Interview with Brad Tippett

Last week, I was put into contact with Brad Tippet via email. Tippett is a prospect in the Twins organization from Australia. He is just 19, and dominated this year at Single-A. There is no doubt in my mind that this righty will be with the Twins soon, and I want to thank him for donating his time to the site. I also want to thank Trevor Jarrett at BJS Sports Management for setting this interview up for me.

ELI: Is baseball very popular in Australia?

BRAD: Its not as popular as say, cricket or football, but a fair few people play.

ELI: How did you get into baseball?

BRAD: As I was growing up as a kid, I would always go to dads games. So just being around the game is what got me so involved.

ELI: You were signed last year right? What was that like to finally be able to come to America and play?

BRAD: It was a life long goal and dream of mine. And to achieve that was such a small step into the world of baseball.

ELI: Was it hard to adjust when you came here?

BRAD: I've traveled a few places to play, mostly everyone, no matter the country all have the same views on baseball. It makes it really easy to settle in.

ELI: Left handers struggled against you this year; did you notice anything you did differently to get them out?

BRAD: No not at all. I just tried to do what I could and it all seemed to work out for me.

ELI: What would you say is your best pitch?

BRAD: I don’t know. I like my fastball, just because I have good control of it, but others say my curve. Depends.

ELI: You have been used mostly as a reliever, would you prefer to start?

BRAD: My whole life before a became professional, I was a starter, so my first year or pro ball I had to makes several adjustments in my routine and everyday training to be comfortable.. I’m thinking I will eventually become a starter, we'll see over the next season.

ELI: Did you have a favorite player growing up?

BRAD: No, I can’t say I did.

ELI: What is one thing you would like to work on this off season?

BRAD: Maintaining my arm strength and durability.

ELI: Do you have a favorite sports movie?

BRAD: Remember the Titans.

ELI: You were named Baseball America Rookie All Star, what does that mean to you?

BRAD: To tell you the truth, I didn’t really know until Trevor told me a few weeks ago. I was pretty stoked to be named though. I think its pretty sweet

ELI: Do you keep in touch with most of the Australian Players in the league?

BRAD: Not with everyone. But you form a pretty good bond with most of your Aussie mates in your team or your opposition.

BREAKING NEWS: Dodgers to Hire Joe Torre

The Dodgers plan to fire Grady Little and make Joe Torre their manager. Don Mattingly will be his bench coach. As of right now, Torre has agreed to manage the Dodgers they just have to work on a contract. Torre plans to bring over Kevin Long as well, the Yankees hitting coach. To read more about this, click here.

Padres To Go After Kendall

The Padres catching situation is in limbo with Michael Barrett on his way out, and Colt Morton not quite ready to take over. Padres GM Kevin Towers told me he would keep his options open whether it is Barrett, Kendall, Lo Duca, or Morton, but it is widely agreed that he is enamored by Kendall and has been interested in bringing him in for years. In 57 games with the Cubs, he batted .270 with 1 HR and 19 RBI. I think he is so interested in Kendall is not because of his success in the NL this season compared to previous years, but because he is a defensive specialist who is now familiar with more teams and pitchers in the National League. He would not cost much, and he would be able to help Morton develop into a good catcher to eventually take over that spot. He has not filed for free agency yet, and is still interested in staying with the Cubs, but Geovany Soto and Henry Blanco seem like the guys behind the plate in 2008.

Crosstown Battle For Crawford

The Chicago White Sox are very interested in trading for outfielder Carl Crawford, and have no problem in offering Jon Garland. They have Jack Egbert that is ready to take over in the rotation and could use an outfielder like Crawford to spark them. However, the Cubs are looking for ways to upgrade their team without spending too much money because of the sale of the club, and trading for Crawford definitely is intriguing. Piniella managed Crawford when he was younger, and Crawford would provide the Cubs with a young, and very capable everyday player. Yes, the Cubs would have to give up something worth while for the Devil Rays, including Felix Pie and probably Sean Gallagher, but it would make them better nonetheless. However, if you follow the Cubs, you know that they do not make too many trades where they throw prospects at teams. According to sources, they are interested in Torii Hunter, but would rather take the trade route this off season. Aside from the outfield situation, the Cubs are also looking for upgrades in their pitching staff. It seems that Plan A is sign Hiroki Kuroda, and have Jason Marquis and Kevin Hart duke it out for the fifth spot. However, Plan B is probably what they will go with, which will be to try Kerry Wood and Ryan Dempster in the rotation, while having Marquis and Hart fight it out for the fifth spot. For Plan B, they would move Howry or Marmol to the closer spot.

