Today, the hat says...we're going North of the Border.
Team Previews 2008 – Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have in recent years made the setp toward respectability, but that has come in spite of of bad signings, bad drafts and bad personnel decisions overall by management, specifically J.P Riccardi. To put it bluntly, the Jays are in a tough spot, as they don't suck as bad as some of the other teams in the AL, but they aren't as good as the cream of the crop.
Starting Rotation
Roy Halladay (RHP) – Halladay is still an effective pitcher, though he has begun depending more on groundballs these days instead of flat out dominating hitters like he used to. He’s still a bit of a health risk, but as long as that knuckle-curve of his remains solid and the fastball low, he should be dominant again.
A.J. Burnett (RHP) – Gifted, but injured, Burnett is entering his walk year, as he’s likely to opt out of his current contract to hit free agency this coming off-season. Burnett could be a legitimate top of the rotation starter, but he either gets injured or struggles just when it looks like he’s turned a corner. However, because of the money at stake, look for him to actually pitch nearly a complete season, with decent numbers.
Dustin McGowan (RHP) – Best pure stuff of the young starters, McGowan should be able to elevate his status enough to where he can be considered a capable number two. He’s got four good pitches, including his fastball that can reach the mid 90’s and has some ink to it. His only real weakness is lefties, but aside from that, he could effectively replace Burnett as soon as next season, provided that the Jays have some help to replace his spot in the rotation.
Shaun Marcum (RHP) – I’m not sold on Marcum, as I feel he gets by more on the command of his average stuff than anything else. That doesn’t mean he can’t be an effective fourth starter, it just means don’t expect him to be lights out. Last year is probably the best case scenario for him.
Jesse Litsch (RHP) – Litsch is an average fifth starter that depends on his defense to help him pitch effectively.
Bullpen
B.J. Ryan (Closer) – Ryan’s injury and subsequent Tommy John Surgery were probably a prime example of some of the worst
Jeremy Accardo (Setup Man) – The fact that the Jays were able to get him for a declining Shea Hillenbrand amounts to Highway Robbery. Accardo will likely be moving back to the setup role, as it appears that Ryan will be ready at the start of the season.
Casey Janseen (RHP) – Janseen is likely going to remain in the pen as the primary 7th inning man, a role that he succeeded in last season, though the Jays have made note that they haven’t given up on him as a starter.
Gustavo Chacin (LHP) – I’m not sure why Chacin is still on the roster, but it looks like he’ll remain in the bullpen as a swingman unless Litsch or someone else plays their way out.
Jason Frasor (RHP) - Only as good as his command takes him.
Brandon League (RHP) – League failed to establish himself as a setup man last season, but he still has a lot of use as a middle reliever, with the chance to setup later.
Scott Downs (LHP) - Dominant lefty reliever completes the pen.
Starting Lineup
Reed Johnson (LF) – Johnson was effective as a leadoff man in 2006, but injuries killed his season last year and resulted in the lack of effectiveness. Johnson will likely share time with Matt Stairs this season.
Lyle Overbay (1B) - Not a great power hitter, Overbay has at least done a decent job of getting on base before injuries hit.
Vernon Wells (CF) - A disappointment, Wells needs to bounce back from a terrible year at the plate. With the departure of Glaus, a lot more is riding on Wells' ability to drive in runs.
Frank Thomas (DH) - Still a capable masher, Thomas will see the bulk of at bats at DH. It looks like his health issues are behind him, but keep in mind he is older and will need regular rest.
Alex Rios (RF) - Rios is rapidly turning into a solid all around player. He's able to hit for power and a decent average and isn't a slouch on the basepaths either. He's a great right fielder. All in all, here is one long term commitment I wouldn't mind the Jays making.
Scott Rolen (3B) – Rolen is now in the fold and frankly, this is a bad trade. There is a difference between "passionate" and "high maintenence." Rolen is the later. He's a decent defender, but there is no guarnatee that he'll stay healthy, especially now that he's playing on turf.
Gregg Zaun (C) – Zaun is rapidly declining as a catcher. The only thing he really can do now is hit lefties.
Aaron Hill (2B) - A nifty second baseman, Hill should be on an All Star squad in the near future. His defensive value will help make up for the questionable signing up next...
David Eckstein (SS) - The Blue Jays are betting that Eckstein and Rolen will bring in some of that "gritty" atmosphere from St. Louis. Eckstein is old, not a great bet to stay healthy and can't hit. That spells winner!
Bench
John McDonald (SS) - A defensive shortstop, McDonald will likely spell Eckstein late in games.
Matt Stairs (UTIL) - There is still some life in that bat, as Stairs enjoyed one of his best seasons last year. You'll see him pop up all around the diamond, spelling Johnson, Overbay and Thomas when necessary.
Rod Barajas (C) - Barajas signs up with the very team he spurned last season. Regardless of my personal feeligns of Barajas, he may have at least another solid year left in him. All he needs is the chance to sieze it.
Marco Scutaro (INF) – Scutaro may wind up beating out Eckstein for the starting gig at short this season. Scutaro can play short and second and has a bit of pop to his bat. But that's really about all he can do.
