Ervin Santana is reportedly seeking a five-year deal worth $112 million, according to CBS' John Heyman. Santana posted a 3.24 ERA in 2013 and was surprisingly successful after posting a 5.16 ERA in 2012. However, Santana is notoriously inconsistent evident by his 46-45 record and a 3.92 ERA over the past four seasons.
Those are not the kinds of numbers that warrant $22 million per year.
Santana would be lucky to get $15 million per year, considering that he would set a new precedent for pitchers if he was awarded such a lucrative contract. What's more realistic is getting a contract similar to Edwin Jackson, who signed a four-year deal worth $52 million.
I imagine pitchers like Santana, Matt Garza, Ricky Nolasco, and others will wait for one pillar to fall in order to set the price going forward. If any of these pitchers eclipse the $80 million mark that would truly be a shock to the market.
It's possible teams will ride out the free agent calamity until prices come back to Earth. Perhaps teams like the Pirates, Phillies, Brewers, or Indians will jump on one of these guys as they are in need of pitching.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Twins talking with Bronson Arroyo
The St. Paul Pioneer Press is reporting that the Twins and free-agent pitcher Bronson Arroyo are engaged in contract talks. The Twins' pitching staff was one of the worst in baseball last season and would benefit from a durable veteran like Arroyo.
Arroyo has eclipsed 200 innings in eight of the nine previous seasons, and the one season he didn't he pitched 199 innings. His numbers have actually improved across the board over the past four seasons and he hasn't missed a step, averaging 30+ appearances over the past decade.
The Giants are also believed to be interested in Arroyo and we can expect more teams to enter the mix unless the Twins are for real. At age 36, he's probably looking at a two-year deal with an option for a third, if the Twins are willing to take that chance.
He earned about $16 million last season so he is due to make about the same or maybe a bit more.
Arroyo has eclipsed 200 innings in eight of the nine previous seasons, and the one season he didn't he pitched 199 innings. His numbers have actually improved across the board over the past four seasons and he hasn't missed a step, averaging 30+ appearances over the past decade.
The Giants are also believed to be interested in Arroyo and we can expect more teams to enter the mix unless the Twins are for real. At age 36, he's probably looking at a two-year deal with an option for a third, if the Twins are willing to take that chance.
He earned about $16 million last season so he is due to make about the same or maybe a bit more.
Ubaldo Jimenez drawing interest from Blue Jays
Free agent pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez was regarded as one of the best pitchers in baseball following the 2010 season. He struggled mightily between 2011 and 2012 and many had written him off for the 2013 season.
Instead, he went 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA, 194 strikeouts, and 1.33 WHIP.
He could not have put himself in a better position to cash in this offseason in a market that is not deep in terms of starting pitching but the demand is there. His proven his durability and ability to rack up strikeouts make him even more valuable, and teams like the Blue Jays have taken notice.
The Blue Jays hoped to get something else out of Josh Johnson, but now that he hit the open market they are looking for someone that is for real. Not only would Jimenez anchor that rotation, but he would be pitching in a pitcher-friendly ballpark most of the time.
The Twins, Rockies, Cubs, and Mets could all take a look at the talented right-hander, who is probably looking at a four- to five-year deal in the range of $15 million annually.
Instead, he went 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA, 194 strikeouts, and 1.33 WHIP.
He could not have put himself in a better position to cash in this offseason in a market that is not deep in terms of starting pitching but the demand is there. His proven his durability and ability to rack up strikeouts make him even more valuable, and teams like the Blue Jays have taken notice.
The Blue Jays hoped to get something else out of Josh Johnson, but now that he hit the open market they are looking for someone that is for real. Not only would Jimenez anchor that rotation, but he would be pitching in a pitcher-friendly ballpark most of the time.
The Twins, Rockies, Cubs, and Mets could all take a look at the talented right-hander, who is probably looking at a four- to five-year deal in the range of $15 million annually.
Braves, Rays make sense for David Price trade
The Rays are expected to shop David Price this offseason and Price has reportedly come to terms with it. There are several teams that are expected to pursue Price but a lot of the interest will be determined by the Rays' asking price.
While everyone from the Rangers, Cardinals, Royals, and Dodgers are expected to be interested, the Braves appear to be in the best position to make a deal.
Not only do they have young pitching, like Alex Wood, J.R. Graham, and others, but they have solid young prospects like Christian Bethancourt who packaged together make for a great package.
The Braves' rotation is good but Price at the top and they immediately jump into the conversation as top NL team. With Medlen, Teheran, Minor, and Beachy, this rotation would be one of the best in baseball with Price leading the way.
Not to mention he would be leaping out of the toughest division in baseball into a rather pitching-friendly park.
Talks for Price will likely heat up in a month at the Winter Meetings, but don't rule out a team jumping in and trying to strike a quick deal.
While everyone from the Rangers, Cardinals, Royals, and Dodgers are expected to be interested, the Braves appear to be in the best position to make a deal.
Not only do they have young pitching, like Alex Wood, J.R. Graham, and others, but they have solid young prospects like Christian Bethancourt who packaged together make for a great package.
The Braves' rotation is good but Price at the top and they immediately jump into the conversation as top NL team. With Medlen, Teheran, Minor, and Beachy, this rotation would be one of the best in baseball with Price leading the way.
