2016 MLB thread. THE CUBS HAVE BROKEN THE CURSE! Chicago Cubs are your 2016 World Series champions

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I read somewhere that your new GM didn't wanna start off on a bad foot with the bosses by going against the hire that they wanted.
 
most definitely, bobby. valentine is a lucchino hire, not a cherington hire. hope all decisions wont be lucchino and brass decisions...cherington can make decisions, let him do his thing.
 
most definitely, bobby. valentine is a lucchino hire, not a cherington hire. hope all decisions wont be lucchino and brass decisions...cherington can make decisions, let him do his thing.
 
Valentine will not allow Josh Beckett to not work in between starts. Valentine will find out how three of Carl Crawford's five tools disappeared last year, and he will make sure he finds them in 2012. He will not allow anyone from Red Sox management, be it John Henry or Tom Werner or Larry Lucchino, to walk into his office and tell him about how the game is played. And no manager in the game will outfox Valentine on any strategic move. In the one year I covered his team, and for the 30 years I have known him, not once have I asked him a question about a move he made in a game for which he didn't have a legitimate answer.

Red Sox Nation, you have one of a kind in Bobby Valentine. I have never met anyone quite like him in baseball. He will make your team better right away. And he'll never be boring.


kurkjian thinks mighty highly of bobby v....
Click to expand...
 
Valentine will not allow Josh Beckett to not work in between starts. Valentine will find out how three of Carl Crawford's five tools disappeared last year, and he will make sure he finds them in 2012. He will not allow anyone from Red Sox management, be it John Henry or Tom Werner or Larry Lucchino, to walk into his office and tell him about how the game is played. And no manager in the game will outfox Valentine on any strategic move. In the one year I covered his team, and for the 30 years I have known him, not once have I asked him a question about a move he made in a game for which he didn't have a legitimate answer.

Red Sox Nation, you have one of a kind in Bobby Valentine. I have never met anyone quite like him in baseball. He will make your team better right away. And he'll never be boring.


kurkjian thinks mighty highly of bobby v....
Click to expand...
 
Bobby V was a ESPN guy, they won't bad talk him yet.

Bobby V's first moves.

Spoiler [+]
Somebody should make this sign and hang it on the front door of the Boston Red Sox clubhouse:

ALL PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS TO BE LEFT HERE, NEVER TO ENTER.

Because ignoring reputations and focusing on the task at hand is the best way -- and maybe the only way -- they can all make this mix work together. There will be an enormous amount of talent in the room, and all of them -- from Josh Beckett to Bobby Valentine to Jon Lester to Larry Lucchino -- have an opportunity to bury the past, to succeed in spite of what is said about them.

As Valentine emerged as a managerial candidate, some Red Sox players have been upset; they've been grumbling to each other, through texts and phone calls. Maybe it's because they heard Bobby critique their play on the air. Maybe they haven't liked his tone. Maybe they haven't liked his smile. Maybe they've heard bad things. And the fact is they had no power to do anything about it, because the September collapse completely undercut the credibility of the Red Sox players. If one of them had called the front office to register concerns about Valentine, they might've heard laughter on the other end of the line. The Boston players had complete control of the clubhouse in 2011, and we know what happened.

Well, the players should forget about that history, about their preconceived notions of Valentine, and focus on this: Bobby Valentine really cares about baseball; he really wants to win. He will be into every pitch of every inning of every game of every week of every month of the season. He will see everything.

If you gave a test to all folks in the sport about all aspects of the game, I'd guess he might score as high or better than anyone currently in uniform -- about how the sport is played, why it's played, how it needs to be played, what makes hitters succeed, what makes pitchers succeed, and the proper way for infielders to prepare for a play and make a play. He'll protect relievers from overuse, he'll rest tired position players, he'll use his bench guys. He'll talk, he'll explain, he'll listen.

This is probably Valentine's last chance at managing in the big leagues. And did I mention this -- he really wants to win.

And what Bobby should do is live on planes for the next six weeks, to go see his new players, one by one. Go see Beckett with a clear mind. Forget the story about the beer and the video games and the fried chicken, and forget about what he did on the mound in September. Before that last month, Beckett was revitalized; Bobby was in the broadcast booth on a Sunday night in April when Beckett had his 2011 coming-out party, when he had a great curveball and fastball and shut down the New York Yankees. Beckett can be one of the best pitchers in the majors, and he's been the leader of two championship teams in the last nine seasons, dominating great hitters in big games. He will likely have a chip on his shoulder going into next year, considering all that's been said about him during the past month-plus. He really wants to win.

Bobby should go see Carl Crawford in Houston, where Crawford willed his way out of one of the worst neighborhoods in this country and became a great baseball player. Never mind what was seen in 2011; hang with Crawford for a day, and see him get up at 5 a.m. for an offseason workout, and go through that with him. By the end of the day, his struggles in 2011 will make more sense. No player puts more pressure on himself than Crawford; he really wants to win, to succeed.

Valentine should visit with Lester, to talk him with him about any anger he might have about how he's been portrayed in Boston. Based on what he's said to friends in the past, Lester probably is among the many players who would prefer that reporters weren't swirling around the clubhouse every day. Valentine can encourage him: Hey, forget about all of them. Forget about 2011. You're just 28 years old and you're one of the best left-handers in the game of baseball, and you will be great again. Lester had terrible trouble with in-game adjustments at the end of the season, at limiting his pitch count early so that he would have a chance to be in the game in the seventh inning, and part of the reason is that he tended to fight himself. Lester really wants to win.

All the Red Sox players will desperately want to win this year, to thrive, slam the door on what happened this year. One by one, Valentine should talk with the players, and the players should talk with him, and they should all listen, and he should listen.

Everybody should understand: New general manager Ben Cherington is not a kid. He's 37 years old and a New Hampshire native who grew up with the Red Sox; he's been with the Red Sox organization longer than any of them, longer than Kevin Youkilis or Lucchino, certainly longer than Valentine. What happens in the big leagues is part of a larger picture, and Cherington knows about all the moving parts better than anyone.

Cherington must be part of the chain of command. Lucchino has been Valentine's patron saint in this process and is the person most responsible for Valentine getting this opportunity, and now Lucchino must withdraw from the room. He must allow the relationship between Cherington and Valentine to form and to build and to strengthen. Lucchino cannot create a situation in which Cherington is diminished, in which Lucchino becomes the person Valentine reaches out to solve problems and make decisions.

There are tinderbox elements in place, and this situation could explode underneath all of them: Players wounded by a historic collapse and angry with the media coverage; a new manager who has a strong personality and a strong reputation, to the point that he may be swimming upstream against the perception of some of his players; a new general manager, and seemingly a power vacuum in the front office after the departure of Theo Epstein; owners who have mostly been absent, as John Henry and Tom Werner were when Cherington was introduced as general manager; and media scrutiny that will almost certainly be unprecedented because of the personalities and the 2011 collapse, and because of the new social media era we are in. It could be a disaster.

And it could be great, if they all work well together, which cannot happen unless they leave all preconceived notions at the door.

Valentine emerged from a long and convoluted search, writes Peter Abraham. There is now a major piece in place for the Red Sox, writes Nick Cafardo. Valentine's analysis gives a window into his view of the Red Sox, writes Steve Buckley.

The Red Sox just got a hero or a villain.

From ESPN Stats & Information:

Some of Valentine's history:

• Managed 15 years in MLB (1985-92 with Rangers, 1996-2002 with Mets)
• 1,117-1,072 record (.510 win percentage)
• One World Series appearance (2000 Mets)
• Two postseason appearances overall (1999 and 2000 Mets)
• Son-in-law of Ralph Branca (surrendered Bobby Thomson's famous home run)
• Managed Chiba Lotte Marines (Japan) in 1995 and 2004-09
• Led Marines to first Japan Series win since 1974
• Previously worked with statistical analysts while working with Rangers
[h3]Notables[/h3]
The new collective bargaining agreement landed in the inbox of baseball executives last Wednesday in the form of an attachment. During the past week, officials have been reading and absorbing and some broad-stroke conclusions have been drawn about the draft, throughout the sport:

1. Generally speaking, there will be a big rush in the first 10 rounds of the draft on high school players, because only in those rounds will teams be able to offer substantial money to lure them away from college. In recent years, some teams have made significant offers to high school players after the first 10 rounds, but now, because of the soft cap on bonuses, teams will be limited to offers in the very low six-figure range.

So in other words, a good high school baseball player drafted after the first 10 rounds will have this choice: Go to college on scholarship, or sign for $80,000 or $90,000 with a pro team. And for a lot of players, this will be a no-brainer -- they'll go to college.

On the other hand, a college player whose eligibility has run out and has been drafted after the first 10 rounds will be compelled by circumstances to sign. So it makes sense for teams to go after high school players in the first 10 rounds.

2. The new rules will be very, very good for college baseball programs. A lot of college juniors will choose to stay in school for a fourth year because, in a lot of cases, the dollars being offered through the draft will not be enough to lure them away from the prospect of staying in school another year and getting their degree.

3. Because of the bonus limits in the draft, there will be an increasing focus on scouting and signing the cheapest available talent -- overseas, in Latin America and in other countries. Teams presumably will allocate even more scouting resources to find hidden gems in all corners internationally.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. Bruce Bochy and Brian Sabean got contract extensions, and Sabean says the San Francisco Giants won't be making any big-ticket splashes. Sabean says he was impressed by Brandon Crawford.

2. It costs nothing for the Chicago Cubs to have the world think they're in on Albert Pujols, and it may cost a division rival a little money, so hey, why not let everybody talk about it?

The Cubs' interest in Pujols is hard to assess, writes Bryan Burwell. Which is the point, from the Cubs' perspective. The recent report looks like an attempt to stir the market, writes Gordon Wittenmyer. The high-priced free agents don't fit with the Cubs, writes Phil Rogers.

Tom Ricketts likes the new direction of the Cubs.

3. The St. Louis Cardinals seek some clarity in the Pujols talks, writes Derrick Goold.

4. The Kansas City Royals signed Jonathan Broxton and are working to build up their bullpen, writes Sam Mellinger. Bruce Chen believes in what the Royals are doing, writes Rustin Dodd. Jeff Francoeur wooed Broxton to Kansas City, writes Kevin Kernan.

5. The Colorado Rockies are targeting Ramon Hernandez and Martin Prado and are looking to move Chris Iannetta, writes Troy Renck.

6. Greg Maddux left the Cubs to join the Texas Rangers, writes Jeff Wilson.

7. Here are five potential candidates for the Houston Astros GM job.

8. The suitors for Prince Fielder are forming a line. If in fact the Cubs are actually interested in acquiring a power hitter, then Fielder would fit their philosophy better than Pujols would, because Theo Epstein has never believed in investing big dollars in players after their 35th birthday.

Within the same Tom Haudricourt piece, there is word that a top Milwaukee prospect was hurt in a car accident.

9. Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik dodged some Fielder talk.

10. Building a bullpen is an art at which Terry Ryan is adept, writes Joe Christensen.

11. Larry King is aligning with Dennis Gilbert in pursuit of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

12. Baseball executives weighed in for Mike DiGiovanna on what makes a good owner.

13. The San Diego Padres are hoping their new players help, writes Bill Center.

14. Brian McCann's contract situation looms for the Atlanta Braves.

15. The Astros got permission to talk to Andrew Friedman.

16. The Astros signed a catcher.

17. The Toronto Blue Jays and Oakland Athletics might get busy with their Andrew Bailey trade talks, writes Richard Griffin.

18. The Jays are interested in a K.C. reliever, writes Bob Elliott.

19. The Philadelphia Phillies cut a reliever to give him a chance to play in Japan.

20. It's a no-brainer for the Phillies to keep Wilson Valdez.

21. The Yankees really don't have any pressing needs, writes Tyler Kepner.

22. Brandon Phillips is skipping the Cincinnati Reds fanfest, perhaps because of his contract talks, writes John Fay.

• Dec. 7 is the day that free agents must decide whether to accept arbitration offers from their old teams, and the most interesting choice, easily, is in the hands of Francisco Rodriguez. It would appear that his best chance for making the most money in 2012 would be to accept an arbitration tender from the Milwaukee Brewers; he might make $12 million or $13 million in this way. But he would be a setup man for John Axford, not a closer, a role Rodriguez covets; he complained at the end of the regular season about not being a closer. If he insists on being a closer and rejects arbitration, he might have to accept a deal through which he would make 20 or 30 or 40 percent less than he would make with the Brewers.

Best fits for Carlos Beltran.

Spoiler [+]
Once one of the game's premier center fielders, Carlos Beltran nearly fell off the radar after losing parts of 2009 and 2010 due to knee problems. While Beltran's bum knee means that his days as a Gold Glove center fielder are over, he showed in 2011 that he still was an offensive force, even in a corner outfield spot.

The dominance of Beltran's .300/.385/.525 isn't clear until you consider the pitcher-friendly parks he played at in New York and San Francisco and the level of league offense. Baseball-Reference's OPS+ statistic, which takes park factors and league scoring into consideration, rates 2011 as the best-hitting year of Beltran's career (156 OPS+).

Beltran turns 35 in April, so this is likely to be the final big money contract he will sign. While Beltran is a serious Hall of Fame candidate on merit (he's 10th all-time among center fielders in wins above replacement), there's little question that he's on the downside of his career. His age might be a red flag, but to a contending team, it represents an opportunity to bring in an excellent hitter without the commitment in time and money that it takes to land Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder.

In a neutral park and league, the ZiPS projection system sees Beltran hitting .281/.366/.478 in 2012, worth 3.0 WAR. ZiPS projects a steady decline after that, in both offense and playing time, with Beltran being worth 4.5 WAR over the following two seasons. Assuming $4.7 million per win in 2012 and three percent salary growth, that performance level typically costs around $27 million on the open market for two years and $36 million over three years. While he's unlikely to sign for exactly those figures, it provides an initial framework as to what it would take to bring him in.

Given that, there are three teams with the means, motive and money that would be good fits for Beltran.
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[h3]Atlanta Braves[/h3]




While the Braves aren't big spenders, Beltran's contract is unlikely to break the bank, especially given that the team already cleared $5 million in the Derek Lowe trade and no longer has to give $10 million to Nate McLouth and Scott Linebrink. It might be more than the team wishes to spend, but being right on the cusp of a playoff spot and in competition with the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals, two teams that are expected to be far more aggressive than in previous years, Atlanta can't afford to skimp on its investment.

Chipper Jones will, some year, make good on his retirement threat, and any Beltran contract will expire before the team starts owing big bucks to Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward. Beltran, in the short term, adds a real middle-of-the-order bat to the Braves, who need to finish better than 10th in the league in scoring to keep their elite pitching from being wasted. If they had traded for Beltran last July, as had been rumored, the Braves surely would have made the playoffs and the St. Louis Cardinals would not have won the World Series.

bos.gif

[h3]Boston Red Sox[/h3]




Josh Reddick and Ryan Kalish might be more cost-effective than Beltran, but neither are likely to come close to matching Beltran's bat. The Red Sox are in the business of competing now in a tough division, not squeezing every penny and hoping to fall into a wild card.

Reddick hit well in his first month as a full-time starter, but he also hit .244/.293/.389 in the second half, much more in line with his .243/.300/.449 line in nearly 800 Triple-A plate appearances. Beltran's a switch-hitter with a career OPS 50 points higher against left-handers than right-handers, which isn't unwelcome in a lefty-heavy lineup. And since Beltran can still take the field, neither his knee nor his salary preclude the Sox from bringing back David Ortiz.

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[h3]San Francisco Giants[/h3]


The Giants might have fallen out of contention after acquiring Beltran in July, but you can hardly place any of the fault at his feet given his .323/.369/.551 line in San Francisco.

Getting Buster Posey back should help and Melky Cabrera is a small upgrade in center, but that just isn't enough for a team that finished last in the NL in runs scored. If the Giants don't make a serious play for a shortstop -- overpaying left-handed reliever Javier Lopez and getting into a baffling bidding war for Willie Bloomquist headed a bizarre offseason priority list -- their best move would be to bring Beltran back for a few years. Nate Schierholtz is a good enough stopgap/fourth outfielder, but Beltran's bat would go a long way toward preventing the team from squandering one of the league's best pitching staffs for a second straight year.

Rumors.

Spoiler [+]
http://[h3]Reyes' visit to Philadelphia[/h3]
11:27AM ET

[h5]Jose Reyes | Mets [/h5]


Fact: Everybody's favorite marquee free-agent shortstop, Jose Reyes, was spotted in Philadelphia on Tuesday, eating at the popular Olde City restaurant, the Continental.

Fact: The Phillies are currently looking for a shortstop, since their longtime incumbent, Jimmy Rollins, is a free agent.

And now the fiction: So clearly, the Phillies were wining, dining and dangling many dollar bills at Reyes in an attempt to make him their next shortstop, right?

Uh, wrong, according to numerous sources. Here's just a sampling of the reaction from assorted Phillies officials to rampant rumors Tuesday linking the Phillies to Reyes:

"That is such bull." ... "Absolutely nuts." ... "I haven't heard that guy's name mentioned in our offices in two months." ... "People can make what they want of it, but this is not a guy for us."

Get the picture?

When ESPN.com tracked down Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. on Wednesday morning and ran this scenario by him, he replied: "I never talk about free agents, but you can quote me on this. If he was in the Continental in Philly, I have no knowledge of it. I don't even know if he was there. But if he was, I have no knowledge of it."

Amaro reiterated that his team's preference is to re-sign Rollins. But if Rollins goes elsewhere, they're strongly considering giving their minor-league player of the year, 22-year-old shortstop prospect Freddy Galvis, an opportunity either to win the job or share it with a veteran such as Wilson Valdez.

What they're not considering, according to multiple sources, is doing a $100-million deal -- or anything close to it -- to any free agent. And that includes Reyes, no matter where he was spotted eating lunch Tuesday.

So what WAS Reyes doing there? Philadelphia Daily News gossip columnist Dan Gross tweeted Tuesday night that he was simply visiting his daughter.

- Jayson Stark

http://[h3]Phils to look at Elarton[/h3]
11:16AM ET

[h5]Philadelphia Phillies [/h5]


The Philadelphia Phillies, looking for a low-risk deal that could yield a notable reward, have agreed to a minor league contract with righthander Scott Elarton, says Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.

Elarton, a first-round pick of the Astros in 1994, has been plagued by shoulder problems and is 68-45 with a 3.95 ERA in 188 big-league games. He last pitched in 2010 when he had an 8.24 ERA in 16 games for Triple A Charlotte in the White Sox system.

Elarton is now believed to be healthy, making him worthy of a look next spring.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Giants shopping relievers[/h3]
10:59AM ET

[h5]San Francisco Giants [/h5]


Seeking to cut some costs in the bullpen, the San Francisco Giants are trying to move Jeremy Affeldt and/or Ramon Ramirez, says Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.

The Giants exercised left-hander Affeldt's $5 million option after the season and also signed lefty Javier Lopez to a two-year, $8.5 million contract. Ramirez is expected to earn about $1.65 million in arbitration.

The Giants would love to find a taker for starter Barry Zito and his $19 million contract for 2012, but they stand a better chance of getting some bang for their buck by dealing Affeldt or Ramirez, given that middle relievers are often in demand.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Tough call for K-Rod[/h3]
10:35AM ET

[h5]Francisco Rodriguez | Brewers [/h5]


Wednesday is the day that free agents must decide whether to accept arbitration offers from their old teams, and the list includes Francisco Rodriguez, who is pondering whether to return to the Milwaukee Brewers.

In Wednesday's blog, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes that K-Rod's best chance for making the most money in 2012 would be to accept an arbitration tender from the Brewers, where he would be in line for a possible $12 million to $13 million payday.

Rodriguez, however, would then have to remain as the set-up man to John Axford, giving up the chance to return to being a closer elsewhere.

If K-Rod does go the free agent route, he has something else in his favor. As part of the new collective bargaining agreement, a team that signs Rodriguez, a Type A free agent, will not forfeit a draft choice, which should increase his value.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Prince still waiting for Milwaukee offer[/h3]
10:21AM ET

[h5]Prince Fielder | Brewers [/h5]


After a few weeks of relative quiet, the market appears to be forming for free agent first baseman Prince Fielder, just in time for the frenzy of the winter meetings.

But up to this point, the Brewers have shown no inclination to make an offer to keep him in Milwaukee, writes Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel. General manager Doug Melvin tells Haudricourt he would monitor the market to see where it goes, giving Fielder the opportunity to gauge outside interest.

While there is no word that the club has spoken to agent Scott Boras just yet, the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/sea/seattle-marinersSeattle Mariners plan to go after Fielder, writes Greg Johns of MLB.com.

The M's sorely need offense and despite rumors that the club may want to keep their payroll in the $95 million range, it's clear the organization sees an opportunity to climb out of the cellar in the American League West.

The http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/chc/chicago-cubsChicago Cubs and http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalsWashington Nationals are also on the trail for Fielder and the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/tex/texas-rangersTexas Rangers could jump in at any time. Fielder is said to want an eight-year worth $200 million.

Are the Cubs serious players? ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney gives his take:

- Doug Mittler

olney_buster_30.jpg
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Prince a good fit in Chicago?
"If in fact the Cubs are actually interested in acquiring a power hitter, then Fielder would fit their philosophy better than Albert Pujols would, because Theo Epstein has never believed in investing big dollars in players after their 35th birthday."
Click to expand...
http://[h3]Cubs want lefty bats[/h3]
10:09AM ET

[h5]Chicago Cubs [/h5]


New general manager Jed Hoyer says his club is in need of left-handed hitters, among other things,as told to ESPN Insider's Jim Bowden on SiriusXM Radio Tuesday. This may confirm the club's interest in Prince Fielder, though Hoyer didn't use those exact words.

The Cubs could see Carlos Pena as a backup plan at first, and are likely to explore the trade route extensively.

Hoyer also said the Cubs want to improve their starting pitching and defense, which could mean a different kind of player at second and/or third base, and in the outfield.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]The market for Prado[/h3]
9:39AM ET

[h5]Martin Prado | Braves [/h5]


The name of Martin Prado has been bandied about as trade bait for months, and the Atlanta Braves should receive plenty of inquiries at the winter meetings for the 28-year-old who was essentially miscast as a left fielder last season.

Prado remains a priority for the Colorado Rockies, where he could play second or third base. Troy Renck of the Denver Post says the issue is whether the Braves would deal Prado without receiving a center fielder in return. The Rockies reportedly have made Dexter Fowler off limits, offering Seth Smith instead. Renck says the Rockies also are reluctant to include Georgia Tech product Charlie Blackmon as part of a deal with Smith.

The Detroit Tigers, who are looking to upgrade at second base and third base, also are interested in Prado, reports Jon Paul Morisi of Foxports.com.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Tigers have eye for Izturis[/h3]
9:19AM ET

[h5]Maicer Izturis | Angels [/h5]


The Detroit Tigers, who are looking to upgrade at second base and third base, are interested in trading for Los Angeles Angels infielder Maicer Izturiz, reports Jon Paul Morisi of Foxports.com.

Morosi says the Tigers remain in the hunt for Atlanta's Martin Prado, but are open to deal for the 31-year-old Izturis, who posted a .276/.334/.388 line last season. Izturis aso could also fill the role of leadoff hitter in Detroit.

Izturis would be part of a mix with Ryan Raburn, Brandon Inge and Don Kelly for the second and third base positions in Motown. The Tigers also have been linked to free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Kennedy headed to LA[/h3]
8:56AM ET

[h5]Adam Kennedy | Mariners [/h5]


Financial concerns will likely prevent the Los Angeles Dodgers from making a major free agent splash this winter. The Dodgers are following a more modest approach, and are closing in on a deal with infielder Adam Kennedy, says Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com.

Kennedy would likely serve as the primary backup at first, second and third base. Jackson adds that, barring another offseason pickup, Justin Sellers, who appeared in 36 games for the Dodgers as a rookie, stands to be the other backup infielder.

Kennedy grew up in Riverside, California attended Cal State-Northridge and spent seven of is 13 big-league seasons with the Angels.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rockies shopping Iannetta[/h3]
8:39AM ET

[h5]Chris Iannetta | Rockies [/h5]


Earlier this week, we mentioned that the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/col/colorado-rockiesColorado Rockies have contacted the agent for free agent http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4097/ramon-hernandezRamon Hernandez and are willing to deal catcher Chris Iannetta, as per a report by Troy Renck of the Denver Post.

Renck reports Wednesday that the Rockies have had talks with the Angels, offering Iannetta for righthander Tyler Chatwood, who was 6-11 last season. Rival executives said Colorado is seeking multiple players for Iannetta, including at least one big-leaguer.

The Rockies would like to lock up a deal with Hernandez before moving forward on a deal with Iannetta. The 35-year-old Hernandez hit .282 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 91 games for the Reds last season and is considered the best free agent catcher available.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rollins a Plan B for St. Louis?[/h3]
8:18AM ET

[h5]Jimmy Rollins | Phillies [/h5]


The Cardinals are doing their best to convince free agent Albert Pujols to stay in St. Louis, a process that is taking some time. If Pujols were to land elsewhere, the Cardinals would be scrambling to replace at least a portion of the production generated by the three-time MVP.

Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch writes Wednesday that the Cardinals could shift their focus to free agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins, the 2007 NL MVP with the Phillies, if Pujols leaves town.

The Cardinals are pondering a variety of ways on how to fill the shortstop position for 2012 and are interested in re-signing switch-hitter Rafael Furcal. Rollins would provide some extra offensive pop, but will come at a higher price.

Meanwhile, the Phillies would like to re-sign Rollins and settling their shortstop issue will be their primary task heading into next week's winter meetings, writes MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Pujols market continues to evolve[/h3]
7:55AM ET

[h5]Albert Pujols | Cardinals [/h5]


The market for Albert Pujols may finally be taking shape with word from ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that the Chicago Cubs have reached out to the agent for the three-time Most Valuable Player.

Although discussions between team officials and agent Dan Lozano are in the early stages, Crasnick says the Cubs appear poised to join the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins as a serious suitor. There also is speculation that the Cubs are interested in Prince Fielder, the other top free agent first baseman available.

