I go away for a bit and things happen. I didn't go away by my choice either. So 3B Scott Rolen was extended through 2012 should he not fall apart by then with the Reds. I can see they signed him for the sake od leadership in the clubhouse, but that bat and fielding will be in rapid decline as he's about to hit 35. Last season between Toronto and Cincy, Rolen hit .305 with 11 HRs and 67RBIs. I'm not discrediting him for that amazing showing last season, but he's very injury-prone and he can't stay gold forever.
The Pirates signed reliever Javier Lopez(0-2 9.26ERA). Lopez was HORRIBLE in Boston last season. It was no surprise between injury and his pitching he only made 14 appearances. The previous few seasons he's proved to be a servicable reliver keeping his ERA under 3 for the most part. Amazingly, he's the only lefty in the Pirates pen now. The deal is worth $775K.
Reliever Darren Oliver has agreed to re-join the Rangers for a year worth $3.5M with an option for 2011 making the deal worth $6.25M altogether. Oliver was highly dependable and dynamite for the Angels. He holds a 15-3; 3.10ERA the past three seasons with them. Oliver attracted attention from a few teams and relatively was quiet up until his signing. I'm surprised more teams didn't make a push for him. He's seemingly become better with age. With this departure, the Angels should sounding the alarm as everything the organization has built is falling apart quickly.
OF Coco Crisp is nearing a 1yr/$5M contract with the A's. Crisp, who has struggled in roles in both Boston and Kansas City, would be getting the CF job outright. Crisp only played 49 games for the Royals last season batting .228 while batting .283 the season before in Boston before being replaced by Jacoby Ellsbury. I would agree with you that Crisp didn't get his chance fairly in KC, but basbeall in a buisness.
The Blue Jays continued their re-building spree by acquiring Brandon Morrow from the M's for reliver Brandon League (4.09ERA)and prospect Johermyn Chavez. I'm still undecided if the Jays have a legit team to make a run at the wild card, but leaning towards no.
The Yankees have finally dealt Melky Cabrera (.274, 13HRs, 68RBIs) to the Braves for Javier Vazquez (15-10; 2.87ERA). this will be Vazquez second stint with the Yanks after his first one didn't end as well(referring to the game 7 loss to the Sox). Also in the deal, the Yanks got reliever Boone Logan (1-1; 5.19ERA). The Braves received prospects Mike Dunn and Ardoys Vizcaino. As usual, the Yankees are trading away their young talent for aged veterans, so it's only a matter of time before a 2004 season repeats itself.
The Nationals have formally signed SP Jason Marquis (15-13; 4.04ERA) to a 2yr/$15M contract. Hopefully for the Nats sake, he'll be more than servicable and give them an all-star worthy season. I wasn't surprised that Marquis signed with them. Good pick-up for Washington, but they need more reliable starters to challenge anyone int he NL East. They may be signing Eddie Guardardo to a 1 year deal. Guardardo (1-2; 4.46ERA) battled injuries last season and considered retiring. This is too much of a gamble for the Nats unless the deal is coming in under $2M.
The Royals kept it cheap in replacing Coco Crisp by signing Brian Anderson (.227, 4HRs, 18RBIs). Anderson is a decent hitter and his OBP has been on the rise in recent years, but I don't think the Royals are going to see this guy become a star with everyday play.
Rumors and notes:
The Marlins have offered SP Ardolis Chapman a five year contract worth $13M. Relievers Matt Capps, Jose Veras and Tyler Walker on their Christmas list.
With the signing of Jason Marquis, The Nats appear to have a strong chance of getting Matt Capps, but the Cubs won't let them get him so easily. The cubs are also looking into SP Kei Igawa.
SP Justin Duchsherer shouldn't be ruled out returning to the A's.
The Braves are attempting to sign Troy Glaus. Glaus is coming off a lost season with the Cards and will definitely have to prove he can still be a good hitter. Hw ould be playing 1B.
Happy Holidays all and I will see you after Xmas!
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Monday, December 21, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Another Big Trade?
