MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Rays' Executive Vice President Andrew Friedman explained the rationale behind his team's file-to-go arbitration strategy to MLBTR contributor Chuck Myron.
- Chuck also spoke with several Rays who had high praise for both Evan Longoria and the front office for the six-year, $100MM extension the All-Star third baseman received last November.
- Tim Dierkes noted contract extensions are down this last offseason, as opposed to a year ago. Past extensions, however, have prevented several prominent players from becoming would-be free agents this winter.
- Tim listed the top 15 players, according to wins above replacement, who are not locked up by multi-year deals and are instead going year-to-year. Tim then explored the parameters of a possible contract extension for the number three player on that list, Jason Heyward.
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Steve Adams presented another Transaction Retrospection with a look back at the Phillies' acquisition of Hunter Pence from the Astros.
- The Offseason in Review series concluded with Tim's profile of the Rockies and Steve's recap of the Diamondbacks and Giants.
- Tim provided the latest installment of the Why I Chose My Agency series with Daniel Hudson discussing his agent, Andrew Lowenthal of Proformance.
- Tim ranked agencies by total 2012 wins above replacement, 2012 WAR per player, and the number of four-win players.
- Steve revisited the top minor league signings from the 2011-12 offseason.
- Tim asked MLBTR readers when will the Marlins trade Giancarlo Stanton. More than 70% of you believe Stanton will be in a different uniform before Spring Training opens in 2014.
- Jeff Todd asked MLBTR readers whether the Yankees will let Robinson Cano reach free agency. Over 77% of you believe they will extend the top ranked player in MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings.
- Charlie Wilmoth examined the value of making early-season trades versus mid-season deals.
- Tim hosted this week's live chat.
- Zach Links assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- Here's the schedule for MLBTR's roster of regular features and exactly what to expect from them.
Why I Chose My Agency: Daniel Hudson
Diamondbacks starter Daniel Hudson amassed 25 victories and a 3.19 ERA across 336 innings well before he reached even two years in big league service time. Last year he underwent Tommy John surgery, from which he's aiming to return around the All-Star break. Last month, I spoke to Hudson about his choice of agent, Andrew Lowenthal of Proformance.
On how he chose Lowenthal:
In '08 I think he had gotten my number from a previous player I had played with. He contacted me and we met a couple times, and before I went to the Cape Cod League in '07 I pretty much told him, "Hey I just wanted to let you know, I'm probably going to use you." Andrew and I kind of clicked, so it was a pretty easy decision for me to make at the time. I felt like he really wanted me, and I feel like he made a really concerted effort to come down and see me pitch. He would make an effort to call or text me after every single start, and basically just see how I was doing.
On how it went leading up to the draft in '08:
I don't really know much about his aspect of what he does. He does his best to explain everything to me, and I trust him enough to tell him, "I trust your expertise and what you know about this game, and I trust you to make a good decision on my behalf." He obviously kept me informed about all the negotiations and all the conversations he had with the White Sox, and I just let do his thing because I obviously didn't know what the heck was going on. It was fairly painless. A week and a half later I was on a plane to Great Falls, Montana to sign my contract.
On talking to Andrew about going year-to-year versus doing a long-term extension:
He laid it all out on the table. He's very good at giving me comparables as far as where I am in my career to where certain guys were at the same point in their careers and what contracts they signed and when they signed them. Before every season he gives me these thick notebooks and explains to me where I'm at in my market level with all the other guys. Obviously going year-to-year is a little bit more risky, but you can make a little bit more money in the long run. Or you can go for the security, if the team is willing to offer you an extension before you hit arbitration. He's very good and very open at giving me his opinion, but at the same time he wasn't for or against either one too strongly. So if the Diamondbacks offered me a contract last year and he didn't think it was a good deal but I wanted the security, he would not pressure me to not sign it.
Did the Diamondbacks throw anything out there before last season?
We talked. We had short conversations, but I don't really want to get into the number aspect of it.