Derrick Goold of the Post Dispatch reports Wednesday that Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has remained in conversation with Lozano and the two are expected to meet again about Pujols at next week's winter meetings in Dallas. The Cards are believed to be searching for clarity in the talks, "so they can more forward or move on."

In January, the Cardinals reportedly presented Pujols with an extension worth about $200 million over nine seasons. Goold said it is not clear if that offer stands or if the Cardinals plan to revisit it. A methodical approach regarding free agents is nothing new to the Cardinals, who, a few offseasons ago, did not finalize a deal with Matt Holliday until January.

Meanwhile, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney tweets Tuesday morning that the mere perception the Cubs are after Pujols or Fielder helps them to potentially drive up the price for division rivals. The Red Sox did the same thing to drive up the Yankees' price for http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3240/mariano-riveraMariano Rivera.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]KC building around bullpen[/h3]
7:27AM ET

[h5]Jonathan Broxton | Dodgers [/h5]


An already busy offseason for the Kansas City Royals continued Tuesday with the signing of free agent reliever Jonathan Broxton.

The plan is for Broxton, a former All-Star closer, to serve as a set-up man in Kansas City behind Joakim Soria. It also is an indication that the Royals are "a bit freaked out" by the market for starting pitchers, writes Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star.

The Royals already have traded for Jonathan Sanchez and convinced Bruce Chen to agree to a hometown discount and accept a two-year, $9 million deal to stay in Kansas City. At this stage, Mellinger says the Royals "have focused on building the best possible bullpen around a hope-for-the-best rotation."

That means the Royals, who have their sights on being competitive in the AL Central next season, will pass on top free-agent starters such as C.J. Wilson and Edwin Jackson because they are not necessarily worth the cost.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Reds, Phillips closing in?[/h3]
7:07AM ET

[h5]Brandon Phillips | Reds [/h5]


UPDATE: Phillips tweets Tuesday that the two sides are heading in the right direction toward a multi-year extension for the second base to remain in Cincinnati.

But GM Walt Jocketty tells MLB.com's Mark Sheldon on Tuesday night that a deal isn?t imminent. "I think it's still a ways to go," Jocketty said. "We?re still hopeful to get something done. We?re glad he feels that way."
We discussed yesterday the news, and implications of such news, that the Cincinnati Reds and second baseman Brandon Phillips were making progress, yet not close to a contract extension. If the talks drag out and bleed over into the season, there's a chance the plans change for the Reds.

Phillips, now 30, will be a free agent after 2012 season. If the Reds don't feel they can sign him to a deal they like, the all-star and Gold Glove winner could become trade bait. If that occurs this winter, clubs such as the Detroit Tigers could come calling.

The Toronto Blue Jays could also be a match. The Reds are seeking starting pitching this season, so any deal involving Phillips, if there ever is one, probably has to include a big-league ready starter.
 
Bobby V was a ESPN guy, they won't bad talk him yet.

Bobby V's first moves.

Spoiler [+]
Somebody should make this sign and hang it on the front door of the Boston Red Sox clubhouse:

ALL PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS TO BE LEFT HERE, NEVER TO ENTER.

Because ignoring reputations and focusing on the task at hand is the best way -- and maybe the only way -- they can all make this mix work together. There will be an enormous amount of talent in the room, and all of them -- from Josh Beckett to Bobby Valentine to Jon Lester to Larry Lucchino -- have an opportunity to bury the past, to succeed in spite of what is said about them.

As Valentine emerged as a managerial candidate, some Red Sox players have been upset; they've been grumbling to each other, through texts and phone calls. Maybe it's because they heard Bobby critique their play on the air. Maybe they haven't liked his tone. Maybe they haven't liked his smile. Maybe they've heard bad things. And the fact is they had no power to do anything about it, because the September collapse completely undercut the credibility of the Red Sox players. If one of them had called the front office to register concerns about Valentine, they might've heard laughter on the other end of the line. The Boston players had complete control of the clubhouse in 2011, and we know what happened.

Well, the players should forget about that history, about their preconceived notions of Valentine, and focus on this: Bobby Valentine really cares about baseball; he really wants to win. He will be into every pitch of every inning of every game of every week of every month of the season. He will see everything.

If you gave a test to all folks in the sport about all aspects of the game, I'd guess he might score as high or better than anyone currently in uniform -- about how the sport is played, why it's played, how it needs to be played, what makes hitters succeed, what makes pitchers succeed, and the proper way for infielders to prepare for a play and make a play. He'll protect relievers from overuse, he'll rest tired position players, he'll use his bench guys. He'll talk, he'll explain, he'll listen.

This is probably Valentine's last chance at managing in the big leagues. And did I mention this -- he really wants to win.

And what Bobby should do is live on planes for the next six weeks, to go see his new players, one by one. Go see Beckett with a clear mind. Forget the story about the beer and the video games and the fried chicken, and forget about what he did on the mound in September. Before that last month, Beckett was revitalized; Bobby was in the broadcast booth on a Sunday night in April when Beckett had his 2011 coming-out party, when he had a great curveball and fastball and shut down the New York Yankees. Beckett can be one of the best pitchers in the majors, and he's been the leader of two championship teams in the last nine seasons, dominating great hitters in big games. He will likely have a chip on his shoulder going into next year, considering all that's been said about him during the past month-plus. He really wants to win.

Bobby should go see Carl Crawford in Houston, where Crawford willed his way out of one of the worst neighborhoods in this country and became a great baseball player. Never mind what was seen in 2011; hang with Crawford for a day, and see him get up at 5 a.m. for an offseason workout, and go through that with him. By the end of the day, his struggles in 2011 will make more sense. No player puts more pressure on himself than Crawford; he really wants to win, to succeed.

Valentine should visit with Lester, to talk him with him about any anger he might have about how he's been portrayed in Boston. Based on what he's said to friends in the past, Lester probably is among the many players who would prefer that reporters weren't swirling around the clubhouse every day. Valentine can encourage him: Hey, forget about all of them. Forget about 2011. You're just 28 years old and you're one of the best left-handers in the game of baseball, and you will be great again. Lester had terrible trouble with in-game adjustments at the end of the season, at limiting his pitch count early so that he would have a chance to be in the game in the seventh inning, and part of the reason is that he tended to fight himself. Lester really wants to win.

All the Red Sox players will desperately want to win this year, to thrive, slam the door on what happened this year. One by one, Valentine should talk with the players, and the players should talk with him, and they should all listen, and he should listen.

Everybody should understand: New general manager Ben Cherington is not a kid. He's 37 years old and a New Hampshire native who grew up with the Red Sox; he's been with the Red Sox organization longer than any of them, longer than Kevin Youkilis or Lucchino, certainly longer than Valentine. What happens in the big leagues is part of a larger picture, and Cherington knows about all the moving parts better than anyone.

Cherington must be part of the chain of command. Lucchino has been Valentine's patron saint in this process and is the person most responsible for Valentine getting this opportunity, and now Lucchino must withdraw from the room. He must allow the relationship between Cherington and Valentine to form and to build and to strengthen. Lucchino cannot create a situation in which Cherington is diminished, in which Lucchino becomes the person Valentine reaches out to solve problems and make decisions.

There are tinderbox elements in place, and this situation could explode underneath all of them: Players wounded by a historic collapse and angry with the media coverage; a new manager who has a strong personality and a strong reputation, to the point that he may be swimming upstream against the perception of some of his players; a new general manager, and seemingly a power vacuum in the front office after the departure of Theo Epstein; owners who have mostly been absent, as John Henry and Tom Werner were when Cherington was introduced as general manager; and media scrutiny that will almost certainly be unprecedented because of the personalities and the 2011 collapse, and because of the new social media era we are in. It could be a disaster.

And it could be great, if they all work well together, which cannot happen unless they leave all preconceived notions at the door.

Valentine emerged from a long and convoluted search, writes Peter Abraham. There is now a major piece in place for the Red Sox, writes Nick Cafardo. Valentine's analysis gives a window into his view of the Red Sox, writes Steve Buckley.

The Red Sox just got a hero or a villain.

From ESPN Stats & Information:

Some of Valentine's history:

• Managed 15 years in MLB (1985-92 with Rangers, 1996-2002 with Mets)
• 1,117-1,072 record (.510 win percentage)
• One World Series appearance (2000 Mets)
• Two postseason appearances overall (1999 and 2000 Mets)
• Son-in-law of Ralph Branca (surrendered Bobby Thomson's famous home run)
• Managed Chiba Lotte Marines (Japan) in 1995 and 2004-09
• Led Marines to first Japan Series win since 1974
• Previously worked with statistical analysts while working with Rangers
[h3]Notables[/h3]
The new collective bargaining agreement landed in the inbox of baseball executives last Wednesday in the form of an attachment. During the past week, officials have been reading and absorbing and some broad-stroke conclusions have been drawn about the draft, throughout the sport:

1. Generally speaking, there will be a big rush in the first 10 rounds of the draft on high school players, because only in those rounds will teams be able to offer substantial money to lure them away from college. In recent years, some teams have made significant offers to high school players after the first 10 rounds, but now, because of the soft cap on bonuses, teams will be limited to offers in the very low six-figure range.

So in other words, a good high school baseball player drafted after the first 10 rounds will have this choice: Go to college on scholarship, or sign for $80,000 or $90,000 with a pro team. And for a lot of players, this will be a no-brainer -- they'll go to college.

On the other hand, a college player whose eligibility has run out and has been drafted after the first 10 rounds will be compelled by circumstances to sign. So it makes sense for teams to go after high school players in the first 10 rounds.

2. The new rules will be very, very good for college baseball programs. A lot of college juniors will choose to stay in school for a fourth year because, in a lot of cases, the dollars being offered through the draft will not be enough to lure them away from the prospect of staying in school another year and getting their degree.

3. Because of the bonus limits in the draft, there will be an increasing focus on scouting and signing the cheapest available talent -- overseas, in Latin America and in other countries. Teams presumably will allocate even more scouting resources to find hidden gems in all corners internationally.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. Bruce Bochy and Brian Sabean got contract extensions, and Sabean says the San Francisco Giants won't be making any big-ticket splashes. Sabean says he was impressed by Brandon Crawford.

2. It costs nothing for the Chicago Cubs to have the world think they're in on Albert Pujols, and it may cost a division rival a little money, so hey, why not let everybody talk about it?

The Cubs' interest in Pujols is hard to assess, writes Bryan Burwell. Which is the point, from the Cubs' perspective. The recent report looks like an attempt to stir the market, writes Gordon Wittenmyer. The high-priced free agents don't fit with the Cubs, writes Phil Rogers.

Tom Ricketts likes the new direction of the Cubs.

3. The St. Louis Cardinals seek some clarity in the Pujols talks, writes Derrick Goold.

4. The Kansas City Royals signed Jonathan Broxton and are working to build up their bullpen, writes Sam Mellinger. Bruce Chen believes in what the Royals are doing, writes Rustin Dodd. Jeff Francoeur wooed Broxton to Kansas City, writes Kevin Kernan.

5. The Colorado Rockies are targeting Ramon Hernandez and Martin Prado and are looking to move Chris Iannetta, writes Troy Renck.

6. Greg Maddux left the Cubs to join the Texas Rangers, writes Jeff Wilson.

7. Here are five potential candidates for the Houston Astros GM job.

8. The suitors for Prince Fielder are forming a line. If in fact the Cubs are actually interested in acquiring a power hitter, then Fielder would fit their philosophy better than Pujols would, because Theo Epstein has never believed in investing big dollars in players after their 35th birthday.

Within the same Tom Haudricourt piece, there is word that a top Milwaukee prospect was hurt in a car accident.

9. Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik dodged some Fielder talk.

10. Building a bullpen is an art at which Terry Ryan is adept, writes Joe Christensen.

11. Larry King is aligning with Dennis Gilbert in pursuit of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

12. Baseball executives weighed in for Mike DiGiovanna on what makes a good owner.

13. The San Diego Padres are hoping their new players help, writes Bill Center.

14. Brian McCann's contract situation looms for the Atlanta Braves.

15. The Astros got permission to talk to Andrew Friedman.

16. The Astros signed a catcher.

17. The Toronto Blue Jays and Oakland Athletics might get busy with their Andrew Bailey trade talks, writes Richard Griffin.

18. The Jays are interested in a K.C. reliever, writes Bob Elliott.

19. The Philadelphia Phillies cut a reliever to give him a chance to play in Japan.

20. It's a no-brainer for the Phillies to keep Wilson Valdez.

21. The Yankees really don't have any pressing needs, writes Tyler Kepner.

22. Brandon Phillips is skipping the Cincinnati Reds fanfest, perhaps because of his contract talks, writes John Fay.

• Dec. 7 is the day that free agents must decide whether to accept arbitration offers from their old teams, and the most interesting choice, easily, is in the hands of Francisco Rodriguez. It would appear that his best chance for making the most money in 2012 would be to accept an arbitration tender from the Milwaukee Brewers; he might make $12 million or $13 million in this way. But he would be a setup man for John Axford, not a closer, a role Rodriguez covets; he complained at the end of the regular season about not being a closer. If he insists on being a closer and rejects arbitration, he might have to accept a deal through which he would make 20 or 30 or 40 percent less than he would make with the Brewers.

Best fits for Carlos Beltran.

Spoiler [+]
Once one of the game's premier center fielders, Carlos Beltran nearly fell off the radar after losing parts of 2009 and 2010 due to knee problems. While Beltran's bum knee means that his days as a Gold Glove center fielder are over, he showed in 2011 that he still was an offensive force, even in a corner outfield spot.

The dominance of Beltran's .300/.385/.525 isn't clear until you consider the pitcher-friendly parks he played at in New York and San Francisco and the level of league offense. Baseball-Reference's OPS+ statistic, which takes park factors and league scoring into consideration, rates 2011 as the best-hitting year of Beltran's career (156 OPS+).

Beltran turns 35 in April, so this is likely to be the final big money contract he will sign. While Beltran is a serious Hall of Fame candidate on merit (he's 10th all-time among center fielders in wins above replacement), there's little question that he's on the downside of his career. His age might be a red flag, but to a contending team, it represents an opportunity to bring in an excellent hitter without the commitment in time and money that it takes to land Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder.

In a neutral park and league, the ZiPS projection system sees Beltran hitting .281/.366/.478 in 2012, worth 3.0 WAR. ZiPS projects a steady decline after that, in both offense and playing time, with Beltran being worth 4.5 WAR over the following two seasons. Assuming $4.7 million per win in 2012 and three percent salary growth, that performance level typically costs around $27 million on the open market for two years and $36 million over three years. While he's unlikely to sign for exactly those figures, it provides an initial framework as to what it would take to bring him in.

Given that, there are three teams with the means, motive and money that would be good fits for Beltran.
atl.gif
[h3]Atlanta Braves[/h3]




While the Braves aren't big spenders, Beltran's contract is unlikely to break the bank, especially given that the team already cleared $5 million in the Derek Lowe trade and no longer has to give $10 million to Nate McLouth and Scott Linebrink. It might be more than the team wishes to spend, but being right on the cusp of a playoff spot and in competition with the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals, two teams that are expected to be far more aggressive than in previous years, Atlanta can't afford to skimp on its investment.

Chipper Jones will, some year, make good on his retirement threat, and any Beltran contract will expire before the team starts owing big bucks to Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward. Beltran, in the short term, adds a real middle-of-the-order bat to the Braves, who need to finish better than 10th in the league in scoring to keep their elite pitching from being wasted. If they had traded for Beltran last July, as had been rumored, the Braves surely would have made the playoffs and the St. Louis Cardinals would not have won the World Series.

bos.gif

[h3]Boston Red Sox[/h3]




Josh Reddick and Ryan Kalish might be more cost-effective than Beltran, but neither are likely to come close to matching Beltran's bat. The Red Sox are in the business of competing now in a tough division, not squeezing every penny and hoping to fall into a wild card.

Reddick hit well in his first month as a full-time starter, but he also hit .244/.293/.389 in the second half, much more in line with his .243/.300/.449 line in nearly 800 Triple-A plate appearances. Beltran's a switch-hitter with a career OPS 50 points higher against left-handers than right-handers, which isn't unwelcome in a lefty-heavy lineup. And since Beltran can still take the field, neither his knee nor his salary preclude the Sox from bringing back David Ortiz.

sfo.gif

[h3]San Francisco Giants[/h3]


The Giants might have fallen out of contention after acquiring Beltran in July, but you can hardly place any of the fault at his feet given his .323/.369/.551 line in San Francisco.

Getting Buster Posey back should help and Melky Cabrera is a small upgrade in center, but that just isn't enough for a team that finished last in the NL in runs scored. If the Giants don't make a serious play for a shortstop -- overpaying left-handed reliever Javier Lopez and getting into a baffling bidding war for Willie Bloomquist headed a bizarre offseason priority list -- their best move would be to bring Beltran back for a few years. Nate Schierholtz is a good enough stopgap/fourth outfielder, but Beltran's bat would go a long way toward preventing the team from squandering one of the league's best pitching staffs for a second straight year.

Rumors.

Spoiler [+]
http://[h3]Reyes' visit to Philadelphia[/h3]
11:27AM ET

[h5]Jose Reyes | Mets [/h5]


Fact: Everybody's favorite marquee free-agent shortstop, Jose Reyes, was spotted in Philadelphia on Tuesday, eating at the popular Olde City restaurant, the Continental.

Fact: The Phillies are currently looking for a shortstop, since their longtime incumbent, Jimmy Rollins, is a free agent.

And now the fiction: So clearly, the Phillies were wining, dining and dangling many dollar bills at Reyes in an attempt to make him their next shortstop, right?

Uh, wrong, according to numerous sources. Here's just a sampling of the reaction from assorted Phillies officials to rampant rumors Tuesday linking the Phillies to Reyes:

"That is such bull." ... "Absolutely nuts." ... "I haven't heard that guy's name mentioned in our offices in two months." ... "People can make what they want of it, but this is not a guy for us."

Get the picture?

When ESPN.com tracked down Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. on Wednesday morning and ran this scenario by him, he replied: "I never talk about free agents, but you can quote me on this. If he was in the Continental in Philly, I have no knowledge of it. I don't even know if he was there. But if he was, I have no knowledge of it."

Amaro reiterated that his team's preference is to re-sign Rollins. But if Rollins goes elsewhere, they're strongly considering giving their minor-league player of the year, 22-year-old shortstop prospect Freddy Galvis, an opportunity either to win the job or share it with a veteran such as Wilson Valdez.

What they're not considering, according to multiple sources, is doing a $100-million deal -- or anything close to it -- to any free agent. And that includes Reyes, no matter where he was spotted eating lunch Tuesday.

So what WAS Reyes doing there? Philadelphia Daily News gossip columnist Dan Gross tweeted Tuesday night that he was simply visiting his daughter.

- Jayson Stark

http://[h3]Phils to look at Elarton[/h3]
11:16AM ET

[h5]Philadelphia Phillies [/h5]


The Philadelphia Phillies, looking for a low-risk deal that could yield a notable reward, have agreed to a minor league contract with righthander Scott Elarton, says Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.

Elarton, a first-round pick of the Astros in 1994, has been plagued by shoulder problems and is 68-45 with a 3.95 ERA in 188 big-league games. He last pitched in 2010 when he had an 8.24 ERA in 16 games for Triple A Charlotte in the White Sox system.

Elarton is now believed to be healthy, making him worthy of a look next spring.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Giants shopping relievers[/h3]
10:59AM ET

[h5]San Francisco Giants [/h5]


Seeking to cut some costs in the bullpen, the San Francisco Giants are trying to move Jeremy Affeldt and/or Ramon Ramirez, says Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.

The Giants exercised left-hander Affeldt's $5 million option after the season and also signed lefty Javier Lopez to a two-year, $8.5 million contract. Ramirez is expected to earn about $1.65 million in arbitration.

The Giants would love to find a taker for starter Barry Zito and his $19 million contract for 2012, but they stand a better chance of getting some bang for their buck by dealing Affeldt or Ramirez, given that middle relievers are often in demand.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Tough call for K-Rod[/h3]
10:35AM ET

[h5]Francisco Rodriguez | Brewers [/h5]


Wednesday is the day that free agents must decide whether to accept arbitration offers from their old teams, and the list includes Francisco Rodriguez, who is pondering whether to return to the Milwaukee Brewers.

In Wednesday's blog, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes that K-Rod's best chance for making the most money in 2012 would be to accept an arbitration tender from the Brewers, where he would be in line for a possible $12 million to $13 million payday.

Rodriguez, however, would then have to remain as the set-up man to John Axford, giving up the chance to return to being a closer elsewhere.

If K-Rod does go the free agent route, he has something else in his favor. As part of the new collective bargaining agreement, a team that signs Rodriguez, a Type A free agent, will not forfeit a draft choice, which should increase his value.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Prince still waiting for Milwaukee offer[/h3]
10:21AM ET

[h5]Prince Fielder | Brewers [/h5]


After a few weeks of relative quiet, the market appears to be forming for free agent first baseman Prince Fielder, just in time for the frenzy of the winter meetings.

But up to this point, the Brewers have shown no inclination to make an offer to keep him in Milwaukee, writes Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel. General manager Doug Melvin tells Haudricourt he would monitor the market to see where it goes, giving Fielder the opportunity to gauge outside interest.

While there is no word that the club has spoken to agent Scott Boras just yet, the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/sea/seattle-marinersSeattle Mariners plan to go after Fielder, writes Greg Johns of MLB.com.

The M's sorely need offense and despite rumors that the club may want to keep their payroll in the $95 million range, it's clear the organization sees an opportunity to climb out of the cellar in the American League West.

The http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/chc/chicago-cubsChicago Cubs and http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalsWashington Nationals are also on the trail for Fielder and the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/tex/texas-rangersTexas Rangers could jump in at any time. Fielder is said to want an eight-year worth $200 million.

Are the Cubs serious players? ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney gives his take:

- Doug Mittler

olney_buster_30.jpg
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Prince a good fit in Chicago?
"If in fact the Cubs are actually interested in acquiring a power hitter, then Fielder would fit their philosophy better than Albert Pujols would, because Theo Epstein has never believed in investing big dollars in players after their 35th birthday."
Click to expand...
http://[h3]Cubs want lefty bats[/h3]
10:09AM ET

[h5]Chicago Cubs [/h5]


New general manager Jed Hoyer says his club is in need of left-handed hitters, among other things,as told to ESPN Insider's Jim Bowden on SiriusXM Radio Tuesday. This may confirm the club's interest in Prince Fielder, though Hoyer didn't use those exact words.

The Cubs could see Carlos Pena as a backup plan at first, and are likely to explore the trade route extensively.

Hoyer also said the Cubs want to improve their starting pitching and defense, which could mean a different kind of player at second and/or third base, and in the outfield.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]The market for Prado[/h3]
9:39AM ET

[h5]Martin Prado | Braves [/h5]


The name of Martin Prado has been bandied about as trade bait for months, and the Atlanta Braves should receive plenty of inquiries at the winter meetings for the 28-year-old who was essentially miscast as a left fielder last season.

Prado remains a priority for the Colorado Rockies, where he could play second or third base. Troy Renck of the Denver Post says the issue is whether the Braves would deal Prado without receiving a center fielder in return. The Rockies reportedly have made Dexter Fowler off limits, offering Seth Smith instead. Renck says the Rockies also are reluctant to include Georgia Tech product Charlie Blackmon as part of a deal with Smith.

The Detroit Tigers, who are looking to upgrade at second base and third base, also are interested in Prado, reports Jon Paul Morisi of Foxports.com.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Tigers have eye for Izturis[/h3]
9:19AM ET

[h5]Maicer Izturis | Angels [/h5]


The Detroit Tigers, who are looking to upgrade at second base and third base, are interested in trading for Los Angeles Angels infielder Maicer Izturiz, reports Jon Paul Morisi of Foxports.com.

Morosi says the Tigers remain in the hunt for Atlanta's Martin Prado, but are open to deal for the 31-year-old Izturis, who posted a .276/.334/.388 line last season. Izturis aso could also fill the role of leadoff hitter in Detroit.

Izturis would be part of a mix with Ryan Raburn, Brandon Inge and Don Kelly for the second and third base positions in Motown. The Tigers also have been linked to free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Kennedy headed to LA[/h3]
8:56AM ET

[h5]Adam Kennedy | Mariners [/h5]


Financial concerns will likely prevent the Los Angeles Dodgers from making a major free agent splash this winter. The Dodgers are following a more modest approach, and are closing in on a deal with infielder Adam Kennedy, says Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com.

Kennedy would likely serve as the primary backup at first, second and third base. Jackson adds that, barring another offseason pickup, Justin Sellers, who appeared in 36 games for the Dodgers as a rookie, stands to be the other backup infielder.

Kennedy grew up in Riverside, California attended Cal State-Northridge and spent seven of is 13 big-league seasons with the Angels.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rockies shopping Iannetta[/h3]
8:39AM ET

[h5]Chris Iannetta | Rockies [/h5]


Earlier this week, we mentioned that the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/col/colorado-rockiesColorado Rockies have contacted the agent for free agent http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4097/ramon-hernandezRamon Hernandez and are willing to deal catcher Chris Iannetta, as per a report by Troy Renck of the Denver Post.

Renck reports Wednesday that the Rockies have had talks with the Angels, offering Iannetta for righthander Tyler Chatwood, who was 6-11 last season. Rival executives said Colorado is seeking multiple players for Iannetta, including at least one big-leaguer.

The Rockies would like to lock up a deal with Hernandez before moving forward on a deal with Iannetta. The 35-year-old Hernandez hit .282 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 91 games for the Reds last season and is considered the best free agent catcher available.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rollins a Plan B for St. Louis?[/h3]
8:18AM ET

[h5]Jimmy Rollins | Phillies [/h5]


The Cardinals are doing their best to convince free agent Albert Pujols to stay in St. Louis, a process that is taking some time. If Pujols were to land elsewhere, the Cardinals would be scrambling to replace at least a portion of the production generated by the three-time MVP.

Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch writes Wednesday that the Cardinals could shift their focus to free agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins, the 2007 NL MVP with the Phillies, if Pujols leaves town.

The Cardinals are pondering a variety of ways on how to fill the shortstop position for 2012 and are interested in re-signing switch-hitter Rafael Furcal. Rollins would provide some extra offensive pop, but will come at a higher price.

Meanwhile, the Phillies would like to re-sign Rollins and settling their shortstop issue will be their primary task heading into next week's winter meetings, writes MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Pujols market continues to evolve[/h3]
7:55AM ET

[h5]Albert Pujols | Cardinals [/h5]


The market for Albert Pujols may finally be taking shape with word from ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that the Chicago Cubs have reached out to the agent for the three-time Most Valuable Player.

Although discussions between team officials and agent Dan Lozano are in the early stages, Crasnick says the Cubs appear poised to join the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins as a serious suitor. There also is speculation that the Cubs are interested in Prince Fielder, the other top free agent first baseman available.

Derrick Goold of the Post Dispatch reports Wednesday that Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has remained in conversation with Lozano and the two are expected to meet again about Pujols at next week's winter meetings in Dallas. The Cards are believed to be searching for clarity in the talks, "so they can more forward or move on."

In January, the Cardinals reportedly presented Pujols with an extension worth about $200 million over nine seasons. Goold said it is not clear if that offer stands or if the Cardinals plan to revisit it. A methodical approach regarding free agents is nothing new to the Cardinals, who, a few offseasons ago, did not finalize a deal with Matt Holliday until January.

Meanwhile, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney tweets Tuesday morning that the mere perception the Cubs are after Pujols or Fielder helps them to potentially drive up the price for division rivals. The Red Sox did the same thing to drive up the Yankees' price for http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3240/mariano-riveraMariano Rivera.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]KC building around bullpen[/h3]
7:27AM ET

[h5]Jonathan Broxton | Dodgers [/h5]


An already busy offseason for the Kansas City Royals continued Tuesday with the signing of free agent reliever Jonathan Broxton.

The plan is for Broxton, a former All-Star closer, to serve as a set-up man in Kansas City behind Joakim Soria. It also is an indication that the Royals are "a bit freaked out" by the market for starting pitchers, writes Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star.

The Royals already have traded for Jonathan Sanchez and convinced Bruce Chen to agree to a hometown discount and accept a two-year, $9 million deal to stay in Kansas City. At this stage, Mellinger says the Royals "have focused on building the best possible bullpen around a hope-for-the-best rotation."

That means the Royals, who have their sights on being competitive in the AL Central next season, will pass on top free-agent starters such as C.J. Wilson and Edwin Jackson because they are not necessarily worth the cost.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Reds, Phillips closing in?[/h3]
7:07AM ET

[h5]Brandon Phillips | Reds [/h5]


UPDATE: Phillips tweets Tuesday that the two sides are heading in the right direction toward a multi-year extension for the second base to remain in Cincinnati.

But GM Walt Jocketty tells MLB.com's Mark Sheldon on Tuesday night that a deal isn?t imminent. "I think it's still a ways to go," Jocketty said. "We?re still hopeful to get something done. We?re glad he feels that way."
We discussed yesterday the news, and implications of such news, that the Cincinnati Reds and second baseman Brandon Phillips were making progress, yet not close to a contract extension. If the talks drag out and bleed over into the season, there's a chance the plans change for the Reds.

Phillips, now 30, will be a free agent after 2012 season. If the Reds don't feel they can sign him to a deal they like, the all-star and Gold Glove winner could become trade bait. If that occurs this winter, clubs such as the Detroit Tigers could come calling.

The Toronto Blue Jays could also be a match. The Reds are seeking starting pitching this season, so any deal involving Phillips, if there ever is one, probably has to include a big-league ready starter.
 
Bobby V was a ESPN guy, they won't bad talk him yet.

Bobby V's first moves.

Spoiler [+]
Somebody should make this sign and hang it on the front door of the Boston Red Sox clubhouse:

ALL PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS TO BE LEFT HERE, NEVER TO ENTER.

Because ignoring reputations and focusing on the task at hand is the best way -- and maybe the only way -- they can all make this mix work together. There will be an enormous amount of talent in the room, and all of them -- from Josh Beckett to Bobby Valentine to Jon Lester to Larry Lucchino -- have an opportunity to bury the past, to succeed in spite of what is said about them.

As Valentine emerged as a managerial candidate, some Red Sox players have been upset; they've been grumbling to each other, through texts and phone calls. Maybe it's because they heard Bobby critique their play on the air. Maybe they haven't liked his tone. Maybe they haven't liked his smile. Maybe they've heard bad things. And the fact is they had no power to do anything about it, because the September collapse completely undercut the credibility of the Red Sox players. If one of them had called the front office to register concerns about Valentine, they might've heard laughter on the other end of the line. The Boston players had complete control of the clubhouse in 2011, and we know what happened.

Well, the players should forget about that history, about their preconceived notions of Valentine, and focus on this: Bobby Valentine really cares about baseball; he really wants to win. He will be into every pitch of every inning of every game of every week of every month of the season. He will see everything.

If you gave a test to all folks in the sport about all aspects of the game, I'd guess he might score as high or better than anyone currently in uniform -- about how the sport is played, why it's played, how it needs to be played, what makes hitters succeed, what makes pitchers succeed, and the proper way for infielders to prepare for a play and make a play. He'll protect relievers from overuse, he'll rest tired position players, he'll use his bench guys. He'll talk, he'll explain, he'll listen.

This is probably Valentine's last chance at managing in the big leagues. And did I mention this -- he really wants to win.

And what Bobby should do is live on planes for the next six weeks, to go see his new players, one by one. Go see Beckett with a clear mind. Forget the story about the beer and the video games and the fried chicken, and forget about what he did on the mound in September. Before that last month, Beckett was revitalized; Bobby was in the broadcast booth on a Sunday night in April when Beckett had his 2011 coming-out party, when he had a great curveball and fastball and shut down the New York Yankees. Beckett can be one of the best pitchers in the majors, and he's been the leader of two championship teams in the last nine seasons, dominating great hitters in big games. He will likely have a chip on his shoulder going into next year, considering all that's been said about him during the past month-plus. He really wants to win.

Bobby should go see Carl Crawford in Houston, where Crawford willed his way out of one of the worst neighborhoods in this country and became a great baseball player. Never mind what was seen in 2011; hang with Crawford for a day, and see him get up at 5 a.m. for an offseason workout, and go through that with him. By the end of the day, his struggles in 2011 will make more sense. No player puts more pressure on himself than Crawford; he really wants to win, to succeed.

Valentine should visit with Lester, to talk him with him about any anger he might have about how he's been portrayed in Boston. Based on what he's said to friends in the past, Lester probably is among the many players who would prefer that reporters weren't swirling around the clubhouse every day. Valentine can encourage him: Hey, forget about all of them. Forget about 2011. You're just 28 years old and you're one of the best left-handers in the game of baseball, and you will be great again. Lester had terrible trouble with in-game adjustments at the end of the season, at limiting his pitch count early so that he would have a chance to be in the game in the seventh inning, and part of the reason is that he tended to fight himself. Lester really wants to win.

All the Red Sox players will desperately want to win this year, to thrive, slam the door on what happened this year. One by one, Valentine should talk with the players, and the players should talk with him, and they should all listen, and he should listen.

Everybody should understand: New general manager Ben Cherington is not a kid. He's 37 years old and a New Hampshire native who grew up with the Red Sox; he's been with the Red Sox organization longer than any of them, longer than Kevin Youkilis or Lucchino, certainly longer than Valentine. What happens in the big leagues is part of a larger picture, and Cherington knows about all the moving parts better than anyone.

Cherington must be part of the chain of command. Lucchino has been Valentine's patron saint in this process and is the person most responsible for Valentine getting this opportunity, and now Lucchino must withdraw from the room. He must allow the relationship between Cherington and Valentine to form and to build and to strengthen. Lucchino cannot create a situation in which Cherington is diminished, in which Lucchino becomes the person Valentine reaches out to solve problems and make decisions.

There are tinderbox elements in place, and this situation could explode underneath all of them: Players wounded by a historic collapse and angry with the media coverage; a new manager who has a strong personality and a strong reputation, to the point that he may be swimming upstream against the perception of some of his players; a new general manager, and seemingly a power vacuum in the front office after the departure of Theo Epstein; owners who have mostly been absent, as John Henry and Tom Werner were when Cherington was introduced as general manager; and media scrutiny that will almost certainly be unprecedented because of the personalities and the 2011 collapse, and because of the new social media era we are in. It could be a disaster.

And it could be great, if they all work well together, which cannot happen unless they leave all preconceived notions at the door.

Valentine emerged from a long and convoluted search, writes Peter Abraham. There is now a major piece in place for the Red Sox, writes Nick Cafardo. Valentine's analysis gives a window into his view of the Red Sox, writes Steve Buckley.

The Red Sox just got a hero or a villain.

From ESPN Stats & Information:

Some of Valentine's history:

• Managed 15 years in MLB (1985-92 with Rangers, 1996-2002 with Mets)
• 1,117-1,072 record (.510 win percentage)
• One World Series appearance (2000 Mets)
• Two postseason appearances overall (1999 and 2000 Mets)
• Son-in-law of Ralph Branca (surrendered Bobby Thomson's famous home run)
• Managed Chiba Lotte Marines (Japan) in 1995 and 2004-09
• Led Marines to first Japan Series win since 1974
• Previously worked with statistical analysts while working with Rangers
[h3]Notables[/h3]
The new collective bargaining agreement landed in the inbox of baseball executives last Wednesday in the form of an attachment. During the past week, officials have been reading and absorbing and some broad-stroke conclusions have been drawn about the draft, throughout the sport:

1. Generally speaking, there will be a big rush in the first 10 rounds of the draft on high school players, because only in those rounds will teams be able to offer substantial money to lure them away from college. In recent years, some teams have made significant offers to high school players after the first 10 rounds, but now, because of the soft cap on bonuses, teams will be limited to offers in the very low six-figure range.

So in other words, a good high school baseball player drafted after the first 10 rounds will have this choice: Go to college on scholarship, or sign for $80,000 or $90,000 with a pro team. And for a lot of players, this will be a no-brainer -- they'll go to college.

On the other hand, a college player whose eligibility has run out and has been drafted after the first 10 rounds will be compelled by circumstances to sign. So it makes sense for teams to go after high school players in the first 10 rounds.

2. The new rules will be very, very good for college baseball programs. A lot of college juniors will choose to stay in school for a fourth year because, in a lot of cases, the dollars being offered through the draft will not be enough to lure them away from the prospect of staying in school another year and getting their degree.

3. Because of the bonus limits in the draft, there will be an increasing focus on scouting and signing the cheapest available talent -- overseas, in Latin America and in other countries. Teams presumably will allocate even more scouting resources to find hidden gems in all corners internationally.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. Bruce Bochy and Brian Sabean got contract extensions, and Sabean says the San Francisco Giants won't be making any big-ticket splashes. Sabean says he was impressed by Brandon Crawford.

2. It costs nothing for the Chicago Cubs to have the world think they're in on Albert Pujols, and it may cost a division rival a little money, so hey, why not let everybody talk about it?

The Cubs' interest in Pujols is hard to assess, writes Bryan Burwell. Which is the point, from the Cubs' perspective. The recent report looks like an attempt to stir the market, writes Gordon Wittenmyer. The high-priced free agents don't fit with the Cubs, writes Phil Rogers.

Tom Ricketts likes the new direction of the Cubs.

3. The St. Louis Cardinals seek some clarity in the Pujols talks, writes Derrick Goold.

4. The Kansas City Royals signed Jonathan Broxton and are working to build up their bullpen, writes Sam Mellinger. Bruce Chen believes in what the Royals are doing, writes Rustin Dodd. Jeff Francoeur wooed Broxton to Kansas City, writes Kevin Kernan.

5. The Colorado Rockies are targeting Ramon Hernandez and Martin Prado and are looking to move Chris Iannetta, writes Troy Renck.

6. Greg Maddux left the Cubs to join the Texas Rangers, writes Jeff Wilson.

7. Here are five potential candidates for the Houston Astros GM job.

8. The suitors for Prince Fielder are forming a line. If in fact the Cubs are actually interested in acquiring a power hitter, then Fielder would fit their philosophy better than Pujols would, because Theo Epstein has never believed in investing big dollars in players after their 35th birthday.

Within the same Tom Haudricourt piece, there is word that a top Milwaukee prospect was hurt in a car accident.

9. Seattle Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik dodged some Fielder talk.

10. Building a bullpen is an art at which Terry Ryan is adept, writes Joe Christensen.

11. Larry King is aligning with Dennis Gilbert in pursuit of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

12. Baseball executives weighed in for Mike DiGiovanna on what makes a good owner.

13. The San Diego Padres are hoping their new players help, writes Bill Center.

14. Brian McCann's contract situation looms for the Atlanta Braves.

15. The Astros got permission to talk to Andrew Friedman.

16. The Astros signed a catcher.

17. The Toronto Blue Jays and Oakland Athletics might get busy with their Andrew Bailey trade talks, writes Richard Griffin.

18. The Jays are interested in a K.C. reliever, writes Bob Elliott.

19. The Philadelphia Phillies cut a reliever to give him a chance to play in Japan.

20. It's a no-brainer for the Phillies to keep Wilson Valdez.

21. The Yankees really don't have any pressing needs, writes Tyler Kepner.

22. Brandon Phillips is skipping the Cincinnati Reds fanfest, perhaps because of his contract talks, writes John Fay.

• Dec. 7 is the day that free agents must decide whether to accept arbitration offers from their old teams, and the most interesting choice, easily, is in the hands of Francisco Rodriguez. It would appear that his best chance for making the most money in 2012 would be to accept an arbitration tender from the Milwaukee Brewers; he might make $12 million or $13 million in this way. But he would be a setup man for John Axford, not a closer, a role Rodriguez covets; he complained at the end of the regular season about not being a closer. If he insists on being a closer and rejects arbitration, he might have to accept a deal through which he would make 20 or 30 or 40 percent less than he would make with the Brewers.

Best fits for Carlos Beltran.

Spoiler [+]
Once one of the game's premier center fielders, Carlos Beltran nearly fell off the radar after losing parts of 2009 and 2010 due to knee problems. While Beltran's bum knee means that his days as a Gold Glove center fielder are over, he showed in 2011 that he still was an offensive force, even in a corner outfield spot.

The dominance of Beltran's .300/.385/.525 isn't clear until you consider the pitcher-friendly parks he played at in New York and San Francisco and the level of league offense. Baseball-Reference's OPS+ statistic, which takes park factors and league scoring into consideration, rates 2011 as the best-hitting year of Beltran's career (156 OPS+).

Beltran turns 35 in April, so this is likely to be the final big money contract he will sign. While Beltran is a serious Hall of Fame candidate on merit (he's 10th all-time among center fielders in wins above replacement), there's little question that he's on the downside of his career. His age might be a red flag, but to a contending team, it represents an opportunity to bring in an excellent hitter without the commitment in time and money that it takes to land Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder.

In a neutral park and league, the ZiPS projection system sees Beltran hitting .281/.366/.478 in 2012, worth 3.0 WAR. ZiPS projects a steady decline after that, in both offense and playing time, with Beltran being worth 4.5 WAR over the following two seasons. Assuming $4.7 million per win in 2012 and three percent salary growth, that performance level typically costs around $27 million on the open market for two years and $36 million over three years. While he's unlikely to sign for exactly those figures, it provides an initial framework as to what it would take to bring him in.

Given that, there are three teams with the means, motive and money that would be good fits for Beltran.
atl.gif
[h3]Atlanta Braves[/h3]




While the Braves aren't big spenders, Beltran's contract is unlikely to break the bank, especially given that the team already cleared $5 million in the Derek Lowe trade and no longer has to give $10 million to Nate McLouth and Scott Linebrink. It might be more than the team wishes to spend, but being right on the cusp of a playoff spot and in competition with the Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals, two teams that are expected to be far more aggressive than in previous years, Atlanta can't afford to skimp on its investment.

Chipper Jones will, some year, make good on his retirement threat, and any Beltran contract will expire before the team starts owing big bucks to Freddie Freeman and Jason Heyward. Beltran, in the short term, adds a real middle-of-the-order bat to the Braves, who need to finish better than 10th in the league in scoring to keep their elite pitching from being wasted. If they had traded for Beltran last July, as had been rumored, the Braves surely would have made the playoffs and the St. Louis Cardinals would not have won the World Series.

bos.gif

[h3]Boston Red Sox[/h3]




Josh Reddick and Ryan Kalish might be more cost-effective than Beltran, but neither are likely to come close to matching Beltran's bat. The Red Sox are in the business of competing now in a tough division, not squeezing every penny and hoping to fall into a wild card.

Reddick hit well in his first month as a full-time starter, but he also hit .244/.293/.389 in the second half, much more in line with his .243/.300/.449 line in nearly 800 Triple-A plate appearances. Beltran's a switch-hitter with a career OPS 50 points higher against left-handers than right-handers, which isn't unwelcome in a lefty-heavy lineup. And since Beltran can still take the field, neither his knee nor his salary preclude the Sox from bringing back David Ortiz.

sfo.gif

[h3]San Francisco Giants[/h3]


The Giants might have fallen out of contention after acquiring Beltran in July, but you can hardly place any of the fault at his feet given his .323/.369/.551 line in San Francisco.

Getting Buster Posey back should help and Melky Cabrera is a small upgrade in center, but that just isn't enough for a team that finished last in the NL in runs scored. If the Giants don't make a serious play for a shortstop -- overpaying left-handed reliever Javier Lopez and getting into a baffling bidding war for Willie Bloomquist headed a bizarre offseason priority list -- their best move would be to bring Beltran back for a few years. Nate Schierholtz is a good enough stopgap/fourth outfielder, but Beltran's bat would go a long way toward preventing the team from squandering one of the league's best pitching staffs for a second straight year.

Rumors.

Spoiler [+]
http://[h3]Reyes' visit to Philadelphia[/h3]
11:27AM ET

[h5]Jose Reyes | Mets [/h5]


Fact: Everybody's favorite marquee free-agent shortstop, Jose Reyes, was spotted in Philadelphia on Tuesday, eating at the popular Olde City restaurant, the Continental.

Fact: The Phillies are currently looking for a shortstop, since their longtime incumbent, Jimmy Rollins, is a free agent.

And now the fiction: So clearly, the Phillies were wining, dining and dangling many dollar bills at Reyes in an attempt to make him their next shortstop, right?

Uh, wrong, according to numerous sources. Here's just a sampling of the reaction from assorted Phillies officials to rampant rumors Tuesday linking the Phillies to Reyes:

"That is such bull." ... "Absolutely nuts." ... "I haven't heard that guy's name mentioned in our offices in two months." ... "People can make what they want of it, but this is not a guy for us."

Get the picture?

When ESPN.com tracked down Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. on Wednesday morning and ran this scenario by him, he replied: "I never talk about free agents, but you can quote me on this. If he was in the Continental in Philly, I have no knowledge of it. I don't even know if he was there. But if he was, I have no knowledge of it."

Amaro reiterated that his team's preference is to re-sign Rollins. But if Rollins goes elsewhere, they're strongly considering giving their minor-league player of the year, 22-year-old shortstop prospect Freddy Galvis, an opportunity either to win the job or share it with a veteran such as Wilson Valdez.

What they're not considering, according to multiple sources, is doing a $100-million deal -- or anything close to it -- to any free agent. And that includes Reyes, no matter where he was spotted eating lunch Tuesday.

So what WAS Reyes doing there? Philadelphia Daily News gossip columnist Dan Gross tweeted Tuesday night that he was simply visiting his daughter.

- Jayson Stark

http://[h3]Phils to look at Elarton[/h3]
11:16AM ET

[h5]Philadelphia Phillies [/h5]


The Philadelphia Phillies, looking for a low-risk deal that could yield a notable reward, have agreed to a minor league contract with righthander Scott Elarton, says Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.

Elarton, a first-round pick of the Astros in 1994, has been plagued by shoulder problems and is 68-45 with a 3.95 ERA in 188 big-league games. He last pitched in 2010 when he had an 8.24 ERA in 16 games for Triple A Charlotte in the White Sox system.

Elarton is now believed to be healthy, making him worthy of a look next spring.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Giants shopping relievers[/h3]
10:59AM ET

[h5]San Francisco Giants [/h5]


Seeking to cut some costs in the bullpen, the San Francisco Giants are trying to move Jeremy Affeldt and/or Ramon Ramirez, says Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com.

The Giants exercised left-hander Affeldt's $5 million option after the season and also signed lefty Javier Lopez to a two-year, $8.5 million contract. Ramirez is expected to earn about $1.65 million in arbitration.

The Giants would love to find a taker for starter Barry Zito and his $19 million contract for 2012, but they stand a better chance of getting some bang for their buck by dealing Affeldt or Ramirez, given that middle relievers are often in demand.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Tough call for K-Rod[/h3]
10:35AM ET

[h5]Francisco Rodriguez | Brewers [/h5]


Wednesday is the day that free agents must decide whether to accept arbitration offers from their old teams, and the list includes Francisco Rodriguez, who is pondering whether to return to the Milwaukee Brewers.

In Wednesday's blog, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney writes that K-Rod's best chance for making the most money in 2012 would be to accept an arbitration tender from the Brewers, where he would be in line for a possible $12 million to $13 million payday.

Rodriguez, however, would then have to remain as the set-up man to John Axford, giving up the chance to return to being a closer elsewhere.

If K-Rod does go the free agent route, he has something else in his favor. As part of the new collective bargaining agreement, a team that signs Rodriguez, a Type A free agent, will not forfeit a draft choice, which should increase his value.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Prince still waiting for Milwaukee offer[/h3]
10:21AM ET

[h5]Prince Fielder | Brewers [/h5]


After a few weeks of relative quiet, the market appears to be forming for free agent first baseman Prince Fielder, just in time for the frenzy of the winter meetings.

But up to this point, the Brewers have shown no inclination to make an offer to keep him in Milwaukee, writes Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel. General manager Doug Melvin tells Haudricourt he would monitor the market to see where it goes, giving Fielder the opportunity to gauge outside interest.

While there is no word that the club has spoken to agent Scott Boras just yet, the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/sea/seattle-marinersSeattle Mariners plan to go after Fielder, writes Greg Johns of MLB.com.

The M's sorely need offense and despite rumors that the club may want to keep their payroll in the $95 million range, it's clear the organization sees an opportunity to climb out of the cellar in the American League West.

The http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/chc/chicago-cubsChicago Cubs and http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalsWashington Nationals are also on the trail for Fielder and the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/tex/texas-rangersTexas Rangers could jump in at any time. Fielder is said to want an eight-year worth $200 million.

Are the Cubs serious players? ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney gives his take:

- Doug Mittler

olney_buster_30.jpg
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Prince a good fit in Chicago?
"If in fact the Cubs are actually interested in acquiring a power hitter, then Fielder would fit their philosophy better than Albert Pujols would, because Theo Epstein has never believed in investing big dollars in players after their 35th birthday."
Click to expand...
http://[h3]Cubs want lefty bats[/h3]
10:09AM ET

[h5]Chicago Cubs [/h5]


New general manager Jed Hoyer says his club is in need of left-handed hitters, among other things,as told to ESPN Insider's Jim Bowden on SiriusXM Radio Tuesday. This may confirm the club's interest in Prince Fielder, though Hoyer didn't use those exact words.

The Cubs could see Carlos Pena as a backup plan at first, and are likely to explore the trade route extensively.

Hoyer also said the Cubs want to improve their starting pitching and defense, which could mean a different kind of player at second and/or third base, and in the outfield.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]The market for Prado[/h3]
9:39AM ET

[h5]Martin Prado | Braves [/h5]


The name of Martin Prado has been bandied about as trade bait for months, and the Atlanta Braves should receive plenty of inquiries at the winter meetings for the 28-year-old who was essentially miscast as a left fielder last season.

Prado remains a priority for the Colorado Rockies, where he could play second or third base. Troy Renck of the Denver Post says the issue is whether the Braves would deal Prado without receiving a center fielder in return. The Rockies reportedly have made Dexter Fowler off limits, offering Seth Smith instead. Renck says the Rockies also are reluctant to include Georgia Tech product Charlie Blackmon as part of a deal with Smith.

The Detroit Tigers, who are looking to upgrade at second base and third base, also are interested in Prado, reports Jon Paul Morisi of Foxports.com.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Tigers have eye for Izturis[/h3]
9:19AM ET

[h5]Maicer Izturis | Angels [/h5]


The Detroit Tigers, who are looking to upgrade at second base and third base, are interested in trading for Los Angeles Angels infielder Maicer Izturiz, reports Jon Paul Morisi of Foxports.com.

Morosi says the Tigers remain in the hunt for Atlanta's Martin Prado, but are open to deal for the 31-year-old Izturis, who posted a .276/.334/.388 line last season. Izturis aso could also fill the role of leadoff hitter in Detroit.

Izturis would be part of a mix with Ryan Raburn, Brandon Inge and Don Kelly for the second and third base positions in Motown. The Tigers also have been linked to free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Kennedy headed to LA[/h3]
8:56AM ET

[h5]Adam Kennedy | Mariners [/h5]


Financial concerns will likely prevent the Los Angeles Dodgers from making a major free agent splash this winter. The Dodgers are following a more modest approach, and are closing in on a deal with infielder Adam Kennedy, says Tony Jackson of ESPNLosAngeles.com.

Kennedy would likely serve as the primary backup at first, second and third base. Jackson adds that, barring another offseason pickup, Justin Sellers, who appeared in 36 games for the Dodgers as a rookie, stands to be the other backup infielder.

Kennedy grew up in Riverside, California attended Cal State-Northridge and spent seven of is 13 big-league seasons with the Angels.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rockies shopping Iannetta[/h3]
8:39AM ET

[h5]Chris Iannetta | Rockies [/h5]


Earlier this week, we mentioned that the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/col/colorado-rockiesColorado Rockies have contacted the agent for free agent http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4097/ramon-hernandezRamon Hernandez and are willing to deal catcher Chris Iannetta, as per a report by Troy Renck of the Denver Post.

