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seems dumb for molina to take less money and years . what was his problem with the mets ?
The Major League Baseball Offseason Post
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by wildkycat,
- Start date
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HighCheese
Correx: If Joe Blanton wins his arbitration case, the Phils will be paying him $500K more than they are paying Roy Halladay
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In other A's news, not that anyone cares:
-Tejada might be coming back
-Chavez is on the Bench
-We have money to spend, but refuse to go after worthy free agents
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BOSTON (AP)-The Red Sox and closer Jonathan Papelbon agreed Tuesday to a $9.35 million, one-year contract, the highest salary for a reliever with four years of major league service.
That's more than Mariano.
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Poor Halos
Los Angeles
formerly bright nikes
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Originally Posted by FIRST B0RN
Poor Halos
I'm glad he ain't going to the Dodgers.
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That's more than Mariano.
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- 106,750
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Originally Posted by Proshares
That's more than Mariano.
hey it costs a lot of money to keep michael j fox happy, alright? sue us
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Rick Ankiel to the Royals, another Card flies the coop
. Good riddanceRick!
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phils resigns vic. next is werth
http:// [h3][/h3]
http:// [h3]Stairs waiting on calls[/h3]
10:17AM ET
[h5]Matt Stairs | Phillies[/h5]
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Matt Stairs, still hoping to land a job at age 41, has dropped 31 pounds this winter, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Stairs has gone from 230 pounds to 199 -- the lightest he's been in about 15 years.
Stairs lost the weight on the Nutrisystem program. He's an assistant hockey coach at Bangor High School in Maine during the winter, and skates in two old-timers leagues. "We call them gentlemen's leagues," he said.
Stairs, a fan favorite in Philadelphia and several previous stops, is a career .264 hitter with 259 homers in the majors. But after hitting .194 in 103 at-bats with the Phillies in 2009, Stairs thought he needed to lose weight to enhance his mobility in the field in the event he lands another job. He's willing to sign a minor league deal with an invitation to major league camp.
"I'm still open for invitations," Stairs said. "I'm ready to go. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, I understand that as well."
Said agent Bob Garber, "We have some interest from a few teams and should be making a decision soon."
http:// [h3]Olney: Hudson could replace Lopez[/h3]
10:17AM ET
[h5]Orlando Hudson | Dodgers[/h5]
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It's no secret that the Mariners have been willing to listen on Jose Lopez for some time. The free-swinging second baseman still has some draw as a bat with really good pop for that position, and with enough youth to keep the intrigue factor up.
Today, Buster Olney writes on whether the signing of Felix Hernandez will be the Mariners last deal: "I don't think will be: The Mariners have working on possible trades involving Jose Lopez. I speculated here a month ago that Orlando Hudson could be a good fit with Seattle.
The O-Dog might be ideal in Seattle. He's not a guy that will try to club homers in a park that doesn't help that cause, and he's a very good defensive second baseman on a team addicted to finding plus defensive options at almost every position.
Certainly no reason to think Jack Z is done with his makeover.
http:// [h3]Will the Rangers spend more?[/h3]
10:12AM ET
[h5]Texas Rangers[/h5]
Top Email
Since you couldn't afford 'em anyway, we're not feeling guilty about passing along the news that the Rangers are about done with the proceedings that will have them under the control of new owners.
The Dallas News reports that " Agreements have been reached on all major issues of the deal after both sides entered into lengthy daily negotiations last week. Though the 30-day window for exclusive negotiations ended at midnight last Friday, work continued toward a deal. Greenberg and his partners -- which include team president Nolan Ryan, current owner Tom Hicks and Dallas billionaire Ray Davis -- would become the sixth ownership group in club history.
But will they have more dough to throw around? Keith Law tells us that maybe it depends on where you look. He notes that Hicks did in fact spend decent amounts of money (ask A-Rod) but under Jon Daniels, the system has been more a focus. For instance, the club dropped a cool $1.3M on a 16-year old Colombian catcher last week.
So when you follow the money with the Rangers, make sure you consider the children.
http:// [h3]Edmonds to the Yankees?[/h3]
9:57AM ET
[h5]Jim Edmonds | Cubs[/h5]
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We apologize for our unnatural level of excitement regarding the possible comeback of Jim Edmonds, but a) he dives a lot -- the guy is responsible for about 38% of all Web Gems for the period of '95-05 -- and he has one of the more loveable three-true-outcome uppercuts in the game.
