Crasnick’s Latest: Kuroda, Marquis, Morris
ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick has an in-depth look at the pitching market. I’ll highlight a few new tidbits.
- Hiroki Kuroda might require four years, as some teams are viewing him as the best available free agent starter.
- Scott Boras might wait out the market a bit and then push for five years for Kyle Lohse. That’s right, five years for Kyle Lohse.
- Matt Clement to the Reds is a possibility I hadn’t considered. Clement did pitch for Dusty Baker with the Cubs.
- Crasnick reports there would be huge interest in Mark Prior if the Cubs non-tender him. As in, pretty much every team in baseball. Crasnick’s source indicates that Prior and the Cubs don’t have the best relationship.
- Crasnick spoke to Doug Melvin and confirmed that Claudio Vargas and Chris Capuano will not be non-tendered. But they could definitely be traded.
- The Cubs are listening to offers for Jason Marquis, who is owed $16.25MM over 2008-09. So maybe they are still in on Kuroda.
- New Pirates GM Neal Huntington is shopping Dave Littlefield’s mistake, Matt Morris. Morris makes $9.5MM in ’08 and would be owed a $1MM buyout in ’09.
Thoughts On The Cordero Signing
The only thing between Francisco Cordero and a massive four-year, $46MM deal with the Reds is a physical. John Fay notes that the Reds are taking payroll up past $80MM, $5MM more than he’d previously speculated. Might the Reds take it even higher to add a Carlos Silva type? They could always backload a contract, too.
The Brewers have to be annoyed that their two Type A free agent relievers signed with protected 2008 first-round picks. What’s worse, Cordero improves one of their direct competitors.
We can talk about Cordero being overpaid, about how he’ll earn $165K per inning. But at least the Reds acknowledged that David Weathers isn’t the shut-down arm you want in the ninth inning.
The Cordero signing helps, but the team’s biggest need remains unaddressed. Reds’ starters posted a 5.10 ERA in 2007, worst in the NL. I like Arroyo and Harang at the top, and don’t mind Belisle/Bailey/Cueto at the back. Add a solid starter and it’s fair to call the Reds a contender. A.J. Burnett could make sense, as a top groundball pitcher who’s considered available. And why can’t the Reds mix it up for the big names like Santana, Bedard, Blanton, and Haren?
Francisco Cordero Now A Red
Ken Rosenthal reports that the Reds have come to an agreement with Francisco Cordero. The terms: four years and $46 million, with a $11 million club option for 2012. It’s still pending a physical. Rosenthal points out that this is the largest four-year deal ever given to a closer.
The Brewers had offered four years at $42 million. There was no mention of whether Cordero gave them a chance to match the Reds offer.
I’m not sure this brings the Reds much closer to contending. Yes, it’s nice to have some security in the ninth inning, but you need guys who can get you there with a lead. The Reds would figure to need another quality starter. But in the weak NL Central, who knows?
Joe Pawlikowski is co-author of River Ave. Blues.
Reds In Serious Talks With Cordero
Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Reds have approached closer Francisco Cordero, and that the two sides are working towards a deal. This would figure to top the Brewers current offer of four years, $42 million. This would be a major step for a team that finished 18 games below .500 in baseball’s worst division in 2007.
According to Rosenthal, the Reds have emerged as front runners. Competing are the Brewers and a mystery team, possibly the Yankees, who expressed interest in Cordero if Mariano Rivera bolted town. The closer has since returned, though, likely eliminating the Yankees from consideration. The Astros are also believed to be interested in Cordero, though the same can be said for about 80 percent of the free agent market.
This would move David Weathers back to a setup role, where he would fit in well. The Reds bullpen would still be weak, but at least they’d improve on their league-worst 54.8 percent save conversion rate.
It appears that the Reds front office believes the team can contend in the next two years. Why else give big money (and forfeit a second round pick) for a big-name closer? The Reds have considerable young talent in Joey Votto, Josh Hamilton, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips, and Edwin Encarnacion, in addition to Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn.
Combined with Scott Hatteberg, who had an effective year in limited duty, the Reds might actually have a logjam of sorts in the outfield and first base. Could they possibly move some of the excess for some pitching help? Adding another bullpen arm or a starter to go along with Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, and Homer Bailey could be the keys to the Reds contention.
Joe Pawlikowski is co-author of River Ave. Blues.
Stark’s Latest: Santana, Hamilton, Snell
Ah, a new Rumblings and Grumblings from Jayson Stark. Let’s dig in.
- It sounds like the Yankees would discuss Phil Hughes and the Red Sox might part with one of Ellsbury/Lester/Buchholz to acquire Johan Santana. The acquiring team would need an extension window though. The Mets are in on Santana big-time and would have to give up Carlos Gomez and then some. If the Twins do trade Santana, they would probably hang onto Matt Garza. But otherwise Garza could be traded for a young hitter, as we’ve been hearing.
- The Fish want four 0-3 players for Miguel Cabrera, pretty much the names we’ve been tossing around here at MLBTR for a while.
- The Marlins would ask for two 0-3 guys for Dontrelle Willis, but aren’t inclined to trade him unless they’re blown away. Stark names the Mets, Mariners, and D’Backs as suitors. So think Gomez, Adam Jones, or Carlos Gonzalez.
- The Orioles and Cardinals don’t want to eat any money on Miguel Tejada and Scott Rolen, respectively. The Cards were asking for too much from the Yanks for Rolen – one of their top three young pitchers (you know the trio).