Renck reports Wednesday that the Rockies have had talks with the Angels, offering Iannetta for righthander Tyler Chatwood, who was 6-11 last season. Rival executives said Colorado is seeking multiple players for Iannetta, including at least one big-leaguer.

The Rockies would like to lock up a deal with Hernandez before moving forward on a deal with Iannetta. The 35-year-old Hernandez hit .282 with 12 home runs and 36 RBIs in 91 games for the Reds last season and is considered the best free agent catcher available.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Rollins a Plan B for St. Louis?[/h3]
8:18AM ET

[h5]Jimmy Rollins | Phillies [/h5]


The Cardinals are doing their best to convince free agent Albert Pujols to stay in St. Louis, a process that is taking some time. If Pujols were to land elsewhere, the Cardinals would be scrambling to replace at least a portion of the production generated by the three-time MVP.

Derrick Goold of the Post-Dispatch writes Wednesday that the Cardinals could shift their focus to free agent shortstop Jimmy Rollins, the 2007 NL MVP with the Phillies, if Pujols leaves town.

The Cardinals are pondering a variety of ways on how to fill the shortstop position for 2012 and are interested in re-signing switch-hitter Rafael Furcal. Rollins would provide some extra offensive pop, but will come at a higher price.

Meanwhile, the Phillies would like to re-sign Rollins and settling their shortstop issue will be their primary task heading into next week's winter meetings, writes MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Pujols market continues to evolve[/h3]
7:55AM ET

[h5]Albert Pujols | Cardinals [/h5]


The market for Albert Pujols may finally be taking shape with word from ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that the Chicago Cubs have reached out to the agent for the three-time Most Valuable Player.

Although discussions between team officials and agent Dan Lozano are in the early stages, Crasnick says the Cubs appear poised to join the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins as a serious suitor. There also is speculation that the Cubs are interested in Prince Fielder, the other top free agent first baseman available.

Derrick Goold of the Post Dispatch reports Wednesday that Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has remained in conversation with Lozano and the two are expected to meet again about Pujols at next week's winter meetings in Dallas. The Cards are believed to be searching for clarity in the talks, "so they can more forward or move on."

In January, the Cardinals reportedly presented Pujols with an extension worth about $200 million over nine seasons. Goold said it is not clear if that offer stands or if the Cardinals plan to revisit it. A methodical approach regarding free agents is nothing new to the Cardinals, who, a few offseasons ago, did not finalize a deal with Matt Holliday until January.

Meanwhile, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney tweets Tuesday morning that the mere perception the Cubs are after Pujols or Fielder helps them to potentially drive up the price for division rivals. The Red Sox did the same thing to drive up the Yankees' price for http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3240/mariano-riveraMariano Rivera.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]KC building around bullpen[/h3]
7:27AM ET

[h5]Jonathan Broxton | Dodgers [/h5]


An already busy offseason for the Kansas City Royals continued Tuesday with the signing of free agent reliever Jonathan Broxton.

The plan is for Broxton, a former All-Star closer, to serve as a set-up man in Kansas City behind Joakim Soria. It also is an indication that the Royals are "a bit freaked out" by the market for starting pitchers, writes Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star.

The Royals already have traded for Jonathan Sanchez and convinced Bruce Chen to agree to a hometown discount and accept a two-year, $9 million deal to stay in Kansas City. At this stage, Mellinger says the Royals "have focused on building the best possible bullpen around a hope-for-the-best rotation."

That means the Royals, who have their sights on being competitive in the AL Central next season, will pass on top free-agent starters such as C.J. Wilson and Edwin Jackson because they are not necessarily worth the cost.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Reds, Phillips closing in?[/h3]
7:07AM ET

[h5]Brandon Phillips | Reds [/h5]


UPDATE: Phillips tweets Tuesday that the two sides are heading in the right direction toward a multi-year extension for the second base to remain in Cincinnati.

But GM Walt Jocketty tells MLB.com's Mark Sheldon on Tuesday night that a deal isn?t imminent. "I think it's still a ways to go," Jocketty said. "We?re still hopeful to get something done. We?re glad he feels that way."
We discussed yesterday the news, and implications of such news, that the Cincinnati Reds and second baseman Brandon Phillips were making progress, yet not close to a contract extension. If the talks drag out and bleed over into the season, there's a chance the plans change for the Reds.

Phillips, now 30, will be a free agent after 2012 season. If the Reds don't feel they can sign him to a deal they like, the all-star and Gold Glove winner could become trade bait. If that occurs this winter, clubs such as the Detroit Tigers could come calling.

The Toronto Blue Jays could also be a match. The Reds are seeking starting pitching this season, so any deal involving Phillips, if there ever is one, probably has to include a big-league ready starter.
 
Olney and others are saying many Boston players are unhappy about the hiring. I probably wouldn't like the hiring either if I was a fan, but LOL at the audacity of those chokers to complain about anything.
 
Olney and others are saying many Boston players are unhappy about the hiring. I probably wouldn't like the hiring either if I was a fan, but LOL at the audacity of those chokers to complain about anything.
 
Check out the article I put up on the last page
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talking about how they're not too happy about what he said about them choking.
 
Check out the article I put up on the last page
laugh.gif
talking about how they're not too happy about what he said about them choking.
 
Top 50 MLB players under 25.
Spoiler [+]
In September, my colleague Bill Simmons, (who has his own site to play with now) suggested to me on his podcast that I rank the top 50 MLB players age 25 and under for 2012. Listeners were enthusiastic about the idea, so here it is.

This ranking only includes players who have lost their Rookie of the Year eligibility, but were born on or after July 1, 1986. (That's the cut-off for a player's seasonal age.) That means that rising prospects (such as Bryce Harper) are not represented on this list -- they will be ranked in our annual Prospect Rankings, coming in mid-January.

I've ranked these players with an eye towards their peak rather than short-term value, and without regard to contracts, service time, or scheduled free agency. Therefore, you will see some players on here who were good in 2011 ranked below players who weren't so good, an indication that I like the next six years (roughly) from the second group more than I like the next six years from the first. It's subjective, and I even left off players I really like because I ran out of room. Thanks to all of you who've been asking for this list for the last two months -- I hope it meets your expectations.

Note: Ages listed are as of Dec. 1, 2011.

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Justin Upton

RF

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Analysis: Upton was an MVP candidate for most of the season until Matt Kemp pulled away in September (and the voters went all retro by deciding the MVP had to be on a playoff team, d'oh). He still has a significant amount of upside left as he continues to get stronger and to refine his approach at the plate. His walk rate slipped in 2011, but he dramatically increased his contact rate, and traded some ground balls (and double plays) for fly balls (and doubles and homers). He's a five-tool player who would probably play center on some clubs, with several 30-homer seasons ahead of him; a .310/.400/.570 peak isn't out of the question.

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Andrew McCutchen

CF

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Analysis: McCutchen was headed for stardom in fits and starts before 2011, when he showed improvement across the board, posting career bests in walks and home runs while also having his best defensive year in center. He saw more pitches per plate appearance in 2011, but was also more aggressive when behind in the count; improving in the latter situations would be one key to producing a few monster seasons over the next five years.

He has some of the best wrist acceleration in the game, producing hard line-drive contact and 20-25 home runs in a park that kills right-handed power. He doesn't have the offensive upside of Upton and is slightly older, but adds more defensive value and could explode if he gets to a park better suited to his bat.

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Mike Stanton

RF

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Analysis: Stanton was the third-youngest regular in the National League in 2011, yet finished fifth in the circuit in home runs while playing in a home park that was never friendly to the longball. He has crazy raw power and it has translated to games from the moment he got into pro ball, which is when the Marlins cleaned up his swing to help him keep his strikeout rate under control.

He's not much of a runner but is otherwise athletic for his size, playing an above-average right field with a solid arm. The improvement in his approach over the past few years coupled with his youth and his enormous power make him a threat to win MVP awards in a couple of seasons.

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Buster Posey

C

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Analysis: I'm assuming that Posey remains a catcher after the leg injury that prematurely ended his 2011 season and probably killed the Giants' season as well, given that they often couldn't find eight competent hitters to fill out a lineup.

Posey can hit, get on base, catch, and throw, and is good for double-digit homers, which is extremely valuable at a position where some teams are left with the choice between an elastic net and Jeff Mathis. If his leg recovers physically, Posey can catch again and probably stay back there into at least his late 20s, after which he could move to any of a number of positions where his bat would still be valuable.

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Clayton Kershaw

LHP

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Analysis: He's the most valuable young pitcher in baseball and is coming off a tremendous 2011 season where he ripped through major league hitters (and the Giants) en route to leading the NL in strikeouts, while dropping his walk rate by more than half over 2009.

He combines a plus fastball, an out-pitch slider, an above-average slower curveball that he's set aside in favor of the slider, and solid-average changeup with that newfound control for a package that is extremely tough to hit for both left- and right-handed hitters. Kershaw's arm works well, he has a strong build and frame, and the Dodgers have handled him carefully, finally letting him loose this year as his walk rate plummeted. I can't guarantee any pitcher will stay healthy, but I like Kershaw's odds to do so, and to put up a few more seasons like 2011 along the way.

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Starlin Castro

SS

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Analysis: Castro is an extremely gifted hitter, leading the NL in hits (and at-bats) despite being the youngest regular in the circuit, and is going to come into more power over the next few years as he fills out.

He has outstanding hand-eye coordination and the bat control you'd expect from that, keeping his hands inside the ball well and adjusting to off-speed pitches like a big-league veteran. He's an average runner at best and not a high-percentage basestealer, so he'll either have to improve his reads or stop making so many attempts.

The biggest issue for Castro is that his lower half is already slow, and if he gets thicker and slows down further, it'll guarantee he moves off short and could in theory keep him from second base as well, although his arm is strong enough to play anywhere on the field. He's likely to keep posting .300 averages and should end up with 20-plus homers and slugging percentages around .500, perhaps even better if he can work on getting into better counts.

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Eric Hosmer

1B

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Analysis: Hosmer had a solid big league debut in 2011 as the American League's youngest regular, but it only represents a fraction of what he's capable of producing. He's very strong and has great hip rotation to produce power to all fields, and showed great pitch recognition on his way up the Royals' system before an early promotion in May.

The surprise of his year on offense was that he didn't get walks as often as he did in the minors, which could be just a young player making adjustments, or commensurate with a team philosophy that doesn't value getting on base. Hosmer's an agile first baseman with a plus arm (he was up to 94 as a pitcher in high school) who'd probably be fine in right field, although the Royals show no inclination to move him. His ceiling is an Adrian Gonzalez-type of player, adding value through average, walks, power, and defense, but with a little more speed as well.

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Stephen Strasburg

RHP

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Analysis: He has three plus pitches and one of the fastest-accelerating arms I have ever seen. In his brief time back in the majors in September, he looked like his stuff was all the way back, but it could be a year or more until his command returns to where it was before his elbow gave out, and the Nationals will likely hold down his workload for at least 2012.

If we knew he'd stay healthy, he'd be closer to the top of the list, but pitchers who experience the kind of sudden velocity spike Strasburg did after high school don't have great track records of extended health. Let's hope Strasburg, whose arm works well and has a reputation for working hard on maintaining his conditioning, is the exception.

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Madison Bumgarner

LHP

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Analysis: Two years ago, Bumgarner looked like a potential bust, as his velocity disappeared during the second half of 2009 with no apparent explanation, and he didn't get it all back until after the start of the 2010 season. Whatever the reason was -- and we still don't know, although it barely matters at this point -- his velocity is back, as is the plus slider that he didn't even learn until his senior year of high school.

Bumgarner's arm action is a little long, and he comes around at a low slot. However, he gets his hand up to give the slider a little tilt, and combined with a velocity close to that of his fastball, the offering is tough to hit. Throw in plus control -- he only walked six left-handed batters all year -- and he's a hidden ace, unknown only because he pitches behind two other aces in San Francisco's stacked rotation.

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Brett Lawrie

3B

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Analysis: He may not hit like he did in 2011 for a full season (.953 OPS in 171 PAs), but his first taste of the majors was pretty impressive for a 21-year-old coming off a hand injury and jumping into baseball's toughest division.

Lawrie had a big off-season before 2011, changing organizations and agents, and concerns about his coachability disappeared. With Toronto, he showed he can murder a fastball, added value on the bases (he's a plus runner despite his muscular build), and played a surprisingly strong third base. He's going to see a lot more off-speed stuff in 2012, and will have to improve his recognition of and/or ability to hit those pitches. But the ceiling here just keeps going up, and a peak with a .400 OBP, 30-plus homers, and 20-plus steals is within reach, with above-average or better defense at third.

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Mike Trout

CF

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Analysis: Trout was the top prospect in baseball coming into 2011, and only misses repeating that title by a few days of service time that disqualify him from rookie status in 2012.

Irregular playing time in Anaheim didn't help his performance, and we saw glimpses that reminded us just how young he is. Trout has explosive speed that plays on both sides of the ball, and if Peter Bourjos wasn't there the Angels would still have a plus defender in center in Trout.

At the plate, Trout has an outstanding approach, but became impatient in the big leagues, chasing off-speed stuff out of the zone when he fell behind in the count. Given how patient he was in the minors, I'm chalking that up to his youth and the Angels' philosophy at the time. Given a few years of development in the big leagues, Trout will rank among the league leaders in OBP and provide plus defense anywhere he plays in the outfield, with the chance to steal 50 or more bases each year.

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Jason Heyward

RF

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Analysis: This was a lost year for Heyward, whose swing was a disaster all season, probably a hangover from the shoulder problem that first cropped up in 2010. To compensate, he altered his swing so that his first movement sends his hands -- and the bat -- down at the ball, producing groundballs at a scary rate so that his power doesn't play.

His patience remained intact, and he's still a plus defender in right. But that swing change meant he wasn't driving balls, especially not fastballs, and dragged down his entire offensive line. Heyward is still very young -- just three NL qualifiers were younger in 2011 -- and if he can get his swing back to where it was at the start of 2010, he can still become an MVP candidate with high OBPs and 25-30 homers a year.

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Cameron Maybin

CF

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Analysis: Maybin's tremendous 2011 was partly obscured by Petco Park, a graveyard for hitters where Maybin hit just .231 with only two of his nine homers. On the road he hit .294/.349/.457, and of course played plus defense everywhere, quite critical given Petco's large outfield.

Maybin still has his holes at the plate; his swing gets long, and he'll chase the slider all day, hitting just .178/.219/.264 in plate appearances that ended with a slider (per Bloomberg Sports). At 24, he's still just the seventh-youngest qualifier in the NL last year, and finally has a full-time job he doesn't have to worry about losing. Even with the tough park, he'll grow into 20-homer power to go with the speed and plus defense.

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Dustin Ackley

2B

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Analysis: In 90 games in the majors, Ackley was one of the most valuable rookies in the American League despite faltering in September in his second (and longest) pro season in which he tallied more than 700 plate appearances.

He's always had a simple, smooth swing and the hand-eye coordination to make a lot of contact, but started keeping his weight back better in 2010, which raises his power projection to the 15-20 home range. (Safeco Field is a pitcher's park overall, but primarily depresses right-handed power.)

One scout who saw him shortly before and after his callup said his defense changed like someone had "flipped a switch," from looking like he'd have to move to left in Triple-A to having a chance to be an average defender in the big leagues. Even if that's all he is on defense, a second baseman who projects to hit .300 with a solid OBP, 20 homers, and 20-30 steals is a very valuable property.

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Desmond Jennings

OF

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Analysis: Prior to this year, Jennings had never played in more than 132 games in a season due to a variey of injuries. He finally stayed healthy in 2011 and shined in his first extended big league stint. (Although staying healthy for a full season might have led to fatigue that caused him to hit .160/.258/.245 in September.) Even with that final month, Jennings hit 22 homers, drew 76 walks and stole 37 bases in 585 plate appearances across Triple-A and the majors, while playing above-average defense in center (in Triple-A) and left (in the majors).

He keeps his weight back well with solid hip rotation for average to above-average power to go along with his quick bat and strong plate discipline. His ability to adjust to soft stuff away was particularly impressive. He's not far from his ceiling -- a solid-average glove, OBP in the high .300s, 20-25 homers, and 30-40 steals.

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Logan Morrison

LF/1B

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Analysis: Morrison hit .291/.395/.480 in full-season ball in the minors, including time recovering from a broken wrist, then put up a similar line with a little less power in 2010 in the majors.

He has very quick hands, so he can wait on the ball before committing, and generates big power with his lower half. He didn't hit for the same average in 2011, but had a foot injury early in the year that explains at least part of it, and being jerked around by ownership didn't help either, including a punitive demotion that triggered an ongoing grievance.

Morrison has outstanding plate discipline, plus power, and will play at least an average first base if he ever gets the chance. He's a future star, and if the Marlins are too concerned with showing him who's boss to notice, they should give him a chance to succeed somewhere else.

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Brett Anderson

LHP

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Analysis: Anderson was hurt in 2010, tried to rehab and pitch around it, still wasn't himself in 2011, and finally succumbed in July, having Tommy John surgery that will keep him out for much of 2012. But when healthy, he is among the game's most promising young starters, and only turns 24 in February, giving him plenty of time to recover from the surgery and establish himself among the American League's elite.

He'll touch 94 when healthy with a knockout slider (that he throws a lot -- not ideal for the elbow) and solid-average curve and changeup, and has the command and feel you'd expect from the son of a pitching coach. Only health really holds him back from pitching at or near the top of a rotation.

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Alex Avila

C

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Analysis: Avila received some down-ballot MVP votes this year, and deservedly so, as a good defensive catcher who produced at a level that would have profiled at first base, hitting for average, getting on base, and showing average power.

Avila would have made the big leagues even without the offense as a plus receiver who has thrown out just under a third of opposing runners the last two years. He was given more playing time this and showed more patience at the plate. His only real weakness is that he remains susceptible to good breaking stuff from left-handers. I think he can hold this level for several years, which would keep him on MVP ballots, but he doesn't have the upside of some of the younger guys ahead of him on this list.

(By the way, if you're looking for Matt Wieters, he turns 26 in May, which disqualifies him from this list.)

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Pablo Sandoval

3B

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Analysis: It looks like 2010 was the outlier year, although given Sandoval's allergy to the walk, his down years in batting average on balls in play will always be magnified because his OBP will become unacceptably low.

A switch-hitter, Sandoval comes from the "see ball, hit ball" school of batting; he's a star from the left side who's passable right-handed, and he's improved his defense at third base to the point where we're at least not putting him on the express bus across the diamond. (I've seen some defensive metrics that indicated Sandoval had plus defense this year at third. Forgive my skepticism, but I'd like to see another year of that before buying it.) He'll madden fans with some of his short at bats, but he can repeat his 2011 season a few times over the next half-dozen years.

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Michael Pineda

RHP

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Analysis: Pineda had an outstanding rookie year, boosted by a friendly ballpark and good defense, throwing primarily two pitches -- a plus fastball and very sharp slider -- although his velocity started to slide as the summer went on. He has the size and stuff to continue to pitch as he did in 2011, but improving his changeup, really a show-me offering with virtually no action on it right now, would help him get to ace level.

(And if you're looking for Felix Hernandez, he turns 26 in April, which means he just misses the cut even though it seems like he's been around forever.)

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Elvis Andrus

SS

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Analysis: Andrus is a tremendous defensive shortstop with a quick, slashing stroke that produces a lot of contact, but much of it on the ground. He's already among the most valuable shortstops in the game because of his glove and the fact that he's not a zero with the stick.

But how much ceiling remains for Andrus? Is he likely to develop anything more than grade-40 power (on the 20-80 scouting scale) or produce more than 50 extra-base hits in a full season? Could he boost his walk rate to 70-80 per year when pitchers know he's not likely to drive the ball? It's more likely that he holds his value going forward than takes a significant step forward, leaving him a very good player rather than an elite one.

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Jay Bruce

RF

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Analysis: Bruce has substantial power, shows patience, and plays an above-average right field, so for him, the difference between being an above-average player and a star will come down to his contact rates and his batting average on balls in play.

He's very strong in both his upper and lower halves and gets good hip rotation, producing power to all fields, but his swing is so ferocious that the cost of his power is more swings and misses. Bruce has improved against left-handed pitchers but is still much weaker than he is against right-handers, which may limit his ceiling slightly. Still, he's a threat to hit 40 homers a year at his peak with enough walks to keep his OBP up even in the years when he hits .260.

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Brandon Belt

RF

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Analysis: At some point, maybe when the Giants have gone two or three weeks without scoring, you'd like to think San Francisco will wise up and just give Belt regular playing time, because even with some adjustments ahead of him, he could be the third-best hitter in their lineup.

Belt has a balanced swing, excellent hip rotation and weight transfer that bodes well for future power; his eye is good, but he needs to improve his two-strike approach, as his passivity in those situations hurts his production and isn't helping him stay in the lineup. Long-term, he looks like he'll get on base and hit for power with at least a high-.200s batting average and above-average defense at first.

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Jaime Garcia

LHP

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Analysis: Garcia improved on his strong 2010 season by cutting his walk rate by about a third while maintaining his excellent ground ball rate and solid-but-unspectacular strikeout rate. The three things a pitcher can do to help himself the most are miss bats, avoid walks, and keep the ball on the ground, and Garcia does two of those things well and is more than adequate in the third.

He doesn't have an ideal delivery and he did miss most of 2009 with Tommy John surgery, but the Cards have been cautious with him since then and if healthy he should hold this level of performance through the rest of his team-friendly four-year deal.

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Mat Latos

RHP

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Analysis: Latos started slowly in 2011 after a heavy workload the year before, but was back to his old self in the second half; he only allowed more than three runs in one of his last 17 starts, and never allowed more than four runs in any start after April. His velocity was down early in the year, but he was hitting 95-plus again in September; if he can hold that for a full year, along with the plus slider and average change, he's a fringe No. 1 starter.

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Neftali Feliz

RHP

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Analysis: Feliz's move to the rotation in 2012 is the right step for the Rangers and for him, as he was miscast as a closer just because he threw hard. Feliz can hold that velocity deep into games and has the changeup needed to get left-handed hitters out as a starter.

He'll have to refine both breaking balls and get over whatever caused his control to melt in 2011 (4.3 BB/9), but both issues, especially the control, should improve with more repetitions. There's risk here that he can't hold up or doesn't develop, but he has No. 1 or 2 starter upside if he does.

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Wilson Ramos

C

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Analysis: Ramos, who was in the news for unfortunate reasons earlier this offseason when he was kidnapped while playing winter ball in Venezuela, had a great, largely unnoticed rookie season for the Nationals, helping on both sides of the ball. He's a solid receiver with a strong arm and consistently high caught-stealing rates (43 percent across his minor-league career, 32 percent in the majors in 2011).

At the plate, he was never a big power hitter in the minors, but has good loft in his swing and a very strong front side that helps him drive the ball effectively, so even his 2011 power breakout probably isn't a ceiling. He may never post a high OBP, but a catcher who hits 20 homers with plus defense and an OBP in the .340 range is a borderline All-Star.

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Trevor Cahill

RHP

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Analysis: Cahill had consistent peripherals the last two years despite a slight decline in fastball velocity; he has tremendous life on the pitch, generating lots of ground balls, but has trouble keeping it in the zone and doesn't miss enough bats to compensate. He's here more for upside than present performance, as he's currently league average or so. But one more grade in command would probably push him to No. 2 starter status, given how good his raw stuff is.

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Freddie Freeman

1B

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Analysis: Freeman had a solid debut season, showing power a little earlier than expected, but lacks the impact ceiling of the corner bats further up this list. He projects to hit for solid averages with not quite enough walks and 20-25 home runs; his most likely path to stardom would be to exceed those power projections, but despite his size his current swing doesn't foreshadow 30-homer power. He looks above-average around the bag, although the major advanced defensive metrics rated his defense poorly this year, which is likely a fluke.

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Derek Holland

LHP

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Analysis: We've seen all sides of Holland across the last two postseasons, and he remained volatile this year from start to start while flashing signs of the frontline pitcher he still can become.

He threw a little harder this year and located the fastball better, while his changeup has been replaced as his best secondary pitch by an improved slider; he still has good arm speed on the changeup but not much action, and he doesn't have great deception on it. He does have a plus fastball and above-average slider, making him death on left-handed hitters, and if he can keep that changeup down more consistently (his main problem with the changeup is the long ball), he still has No. 2 starter potential.

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Zach Britton

LHP

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Analysis: It wasn't a great debut season, he was probably promoted to the big leagues about a half-season ahead of schedule. Plus, he's one of the only Oriole pitching prospects who didn't lose his stuff and/or get hurt, so if we're grading on a bell curve he gets the gold star. Britton is a true sinker/slider lefty whose low-90s sinker actually produces ground balls and whose slider is sharp enough to miss bats. He needs to work on his command of both pitches and on setting hitters up more effectively, but has No. 2 starter upside if he doesn't succumb to Oriolepitcheritis.

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Austin Jackson

CF

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Analysis: Jackson is a very solid player who's miscast as a leadoff guy; he's a good athlete who provides above-average to plus defense in center, and could grow into average power in time. His approach isn't great, and his recognition of off-speed stuff is shaky enough that I don't foresee him becoming a solid OBP guy who could hit atop a lineup, but he makes a good complementary player further down in the lineup who earns his pay with his glove as well.

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Aroldis Chapman

LHP

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Analysis: He's electric in relief but has a starter's repertoire and some history succeeding in that role before he defected. I've personally clocked Chapman up to 104 mph in one outing, and up to 101 in others, although as a starter he'd probably sit 94-97 or so with an upper-80s slider. I also saw him throw a changeup in spring training of 2010, but he was just fastball-slider in the regular season.

His arm might be the fastest I've ever seen, and he didn't look sharp in the Arizona Fall League before the Reds shut him down with a sore shoulder. If he's healthy enough to start -- a huge question right now -- it's ace stuff with an athletic frame that should hold up, but he's ranked down here because the probability of him reaching his ceiling got a lot lower this fall.