Earlier this week, Edmonds spoke at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation on Sunday night and said he was "challenging" the Cards' manager to let him again suit up for his old team.
Matthew Leach of MLB.com MLB.com reported that Edmonds was not joking, but La Russa still appeared hesitant. "Out of respect, we'll have a serious discussion about it. But he hasn't played in a year. There's a lot of obstacles there. But we'll talk about it," La Russa said.
Now, today's reports that when Edmonds said he wanted to come back, "his agent had heard from three or four other clubs, including the New York Yankees."
Edmonds maybe didn't count on numerous suitors, but he'll have to consider his options.
http:// [h3]Verlander concerned about short-term[/h3]
9:51AM ET
[h5]Justin Verlander | Tigers[/h5]
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Detroit is throwing out the "commitment" vibe with Justin Verlander, but the rubber-armed pitcher just wants to get to first base. So to speak.
According to MLive.com, "Verlander noted that Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski has commented about wanting to make him a Tiger for many years, adding, 'I also want to be here for a long time. That being said, I expect some talks to happen.' ... first things first. Verlander is asking for $9.5 million for next season, Detroit is countering with a $6.9 million offer and in February, an arbitration panel will choose one figure or the other unless both parties first agree to a compromise salary."
Arby is always a little tricky when you really want the guy to stick around longterm. Sort of like bringing up the idea of a pre-nup a week after you proposed. All indications are the Tigers will be able to get something done with Verlander though, as no franchise in the game will have more ridiculous contracts coming off the books after the summer of 2010.
http:// [h3]Was Blanton worth the money?[/h3]
9:42AM ET
[h5]Joe Blanton | Phillies[/h5]
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Not only did the Philadelphia Phillies trade Cliff Lee for three non-elite prospects, but now they have handed Joe Blanton $24 million guaranteed, avoiding arbitration with the right-hander.
Blanton will make $7 million in 2010, according to Ed Price, with future salaries of $8.5 million for the two following seasons.
After giving Raul Ibanez three years and $30 million last winter and Placido Polanco -- 34-year-old Placido POlanco -- three years and $18 million before handing Blanton No. 2 or 3 starter money despite displaying innings-eater performances.
As it turns out, the No. 4 free agent of the entire winter came cheaper than Blanton -- Joel Pineiro signed a 2-year, $16 million free-agent deal with the Angels Wednesday.
Perhaps GM Ruben Amaro is well aware that there isn't a lot of starting pitching in the Phillies farm system right now, but perhaps the best to come out of this deal is a little bit of payroll flexibility for the remainder of this season.
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Still doesn't absolve the Lee blunder
http:// [h3]Will Werth be left out?[/h3]
9:39AM ET
[h5]Jayson Werth | Phillies[/h5]
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Yesterday the Phillies compounded the somewhat puzzling move to essentially choose Joe Blanton over Cliff Lee by signing Blanton to a 3-year pact for $24 million. They also went ahead and locked up Shane Victorino for a few more years at $22 million, which even goes a long way in Hawaii.
The question now being posited by Phillies fans is: Can they afford to keep Jayson Werth?
It's a good question. Start to look at some of the salaries the Phillies are on the hook for, and it adds up fast. Ryan Howard is owed $19M this year and $20M next, and will need to be re-signed after 2011. Roy Halladay is now inked at $20M per year for a while. Chase Utley will be making $15M a year through 2013. Raul Ibanez has $11.5 coming his way this year and next. Same figures for Brad Lidge. And then what about that Jimmy Rollins guy, whose deal only goes through 2011?
And don't forget about Mr. Blanton.
Add it up, and Werth is looking more and more like possible trade bait, or worse, a future free agent.
http:// [h3]Upton still on the market?[/h3]
9:29AM ET
[h5]B.J. Upton | Rays[/h5]
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Last year B.J. Upton took the dreaded dive from promising to moved down in the order to benched to petulant whiner in pretty short order. There were questions about whether the Rays would deal him, the only problem being that his trade value was at its lowest point ever.
