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NL West Notes: Rockies, Giants, Tulowitzki

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On Friday, Mike Axisa checked in on the stock of free-agent-to-be Marco Scutaro.  The veteran has proved to be one of the most high-impact trade deadline pickups since being dealt from the Rockies to the Giants.  Scutaro was initially high on staying put in Colorado but has quickly warmed up to San Francisco and says that he would like to stay put.  With that said, the free agent market doesn't have a ton to offer when it comes to middle infielders and retaining the 36-year-old could cost the Giants a pretty penny.  Here's more out of the NL West..

  • Despite Troy Tulowitzki's injury-related setbacks this season, there is no sign that the Rockies are willing to explore a trade for him, writes Troy Renck of The Denver Post.  Renck asked the soon-to-be 28-year-old if he would be open to possibly shifting over to third base, but the shortstop rejected that idea.
  • Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that it is highly unlikely that we will see suspended outfielder Melky Cabrera appear in a postseason game for the Giants.  Doing so would require leaving a roster spot open until the sixth playoff game of the year, which would be a sizable commitment considering that they don't know what he could bring to the table.  Beyond that, the Giants are likely upset with Cabrera on a personal level.
  • Rockies manager Jim Tracy is happy about the club's decision to go with a five-man rotation in 2013, Renck writes.  The Rockies experimented with a four-man starting rotation this season but will now modify that plan to have five starters on a 90-100 pitch count with three "piggyback" relievers.  Renck writes that the tweak should make the Rockies more appealing to veteran pitchers such as Kevin Millwood this winter.
  • More from Renck, who writes that the Rockies are working to get a better handle on how the altitude of their home ballpark effects them and how they can approach the game differently.  That has manifested itself in the form of the aforementioned pitching experiment but could also result in other creative changes going forward.

Rockies Notes: Hernandez, Gonzalez, Tulowitzki

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Ramon Hernandez ruptured his left distal hamstring tendon and will miss the remainder of the season, Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post writes. The 36-year-old will undergo surgery next week after playing in just 52 games. Here are more Rockies-related notes from Troy Renck of the Denver Post…

  • Hernandez would probably have been an offseason trade candidate, Renck writes (on Twitter). Completing a deal will now be more challenging because of Hernandez’s injuries and age. Hernandez will earn $3.2MM in 2013, the final season of the two-year, $6.4MM contract he signed last offseason.
  • The Rockies need pitching, but Renck repeated that he wouldn't trade Troy Tulowitzki or Carlos Gonzalez for arms (Twitter link). It's risky to assume pitching performances will translate in Denver, as Renck notes.

Rockies Notes: Francis, Tracy, Scutaro

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On Thursday, Troy Renck of the Denver Post opined that there are still no winners in the trade that brought Alex White and Drew Pomeranz to Colorado for Ubaldo Jimenez.  White and Pomeranz have yet to break through with the Rockies while Jimenez has a 5.44 ERA with 7.8 K/9 and 4.4 BB/9 in the last year-plus for Cleveland.  Here's a look at Renck's latest on the Rockies, with all links going to Twitter..

  • Left-hander Jeff Francis is expected to return to the Rockies next season after his contract is through, Renck tweets.  The 31-year-old owns a 5.38 ERA with 6.1 K/9 and 1.9 BB/9 in 19 starts this season.
  • Renck writes that Jim Tracy still being under contract for one more season could weigh into the club's decision on whether to retain him.  The Rockies have struggled this season but have pitched better since Tracy was asked to install their new pitching program.
  • The Rockies couldn't have gotten more than they did for Marco Scutaro back in July, sources told Renck.  Colorado wanted out from under the money owed to the veteran and netted minor league second baseman Charlie Culberson in return.

