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Plan B Just Got Expensive For the Mets

Mullet — 2009-01-13T16:30:00 00:00

The dance that the Mets have tried to play with Scott Boras and his clients this winter just got a lot trickier now that Omar Minaya's top option is off to the division rival Braves. Losing out on Derek Lowe leaves Oliver Perez as the best option to fill a top rotation spot for the Mets. And it leaves Boras firmly in the drivers seat.

The Mets, who held firm on their three-year, $36 million offer to him, must have known that Lowe was headed to the Braves. They were losing their grip on him, so they tried to turn the market in their favor by offering Perez three years at $30 million, hoping he would bite quickly.

But now that Perez stands front and center as the top free-agent starter available, the Mets aren't getting away that cheaply. Nor are they likely to get away with a three-year deal now that Lowe got his four years.

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Michael Young Would Rather Change Teams Than Change Positions

Mullet — 2009-01-11T23:35:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Rangers, AL West, MLB Gossip

Remember when the news came out that the Texas Rangers were quietly shopping Michael Young? Now we might know why. Apparently, the Rangers were afraid of how Young would react after requesting he switch to third base. Sure enough ... he requested a trade.

He was "absolutely livid" with the Rangers for making such a request just months after American League managers and coaches voted him a Gold Glove for the first time, one source said.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington informed Young shortly after the winter meetings that the team wanted him to play third to clear a spot for top shortstop prospect Elvis Andrus, 20.

While it may seem a selfish move on Young's part, I can't blame him completely. Not that Young is a player of the caliber/prestige of Derek Jeter, but Jeter wouldn't switch positions to make room for a Hall of Famer who might break Barry Bonds' home run record. Why should Young move away from a position where he won a Gold Glove to make room for a 20-year-old rookie? Honestly, I can see where he'd feel slighted.

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Rocco Baldelli on the Way to Boston to Join Red Sox

Mullet — 2009-01-07T22:30:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Rays, Red Sox, AL East, MLB Rumors, MLB Transactions

Rocco Baldelli's baseball journey has been affected by a mitochondrian disorder which has kept him to 155 games over three seasons. And now it has taken him out of Tampa Bay, and out of an organization he's been a member of for over eight seasons.

But fear not for Baldelli, because it has now taken him to Boston, where it's being reported that the Red Sox are about to sign him to a free agent deal. With Jason Bay, Jacoby Ellsbury, and J.D. Drew making up the outfield, it looks like Baldelli would be their fourth outfielder. But with Matt Joyce and Pat Burrell joining the fray for the Rays, there didn't seem to be a role even as big as that for him there, so it's off to a division rival for Rocco.

As long as his problems with fatigue remain somewhat in check (and according to the link, the tests looked good), Baldelli is an intriguing option off the bench for Boston, and could fill in as a starter if Ellsbury slumps or if Drew is injured, which some may say is inevitable. So there will be plenty of chances for Baldelli to play.

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That Was Quick: Yankees Taking Offers on Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady

Mullet — 2009-01-07T18:15:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Yankees, AL East, MLB Rumors

Nick Swisher was an interesting acquisition for the Yankees from jump. He was penciled in as the Yankees' first baseman, but had enough versatility to move to the outfield if the Yanks were to acquire Mark Teixeira. Back then, the possibility of the Yanks signing Teixeira was remote ... but now that he's here, the Yankees were all of a sudden faced with a possible outfield of Hideki Matsui/Johnny Damon in left field, Swisher in center, and Xavier Nady in right, with Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera on the outside looking in.

But the Yankees must be thinking about the potential defensive nightmare in such an outfield due to a lack of range, and wonder if any offense that Nady or Swisher would bring would be too much of a luxury on a team with Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. So somewhat not surprisingly, the Yanks are now reportedly listening to offers for Nady and Swisher.

With teams scared to spend money for free agent outfielders, Nady could provide an interesting option for a team with a deep farm system and who's close to contention. Ultimately, I see the Yankees asking for a bit too much in return for Nady for him to be the guy to go ... and that leaves Swisher, who's coming off a down year and would be easier to trade for. And for the Yanks, putting Gardner in your outfield is a little easier to take with Teixeira, A-Rod, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and Nady in your lineup. So I can see the Nick Swisher era ending in New York before it ever starts.

