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Archives for May 2012
Yankees Notes: Soriano, Robertson, Rivera
Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is expected to miss the rest of the 2012 season after tearing his ACL last week. Here are some links explaining the long-term impact of Rivera’s injury on the Yankees’ bullpen:
- Joel Sherman of the New York Post suggests Rafael Soriano may contemplate hitting free agency in search of a long-term contract after the season if he takes over for Rivera and pitches well. Soriano has a $13MM player option for 2013.
- David Robertson will earn considerably more through arbitration next year if he becomes the closer. The right-hander, who is under team control through 2014, could become a candidate for a long-term deal if he can handle closing, Sherman writes. An extension would keep Robertson in place for years to come and help the Yankees keep their payroll under the upcoming luxury tax threshold of $189MM.
- Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports wonders how much of a pay cut the Yankees can expect Rivera to take if they re-sign him this offseason. He suggests a 10% reduction to $13.5MM could work for both sides in 2013.
- The majority of MLBTR readers believe Robertson should replace Rivera according to our weekend poll.
Quick Hits: Hamels, Buchholz, Red Sox, Nationals
Earlier tonight, the Nationals' Bryce Harper became the first teenager to steal home since Ed Kirkpatrick did it for the Angels in 1964. Meanwhile, tonight's injury sustained by Jayson Werth could shift the youngster over to right field for the time being. Here are some links on this Sunday night..
- Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com (via Twitter) believes that Cole Hamels can approach C.C. Sabathia's record $161MM deal if he reaches free agency. The Phillies haven't made much progress with Hamels on a new deal lately.
- If the Red Sox decide to send Clay Buchholz to the minors, the pitcher will first have to clear optional waivers, writes Alex Speier of WEEI.com. It's unlikely that Buchholz would be claimed, however, as optional waivers are revocable.
- The Nationals worked out pitcher David Ramos, the younger brother of catcher Wilson Ramos, earlier today, according to Mark Zuckerman of CSNwashington.com (via Twitter). Wilson caught for his brother as he threw 89-91 mph and GM Mike Rizzo was in attendance, tweets Dan Kolko of MASNsports.com.
This Date In Transactions History: Roger Clemens
Of all the dramatic things Suzyn Waldman has ever seen, the comeback of Roger Clemens ranks pretty highly. On this date in 2007, the Rocket appeared in George Steinbrenner's box at Yankee Stadium during the seventh-inning stretch as the Bombers faced the Mariners. Clemens told the rabid crowd over the PA system, "Thank y'all. Well they came and got me out of Texas, and I can tell you its a privilege to be back. I'll be talkin' to y'all soon."
The return marked Clemens' fourth return from retirement, enough to make even the most indecisive boxer or professional wrestler roll his eyes. Coaxing the hurler out of the Lone Star State wasn't cheap either as he inked a deal worth the pro-rated portion of $28,000,022 (the "22", of course, for his jersey number). That worked out to $18.7MM in total, good for roughly $4.7MM per month and $1MM per start. The contract also included a "family plan" clause that excused Clemens from traveling with the club for trips in which he was not scheduled to start.
It wasn't hard to understand why the Yankees would back up a Brink's truck for his services – the club was in desperate need of pitching and Clemens had posted a 2.40 ERA with 8.4 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 across parts of the last three seasons in Houston. The 44-year-old's final return from retirement wasn't quite as sharp. Clemens made 17 starts and one relief appearance in the regular season and registered a 4.18 ERA with 6.2 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9. The Rocket was then shut down for the final few weeks of the season as he was bothered with a left hamstring injury.
Clemens' first start in the postseason proved to be his final of the year and his career. In Game 3 of the ALDS against the Indians, the right-hander aggravated that same hamstring in the third inning and was pulled by manager Joe Torre. The severity of the injury led the Yankees to pull him from the playoff roster, leaving him ineligible until the World Series. Unfortunately for Clemens & Co., the Yanks didn't make it beyond the ALDS as Cleveland wrapped up the series in four games. Clemens' final go-round in the majors wouldn't net him a third championship ring, but it did add to his overall net worth. According to Baseball Reference, the Rocket made nearly $151MM over the course of his 24-year big league career.