For the White Sox, aside from their pitching rotation which seems they will look to in house options, I see them looking for upgrades at shortstop, and of course in the outfield. Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand are both options in the outfield, while I see them going hard for David Eckstein if he hits the open market. If they cannot land Eckstein, expect them to go for Japanese shortstop Tomohiro Nioka.

Offseason Day 1

Day 1 Recap:
- The Braves traded Edgar Renteria to the Tigers for Jair Jurrjens and Gorkys Hernandez.
Who Wins?: The Braves take it on this one. They acquire a young, capable pitcher who is ready to take a spot in the rotation while acquiring a young outfielder with a lot of potential. They do not lose much with Renteria because Yunel Escobar is ready to play everyday at shortstop.
- Yankees offer managerial position to Joe Girardi.
Great Choice?: Yes. He has managerial experience and knows the Yankee organization very well. He is not afraid to stand up to the Front Office and is passionate about the Yankees, who he won a World Series with. The one thing he must do is bring in a veteran bench coach so some of the veteran players like Posada who played along side him do not feel upstaged. A possiblity, I think, is Frank Robinson.
- 57 Players file for free agency.
Notable players: Torii Hunter, Barry Bonds, Livan Hernandez, Kerry Wood, Francisco Cordero, Carlos Silva, Paul Lo Duca, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, and Aaron Rowand.

Top 50 Free Agents: 11-20

11. Adam Dunn, Reds

Although Dunn won’t be with the Reds till the end of Spring Training, they will still exercise his contract and give him one more year with the team. He does strikeout a lot, but his bat in the middle of that lineup makes them a lot better. He will be with the Reds at least for 2008, probably beyond that.

Prediction: Reds

12. Corey Patterson, Orioles

Corey Patterson does not seem like an All Star but is definitely contributing. He has done great in a low market town and both the Orioles and he would like to see that continue. However, teams would love to have his speed in their lineup, and I think he is curious to test the market. It would probably take a four year deal, worth 35-45 million dollars to sign him, 50 at the most if the market continues to soar.

Prediction: Orioles

13. Andy Pettitte, Yankees

A lot depends on what his other teammates do, but I think Pettitte will exercise his 16 million dollar option. He had a great year for the Yankees and could do it again without question. Also, he would be smart to wait for a year with better pitching available, like next season where he could make more money.

Prediction: Yankees

14. Mike Cameron, Padres

Cameron struggled some with the Padres but I am sure there will be interest. His hometown team, the Braves, are looking for an outfielder and they could take him for two or three years. That would give time for younger prospects to develop while giving them a good power bat in the middle of their order.

Prediction: Braves

15. Mariano Rivera, Yankees

Mariano Rivera is hurt by Joe Torre’s departure. He understands baseball, which makes me think he might stay, but Rivera looked to Torre as a father figure and he may decide to leave the Yankees behind and walk. He knows he would do better in the NL, would keep a closer spot, and have a couple extra years. I do not think the Steinbrenner’s would hesitate pulling him if he struggled, and I think Rivera needs some security.

Prediction: Yankees [updated 10/30-changed from Phillies]

16. Kosuke Fukudome, Japan

Fukudome will cause craze like Matsuzaka did, but since he is coming off surgery, his expectations might not be as high. I do expect a lot of teams to be interested, and since he does not have a posting fee, he could be signed without any warning. Kevin Towers will be looking for an outfielder and has his eyes on Fukudome, who he eyed back in high school (see interview). However, the Yankees may trade Melky Cabrera and prospects for Miguel Cabrera to fill the need at third base, and sign Fukudome to play outfield. Kei Igawa, who is from Japan, is with the team, along with Taiwanese Chien-Ming Wang, who he may find connections with.

Prediction: Yankees

17. Eric Gagne, Red Sox

I said earlier in the year that Gagne should be let go by the Red Sox and I believe that they will let him walk. He struggled with the Sox and I think it was because he was in a town like Boston, where baseball is the main sport. The Reds struggled in relief and might look to add him. The Giants who watched him pitch for the Dodgers might also look to sign him. I think there will be interest for him, but it will be a reduced price.

Prediction: Giants

18. Carlos Silva, Twins

Silva had a great year for the Twins and is probably going to go out and cash in. The Phillies, Cubs, Braves, Dodgers, Padres, and Mets are interested, but might drop out depending on how much he is looking for. The Cubs are looking to add another pitcher and if they can put together something between Lilly and Marquis, it is possible. The Braves seem the most likely, but if the Cubs can settle the ownership thing, they are my front runner.

Prediction: Phillies

19. Jose Guillen, Mariners

The Mariners would have to do a lot fast if they want to keep Guillen, who has a mutual option. They want to play Adam Jones but must make room for him. If they can trade Richie Sexson and move Ibanez to first base, they could keep Guillen and Jones, but that seems unlikely because Sexson has lost something in his swing. He wants a multi-year deal and could get one with Adam Katz as his agent.