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Politicians Giving Up Their Luxury Boxes in New York's New Ballparks

Mullet — 2009-01-07T08:00:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Mets, Yankees, MLB Biz

I guess this counts as politicians doing their part to give back during these trying economic times. But New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his administration, against a backdrop of economic turmoil, are giving up their luxury boxes in both the new Yankee Stadium, and Citi Field.

All together now: Awwwwwwwwwwwww.

Senior Bloomberg aides had fought hard to get the luxury boxes, describing the perk in internal e-mails as "a big issue to the mayor" during negotiations with the teams in 2006. (...)

Bloomberg spokesman Andrew Brent said the new agreement means the city will receive cash payments for the use of its Yankees box. Future mayoral administrations will have the option of using the box or being paid for it. (...)

State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, who accuses the city of conducting the stadium negotiations behind closed doors, said the Bloomberg administration is clearly worried about how it looks to be haggling over luxury boxes now that the city is grappling with dramatic budget cuts, job losses and tax hikes.

"This whole thing has been an embarrassment," Brodsky said. "I think they were scared about the public reaction to this entire fiasco."

Any chance that money the city is getting could be put towards a halfway decent transit system so my fare doesn't go up to five bucks per round trip? Yeah, I thought that might be too much to ask. With my luck, that money will probably go towards a new flat screen television so the mayor can enjoy baseball in the comfort of Gracie Mansion so he doesn't feel so bad about losing his luxury box.

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The Market is Developing for Trevor Hoffman

Mullet — 2009-01-07T06:00:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Brewers, Dodgers, NL Central, NL West, MLB Rumors

It's almost as if teams are looking at the calendar and saying "hey, let's start signing these players before spring training gets here". The market was almost dead in December, traditionally when the pieces start to fall into place. But now that it's 2009, the pieces are starting to move a bit. Proof: there are two teams interested in Trevor Hoffman. We found out about the Brewers earlier, but now the Dodgers have entered the fray by offering Hoffman a one year deal.

"He's got three young boys, so he could go home a lot more if he signs with Los Angeles," Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. "That's what free agency allows a player to do -- pick where it's best suited for him to play."

Hoffman made $7.5 million last season with the San Diego Padres, who withdrew a $4-million offer to him in November. The Dodgers' offer exceeds $4 million.

I gotta say I'm a bit surprised that the Dodgers, who have Jonathon Broxton in tow, would go after Hoffman to close games. That being said, Hoffman didn't have such a bad season considering he played for an awful team. He had a WHIP of 1.04 and only walked nine batters and blown four saves in 45.1 innings. Of course your walks and blown saves will go down if there aren't any games to pitch or saves to blow.

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J.C. Romero Banned 50 Games Because He Can't Read Minds

Mullet — 2009-01-06T00:30:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Phillies, NL East, MLB Gossip

Major League Baseball kills me sometimes. They want to get tough on enhancing your performance through drug use, but then a player does his due diligence only to get clipped because the league changes the list of banned substances without giving players enough notice or grace period. Take the case of J.C. Romero, who has found himself stuck with a 50-game ban ... not for cheating, but for "negligence".

Three months after Romero was tested before a Phillies-Mets game on Aug. 26, the players' association sent a Nov. 21 letter to players that stated, "We have previously told you there is no reason to believe a supplement bought at a U.S. based retail store could cause you to test positive under our Drug Program. That is no longer true. We have recently learned of three substances which can be bought over the counter at stores in the United States that will cause you to test positive. These three supplements were purchased at a GNC and Vitamin Shoppe in the U.S."

So what Major League Baseball is saying is this: "J.C., we told you the rules and you followed the rules. But because we just found these substances now we're going to ban you. Sorry, you should have read our minds even before these new substances were even in our minds." So who are the negligent ones here? The player for doing what he's told? Or the MLB machine for changing the rules in the middle of the game and then handing out retroactive punishment? It's the World Series rain delay all over again.

