Well, a second Japanese Pitcher has crossed over, as the Yankees bid $25 million for the bidding rights to Kei Igawa, another highly regarded player from the Japanese league.
Igawa, viewed by the Yankees as a more affordable option (though that arguement goes out the window when you consider the salary plus posting fee) than going after Ted Lilly, is not as highly regarded as Daisuke Matsuzaka. Several talent evaluators raked their heads when informed the Yankees' winning bid was $26 million for a pitcher many believe is no more than a fourth starter. Still, Igawa will likely land a four- to five-year deal in the $5 million per season range, is going to be in the Yankees' rotation
Getting a deal done shouldn't be anywhere near the problem that the Red Sox are going through with Daisuke Matsuzaka and his nutty agent, Scott Boras. Igawa wants to pitch for the Yankees and is represented by Arn Tellem, who has a strong relationship with the Yankees since his client list includes Hideki Matsui, Mike Mussina and Jason Giambi.
Now, what exactly did the Yankees buy?
ESPN's Keith Law reported the following:
One of the best left-handed starters in Japan, Igawa wasn't expected to come over this winter as a free agent, but his current employer, the Hanshin Tigers, apparently made an about-face and posted him. Igawa is primarily a two-pitch pitcher, with a below-average fastball in the 84-88 mph range with a little run, and a plus 74-79 mph curveball with a late two-plane break. He has a slight stabbing motion at the start of his delivery, but stays on top of the ball well, giving the curve its good depth and creating some downhill plane to his otherwise flat fastball. He also has average command and plus control.
The downside to Igawa is that his fastball may be a little short for MLB hitters, in which case, he'll end up a reliever, and probably a good one with that plus curve as a lefty-killing weapon. (He does throw an occasional changeup, but prefers to use his curve to get righties out as well.) The upside would be if his quick delivery makes the ball hard enough for hitters to pick up that his fastball plays up to average, in which case he could certainly pitch in the back end of an NL rotation. He's also an ideal candidate to learn a splitter, although that's a common pitch in Asia and it would be a surprise if he hadn't already tried one.
Still, despite Law's rather down analysis, Igawa has had results. He was 14-9 with a 2.97 ERA last year and 86-60 with a 3.15 career ERA.
As far as where he fits with the Yankees, Igawa will likely be the fourth or fifth starter, as the Yankees will have a one-two-three punch of Chien-Ming Wang, Mike Mussina and Randy Johnson. How high Igawa will rise in the rotation will deal with how well he outperforms Carl Pavano.
All in all, it's a gamble that only the Yankees would think of, though who knows? Igawa may just be good enough for the Yankees that they won't have to worry about the back end of the rotation for a while.
Here’s a little more about the people who are applying to be the Rangers’ manager.
· Don Wakamatsu – Current Rangers Bench Coach. Has Yet To Interview, as he’s the last candidate, but now Oakland has requested permission to interview Wakamatsu for their own vacancy. Jon Daniels wisely told them to wait until they have ruled out Wakamatsu as a candidate before they grant permission to talk with other clubs. Wakamatsu will interview later this week.
· Trey Hillman – Manager Of the Nippon Ham Fighters. Hillman will be interviewed, but the Rangers have competition, as Hillman is also expected to interview for the San Diego and possibly the Oakland job as well. Hillman still is high on Texas and has called them his “dream job.” Hillman will interview today.
· Ron Washington – Oakland Athletics Third Base Coach. Washington felt that he interviewed well, but will likely end up as the Athletics’ new manager.
· John Russell – Manager Of Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Russell interviewed last week and reportedly did well. No other information has come out.
· Manny Acta – New York Mets Third Base Coach. Acta is probably the leader of the three interviewee’s so far, in that he came to the interview already with a game plan of how he would do as the Rangers’ bench coach and the type of atmosphere he would create in the clubhouse. Acta has interviewed for other jobs and is reportedly the favorite for the Washington job.