Quick Hits: Rockies, Mets, Profar

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The Braves defeated the Rockies 1-0 this afternoon behind one unearned run and another strong start from Tim Hudson. Atlanta now has a 78-60 record and their chances of making the playoffs exceed 90%, according to Baseball Prospectus. Here are today’s links, starting in Colorado…

  • There are still no winners in the trade that sent Ubaldo Jimenez to Cleveland for Alex White and Drew Pomeranz, Troy Renck of the Denver Post writes. White and Pomeranz have been disappointments in the year-plus since the 2011 trade and both must improve the command of their secondary pitches to start seeing better results, Renck writes.
  • The Mets are expected reduce their losses from the $70MM range to $23MM this year, Josh Kosman of the New York Post reports. The Mets cut their payroll considerably last offseason and it currently sits in the $94.5MM range, according to Cot's Baseball Contracts. Their payroll is expected to stay in the same range for 2013.
  • Jurickson Profar belongs at the MLB level even if he isn't as physically imposing as some of the sport's other young stars, Yahoo's Jeff Passan writes. Profar, the 19-year-old shortstop prospect who was recently called up by the Rangers, has impressive makeup at a young age, Passan writes.

Rockies Notes: Bill Geivett, Rotation, Michael Cuddyer

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With an unconventional approach both on and off the field, the Rockies have attracted a great deal of attention for a team on pace to lose over 90 games this season. Beset by injuries, a payroll in the bottom half of the league and inconsistent pitching further hampered by altitude, Colorado seemingly has no choice but to think outside the box if it hopes to make a playoff run anytime soon. Let's head to the Mile High City and catch up on the latest news making headlines…

  • Bill Geivett's new role running the Rockies' Major League operations on a daily basis reveals a trend of untraditional thinking in the team's organization, but it may pay off, writes Troy E. Renck of The Denver Post. Instead of moving to the corner office, Geivett put a desk in the team's conference room located within the Rockies' clubhouse in hopes of getting a better grasp on where the club is struggling and how he can work to fix the problems. Colorado has already felt an impact from Geivett's presence as the team just enjoyed its first winning month since June 2011. 
  • The Rockies' unusual decision to continue to go with a four-man rotation must discussed with the team's position players as Colorado will be more successful if everyone buys in, opines Renck. While there is data that suggests removing a starter before he faces a lineup for a third time is beneficial, Renck says the movement can't be sustained without players expressing confidence in the approach. Since making the switch in June, the Rockies' starting rotation has improved its ERA by over half a run. 
  • Michael Cuddyer remains at peace with his decision to sign with the Rockies last offseason even amidst injuries and the team's inability to win games, writes Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post. The former Twins All-Star outfielder has found his niche by serving as a leader both on and off the field to the team's younger players. "He's very outgoing, always willing to help," said rookie Jordan Pacheco. "In spring training, he came up to me and said, 'I have played a couple of positions and I have been a utility guy before, so if you have any questions, just come ask me.' He's like that for everybody."

NL West Notes: Dodgers, Rockies, Giambi, Puig

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Last night, the Dodgers saw a glimpse of what the newly-acquired Josh Beckett might be capable of when he turned in 6.2 strong innings of work on the way to a 2-1 win over the Diamondbacks.  Ned Colletti & Co. will be hoping to see more of the same as they look to make their playoff push.  Here's more out of Los Angeles and other notes out of the NL West..

  • Other clubs are convinced that the blockbuster deal which brought Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, and Nick Punto to the Dodgers took them out of the Josh Hamilton sweepstakes, writes Jayson Stark of ESPN.com.  The other usual suspects, like the Red Sox and Yankees, are unlikely to be in on the outfielder as well, which makes it hard to predict where he might end up.  One AL exec guesses that a mid-market team will come out of the woodwork to sign Hamilton.
  • Rockies slugger Jason Giambi has no plans to retire and hopes to continue playing in 2013, writes Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post.  "I would to love to play if I can get a job," Giambi said. "That's kind of up to everybody else. If I have an opportunity, I would love to play."
  • Pricey Cuban import Yasiel Puig isn't particularly concerned about how long it might take him to reach the major leagues, writes Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.  If he proves worthy of starting, it may be hard for the Dodgers to find a spot for him as they have Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford under contract through at least 2017.  The Dodgers signed Puig to a seven-year, $42MM contract back in June.

