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MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Frayed Knot Nov 12 2014 06:17 PM

Looks like Detroit gets things started by re-upping with DH Victor Martinez for four more years. $68 is the reported amount, nothing official, physical still pending, blah, blah.

sharpie Nov 14 2014 02:33 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

AJ Burnett back to the Pirates for $8 mil, $4.5 less than what the Phils had offered to keep him.

Frayed Knot Nov 17 2014 11:00 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

sharpie wrote: AJ Burnett back to the Pirates for $8 mil, $4.5 less than what the Phils had offered to keep him. Perhaps the soon to be 38 y/o Burnett didn't want to be the young kid on the Philly roster. In the meantime: Russell Martin --->>> Toronto Blue Jays --->>> Five Years!!! ... although he's only 31 (32 by OD) I would have guessed a bit older than that.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 17 2014 11:56 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Josh Thole could be out of work.

Lefty Specialist Nov 17 2014 12:54 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Josh Thole could be out of work. Isn't he R.A.'s designated catcher, though?

Frayed Knot Nov 17 2014 01:10 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Lefty Specialist wrote: John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Josh Thole could be out of work. Isn't he R.A.'s designated catcher, though? Yup. Thole caught every one of Dickey's 34 starts this season and was in the starting lineup for only 8 games where RAD was NOT on the mound. Now Martin's got a good rep for D so maybe that changes, or maybe they stick with it and just decide that Dickey starts will be Martin's day-off/DH/1B days. Dickey has one year remaining on his deal plus an option.

Lefty Specialist Nov 19 2014 06:04 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Billy Butler, late of your American League Champion Kansas City Royals (I will never get tired of that) signs with the A's for 3 yrs/$30 mil. http://www.mlbdailyrumors.com/the-lates ... -athletics

Edgy MD Nov 21 2014 06:34 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Division gets a little weaker as Adam LaRoche jumps to the American League, leaving the Nats and bypassing the Marlins and becoming a Chicago White Stocking.

d'Kong76 Nov 21 2014 06:42 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Good riddance!

Fman99 Nov 21 2014 07:24 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

d'Kong76 wrote: Good riddance! Seriously. I'm tired of watching this a-hole go yard against the good guys.

MFS62 Nov 21 2014 08:43 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

I'm sooooo f'n happy that he signed with an AL club. There's still a chance the Mets could play his team a few times each year. The only thing that would have made me happier would have been if he had signed with Team Cuba. Later

Lefty Specialist Nov 22 2014 04:18 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

6 HR, 18 RBI in 53 AB's against the Mets last year. Yeah, I'm glad to see him go. Guess Zimmerman slides over to first now.

Frayed Knot Nov 22 2014 06:06 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

The Chicago White Sox: where Washington Nationals 1st baseman go to grow old. LaRoche, who replaced Adam Dunn in Washington, now succeeds him on the Windy City's south side (although Dunn mostly DH'd). For the ChiSox sake you hope he fares a bit better than Dunn's 3-1/2 seasons worth of: .201/.321/.410 The good news is that, unlike Dunn, at least LaRoche can field. The bad news is that, despite the fact that the one is retiring while the other is still going strong, the two are almost exactly the same age (born just three days apart) meaning that LaRoche will be a full four years older at the time of his first game for Chicago. Zimmerman sliding over to 1B has been the Nats plan all along and now that his injuries & throwing problems have coincided with the rapid emergence of Rendon it all fell into place. It's why they only gave LaRoche a two-year deal plus an option the last time he was up for FA and why they didn't pick up the fairly reasonable option even though he was still playing well. He would have stayed there but the Nats made no effort.

Frayed Knot Nov 24 2014 06:04 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

FOX is reporting that Hanley Ramirez is headed to Boston on a five year deal. If so it's back to where he started - Nine years to the day after he was sent away. Originally signed by Boston as a teenager in 2000, he got 2 ABs for the Sox before being dealt to Florida in the Josh Beckett* deal on Nov 24, 2005. * Beckett plus Mike Lowell and Guillermo Moto, for Ramirez, Jesus Delgado, Harvey Garcia, and Anibal Sanchez. Pretty nice deal for both sides.

d'Kong76 Nov 24 2014 06:08 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Hey Man! is saying Sandoval too ... sweet Mary and Joseph!!