Not to mention he would be leaping out of the toughest division in baseball into a rather pitching-friendly park.
Talks for Price will likely heat up in a month at the Winter Meetings, but don't rule out a team jumping in and trying to strike a quick deal.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Rangers won't re-sign Matt Garza, could Cubs be interested?
The Rangers announced today that the team won't pursue Matt Garza this off season. After trading a boatload of talent for the right-hander, the team will simply let him walk for a different arm or an internal option.
It's possible they will look to sign a veteran to a short-term deal or make a trade for a starter, but who that could be is still unknown.
The Cubs expressed a desire to sign Matt Garza to an extension in 2012 but came into 2013 bent on trading him. It was a combination of what his price tag may be and the return the Cubs could get for him, which was important considering what they gave up for him.
The Cubs, as we know, are going to be involved in the Masahiro Tanaka posting process. They will have stiff competition from the Yankees, Dodgers, and others, but their interest is real and we can't rule them out.
If they don't land him are they still in the market for a top of the line starter?
That remains to be seen. They haven't been linked to anyone yet but it would make sense unless they change course and lock up a veteran and use the money to re-sign Jeff Samardzija.
It's possible they will look to sign a veteran to a short-term deal or make a trade for a starter, but who that could be is still unknown.
The Cubs expressed a desire to sign Matt Garza to an extension in 2012 but came into 2013 bent on trading him. It was a combination of what his price tag may be and the return the Cubs could get for him, which was important considering what they gave up for him.
The Cubs, as we know, are going to be involved in the Masahiro Tanaka posting process. They will have stiff competition from the Yankees, Dodgers, and others, but their interest is real and we can't rule them out.
If they don't land him are they still in the market for a top of the line starter?
That remains to be seen. They haven't been linked to anyone yet but it would make sense unless they change course and lock up a veteran and use the money to re-sign Jeff Samardzija.
Cubs, Tigers interested in Brian Wilson
The Tigers are interested in free-agent closer Brian Wilson, According to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and JP Morosi. The Tigers are in the market for a closer and have reportedly narrowed their search down to veterans Joe Nathan and Wilson.
Both closers would be nice additions for the Tigers and they have the money to afford either, so it will be interesting to see who they chose. Both closers have suitable styles that would fit with the clubhouse, but I'm leaning towards Joe Nathan on this one.
Not only is he familiar with the Tigers and the division, but he isn't coming off Tommy John surgery and is more mild mannered of the two. It'll be interesting to see who they sign and when.
The Cubs are also in the market for a closer; however, they appear content with going with Pedro Strop in 2014. Wilson would be the logical add for the Cubs as he could close or pitch in the late innings. The Cubs need depth in the bullpen, especially if Strop isn't the answer.
Wilson is reportedly seeking a closing gig.
Both closers would be nice additions for the Tigers and they have the money to afford either, so it will be interesting to see who they chose. Both closers have suitable styles that would fit with the clubhouse, but I'm leaning towards Joe Nathan on this one.
Not only is he familiar with the Tigers and the division, but he isn't coming off Tommy John surgery and is more mild mannered of the two. It'll be interesting to see who they sign and when.
The Cubs are also in the market for a closer; however, they appear content with going with Pedro Strop in 2014. Wilson would be the logical add for the Cubs as he could close or pitch in the late innings. The Cubs need depth in the bullpen, especially if Strop isn't the answer.
Wilson is reportedly seeking a closing gig.
Yankees may pursue Joaquin Benoit?
Yankees GM Brian Cashman did not exactly give Dave Robertson a vote of confidence as closer at the GM Meetings this week. While Robertson is the favorite to close following the retirement of Mariano Rivera, nothing is guaranteed.
One of those guys may be Joaquin Benoit, who is drawing interest in a variety of roles but may seek out a closer role. Benoit posted a 2.01 ERA and 24 saves in 67 innings for the Tigers, but is a more versatile reliever than closer.
If the Yankees were to sign him, he could compete for the job with Robertson or fill-in as needed with Robertson at closer. There are some closers on the market who could be had at a relatively cheap price, but they come with risks.
Edward Mujica, Kevin Gregg, and Grant Balfour are all closers that are on the market and likely to be pitching with new teams in 2014. The Yankees need to make a move because they have a lot of issues to resolve before spring training.
“I’m not sure if Robertson is capable yet. He’s never done that before,” Cashman said. “I think he’s earned the right to take a shot at it, and he very well may be the guy. But we’re not anointing him the guy."The Yankees will definitely be in the market for relief pitchers, especially if they can't re-sign Boone Logan or Joba Chamberlain. They also have a slew of other free agents, so they may look to bring in some new faces.
One of those guys may be Joaquin Benoit, who is drawing interest in a variety of roles but may seek out a closer role. Benoit posted a 2.01 ERA and 24 saves in 67 innings for the Tigers, but is a more versatile reliever than closer.
If the Yankees were to sign him, he could compete for the job with Robertson or fill-in as needed with Robertson at closer. There are some closers on the market who could be had at a relatively cheap price, but they come with risks.
Edward Mujica, Kevin Gregg, and Grant Balfour are all closers that are on the market and likely to be pitching with new teams in 2014. The Yankees need to make a move because they have a lot of issues to resolve before spring training.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)