This week seems to be a catalyst for baseball trades. First the blockbuster Lee-Halladay deal, now various sources report the busy Mariners are ready to send SP Carlos Silva to the Cubbies for OF Milton Bradley. This is great for the Cubs even though Silva is costing them $3M more beacause of the added depth to their pitching staff and a better clubhouse enviornment. Can the M's be a winner with Bradley? I think so. Bradley should be the hitter recieving protection so he can get some good balls to hit. Don Wakamatsu and Jeff Z. seem like the saviors of the franchise and should win the AL West this season with the moves they made. They won't tolerate Bradley's antics. Silva was out all of last season practically making only eight starts and going 1-3 with an 8.60ERA. I'm concerned for the Cubs because Silva's performance the past four year hasn't been all that good( not a single winning season or ERA below 4.19). Is it worth it for the Cubs to do this trade? Yes, Bradley is that much of a distraction to Piniella and Co. The deal is now pending a Bud Selig approval because of the money.
The M's didn't stop there either. They re-signed Ryan Langerhans to a one year contract(financials undisclosed). There is a rumor going aroudn they're shopping Brandon Morrow for a corner INF or DH. An extension is in the works for OF Franklin Gutierrez (.283 18HRs, and 70RBIs) for three-four years. His agent says they are "making progress."
If the deal goes down, ESPN's Jayson Stark says Cubs look at Rick Ankiel, Marlon Byrd, and Scott Podsednik. I like Marlon Byrd most of the bunch as a fit in Chi-town. Although having Ankiel's D at Wrigley wouldn't hurt?
The Yankees swooped in today and offered 1B Nick Johnson a 1yr/$5.5M contract. This would be Johnson's second stint with the team. He was a combined .256 hitter from '01-'04 with them. Johnson shuffled around the NL East last season and played in 133 games batting a combined .273. Where does he fit into the puzzle? I don't see where. I believe the Yankees did this to prevent other teams from picking him up(namely Boston). George King of the NY Post says if he signs the deal, "Damon's return is unlikely."
The Phillies have exercised SS Jimmy Rollins 2011 option ($8.5M) today. Rollins hit 2.50 with 21 HRs and 77 RBIs and stole 31 bases in '09.
Before Lackey was signed with the Red Sox, the team offered OF Matt Holliday a five year $82.5M contract. I'm glad we got Lackey instead, but something needs to be done about the outfield. Mike Cameron is not the answer. The Sox claim to still be active in trading for 1B Adrian Gonzalez. More than liekly, the deal doesn't get done and they settle for 3B Adrian Beltre. They still haven't jumped on the Mark DeRosa bandwagon and it came out today the Yankees will not pursue him.
Rumors and Notes:
The Braves agreed to terms with Cardinals INF Joe Thurston(.225).
The Brewers signed SP Kameoron Loe to a minor league deal.
The Dodgers are interested in Ronnie Belliard and Felipe Lopez.
The Padres and FA OF Coco Crisp are in serious talks about a one year deal.
The Reds have re-signed Laynce Nix to a minor league deal.
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The M's didn't stop there either. They re-signed Ryan Langerhans to a one year contract(financials undisclosed). There is a rumor going aroudn they're shopping Brandon Morrow for a corner INF or DH. An extension is in the works for OF Franklin Gutierrez (.283 18HRs, and 70RBIs) for three-four years. His agent says they are "making progress."
If the deal goes down, ESPN's Jayson Stark says Cubs look at Rick Ankiel, Marlon Byrd, and Scott Podsednik. I like Marlon Byrd most of the bunch as a fit in Chi-town. Although having Ankiel's D at Wrigley wouldn't hurt?
The Yankees swooped in today and offered 1B Nick Johnson a 1yr/$5.5M contract. This would be Johnson's second stint with the team. He was a combined .256 hitter from '01-'04 with them. Johnson shuffled around the NL East last season and played in 133 games batting a combined .273. Where does he fit into the puzzle? I don't see where. I believe the Yankees did this to prevent other teams from picking him up(namely Boston). George King of the NY Post says if he signs the deal, "Damon's return is unlikely."
The Phillies have exercised SS Jimmy Rollins 2011 option ($8.5M) today. Rollins hit 2.50 with 21 HRs and 77 RBIs and stole 31 bases in '09.
Before Lackey was signed with the Red Sox, the team offered OF Matt Holliday a five year $82.5M contract. I'm glad we got Lackey instead, but something needs to be done about the outfield. Mike Cameron is not the answer. The Sox claim to still be active in trading for 1B Adrian Gonzalez. More than liekly, the deal doesn't get done and they settle for 3B Adrian Beltre. They still haven't jumped on the Mark DeRosa bandwagon and it came out today the Yankees will not pursue him.
Rumors and Notes:
The Braves agreed to terms with Cardinals INF Joe Thurston(.225).
The Brewers signed SP Kameoron Loe to a minor league deal.
