Barring an incredible comeback or collapse, perennial playoff contenders like the Red Sox, Angels, Dodgers, and Cardinals won't be playing meaningful October baseball this year. In his weekly Sunday column, Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe examines why these clubs have fallen short in 2010. He also shares a few hot stove notes….
- One American League executive calls Derek Jeter a "two-year, $8MM-a-year player on the open market," though the exec acknowledges that the Yankees will pay more than that to keep their long-time shortstop around.
- While David Ortiz believes that he could play first base for a National League team next season, he tells Cafardo that he'd rather stay in Boston and DH.
- Carl Pavano's ideal offseason would see him signing a multi-year deal with the Twins. His agent, Tom O'Connell, says Pavano would "love for something to work out" with Minnesota. When MLBTR's Ben Nicholson-Smith looked at Pavano's impending free agency earlier this week, he concluded that the right-hander might have trouble landing more than a one-year deal.
- Cafardo spoke to Dodgers officials who said they'd be very surprised if the club moved Matt Kemp this winter. One team official told Cafardo, "You never know in trades, but I’d guess we’d have to be pretty overwhelmed to give up on him."
- Fredi Gonzalez is widely considered the favorite to replace Bobby Cox in Atlanta, but the former Marlins skipper should be a candidate for the Cubs and Mariners as well. Jim Hendry and Jack Zduriencik both like Gonzalez's managerial style.
Pavano seems to be a good fit for the Twins. Maybe go a year with an option, or just two years with him. No more than that,mostly because of age/injury history.
that comment about jeters value on the open market is very true. he is having the worst season of his career, and is pretty average offensively at shortstop. in addition, hes getting very old. i guess its just his accolades that will land him a monstorous 25 mil/yr contract
I agree with all this, but I don’t think he’ll get anymore money than he did in last contract… maybe a little less… but then again, he’s Derek Jeter, so if he wants that much, he’ll probably get it.
The concern shouldn’t be the amount of money,but the length of the contract. I look to see Jeter put up another year that matches his standards next year. He has a lot of pride and will come back next year with the intent of shutting up the naysayers that have taken shots at his play this year, as right as they are to say so. Jeter has never been a numbers guy, especially in the field. Statistcally he has never looked good when compared to others, that’s one of the reasons he’s been called overated and hyped throughout his career. All he’s ever done is win and deliver in the clutch.
That being said, he’s no longer the player he was and he won’t be getting better. The question is where is he going to play in the future? The Yankees can carry him in their
line-up next year, but not much longer, if he continues at the current output, and then at what position if he decides to play more than two more years?
I can see Tori Hunter trying to get David Ortiz to the Angels as a DH. Papis hit some bombs in Anaheim.
I agree that would be a great fit for both sides. Middle of order with Morales, Papi, and Torri is formidable for sure. Then they should try to move Napoli for some pitching
he’d be better than Matsui for sure…and I think they’d be better off with Abreu (let him go as a free agent after 2011)… not that he’s doing terrible… but it just seems like Matsui and him are kind of dragging the team down, I think they need more youth in the OF and at DH… although Papi is youthful… so he wouldn’t hurtI could be wrong, maybe Abreu and Matsui are great for the team, I haven’t really ever been in the clubhouse…it of course doesn’t help that Morales been hurt all year…and Figgin’s is no longer there of course…
I still think Matt Kemp could be traded. I just don’t see it for young prospects or anything. The Dodgers want and need a slugger. There really isn’t a lot on the free agent market this off season. Kemp can be an amazing player at times, but he draws negative attention his way and it doesn’t seem like he can handle it.
This is rough, but a Matt Kemp for Prince Fielder (dodgers would want time to work out a new contract before finalizing the deal)
I know more would have to go into it, probably from both sides, but it could be interesting for both teams. The dodgers couldn’t just shrug off possibly the best slugger in our league, especially if they could get a long term deal in place. Also, could the Brewers turn down a chance for an outfield of Braun, Kemp and Hart?
If the Brewers trade Fielder it will be for a small army of cost controlled prospects, not another player they may have trouble paying shortly.
if they get rid of papi they should get prince fielder
There’s a decent chance he’ll be on the block this winter, unless the Brewers decide to reallocate the money they had been spending on Hall and Suppan. Even so, I just don’t see Fielder in a Red Sox uniform in 2011.
20-25 million dollar DH… pricey… but he would no doubt help them.
Rasmus for Kemp?
Can we switch out Ethier for Kemp?
Can we switch out Ethier for Kemp?
