Although center field is top priority, the Rangers are looking for an upgrade at first base, and have set their sights on Kevin Millar of the Orioles. Millar is on the outs in Baltimore because he threw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game, and will probably be traded. He would be a solid addition to the Rangers, who could send Joaquin Arias in the deal to make room for Elvis Andrus. Also, by trading Arias, it might push the Orioles to trade Miguel Tejada knowing they have Arias there to take the spot for the time being. Arias, 23, has a lot of potential but still is a year or so away from being ready. After Millar, the Rangers are also interested in Mike Lamb, and have contacted his agent about their interest. They would be a good fit, especially because Lamb has experience playing in Arlington. If all else fails, Ben Broussard is expected to be non-tendered and he could be low risk player at a cheap price. The Rangers will try hard for Hunter or Rowand, so I expect them to solve the first base situation when they see how the market plays out.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Rangers Looking At Millar?
Although center field is top priority, the Rangers are looking for an upgrade at first base, and have set their sights on Kevin Millar of the Orioles. Millar is on the outs in Baltimore because he threw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game, and will probably be traded. He would be a solid addition to the Rangers, who could send Joaquin Arias in the deal to make room for Elvis Andrus. Also, by trading Arias, it might push the Orioles to trade Miguel Tejada knowing they have Arias there to take the spot for the time being. Arias, 23, has a lot of potential but still is a year or so away from being ready. After Millar, the Rangers are also interested in Mike Lamb, and have contacted his agent about their interest. They would be a good fit, especially because Lamb has experience playing in Arlington. If all else fails, Ben Broussard is expected to be non-tendered and he could be low risk player at a cheap price. The Rangers will try hard for Hunter or Rowand, so I expect them to solve the first base situation when they see how the market plays out.
Pirates Name Russell Manager
The Pirates are set to name John Russell their new manager, according to sources close to negotiations. Russell, who has managed the Phillies Triple-A team the past two seasons, was with the Pirates as a third base coach before Lloyd McClendon was fired. He is familiar with the organization, but was not exactly loved in Pittsburgh because of his poor judgement with runners being sent home. Personally, I think the Farrell is the better choice, but since he was not interested, I guess they feel that someone already familiar with team is best. An announcement is expect Monday, and if the team can improve, hopefully he will be able to hold the job for the next several seasons.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Silva Gaining Value
Twins pitcher Carlos Silva has become even more attractive as a free agent when he wasn't ranked as a compensation free agent, the result of a poor numbers in 2006. He was 13-14 with a 4.19 ERA in 2007 and is seeking a three to four year deal worth 10-12 million dollars annually. Silva is great at keeping the ball down and working the count, but struggled in the Metrodome because of poor defense and run support. A switch to the NL would do wonders for Silva, who is drawing interest from the Phillies, Braves, Cubs, and Padres. However, now that teams realize they will not lose a draft pick, expect the Mets, Astros, and maybe Diamondbacks to jump in on it. The Cubs are expected to be aggressive, but look at Silva as a fall back option more than some teams. I expect the Phillies to pursue him aggressively because they are desperate for pitching, but we will see what happens. Now that the Twins do not gain anything by losing him, they might overpay to bring him back.
Buchholz On Track, Schilling Out?
It appears Red Sox prospect Clay Buchholz is getting back on track, and is now on a designed off season plan to get him ready for Spring Training. Could this mean the Red Sox will let him walk and pursue other options, maybe upgrades in the bullpen? Probably, Schilling is likely heading to the National League after several teams contacted him about jobs in 2008. I think only a couple teams from his list are compatible with Schilling, and I will now tell you why:Cleveland Indians: The Indians have a solid core of players that are only getting better. However, their pitching is pretty good, but they are still looking for upgrades at the bottom half. It does not make sense to go after Schilling, who will only be with the team for one year. They are better off going after Kyle Lohse or Livan Hernandez.
Detroit Tigers: The Tigers are also not a great option for Schilling. Schilling has little experience in Detroit pitching in just two games, going 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA. The Tigers are right in the middle when it comes to fielding in the league, but the amount of money Schilling wants and the other needs of the Tigers, it just does not make sense. And now with Zumaya out, the Tigers are probably going to have to overpay to keep Todd Jones.
Anaheim Angels: If the Angels are looking to go after Alex Rodriguez, there is simply no room for Curt Schilling. The Angels could probably support Schilling runs wise, but Reagins is a new GM who is looking to make a big splash, and it seems he sees that in Rodriguez.