Well, he's looking to bounce back. According to ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney, "Derek Shelton, the Rays' new hitting coach, has been working with Upton in Tampa since December and reports that Upton looks good. It will be an important season for Upton, who is coming off a year in which he struggled, his OPS dipping to .686. Like the Rays, rival scouts see the talent in Upton, but also the inherent patience at the plate, and some think it's only a matter of time before he breaks out. Upton has almost 2,000 at-bats in the big leagues, and he is still 25 years old."
Talking to a number of people, we don't see a trade out there for Upton in the short term, simply because the Rays would have to let him re-establish his value anyway. But it appears he's headed back in the right direction.
http:// [h3]Mets eying Wang, Sheets[/h3]
9:23AM ET
[h5]Chien-Ming Wang | Yankees[/h5]
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The New York Mets appear to be eying free agent pitcher Chien-Ming Wang, as well as Ben Sheets, the New York Daily News reports.
But competition for Wang is stiff because, according to Wangs' representative, 15 MLB teams are interested in the righty.
Both the Mets' targets are injury concerns, so the Mets may be watching closely to make sure there are no red flags in their pitching motions. Wang's reps assure that he's been "under the very watchful eye" of renowned Dr. James Andrews.
Other Mets targets might include Jon Garland, John Smoltz, Jarrod Washburn and Braden Looper.
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Wang worth a flier
http:// [h3]Gomes, Dye on Cubs' radar[/h3]
9:19AM ET
[h5]Jonny Gomes | Reds[/h5]
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The Chicago Cubs are reportedly talking to Jonny Gomes, sources tell Chicago Breaking Sports.
The Cubs are looking for a fourth outfielder to platoon with Kosuke Fukudome in right field, but they may have competition for several of their targets, which includes Jermaine Dye and Xavier Nady.
Gomes would certainly add power to the Cubs lineup. The 29-year-old averaged a homerun every 14 at-bats (20 HRs, 281 ABs) while hitting .307 against lefties.
So, KLaw, Gomes or Dye?
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Gomes a better option
http:// [h3]Greene's role in Texas[/h3]
8:41AM ET
[h5]Khalil Greene | Rangers[/h5]
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The Texas Rangers might be done with their offseason moves after signing SS Khalil Greene this week.
Part of the reason the Rangers can stand pat is because the versatility Greene offers them. Manager Ron Washington has said he's willing to play Greene at second base and, more so, first base. Greene has plenty of experience at shortstop and some at third, so he should see plenty of time all around the infield.
"As often as I can get him on the field, I want to do it. With his ability, I don' t think it would be a transition ... that would be tough for him," Washington told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Greene told the newspaper his anxiety problem last year is a thing of the past, so he may end up being one of the super utility players we've been seeing recently.
[h3]Ankiel in, who is out?[/h3]
12:04PM ET
[h5]Rick Ankiel | Royals[/h5]
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The Kansas City Royals signing of Rick Ankiel to a one-year, $3.25 million deal brings up more questions about the Royals roster. Ankiel joins Scott Podsednik and David DeJesus in the outfield, but there is also Mitch Maier, and multi-position players such as Willie Bloomquist and Josh Fields.
In other words, Kansas City has a lot of options here. Alex Gordon is their third baseman, but Fields is a capable third sacker, too. With Albert Callaspo and Chris Getz as potential every day second baseman, and a healthy Mike Aviles capable of play second or short, the infield is an overflow of talented enough players to believe at least one of them is going to be traded.
And then we come to first base, Billy Butler is slated to be the every day bat, with prospect Kila Ka'aihue on the cusp, but Fields can play here, too, as could Gordon should Fields prove the better fielder.
Royals fans should expect more shakeup during spring training as guys win and lose jobs, because the loser could have some trade value... shocked?
http:// [h3]Marlins keeping more youngsters?[/h3]
11:50AM ET
[h5]Florida Marlins[/h5]
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We know the http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=flaFlorida Marlins agreed to expand payroll, and are clearly doing so with the signing of http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6435Josh Johnson, but where does it end and which players get a ticket out of town as GM Michael Hill and President Larry Beinfest sort things out?
Aside from http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6462Dan Uggla, whom rumors have been abound all offseason, and http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6033Jorge Cantu, whom the club has said all along they aren't interested in trading, right-hander http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6491Ricky Nolasco comes to mind. He'll make $3.8 mill this coming season and will be a free agent after 2011 -- it's a perfect time to explore a trade.