Kemp has more potential that Rasmus, IMO. Kemp has at least done it at the mlb level, and there is a signficant mechanical flaw that is messing with his swing(it has to do with his plant foot not going down the same way as last year and his hips are therefore flying open). Also, he has been extremely unlucky..
Kemp has more potential that Rasmus, IMO. Kemp has at least done it at the mlb level, and there is a signficant mechanical flaw that is messing with his swing(it has to do with his plant foot not going down the same way as last year and his hips are therefore flying open). Also, he has been extremely unlucky..
Kemp has more potential that Rasmus, IMO. Kemp has at least done it at the mlb level, and there is a signficant mechanical flaw that is messing with his swing(it has to do with his plant foot not going down the same way as last year and his hips are therefore flying open). Also, he has been extremely unlucky..
Hopefully Boston does something this offseason! Maybe a Andre either or Matt kemp. I’d even take loney.
I could see the White Sox making a play for Kemp, allowing Rios to move to right and putting Q at DH.
Hopefully Ortiz signs a 2 year 12 million dollar deal. I think that’s fair for both sides.
Hosw about a Red Sox/Angels “two-fer”
DH-Ortiz and P-Okajima for C-Napoli and P-Jordan Walden
The red sox sign and trade Okajima and Papi and then trade them…?
Why not, if it gets the job done..
I also would like to see Epstein go after Matt Kemp and/or Colby Rasmus. The Sox need a power hitter, or two, in their outfield..
The Red Sox cannot just go to a team and say they want their most talented OFs…
Money talks!
Not when you are talking about guys like Kemp and Rasmus… Too much talent to just say “money talks”
Dodgers, under new ownership, may be hard pressed for $$$ for a few years.. And, as I understand it, Matt is in management’s doghouse for attitude problems on and off the field. Ellsbury, for instance might bring some excitement to LA, wouldn’t you think? He certainly comes cheaper than Kemp…for the forseeable future
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As for Rasmus, he already has one foot out the door in St. Louis…just ask Albert Poulos, who is gonna make $30M/yr for the next half decade… St. Louis may be hard pressed for $$$ too…
after they sign their big draw…
The Red Sox cannot just go to a team and say they want their most talented OFs…
The Red Sox cannot just go to a team and say they want their most talented OFs…
Why not, if it gets the job done..
I also would like to see Epstein go after Matt Kemp and/or Colby Rasmus. The Sox need a power hitter, or two, in their outfield..
The red sox sign and trade Okajima and Papi and then trade them…?
Hosw about a Red Sox/Angels “two-fer”
DH-Ortiz and P-Okajima for C-Napoli and P-Jordan Walden
Jeter deserves a 4yr/$80M from the Yanks. After all the good he has done and all the championships won while Jeter served as the Yankee’s captain. And, besides who is better? Jeter? Or, A-Rod?
Arod
I guess that is why they pay him $25M/yr rather than the $20M Jeter has been taking home for services rendered, eh?
I guess that is why they pay him $25M/yr rather than the $20M Jeter has been taking home for services rendered, eh?
Arod
I have mentioned this before, “After all the good he has done and all the championships won while Jeter served as the Yankee’s captain.” he has already been paid $200 000 000.00. So why should the Yankees over pay for below average offence and defence? There is no reason whatsoever that he should get more than maybe $24 mil/3yrs. That is still above average market value for him and it keeps him until he is 40.
You are right, Ellis, in theory…but he plays in New York,in the Bronx, and TEE is gonna be in the playoffs again. They might even win 100+ games … and, most importantly, they have no one to replace him, unless they move A-Rod back to shortstop, and go out and buy the services of a 3B, say, Beltre? I sincerely hope not…  I vote for the $20M/3yrs… What the H***! They committed $25M/yr to A-rod….until he is 40..
Jeter deserves a 4yr/$80M from the Yanks. After all the good he has done and all the championships won while Jeter served as the Yankee’s captain. And, besides who is better? Jeter? Or, A-Rod?
Sean McAdam on “Baseball guys” said he thinks RS will pick up Ortiz’s ’11 option which surprised me (I don’t think he says things without FO input). $12-13 million based on totals this year doesn’t seem horrible but considering his first 6 weeks the last two seasons, there is no reason to believe it will be any different next season. And then you might not get him to pull out of the funk. I just think the money is better spent elsewhere.
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” should get prince fielder”
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He’s going to get about 16 mil in arbitration in January and is UFA in ’11. A team that deals for him has no leverage in addition to paying him big $$$ in ’11 and sending good players to the Brewers. Then you have to deal with the weight. That’s too many negatives. Brewers aren’t going to be able to trade him till the deadline.
