Odds & Ends: Chapman, Pirates, Westbrook
Some more links to go along with what's been a slow Sunday thus far:
- If you haven't already, take a look at Jorge Arangure Jr.'s article on Aroldis Chapman. Arangure covers Chapman's journey and the decisions and sacrifices that he made when he defected from the Cuban national team. There are also two videos (one Insider only) to go along with the story. It's lengthy, but a great read. Peter Abraham offers a cautionary note regarding Chapman: "…keep in mind that the same things were being said about Jose Contreras and he’s just another guy at this point. There’s a lot more to being a great pitcher in the majors than having a good arm."
- Dejan Kovacevic has some of Pirates general manager Neal Huntington's thoughts on several issues, including the club's recent losses and the need for a left-handed reliever. Jen Langosch has some of Huntington's thoughts as well, on topics including the farm system and newly-acquired Ronny Cedeno. Huntington would rather have a quality arm who can retire both left- and right-handed hitters than just a left-handed specialist.
- Bad new for Indians fans: Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Jake Westbrook experienced another setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and will see Dr. Lewis Yocum this week. Westbrook isn't sure if the pain is something he should expect and work through, or if there are new issues in his arm. General manager Mark Shapiro has said that if Westbrook is healthy, he'll be Cleveland's opening day starter in 2010.
- Buster Olney has a new article up, and talks about the Dodgers' shrinking lead on the NL West. Olney wonders if, with a growing need for starting pitching, the Dodgers will call on John Smoltz to try his hand back in the National League. Olney stresses that the Smoltz idea is just his own personal speculation.
- Joel Sherman's Sunday Hardball column looks at how to fix the Mets for 2010. His solution begins with Mark DeRosa and Chone Figgins.
Chapman, Darvish And Strasburg
Aroldis Chapman, Yu Darvish and Stephen Strasburg "represent the best pitching talent in the world that is not yet in the major leagues," so ESPN.com's Keith Law grades the trio of pitchers. Here's his take on each one:
- Aroldis Chapman is a 21-year-old lefty who just defected from Cuba. He relies on a fastball that touches 100 mph and has the makings of a good slider. That combination could make him a top reliever and better secondary stuff could help him realize his ceiling and become a top starter.
- Yu Darvish is a 22-year-old righty who pitches in the NPB and has said he doesn't think about pitching in the States. He relies mostly on a low-90s fastball and a slider, but has other pitches. Right now, Law says Darvish could do better in the majors than the other two pitchers because of his deeper repertoire and experience against top competition.
- When the Nats selected Stephen Strasburg first overall in last month's draft, they got a pitcher who can touch 100 mph and throws a power curve. Law suspects that minor leaguers won't hit the 20-year-old righty, so he may have to learn in the majors. Of the three pitchers, Law says Strasburg is the best long-term choice to become an elite starter.
Angels Interested In Aroldis Chapman
Aroldis Chapman isn't ready to sign with an MLB team yet, but once he is, the Angels will be interested, according to Mark Saxon of the OC Register. Angels scouting director Eddie Bane told Saxon that the Angels always have interest in top pitchers. They scouted Daisuke Matsuzaka and took a look at Stephen Strasburg even though there's no way he was falling to the Angels at 25th overall.
The Angels have already scouted Chapman and they're impressed with his fastball, but say he needs to develop his secondary pitches.
Odds And Ends: Chapman, Werth, Marlins
More links for the morning…
- One GM told Brian Lewis of the New York Post that he expects Cuban lefty Aroldis Chapman to sign for less than the $52MM that Daisuke Matsuzaka received before the 2007 season.
- One executive told Lewis that Chapman will need some minor league seasoning.
- Padres GM Kevin Towers told MLB.com's Corey Brock that the Padres tried to sign Jayson Werth a few years ago. Towers is impressed with the former catcher's athleticism in the outfield.
- Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald hears from Marlins president David Samson that the team isn't discussing long term deals with any of its players. Even with a new ballpark on the way, Samson said the Marlins need to be cautious spenders.
- Be sure to follow MLBTR on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook, where we're asking a question that's on everybody's mind: Where will Roy Halladay end up?
Odds And Ends: Chapman, Nats, Buehrle
More links for the afternoon…
- ESPN.com's Buster Olney believes the Phillies should let the Blue Jays take three A prospects, one B prospect and one C prospect for Roy Halladay.
- The Nationals point to the positives in this letter to their fans.
- Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman chose an agent, according to the AP (via ESPN).
- As Mike Viera of the Washington Post notes, Mike Rizzo's goals for the 2009 Nationals aren't based on win totals.