Frayed Knot Nov 24 2014 06:09 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

And now CBS Sports (Heyman) is reporting Panda to the Sox for five years as well. Now all that remains is seeing how long it takes ESPN to claim credit for breaking both stories.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 24 2014 06:11 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Also out there that Panda is signing a 5 year/102M deal with the Bosox. Wonder if they now trade Boegarts. For Niese or something along those lines.

d'Kong76 Nov 24 2014 06:12 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon ... gent-sweep

Frayed Knot Nov 24 2014 06:26 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Wonder if they now trade Boegarts. For Niese or something along those lines. Not sure if they plan on using Hanley at SS or not. I think that he'll eventually move is a given, whether that starts this year or not is the question that may affect the future of Bogaerts.

Edgy MD Nov 24 2014 07:30 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Well they just planted a large sleepy Chinese mammal at third base. Very hard to displace those.

Frayed Knot Nov 24 2014 07:42 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

I'd put him in LF. Their OF was a mess last season* and, with that wall out there, LF is kind of a hybrid IF/OF position anyway. The Cepedes trade watch is now on. * They appear to have used 13 different players out there in a mishmash of position switching where only one guy got as many as 60 starts in any one spot - that was Jackie Bradley in CF (105 starts) and he hit a whopping .198

Mets – Willets Point Nov 24 2014 08:51 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

I'm getting a Crawford/Gonzalez vibe from these moves.

Frayed Knot Nov 24 2014 09:15 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Mets – Willets Point wrote: I'm getting a Crawford/Gonzalez vibe from these moves. Similar 'BIG' names at similar ages. The part that's smarter/less-risky about these new deals is that they're (reportedly) for five years each rather than seven.

Edgy MD Nov 25 2014 05:00 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

The Red Sox release announces that they've signed "LEFT FIELDER HANLEY RAMIREZ." That settles that, I guess.

Frayed Knot Nov 26 2014 06:25 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Yeah, supposedly Cepedes has agreed to move to RF -- something he pointedly refused to do following the mid-season trade which brought him to Boston -- but I think he's more likely to be in a different city before this hot season stuff is all over. And the perhaps the longer-term plan is that Hanley moves to 3B in a few year when Panda replaces Papi at DH.

Edgy MD Nov 26 2014 07:11 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

That "in a few year" can turn to a matter of months or even weeks. Papi is always one stride away from a knee blowout, DH or not.

Mets – Willets Point Nov 26 2014 07:57 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Before this, I'd assumed Cespedes was the DHeir apparent.

MFS62 Nov 26 2014 08:43 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Edgy MD wrote: That "in a few year" can turn to a matter of months or even weeks. Papi is always one stride away from a knee blowout, DH or not. And Panda can fit nicely into Papi's shoes. And his uniform if they let it out a bit. Later

Frayed Knot Nov 26 2014 10:20 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Mets – Willets Point wrote: Before this, I'd assumed Cespedes was the DHeir apparent. Not ideally. Cespedes was a Gold Glove finalist this year. He also has a great arm which is why it was frustrating for the Sox when he wouldn't move to RF. That "in a few year" can turn to a matter of months or even weeks. Papi is always one stride away from a knee blowout, DH or not. Papi is certainly going to fall apart one of these years, but he's been remarkably durable since landing a full time job some dozen years ago; 600+ PAs in nine of the last eleven seasons. Is signed thru 2015 but with vesting options for 16 and a team one for '17 at less than top-shelf rates so he may be around for a while yet.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 26 2014 03:43 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Cuban OF sensation Yasmany Tomas signs with the DBaggs.