New York Mets: The Mets would not be a bad spot for Schilling, but the Mets seem more interested in adding a younger player. The Mets have good offensive numbers, their bullpen seems pretty solid and getting better, and Schilling's numbers will look better in the NL. Not only that, but Schilling is 4-2 with a 3.05 ERA at Shea Stadium, and has had success against the other NL East teams.
Philadelphia Phillies: Another great match, probably the best among the National League teams. He played in Philadelphia from 1992 to 1999, and had success there. The Phillies are a great team who are desperate for pitching, and are determined to upgrade. They made the playoffs and have one of the best infields in the game, and are looking to get better there as well. Schilling would be great behind some of their young guys because of his ability to keep the ball down and outsmart hitters.
Atlanta Braves: The Braves are going after Tom Glavine, not Curt Schilling. Glavine is a soft-spoken leader who will go out and pitch and help the team, along with the younger players. Schilling is more out-spoken and may be a distraction in the clubhouse. Frank Wren is on better terms with Glavine, and prefers to bring him in for one year.
Los Angeles Dodgers: The Dodgers would not be bad because they are looking for pitching, but may look to someone younger and more durable. Also, if they are looking to add a big name outfielder or third baseman named Alex Rodriguez, they do not have room for him.
San Diego Padres: The Padres are also looking for pitching, but must settle their problems in the outfield and at second base. They have Greg Maddux, and I think that is the only forty year old they want.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Probably the most likely out of the NL West teams because he pitched there. The Diamondbacks will probably lose Livan Hernandez, and bringing in Schilling to help lead the rotation would be great for one year, especially if they can repeat and get into the playoffs.
Chicago Cubs: The Cubs have said they will look into signing Schilling, but only if they can trade Jason Marquis. I do not doubt they can trade Marquis, but they have needs that need to be address before pitching. Nonetheless, he would be a great mentor to pitcher Carlos Zambrano, and could definitely work with some of the younger guys who the Cubs will see next season.
St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals have expressed interest and will probably make an offer as soon as he is available. They do not have much through trades because their system is so depleted, but could go after someone like Kyle Lohse or Carlos Silva. They also need to address other situations at third and the outfield.
Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers are also the final team on his list and if the Brewers make a strong push for him, I think Schilling might bite. They have a solid group of players that fell apart because of lack of experience. Also, by having Schilling, they have a strong negotiating chip in talks with Francisco Cordero. Furthermore, Schilling could mentor young pitchers Yovani Gallardo and Manny Para.
The Astros also contacted Schilling but I doubt Schilling wants to return. The team is in a funk right now and need some big upgrades to improve.
Mets Interested In Jennings
The Mets are among many teams that have asked about Jason Jennings, and it seems that the interest in genuine. The Mets will probably lose Tom Glavine and with Pedro Martinez's health in question, it makes sense to add another pitcher. Mike Pelfrey and Phillip Humber cannot be the backbone of their rotation, so adding a veteran like Jennings would definitely help their cause. Look what they did in 2006, they added Oliver Perez and Orlando Hernandez mid-season after both of them struggled and then they helped push the Mets through the playoffs. In 2007, they helped the Mets by combining to go 24-15 with a 3.64 ERA. Jennings struggled this year with the Astros going 2-9 with a 6.45 ERA and 71 K. But by adding another pitcher like Jennings or Livan Hernandez, it allows them to trade a package of players including Mike Pelfrey in order to land a big time player. He has also drawn interest from the Rockies, Cardinals, and Orioles, but I expect him to go to a potential contender.
Fogg Files For Free Agency
Once a joke of the Pirates organization, Josh Fogg has turned his career around and is set to cash in on the open market. In two seasons with the Rockies, he was 21-18 with a 5.21 ERA and 187 K, but his postseason success makes him more valuable because not only did he out pitch Jake Peavy to make it in, but he won two games with an ERA of 0.75 before getting rocked by the Red Sox in the World Series. Nonetheless, pitching in the clutch is huge and Fogg did it successfully several times. Not only that, but Fogg had a 9-4 record against teams with winning records this season. I expect him to get a deal in between Joel Piniero and Jason Marquis. Maybe a three year deal, worth 18-20 million dollars. For teams interested, the Orioles tried very hard to land him back in March and we could see them make another run for him. Fogg had success with the White Sox his rookie season and could return there if they look for a bottom end of the rotation type guy. I expect the Orioles to be all over him. Not only desperately trying to get him back in March, but Andy McPhail watched him pitch for several years down in Pittsburgh and knows his repertoire and what he is capable of. There has been no indication the Rockies want him back, suggesting they will look to sign a more effective pitcher.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Top 50 Free Agents: 31-40
31. Kyle Lohse, Phillies
Lohse did not exactly have an amazing year, but it was good enough to be drawing considerable interest. He was 9-12 with a 4.62 ERA and 122 K, and is expected to stay in the NL, upon requests from his agent Scott Boras. The Cubs and Diamondbacks are on good terms with Lohse, but if the price is right in
Stewart was solid for the Athletics this season and deserves another chance to play everyday. He is a veteran and is just thirty-three, so I expect a two year deal, worth 2-3 million annually.