Free Agency – Possible Targets
With a lack of impact prospects in the system (Danks and Hurley are at least a year away from contributing, with Diamond maybe two at the least), the Rangers need to go out and find some people to mind the shop. Pitching is going to be tough to find, but the Rangers were able to sign Kevin Millwood to a manageable deal that isn’t too restrictive. And while the ownership is hesitant on spending a ton on free agents, the Rangers are at a cross roads in the division. Los Angeles is searching for an identity, Oakland may be beginning to falter and Seattle sooner or later is going to get their act together. Here is a list of starting pitching candidates the Rangers should target:
· Daisuke Matsuzaka, Japan (RHP) – He's probably been scouted by most of baseball by now. But Baseball America had the following to say about him. “a lively 90-96 mph fastball, a plus-plus slider, a splitter and a changeup.” Though Matsuzaka has had a large workload in Japan, the most famous being his high school post-season performance in the Japanese National Prep Tournament, where he threw 250 pitches to win a 17-inning game in the quarterfinals of Japan's national prep tournament, then came back to get a save the next day and to throw a no-hitter in the finals two days after that, he’s also only 26 and should be entering the prime of his career. Matsuzaka is attractive in that he will cost the Rangers nothing but money and is a legitimate starting pitcher. However, there is the trasnition to the American Game which could kill his performance and leave the Rangers with another bust.
· Jason Schmidt, San Francisco Giants (RHP) – A All-Star and a Number One starter, Schmidt is a lot riskier than Matsuzaka because of his age. Schmidt is going to be 34 and has had some shoulder problems in his career. He was also 5-4 with a 4.76 ERA after the All-Star break. He’s also used to the National League and would likely get destroyed pitching at Arlington.
· Barry Zito, Oakland Athletics (LHP) – Zito is the largest name on the list, he'll get big bucks from a big-market team, and the Mets seem to be the favorites. The Rangers would have to overpay by a bunch to even give Zito a reason to consider coming to Texas. And even then, he may refuse the Rangers’ dollars to play on one of the coasts.
· Ted Lilly, Toronto Blue Jays (LHP) – Texas would be wise to run away from Ted Lily, after closer research. First of all, Lilly is going to be expensive thanks to a 15-win season. And while he’s a lefty, which plays well at Ameriquest, but he’s got extreme flyball tendencies (which does not fly well, no pun intended, at Ameriquest.) He does have good stuff, but if you took a look at the injury history, which includes shoulder pains and the like, you would run away.
· Mark Mulder, St. Louis Cardinals (LHP) – Mulder would be a one year rental, as he is coming off of surgery on his left shoulder and will likely not be ready for the start of the 2007 season. While there is still a chance that Mulder will bolt back to Oakland or possibly the Mets to reunite with his old pitching coach, the Rangers could look at bringing in Mulder for the next season. Any contract will be incentive laden, but it could be worth the risk. He's only 29 and he’s a lefty, so if the surgery works, the Rangers will have obtained a very good pitcher for at least a year and possibly garnering some good will, maybe even enough for him to stick around.
· Luis Gonzalez, Arizona Cardinals (OF) – Gonzalez can still hit and play a passable outfield and has already been contacted by the Giants and Rangers. Gonzalez likely fits into the Rangers’ plans as the new DH, though it’s more than likely that Gonzalez will end up with the Padres or Giants, just to be able to haunt the Snakes for letting him go.
· David Dellucci, Philadelphia Phillies (OF) – Can still play the outfield and can DH, but Dellucci is being targeted by several other teams as a regular player. Plus, he’s still kinda miffed that the Rangers traded him, so he’ll cost the Rangers extra for him to go around, plus a no-trade clause.
· Jim Edmonds, St. Louis Cardinals (CF) – There is a possibility that Edmonds could hit the market, since it looks like the Cardinals might be willing to let him go. Edmonds still has good numbers, but he’s lost a step in center and is getting older. However, if there are no other options, Edmonds could be work a gamble on a short contract.
· Frank Catalanotto, Toronto Blue Jays (CF) – The Cat would also be a great option to bring back to Texas. Catalanotto still has some punch to that bat and could play some outfield as well. While he's not as agile or as mobile as he was in his younger days, Catalanotto can still contribute enough as a DH to merit spending some bucks on him.
For Those That Have Declared: Who Bolts Where
With several Rangers having already declared, I thought it would be fun to do a best fit perspective on those that have declared. I know I’m going to get some Emails, so let’s do this.
