AL East Notes: Yankees, Pettitte, Rays, Blue Jays
The last time the Yankees and Red Sox both started the season 0-3 was all the way back in 1966. Boston finished 9th in the AL while New York wound up 10th. The World Series champions that year? – the Orioles. Here's a look at what's happening in the AL East today..
- Yankees Manager Joe Girardi told reporters including Bryan Hoch of MLB.com that Andy Pettitte will make the first start of his comeback attempt on Monday for Class-A Advanced Tampa. The left-hander has said that he hopes to join the big league team in May.
- Even though it's (very) early in the season, the Rays' decision to hold on to their pitching depth appears to be a wise one at the moment, writes Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Tampa Bay was widely expected to add a bat by dealing Jeff Niemann or Wade Davis, but Davis has helped to provide bullpen support with Kyle Farnsworth sidelined.
- The Blue Jays promoted Aaron Laffey from Triple-A to join the bullpen, tweets Gregor Chisholm of MLB.com. Laffey's minor league deal with the club calls for him to earn $800K for making the big league roster.
Week In Review: 4/1/12 – 4/7/12
It’s time for a look back at the week that was, including a pair of monster contract extensions..
- Joey Votto and the Reds agreed to a ten-year, $225MM contract extension in a deal that includes full no-trade protection. With this new deal, he is now under contract for the next 12 years at a total price of $251.5MM. In 2011, Votto followed up his MVP season with a .309/.416/.531 line, 29 homers, and 40 doubles.
- The Giants agreed to a five-year extension with Matt Cain which guarantees him $112.5MM in new money through 2017. The deal, which establishes a record for right-handed pitchers, includes a club/vesting player option for 2018.
- The Indians signed shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera to a two-year extension for 2013-14. The deal is worth $16.5MM and will delay Cabrera’s free agency by one year. The 26-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2011, batting .273/.332/.460 with a career-high 25 home runs.
- The Mets signed left-hander Jonathon Niese to a five-year extension with two club options. The deal is worth $25.5MM and the two options could push the total value to $46MM. Niese will earn $1.02MM this year, $3MM next year, $5MM in 2014, $7MM in 2015, and $9MM in 2016.
- Casey Close of Excel Sports Management will represent Zack Greinke as the right-hander embarks on the final season of his contract with the Brewers.
- Red Sox president Larry Lucchino says he’s willing to add payroll to improve the pitching staff even if it takes them over the luxury tax threshold.
- The Reds offered Brandon Phillips a five-year, $60MM contract extension for the 2012-16 seasons. One Reds source believes Phillips would sign if the Reds offer a sixth guaranteed season.
- Ian Kinsler and the Rangers are close but haven’t hammered out a new deal just yet.
- Carlos Lee agreed to waive his 10-and-5 rights in exchange for full no-trade protection during the first four years of his contract though he can still block trades to 14 unknown teams this year.
- Details of the Dodgers sale came to light and the new ownership group has agreed to assume $412MM of the club’s debt.
- The Cubs inquired about Nats pitcher John Lannan this week. The left-hander requested a trade and made it known to the public on Wednesday.
- Agent Scott Boras says that client Johnny Damon will sign somewhere by May 1st.
- The Braves announced that they signed right-hander Chad Durbin to a Major League contract after he opted out of his deal with Washington.
- Free agent Vladimir Guerrero changed agencies from SFX to Proformance, Tim reported.
- The cutoff for super two players after the 2012 season will be two years and 134 days of service time, according to preliminary internal studies by CAA.
- The Yankees signed right-hander Ramon Ortiz and traded for catcher Chris Stewart on Wednesday. They also DFA’d Justin Maxwell and saw Bill Hall elect free agency.
- The Reds claimed Alfredo Simon off of waivers from the Orioles.
- The Cardinals acquired Cedric Hunter from the Athletics for future considerations.
- With Chase Utley on the shelf for the foreseeable future, the Phillies have shown interest in Mike Fontenot.
- The Braves acquired Juan Francisco from the Reds.
- The Indians designated Thomas Neal for assignment and released Felix Pie.
- The Rangers signed right-hander Aaron Heilman to a minor league contract.
- The Orioles released right-hander Armando Galarraga.
- The Rangers re-signed Brad Hawpe to a minor league contract.
MLBTR Originals
This week's original analysis and reporting from the MLBTR team..
- Tim Dierkes and Ben Nicholson-Smith were the first to report that Joey Votto and the Reds were nearing agreement on a long-term extension. The first baseman inked a ten-year, $225MM deal with Cincinnati.