Frayed Knot Nov 26 2014 06:20 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

He was the higher-ceiling though less certain, the more expensive in $$ and years though not requiring a draft pick, alternative to Cuddyer. I suppose only time will tell if not pursuing him was the more prudent move or just the cheap-ass cop-out one.

Centerfield Nov 26 2014 06:51 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

6 year, $68 million. Pretty reasonable. At that price point, it's disappointing that the Mets were not in play.

Frayed Knot Nov 26 2014 06:55 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Centerfield wrote: 6 year, $68 million. Pretty reasonable. At that price point, it's disappointing that the Mets were not in play. Well, "reasonable" depends on how good he turns out to be. Not everyone from Cuba is going to be as good as Puig or Abreu or be as ready to hit the ground running as they were even if he does turn out to be good. That's why I'm saying that Cuddyer is the less risky move even if he has less upside.

Centerfield Nov 26 2014 07:00 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Certainly less risky. Especially since Cuddyer played in Colorado, which is almost the equivalent of playing in the Major Leagues. Still, for a guy who scouts say has so much raw power, it's disappointing they didn't make a run. He costs about as much as Granderson.

bmfc1 Nov 26 2014 07:55 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

And he wouldn't have cost the Mets a draft pick, a player in return, or the cost of developing him in the minors.

Frayed Knot Nov 26 2014 07:58 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

I think what not just the non-signing but the lack of interest in this case shows is that, until they can get some winning, and therefore a bump in attendance, and therefore some increased revenue under their belts, they're going to remain in a risk-averse mode for a while.

Ashie62 Nov 26 2014 08:02 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Maybe they are waiting to close on Boston SS Xander Bogaerts.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Nov 26 2014 08:08 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

I wonder if Panda's defection to Boston opens up a landing spot for Muffy. Could definitely play third there.

Frayed Knot Nov 27 2014 06:38 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Muffy & Tejada for Brandon Crawford ... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR SANDY?!?!?!

Ashie62 Nov 27 2014 10:10 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Frayed Knot wrote: I think what not just the non-signing but the lack of interest in this case shows is that, until they can get some winning, and therefore a bump in attendance, and therefore some increased revenue under their belts, they're going to remain in a risk-averse mode for a while. They may not get the winning and other good stuff until the risk/averse mentality changes first.

MFS62 Nov 27 2014 11:32 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Frayed Knot wrote: Muffy & Tejada for Brandon Crawford ... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR SANDY?!?!?! Huh? http://www.baseball-reference.com/playe ... br01.shtml Just, .... huh? 4 seasons, over 1800 PA, minus in OPS. For that, he'd have to be the second coming on Ozzie Smith. And he ain't. Hope you were joking. Later

Edgy MD Nov 27 2014 12:54 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

What do you mean by "minus in OPS"? I don't know if he's worth Murphy and Tejada, but Crawford's alright.

MFS62 Nov 27 2014 01:19 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Edgy MD wrote: What do you mean by "minus in OPS"? Less than 100. (I think that means less than league average) IMO, Murphy plus Tejada is too much to give up for him. Later

Frayed Knot Nov 27 2014 01:35 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Nov 27 2014 09:17 PM

Hope you were joking. Just kind of blurted out the first thing that came to my mind more than anything, BUT ... Crawford is a 27 y/o SS with a plus-glove and is under team control for the next three years being swapped (in this theoretical example) for the guy who would lose his job anyway if we did this trade plus Muffy who could walk in a year. Just my opinion, but I think it's the Giants who would say no to that deal first.

Edgy MD Nov 27 2014 02:45 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

MFS62 wrote: Edgy MD wrote: What do you mean by "minus in OPS"? Less than 100. (I think that means less than league average) IMO, Murphy plus Tejada is too much to give up for him. Later Less than league average ain't minus. I wouldn't make too much of that. Murphy's was only seven points higher in an All-Star year, and the standard is different for a shortstop, and Crawford's a good-fielding shortstop. I'm not agitating for a trade, but Crawford's a good player that I wouldn't hate to see on my team.

sharpie Dec 01 2014 09:01 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Nelson Cruz to Mariners. 4 years/$57 mil.