Minor League Notables
Curtis Thigpen (C) – Thigpen did well enough in limited action last season that he’ll likely be the starter come 2009. While he’ll likely spend the year in the minors, should injuries decimate
Ricky Romero (LHP) - Famously picked ahead of Troy Tulowitzski, Romero may be ready to contribute at the end of the season. His ceiling is a Number Four starter.
Final Thoughts
This is really Toronto’s last shot at contending, as this team was built to win now. After this season, there will be a lot of people leaving the organization via free agency and Toronto lacks the major pieces in the farm other than Travis Snider that will help out long term. Even then, unless Toronto gets the benefit of a lot of injuries among their division mates, they are, at best, the third best team in the division.
Final Prediction - 3rd Place, American League East.
The Rangers could have made a better offer than what the Twins actually got for Johan Santana.
While the Twins ultimately got a decent package of high upside prospects in Carlos Gomez, Philip Humber, Deolis Guerra, and Kevin Mulvey, the Rangers had the prospects to pull off a trade. However, I won’t tell you what the trade would have been, though I can tell you it would have kicked the #### out of the Mets offer.
Santana wouldn’t have approved a trade here.
First of all, this isn’t exactly the best ballpark for a flyball pitcher to flourish. Second of all, Santana, due to his no trade clause, would have vetoed a deal, as he had tremendous leverage over where he could go.
While Santana would have given the Rangers a top of the rotation starter, there simply was no way he would have approved a trade here, even if the Rangers offered six players, many of them good ones (#### it. RHP Eric Hurley, CF Brandon Boggs, SS Joaquin Arias, 2B German Duran, C Max Ramirez and CF Marlon Byrd), the Rangers wouldn’t even have the opportunity to negotiate an extension with him. It just wasn’t feasible.
On A Side Note…
Oakland, going back to the Santana deal one more time, probably had a better package in return than the Twins got for Santana. While I’m not high on the pitchers they received, Carlos Gonzalez should be a stud once he hits the big leagues and they got a hell of a masher in Chris Carter, who will be a beast once he comes up to the majors.
God I wish the Rangers could have gotten Carter. Stupid Otsuka….
Fearing Bedard In Seattle
I am going to fear Seattle’s rotation if and when the Bedard deal is done. While I should be happy about the fact that Seattle will be parting with some solid blue chippers, Bedard isn’t going to be a treat to face. In fact, matching up Millwood and Padilla against Hernandez and Bedard would be like sending you out to a gunfight with only a pair of pistols, while the enemy is firing bazookas. You have no chance (unless a rocket misfires, blowing up your opponent. Ah Doom, how I miss thee…)
Bringing Ryan Back A Complicated Affair
Nolan Ryan is apparently interested in the vacant Rangers’ presidency gig and Tom Hicks has been active in courting Ryan to return to the Rangers.
However, actually bringing Ryan back is going to be a lot of work.
For starters, Houston might not be willing to let Ryan go, as Drayton McLane may decide to expand Ryan's role in terms of player development and decisions. Plus, he enjoys the PR boom that Ryan gives the Astros, especially considering that he owns their Double and Triple A Franchises.
Which is another complications. Would the Rangers allow Ryan to keep his two minor league teams? Or would they force him to cede control of the franchises, likely to his sons Reese and Ried, if he's to be hired.
And if Ryan is indeed made President, how would that affect Jon Daniels' power. J.D. has pretty much acted pretty autonomous and if he were to lose control over some of the minor league and player development phases (which have been vastly improved since he took over), how would that hinder his ability to run the big league club?
I love Nolan, met him once (nice guy), but as much as I love him to come back to the Rangers, I don't know if the overall impact (non-economic) would be worth it.
Bad Job Of Roster Management
If you haven’t already seen, the Rangers designated Armando Galarraga for assignment a few days ago, likely in anticipation of a Marlon Byrd deal that isn’t going to happen.
My only question is why?
I know that the Rangers have some higher ceiling pitchers on the roster, but Galarraga has plenty of upside and could wind up being a Chad Qualls type reliever in a couple of years.
Why the designation?
If anyone deserved to be DFA”d, it was Nelson Cruz, who would have made it through waivers and would have been given a Spring Training Invite along with a minor league deal.
Instead, Galarraga gets the axe and he’ll likely get claimed on waivers by a team without 40 Man space, likely the Astros, who have room in their system and 40 for him.
Unless there is a trade coming in the next few days that we haven’t heard about, this isn’t a good move and one that’s likely to blow up in the faces of the Rangers. So far, there hasn't been word on him being claimed (8 days down, two to go.) I only hope that the Rangers' luck holds out.
One Year Later, Still Irritated At Rod Barajas
I'm still pissed at Rod Barajas.
You cost us one extra draft pick after booking from your original deal with the Jays, you ########.
So full of hate that, one year later, he signs with them anyway.
Grrr.....
Will post the Prospect Six Pack Later. I got to break something. Long day....
A return to school and an increased workload at work due to sick leave has cut into my blogging time. Not cool.
Ah well, time for a collective group of thoughts about baseball.
Scott Rolen and Troy Glaus Traded For Each Other
Kinda a odd deal, considering that both are high priced deals with huge landmines attached to them (Health) but overall the deal does work to the favor of each team in one way or another.
