AL East Notes: Steinbrenner, Peavy, Rays
Last night, manager Joe Maddon used eight relievers to try to save the Rays' season, but it was to no avail. “I don’t want to be a cliché, but there’s nothing to hang our heads about,” Maddon said, according to Roger Mooney of The Tampa Tribune. “There really isn’t. A great battle all season. We were an up-and-down kind of team. We hit some really good moments and some really bad moments, but at the end of the day you still won 92 games. That’s pretty good.” Here's more out of the AL East..
- Even though Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner says that he will exceed $189MM if Brian Cashman presents him with an offer that he feels isn't capable of winning a title, but there's virtually no chance of that happening, writes Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The good news is that if Alex Rodriguez is suspended through next year, the Yanks would still have about $80MM to spend. That could be enough to re-sign Robinson Cano while going out and getting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, catcher Brian McCann, and an infield insurance policy such as Jhonny Peralta or Stephen Drew.
- The Red Sox's midseason trade for Jake Peavy paid off in a major way, writes Tim Britton of the Providence Journal. Having Peavy for a critical postseason game like last night s exactly why Boston pulled the trigger on the deal.
- The Rays are heading into yet another uncertain offseason, writes Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Principal owner Stuart Sternberg has said the 2014 budget will be affected by the team's poor attendance this season and the Rays' were already 28th this year with a $58MM payroll. David Price will obviously be a trade candidate and Fernando Rodney seems ticketed for a bigger payday elsewhere.
Quick Hits: A’s, Morse, Mariners, Abreu, Braves
As the Athletics get ready for Game 5 against the Tigers, owner Lew Wolff is embroiled in a different battle with the Giants for the right to move his team to San Jose. Wolff goes way back with commissioner Bud Selig, but that won’t play a major role in the proceedings. “Well, we were in the same fraternity,” Wolff told Bob Nightengale of USA Today, “but Bud was there to get an education. I was there to have a good time. Bud was involved in so many intramural events, there wasn’t a game or sport he missed. Of course, he was a spectator. I don’t remember him playing any of it.” More from around baseball..
- The Orioles believe that Mike Morse‘s injury “pre-dated” their summer trade with the Mariners, but it’s not an issue they’re pursuing, according to Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com (Twitter link). Morse is a pending free agent this winter after posting a combined slash line of .215/.270/.381 with 13 homers this past season.
- The Mariners‘ have a long list of managers that they might pursue this winter, but Joe Girardi is not among them, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. While they surely believe that Girardi is a strong skipper, they know that they won’t be able to compete with the allure of the Yankees or Cubs openings. Three names believed to be on the list are A’s coach Chip Hale, Giants coach Ron Wotus, and newly-minted Phillies third base coach Pete Mackanin.
- A high-ranking Mets official told the Star-Ledger’s Jorge Castillo that scouts came away “impressed” with Jose Dariel Abreu’s power after watching him in Santo Domingo last week.
- There is no telling how the NL East will shake out, but the Braves could be contenders without making a single offseason move, opines Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.
- The Rockies announced today that Jorge de la Rosa had his option picked up for 2014, but the pitcher says that he was already assured that it would be exercised last week, writes Rafael Rojas Cremonesi for MLB.com.
NL East Notes: McCann, Johnson, Manuel
Tonight's look at the National League East..
- In the wake of being eliminated from the playoffs, Braves catcher Brian McCann says that he's trying not to think about the possibility of playing elsewhere next year, writes Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. The Yankees, Phillies, Blue Jays, and Rangers should all have varying levels of interest and some say that it's a near guarantee that he's going to wind up leaving Atlanta. Recently, our own Tim Dierkes profiled the highly-coveted catcher.
- Juan C. Rodriguez of the Sun Sentinel (Twitter link) says there's no chance of the Marlins bringing Josh Johnson back on a one-year deal, even if he comes cheap after a down season that was ended prematurely by elbow surgery.
- Charlie Manuel is mulling a return to the Phillies in an advisory position, writes Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Manuel has had a standing offer to rejoin the organization since being fired as manager, but the 69-year-old was hoping to land a desirable managerial gig.
