Checking In On Teams In Need Of Pitching
MLBTR’s Zach Links recently checked in on some of baseball’s lowest scoring offenses, noting that clubs such as the Dodgers and Mariners could score more often in 2013 thanks to some of their recent moves. Let’s now turn from run scoring to run prevention and check in on the teams that allowed the most runs in 2012.
Seven teams — the Rockies, Indians, Twins, Red Sox, Astros, Blue Jays and Cubs — posted team ERAs of 4.50 or more this past season, and each club allowed at least 750 runs in total. We'll take a look at those bottom seven teams and see what they've done to improve their pitching and defense so far this offseason. Team name links go to a summary of the moves on MLBTR's Transaction Tracker and 2012 runs allowed totals are in parentheses. For reference, the average MLB team allowed 701 runs this past season.
Rockies (890 runs allowed, 5.22 team ERA) – Jeff Francis, who led the 2012 Rockies with 113 innings pitched, re-signed on a one-year deal. Jorge De La Rosa exercised his player option and Colorado traded for reliever Wilton Lopez. Dan O’Dowd and Bill Geivett must do more to address their run prevention issues in the coming months, or they’ll risk a similarly poor showing in 2013.
Indians (845 runs allowed, 4.78 team ERA) – The Indians started the offseason by exercising Ubaldo Jimenez's 2013 option, and they haven't stopped there. GM Chris Antonetti acquired pitching prospect Trevor Bauer from Arizona along with relievers Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw. They have since agreed to terms with Brett Myers, who projects as a starter in Cleveland.
Twins (832 runs allowed, 4.77 team ERA) – GM Terry Ryan has re-worked his team's pitching staff, trading for Alex Meyer and Vance Worley and signing Kevin Correia, Mike Pelfrey and Rich Harden. The Twins also re-signed a number of pitchers to minor league deals, creating depth. However, the Twins parted with Ben Revere and Denard Span to upgrade their pitching, which creates questions about Minnesota's outfield defense.
Red Sox (806 runs allowed, 4.70 team ERA) – The Red Sox upgraded their rotation by signing Ryan Dempster to a two-year contract. They've also addressed their bullpen, trading for Joel Hanrahan and signing Koji Uehara to a one-year contract. On defense, Shane Victorino will play right field, but defensive standout Jose Iglesias no longer projects as a starter and it looks as though Mike Napoli will replace the sure-handed combination of Adrian Gonzalez and James Loney at first base.
Astros (794 runs allowed, 4.56 team ERA) – The Astros have made some relatively low-profile changes to their pitching staff as they prepare for their first season in the American League. The club acquired Alex White for Wilton Lopez, claimed Philip Humber off of waivers, traded for John Ely, and signed reliever Jose Veras to a one-year deal. At this point it looks as though Houston will have trouble preventing runs again in 2013.
Blue Jays (784 runs allowed, 4.64 team ERA) – The Toronto front office overhauled a starting rotation that lacked depth in 2012. Defending Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey joins newcomers Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle in a rotation that now looks like a strength instead of a major weakness. GM Alex Anthopoulos also traded for Esmil Rogers and added numerous others via waiver claims and minor league signings. The future of Darren Oliver still has to be determined, but other than that Toronto's pitching staff seems essentially set.
Cubs (759 runs allowed, 4.51 team ERA) - The Cubs have upgraded their rotation in a meaningful way, adding Edwin Jackson, Scott Feldman, Carlos Villanueva and Scott Baker on free agent contracts. They also retained free agent Shawn Camp and signed right-hander Kyuji Fujikawa and left-hander Hisanori Takahashi. Chicago’s pitching staff could be much stronger in 2013.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Quick Hits: Indians, Matsui, Ethier, Sanchez
The Indians are the latest team to get a financial boost from a new TV contract, as the club announced that it has sold SportsTime Ohio (and the broadcasting rights to Indians games) to FOX Sports Media Group. The Tribe's contract with FOX will run for at least 10 years and the team will receive at least $400MM over the course of the deal, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Indians will get $40MM from FOX in 2013, up from the $33MM the team received from STO in 2012. While it isn't the multi-billion dollar deal that other teams have received in recent TV rights deals, the extra funds have already played a role in the Indians' operations, namely the $56MM contract given to Nick Swisher.
Here are some items from around baseball as we head into the final weekend of 2012…
- Hideki Matsui told reporters (including Anthony McCarron of the New York Daily News) that he received offers from several Japanese teams but decided to retire since he felt he wasn't able to play up his standards. Amongst Major League clubs, only the Astros were known to have shown any interest in Matsui this winter.
