Individuals who don’t follow the Los Angeles Dodgers might not realize that they finished the 2011 season at 82-79. Considering all of the problems the franchise faced, it wasn’t that bad. After all, the 1973 New York Mets once won the pennant with an identical record.
Andre Ethier missed almost half of the season, and he played injured for almost all of the rest. A healthy Ethier would have made quite a difference, especially since the Dodgers finished only three-and-a-half games behind the second place San Francisco Giants.
There is a little-known award sanctioned by MLB called the “MLB Clutch Performer of the Year Award.” It is presented to the individuals that fans vote as the player who performs best when the game is on the line. Ethier won it in 2009.
He led the majors with six game-winning hits, including four home runs, which tied the record for game-winning home runs. The Boston Red Sox’s Jimmy Foxx did it in 1940 and Roy Sievers of the Washington Senators tied it in 1957.
Ethier explained his mindset to Ken Gurnic of MLB.com after his home run beat the Colorado Rockies on June 29, 2009.
“It’s just about having fun and enjoying the moment. In a situation like that, it’s just about emotion and excitement. You can see the energy going into the situation and one swing can end the game. I’ve just been trying to learn to balance that energy.”
Ethier batted only .272 that season, but he hit 31 home runs and drove in 106 runs while slugging .508.
From his rookie season in 2006 through 2010, he batted .291/.363/.491, averaging 23 home runs and 87 RBIs over a 162-game season.
Late this past August, Ethier and the Dodgers clarified a statement he had made to columnist T.J.Simers. A chronic knee injury had a major impact on Ethier’s swing, cutting into his effectiveness as a hitter.
“They know,” Ethier said Saturday. “But they’ve told me, ‘Grin and bear it.’”
Manager Don Mattingly responded.
“I’d rather lose my job and us not win than put a guy out there that has a chance of hurting himself and doing something that would affect his career in a long-term way in any shape or form, especially if he says, ‘Hey, I can’t go,’” Mattingly said.
Ethier backed down
“It’s always been my choice to keep playing and keep going, They’ve never said, ‘We don’t think you can or you can’t play.’ It’s always been they’ve said, ‘Hey, you’ve obviously put up with this and it’s at your discretion.’”
In September, Ethier had arthroscopic knee surgery. Drew Silver of NBC Sports reported that a full recovery was expected.
The Dodgers should improve in 2012 merely by having Ethier on for a full season. With him and Matt Kemp, they have two of the better outfielders in baseball.
The MLB offseason is often referred to as the “hot stove league,” and for good reason.
Taken literally, hot stove refers to the winter months when baseball fans are huddled in front of a warm, cozy fire in the dead of winter, imagining the upcoming season and how their favorite team will fare in the upcoming months.
It’s also a time when the MLB offseason literally turns into another league, but this time it’s not the players themselves participating, it’s the owners and general managers who are playing. General managers can make or break their team’s destiny for the coming year and beyond by the decisions they make in the offseason, and for that reason, the “hot stove league” is in many ways just as important as the MLB regular season.
Trades and free agent signings are the main topic of discussion around warm, cozy fires for baseball fans, wondering about which players their particular teams covet, who they might be enticing with a free agent offer, and which players they may decide to go after via trade. For the most rabid of baseball fans, the hot stove league is what keeps them going during the harsh winter months.
Inevitably, each MLB offseason also brings transactions that make fans cringe (Barry Zito, anyone?), and they hope beyond hope that their particular team isn’t guilty of making that mistake.
With all of the speculation regarding where players are headed and various prognosticators who give their “expert” opinions on where players may end up, we at Bleacher Report decided to take a look at the worst-case scenario for each team—that one big rumor about a particular player that has them completely freaked out.
Note: While the title suggests we’re only talking about free agent rumors, we will also look at scenarios involving possible trades and possible non-signings as well.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Signing Free Agent Pitcher Roy Oswalt
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There are just a couple of top-tier free agent pitchers on the open market this offseason, chief among them Mark Buehrle and C.J. Wilson. However, former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Oswalt is also a free agent, and rumors had the Arizona Diamondbacks showing interest at one point.
