Thoughts On Hanley’s Deal
Tim here. I thought I’d weigh in on Hanley Ramirez‘s six-year, $70MM contract. I’ve seen the $11.66MM average annual value tossed around, but I don’t think that figure helps us evaluate it. It’s not as if this is a free agent contract.
As far as I can tell, Ramirez’s contract starts with the 2009 season. That would mean it buys out all three arbitration years plus another three free agent years. What did Hanley stand to make in his arb years? Miguel Cabrera will have been paid $33.7MM for that chunk of his career. Given that Ryan Howard received 35% more than Cabrera did for his first arb year, it’s possible that Hanley would’ve earned $45MM for his three arb years.
Under that assumption, there’s only $25MM left to cover the three free agency years. That’s just $8.3MM a year for 2012-14! Ramirez figures to be worth at least three times that salary, regardless of his defense or position. Aside from his superstar performance, Ramirez has been very durable and has shown no ill effects from October shoulder surgery. As if this deal wasn’t team friendly enough, it appears to lack any no-trade provisions. This contract seems so favorable to the Marlins that they would’ve had to sign it regardless of their stadium situation. Of course, nothing has been officially announced yet.
With Ramirez Inked, Marlins Looking At Jacque Jones
On the verge of signing (some say signed) shortstop Hanley Ramirez to a six year, $70MM deal, the Marlins are not standing pat.
Citing three team sources, MLB.com beat writer Joe Frisaro says the Marlins remain interested in Jacque Jones, who was released by the Tigers on Monday. And a "high-ranking team source" told Frisaro the Marlins will entertain moves to upgrade if the team continues its strong start.
If the Fish do sign Jones, the Marlins could shift Alfredo Amezaga to the infield (at least as a backup). Jones could also serve as a leadoff man now that Ramirez has been dropped to the third slot in the batting order.
Say what you will about their "fire sales," the Marlins have been active on the trade front in years past, acquiring via trade key players (Ugueth Urbina, Jeff Conine) that had instrumental roles during their last World Series championship.
When not taking final exams, Alejandro Leal writes for UmpBump.com
Hanley Ramirez To Sign Long Term
It looks like the Marlins will be locking up their best player for the next six years. Recent reports indicate that Hanley Ramirez will sign a six-year, $70MM deal within the next few days. There is no word on whether all six years are guaranteed, or if there will be any options involved. A six-year deal buys out Ramirez’s first two years of free agency.
As we learned back in March, the Marlins haven’t signed a player to a multi-year deal since Carlos Delgado in January of 2005. Florida finished third in the NL East that year, and began their infamous fire sale that off-season. This off-season, they traded Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, their two highest paid players. They currently reside atop the NL East at 21-14.
Ramirez finished 10th in the NL MVP voting last year, though he probably should have finished higher. He posted by far the highest OPS for a shortstop in the majors, beating MVP Jimmy Rollins‘s mark by nearly .075. He’s said to be a butcher in the field, though, which could force a defensive move in the future. Still, a .948 OPS is a .948 OPS.
In the early goings this season, he’s hitting .336/.421/.569 with eight homers. He makes $439,000 this season.
Posted by Joe Pawlikowski, who writes for River Ave. Blues, a Yankees blog.
Rosenthal’s Latest: Reds, Marlins, Turnbow
Ken Rosenthal has a new column; let’s take a look.
- Aside from Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr., Rosenthal suggests Walt Jocketty could look to trade veterans Paul Bako, Scott Hatteberg, David Weathers, Jeremy Affeldt, and Kent Mercker.
- Most of the Marlins’ best players will reach arbitration for the first time after this season, which could prompt a trade or two.
- Rosenthal expects collusion investigations to go nowhere.
- The Brewers don’t plan on paying any of the $2.5MM remaining on Derrick Turnbow‘s contract in order to trade him. They might end up losing him and paying it anyway, however.