- The Mariners could be in on Andre Ethier, tweets CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, though there is "no real evidence" that the Dodgers have any interest in dealing the right fielder.
- Matt Sosnick, agent for infielder Freddy Sanchez, tells Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that his client is healthy and has received some interest from teams, though no offers. Sanchez, 35, has been plagued by injuries over the last two seasons and was limited to just 10 minor league plate appearances in 2012.
- The Brewers signed righty Alfredo Figaro to a minor league deal last week but they were unaware that Figaro's rights were still controlled by the NPL's Orix Buffaloes, reports MLB.com's Adam McCalvy. Milwaukee assistant GM Gord Ash said that the Brewers have told Orix that they will retract their offer if the Buffaloes choose to retain Figaro.
- ESPN's Jim Bowden lists five possible transactions that he thinks make sense for contending teams, such as the Cardinals trading for Carlos Gonzalez or the Orioles signing Kyle Lohse.
- Twins assistant GM Rob Antony tells La Velle E. Neal III of the Minneapolis Star Tribune that the team could still make further additions to its pitching depth. "I wouldn't say we're done," Antony said. "I wouldn't say were pushing hard. We have our feelers out there. If the situation is right, we could do something else. If not, we're OK too.'' Minnesota has already added Kevin Correia, Rich Harden, Mike Pelfrey and Vance Worley this winter but Neal doesn't think the team is willing to give a two-year, $14-$15MM contract to the likes of Joe Saunders, Shaun Marcum or Brett Myers.
Cafardo On Smoak, Orioles, Myers, Twins
A good catcher can take a pitching staff to the next level, and that's why David Ross might be the Red Sox's top addition this year, writes Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe. A catcher like Ross can throw out a runner, block a ball at an opportune time, and get a pitcher straightened out if he’s lost his composure. In that regard, Ross could give Boston what they missed last season following Jason Varitek's retirement. Here's more from Cafardo..
- According to a major league source, the Orioles are said to have some interest in Mariners first baseman Justin Smoak. Seattle can afford to part with Smoak after acquiring Kendrys Morales from the Angels. The O's also have been linked to Adam LaRoche, but they are hesitant to give up a draft pick to sign him.
- While the Twins already have acquired Vance Worley in the Ben Revere deal with the Phillies, and have signed Kevin Correia, Mike Pelfrey, and Rich Harden, they could still explore a signing of Brett Myers. We last heard of Minnesota's interest in Myers roughly three weeks ago. The right-hander should also garner interest from the Padres.
- Lance Berkman would be a nice fit for the Red Sox if his right knee is okay after two knee surgeries last season. The Sox have been looking for a left handed-hitting first baseman/outfielder and the 36-year-old switch-hitter would fit the bill.
Quick Hits: Mariners, Bonderman, Athletics
On this date in 2007, the Reds traded Josh Hamilton to the Rangers for Danny Herrera and Edinson Volquez. Here’s tonight’s look around baseball..
- Jeremy Bonderman told Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times (on Twitter) that he’ll get a shot at cracking the Mariners‘ starting rotation. He adds that the M’s did not go out to see him throw prior to signing him.
- The Athletics asked to remain in the Oakland Coliseum for five more years in a proposed agreement that would delay the target for their move to San Jose until 2018, writes Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. The A’s lease is currently set to expire after this season. The club has waited almost four years for Commissioner Bud Selig to approve or reject the proposed move to San Jose.
- Cuban prospects Aledmys Diaz and Dariel Alvarez are working out in Mexicali, Mexico and will audition for scouts on January 5th, a source tells Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com (on Twitter). Alvarez, a 24-year-old outfielder, and 22-year-old shortstop Diaz were profiled by Sanchez in November.
Central Notes: White Sox, Floyd, Brewers, Lohse
Items out of the AL and NL Central..
- The White Sox are looking around for a left-handed hitter, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). The club has also made it known once again that Gavin Floyd is available. Interest in the right-hander is said to be high and the Orioles are one of the clubs who have him on the radar.
- It doesn't sound like the Brewers are going to be making a run at Kyle Lohse after GM Doug Melvin explained that the team is "getting down to the end" of adding players, Adam McCalvy of MLB.com tweets. Lohse looks to be the top starter available following Edwin Jackson's four-year deal with the Cubs.
- Twins General Manager Terry Ryan isn't sure if Rich Harden will be slotted in as a starter or a reliever, tweets Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com. “It depends on how he responds. We could go either way with him," said the GM. Harden signed a minor league deal with Minnesota this morning that includes a MLB spring training invite.
Twins Sign Rich Harden
The Twins have signed free agent starter Rich Harden to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to MLB Spring Training, the team announced. Wasserman Media Group represents Harden, who missed the entire 2012 season with a right shoulder strain. The right-hander underwent shoulder surgery to repair his right rotator cuff in January.