Frayed Knot Dec 01 2014 10:28 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

sharpie wrote: Nelson Cruz to Mariners. 4 years/$57 mil. BAM!! Seattle has seemed like they've just been itching to spend money to buttress things up since the Cano signing, and after jumping from a couple of 70-some win seasons to 87 last year they seem now to be in full go-for-it mode. This may all work out but it's also part of the trap when you sign a guy to a huge deal, you suddenly find yourself under the gun to double down again and again during the time that he's there. The M's have now had three straight years where they've signed someone to a contract worth over $100mil [Cano, then re-upped King Felix, and last week inked their young IF Kyle Seager to a lengthy deal). Here they go with a more modest deal in terms of years and money, but it's also to a 34 y/o DH.

Edgy MD Dec 01 2014 11:57 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

The Beltran trap.

Frayed Knot Dec 01 2014 12:14 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

I was thinking more of Piazza, but either one works to some degree. The most dangerous case is where you acquire the high-priced guy while still a losing team rather than as a final piece to the puzzle and then are forced to continue to import pieces to put around him. That's why I thought of Piazza (but he gave them an identity!!) in conjunction with Cano.

Frayed Knot Dec 03 2014 07:05 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Toriiii Hunter returns to Minnesota on a 1-year deal. He'll turn 40 on July 18th which will be six days after the 22nd anniversary of him first signing with the Twins as their 1st round (20th overall) draft pick.

Edgy MD Dec 03 2014 05:20 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

MLB columnist Phil Rogers praised the move, saying the deal was about loyalty and character. Hunter demonstrated Rogers' point by insulting statistical analysts and calling a reporter a prick at his re-introductory press conference.

seawolf17 Dec 05 2014 02:07 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

The Yankees are paying $9M a year for a LOOGY: http://nyyfans.com/yankees/yankees-to-s ... lion-deal/

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 05 2014 02:12 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Four year deals for relief pitchers are always great ideas. Signed, Omar Minaya

Frayed Knot Dec 05 2014 02:54 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Dec 06 2014 07:04 AM

Matching this FA to that team was the easiest lay-up of the winter this year. Miller was once a top prospect who seems to have found his niche in the pen and is more than just a LOOGY (lower BAA vs RHBs over the last two seasons). But, yeah, four year deals to 30 y/o relievers (turns 30 in May) are dicier even than other long-term pitching contracts. Be interesting to see how hard the Yanx ride him as, even with the lack of splits, he's still been averaging less than 1.0 inning per/appearance when, given his size (6' 7") and background as a starter, you'd think he was capable of more batters/game a la the way they used Mariano early in his career and then Betances last year. Also, if the size of this deal signals that they're going to walk away from Robertson and his FA demands, they'll likely move Betances to closer and have Miller set-up at which point they couldn't keep him to just a one or two out guy.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 05 2014 11:47 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

After making adjustments to his motion two years ago, Miller's been a very nice piece (at 14-plus K/9 over the last two years), but man... at that price, each of those 50 innings he'll pitch yearly will have to be, like, super-pretty. I mean, for just a few million more per year, they could have bought an older starting outfielder with a bulging-disc issue.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 06 2014 07:34 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

I suppose cleverest interpretation is that it could be looked at as getting a "closer" for "sub-closer" money. Robertson is looking at the same payday or more based on "experience" and guys like Papelbon are making considerably more.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 06 2014 09:05 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Yabbut, splashing on relief-- whether closer or non-closer-closer-- is a going-from-88-to-92-wins kinda move. I s'pose the MFY braintrust is contractually obligated to view their chances that way, but... well...

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 06 2014 09:53 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Oh, totally agree this is a move essentially about the MFYs explouting financial might above anything else. And it assumes the MFYs will acquire whatever else they lack with additional big spending. I mean, F them.

