Why the Angels need to trade Ervin Santana, is Miguel Cabrera the second coming of Mo Vaughn, why Brett Tomko shouldn't have been sent to the rotation, and 2007 Free Agency Bargain Bin Pitchers.

Angels Need To Trade Santana Soon

The Angels would probably be wise to trade Ervin Santana now, as cracks are appearing in his trade value.

Santana is a talented young pitcher that has been shopped often.  It's beginning to show why, however?

Outside of Angels Stadium, Santana morphs into Jeff Weaver and gets killed.  Take a look at his splits for this season.

• Home - 3-1, 2.33 ERA
• Away - 0-4, 7.86 ERA

That's horrible.  Jeff Weaver horrible.  Well, maybe not that bad.

But the fact of the matter is that Santana may not be the young ace in the making that we think he is. 

At least, not in the American League.

In the National League, I think Santana could really blossom.  With lineups that are less potent, more pitcher friendly stadiums (Busch, Petco, Shea, Dolphin, Turner, and Dodger Stadiums, just to name a few), we could see Santana maintain more of his dominance and be a perennial All-Star.  True, he would get killed in other parks (Coors and Minutemaid  would be where Santana would probably be in trouble), but overall, a move to the National League would be beneficial.

Where would he fit best?

The Angels want a bat in return for Santana and are probably hoping to cash in on a trade, similar to what Oakland did when they traded Mark Mulder to the Cardinals.  I don't think they'll get that much, nor do I think they'll get what they would have last season.   However, if the Rockies would be willing to eat enough of Todd Helton's contract, or if  the DBacks are willing to part with one of their talented young hitters, or even if Omar Minaya or John Schurholz is willing to part with a regular (Lasting Milledge would probably be enough to get a deal done), I think that the Angels would do well in terms of return on their investment.

The Second Coming Of Mo Vaughn?

You all remember Mo Vaughn, right guys?  The Red Sox slugger that practically ate his way out of the league by 30 or so?

Apparently, Miguel Cabrera is following the same route.

Cabrera, according to Baseball Reference.com, was 185 when he entered the league.  He has since added on a whopping 55 pounds since then.  Several scouts have said that at this point, Cabrera might need to consider another position change, probably first base, or be traded to the American League where he can DH. 

First base wouldn't be a bad option for him, where he would rival Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman as the most dangerous first baseman in the league.  This would likely interest Omar Minaya, who could replace Carlos Delgado in a few years with Cabrera, giving him a potent offense force in the lineup.

Tomko Heading Back To The Pen

Remember last year, when Brett Tomko talked about how glad he was to be moved into the pen and how he spoke about how he would like to be a closer.

Well, he wasn't glad about being asked to move again. 

Tomko walked past reporters without a word after telling a Dodgers public relations official that he didn't have time to talk about it.

And realistically, the Dodgers shouldn't have been putting Tomko out to start to begin with.  He was surprisingly capable as a setup man/middle reliever and the fact that the Dodgers sent Chad Billingsley to the bullpen instead of Tomko is just bad roster management.

Hong-Chih Kuo will move into the rotation if his next start at triple-A Las Vegas goes well. 

2007 Free Agency - Starting Pitchers (Bargain Bin)

For everyone who wants to take a chance on some of these less than stellar members of a rotation, here's who's available.

