Rangers Covet Brian Anderson?
Phil Rogers, down with the GMs in Florida, uncovered a trade possibility of White Sox center fielder Brian Anderson for Rangers reliever Nick Masset.
Anderson will turn 25 before next season. The former first rounder had a rough first year offensively for the Sox, but he still has the potential to be a slightly above average CF package.
Masset will also be 25 next season. A converted starter, he’s pitching well in the Mexican Winter League.
White Sox Interested In Jamie Walker
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, "Detroit Tigers lefty Jamie Walker sits atop the Sox’ wish list." Walker, who is 35, had his best season in 2006. He’s been consistently solid since coming to the Tigers in 2002, though.
Walker’s not a big strikeout guy but he does boast excellent command, often posting K/BB ratios over 4. He is, of course, a lot tougher on lefties than righties. Walker throws his fastball about half the time, followed by a fairly equal mix of sliders and changeups, according to ESPN. Walker’s most comparable players, according to Baseball Prospectus, are Pedro Borbon and Alan Embree (be sure to click the Embree link to see him with a sweet buzz cut and 1992 era button-up shirt. Good times).
Chicago’s bullpen would be one of the game’s best if they are to replace the struggling Neal Cotts with Walker. It will probably cost in the neighborhood of three years and $12MM.
White Sox Exercise Options
The White Sox made four no-brainer moves today, exercising options to retain Mark Buehrle, Jermaine Dye, and Tadahito Iguchi while declining an option for Dustin Hermanson. Hermanson could still be re-signed at a lesser price.
Two needs are clear for Kenny Williams this offseason: he’ll have to import an outfielder and a reliever. He’ll probably try to unload Scott Podsednik for something useful. Other possible trade bait could include any member of the 2006 rotation or third baseman Joe Crede.
Dave Roberts a Fit With White Sox?
The White Sox imported Scott Podsednik to fill the speedy leadoff hitter/left fielder role back in December of 2004. Pods did OK in 2005, even garnering some curious MVP votes. Last year, however, his OBP dropped all the way down to .330. The team seems ready to move on.
Dave Roberts‘s agent would like to kindly suggest his client to fill the role. He would be another former CF playing left, never a bad idea defensively. Roberts is also a bit more adept at getting on base than Podsednik and has a little more power. This is his first chance to explore free agency, and so far the White Sox and Giants appear to be desired destinations. He made $2.25MM in ’06. He’ll be 35 next year, and health may be an issue.
2007 Chicago White Sox
Next up: a 2007 Team Outlook for the White Sox.
Kenny Williams’s contract obligations:
C – A.J. Pierzynski – $5.5MM
C –
1B – Paul Konerko – $12MM
2B – Tadahito Iguchi – $3.25MM (club option)
SS – Juan Uribe – $4.15MM
3B – Joe Crede – $2.875MM
IF/OF – Pablo Ozuna – $0.5MM
1B/OF – Ross Gload – $0.35MM
LF – Josh Fields – $0.33MM, Ryan Sweeney – $0.33MM
CF – Brian Anderson – $0.33MM
RF – Jermaine Dye – $6MM
DH – Jim Thome – $8.5MM
OF – Rob Mackowiak – $2.75MM
SP – Jose Contreras – $9MM
SP – Mark Buehrle – $9.5MM (club option)
SP – Jon Garland – $10MM
SP – Freddy Garcia – $10MM
SP – Javier Vazquez – $12.5MM
SP – Brandon McCarthy – $0.332MM
RP – Bobby Jenks – $0.34MM
RP – Mike MacDougal – $0.43MM
RP – Neal Cotts – $0.4MM
RP – Matt Thornton – $0.355MM
RP – Charlie Haeger – $0.33MM
RP – Boone Logan – $0.327MM
RP – Sean Tracey – $0.33MM
Buyouts
RP – Dustin Hermanson – $0.5MM
Arbitration-eligible; could be nontendered
LF – Scott Podsednik – $1.9MM
IF – Alex Cintron – $1.6MM
Assuming Podsednik, Cintron, and Hermanson are not invited back, the Sox have about $100MM tied up. Throw in raises for Crede and others and you’re probably around $105MM. The Sox entered 2006 a touch under $103MM, and the payroll shouldn’t be significantly higher than that. Keep in mind that the subtraction of a starter would free up some cash.
