Reaction To Rays-Royals Trade
The Royals continued adding to their rotation last night, acquiring James Shields and Wade Davis from the Rays. It cost them the game’s top prospect, outfielder Wil Myers, and three others: right-hander Jake Odorizzi, left-hander Mike Montgomery and third baseman Patrick Leonard. Here’s some reaction to the deal from around MLB…
- In a piece for Grantland, Rany Jazayerli writes that the Royals almost got fair value for Myers, but the addition of three more prospects turns the trade into highway robbery for the Rays. He goes on to say that in shoving all his chips into the pot, Moore has done the same with his job security, possibly sacrificing the future for an illusory present.
- Royals GM Dayton Moore is "furious" over critiques insinuating that his motivation to make the deal was simply to preserve his job, writes Bob Nightengale of USA Today. In particular, Nightengale writes that Moore was livid over the reaction of ESPN's Keith Law (link included in earlier updates below). Moore calls any such allegations "very, very insulting."
- Baseball America's Jim Callis writes that Myers instantly becomes the Rays' top prospect, and that Odorizzi slots in at No. 5 between Hak-Ju Lee and Alex Colome. Montgomery fits into the mid-teens, and Leonard would rank in the 20-30 range. The trade essentially boils down to Myers-for-Shields, in Callis' mind, as Odorizzi is similar to Davis but at an earlier stage while Montgomery and Leonard are lottery tickets. Because of that, he doesn't think it's a terrible deal for the Royals.
Earlier reactions:
- One NL general manager called the trade "bold on both sides," ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reports. Some evaluators prefer the deal for the Royals, while others believe the Rays did better. An AL GM told Crasnick both teams did well. "I don't get all the online angst towards Kansas City," the GM added.
- Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times has comments from many of the players involved in the deal. Odorizzi said he "definitely" feels ready for the MLB level, Topkin reports.
- ESPN.com's Jayson Stark points out that Myers is the first person to be named Baseball America's minor league player of the year and be traded before playing an MLB game for the organization with which he won the award.
- Shields told Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio that he'd be open to an extension of the Royals wanted to discuss one. "No doubt about it," Shields said (Twitter link).
- Approximately 32,000 MLBTR readers voted on the deal and nearly half believe the Rays won. Another 32% say both teams won the deal and 17% say the Royals won.
- It would have taken Jon Niese and Zack Wheeler for the Mets to obtain a similar package to the one the Rays obtained, Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports (on Twitter). Matt Cerrone of MetsBlog.com first reported this news four days ago.
- Though the trade reflects a sense of urgency from the Royals, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star doesn't get the sense that GM Dayton Moore is on the hot seat (Twitter link).
- ESPN.com's Buster Olney suggests the Rays will delay Myers' arrival at the MLB level to ensure he doesn't obtain a full year of service time in 2013. It's also possible that the Rays could look to extend the promising outfielder, Olney suggests. I agree with both of Olney's point here. There's no way the Rays can allow Myers to get a full year of service in 2013.
- Six pro scouts don't consider the trade one-sided, J.J. Cooper of Baseball America reports. The Royals don't deserve the criticism being directed their way, the scouts told Baseball America.
- Shields will obtain a $750K trade bonus as part of the deal, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter).
- One GM told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that "Myers is no slam dunk" and added that this is "far from a lopsided deal." Rosenthal suggests teams like the Royals can too often get fixated on their prospects and pass on opportunities to compete.
- The Royals tried to trade Myers for Shields straight up, but the Rays said no, Yahoo's Jeff Passan writes (Twitter links). The Royals also tried trading Myers to Oakland for Brett Anderson only to be turned down, Passan writes.
- In Passan's view Royals general manager Dayton Moore made a desperate trade that will define his tenure as GM in Kansas City. Still, Passan writes, it's hard to blame the Royals for attempting to win now.
- The Tigers weren't happy to see the Royals acquire Shields, Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com reports. Shields is a difference maker who will make the Royals better, Knobler writes.
- The Rangers had hoped to add Zack Greinke or Shields this winter, but lost out on both this past weekend, Knobler reports (on Twitter).
- Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star won't be surprised if the Royals seek a low-cost outfielder in free agency (Twitter link). After trading Myers, the club might have interest in spending $1MM or less on a rebound candidate.
- It's an outstanding day for Rays fans, ESPN.com's Keith Law writes (Insider only). Conversely, this could be the deal that brings Moore's time in Kansas City to an end in Law's view.