0% chance the Red Sox pick up Ortiz’s option…he doesn’t deserve that much, the market will be flooded with DH types, and he has already gone on record saying he wouldn’t like the option. The Red Sox would be smart to let him go after this season…they should cut bait with Ortiz, Lowell, Wakefield, Okajima, and Varitek imo.
(and papelbon)
(and papelbon)
0% chance the Red Sox pick up Ortiz’s option…he doesn’t deserve that much, the market will be flooded with DH types, and he has already gone on record saying he wouldn’t like the option. The Red Sox would be smart to let him go after this season…they should cut bait with Ortiz, Lowell, Wakefield, Okajima, and Varitek imo.
There is a serious chance the Sox pick up Ortiz’s option. If the FO wants him for 1 year they pick up the auction, but if they decline I don’t think Ortiz will take a 1 yr deal and they will have to commit to 2. It all depends on who is potentially a free agent in those years that could be DH.
There is a serious chance the Sox pick up Ortiz’s option. If the FO wants him for 1 year they pick up the auction, but if they decline I don’t think Ortiz will take a 1 yr deal and they will have to commit to 2. It all depends on who is potentially a free agent in those years that could be DH.
Sean McAdam on “Baseball guys” said he thinks RS will pick up Ortiz’s ’11 option which surprised me (I don’t think he says things without FO input). $12-13 million based on totals this year doesn’t seem horrible but considering his first 6 weeks the last two seasons, there is no reason to believe it will be any different next season. And then you might not get him to pull out of the funk. I just think the money is better spent elsewhere.
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” should get prince fielder”
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He’s going to get about 16 mil in arbitration in January and is UFA in ’11. A team that deals for him has no leverage in addition to paying him big $$$ in ’11 and sending good players to the Brewers. Then you have to deal with the weight. That’s too many negatives. Brewers aren’t going to be able to trade him till the deadline.
now there is many currently better than arod dont be so biased its not good.as for ortiz i believe he has earned a 2yr deal boston as it stands cant afford to lose his bat with guys coming back from injuries.i believe they will retain beltre not so sure with v-mart but ortiz is still a 30hr guy 2yrs 8 mill per yr sounds reasonable possibly 10 mil per yr.
now there is many currently better than arod dont be so biased its not good.as for ortiz i believe he has earned a 2yr deal boston as it stands cant afford to lose his bat with guys coming back from injuries.i believe they will retain beltre not so sure with v-mart but ortiz is still a 30hr guy 2yrs 8 mill per yr sounds reasonable possibly 10 mil per yr.
What the Fu*k? 16 million over two years? He deserves Less than 10 million for what he’s making this year. He’s on a clear decline.
Yeah and how much should Carlos Beltran make after next year?
30 million dollars. What do you think dude?
Ummm I don’t know, but what I do know is, Jeter, nor Beltran will be getting what they worth. I agree Jeter’s overpaid, but I don’t think any Mets fan can say Beltran isn’t.
Ummm I don’t know, but what I do know is, Jeter, nor Beltran will be getting what they worth. I agree Jeter’s overpaid, but I don’t think any Mets fan can say Beltran isn’t.
Ummm I don’t know, but what I do know is, Jeter, nor Beltran will be getting what they worth. I agree Jeter’s overpaid, but I don’t think any Mets fan can say Beltran isn’t.
30 million dollars. What do you think dude?
Remember when people were saying that a trade of Cano for Kemp was crazy cuz Kemp was too good.
Remember when people said to wait more than a season to say a 25 year old sucks, especially one that was the best CF in baseball last year? Oh wait, most people with a brain are still saying that…
Jus sayin…Cano’s mad good
Not disagreeing at all. I’m just saying that just this year shouldn’t cloud the judgment on Kemp, especially after last year.
kemp has focus issues that are a bit of concern
Bull.
Not disagreeing at all. I’m just saying that just this year shouldn’t cloud the judgment on Kemp, especially after last year.
Not disagreeing at all. I’m just saying that just this year shouldn’t cloud the judgment on Kemp, especially after last year.
Jus sayin…Cano’s mad good
Remember when people said to wait more than a season to say a 25 year old sucks, especially one that was the best CF in baseball last year? Oh wait, most people with a brain are still saying that…
Remember when people said to wait more than a season to say a 25 year old sucks, especially one that was the best CF in baseball last year? Oh wait, most people with a brain are still saying that…
I do think that Jeter deserves more than 8 million a year for two. He wants to break records in New York and I say you let him. Just because of one bad year you guys think he is over and done with. I say you give him 15 mil for 3 years.