Frayed Knot Dec 06 2014 10:53 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Yeah, they essentially have to spend money, if for no other reason than just the fear of looking passive and having to answer for it. But ... - they can't do much on position players, both from being already locked into contracts they either can't or don't want to move [Teixeira, McCann, ARod, Ellsbury, Beltran, Gardner] and from there being fewer of those on the open market this winter. And trading for big chips [Kemp, etc.] is a problem because they don't have much to trade. If they spend anywhere on the lineup this winter it was probably going to be re-signing Chase Headley but there are stories out there of him already having a $50 million offer on the table from someone (maybe the Yanx, maybe someone else). So they probably reason that a big contract for a reliever is safer/saner/shorter/cheaper than bidding on a six or seven year deal for one of the big starters out there [Lester, Scherzer, Shields] and that, even though their rotation needs as much help as anything, they're hoping that a Royals-like approach to the pen can compensate for a mediocre rotation. And, really, if you can't copy the business plan of the team who just made the post-season for the first time in three decades, what's the point of even playing?

Frayed Knot Dec 08 2014 02:00 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Jason Hammel, the other pitcher sent to the A's w/Jeff Samardzjia in last summer's blockbuster deal, returns to the Cubs on a 2-year deal.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 09 2014 05:23 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

David Robertson bolts MFYs for Chisox 4/46. This is what I was saying about the Miller deal. Now the MFYs can slide him in as "closer" and save $2.5M a year vs. some peers plus they get a draft pick.

Frayed Knot Dec 09 2014 06:06 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Or they slide Betances to the closer spot and have Miller set-up for him - something that would mean reducing the innings of their best pitcher from last year (Betances, who threw 90 in 2013) and upping Miller's who has averaged just 46/yr since 2010. Either way they figure to have themselves a good one-two punch without the expense of Robertson and adding a much-needed pick, although I'm sure someone will bring up the caveat that both guys are still suspect as neither one has proven themselves as 'CLOSER'.

Frayed Knot Dec 09 2014 06:08 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Meanwhile, in addition to Robertson, the White Sox have apparently have also landed Jeff Samardzija from the A's in a trade for three young players.

Edgy MD Dec 09 2014 06:24 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

And Jon Harper gets to write a stupid see-I-was-right! followup to his stupid column saying the Mets were wussies if they didn't sign Robertson.

Frayed Knot Dec 13 2014 12:26 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Ervin Santana to the Twins for four years.

Edgy MD Dec 13 2014 01:54 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Speaking of the Twins and Santana, any rumors of a landing place for Johan? Figure his next deal is almost certainly going to be of the minor league variety.

Frayed Knot Dec 13 2014 03:14 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

I actually saw a brief rumor a few days back about that Santana and ... the Twins!, but at the same time it sounded quite far from being a reality.

Frayed Knot Dec 14 2014 06:31 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Melky Cabrera continues to put up some nice offensive numbers but, while doing so, will join his sixth club in seven years thanks to his new three year FA deal with the ChiSox Starting with his 4th season in the Bronx in 2009, he went from the Yanx - Braves - Royals - Giants - Jays - and now White Sox. That includes two trades, one release, and now three FA deals.

Vic Sage Dec 14 2014 08:48 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Between the Cubs and ChiSox, Chicago has been a hub of baseball activity this off-season.

Frayed Knot Dec 14 2014 09:15 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

The difference seems to be that the Cubs are doing so on the cusp of an upswing [61 wins in 2012, to 69, to 73] and what seems almost universally considered to be the strongest farm system in MLB right now; while the ChiSox, also off a 73 win season, seem to be doing all this adding with a hope that the additions will take a bad team and jump-start it to the top of their division. That latter strategy rarely works. Plus, are a 35 y/o 1B (LaRoche), a closer, a one-year sorta-ace (Samardzija), and someone named Melky really the formula to long-term success?

Vic Sage Dec 15 2014 08:56 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

i said they were active, i didn't say they were smart.