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Daniel Hudson

RHP

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Analysis: Hudson and teammate Ian Kennedy had the perfect situation in 2011: Fly ball pitchers working in front of one of the majors' best defensive outfields, with two of those three fielders also on this list. Hudson also reversed course by generating slightly more ground balls than fly balls (excluding line-drives), although the lack of sink on his four-seamer may mean that's a minor fluke. Hudson's arm action is long and stressful and his slider flattens out because of his low arm slot, but as a strike-thrower with good velocity and a surprisingly good changeup, he could have a few more years like 2011 as long as Arizona's defense cooperates.

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Justin Smoak

1B

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Analysis: Smoak had a year to forget in 2011, with a thumb injury sapping his power all summer, a broken nose in his first game after a brief layoff to rest the thumb, and most importantly, the loss of his father to cancer in April. He did finish strongly, albeit against the weaker competition of September (.301 batting average), but still projects to be the same hitter he did a year ago. He's a patient, disciplined switch-hitter with above-average to plus power; when he can grip the bat properly, he'll finally develop as so many of us expected him to.

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Gerardo Parra

LF

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Analysis: Parra, part of one the majors' best defensive outfields in 2011, has also started to develop with the bat to go along with his strong range and throwing arm, which is playable in right field but moved to left because of Justin Upton.

Parra's hands have always started his swing by moving down toward the ball, generating too many ground balls, but he's gradually traded some of those grounders for harder line drives, at which point his speed can come into play; unless someone tweaks his swing, however, he's not likely to be a 20-homer guy. This glove with a .300 average and a .360-.370 OBP at his peak would be an above-average regular.

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Rick Porcello

RHP

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Analysis: Porcello has three full years in the majors now, so it's easy to think of him as older than 23 (which he turns right after Christmas). A big stuff guy who hit 97 in high school, Porcello switched to a two-seamer in the minors to generate more ground balls; he does that well, and rarely walks anyone, but his ceiling his limited by the fact that he no longer misses many bats, and the life on his two-seamer wasn't as good in 2011 as it was in previous years.

If he can't maintain his ground ball rate, he's a back-end starter. If it's a fluke, and he can find a little more oomph on the four-seamer, he could still develop into a solid No. 2 or very good No. 3.

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Peter Bourjos

CF

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Analysis: I'll admit, I never saw this kind of offensive year coming from Bourjos -- in the minors he always had poor plate discipline and a lack of power even playing in good hitters' parks.

He doesn't have an ideal approach, and he does tend to collapse his back side, but Bourjos has gotten strong enough to drive the ball to the gaps or occasionally out of the park, and when you play some of the best center field defense in the game, that's more than enough to make you an average or better regular.

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Jhoulys Chacin

RHP

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Analysis: I was tempted to dress up for Halloween as a zombie wearing a Rockies cap and call myself Ghoulys Chacin, but I doubt my five-year-old would have gotten it. Chacin is a command righty with a plus changeup and an above-average slider who generates enough ground balls with his two-seamer to survive in Coors Field. His walk total was uncharacteristically high in 2011, but even if he brings that down, in all likelihood he's a solid No. 3 with a small chance to exceed that.

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Tommy Hanson

RHP

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Analysis: I'm not quite sure where to put Hanson since his season ended in early August due to shoulder tendinitis that was still present during a rehab outing in late September. He hasn't had surgery or been diagnosed with anything more serious, but shoulder problems are rarely minor.

A healthy Hanson would be in the top dozen names here. He works with four pitches led by a 91-95 mph fastball and a knockout slider, along with good control if not always command. We're just in wait and see mode here.

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Hank Conger

C

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Analysis: I would like to think that the regime change in Anaheim means that Conger, who can catch just enough to stay at the position, will get regular playing time behind the plate, because his bat is too valuable to let rot on the bench. However, the Angels' recent trade for Chris Iannetta puts up another barrier for Conger.

Mike Scioscia has used the switch-hitting Conger purely as a right-handed batter, but Conger is a true switch-hitter with patience and modest power from both sides of the plate.

42.jpg

Jeremy Hellickson

RHP

24

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Analysis: The AL Rookie of the Year won it largely because of performance in basic stats; he got a huge boost from Tampa's defense this year, which resulted in a low batting average on balls in play and thus a low ERA.

That said, I think Hellickson can boost his strikeout rate going forward and rely less on his defense. He's already got the command and the out-pitch changeup, but needs to tighten his curveball, and has a cutter he barely used in 2011. He doesn't have ace ceiling but could easily pitch up to the standard Tampa's defense helped him set this year.

43.jpg

Colby Rasmus

OF

25

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Analysis: Freed from a situation in St. Louis he's acknowledged was hurting his on-field production, Rasmus was traded to Toronto, got hurt, and didn't exactly produce when he was healthy (.517 OPS in 140 PAs with the Jays).

He has a good eye and a short, simple swing with good leverage to produce power, but his lower half became very busy in 2012, and he struggled getting his front leg down for proper timing. Toronto can afford to be patient, and an athletic outfielder with his kind of plate discipline is rare enough that they were smart to pounce on him when he fell out of favor with the Cardinals.

44.jpg

Danny Espinosa

2B

24

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Analysis: Espinosa plays a plus second base -- and would almost certainly play an above-average shortstop if the Nats decide they don't want to watch Ian Desmond's OBP go down again -- and has enough raw power to drive a mistake out of the park. He's no OBP star himself, getting a boost from a league-high 19 HBP last year, and tends to hook the ball regardless of which side he's hitting from. That kind of defense plus a spot of offense is still a league-average regular at second, and would look even better if he gets to his natural position at short.

45.jpg

Jemile Weeks

2B

24

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Analysis: Weeks' ceiling is less about his bat -- he hit about as well as you could have hoped for in his major-league debut -- than his glove. Defense can improve if the player has the physical tools for it, and Weeks is quick and has good hands. If he can get his walk rate back up to where it was for most of his minor league career, he'll be no less than a solid-average regular at second.

46.jpg

Ivan Nova

RHP

24

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Analysis: Wildly overrated by the "WINS!" crowd -- his 16-4 record probably had something to do with playing for the best offense in the league -- Nova has solid-average control, gets ground balls, and his slider (which he used less often than the curve for some reason) misses some bats. There's enough here that you can see a mid-rotation starter as he matures, just don't be surprised if 2012 fails to live up to the superficial stats he posted in 2011.

47.jpg

Brandon Beachy

RHP

25

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Analysis: Beachy's stuff doesn't grade out that well, but he has tremendous deception, and he's very effective at getting hitters to swing and miss at his fastball the first couple of times through the lineup.

He pitches up in the zone, making him fly ball-prone, and he racked up high pitch counts in 2011 that kept him from going through lineups a third time. Deception guys often struggle the more they go around a league, so there's probably some regression in his future, but an optimistic forecast on Beachy would have him as a potential No. 3 starter because of the bats he's missed in the past, especially if he junks the slider and throws the curveball instead.

48.jpg

Mike Leake

RHP

24

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Analysis: Leake is a great athlete with a kitchen-sink assortment of pitches led by an upper-80s two-seamer and a cutter at almost the same velocity, so the hitter doesn't know if the pitch is coming at him or tailing away. He throws strikes and gets ground balls while fielding his position well, but doesn't have a single pitch that will induce a ton of strikeouts, limiting his ceiling somewhat.

He was overworked in 2010, hurt his shoulder, and started horribly in 2011, but after a brief demotion was back to his old self, and should be an above-average starter going forward.

49.jpg

Craig Kimbrel

RHP

23

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Analysis: As good as Kimbrel was in 2011, the problem with ranking any reliever on this list is that modern reliever roles are so rigid that it's hard for a reliever to be worth any more than Kimbrel was last year.

Kimbrel works with a plus fastball and plus slider, and if Fredi Gonzalez didn't work him to death this year (I picture the Atlanta manager tapping his right arm in his sleep just out of habit), he could have another two or three years like 2011 in him.

50.jpg

Mike Minor

LHP

23

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Analysis: He's not as good as he looked at Triple-A in 2010, but better than Atlanta seemed to think he was in 2011. Minor is probably a solid No. 4, with a chance to be a No. 3, because he's got a good changeup, plus control, and good feel for pitching. On his best nights, he'll show an above-average curveball or hit 93 mph with his heater, but he will pitch with solid-average velocity and will have nights where he gets by on feel and changing speeds.

Other guys I like going forward, just not enough to rank in the top 50: Jose Altuve, Travis Snider, Jon Niese, Ben Revere, Michael Brantley, Jordan Lyles, Jason Kipnis, Mike Moustakas, Andrew Cashner.

Finding values in a relievers market.

Spoiler [+]
The Philadelphia Phillies' $50 million signing of Jonathan Papelbon sent reverberations throughout the baseball industry, that continue today as other elite closers continue to see similar deals -- guys such as Heath Bell, Ryan Madson and Francisco Rodriguez.

You could draw a direct line from Papelbon's four-year deal to Joe Nathan's two-year, $14.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers because this was Texas making a move on the best of the B group -- the good relievers who are, because of age or injury or inexperience, more modestly priced. Jonathan Broxton fit that description, and the Kansas City Royals signed him for $4 million to be their setup man. In the days ahead, you can look for more of these kinds of relievers to come off the board. Some candidates:

David Aardsma: He had 31 saves in 2010 but missed last season after having surgery. Aardsma is just 29 years old.

Juan Cruz: He had great matchup numbers against left-handed hitters and often was used for one- or two-out appearances.

Octavio Dotel: The right-hander had a nice showing in 2011 and can fill a number of roles; his preference has been to go back to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Frank Francisco: The good news is that he can fill any role, from closer to match-up right-hander; right-handers hit just .177 against him last season.

Mike Gonzalez: The Rangers have indicated they'd like the lefty back.

LaTroy Hawkins: Two things to love about Hawkins -- he doesn't walk anybody (10 in 48 innings last season), and he keeps the ball in the park (one homer allowed in 2011).

Jason Isringhausen: He said in September that his preference is to go back to the New York Mets.

Brad Lidge: He has been one of the dominant closers in his career, but he is the type of person who would embrace any role and help any teammate, which is why the Phillies want him back.

Scott Linebrink: He had a good first half last season with the Atlanta Braves but wasn't so good in the second half.

Jon Rauch: It got really rough at times for Rauch in 2011, who allowed 11 homers in 52 innings.

Fernando Rodney: He was demoted from his closer's role in the 2011 season and was limited by injuries.

Takashi Saito: When he pitches, he's effective.

The San Francisco Giants have made it known that relievers Ramon Ramirez and Jeremy Affeldt are available. Rival team officials aren't sure why San Francisco is marketing Affeldt less than two months after signing him for 2012 at $5 million.

"Maybe they thought he would be a good value in the [trade] market," one talent evaluator mused.

Broxton feels good after having surgery, Rustin Dodd writes.

Lidge has been working out daily at Citizens Bank Park, by the way; he could sign with either the Phillies or the Colorado Rockies. The Toronto Blue Jays are said by other teams to be working very hard to add bullpen help.
[h3]Notables[/h3]
• There is change in Boston, and already at least two teams have talked internally about preparing for the possibility that the Boston Red Sox could -- at some point -- look to move left fielder Carl Crawford, who is owed about $120 million over the next six seasons. GM Ben Cherington has been outspoken in his support of Crawford and in his belief that Crawford will bounce back after a sluggish 2011 season. But the statement of Boston owner John Henry earlier this offseason that he wasn't in favor of the Crawford signing caught the attention of some rival front offices.

If the Red Sox get to the point at which they decide that they aren't going to get their money's worth with Crawford and that it would be best to move him, there would be takers. "If they eat some of the money and turn him into a $13-14 million-a-year player, I think there would be some teams really interested," one NL evaluator said.

What follows is pure speculation: If the Red Sox actually decided to eat some of the money to Crawford, he would be a tremendous fit with the Rangers, where he would be reunited with Josh Hamilton and where he could play in the midst of a deep lineup and in his home state. Again, the Rangers connection is pure speculation.

• Mike Scioscia has been the most powerful manager in the sport, but there have been signs in recent months that he was backing away from his place of extraordinary influence and leaving the business of player acquisitions to others in the organization. Maybe the criticism Scioscia and the Los Angeles Angels have taken over the handling of Mike Napoli was the final straw. Napoli, of course, had seen his playing time at catcher diminished greatly with the Angels before he was dumped in the Vernon Wells trade -- and, in 2011, Napoli was among the best players in the American League and twice came within one strike of being in the middle of a dogpile of champions as the World Series MVP.

The confirmation of Scioscia's retreat came Wednesday, when the Angels traded for Chris Iannetta, who isn't necessarily a defense-first catcher -- something Scioscia has favored in his time as manager.

Jerry Dipoto feels like the Angels checked off some needs, writes Bill Plunkett.

The Rockies got a young pitcher in return and are on the verge of signing Ramon Hernandez, the best available free-agent catcher, as Troy Renck writes. Within the latest piece, there is word that the Rockies will also try to sign Jeff Mathis if he is not tendered a contract by the Angels.

• The New York Yankees may or may not be active this winter because it appears their organizational philosophy has evolved along these lines: They will not trade their better prospects for second-tier options. In other words, they probably aren't going to be aggressive in going after someone such as Chicago White Sox lefty John Danks, who has had some success but is eligible for free agency after next season.

But the Yankees also have shown themselves to be fully prepared to load up in a deal for a superstar difference-making player. They repeatedly check in with the Seattle Mariners about Felix Hernandez; they would love to take a shot at Clayton Kershaw; and, if and when the Cincinnati Reds decide to move Joey Votto, the Yankees may well be aggressive and at least consider the possibility of asking Votto about moving to right field for them.

To summarize: As the Yankees' farm system has gotten better in recent years, they are very comfortable developing their own complementary players -- and some are better than that, such as Robinson Cano, Brett Gardner, David Robertson and Ivan Nova. But if they have a chance to grab an elite player, as they tried to do in the summer of 2010 with their pursuit of Cliff Lee, they will jump.

• Joe Saunders went 12-13 with a 3.69 ERA for the Arizona Diamondbacks last year, and he'll never be someone who is going to "wow" scouts; he doesn't throw that hard and doesn't have dominating stuff. But Saunders is 30 years old and has thrown more than 200 innings a year the past two seasons, and, when you compare him with the rest of the marketplace, there's a lot to like about him -- which is why Saunders might have a pretty good chance to remain with Arizona on a two-year deal. Arizona plays in a hitters' park, and he posted a 3.14 ERA on the road last season.

• David DeJesus will improve the Chicago Cubs in several ways. Within the same Gordon Wittenmyer piece, there is word the Cubs could go after Chris Capuano. DeJesus bought a house in Wheaton.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. Bobby Valentine will be introduced today, and he rarely fails to produce drama, writes Scott Lauber. Stamford has always been home to Bobby, writes Amalie Benjamin. Charity has always been all-consuming for Valentine.

Valentine in Boston will be entertaining, writes George Vecsey. Steve Phillips is taking the blame publicly for his problems with Valentine. Valentine won't let dissension brew, writes Kevin Kernan.

The Red Sox are expected to make calls on their coaching staff today.

Some agents report that the Red Sox have indicated they needed the managerial choice before diving into player procurement, so it figures December will be a very busy month for Cherington.

2. Mark Teixeira jokes that Bobby V might freeze him out now, as Mark Feinsand writes.

3. An infielder from Japan wants to play with the Mariners and Ichiro.

4. The Tampa Bay Rays' trade for a pitcher raises a lot of disturbing questions, writes John Romano.

5. Bobby Ramos is disappointed the Rays did not retain him as bullpen coach.

6. The White Sox hired a Toronto scout, and Bob Elliott wonders whether this means Omar Minaya will be joining Toronto soon.

7. The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with Ramon Santiago.

8. Roger Hensley wonders whether Tyler Greene is ready to be the Cardinals' everyday shortstop.

9. Jose Reyes may or may not be making the rounds, writes Andy Martino.

10. Expect the unexpected from the Washington Nationals at the winter meetings, writes Thomas Boswell.

11. The Phillies signed some minor leaguers, including Brian Sanches.

12. A candidate withdrew from the Houston Astros' GM search.

13. Mitch Moreland had surgery.

14. Jason Kipnis won an award.

15. The Cubs should go after Albert Pujols hard, writes Rick Morrissey. Every baseball official and agent I spoke to Wednesday believes the Cubs-Pujols link is nothing more than a smoke screen generated in an attempt to force the Cardinals to spend more money.

Angels do well in Ianetta deal.

Spoiler [+]
Jerry Dipoto made his first significant move as general manager of the Los Angeles Angels earlier Wednesday when he sent right-hander Tyler Chatwood to the Colorado Rockies for catcher Chris Iannetta. As a follow-up to that trade, Colorado is close to a deal with catcher Ramon Hernandez for two years at a little less than $6.5 million.

The Rockies swore Iannetta was their catcher for 2012 but apparently had their fingers crossed when they said it, as they've shipped him off for a pitcher who doesn't fit the profile of a guy who'll succeed at Coors Field.

Iannetta scarcely got a fair shake from Jim Tracy, who's one of the worst tactical managers in the game today, and he's much better off out of the organization. Iannetta has a solid eye at the plate, although his 2011 on-base percentage (.370) was boosted by hitting in front of the pitcher so often, and he has 20-plus home run power if the Angels let him play every day. He's at least an average overall defensive catcher, better at throwing than receiving. Plus, his offensive profile is more valuable than the $3.55 million he'll be paid this year. It does raise the question of what the Angels intend to do with Hank Conger, still a very promising prospect with a similar offensive projection of patience and power but a need for regular playing time to reach it. Either way, I would like to think the Jeff Mathis experiment is over, several years after the conclusion was obvious.

The Rockies, meanwhile, get Chatwood, who has arm strength and a plus curveball that won't break as well in Coors Field, and who has to work to get downhill plane on his fastball. He didn't belong in the big leagues in 2011 -- ex-Angels GM Tony Reagins' legacy just looks worse with each passing day -- and his performance there was awful, with nearly a walk per strikeout, and it could have been worse had he not made half his starts in spacious Angel Stadium. Maybe Chatwood will find success in Colorado's bullpen, but he didn't necessarily project as a starter in Anaheim, and his repertoire and lack of control don't project as well in Denver.

Hernandez, whom I had at No. 32 on my free-agent rankings, started off well in 2011 but was awful in the second half. Considering that he's 35 years old, it's hard to see a ton of upside here.

Rumors.

Spoiler [+]
http://[h3]Has Posada reached out to Mets?[/h3]
2:51PM ET

[h5]Jorge Posada | Yankees [/h5]


Jorge Posada, a long-time New York Yankees catcher, is a free agent this winter at age 40 and SI.com's Jon Heyman tweeted early Thursday that the veteran inquired with Mets about playing for them in 2012.

However, Posada's agent, Seth Levinson, sent ESPN.com's Jayson Stark an email refuting the notion, saying "There is absolutely NO truth to that report. None."

Whether or not the Mets would have had interest is unclear, but they are in the market for a backup catcher.

Posada's future role, if he decides he wants to play next season, could be as a utility bat capable of serving as the designated hitter, first baseman and catcher. The switch hitter is generally viewed as more of a pure lefty stick these days, thanks to severe splits in recent seasons.

http://[h3]Japanese shortstop to M's?[/h3]
2:42PM ET

[h5]Munenori Kawasaki [/h5]

[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
Munenori Kawasaki is a free agent and announced Wednesday night that he wants to come to Major League Baseball -- but only to the Seattle Mariners, according to reports.

Kawasaki, 30, is free to sign with any club in MLB but wishes to play with Ichiro Suzuki and may be willing to sign for a bargain price in order to make that happen.

Rumor Central checked in with an NL East club's Pacific Rim scout to get the goods on Kawasaki. The scout opines that Kawasaki is a solid defender at short with just enough arm strength to handle the position. He's a below-average bat, however, and profiles as a reserve, at best. "He not very strong and slaps at the ball a lot," the scout added. "He makes a lot of contact and runs well, but had a down year and may be on the decline."

The M's could use a backup shortstop, but whether or not they like Kawasaki for that gig remains to be seen. Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times writes Thursday that GM Jack Zduriencik and the M's are "aware" of Kawasaki's free agency.

Seattle could also seek for such help on the free agent market or perhaps in the Rule 5 Draft that takes place late next week.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Teagarden to Orioles[/h3]
2:31PM ET

[h5]Baltimore Orioles [/h5]


UPDATE: The O's and Rangers have apparently agreed to a deal to send Teagarden to Baltimore, tweets SI.com's Jon Heyman.


The Baltimore Orioles have a need for a backup catcher and have had ongoing talks with the Texas Rangers about Taylor Teagarden, tweets Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.

The O's have a starter in Matt Wieters who is one of the best in baseball but need insurance and a way to avoid overworking their franchise players. The Orioles and Rangers hooked up twice last summer on trades for Koji Uehara and Mike Gonzalez, though the O's have changed general managers since so there may not be greased wheels from the start.

SI.com's Jon Heyman tweets that the O's have interest in free agent Jason Varitek but that it's difficult to imagine the veteran leaving Boston.

Other free agents on the market include Kelly Shoppach, Jason Kendall, Dioner Navarro, Ivan Rodriguez, Ramon Castro and J.R. Towles.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Mathis could become free agent[/h3]
2:29PM ET

[h5]Jeff Mathis | Angels [/h5]


With the Los Angeles Angels acquiring catcher Chris Ianetta from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for right-hander Tyler Chatwood, incumbent starter Jeff Mathis may be non-tendered this month, which would make him a free agent.

He made $1.7 million in 2011 and could get more than $3 million for 2012 via the arbitration process. The Halos could try and trade Mathis, but may end up having to non-tender him instead.

The Denver Post's Troy Renck writes that the Rockies are expected to try and sign Mathis if he reaches free agency, though he'll be available to the entire league.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Twins pitching options[/h3]
2:17PM ET

[h5]Minnesota Twins [/h5]


The Minnesota Twins are looking for starting pitching help, skipper Ron Gardenhire told Phil Mackey of 1500ESPN.com. The club posted a team ERA of 4.58 last season, second-worst in Major League Baseball.

The Twins don't appear to be in the running for lefties C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle, and haven't been linked to right-hander Roy Oswalt, at least not yet, but there are free agents that could make sense for the Twins.

Among those are Aaran Harang, Chris Capuano, Aaron Cook, Rich Harden, Edwin Jackson and Erik Bedard.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Kuroda's future in Japan or L.A.[/h3]
2:12PM ET

[h5]Hiroki Kuroda | Dodgers [/h5]


Hiroki Kuroda, long believed to be interested in returning to the Los Angele Dodgers may be headed back top Japan as the Dodgers are not going to approach the $12.5 million he earned a year ago, tweets Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.

If Kuroda backed off his stance of pitching for the Dodgers or nobody else, several clubs would likely have interested, potentially including the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels.

Kuroda reportedly has the option to return to his old team in Japan, the Nippon Ham Fighters. He can always come down on his asking price to go back to Dodger Blue, too.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Danks likely trade bait?[/h3]
2:08PM ET

[h5]John Danks | White Sox [/h5]


The Chicago White Sox and left-hander John Danks have not had discussions about a multi-year extension, at least not recently, reported Doug Padilla of ESPNChicago.com last week. Padilla chimes in Thursday to report that the Sox have refrained from making more of an effort because Danks rebuffed such attempts not long agp.

There are a few reasons why the club may hold off on such talks, one being that they may see more value in trading the southpaw, considering their current situation. Once the free agents on the market sign, Danks becomes perhaps the best pitcher available, if the Sox decide to shop him.

Padilla adds that the club has not given up on the idea of getting Danks signed, but may be intrigued by his trade value.

The Yankees, Rangers, Red Sox and Nationals could be among those interested.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Chen to declare free agency?[/h3]
1:25PM ET

[h5]Wei-Yin Chen [/h5]

[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
The Baltimore Orioles may be one of several clubs eyeing the free agency of Taiwanese left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, reports Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.

Chen is a 26-year-old that has played in Japan the last several seasons. He can declare free agency on December 1, as part of his non-native contract with the Chunichi Dragons.

Chen sits in the low 90s with his fastball, setting up a forkball and slow curveball. His mechanics are smooth and create some deception. Several clubs are likely to bid for his services.

The usual suspects -- Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels, Rangers, Tigers, Mariners and Cubs -- could all show interest in Chen, as could the Phillies, Nationals and Blue Jays.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Nakajima posted[/h3]
1:02PM ET

[h5]Hiroyuki Nakajima [/h5]

[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
The talk is of Yu Darvish, the ace right-hander that may or may not be posted this offseason, but Hiroyuki Nakajima, a 29-year-old shortstop, has been posted by the Seibu Lions, and clubs have until Friday to make bids.

Nakajima has batted .313/.389/.491 heading into the 2011 season when he hit .297/.354/.433 with 16 home runs. The Baltimore Orioles were reportedly interested last offseason when rumors surfaced that Nakajima may be posted then. The O's have since inked J.J. Hardy to an extension.

The general question on shortstops coming to the states is whether or not their glove plays at the position in MLB. Kazuo Matsui shifted to second base, as did Tsuyoshi Nishioka of the Minnesota Twins.

Nakajima is a bit more physical than either of the two at 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds and has the arm strength to play short. Range, hands and footwork may be the determining factor.

Clubs looking for middle infielders, including the Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers and Detroit Tigers could have some interest in Nakajima. The Rockies and Tigers are seeking second base help, the others are after shortstops.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Stark: Fish after Bell[/h3]
11:37AM ET

[h5]Miami Marlins [/h5]


It's been their pursuit of Jose Reyes, Albert Pujols, Mark Buehrle and C.J. Wilson that has generated the most Rumor Central buzz, but the Marlins also are making a serious run at free-agent closer Heath Bell, sources told ESPN.com.

With the future of their incumbent closer, Juan Oviedo (a.k.a., Leo Nunez), a major question due to an identity-discrepancy issue, the Marlins have been quietly aggressive in their pursuit of Bell since the day the free-agent negotiating period began four weeks ago.

The 34-year-old righthander is coming off a 43-save season with the Padres that made him the only closer in baseball who has saved 40-plus games in each of the last three seasons.