Wood turned it around this year for the Cubs and is now a free agent. Despite a lot of interest generating from around the league, he has said he feels he owes something to the Cubs fans and I think he will stay, assuming the Cubs want him here.
Lo Duca will probably not be signed by the Mets as the Mets look for a catcher elsewhere. Lo Duca is still decent defensively and offensively, and I think he is better off with a young team like the Marlins. I expect the Padres to be players too, but they seem more interested in
With the reports that Joel Zumaya will be out for most of the 2008 season, it makes it more likely that they will bring Jones back for one more year. Zumaya has not overwhelmed anyone yet to hold the spot for him until he returns, so bringing back Jones makes sense so no pressure is on Zumaya to return.
Shawn Green has said he is interested in returning to the Mets, but prefers to play on the West Coast. The Mets will definitely be looking for upgrades on the market, but will keep Green in their cards. I think Green will suit some teams on the West, but not a lot of them. I only see the Athletics,
Ramirez is shaping up to be a favorite of the Braves now that Mike Cameron has been suspended for using illegal stimulants. Although the Braves have young outfielders waiting in the wings, Ramirez is a utility player who would switch to second base. Kelly Johnson looks like a likely trading chip down the road, opening the spot up for him if he does well. Ramirez will be cheap, and probably would prefer the Braves because there are two Cuban defectors on the team, and the team does not get as much media coverage as a team like the Mets or Yankees.
Roger Clemens faced some minor, but nagging injuries the whole season and I think he finally sees that he cannot keep going. If he comes back, he will probably only sign with the Yankees, Astros, or Dodgers.
Although the Tigers said they are not interested, I believe it is a creative negotiation plea to bring down his price as he looks for a job. Do not rule the Tigers out for Alexei Ramirez, or platooning Timo Perez in left field, but I see them bringing in Jenkins on a short term contract.
40. Tadahito Iguchi, Phillies
Iguchi was moved around this year but is hoping to find a starting spot with a team. He is very capable of being a starter somewhere and I see him going somewhere he is guaranteed that. Besides the Padres, the Astros seem like the most likely spot. They are looking for a solid upgrade, and Iguchi’s bat would definitely benefit the Astros at home. It looks like a perfect match.
Luke Scott To Be Traded?
Although Luke Scott put up decent numbers for the Astros this year, they are displeased with his first half numbers and his work ethic, and are looking to trade him. Scott, 29, batted .255 with 18 HR and 64 RBI in 132 games. Not bad, but it could be better. There are several teams that could use an outfielder, but I have heard Scott has been struggling down in Venezuela, further lowering his value. Trading Scott would open up a spot to land a big time outfielder, probably Torii Hunter. But what the Astros need to do is focus on pitching and finding a middle infielder. I've been saying it for months that the Astros should go for Tadahito Iguchi for their second base spot, and then look to sign a proven pitcher. The Astros have money to spend, and could definitely use some upgrades so they can compete with the Brewers, Cubs, Cardinals, and improving Reds. As for Scott, I expect the Twins to be interested because of he bats from the left side, along with the Marlins, White Sox, Orioles, and maybe the Cardinals.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Number 27 Will Haunt Girardi
I was very happy to hear that Joe Girardi would be named the next manager of the Yankees. For those of you that do not know, I am from Chicago and as I got into baseball, Girardi was emerging as the Cubs catcher. Believe or not, I even ran into him at a local establishment in the town I live in while he was visiting a friend, so I do have some personal connections to him, even though it was brief. But for some reason, I do not understand why he chose the number 27. He only puts more pressure on himself to win a World Series in 2008. I think it is perfectly appropriate to say we will win a World Series, but to go as far as put the goal on the back of your jersey, that is a little much. Maybe it is an aggressive plea to land a big free agent who is longing for a World Series, maybe Torii Hunter? I just think that he may be "jinxing himself" for the upcoming season, maybe even his time as Yankees manager. Now maybe nothing will happen and they will eventually win a World Series under Girardi, but if they don't, I'm sure some skeptics will say it was because he decided to don the number 27. Nonetheless, I fully expect Girardi to run a successful team, even if Rodriguez is not back with the Yankees. He does extensive research on all the teams he faces, and is familiar with the Yankees because he has been around them for the past several seasons. Now that Girardi is manager, it makes even more sense that they will go for Miguel Cabrera, who was managed by Girardi back in 2006. More will be determined in Spring Training when we can see the upgrades the Yankees have made, but I think Girardi should have reconsidered the decision to wear number 27.