WIth Rolen, the Blue Jays gain a Gold Glove defender at third base, which would help compensate for the lead glove of David Eckstein, at the cost of some offense. However, Eckstein is better than the shuffle at short the Jays had and there is the off chance that Rolen can prove himself to be semi-adequate with the bat. More than anything, however, the Jays need some type of return from Vernon Wells, who disappointed last season after signing for superstar money with the Jays.
In Glaus, the Cardinals get a big bat that is needed to help bolster the offense, which is, to be frank, pathetic outside of Pujols. More than anything, however, the Cardinals needed to diffuse the situation between Tony LaRussa and Rolen, which was made all but irreparable after LaRussa poured gas on that particular fire this off-season. The signing of Cesar Izturis does help improve the defense enough where the Cardinals can suffer through Glaus' hands of stone, and the move to natural grass and away from Toronto's turf should prove to be beneficial in the long run for Glaus.
All in all, it's a good gamble for both sides, but more importantly, it clears up some potential locker room disaster that would have exploded during the season had either player remained with their former teams.
Grade For Both Sides: B
Thoughts On The Kotsay Trade
I was going to rant about how the Braves should have just offered Andruw Jones arbitration, keeping him around for one more year, as he would have accepted, and keeping the offense together.
Instead, they pull this trade.
To be honest, I gotta give Billy Beane all the credit in the world on this one, as I think Kotsay is done. He's not the defender he once was and in terms of offense, he's not going to give you much in return. In all honesty, the Braves would have been better off just giving the job to Josh Anderson for the season and just gone with it from there. At least he's mostly paid for.
Oh wait. Oakland got two prospects, one of which, Joey Devine, the Braves' first round pick from two years ago, will likely help out Oakland in the bullpen this season. And they also got Jamie RIchmond, a right hander that could be a fifth starter. That's quite a haul for a broken player.
Anyhow, that's my take on that.
Oakland Grade - B
Atlanta Grade - D
Lost A Bet
To my friend, who's an Astros fan, on the Cowboy Game on Sunday.
So, expect the first (and only) Astros Report sometime this week.
Normally I love the guys from Baseball Prospectus and their various takes on the world of Baseball, but there are times when I do take issue with some of the opinions they write.
Like this recent piece that Joe Sheehan, writing for SI.com, indicating five trades that need to happen raised my ire. Sheehan's words are in italics, mine are normal.
Red Sox trade CF Coco Crisp to the White Sox for 1B Chris Carter. Boston must unload Crisp, who was supplanted as the team's centerfielder by Jacoby Ellsbury during the ALCS. The Red Sox' every-day lineup is set for 2008, but they could use some depth among their hitting prospects as they move toward the end of the Manny Ramirez -- David Ortiz era. The White Sox are focused on the short term, as shown by their extending the contracts of veterans Jermaine Dye and Mark Buehrle. So 20-year-old first baseman Carter, who was third in the Class A Sally League with 25 homers, is expendable. Getting Crisp, 28, who is owed a very reasonable $11 million over the next two years, at a down moment would be smart shopping.
I would almost agree with this if the Red Sox on record hadn't already said they would target high talent in the lower minors. With that in mind, the Red Sox would be more likely to target Faustino De Los Santos, a impact righthander in the White Sox's Low A affiliate. That would probably kill the trade.
A more plausible trade would likely be with Texas, who could offer a young arm in Jake Brigham, a highly projectable right hander who is similar to Sox prospect Michael Bowden, or the Dodgers, who have a load of ammunition they could offer in return.
Rockies trade 3B Garrett Atkins to the Twins for RHPs Anthony Swarzak and Eduardo Morlan. Ian Stewart (.304/.379/.478 at Triple A Colorado Springs) is ready to take over at third base for Colorado, which should be looking to add strikeout pitchers to a staff heavy on contact guys. Minnesota has a glut of young pitchers and desperately needs to add a bat to help Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer. Swarzak, 22, a starter who projects as a mid-rotation guy, is buried in the Twins' system. Morlan, 21, struck out 12.6 men per nine innings as a reliever in high A ball and could be a 2008 version of closer Manny Corpas.
Actually, I'm all about that trade. Sheehan nails this one. It will never happen, however, as Minnesota stockpiles arms and never uses them, which has possibly killed several trades that could have helped the team. Another thing is that Atkins is untradable thanks to the recent success and the fan backlash may not be desirable to the Rox. Stewart is more likely to be traded and he could fetch a solid young arm in a trade. One trade likely to be bandied about: Stewart to New York for Ian Kennedy.
Orioles trade SS Miguel Tejada to the Blue Jays for OF Adam Lind, RHP Brandon League and LHP David Purcey. The Blue Jays' window is fast closing since they'll lose the services of Troy Glaus, A.J. Burnett and Frank Thomas after 2008. With the Yankees going through a transition, it may be '08 or never for the J.P. Ricciardi regime. Tejada would give Toronto a big offensive boost over the current shortstop, glove man John McDonald. The rebuilding Orioles won't get the Jays' best prospect (outfielder Travis Snider), but they would get three major-league-ready guys, at low cost.