On Andrew's involvement in Daniel's recovery from Tommy John surgery:
I feel like I couldn't have picked a better agent to feel like I still mattered even though I'm on the DL. I never felt like I wasn't getting attention because I was on the DL and going to miss 12 months.
On recommending Andrew to other players:
We have conversations about that from time to time, with different teammates and stuff. Sometimes you get to the point where some guys are like, "I'm really not liking my situation, I'm thinking about throwing my name back out there and seeing if any other agents bite." I know I've gotten Andrew meetings with a couple different guys I've played with, and once those guys saw what Andrew does for me and how helpful he is with me and my family, they want more of a personal relationship, which is what I have with Andrew at this point. I consider him more of a friend that handles my baseball stuff more than my agent. If guys like that, I flip them Andrew's number and let him take care of it from there.
Does a small agency offer an advantage over a big one?
I think so. It's human nature – the more clients a guy has, the less time he has to take care of you or talk to you. Especially with a smaller agency they don't have that many guys, I feel like at any point in time I can call any single one of them and I'll never get their voicemail. I feel like I'm just as important as the guys that are making $15MM for them.
Check out our other interviews in the Why I Chose My Agency series with Shaun Marcum, Mark DeRosa, Ted Lilly, Ryan Ludwick, Cody Ross, Aramis Ramirez, Adam Wainwright, Jeremy Affeldt, David Wright, Jay Bruce, Matt Holliday, Jamey Carroll and Jake Odorizzi.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR during the first week of the 2013 season:
- MLBTR was the first to learn of additional provisions in the Elvis Andrus contract extension regarding full no-trade protection and how his 2023 vesting option could be converted into a player option.
- In the wake of Andrus receiving not one, but two opt-clauses in the aforementioned extension, Tim Dierkes listed other notable deals in which a player obtained an opt out.
- The Andrus extension also prompted Steve Adams to hark back to other April extensions from the past two years.
- MLBTR was the first to report David Aardsma cleared release waviers and became a free agent with roughly ten interested in his services.
- Tim listed the ten largest contracts given to starting pitchers in terms of new money and years.
- Steve reviewed the offseason of the Cardinals, Reds, and Dodgers while Zach Links recapped the Padres.
- The Why I Chose My Agency series continued with MLBTR correspondent B.J. Rains discussing Rex Gary and Jimmy Turner of Turner-Gary Sports, Inc. with Shaun Marcum.
- Steve presented another installment of the Transaction Retrospection series by revisiting the Doug Fister trade.
- MLBTR contributor Chuck Myron examined how the timing of the blockbuster James Shields–Wil Myers trade affected the Rays.
- Tim hosted the weekly live chat.
- Zach gathered the best the baseball corner of the web had to offer in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week, as Spring Training came to a close:
- Tim Dierkes updated MLBTR's 2014 Free Agent Power Rankings and Robinson Cano remains atop the list with Adam Wainwright ranked second (the post was published prior to Wainwright agreeing to a five-year contract extension with the Cardinals).
- MLBTR was the first to learn Chad Qualls made the Marlins' Opening Day roster and Tim Byrdak accepted the $100K retention bonus from the Mets to remain in their organization.
- Tim presented three installments of the Why I Chose My Agency series: Jamey Carroll on Jonathan Maurer and Mike Montana of Millenium Sports Management, Jake Odorizzi on Jason Wood of Arland Sports, and Mark DeRosa on Lonnie Cooper and Keith Grunewald of CSE.
- The Offseason in Review series continued with Ben Nicholson-Smith's assessment of the Mariners, Tim's review of the Nationals and Cubs, and Zach Links' recap of the Pirates and Brewers.
- Tim examined which teams, if they struggle early, could become sellers and what trade chips they have to offer.
- Charlie Wilmoth highlighted the hidden gems uncovered in Rule 5 drafts since 1999.
- Tim hosted the MLBTR live chat this week.
- Zach put together the best of the baseball blogosphere in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
Why I Chose My Agency: Mark DeRosa
Blue Jays utility man Mark DeRosa is renowned for his clubhouse presence. He's played 500+ career innings at third base, second base, shorstop, right field, and left field, and has a pair of 20 home run seasons on his resume. The longtime CSE client spoke with MLBTR this week about his relationship with agents Lonnie Cooper and Keith Grunewald.
