Discussion: What Late Additions Could Have Big Playoff Impact?
With the 2009 postseason picture nearly in place, it's time to identify some of the late-season pickups that can make a huge splash in this year's playoffs.
In 2002, the Angels may not have won the championship without the help of a young pitcher by the name of Francisco Rodriguez. Because of multiple injuries to their bullpen, the Angels called up the 22-year-old in mid-September. Rodriguez was able to pitch in just five regular season games for the club before being thrown into the postseason fire. The hard-throwing righty responded to the pressure beautifully, posting an ERA of 1.93 and fanning 28 batters in just 18.2 innings.
Here are some of the key late-season additions by playoff-bound squads:
- Scott Kazmir has posted an ERA of 1.73 since being acquired by the Angels in late August. The 25-year-old southpaw is slated to start the third game of the ALDS against Boston.
- The Yankees acquired pitcher Chad Gaudin from the Padres in August. Gaudin proved to be a valuable addition as he posted a 3.43 ERA in 42 IP as both a reliever and a starter. If Gaudin makes the playoff roster, it will be as a reliever. Along with deadline acquisition Jerry Hairston Jr., Gaudin will have to wait until Wednesday for confirmation that he will be on the postseason roster.
- When the Cardinals claimed John Smoltz off of waivers in August, no one was sure if the future-hall-of-famer had much to offer after an unsuccessful stint in Boston in which he posted an ERA over 8. However, Smoltz appears to be turning things around in St. Louis as he has posted a 4.26 ERA, 2.1 BB/9 and 9.5 K/9 in seven starts for the NL Central division champs.
- Alex Gonzalez has given a boost to the Red Sox after coming over from Cincinnati in an August trade, as he has played well in the field while posting a slash line of .285/.318/.438 in 43 games.
- Jason Giambi has thrived in his new role as a pinch hitter for the Rockies, who signed the slugger on August 23rd. In 18 games with Colorado, Giambi hit .350/.519/.700. It's safe to say that this year's NL wild-card winners will carry Giambi on the playoff roster.
- The Dodgers acquired pitcher Jon Garland via an intra-divisional trade on August 31st. Prior to that, they signed Rangers-castoff Vincente Padilla to fill-in for Hiroki Kuroda after a comebacker to the mound took him out of action. It is probable that both Padilla and Garland will find themselves on the Dodgers' playoff roster. One or both could land themselves a start in the NLDS with Kuroda shelved once-again – this time to recover from a neck injury.
- Speaking of the Dodgers, late-season acquisitions Jim Thome and Ronnie Belliard should find themselves on the playoff roster.
What other playoff-bound players added to the big league roster after the trade deadline could be poised to have a memorable postseason?
Olney On Type A Free Agents
ESPN.com's Buster Olney looks back to last winter when players like Juan Cruz saw their value tumble because the Elias rankings classified them as Type A free agents. Some players are good enough to qualify, but not tantalizing enough for teams to give up the high draft pick that Type A free agents cost if their teams offer arbitration. Olney quizzed a group of executives about this year's likely Type A free agents; here are the details you need to know:
- Vladimir Guerrero makes $15MM this year, so Olney's execs doubt the Angels will offer arbitration.
- The executives polled said the Braves seem likely to offer Mike Gonzalez arbitration. It may make sense for Gonzalez to accept, since teams may be reluctant to give up millions of dollars and picks when there are other good relievers available. It doesn't appear that the Braves will offer Rafael Soriano arbitration.
- Four of the six execs Olney asked say the Cubs won't offer Rich Harden arbitration. He'd be in a position to command $10MM on a one-year deal. Is that such a huge risk for a big-market club like the Cubs to take? Harden has started 51 games since 2008 and could yield a top draft pick.
- None of Olney's respondents expect the Astros to offer Miguel Tejada arbitration.
- The execs are split on the Dodgers' plans for Orlando Hudson. The club is cost-conscious, but Hudson is still a talented player who could net the team a draft pick if he signs elsewhere.
Got it? You can find explanations of arbitration, free agent compensation and related terms in our hot stove glossary if it's still a little hazy.
Bidding On Jason Bay
WEEI.com's Alex Speier hears from multiple sources that the bidding for Jason Bay will reach at least four years at $14-15MM per season. The 31-year-old outfielder has been "pleasantly surprised" by his first contract year. Bay didn't know what to expect at the beginning of the season, but he's produced, as usual.
He has 36 homers and a .266/.385/.538 line that overshadows his 159 strikeouts and below average defense (according to UZR/150). A return to Boston appears to be a "legitimate possibility," but other teams will have interest if the two sides can't agree to a deal.
As Speier notes, the Angels, Cardinals, Giants, Mariners, Mets, White Sox and Yankees could all have interest in Bay and the resources to sign him.