MLBTR Originals
Here's a look at the original reporting and analysis from the MLBTR writing team this week..
- Ben Nicholson-Smith spoke with Carlos Villanueva about his role with the MLBPA.
- Earlier in the week, Jason Frasor told Ben that he was on board with the changes to the CBA.
- Dan Mennella looked at closers with 2013 options with a very preliminary look at whether they will be picked up.
- Mike Axisa asked MLBTR readers how the Yankees should go about replacing Mariano Rivera in 2012 and more than 57% of you said that the club should turn the job over to David Robertson rather than giving it to Rafael Soriano or making a trade.
- Dan brought us the interesting and little-known story of Herb Washington.
- Ben brought us updates on converted relievers that have been brought into starting roles.
- This week's edition of Baseball Blogs Weigh In included items on Rivera, Huston Street, and Albert Pujols.
- Check out the transcript of our weekly chat hosted by BN-S.
- Mark Polishuk described Bryan LaHair as having "quality sleeper potential" in a column for Roto Authority back in January, but didn't expect him to blossom into a trade candidate.
- Here's a refresher on our commenting policy. Play nice, everyone. We're also looking for folks to help us enforce our rules as moderators.
- More than 51% of MLBTR readers believe that Johnny Damon will prove to be the best minor league DH signing over Hideki Matsui, Manny Ramirez, and Vladimir Guerrero.
NL Central Links: Brewers, Counsell, DeWitt
Some links pertaining to the game's largest division…
- Despite a slew of injuries, Brewers owner Mark Attanasio told reporters (including MLB.com's Adam McCalvy) he won't give up on the 2012 season. The Brew Crew will be without Chris Narveson and Mat Gamel for the remainder of the season, while Alex Gonzalez's season is in doubt after a knee injury, and Carlos Gomez was placed on the DL. Ryan Braun is also not 100 percent, as he's dealing with an ailing Achilles Tendon in his right foot.
- Longtime Brewers infielder Craig Counsell has contemplated returning in the last 24 hours, tweets McCalvy, but for the time being he isn't anticipating a comeback.
- The Cubs hope the recently-DFAed Blake DeWitt will clear waivers, as they'd like to keep him in their organization, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com (Twitter link).
- Earlier today, the Cubs released Triple-A right-hander Dan Berlind.
Week In Review: 4/29/12 – 5/5/12
Here's a look back at the week that was on MLBTR…
- Yankees closer Mariano Rivera suffered a torn ACL and will likely miss the remainder of the 2012 season. Despite the devastating injury, Rivera stressed to reporters that he's not going out like this and that he fully intends to pitch again.
- In perhaps the most significant trade of the young season, the Angels acquired Ernesto Frieri from the Padres in exchange for minor leaguers Alexi Amarista and Donn Roach. It was well-known that the Halos were looking for bullpen help, and they managed to secure a controllable right-hander with tremendous strikeout numbers, though he could miss the vast dimensions of Petco Park.
- In a more minor trade, the Rangers acquired outfielder Ryan Spilborghs from the Indians and assigned the former Rockie to Triple-A Round Rock. Cleveland will receive cash in exchange.
- Continuing their search for third base help, the Athletics inked Brandon Inge, who had been released by the Tigers the previous week. Inge hit his first Oakland homer today.
- In a similar move, the Dodgers signed a recently-released former All-Star when they inked Bobby Abreu to a minor league contract. Abreu will see some time in the outfield and serve as a bat off the bench.
- An extension is possible for the Dodgers and Andre Ethier, who told the team's new ownership that he'd be willing to negotiate a deal midseason rather than waiting until the winter. Ethier could be in line for as much as $90MM over six years.
- The Orioles are close to bringing Miguel Tejada back to the organization. He'll sign a contract with his former team this week, assuming he can pass a physical on Monday.
- Delmon Young's trip to the restricted list will cost him a week without pay — roughly $260K in salary. The Tigers' left fielder was involved in an alcohol-related confrontation on the team's recent road trip to New York.