Arm bash: The 700 Level

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Scott Boras Makes New Year's Resolution to Find Homes for Manny and Derek

Mullet — 2008-12-31T07:00:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Dodgers, Mets, NL East, NL West, MLB Biz, MLB Rumors

Scott Boras isn't taking New Year's Eve off. Oh no, not while there's commission to be made. Boras is currently experiencing a mixed bag of news with top clients Derek Lowe and Manny Ramirez.

Lowe has received a three-year, $36 million offer from the Mets ... and while that would be good news for most people, the offer isn't quite the Zito-type contract Boras had hoped for at the beginning of the winter meetings, but at least he has an offer unlike a certain dreadlocked left fielder. And to that end, Boras has contracted the Dodgers about signing Manny ... no doubt responding to Ned Colletti's newfound affection for guys like Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu, which may or may not be a way to lure Boras back on their terms.

And that's how you know this has been a strange winter. Boras must be used to teams coming to him for his cavalcade of stars. And now, he's practically begging the Dodgers to come back to the table for Manny, who must be confused as to why he hasn't gotten the large offers he expected when he tore apart the N.L. for close to three months. Of course, if he would pick up a newspaper and read the front page and not the back (that's what my mom would always tell me to do), he'd see the word "economy" and then totally understand ... maybe.

Arm bash: MLB Trade Rumors

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Bernie Williams' Injury Jeopardizes His World Baseball Classic Hopes

Mullet — 2008-12-30T07:00:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Yankees, MLB Injuries

It would have been a pretty cool sight to see Bernie Williams lace 'em up one more time in the World Baseball Classic after not having played baseball for two years. And he made a valiant attempt as he joined a winter league team in Puerto Rico to prepare. But circumstances beyond his control has changed his plans, as a serious quad injury has derailed his comeback, and at the age of 40 has probably ended his baseball career for good.

It just shows you how tough it is to come back from a long layoff and get back to playing shape. And let this be a cautionary tale if anyone decides they want to take a chance and sign Barry Bonds, who also hasn't played in a while.

As for Williams, if indeed he doesn't heal in time for the Classic, it looks like he'll have to fall back on his music career for good this time. The next WBC isn't going to happen until 2013.

Arm Bash: Zell's Pinstripe Blog

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Theo Epstein is One Creative GM; Red Sox Make Play for Hanley Ramirez

Mullet — 2008-12-30T06:00:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Marlins, Red Sox, AL East, NL East, MLB Rumors

Give the Red Sox credit. When life hands them lemons, they make lemonade ... and they go to the state more famous for oranges to do it. They struck once in late 2005 when they traded Hanley Ramirez to get themselves Josh Beckett, and Beckett helped them to a World Series championship in 2007. Now, in the winter of 2008, Epstein has responded to their failed pursuit of Mark Teixeira by going to the Marlins and trying to get Ramirez back.

Epstein offered the Marlins a deal which included Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury, and was supposedly planning on putting Hanley in center field while keeping Jed Lowrie at short. Considering Ramirez isn't the most fluid defensive shortstop in the world, that wouldn't be a bad position switch, and it's a creative way to add Ramirez's bat into Boston's lineup.

Problem: Even though trading Ramirez would be a good way to shed salary for Florida, the Marlins are hoping to build around Hanley when they move into their new stadium, and can hopefully afford him more easily. He's too good a talent to give away for the normal haul of prospects, so the Marlins ultimately turned Epstein down. But you can't blame Theo for trying. And the fact that he got the Marlins' brief attention shows that he's willing to shoot for the moon, and that he has the prospects to pull off a blockbuster somewhere else if he so chooses.

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Andruw Jones to Join Mets?(!)

Mullet — 2008-12-29T20:30:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Dodgers, Mets, NL East, NL West, MLB Rumors

As a Met fan, I am having a hard time imagining Andruw Jones, and that perpetual smirk of his, wearing orange and blue. But apparently it's a real possibility, as the Mets are rumored to be interested in acquiring Jones from the Dodgers in return for some sort of prospect and compensation for the bulk of his $18 million salary in 2009.