On his first agency:
I actually was with the Hendricks brothers before I switched to CSE. The reason for the switch, I don't know the whole ins and outs of it, but at some point in 2003 I think it was, SFX, I don't know if they bought out the Hendricks brothers or bought their company to become part of SFX, and for those two or three years I was still dealing with this new guy I had dealt with at the Hendricks brothers up until that point, and then the Hendricks brothers decided to leave and go back and be on their own again. But the guys that I had dealt with coming up through the minors were going to stay at SFX. So it kind of got to a situation of, who do I choose? Do I stay with SFX and the guys I dealt with on a daily basis, or do I go back with Alan and Randy, which at the time when I signed with them, they were the reason I signed because of what they had done in the game and how they had represented people up until that point.
So I had a window to sit down with my wife and decide, well, if we can't choose between either of them, this is an opportunity to at least interview with some other people. I had talked to John Smoltz, who I trust and I really looked up to as a teammate, and he said, "Before you do anything, you need to sit down with Lonnie Cooper at CSE." So I met with Lonnie and Keith and all the people up there and it was kind of a no-brainer for me, walking out of the office. I turned to my wife and she felt comfortable too, and I ended up signing with them.
On his decision to go with CSE:
I was at a crossroads in my career, I was getting ready to go into a season where I was going to arbitration eligible for the first time. After I talked with Lonnie and Keith, them being right there in Atlanta where I was playing at the time, and I felt comfortable with them. They weren't a huge agency at the time. Lonnie represented a lot of NBA basketball coaches and he had John [Smoltz] and a few other big leaguers at the time. I really felt like I could get the personal attention I needed and also it was nice for me to have my agent in my backyard where I lived.
On Lonnie and Keith:
I'm a straight shooter, I'm an honest guy, I'm not a needy client. I'm sure they'll tell you I'm the easiest client they probably ever had. I just want an honest opinion, I wanted to know everything about what was being said to me during free agency, good, bad, and different, from every team, but at the same time totally trusting them to push me in the right direction. Going back to 2006, the Rangers actually came to me in about August and wanted to sign me to an extension, and I hadn't made so-called "big league money" up until that point, and was really humbled by the offer, and honored, and excited. I called Lonnie and Keith and they steered me in the right direction. They were like, "No, you've gone this far, might as well play out the last two months and see what's on the free agent market." I ended up signing a three-year deal with the Cubs, so everything worked out.
For me it was just about feeling good about who I was represented by. I felt like they were a direct reflection of me, they have to be straight shooters, have to be honest, and have to surround themselves with good people. I figured if Smoltzie was with them then I needed to sit down with them.
On the free agency process:
I wanted to know everything. I wanted to know day-to-day stuff, which teams were calling, what they thought I could and couldn't do, what the monetary figures were. I had an idea for who I was as a player and as a person. That stuff never bothered me, I like to be honest. I learned a lot of that from Bobby Cox. A lot of managers say they have an open door policy, but Bobby lived it. I could go in and talk to him about anything, and I didn't necessarily like everything he told me throughout my tenure with the Atlanta Braves, but I never walked got in my car that night wondering where I stood in the organization. I wanted to be represented by people like that: tell me what they're saying, what they feel my strengths and weaknesses are, because that's going to play a big part in my decision.
On his decision to sign with the Rangers:
[My agents] played a huge role in that decision with me signing with Texas. Blowing out my knee at the end of '04 and getting non-tendered [by the Braves], here I am in the offseason rehabbing a torn ACL and everything that goes with that, and to have no job. I was definitely nervous at the time. I still felt I was going to come back and be a productive player, but what camp was I going to get into, how was I going to approach that. Lonnie and Keith steered me in the direction of, "Where can you get with the best hitting coach? Where can you find ABs but at the same time work on your craft and be a part of a team that has a chance to win?" Me and Keith ended up flying down to Texas and meeting with Rudy [Jaramillo] and Buck Showalter, and I just felt like it was a good fit. They had Mikey Young, and Soriano, and Blalock, and Teixeira. They had their infield pretty well set, so I knew I wasn't going to get much playing time, but it offered me such an opportunity to just every day work with Rudy Jaramillo and completely overhaul my swing.