• Rodrigo Lopez (Rockies) – Lopez was traded in his final year of arbitration to the Rockies, where so far he’s been solid for the Rockies…when healthy.  However, there is still enough doubt about Lopez that he belongs down here.
• Byung-Hyun Kim (Marlins) – Kim received interest in the fact that he’s a fairly decent, fairly durable pitcher that can function as a fifth starter.  He’ll get work this off-season,
• Jeff Weaver (Mariners) – It’s starting to get a little old with the bad Weaver.  But someone will take a chance on him because of his age, potential, and out of need.
• Jaret Wright (Orioles) – It’s over for Wright as any more than a fifth starter, where his durability as well as his ability won’t hurt the team as much.  However, expect some team to overpay for his services, as they will see Wright as a reclamation project that could pay big dividends.  Hmmm, the Cardinals could come calling.
• Wade Miller (Cubs) – The Cubbies took a flyer on Miller and the result was a solid Spring Training and little else.
• Kip Wells (Cardinals) – Depending on what the hell happens with this season, Wells could see the interest in him build.  How much depends on his performance.  People still feel he’s got great stuff, but honestly, Wells seems to almost invent ways to lose games.  He will find work, but whether it’s on a major league deal is to be decided.
• Odalis Perez (Royals) – [If $9MM club option is declined.]  Perez is a average fifth starter that would probably be better suited for the NL than the AL.  His stuff is rather mediocre and he seems to get by more on luck than skill.  I do expect the Royals to exercise his option, as they really lack any decent options for the rotation, even with Luke Hochevar doing good things in the minors.
• Victor Zambrano (Blue Jays) – Zambrano is an average stuff kind of guy that could pull his weight as the fourth man in the rotation.  It all depends on how well he bounces back from TJ.  So far, the results have been…not pretty.
• Eric Milton (Reds) – Yeah, I doubt that there will be much interest in Milton at the moment, considering how badly he’s pitched. in the past few years.
• Matt Clement (Red Sox) – Don’t know what happened to Clement.  One moment he was awesome, the next moment he was awful and relegated to the bullpen.  Clement will find takers thanks to his past history of success, but as to how much those takers are willing to offer is a different matter all together.
• John Thomson (Blue Jays) – Thomson, at this point of his career, looks done.  I don’t see him getting anything more than a minor league contract, though Ranger Fans should always hold a debt of gratitude toward him.  The compensation pick that was received for Thomson was spent on Texas’ top prospect, Eric Hurley.
• David Wells (Padres) – At Well’s age and with his current health concerns, he’s likely going to hang it up.

   

That's all I got, see you next week unless the Fort Worth Star Telegram goes nuts again.

Friday Morning Closer

Since I have a lot to talk about, the closer is in for an extended inning.  Here is my seven-pitch outing for today.

Hochevar At It Again

The Royals are fast finding out why Scott Boras clients aren’t drafted so high so often. 

When Hochevar went No. 1 overall in the June draft to the Royals, the assumption was that the parameters of a deal were already in place. Going back to the 2005 Draft, when Hochevar was originalyl taken by the Dodgers in the First Round as a supplemental pick, he had left Boras and had accepted a $2.98 million bonus.  Hochevar then switched back to Boras and backed off the agreement, accusing the Dodgers of trying to coerce him into signing a bad deal.  When the Royals took him, it was thought that he wouldn’t hold out after the drama last season.

But a month later, 24 of the 30 first-rounders have signed.  Hochevar is not among them.  The Royals' initial offer was in excess of $4 million, and that the team planned to raise that in the near future.   That is more than the bonuses for each of the next four selections, each of whom is already under contract. 

There are a number of reasons the negotiations could be lagging.  It’s thought that Boras is waiting for No. 6 Pick Andrew Miller (Tigers) to sign in hopes of getting Hochevar more money.   It’s well know that Boras clients often sign later than most other draft picks.

One of the more irrating quotes from Hochevar goes like this:

"I learned a great deal of lessons (from my negotiations).  I learned what people I can trust, (one of) which is Scott Boras. In the negotiations with the Dodgers, the scouting director (Logan White) felt I was not worthy to be paid with the top pitchers in the draft."

This quote sets a bad impression, making Hochevar sound entitled and arrogant.  He also makes it sound like the Dodgers mistreated him.  For the record, the $2.98 million bonus would have been the fifth-highest in the 2005 draft.  The only pitcher who received a higher bonus was Mike Pelfrey (New York Mets - $3.55 million, as part of a $5.25 million major league contract).  He’s also got to understand that he would have went higher in the draft had it not been for his agent, who has costed some of his clients millions because of his reputation.  Hochevar has already #### up once.  He’s on the verge of doing it again.  And the more time that passes with Hochevar not playing, the lower his value is going to drop.  Hochevar can’t hold out to the next draft because that tactic only works once.  If he were to do so, he wouldn’t go number one overall again, much less the first round.  On that note, the Royals should hold the line.  The one with the most to lose is Hochevar and Boras, not the team.

