Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Holliday, Teixeira, Mussina
A look at what is being written around the Blogosphere…
- MetsBlog recognizes that Francisco Rodriguez will improve the team and appease fans, but is not sure he is worth a four or five-year deal.
- Mets Geek projects the Mets ’09 roster and looks at some options from outside the organization with Pat Burrell and Derek Lowe being the biggest offseason targets.
- Was Watching says bringing back Brian Cashman was a mistake.
- River Ave. Blues assesses the Matt Holliday market and feels that Phil Hughes and Robinson Cano for Holliday "doesn’t make much sense."
- Sox and Pinstripes provides an in-depth preview of the upcoming offseasons for the Yankees and Red Sox and wonders if Theo Epstein can convince the Rockies to take J.D. Drew and a top prospect for Matt Holliday.
- iYankees notes that Brian Cashman wants to make the Yankees’ OBP a priority this winter and feels Mark Teixeira fits the bill.
- Oriole Post does not want to see Mike Mussina return to the O’s and would prefer they "stay the course" with young players.
- C70 At The Bat takes a look at the Cardinals’ decision to sign Kyle Lohse and what it could mean for the offseason ahead.
- Viva el Birdos projects the Cardinals ’09 roster and payroll.
- McCovey Chronicles reacts to some quotes from Brian Sabean and what they mean for the Giants’ offseason.
- Newberg Report thinks the price for the Rangers to acquire Jake Peavy would be too high, even if he’d waive his no-trade clause to go there.
- Athletics Nation sees no point in signing Jason Giambi.
Cork Gaines writes for RaysIndex.com and can be reached here.
Rangers Rumors: Blalock, Bradley
Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News discusses the Rangers’ offseason in a new article, focusing on areas other than pitching (which is top priority). We tackled the Rangers here.
- Grant says the Rangers will "almost certainly" exercise Hank Blalock‘s $6.2MM option for ’09. However, the Rangers prefer Chris Davis at first base. That means Blalock will either DH or be traded.
- Milton Bradley could be re-signed as DH, but the Rangers still don’t want to give him a multiyear deal given his health history. Bradley is dead set on multiple years. When Eddie Bajek last checked, Bradley was right on the border between Type A and B status.
- The Rangers have a well-known catching surplus. They’ll explore possible deals for pitching, but this is not top priority.
- Over at MLB.com, owner Tom Hicks admits trading John Danks was a mistake. Hicks also mentioned an aversion to high-priced free agent pitching.
Odds and Ends: Manny, Laird, Strasburg, Chipper
Let’s gather up today’s linkage.
- Andy Pettitte will probably pitch next year, but Mike Mussina remains an unknown.
- Reader Peter H. reminds us that the Brewers’ playoff berth means the Indians get to choose the player to be named later in the C.C. Sabathia deal.
- Ross Newhan finds it indisputable that the Dodgers and Angels have to re-sign Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira at any cost. Manny generated an estimated $7.6MM in extra revenue for the Dodgers. T.J. Simers snagged all kinds of quotes from Manny in recent articles, including one about Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick dissing Manny in front of his teammates prior to the shoving incident.
- Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News names some possible fits for Gerald Laird this winter – the Tigers, Brewers, Reds, and Red Sox.
- The Nationals will pick first in the 2009 draft. Will they go for Stephen Strasburg?
- Kerry Wood felt bad about his three-year, $32.5MM deal, and basically signed a blank check after the ’07 season.
- Ron Villone would like to return to the Cardinals rather than attempt to tie Mike Morgan‘s record of playing for 12 different teams.
- Leo Mazzone or Rick Peterson for next Tigers pitching coach?
- Athletics Nation puts together a plan to compete in ’09 without sacrificing the future.
- Chipper Jones wants to retire a Brave. But if he doesn’t sign an extension beyond ’09 and the Braves want to trade him next summer, he’s got a short list of teams to which he’d accept a trade.
Rangers Looking Into Free Agent Market
Jeff Wilson of the Star Telegram reports the Rangers will be having the first of a series of meetings on October 6th to assess the free agent market. They need starting pitching, a right handed bat, a lefty reliever, and improved defense, leading the majors in errors and unearned runs allowed.