Scioscia, Dipoto Staying With Angels
There was talk throughout the second half of the season that manager Mike Scioscia and GM Jerry Dipoto were at odds with each other and that one of them would be asked to leave town. That won't be the case as the duo confirmed that they're keeping their jobs in a conference call tonight, according to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com (on Twitter).
Scioscia is signed through 2018 while Dipoto will be entering the final year of his deal. The Angels finished 78-84 in 2013, missing the playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. Speculation was rampant that there would be serious changes either in the dugout or front office, but the two men have apparently made peace and owner Arte Moreno is confident that they can get the club back on track.
Meanwhile, bench coach Rob Picciolo and hitting coach Jim Eppard were relieved of their duties.
Steinbrenner On Payroll, Cano, Girardi
Hal Steinbrenner sat down with Joel Sherman of the New York Post and gave interviews to ESPN Radio and WFAN earlier today about the offseason ahead. Here's a look at some of the highlights..
- The Yankees are shooting to get under the $189MM threshold, but winning is still the priority. “It is something to shoot for, but not at the expense of having a championship-caliber team,” Steinbrenner told Sherman. “It is not. It never has been and never will be. It has always been my contention you don’t need a $230MM payroll to field a championship-level team. We are going to get to that [under $189MM] at some point. That is the goal: We believe you can win a championship at $189MM payroll because plenty of teams have.”
- When asked on ESPN Radio if the team would consider a ten-year contract for second baseman Robinson Cano, Steinbrenner all but shot down the possibility, writes Andy McCullough of the Star-Ledger.
- Steinbrenner hinted at changes in the team's drafting and development personnel and procedures in his chat on WFAN, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. The Yanks owner also acknowledged that he is hoping to get Joe Girardi's situation resolved sooner rather than later.
Texas Notes: Rangers, Astros, Cruz, Luhnow
Here's a look at the latest on the Rangers and Astros..
- Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com attempts to tackle the Rangers' Nelson Cruz dilemma. Ultimately, Durrett concludes that as long as the price is right, it makes sense for Texas to bring Cruz back despite his PED suspension this past season. If Cruz really wants to stay in Arlington, however, he may have to consider taking a two-year deal.
- Astros GM Jeff Luhnow and assistant GM David Stearns are in Florida with the team's pro scouting staff to begin their planning for the free agent market, according to Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter). Recently, I looked at the winter ahead for Houston and their many needs.
- The Astros have agreed to hire Cardinals Minor League pitching instructor Brent Strom to be their next pitching coach, a source told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.
Offseason Outlook: Colorado Rockies
The Rockies were bit hard by the injury bug in 2013 and found themselves reeling after a hot start to the season. Now, they’ll look to bolster their lineup to make that springtime success last all year long.
Guaranteed Contracts
- Troy Tulowitzki, SS: $16MM
- Michael Cuddyer, OF: $10.5MM
- Carlos Gonzalez, OF: $10.5MM
Arbitration Eligible Players
- Wilton Lopez (4.038): $2.2MM
- Juan Nicasio (2.124, Super Two): $1.7MM
- Mitchell Boggs (4.007): $1.5MM
- Josh Outman (4.036): $1.4MM
- Jonathan Herrera (4.001): $1.2MM
- Manny Corpas (5.125): $1MM
Contract Options
- Jorge De La Rosa, SP: $11MM
- Rafael Betancourt, RP: $4.25MM mutual option ($250K buyout)
- Matt Belisle, RP: $4.25MM mutual option ($250K buyout)
Free Agents
On May 1st, the Rockies were in the NL West driver’s seat with a 17-11 record after a hot start to the year. Things eventually petered out from there – the Rockies finished in fifth place at 74-88 – but it was a taste of what could be for the Rockies when they’re firing on all cylinders. Everyone deals with injuries over the course of a 162-game season, but Colorado had some of the worst luck of anyone in 2013. The top of their order was a mess as Carlos Gonzalez (played just 110 games), Troy Tulowitzki (126), and Dexter Fowler (119) all missed significant time. Closer Rafael Betancourt was also out of commission for much of the year, a big letdown on the heels of a strong 2012.