The Padres remain interested in re-signing Bell. And clubs in the closer market say the Angels and Blue Jays also have interest.

While Bell's strikeout rate declined in 2011, from 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings in 2010 to 7.3 this year, his average fastball velocity (94 mph), WHIP (1.15), ERA (2.44) and opponent average (.223) were all in line with his previous performance.

Bell, who earned $7.5 million this season, is believed to be seeking a three-year deal.

http://[h3]Are the Cubs serious about Pujols?[/h3]
11:15AM ET

[h5]Albert Pujols | Cardinals [/h5]


The market for Albert Pujols seemed to be taking shape with word from ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that the Chicago Cubs have reached out to the agent for the three-time Most Valuable Player.

Although discussions between team officials and agent Dan Lozano are in the early stages, Crasnick says the Cubs appear poised to join the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins as a serious suitor.

Meanwhile, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney questions if the Cubs are truy in the hunt. "Every baseball official and agent I spoke to Wednesday believes that the Cubs/Pujols link is nothing more than a smoke screen generated in an attempt to force the Cardinals to spend more money," Olney writes in Thursday's blog.

Derrick Goold of the Post Dispatch reported Wednesday that Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has remained in conversation with Lozano and the two are expected to meet again about Pujols at next week's winter meetings in Dallas. The Cards are believed to be searching for clarity in the talks, "so they can more forward or move on."

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Varitek on Mets' radar?[/h3]
11:02AM ET

[h5]New York Mets [/h5]


http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5394/ronny-paulinoRonny Paulino did not make a favorable first impression in Queens, so the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nym/new-york-metsNew York Mets are looking for catching help.
SI.com's Jon Heyman tweets Thursday morning that the Mets have decided to pass on any pursuit of Jorge Posada and are among the teams looking at free agent Jason Varitek.
Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reported earlier this seek that the Mets did not view Paulino as a diligent worker and found his offensive and defensive skills lacking. Paulino still could return in 2012, but the Mets will be looking to add a catcher to share the duties with http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30188/josh-tholeJosh Thole. Ideally, the Mets would like to add a veteran catcher who can help young starters Jon Niese and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30139/dillon-geeDillon Gee better handle the National League.

The Mets could stay in-house with http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/29665/mike-nickeasMike Nickeas, who is regarded as a superb defender. There are concerns, however, with the bat of Nickeas, who hit .189 in 53 at-bats.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Minaya headed north?[/h3]
10:52AM ET

[h5]Toronto Blue Jays [/h5]


Former Mets general manager Omar Minaya could soon be joining the front office of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun notes that Blue Jays director of Latin American scouting Marco Paddy was hired by the Chicago White Sox Wednesday, possibly opening a job north of the border for Minaya.

During his tenure as GM of the Montreal Expos, Minaya promoted young scout Alex Anthopoulos, and the current GM of the Blue Jays could be returning the favor. Minaya has expressed a desire to get back in the game after being fired by the Mets after the 2010 season.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Reyes visiting Miami Thursday?[/h3]
10:31AM ET

[h5]Jose Reyes | Mets [/h5]


ESPN.com's Jayson Stark cautioned Wednesday that we should not look too deeply into the sighting of http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes was spotted Tuesday at a popular restaurant in Philadelphia.

Stark spoke to numerous sources who claim the name of Reyes has not been mentioned in the Phillies' offices for months and the club is concentrating on bringing back Jimmy Rollins.

The next stop may be South Beach, where the Palm Beach Post reported "rumblings" that Reyes could be visiting Miami on Thursday. Andy Martino of the NY Daily News reports the Miami murmurs are unconfirmed, but remain intriguing since the Marlins are viewed as the most aggressive suitor of Reyes.

Speaking to season ticket holders Wednesday, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said he did not consider the Mets out of the Reyes chase, but he didn't sound overly optimistic, either. Martino says the Mets continues to believe they will have an opportunity to make an offer before Reyes signs elsewhere.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Saunders' situation in desert[/h3]
10:12AM ET

[h5]Joe Saunders | Diamondbacks [/h5]


Left-hander Joe Saunders, acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the deal that sent Dan Haren to the Los Angeles Angels, is arbitration eligible this winter and could be a trade candidate, based on his $5.5 million salary a year ago that could get to $8 million or more.

ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney tweets Wednesday, however, that Saunders could return to the D-backs on a two-year deal.

Saunders is a free agent next year, but could give up a year of free agency in return for a guaranteed contract through 2013. Saunders went 12-13 with a 3.69 ERA in 2011.

Olney has more on Saunders in Thursday's blog:

- Jason A. Churchill

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[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Saunders future
"Saunders will never be someone who is going to 'wow' scouts; he doesn't throw that hard and doesn't have dominating stuff. But Saunders is 30 years old and he has thrown more than 200 innings a year the last two seasons, and when you compare him to the rest of the market place, there's a lot to like about him -- which is why Saunders might have a pretty good chance to remain with Arizona on a two-year deal. Arizona plays in a hitter's park, and on the road last season, he posted a 3.14 ERA."
Click to expand...
http://[h3]Could the Red Sox deal Crawford?[/h3]
10:02AM ET

[h5]Carl Crawford | Red Sox [/h5]


There have been plenty of changes in Boston following the epic September collapse of the Red Sox, and the revamping continues Thursday with the introduction of Bobby Valentine as manager.

Could the overhaul include a deal for outfielder Carl Crawford, who is just one season into a seven-year, $142 million deal? ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney says there would be takers if the Red Sox - at some point - went that route. "If they eat some of the money and turn him into a $13-14 million a year player, I think there would be some teams really interested," said one NL evaluator.

In what he calls "pure speculation," Olney says Crawford would be a nice fit in Texas, where he would be re-united with Josh Hamilton.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Morneau moving to DH?[/h3]
9:42AM ET

[h5]Justin Morneau | Twins [/h5]


The Minnesota Twins are open to any options that would help the injury-plagued Justin Morneau remain in the lineup on a regular basis. One possibility would be to move him off first base and give him more at-bats as a designated hitter.

Manager Ron Gardenhire told ESPN 1500AM on Wednesday that he wants to decide soon if the 2006 AL MVP and four-time All-Star will make the switch. "Morny has to eventually tell us what's right for him or I'll make the decision for him and we will go from there," Gardenhire said via the Star-Tribune. "If he can't decide and we talk to the doctors and they give me information where I think the best thing for him to do is to DH and protect him as much as possible, then that is what we will do."

Morneau hit only .227 last season after missing the second half of 2010 because of a concussion. If he ends up as the DH, that would only intensify the Twins' efforts to re-sign free agent Michael Cuddyer, who received plenty of time at first base when Morneau was injured.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Catching situation in Anaheim[/h3]
9:17AM ET

[h5]Los Angeles Angels [/h5]


The Angels didn't get much offensively from their catchers last season, which prompted the trade Wednesday that brings Chris Iannetta to Anaheim for pitcher Tyler Chatwwood.

Iannetta figures to get the bulk of the catching duties, but it remains to be seen who will be the backup. Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times says that Jeff Mathis, who hit a paltry .174, is not expected to tendered a contract by the December 12 deadline. f Mathis is tendered, he would be a trade target, as would Bobby Wilson.

MLB.com's Lyle Spencer writes that 23-year-old Hank Conger still is considered the team's catcher of the future, but needs to make some refinements defensively.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Mets among those looking at Bailey[/h3]
8:39AM ET

[h5]Andrew Bailey | Athletics [/h5]


The New York Mets have made the acquisition of a closer a high priority this winter, and their focus may have turned to Oakland. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets are among the at least half-dozen teams that have inquired seriously about Athletics righthander Andrew Bailey.

Sherman adds that the A's believe the Mets do not have the "necessary pieces" to land the two-time All-Star. The Mets could offer outfielder Fernando Martinez, a one-time top prospect, but his value has declined due to his inability to stay healthy. The Reds and Blue Jays also have been mentioned as suitors for Bailey.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote last month that it wouldn't be a surprise if Bailey was traded, but added the A's aren't going to rush into anything, unless they get everyone on their wish list in return.

- Doug Mittler

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[h5]Jim Bowden[/h5]
A's may have to wait on Bailey
"A's GM Billy Beane has made outfielders and bats a priority this offseason and is shopping closer Andrew Bailey. The problem is the free-agent market is still flooded with closers like Heath Bell, Ryan Madson and Francisco Cordero, so clubs are reluctant to trade young talent for Bailey when they just as easily can sign a free agent without giving up prospects."
Click to expand...

http://[h3]Is Bell closing in on a deal?[/h3]
8:14AM ET

[h5]Heath Bell | Padres [/h5]


There was some buzz Wednesday night that Heath Bell was closing in on a new deal, but the free agent reliever tempered some of the enthusiasm.

Jim Bowden tweeted that a deal for Bell "is about done" but there was no word on what team had signed the righthander. Bell insisted via his personal Twitter account that no deal was imminent: "The most exciting thing that happened today..put up my Christmas lights. No news people."

There was speculation earlier this week that the Toronto Blue Jays are interested in Bell, as per a report from Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun. Elliott added that Francisco Cordero also is on the Jays' radar.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Levine won't interview with Astros[/h3]
7:51AM ET

[h5]Houston Astros [/h5]


UPDATE: Is the Astros are unable to lure Friedman to Houston, they won't be able to turn to Thad Levine as part of a backup plan. Levine decided Wednesday to remain with the Rangers as their assistant general manager, which is very good news for the Rangers, says Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com

- Doug Mittler

--

UPDATE: While the consensus seems to be that Andrew Friedman is very likely to stay in Tampa Bay, ESPN Insider's Jim Bowden of the GM's Office tweets that the Astros should roll out the red carpet for their native son.

"Astros need to step up & give Friedman a 'Theo Epstein' 20m type deal & learn from Tom Ricketts that Upper MGT critical to long term success."

Perhaps the money Crane saved in the purchase of the team for agreeing to move to the American League starting in 2013 can go toward enticing Friedman to come to Houston.

- Jason A. Churchill
UPDATE: Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle reports that the Astros have asked the Rays for, and received, permission to talk to Friedman.

Justice cautions that no GM has a closer relationship with his bosses or with his manager than Friedman has with the Rays, so getting him to Houston is a long shot. But Crane seems to be willing to spend some money, an advantage Friedman does not have in Tampa.

- Doug Mittler
When the long-awaited sale of the Houston Astros was completed, incoming owner Jim Crane vowed to meet with all his executives and "make some very, very quick adjustments."

Crane didn't let the Thanksgiving weekend run its course before making a move, announcing Sunday night that general manager Ed Wade and team president Tal Smith have been fired. Assistant general manager Dave Gottfried will serve as interim GM, but will not be considered for the permanent job.

Over the weekend, ESPN Insider's Jim Bowden wrote that the Rays' Andrew Friedman and Gerry Hunsicker, and the Rangers' Thad Levine would be considered as possible GM targets if Crane decided to make a change at the top.

Friedman is a Houston native, but so far has expressed no real desire to leave Tampa Bay. Hunsicker, currently a senior VP in Tampa, served as the Astros' GM in 1995-2004, leading the Astros to four NL Central titles.

Other possibilities could include Oakland assistant GM David Forst as well as Kim Ng, currently a Senior VP with Major League Baseball. Ng has been passed over for seven GM jobs, most recently with the Angels.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Colvin's future at Wrigley[/h3]
7:31AM ET

[h5]Tyler Colvin | Cubs [/h5]


The Chicago Cubs had high hopes last spring for Tyler Colvin, who was coming off a respectable 2010 season in which he had close to 400 plate appearances and hit 20 homers.

The 26-year-old outfielder then struggled to hit .150 with six homers in 80 games this past season. His future became more cloudy Wednesday when the Cubs signed David DeJesus to a two-year contract to be their right fielder. There is a question whether he is the type of player favored by the Cubs' new management team.

"He's certainly not out of the picture," GM Jed Hoyer tells MLB.com. "He has to come to camp and bounce back from last year."

Colvin could be used as a reserve, but could see more playing time if the Cubs somehow manage to trade Alfonso Soriano.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Players unhappy with Bobby V hiring?[/h3]
7:12AM ET

[h5]Boston Red Sox [/h5]


The Boston Red Sox have traditionally been a team that has gone without high-profile managers, but that all changes beginning Thursday when Bobby Valentine is officially introduced as their new skipper.

Terry Francona was every bit a players' manager, but Valentine will bring a more straightforward (i.e. blunt) approach to Fenway Park. Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston.com says there already are some rumblings that some current Red Sox players are not happy with the hiring. "They're going to have a mess on their hands," one source told McDonald as the hiring process played out.

ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney has heard some of the rumblings, citing sources Wednesday saying that "some Red Sox players have been upset" that Valentine had emerged as a candidate and have been "grumbling to each other, through texts and phone calls."

The perception around Red Sox Nation was that players may have gotten too comfortable under Francona. With a new sheriff in town, that will change.
 
Top 50 MLB players under 25.
Spoiler [+]
In September, my colleague Bill Simmons, (who has his own site to play with now) suggested to me on his podcast that I rank the top 50 MLB players age 25 and under for 2012. Listeners were enthusiastic about the idea, so here it is.

This ranking only includes players who have lost their Rookie of the Year eligibility, but were born on or after July 1, 1986. (That's the cut-off for a player's seasonal age.) That means that rising prospects (such as Bryce Harper) are not represented on this list -- they will be ranked in our annual Prospect Rankings, coming in mid-January.

I've ranked these players with an eye towards their peak rather than short-term value, and without regard to contracts, service time, or scheduled free agency. Therefore, you will see some players on here who were good in 2011 ranked below players who weren't so good, an indication that I like the next six years (roughly) from the second group more than I like the next six years from the first. It's subjective, and I even left off players I really like because I ran out of room. Thanks to all of you who've been asking for this list for the last two months -- I hope it meets your expectations.

Note: Ages listed are as of Dec. 1, 2011.

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Justin Upton

RF

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Analysis: Upton was an MVP candidate for most of the season until Matt Kemp pulled away in September (and the voters went all retro by deciding the MVP had to be on a playoff team, d'oh). He still has a significant amount of upside left as he continues to get stronger and to refine his approach at the plate. His walk rate slipped in 2011, but he dramatically increased his contact rate, and traded some ground balls (and double plays) for fly balls (and doubles and homers). He's a five-tool player who would probably play center on some clubs, with several 30-homer seasons ahead of him; a .310/.400/.570 peak isn't out of the question.

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Andrew McCutchen

CF

25

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Analysis: McCutchen was headed for stardom in fits and starts before 2011, when he showed improvement across the board, posting career bests in walks and home runs while also having his best defensive year in center. He saw more pitches per plate appearance in 2011, but was also more aggressive when behind in the count; improving in the latter situations would be one key to producing a few monster seasons over the next five years.

He has some of the best wrist acceleration in the game, producing hard line-drive contact and 20-25 home runs in a park that kills right-handed power. He doesn't have the offensive upside of Upton and is slightly older, but adds more defensive value and could explode if he gets to a park better suited to his bat.

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Mike Stanton

RF

22

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Analysis: Stanton was the third-youngest regular in the National League in 2011, yet finished fifth in the circuit in home runs while playing in a home park that was never friendly to the longball. He has crazy raw power and it has translated to games from the moment he got into pro ball, which is when the Marlins cleaned up his swing to help him keep his strikeout rate under control.

He's not much of a runner but is otherwise athletic for his size, playing an above-average right field with a solid arm. The improvement in his approach over the past few years coupled with his youth and his enormous power make him a threat to win MVP awards in a couple of seasons.

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Buster Posey

C

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Analysis: I'm assuming that Posey remains a catcher after the leg injury that prematurely ended his 2011 season and probably killed the Giants' season as well, given that they often couldn't find eight competent hitters to fill out a lineup.

Posey can hit, get on base, catch, and throw, and is good for double-digit homers, which is extremely valuable at a position where some teams are left with the choice between an elastic net and Jeff Mathis. If his leg recovers physically, Posey can catch again and probably stay back there into at least his late 20s, after which he could move to any of a number of positions where his bat would still be valuable.

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Clayton Kershaw

LHP

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Analysis: He's the most valuable young pitcher in baseball and is coming off a tremendous 2011 season where he ripped through major league hitters (and the Giants) en route to leading the NL in strikeouts, while dropping his walk rate by more than half over 2009.

He combines a plus fastball, an out-pitch slider, an above-average slower curveball that he's set aside in favor of the slider, and solid-average changeup with that newfound control for a package that is extremely tough to hit for both left- and right-handed hitters. Kershaw's arm works well, he has a strong build and frame, and the Dodgers have handled him carefully, finally letting him loose this year as his walk rate plummeted. I can't guarantee any pitcher will stay healthy, but I like Kershaw's odds to do so, and to put up a few more seasons like 2011 along the way.

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Starlin Castro

SS

21

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Analysis: Castro is an extremely gifted hitter, leading the NL in hits (and at-bats) despite being the youngest regular in the circuit, and is going to come into more power over the next few years as he fills out.

He has outstanding hand-eye coordination and the bat control you'd expect from that, keeping his hands inside the ball well and adjusting to off-speed pitches like a big-league veteran. He's an average runner at best and not a high-percentage basestealer, so he'll either have to improve his reads or stop making so many attempts.

The biggest issue for Castro is that his lower half is already slow, and if he gets thicker and slows down further, it'll guarantee he moves off short and could in theory keep him from second base as well, although his arm is strong enough to play anywhere on the field. He's likely to keep posting .300 averages and should end up with 20-plus homers and slugging percentages around .500, perhaps even better if he can work on getting into better counts.

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Eric Hosmer

1B

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Analysis: Hosmer had a solid big league debut in 2011 as the American League's youngest regular, but it only represents a fraction of what he's capable of producing. He's very strong and has great hip rotation to produce power to all fields, and showed great pitch recognition on his way up the Royals' system before an early promotion in May.

The surprise of his year on offense was that he didn't get walks as often as he did in the minors, which could be just a young player making adjustments, or commensurate with a team philosophy that doesn't value getting on base. Hosmer's an agile first baseman with a plus arm (he was up to 94 as a pitcher in high school) who'd probably be fine in right field, although the Royals show no inclination to move him. His ceiling is an Adrian Gonzalez-type of player, adding value through average, walks, power, and defense, but with a little more speed as well.

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Stephen Strasburg

RHP

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Analysis: He has three plus pitches and one of the fastest-accelerating arms I have ever seen. In his brief time back in the majors in September, he looked like his stuff was all the way back, but it could be a year or more until his command returns to where it was before his elbow gave out, and the Nationals will likely hold down his workload for at least 2012.

If we knew he'd stay healthy, he'd be closer to the top of the list, but pitchers who experience the kind of sudden velocity spike Strasburg did after high school don't have great track records of extended health. Let's hope Strasburg, whose arm works well and has a reputation for working hard on maintaining his conditioning, is the exception.

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Madison Bumgarner

LHP

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Analysis: Two years ago, Bumgarner looked like a potential bust, as his velocity disappeared during the second half of 2009 with no apparent explanation, and he didn't get it all back until after the start of the 2010 season. Whatever the reason was -- and we still don't know, although it barely matters at this point -- his velocity is back, as is the plus slider that he didn't even learn until his senior year of high school.

Bumgarner's arm action is a little long, and he comes around at a low slot. However, he gets his hand up to give the slider a little tilt, and combined with a velocity close to that of his fastball, the offering is tough to hit. Throw in plus control -- he only walked six left-handed batters all year -- and he's a hidden ace, unknown only because he pitches behind two other aces in San Francisco's stacked rotation.

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Brett Lawrie

3B

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Analysis: He may not hit like he did in 2011 for a full season (.953 OPS in 171 PAs), but his first taste of the majors was pretty impressive for a 21-year-old coming off a hand injury and jumping into baseball's toughest division.

Lawrie had a big off-season before 2011, changing organizations and agents, and concerns about his coachability disappeared. With Toronto, he showed he can murder a fastball, added value on the bases (he's a plus runner despite his muscular build), and played a surprisingly strong third base. He's going to see a lot more off-speed stuff in 2012, and will have to improve his recognition of and/or ability to hit those pitches. But the ceiling here just keeps going up, and a peak with a .400 OBP, 30-plus homers, and 20-plus steals is within reach, with above-average or better defense at third.

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Mike Trout

CF

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Analysis: Trout was the top prospect in baseball coming into 2011, and only misses repeating that title by a few days of service time that disqualify him from rookie status in 2012.

Irregular playing time in Anaheim didn't help his performance, and we saw glimpses that reminded us just how young he is. Trout has explosive speed that plays on both sides of the ball, and if Peter Bourjos wasn't there the Angels would still have a plus defender in center in Trout.

At the plate, Trout has an outstanding approach, but became impatient in the big leagues, chasing off-speed stuff out of the zone when he fell behind in the count. Given how patient he was in the minors, I'm chalking that up to his youth and the Angels' philosophy at the time. Given a few years of development in the big leagues, Trout will rank among the league leaders in OBP and provide plus defense anywhere he plays in the outfield, with the chance to steal 50 or more bases each year.

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Jason Heyward

RF

22

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Analysis: This was a lost year for Heyward, whose swing was a disaster all season, probably a hangover from the shoulder problem that first cropped up in 2010. To compensate, he altered his swing so that his first movement sends his hands -- and the bat -- down at the ball, producing groundballs at a scary rate so that his power doesn't play.

His patience remained intact, and he's still a plus defender in right. But that swing change meant he wasn't driving balls, especially not fastballs, and dragged down his entire offensive line. Heyward is still very young -- just three NL qualifiers were younger in 2011 -- and if he can get his swing back to where it was at the start of 2010, he can still become an MVP candidate with high OBPs and 25-30 homers a year.

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Cameron Maybin

CF

24

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Analysis: Maybin's tremendous 2011 was partly obscured by Petco Park, a graveyard for hitters where Maybin hit just .231 with only two of his nine homers. On the road he hit .294/.349/.457, and of course played plus defense everywhere, quite critical given Petco's large outfield.

Maybin still has his holes at the plate; his swing gets long, and he'll chase the slider all day, hitting just .178/.219/.264 in plate appearances that ended with a slider (per Bloomberg Sports). At 24, he's still just the seventh-youngest qualifier in the NL last year, and finally has a full-time job he doesn't have to worry about losing. Even with the tough park, he'll grow into 20-homer power to go with the speed and plus defense.

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Dustin Ackley

2B

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Analysis: In 90 games in the majors, Ackley was one of the most valuable rookies in the American League despite faltering in September in his second (and longest) pro season in which he tallied more than 700 plate appearances.

He's always had a simple, smooth swing and the hand-eye coordination to make a lot of contact, but started keeping his weight back better in 2010, which raises his power projection to the 15-20 home range. (Safeco Field is a pitcher's park overall, but primarily depresses right-handed power.)

One scout who saw him shortly before and after his callup said his defense changed like someone had "flipped a switch," from looking like he'd have to move to left in Triple-A to having a chance to be an average defender in the big leagues. Even if that's all he is on defense, a second baseman who projects to hit .300 with a solid OBP, 20 homers, and 20-30 steals is a very valuable property.

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Desmond Jennings

OF

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Analysis: Prior to this year, Jennings had never played in more than 132 games in a season due to a variey of injuries. He finally stayed healthy in 2011 and shined in his first extended big league stint. (Although staying healthy for a full season might have led to fatigue that caused him to hit .160/.258/.245 in September.) Even with that final month, Jennings hit 22 homers, drew 76 walks and stole 37 bases in 585 plate appearances across Triple-A and the majors, while playing above-average defense in center (in Triple-A) and left (in the majors).

He keeps his weight back well with solid hip rotation for average to above-average power to go along with his quick bat and strong plate discipline. His ability to adjust to soft stuff away was particularly impressive. He's not far from his ceiling -- a solid-average glove, OBP in the high .300s, 20-25 homers, and 30-40 steals.

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Logan Morrison

LF/1B

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Analysis: Morrison hit .291/.395/.480 in full-season ball in the minors, including time recovering from a broken wrist, then put up a similar line with a little less power in 2010 in the majors.

He has very quick hands, so he can wait on the ball before committing, and generates big power with his lower half. He didn't hit for the same average in 2011, but had a foot injury early in the year that explains at least part of it, and being jerked around by ownership didn't help either, including a punitive demotion that triggered an ongoing grievance.

Morrison has outstanding plate discipline, plus power, and will play at least an average first base if he ever gets the chance. He's a future star, and if the Marlins are too concerned with showing him who's boss to notice, they should give him a chance to succeed somewhere else.

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Brett Anderson

LHP

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Analysis: Anderson was hurt in 2010, tried to rehab and pitch around it, still wasn't himself in 2011, and finally succumbed in July, having Tommy John surgery that will keep him out for much of 2012. But when healthy, he is among the game's most promising young starters, and only turns 24 in February, giving him plenty of time to recover from the surgery and establish himself among the American League's elite.

He'll touch 94 when healthy with a knockout slider (that he throws a lot -- not ideal for the elbow) and solid-average curve and changeup, and has the command and feel you'd expect from the son of a pitching coach. Only health really holds him back from pitching at or near the top of a rotation.

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Alex Avila

C

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Analysis: Avila received some down-ballot MVP votes this year, and deservedly so, as a good defensive catcher who produced at a level that would have profiled at first base, hitting for average, getting on base, and showing average power.

Avila would have made the big leagues even without the offense as a plus receiver who has thrown out just under a third of opposing runners the last two years. He was given more playing time this and showed more patience at the plate. His only real weakness is that he remains susceptible to good breaking stuff from left-handers. I think he can hold this level for several years, which would keep him on MVP ballots, but he doesn't have the upside of some of the younger guys ahead of him on this list.

(By the way, if you're looking for Matt Wieters, he turns 26 in May, which disqualifies him from this list.)

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Pablo Sandoval

3B

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Analysis: It looks like 2010 was the outlier year, although given Sandoval's allergy to the walk, his down years in batting average on balls in play will always be magnified because his OBP will become unacceptably low.