- My thoughts: the Rays were justified in trading Shields and Davis for Myers and the other prospects because they obtained more long-term value. While the Royals surrendered a lot, they addressed their most pressing weakness — starting pitching — in a meaningful way and increased their chances of competing in 2013. The Royals have much more rotation depth than they did two months ago. Ervin Santana, Jeremy Guthrie, Shields and Davis make the Kansas City staff better. Yet you can make the case that they overpaid every time they acquired a new arm.
Latest On The Rangers: Upton, Pierzynski, Dickey
The Rangers lost out on a trade target when the Royals acquired James Shields last night, just days after losing out on free agent target Zack Greinke. Things aren't going exactly as they've planned this offseason, and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has a host of Rangers updates in his latest column…
- A rival executive told Rosenthal that the Rangers are either going to overpay Josh Hamilton or overpay Diamondbacks general manager Kevin Towers for Justin Upton. Rangers GM Jon Daniels is so focused on Upton that he figures to eventually land him, writes Rosenthal.
- It's not completely out of the question that the Rangers could acquire Upton and still sign Hamilton now that Greinke is off the table.
- Anibal Sanchez is a long shot for the Rangers, but he's on their radar. A trade for R.A. Dickey is also unlikely at this point.
- The team is said to prefer lower-cost starters and could pursue someone like Chris Capuano in a trade to provide an upgrade over Martin Perez.
- The Rangers are interested in A.J. Pierzynski, who would obviously push Geovany Soto into a backup role. Pierzynski's left-handed bat would help to balance a heavily right-handed lineup.
- Ian Kinsler isn't big on the idea of shifting to first base one year into his five-year extension in order to allow Jurickson Profar to play second base, but he will play wherever he's asked.
- Daniels tells Rosenthal he's not planning on Kinsler switching positions yet and is considering all possible scenarios for the 2013 roster.
- A three-team deal with the Rangers, Diamondbacks and Indians was "very close" to happening at the Winter Meetings. The foundation of the deal was Upton to Texas, Cabrera to Arizona, and Mike Olt and one of Trevor Bauer or Patrick Corbin to Cleveland. Presumably, other names were involved.
R.A. Dickey Rumors: Monday
Yesterday we received some insight into the Mets' discussions with the Rangers surrounding R.A. Dickey. The Rangers have shown a willingness to include Mike Olt in a trade, but it would take more than Olt alone for the Mets to part with the 2012 Cy Young winner. Here are Monday's rumors on the knuckleballer…
- The Mets haven't spoken with Dickey's representation since Thursday morning in Nashville, according to Jim Bowden of ESPN and MLB Network Radio (on Twitter). No progress has been made in extension talks.
R.A. Dickey Rumors: Sunday
With Zack Greinke now off the market, the secondary free agent starting pitchers perhaps will begin to sign, writes Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Or, the trade market for R.A. Dickey could heat up quickly. ESPN's Buster Olney tweets, given the economics of free agent starting pitching from Greinke's six years and $147MM to Joe Blanton's two-year, $15MM deal with the Angels, Dickey's extension demands look very reasonable. Here are today's rumors involving the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner with the most recent up top:
- The Mets have asked for a rich package from the Rangers that included Mike Olt and the Rangers have yet to counter, tweets the New York Post's Ken Davidoff. The lack of a counteroffer most likely means the Rangers don't see common ground for a deal, Davidoff tweets.
- The Rangers have expressed a willingness to include Olt in a deal for Dickey, sources tell Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. But, Martino tweets it will take more than Olt for the Mets to move Dickey.
- In a separate tweet, Martino says "modest" progress has been made in extension talks since the end of the Winter Meetings, as the two sides have resumed their dialogue.
Quick Hits: Price, Rays, Otani, Dodgers, Dickey
It becomes increasingly difficult at this stage to see David Price signing a deal to stay with the Rays but it's not too late, agent Bo McKinnis told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Price is happy in Tampa Bay, but it doesn't sound as though they should bank on a hometown discount. "He wants to have the best contract in baseball, however that may be defined. He expects to be the best in everything that he does. So hopefully we're able to make that marriage between the Rays and that best contract. But we also recognize the economics of the game may not allow that," McKinnis said. Here's more from around baseball..
- Japanese pitcher Shohei Otani announced that he will sign with NPB's Nippon Ham Fighters, but the youngster told reporters that he still wants to come over to MLB at some point, writes Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times. “I would eventually like to go to the major leagues,” Otani said. “It’s a place I admire. I would like the Fighters to teach me the road to get there.”