Not Happening. The Orioles could probably get a lot more for Tejada than Lind, a solid outfielder, Purcey, a okay, but not great lefty, and League, a setup man. If they really wanted to shop Tejada, they could probably get something better from the Angels, likely 3B Brandon Wood, a Troy Glaus-esque third baseman and RHP Ervin Santana, who could be an ace if he gets out of LA. A third prospect, possible Reggie WIllits, could go back in return and could be passable in center if they so chose.
Another option would be the Dodgers, who could sent back a package of CF Juan Pierre, 3B Andy LaRoche, and LF Andre Etheir. EIther option would be a lot better than what Sheehan offers in his column.
Brewers trade SS Alcides Escobar to the Rangers for 3B Hank Blalock. Milwaukee could then move Ryan Braun, the first third baseman in 14 years with a sub-.900 fielding percentage, to rightfield, rightfielder Corey Hart to center and centerfielder Bill Hall to third base, where he'd platoon with Blalock, another high-split guy. That would put two players, Braun and Hall, in positions where they're better suited, while stretching Hart slightly. Blalock would provide a key lefty bat for a team that lists to the right. Meanwhile, with Escobar, 20, Texas G.M. Jon Daniels would add to his collection of prospects a glove-first shortstop who could eventually move Michael Young to third base.
Won't happen. The Rangers already have a highly projectable shortstop in Elvis Andrus and a similar version of Escobar in Joaquin "The Machine" Arias. They'd be more likely to add someone else that could play centerfield, or a highly projectable athlete. If the Rangers were to trade Blalock, which likely won't happen because Blalock's value is low, they'd target someone like Crisp, actually, though a more realistic option would likely be Luke Scott of the Astros, who reporteldy have been thinking about using Wigginton at second.
Indians trade SS Jhonny Peralta to the Cubs for OF Matt Murton and RHP Sean Gallagher. Rather than move Peralta to second or third base to make room for Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland should trade him near the peak of his value for a much-needed corner-outfielder bat. The Cubs made do with fan fave Ryan Theriot at short this year, but Peralta, 25, is a clear upgrade. His below-average defense with the Tribe wouldn't be as much of a liability with the Cubs' high-strikeout, fly ball staff.
First of all, I don't think that Gallagher would be a good fit for the Jake, or the AL for that matter, so he's out. Murton is a solid outfielder, but the Indians have David Dellucci on the team and rather than admit they made a mistake and move on, they'll likely stick him in left field next season as the starter. Nice try, but this deal would be a disaster for the Indians, who would get a player with the same upside as Cliff Lee. I really don't see why this would work out.
Tomorrow night, I'll post my own trades that should be done.
The Toronto Blue Jays are thrilled with what they got out of Matt Stairs this season and are reportedly looking at bringing on a multiyear deal.
This could work out for the Rangers, as this would virtually render left fielder Adam Lind expendible. The Rangers could attempt to pick up Lind on the cheap (J.P. Riccardi isn't that smart) for a mid-sized prospect in exchange. The Jays need some positional prospects in the system, preferrably middle infielders, of which the Rangers have a couple near the top that Toronto may be interested it.
Ranger Coaching Changes May Be On The Way
The Rangers’ coaching staff may look very different come Spring Training. While the Rangers are working to extend their current coaches, two may not be here come 2008. The big name is Rudy Jaramillo, who is a coaching free agent and may look to test the waters a bit. Omar Minaya is a noted fan of Rudy and tried to once hire him to the Mets. With Rudy now available and the Mets needing a hitting coach, the Rangers may get outbid on keeping their hitting coach, which could mean a look for someone else. The other name, Don Wakamatsu, the Rangers’ third base coach, former bench coach, is also linked the Oakland, where he would be the bench coach.
Redoing The 40, Because The Rangers Threw Me Off
Okay, since the Rangers have kinda screwed up my last projections, here is who I think is off the 40 man this off-season.
Off The Roster
Mike Wood (RHP) – Wood decided to take his free agency and will likely not return to the club.
Willie Eyre (RHP) – Eyre will be out thanks to TJ and will miss all of next year. However, he took his free agency and signed a minor league deal with the Rangers to continue his rehab, so he’s likely going to be seen again at some point next year.
Chris Stewart (C) – Stewart was outrighted to Oklahoma, and passed through waivers without a claim. He’s still exposed to the Rule V Draft, so I wonder if someone will take a flier on him.
Kevin Mahar (OF) – Another guy that was outrighted, Mahar is maybe a fourth or fifth outfielder in the majors.
Guillermo Quiroz (C) – Quiroz is highly thought of and in many ways is similar to Rod Barajas, but he's gone now and will likely latch on elsewhere, which is a shame.
With that done, the Rangers’ 40 man is exactly at 40, without people bolting for free agency or being added onto the roster for Rule V purposes. Anyhow, here’s how I think the 40 Man will turn out, with the necessary additions within the coming weeks.
Who’s Staying – With Additions To The 40 Man In Blue, Subtractions In Red
Pitchers (19)
Joaquin Benoit (RHP) – Benoit should either be the primary relief ace or the closer, depending on what happens between Benoit and Wilson during Spring Training.
Scott Feldman (RHP) - The Rangers clearly still believe in Feldman, which is why they're giving him all of this attention on fixing him.