Jones was widely regarded as a Met-killer during his years with the Braves, though statistically he doesn't really come close to being the Met-killer that guys like Pat Burrell or Chipper Jones have been. Still, the thought of Jones in a Mets uniform just seems very odd. Jones in a corner outfield spot would be extremely odd, especially considering the last time the Mets put a center fielder in right, Mike Cameron, he was too fast for his own good and crashed faces with Carlos Beltran. That's the risk you take when you put a center fielder in a corner spot.

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Mets Slowing Down on Derek Lowe in a Potentially Dangerous Game of Chicken

Mullet — 2008-12-29T16:00:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Mets, NL East, MLB Rumors

The Mets, however much they've improved the bullpen, still need a high end starting pitcher if they hope to make a serious run at the division over the course of a season. With the market drying up for starting pitchers, the Mets are in a good spot to pluck Derek Lowe at a reasonable price just as they did with Francisco Rodriguez.

The Mets and Lowe were seemingly close to a deal, but now reports out of Queens have the two sides slowing down just a bit. Now this doesn't mean that the Mets aren't going to wind up signing Lowe. It could just mean that the two sides didn't want to get into heavy negotiations during the holiday season (duh). The Mets are doing their diligence in reading the market and the economy, and they're going to make sure that they get Lowe at their price. After all, it worked with K-Rod.

But it didn't work back in 2004 with Vladimir Guerrero, when the Mets saw the market briefly dry up for him and responded by offering a cheap incentive laden deal ... only to see the Angels swoop in with a more respectable offer to lure him to Los Angeles (of, umm ... Anaheim.) The Mets, with that knowledge, had better read this right with Lowe or risk having to either overpay Oliver Perez (because you know Scott Boras attempt to take advantage of the Mets if they miss out on Lowe), or resort to a lower tier option such as Randy Wolf to fill out the rotation.

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Sammy Sosa Isn't Ruling Out a Return to the Majors (Everyone Else Might Do it For Him)

Mullet — 2008-12-26T07:00:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: MLB Gossip, MLB Rumors

Sammy Sosa, who hasn't been in the major leagues since 2007, apparently wants back in (wouldn't you if the Yankees were signing everyone to ridiculous contracts?)

"I still don't have an offer, and I shouldn't be looking for offers out there," Sosa was quoted in the story as saying. "Any team who wants to sign me should have the initiative and make an offer."

Yeah, and pass up potential bargains in a buyers market such as Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu, and Adam Dunn to sign a 40-year-old who hasn't played in a year and a half.

Sosa, who is just the fifth player in baseball history to collect 600 homers, said he is in good shape.

"Those who saw me training know that I'm hitting the ball with the usual authority. I just hope to get the chance to prove that I'm still a threat," said Sosa at a charity event sponsored by his foundation.

Well then good luck to Sammy. But even with his 21 HR's and 92 RBI's in '07, observers saw that Sosa cheated on fastballs, which can easily be adjusted for. Somehow, I have a feeling that Sammy wants baseball more than baseball will want Sammy.

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How Close Are Manny Ramirez and the Yanks?

Mullet — 2008-12-22T06:00:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Red Sox, Yankees, AL East, MLB Rumors

This is a rumor. This is only a rumor. Had this been an actual signing you would have been followed by official information, news, or instructions. But if you're a squeamish Red Sox fan, I instruct you that you still might want to turn away.

Because if this turns out to be true, the mental image of Manny Ramirez in pinstripes could turn your stomach. But Impacto Deportivo reports that Ramirez and the Yankees are close to a $75 million dollar deal over three seasons, and that an announcement could come Monday or Tuesday. The way that false rumor and misinformation is flying out there (I'm looking at you, Scott Boras), who knows what's really going on. And who knows what this has to do with Mark Teixeira. I mean, could a well placed Manny being Yankee rumor force the Red Sox to become a factor in the Teixeira bidding? Oh Mr. Boras ... you are sly.

But there have been rumblings that this could happen. So unless you're squeamish, go ahead and wonder about things like whether Manny's bat can bring the Yankee lineup back to the upper echelon, or whether Derek Jeter will be able to rein in Manny in the clubhouse, or even whether Hank Steinbrenner truly doesn't care about dreadlocks just yet. But just be advised that this may, or may not be a false alarm. This concludes this Major League Baseball rumor.

