Red Sox Decline Options On Wheeler, Atchison
The Red Sox declined their club options on relievers Dan Wheeler and Scott Atchison, announced the team. Atchison remains on the team's 40-man roster.
Wheeler, a Type B free agent, had no buyout on his contract. The 33-year-old posted a 4.38 ERA, 7.1 K/9, 1.5 BB/9, 1.28 HR/9, and 32% groundball rate in 49 1/3 innings for the Red Sox. He missed time due to calf and forearm injuries.
Red Sox Pick Up Scutaro’s 2012 Option
The Red Sox have exercised their $6MM option on Marco Scutaro for the 2012 season, tweets Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald. The team has confirmed the move in a press release.
Scutaro, who turns 35 today, enjoyed arguably the best offensive season of his career in 2011. In 113 games, he batted .299/.358/.423 while playing slightly above average defense at shortstop (according to UZR). Scutaro's offensive production and solid glove make a $6MM salary for 2012 a bargain.
While the move was expected, this news confirms that the market for shortstops will be even thinner beyond the two premier names atop the list: Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins. Players such as Clint Barmes, Jamey Carroll, and Alex Gonzalez (to name a few) figure to benefit from Scutaro's absence on the open market. This move represents the first official transaction for new Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington.
Red Sox Notes: Ortiz, Manager, Compensation, Lackey
We heard earlier today that the Red Sox have yet to make a formal contract offer to Jonathan Papelbon. Now let's round up another handful of offseason items out of Boston….
- Boston has yet to make a contract offer to David Ortiz but the sides are expected to speak soon, possibly tomorrow, a source familiar with the talks told Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald.
- The Red Sox will begin to interview managerial candidates early this week, starting with Pete Mackanin and Dale Sveum, according to WEEI's Rob Bradford.
- With Bud Selig looking more likely to intervene in discussions between the Red Sox and Cubs on Theo Epstein compensation, ESPN.com's Buster Olney (Insider link) predicts that the Sox won't get much for their former GM. Olney writes that the league has attempted to "tamp down the perceived value of executives," and that a huge return for Epstein wouldn't be consistent with those efforts.
- A source tells Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald that the Red Sox attempted to convince John Lackey to get Tommy John surgery as early as April, but the right-hander refused.
- In his weekly column for the Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo surveys executives and evaluators, asking whether a club might sign David Ortiz to play first base this winter. The answers ranged from "no way" to "he's athletic enough to be able to pull it off."
- From the team's perspective, there's no rush to try to lock up Jacoby Ellsbury to a long-term extension, argues Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal.
Red Sox Haven’t Made Offer To Papelbon
As of today, players with expired contracts are eligible to file for free agency, but teams still have until Thursday at 12:01am ET to exclusively negotiate with their free agents. So far though, the Red Sox have yet to make a contract offer to closer Jonathan Papelbon, according to WEEI's Rob Bradford.
During his introductory press conference this week, Ben Cherington indicated there had been some dialogue with Papelbon and that he expects the two sides to continue to talk. However, the new Red Sox GM tells Bradford that he doesn't expect a contract to be signed before Thursday: "My impression is that Pap will probably get into free agency. I'm not ruling anything out, but that's my impression."
The Red Sox figure to offer Papelbon arbitration in November, so if the Type-A free agent does sign with another club, the Sox would snag two draft picks out of the deal. For a more in-depth look at Papelbon's free agent stock, check out MLBTR's Dan Mennella's piece from back in August.
Offseason Outlook: Boston Red Sox
Longtime GM Theo Epstein is gone and recently-appointed replacement Ben Cherington will try leading the Red Sox to their first playoff appearance since 2009 by improving the pitching staff and tinkering with the offense.