The Sox will need a decent backup catcher, but some of the better options like Vance Wilson and Mike Redmond have been locked up.
Around the infield: Iguchi’s option is a no-brainer. But what to do with Juan Uribe? The man had the worst OBP in baseball (though he continued to hit for good power). His glovework is top five in the game for sure.
Kenny Williams could trade Uribe and acquire someone better to play shortstop (if perhaps in a separate deal). Some Sox fans are clamoring for a Michael Young trade if possible. Young, however, is the worst defensive shortstop in baseball. It would be exchanging Uribe’s OBP problem (and a ton of young prospect talent) for another problem. You’d still probably rather have Young, but not at the price.
Baseball Prospectus rates Uribe’s ’06 performance at 2.6 wins, and his 2004 peak at 5.1 wins. Aside from giving up the farm for Miguel Tejada, the Sox could sign Julio Lugo or trade for Orlando Cabrera. It won’t be easy if Williams tries to upgrade at short.
Crede’s been doing one-year deals, and could go up to five or six million after arbitration. If he elects not to have back surgery, the team may be reluctant to ink him to a multiyear contract. Plenty of teams need third basemen, so feel free to concoct wild trade scenarios. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
If the Sox do trade Crede, Josh Fields probably becomes the third baseman. He’d be a step down but might be able to get the job done following a .305/.379/.515 line in Charlotte. Fields did have a weak offensive second half for the Knights though. And you wouldn’t want to replace both Crede and Uribe, as the left-side infield defense would be severely weakened. The Sox may very well stand pat at both positions.
Depending on who you ask, something may have to be done about center field. Brian Anderson has his supporters for another shot at center, though he still wasn’t league average offensively for his position in the second half. And league average for a CF isn’t asking much. We know Ozzie and Juan Pierre have mutual affection, but Williams doesn’t feel the love. Other options include Jim Edmonds and Gary Matthews Jr. and, to a lesser extent, Dave Roberts or Kenny Lofton. Maybe a deal for Ryan Freel? No acquisition could top Vernon Wells, but competition will be fierce if he’s available. There’s no easy answer here, of course.
Left field is more of an agreed-upon problem. The Sox have probably had enough of Pods, so they’ll either nontender or trade him. Should Crede stay, Fields and Ryan Sweeney could get a look. Otherwise there’s Cliff Floyd (a Chicago native), Moises Alou, David Dellucci, Luis Gonzalez, or maybe even Alfonso Soriano. Or maybe Kenny peddles his one possible surplus, starting pitching, as part of a deal for Manny Ramirez or Carl Crawford. If the Sox want to make another deal with Philly, Pat Burrell is available for peanuts but would have to approve a trade.
The rotation, of course, is six deep. Assuming Williams’s six-man rotation idea doesn’t fly, someone has to go to make room for McCarthy. Popular opinion is Garcia, who could interest the Mets (and would succeed in the NL). But Buehrle and Vazquez are certainly fair game. KW is good at what he does, and he’ll find a way to turn one of these starters into a good outfielder. How about Matt Murton or Luke Scott, to toss out a few names? I’m sure Kenny can do better.
Williams has pledged to add a reliever. Haeger should join the pen if he’s not traded; his knuckler would certainly be a change from flamethrowers like Jenks and MacDougal. Hermanson could return at reduced pay, but at least one other proven guy will be imported. Aaron Heilman could be available via trade. Justin Speier could be on the radar. Various free agents fit the bill. Maybe the Sox will get creative, grab a guy like Byung-Hyun Kim or Kerry Wood.