Arm bash: Sliding Into Home

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Daniel Cabrera Joins Nationals in Search of the Elusive Strike Zone

Mullet — 2008-12-21T20:45:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Nationals, Orioles, AL East, NL East, MLB Transactions

Life is like a box of chocolates, or so they say. The Washington Nationals opened the box as they have signed Daniel Cabrera to a one year deal, not quite knowing what they'll get from game to game. Cabrera had spent his entire career in the Orioles organization, thus his moving costs are kept to a minimum.

Cabrera's numbers are mind-numbingly mediocre, and that's being nice. This is a guy who will show you the kind of talent he has every once in a while, as he did have two complete games, an five games of six innings or more with no walks. But even with those, Cabrera had 90 walks alongside 95 strikeouts last season, which is an obscene ratio. When he gives out the free passes, he's quite generous. Maybe a switch to the N.L. (and out of the brutal A.L. East) will help him ... or it will help the N.L if he can't find the strike zone.

But as far as a low risk, high reward signing, Cabrera is it. Is it the type of signing that will convince, say, Mark Teixeira to sign with the Nationals? Probably not. But that's what $180 million is for.

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Angels Throw in the Mark Teixeira Towel, Withdraw Their Offer

Mullet — 2008-12-21T19:45:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Angels, AL West, MLB Rumors

The Mark Teixeira derby seems to have had a horse come up lame, as the Angels have withdrawn their offer to Teixeira, according to Ken Rosenthal. The Angels offer was reportedly competitive with the others that were out there, at eight years and $160 million, but either they must know something that we don't about Mark's leanings, or they're just plain tired of waiting for Scott Boras to wrap up the dog and pony show.

Or, there's that whole "posturing" theory that's been out there for other negotiations, such as Teixeira's dealings with Boston. But there's no room for interpretation when an offer goes completely off the table. When you think about it, the Angels still couldn't get out of the first round with Teixeira on their team. And that's not to blame him because the Angels losing certainly wasn't his fault, but how much is too much when it comes to bringing back a guy that certainly didn't prove to be the difference maker he was made out to be?

If the Angels don't get back in this at some point (and my money says no but I thought the Dodgers were going to win the Series last season so what good is my money), some fans will certainly rue the day that Casey Kotchman was traded for a two months of Teixeira.

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Former Astro Dave Smith Dead at 53

Mullet — 2008-12-18T01:40:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Astros, NL Central

Very sad news to give you as former Astros closer Dave Smith died of a heart attack on Wednesday. Smith was only 53 years old.

I'm not an Astros fan, so I have to say that my foremost memories of Smith involved the Mets habitually owning him ... and Smith was the guy who gave up a walk off home run to Len Dykstra in Game 3 of the 1986 NLCS. But owning Smith was a commentary on the Mets and not on Smith, because he was a heck of a closer for the Astros. He wasn't your prototypical "blow you away" closer that we identify most often, but Smith had great stuff and had numbers that stacked up very well with the rest of the league from 1985-1990.

Memories of Smith paint him as a better person than player.

"He was probably one of the most giving people I ever met," former Astros reliever Charlie Kerfeld said of Smith via phone Wednesday. "He was probably known around the league as the best tipper around the league. (The news of his death) is a tough one. You ain't supposed to go this early."

Very true. You're not supposed to reach that better place at the age of 53. But reach it he has. If you believe in a higher power, then he must have called for the righty.

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John Maine Congratulates the Phillies (Sort of)

Mullet — 2008-12-17T23:55:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Mets, Phillies, NL East, MLB Gossip

While it may not hold the same "oomph" as calling a team a bunch of "choke artists", John Maine has fired back when asked about the Philadelphia Phillies and their propensity for being a bit mouthy.

"I don't really care, but I just don't get it," Maine said. "At the end of the year, they won the World Series. Congratulations! Let's focus on the things they accomplished. Don't worry about what's going on up in New York. I mean, I don't get it."