- Ben spoke with John Smoltz about National League pitchers coming back from injury this year.
- Tim was the first to learn that free agent designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero changed agencies from SFX to Proformance. MLBTR's Agency Database offers a complete, updated look at Proformance's client list.
- We wrapped up the Offseason In Review series with examinations of the Rangers, Twins, White Sox, and the Dodgers.
- The 30 Opening Day starters aren't the 30 best pitchers in the game, but their managers do consider them the best arms currently available. Ben put together a list of the pitchers who got the nod on Opening Day and how they got there.
- Five MLBTR writers gave their predictions for 2012. We'll check back in November and see who comes out on top.
- On this week nine years ago, the Red Sox picked up Pedro Martinez's option well before they had to.
- Mike Axisa's Baseball Blogs Weigh In features pieces on Joey Votto, Matt Cain, and Alex Gordon.
- Nearly 30% of MLBTR readers agree that the Angels are baseball's most improved team.
- Mike updated the list of the largest contracts in draft history. Stephen Strasburg, of course, has the most lucrative major league contract.
- Ben updated the list of record contracts by position.
- MLBTR is increasing efforts to enforce our commenting policy. You can get reacquainted with the rules here.
- Ben ran our weekly chat this week – if you missed out on it, you can take a look back at the transcript.
- Phil Hughes is still only 25 years old but this is a Make Or Break Year for the Yankees' right-hander, Mike writes.
Astros Claim Justin Maxwell Off Waivers
The Astros have claimed outfielder Justin Maxwell off of waivers from the Yankees, the club announced. Maxwell will report to the Major League club on Monday and the Astros will make a corresponding roster move after he reports. Houston's 40-man roster now stands at 39.
Maxwell, 28, was out-of-options and designated for assignment by the Bombers on Wednesday. The outfielder saw his 2011 season cut short with an injured shoulder but hit .260/.358/.588 with 16 homers in Triple-A up until that point.
The Yankees acquired Maxwell from the Nationals in February for minor league right-hander Adam Olbrychowski. The Astros and the Orioles were said to have interest in Maxwell prior to Opening Day.
NL West Notes: Padres, Gwynn, Rockies, La Russa
It's a good time to be a Dodgers fan with the club under brand new ownership and the team out to a 3-0 start after taking the first three of a four-game set with the Padres. Here's more out of the National League West..
- Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times hopes to see Tony Gwynn to be involved with the next ownership group to take over the Padres. Gwynn has not heard from any prospective Padres owners, but says that he would listen to what they had to say. "That's something I would really consider," Gwynn said. "I love the Padre organization. I love what they represent. We really care about people in this town."
- Tony La Russa was reportedly in line to be a key part of Stevie Cohen's failed bid to buy the Dodgers, and people close to La Russa say he is now itching to get back into the game with a team, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. For now, La Russa is serving as an adviser/consultant to MLB and working on special projects. Don't expect to see the skipper back with the Cardinals or with the Astros, whose GM is former Cards exec Jeff Luhnow.
- With the additions of Marco Scutaro and Michael Cuddyer, Troy Renck of the Denver Post believes that the Rockies could possibly contend in a weak division. Renck also notes that Colorado was arguably the most aggressive pursuer of Grady Sizemore and dodged a bullet as the outfielder will be sidelined until June with a back injury.
Dodgers Release Carlos Monasterios
Today's minor moves..
- The Dodgers have released right-hander Carlos Monasterios, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. The 26-year-old pitched in 32 games for the club in 2010 but has since required two elbow operations. In that season, Monasterios posted a 4.38 ERA with 5.3 K/9 and 3.0 BB/9 in 13 starts and 19 relief appearances for the Dodgers.
Cafardo On Kinsler, Cox, Damon, Prior, Lannan
It's clear to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe that the collapse of last September bothered some Red Sox players more than others. While some are using it as fuel for motivation, others seem eager to leave it in the past completely. Former Braves manager Bobby Cox told Cafardo that he preferred the latter. "The way I looked at it, you let it go both ways. If we win the World Series, I’d say enjoy it but time to get ready for the next year. Every season is different. I don’t think there should be carryover either way," Cox said. Here's more from Cafardo..
- Major league sources say that Ian Kinsler should average $13-$14MM over five or six years once his deal is done. While he and the Rangers couldn’t come to terms by Opening Day, it’s not out of the question that something gets done during the season. Brandon Phillips of the Reds should be in the Dan Uggla range – about five-years for $60MM. Dustin Pedroia's six-year, $40.5MM deal with the Red Sox now looks like bargain as it goes through 2014 with an $11MM option for 2015.