Padres, Marlins Interested In Jacque Jones
According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the Marlins and Padres have inquired on recently designated outfielder Jacque Jones. The Tigers, on the hook for $3MM of Jones’ salary this year, would obviously prefer a trade.
Many Padres are not hitting, including outfielders Jim Edmonds and Scott Hairston. Jones might not hit for much power anymore, but he can play a quality center field.
The Fish nearly acquired Jones last summer. They haven’t gotten much out of Alfredo Amezaga and Cody Ross in center, and left fielder Josh Willingham is on the DL with a sore lower back. The Marlins are just a game back in the NL East.
Marlins Acquire Wes Helms
TUESDAY: The Fish are only taking on Helms’ $750K buyout; the Phillies will cover the other $2.15MM.
SATURDAY: According to an FSN broadcast via RotoWorld, the Marlins acquired Wes Helms from the Phils for cash. So I guess that means the Fish were willing to take on the $2.9MM owed to him? If so, quite a commitment for them.
Helms, 32 in May, had his best year with the Marlins in ’06. He posted a .965 OPS in 240 ABs, facing lefties almost half the time.
Helms Designated For Assignment
3:07pm: According to David Murphy, Helms has been DFA’d. Any suitors will probably try to wait it out so as not to pay his salary.
8:53am: Paul Hagen of the Philadelphia Daily News says it’s likely that Wes Helms will be moved by Saturday, when closer Brad Lidge is set to come off the DL. Hagen suggests the Dodgers as a good fit. Ned Colletti could offer up a player to be named later, or just wait and see if the Phils release Helms. He has $2.9MM left on his contract.
The Dodgers had been eyeing Alex Cintron and almost signed Marcus Giles. Helms doesn’t quite fit their profile, as he’s never played second base. And Dylan Hernandez believes Helms might prefer opportunities with Florida or Atlanta, if possible. The Braves just signed Scott Spiezio though. Hernandez adds that the Astros told the Dodgers Mark Loretta isn’t available, at least not until Kaz Matsui comes back.
Giants Claim Jose Castillo
According to Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Giants claimed infielder Jose Castillo off waivers and the Marlins didn’t pull him back. I believe the Marlins can now either work out a trade with the Giants or just let them have him and his $650K salary. One of today’s writers, Alejandro, noted that Castillo is already on the Giants’ 40-man roster on MLB.com.
Pure speculation, but this may be a signal that the Giants are done considering trade options such as Wes Helms, Brandon Inge, and Joe Crede. Giving up something decent for Inge or Crede never made sense for this team anyway. Castillo probably won’t do much for the Giants, but at least he doesn’t cost anything.
Marlins Waive Jose Castillo
The Marlins put infielder Jose Castillo on waivers today, though they have the option of pulling him back. It seems like a way to gauge interest. The Marlins may prefer to let Jorge Cantu play third regularly, as he’s had a strong spring and has a decent track record (insert obligatory 117 RBI season mention here). The Marlins also have Dallas McPherson in the mix if he can get healthy.
Castillo could make sense for the Dodgers given his versatility, though he’s never hit much.
Marlins Looking For A Starter?
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez originally said he’d announce the team’s Opening Day starter and entire rotation on Tuesday, but then changed his mind. Both Joe Capozzi and Joe Frisaro wonder whether that’s because the Marlins may yet acquire a starter. Frisaro implies that first baseman Mike Jacobs could be a trade candidate.
The free agent market offers Jeff Weaver and David Wells, neither of whom are more deserving than Mark Hendrickson for an Opening Day nod.
Otherwise, potentially available starters include Kyle Snyder, Kei Igawa, Dave Bush, Claudio Vargas, Jason Marquis, Daniel Cabrera, Matt Morris, Woody Williams, Matt Belisle, Justin Germano, Anthony Reyes, Cliff Lee, Jeremy Sowers, Aaron Laffey, and Gustavo Chacin. The more expensive guys seem less likely for Florida. And a few listed here may yet snag fifth starter gigs for their current teams.