Prediction: Mets

20. Milton Bradley, Padres

Milton Bradley ended the year in dramatic fashion but I think the Padres would like him back. He showed good power and had respect from his coaches and teammates, which many in the Front Office like. He did a good job in left field too, and adding a center fielder like Fukudome would make their lineup pretty good.

Prediction: Padres

Torre, Mattingly to Dodgers?

Would the Dodgers fire Grady Little and his staff and bring in Joe Torre and Don Mattingly? If he does, Mattingly would probably bolt after one year for another managerial job, but it would be great to bring in that winning mentality for the team. There are a few players on the Dodgers that have either played for Torre, or played around in him, like in the same league. There is a lot of youth on the Dodgers and Torre could really be a father figure for them as they work their way into the league. He did this with Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, and especially Alfonso Soriano, and I think Frank McCourt, a good friend of Torre's, sees the effect he could have on his players. Also, by bringing in both coaches, it is possible that Alex Rodriguez would want to play in LA, and would take a reduced price. Little is no longer suited to handle the Dodgers, and his departure this off season seems inevitable. I expect something will be accomplished in early November so he can prep and recruit players by the Winter Meetings.

Hunter to file for free agency soon?: Twins outfielder Torii Hunter is leaning towards filing for free agency, MLB Rumors correspondent Steve Wilson has learned. It would makes sense. It seems the Twins are not willing to pay him what he thinks he is worth and will test the market. An announcement is expected tomorrow or Wednesday, but it seems it will happen soon.

CONFIRMED BY ESPNEWS

Tigers Acquire Renteria

The Braves had traded shortstop Edgar Renteria to the Tigers for pitcher Jair Jurrjens and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez. The Tigers plan to move Carlos Guillen to first base and with that opening, fill that whole with an All-Star. "We are excited to add an all-star caliber shortstop in Edgar Renteria to the Tigers organization," Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. "Edgar is a quality player, proven winner and tremendous leader that solidifies our infield." Renteria had a great year for the Braves batting .332 with 12 HR and 57 RBI. With the trade, it opens the spot for Yunel Escobar to take over everyday, and it gives them a good, young starter to take a spot in the bottom part of the lineup. I am a little surprised that they traded Jurrjens, who was considered their fourth best prospect, and I think he will go on to put up pretty good numbers in the NL. Also, Renteria did struggle with the Red Sox in 2005 hitting and fielding, so hopefully he can handle the move better. When it is all said an done however, the Tigers got what they wanted and the Braves got what they wanted.

Top 50 Free Agents: 1-10

1. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees

Rodriguez is looking for a lot of money, but I think most teams will see that the price is not worth it. As of right now, several teams are still interested but that could change because Boras is a very demanding agent. I expect a team like the Giants, who are desperate for an offensive surge, go after him at all cost. Not only that, but Pedro Feliz is a free agent and he occupied the position so it is now open. But the fact that he has been in the American League is whole career makes me think he might stay.

Prediction: Giants

2. Torii Hunter, Twins

Hunter is the most valuable outfielder on the market. He is a great in the field, and puts up good numbers that would boost any lineup. I see him testing the market because he has complained about the direction of the Twins. He also knows they do not have room for Johan Santana which makes me think he will go somewhere with some potential to be a contender. Like the Rangers, where he grew up, could be a contender in the AL West as players on the better teams begin to decline.

Prediction: Rangers

3. Aaron Rowand, Phillies

Rowand is also a great outfielder but injury problems are definitely a risk. He is great with the bat, but is reckless in the field leading to many injuries. Many teams would still be interested in him however, and he could command a pretty solid deal. I expect him to get around a five year, 80 million dollar deal. I know you may think that is a lot, but look what Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Lee, and several others got last season. The White Sox would love to have him back, but so would the Phillies. I think his heart may still be in Chicago, but if the Phillies can cough up the right price I think they will be able to hold on to him because of the late surge they had in September.

Predicition: White Sox

4. Andruw Jones, Braves

The Braves understand what he has done for the franchise, but he wants so much money that the Braves don’t think it is worth it. Many other teams will be interested and there are other free agents interested in playing in Atlanta. There are other center fielders that will do the job at a lesser price and Jones seems the most likely to fade away before the other free agents.

Prediction: Padres

5. Livan Hernandez, Diamondbacks

Livan Hernandez is the best pitcher on the market and his performance in the playoffs in only helping his cause. He is not only a veteran, but does the job every day with little to no complaints. He is a horse having started 33 games this season including playoffs as well. He is very close to his half brother Orlando Hernandez, who the Mets are very high on, and may try to bring in Livan to make them happy and improve their rotation. The Diamondbacks have little room to sign him so you will probably see him walk.