- When asked if he would consider managing again, Cox didn’t give a resounding no. "I don’t know. I don’t know. I’m done," he said. But he added, “I miss it. I miss it every day." While Cox has deep ties to Dodgers president Stan Kasten, he said he would not consider going back to being a GM. Cox is signed to be an adviser for the Braves through the 2015 season.
- When asked about Johnny Damon remaining on the open market, one AL GM was perplexed and suggested that the Rays, Indians, Orioles, and Tigers could all use him.
- Cafardo's "all-free agent team" features right-hander Roy Oswalt, Damon in center field, Hideki Matsui as DH, Vladimir Guerrero in left field, Magglio Ordonez in right, catcher Ivan Rodriguez, first baseman Derrek Lee, second baseman Aaron Miles, shortstop Felipe Lopez, third baseman Casey Blake. Oswalt tops the rotation alongside Javier Vazquez, who he notes has not officially retired. Cafardo also lists Mike Gonzalez and Arthur Rhodes as the top relievers available.
- Mark Prior’s throwing sessions have looked decent, according to major league sources, and he may be getting ready to throw for teams soon.
- Nationals pitcher John Lannan remains in limbo as he pitches in Triple-A, but as injuries mount his trade request may be heard. The left-hander is only 27 and could fit on many staffs as a fourth or fifth starter, but his $5MM salary is an obvious hurdle.
Padres Acquire Brian Tallet From Pirates
The Padres traded for Pirates left-hander Brian Tallet, according to Corey Brock of MLB.com (via Twitter). Pittsburgh will either receive cash considerations or a player to be named later for the reliever, Brock tweets.
Tallet, 34, owns a 4.79 ERA with 6.6 K/9 and 4.2 BB/9 across nine seasons in the majors. Last season, the left-hander saw just 13.1 innings of work for the Cardinals and Blue Jays thanks to a broken left hand followed by a right intercostal strain.
East Notes: Stewart, Red Sox, Oswalt, Rays, Nats
Links out of the AL and NL East …
- Yankees manager Joe Girardi told reporters, including Marc Carig of the Star Ledger, that they coveted recently traded-for catcher Chris Stewart, acquired from the Giants, for his penchant for framing pitches. The Yankees consider this skill to be undervalued.
- Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino called a National League GM about Roy Oswalt but was dissuaded from signing him, tweets Peter Gammons of MLB.com. Gammons adds that this is proof that Lucchino is willing to consider adding to the payroll.
- Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg sounded guardedly optimistic about progress in stadium talks when he spoke with reporters prior to yesterday's game against the Yankees, writes Ira Kaufman of The Tampa Tribune. However, there have been no recent meetings between the club and St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster.
- Michael Morse and Rick Ankiel are set to return soon for the Nationals and Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post looks at who might be left on the outside looking in. Both Roger Bernadina and Brett Carroll are out-of-options and at risk. Bernadina has started in center field the Nats’ first two games but he is not a lock to stay.
Rosenthal On Hamels, Greinke, Cain, Kinsler
The season is underway and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (video link) is back with Full Count..
- Cole Hamels didn't set an Opening Day deadline in his contract talks, but if the Phillies want to hammer out a deal mid-season they'll have to make him a bold and aggressive offer. Otherwise, the pitcher likely wouldn't listen midseason. Matt Cain's new deal is the baseline for Hamels and unless they'll venture into Cliff Lee territory (five-years, $120MM), they probably shouldn't bother restarting the talks.
- The Cain deal also puts the Brewers in a tough spot with Zack Greinke. Cain has been much more consistent than Greinke in the last five years but he's seen a bit of a drop over the last two seasons. The Brewers might want to wait to see more before offering $100MM+ plus, though his second-half last season was a sign of great things to come.
- For the Giants, the Cain signing is a buffer against potentially losing Tim Lincecum. Lincecum could cost the Giants upwards of $25MM a year, but Rosenthal says to keep two factors in mind. First, the contracts of Aaron Rowand and Barry Zito will be off the books by the time Lincecum's next deal begins. Secondly, the club's annual debt payments on AT&T Park – roughly $20MM a year – end after the 2017 season.
- The Rangers have discussed four- and five- year deals with Ian Kinsler but aren't eager to give him free agent money when he's under control for two more years. The danger for Texas is that the Yankees could potentially sign Robinson Cano to a monster deal, effectively raising Kinsler's price. Both players are eligible for free agency after the 2013 season.