· Gary Matthews Jr. (CF)– Matthews chose a great time to hit free agency. After a career year, Matthews is now the most attractive centerfielder on the market. Matthews, to be honest, is going to be 32, not a great age for a centerfielder, thought it’s possible Sarge may last a little longer due to his athleticism. With the Angels, Dodgers, Red Sox, St. Louis, Cubs, White Sox, and others pursuing him, I think Texas will likely be priced out of Matthews’ price range. Bolts To Anaheim
· Carlos Lee (OF) – Lee brings solid offensive numbers and allowed the Rangers to clear the roster for other players that could contribute. However, Lee also has horrible defense and wants big bucks. Essentially, the Rangers will have to pay big bucks for a DH, which I don't think they're willing to do. Lee and the Astros have been flirting almost since he became a Ranger. In my opinion, let Lee go, spend the money instead on pitching and on Gary, if possible, and find another suitable DH. And let Houston give up their First Rounder and get a Sandwich Rounder.. Bolts To Houston
· Mark DeRosa (UTIL) – DeRosa’s value comes from being a versatile players. He’s going to want a place to start and, to be honest, the Rangers should re-sign him. DeRosa can play Third while letting Blalock DH and can play a passable centerfield. All that remains is to discuss the dollars and cents. Stays With Texas
· Adam Eaton (RHP) – Eaton is departing after a disappointing season with Texas, which was shortened by an injury to his index finger. Eaton has talked about perhaps joining up in Seattle, where he’s from, and to be honest, that would probably be a good thing for him, as he was largely good in San Diego. Plug him into the middle of the rotation and he might be okay. Bolts To Seattle
· Rod Barajas (C) – Barajas has stated that he won’t be a backup catcher and has said he’ll go elsewhere if he’s not the Number One in Texas. That could be a problem as the Rangers look like they’re ready to commit to Gerald Laird as the starter, plus are accumulating a stock of young catchers in the minors. Barajas has been linked to Boston, where it’s hoped that his ability to catch a knuckleball will come into play with Tim Wakefield. To be honest, if Barajas wants to start, then it’s to Houston he should go, where the need for a catcher that can hit is important. Barajas would instantly displace Brad Ausmus, knocking him to become a backup catcher. Bolts To Boston, But Should Go To Houston
· Eric Young (UTIL) – Young could contribute someplace, but not in Texas, as he was largely a no-show during the brief time he played. Young has stated that he would like to play a game with his son. I don’t think he’ll get the chance. Retire.
This season was a disappointment for the most part. I expected, with all the changes that were made, that a winning season would at least be possible. Instead, all we got was one more win.
The Rangers sorely underachieved through this season. I can't help but wonder how the season could have turned out differently. What if Adam Eaton hadn't missed half the season due to injury? What if Francisco Cordero hadn't gone up in flames? What if Mark Teixiera hadn't slumped badly early in the season?
Such a lot of questions:
For Texas, this off-season will be one of important decisions. Will Tom Hicks decide to pour more money to bring a contender to Dallas? With the Rangers make a philosophical change and force Buck Showalter tomorrow night, like so many Dallas area writers are expected? Will the kids, whom the Rangers have spent several draft picks and several million dolllars, finally begin to make their presence know?
I don't know.
Like all things in Texas, we try not to make things more dramatic than they are.
They just end up becoming that way.
The Rangers Report will shift to Off-Season mode, turning it's focus to the Arizona Fall League, prospect rankings, and possible free agency targets. Expect a full write up of possible free agency and trade targets in two weeks, though if there is a Showalter firing, there will of course be an update.
In the meantime, enjoy October. Go Tigers!
Building A Champion
Here’s how the team, as constructed, will look in 2007.
· C – Gerald Laird - $0.335M
· C – Miguel Ojeda - $0.5M (Option Probably Exercised)
· RP – Akinori Otsuka - $3.25M (Estimated – Arbitration)
· RP – C.J. Wilson - $0.328M
· RP – Rick Bauer - $1.1M (Estimated – Arbitration)
· RP – Ron Mahay - $1.1M (Option)
· RP – Wes Littleton - $0.33M
· RP – Frank Francisco - $0.345M
· RP – Scott Feldman - $0.329M
Minor League Possibilities (Not Counted Toward Final Payroll)
· RP – John Rheinecker - $0.33M
· SP – Kameron Loe - $0.348M
· SP – John Koronka - $0.329M
· SP – Edinson Volquez - $0.329M
· RP – Nick Masset - $0.33M
Total Payroll For 2006 – $72,329,570 (Not Counting Alex Rodriguez Salary Contribution)
Total Payroll For 2007 – $38,817,000 (Ditto)
That’s a hell of a lot of payroll coming off the books, which is understandable considering the amount of free agents (9), plus the Chan #### Park contract coming off the books. Alex Rodriguez’s payment is usually not regarded as part of the payroll and is paid for separately.
