FRIDAY, 8:12am: MLB.com's Jason Beck hears (via Twitter) from another source who agrees: Valverde has four offers and the Tigers are interested.
THURSDAY, 3:17pm: The market for Jose Valverde finally appears to be picking up. It's been relatively quiet for a few months, but the reliever now has four offers, according to Yahoo's Tim Brown (via Twitter). All of the offers are for closing jobs and two of them are multi-year proposals. Brown says the Tigers and D'Backs "are in," so they've presumably made two of the offers.
The incumbent closers for the Blue Jays, Marlins, A's and Pirates don't have much seniority, but it's hard to imagine these teams spending big on Valverde.
My bet is on the Tigers. They need someone better than Rodney closing for them.
It’s not that they need someone better than Rodney closing for them, they just need someone closing for them. Right now, it’s looking like Joel Zumaya is the team’s closer… and he hasn’t been healthy since 2006.
I was more referring to comparison to last season where Rodney was a middle of the road closer for a team than was 2 outs away from the playoffs. And I agree about Zumaya… they really shouldn’t count on him.
You can’t blame Rodney for the Tigers problems. His ERA and WHIP were through the roof. However, his conversion ratio was pretty darn flawless. When it came to “saving” games last year, Rodney was outstanding.
That said, Valverde would be a clear upgrade. Worth a relatively early 1st round pick though? That, I’m not so sure about.
It’ll be hard for Rodney to close for them all the way in Anaheim.
as an astros fan… please let Detroit get him.
Why? He’s a dominant closer. Wish the Braves got him. Wagner good though.
probably because if he is not a stro he wants him to be in the AL since “he is a dominate closer.”
because then we get their draft pick (a first rounder) all of the other “possible” suitors have protected first round picks.
i want bobby heck to have as much ammunition as possible.
or for the first round pick. I wasnt aware of that.
As a Tigers fan, please let ANYONE else get him
Rodney is with the Angels now. I think the Tigers would be better off preserving their 1st round draft pick and letting someone from the trio of Schlereth, Perry, or Zumaya give closing a shot.
“the reliever now has four offers, according to Yahoo’s Tim Brown (via Twitter). All of the offers are for closing jobs and two of them are multi-year proposals.”
Closer jobs?
I say the other two are probably the Blue Jays and Orioles.
Orioles signed Mike Gonzalez already
Oh yeah, forgot about him. Hum, guess the forth team is the Pirates or Marlins looking for a bargain then.
I don’t think the Jays would surrender a draft pick and pay millions of dollar to a closer when it’s the last position they need to fill. Doesn’t seem to make sense.
Do you have an reasons to think otherwise? Mid-season trade bait for a quality prospect?
It is clearly a big hole for them, and the limited number of suitors where most of them are teams unable/unwilling to spend cash on FA means his price is likely pretty low (for what one would expect) right now. Just because they are kind of rebuilding on the fly here doesnt remove them from being interested and offering at all in my mind.
If it weren’t for the draft pick I’d really wish the Cardinals would go after him.. really don’t trust franklin, but I’d hate giving a first round pick to a division rival.
*removed duplicate post*
he incumbent closers for the Blue Jays, Marlins, A’s and Pirates don’t have much seniority, but it’s hard to imagine these teams spending big on Valverde.
I thought the A’s had Andrew Bailey?
ya but 09 was his rookie year. The marlins have a gem in Nunez.
well… is not like he threw 20 innings, he was the AL rookie of the year, with 80 plus inning pitch, with a stunning 1.84 ERA.
yeah and he was also rookie of the year..as in best player that was a rookie in 2009…
i understand that but the caption said “don’t have that much seniority” Thats why the A’s were mentioned
The incumbent closers for the Blue Jays, Marlins, A’s and Pirates don’t have much seniority, but it’s hard to imagine these teams spending big on Valverde.
I though the A’s had Andrew Bailey?
They have Bailey and Devine coming back. Not sure why they were even mentioned.
This.
Tigers sound like a good bet to me as well to sign him… but I don’t know that if I were a tiger fan, I’d want to shell out money on this guy. Depends on the dollar amount as to how I feel about it.
If the A’s sign him, the best bullpen in baseball.
but they still wouldn’t be competitive..
Yeah, the A’s had one of the best bullpens in baseball last year, and they weren’t competitive.
Valverde would’ve been like their 3rd or 4th best reliever last year.
You have to assume it’s a better offer than the 3/15 Lyons got from the Astros, since I’m sure the Astros offered that to Valverde first.
