Links for Tuesday…
- Talking to Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times, Rays manager Joe Maddon indicated he'd like to bring in additional players to compete at second base and in the bullpen.
- Derek Lowe told David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution the Braves' failed attempt to trade him is now an "absolute non-issue."
- According to Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald, MLB and the players' union expressed concern that the Marlins "have not been spending proceeds from revenue sharing on payroll as required in the Basic Agreement." Look for a slight payroll increase in 2010, and a much bigger one in 2012 when the new ballpark opens.
- John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer passes along Aroldis Chapman contract details from the AP. There are scenarios where Chapman can choose to go to arbitration if he's eligible after the 2012 or 2013 seasons. Meanwhile, MLB.com's Mark Sheldon chronicles the Reds' involvement on Chapman dating back to March.
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports tweets that the Mariners have thought about Jonny Gomes this winter, though he's no longer a great fit.
- MLB.com's Corey Brock tweets/passes along an XX 1090 appearance by Padres GM Jed Hoyer. Hoyer said he has offers out to three free agents.
- MLB.com's Adam McCalvy says Mark Mulder's sit-down with the Brewers is scheduled for Thursday. A minor league agreement is possible.
- Jack Moore of FanGraphs says Aubrey Huff is not an upgrade for the Giants.
rootman1010
anybody else think xavier nady would be a great fit with the mariners? he could platoon with kotchman at first base and get time in left/DH with bradley/griffey…
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
Why didnt the M’s bring back Branyan after the year he had? Poor guy hits 31 bombs and cant get a job…and you bring in a Mark Grace type guy to replace him….!
Guest 446
Don’t insult Mark Grace like that.
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
lol ya Mark Grace is the funniest broadcaster alive….gotta love him, Kothman not so much love for him
stl_cards16
hmmm I was thinking Wagner Mateo had signed….how much is he looking for now?
No chat today?
martinfv2
Chat Wednesday perhaps.
Guest 423
I really hope that one of those SD offers is a reasonable contract for either Orlando Hudson or Felipe Lopez to upgrade over Eckstein at 2B. I appreciate Eck’s “intangibles” as much as the next guy, but I’m more of a tangible fan.
wine club
Doubtful, I think we’re stuck with Eck for one more year. I don’t really understand the point of paying someone you know will end up being replacement level, or worse.
Guest 424
Hoyer has already said he is not going to make a significant splash in the FA market. NO way its O Dog.
They (the Padres) need a middle infielder, a right handed hitting outfielder that can possibly play CF and a innings eating starter. A VET back up catcher.
OF
Jerry Hairston, maybe but we will not compete with the Yankees, it will come down to money and a ring or playing time.
Reed Johnson not ideal but mashes lefties, good defender right in the Padres price range, cheap!
Gomes, not ideal because of his below AVG D. but can crush lefties in a platoon situation and has proved so much.
X. Nady, again, I do not think the Padres can get in a bidding war and what “power” hitter really wants to come to Petco knowing how extreme it is…
Mark Redman is a possibility for a primary back up, do not expect Ausmus or a Molina. However as I have said before I would rather Ryan and Hundley push each-other instead of a back up catcher with limited offensive skills, especially since Ryan is a very good defender now.
I do agree that Eck is more suitable to be a back up at this point than an everyday play.
IMO if the Padres lose out on Jerry H. Jr. they will sign Reed J. and get their middle infielder through a trade or in ST.
Starting pitchers,
Padilla
Weaver
Davis
Garland
I would like Garland, Weaver but Davis would by ideal for Petco IMO and is an “innings eating” type pitcher. but IMO they cant get in any bidding wars with many teams.
Lowry would be a good pick up but you cannot expect a player that has not pitched for a few years to be your innings eater. I still think he would be a nice low risk high reward “gamble”.
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
Micky…. good write up man… I agree 100% Davis would be cool, I know Washburn is asking like 5-7 Mil but do you think he would be a good fit at Petco? Also Hows Gomes defense? Could he even play in center at Petco?
