Odds & Ends: Reds, Brewers, Astros
Some afternoon links:
- Dusty Baker's job may not be safe in Cincinnati, writes Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune. Owner Bob Castellini "reportedly has his eye on the Cardinals tandem of manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan." Both men could go elsewhere if they so choose. La Russa's contract expires at the end of the year and Duncan holds an option on a deal he signed around this time last year.
- Rogers also says that the Brewers are telling teams they don't plan to trade Prince Fielder. They are, however, looking for pitching in return for J.J. Hardy and Mat Gamel. Recent comments by GM Doug Melvin and assistant GM Gord Ash indicated that Gamel will be on the trading block this winter.
- Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle implores the Astros to hire Jim Fregosi as their next manager. However, Justice says that former Nats skipper Manny Acta has the "inside track."
- Cubs' broadcaster Bob Brenly had "informal talks" with Nationals GM Mike Rizzo earlier this year about their managerial vacancy, writes Dave Van Dyck of the Chicago Tribune. The former D-Backs skipper said that it was "way too premature" for Washington to make a decision at that point. Brenly has been interviewed by several teams in recent years, including the Cubs and Brewers.
Phillies Seeking Utility Infielder
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel wants an upgrade at the utility infield position, writes Andy Martino of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Second baseman Chase Utley tends to run out of gas late in the season and a quality backup would go a long way towards solving that problem.
Utley's late-season performance took a dive once again this year as fatigue caught up with him. The 30-year-old hit .304/.423/.554 from the start of the year to the end of August. From September 1st to the end of the regular season, Utley saw his slash line dip to a putrid .193/.290/.325.
An improvement over Eric Bruntlett (.462 OPS in 2009) could also ease the workload of Jimmy Rollins. As Martino points out, someone with enough versatility could even spell Raul Ibanez in left field.
The article identifies two candidates who can fill that role in this winter's free agent class: Mark DeRosa and Marco Scutaro. While both players have experience at second-base, each were asked to play just a handful of innings at the position in '09.
What other free agent utility men should Ruben Amaro Jr. consider this winter?
Odds & Ends: Astros, Brewers, Tigers
Let's take one more look around the web on this Friday evening:
- Manny Acta confirmed to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com that he has been contacted by the Astros regarding their managerial vacancy. Acta managed the Washington Nationals for two-seasons-and-change, leading them to a 132-198 record in that time.
- Adam McCalvy of MLB.com spoke to Rick Peterson, who said that Milwaukee is at the "very top" of his list. McCalvy notes that Peterson wasn't completely out of baseball in 2009 as he was called in to help Scott Kazmir in Tampa Bay.
- The Tigers have invited all of their coaches back for next season except for one, writes Jason Beck of MLB.com. First-base coach and outfield instructor Andy Van Slyke has "decided to pursue other opportunities," according to a Tigers press release.
- Patrick Hayes of MLive.com wants the Tigers to go after Milton Bradley and Justin Duchscherer. ESPN's Rob Neyer offers up his response.
- Chuck Finder of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette takes a look at top prospects Pedro Alvarez, Brad Lincoln and Jose Tabata as they are named three of the top players in the Double-A Eastern League.
- Pat Gillick was surprised to hear that Bobby Cox will retire after 2010, writes Mark Bowman of MLB.com.
Tigers Notes: Rodney, Perry, Polanco
It took 163 games to determine the AL Central title in 2009. The Detroit Tigers were, of course, on the losing end. After leading the Tigers to the 2006 World Series in his first year as their skipper, Jim Leyland has been unable to steer the club back to the postseason.
As Keith Law writes, "This one will be hard to get past." Along with Baseball Prospectus and the ESPN Insider staff, Law takes a look at this past season and what the Tigs can do to improve in 2010. An Insider subscription is required to read the article, but here are some of the key tidbits from the piece:
- Law highlights the team's lack of production at the DH spot as one of its biggest shortcomings. However, GM Dave Dombrowski recently said that the team is unlikely to employ a full-time DH next season. If for some reason he has a change of heart, he will find more than a few candidates on the open market.