The Dodgers are interested in Ronnie Belliard and Felipe Lopez.
The Padres and FA OF Coco Crisp are in serious talks about a one year deal.
The Reds have re-signed Laynce Nix to a minor league deal.
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Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Bay; Atkins;
Finally, the Lee-Halladay trade is done. Thank god because I coudln't take anymore confusion with it and it also disgusted me. Phillies fans will regret this sooner or later. Here's a final breakdown from mlbtraderumors.com:
The Phillies get Roy Halladay, Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies, Juan Ramirez, and $6MM. The Phillies will give Halladay a three-year extension plus vesting options.
The Mariners get Cliff Lee.
The Blue Jays get Kyle Drabek, Brett Wallace, and Travis d'Arnaud.
The A's get Michael Taylor.
The Mets have offered Bay a 5yr/$75M deal Wedensday in hopes of signing him. It's the amount of years he wants, but the money is a little under what he requests. He should be grateful whatever her gets because he's been nothing but a snot since the end of the Red Sox season. Talks with Bengie Molina have stalled as well. If Bay doesn't sign, the Mets are going after Matt Holliday. Former Mets reliever Lance Broadway signed a contract with the Blue Jays today. Bad deal because his numbers weren't very encouraging (5.87ERA in ML; 6.17ERA in AAA). The Mets have signed pitcher Ryota Igarashi.
3B Garret Atkins has three "mystery" teams interested in him. Atkins slumped heavily last season (.226) after being dynamite the previous season. The speculation says "he's more than likely headed to an AL team." It was confirmed this morning that a 1yr deal @ $4.5M with an option worth $8.5M for 2011. The Orioles struck gold with reliever Mike Gonzalez as well today. Gonzalez went 5-4 with a 2.42ERA and 10 saves for the Braves last season. Two good pick-ups for a club that seems stuck in neutral.
The Tigers signed SS Ramon Santiago today to a 2yr/$2.5M contract. Santiago hit .267 last season I see a trend of cheap, forgettable players coming into Detroit this off-season, no big splashes.
The Marlins reached a deal with arbitration-eligible SP Ricky Nolasco on a 1yr/$3.8M contract this afternoon. Nolasco went 13-9 with a 5.06ERA last season for the Marlins. Now if they could could get something done with that Josh Johnson guy?
The Dodgers had a brief, cheap spending spree today. The club signed 1B Doug Mintkiewicz, SS Angel Berroa (both got minor league deals), and 2B/3B Jamey Carroll. Carroll is the only one of this group who will see lots of time on the field. Carroll hit .276 with the Indians last year. Th contract is worth 2yrs/$3.85M. Carroll is a guy whose in decline and this is no way to begin replacing Orlando Hudson. He played only 93 games last season and he can play three different field positions, so this is a case of durability. Will he last an enitre Dodgers season?
Rumors and Notes:
Johnny Damon won't accept a new deal under $13M. Expect him to head west.
Cuban defector Ardolis Chapman had a great workout for 15 teams Tuesday. He needs brush-up on mechanics, but is otherwise sound.
The Red Sox are said to be "pushing hard now" to acquire Adrian Gonzalez. With the signings of Lackey and Cameron, Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury have become expendable. I think I will snap if they trade them. Buchholz can work out of the pen and Cameron really doesn't have that much left in the tank.
The Padres and A's are looking into OF Coco Crisp.
Spoiled brat SP Josh Johnson is looking for a deal bigger than Zach Grienke's current one. Call us back when you win a Cy Young.
The Dodgers are exploring a trade with the Reds for starter Aaron Harang. The Reds would do it for two of the Dodgers starting players and they'd be picking up part of his salary as per Tim Dierkes of mlbtraderumors.com.
The M's, Giants, and Yankees are looking at 1B Nick Johnson (.291 between Washington and Florida).
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The Phillies get Roy Halladay, Phillippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies, Juan Ramirez, and $6MM. The Phillies will give Halladay a three-year extension plus vesting options.
The Mariners get Cliff Lee.
The Blue Jays get Kyle Drabek, Brett Wallace, and Travis d'Arnaud.
The A's get Michael Taylor.
