzynski's free agent leverage by offering arbitration to the Type A free agent, but given the value of the relationship and their desire to re-sign him, plus his potential large one-year salary from the process, I can understand the choice.
Faced with the major bullpen losses of Jenks and Putz, Williams committed a hefty $17MM for five seasons of Crain and Ohman. They made the Crain commitment even while acknowledging the burden Linebrink had become by assuming over 60% of the latter's salary to convince the Braves to take him. The key members of last year's bullpen – Jenks, Putz, Thornton, and Sergio Santos, were all acquired on the cheap, so it was odd to see the Sox open the checkbook here – especially since they'll have an added weapon in a full season from Chris Sale. Still, perhaps the team's thinking was that they were simply re-allocating Jenks' money to other relievers.
Ramirez is an underrated player, a rare shortstop who contributes offensively and defensively. Locking him up at a reasonable price for potentially three free agent seasons looks like a strong move. Thornton's extension was more of a necessary evil, with the club option making it more palatable.
Even if Konerko regresses, the Sox could have an improved offense given the addition of Dunn and possible improvement from Gordon Beckham. The team's success may hinge on the health of the rotation, particularly Jake Peavy. The Sox don't have much depth if a starter or two has to miss significant time, though they're not alone in that regard.
Photo courtesy of Icon SMI.
Phillies Close To Extension With Charlie Manuel
3:17pm: Manuel told MLB.com's Todd Zolecki that there's a "good chance" the sides announce a deal before the end of the weekend. "We're close, but it's not official," Manuel said, acknowledging that this could be his final deal as a manager.
1:13pm: The Phillies are close to an extension with manager Charlie Manuel, reports Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com. It's expected to be a two-year deal for $3.5-4MM per year. Manuel was reportedly hoping to get something done before Opening Day. He's already signed for 2011.
Padres Seek Utility Player
The Padres are looking for utility help - preferably someone who can play shortstop – tweets MLB.com's Corey Brock. New shortstop Jason Bartlett has been held out of a few games with a sore knee, and has never played more than 140 games in a season.
Bobby Crosby is still out of work; he was drawing interest from a few clubs in January. The Indians' Adam Everett could make sense if he doesn't make the team, or the Cubs could part with Augie Ojeda, but overall I don't see many teams with a surplus.
Legacy Sports Group Brokers Over $300MM
Quick, what agency came in second in total dollars brokered this offseason behind the Boras Corporation? The answer is Legacy Sports Group, with $306.375MM. Greg Genske and company keep a relatively low profile, but they had a huge offseason.
Legacy brokered six eight-figure deals this winter: Carl Crawford ($142MM), Adam Dunn ($56MM), Rickie Weeks ($38.5MM), Billy Butler ($30MM), Bobby Jenks ($12MM), and Orlando Hudson ($11.5MM). The agency doesn't have much in the way of April extension candidates, so the $306.375MM figure might be final. Note: that number includes one-year arbitration deals.
As for the 2010-11 offseason, Legacy has one big fish: C.C. Sabathia. Many expect Sabathia to opt out of his contract with the Yankees, which could allow him to top his own record of $161MM for the amount guaranteed to a pitcher. It may otherwise be a quiet offseason for the firm, as their other free agent clients include Brad Penny, Pat Burrell, Danys Baez, and Scott Kazmir. They have Francisco Liriano on the horizon as a potential free agent after the 2012 season.
What They Said When The Mets Signed Oliver Perez
Mets GM Omar Minaya signed Oliver Perez to a three-year, $36MM deal in February of 2009, and he's given the team 112 1/3 innings of 6.81 ball over two seasons. There's a good chance he'll be released this month, with the team eating $12MM. It could have been worse, too - Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Mets floated a four-year, $44MM deal, but Perez and Scott Boras wanted the chance to re-enter the free agent market after three years.
It's easy to trash the Perez signing now, but what were reporters and analysts saying at the time of the deal? Don't worry, I am not immune…
Tim Dierkes, MLB Trade Rumors
I think it was about right since he is so young and can be dominant. Maybe a slight overpay but that is OK for a team like the Mets to do.
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Ben Shpigel, New York Times
Perez has agreed in principle to a three-year, $36 million contract to remain with the Mets in a deal that should benefit both parties. Without guaranteeing a fourth year or even including a vesting option, the Mets fortified their rotation Monday with a 27-year-old left-hander who is comfortable pitching in New York; who last season baffled their chief rival, the Philadelphia Phillies; and who has the potential to shine brighter than [Derek] Lowe.