Guaranteed Contracts
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B: $148MM through 2018
- Carl Crawford, OF: $122MM through 2017
- Josh Beckett, SP: $51MM through 2014
- John Lackey, SP: $47.85MM through 2014
- Dustin Pedroia, 2B: $29.25MM through 2014
- Jon Lester, SP: $19.5MM through 2013
- Kevin Youkilis, 3B: $13.25MM through 2012
- Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP: $10.33MM through 2012
- Bobby Jenks, SP: $6MM through 2012
- Jose Iglesias, SS: $4.12MM through 2013
Arbitration Eligible Players (estimated salaries)
- Jacoby Ellsbury, OF: $7.9MM
- Alfredo Aceves, RP: $1.7MM
- Daniel Bard, RP: $1.6MM
- Andrew Miller, SP: $1.6MM (non-tender candidate)
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C: $1.6MM
- Mike Aviles, UT IF: $1.5MM (non-tender candidate)
- Matt Albers, RP: $1.3MM (non-tender candidate)
- Jed Lowrie, UT IF: $1.2MM
- Franklin Morales, RP: $1.0MM
- Rich Hill, RP: $700K (non-tender candidate)
Contract Options
- Dan Wheeler, RP: $3MM club option with no buyout (Type B)
- Marco Scutaro, SS: $6MM club option/$3MM player option with a $1.5MM buyout (Type B)
Free Agents
- Jason Varitek (Type B C), David Ortiz (Type A DH), J.D. Drew (unranked OF), Conor Jackson (unranked OF), Erik Bedard (unranked SP), Tim Wakefield (unranked SP), Jonathan Papelbon (Type A RP)
To fully understand the challenges the Red Sox face this offseason, we must review the events of the past two months. Red Sox fans already know the unpleasant details, so I'll be brief: since the beginning of September, the Red Sox — a franchise no longer accustomed to losing — lost 20 games and their seemingly unshakable grip on a postseason berth. Days after the collapse, they lost their manager and within weeks their longtime general manager left, too. Now, they're about to see their designated hitter and closer hit free agency along with franchise icons Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek.
No, Cherington's first offseason in the GM's office won't be an easy one. But unlike his predecessor, Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, Cherington doesn't face anything resembling a rebuilding process. Despite the chaos of the past eight weeks, Boston is well-positioned for success in 2012 and beyond.
It starts with the search for a new manager: someone who can restore order in a clubhouse that apparently featured more than its share of beer and fried chicken in 2011. Boston's search is in its early stages, with the team set to conduct first-round interviews soon.
The September version of the Red Sox played roughly at the level of the 1962 Mets or 2003 Tigers. A whole lot went wrong down the stretch, so it would be unfair to put all the blame on Boston's starting rotation. But make no mistake — Cherington must obtain starting pitching this winter. Pencil Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and Clay Buchholz in and you have three above-average starters leading the rotation, as long as Buchholz recovers from the lower back stress fracture that sidelined him at the end of 2011. John Lackey and Daisuke Matsuzaka will be recovering from Tommy John surgery, which leaves two openings in Boston's rotation.
Reinforcements could come internally, where the Red Sox have Andrew Miller, Kyle Weiland and Felix Doubront. They could re-sign Wakefield, since the knuckleballer contributes every season and was his usual self in 2011, even as a 45-year-old. Cherington will be looking for more.
At his introductory press conference, the new GM suggested he'll search for buy-low starters. Perhaps this means the Red Sox will offer veteran starters one-year deals and hope for better results than John Smoltz and Brad Penny provided in 2009. Roy Oswalt could be an option, if the Red Sox believe his back is healthy.
As usual, the Red Sox and Yankees engaged in a bit of gamesmanship at the other's expense last offseason. Boston expressed interest in Mariano Rivera and New York drove up the price for Carl Crawford. Boston should inquire on C.C. Sabathia if he hits the open market this offseason. Sabathia could help the Red Sox and interest from Boston would at least drive the price up for the Yankees, if they successfully re-sign him. While the Steinbrenners spend more than any owners in the game, there's no harm in making the Yankees pay more than they'd like to.
Cherington hasn't publicly ruled out the pursuit of other top free agent starters and until he does, the Red Sox will be linked to the likes of Yu Darvish, C.J. Wilson and Edwin Jackson. The team could also try luring Hiroki Kuroda to Boston, though he appears to favor Los Angeles.
The Red Sox could inquire on any number of trade candidates, including Fausto Carmona, Jonathan Sanchez, Ricky Nolasco and White Sox starters Gavin Floyd and John Danks. Though Orioles right-hander Jeremy Guthrie and all the Rays' starters are likely off-limits, the Red Sox should check in on the best arms available on the trade market. Unfortunately for them, the Yankees will be doing exactly the same thing. Depending on how the Red Sox approach their offseason, Jed Lowrie, Ryan Lavarnway, Ryan Kalish and Josh Reddick could all be viewed as expendable in trade talks.
Jonathan Papelbon has anchored Boston's bullpen since 2006 and he recorded the final out of Boston's 2007 World Series championship. However, it's no secret he wants to follow the money and the Red Sox have a ready-made replacement in Daniel Bard, who should be fine in 2012, despite his awful September. Boston will surely offer Papelbon arbitration, as he's a Type A free agent, but I'll be surprised if he reports to Fort Myers with the Red Sox next Spring Training.