The Rockies aren’t just keeping their fingers crossed for good health though. They’ll have to go shopping this winter for upgrades in multiple areas and fixing the bullpen is at the top of the list. Rockies relievers had a combined ERA of 4.26, the worst in the National League. Betancourt’s health woes were certainly a factor, but far from the only one. Wilton Lopez regressed sharply after a career year in Houston and even though one would be inclined to pin that difference on the move to Coors Field, his home/road splits in 2013 were mostly similar. Setup man Matt Belisle (4.32 ERA, 7.6 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 in 2013) hasn’t looked like the same guy who signed a two-year, $8.1MM deal two offseasons ago and no one would be surprised if the Rockies gave him his $250K buyout rather than bring him back for $4.25MM next year. There are also a handful of arbitration eligible relievers with varying levels of uncertainty about their future this winter in Mitchell Boggs, Manny Corpas, and Josh Outman.
Part of the bullpen’s problem was that Colorado relievers were simply overworked. The starting five (particularly the backend) was unreliable, forcing the pen to toss a National League high of 555 2/3 innings. The Rockies can comfortably roll with Jhoulys Chacin, Jorge De La Rosa, and Tyler Chatwood at the top of the rotation, but they’ve got a lot of question marks beyond that. Juan Nicasio, who is arbitration eligible as a Super Two this winter, pitched to a 5.14 ERA with 6.8 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9 in 31 starts last year. If they open up the wallet a little bit, guys like Roberto Hernandez will be on the open market for the taking. If they dig a little deeper and are willing to lay out a deal with plenty of incentives, they could get creative and get in the mix for Tim Hudson who, as MLBTR learned last week, is about a month away from returning to full health. One notable caveat here – it’s impossible to say what kind of deal Hudson will fetch given all of the variables in play. The question marks are there, but starting pitching is thin all over baseball.
The Rockies were actually decent in terms of power last season but they don’t have a lot of big bats they can count on. Healthy seasons from Tulowitzki and CarGo are a must but Bill Geivett & Co. are going to seek another slugger. A healthy Corey Hart would provide some pop (and versatility in the field) at a lowered price after missing all of ’13, but he wants to stay in Milwaukee and he’s willing to take a discount to make that happen. Mike Napoli will also be out there and if the Rockies want to get creative, they could sign him and dangle Wilin Rosario on the trade block.
Hoping to see a mile-high blockbuster this winter? Things tend to change pretty quickly when the hot stove gets warmed up, but it doesn’t sound like Colorado is going to put Gonzalez or Tulowitzki on the block. Last month, Troy Renck of the Denver Post heard from club officials that the possibility of either one getting moved is very small and the likelihood of both getting jettisoned is nil.
If they have a change of heart, however, those stars could bring them an awful lot in return. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports sees the Rangers as a logical partner thanks to their young pitching and middle infield surplus. In this hypothetical, Jurickson Profar would supplant DJ LeMathieu or Josh Rutledge at second base and eventually go to the other side of the bag if Tulo is shifted to a different position. Rosenthal hears that CarGo is more likely to be moved than the shortstop and it’s worth noting that he has some serious fans in the Mets’ front office.
Fowler could also serve as trade bait if someone is willing to roll the dice on him, but it would thin out their outfield if they don’t bring in a reinforcement there. As it stands, right fielder Michael Cuddyer is ticketed to replace Todd Helton at first base, which likely means that either Charlie Blackmon or Corey Dickerson will get to play everyday. It’s hard to see them starting together in 2014 – Blackmon’s defense (particularly in center) leaves much to be desired and Dickerson is entering his sophomore year.
In a recent letter to season ticket holders, owner Dick Monfort noted that Cuddyer’s move to first base opens the door for the club to go out and get a big bat in right field. If Monfort is as serious about bringing a championship to Denver as he says, he can spend the necessary dough to get someone like Shin-Soo Choo or Carlos Beltran. If the Rockies want to spread the cash around a little bit more, they’ll find a quieter market for Nelson Cruz. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that they can always change course and keep Cuddyer in the outfield if they find a quality first baseman at a good value.
The Rox have a lot of holes to fill but last season’s hot start, however brief, proved they can be competitive in the NL West and have a puncher’s chance at the playoffs.
AL East Notes: Orioles, Rays, Price, Cano
Brian Matusz and Tommy Hunter want to be starters again, but they've already proven themselves to be successful in the bullpen, writes Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com. While manager Buck Showalter will work to stretch them out in spring training, its possible that the O's would have sent Matusz to Triple-A Norfolk to work as a starter if that were an option. Here's more out of the AL East..