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Matthew Cerrone, MetsBlog
The thing i like most about this is that, even if Perez is a total bust, and regresses, the Mets can move this contract…had he ever signed for five years and $60 million, like he was initially looking for, he’d be a total albatross…but, if the Mets were to eat some of the money, there will always be a taker for a 28–year-old lefty earning, say, $16 million over two years.
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Joel Sherman, New York Post
Now the Mets will hope the lack of focus or lack of maturity or whatever it is exactly that detours Perez from consistent excellence will melt away.
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Buster Olney, ESPN
Personally, I like the signing for the Mets.
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Jayson Stark of ESPN listed Perez under his three most outrageous contracts, writing:
The Mets win a bidding war with themselves to reel in Oliver Perez.
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Jon Heyman, SI.com
The Mets had to get Oliver Perez back. They weren't comfortable with their main fallback option, which was [Randy] Wolf.
Possible Plan Bs For Chase Utley
Phillies team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti released a statement this morning regarding second baseman Chase Utley; here's an excerpt:
An MRI was obtained that demonstrated his prior tendinitis, chondromalacia, and bone inflammation. His chondromalacia symptoms persisted in spite of focused non-operative care, including a cortisone injection. A subsequent cartilage-specific MRI was obtained confirming the initial diagnosis. Continued non-operative treatment is being carried out and additional opinions will be obtained.
Additionally, here are comments from GM Ruben Amaro Jr. and head trainer Scott Sheridan, passed along by MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. Amaro at least is not considering the idea that Utley could miss the season.
ESPN's Buster Olney presumes the Phillies are at least considering which second base candidates might become available this season. We'll start with his two speculative ideas, and add a few more.
- Chone Figgins, Mariners: Figgins' value is at a low point, he's owed $26MM over the next three years at the least, and switching him to second base again would be questionable.
- Jeff Keppinger, Astros: He's making $2.3MM this year and is under team control for 2012 as an arbitration eligible player. He could be a good fit.
- David Eckstein, free agent: SI's Jon Heyman made this suggestion on Twitter. On a minor league deal, there's no harm in adding Eckstein or a similar free agent. Others include Willy Aybar, Julio Lugo, Bobby Crosby, and Cristian Guzman, although Guzman will miss at least the first half due to family issues.
- Michael Young, Rangers: Between Young's contract and Adrian Beltre's injury, this is difficult to picture. Plus it'd create another uncomfortable situation when Utley is ready to play. Heyman tweets that while the Phillies have not been in contact with the Rangers lately, top scout Charley Kerfeld is following them and Young.
- Felipe Lopez, Rays: Lopez is battling with out of options Elliot Johnson for the Rays' utility infielder job. Johnson is dealing with a quad injury currently. It's possible Lopez has an opt-out if he doesn't make the team.
- Luis Castillo, Mets: If Castillo is released the Phillies could take a look, but they might prefer their internal options. Castillo would only cost the league minimum.
- Ramon Santiago, Tigers: He "could be a possibility" for the Phillies, tweets CBS' Danny Knobler.
Internally, the Phillies have Wilson Valdez and Brian Bocock on the 40-man roster and Josh Barfield and Pete Orr as non-roster invitees.
Six days ago, GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said regarding Utley's injury, "I'm not going to be doing anything else because of this. I mean, we'll watch some of the other guys play, but we expect (Utley) to be our second baseman." Look for the Phillies to make a minor addition at most unless Utley's condition takes a turn for the worse.
The Next Steps For Oliver Perez
9:02am: Perez will not be released today, a source tells Martino (Twitter link). Instead, he'll get two bullpen appearances and will be released if they are not stellar.
8:03am: "The end is drawing closer" for Oliver Perez and the Mets, writes Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. Perez's Spring Training starts were "mere theater," writes Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Now, Mets GM Sandy Alderson, manager Terry Collins, and pitching coach Dan Warthen will meet today to decide between giving Perez a shot at relief or releasing him immediately, according to Martino.
Why are the Mets going through these motions with Perez? Some in the organization really want to see him audition for the bullpen, tweets Martino. Otherwise, Sherman has two theories. One is that the new administration must "put on a show" for ownership before cutting Perez. The other is that ownership is aiming to release Perez and Luis Castillo closer to the season, to "get the most positive bump" with fans before Opening Day.
Releasing Perez and Castillo will require the Mets to eat $18MM. Click here for my list of other candidates to be released this month.