On his reasons for jumping on the Cubs' offer quickly:
The fact that it was a guaranteed position. I was a utility player in Texas, I had moved around, played right, second, third, short, the whole deal. An opportunity to play in Wrigley Field for the Chicago Cubs I did not take lightly. What an opportunity, what a historic place to play. That all factored in. But I was going to play second base, barring injury. I ended up moving around due to other guys being banged up, but I always had a home at second. I felt that was huge for me. And, to be honest with you, it was my first time hitting free agency, and I only had up until that point one full season of playing every day. Didn't know how the market was going to play out, and wanted to kind of set it.
On his last couple of contracts with the Nationals and Blue Jays:
I have two young kids, I'm 38 years old. I feel it's got to be worth my while to grind it out, to put the effort in that needs to be put in for 162 games. Not only that, I'm fully cognizant of why teams bring me in. Not only to be a sounding board for their younger players, but to be a clubhouse guy. I still feel like I'm a viable option playing and can be productive playing. I feel like the last couple deals, the one with Washington, the one with Toronto, Lonnie and Keith…they know me, they know what I'm about. They gave me a chance to sign with a team that has a chance to win. I'm all about helping the young guys, passing down knowledge, because I was never a can't-miss guy. I picked the brains of all the great players I've played with and I've tried to incorporate their thought processes and what they do into my game, to keep me around as long as I can. I love talking the game with the younger players, but at the same time, I wasn't just just going to hang around to help young players. I want an opportunity to win a World Series.
On whether a small agency offers an advantage over the big ones:
To each his own, to be honest with you. It works for me. I like being able to call Lonnie and get him on the phone whenever I need him. I like to be able to pick his brain, because not only is he a great agent, he's also a great businessman. Not all of our talks revolve around baseball. He cares about how my family is doing, he's completely involved in what I'm going to do after the game. That stuff matters to me. Is he willing to pick up the phone and sit with me for an hour whenever I need to talk to him. And then there's Keith, who has become more than my agent, he's become my buddy. We play golf in the offseason, just someone I can confide in, knows probably my darkest secrets. He's become a great friend over the years.
Check out our other interviews in the Why I Chose My Agency series with Ted Lilly, Ryan Ludwick, Cody Ross, Aramis Ramirez, Adam Wainwright, Jeremy Affeldt, David Wright, Jay Bruce, Matt Holliday, Jamey Carroll and Jake Odorizzi.
Why I Chose My Agency: Jake Odorizzi
Though he's made only two Major League starts, 23-year-old Rays righty Jake Odorizzi is no stranger to MLBTR's pages. Currently considered a top 100 prospect in the game, Odorizzi was drafted 32nd overall out of high school in 2008, traded to the Royals in the December 2010 Zack Greinke deal, and traded again this offseason to the Rays in the James Shields deal. Recently I spoke with Jake about his agent, Jason Wood of Arland Sports.
On when he first came into contact with Jason:
I came in contact with him sometime in 2007. I knew there was a possibility that I could be drafted early. He was really the first guy we talked to, I met him through one of my friends I played summer ball with, he represented his older brother. We hit it off on a friendship level more than a professional level, that's kind of our thing. We became friends and it just kind of worked out for the best, really. He's originally from an area where I'm from, next to St. Louis.
On the process leading up to the draft in '08:
It was really easy for me, I didn't really have any focus on it. He was the guy that handled everything, if anybody had questions, like scouts or any teams. I never had to handle any of that stuff, all I had to do was focus on playing ball and that made things a lot easier for me, having him to take care of all that [rather] than having myself or my parents or anybody take care of it and me having to deal with it. So he helped me out tremendously, doing that.