D-Backs fans couldn’t possibly want to see GM Kevin Towers follow through with signing Oswalt. The D-Backs are loaded with top-tier pitching prospects in Jarrod Parker, Tyler Skaggs, Pat Corbin and Trevor Bauer, and all of them will be impacting the big club within the next year or two.
Signing Oswalt, who is coming off a season in which back issues sidelined him for over two months, would certainly get in the way of at least one of those prospects, and with a rotation that already features Ian Kennedy, Daniel Hudson and Josh Collmenter, pitching does not appear to be an immediate need.
Atlanta Braves: Signing Free Agent Jose Reyes
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With the Atlanta Braves trading pitcher Derek Lowe to the Cleveland Indians and ridding themselves of $5 million of his salary, combined with rumors that the Braves are interested in trading both Jair Jurrjens and Martin Prado, some are speculating whether or not the Braves are attempting to clear salary space in an effort to sign free agent shortstop Jose Reyes.
While the Braves are definitely in need of a shortstop for the 2012 season, they already have a stud shortstop prospect in Tyler Pastornicky who should be ready for the majors by the start of the 2013 season. Signing Reyes to any long-term contract makes no sense whatsoever.
There is no question the Braves are hesitant in bringing Alex Gonzalez and his sub-.300 on-base percentage back, but there are certainly other temporary and much less expensive options at shortstop that they can explore, acting as a bridge to Pastornicky.
Baltimore Orioles: Trading Center Fielder Adam Jones
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There are certainly times when trading one of your top players makes sense, especially if that player can bring back value that could bear fruit for years to come. However, there are also times when trading your star player makes no sense whatsoever, and in the case of the Baltimore Orioles, trading center fielder Adam Jones would be one of those nonsensical deals.
CSNBaltimore.com columnist Rich Dubroff recently explored the possibility of trading Jones, who is coming off a stellar season during which he was one of the lone bright spots for the O’s. With a line of .280/.319/.466 along with 26 doubles, 25 home runs and 83 RBI, Jones has established himself as the current face of the Orioles franchise. For a team that has now suffered through 14 consecutive losing seasons, hopefully GM Dan Duquette will realize that Jones is the type of player that a team can be built around, and together with Matt Wieters and Nick Markakis, Duquette already has several pieces in place.
Trading Jones would only lead to another complete rebuilding process, and more nameless faces that Orioles fans are getting tired of.
Boston Red Sox: Trading for Houston Astros Pitcher Wandy Rodriguez
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The Boston Red Sox are clearly in the market for starting pitching, with John Lackey out for the entire 2012 recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Daisuke Matsuzaka out until at least the All-Star break for the same reason.
One rumor has the Sox as one of the teams interested in Houston Astros pitcher Wandy Rodriguez, and just the rumor alone should make Sox fans cringe.
While Rodriguez carries a decent 4.07 lifetime ERA, including four straight seasons with an ERA under 4.00, his interleague ERA is considerably higher at 5.25, having given up 21 home runs in 22 interleague starts.
Rodriguez clearly has a repertoire much better suited for the National League, and with $25.5 million left on Rodriguez’ contract through the 2013 season, the Sox could definitely find a better investment.
Chicago Cubs: Keeping Starting Pitcher Carlos Zambrano
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Over the past several seasons now, the Chicago Cubs and their fans have had to put up with the immature rantings and childish acts of starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano.
With a new management team in place, the best thing the Cubs can do is find any willing partner that is willing to take a chance on Zambrano, even if the Cubs have to throw a sizeable chunk of Zambrano’s salary in the deal as well.
After Zambrano walked out on the team last season, the last thing the Cubs need with a new management team in place is any undue strife or lingering resentment.
Chicago White Sox: Trading Both John Danks and Gavin Floyd
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The Chicago White Sox are almost a lock not to re-sign free agent pitcher Mark Buerhle, despite Buehrle’s 12 seasons and 161 wins in a White Sox uniform. However, if current rumors persist, the White Sox could be losing a lot more as well.