The fans are hoping he's inked to a multiyear contract, but it doesn't seem possible to keep all of their young players as they become pricey through the arbitration process, and the return for Nolasco could be high enough to warrant the move.
Florida, however, does not have a lot of pitching options in their system, with top pitching prospect Chad James at least three or four years away, and right-hander http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=29154Ryan Tucker the best near-ready arm.
http:// [h3]Old New Rumor: Fielder for pitching?[/h3]
11:13AM ET
[h5]Prince Fielder | Brewers[/h5]
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[h5]If Fielder becomes trade bait[/h5]
- Boston could use Fielder as a full-time DH after 2010, with David Ortiz's recent decline and expiring contract. And the Red Sox have the inventory to land Fielder. They may still prefer Adrian Gonzalez, however.
- The Yankees make sense for every big-name player, and Fielder may break records at the new stadium in the Bronx.
- The Mets do not have a long-term first baseman unless prospect Ike Davis maxes out.
- Baltimore doesn't have that every day first baseman of the future, either, but signing Fielder to an extension may be part of the process. Do the O's have the cash?
- Might the Dodgers move on from James Loney to add the much more productive Fielder? Money could be the issue here, too, as the McCourt family sort things out legally.
- Seattle nor the Cubs have commitment to first baseman beyond 2010, but the key is the money for a long-term extension. The White Sox could be players here, too.
We've heard this talk before but there's no reason to think GM Doug Melvin is going to trade first baseman Prince Fielder -- except for common sense.
The Milwaukee Brewers need starting pitching -- quality starting pitching at the front of their rotation that currently boasts Yovanni Gallardo and Randy Wolf, both quality arms but not necessarily the caliber of staff leaders that result in serious playoff contention.
Trading Fielder to get that pitcher certainly makes sense in a vacuum, and the club's apparent noncommittal to a long-term extension for the All-Star could be a sign that they will explore a trade sometime before Fielder walks away via free agency after 2010.
In the past there have been rumors of the Giants' interest and the name Matt Cain surfaced, but things have changed for San Francisco since then. If Fielder is put on the trade market, however, one would imagine that a slew of clubs would have a high level of interest.
http:// [h3]Matthews, Jr. to Queens?[/h3]
10:50AM ET
[h5]Gary Matthews Jr. | Angels[/h5]
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The Los Angeles Angels have been trying to trade Gary Matthews, Jr. for what seems like an eternity, and according to SI.com's Jon Heyman, they have finally succeeded.
Heyman adds, via Twitter, that the "#angels will pay a lot of $ on matthews' contract, says AL source. beltran expected back in late april, but #mets concerned."
Sounds like the Mets got a fourth outfielder capable of filling in for Beltran for a month or so, and with the Angels sending a large portion of the $23 million owed to Matthews over the next two seasons it may be a decent move by GM Omar Minaya.
Heyman reports that the Angels showed interest in reliever Brian Stokesm suggesting it's possible he's part of the trade, but the details have yet to be released.
The problem for the Mets still remain, however, since if Beltran misses significant time, they could fall back in the NL East, and they have still yet to counter the Cliff Lee-then-Roy Halladay moves by the Phillies and need a quality starting pitcher of their own to back Johan Santana.
http:// [h3]Padilla set to break out once more?[/h3]
10:31AM ET
[h5]Vicente Padilla | Dodgers[/h5]
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Vicente Padilla draws a wide range of opinions. The guy is loaded with potential, but teammates and fans alike tend to often wonder just where his head is at, or worse, whose head he's throwing the ball at.
Buster today -- with an assist from Mark Simon -- notes that according to the numbers, maybe the Dodgers will get the best of Padilla in 2010. Simon wrote to Buster that, "Padilla had a 3.20 ERA and a 3.17 K to BB rate in his eight games with the Dodgers. If, by some manner, he can replicate that production over a full season, he'll be well worth the investment. Six pitchers were able to match those numbers while making 30-plus starts in 2009. Zack Greinke, Roy Halladay, Dan Haren, Tim Lincecum, Javier Vazquez, and Adam Wainwright."