The Mets have offered Bay a 5yr/$75M deal Wedensday in hopes of signing him. It's the amount of years he wants, but the money is a little under what he requests. He should be grateful whatever her gets because he's been nothing but a snot since the end of the Red Sox season. Talks with Bengie Molina have stalled as well. If Bay doesn't sign, the Mets are going after Matt Holliday. Former Mets reliever Lance Broadway signed a contract with the Blue Jays today. Bad deal because his numbers weren't very encouraging (5.87ERA in ML; 6.17ERA in AAA). The Mets have signed pitcher Ryota Igarashi.
3B Garret Atkins has three "mystery" teams interested in him. Atkins slumped heavily last season (.226) after being dynamite the previous season. The speculation says "he's more than likely headed to an AL team." It was confirmed this morning that a 1yr deal @ $4.5M with an option worth $8.5M for 2011. The Orioles struck gold with reliever Mike Gonzalez as well today. Gonzalez went 5-4 with a 2.42ERA and 10 saves for the Braves last season. Two good pick-ups for a club that seems stuck in neutral.
The Tigers signed SS Ramon Santiago today to a 2yr/$2.5M contract. Santiago hit .267 last season I see a trend of cheap, forgettable players coming into Detroit this off-season, no big splashes.
The Marlins reached a deal with arbitration-eligible SP Ricky Nolasco on a 1yr/$3.8M contract this afternoon. Nolasco went 13-9 with a 5.06ERA last season for the Marlins. Now if they could could get something done with that Josh Johnson guy?
The Dodgers had a brief, cheap spending spree today. The club signed 1B Doug Mintkiewicz, SS Angel Berroa (both got minor league deals), and 2B/3B Jamey Carroll. Carroll is the only one of this group who will see lots of time on the field. Carroll hit .276 with the Indians last year. Th contract is worth 2yrs/$3.85M. Carroll is a guy whose in decline and this is no way to begin replacing Orlando Hudson. He played only 93 games last season and he can play three different field positions, so this is a case of durability. Will he last an enitre Dodgers season?
Rumors and Notes:
Johnny Damon won't accept a new deal under $13M. Expect him to head west.
Cuban defector Ardolis Chapman had a great workout for 15 teams Tuesday. He needs brush-up on mechanics, but is otherwise sound.
The Red Sox are said to be "pushing hard now" to acquire Adrian Gonzalez. With the signings of Lackey and Cameron, Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury have become expendable. I think I will snap if they trade them. Buchholz can work out of the pen and Cameron really doesn't have that much left in the tank.
The Padres and A's are looking into OF Coco Crisp.
Spoiled brat SP Josh Johnson is looking for a deal bigger than Zach Grienke's current one. Call us back when you win a Cy Young.
The Dodgers are exploring a trade with the Reds for starter Aaron Harang. The Reds would do it for two of the Dodgers starting players and they'd be picking up part of his salary as per Tim Dierkes of mlbtraderumors.com.
The M's, Giants, and Yankees are looking at 1B Nick Johnson (.291 between Washington and Florida).
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Red&White Sox; Hallady-Lee
Both pairs of AL Sox made deals today. The Red Sox have agreed to a 2 yr/$15.5M with OF Mike Cameron. This move is the worst move I've ever seen. Why when Matt Holliday is still on the market would you sign a 37 year old outfielder? Gordon Edes reported this morning that the organization cut ties with Jason Bay as of today, which was the first stupid move they made. What are the Yankees thinking after they traded for Granderson? They're probably laughing. Cameron will play LF, Ellsbury in CF and Drew in RF.
The White Sox acquired speedy OF Juan Pierre from the Dodgers for two pitchers John Ely and Jon Link. The Dodgers are hoping for these two pitchers(who I've never heard of) to contribute in the majors in the upcoming season. The Dodgers had to eat $10.5M of Pierre's contract and the White sox will be paying the other $8M. This is a poor deal for the Dodgers. Poor Frank McCourt. Pierre hit .308 and stole 30 bases in 145 games last season. The White Sox seem primed for a World Series run this season with all the bats they've acquired.
Once the Hallday-Lee deal is done, the Jays will ship OF Michael Taylor(from Phillies) to Oakland for 3B Brett Wallace. Taylor was between AA and AAA this past season hitting a combined .320 with 20HRs and 84 RBIs in 116 games. Wallace was the same leagues, but hit .302 with 9 HRs and 28RBIs. If those streaks hold steady, we should see both of them in the majors by mid-season.
The Mets are closing in on a deal with RP Ryota Igarashi. He would be setting up for K-Rod.
News and Notes:
The Lee-Halladay deal is still being worked on with more names added in. It gets more and more confusing as it goes along. No resolution is expected today.