NL West Notes: Dodgers, Billingsley, Rockies, Padres

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Earlier today we learned that Shane Victorino would like to re-sign with the Dodgers after this season, but the veteran has no interest in returning as a bench player.  While Victorino seemed likely to be retained by the Dodgers when they traded for him, the club’s acquisition of Carl Crawford might alter their plans.  Here’s more out of the National League West..

  • Dodgers president Stan Kasten told Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times that he fears that Chad Billingsley’s elbow injury could sideline him for the remainder of the season.  Kasten went on to say that the fear did not stem from “medical evidence”, which implies that it may just be a hunch at this juncture.
  • Meanwhile, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti told Mark Saxon of ESPNLosAngeles.com that the talent pool that has cleared waivers or remains on waivers is “very thin right now.”  Colletti wouldn’t completely rule out the idea of an acquisition taking place tonight or tomorrow but said that nothing is brewing at present.
  • The Rockies will continue to use a four-man rotation in 2013, writes Troy Renck of The Denver Post.  The club has experimented with using four starters on a limited pitch count with three “piggyback” relievers this season and will tweak the model to use four relievers next year.  The plan was met with skepticism this season but the Rockies have been pitching better since making the switch.
  • The Padres could contend for a Wild Card spot next season with some badly-needed upgrades to their rotation, writes Jeff Sullivan of Fangraphs.  Earlier today, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported that Padres execs are encouraged by the team’s recent play and are adjusting their plans in order to win in the short-term.  The report also suggested that San Diego could target an established starter like Hiroki Kuroda.
  • Renck (via Twitter) doesn’t expect the Rockies to be in on Joe Mauer, in large part because they already have Wilin Rosario behind the plate and Mauer would lose value if moved elsewhere.

Extension Candidate: Dexter Fowler

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The Rockies are expected to discuss a contract extension with Dexter Fowler this offseason in an attempt to keep him in Denver long-term. While an extension could make sense for both sides, it’s no longer possible for the Rockies to lock him up inexpensively. 

Dexter Fowler - Rockies (PW)

The arbitration eligible center fielder recently switched agencies from the Boras Corporation to Excel Sports Management, a development that the Rockies reportedly found encouraging. Fowler indicated to Troy Renck that he’s open to signing an extension this winter if the Rockies wish to discuss one. It sounds as though there’s already some positive momentum toward a deal. 

Fowler has leverage since he's enjoying his best offensive season and plays a premium defensive position. He has a .304/.389/.495 batting line with 12 home runs and a league-leading 11 triples so far in 2012. As well as he has played, his bargaining power could collapse following a poor season or injury, so an extension could be appealing.

If the Rockies pursue an extension, they would likely attempt to lock the 26-year-old up through one or more free agent years and obtain a club option. Such a deal would provide the Rockies with an above-average performer at a premium position for his prime seasons. Meanwhile, Fowler would obtain the security of guaranteed salaries for his three remaining seasons of arbitration eligibility and beyond.  

Fowler, who’s now earning $2.35MM as a first-time arbitration eligible player, is under team control through 2015 as a super two. Any long-term deal would presumably cover his next three arbitration seasons and at least one free agent year. In general, teams are also able to obtain a club option when extending a player three years away from free agency.

Fowler has likely played his way to a 2013 salary in the $4.3MM range, but that’s if he goes to arbitration. Players who sign extensions don’t generally obtain maximum value for their arbitration years, so $3.5MM might be a more reasonable estimate for Fowler’s 2013 salary. The sides might then approximate Fowler’s last two arbitration salaries at $6MM in 2014 and $8.5MM in 2015. This would add up to a total of $18MM for his three remaining arbitration years. 