- Bullpen staples Brandon Lyon and Fernando Rodney are headed for free agency. Law says that Rodney "has the closer's mantle but not closer command." Ryan Perry should be able to step into that role eventually, but currently lacks the control to do so. if the youngster is asked to be the fireman and Lyon and Rodney walk, it'll leave a significant void in the 'pen.
- Christina Kahrl of Baseball Prospectus points out the poor performances of mid-season acquisitions Jarrod Washburn and Aubrey Huff. After posting a 2.64 ERA, 7.4 H/9 and 2.2 BB/9 in 20 starts with Seattle, Washburn recorded a 7.33 ERA, 10.7 H/9 and 3.3 BB/9 in eight starts. Huff was supposed to strengthen the middle of the Tigers' lineup but instead floundered as he recorded an OPS of .567.
- Tigers' second baseman Placido Polanco is a free agent after completing a four-year deal worth $4.6MM annually. The article says that retaining him would require $6-7MM per season, a steep price for a player who is not likely to improve much on his 2009 season in which he hit .285/.331/.396 with 10 HRs. Polanco, who turns 34 tomorrow, has been a $50MM value over the last three years according to Fangraphs.
- When Buster Olney polled six GMs asking if Detroit would keep Polanco, they were split. Law & Co. think that there's a good chance that Polanco plays elsewhere next season.
- Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus writes that 24-year-old Scott Sizemore is ready to take over for Polanco at second base. Scouts feel that he will become a well-rounded offensive player who should be able to hit ".280-plus with 12-15 home runs, 60 walks and 15-20 stolen bases annually."
- Because of high-priced commitments to Magglio Ordonez and Dontrelle Willis, the Tigers don't have much financial flexibility. Expect Detroit to find their next closer on the cheap from within the organization.
- Kahrl closes the piece by saying, "they need a major upgrade at DH or left if they're going to offensively afford themselves a luxury like a plus defender at shortstop." Dave Dombrowski will have to get creative as he is handcuffed by several bad contracts.
Odds & Ends: Astros, Marlins, Reds
Let's check out some links as the Twins try to even the score in New York:
- Brian McTaggart of MLB.com has the latest on the Astros' manager search from GM Ed Wade.
- Two Marlins coaches declined offers to return to the club next season, writes Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com. The departures of Bo Porter (third base/outfield) and Steve Porter (bullpen) mean that the Fish now have four spots to fill on their coaching staff after letting pitching coach Mark Wiley and first-base coach Andy Fox walk. The Marlins also outrighted infielder Andy Gonzalez and right-hander Dallas Trahern to Triple-A New Orleans.
- ESPN.com's Rob Neyer looks into the postseason success of Wild Cards.
- John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer runs down the ex-Reds currently in the playoffs. Fay says that "you can't really kick the Reds" for letting these players get away.
Astros, Brian Moehler Exercise Mutual Option
Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports via Twitter that the Astros and Brian Moehler have each agreed to pick up their part of the pitcher's mutual option for 2010. McTaggart also tweets that the option calls for Moehler to earn $3MM next season.
The 37-year-old has spent the last three years in Houston, in which he posted an ERA of 4.87 and 5.2 K/9.
Braves Notes: Jones, Vazquez, Hudson
The Atlanta Braves went 34-21 in the months of August and September. Unfortunately for them, their poor play early in the season meant that the playoffs were still out of reach. While their starting pitching was strong (Derek Lowe's underwhelming year not withstanding), their offense couldn't generate enough support. Chipper Jones had, arguably, the worst year of his career, posting an OPS of .818 – his lowest in nearly a decade-and-a-half. Jones' performance was a microcosm of the Braves' season as a whole: certainly not awful, but short of expectations.
Buster Olney, Baseball Prospectus and the Insider Staff broke down the season that was for the Atlanta Braves and what to expect from them this winter. An ESPN Insider account is required to read the article but here are the highlights for those without:
- Olney writes that the Braves need a bopper, preferably of the right-handed variety. The piece suggests Dan Uggla or Miguel Tejada while noting that Matt Holliday and Jason Bay are probably too pricey. Gary Sheffield is mentioned as a cheaper alternative, but one has to wonder if the Braves are at all interested in reuniting with the outspoken soon-to-be 41-year-old.
