Here are some quick notes from around the West divisions:
- The Mariners have interest in re-signing outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, likely to a one-year, incentive-based deal, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times writes. (Twitter links).
- M's GM Jack Zduriencik also says the Mariners might attempt to improve their outfield via trades, Divish tweets.
- The Dodgers are discussing Michael Young as a possible option in their infield, Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times writes (via Twitter).
- Mike Morse wants $7MM or $8MM on a one-year contract, ESPN's Buster Olney tweets. That seems to be a lot to pay a player who hit .215/.270/.381 with poor defense last season. The Astros are reportedly among the teams interested in Morse.
- The Astros have also recently spoken with representatives of outfielder Grady Sizemore, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart writes (via Twitter). Sizemore, 31, last played in the big leagues in 2011.
- The Rockies are interested in both Morse and Young, the Denver Post's Troy Renck tweets.
- Now that the Mark Trumbo trade is complete, the Angels are likely to keep second baseman Howie Kendrick, MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez tweets.
- Giants GM Brian Sabean says that if infielder Pablo Sandoval comes to spring training in good shape, the Giants would consider signing Sandoval to an extension, MLB.com's Chris Haft tweets.
- Rangers GM Jon Daniels says free-agent outfielder Nelson Cruz doesn't owe the Rangers special consideration despite missing 50 games in 2013 after being suspended, reports ESPN's Richard Durrett. "He had a decision to make," says Daniels. "[W]e all understood the position he was in. I can’t speak for everybody, but I don’t view it that way. I don’t think he owes us." Cruz could have appealed his suspension and continued to play for the Rangers last season, but he chose not to.
- If the Diamondbacks are unable to trade for a pitcher, they could pursue Matt Garza, MLB.com's Steve Gilbert tweets.
They have no choice, Pujols and Hamilton are there for a while so they have to bank on them making some comebacks
Let’s not forget that kid named after a fish. He’s the centerpiece now so Pujols and Hamilton can take a step back and just have 25 HR/90 RBI seasons and their offense will be fine. In 2013, the Angels offense showed that it can absorb the struggles of Pujols and Hamilton. Pitching was their problem. For the most part, that area has been solved.
That’s an interesting way to justify an 84 loss season.
It’s one thing to want $7-8 million for the 2014 season, it’s a completely different thing to actually get it. If Mike Morse’s agent honestly thinks he can get Morse anything in excess of $5-6 million he needs to have his head examined.
I wonder if the M’s would have any interest in Jon Jay? Maybe a Jay for Nick Franklin deal helps both sides.
Although I think Garza would be a nice addition the Dbacks rotation, they need to be careful to not overpay
Teams don’t need homers to win
Yup. This. People get so caught up in HRs. They may be the most valuable run creating tool but they aren’t the only one.
Well said
I don’t think it’s unreasonable to believe that Pujols and Hamilton will outproduce last years output. Freese provides an uptick in power at 3rd over last year’s options, and it is quite possible that a platoon of Calhoun/Shuck/Cron could provide value in Trumbo’s absence. Couple that with the newly acquired rotation depth and another potential signing and the club looks to be in better shape.
Even a 7-2 off suit can get lucky on the river
River may never come for this PED flame out
Trumbo was a real hoss for the Angels these past 3 years, I’ll miss him. Big right handed kid with a big swing. I hope these two guys we got in return are good. Skaggs is a former Angels #1 pick traded away for Haren when Dipoto was in Arizona.
Kendrick for a pair of KC Royal young arms or a deal with the reds that nets Homer Bailey (if they trade BP) would still be a prudent move.
Just seems they brought back 2 backend SPs in this deal to me.
I say the D-Backs should just get Garza. Makes sense to me
Sending Blanton back to the National League like the Dodgers if interested of bringing him back or to the Brewers would benefit him playing for either of those teams or retire by going into coaching.
Blanton? No thanks. – Ned
Given the need for a RH power bat and outfielder, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Morse end up back in Seattle in 2014. His big flaw is defense, but Zduriencik brought him in before. In fact, I’d rather have Morse on a lower cost 1 year deal than Nelson Cruz on the reportedly offered 5YR/75M (I think this was the offer).
Nelson Cruz would be Walter Thurmond III/Jesus Montero 2.0 as the a mariners don’t need another one of that PED clone.
You answered your own question. A bench bat who can be kept in the game in a variety of positions. He isn’t a great defender but he isn’t a fencepost with a glove either.
he was comparing young and uribe choosing one over the other which implies he wants young over uribe at 3b. which is an awful idea. and even as a bench he is eh with the stint he had with us he only had 3 extra base hits in 50ish AB -.-
No point in comparing Uribe and Young since one would be an everyday position player and the other a bench player.
Giants for Sizemore? Could be a sneaky move.
its not about the offensive numbers though. its the defense and uribe played gold glove defense last year. michael young as a career is an awful 3b look at his numbers last year
You are correct, Trout, Hamilton and Pujols must hit over 100 “dingers” between them. However, Trumbo was your typical slugger: one homer in every five games, lots of strikeouts, hitting into lots of DPs and a sagging slash line. Trade was good for Angels.
Im sorry but I find it hilarious that all a guy has to do is stay in shape and he can make millions. come on Pablo lay off that carne lol.. ridiculous.
There should be a clause in that contract that voids it if he goes over 240 lbs.