Kason Gabbard (LHP) - Gabbard is going to be the fourth starter. He should give roughly Joe Saunders-esque potential. He's able to induce ground balls, always a plus and should be a decent addition on lefties.
Armando Galarraga (RHP) - A former Nats prospect and the lone survivor of the Alfonso Soriano deal once Wilkerson bolts, Galarraga did some good work as a spot starter/long man. He profiles more as a back of the rotaiton starter, but his stuff is good enough for him to carve out a decent career.
Wes Littleton (RHP) - Aside from earning s save from a 30-3 game, Wes is a capable setup guy and could help Benoit setup.
Kameron Loe (RHP) - Loe is likely going to the pen as the long man, which isn't bad as he'll still be able to be an emergency starter when necessary.
Brandon McCarthy (RHP) - McCarthy had some health issues, which shouldn't be a surprise as he's been used almost exclusively in relief these past two years, but he's pitched well in the second half. I think he'll be an excellent middle of the rotation horse.
Luis Mendoza (RHP) - A scouting coup for the Rangers, Mendoza looks to have the makings of an excellent middle reliever, maybe a back of the rotaiton starter in the AL. Expect to hear his name mentioned in potential trades, though.
Kevin Millwood (RHP) - Still the staff ace, he's staying.
A.J. Murray (LHP) - The Pirate was impressive in his limited starts and was effective in the pen as well. The Rangers will be sending him to Oklahoma to get him stretched out into a starters role, which should bode well for him.
Akinori Otsuka (RHP) - The real wildcard here, it all depends on whether or not Aki gets TJ or not. If he does, the Rangers will likely have to non-tender him and offer him a minor league deal to keep him. If he's healthy, then he's likely going to be the closer and will likely be flipped in a Gagne-like deal during the trade deadline.
Vicente Padilla (RHP) - His contract is immobile, but I think Padilla was hampered by his injury mutch of the season. He should have a good rebound year.
John Rheinecker (LHP) - J.R. has a good shot to be a lefty reliever this next year and should fill the role that Ron Mahay filled.
Josh Rupe (RHP) - Still a live arm, the Rangers are hoping that Rupe can be more than just a middle reliever.
Robinson Tejeda (RHP) - Once thought to be a potential mainstay, Tejeda's pitched himself into the pen with his wildness, although if he needed TJ it wouldn't surprise me.
Edinson Volquez (RHP) - The promise that many saw in Volquez has finally arrived. I think his being rushed hurt him badly
BIll White (LHP) - Don't know what to make of White. He's been effective in some relief stints, god awful in others and his control leaves much to be desired. I'd leave him on the roster for now, but he's the first to go if the Rangers add a player.
Jamey Wright (RHP)– Wright has actually been an effective swingman, being able to serve in middle relief and as a spot starter. I actually would be okay with the electrician coming back, and he has expressed some interest, but both sides are going to explore other options first.
Frank Francisco (RHP) – Though the control issues are worrisome, Francisco should still be a capable 7th inning guy.
C.J. Wilson (LHP) – Right now, I have C.J. as the closer, but because Washington has been so noncommittal as far as making Wilson the closer that it wouldn’t surprise me if he wasn’t made the closer.
Catchers (2)
Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C) – Salty’s the starting catcher and should give the Rangers a solid catcher for next year.
Gerald Laird (C) – Laird, despite his poor year, still has some value. He should net at least a decent prospect, as he would be able to start on several teams.
Max Ramirez (C)– Obtained in the Lofton trade, Ramirez has to remain on the 40 man or he becomes Rule V eligible, and the Rangers would almost certainly lose him.
Infielders (7)
Joaquin Arias (SS) - Still 22 and loaded with promise, Arias is running out of time as he's blocked at the major league level and missed a year due to injuries. I think we'll see a concerted effort to maybe move Arias this off-season.
Hank Blalock (3B) - Hank the Tank is staying, though not for much longer.
Ian Kinsler (2B) - Also staying.
Travis Metcalf (3B) - Metcalf will likely be sent down, but he's a decent prospect that could be a Dean Palmer-esque third baseman.
Jerry Hairston (UTIL) – Gone!!!
Ramon Vasquez (UTIL) - Likely will be staying for lack of better options.
Michael Young (SS) - Ain't going anywhere.
Tug Hulett Jr. (INF)– Mini-Tug, the son of major league Tug Hulett Senior, He is a left-handed hitting infielder with decent pop and decent speed. He's going to play in the big leagues, but the tough call is whether that will be as a regular player or a utility guy. The Rangers once traded Rich Aurilia because they thought he was nothing more than a utility guy.
Outfielders (7)
Julio Borbon (CF) – Borbon has a major league contract, so yeah, he’s stuck here.
Marlon Byrd (CF) - Byrd is either the starting centerfielder or the utility outfielder next year.
Frank Catalanotto (DH/LF/1B) – I think that Cat is likely the Rangers’ everyday first baseman next year, as he didn’t look bat at first and wasn’t
Brandon Boggs (CF) – Boggs is also Rule V eligible. While he’s taken longer than most to develop, the Rangers do like him and feel that his upside is high enough that he could be okay in the future. So, with that said, he’ll be protected on the 40 man.
David Murphy (RF) – Murphy is either going to be the everyday right fielder or the everyday left fielder, depending on what happens in free agency, but I think he’s going to start.