The Yankees are rumored to be "very interested" in SP Ben Sheets and won't be going after Jason Bay.
No new progress with the Matt Holliday-Cards offer.
The Cubs are in pursuit of OF Marlon Byrd with Mike Cameron off the market.
Jason Marquis would prefer the Nationals to offer him a deal.
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The White Sox acquired speedy OF Juan Pierre from the Dodgers for two pitchers John Ely and Jon Link. The Dodgers are hoping for these two pitchers(who I've never heard of) to contribute in the majors in the upcoming season. The Dodgers had to eat $10.5M of Pierre's contract and the White sox will be paying the other $8M. This is a poor deal for the Dodgers. Poor Frank McCourt. Pierre hit .308 and stole 30 bases in 145 games last season. The White Sox seem primed for a World Series run this season with all the bats they've acquired.
Once the Hallday-Lee deal is done, the Jays will ship OF Michael Taylor(from Phillies) to Oakland for 3B Brett Wallace. Taylor was between AA and AAA this past season hitting a combined .320 with 20HRs and 84 RBIs in 116 games. Wallace was the same leagues, but hit .302 with 9 HRs and 28RBIs. If those streaks hold steady, we should see both of them in the majors by mid-season.
The Mets are closing in on a deal with RP Ryota Igarashi. He would be setting up for K-Rod.
News and Notes:
The Lee-Halladay deal is still being worked on with more names added in. It gets more and more confusing as it goes along. No resolution is expected today.
The Yankees are rumored to be "very interested" in SP Ben Sheets and won't be going after Jason Bay.
No new progress with the Matt Holliday-Cards offer.
The Cubs are in pursuit of OF Marlon Byrd with Mike Cameron off the market.
Jason Marquis would prefer the Nationals to offer him a deal.
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Monday, December 14, 2009
M.O.A.D.
Holy Friolies!!!! Today is the mother of all deal days! Big Names! Big Price Tags! This has by far eclipsed anything done at the winter meetings. Lets' get down to it.
Firstly, I'm excited and thrilled to report the Red Sox appear to have agreed to terms with SP John Lackey. The deal is worth $85M over 5 years which is significantly less than the expected $100M I thought Lackey would get. This move should make the Red Sox arguably the deepest pitching staff in the majors. Another bonus is it comes off of the pesky Angels, who always seem to meet the Sox in the opening round of the playoffs most seasons. The Sox would be giving up another draft pick to the Angels which would bump the Jays pick down for picking up Marco Scutaro. The team is having trouble negotiating with Josh Beckett, so this cushions the blow in the event, he elects free agency next season. Lackey was 11-8 with a 3.83ERA in the regular season and 1-1 with a 3.12ERA in the postseason. The Red Sox can now concentrate on getting an OF. Rumor has it Mike Cameron (who sure as hell is no Jason Bay) is in the mix.
The next biggest news is the 3 team swap including pitchers Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay. The Phillies before the trade are trying to lock up Halladay. The Phils get Halladay and two prospects from the M's. The M's get Cliff Lee. The Jays get Phillies catcher prospect Travis D'Arnuad and another to be named(OF Michael Taylor maybe?), and Seattle pitching prospect Phillipe Aumont. SP/RP J.A. Happ and Joe Blanton took physicals as well as other desired prospect Domonic Brown, who could be part of the deal. This is a bad deal for Philly, who depleted their talent to acquire Lee and now they want to do it again? Happ is going to be better than serviceable in the years to come. The Jays are looking towards the future and suppose these prospects don't produce? I looked at the numbers and these guys are all nowhere near the majors yet. How much longer will Toronto wait?!? Seattle makes off with immediate return.
The Angels have reached an agreement with DH/OF Hideki Matsui. It's a 1yr/ $6.5M deal which is far less than the $77M they doled out for Vlad Guerrero. Vlad's days are over if this deal goes through. Can Matsui play the OF if need be? This is an almost $7M dollar pay-cut from his previous Yankees contract. The Angels are said to be looking to the possibility of acquiring SP Derek Lowe from the Braves.
The Brewers re-signed 3B Craig Counsell at $2.1M plus $500K in incentives for one year. The deal is a steal for the Brewers looking at Counsell's salivating numbers last season (.285, 4 HRs, 39RBIs, 61 runs in 130 games).
The Nats brought back SP Scott Olsen to a 1yr/$1M deal with incentives that could make it up to $5M if he makes x number of starts. Olsen struggled last season before getting injured (2-4; 6.03ERA).