Starting pitchers John Danks and Gavin Floyd have both been mentioned in various rumors, and if GM Kenny Williams listens to and accepts offers for both of them, the White Sox will be in a whole lot more trouble than they are right now.
The White Sox are counting on Jake Peavy to return to form, and are transitioning Chris Sale to the starting rotation. Even if both pitchers are able to put together successful seasons, losing Buerhle, Danks and Floyd would still be a major blow to a rotation that has no clear ace and will have a whole lot of question marks.
Cincinnati Reds: Trading First Baseman Joey Votto
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The Cincinnati Reds were clearly a major disappointment in 2011 after winning the NL Central title in 2010 for their first playoff appearance in 15 years. The Reds didn’t lack for offense however, as starting pitching was the main culprit.
Rumors have the Reds trading first baseman Joey Votto, the 2010 NL MVP. This is going on despite the fact that GM Walt Jocketty has stated on numerous occasions that Votto is not available.
The general consensus has been that Votto will become too expensive for the Reds when his current contract expires in 2013, and that they have a possible replacement in prospect Yonder Alonso. However, Votto has become the face of the Reds’ franchise, along with second baseman Brandon Phillips. Jocketty would no doubt be crucified if Votto left town.
Cleveland Indians: Signing Free Agent First Baseman Carlos Pena
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The Cleveland Indians would love to find a first baseman that can provide better production that what Matt LaPorta gave them in 2010, and there are certainly some intriguing high-priced options out there this offseason, namely Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.
While Pujols and Fielder are likely too expensive for the mid-market Indians, one name that has also popped up in recent rumors is someone who should be avoided as well—Carlos Pena.
Pena, who spent last season with the Chicago Cubs on a one-year, $10 million deal, hit 22 points lower than LaPorta at .225. While his 28 HR and 80 RBI are certainly more than what LaPorta provided, the Indians don’t need an all-or-nothing option at first base, especially if it’s going to cost upwards of $8-10 million per season.
Colorado Rockies: Signing Free Agent Left Fielder Milton Bradley
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One thing that the Colorado Rockies have always been known for is having high-character players on their team. Rare has been the time that the Rockies have raised eyebrows with a particular signing of a player. That’s why their apparent interest in free agent outfielder Milton Bradley goes completely against the grain.
Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times tweeted two weeks ago that the Rockies met with the agent for Bradley, who played in just 28 games last season for the Seattle Mariners before being designated for assignment.
With Bradley’s documented history of abhorrent behavior, why would the Rockies even be interested? The Rockies are clearly looking for outfield help, but Bradley is definitely not the answer.
Detroit Tigers: Trading for Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher Cole Hamels
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The Detroit Tigers already have one of the best pitching staffs in the major leagues, with 2011 Cy Young and MVP award winner Justin Verlander, Doug Fister, Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello and an emerging Jacob Turner.
Recent rumors have the Philadelphia Phillies dangling pitcher Cole Hamels as bait, and the Tigers have been mentioned as a possible suitor.
The general consensus is that with the recent deals given to star pitchers Roy Halladay ($60 million through 2013 with $20 million option in 2014) and Cliff Lee ($120 million through 2015 with $27.5 million option in 2016), the Phillies won’t have enough money to pay Hamels beyond the 2012 season.
While having Hamels on the Tigers’ staff would instantly turn them into one of the formidable rotations in the AL, at what cost? Any discussions involving Hamels would clearly start and end with Turner, who is considered one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. The Tigers would have to throw in at least two other top-tier prospects along with Hamels.
The Tigers already have a great pitching staff, they would be much better served by going after help at second base and third base.
Houston Astros: Failing to Trade Pitcher Brett Myers
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With new ownership finally in place and a pending move to the American League West, the Houston Astros are clearly a team in transition. New owner Jim Crane has already dismissed long-time president Tal Smith and GM Ed Wade, and now he will put forth a management team that will have a clear mandate to start the rebuilding process for the Astros, which presumably means cutting payroll to around $60 million.
Starting pitcher Brett Myers represents approximately 18 percent of that salary figure. Myers would be an attractive option for several teams needing an innings-eater, middle-of-the rotation type guy, and at $11 million for the 2012 season, Myers wouldn’t break the bank for several larger market teams.