Nolan Ryan plans to overhaul the attitude of the pitching staff, and the general consensus is that the young pitching staff will be improved next year. Nelson Cruz will be counted on as a right handed power bat, and the Rangers will have an opportunity to re-sign Milton Bradley. C.J. Wilson could become that left handed reliever if Frank Francisco remains the closer.
Wilson’s article provides quotes from Jon Daniels, all of which express confidence in his current team. Still, the Rangers shouldn’t count on simply improving internally if they want to be competitive in 2009, and these meetings will sort out where they feel their priorities are. It’s good to hear they’ll have a plan going into the GM Meetings in November 3rd-6th.
Odds and Ends: Renteria, Francoeur, Pedro
Today’s links…
- Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press wonders if Edgar Renteria has played his last game as a Tiger. He notes the possibility of buying Renteria out for $3MM and inking him to a cheaper one-year deal.
- Ken Rosenthal’s awards picks.
- MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan asks five questions the Rangers will tackle this winter. Also, take a look at our offseason outlook.
- ESPN’s Buster Olney points to the Yankees’ poor drafting as the main factor in their decline.
- Craig Brown of Royals Authority doesn’t see a fit with Jeff Francoeur.
- The Fielding Bible’s plus/minus system rates Royals shortstop Mike Aviles fifth among shortstops with 16 more plays made than average.
- Pedro Martinez reflects on his time with the Mets. For $53MM the Mets received 486.6 innings of 3.88 ERA ball, almost half of those innings coming in the first year.
Odds and Ends: Santos, Blalock, Lo Duca
Let’s dig through today’s rumor bin…
- The Jays claimed southpaw Reid Santos off waivers from the Indians. MLB.com’s Anthony Castrovince says the Indians are clearing room on their 40-man roster in preparation for the winter.
- Dejan Kovacevic has yet to observe why new Pirates third baseman Andy LaRoche is so highly regarded.
- Jamey Newberg feels Hank Blalock‘s $6.2MM option for ’09 is an easy call to exercise.
- J.C. Bradbury sees a rift within the Braves organization.
- Craig Calcaterra dismisses the silly idea of Frank McCourt suing Andruw Jones.
- Paul Lo Duca would prefer a non-guaranteed deal next year if he gets a chance to compete for a starting job.
- Ian O’Connor doesn’t see Alex Rodriguez finishing his contract as a Yankee.
- C.C. Sabathia just wants to be happy in his next destination.
- Will the Braves re-sign Mike Hampton this winter? Is it possible both he and Carl Pavano are useful pitchers in 2009?
Offseason Outlook: Texas Rangers
The Rangers are next in our Offseason Outlook series. Their likely commitments for 2009:
C – Gerald Laird – $1.6MM+
C – Taylor Teagarden – $400K
1B – Chris Davis – $400K
2B – Ian Kinsler – $3MM
SS – Michael Young – $16MM
3B – Hank Blalock – $6.2MM club option, $250K buyout
IF – German Duran – $400K
IF – Joaquin Arias – $400K
LF – David Murphy – $400K
CF – Josh Hamilton – $400K
RF – Nelson Cruz – $400K
OF – Marlon Byrd – $1.8MM+
DH – Frank Catalanotto – $4MM
SP – Kevin Millwood – $11MM
SP – Vicente Padilla – $12MM
SP – Scott Feldman – $400K
SP – Brandon McCarthy -$405K+
SP – Dustin Nippert – $400K
RP – Joaquin Benoit – $3.5MM
RP – Frank Francisco – $775K+
RP – C.J. Wilson – $418K+
RP – Josh Rupe – $400K
RP – Warner Madrigal – $400K
RP – Wes Littleton – $400K
RP – Kameron Loe – $411K+
Other commitments: Julio Borbon – $325K, buyout for Kaz Fukumori – $200K
Other rotation candidates: Kason Gabbard – $400K, Matt Harrison – $400K
If Blalock is retained, the Rangers have $62.8MM committed before arbitration raises to Laird, Byrd, McCarthy, Francisco, Wilson, and Loe. So, payroll could near $70MM with the current group. The Rangers had an opening day payroll of $67.7MM.
The Rangers had a league-leading offense this year, but also the AL’s worst pitching staff. Pitching is clearly the offseason priority.