The Mets have offered SP Kelvim Escobar a minor league deal. Escobar is looking to work out of the bullpen for the preservation of his shoulder. No terms to report.
News and Notes:
The Astros, D-Backs, Pirates, and Cardinals all want a piece of 2B Kelly Johnson. My guess is the Cardinals or Astros get him.
The Nationals, Cardinals, Rangers, Rockies and Marlins have set their eyes on Matt Capps. I expect the Cards or Nats to get him unless he gets the multi-year deal he's looking for and is willing to be a set-up man for the other clubs.
Jason Michaels will be back next year in an Astros uni. Claudio Vargas is returning to the Brewers as well.
The Blue Jays signed C Ramon Castro to a 1yr/$1M deal.
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Firstly, I'm excited and thrilled to report the Red Sox appear to have agreed to terms with SP John Lackey. The deal is worth $85M over 5 years which is significantly less than the expected $100M I thought Lackey would get. This move should make the Red Sox arguably the deepest pitching staff in the majors. Another bonus is it comes off of the pesky Angels, who always seem to meet the Sox in the opening round of the playoffs most seasons. The Sox would be giving up another draft pick to the Angels which would bump the Jays pick down for picking up Marco Scutaro. The team is having trouble negotiating with Josh Beckett, so this cushions the blow in the event, he elects free agency next season. Lackey was 11-8 with a 3.83ERA in the regular season and 1-1 with a 3.12ERA in the postseason. The Red Sox can now concentrate on getting an OF. Rumor has it Mike Cameron (who sure as hell is no Jason Bay) is in the mix.
The next biggest news is the 3 team swap including pitchers Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay. The Phillies before the trade are trying to lock up Halladay. The Phils get Halladay and two prospects from the M's. The M's get Cliff Lee. The Jays get Phillies catcher prospect Travis D'Arnuad and another to be named(OF Michael Taylor maybe?), and Seattle pitching prospect Phillipe Aumont. SP/RP J.A. Happ and Joe Blanton took physicals as well as other desired prospect Domonic Brown, who could be part of the deal. This is a bad deal for Philly, who depleted their talent to acquire Lee and now they want to do it again? Happ is going to be better than serviceable in the years to come. The Jays are looking towards the future and suppose these prospects don't produce? I looked at the numbers and these guys are all nowhere near the majors yet. How much longer will Toronto wait?!? Seattle makes off with immediate return.
The Angels have reached an agreement with DH/OF Hideki Matsui. It's a 1yr/ $6.5M deal which is far less than the $77M they doled out for Vlad Guerrero. Vlad's days are over if this deal goes through. Can Matsui play the OF if need be? This is an almost $7M dollar pay-cut from his previous Yankees contract. The Angels are said to be looking to the possibility of acquiring SP Derek Lowe from the Braves.
The Brewers re-signed 3B Craig Counsell at $2.1M plus $500K in incentives for one year. The deal is a steal for the Brewers looking at Counsell's salivating numbers last season (.285, 4 HRs, 39RBIs, 61 runs in 130 games).
The Nats brought back SP Scott Olsen to a 1yr/$1M deal with incentives that could make it up to $5M if he makes x number of starts. Olsen struggled last season before getting injured (2-4; 6.03ERA).
The Mets have offered SP Kelvim Escobar a minor league deal. Escobar is looking to work out of the bullpen for the preservation of his shoulder. No terms to report.
News and Notes:
The Astros, D-Backs, Pirates, and Cardinals all want a piece of 2B Kelly Johnson. My guess is the Cardinals or Astros get him.
The Nationals, Cardinals, Rangers, Rockies and Marlins have set their eyes on Matt Capps. I expect the Cards or Nats to get him unless he gets the multi-year deal he's looking for and is willing to be a set-up man for the other clubs.
Jason Michaels will be back next year in an Astros uni. Claudio Vargas is returning to the Brewers as well.
The Blue Jays signed C Ramon Castro to a 1yr/$1M deal.
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Saturday, December 12, 2009
The Aftermath Weekend
The winter meetings ended somewhat quietly this off-season leaving many big names on the board still. One reliever took himself off, J.J. Putz (1-4;5.22ERA in 29 games) signed Friday with the White Sox to a 1yr/$3M deal. This is relatively cheap for Putz, who suffered through injuries last season in a plagued stay with the Mets. The white Sox made a good move here, but it leads me to believe GM Williams is pushing Bobby Jenks out the door. I like Jenks way better as a closer than Putz. Jenks was tendered a contract Saturday.