Paul DePodesta Gets A Second Chance

Paul DePodesta has been hired by the San Diego Padres as a special assistant for baseball operations.  He’ll be reporting to Padres CEO Sandy Alderson and work closely with all members of the baseball operations department, including general manager Kevin Towers.  DePodesta is now the fifth former GM to join the Padres staff, which contains Randy Smith (Padres and Tigers), Ed Wade (Phillies), Ted Simmons (Pirates) and Alderson (A's) as former general managers now on the Padres' staff.  DePodesta will function in a variety of roles, primarily working with Fuson in the baseball operations department, trying to enhance the minor-league side and player development.  I’m glad that DePodesta has gotten back on his feet, as I feel he was unfairly blamed for the Dodgers’ collapse last season, which had a lot to do with bad luck than anything else.  I hope he does well.

Marlins Should Move…Now…Quickly

I’m getting off of Jeffrey Loria’s case now.

Though I could hate him for destroying the Expos (not his fault.  I’ll explain in a bit), the Florida situation is largely the result of greed, loss, apathy, and now outrage.

Loria first found his way into baseball infamy with the Montreal Expos.  He held 94% of the ownership stake and asked the city to help him build a new $200 million stadium.  Not unreasonable.  Loria was willing to foot part of the cost thanks to money collected from ticket and merchandise sales and wanted the city to help out on the cost by paying $100 million dollars.  After all, Olympic Stadium was not designed for baseball (see the name to figure out what it’s purpose was) and a new stadium would be something that all could enjoy.  Montreal said no.

Seeing that he’d probably end up losing his #### in Montreal, Loria decided that allow someone else to try and squeeze blood from a stone.  He sold the team to Major League Baseball in a 2002 deal that got him the Marlins for $120 million plus a tax-free $38.5 million loan.

And the Expos, thanks to no management, baseball not wanting to fund the team any money to help them remain competitive and perhaps attract another buyer, became San Juan bound, then Portland bound before ending up in Washington.

The Expos’ proposed ballpark was really beautiful.  If you’ve got a chance to take a look at the stadium design, here’s the link:

So Loria moved his show south, to sunny Florida, where the future was bright.  The team had young stars that were developing in the minors, a nice collection of starting players, and finally, an owner that was willing to spend money on a team.  The only thing they lackd was a stadium.  So Loria bought the team, spent money, won a World Series in 2003 and was in the thick of the wild card race for two years afterward. 

However, the team wasn’t drawing fans.  Many were still disenchanted with the team from the days of former owner Wayne Huizenga, who dismantled the 1997 World Series champs that same offseason.  Plus, the lawmakers in Miami weren’t thrilled about paying for stadium, even though Loria offered to pay for $200 million of the cost.  They said no.

So Loria, who lost $11.9 million on the team despite money given from revenue sharing, did what he had to do in order to keep the franchise viable.  He took apart the Marlins to make them more cost effective.  As a result, the trades of Carlos Delgado, Josh Beckett, Juan Pierre, Luis Castillo, Mike Lowell and Paul Lo Duca were made, cutting the payroll from $65 million last season to less than $15 million this year. 

And the crazy thing is, the Marlins are in second place and could end up taking the Wild Card.  And the fans still don’t care.

Loria, despite trying to work out a deal, now views the future of the team in south Florida to be dim, especially since the Marlins lease in Dolphins Stadium runs out in two years and will not be renewed.

Which leaves to the greater question:  Where will the Marlins go?

The Marlins are a young and talented team, managed by the sharp and respected Joe Girardi.  They have two stars in Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis, two future superstars in shortstop Hanley Ramirez, second baseman Dan Uggla and outfielder Jeremy Hermida, and a talented rotation with Willis, Jason Vargas, Scott Olsen, Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson, all of which are under 25.  Plus, they have one of the best farm systems in baseball and the allure of having two World Series titles in their short history.

What city wouldn’t want the Marlins?

Here’s where the Marlins could potentially end up, barring a miracle in Miami.

San Antonio, TX – Probably the best choice, as the city is growing and has the city of Austin nearby to draw fans from.  The city has actively been courting the Marlins and recently, San Antonio brass was seen at the Marlins’ season opener.  The two teams already in Texas, the Rangers and the Astros, have given their blessings to more competition in the state.  And the city was ready to commit the money, though the Marlins decided to make a last ditch effort to stay in Florida.  Plus, baseball has given the city it’s blessing that San Antonio could host a team in the future.