The Tigers shouldn’t be acquiring anyone right now in my opinion (minus low figure prospects who have had some time in the big show) I can’t justify them getting rid of Granderson and Jackson to clear some room to only then go out and sign a closer for 3-4 million on a 1 year deal. They might as well let Perry or Zumaya come into their own at this point.
Beckett_Lackey…
Tiger fan here not wanting to shell money out on this guy, exactly like you said. Valverde isn’t the answer. We need to go closer by committee this year and get Zumaya, Perry, and Schlereth some experience this year so we can have someone ready for 2011
Jays have Downs and Frasor + rebuilding, zero reason to speculate a signing.
Like the Diamondbacks, Tigers and Pirates are strong contenders, right?
Besides, Frasor blew 3 of his 14 save chances last season and has blown 7 of his 21 the last three years. While Downs blew 4 of his 13 in 2009 with 11 blown in 26 chances the last 3 seasons. That doesnt seem like depth to me.
Way too small of a sample size to glean anything from it with Frasor, regardless, this team isn’t gonna go and sign a big money closer, it makes ZERO SENSE.
Also, just because I don’t mention the other teams doesn’t mean i’m implying anything with regards to their current situation.
Downs has proven himself to be a good low leverage pitcher over his career, Frasor is a mediocre arm who they are rumored to possibly be trading at this, the peak of his value.
No team thought to in the running is really a heavy contender, and most are rebuilding.
There is no reason at all to think the Jay’s wouldnt be in here.
Except that they haven’t been linked to valverde minus mlbtraderumors speculation and they are rebuilding.
It’s been well reported that Fraser’s development of another off speed pitch was the key to his success this year and regardless, a 2.99 and 3.17 fip in two of the last three years is nothing to sneeze at.
The chances of Detroit making the playoffs are much much much higher than the Blue Jays who have to contend with three of the top teams in baseball.
The Jays are coming off a disaster of a contract in BJ Ryan which soured the fan base, a high priced late inning reliever wouldn’t only be a bad baseball move in general but also a bad pr move.
They just traded their ace and are not going to be contending in the next two years, so why would they sign Valverde on a one-two year deal?
Yeah you could argue Mike Gonzalez with the O’s and that Valverde’s price might not be as high as originally perceived but there will be enough teams interested for him to still be expensive.
And the A’s were never connected to Crisp, but there you go. Its nothing new for GMs to keep things close to the chest.Re Frasor: New offspead pitch? You mean the split that hitters knocked all over the field? And the FIP marks are because of flukeishly low HR/FB and HR/9 marks. The xFIP (which helps correct for HR deviations) is more indicative of production level – those are 3.80, 4.89 and 3.65 the last three seasons respectively. Nothing overly special for a short reliever there.As far as paying money to players when rebuilding? Well, why did they spend 2 MM on Buck, 2.75 MM on Gonzalez and 3 MM over 2 on McDonald? Answer – every team signs players to fill holes. Also, to your earlier supposed point about the draft pick – the Blue Jays first rounder is protected, and they already get an extra pick in that number range for Paxton.There is just absolutely nothing saying the Jays should be discounted as a possibly interested team. They are in similar situations to the other interested clubs, and shouldnt just be dismissed.
While you have me on Fraser, I never mentioned anything about a draft pick. The contracts to Buck, Gonzalez and Mcdonald are 2, 2.75 and 1.5 per year, how exactly is that spending big? Of course you have to fill holes with money even on a rebuilding club, I don’t live in a fantasy world where you fill every hole with minor league vets for the minimum but Valverde looks to command at least 6 million a year and that’s for a reliever who’s gonna throw 60 innings. The Jays paid a total of 6.25 million to fill Catcher, Shortstop and Utility infielder. Logistically, it doesn’t make sense for a rebuilding team to hand out that high of a per year price for a low usage player, regardless if it’s a closer. Sure Scott Downs makes 4 per but that’s a contract inherited from the old regime. The Jays have tons of arms, no shortage for the bullpen.
yes sorry, it was S8P7W with the draftpick mention it seems.
Anyway, the Nats just signed Capps to 3.5. The Astros gave Lyon 3/15. Arizona gave Howry 2.25, Baltimore gave Gonzalez 2/12, Texas gave oliver 3.5… Teams with lower to no playoff chances give relievers some good cash all the time. Also, the Jays have merely about 60 on the books right now after spending 80-100 MM the last three seasons. A signing like Valverde could drastically change the dynamics of a team with some nice arms.
