Quick Hits: Hamels, Hernandez, Bourn, Jurrjens
It was on this day in 1869 that professional baseball had its first rainout, as a game between the Red Stockings and the Antioch Nine was postponed due to poor weather. While some teams can guarantee games will always be played thanks to retractable roofs or domed stadiums, the rainout is still a common element of baseball, welcomed by nobody except fans of the 1948 Boston Braves.
Some news from around the majors as we head into June…
- The Phillies and Cole Hamels haven't made any progress in contract negotiations, reports ESPN's Buster Olney. Some baseball executives expect Hamels to hit free agency this winter, with one NL official telling Olney, "Unless the Phillies give him one of the top deals in history, why wouldn't he test [the market]? He's so close to free agency."
- Roberto Hernandez could be back in the Major Leagues by the All-Star Break, reports Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Hernandez, a.k.a. Fausto Carmona, isn't expected to receive an eight-week suspension for identity fraud like Juan Carlos Oviedo, as his restructured contract with the Indians is expected to be seen as sufficient penalty.
- David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Twitter link) predicts Braves outfielder Michael Bourn will look for a five- or six-year contract with an average annual value of around $15MM when he hits free agency after this season. The Braves were known to be looking for young center field talent last winter since they weren't keen on paying Bourn such a large contract, though his strong performance thus far in 2012 could change the team's mind.
- Jair Jurrjens "is a guy that other clubs need to get back on," says a scout who has seen Jurrjens pitch in Triple-A, tweets Danny Knobler of CBS Sports. The Braves dangled Jurrjens as trade bait during the offseason, though if he really was back on form, you would think Atlanta would want him to help its own struggling pitching rotation. Jurrjens has a 4.85 ERA and a 2.63 K/BB ratio in six minor league starts this season, pitching very well in four outings but getting rocked in two others.
- "There might be no team further away from success than the Minnesota Twins," writes Jonah Keri for Grantland in a piece that outlines how the Twins have become one of baseball's worst clubs.
- Ernesto Frieri has been a boon to the Angels' bullpen, writes Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times. Since being acquired from the Padres four weeks ago, Frieri has yet to allow a run or even a hit in 12 innings for the Angels, though he has recorded 10 walks.
Draft Notes: Indians, Cubs, Royals, Yankees, Orioles
Some items from around the league as baseball prepares for Monday's amateur draft…
- The Indians could target a pitcher with the 15th overall pick since the organization is thin on top-level hurlers, though Indians' director of amateur scouting Brad Grant tells MLB.com's Jordan Bastian that type of short-term focus can backfire. "As soon as you start to draft towards needs, I think that's when you can make mistakes," Grand said. "I think it's important to take the best player available. You take the player that you feel has the most ability rather than concentrating on needs."
- The Cubs, meanwhile, are targeting power arms, says Doug Padilla of ESPN Chicago, though that doesn't necessarily mean Chicago will look to draft a pitcher with their first pick (sixth overall).
- The Royals have a need for a college pitcher who is close to the Majors, writes Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star, which would indicate that K.C. could take one of three right-handers (Mark Appel, Kevin Gausman or Kyle Zimmer) with the fifth overall pick.
- Damon Oppenheimer, Yankees vice president of amateur scouting, says his team focuses on prospects who can handle the pressure of playing in New York, reports MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. "We're always looking to get players who can play for the New York Yankees and not just be Major Leaguers," Oppenheimer said. "That is our shopping list, to see who can impact us. It's not easy to be a Yankee, so sometimes we will take a little more risk to find somebody who can fit for us."
- Steve Melewski of MASNsports.com talks to Gary Rajsich, who is preparing for his first draft as the Orioles' scouting director.
- The draft is entering a new era due to the changes made by the latest collective bargaining agreement, writes Jerry Crasnick for Baseball America. Crasnick outlines the new rules in place for this year's draft and how they affect players, teams, scouts and agents.
- The new draft rules particularly impact the Blue Jays. MLB.com's Gregor Chisholm talks to GM Alex Anthopoulos about how the Jays' strategy of gaining compensatory picks and paying over-slot prices for prospects will change.
Indians Designate Jairo Asencio For Assignment
The Indians announced that they designated right-hander Jairo Asencio for assignment. They placed Jack Hannahan on the disabled list, recalled Lonnie Chisenhall and activated Josh Tomlin in corresponding moves.