- Marlins reliever Juan Oviedo (formerly Leo Nunez) will now be suspended for eight weeks — not six — upon securing a visa and returning to the United States. Ovideo's punishment is the result of pitching under an assumed identity (Nunez).
- The list of Tommy John victims continued to grow, as the Orioles announced this week that Tsuyoshi Wada will undergo the procedure and miss the 2012 season. Wada signed a two-year, $8.15MM contract with Baltimore this offseason and pitched just 2 2/3 innings.
- He may not have a place in the everyday lineup currently, but Brandon Belt won't be traded anywhere, according to Giants GM Brian Sabean.
- Neither of the players in the Padres' double-play tandem — Jason Bartlett or Orlando Hudson — are part of the team's long-term plans. Both are candidates to be traded, or perhaps even released.
- The Yankees signed Cuban outfielder Adonis Garcia to a minor league deal worth $400K. Garcia had been rumored to be in line for a potential eight-figure deal last year, but scouts now question his ability to be a big league regular.
- The Twins claimed outfielder Erik Komatsu off waivers from the Cardinals and designated Clete Thomas to make room for him on the 25-man roster. Komatsu made his Twins debut in right field this weekend.
- The Rays signed a familiar face, inking Hideki Matsui to a minor league contract. Matsui will report to extended Spring Training for the time being.
- Jorge Cantu opted out of his minor league deal with the Angels and elected free agency early last week. He is now free to sign with any team.
- Once thought to be a potential closer candidate, Zach Braddock has instead received his release papers from the Brewers. The 24-year-old lefty hasn't pitched since Spring Training for undisclosed medical reasons.
- The Reds took a flier on former elite setup man Michael Wuertz, signing the injury prone right-hander to a minor league contract.
- Not to be outdone, the Red Sox one-upped Cincinnati's gamble by signing Mark Prior to a minor league deal. Prior has attempted numerous comebacks without success.
Minor Moves: Thomas, Berlind
We'll keep track of Sunday's minor transactions here…
- Clete Thomas has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Rochester by the Twins, the team announced (on Twitter). Thomas homered in his second plate appearance for Minnesota, but hit just .143/.172/.286 overall while striking out in 14 of his final 19 plate appearances.
- The Cubs released right-hander Dan Berlind, according to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat. Berlind, a seventh round selection of the Twins in 2007, had walked 10 through 8 1/3 innings, leading to 16 earned runs.
Brewers Near Extensions With Melvin, Roenicke
Brewers owner Mark Attanasio has indicated that he's nearing extensions with general manager Doug Melvin and and manager Ron Roenicke, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel (on Twitter).
Melvin has been general manager of the Brewers since 2002. As MLBTR's Transaction Tracker shows, he's made notable trades for C.C. Sabathia, Zack Greinke, and Shaun Marcum while also drafting the likes of Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, and J.J. Hardy. Recently, Melvin has signed Aramis Ramirez and Randy Wolf to big-money free agent contracts.
Roenicke has been the Crew's manager since the beginning of the 2011 season. He led the Brewers to an NL Central Division title and an impressive 96-66 record in his first season at the helm. He now sports a 108-81 mark in his managerial career.
Quick Hits: Rays, Wright, Mets, Oswalt, Weaver
Sunday afternoon linkage..
- The Rays could look out-of-house for an answer at third base, but Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times writes that they could get by with what they already have.
- Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports opines that the Mets should consider trading third baseman David Wright this offseason. If the Mets were to trade Wright mid-season, the third baseman would have the ability to void his $16MM option for 2013, weakening his trade value. Instead, Rosenthal suggests that they wait to exercise his option and then shop him.
- Jake Peavy said of friend Roy Oswalt, "I can promise you: He's getting ready to play," tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (via Twitter).
- Angels pitcher Jered Weaver has no regrets about signing a five-year, $85MM extension with the club last summer, writes Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times. As a free agent, Weaver could have gotten a deal similar to what Cole Hamels is expected to earn, in the neighborhood of $20MM per season.