I just dont see why they should be discounted as a possible suitor. I’m not saying they should be expected to be offering like 3/35 or anything – but I can easily see them offering 5-7 over a year or two here. I would in their place. If the price is cheap in relation to the production, why not offer and see what happens?
Yeah Baltimore is definitely the the outlier and the flaw in my argument, I’d concede that no doubt but I think there’s logic in the other signings. Texas came quite close last year and with many young players who figure to improve, the angels figure to take a step back and signing a decent reliever for 3.5 makes sense in their case. The logic in the astros signing of lyon is illogic which they have displayed numerous times over the past couple of years. I don’t like the Howry signing much for Arizona but it isn’t a staggering amount for a middle reliever and it’s only one year. Capps is a rebound bet who could be sold off for prospects at the deadline and while I don’t like the number, it’s 1 year/3.5 vs Valverde who might get 2/20(but more likely 2/15).
I see your argument for sure, there is always a chance and I was being irrational saying there was zero. However with Scott Downs signed at 4 for next year, the jays being in a rebuild likely for the next couple of years along with a plethora of pen options internally, there really isn’t a point to sign Valverde. At least not at the price he is likely to get.
I do think the jays are a nice young team and I only think they have no chance in the division in the next couple of years because of the other teams in their division.
Except that they haven’t been linked to valverde minus mlbtraderumors speculation and they are rebuilding.
It’s been well reported that Fraser’s development of another off speed pitch was the key to his success this year and regardless, a 2.99 and 3.17 fip in two of the last three years is nothing to sneeze at.
The chances of Detroit making the playoffs are much much much higher than the Blue Jays who have to contend with three of the top teams in baseball.
The Jays are coming off a disaster of a contract in BJ Ryan which soured the fan base, a high priced late inning reliever wouldn’t only be a bad baseball move in general but also a bad pr move.
They just traded their ace and are not going to be contending in the next two years, so why would they sign Valverde on a one-two year deal?
Yeah you could argue Mike Gonzalez with the O’s and that Valverde’s price might not be as high as originally perceived but there will be enough teams interested for him to still be expensive.
Think the cubs are one team
As a tigers fan i am really pst that they aren’t attempting to sign scott posednik. He had a average over .300 and thwy can get him cheap. But on the other hand, the tigers need an actual closer. I dont want to see zumaya throw 106 and have his arm fall off.
I agree, I’d like to see Podsednik in center and leadoff until Ajax is ready full time
I am a Tiger fan and would like to try PODS for one year as leadoff man for some low dough.
Could the Mariners be one? I know Aardsma had a good year (kind of out of nowhere) but, IIRC, he didn’t have the best second half. The Mariners have been in the mix on lots of the big name FA and appear to be trying to contend next year.
Just a thought…
The Mariners have crossed my mind as a possibility. The AL West is within their grasp, and Jack Z is looking to win it now. Valverde would cost the Mariners their second round pick–the Astros would receive their 18th overall choice, with the Angels getting pushed back to the second round–and due to the loss of Beltre, the Mariners will still have a high compensation pick (43rd-ish overall). In my eyes, that’s not a terrible price to pay for a dominating reliever. Whether Zduriencik would give Valverde a significant contract, especially with another position player being the most pressing need, remains to be seen.
Maybe it’s just wishful thinking on the part of this Astros fan. That pick at 18 looks juicy to me.
I am also a Tigers fan, but I am not interested in Posednik, because he is an older, below average center fielder, with a low OBP. I think people see his high average and his stolen bases, and think that would translate into him filling our need as a leadoff hitter and centerfielder. As for who will play CF for us in 2010. I have to wonder if Raburn and Clete Thomas will platoon there, or if Casper Wells really steps up, because I think Jackson probably needs more time in the minors.
I support the signing of Jose Valverde, though losing the pick does hurt, because he seems to just too good to pass up. Also, I believe the team will be competitive this year, thanks to the AL Central, otherwise I would understand not paying for a closer.
re Pods: exactly. To repost one of my earlier posts on Scott Podsednik:The “break even” point on SB is 75%, anything less then that for your percentage and you are costing your teams more runs then you are gaining. And Pods hasnt stolen above 75% since 2004. In fact, the last 5 seasons combined he has been at 71% which is just pitifulPlus, getting caught so many times means you are not on base as often as your OBP would imply. For a guy with a huge OBP, maybe that wouldnt be that big of an issue. Pods is horrible at getting on base though, so every time he gets caught is a disaster! Well, when you remove the Caught Stealing from the TOB portion of the OBP calculation, this is what you get2004 .2932005 .3092006 .2962007 .2722008 .3002009 .328Car .313That is the real OBP value he has provided to his teams with his horrific running game. Couple it with the fact that he cant play CF and the fact that he provides much less then league average power, and you have a player that should not be on a ML roster, period. He holds no value as pinch hitter, holds no value as pinch runner, holds no value as a Defensive sub, and is clearly not a starter.
this year’s draft is sort of lackluster compared to last years..if i were the card’s GM…id offer valverde a 1 year+2 options. one player one team.