The Indians acquired Asencio from the Braves for cash at the end of March. The out of options reliever posted a 5.96 ERA with 7.4 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 25 2/3 innings for the Indians this year. He led the International League in saves in 2009 and 2011 and posted a 1.81 ERA with 11.5 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 54 2/3 innings at Triple-A last year.
2013 Contract Issues: Cleveland Indians
The Indians are next in MLBTR’s 2013 Contract Issues series:
Eligible For Free Agency (5)
- Derek Lowe - The 38-year-old has added value for the Indians by keeping the ball on the ground. But he's striking out just 2.3 batters per nine innings, which could scare some potentially interested teams this offseason.
- Grady Sizemore - Sizemore, now on the 60-day disabled list, in on track to miss more games than he plays in for the third consecutive season. If he returns to Cleveland for 2013, it's hard to imagine another $5MM guarantee. Perhaps an incentive-based minor league deal would work if there's interest on both sides.
- Casey Kotchman - The Indians could use more offense at first base; the Twins are the lone AL team getting a lower OPS from their first basemen.
- Johnny Damon - There's definitely a chance Damon will lose his roster spot before the offseason if the hits don't start falling in.
- Jose Lopez - Lopez has been hitting since having his contract purchsed from the minor leagues. He won't obtain a qualifying offer this offseason, nor will any of his teammates.
Contract Options (3)
- Travis Hafner: $13MM club option with a $2.75MM buyout. Hafner is drawing walks and hitting for some power, so he's a useful designated hitter. But $13MM from a small-market team for a 35-year-old whose prime years are behind him? I expect the Indians to decline the option.
- Ubaldo Jimenez: $5.75MM club option with a $1MM buyout. Jimenez's ERA is over 5.00 in 20 starts with the Indians and he's walking more batters than he's striking out this year. The Indians could decline the option if he doesn't resolve his control issues, even though it would mean giving up on a pitcher who was supposed to lead the rotation for years.
- Roberto Hernandez: $9MM club option. Hernandez, the pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona, hasn't thrown a pitch in the Major Leagues this year. Issues surrounding his age and identity have sidelined him, so it'd be a surprise if the Indians made him a $9MM commitment this offseason.
Arbitration Eligible (12)
- First time: Tony Sipp, Shelley Duncan, Lou Marson, Matt LaPorta
- Second time: Chris Perez, Justin Masterson, Jack Hannahan
- Third time: Shin-Soo Choo, Kevin Slowey, Joe Smith, Jeremy Accardo
- Fourth time: Rafael Perez
The Indians face a large and potentially expensive arbitration class. Perez and Masterson could each earn $6MM or more their second times through arbitration. Choo would earn even more if his power returns. LaPorta's playing at Triple-A and there's no guarantee he will accrue enough service time to qualify for arbitration by next winter. Duncan, Accardo and Slowey could all be considered non-tender candidates.
2013 Payroll Obligation
The Indians have committed $11MM to next year's team, which is less than every team we've looked at except the Padres (they're also at $11MM). If Cleveland's ownership matches the 2012 payroll of $65MM, GM Chris Antonetti will have flexibility to sign, trade for and extend players next winter.
Quick Hits: Blue Jays, Lind, Ellis, Indians, Damon
Sunday night linkage..
- Blue Jays manager John Farrell would not comment on last night's news that Adam Lind was placed on outright waivers and spoke as though the slugger will remain with the organization, writes Chris Toman of MLB.com. The skipper believes that Lind can find his way back to Toronto with a "controlled aggressiveness" at the plate.
- The Indians plan to stick by Johnny Damon despite his struggles so far with the team, writes MLB.com's Justin Albers. Damon has a clause in his contract which would allow him to be released if he isn't getting enough playing time or isn't a good fit for the team.
- Offseason acquisition Mark Ellis has been a tremendous clubhouse influence and will be sorely missed by the Dodgers after undergoing emergency surgery on Saturday, writes Steve Dilbeck of the Los Angeles Times. Had the surgery been put off for six or seven hours, the veteran could have potentially lost his left leg, Dilbeck writes.