A switch-hitter, Sandoval comes from the "see ball, hit ball" school of batting; he's a star from the left side who's passable right-handed, and he's improved his defense at third base to the point where we're at least not putting him on the express bus across the diamond. (I've seen some defensive metrics that indicated Sandoval had plus defense this year at third. Forgive my skepticism, but I'd like to see another year of that before buying it.) He'll madden fans with some of his short at bats, but he can repeat his 2011 season a few times over the next half-dozen years.

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Michael Pineda

RHP

22

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Analysis: Pineda had an outstanding rookie year, boosted by a friendly ballpark and good defense, throwing primarily two pitches -- a plus fastball and very sharp slider -- although his velocity started to slide as the summer went on. He has the size and stuff to continue to pitch as he did in 2011, but improving his changeup, really a show-me offering with virtually no action on it right now, would help him get to ace level.

(And if you're looking for Felix Hernandez, he turns 26 in April, which means he just misses the cut even though it seems like he's been around forever.)

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Elvis Andrus

SS

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Analysis: Andrus is a tremendous defensive shortstop with a quick, slashing stroke that produces a lot of contact, but much of it on the ground. He's already among the most valuable shortstops in the game because of his glove and the fact that he's not a zero with the stick.

But how much ceiling remains for Andrus? Is he likely to develop anything more than grade-40 power (on the 20-80 scouting scale) or produce more than 50 extra-base hits in a full season? Could he boost his walk rate to 70-80 per year when pitchers know he's not likely to drive the ball? It's more likely that he holds his value going forward than takes a significant step forward, leaving him a very good player rather than an elite one.

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Jay Bruce

RF

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Analysis: Bruce has substantial power, shows patience, and plays an above-average right field, so for him, the difference between being an above-average player and a star will come down to his contact rates and his batting average on balls in play.

He's very strong in both his upper and lower halves and gets good hip rotation, producing power to all fields, but his swing is so ferocious that the cost of his power is more swings and misses. Bruce has improved against left-handed pitchers but is still much weaker than he is against right-handers, which may limit his ceiling slightly. Still, he's a threat to hit 40 homers a year at his peak with enough walks to keep his OBP up even in the years when he hits .260.

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Brandon Belt

RF

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Analysis: At some point, maybe when the Giants have gone two or three weeks without scoring, you'd like to think San Francisco will wise up and just give Belt regular playing time, because even with some adjustments ahead of him, he could be the third-best hitter in their lineup.

Belt has a balanced swing, excellent hip rotation and weight transfer that bodes well for future power; his eye is good, but he needs to improve his two-strike approach, as his passivity in those situations hurts his production and isn't helping him stay in the lineup. Long-term, he looks like he'll get on base and hit for power with at least a high-.200s batting average and above-average defense at first.

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Jaime Garcia

LHP

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Analysis: Garcia improved on his strong 2010 season by cutting his walk rate by about a third while maintaining his excellent ground ball rate and solid-but-unspectacular strikeout rate. The three things a pitcher can do to help himself the most are miss bats, avoid walks, and keep the ball on the ground, and Garcia does two of those things well and is more than adequate in the third.

He doesn't have an ideal delivery and he did miss most of 2009 with Tommy John surgery, but the Cards have been cautious with him since then and if healthy he should hold this level of performance through the rest of his team-friendly four-year deal.

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Mat Latos

RHP

23

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Analysis: Latos started slowly in 2011 after a heavy workload the year before, but was back to his old self in the second half; he only allowed more than three runs in one of his last 17 starts, and never allowed more than four runs in any start after April. His velocity was down early in the year, but he was hitting 95-plus again in September; if he can hold that for a full year, along with the plus slider and average change, he's a fringe No. 1 starter.

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Neftali Feliz

RHP

23

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Analysis: Feliz's move to the rotation in 2012 is the right step for the Rangers and for him, as he was miscast as a closer just because he threw hard. Feliz can hold that velocity deep into games and has the changeup needed to get left-handed hitters out as a starter.

He'll have to refine both breaking balls and get over whatever caused his control to melt in 2011 (4.3 BB/9), but both issues, especially the control, should improve with more repetitions. There's risk here that he can't hold up or doesn't develop, but he has No. 1 or 2 starter upside if he does.

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Wilson Ramos

C

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Analysis: Ramos, who was in the news for unfortunate reasons earlier this offseason when he was kidnapped while playing winter ball in Venezuela, had a great, largely unnoticed rookie season for the Nationals, helping on both sides of the ball. He's a solid receiver with a strong arm and consistently high caught-stealing rates (43 percent across his minor-league career, 32 percent in the majors in 2011).

At the plate, he was never a big power hitter in the minors, but has good loft in his swing and a very strong front side that helps him drive the ball effectively, so even his 2011 power breakout probably isn't a ceiling. He may never post a high OBP, but a catcher who hits 20 homers with plus defense and an OBP in the .340 range is a borderline All-Star.

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Trevor Cahill

RHP

23

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Analysis: Cahill had consistent peripherals the last two years despite a slight decline in fastball velocity; he has tremendous life on the pitch, generating lots of ground balls, but has trouble keeping it in the zone and doesn't miss enough bats to compensate. He's here more for upside than present performance, as he's currently league average or so. But one more grade in command would probably push him to No. 2 starter status, given how good his raw stuff is.

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Freddie Freeman

1B

22

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Analysis: Freeman had a solid debut season, showing power a little earlier than expected, but lacks the impact ceiling of the corner bats further up this list. He projects to hit for solid averages with not quite enough walks and 20-25 home runs; his most likely path to stardom would be to exceed those power projections, but despite his size his current swing doesn't foreshadow 30-homer power. He looks above-average around the bag, although the major advanced defensive metrics rated his defense poorly this year, which is likely a fluke.

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Derek Holland

LHP

25

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Analysis: We've seen all sides of Holland across the last two postseasons, and he remained volatile this year from start to start while flashing signs of the frontline pitcher he still can become.

He threw a little harder this year and located the fastball better, while his changeup has been replaced as his best secondary pitch by an improved slider; he still has good arm speed on the changeup but not much action, and he doesn't have great deception on it. He does have a plus fastball and above-average slider, making him death on left-handed hitters, and if he can keep that changeup down more consistently (his main problem with the changeup is the long ball), he still has No. 2 starter potential.

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Zach Britton

LHP

23

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Analysis: It wasn't a great debut season, he was probably promoted to the big leagues about a half-season ahead of schedule. Plus, he's one of the only Oriole pitching prospects who didn't lose his stuff and/or get hurt, so if we're grading on a bell curve he gets the gold star. Britton is a true sinker/slider lefty whose low-90s sinker actually produces ground balls and whose slider is sharp enough to miss bats. He needs to work on his command of both pitches and on setting hitters up more effectively, but has No. 2 starter upside if he doesn't succumb to Oriolepitcheritis.

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Austin Jackson

CF

24

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Analysis: Jackson is a very solid player who's miscast as a leadoff guy; he's a good athlete who provides above-average to plus defense in center, and could grow into average power in time. His approach isn't great, and his recognition of off-speed stuff is shaky enough that I don't foresee him becoming a solid OBP guy who could hit atop a lineup, but he makes a good complementary player further down in the lineup who earns his pay with his glove as well.

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Aroldis Chapman

LHP

23

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Analysis: He's electric in relief but has a starter's repertoire and some history succeeding in that role before he defected. I've personally clocked Chapman up to 104 mph in one outing, and up to 101 in others, although as a starter he'd probably sit 94-97 or so with an upper-80s slider. I also saw him throw a changeup in spring training of 2010, but he was just fastball-slider in the regular season.

His arm might be the fastest I've ever seen, and he didn't look sharp in the Arizona Fall League before the Reds shut him down with a sore shoulder. If he's healthy enough to start -- a huge question right now -- it's ace stuff with an athletic frame that should hold up, but he's ranked down here because the probability of him reaching his ceiling got a lot lower this fall.

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Daniel Hudson

RHP

24

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Analysis: Hudson and teammate Ian Kennedy had the perfect situation in 2011: Fly ball pitchers working in front of one of the majors' best defensive outfields, with two of those three fielders also on this list. Hudson also reversed course by generating slightly more ground balls than fly balls (excluding line-drives), although the lack of sink on his four-seamer may mean that's a minor fluke. Hudson's arm action is long and stressful and his slider flattens out because of his low arm slot, but as a strike-thrower with good velocity and a surprisingly good changeup, he could have a few more years like 2011 as long as Arizona's defense cooperates.

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Justin Smoak

1B

24

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Analysis: Smoak had a year to forget in 2011, with a thumb injury sapping his power all summer, a broken nose in his first game after a brief layoff to rest the thumb, and most importantly, the loss of his father to cancer in April. He did finish strongly, albeit against the weaker competition of September (.301 batting average), but still projects to be the same hitter he did a year ago. He's a patient, disciplined switch-hitter with above-average to plus power; when he can grip the bat properly, he'll finally develop as so many of us expected him to.

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Gerardo Parra

LF

24

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Analysis: Parra, part of one the majors' best defensive outfields in 2011, has also started to develop with the bat to go along with his strong range and throwing arm, which is playable in right field but moved to left because of Justin Upton.

Parra's hands have always started his swing by moving down toward the ball, generating too many ground balls, but he's gradually traded some of those grounders for harder line drives, at which point his speed can come into play; unless someone tweaks his swing, however, he's not likely to be a 20-homer guy. This glove with a .300 average and a .360-.370 OBP at his peak would be an above-average regular.

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Rick Porcello

RHP

22

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Analysis: Porcello has three full years in the majors now, so it's easy to think of him as older than 23 (which he turns right after Christmas). A big stuff guy who hit 97 in high school, Porcello switched to a two-seamer in the minors to generate more ground balls; he does that well, and rarely walks anyone, but his ceiling his limited by the fact that he no longer misses many bats, and the life on his two-seamer wasn't as good in 2011 as it was in previous years.

If he can't maintain his ground ball rate, he's a back-end starter. If it's a fluke, and he can find a little more oomph on the four-seamer, he could still develop into a solid No. 2 or very good No. 3.

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Peter Bourjos

CF

24

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Analysis: I'll admit, I never saw this kind of offensive year coming from Bourjos -- in the minors he always had poor plate discipline and a lack of power even playing in good hitters' parks.

He doesn't have an ideal approach, and he does tend to collapse his back side, but Bourjos has gotten strong enough to drive the ball to the gaps or occasionally out of the park, and when you play some of the best center field defense in the game, that's more than enough to make you an average or better regular.

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Jhoulys Chacin

RHP

23

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Analysis: I was tempted to dress up for Halloween as a zombie wearing a Rockies cap and call myself Ghoulys Chacin, but I doubt my five-year-old would have gotten it. Chacin is a command righty with a plus changeup and an above-average slider who generates enough ground balls with his two-seamer to survive in Coors Field. His walk total was uncharacteristically high in 2011, but even if he brings that down, in all likelihood he's a solid No. 3 with a small chance to exceed that.

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Tommy Hanson

RHP

25

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Analysis: I'm not quite sure where to put Hanson since his season ended in early August due to shoulder tendinitis that was still present during a rehab outing in late September. He hasn't had surgery or been diagnosed with anything more serious, but shoulder problems are rarely minor.

A healthy Hanson would be in the top dozen names here. He works with four pitches led by a 91-95 mph fastball and a knockout slider, along with good control if not always command. We're just in wait and see mode here.

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Hank Conger

C

23

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Analysis: I would like to think that the regime change in Anaheim means that Conger, who can catch just enough to stay at the position, will get regular playing time behind the plate, because his bat is too valuable to let rot on the bench. However, the Angels' recent trade for Chris Iannetta puts up another barrier for Conger.

Mike Scioscia has used the switch-hitting Conger purely as a right-handed batter, but Conger is a true switch-hitter with patience and modest power from both sides of the plate.

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Jeremy Hellickson

RHP

24

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Analysis: The AL Rookie of the Year won it largely because of performance in basic stats; he got a huge boost from Tampa's defense this year, which resulted in a low batting average on balls in play and thus a low ERA.

That said, I think Hellickson can boost his strikeout rate going forward and rely less on his defense. He's already got the command and the out-pitch changeup, but needs to tighten his curveball, and has a cutter he barely used in 2011. He doesn't have ace ceiling but could easily pitch up to the standard Tampa's defense helped him set this year.

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Colby Rasmus

OF

25

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Analysis: Freed from a situation in St. Louis he's acknowledged was hurting his on-field production, Rasmus was traded to Toronto, got hurt, and didn't exactly produce when he was healthy (.517 OPS in 140 PAs with the Jays).

He has a good eye and a short, simple swing with good leverage to produce power, but his lower half became very busy in 2012, and he struggled getting his front leg down for proper timing. Toronto can afford to be patient, and an athletic outfielder with his kind of plate discipline is rare enough that they were smart to pounce on him when he fell out of favor with the Cardinals.

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Danny Espinosa

2B

24

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Analysis: Espinosa plays a plus second base -- and would almost certainly play an above-average shortstop if the Nats decide they don't want to watch Ian Desmond's OBP go down again -- and has enough raw power to drive a mistake out of the park. He's no OBP star himself, getting a boost from a league-high 19 HBP last year, and tends to hook the ball regardless of which side he's hitting from. That kind of defense plus a spot of offense is still a league-average regular at second, and would look even better if he gets to his natural position at short.

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Jemile Weeks

2B

24

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Analysis: Weeks' ceiling is less about his bat -- he hit about as well as you could have hoped for in his major-league debut -- than his glove. Defense can improve if the player has the physical tools for it, and Weeks is quick and has good hands. If he can get his walk rate back up to where it was for most of his minor league career, he'll be no less than a solid-average regular at second.

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Ivan Nova

RHP

24

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Analysis: Wildly overrated by the "WINS!" crowd -- his 16-4 record probably had something to do with playing for the best offense in the league -- Nova has solid-average control, gets ground balls, and his slider (which he used less often than the curve for some reason) misses some bats. There's enough here that you can see a mid-rotation starter as he matures, just don't be surprised if 2012 fails to live up to the superficial stats he posted in 2011.

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Brandon Beachy

RHP

25

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Analysis: Beachy's stuff doesn't grade out that well, but he has tremendous deception, and he's very effective at getting hitters to swing and miss at his fastball the first couple of times through the lineup.

He pitches up in the zone, making him fly ball-prone, and he racked up high pitch counts in 2011 that kept him from going through lineups a third time. Deception guys often struggle the more they go around a league, so there's probably some regression in his future, but an optimistic forecast on Beachy would have him as a potential No. 3 starter because of the bats he's missed in the past, especially if he junks the slider and throws the curveball instead.

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Mike Leake

RHP

24

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Analysis: Leake is a great athlete with a kitchen-sink assortment of pitches led by an upper-80s two-seamer and a cutter at almost the same velocity, so the hitter doesn't know if the pitch is coming at him or tailing away. He throws strikes and gets ground balls while fielding his position well, but doesn't have a single pitch that will induce a ton of strikeouts, limiting his ceiling somewhat.

He was overworked in 2010, hurt his shoulder, and started horribly in 2011, but after a brief demotion was back to his old self, and should be an above-average starter going forward.

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Craig Kimbrel

RHP

23

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Analysis: As good as Kimbrel was in 2011, the problem with ranking any reliever on this list is that modern reliever roles are so rigid that it's hard for a reliever to be worth any more than Kimbrel was last year.

Kimbrel works with a plus fastball and plus slider, and if Fredi Gonzalez didn't work him to death this year (I picture the Atlanta manager tapping his right arm in his sleep just out of habit), he could have another two or three years like 2011 in him.

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Mike Minor

LHP

23

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Analysis: He's not as good as he looked at Triple-A in 2010, but better than Atlanta seemed to think he was in 2011. Minor is probably a solid No. 4, with a chance to be a No. 3, because he's got a good changeup, plus control, and good feel for pitching. On his best nights, he'll show an above-average curveball or hit 93 mph with his heater, but he will pitch with solid-average velocity and will have nights where he gets by on feel and changing speeds.

Other guys I like going forward, just not enough to rank in the top 50: Jose Altuve, Travis Snider, Jon Niese, Ben Revere, Michael Brantley, Jordan Lyles, Jason Kipnis, Mike Moustakas, Andrew Cashner.

Finding values in a relievers market.

Spoiler [+]
The Philadelphia Phillies' $50 million signing of Jonathan Papelbon sent reverberations throughout the baseball industry, that continue today as other elite closers continue to see similar deals -- guys such as Heath Bell, Ryan Madson and Francisco Rodriguez.

You could draw a direct line from Papelbon's four-year deal to Joe Nathan's two-year, $14.5 million deal with the Texas Rangers because this was Texas making a move on the best of the B group -- the good relievers who are, because of age or injury or inexperience, more modestly priced. Jonathan Broxton fit that description, and the Kansas City Royals signed him for $4 million to be their setup man. In the days ahead, you can look for more of these kinds of relievers to come off the board. Some candidates:

David Aardsma: He had 31 saves in 2010 but missed last season after having surgery. Aardsma is just 29 years old.

Juan Cruz: He had great matchup numbers against left-handed hitters and often was used for one- or two-out appearances.

Octavio Dotel: The right-hander had a nice showing in 2011 and can fill a number of roles; his preference has been to go back to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Frank Francisco: The good news is that he can fill any role, from closer to match-up right-hander; right-handers hit just .177 against him last season.

Mike Gonzalez: The Rangers have indicated they'd like the lefty back.

LaTroy Hawkins: Two things to love about Hawkins -- he doesn't walk anybody (10 in 48 innings last season), and he keeps the ball in the park (one homer allowed in 2011).

Jason Isringhausen: He said in September that his preference is to go back to the New York Mets.

Brad Lidge: He has been one of the dominant closers in his career, but he is the type of person who would embrace any role and help any teammate, which is why the Phillies want him back.

Scott Linebrink: He had a good first half last season with the Atlanta Braves but wasn't so good in the second half.

Jon Rauch: It got really rough at times for Rauch in 2011, who allowed 11 homers in 52 innings.

Fernando Rodney: He was demoted from his closer's role in the 2011 season and was limited by injuries.

Takashi Saito: When he pitches, he's effective.

The San Francisco Giants have made it known that relievers Ramon Ramirez and Jeremy Affeldt are available. Rival team officials aren't sure why San Francisco is marketing Affeldt less than two months after signing him for 2012 at $5 million.

"Maybe they thought he would be a good value in the [trade] market," one talent evaluator mused.

Broxton feels good after having surgery, Rustin Dodd writes.

Lidge has been working out daily at Citizens Bank Park, by the way; he could sign with either the Phillies or the Colorado Rockies. The Toronto Blue Jays are said by other teams to be working very hard to add bullpen help.
[h3]Notables[/h3]
• There is change in Boston, and already at least two teams have talked internally about preparing for the possibility that the Boston Red Sox could -- at some point -- look to move left fielder Carl Crawford, who is owed about $120 million over the next six seasons. GM Ben Cherington has been outspoken in his support of Crawford and in his belief that Crawford will bounce back after a sluggish 2011 season. But the statement of Boston owner John Henry earlier this offseason that he wasn't in favor of the Crawford signing caught the attention of some rival front offices.

If the Red Sox get to the point at which they decide that they aren't going to get their money's worth with Crawford and that it would be best to move him, there would be takers. "If they eat some of the money and turn him into a $13-14 million-a-year player, I think there would be some teams really interested," one NL evaluator said.

What follows is pure speculation: If the Red Sox actually decided to eat some of the money to Crawford, he would be a tremendous fit with the Rangers, where he would be reunited with Josh Hamilton and where he could play in the midst of a deep lineup and in his home state. Again, the Rangers connection is pure speculation.

• Mike Scioscia has been the most powerful manager in the sport, but there have been signs in recent months that he was backing away from his place of extraordinary influence and leaving the business of player acquisitions to others in the organization. Maybe the criticism Scioscia and the Los Angeles Angels have taken over the handling of Mike Napoli was the final straw. Napoli, of course, had seen his playing time at catcher diminished greatly with the Angels before he was dumped in the Vernon Wells trade -- and, in 2011, Napoli was among the best players in the American League and twice came within one strike of being in the middle of a dogpile of champions as the World Series MVP.

The confirmation of Scioscia's retreat came Wednesday, when the Angels traded for Chris Iannetta, who isn't necessarily a defense-first catcher -- something Scioscia has favored in his time as manager.

Jerry Dipoto feels like the Angels checked off some needs, writes Bill Plunkett.

The Rockies got a young pitcher in return and are on the verge of signing Ramon Hernandez, the best available free-agent catcher, as Troy Renck writes. Within the latest piece, there is word that the Rockies will also try to sign Jeff Mathis if he is not tendered a contract by the Angels.

• The New York Yankees may or may not be active this winter because it appears their organizational philosophy has evolved along these lines: They will not trade their better prospects for second-tier options. In other words, they probably aren't going to be aggressive in going after someone such as Chicago White Sox lefty John Danks, who has had some success but is eligible for free agency after next season.

But the Yankees also have shown themselves to be fully prepared to load up in a deal for a superstar difference-making player. They repeatedly check in with the Seattle Mariners about Felix Hernandez; they would love to take a shot at Clayton Kershaw; and, if and when the Cincinnati Reds decide to move Joey Votto, the Yankees may well be aggressive and at least consider the possibility of asking Votto about moving to right field for them.

To summarize: As the Yankees' farm system has gotten better in recent years, they are very comfortable developing their own complementary players -- and some are better than that, such as Robinson Cano, Brett Gardner, David Robertson and Ivan Nova. But if they have a chance to grab an elite player, as they tried to do in the summer of 2010 with their pursuit of Cliff Lee, they will jump.

• Joe Saunders went 12-13 with a 3.69 ERA for the Arizona Diamondbacks last year, and he'll never be someone who is going to "wow" scouts; he doesn't throw that hard and doesn't have dominating stuff. But Saunders is 30 years old and has thrown more than 200 innings a year the past two seasons, and, when you compare him with the rest of the marketplace, there's a lot to like about him -- which is why Saunders might have a pretty good chance to remain with Arizona on a two-year deal. Arizona plays in a hitters' park, and he posted a 3.14 ERA on the road last season.

• David DeJesus will improve the Chicago Cubs in several ways. Within the same Gordon Wittenmyer piece, there is word the Cubs could go after Chris Capuano. DeJesus bought a house in Wheaton.
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. Bobby Valentine will be introduced today, and he rarely fails to produce drama, writes Scott Lauber. Stamford has always been home to Bobby, writes Amalie Benjamin. Charity has always been all-consuming for Valentine.

Valentine in Boston will be entertaining, writes George Vecsey. Steve Phillips is taking the blame publicly for his problems with Valentine. Valentine won't let dissension brew, writes Kevin Kernan.

The Red Sox are expected to make calls on their coaching staff today.

Some agents report that the Red Sox have indicated they needed the managerial choice before diving into player procurement, so it figures December will be a very busy month for Cherington.

2. Mark Teixeira jokes that Bobby V might freeze him out now, as Mark Feinsand writes.

3. An infielder from Japan wants to play with the Mariners and Ichiro.

4. The Tampa Bay Rays' trade for a pitcher raises a lot of disturbing questions, writes John Romano.

5. Bobby Ramos is disappointed the Rays did not retain him as bullpen coach.

6. The White Sox hired a Toronto scout, and Bob Elliott wonders whether this means Omar Minaya will be joining Toronto soon.

7. The Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with Ramon Santiago.

8. Roger Hensley wonders whether Tyler Greene is ready to be the Cardinals' everyday shortstop.

9. Jose Reyes may or may not be making the rounds, writes Andy Martino.

10. Expect the unexpected from the Washington Nationals at the winter meetings, writes Thomas Boswell.

11. The Phillies signed some minor leaguers, including Brian Sanches.

12. A candidate withdrew from the Houston Astros' GM search.

13. Mitch Moreland had surgery.

14. Jason Kipnis won an award.

15. The Cubs should go after Albert Pujols hard, writes Rick Morrissey. Every baseball official and agent I spoke to Wednesday believes the Cubs-Pujols link is nothing more than a smoke screen generated in an attempt to force the Cardinals to spend more money.

Angels do well in Ianetta deal.

Spoiler [+]
Jerry Dipoto made his first significant move as general manager of the Los Angeles Angels earlier Wednesday when he sent right-hander Tyler Chatwood to the Colorado Rockies for catcher Chris Iannetta. As a follow-up to that trade, Colorado is close to a deal with catcher Ramon Hernandez for two years at a little less than $6.5 million.

The Rockies swore Iannetta was their catcher for 2012 but apparently had their fingers crossed when they said it, as they've shipped him off for a pitcher who doesn't fit the profile of a guy who'll succeed at Coors Field.

Iannetta scarcely got a fair shake from Jim Tracy, who's one of the worst tactical managers in the game today, and he's much better off out of the organization. Iannetta has a solid eye at the plate, although his 2011 on-base percentage (.370) was boosted by hitting in front of the pitcher so often, and he has 20-plus home run power if the Angels let him play every day. He's at least an average overall defensive catcher, better at throwing than receiving. Plus, his offensive profile is more valuable than the $3.55 million he'll be paid this year. It does raise the question of what the Angels intend to do with Hank Conger, still a very promising prospect with a similar offensive projection of patience and power but a need for regular playing time to reach it. Either way, I would like to think the Jeff Mathis experiment is over, several years after the conclusion was obvious.

The Rockies, meanwhile, get Chatwood, who has arm strength and a plus curveball that won't break as well in Coors Field, and who has to work to get downhill plane on his fastball. He didn't belong in the big leagues in 2011 -- ex-Angels GM Tony Reagins' legacy just looks worse with each passing day -- and his performance there was awful, with nearly a walk per strikeout, and it could have been worse had he not made half his starts in spacious Angel Stadium. Maybe Chatwood will find success in Colorado's bullpen, but he didn't necessarily project as a starter in Anaheim, and his repertoire and lack of control don't project as well in Denver.

Hernandez, whom I had at No. 32 on my free-agent rankings, started off well in 2011 but was awful in the second half. Considering that he's 35 years old, it's hard to see a ton of upside here.

Rumors.