Fowler’s free agent years would be valued below market value but above his arbitration seasons. Adam Jones recently obtained $15MM per free agent year on his extension with the Orioles, but he was less than two years from free agency when he signed. Cameron Maybin obtained $8MM per free agent year on his extension with the Padres, but his offensive numbers are inferior to Fowler’s and he signed as a pre-arbitration eligible player. Fowler’s free agent years can safely be valued in the $8-15MM range at this stage, likely around $11.5MM. Lastly we'll add a club option worth $11.5MM ($1MM buyout) for a third free agent year.

If the sides agreed to value Fowler’s three remaining arbitration seasons at $18MM total and his two free agent years at $23MM total, they’ll have reached $41MM in guaranteed money. Add the $1MM buyout for the 2018 club option and the total climbs to $42MM over five years.

This proposed deal wouldn’t be unlike the extensions signed by Kevin Youkilis (four years, $41.25MM), Ryan Zimmerman (five years, $45MM) and Alex Gordon (four years, $50MM). Each deal covers a number of arbitration years and at least two free agent years. These contracts provide teams with discounted arbitration years and extended control over the player. They provide the players with security they wouldn’t otherwise have: tens of millions in guaranteed money. In this context I believe a five-year, $42MM deal would represent fair value for both the Rockies and Fowler.

Photo courtesy of US Presswire.

Casey Close To Represent Dexter Fowler

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Dexter Fowler switched agents three weeks ago and is now represented by Casey Close of Excel Sports Management, instead of the Boras Corporation, Troy Renck of the Denver Post reports. The 26-year-old center fielder spoke highly of Scott Boras, but said Close made more sense for him at this point in his career. With more than a month remaining in the season, he’s not thinking about extension talks just yet.

"I like it here, but it's not something on my mind," he told Renck.

The Rockies are expected to offer Fowler an extension this winter when he will be arbitration eligible for the second of four times, Renck reports. The team expects Fowler to be more receptive to a long-term contract now that he’s no longer represented by Boras, who has a reputation for taking player to free agency. The Rockies’ model for deals involving arbitration eligible players involves guaranteeing salaries for a number of years and obtaining a club option or two on free agent seasons in return, Renck writes.

Fowler is under team control through 2015. He has a .305/.390/.496 batting line with 12 home runs in 439 plate appearances so far in 2012. MLBTR's Agency Database offers complete player representation data, including a list of Close's clients.

Red Sox Notes: Crawford, McClure

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The latest news on the Red Sox who, at 59-63, are currently on pace to suffer their first losing season since 1997…

  • Clay Buchholz told the Boston Globe's Peter Abraham that he was surprised by the decision to let McClure go (Sulia link). Buchholz said he had a good relationship with McClure and spoke to him daily.
  • Carl Crawford will undergo Tommy John surgery on Thursday, the team announced via press release. The surgery will be performed by Dr. James Andrews. Two seasons into the seven-year deal Crawford signed with Boston, he'll have appeared in just 161 games and batted .260/.292/.419. As a position player, Crawford will likely have a shorter recovery time than pitchers who undergo the procedure. For example, Reds shortstop Zack Cozart had Tommy John last August and was ready for Spring Training this season.
  • In a second press release, the Red Sox announced that they've fired pitching coach Bob McClure. Assistant pitching coach Randy Niemann will take over the position in the interim. Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal tweets the following quote from Boston GM Ben Cherington: "This wasn't working out. We felt like we need to make a change. The best thing to do was to give everyone a fresh start." Sean McAdam of CSNNE.com adds that the decision was performance-based, not because of clashes with manager Bobby Valentine (Twitter link).
  • Troy Renck of the Denver Post tweets that McClure will be a candidate to take over the Rockies' pitching coordinator. As Renck points out, McClure is familiar working with pitchers at an altitude. McClure spent seven years as a pitching coach with the Rockies between Triple-A and the Major League club from 1999-2005.
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