Tony Clark To A's or Giants?
According to MLB Rumors Correspondent Steve Wilson, Diamondbacks negotiations with Tony Clark have turned even more south. There were reports earlier this week that said negotiations were at a minimum, and it seems they have come to a standstill. The Diamondbacks are simply unsure if they want to trade Connor Jackson or Chad Tracy, putting Clark's role with the team in question. Personally, I do not understand why they would trade Jackson. Clark would definitely like to be a starter, so he will probably look to the market for a starting role while continuing talks with the D'backs. The Athletics have been bringing in veteran free agents to fill their DH void over the past couple years and may look to do it again with Clark. Mike Piazza was not what they hoped for and is a free agent, so they will let him walk. Although they have Jack Cust, the A's may look to trade him while his interest is high for a couple young players. Clark would probably improve as a designated hitter despite his age, and could also work with Daric Barton at first base. Other than the A's, I expect the Giants to make a call. Ryan Klesko is a free agent and is expected to walk, so Tony Clark would be a great stop gap as they wait for Travis Ishikawa to develop. Another possibility for Clark is to see him return home to Kansas City, but Clark had the opportunity to sign there back in 2004, but chose the Diamondbacks. Clark batted .249 with 17 HR and 51 RBI this season for the Diamondbacks, but is a career .265 hitter with 244 HR. Clark, 36, could probably command a two year deal, worth 3-5 million dollars annually, a modest contract that a team like the A's could take on.
Giants entertaining offers for Lowry, Sanchez: The Giants are looking to trade one of their pitchers for a package of prospects or major league ready players, but are not interested in trading Lincecum or Cain. Noah Lowry did have a pretty solid year for the Giants and is just 27. I'm sure they can afford to unload him and worry about the repercussions. As for teams interested, the Phillies, Indians, Rockies, Mariners, Cubs, White Sox, and Cardinals are all looking for pitchers through trades, and have prospects that could suit the Giants. As for Sanchez, he is young and has a lot of upside, but I see him traded later next season once he can get his value up.
White Sox To Pass On Rowand?
The White Sox are planning a meeting with Torii Hunter, according to two sources. Kenny Williams plans to make a good pitch to Hunter, while not discussing a salary or years. The White Sox are going out of their way to meet with Hunter to discuss the benefits of switching teams in the same division, while discussing the direction of the team. I think this is a good move on their part, but it will definitely cost them. They can afford him however, but will have to overwhelm him to get him to sign early. Rowand is expected to earn around 90 million dollars this season while I expect Hunter to exceed 100 million dollars. Outside the White Sox, the Rangers, Astros, Yankees, Braves, Dodgers, Cubs and Nationals are the teams that are expected to pursue him.
Schilling Likely Heading to NL
Today, through his blog, Curt Schilling released a list a teams that he would be interested in going to if he were to hit the open market. And because it is the first time he is eligible for free agency in his career, I expect him to test the waters. He listed the following teams in this order: Cleveland, Detroit, Anaheim, New York Mets, Philadelphia, Atlanta, L.A., S.D., Arizona, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis, Milwaukee. Now do not read to much into that-he simply went up and down the divisions listing the teams. I think that Schilling has proved he can pitch in the AL, but because he can manage his pitches so well, it makes sense that he would go to the NL to finish on a high note. As for teams in the NL, many think the Cubs would be a good fit, but they will not shell out 12 million dollars for one year. The Cardinals seem like a great fit here for Schilling, but they might take the trade route this off season for someone like Jon Garland. We know the Phillies interest here as well, but I think the Giants may have the advantage if they are interested in bring him in. Not only do they have young pitching that Schilling could work with and mentor but he could be slotted between Zito and Cain, which would make them a much better team pitching wise. Not only that, but the parks dimensions favor his mechanics and that could lure him there too. Although he has experience in the NL West, the only reason I would see him go there is if the Giants brought in someone like Andruw Jones or Alex Rodriguez. Then, it would put the Giants right back on the map in the NL West and in the hunt for the division. Schilling, who represents himself, will hype this up a lot over the next couple weeks so it will be hard to say where he will end up. For now, I think his heart is still in Boston and he will probably end up staying there.
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