Wright Hopes To Stay With Mets
Earlier this week, Mets COO Jeff Wilpon caused a bit of a stir when he said that he "couldn't imagine" dealing David Wright, but would be willing to listen if the new GM proposed an idea. Even though front office changes in Queens could result in a major roster shakeup, the third baseman told Dan Martin of the New York Post that he wants to remain with the Mets.
"Of course I'd love to stay with the team that I grew up rooting for and who drafted and developed me, but as of right now that's not in my control…I hope I remain with the team and I'm part of the solution that gets this thing turned around," Wright told the newspaper in an e-mail.
Wright, who turns 28 in December, is under contract through 2012 with a club option for 2013. He's slated to earn $14MM in 2011, $15MM in 2012, and $16MM in the club option year which could also be bought out for $1MM.
The five-time All-Star turned in a .283/.354/.503 line with 29 homers in 670 plate appearances this season.
Beinfest Talks Offseason Plans
Earlier today, Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest gave his end-of-season address in which he said that he never felt that his club was playoff-caliber this year. Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald has the goods..
- This winter, the Fish hope to improve their bullpen. Beinfest hopes to strike a better balance between lefty and righty arms as he upgrades the quality and depth of the team's relievers. Florida's 'pen turned in a 4.04 ERA this season, 18th in the majors. The Marlins could certainly use someone like Rafael Soriano of the Rays but his expected salary demands will likely be too rich for their blood.
- Meanwhile, Florida wants to name their next manager and solidify their coaching staff as soon as possible. According to MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, Beinfest told reporters that the club has a short list of about four or five managers. The Marlins have not yet asked clubs for permission to speak to prospective candidates. A few weeks ago we heard that Bobby Valentine was still in the mix though some reports say that doesn't seem to be the case. The only coach who is certain to return is Randy St. Claire as he is under contract for 2011 and will return.
- Beinfest told reporters that the club did not make the strides defensively that he had hoped they would. The president of baseball operations wondered aloud if the team would have to make acquisitions to improve their fielding.
Cubs GM Says Zambrano Will Stay
Cubs GM Jim Hendry says that Carlos Zambrano will remain with the club next season, writes Carrie Muskat of MLB.com. Even though the hurler said earlier this year that he would waive his no-trade clause, Hendry says that he never anticipated dealing him.
"I've never assumed that he really wanted to go," the GM said Sunday. "He earned the contract that he got. I've always assumed that he will be pitching for the Cubs. I'm glad he's righted the ship and had a really good end."
Even if Zambrano doesn't change zip codes in 2011, several Cubs could as the club may look to trim payroll. Hendry has yet to meet with owner Tom Ricketts about 2011's budget but the GM says that he expects it to be lower than this year. The Cubs owned the highest payroll in the National League this season.
Tightening the belt could mean that the Cubs won't be able to land a major free agent such as Adam Dunn, which Zambrano suggested that they do earlier today. Hendry refused to comment on Big Z's suggestion, citing tampering rules.
White Sox GM Frustrated With Jenks
Comments made earlier today by White Sox GM Ken Williams make closer Bobby Jenks' return less likely, writes Scott Merkin of MLB.com. Jenks is eligible for arbitration but could find himself non-tendered this winter.
"That's something we have to evaluate strongly because I've been disappointed on a number of levels," the GM said. "And there are certain things that I'm not going to talk about right now."
Jenks, 29, has missed significant time this year due to a series of injuries. In 55 appearances, the closer turned in an ERA of 4.44 with 10.4 K/9 and 3.1 BB/9. While Williams acknowledged that Jenks has accomplished great things in Chicago, he seems to know that retaining him might not make financial sense. The righty earned $7.5MM in 2010 and is likely to receive a raise in arbitration.
In a recent poll, 85% of MLBTR readers said that they expect the White Sox to non-tender Jenks this winter.
Diamondbacks To Retain Gibson
The Diamondbacks are expected yo announce on Monday that they will retain manager Kirk Gibson with a two-year deal, according to Jack Magruder of FOXSportsArizona.com. Meanwhile, GM Kevin Towers says that there will be changes to the coaching staff.
Dipoto will also stay with the Diamondbacks in a newly created position, Vice President of scouting and player personnel. However, Dipoto has been given permission to speak with other teams about a general manager's position. The Mets, in particular, are said to be interested in him.
Steve Gilbert of MLB.com first reported that a deal with Gibson was "expected" to be announced on Monday (via Twitter).
Odds & Ends: Brewers, Dodgers, Fielder, Konerko
Links for Sunday as Phil Hughes takes the mound against Boston..
- Brewers manager Ken Macha will have to wait to learn about his future, GM Doug Melvin told MLB.com's Adam McCalvy.
- Barry M. Bloom of MLB.com writes that even a turnaround in playoff fortunes wouldn't have changed Dodgers skipper Joe Torre's mind about retiring.
- Mark Kotsay told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times that he does not anticipate returning to the White Sox next season.
- MLB.com's Adam McCalvy writes that Prince Fielder may have played his last home game in a Brewers uniform today.