We're not ready to book the Cy Young engraver just yet, but it'll be interesting to see if the Dodgers have jumped on a good trend.
http:// [h3]Sheets a possibility for M's[/h3]
10:23AM ET
[h5]Seattle Mariners[/h5]
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The Seattle Mariners are likely not done making big moves after signing Felix Hernandez to an extension.
The Seattle Times writes, "Yet one more stick, a Xavier Nady or Jonny Gomes or Eric Byrnes from the free-agent list, or a stealth trade acquisition, would help immensely. Or, alternatively, a starter like Ben Sheets, coming back from yet another injury, but if healthy having the potential to give the Mariners a third ace and the most frightening frontline pitching in baseball."
The Mariners may also be looking to deal Jose Lopez. This move had been on the back burner for a while, but it may be imminent because the Mariners may be looking to move 2009 first round pick Dustin Ackley to second. ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney has speculated that Orlando Hudson may be a good fit in Seattle.
As for an additional bat, the M's are hoping to replace Russell Branyan's production so they may take a chance on one of those free agent bats.
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Sheets could be a great get
http:// [h3]Stairs waiting on calls[/h3]
10:17AM ET
[h5]Matt Stairs | Phillies[/h5]
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Matt Stairs, still hoping to land a job at age 41, has dropped 31 pounds this winter, reports ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Stairs has gone from 230 pounds to 199 -- the lightest he's been in about 15 years.
Stairs lost the weight on the Nutrisystem program. He's an assistant hockey coach at Bangor High School in Maine during the winter, and skates in two old-timers leagues. "We call them gentlemen's leagues," he said.
Stairs, a fan favorite in Philadelphia and several previous stops, is a career .264 hitter with 259 homers in the majors. But after hitting .194 in 103 at-bats with the Phillies in 2009, Stairs thought he needed to lose weight to enhance his mobility in the field in the event he lands another job. He's willing to sign a minor league deal with an invitation to major league camp.
"I'm still open for invitations," Stairs said. "I'm ready to go. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, I understand that as well."
Said agent Bob Garber, "We have some interest from a few teams and should be making a decision soon."
http:// [h3]Olney: Hudson could replace Lopez[/h3]
10:17AM ET
[h5]Orlando Hudson | Dodgers[/h5]
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It's no secret that the Mariners have been willing to listen on Jose Lopez for some time. The free-swinging second baseman still has some draw as a bat with really good pop for that position, and with enough youth to keep the intrigue factor up.
Today, Buster Olney writes on whether the signing of Felix Hernandez will be the Mariners last deal: "I don't think will be: The Mariners have working on possible trades involving Jose Lopez. I speculated here a month ago that Orlando Hudson could be a good fit with Seattle.
The O-Dog might be ideal in Seattle. He's not a guy that will try to club homers in a park that doesn't help that cause, and he's a very good defensive second baseman on a team addicted to finding plus defensive options at almost every position.
Certainly no reason to think Jack Z is done with his makeover.
http:// [h3]Will the Rangers spend more?[/h3]
10:12AM ET
[h5]Texas Rangers[/h5]
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Since you couldn't afford 'em anyway, we're not feeling guilty about passing along the news that the Rangers are about done with the proceedings that will have them under the control of new owners.
The Dallas News reports that " Agreements have been reached on all major issues of the deal after both sides entered into lengthy daily negotiations last week. Though the 30-day window for exclusive negotiations ended at midnight last Friday, work continued toward a deal. Greenberg and his partners -- which include team president Nolan Ryan, current owner Tom Hicks and Dallas billionaire Ray Davis -- would become the sixth ownership group in club history.
But will they have more dough to throw around? Keith Law tells us that maybe it depends on where you look. He notes that Hicks did in fact spend decent amounts of money (ask A-Rod) but under Jon Daniels, the system has been more a focus. For instance, the club dropped a cool $1.3M on a 16-year old Colombian catcher last week.
So when you follow the money with the Rangers, make sure you consider the children.
http:// [h3]Edmonds to the Yankees?[/h3]
9:57AM ET
[h5]Jim Edmonds | Cubs[/h5]
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We apologize for our unnatural level of excitement regarding the possible comeback of Jim Edmonds, but a) he dives a lot -- the guy is responsible for about 38% of all Web Gems for the period of '95-05 -- and he has one of the more loveable three-true-outcome uppercuts in the game.