Nelson Cruz (RF) – Nelson’s had his chance and he’s pretty much blown it. It’s time to move on. He’s likely going to be a non-tendered candidate, if not outrighted to the minors and then brought back on a minor league deal with a Spring Training Invite.
Brad Wilkerson (OF/1B) – Wiffy is likely going to pack his bags and head elsewhere, which is unfortunate, as I liked Wiffy and wish things could have done better. I think he’ll latch onto a lower level team as a starter, an upper level team as a backup, depending on what Boras decides to do.
Victor Diaz (OF) – Diaz's place in the organization is tenuous at best. He's shown the ability to be okay and hit for some power, but he also strikes out a lot and isn't the fastest. While I think it wouldn't be a bad thing to get him a shot in left field, I think it's more likely he gets dealt in a bad deal or DFA'd and claimed.
Freddy Guzman (CF) – Fast Freddy's got the wheels to be a pinch runner or even a centerfielder in the Wily Taveras mode if he were to learn some plate discipline, so he's likely staying.
Designated Hitters (1)
Jason Botts (DH) – Bottsy will be getting a shot to stay on the roster, so yeah, he’s staying. Besides, he’s improved greatly in September.
Sammy Sosa (DH) – Sammy, it was great having you, but this team needs to figure out what they got in Botts, as it's time to see if he can hit MLB pitching and isn't just a Triple A masher.
So, by my calculations, with all the additions and subtractions put in on the 40 thanks fo free agency and Rule V, that leaves the Rangers with 3 4!! empty roster spots. It'll be interesting to see what happens, as the Rangers may need to add a couple of more guys to the 40 or go after a free agent.
I had posted this earlier, but for some reason it didn't take, so here it is again.
On The Block – Jason Bay
Recent talk out of Pittsburgh has the Pirates potentially trading the face of their franchise, Jason Bay, in order to help replensish a impoverished farm system. Bay is regarded to be the best moveable part not starting in the rotaiton right now, as he's due $13.25 million the next two seasons.
Bay for the most part has accepted the fact, though he'd like to stay with the Pirates and help turn things around.
The Why: I've just said the why just now, but pretty much because the Pirates feel they have options, he's cheap and it wouldn't hurt to see what potential package you could get in return.
The Rumored Asking Price: The papers have people predicting a Bartolo Colon/Mark Teixeira deal. That won’t happen. More likely, an average pitching prospect and a positional player prospect will get it done, though a third guy could be included. Who knows?
Can A Trade Be Done: Yes. Bay doesn’t have a no-trade clause and with the market for outfield corners looking rather shallow at the moment, Bay would fetch a couple of decent prospects, should a GM have expendable prospects he’d be willing to deal.
The Good: Bay is coming off of an off year, but he'#### for power and has good speed on the basepaths. His plate discipline is reasonably good and he's regarded to be a solid defender in left field. He's also regarded to be a good clubhouse guy and would be a solid complimentry piece (not a star) to add to your lineup.
Potential Hang-ups:
Performance In 2007: Are you buying on the pre-2007 Bay or the 2007 version of Bay? He's a gamble, but it's got to be asked what you're getting here.
Health - Bay has also undergone some health issues this past year and you have to wonder if they'll creep back up again.
Stupid Asking Prices - The Pirates have asked for absolutely stupid packages in the past for their players and have either been burned or shot down completely, the most recent of which was their offer for Jack Wilson (3B Troy Glaus) from the Jays, although, looking back, maybe the Jays should have taken it.
Potential Suitors – In Alphabetical Order
San Francisco Giants – San Fran is going to need an outfielder and Bay could fit the bill. The Giants could concievably decide to package Noah Lowry along with someone else, perhaps Nate Scherholtz, in order to get a deal done.
Philadelphia Phillies – This could be done if the Phillies feel that they could have a deal for Pat Burrell, which could be done if they were to involve the next team bellow. They could flip Burrell to the White Sox, provided he waives his no trade, and gain Bay, who is cheaper, and potentially Joe Crede, who would be a solid fit at third base, strengthening the lineup and making it a bit more fiscally flexible if they want to add anything else during the off-season.
Chicago White Sox – Or, the White Sox could flip Bay for Crede and change and bypass the Phillies altogether, though the Pirates and White Sox would need to come up with a fit. Perhaps Bay and Zach Duke for Crede and Lance Broadway?
Texas Rangers – This is an interesting fit, from a non-homer perspective. .Texas needs a left fielder and could use someone young to build around like Bay. It would allow the Rangers to use Frank Cattalonotto at first base, limiting his defensive limitations and allow Texas to field a potential outfield of Bay, Centerfielder to Be Named Later, and David Murphy with Marlon Byrd as the utility outfielder. The Rangers could trade for Bay, including Joaquin Arias, who could still be useful to the Pirates in the future, along with a couple of interesting arms in Robinson Tejeda, who could still be an effective starter and would be able to work in the pen for a bit to get his confidence up, and Gerald Laird, who needs to get the hell out of Texas and has experience to handle a staff. If the Pirates want to sub, I'd give them the option of adding Luis Mendoza, who has become an effective groundball pitcher with some promise. This could be overpaying a bit, but I'd be willing to give it a shot.