The Rangers had an eight-man bullpen going in seems a little extreme, so it’s likely that Rupe or Feldman could be optioned to Triple A – Oklahoma, depending on what happens in Spring Training. However, Rupe or Wilson could crack the rotation as the fourth or fifth starter, with the edge likely going to Rupe because he’s far more talented. If that were to happen, it’s a certainty that Mahay’s contract option will be exercised and Nick Masset will wind up back at Oklahoma for another year of seasoning. Ojeda’s option will likely be exercised, as he’#### well enough to be a serviceable backup catcher. Depending on John Koronka’s performance in Spring Training and the Arizona Fall League, he could be back to the rotation. While many people disregard AFL success, keep in mind that Wes Littleton was one of the best pitchers in the AFL last season.
Then there’s the Carlos Lee situation. Brewers GM Doug Melvin really gave the Rangers a problem when he included Nelson Cruz in the package for Carlos Lee. The Rangers love Cruz’s power and his great instincts in the field. He’s got a strong arm and had great success in the minors. Plus, in fewer at bats, Cruz nearly hit the exact same amount of Home Runs as Lee did. If I had to go with my instincts, I think the Rangers, who have stated they want to give Cruz a chance, will probably let Lee walk.
With that in mind, let’s look at Team Needs:
The Texas Rangers Team Needs
Centerfield – The Rangers need to get Gary Matthews Jr. signed before he hits the market. As long as he remains under the Rangers’ control, Texas would be able to avoid overpaying him. If he were to get onto the open market, there has been talk of Seattle, Colorado, Los Angeles, just to name a few, who are interested in signing the 32 year old. While Matthews has great range, he doesn’t walk as often and his on base percentage is mostly batting average driven. If Texas isn’t able to sign Matthews’ long term, other options include going after Eric Byrnes of the Diamondbacks, or trading for Vernon Wells, though Byrnes is likely the cheaper option.
Starting Pitcher – The Rangers are losing Vicente Padilla, Adam Eaton, and the disaster that is Kip Wells this year to Free Agency. Of those three, Padilla must be re-signed, even if it costs the Rangers 3 years, $30 million to do so. Padilla brings a fierce presence to the mound and also brings an element of surprise, as you never know what he’s going to do. Aside from bringing back Padilla, the Rangers need at least one more innings eater to finish off the rotation. Jake Westbrook is a strong option, as he’ll give you six or seven before turning it over to the pen. Dontrelle Willis is another option, though it should be noted that both players are going to cost a lot in prospects and of the two, only Willis has any sort of long term commitment attached to him, though that’s only for a year. Free Agency looks pretty bleak, with only Houston’s Andy Pettitte (who is likely to re-sign with the club) or Toronto’s Ted Lilly being the most attractive, due to Ameriquest’s fondness for left handed pitching. Of the two, Lilly is the one that is going to be easier to obtain, though he won’t come cheap. Still, a rotation with Millwood, Lily, Padilla, with Rupe and Tejeda along for the ride should be good.
Third Base – Hank Blalock has long been lacking in the second half of the season with the Rangers. With that in mind, I have a new idea. Why not bring back Mark DeRosa as the third baseman and move Blalock to the DH. Many attribute Blalock’s offensive slump to fatigue over the season, allowing Blalock to hit solely as the DH could keep him fresher and allow him to keep more consistent.
Arizona Fall League Candidates
Texas has released some of the names of their players being sent to the Arizona Fall League.
· John Koronka – (Texas/AAA-Oklahoma)
· Jesse Ingram – P (AA-Frisco)
· Danny Touchet – P (AA-Frisco)
· Pitcher To Be Named
· Kevin Richardson – C (AA-Frisco)
· Travis Metcalf – 3B (AA-Frisco)
· Anthony Webster – OF (AAA-Oklahoma)
The other pitcher hasn’t been named yet, though there is talk about having the name switched to Jason Botts.
Playing Out Of Position
One of the odder lineups that has been posted in days was used yesterday against Seattle. Several players were used out of position. Here’s the list:
I'm a long time Texas Rangers fan who has come to love baseball as a whole. I recently began this blog as a way for me to showcase my opinions, provide some analysis, and hopefully entertain those who happen to stumble upon my little soapbox online. I'll toss in an NFL, College, or NBA nugget every now and then. Enjoy the posts everyone, and yes, getting a little love in a Deadspin post was probably the highlight of the year, blogwise.
Do You Have Comment You Don't Want All To See? Just Want To Talk Baseball? Email Me at morisatos_blo g AT yahoo.com. Email's edited to keep away the Spam.