Frayed Knot Dec 15 2014 09:56 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Chase Headley looks like he'll stay with the Yanx for another four years.

Frayed Knot Dec 16 2014 07:20 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Alex Rios to KC for one year Also Brian Anderson goes to the Dodgers on a one-year deal at $10 million plus incentives. Now I heard this yesterday and immediately had trouble remembering who Anderson even was. Turns out he's a soon-to-be 27 y/o LHP who was with Oakland for five season and then pitched in 2014 for Colorado. His career numbers are OK but nothing outstanding: 3.73 ERA, 1.29 WHiP. So why is he so anonymous? -- maybe because he's managed all of 81 starts (plus 11 relief appearances) over those six seasons with nearly 1/3 of them (30) coming as a rookie back in 2009. His start numbers have gone from 30 that first year, down to 19, then 13, 6, 5, and 8. The problem, needless to say, has been a string of injuries including TJ surgery in 2011 and other presumably unrelated ones since including a broken finger and back surgery. So this, apparently, is what $10 mil buys you these days (and maybe more depending on the specifics of the incentives): a guy who's started 30 games over the last three seasons and has won all of 27 in his career (vs 32 losses). It's one of several examples I've noticed to indicate that, despite what seems to be repeated as if a universally agreed upon fact, Bartolo is hardly overpaid on his now one-year deal.

Vic Sage Dec 16 2014 07:49 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

yeah, agreed about Colon. 1yr/$11m is not bad at all for his performance last year and what he is likely to do again this year. Sure, at age 41 he may just fall apart, but so might any pitcher at any moment. I have no problems with his contract, and i'm not sure why other teams in need of an innings (and buffet) eating #3-#4 starter aren't offering a prospect for him. Or maybe they are but Sandy's just waiting for the teams looking for a rental in July for the stretch run. I'm more confident in him than i am in Gee.

Edgy MD Dec 16 2014 08:04 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Frayed Knot wrote: Chase Headley looks like he'll stay with the Yanx for another four years. This sure seems like a Luis Castillo of a move.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 16 2014 08:28 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

On the one hand the MFYs are doing very dumb things with Miller and Headley and on another they might be getting relative bargains if things go right for them. Sandoval is the better player, younger, and with a better track record but is that a $40 million difference over the same term?

A Boy Named Seo Dec 16 2014 08:29 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Michael Morse to the effing Marlins. Those punks better not win a GD wild card.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 16 2014 08:30 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Eff Morse and eff the Marlins. I can see Dee Gordon becoming one of those irritating Juan Pierre types but that club don't scare me none.

seawolf17 Dec 16 2014 08:33 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Eff Morse and eff the Marlins. I can see Dee Gordon becoming one of those irritating Juan Pierre types but that club don't scare me none. "I haunt your nightmares, Lunchy."

Mets – Willets Point Dec 16 2014 09:56 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: On the one hand the MFYs are doing very dumb things with Miller and Headley and on another they might be getting relative bargains if things go right for them. Don't things almost always go right for them?

Frayed Knot Dec 16 2014 10:09 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Edgy MD wrote: Chase Headley looks like he'll stay with the Yanx for another four years. This sure seems like a Luis Castillo of a move. The thing about Headley is what an outlier 2012 was for him - specifically the power spike. He never hit more than 13 HRs in any season except for 2012 when he suddenly exploded for 31 in a pitcher friendly park and finished 5th in MVP with an AS appearance and Silver Slugger award. Last year he had what seems like the usual jump in stats after getting traded to the Yanx in mid-season: up 33 points in BA, 85 in OBA, but unless that small sample size is a sign of things to come then, yeah, it does have a whiff of Castillo to it. The more interesting thing it that Cashman said, pre-signing, that if he did sign Headley it was to be the full-time 3B leaving ARod competing for DH ABs with the likes of Teixeira, Beltran, McCann and whoever, plus maybe the occasional 1B start - and is STILL signed for another three years!!