4.5MM+1MM incentives
club option for 7MM
player option for 5million.
C’mon home Papa Grande.
LET’S GO DBACKS!!
four offers…TAKE ONE ALREADY…MOST FREE AGENTS DONT EVEN HAVE 1 OFFER!!!!!
I know this is kinda of off topic but look here tigers fans Look at these stats this is a rookie prospect from double aa erie. His name is Brennan Boesch he’s 6’6″ 210 hits and throws left. He will be 25 around opening day. Check him out nice power hitting lefty G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA 131 571 52 89 145 26 7 28 93 11 2 33 127 .275 OBP SLG OPS TB .318 .510 .828 269
.318 OBP for a power hitter? .275 average in a full year of AA? I’d rather have Scott Podsednik. (Maybe not)
.318 OBP for a power hitter? .275 average in a full year of AA? I’d rather have Scott Podsednik. (Maybe not)
what boesch vs thome who the tigers have been linked to
I’d much rather take Thome than an inexperienced AA player who has a .318 OBP in a full year, to go along with an average average.
I’d much rather take Thome than an inexperienced AA player who has a .318 OBP in a full year, to go along with an average average.
what boesch vs thome who the tigers have been linked to
I know this is kinda of off topic but look here tigers fans Look at these stats this is a rookie prospect from double aa erie. His name is Brennan Boesch he’s 6’6″ 210 hits and throws left. He will be 25 around opening day. Check him out nice power hitting lefty G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA 131 571 52 89 145 26 7 28 93 11 2 33 127 .275 OBP SLG OPS TB .318 .510 .828 269
“If the A’s sign him, the best bullpen in baseball.”
I hope that was said in jest. Even with the departures of Saito and Wagner, it will be hard to top the AL East battle hardened team of Papelbon, Bard, Ramirez, Okajima, Delcarmen and whoever else is the 6th person.
“If the A’s sign him, the best bullpen in baseball.”
I hope that was said in jest. Even with the departures of Saito and Wagner, it will be hard to top the AL East battle hardened team of Papelbon, Bard, Ramirez, Okajima, Delcarmen and whoever else is the 6th person.
Tigs sign him and I’ll be pissed. He’s not worth giving up a first round pick for him. Especially with the Tigs rebuilding and not needing a long term closer with Perry and the lefty they got from Arizona in the Granderson deal.
Well, I meant which would you rather have personally, without giving up a draft pick. My personal preference would be Thome.
Well, I meant which would you rather have personally, without giving up a draft pick. My personal preference would be Thome.
Tigs sign him and I’ll be pissed. He’s not worth giving up a first round pick for him. Especially with the Tigs rebuilding and not needing a long term closer with Perry and the lefty they got from Arizona in the Granderson deal.
Because guessing is rather amusing, I’m going to take wild guesses at teams 3 and 4, and guess that they are the Cubs and Cardinals.
Cubs- Marmol has struggled, weakness in pen, Hendry isn’t the smartest GM out there, protected first rounder
Cardinals — because TLR has to go with an established vet for closer, and Ryan Franklin, your “closer” putting up a 1.80 K/BB signifies HUGE regression is on its way. They lose first rounder, but also stand to gain a few picks from DeRosa and Piniero.
I also think the multi year deals were the Cardinals and Cubs, simply because neither team has much payroll flexibility and a multi year deal with a lower base in ’10 would be beneficial in terms of payroll constraints.
what if Valverde sat out until after the draft.. i wouldn’t mind det. offering him a 4 yr. 30 mil as long as they could side-step the compensation pick.. would be intresting going foreward to see if any FA take that route… no reliever is worth a first round pick…
better not be the tigers. id rather have the 19th pick and the money. for a year of maybe 25 saves, they cant possibly justify it. Give schelereth, perry, zumaya, and coke a chance. they have three of the best young up-and-coming relievers in baseball and a guy who IMO is washed up but could surprise many.