Like the rotation, the bullpen requires some offseason work. Bard, Alfredo Aceves and Franklin Morales will return and the Red Sox can hope for more from Bobby Jenks in 2012. Dan Wheeler, a valuable yet replaceable reliever, projects as a Type B free agent, so the Red Sox could decline his option and offer arbitration. This would assure them of one of two acceptable results: a draft pick or one more year of Wheeler at an affordable rate. Cherington will likely pursue relief pitching even if Wheeler and non-tender candidates Miller and Matt Albers return.
Lost in the drama of the past two months has been Boston's impressive offensive output. The Red Sox scored more runs than any team in baseball in 2011 and with most of their core players returning, there's no reason to believe they won't have one of the league's best offenses again. The Red Sox are likely to exercise Marco Scutaro's option for $6MM. This would give Jose Iglesias more time to develop and relegate Lowrie to the bench. The rest of Boston's infield is set, with Adrian Gonzalez at first, Dustin Pedroia at second and Kevin Youkilis at third.
The outfield features the American League's most surprising player this side of Mike Napoli and its most disappointing player this side of Adam Dunn, in Jacoby Ellsbury and Carl Crawford, respectively. Likely joining the two as starters is Reddick, who hit .280/.327/.457 in roughly half a season of playing time. The Red Sox may explore an extension for Ellsbury, not that negotiating with a Scott Boras client coming off of an MVP-caliber season would be easy.
After yet another productive season, David Ortiz is the top designated hitter available on the free agent market. He posted a .309/.398/.554 line, and even though he turns 36 this November, he seems well-positioned for a generous contract. Will the Red Sox finally provide him with the long-term deal he's been seeking for years? Maybe. They'll probably start by offering arbitration, an advisable move given Ortiz's power. But there's no sense in overcommitting to a positionless player who may be approaching his decline phase, so expect the Red Sox to be prepared to walk away. Other free agent DHs are available and Lavarnway is an internal candidate for the job, so Boston isn't bound to Ortiz.
When he introduced Boston's new general manager, Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino pointed out that Cherington will not have the luxury of a peaceful start. “He will hit the ground running, in full stride, and no one will outwork him,” Lucchino said. The way the 2011 season ended, there's no other choice.
Red Sox Notes: Youkilis, Pitchers, Epstein, Freese
The Red Sox are now under new GM Ben Cherington's watch, and they figure to again be one of the most active teams during the offseason. Here's the latest from Boston…
- WEEI.com's Alex Speier spoke to sources both inside and outside the organization who said the Red Sox are not expected to move third baseman Kevin Youkilis. Youkilis will turn 33 next month, and although he's missed time with injury in each of the last three seasons, he remains productive (.258/.373/.459 in 2011) and affordable ($12MM in 2012 with a $13MM club option for 2013).
- Within the same piece, Speier notes that the Sox will "almost surely kick the tires on [pitchers] with the stuff and/or track record that suggests an ability to compete in the American League East," as long as they're open to short-term contracts.
- CEO and team president Larry Lucchino appeared on the Dennis & Callahan show this morning; Jerry Spar of WEEI.com provides a transcript. Among other things, he said talks with the Cubs about compensation for Theo Epstein are taking so long because "the parties have different views of what is significant compensation."
- Meanwhile, Bud Selig told reporters (including Scott Miller of CBSSports.com) he expects the compensation dispute to land on his desk this coming Tuesday (Twitter link).
- David Freese is busy providing the Cardinals with postseason heroics, but Tom Krasovic of Inside The Padres says the Red Sox had a loophole deal in place to sign the third baseman for $90K before the 2006 draft. The commissioner's office stepped in and nixed the deal, however.
Heyman On Beltran, Reds, Fielder, CBA
The latest from Jon Heyman of SI.com:
- The Red Sox are expected to pursue Carlos Beltran, according to Heyman. Beltran won’t cost a draft pick and posted a .300/.385/.525 line in 2011, but he would block Josh Reddick in right field. He’d be replacing fellow Scott Boras client J.D. Drew.
- The Reds are “still thinking about” Francisco Cordero’s $12MM option for 2012. Cincinnati considered an extension for Cordero in September. For all fantasy baseball updates on relievers, go to CloserNews.com and follow @closernews on Twitter.