Earlier this week, Edmonds spoke at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation on Sunday night and said he was "challenging" the Cards' manager to let him again suit up for his old team.
Matthew Leach of MLB.com MLB.com reported that Edmonds was not joking, but La Russa still appeared hesitant. "Out of respect, we'll have a serious discussion about it. But he hasn't played in a year. There's a lot of obstacles there. But we'll talk about it," La Russa said.
Now, today's reports that when Edmonds said he wanted to come back, "his agent had heard from three or four other clubs, including the New York Yankees."
Edmonds maybe didn't count on numerous suitors, but he'll have to consider his options.
http:// [h3]Verlander concerned about short-term[/h3]
9:51AM ET
[h5]Justin Verlander | Tigers[/h5]
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Detroit is throwing out the "commitment" vibe with Justin Verlander, but the rubber-armed pitcher just wants to get to first base. So to speak.
According to MLive.com, "Verlander noted that Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski has commented about wanting to make him a Tiger for many years, adding, 'I also want to be here for a long time. That being said, I expect some talks to happen.' ... first things first. Verlander is asking for $9.5 million for next season, Detroit is countering with a $6.9 million offer and in February, an arbitration panel will choose one figure or the other unless both parties first agree to a compromise salary."
Arby is always a little tricky when you really want the guy to stick around longterm. Sort of like bringing up the idea of a pre-nup a week after you proposed. All indications are the Tigers will be able to get something done with Verlander though, as no franchise in the game will have more ridiculous contracts coming off the books after the summer of 2010.
http:// [h3]Was Blanton worth the money?[/h3]
9:42AM ET
[h5]Joe Blanton | Phillies[/h5]
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Not only did the Philadelphia Phillies trade Cliff Lee for three non-elite prospects, but now they have handed Joe Blanton $24 million guaranteed, avoiding arbitration with the right-hander.
Blanton will make $7 million in 2010, according to Ed Price, with future salaries of $8.5 million for the two following seasons.
After giving Raul Ibanez three years and $30 million last winter and Placido Polanco -- 34-year-old Placido POlanco -- three years and $18 million before handing Blanton No. 2 or 3 starter money despite displaying innings-eater performances.
As it turns out, the No. 4 free agent of the entire winter came cheaper than Blanton -- Joel Pineiro signed a 2-year, $16 million free-agent deal with the Angels Wednesday.
Perhaps GM Ruben Amaro is well aware that there isn't a lot of starting pitching in the Phillies farm system right now, but perhaps the best to come out of this deal is a little bit of payroll flexibility for the remainder of this season.
Still doesn't absolve the Lee blunder
http:// [h3]Will Werth be left out?[/h3]
9:39AM ET
[h5]Jayson Werth | Phillies[/h5]
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Yesterday the Phillies compounded the somewhat puzzling move to essentially choose Joe Blanton over Cliff Lee by signing Blanton to a 3-year pact for $24 million. They also went ahead and locked up Shane Victorino for a few more years at $22 million, which even goes a long way in Hawaii.
The question now being posited by Phillies fans is: Can they afford to keep Jayson Werth?
It's a good question. Start to look at some of the salaries the Phillies are on the hook for, and it adds up fast. Ryan Howard is owed $19M this year and $20M next, and will need to be re-signed after 2011. Roy Halladay is now inked at $20M per year for a while. Chase Utley will be making $15M a year through 2013. Raul Ibanez has $11.5 coming his way this year and next. Same figures for Brad Lidge. And then what about that Jimmy Rollins guy, whose deal only goes through 2011?
And don't forget about Mr. Blanton.
Add it up, and Werth is looking more and more like possible trade bait, or worse, a future free agent.
http:// [h3]Upton still on the market?[/h3]
9:29AM ET
[h5]B.J. Upton | Rays[/h5]
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Last year B.J. Upton took the dreaded dive from promising to moved down in the order to benched to petulant whiner in pretty short order. There were questions about whether the Rays would deal him, the only problem being that his trade value was at its lowest point ever.