It looks like another fun offseason in Chicago, as the Sox have all sorts of ways to play this hand. What would you do?
2007 MLB Free Agents: Gary Matthews Jr.
The Rangers would like to retain free agent center fielder Gary Matthews Jr., but competition could be fierce if he hits the market. It’s important to remember that Sarge Jr. will be entering his age 32 season in 2007. Perhaps his athleticism will help him age better.
While Matthews’s .372 OBP is a career high, you’ll notice that it’s entirely batting average driven. He hasn’t improved his walk rate at all this season. The improvement in batting average is tied to more frequent contact – he’s up to 84% in that department. He’s also got a career high SLG. The increase can be attributed to doubles and triples, as Matthews’s flyball percentage and home runs per flyball have not changed. It stands to reason that he’ll regress to something near .270/.330/.440 in 2007.
Matthews has been abandoned by the Padres (twice), Cubs, Pirates, Orioles (twice), Braves, and Mets. He’s dealt with all kinds of injuries in the past few years: ribcage strain, hamstring strain, calf strain, sliced thumb from slicing a bagel, and wrist tendinitis.
Despite all this, I’m not down on Matthews as a free agent signing. The average center fielder hits about .270/.335/.425 and plays, well, average defense. Matthews should be able to hit a little better than that and play plus defense. Sure, he’ll decline from his career season. But CFs like Matthews don’t grow on trees. Would you rather have the defense of Dave Roberts out there?
Lately the possibility has been raised of the Mariners signing Matthews. This would be an odd signing, given the Mariners’ decent outfield arrangement and dire need for starting pitching.
Should the Rangers fail to retain Matthews, both Chicago teams, the Astros, Cardinals, and Rockies could all be interested. I’d be impressed if any team could get him for fewer than three years. He made $2.4MM this year, but could command $7-8MM annually on the open market.
Chone Figgins On The Block?
Ah, finally a legitimate trade rumor. The well had been running dry for a while. Doug Padilla of the L.A. Daily News tells us that center fielder/utility man Chone Figgins could be traded this offseason, possibly to the White Sox for Joe Crede.
Crede, who is represented by Scott Boras, has continually inked one-year deals with the Sox. This is his fourth full season, and he’s making a little less than $3MM. Crede’s breakout .298/.331/.535 campaign should bring another hefty raise. Crede should cross or near the 30 HR, 100 RBI plateaus for the first time in his career. He’ll be a very valuable trade commodity if the Sox wish to turn third base over to Josh Fields eventually. This is Crede’s age 28 season. The market for free agent third basemen is bleak unless Aramis Ramirez opts out of his contract.
Figgins, on the other hand, has taken a step backward in his age 28 season. He’s earning $2.25MM in ’06, $3.5MM in ’07, and $4.75MM in ’08. Figgins has been reliant upon a .295 batting average to keep his OBP in an acceptable range, and this year his average dropped to .254. His contact rate is the lowest of his career, though his walk rate is the highest it’s been. 96% of Figgins’s ABs have come from the leadoff spot, which isn’t a great idea when you’re below average at getting on base.
Figgins is very similar to Scott Podsednik, only more versatile. They have almost identical numbers this year. It would be peculiar for the Sox to cut Pods and then trade their star third baseman for Figgins. I really can’t see Kenny Williams doing this, though he did reportedly express interest in late June.
2007 MLB Free Agents: Dave Roberts
There’s been some chatter about Dave Roberts lately – he’ll be a coveted free agent this winter. Back in July, I discussed Roberts in my center fielder free agent market review:
"Roberts, 34, is best known for his stolen base in the 2004 ALCS. He’s solidly above average at hitting but is ranked just 30th on defense. He’s got a weak arm but was a solid defender prior to 2005. According to the Fielding Bible, Roberts still has his speed and range so he should bounce back defensively if healthy. He’s been moved to left field to make an excellent pair with Mike Cameron. If someone can snag him for $3-4 mil and get him 500 ABs, he’s a fine option. It’s just that he has a lengthy injury history."