New York Mets – The Mets are another organization that could potentially go after Bay, as they are in need of a left fielder. However, it would almost certainly involve one of their talented young outfielders, likely Carlos Gomez, who needs another year, and a pitching prospect, likely Mike Pelfrey, who the Mets are quickly souring on.
Minnesota Twins – Bucco Blog reported that the Twins may have some interest, with Matt Garza being mentioned in return. I don't think it would be Garza, but another prospect, Kevin Slowley perhps, would be close enough to a deal. The Twins in the past haven't been willing to make a trade, especially when it comes to their small horde of pitching prospects, but I would pull the trigger here, especially since the Twins need a big bat and much of their lineup is filled with defensive replacements. I think it would benefit both sides.
If I Had To Make A Trade Now: It would look like this...
The Texas Rangers trade RHP Robinson Tejeda, RHP Luis Mendoza, SS Joaquin Arias to the Pittsburgh Pirates for LF Jason Bay
That's really the only deal that I can think of right now on short notice that would go through. Thoughts?
Potential Edgar Renteria Scenarios, A Former Wideout Might Be Coming Up And A Potential Rick Ankiel - In Reverse...
Possible Stops For Edgar Renteria
The Braves were really serious about looking to unload Edgar Renteria and replacing him with Yuniel Escobar at the deadline, but the right trade couldn’t be made. Now, the Braves will look to move him in the off-season.
Renteria has been excellent for the Braves and has regained his All-Star form. He's basically an $8 million a year player since Boston is foothing a large part of the bill on his contract and would bring in two draft picks if allowed to leave via free agency. The Braves are looking for some sort of pitching, or a centerfielder.
Is there a fit?
Sort of.
Take a look
Chicago White Sox - The Sox could offer Jon Garland and Brian Anderson and change in exchange for Renteria, who would fill a hole if the White Sox allow the awful Juan Uribe to leave. The only problem is would the Braves believe that Anderson is a talent that just needs a change of scenery, or is he a disaster waiting to happen.
Oakland Athletics - Bubba Crosby looks done and there aren't a lot of shortstop options available. The A's could potentially move parts in exchange for Renteria, but as far as any sort of impact talent, there isn't much on this roster that fits the bill.
Minnesota Twins - The Twins could be on the move, as Jason Barlett would be able to move over to Third Base and allow Renteria to take over short, plugging two holes at once. The only issue is this...The Twins won't trade pitching, and even though they have some in the minors, they aren't going to move it.
Detroit Tigers - The Tigers have been looking for a way to move Carlos Guillen to first in order to manage the wear and tear on him. They have the farm system to do the move and could afford the contract. There is a fit here, especially since they have a centerfield prospect in Gorkeys Hernandez that Atlanta would find very tempting. I like this move a lot.
Toronto Blue Jays - The Jays would like to add Renteria and would love to find a way to get him, but there isn't a lot to move here and the Jays would balk at any package surrounding Alex Rios. There also isn't any farm products even near ready to be traded.
So all in all, the potential is there for a move, but really there isn't a lot of players that Atlanta would be able to come away with and claim victory for the trade. Personally, I'd be all over a deal for the Tigers, as Hernandez could really be that good.
The Next Rick Ankiel? - Sort Of
Lance Niekro is a bad positional player for the Giants.
That much is known.
He was pretty much drafted by the Giants because of his bloodlines and the fact that his father played for the Giants.
Apparently, Niekro is going to give something else a try.
Pitching.
Niekro has been working on a knuckleball. Should he feel up to it (and if the Giants feel, what the hell, can’t be much worse), he could try and pull a Rick Ankiel and come back…as a pitcher.
The idea isn’t unheard of. Trevor Hoffman was a weak hitting shortstop before he became a hall of famer. Ron Mahay was originally an outfielder before becoming a decent pitcher. Troy Percival was originally a catcher before he became a pitcher. First round bust Matt Bush was having success as a pitcher until he blew his arm out. So the track record is there.
Who knows? Niekro could wind up being very good. He could also wind up being an even worse disaster than he already is. We’ll see..
Samardzija Coming To Chicago?
The Cubs are considering bringing up Jeff Samardzija when the rosters expand on September 1. Samardzija may get a start and appear in relief, depending on how far the Cubs are ahead or behind in the divisional race once the 1st rolls around.
I’m not exactly sure if this is a great idea. I understand that Samardzija is classified as a power pitcher, but his lack of strikeouts for the year disturbs me. I’m really not sure if this is a great ideal at all. This idea seems #### horrible to me.
One final update of the signings and the status of the Rangers’ picks in the first five rounds. There will be a follow up Thrusday once all the signings have drawn.
1st Round – Blake Beaven (RHP) – Very Likely. Beaven and his company have still had a lot of posturing on both sides, but Beaven will sign. He won’t go nearly as high in the draft next year if he re-enters, plus he’ll have developed a reputation for being difficult. Though he’s asking for $2 million, he won’t get it and it’s high time he figures that out. Hopefully, things will work out, though according to a quote attributed to his mother, there has been progress. Beaven has kind of pissed away a year of his development. Instead of possibly joining Michael Main in Clinton next season for full season ball, Beaven will likely be retained in extended until the short season ball clubs start up, where he’ll likely be sent to Spokane.