- The Reds are willing to trade Ryan Freel or Josh Hamilton to clear space for Jay Bruce.
- Ian Snell could be available. It’s not the first time his name has appeared in the rumor mill. Hell, Snell for Hamilton kind of makes sense.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Cordero, Livan, Jenkins
Somehow, I missed a Ken Rosenthal column. This thing is already 14 hours old. I’m slipping.
- A Mystery Team has already made a four-year offer to Francisco Cordero. We know the Brewers made an offer on Monday but Rosenthal may be referring to another club.
- Rosenthal suggests Scott Linebrink could be reunited with Bruce Bochy to become the Giants’ closer. It’s known that the Astros already have an offer out to Linebrink.
- Teams interested in Geoff Jenkins: the Cubs, Padres, Giants, Rangers, and Royals. Several of those are new to me.
- The Tigers’ payroll is expected to exceed $115MM. Time to head over to Cot’s and do some math. By my count the Tigers are around $105MM right now (includes some arbitration guesses). That leaves room for one starting pitcher signing, be it Kenny Rogers, Carlos Silva, or whoever.
- The Cardinals, Astros, and Mets have their eye on Livan Hernandez. Mets’ management is divided on signing him, since he’s a back-rotation guy.
- Rosenthal believes the Reds could shop Joey Votto or Josh Hamilton a year from now in hopes of acquiring starting pitching.
- Tony Clark is gaining in popularity as a cheap power source. He might be looking at two years, $4MM plus more playing time.
Random Rumors: Glavine, Cordero, Percival
Let’s kick things off today with one of those posts packed with random rumors.
- Tom Glavine‘s agent Gregg Clifton meets with Braves’ GM Frank Wren this afternoon. They’ll talk money. Wren is expected to offer $8-10MM for ’08 plus a mutual option for ’09. Glavine isn’t a lock for the Braves – three other teams are interested. The pool includes the Mets, Phillies, Nationals, Cardinals and Astros.
- Reds beat writer John Fay recently suggested the Reds might have a payroll around $75MM, giving them only $6MM to spend. But now Fay is saying he thinks the Reds might go past $75MM. He believes the Reds will strike quickly with a focus on relief help – maybe even Francisco Cordero. The Brewers made an offer to Cordero Monday, and the Astros and Royals ar expected to be in the mix as well.
- Previously it was noted that eight teams were in on Troy Percival, four of which were considering him at closer. Now we’re up to ten clubs, and the Rays are having serious talks with his agent. The Astros may also be in the mix.
Reds Have Roughly $6MM To Spend?
Reds beat writer John Fay takes his guess at the team’s 2008 payroll: around $75MM. By his estimate, their current players will tie up $69MM of that. That would leave just $6MM to spend on free agents this winter, unless someone is traded to clear payroll.
The Reds’ need is pitching, both of the starting and relieving variety. Carlos Silva would be a nice addition to the rotation. If Wayne Krivsky is creative with the contract he could probably sign him for 4/40 and still stay around $75MM for ’08.
Joe Christensen recently reported on the teams interested in Silva, but the Reds weren’t one of them. He listed the Mets, Phillies, Royals, and Tigers. My money is on the Mets or Phillies.
Reds Pick Up Dunn’s $13MM Option
ESPN reports the Reds have exercised Adam Dunn‘s $13MM club option. This is expected and activates a full no-trade clause for Dunn through June 15th. As Tim noted here, he’ll then have the option to choose 10 clubs to which he can be traded.
MLBTR readers were more or less unanimously in favor of Dunn’s return. 40 homers at $13MM seems a no-brainer to me. He’s a patient hitter and the Reds’ most potent bat. At that price, if the Reds do intend to deal him they will find ample value. But don’t forget that Reds CEO Bob Castellini told the Cincinnati Enquirer that the possibility for an extension exists.
The Reds were feeling decisive today and also brought back Scott Hatteberg ($1.84 million option) and Javier Valentin ($1.35 million option) while declining Eddie Guardado‘s option. Both options exercised make sense for the Reds at those bargain basement prices.
Dunn, Hatteberg Option Decisions Due Sunday
According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Reds have to make decisions on the options for Adam Dunn, Scott Hatteberg, Eddie Guardado, and Javier Valentin by November 4th.
- Dunn is the big one; his is for $13MM with a $0.5MM buyout. This is an easy decision to exercise, though it will cause full no-trade protection to kick in until June 15th. After that he gets to choose 10 clubs to which he would accept a trade. But I think that if the Reds want him out of town the two parties will find a way to make it work (ie, they’ll give him a million or two extra).
- Hatteberg’s option is for $1.85MM with a $0.15MM buyout. This is so cheap it’s hard to decline, even if Joey Votto is ready. The Reds could definitely exercise it and trade Hatteberg at their discretion. The market for first basemen is weak.
- Everyday Eddie has a $3MM club option with no apparent buyout. He didn’t show anything, so I’m guessing the Reds will pass.
- Valentin’s option is for $1.35MM with a $75K buyout. I imagine they’ll exercise it.
- Since we are talking about options, I should add that Moises Alou‘s is due on November 15th. His is for $7.5MM vs. a $1MM buyout.
- Additionally in that same Fay article, Baker denies any tampering with Kerry Wood or Mark Prior. They didn’t talk about coming to the Reds, and Baker has spoken to over 40 players since he was hired.