The Royals got their man in C Jason Kendall. Kendall signed to a similar "Pudge" Rodriguez deal. This new Royals team plan is kind of bizarre. Trade away talent for minimal talent or aged vets.
Saturday was tendering day. Unfortunately that meant a few players didn't make the cut: Yanks SP Chien Ming-Wang, Brewers SP Seth McClung, Rox 3B Garret Atkins,all-purpose Marlin Alfredo Amezaga, Nat's pitcher Scott Olsen, Phillies reliever Clay Condrey, Angels reliever Jose Arredondo, Giants 1B Ryan Garko Braves 2B Kelley Johnson and OF Ryan Church,Reds OF Jonny Gomes, Atheltics DH/OF Jack Cust, and surprisingly Pirates closer Matt Capps.
The Blue Jays signed OF Joey Gathright, C John Buck, and RP Raul Chavez.
News and Notes:
The Lowell-Ramirez deal is being held-up because of Lowell's thumb injury as per Nick Cafardo's report.
ESPN's Jayson Stark(via Twitter) reports the Angels are making a significant push at retaining John Lackey now.
The Red Sox completed the Boof Bonser trade by sending Chris Province (2-4;2.60ERA in AA) to the Twins. Bonser was signed through 2010 by the Sox Saturday.
SI's John Heyman says "The Mets will go to five years to get Jason Bay if need be," while Gordon Edes says for "Sox fans not to give up on Bay." Meanwhile, Luke Adams of mlbtraderumors.com reports Bay's agent Joe Urbon says "my client is ready to move on after seeing other offers."
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The Royals got their man in C Jason Kendall. Kendall signed to a similar "Pudge" Rodriguez deal. This new Royals team plan is kind of bizarre. Trade away talent for minimal talent or aged vets.
Saturday was tendering day. Unfortunately that meant a few players didn't make the cut: Yanks SP Chien Ming-Wang, Brewers SP Seth McClung, Rox 3B Garret Atkins,all-purpose Marlin Alfredo Amezaga, Nat's pitcher Scott Olsen, Phillies reliever Clay Condrey, Angels reliever Jose Arredondo, Giants 1B Ryan Garko Braves 2B Kelley Johnson and OF Ryan Church,Reds OF Jonny Gomes, Atheltics DH/OF Jack Cust, and surprisingly Pirates closer Matt Capps.
The Blue Jays signed OF Joey Gathright, C John Buck, and RP Raul Chavez.
News and Notes:
The Lowell-Ramirez deal is being held-up because of Lowell's thumb injury as per Nick Cafardo's report.
ESPN's Jayson Stark(via Twitter) reports the Angels are making a significant push at retaining John Lackey now.
The Red Sox completed the Boof Bonser trade by sending Chris Province (2-4;2.60ERA in AA) to the Twins. Bonser was signed through 2010 by the Sox Saturday.
SI's John Heyman says "The Mets will go to five years to get Jason Bay if need be," while Gordon Edes says for "Sox fans not to give up on Bay." Meanwhile, Luke Adams of mlbtraderumors.com reports Bay's agent Joe Urbon says "my client is ready to move on after seeing other offers."
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Thursday, December 10, 2009
Bit of Yesterday and The Final Day of Meetings
The Rangers were making a flurry of moves and I thought for a second they were the New York Yankees. Rich Harden was signed to a 1yr/ $6.5M contract, Chris Ray was acquired from the Orioles, and then they agreed to trade minor league catcher Max Ramirez to the Red Sox for 3B Mike Lowell pending physicals. The Red Sox ate Lowell's contract to deal him, where he'll more than likely be a DH in the Texas line-up. By doing so, I have believe Theo is going to pursue Adrian Gonzalez or another high profile infielder. After saying "they{Red Sox} weren't going to make a deal at the meetings," the Sox have acquired reliever Boof Bonser from the Twins for a player to be named later. Recently, the Twins designated him for assignment. This is the 3rd reliever the Sox have picked-up in 2 days.
Another team that's hot is the Astros. They got Brandon Lyon (6-5; 2.86ERA) late last night for 3yrs/$15M and a draft pick goes to the Tigers. As I'm typing this, Houston has just signed 3B Pedro Feliz to a 1yr/$4.5M contract. All Feliz .266, 12HRs, 82 RBIs) could could get was $4.5M? That puzzles me. His numbers are for the most part steady in production and he doesn't commit a lot of fielding errors. It's a bargain for the Astros.