1st Round – Michael Main (RHP) – Signed.
1st Round (S) – Julio Borbon (CF) – Likely. Borbon has had almost nothing written about him, mostly because Scott Boras likes it that way and because he’s been focused on working on deals for Rick Porcello. Borbon is likely going to get signed, probably for above slot money, but Boras should have gotten a deal done weeks ago.
1st Round (A) – Neil Ramirez (RHP) – Very Likely. Ramirez wants to be a Ranger and has himself said that he’s very close to a deal. The Rangers are going to pay above slot for Ramirez, who is a first round talent that slipped because of some bad showings toward the end of his season.
1st Round (A) – Tommy Hunter (RHP) – Signed.
2nd Round – Matt West (SS) – Signed.
3rd Round – Evan Reed (RHP) – Signed.
4th Round – Garrett Nash (CF) – Won’t Sign. Nash’s reps have told the Rangers that their client will not be signing with the Rangers. Instead Nash will be headed to Oregon State. This was to be expected and realistically, it was a wasted pick.
5th Round – John Gast (LHP) – Doubtful. Gast’s representatives have been back and forth in contact with the Rangers, but it’s looking like Gast won’t be coming to Texas, though I think this has more to do with money than anything else. Gast is regarded to be a solid lefty that could be a solid middle of the rotation horse. But, realistically, Gast and his advisors are probably weighing the difference in money and they probably decided that if Gast sits one year, rehabs, and has a pair of solid seasons at Florida State, it would be much better than what the Rangers could offer him.
Vicente Padilla’s Progress
Vicente Padilla, who hasn't pitched for the Rangers since June 21 because of right triceps irritation, is scheduled to start for Texas tomorrow against Kansas City. He’ll be held on a 80 to 85 pitch count and will be shadowed by one of the long relievers, John Rheinecker, Mike Wood and Jamey Wright. Padilla hasn’t had any problems with his forearm but there are some wonders if he’ll be able to dominate. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow. With the season already gone to hell, there’s not much we can go on.
One Final Teixeira Nugget
One final note on the Teixeira non-trade to the Angels. They apparently never offered 1B Casey Kotchman and LHP Joe Saunders. The offer was Teixeira straight up for Casey Kotchman and RHP Ervin Santana, plus maybe Terry Evans, a right fielder. I like Evans, but come on, Kotchman and Santana. Really?
Rangers Notes (Majors)
Rangers setup man Akinori Otsuka has begun to throw off flat ground and reportedly had no problems. If things work out, Otsuka will return in September, in time for roster expansion.
3B Hank Blalock is still feeling some soreness in the nerves along his side muscle and that has been restricting him from making strong throws to the infield. Once he’s able to do that, he should be able to go on a rehab assignment. I’m beginning to wonder if the Rangers might have to look at Blalock as a first baseman and give someone like Travis Metcalf, who’s rotting down at Triple A, a shot to make himself a legitimate major leaguer. It’s not like there’s a hell of a lot of attractive other options on the Corner Infield market and it would save the Rangers from having to re-sign Wiffy Wilkerson for another year.
Toronto released former Rangers shortstop Royce Clayton. He had a good career, much more than what one with his skill set would normally expect.
Rangers Notes (Minor)
2007 First Round Michael Main has done enough on the mound to earn himself a promotion to Class A Spokane, where he’ll be working in relief for the time being. Main has currently raised his stock well after acclimating himself quickly to the Arizona Rookie League. All this is likely in preparation for him to join the Clinton Lumberkings next season.
Frisco righthander Armando Galarraga was named the Rangers’ minor league pitcher for July after he went 3-1, 1.58 in six starts, including a one-hit shutout and a two-hit shutout.
The Blue Jays are a sinking ship and here is another nail in the coffin of possibly one of the most inept GM's we've seen in the past decade.
Earlier today, Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi publically criticized injured pitcher A.J. Burnett, saying that Burnett was "Burnett may now be considered a third or fourth starter" and that if he could do it all over again, he'd never have signed him.
Hindsight is a lovely thing J.P. Unfortuantely, there's nothing you can do here. And airing out your dirty laundry in public is a bad move my friend. A very bad move.
Before you opened your mouth, you had a injured player that had been overworked to compensate for the loss of ace Roy Halladay.
Now you have a injured, extremely pissed off player and a clubhouse that is now wondering if they'll be the next target of their GM's media antics should they happen to get injured and are rushed back too soon.
This is dirty laundry that should have been sorted out in house, not on the public airwaves. Now you've further hurt your credibility to the public and may be in danger of losing your clubhouse. It doesn't matter if Burnett is beloved or reviled by his fellow teammates. When a GM starts taking shots at his players, it's never a good sign.
Ricciardi needs to keep his opinions to himself and just talk about the team. Don't start hammering players when you feel like it in hopes of deflecting the blame for this lost season on them.
Because at the end of the day, you're still the one who put this mess together. And you're still the one who has to clean it up.
It'll be interesting to see if Burnett is willing to use his opt out clause after next season. After all this mess that's going on, he may see it as a blessing in disguise.
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.
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.
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.