- The entire economic landscape of the game is going to change drastically because of the Dodgers' spending, one rival executive told Scott Miller of CBSSports.com. The Dodgers have been able to spend freely thanks to the TV money that will be coming their way in the next contract.
- Rangers GM Jon Daniels said via conference call that he is still looking to acquire a catcher, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com tweets.
- Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com tries to identify trade possibilities for Mets knuckleballer R.A. Dickey, including a deal with the Rangers for Mike Olt.
- Buster Olney of ESPN.com (via Twitter) wonders if the Rangers will respond to the Zack Greinke signing by inking Josh Hamilton and also trading for Justin Upton.
R.A. Dickey Rumors: Saturday
Multiple teams remain interested in trading for R.A. Dickey, though it's possible the Mets will keep him heading into 2013 even if he doesn't agree to an extension. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner is reportedly seeking two years and $26MM on top of the $5MM he's owed next season. Here are Friday's rumors and here are today's updates…
- The Mets and Dickey have "established common ground" on the length and structure of an extension according to Marc Carig of Newsday. The team has given the knuckleballer the flexibility to choose among several options, though money remains a sticking point.
R.A. Dickey Rumors: Friday
Multiple teams remain involved in talks for R.A. Dickey, but it's still possible the Mets will extend the knuckleballer instead of trading him. The reigning National League Cy Young winner appears to seek two years and $26MM in addition to his $5MM salary for 2013. Here are the latest rumors about contract talks for Dickey and potential trades…
- GM Sandy Alderson repeated that the Mets might end up holding onto Dickey instead of trading or extending him, according to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post. Though that's not “necessarily the optimal result,” the Mets are prepared for that possibility. One competing NL official said it'd be a mistake not to trade or extend Dickey, however.
Earlier updates:
- The Royals seem "very interested" in Dickey, Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports (allTwitterlinks). However, they wouldn't be interested in sending top prospect Wil Myers to New York for the knuckleballer. Dickey, James Shields and Jeremy Hellickson remain in play for the Royals, Dutton reports. However, it now seems unlikely that the Red Sox will move Jon Lester.
- The Mets view the Blue Jays, Royals and Rangers as the most likely trade suitors for Dickey, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports (on Twitter). In Olney's view Dickey's contract demands may seem more reasonable based on some recent free agent contracts.
R.A. Dickey Rumors: Wednesday
Dollars, rather than years, are holding up extension talks between the Mets and R.A. Dickey, as we heard yesterday. That divide could make a trade more likely, though New York is still weighing its options. The team left the Winter Meetings without a resolution. Here are Wednesday’s Dickey-related rumors, with new updates added to the top of the page throughout the day:
- The Blue Jays and the Rangers are involved in the talks for Dickey, Heyman tweets. Toronto is thought to be unlikely to part with Travis D’Arnaud but may be willing to trade Anthony Gose.
- The Rangers like Dickey but the Mets’ prospect request at this point is too rich for them, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com.
- “I think the Mets are going to sign him,” an executive with a club that has tried to trade for Dickey told Jon Paul Morosi.
- The Mets talked to the Yankees and Nationals (prior to their Dan Haren signing) this week about Dickey, tweets Andy Martino, but the Yankees don’t have the pieces and GM Sandy Alderson wouldn’t trade within the division.
- The Mets are hoping for the Rangers in the Dickey trade talks, tweets Jon Heyman.
Earlier updates:
- Dickey’s asking price appears to be two years and $26MM in addition to his $5MM salary for 2013, writes Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. Mets officials have told Martino that they’re sitting on at least one “acceptable” trade offer, but Martino reports that Alderson would like to keep the knuckleballer.
- Although Dickey was at the Winter Meetings, he only went to congratulate David Wright on his new contract, and left without negotiating with the Mets, tweets Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. His situation remains in limbo.
- The Mets are sitting on a number of potential trades for Dickey, tweets David Lennon of Newsday. He says that if a team caves and adds a necessary piece, a deal could be done quickly. The Mets are also working on a trade for an outfielder that does not involve Dickey.
- Dickey is seeking a two-year deal worth roughly $30MM, writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, while the Mets are around two years and $20MM.
- GM Sandy Alderson now believes the most likely scenario involves the Mets keeping Dickey without an extension, tweets Bob Nightengale of the USA Today. However, that’s not the team’s preferred option.