- Atlanta may need a big bat, but they can afford to stand pat when it comes to their rotation. Javier Vazquez was brilliant this year, posting career bests with an ERA of 2.87 and 9.8 K/9. With a starting five that also includes Jair Jurrjens, Derek Lowe, Tommy Hanson and Tim Hudson, the Braves are one of the fortunate teams that do not have to sift through this year's pool of free agent starters if they don't want to. While the Braves may give some thought to moving Lowe, who is owed $15MM in each of the next three seasons, they may not find much of a market for his services.
- The Braves "face an intriguing decision" when it comes to Hudson's $12MM option. Hudson missed most of the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery but has looked rather healthy since returning, posting an ERA of 3.61 in seven starts. A blog post from David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution noted that the Braves could decline the option and be able to sign Hudson for "quite a bit less", as Hudson has just built a home in the area.
- Shawn Hoffman of Baseball Prospectus concludes the piece by saying, "If the rotation can hold some of its gains, and Chipper Jones can at least maintain his current level, the Braves could be very, very tough."
Odds & Ends: Dodgers, Halladay, Yankees
Let's take a look around the web after the thrilling conclusion of game #163:
- Vicente Padilla and Ronnie Belliard – acquired (separately) by the Dodgers in August – will start ahead of Chad Billingsley and Orlando Hudson in the postseason, writes Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.
- MLB.com's David Ely writes that the Dodgers are in the position they are today in large part because of GM Ned Colletti. The Dodgers agree as they are likely to ink Colletti a new deal soon.
- David Waldstein of the New York Times reports that the Mets will "look into" Roy Halladay if the Blue Jays make him available this winter. However, the article notes that it is unlikely that the Mets have the cash flow to make such a deal or the prospects necessary to entice Toronto.
- Yankees GM Brian Cashman deserves credit for the moves he has made, writes Marc Carig of The Star-Ledger.
Rockies Will Talk To Street About Multi-Year Deal
Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post reports that the Rockies have told closer Huston Street that they will discuss a multi-year deal with him after their final game. Renck estimates that it will require a three-year deal in the range of $25MM to "get discussions going."
Last year, the Rockies avoided going to arbitration with Street by signing him to a one-year deal worth $4.5MM. This time around, the 26-year-old is entering his final year of arbitration and is in line to make something in the neighborhood of $7MM for 2010.
Over the last three seasons, Street has registered an ERA of 3.27 with 10.0 K/9. The young fireman could improve his bargaining position even more with a strong postseason.
Odds & Ends: Cubs, Giambi, Kikuchi
Some links to check out as we await the crowning of the 2009 AL Central Champions:
- Major League Baseball announced today that the transfer of the Chicago Cubs to Tom Ricketts was unanimously approved. Ricketts will assume day-to-day control of the club when the deal is finalized, which should take place before the end of the month.
- Jack Curry of the New York Times reports via Twitter that Jason Giambi "raved about the Rockies and said he wants to play in 2010."
- Decision time is drawing near for Japanese high school pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and NPB Tracker took a glance at what lies ahead for the hard-throwing lefty. The 18-year-old is deciding between MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and is believed to have more than 20 clubs interested in his services. Kikuchi originally planned to speak with only a select few MLB teams, but has now resolved that he will talk to all interested suitors.
- More from NPB Tracker as Ryota Igarashi – reliever for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows – eyes a move to MLB. Igarashi is keeping mum on the subject for now as his team is in the playoff hunt.
- ESPN's Keith Law chatted about new Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos on the radio today and Drunk Jays Fans has a transcript of the interview as well as a link to the audio.
- Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times offered up his take on how the internet has changed the way baseball is covered.
- From the Fish Bytes blog comes the news that the Marlins did not extend contract offers to pitching coach Mark Wiley and first-base coach Andy Fox. Both men were offered positions elsewhere in the organization. The rest of the coaching staff will be retained.
- Dick Kaegel of MLB.com brings us similar news out of Kansas City. Everyone on the Royals staff will return to their current roles, except for bullpen coach John Mizerock and first-base coach Rusty Kuntz. Mizerock has been let go whereas Kuntz will become a special assistant to GM Dayton Moore.