- Mark Buehrle told Derrick Goold that he'd like to wear a Cardinals jersey for one day.
- And there are some radio appearances to let you know about. I'll be on 1570 The Score at 4:05 CST, 830 KLAA in LA at 6:05 CST and FirstInning.com at 7:05 CST.
- And check out my thoughts on Roy Halladay over at NESN.com.
Odds And Ends: Chapman, Betancourt, Masset
Some links in anticipation of the weekend…
- According to Baseball America, there's no evidence to suggest that Aroldis Chapman is 26 years old and allegations that he's any older than 21 don't pass the logic test.
- ESPN.com's Jayson Stark has the oddest anecdotes and funniest quotes from the first half of the season.
- The AP (via ESPN) reports that this year's All Stars will receive a combined $2.3MM in bonuses for making the team, led by Roy Halladay's $125k. I wonder who pays if Halladay's dealt before Tuesday…
- As Bradford Doolittle of the Kansas City Star shows, Yuniesky Betancourt does not have much of a glove or bat, so it's puzzling that the Royals wanted him.
- MLB.com's Mark Sheldon reports that the Reds aren't trading Nick Masset away, especially when his $418k salary makes him so affordable.
Aroldis Chapman May Be 26 Years Old
Jack Curry of the New York Times reports that Cuban lefthander Aroldis Chapman may be 26 years old rather than the 21 he was believed to be.
"[Chapman's] age was reported Thursday as 21, but reports in March at the World Baseball Classic said he was 26."
Chapman defected on Wednesday while in the Netherlands, and is considered the best lefthanded pitcher in the world not pitching in the Major Leagues. Obviously the age issue could affect Chapman's payday. But he still figures to draw plenty of interest, as did Jose Contreras at age 30.
Odds And Ends: Dodgers, Chapman, Kepler
Some more links as we count down to the big weekend…
- Diamond Leung reports that the Dodgers traded minor-league pitcher Stephen Randolph to the Royals. Randolph, who was named in the Mitchell Report, pitched well as a starter in Triple A this month.
- Aroldis Chapman's whereabouts remain unknown, according to ESPN.com.
- Troy E. Renck of the Denver Post says "Clint Hurdle would not have fallen on his sword had the 'pen been mighty under his watch." Or, in less poetic terms, the Rockies have an improved bullpen.
- Signees from the Dominican Republic will now have to take DNA tests to prove their identity before leaving the country, according to Kiley McDaniel of Baseball Prospectus.
- As ESPN.com's Keith Law reports, the Twins have agreed to sign German catcher Max Kepler for an undisclosed amount.
Heyman On V-Mart, Red Sox, Chapman
Jon Heyman of SI.com says the Red Sox will come calling if the Indians are willing to part with Victor Martinez. And take this for what it's worth, but the Indians were scouting Boston's best prospects this week. Here are details on those two clubs and the rest of Heyman's rumors:
- Clay Buchholz, Justin Masterson and Michael Bowden are just the sort of MLB-ready pitchers the Indians seek.
- Still, the Indians would require a stunning amount in return for Martinez or Cliff Lee, since both players can be part of a contending Indians club for affordable 2010 options.
- Generally speaking, the Red Sox are reluctant to deal their top young pitching.
- The Indians are relatively deep at catcher, with Kelly Shoppach and prospect Carlos Santana.
- Red Sox first base prospect Lars Anderson could also appeal to the Indians.
- The Pirates initially asked for Craig Stammen or Garret Mock in their recent deal with the Nats, but Mike Rizzo wasn't willing to deal them.
- The Phillies discussed Pedro Martinez, since there are few good fits for them on the trade market now.
- Heyman says Doug Davis makes sense for the Brewers.
- A D'Backs person says "[Dan] Haren stays," even though many of his teammates are believed to be available.
- Heyman names the Yankees as the early favorites to sign Aroldis Chapman.
Miguel Angel Sano Rumors: Friday
The Orioles will likely make Miguel Angel Sano an offer in the coming days, though they haven't yet done so, according to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. Orioles president Andy MacPhail said the team wants to see how MLB's investigation into Sano's age turns out. The O's have decided Sano's worth a certain amount, but, obviously did not disclose the number.
Another Orioles note: they have scouted Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, but aren't likely to engage in a bidding war to acquire the lefty prospect.
Meanwhile, Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette repeats that the Pirates have offered Sano a deal, which they followed up with a visit to his family home. However, nothing will likely be finalized until next week, when MLB could finish its investigation.