The Rangers have the game’s best catching surplus, with Laird, Teagarden, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Max Ramirez. The Red Sox, Royals, Marlins, and Reds might be looking for help at the position. It would not be surprising if Jon Daniels inquires on pitchers like Clay Buchholz, Zack Greinke, and Homer Bailey. However, Jamey Newberg raises a good point – the ’09 rotation already has at least six viable candidates. Standing pat with the catcher surplus this winter would not be a crime.
I’m not sure how they’d fit in, but maybe the Rangers will pursue reclamation projects like Bartolo Colon or Freddy Garcia. Texas could also be an interesting longshot destination for C.C. Sabathia, if the Rangers are willing to raise payroll to secure their ace.
The offense has two question marks in Blalock and Milton Bradley. Is it worth $6MM to give Blalock one more chance? He’s having a strong September and could be used at first base or DH if necessary.
Bradley presents a trickier decision. He requires multiple guaranteed years, and he’s been an incredible offensive force this season. He’s driving toward his first 500 plate appearance season since ’04, battling numerous injuries despite only playing 20 games in the field. Does two years, $20MM plus incentives get it done? Otherwise the Rangers might have to let their best hitter sign elsewhere.
Odds and Ends : Snyder, Ludwick, Bradley
Reading material for Tuesday…
- Chris Carpenter is reportedly dealing with a unique and career-threatening nerve injury, which could increase the Cardinals’ need for starting pitching this winter.
- Viva El Birdos says the Cardinals should offer Ryan Ludwick and others for Matt Cain. Can’t hurt to ask.
- The Cubs claimed outfielder Brad Snyder off waivers from the Indians. He was the 18th overall pick in 2003, but hasn’t produced enough in the minors.
- Milton Bradley stands to earn another half-million bucks if he can snag seven more plate appearances. Bradley met with the Rangers a few months ago to discuss a long-term deal, but nothing is close. Bradley feels the Rangers are dragging their feet, and gives 50-50 odds on a return. He said he’d quit baseball if he couldn’t find a multiyear deal somewhere.
- Sam Mellinger reminds Royals fans that their long-term success hinges on the development of in-house youngsters rather than free agent signings.
- Steven Goldman notes that the Red Sox are far better prepared for the future than the Yankees.
Bradley Wants Long Term Contract
The often, uhm, misunderstood Milton Bradley rarely speaks to the press, but in a recent exchange with Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Rangers outfielder outlined how he expects his contract situation to work out this offseason.
Bradley feels his offsensive production this year warrants a long-term deal, something the Rangers haven’t offered him (yet), and as such, he sees the possibility of returning to the team at 50-50.
"I just know I deserve to quit getting [stuck] with these one-year deals. I need to have a long-term contract. I’m not just a rent-a-player for one year. I’m looking for fair value. I’m one of the better hitters in the game, and .320 hitters with .440 on-base percentages don’t grow on trees, so you need to take advantage of it when you got it."
For the record, Rangers assitant general manager Thad Levine told Davison the team will negotiate with Bradley’s agent, but they’ll keep all negotiation discussions internal.
Alejandro A. Leal writes for UmpBump.com and can be reached here: alexo05 (at) umpbump (dot) com.
Odds and Ends: LaRoche, Bradley, Burnett
Digging into today’s random links…
- Joel Sherman looks at what went wrong for the Yankees this year. Did they fall too in love with their farm system?
- At least six teams have called the Pirates about third baseman Andy LaRoche in recent weeks. If LaRoche pans out and Pedro Alvarez comes aboard, the Bucs could have a surplus at some point.
- Craig Harris examines the rise of D’Backs GM Josh Byrnes.
- Eddie Bajek updated the Elias rankings for the AL 1B/OF/DH category. They’re fluctuating wildly. Eddie also did catchers for both leagues; Ivan Rodriguez is headed into Type B territory. Gregg Zaun lost Type B status.
- Mike Hindman conducted a roundtable asking what kind of contract the Rangers should offer Milton Bradley.
- 29 teams passed on Rays reliever Grant Balfour last spring. Now he has a 1.62 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 50 innings. Balfour’s been through a lot.
- Joe McDonald and Sean McAdam don’t see the Red Sox signing A.J. Burnett (or any big-name free agent starter).
- Padres CEO Sandy Alderson scoffed at the idea of a $40MM payroll for ’09. I never heard that figure tossed around; Buster Olney suggested the $50MM range.
- Maury Brown heard a rumor that Thomas Ricketts won the bid for the Cubs.