Guest 429
Gomes D is far from ideal! Having said that would his power make up for it maybe not..
He is not a CF however TGJ could come in as a let inning defender, again not ideal.
I don’t think Washburn is realistic because of his asking price and other potentials the Pads need.
I think the Padres see the right handed hitting outfielder as the main hole, if you will. That IMO will be the first “big” moves by the Padres, and I still do not see it being significant.
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
How about signing Branyan for a back 1st base and Interleauge DH role? 3rd times a charm…lol I love that guy I wish him the best and hope he gets a starting job, you know who else would be cool to PH and DH in interleauge would be Thome
Guest 432
Too pricey, he is looking for some money! Plus we have Oscar as well for the DH, not too many games playing with the DH, I think that is a very over rated focal point.
I always said Branyan would be comparable to Dunn if he had the Ab’s I love the guy, but do not see that at all.
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
Ya I figured that…I completely forgot about Oscar… man he is a great hitter too so ya we already have that PH/DH type guy….hopefully he gets some 2b at bats too
Guest 434
Yea I think he will at 2nd. Man would a great pick up for cla MeriDEATH lol
Guest 426
dream bigger.
also, i think you are really putting too much stock into the new GM’s quote. A January signing of one of the leftover FAs isn’t exactly a BIG SPLASH.
Guest 428
Dream bigger OR be realistic!?
Who do you think is realistic?
I am not sure what your comment regarding “a Jan. signing of one of the leftover FA isn’t exactly a BIG SPLASH.”
I said, I do not think the will make any significant FA signings period.
stl_cards16
I still have to log in every time I comment Tim….I don’t know what the deal is
bjsguess
It’s a good reminder about Chapman. His contract is a guaranteed 5/25 (player option for 6/30). However, the costs will be much higher (assuming he makes it to the bigs and is successful). The Reds are still on the hook for arbitration. This could easily net him another $20m if he becomes a Super 2. That would bring his costs up to the 5/45 range.
bigpat
Mark Mulder has been linked to the Brewers for 2 years now, just sign him already or part ways. I don’t see the big deal. His career is more than likely over, so just give him a minor league deal with no risk and see how he looks in spring training. I don’t get why it’s so hard to strike a deal with this guy.
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
Who are the 3 Padres offers too? Ausmus/Lowry/Hairston jr? man lol those 3 guys would be ok to have but as gar as impact…that’s about as much impact as a Fly running into a wall
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
I wish: Washburn/Nady/backup catcher that doesn’t exist because all the good ones signed already…..I wish we could trade headley to free up the LF position.
rootman1010
if headley was moved do you think will venable would get the job?
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
that would just make way too much sense huh? Veneble is going to be a monster and I hope he somehow gets to start everyday… Headley might get better but why wait when we have Veneble who is quite amazing….
Guest 427
I think Venable made great strides, however.. he also struck a a grip and was not adjusting to the breaking pitch in the dirt. I think he can be a 25 HR guy and play a very good RF but to say amazing, lets wait and see a full year.
I think Headley can get much better he mashed in the minors, at every level. I do not know how much power he will develop, but getting him at his natural POS. and getting another everyday shot will show, this will be his make or break year if he is not traded.
vtadave
Venable a “monster”? I think he can be a solid everyday player, but I’ve seen nothing (minors or majors) to suggest he’s a future All-Star. Maybe I’m missing something.
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
dude in was less at bats Veneble was better in every way possible then Headley….I think he’s going to be a really good player…..so what if I want to hype him up alittle no one besides Pads fans know who he is anyhow
Guest 425
Kouz or Headley will be moved. Hoyer is emphasizing pitching, speed and defense, knowing that and the fact they (the Padres) want Headley at his “natural” pos. I think we know at some point Kouz or Headley will be moved.
CF TGJ and a right handed hitting platoon CF Reed Johnson possibly..