- Speaking to the media, Jeff Wilpon reiterated that Dickey could return to the Mets for 2013 without an extension, and made that option sound more realistic than a trade, according to ESPNNewYork.com’s Adam Rubin (Twitter link).
- Dickey himself told Jim Bowden of ESPN.com and SiriusXM that he feels like he and the Mets are “inching toward” an extension (Twitter link). The knuckleballer also spoke to ESPN.com’s Buster Olney, repeating that he’s “hopeful” about a deal with the Mets, but understands that it’s Sandy Alderson’s job to make the Mets better (Twitter link).
- The Mets know they can sign Dickey to a two-year extension worth about $13MM annually, according to Andy Martino of the New York Daily News. However, the team doesn’t appear willing to go quite that high yet.
- If no trade or extension is worked out, the Mets have the “safety net” of having Dickey on an affordable deal in 2013, with the opportunity to trade or extend him later, says Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Although GM Sandy Alderson hasn’t indicated when the team would move on from trade and extension talks if no deal can be reached, one Mets official hinted to Sherman that it could happen between next week and Christmas.
- Mets officials suggest the chances of Dickey remaining a Met are in the 55-45 range, says Sherman. The Mets’ asking price remains high, as one rival executive tells Sherman: “Any team would take Dickey. But this is not Roy Halladay or Cliff Lee being traded. I would take him, but for top prospects, no.”
2012 Rule 5 Draft Results
Each year, Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings conclude with the Rule 5 Draft. For those who are unfamiliar with the event, MLBTR offers an in-depth description, but here's a quick overview.
Players are eligible for the Rule 5 Draft if they aren't on the 40-man roster four or five years after signing, depending on the age at which they signed. Teams draft in the reverse order of the previous season's standings but aren't required to make a selection. If they do choose a player, they pay his former team $50K and must keep that player on the Major League roster all season or offer him back to his original team for $25K.
The results from the Major League phase:
- Astros take righty Josh Fields from Red Sox
- Cubs take righty Hector Rondon from Indians
- Rockies take lefty Danny Rosenbaum from Nationals
- Twins take righty Ryan Pressly from Red Sox
- Indians take first baseman Chris McGuiness from Rangers
- Marlins take outfielder Alfredo Silverio from Dodgers
- Red Sox take second baseman Jeff Kobernus from Nationals; traded to Tigers for infielder/outfielder Justin Henry
- Royals
- Blue Jays
- Mets take lefty Kyle Lobstein from Rays; traded to Tigers for cash considerations
- Mariners
- Padres
- Pirates
- Diamondbacks take righty Starling Peralta from Cubs
- Phillies take outfielder Ender Inciarte from Diamondbacks
- Brewers
- White Sox take infielder Angel Sanchez from Angels
- Dodgers
- Cardinals
- Tigers
- Angels
- Rays
- Orioles take lefty T.J. McFarland from Indians
- Rangers take righty Coty Woods from Rockies
- Athletics
- Giants
- Braves
- Yankees
- Reds
- Nationals
Second round of Major League phase:
- Astros take first baseman Nate Freiman from Padres
- Marlins take lefty Braulio Lara from Rays
Latest On Reds, Ludwick
WEDNESDAY, 4:25pm: The Reds are "still a little ways apart" with Ludwick, GM Walt Jocketty told MLB.com's Mark Sheldon.
9:59pm: Ludwick remains in discussions with the Reds and others, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
9:32pm: Ludwick and the Reds are getting close on a deal, hears Yahoo's Jeff Passan.
TUESDAY, 4:12pm: "We're in the ballpark," Reds GM Walt Jocketty said of the team's offer to Ludwick. The team is now waiting on Ludwick and Jocketty expects resolution this week (John Fay reporting).
MONDAY, 5:01pm: The Reds have an offer out to free agent outfielder Ryan Ludwick, manager Dusty Baker tells John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer (Twitter link). Reds GM Walt Jocketty told reporters he's optimistic, and he'll meet with Ludwick's agent tomorrow morning. A signing is possible this week.
Meanwhile, the Mets have interest in the 34-year-old, tweets Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
Jocketty also cleared up rumors about the Reds' interest in Dexter Fowler and Coco Crisp, telling reporters, "We really haven’t talked to either club if that’s any indication. I’m not sure Colorado is moving Fowler." Jocketty said the Rockies have not brought up Homer Bailey's name to him, either.