Spoiler [+]
http://[h3]Has Posada reached out to Mets?[/h3]
2:51PM ET

[h5]Jorge Posada | Yankees [/h5]


Jorge Posada, a long-time New York Yankees catcher, is a free agent this winter at age 40 and SI.com's Jon Heyman tweeted early Thursday that the veteran inquired with Mets about playing for them in 2012.

However, Posada's agent, Seth Levinson, sent ESPN.com's Jayson Stark an email refuting the notion, saying "There is absolutely NO truth to that report. None."

Whether or not the Mets would have had interest is unclear, but they are in the market for a backup catcher.

Posada's future role, if he decides he wants to play next season, could be as a utility bat capable of serving as the designated hitter, first baseman and catcher. The switch hitter is generally viewed as more of a pure lefty stick these days, thanks to severe splits in recent seasons.

http://[h3]Japanese shortstop to M's?[/h3]
2:42PM ET

[h5]Munenori Kawasaki [/h5]

[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
Munenori Kawasaki is a free agent and announced Wednesday night that he wants to come to Major League Baseball -- but only to the Seattle Mariners, according to reports.

Kawasaki, 30, is free to sign with any club in MLB but wishes to play with Ichiro Suzuki and may be willing to sign for a bargain price in order to make that happen.

Rumor Central checked in with an NL East club's Pacific Rim scout to get the goods on Kawasaki. The scout opines that Kawasaki is a solid defender at short with just enough arm strength to handle the position. He's a below-average bat, however, and profiles as a reserve, at best. "He not very strong and slaps at the ball a lot," the scout added. "He makes a lot of contact and runs well, but had a down year and may be on the decline."

The M's could use a backup shortstop, but whether or not they like Kawasaki for that gig remains to be seen. Geoff Baker of the Seattle Times writes Thursday that GM Jack Zduriencik and the M's are "aware" of Kawasaki's free agency.

Seattle could also seek for such help on the free agent market or perhaps in the Rule 5 Draft that takes place late next week.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Teagarden to Orioles[/h3]
2:31PM ET

[h5]Baltimore Orioles [/h5]


UPDATE: The O's and Rangers have apparently agreed to a deal to send Teagarden to Baltimore, tweets SI.com's Jon Heyman.


The Baltimore Orioles have a need for a backup catcher and have had ongoing talks with the Texas Rangers about Taylor Teagarden, tweets Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.

The O's have a starter in Matt Wieters who is one of the best in baseball but need insurance and a way to avoid overworking their franchise players. The Orioles and Rangers hooked up twice last summer on trades for Koji Uehara and Mike Gonzalez, though the O's have changed general managers since so there may not be greased wheels from the start.

SI.com's Jon Heyman tweets that the O's have interest in free agent Jason Varitek but that it's difficult to imagine the veteran leaving Boston.

Other free agents on the market include Kelly Shoppach, Jason Kendall, Dioner Navarro, Ivan Rodriguez, Ramon Castro and J.R. Towles.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Mathis could become free agent[/h3]
2:29PM ET

[h5]Jeff Mathis | Angels [/h5]


With the Los Angeles Angels acquiring catcher Chris Ianetta from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for right-hander Tyler Chatwood, incumbent starter Jeff Mathis may be non-tendered this month, which would make him a free agent.

He made $1.7 million in 2011 and could get more than $3 million for 2012 via the arbitration process. The Halos could try and trade Mathis, but may end up having to non-tender him instead.

The Denver Post's Troy Renck writes that the Rockies are expected to try and sign Mathis if he reaches free agency, though he'll be available to the entire league.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Twins pitching options[/h3]
2:17PM ET

[h5]Minnesota Twins [/h5]


The Minnesota Twins are looking for starting pitching help, skipper Ron Gardenhire told Phil Mackey of 1500ESPN.com. The club posted a team ERA of 4.58 last season, second-worst in Major League Baseball.

The Twins don't appear to be in the running for lefties C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle, and haven't been linked to right-hander Roy Oswalt, at least not yet, but there are free agents that could make sense for the Twins.

Among those are Aaran Harang, Chris Capuano, Aaron Cook, Rich Harden, Edwin Jackson and Erik Bedard.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Kuroda's future in Japan or L.A.[/h3]
2:12PM ET

[h5]Hiroki Kuroda | Dodgers [/h5]


Hiroki Kuroda, long believed to be interested in returning to the Los Angele Dodgers may be headed back top Japan as the Dodgers are not going to approach the $12.5 million he earned a year ago, tweets Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.

If Kuroda backed off his stance of pitching for the Dodgers or nobody else, several clubs would likely have interested, potentially including the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels.

Kuroda reportedly has the option to return to his old team in Japan, the Nippon Ham Fighters. He can always come down on his asking price to go back to Dodger Blue, too.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Danks likely trade bait?[/h3]
2:08PM ET

[h5]John Danks | White Sox [/h5]


The Chicago White Sox and left-hander John Danks have not had discussions about a multi-year extension, at least not recently, reported Doug Padilla of ESPNChicago.com last week. Padilla chimes in Thursday to report that the Sox have refrained from making more of an effort because Danks rebuffed such attempts not long agp.

There are a few reasons why the club may hold off on such talks, one being that they may see more value in trading the southpaw, considering their current situation. Once the free agents on the market sign, Danks becomes perhaps the best pitcher available, if the Sox decide to shop him.

Padilla adds that the club has not given up on the idea of getting Danks signed, but may be intrigued by his trade value.

The Yankees, Rangers, Red Sox and Nationals could be among those interested.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Chen to declare free agency?[/h3]
1:25PM ET

[h5]Wei-Yin Chen [/h5]

[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
The Baltimore Orioles may be one of several clubs eyeing the free agency of Taiwanese left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, reports Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun.

Chen is a 26-year-old that has played in Japan the last several seasons. He can declare free agency on December 1, as part of his non-native contract with the Chunichi Dragons.

Chen sits in the low 90s with his fastball, setting up a forkball and slow curveball. His mechanics are smooth and create some deception. Several clubs are likely to bid for his services.

The usual suspects -- Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, Angels, Rangers, Tigers, Mariners and Cubs -- could all show interest in Chen, as could the Phillies, Nationals and Blue Jays.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Nakajima posted[/h3]
1:02PM ET

[h5]Hiroyuki Nakajima [/h5]

[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/leagues/lrg/trans/mlb.gif[/img]
The talk is of Yu Darvish, the ace right-hander that may or may not be posted this offseason, but Hiroyuki Nakajima, a 29-year-old shortstop, has been posted by the Seibu Lions, and clubs have until Friday to make bids.

Nakajima has batted .313/.389/.491 heading into the 2011 season when he hit .297/.354/.433 with 16 home runs. The Baltimore Orioles were reportedly interested last offseason when rumors surfaced that Nakajima may be posted then. The O's have since inked J.J. Hardy to an extension.

The general question on shortstops coming to the states is whether or not their glove plays at the position in MLB. Kazuo Matsui shifted to second base, as did Tsuyoshi Nishioka of the Minnesota Twins.

Nakajima is a bit more physical than either of the two at 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds and has the arm strength to play short. Range, hands and footwork may be the determining factor.

Clubs looking for middle infielders, including the Colorado Rockies, Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers and Detroit Tigers could have some interest in Nakajima. The Rockies and Tigers are seeking second base help, the others are after shortstops.

- Jason A. Churchill

http://[h3]Stark: Fish after Bell[/h3]
11:37AM ET

[h5]Miami Marlins [/h5]


It's been their pursuit of Jose Reyes, Albert Pujols, Mark Buehrle and C.J. Wilson that has generated the most Rumor Central buzz, but the Marlins also are making a serious run at free-agent closer Heath Bell, sources told ESPN.com.

With the future of their incumbent closer, Juan Oviedo (a.k.a., Leo Nunez), a major question due to an identity-discrepancy issue, the Marlins have been quietly aggressive in their pursuit of Bell since the day the free-agent negotiating period began four weeks ago.

The 34-year-old righthander is coming off a 43-save season with the Padres that made him the only closer in baseball who has saved 40-plus games in each of the last three seasons.

The Padres remain interested in re-signing Bell. And clubs in the closer market say the Angels and Blue Jays also have interest.

While Bell's strikeout rate declined in 2011, from 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings in 2010 to 7.3 this year, his average fastball velocity (94 mph), WHIP (1.15), ERA (2.44) and opponent average (.223) were all in line with his previous performance.

Bell, who earned $7.5 million this season, is believed to be seeking a three-year deal.

http://[h3]Are the Cubs serious about Pujols?[/h3]
11:15AM ET

[h5]Albert Pujols | Cardinals [/h5]


The market for Albert Pujols seemed to be taking shape with word from ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that the Chicago Cubs have reached out to the agent for the three-time Most Valuable Player.

Although discussions between team officials and agent Dan Lozano are in the early stages, Crasnick says the Cubs appear poised to join the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins as a serious suitor.

Meanwhile, ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney questions if the Cubs are truy in the hunt. "Every baseball official and agent I spoke to Wednesday believes that the Cubs/Pujols link is nothing more than a smoke screen generated in an attempt to force the Cardinals to spend more money," Olney writes in Thursday's blog.

Derrick Goold of the Post Dispatch reported Wednesday that Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has remained in conversation with Lozano and the two are expected to meet again about Pujols at next week's winter meetings in Dallas. The Cards are believed to be searching for clarity in the talks, "so they can more forward or move on."

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Varitek on Mets' radar?[/h3]
11:02AM ET

[h5]New York Mets [/h5]


http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5394/ronny-paulinoRonny Paulino did not make a favorable first impression in Queens, so the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nym/new-york-metsNew York Mets are looking for catching help.
SI.com's Jon Heyman tweets Thursday morning that the Mets have decided to pass on any pursuit of Jorge Posada and are among the teams looking at free agent Jason Varitek.
Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reported earlier this seek that the Mets did not view Paulino as a diligent worker and found his offensive and defensive skills lacking. Paulino still could return in 2012, but the Mets will be looking to add a catcher to share the duties with http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30188/josh-tholeJosh Thole. Ideally, the Mets would like to add a veteran catcher who can help young starters Jon Niese and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30139/dillon-geeDillon Gee better handle the National League.

The Mets could stay in-house with http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/29665/mike-nickeasMike Nickeas, who is regarded as a superb defender. There are concerns, however, with the bat of Nickeas, who hit .189 in 53 at-bats.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Minaya headed north?[/h3]
10:52AM ET

[h5]Toronto Blue Jays [/h5]


Former Mets general manager Omar Minaya could soon be joining the front office of the Toronto Blue Jays.

Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun notes that Blue Jays director of Latin American scouting Marco Paddy was hired by the Chicago White Sox Wednesday, possibly opening a job north of the border for Minaya.

During his tenure as GM of the Montreal Expos, Minaya promoted young scout Alex Anthopoulos, and the current GM of the Blue Jays could be returning the favor. Minaya has expressed a desire to get back in the game after being fired by the Mets after the 2010 season.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Reyes visiting Miami Thursday?[/h3]
10:31AM ET

[h5]Jose Reyes | Mets [/h5]


ESPN.com's Jayson Stark cautioned Wednesday that we should not look too deeply into the sighting of http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes was spotted Tuesday at a popular restaurant in Philadelphia.

Stark spoke to numerous sources who claim the name of Reyes has not been mentioned in the Phillies' offices for months and the club is concentrating on bringing back Jimmy Rollins.

The next stop may be South Beach, where the Palm Beach Post reported "rumblings" that Reyes could be visiting Miami on Thursday. Andy Martino of the NY Daily News reports the Miami murmurs are unconfirmed, but remain intriguing since the Marlins are viewed as the most aggressive suitor of Reyes.

Speaking to season ticket holders Wednesday, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said he did not consider the Mets out of the Reyes chase, but he didn't sound overly optimistic, either. Martino says the Mets continues to believe they will have an opportunity to make an offer before Reyes signs elsewhere.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Saunders' situation in desert[/h3]
10:12AM ET

[h5]Joe Saunders | Diamondbacks [/h5]


Left-hander Joe Saunders, acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the deal that sent Dan Haren to the Los Angeles Angels, is arbitration eligible this winter and could be a trade candidate, based on his $5.5 million salary a year ago that could get to $8 million or more.

ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney tweets Wednesday, however, that Saunders could return to the D-backs on a two-year deal.

Saunders is a free agent next year, but could give up a year of free agency in return for a guaranteed contract through 2013. Saunders went 12-13 with a 3.69 ERA in 2011.

Olney has more on Saunders in Thursday's blog:

- Jason A. Churchill

olney_buster_30.jpg
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Saunders future
"Saunders will never be someone who is going to 'wow' scouts; he doesn't throw that hard and doesn't have dominating stuff. But Saunders is 30 years old and he has thrown more than 200 innings a year the last two seasons, and when you compare him to the rest of the market place, there's a lot to like about him -- which is why Saunders might have a pretty good chance to remain with Arizona on a two-year deal. Arizona plays in a hitter's park, and on the road last season, he posted a 3.14 ERA."
Click to expand...
http://[h3]Could the Red Sox deal Crawford?[/h3]
10:02AM ET

[h5]Carl Crawford | Red Sox [/h5]


There have been plenty of changes in Boston following the epic September collapse of the Red Sox, and the revamping continues Thursday with the introduction of Bobby Valentine as manager.

Could the overhaul include a deal for outfielder Carl Crawford, who is just one season into a seven-year, $142 million deal? ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney says there would be takers if the Red Sox - at some point - went that route. "If they eat some of the money and turn him into a $13-14 million a year player, I think there would be some teams really interested," said one NL evaluator.

In what he calls "pure speculation," Olney says Crawford would be a nice fit in Texas, where he would be re-united with Josh Hamilton.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Morneau moving to DH?[/h3]
9:42AM ET

[h5]Justin Morneau | Twins [/h5]


The Minnesota Twins are open to any options that would help the injury-plagued Justin Morneau remain in the lineup on a regular basis. One possibility would be to move him off first base and give him more at-bats as a designated hitter.

Manager Ron Gardenhire told ESPN 1500AM on Wednesday that he wants to decide soon if the 2006 AL MVP and four-time All-Star will make the switch. "Morny has to eventually tell us what's right for him or I'll make the decision for him and we will go from there," Gardenhire said via the Star-Tribune. "If he can't decide and we talk to the doctors and they give me information where I think the best thing for him to do is to DH and protect him as much as possible, then that is what we will do."

Morneau hit only .227 last season after missing the second half of 2010 because of a concussion. If he ends up as the DH, that would only intensify the Twins' efforts to re-sign free agent Michael Cuddyer, who received plenty of time at first base when Morneau was injured.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Catching situation in Anaheim[/h3]
9:17AM ET

[h5]Los Angeles Angels [/h5]


The Angels didn't get much offensively from their catchers last season, which prompted the trade Wednesday that brings Chris Iannetta to Anaheim for pitcher Tyler Chatwwood.

Iannetta figures to get the bulk of the catching duties, but it remains to be seen who will be the backup. Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times says that Jeff Mathis, who hit a paltry .174, is not expected to tendered a contract by the December 12 deadline. f Mathis is tendered, he would be a trade target, as would Bobby Wilson.

MLB.com's Lyle Spencer writes that 23-year-old Hank Conger still is considered the team's catcher of the future, but needs to make some refinements defensively.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Mets among those looking at Bailey[/h3]
8:39AM ET

[h5]Andrew Bailey | Athletics [/h5]


The New York Mets have made the acquisition of a closer a high priority this winter, and their focus may have turned to Oakland. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Mets are among the at least half-dozen teams that have inquired seriously about Athletics righthander Andrew Bailey.

Sherman adds that the A's believe the Mets do not have the "necessary pieces" to land the two-time All-Star. The Mets could offer outfielder Fernando Martinez, a one-time top prospect, but his value has declined due to his inability to stay healthy. The Reds and Blue Jays also have been mentioned as suitors for Bailey.

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote last month that it wouldn't be a surprise if Bailey was traded, but added the A's aren't going to rush into anything, unless they get everyone on their wish list in return.

- Doug Mittler

bowden_jim_30.jpg
[h5]Jim Bowden[/h5]
A's may have to wait on Bailey
"A's GM Billy Beane has made outfielders and bats a priority this offseason and is shopping closer Andrew Bailey. The problem is the free-agent market is still flooded with closers like Heath Bell, Ryan Madson and Francisco Cordero, so clubs are reluctant to trade young talent for Bailey when they just as easily can sign a free agent without giving up prospects."
Click to expand...

http://[h3]Is Bell closing in on a deal?[/h3]
8:14AM ET

[h5]Heath Bell | Padres [/h5]


There was some buzz Wednesday night that Heath Bell was closing in on a new deal, but the free agent reliever tempered some of the enthusiasm.

Jim Bowden tweeted that a deal for Bell "is about done" but there was no word on what team had signed the righthander. Bell insisted via his personal Twitter account that no deal was imminent: "The most exciting thing that happened today..put up my Christmas lights. No news people."

There was speculation earlier this week that the Toronto Blue Jays are interested in Bell, as per a report from Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun. Elliott added that Francisco Cordero also is on the Jays' radar.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Levine won't interview with Astros[/h3]
7:51AM ET

[h5]Houston Astros [/h5]


UPDATE: Is the Astros are unable to lure Friedman to Houston, they won't be able to turn to Thad Levine as part of a backup plan. Levine decided Wednesday to remain with the Rangers as their assistant general manager, which is very good news for the Rangers, says Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com

- Doug Mittler

--

UPDATE: While the consensus seems to be that Andrew Friedman is very likely to stay in Tampa Bay, ESPN Insider's Jim Bowden of the GM's Office tweets that the Astros should roll out the red carpet for their native son.

"Astros need to step up & give Friedman a 'Theo Epstein' 20m type deal & learn from Tom Ricketts that Upper MGT critical to long term success."

Perhaps the money Crane saved in the purchase of the team for agreeing to move to the American League starting in 2013 can go toward enticing Friedman to come to Houston.

- Jason A. Churchill
UPDATE: Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle reports that the Astros have asked the Rays for, and received, permission to talk to Friedman.

Justice cautions that no GM has a closer relationship with his bosses or with his manager than Friedman has with the Rays, so getting him to Houston is a long shot. But Crane seems to be willing to spend some money, an advantage Friedman does not have in Tampa.

- Doug Mittler
When the long-awaited sale of the Houston Astros was completed, incoming owner Jim Crane vowed to meet with all his executives and "make some very, very quick adjustments."

Crane didn't let the Thanksgiving weekend run its course before making a move, announcing Sunday night that general manager Ed Wade and team president Tal Smith have been fired. Assistant general manager Dave Gottfried will serve as interim GM, but will not be considered for the permanent job.

Over the weekend, ESPN Insider's Jim Bowden wrote that the Rays' Andrew Friedman and Gerry Hunsicker, and the Rangers' Thad Levine would be considered as possible GM targets if Crane decided to make a change at the top.

Friedman is a Houston native, but so far has expressed no real desire to leave Tampa Bay. Hunsicker, currently a senior VP in Tampa, served as the Astros' GM in 1995-2004, leading the Astros to four NL Central titles.

Other possibilities could include Oakland assistant GM David Forst as well as Kim Ng, currently a Senior VP with Major League Baseball. Ng has been passed over for seven GM jobs, most recently with the Angels.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Colvin's future at Wrigley[/h3]
7:31AM ET

[h5]Tyler Colvin | Cubs [/h5]


The Chicago Cubs had high hopes last spring for Tyler Colvin, who was coming off a respectable 2010 season in which he had close to 400 plate appearances and hit 20 homers.

The 26-year-old outfielder then struggled to hit .150 with six homers in 80 games this past season. His future became more cloudy Wednesday when the Cubs signed David DeJesus to a two-year contract to be their right fielder. There is a question whether he is the type of player favored by the Cubs' new management team.

"He's certainly not out of the picture," GM Jed Hoyer tells MLB.com. "He has to come to camp and bounce back from last year."

Colvin could be used as a reserve, but could see more playing time if the Cubs somehow manage to trade Alfonso Soriano.

- Doug Mittler

http://[h3]Players unhappy with Bobby V hiring?[/h3]
7:12AM ET

[h5]Boston Red Sox [/h5]


The Boston Red Sox have traditionally been a team that has gone without high-profile managers, but that all changes beginning Thursday when Bobby Valentine is officially introduced as their new skipper.

Terry Francona was every bit a players' manager, but Valentine will bring a more straightforward (i.e. blunt) approach to Fenway Park. Joe McDonald of ESPNBoston.com says there already are some rumblings that some current Red Sox players are not happy with the hiring. "They're going to have a mess on their hands," one source told McDonald as the hiring process played out.

ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney has heard some of the rumblings, citing sources Wednesday saying that "some Red Sox players have been upset" that Valentine had emerged as a candidate and have been "grumbling to each other, through texts and phone calls."

The perception around Red Sox Nation was that players may have gotten too comfortable under Francona. With a new sheriff in town, that will change.
 
so lot of people even more annoyed/disappointed with bobby v being named manager after his press conference.


i kind of feel the opposite tho. thought his presser was great. i think people expected him to show all his cards, which obviously isn't happening. think keeping the focus on him was actually smart. really interested to see if he can get to these players and get them focused.
 
so lot of people even more annoyed/disappointed with bobby v being named manager after his press conference.


i kind of feel the opposite tho. thought his presser was great. i think people expected him to show all his cards, which obviously isn't happening. think keeping the focus on him was actually smart. really interested to see if he can get to these players and get them focused.
 
Projecting Yoenis Cespedes.

Spoiler [+]
A free-agent market rather thin on outfielders gets a little more exciting soon, with Cuban star Yoenis Cespedes entering the mix once he's approved for temporary residency in the Dominican Republic. With Grady Sizemore's return to Cleveland, Coco Crisp becomes by far the best center fielder available, so it's not surprising that most teams have sent scouts to check on Cespedes.

Evaluating a player from Cuba provides a unique set of challenges that aren't present when scouting other international prospects. Observing workouts isn't the ideal scouting situation. And as awesome as the official Yoenis Cespedes video is -- featuring a "Star Wars" opening and a montage set to "Sailing" by Christopher Cross -- it's a thin foundation on which to give an eight-figure contract.

As such, the stats become even more important than usual as they provide the main source of objective information about Cespedes.

However, the stats come with problems of their own. Getting comprehensive Cuban baseball stats is a difficult task because the record-keeping is spotty. Further complicating the task is the fact that unlike moves from Japan, there are relatively few major leaguers with experience playing Cuban baseball. And you can forget about things like park factors.

[h4]Translation mode[/h4]
Here's how Cespedes' recent Cuban stats would roughly translate if he were playing in the majors (and he had a neutral home park).
'08.243.290.38821775
'09.262.322.41019755
'10.269.329.41218666
'11.266.332.445279813
[th=""]Yr[/th][th=""]BA[/th][th=""]OB[/th][th=""]SLG[/th][th=""]HR[/th][th=""]RBI[/th][th=""]SB[/th]

Using the stats of the Cuban baseball players who have come to the U.S. in the past 15 years, we can deduce that Cuba's Serie Nacional is a high-batting-average league that's comparable to the low minors. The spread of stats also tells us something about Cuban baseball. Generally speaking, the higher the level of a league, the closer together the statistics of individual players are. The differences in player stats for Cuba, once you take into consideration the shorter season, suggest a level similar to high Class A.

In the table to the right, I've translated Cespedes' Cuban stats to show you what they would look like if he were playing for a major league team with a neutral home park. And if we assume he's a good defensive center fielder, he appears to be a solid player. Using the ZiPS projection system, we can get a good estimate of what Cespedes' numbers would look like in the majors over the next few years. While projecting based on Cuban stats can be tricky for some of the reasons I outlined above, ZiPS nailed the Alexei Ramirez projection when he signed with the White Sox a few years ago. For 2008 through 2011, ZiPS projected that Ramirez's line would be .269 AVG/.316 OBP/.418 SLG , and his actual line was .279/.323/.421. So that gives us some hope for the Cespedes projection.

Based on Cespedes' Cuban career, ZiPS suggests that his profile is similar to players such as Kevin McReynolds, Mike Devereaux and Aaron Rowand. And going forward, it's not hard to see why Cespedes is so sought after. ZiPS projects him to be clearly better than any center fielder on the market, and while he doesn't project to be a star in any individual season, he may be able to catch that label in his better seasons.

[h4]Projecting Cespedes[/h4]
Using Cespedes' Cuban stats, I used the ZiPS projection system to give a glimpse of his future.
2012.270.331.435238693.3
2013.269.331.439238493.4
2014.267.330.435228383.2
2015.268.330.436228283.1
2016.264.327.428217972.8
2017.263.324.418197462.5
2018.259.320.402176651.9
2019.256.314.386135441.3
[th=""]Year[/th][th=""]BA[/th][th=""]OBP[/th][th=""]SLG[/th][th=""]HR[/th][th=""]RBI[/th][th=""]SB[/th][th=""] WAR [/th]

There are also good reasons for teams to shy away from paying him like a three-win player over the next several seasons. Simply put, there's a lot more uncertainty surrounding Cespedes than other comparable players. An Aroldis Chapman-type contract is far more likely, and his best destination is a lesser team that can afford to take an upside risk rather than a team like the Yankees or Red Sox that require a little more certainty and a little less gambling.

The other gorilla in the room is his age. Reported Cuban ages have a spotty record in terms of accuracy, and given the relations between the United States and Cuba, there's not much cooperation in verifying ages, as has been done more strenuously in other foreign countries over the past 10 years. Cespedes' listed age is 26, and if he's three years older than he says he is, his projected WAR for the next five years drops from 15.8 to 12.6. If he's five years older, it drops to 9.4 WAR.

That being said, Cespedes has intriguing potential, and adding top international talent is good for MLB and good for fans. Whether Cespedes is a success like Alexei Ramirez or a disappointment like Andy Morales is a question we'll have to wait a few years to answer.

Cespesdes will get paid but can he hit?

Spoiler [+]
The fact is, if a guy has never faced big league pitching, it’s hard to say he’s your classic “five-tool player." It’s probably one of the most overused and misused labels scouts place on young players. Why?

Of the five baseball “tools
 
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