On Jake's involvement in the negotiations after the Brewers drafted him:
He got an update from them, I got the update too. We went at it together. When he would hear something, I would be the very next person to hear it as soon as he could get a hold of me. I was involved in negotiations as well, and I was up-to-date with everything as it was going on.
On Jason's role as an agent after Jake signed:
Lining up endorsement deals, he negotiated all of that for me and takes care of my finances, does tax returns, all that kind of stuff for me. He handles a lot of things that make my life easier. He's very hands on, always keeps up-to-date with what's going on, informs you of anything. If you have any problems or issues or need something, one phone call and it's taken care of. He's very on top of his game.
On whether a small agency offers any advantages over the big ones:
I think it's more person-to-person, and I don't have to go through anybody else. It's really easy to just pick up the phone and you just have to call one person and it's done right then and there. I think it's more personable, really, talking to the same guy about everything. You don't feel like a dollar amount when you're in a smaller firm. [At a big agency] I'm sure some of them get lost in translation a little bit.
Why I Chose My Agency: Jamey Carroll
Twins infielder Jamey Carroll owns a .354 career on-base percentage, sixth in baseball history among those who have played at least 200 games each at second base, shortstop, and third base. The 11-year veteran is represented by Jonathan Maurer and Mike Montana of Millenium Sports Management, and he recently spoke to MLBTR about his agency.
On when he first came into contact with Maurer and Montana:
I believe it was when I was in Triple-A, because I was rooming with a teammate named Scott Mitchell, who was with Jonathan at the time. I didn't have an agent, and he wanted to know if I needed anybody, and at the time I wasn't sure. I didn't feel like I was the type of player that needed somebody. A lot of these players are prospects, the guys that need it. I met him and he was willing to accept me into his management company, and I didn't really know what I had that was going to be helpful or to offer him. He took me in when I was in a situation in my career where I wasn't sure where I was really heading. Nobody's knocking down the door of a utility guy in Triple-A that's 27 years old, to represent him.
On why he chose to go with MSM:
They both seemed to have that faith in me, so it became a no-brainer. They weren't a big group, I felt like there was a lot of personal one-on-one. They were open to being around and offering their time whenever we need it. I liked the family-oriented atmosphere, not in it for the numbers, but more for the right people and the right types of players. I like that small, close-knit-type family feeling.
On the role his agents filled for him, prior to contract negotiations:
They were into finding out who I was in the [Montreal Expos] organization, what the organization felt about me, and where I fit and what my chances were to keep getting opportunities. I think that's one of the most important things, where you sit within the organization. How they view you and what goals they have for you, I think those are tough questions to ask and they were able to do that for me. I was at a time where I had quite a few years in the minor leagues and wasn't sure what my future held. To me that was more important than worrying about contracts and shoe deals and stuff like that.
On his involvement in contract discussions:
My wife and I are extremely involved. It helps that my wife is a negotiator for a living [formerly a recruiter for the Gap corporation], so we were able to have good insight and anticipate how the progress goes and ask questions. Having her in my corner to know kind of questions to ask. I enjoyed it, I think it's an interesting process. I wanted to know everything that was involved in it.
On how the free agent process worked:
The first time through, it was a lot of, "When somebody calls, please call." But then I think the second time through, a certain point in the day you'd have your phone call and see what had happened, see what teams were involved, what the thought process of the teams were, where you think that you fit. You wait to a certain point, gather all the information, and start filing through. I'd get a certain team that was interested, I would then go and look at the team myself, see what the roster is like, and see where I thought that I would fit as far as playing time with that team.
On whether he's recommended his agents to other players:
It's ultimately an atmosphere, especially at this level, where everybody has their agent. Most of the time, if somebody's having an issue, that's when you hear about somebody who has changed agents. I keep an open ear for it, but at the same time, it's a tough atmosphere when it comes to that. A lot of people are in a situation like I am now, they've had an agent for some time. If the opportunity arises, I definitely will throw my two cents in.