Hialeah, FL – This is where baseball would like the Marlins to end up.  Hialeah is still near Miami, so the team would still be located in a large media market, and the team would not have to require a name change or a massive restructuring of the divisions.  Plus, the city plans to take property taxes from a planned industrial park along with other incentives to build the stadium.  Still, would the team do any better in Hialeah then they have in Miami.  The odds point to no, as now Miami fans would rather not make the drive to the suburb to see the team play. 

Las Vegas, NV – Another awesome choice.  Vegas is a huge city and growing quickly.  It’s attractive, has all the ingredients to become another media powerhouse like New York, and has a booming tourist industry that could assist in bringing fans into the ballpark.  Plus, Vegas has offered to put up funds to build a ballpark, or at the very least heavily improve their Triple A stadium to Major League proportions.  However, Vegas also has it’s pitfalls.  The team would have to be a consistent winner, as Vegas has shown with its other teams that it will not turn out to watch a losing team.  Plus, there’s that ever present threat of gambling and throwing games.  So, despite how tantalizing this idea is, it’s probably going to be no.

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Intriguing to say the least.  Puerto Rico would surely support the team no matter what.  Just look at the crowds that were in for the WBC Games!  Plus, Puerto Rico would draw from both tourism from the area and other Caribbean Island residents that would come down to play the games.  However, despite the fact that the Marlins would be a hit in San Juan, it’s not going to happen.  Baseball won’t play in Hiriam Belthorn Stadium year round and Puerto Rico itself can’t afford to pay for a stadium.  It’s a shame, because I think a team in San Juan (or Havana, Cuba once Castro is gone) would be a hit.

Charlotte, NC – Charlotte has long wanted a team, and would potentially fit in as far as divisions.  However, Charlotte has already paid for new stadiums for the Panthers and the Bobcats.  I’m not sure the city could support a third team.  Next question!

Portland, OR – Again, has wanted a second sports team.  But the city likely can’t afford to build a stadium.  Plus, the citizens are already pissed off at their current team, the Portland Trailblazers, which could further kill a second team moving in.

Brooklyn, NY –Brooklyn is one of the fastest growing communities in the United States.  The area itself has the resources, the fan base, and the ability to support a team.  However, it also has the Yankees and the Mets nearby.  And there’s no way in hell that either team will go for a third team coming into the area.  Such a move would carve into their fanbase.  So, despite the fact that I would love a new team from Brooklyn, it’s not happening.

Montreal, Canada – The largest market without a team.  However, there’s no way baseball is going back there unless the city shows a willingness to support the team.  That means a stadium and fan support.  In other words, this has a snowball’s chance in hell.

That’s my take on the Fish.  Here’s my open question to you all.  Where would you like to see the Marlins end up?  Email is on the side.  I’ll tally the final vote Next Friday.

David Wells Likely Done

David Wells returned to the Red Sox on Monday for the first time in nearly four weeks, but there remains no guarantee that the veteran left-hander ever will pitch again.  Wells, on the disabled list for the third time this season due to recurring problems with his right knee, returned to his San Diego home on May 11 due to the setbacks of his most recent recovery.  The 43-year-old has resumed light throwing, but he is still unable to return to a bullpen mound. 

If this is Wells’ last hurrah, then a colorful career that took him to three World Series and gave him titles and a Perfect Game.  Do I think he’s a Hall of Fame Candidate?  Yes, though a borderline one.  Will he make it in?  Probably not.

Crazy Carl Is At It Again

Carl Everett is pissed off.  Everett voiced his frustration to Mariners manage Mike Hargrove about his diminished playing time with the addition of Eduardo Perez in a trade with Cleveland last week.  While both sides aren’t talking, Everett should realize that his production time is killing the team and that he doesn’t deserve to be starting often until he picks up the slack.  Then again, this is Crazy Carl, the man who denies the existence of dinosaurs and the moon landings.

The True Home Run King Heads For Surgery

The World Home Run King, Sadaharu Oh, who slammed 868 homers in his career and manages the Softbank Hawks of the Pacific League and Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic will undergo surgery to remove a stomach tumor.  Oh did not say Wednesday if the tumor was cancerous.  Oh is one of the classiest and most respected men in baseball worldwide.  He played the game with honor and with respect.  Hope you all keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Canseco Watch