It just so happens that in his contract year, Roberts looks to set career highs in at-bats, batting average, and on-base percentage. The Padres have enjoyed his .382 OBP mark (18th in the league) at the top of their order. He’s also stolen bases at better than a 90% clip. His $2.25MM salary is a bargain, and he’ll have plenty of suitors.
Tom Krasovic of the San Diego Union-Tribune recently mentioned that the White Sox and Cardinals are already showing some interest. Rockies beat writer Troy E. Renck throws Colorado’s hat into the ring.
A few other possibilities: the Blue Jays could go after Roberts if they decide to trade Vernon Wells. The Rangers could get involved if Gary Matthews Jr. departs. Ditto for the Cubs if they don’t retain Juan Pierre.
Boston Herald: Crisp In Trade Talks
Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald and Buster Olney of ESPN are hearing the same thing: that Coco Crisp is available in trade talks. In fact, Crisp was offered to the White Sox for a starting pitcher. The Sox have six of ’em, so it’s anybody’s guess. Maybe a buy low attempt on the fatigued Mark Buehrle? Nah.
Crisp is hitting just .269/.322/.389 since returning from a broken finger and kidney stones on May 28th. His OBP is not down because he’s drawing fewer walks – in fact, his walk rate has remained remarkably steady for years. It’s down because Crisp’s OBP is normally driven by a .300 average and the hits aren’t quite there this season. That’s the problem with an OBP reliant on base hits. The culprit may be a reduction in Crisp’s contact rate. Normally he puts the bat on the ball 86% of the time but this year he’s down to 83%.
Even an average center fielder should post a .335 OBP and .425 SLG, and normally Crisp tops that. He’s still just 26. Defensively, Crisp is one of the game’s best as a left fielder. In center field, not so much.
The Red Sox seemingly wanted to keep Crisp around, signing him to a three year contract extension in April. However, they did trade Bronson Arroyo after signing him to a contract extension.
Trade Rumor Roundup: 4 Days Left
What’s cooking this morning in the world of MLB trade rumors?
Gotham Baseball’s Mark Healey spoke to all sorts of baseball sources; here’s his latest Rumor Mill. New developments: the Mets could pursue various Rockie pitchers, and the Yanks crave John Smoltz.
My Mets guy indicates that the Wilson Betemit for Scott Linebrink deal that’s been bandied about could go down at the last minute. What? He hears things outside of the Mets.
SportsBlah sorts through the Alfonso Soriano rumors.
Jimmy Gobble was scratched from his start last night. Let the rampant rumormongering begin. Actually, KC just switched him with Runelvys Hernandez to break up the southpaws in the rotation.
As the days go by, Doug Melvin sounds more and more like he’ll trade Carlos Lee.
RotoAuthority gives the fantasy take on Shin-Soo Choo, Ben Broussard, Scott Kazmir, and many more recent developments.
All the newspapers are reporting that the Yankees have deemed Scott Proctor "untouchable." I know good relief help is hard to find, but should a 29 year-old middling reliever at the peak of his value really be deemed untouchable? Especially the way Joe Torre is abusing him.
Hadn’t heard of the Mets’ interest in Juan Cruz and Jose Valverde until Dan Graziano mentioned it this morning. Could be a great buy low situation for a real live arm in Valverde. Cruz I think could be tough to pry away.
There was just no reason to try to start Roger Clemens trade speculation. The Astros, five games back in the wildcard, have invested way too much to suddenly wave the white flag.
Bidding war for…Cory Lidle? Looks like Toronto has the lead so far; Lidle starts tonight.
Buster Olney mentioned today in his blog that the White Sox are willing to discuss trades for Freddy Garcia. He also indicates that the Red Sox are working on a large, creative deal with more than two teams.
Add the Mariners and Cardinals to the Yankees for Shawn Green’s interested parties. He can veto a deal to any of these three teams and is happy in Arizona.