Check out our other interviews in the Why I Chose My Agency series with Ted Lilly, Ryan Ludwick, Cody Ross, Aramis Ramirez, Adam Wainwright, Jeremy Affeldt, David Wright, Jay Bruce, and Matt Holliday.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR over the last week:
- MLBTR's Tim Dierkes was the first to report Roy Oswalt is working out and waiting for the right offer from a contender, and does not have a geographic preference.
- MLBTR was the first to learn the Dodgers released infielder Dallas McPherson.
- MLBTR correspondent B.J. Rains examined the pros and cons of signing a pre-arbitration contract extension with a trio of Nationals: Denard Span, Kurt Suzuki and Gio Gonzalez.
- There were three installments of the Why I Chose My Agency series this week: Ryan Ludwick on Dan Horwits and the Beverly Hills Sports Council (by Zach Links), Ted Lilly on Larry O'Brien and Full Circle Sports Management (by B.J. Rains), and Ike Davis on Lou Jon Nero of Octagon (by Tim Dierkes). With the Davis piece, the Mets' first baseman revealed he has not been approached by the team about a long-term extension.
- Steve Adams continued the Transaction Retrospection series with a look back at the Ubaldo Jimenez trade.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith reminisced with Randy Johnson's agent Barry Meister about the Big Unit's free agency after the 1998 season.
- Mark Polishuk explored the paramenters of a contract extension for the Indians' Michael Brantley.
- Charlie Wilmoth discussed the likelihood of a contract extension between Josh Reddick and the A's.
- Ben reviewed the offseason of the White Sox, Royals, Rangers, Astros, A's, and Angels while Tim did so with the Phillies.
- Charlie asked MLBTR readers to select the most one-sided trade of the past decade. The top choice (21%) was the 2007 deal where the Rangers acquired Elvis Andrus, Matt Harrison, Neftali Feliz, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Beau Jones from the Braves for Mark Teixeira and Ron Mahay.
- Ben hosted this week's chat.
- Zach compiled this week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- Want the latest rumors for your favorite team? Check out MLBTR's team-by-team links for Facebook, Twitter, and RSS pages and feeds.
Garber Buys Back Agency
Longtime agent Bob Garber has successfully bought back RMG. Garber bought out his partners earlier this year, regaining control of his business. Garber retained all of his clients in the amicable sale. He represents players such as C.J. Wilson, Roy Oswalt, Mike Fiers, Craig Gentry, Collin Cowgill, Brendan Harris, Tommy Field, and J.D. Martinez, among others.
Garber had sold his company to Select Sports Group in 2010. As of 2013, he was able to buy it back without any of the lawsuits or drama that often come with this type of situation.
You can keep track of the representation for over 1,000 players with MLBTR's agency database.
MLBTR Originals
A look back at the original reporting and analysis found on MLBTR this past week:
- Steve Adams continued the Transaction Retrospection series by revisiting the Brewers acquisition of Zack Greinke from the Royals.
- MLBTR continued its series examining the arbitration process from the player's persepective with B.J. Rains' profile of Dan Uggla's experience with the Marlins.
- The Why I Chose My Agency series continued with Tim Dierkes discussing Paul Kinzer and Kinzer Management Group with Aramis Ramirez and B.J. Rains asking Cody Ross about his relationship with SFX and his primary agents Mike Milchin and Mark Pieper.
- Ben Nicholson-Smith reviewed the offseason of the Twins, Indians, and Tigers while Tim did likewise with the Mets.
- MLBTR correspondent B.J. Rains spoke with Dan Haren about his offseason, which featured his first foray into free agency and almost being traded to the Cubs.
- Zach Links asked MLBTR readers to name the Diamondbacks' best transaction this offseason. More than 41% of you believe the best move by GM Kevin Towers was signing Brandon McCarthy to a two-year, $15MM contract.
- Ben hosted this week's live chat.
- Zach assembled the best of the baseball blogosphere for you in Baseball Blogs Weigh In.
- There are many ways to enjoy MLB Trade Rumors. Here's a refresher on how to use MLBTR.
- Teams and players often agree to contract extensions during Spring Training, so be sure to use MLBTR's Extension Tracker to keep abreast of the latest deals.