Harden last pitched at the MLB level in 2011, posting a 5.12 ERA with 9.9 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 in 82 2/3 innings for the Athletics. If healthy, the 31-year-old would join a number of other newcomers in a rotation that's been remodeled in the past two months. GM Terry Ryan has also acquired starters Vance Worley, Kevin Correia and Mike Pelfrey and prospect Alex Meyer this offseason.
Harden achieved considerable success early on in his career, posting a 3.99 ERA in 189 2/3 innings in his age-22 season. He continued to strike out opposing hitters at an impressive rate, but soon sustained shoulder and oblique injuries. The Victoria, British Columbia native has not qualified for the ERA title since his first full season with the A's, back in 2004.
Twins Interested In Rich Harden
The Twins were in contact with the agent for free agent pitcher Rich Harden, sources tell La Velle E. Neal III of the Star Tribune. The right-hander is represented by Brett Laurvick of the Wasserman Media Group.
Harden, who has been hampered by injuries in recent years, is attempting a comeback after missing the 2012 season. Harden would likely sign a minor league deal and be invited to major league spring training. It's not clear at this time if the veteran is attempting to come back as a starter or a reliever. The situation, according to Neal, is heating up quickly.
Harden spent the 2011 season with the A's and posted a 5.12 ERA with 9.9 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 in 15 starts. The 31-year-old also missed the bulk of the 2006 and 2007 seasons due to injury.
Free Agent Rumors: Saunders, Red Sox, Twins, Lohse
Some free agent notes from around MLB…
- The Orioles are still in talks with free agent left-hander Joe Saunders, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). The Orioles have had a quiet offseason so far, but they do want to add a starter.
- Though the Red Sox won't rule out the possibility of adding another outfielder, they feel "comfortable" with Ryan Kalish or Daniel Nava as a left-handed hitting platoon partner for Jonny Gomes, Scott Lauber of the Boston Herald reports (on Twitter).
- It sounds like the Twins are still interested in adding a starting pitcher, Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com reports (on Twitter). “I think we have to continue to look," GM Terry Ryan said. The Twins have added Vance Worley, Kevin Correia, Alex Meyer and Mike Pelfrey so far this offseason.
- Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com examines the market for Kyle Lohse, explaining the free agent right-hander's strengths, shortcomings and potential destinations. Once Edwin Jackson agrees to a deal, Lohse will clearly be the top free agent starter available.
- Bobby Crosby, who last played at the MLB level in 2010, plans to make a comeback, agent Paul Cohen told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link). The free agent infielder will work out for for teams in mid-January. Crosby, who turns 33 next month, was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2004.
- Be sure to check out MLBTR’s Free Agent Tracker.
Twins Sign Mike Pelfrey
The Twins announced that they have signed right-hander Mike Pelfrey to a one-year, $4MM contract. The former Wichita State star can also earn up to $1.5MM in incentives, according to CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman, who first reported the agreement (Twitter links).
According to those familiar with Pelfrey's status, the starter has been throwing well and is expected to be ready by Opening Day. Even with this signing, the Twins are expected to continue to pursue starters to bolster their work-in-progress rotation of Vance Worley, Kevin Correia, Scott Diamond, Brian Duensing, and Liam Hendriks.
Pelfrey, 29 in January, heads to Minnesota after undergoing Tommy John surgery early May while with the Mets. New York non-tendered the veteran in November after he spent the entirety of his career with the organization. During his tenure with the Mets, Pelfrey posted a 4.36 ERA with 3.2 BB/9 and 5.1 K/9. Heyman reported earlier this month (via Twitter) that the Scott Boras client was receiving interest from a series of teams including the Mariners, Indians and Pirates.
Twins, Rockies, Reds Interested In Freddy Garcia
The Twins, Rockies and Reds are among the teams that have checked in on free agent right-hander Freddy Garcia, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (Twitter link). Garcia, who turned 36 in October, is represented by Peter E. Greenberg & Associates.
Garcia spent this past season with the Yankees, posting a 5.20 ERA with 7.5 K/9, 2.9 BB/9 and a 40.2% ground ball rate in 107 1/3 innings. The 14-year veteran made 17 starts and appeared in 13 games as a reliever in 2012, earning a base salary of $4MM in 2012. His fastball velocity checked in below 90mph, as usual (87.5 mph on average).
Garcia hasn’t been linked to any other teams so far this offseason, but it’s not surprising to see that the Twins and Rockies checked in given that both clubs have been looking to add pitching depth. The Reds already have a full rotation, yet might be interested in Garcia as a long reliever.