Venable RF
Blanks LF
Now if Adrian were traded, Blanks will be at first “opening” up a spot in the outfield, per se’.
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
I would really rather see Headley gone then Kouz…Kouz’s defense is getting more and more Caminiti like every year but obviously not as strong of a arm (no one throws like he did) What could be actually get for Headley though? 1 starting pitcher and 1 prospect? Anyone else think Headley looks like a taller more fit Axle Rose? lol
Guest 431
Money will also play a factor, I think it would be easier for this regime to trade headley in contrast with the last because of his hype under Sandy Alderson. However, Headley has not exactly had “ample” time in the bigs, I believe without looking he is still only 26 this year, not exactly an old player. Hey, I like Kouz and Headley, but the I feel Headley while he may not improve still has a higher ceiling. Kouz could get better offensively and I agree his D. is very good, but his atrocious starts are nowhere close to ideal!
I would HOPE the Padres would go after MLB ready prospects with Headley or Kouz as “chips”. Maybe an outfielder, I would love Taylor from the A’s but they just gave up a 3rd base prospect to bring Taylor in so I don’t know if thats even close to possible. Possibly a young arm.
You can NEVER have enough pitching, but the Padres need to address there lack of run production!
Having said that Kouz hit pretty well hitting clean up considering.. not too bad with RISP
TheReturnOfMrBlanks
Amen… Seeing some runs on the board would be nice, no matter what happens I’m looking forward to next season. Hopefully we make the right moves and get us back to the playoffs in the near future…we don’t want to become lifers like the pirates and royals
Guest 433
I agree, I think the recent drafts have been vastly improved! The scouting depth has been expanded and Hoyer seems to be a very good fit.
The Farm system is also vastly improved.
I love the fact that these young kids are exciting and playing with fight, it should be a exciting season with some very frustrating growing pains.
rootman1010
i agree with most of the points you guys have made…
dare i get you two started on the adrian gonzalez topic? you could get a better catcher and second base prospect. heath bell’s stock is higher now than it’ll ever be. would you trade either of them?
Guest 435
I could banter all day about the Padres bring it! lol 🙂
rootman1010
if only there were some reasonable cubs fans out there to banter with 😉
looks like we are going to find the limits of how far this forum indents for ‘reply’s lol
Guest 437
Very true! lol
BeisbolFan!
It seems like the Brewers and Mulder have been flirting for a while.
breakz
Marlins not properly spending revenues shared with them?
This is my shocked face. O_O
Jeff
Jack Moore has not clue and no credibility regarding the Giants if he thinks that Huff replaces Lewis in the lineup…and then to suggest that Lewis plays “solid defense”…LOL…I laughed my bass off. Huff is a reasonable place holder until we get Adrian Gonzalez to play 1B next year.
Jeff
Jack Moore has not clue and no credibility regarding the Giants if he thinks that Huff replaces Lewis in the lineup…and then to suggest that Lewis plays “solid defense”…LOL…I laughed my bass off. Huff is a reasonable place holder until we get Adrian Gonzalez to play 1B next year.
CitizenSnips
“The Marlins have consistently made every effort to put the best product on the field and our record supports the fact that we have been successful in that regard”
Pffffttt except when you trade or let go nearly anyone making over $1 million. Plus the $60MM in 05 to $15MM in 06 in that article is astounding.
CitizenSnips
“The Marlins have consistently made every effort to put the best product on the field and our record supports the fact that we have been successful in that regard”
Pffffttt except when you trade or let go nearly anyone making over $1 million. Plus the $60MM in 05 to $15MM in 06 in that article is astounding.
AkronHammer
hope Chapman turns out a good guy who doesnt have pot ( Lincecum) and doesn’t run with the money and plays good…..HIGHLY DOUBT IT!
CitizenSnips
Why does everyone feel the need to take a cheapshot at Lincecum? It’s the 21st century, lots of people smoke pot. I’m sure nearly every person would not like to have their job performance judged by stuff they did outside of work.