Prediction: Mets

6. Mike Lowell, Red Sox

Mike Lowell had a great season under the radar with the Red Sox. He thrived on having been blocked by Alex Rodriguez in the AL East, and it showed in his numbers this season and postseason. He is great player, and above average fielder who would help a lot of teams, but his love for Boston and playoff experience works for both sides. However, the Red Sox do not seem interested in long term, like some teams in need of his presence, like the Phillies.

Prediction: Red Sox

7. Jorge Posada, Yankees

It is hard not to see Jorge Posada in a Yankee uniform. And although Joe Torre is out, the Yankees will make an overwhelming offer to Posada before he has a chance to test the market.

Prediction: Yankees

8. Bobby Abreu

It might cost them more than 16 million dollars to find another outfielder, even if he can put up better numbers. Abreu was good for them this year but isn’t the best in the field. He will be good for one more year but I do not see him with the Yankees beyond 2008.

Prediction: Yankees

9. Francisco Cordero, Brewers

Cordero is coming off an excellent year for the Brewers, but the team’s struggles in the second half may lead him to leaving. He is the best closer on the market, and the Brewers aren’t helping by buttering him up so much. They plan to make an aggressive offer to him, and although he may be pressured to test the market, I think he will stay in Milwaukee.

Prediction: Brewers

10. Curt Schilling, Red Sox

Schilling had a decent year for the Red Sox going 9-8 with a 3.87 ERA and 101 K. He is getting older, but could put up good numbers on a National League team. Many are speculating that he will leave Boston after the season and return to Philadelphia. The Phillies are interested, and his family is looking into a house in South New Jersey, which would suggest that their house outside of Boston is sold and they are ready to move on. However, his performance in the post season may drive him to stick it out for one more year.

Prediction: Red Sox

HM. Tom Glavine, Mets

Glavine opted out of his contract and has said that because of his poor finish, he would like to end his career on a better note. Although the Braves are the front runner, do not rule out the Nationals yet. However, having started his career there and because he still lives there makes me think he will return.

Prediction: Braves

Red Sox Win World Series!

The Red Sox have won the World Series in four games sweeping the Rockies and taking the fourth game by a score of 4-3. This is their second World Series in four years, and many will assume it won't be their last. What a great finish to an incredible season with several teams taking playoff spots in the final week of the season. Not only that, but several players cracked milestones, broke records, and established themselves as true big leaguers. The World Series MVP is Mike Lowell.

BREAKING NEWS: A-Rod Will Opt Out

Alex Rodriguez tells the Yankees he will opt out of his contract and become a free agent. That means that the three years, 81 million dollars will be deferred and he can explore other options. If the Yankees are true to their word, they will not negotiate with him any further. Personally, I think the Yankees will still negotiate with him, but Rodriguez will probably sign elsewhere. So where will he sign? Rodriguez is coming off a career year and is in line to make thirty million dollars annually. The Angels have denied interest in him so I suspect the Giants, Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox, and Phillies to be interested. Rodriguez was only hurting the club by waiting so long because they still have to work on signing Posada, Rivera, the coaching staff, and working to retain Andy Pettitte. I think Rodriguez is smart to leave New York. With the pressure on him to perform, making thirty million dollars would definitely get to him, and it seems obvious that he does not have the thickest skin. He is smart to go to a low market town, where the media is not as bad. I'm not saying he is done in New York, but I think he is opting out so Boras can have leverage in negotiations with them later.

Are the Red Sox the New Yankees?

If the Red Sox pull off the sweep tonight and win their second World Series since 2004, can we consider them the new Yankees? They have spent tons of money, finding upgrades in Daisuke Matsuzaka for over 100 million dollars, J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo, and others. But, are they turning into the team not to root for? Personally, I do not have a problem with the Red Sox, and most people still like to see the collapse of the Yankees. Maybe because Steinbrenner makes such a big thing of it publically. Maybe it is how they go about their business. The players they pluck away from their teams after they get good that struggle is maybe what we all like to see. Jaret Wright, Carl Pavano, and Kevin Brown are just a few examples of players that have not worked out with the Yankees. Personally, I think the Yankees have been hyped up so much because of the amount of money they spend that people naturally root for the underdog, which is and has been the Red Sox. I mean, Terry Francona is the most underrated manager in sports; yet, he leads his team into the postseason every year. While the Yankees go out and find the best players, it seems the Red Sox find the right ones, and people naturally want to root for someone to do better. That's my take on it, whats yours?