- Whether or not manager Ozzie Guillen returns to the White Sox will be one of the many factors that play into Paul Konerko's decision, writes MLB.com's Scott Merkin.
- Adam McCalvy of MLB.com tweets that Trevor Hoffman earned an extra $250K today when he closed out the Brewers' home finale.
- Reliever Takashi Saito's career could be in jeopardy as he is hampered by shoulder tendinitis, writes Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
- Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson will have a say in whether soon-to-be free agent Brandon Webb returns to action this year, writes MLB.com's Andrew Pentis.
- Thomas Harding and Joey Nowak of MLB.com spoke to Rockies outfielder Jay Payton, who is happy to still be playing baseball at the age of 37.
- Cubs owner Tom Ricketts says the future looks bright in Chicago, writes Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.
MLBTR Originals
Here's a look back at some of the analysis and reporting MLBTR's writing team delivered this week..
- This week, MLBTR readers voted on who will have the best record in baseball, the next losing team to make the playoffs, and extending Josh Hamilton.
- Mark Polishuk examined Mike Napoli's trade value and fleshed out some potential suitors for him.
- Keep an eye on the Cubs' Carlos Marmol, he's an extension candidate. The Indians' Shin-Soo Choo is also an extension candidate, though striking an extension with agent Scott Boras may not be easy.
- Two years ago, Francisco Rodriguez was the most attractive closer on the open market. Now, it's hard to gauge what his trade value could be.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith named the five difference-making waiver claims in 2010.
- Sorry, Edwin Encarnacion. You've been identified as a non-tender candidate.
- Speaking of which, if you're fuzzy on what non-tenders are all about, you can check out this post right here.
- We collected the very best from baseball blogs on all kinds of hot stove issues.
- Kerry Wood will likely be looking at a one-year deal for 2011. That might be the best route for Jorge Cantu to take as well.
Week In Review: 9/19/10 – 9/25/10
It's time to take a look back at the week that was..
- The Diamondbacks announced that they have hired Kevin Towers as their new GM. It was initially reported that interim GM Jerry Dipoto would not return to the organization, but it now seems that Towers has convinced him to stay. Dipoto will assume a "high-level" position with the club. Towers says that he hopes to bolster the club's bench and bullpen.
- Talks between Washington and Adam Dunn have picked up and the slugger believes that he'll be a member of the Nationals in 2011.
- This will be a pivotal offseason for White Sox slugger Paul Konerko as he heads into free agency. Konerko says that if he's not happy with what's available to him this winter, he may retire.
- On Tuesday the Cardinals released Felipe Lopez and the veteran was quickly claimed by the Padres. However, Lopez rejected San Diego's offer and instead signed with Boston. Part of Lopez's appeal to Boston is his Type B status.
- We haven't heard too much from Magglio Ordonez since he underwent season-ending surgery last month, but teammate Miguel Cabrera says that the veteran outfielder wants to return to Detroit.
- The Orioles could be in the mix to sign Victor Martinez.
- Colorado considered trading for a starter down the stretch but opted not to.
- The Mets reportedly have too much money committed to their current roster to pursue players such as Cliff Lee this winter.
- Postseason success won't affect the Rays' 2011 payroll.
- Top executives might want nothing to do with the Mets.
- The Brewers signed righthander Mark DiFelice to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training.
- Veteran infielder Edgar Renteria may retire after this season.
- The Cubs DFA'd Mitch Atkins.
- I wonder if Cesar Carrillo keeps a bag packed at all times. The pitcher has now been claimed by the Astros.
Nats Seeking Leadoff Hitter
Nationals manager Jim Riggleman says that he would like to get a leadoff hitter for next season, writes Bill Ladson of MLB.com. While there are already several candidates in-house such as Nyjer Morgan, Roger Bernadina, Ian Desmond, and Danny Espinosa, the club may look to the free agent market or the trade block to get someone for the top of the order.
As we learned last month, Washington has strong interest in Carl Crawford who figures to be one of the biggest draws on the open market this winter. Obviously, there will be plenty of suitors for the 29-year-old and the Nats may not be able to beat out teams with deeper pockets.
Our own Ben Nicholson-Smith sees another free agent left fielder, Corey Patterson, as another potential fit. With a glut of outfielders, the Orioles may not bring the 31-year-old back in 2011. Patterson could have some appeal to the Nats as a fourth outfielder who can lead off. There could also be some interesting options available via trade such as Jacoby Ellsbury, Reggie Willits, and Kosuke Fukudome.
Indians Acquire Preston Mattingly
The Indians have acquired Preston Mattingly from the Dodgers in exchange for outfielder Roman Pena, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com (via Twitter). Of course, Mattingly's father Don will take over as Dodgers skipper beginning in 2011.
Mattingly was the Dodgers' first-round selection (31st overall) in the 2006 draft. The 23-year-old was being groomed as a middle infielder up until 2009 when he spent the bulk of his time in left field. The youngster split time between Rookie ball and the Dodgers' Inland Empire affiliate, hitting just .218/.247/.291.
Pena, 24, has a .189/.300/.313 slash line at the A-plus level. The left-handed batter has experience at all three outfield positions.