AkronHammer
hope Chapman turns out a good guy who doesnt have pot ( Lincecum) and doesn’t run with the money and plays good…..HIGHLY DOUBT IT!
YanksFanSince78
It’s about time MLB stepped up on pressure the Marlins into spending their revenue sharing proceeds towards the players. They will never be able to compete with the bigger market teams in spending but they can certainly should be able to afford to field a $60 mil team and retain players like Uggla and Hermida who are not quite “expensive” players during their arbitration years.
Kevin
“They will never be able to compete with the bigger market teams”
Forgetting 03? We still had a pretty low payroll then. About a 1/3 of the Yankees if I am remembering correctly.
And Hermida was traded because he sucks. Hope all that “potential” works out for Boston.
jagteq
Talk about selective reading. The full quote is “They will never be able to compete with the bigger market teams IN SPENDING.” Tell me that’s not true.
Does more spending automatically equal better? Of course not. The ’03 Marlins that you mentioned and the 08′ Rays are sterling examples of that. But, letting your best players walk or trading them away when they hit arbitration year #1 because you’re unwilling to pay them isn’t a good baseball decision, it’s a call driven ENTIRELY by a desire to pull off bigger profits. Was Hermida a superstar player? Of course not. But would they have traded him last year? I doubt it. I’m more thinking of the guys like Uggla who get shopped every year or JJ who got lowballed on his (totally fair, btw) contract request. That kind of business may turn a profit for the Marlins’ owners but it’s not at all conducive to putting a quality product on the field, year in and year out.
-JM
YanksFanSince78
Thank GOD someone takes the time to read a post completely.
YanksFanSince78
It’s about time MLB stepped up on pressure the Marlins into spending their revenue sharing proceeds towards the players. They will never be able to compete with the bigger market teams in spending but they can certainly should be able to afford to field a $60 mil team and retain players like Uggla and Hermida who are not quite “expensive” players during their arbitration years.
Brian M
Why does the title of this include the ROYALS? There is nothing about the Royals in this update.
twenty1thirteen
There was a link earlier today.
Brian M
so they erased the link?? that’s odd.
twenty1thirteen
Yeah, I don’t know what’s up. It was pretty much old news saying that DM is close to signing one of the other top 5 international free agents. When I first heard this, I had a small hope that it would be Chapman, but then I dropped back to reality.
Sd_brain
i think the pads made offers to Winn, Redmond and an unknown player not Lowry because his agent isn’t taking offers for him until his audition.
Ohhhplease
I see the Pads bringing in Reed Johnson, Brad Ausmus and maybe Doug Davis. I think Noah Lowry would have a hug upside, and the Pads do have a plethora of #5’s if Lowry were to go down again.
Trading Bell now would be the smartest thing the Pads could do, I see a team like the Marlins, Rangers or Rays who have a wealth of young arms being an ideal fit for Heath.
I think the Pads will improve on last year and may flirt with .500 ball most of the season, baring any major injuries. Still not sure how this is going to all play out with Blanks Venables and Headley as well as a new CF, but I do like the direction Hoyer is taking the team.
Any thoughts on what Bell would garner in the open market ? 2-3 quality players, maybe one MLB ready arm and two AA players?
Longoria4MVP
Honestly, im a Rays fan, they want 2nd base, Orlando Hudson, Bullpen? Why not a Jose Contreras for middle relief and I think the should go after Joel Piniero as a 3-4 guy and have the starting rotation as: Shields, Garza, Piniero, Niemann, and a 5th place battle between Wade Davis, Andy Sonnanstine and possibly others?
Longoria4MVP
Honestly, im a Rays fan, they want 2nd base, Orlando Hudson, Bullpen? Why not a Jose Contreras for middle relief and I think the should go after Joel Piniero as a 3-4 guy and have the starting rotation as: Shields, Garza, Piniero, Niemann, and a 5th place battle between Wade Davis, Andy Sonnanstine and possibly others?