- The Mariners are believed to be eyeing free agent first baseman Prince Fielder. Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik drafted Fielder with the Brewers, but the Mariners already have switch-hitting first baseman Justin Smoak in place.
- Heyman hears that the players and owners may compromise on the issue of slotting in the upcoming collective bargaining agreement. The sides may be discussing a tax system for draft bonuses that would limit spending to an extent.
Manager Notes: Red Sox, Maddon, Martinez, La Russa
Let's round up some manager links as we wait for Game Six of the World Series…
- Torey Lovullo and Joe McEwing aren't on Ben Cherington's initial list of interview candidates for the Red Sox manager's job, reports Joe McDonald of ESPN Boston. "Among those expected to get some consideration" from the Sox include DeMarlo Hale, Sandy Alomar Jr., Ryne Sandberg, Dave Martinez and Pete Mackanin. McDonald also lists Ken Macha and Terry Pendleton as longer-shot possibilities.
- Dale Sveum and Tim Wallach are also mentioned as candidates by Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald. Lauber also reports that Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux "is interested in becoming a manager."
- "Honestly, I love where I work and who I work with," said Rays manager Joe Maddon when asked by WEEI.com's Rob Bradford about pursuing another manager's job elsewhere. "For me it isn't always about money. I really am humbled by that thought, but at the end of the day I am a Ray and I want to be a Ray."
- Maddon went on to say that Dave Martinez, his bench coach with the Rays, is "ready in the dugout, for sure," but he could have a tough time adjusting to the media responsibilities that come with being the manager of a big market team, like most people would.
- In another WEEI.com piece, Alex Speier passed along a quote from Jack Sands, agent for Cardinals manager Tony La Russa, who appeared on the Dennis & Callahan Show last week. “Tony loves Boston,” said Sands. “Many years ago, he was really thinking this might be a place he might like to come to. … When he first came over to St. Louis, he really was an American League guy. He loved the DH. But now, he loves the double switches. We’ve seen what’s happened in the playoffs. He loves working that bullpen. So I seriously doubt that he would come back to the American League at this point.”
Front Office Notes: Tigers, Epstein, Red Sox, Padres
Here are some notes from front offices around MLB, as the Angels continue interviewing candidates for their GM job…
- Tigers assistant GM Al Avila told MLB.com's Jason Beck that he's happy to stay in Detroit, where the Tigers have a good thing going under president and GM Dave Dombrowski. The Tigers denied the Orioles and Angels permission to interview Avila this offseason and have made similar denials in the past. For more on Avila’s development as an executive, check out my piece about him from August.
- Andy MacPhail was a two-time World Series winner when he went from the Twins to the Cubs in 1994. He told Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago.com that he sees similarities between himself and current Cubs president Theo Epstein, but says it’s now a "different kettle of fish" because fans generally have higher expectations.
- Epstein promised not to raid Boston's front office to staff his baseball operations department in Chicago, according to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe.
- Earlier tonight, the Cubs and Padres confirmed that San Diego GM Jed Hoyer and assistant GM Jason McLeod will leave the Padres to accept positions with Epstein in Chicago. Meanwhile, Josh Byrnes is becoming the Padres' new GM.
- The Padres will acquire compensation for Hoyer and Byrnes after this December's Rule 5 Draft, according to Dan Hayes of the North County Times (on Twitter).
AL East Notes: Ortiz, Chavez, Shoppach
The Orioles are searching for a new GM and the four other AL East teams have begun preparations for the coming offseason. The latest links from the division:
- The Blue Jays won't rule out a run at David Ortiz, according to Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald. Ortiz told Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston.com that the Red Sox won't regret it if they sign him.
- Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe wonders if the Red Sox would offer some combination of Kevin Youkilis, Josh Reddick, Lars Anderson and Jed Lowrie in a trade for starting pitching.
- Alex Speier of WEEI.com explains why the Red Sox are likely to exercise their $6MM option for Marco Scutaro.
- Scott Leventhal, the agent for Eric Chavez, told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that the third baseman hasn't decided whether to play in 2012 (all Twitter links). Leventhal says Chavez "truly enjoyed" playing for the Yankees and would consider returning to New York. He'd likely be a fit for the Bronx Bombers again.
- Bill Chastain of MLB.com suggests the Rays would like Kelly Shoppach to return in 2012. However, his $3.2MM option ($300K buyout) may seem expensive for a club that operates with limited resources and has cheaper internal options available.