While last winter was an offseason of transition for the Cardinals, the club is now set to retain almost everyone after coming just one win away from reaching the World Series, writes Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com. Kyle Lohse and Lance Berkman are the club's only two free agents, but neither player is expected to return to St. Louis. Lohse seems bound for a significant payday with another club while Berkman is contemplating retirement. Here's more out of the Central divisions..
- Twins General Manager Terry Ryan confirmed that the club "would like to keep" right-hander Scott Baker, tweets Phil Mackey of 1500 ESPN. Baker, who is seven months removed from Tommy John surgery, said earlier this year that he would like to remain in Minnesota.
- Jane Lee of MLB.com expects to see the Athletics target veteran pitching this winter to support their young rotation. Billy Beane & Co. could help achieve that goal by re-signing Brandon McCarthy but they are also expected to comb the open market for one-year options.
- John Farrell and Blue Jays General Manager Alex Anthopoulos were never a good fit, writes Shi Davidi of Sportsnet. At today's introductory presser in Boston, Farrell indicated that he and the GM weren't able to communicate effectively during their two years together in Toronto.
- Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports thinks that the Marlins' dysfunctional ownership could be a deterrent to managerial candidates.
wade3061
I hope the A’s sign McCarthy. I wouldn’t mind seeing a three year deal, I like his performance and attitude.
Snoochies8
It would not be a three year deal, too much of an injury risk to secure a multi year deal.
1 year, heavily incentive-laden, and if he proves to be healthy next year, then a 2 year deal with an option year is the right balance between risk and security
Iconoclast17
Agree. McCarthy has been a real plus for the A’s, but he’s injury prone. Not nearly as bad as Rich Harden, but enough to give him an incentive-laden contract. Especially after the skull fracture. Will Dallas braden retire? I think he’s about done.
UnknownPoster
haha i like how it actually links to Tommy John’s stats
fstop13
I like how it says “here’s more out of the central divisions”but only 1 out of the 5 teams mentioned are in the central.
Snoochies8
Would love having McCarthy back but that’d mean we’d sign another veteran since McCarthy is guaranteed to not give you more than 20 starts
Even so, McCarthy is too awesome of a person not to resign, and they could probably resign him with the money saved from a Braden non-tender
Lunchbox45
I’d solely sign him for his tweets.
Snoochies8
Me too
jigokusabre
Congradulations to Jeff Passan for stating the obvious.
Loria pined for Ozzie for three years, ignoring the job Fredi Gonzalez was doing.. then he fired Ozzie after one year (for the crime of being Ozzie Guillen).
Lunchbox45
guess its the thrill of the chase
Will Gio
What ever Billy Beane does, will end up working in the long run lol