Well, he's looking to bounce back. According to ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney, "Derek Shelton, the Rays' new hitting coach, has been working with Upton in Tampa since December and reports that Upton looks good. It will be an important season for Upton, who is coming off a year in which he struggled, his OPS dipping to .686. Like the Rays, rival scouts see the talent in Upton, but also the inherent patience at the plate, and some think it's only a matter of time before he breaks out. Upton has almost 2,000 at-bats in the big leagues, and he is still 25 years old."
Talking to a number of people, we don't see a trade out there for Upton in the short term, simply because the Rays would have to let him re-establish his value anyway. But it appears he's headed back in the right direction.
http:// [h3]Mets eying Wang, Sheets[/h3]
9:23AM ET
[h5]Chien-Ming Wang | Yankees[/h5]
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The New York Mets appear to be eying free agent pitcher Chien-Ming Wang, as well as Ben Sheets, the New York Daily News reports.
But competition for Wang is stiff because, according to Wangs' representative, 15 MLB teams are interested in the righty.
Both the Mets' targets are injury concerns, so the Mets may be watching closely to make sure there are no red flags in their pitching motions. Wang's reps assure that he's been "under the very watchful eye" of renowned Dr. James Andrews.
Other Mets targets might include Jon Garland, John Smoltz, Jarrod Washburn and Braden Looper.
Wang worth a flier
http:// [h3]Gomes, Dye on Cubs' radar[/h3]
9:19AM ET
[h5]Jonny Gomes | Reds[/h5]
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The Chicago Cubs are reportedly talking to Jonny Gomes, sources tell Chicago Breaking Sports.
The Cubs are looking for a fourth outfielder to platoon with Kosuke Fukudome in right field, but they may have competition for several of their targets, which includes Jermaine Dye and Xavier Nady.
Gomes would certainly add power to the Cubs lineup. The 29-year-old averaged a homerun every 14 at-bats (20 HRs, 281 ABs) while hitting .307 against lefties.
So, KLaw, Gomes or Dye?
Gomes a better option
http:// [h3]Greene's role in Texas[/h3]
8:41AM ET
[h5]Khalil Greene | Rangers[/h5]
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The Texas Rangers might be done with their offseason moves after signing SS Khalil Greene this week.
Part of the reason the Rangers can stand pat is because the versatility Greene offers them. Manager Ron Washington has said he's willing to play Greene at second base and, more so, first base. Greene has plenty of experience at shortstop and some at third, so he should see plenty of time all around the infield.
"As often as I can get him on the field, I want to do it. With his ability, I don' t think it would be a transition ... that would be tough for him," Washington told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Greene told the newspaper his anxiety problem last year is a thing of the past, so he may end up being one of the super utility players we've been seeing recently.
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hey it costs a lot of money to keep michael j fox happy, alright? sue usOriginally Posted by DeadsetAce
Originally Posted by Proshares
That's more than Mariano.
Thats just how baseball is tho. Every year salaries go up and will continue that way until baseball does something about it (but they wont)
I would hope that if Mariano and Pap where going for 1 year contracts in the same year that Mariano would be paid more. And yes that is coming from a Red Soxfan.
jpzx
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In addition to pinch hitting, you gotta figure Thome would get quite a bit of PT at DH vs righties with Kubel in left. Also, it gives you quite a bit ofoptions for LF, RF, 1B, with Young, Kubel, Cuddy, Morneau, and Thome. Morneau probably could use some more days off, or at least some more days DH-ing.
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Yea Jim could end up playing 80+ games which is gravy to a very good career.
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I can dig that.
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The Orioles signed Tejada to a one year deal and he'll play third base for them.
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Good bye, Tom Hicks...
Folks at the bar are gonna be excited... Next round of shots is on me...
Folks at the bar are gonna be excited... Next round of shots is on me...
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he wanted to be in a place hes comfortable since he played with them 2007-2009
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A's sign Ben Sheets... I've heard anywhere from $8-10M... More than I thought he'd get... Supposedly came down to Oakland, Seattle and Texas, and if it was the Rangers, at least it's not the Mariners...
Price seems high, but Sheets is a good investment for the A's as a mid-season trade candidate...
Price seems high, but Sheets is a good investment for the A's as a mid-season trade candidate...
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too much for Ben, if that's right...just trade him before he gets hurt.
68 days 'til Opening Day.
68 days 'til Opening Day.