Yahoo's Gordon Edes and MLBTR's Mike Axisa each compared Bay to Matt Holliday last month, so check out their articles to see how Bay fits in to the rest of the free agent market.
Odds & Ends: Blue Jays, Wedge, Sweeney
Some more links for the morning…
- Multiple major league sources tell Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that many Blue Jays are fed up with manager Cito Gaston and don't want him to return. One source says it's "nearly a mutiny" in the clubhouse.
- Eric Wedge wants to manage again at some point, according to MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince.
- Marlins prospect Mike Stanton still projects as a middle-of-the-order 40 homer threat, according to Ben Badler of Baseball America.
- Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. gets high marks from his predecessors, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki. Former Phillies GMs Ed Wade and Pat Gillick praised Amaro's moves.
- Mike Sweeney is having the most fun he's ever had in the big leagues, according to Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times. He wants to return and play one more year for the Mariners or the Angels.
- As Jon Heyman of SI.com notes, players chose Michael Weiner as the next executive director of the MLBPA.
- Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune doesn't expect Jermaine Dye, Josh Fields or Octavio Dotel to return to the White Sox next year.
Red Sox To Pursue Aroldis Chapman; O’s?
7:12pm: It sounds like the Orioles will be quick to bow out if Chapman's price tag is driven up by high-budget bidders like the Red Sox and Yankees. Here's Andy MacPhail, the O's president of baseball operations, courtesy of MASN's Roch Kubatko:
"I have not talked to [owner Peter Angelos] about it because I have no idea where this one is. I haven't broached the subject with him because I am so uncertain as to the level of interest among other clubs because there will be a certain time where you measure the risk-reward."
"…If some of the big boys are going to go after him, like the Red Sox did with Dice-K, that's not a risk that I would be willing to take."
11:41am: Expect the Red Sox to have interest in 21-year-old lefty Aroldis Chapman when he becomes a free agent, according to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald and ESPN's Amy K. Nelson. The Yankees are also expected to be in the mix. Will the Sox attempt to buy up all the hotel rooms in Andorra?
Chapman may be granted free agency before the playoffs. The bidding could exceed $40MM, and Chapman could potentially sign before the regular free agent signing period begins. Nelson talked to Chapman's agent Edwin Leonel Mejia, who plans to hold private workouts in Europe. Aside from the Red Sox and Yankees, Silverman names the Angels and Rangers as likely suitors. The Orioles were connected to Chapman in July, but the Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec didn't expect them to join a bidding war. Mejia explained Chapman's preference to Silverman: "He simply wants to go with whatever team wants him the most."
Previewing The Vladimir Guerrero Market
Vladimir Guerrero earned over $80MM over the course of his last contract. He won't sign for nearly as much when he hits free agency again this winter, but he could appeal to clubs looking for a veteran bat. After all, Vladdy hasn't posted an OPS below .800 since 1996. This year, he's hitting .298/.338/.467, but his strikeout rate has risen and his walk rate has fallen. Guerrero remains the free-swinger he's always been; in fact, he swings at a higher percentage of pitches than any major leaguer with at least 250 plate appearances.
He's 34 years old, but his legs are already starting to fail him. The one-time 40-steal man hasn't swiped more than five bags since 2006. His defense is fading, too, according to UZR/150. He's only played in the outfield twice this year, and for good reason.
Now that he's essentially a DH, he'll be competing for jobs with Jim Thome, Hideki Matsui, Gary Sheffield and others. The Angels, Mariners, White Sox, Tigers and Blue Jays could all be among the teams with some interest in the former MVP this offseason. We won't likely know Vladdy's fate before then, since the Angels will wait until after the season before negotiating with any of their free agents-to-be.
For more on the situation, check out Bill Shaikin's article at the L.A. Times. Shaikin explores whether Vlad would wear an Angels cap in the Hall of Fame, and how that might factor into the team's decision this winter. He says it's "absolutely clear" Guerrero wants to stay.
Figgins, White Sox A Good Fit?
Chone Figgins seems to be a hot topic this weekend. Mark Saxon of The Orange County Register writes there's a mutual attraction between Figgins and the White Sox.
"The Chicago White Sox have made little effort to hide their high regard for the Angels' leadoff hitter, who is having a career year and is eligible for free agency in November. Along with the New York Yankees, Chicago could be a formidable suitor if the Angels don't sign Figgins in their exclusive 15-day window after the World Series."
Figgins likened Ozzie Guillen's style to that of Mike Scioscia, noting both would play to his strengths as an aggressive leadoff hitter.
While he has expressed excitement to enter free agency as a man in demand, he maintains a preference to remain in Anaheim. Saxon notes that Mike Scioscia "said Figgins' improved discipline, defense and overall hitting in recent seasons have made him an attractive long-term investment" so a three-year deal for the 31-year old might become an expectation. Figgins could aim around $10MM per year.