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post reached out to nine baseball executives yesterday to ask if they felt David Price would get moved this winter and they all said yes. Price, like Matt Garza and James Shields when they were dealt from Tampa Bay, is two years away from free agency, meaning that this is the time to move him. The Rangers came up most often as the most likely destination followed by the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Padres, Red Sox, Giants, and Reds.
- The perception around baseball that free agent Robinson Cano doesn't work hard could hurt his value, but Joel Sherman of the New York Post says that's its an unfair label. The second baseman has a tendency to not run out grounders, but generally speaking, he has impeccable work habits. “When he hits a groundball to the second baseman or shortstop, I know what it looks like,” hitting coach Kevin Long said. “I get it. I know it is part of the perception. He’s been talked to a million times about it. But I am telling you that is not a true picture of how hard he works or cares, and so if that is his only downfall, it is not the worst thing in the world.”
- Kubatko revisited the Orioles' trade for Bud Norris and wonders if it will be worthwhile when all is said and done.
Rockies Rumors: Cespedes, Weiss, Cuddyer
Here's a look at the latest out of Denver..
- Troy Renck of the Denver Post sees Yoenis Cespedes as a name for Rockies fans to file away this offseason. The A's like to think outside of the box and could consider deals for the slugger. One of Cespedes' main drawbacks is that he misses chunks of time, but the Rockies have solid depth with Charlie Blackmon and Corey Dickerson.
- Rockies owner Dick Monfort met with his front office staff last week and no major changes are expected, Renck writes. Small changes could see assistant GM Bill Geivett assume more traditional GM duties. Manager Walt Weiss' contract situation should be resolved soon, with the possibility that he receives a multiyear deal, or a one-year deal with a club option.
- Monfort wrote a letter to season ticket holders pledging to do everything he can to win a championship, Renck writes. Within the letter, Monfort noted that Michael Cuddyer will likely take over for Todd Helton at first base, creating "an opportunity to fill (right field) with a big bat."
Cafardo On Arroyo, Kendrick, Braun, Cano
Timing is everything in baseball and Joe Girardi is hitting the open market at the perfect time, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes. The Cubs always saw landing Girardi as a longshot, but they'll give it another go this winter. From the Yankees perspective, they'd be foolish not to lock Girardi up with a lucrative new deal, in Cafardo's opinion. Few managers, he argues, could have survived the injuries that the Yankees were dealing with and kept them in the playoff chase in September. If Girardi bails for Chicago or elsewhere, Cafardo suggests Don Mattingly as a candidate. Of course, the Dodgers would have to fire him or work out a trade for that to happen. Here's more from today's column..
- Bronson Arroyo says he wants a three-year deal and he feels his time in Cincinnati is likely over. “I have no preference on where I want to pitch but I’ll certainly consider the team, their chances of winning, and all of that,” he said. “I feel I can pitch effectively at 37, 38, and 39 years old. I’ve never missed a start. Never been injured. I’m not a max-effort guy out there, so there’s no big-time wear and tear on me. I loved Cincinnati but I don’t think they’re in position to give me what I want.” Cafardo suggests the Blue Jays, Orioles, Brewers, Cubs, Giants, Pirates, Cardinals, and Dodgers as possibilities.
- It's looking increasingly likely that Angels second baseman Howie Kendrick will be traded for pitching or prospects. The Royals need second base help and would have interest. The Orioles may also be interested if they cut ties with Brian Roberts this winter. The O's haven't decided what to do with Roberts just yet but they wouldn't go beyond a one-year deal to keep him.
- It has been suggested that the Brewers could trade Ryan Braun, but finding someone willing to take on his baggage and lucrative deal could be tricky. “I don’t think he’s going anywhere. Someone would have to take a big chance and nobody’s doing that on PED guys, especially for that length of contract,” said one exec.
- Bench coach Tony Pena is not likely to replace Girardi as manager if he goes elsewhere. “I don’t think anyone in our front office is even thinking about that,” said one Yankees official.
- Many believe that the Dodgers won't be serious players for Robinson Cano, but things can change with an early exit from the playoffs.