Mets – Willets Point Dec 16 2014 10:55 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

I still want them to move A-Rod to SS, just to see hear the collective gasps from the Jeterites.

sharpie Dec 16 2014 11:56 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

MFYs also sign ex-Met Chris Capuano.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Dec 16 2014 12:20 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

LOL

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Dec 16 2014 04:42 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Re-up, isn't it? I remember him playing out the string with them last September.

Frayed Knot Jan 06 2015 09:19 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Stephen Drew looks like he's returning to the Skanks

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 06 2015 09:50 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

LOLOLLOL

G-Fafif Jan 06 2015 10:04 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Good move. Drew can show them his Ring and teach them how to Win.

Edgy MD Jan 07 2015 06:25 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

They seem very committed to bringing back the heart of last year's team.

Frayed Knot Jan 07 2015 06:49 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

One can't underestimate the nostalgia for the Healey/Drew/C.Young era, each added so many weeks of memories to Yanqui lore.

Benjamin Grimm Jan 07 2015 08:41 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Maybe they figure there's value in keeping as many players as possible who were teammates of Derek Jeter.

Edgy MD Jan 21 2015 02:26 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Santana setback. Shoulders just don't want to do what pitchers ask them to do. Probably would have hap'd anyhow, but that was one costly no-hitter.

Ashie62 Jan 21 2015 02:50 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Didn't realize he has missed two full seasons and tore his achillies to boot. All signs point to retirement.

Edgy MD Feb 08 2015 07:47 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Nate Schierholtz to Texas. Or perhaps more likely to Round Rock, as it's a minor league deal. Man did he shovel a lot of crap for the Cubs last year. Did alright after moving to Washington, though. Got some hits down the stretch against the Mets. I'm ashamed at how much I enjoy seeing guys fail for the Cubs.

G-Fafif Feb 09 2015 05:39 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Feb 09 2015 06:51 AM

James Shields always wanted to be a Padre, presumably, and now he is, reportedly for the next four years, between $72-78 mil. Big Game, indeed.

Edgy MD Feb 09 2015 06:14 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

The Padres had already declared themselves offseason winners. Let's see if one of their Western opponents goes trawling for the elusive Geefish now.

A Boy Named Seo Feb 09 2015 09:07 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

The Padres have hands-down been the most boring team in baseball for me for a while. And I would just re-anoint them 'most boring' every year without consideration because considering them would be too boring a task. But with Kemp, Upton, Shields, Wil Myers, Derek Norris, Wil Middlebrooks, they're now very much a top 10 team to check out on Extra Innings package. Maybe top 5.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Feb 09 2015 09:31 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

I'm suspicious of these teams that try to revamp too dramatically all at once. Pads and White Sox have done it this year, Seattle tried last year, Blue Jays the year before, Mets a few times in their history. Some of them will work but many won't.

A Boy Named Seo Feb 09 2015 09:47 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Definitely. The potential train-wreck factor makes them all the more intriguing.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 09 2015 01:19 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

So, will that make midseason Marlins-Pods series doubly intriguing?

A Boy Named Seo Feb 10 2015 12:28 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Nah, Marlins got some new stuff, but not good stuff. Plus they never intrigue me, ever.

Edgy MD Feb 18 2015 08:29 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Orioles supposedly near a one-year, $2.4 million deal with Everth Cabrera, killing a Mets dream or two.

Edgy MD Feb 24 2015 11:43 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Joba to the Tigers for a year and a cool million.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Feb 24 2015 12:20 PM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Puts up a value-laden 60-odd innings... and gets a 60% pay cut? Tough times for the modern short-relieving righty.

Frayed Knot Feb 26 2015 09:43 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Francisco Rodriguez back to the Brewers - 2 years plus an option. Seems like he's been around forever but just turned 33 y/o

Edgy MD Apr 06 2015 07:48 AM Re: MLB FA signings (non NYM variety) 2014-15

Yasmany Tomas farmed out to open the season by a Diamondbacks team who appear to have given up on him being a third baseman. 'Backs also release Cody Ross.