The Royals continue their revamping craze by releasing 1B Mike Jacobs and reliever John Bale. With this move the Royals can make two selections in the Rule 5 draft today. Getting rid of Bale was good, but why Jacobs? He did have a down year in 2009, but the Royals line-up isn't exactly full of production. Wouldn't it have been possible to slide Jacobs into another position since the coming of Billy Butler?
The Rockies have come to terms with C Chris Iannetta (.228, 16 HRs, 52 RBIs) on a 3 year deal worth over eight million. Good move for the Rockies since they're still unsure if Torrealba will return. The team has made 2yr/$4M+ to C Jason Kendall. If Kendall doesn't sign, the Royals may pursue Rod Barajas.
The Rays and Braves swapped relievers. A expected the Rays get their man in Rafael Soriano and send the Braves Jesse Chavez(1-4; 4.01ERA). Chavez is rough around the edges still, but is expected to progress into a great reliever. The Rays are working on a 1yr/$7M deal with Soriano and will be official once the physical is in the books.
News and Notes:
Ian Browne and John Heyman report the Mets have offered OF Jason Bay a 4 yr/$65M contract. Bay is looking for a fifth year.
The White Sox have made an offer to J.J. Putz(undisclosed).
With Brandon Lyon, Raffy Soriano off the market and the Sox jumping on Putz, where does this leave the Phils for bullpen help? Reports say GM Amaro is looking hard at John Smoltz.
Will the Red Sox pursue Adrian Beltre now? God, I hope not. Spend the money and get DeRosa. The Giants are looking at DeRosa today. Maybe Adam LaRoche comes back and Youk moves to third thinks Ian Browne.
ESPN's Jayson Stark says "Disregard any Adrian Gonzalez rumor."
Reliever Darren Oliver is receiving attention from the Mets, Red Sox, Angels, Rays, rangers, and Mariners. His agent is about to speak with the Texas tonight.
Check out http://www.sportsjabber.net
Another team that's hot is the Astros. They got Brandon Lyon (6-5; 2.86ERA) late last night for 3yrs/$15M and a draft pick goes to the Tigers. As I'm typing this, Houston has just signed 3B Pedro Feliz to a 1yr/$4.5M contract. All Feliz .266, 12HRs, 82 RBIs) could could get was $4.5M? That puzzles me. His numbers are for the most part steady in production and he doesn't commit a lot of fielding errors. It's a bargain for the Astros.
The Royals continue their revamping craze by releasing 1B Mike Jacobs and reliever John Bale. With this move the Royals can make two selections in the Rule 5 draft today. Getting rid of Bale was good, but why Jacobs? He did have a down year in 2009, but the Royals line-up isn't exactly full of production. Wouldn't it have been possible to slide Jacobs into another position since the coming of Billy Butler?
The Rockies have come to terms with C Chris Iannetta (.228, 16 HRs, 52 RBIs) on a 3 year deal worth over eight million. Good move for the Rockies since they're still unsure if Torrealba will return. The team has made 2yr/$4M+ to C Jason Kendall. If Kendall doesn't sign, the Royals may pursue Rod Barajas.
The Rays and Braves swapped relievers. A expected the Rays get their man in Rafael Soriano and send the Braves Jesse Chavez(1-4; 4.01ERA). Chavez is rough around the edges still, but is expected to progress into a great reliever. The Rays are working on a 1yr/$7M deal with Soriano and will be official once the physical is in the books.
News and Notes:
Ian Browne and John Heyman report the Mets have offered OF Jason Bay a 4 yr/$65M contract. Bay is looking for a fifth year.
The White Sox have made an offer to J.J. Putz(undisclosed).
With Brandon Lyon, Raffy Soriano off the market and the Sox jumping on Putz, where does this leave the Phils for bullpen help? Reports say GM Amaro is looking hard at John Smoltz.
Will the Red Sox pursue Adrian Beltre now? God, I hope not. Spend the money and get DeRosa. The Giants are looking at DeRosa today. Maybe Adam LaRoche comes back and Youk moves to third thinks Ian Browne.
ESPN's Jayson Stark says "Disregard any Adrian Gonzalez rumor."
Reliever Darren Oliver is receiving attention from the Mets, Red Sox, Angels, Rays, rangers, and Mariners. His agent is about to speak with the Texas tonight.
Check out http://www.sportsjabber.net
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