Yeah, it doesn't sound like much. But I'll tell you what it signifies: For the past two seasons, the budding Mets-Phillies rivalry has pretty much been contained to the fans. Yeah, Jimmy Rollins made the "team to beat" comment, and various Phillies have whined about the Mets and their dancing, but this has been a fans' rivalry more than anything. Now, you may start to see a shift in that from the stands to the actual rosters.

Up until now, the Mets really haven't responded with anything other than cliches such as "we can't control what they say" or similar vanilla. Maine's comment seems to reveal a little agitation. Part of that agitation might be the very fact that he was asked about Hamels and his "choke artists" comment, but I have to believe part of the agitation is genuinely directed toward the Phillies players. And why not? When was the last time a team has been as consistently liberal with their trash talk towards a division rival than these Phillies? Perhaps this foretells some fireworks on the field between the teams, and not just their fanbases.

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Ben Sheets Threatens to Become This Winter's Kyle Lohse

Mullet — 2008-12-17T13:33:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Brewers, NL Central, MLB Rumors

Free agency is usually a wonderful time to be a talented major league ballplayer. It's pretty much a sure thing that you're going to get that big contract, secure in length and in dollar amount so that you can take care of yourself and your family. But it's taking a while for this season's free agent class as a whole to get that long, rewarding contract. Sure, CC Sabathia got a Brinks truck. But he's been the exception, as a lot of fine players are yet unsigned (and in the case of Francisco Rodriguez, signed to a contract well below what he would get in a decent economy.)

One curious case is Ben Sheets:

There's no evidence Ben Sheets has received any proposals for two years or more yet, though he's drawing interest from at least the Rangers and Yankees, and very likely his old Brewers team, as well. Sheets rejected Milwaukee's offer of arbitration and would figure to get a two-year offer at some point.

But he hasn't gotten that multi-year deal, while 46-year-old Jamie Moyer has gotten it. That can't make Sheets feel very good. But just as Sabathia's great work down the stretch last season only made his value grow, Sheets' injuries down the stretch, combined with his injury history (and a shaky economy), has shrunk his value. Yet considering how many teams need pitching, it's amazing that not only has Sheets not been signed, but there doesn't even seem to be any rumors surrounding him. Sheets is probably thinking "why couldn't this be last year" ... when Andruw Jones had a two-year, $36.2 million deal -- after batting .222, no less --by early December.

Sheets at this point is hoping not to be 2009's Kyle Lohse, who didn't sign until March 14th. That's your over/under.

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A.J. Burnett Signs With Yankees For Five Years, $82.5 Million

Mullet — 2008-12-12T17:30:00 00:00

by Mullet

Filed under: Braves, Yankees, AL East, NL East, MLB Transactions

Baseball was warned that the Yankees were desperate for starting pitching and would do anything to improve it, bad economy or not. With Friday's signing of A.J. Burnett to a five-year, $82.5 million contract, baseball has learned that the Yankees aren't kidding.

This deal is still pending a physical, which anybody who knows A.J.'s history knows isn't just a mere formality. And that will be the worry going forward. With Carl Pavano still fresh in the Yankees' synapses, it's a bit surprising that the Yanks would sink all that money into the injury-prone Burnett ... especially if they continue their spending spree and throw another $80 million down on Derek Lowe (you'd think not with Burnett in the fold but I'm not convinced), or even another $10 million on Andy Pettitte. When it's all said and done we may be talking about $82.5 million for what could turn out to be a fourth starter behind CC Sabathia, Lowe, and Chien-Ming Wang.

Now if Burnett works out, Yankees fans will be saying "Wow, this guy's our fourth starter!" Not bad. But which Burnett will pitch for the Yankees, the one who was dynamite against the Red Sox (2-0, 2.60) and Yankees (3-1, 1.64) last season, or the injury-prone Burnett?

Then there's the matter of the Braves, who were also chasing Burnett. Might they now turn towards Ben Sheets to upgrade their rotation behind Tim Hudson and Javier Vazquez? Or will the Yankees sign Sheets too? The way they're spending, don't rule anything out.

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