Rosenthal Chats With Chone Figgins
Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com sat down for a chat with Chone Figgins of the Angels, who you surely know is up for free agency after the season. They spoke about plenty of topics, including his offseason workouts with Juan Pierre and his improved defense, but here's a wrap up of the hot stove talk…
- Figgins gave credit to free agent pickup Bobby Abreu for helping balance out the team's lineup and adding patience. The Halos have scored the second most runs in baseball, 43 more than any team outside of the Bronx.
- When asked what it's like "being a man in demand," in regards to his upcoming free agency, Figgins said "it's fun" and the best part about it is that it never affects him on the field.
- He said he's just "going to have fun on the field," and let all that other stuff happen when it happens.
- Figgins said that no matter where he goes after the season, his game isn't going to change. By no means did he rule out staying with the Anaheim, saying that he loves it there.
Rosenthal’s Full Count Video: Pitching, Rays, Padres, DeRosa
Let's see what Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com has for us in his latest Full Count video…
- The free agent market for starting pitching doesn't look very enticing, but the trade market could be intriguing. Toronto will almost certainly field offers for Roy Halladay again, the Cubs could trade Carlos Zambrano, and the Braves could deal Javier Vazquez if they decide to keep Tim Hudson.
- The Astros might finally be ready to move ace Roy Oswalt. While he does have a full no-trade clause, Oswalt has told the club in the past that he'd be willing to consider moves to St. Louis, both Chicago teams, Texas, and Atlanta.
- Tampa Bay moved Scott Kazmir when his value was high, so perhaps it's unlikely they'd move B.J. Upton when his value is low. Regardless, many teams covet the elder Upton brother because at his best he's a righty slugger with superior defense in center field. In his place, the Rays could go in-house with Fernando Perez or Desmond Jennings.
- Keep in mind that if Tampa were to trade an outfielder, they might prefer to deal Carl Crawford. Upton is three years away from free agency; Crawford just one.
- The Padres' recent surge has GM Kevin Towers thinking the team could be a surprise contender next year. The question is this: how low will the team's payroll go? The subtraction of Brian Giles would leave the payroll in the mid-$30MM range, but there are some that believe the team will move either Adrian Gonzalez or Heath Bell and get down into the mid-$20MM range. Ownership has yet to give the front office a firm payroll number for 2010.
- The Cardinals want to re-sign Mark DeRosa, but his offseason wrist surgery changes the equation. DeRosa is fully expected to be ready by the start of Spring Training, but he'll come with some risk. If he was fully healthy, he would be nearly as coveted as Chone Figgins, but supply and demand will work in DeRosa's favor because there are very few quality third baseman available. Plus, he can also play a ton of other positions.
Heyman’s Latest: Jeter, Wagner, Delgado, Lackey
No team is successful without good coaching and guidance, so SI.com's Jon Heyman pays homage to those who got the job done behind the scenes by naming his ten most unsung heroes of the 2009 season. Rangers' pitching coach Mike Maddux tops the list, and several other familiar names make an appearance.
Here's the rest of Heyman's rumors…
- Heyman guesses that the Yankees will resign Derek Jeter for at least $60MM over three years once his contract expires after next season. That's a lot of scratch for a guy who would be entering his age-37 season.
- The Red Sox have "every intention" of offering Billy Wagner arbitration, and barring something unexpected, Wagner has every intention of turning it down. He's projected to be a Type-A free agent, so Boston would walk away with two high draft picks in that scenario.
- Out since early May with a hip injury, Carlos Delgado hasn't given up on the idea of playing again this year. The Mets would be happy to accomodate him, because according to Heyman's sources the team has thought about bringing him back on an incentive laden contract. A late season cameo would at least give them a look at what kind of shape he's in.
- Stop me if you've heard this before: the Mets might consider Orlando Hudson this offseason if they can find a taker for Luis Castillo. That's what, three times in the last 24 hours?
- The Angels tried to sign John Lackey for four years and $60MM last offseason. Given the lack of impact starting pitching available this year, Lackey's price has gone up.
- In regards to Ken Griffey Jr. and his .214 AVG, Heyman says "this has to be the end, no?" Griffey hasn't said anything about his future yet, though.
- Kansas City ownership has "often prevented its baseball people from making deadline trades in order to avoid the dreaded 100-loss season." This strategy probably works against them in the long run, but Heyman suggests it may "make them a tougher team than some also-rans who hit the wall."
- There's no evidence that Lou Piniella is a candidate to be fired (his $4MM option for 2010 has already been picked up), but the question about whether he wants to return or not has to be asked. Sweet Lou's body language did not look good last weekend.