Indians, Phillies Scouting Kevin Youkilis
The Indians and Phillies are keeping an eye on Kevin Youkilis as he rehabs from injury, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick (on Twitter). Crasnick goes on to tweet that while the Tribe has a need for a right-handed bat, they've yet to actually call the Red Sox to begin any negotiations.
Youkilis, 33, has appeared in 18 games for the Red Sox this season. He hit just .219/.292/.344 in those contests. The fast start of Will Middlebrooks and the long-term presence of Adrian Gonzalez have many speculating that the Red Sox may be ready to move on from Youkilis. Middlebrooks, ranked as Boston's top prospect and No. 51 in all of MLB by Baseball America this offseason, is hitting .277/.309/.565 with five homers through his first 16 games. Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe noted today that the Red Sox rave about Middlebrooks' glove as well (Twitter link).
The Indians have been using Jack Hannahan and Casey Kotchman at the corner infield positions, but Kotchman has just a .620 OPS and neither has an extensive history of Major League success. The Phillies, meanwhile, have received an OPS+ of 83 from Placido Polanco at third base. They've primarily used Ty Wigginton, John Mayberry, and Laynce Nix at first this year, to mixed results. As a whole, their first basemen are batting .272/.351/.406.
Earlier today, the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo threw the Diamondbacks into the mix of teams who could be interesting in acquiring the 33-year-old.
Rosenthal On Saunders, Guthrie, Indians, Blue Jays
Highlights from the latest edition of Full Count from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports..
- The Diamondbacks are deep in starters and won't wait to see if they fall out of contention before exploring a trade involving one of their arms. Don't be surprised if Arizona entertains offers for Joe Saunders before the trade deadline, regardless of where they are in the standings.
- Rockies right-hander Jeremy Guthrie is also likely to be in play. The club is looking at their younger pitchers and they've got Jorge De La Rosa set to come back soon. Teams thinking of trading potential free agents might want to act sooner rather than later in order to save a bit more money and get a better return.
- The Indians need a right-handed hitter and another starting pitcher, as they still don't know if they'll see Roberto Hernandez (formerly Fausto Carmona) this season. The problem for the Tribe is that they rank last in attendance in the majors and likely can't increase payroll significantly. They'll have to ask for cash in deals and that means giving up better prospects in return.
- The Blue Jays are deep in prospects and could be a major player at the deadline. They could be in on the Brewers' Zack Greinke and could even be involved with Matt Garza of the Cubs if his contract talks break down.
Nick Weglarz Clears Waivers
Outfielder Nick Weglarz has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Double-A, MLBTR has learned. The Indians had designated the 24-year-old for assignment over the weekend, removing him from the 40-man roster and exposing him to other teams. The team has confirmed the move (on Twitter).
Weglarz, the Indians' 2005 third round selection, has spent the 2012 season at Double-A. He has a .202/.295/.333 batting line so far this season, but he had a batting line of .285/.390/.503 as recently as 2010. Baseball America ranked him 58th among MLB prospects entering the 2009 season. Weglarz, who bats and throws left-handed, reached Triple-A in 2010, but has yet to play in the Major Leagues.
Minor Moves: Graham, Tejeda
The latest minor moves from around MLB…
- The Diamondbacks signed center fielder Tyler Graham Matt Eddy of Baseball America tweets. The Giants recently released Graham, who has a .297/.353/.376 batting line in four Triple-A seasons.
- The Indians announced that they released right-hander Robinson Tejeda. Tejeda, 30, appeared in one Triple-A game for Cleveland after signing a minor league deal with the team this offseason. The 6'2" Tejada owns a 4.42 ERA with 7.6 K/9 and 5.0 BB/9 in seven MLB seasons.
Outrighted: Wheeler, Magnuson
The latest outright assignments from around MLB…
- The Indians announced that they outrighted Dan Wheeler to Triple-A Columbus. The right-hander, who was designated for assignment over the weekend, must accept the minor league assignment.
- The Blue Jays announced that they outrighted right-hander Trystan Magnuson off of the 40-man roster to the Dunedin Blue Jays (via Sportsnet.ca's Shi Davidi on Twitter). The Blue Jays sent the 26-year-old native of British Columbia to Oakland in the Rajai Davis trade then purchased him back from the A's last offseason. Magnuson has been pitching at Class A Dunedin, where he has a 4.05 ERA with 6.8 K/9 and 1.4 BB/9 so far in 2012.