Kansas City Royals: Signing Free Agent Pitcher Mark Buehrle
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Free agent pitcher Mark Buehrle is one of top free agents on the market this offseason, and there are reportedly at least 13 teams interested in Buehrle’s services. One surprise on that list is the Kansas City Royals.
ESPN’s Jim Bowden reported that the Royals were one of the teams interested. What makes this so shocking is that not only are the Royals even interested, but that they would actually even think of committing long-term dollars. Owner David Glass certainly doesn’t have that kind of reputation, and I can only see Buehrle becoming trade bait at some point early on in his contract.
The Royals made a smart deal in trading for Jonathan Sanchez to help bolster a beleaguered pitching staff, and there are certainly other moves that the Royals can make that would be a far more affordable option than signing someone who likely wouldn’t last in Kansas City for the entire length of his contract anyway.
Los Angeles Angels: Signing Free Agent Pitcher C.J. Wilson
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The Los Angeles Angels wined and dined free agent pitcher C.J. Wilson last Monday, sitting down for dinner with both manager Mike Scioscia and GM Jerry DiPoto.
The Angels certainly need help, but overpaying for Wilson is NOT the avenue they should pursue. Wilson will be paid ace money by someone, and likely close to $100 million. While Wilson has certainly put forth two excellent seasons as a starter, he is not worth what teams will apparently be ready to give him.
The Angels need offensive help, and have three starters in Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana who are a terrific front three. Wilson would be a nice get, but not at a reported $100 million.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Not Having a New Owner in Place by Opening Day
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With the decision by Frank McCourt to finally allow the sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers through bankruptcy court, fans are hoping that the sale can be finalized by Opening Day.
However, FOX Sports is currently doing all they can to delay the process. A judge on Tuesday delayed a hearing between FOX and the Dodgers to decide the sale of future television rights. FOX contends that any future deal would violate its rights under an existing contract with the Dodgers, further pushing back any potential sale.
Miami Marlins: Signing Free Agent Shortstop Jose Reyes
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The Miami Marlins have certainly been one of the most active teams this offseason in terms of who they have been pursuing. Albert Pujols and Mark Buerhle have already visited South Florida, and C.J. Wilson is due to visit Miami this week as well.
Also in the mix is free agent shortstop Jose Reyes. Reyes was reportedly offered a six-year, $100 million contract by the Marlins and is mulling his options.
Is Reyes worth the money? Yes, however, Reyes’ hamstrings have been a major issue in recent years, and landed him on the disabled list twice during the 2011 season. While I love the fact that the Marlins are willing to spend in order to make a splash at their new stadium in April, giving $100 million to a man with a recent bad history of injuries just doesn’t sit well.
Milwaukee Brewers: Signing Free Agent Shortstop Rafael Furcal
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The Milwaukee Brewers could well be losing the most productive first baseman that has ever played for them, and while ESPN’s Jim Bowden thinks there still could be a chance for the Brewers to sign Prince Fielder, the odds are slim.
The Brewers also have need for an upgrade at both shortstop and third base as well, and while they may be one of the teams highly interested in free agent Jose Reyes, they have also inquired about Rafael Furcal as well.
At 34 years of age, Furcal has suffered through a rash of injuries over three of the last four seasons, only registering one 100-game season during that span.
Furcal’s agent, Paul Kinzer, is trying to justify signing Furcal to a three-year contract, saying that despite his injury history, he’s still one of the top shortstops in the game.
“He’s been hurt the last few years some, but so have the other top shortstops,” Kinzer said. “And nobody out there has his playoff experience. He might miss a few games through the year, but when he’s on the field he’s a difference maker.”
He might miss a few games? Um, I’d say missing 278 games over the past four seasons is more than just a few. Brewers GM Doug Melvin needs to pass on Furcal.
The Minnesota Twins have never been major players on the free agent market, preferring instead to build via their farm system and prudent trades here and there. However, after a 99-loss season and a change back to the old, with GM Terry Ryan, the Twins are desperately looking for answers to turn things back around again.
A recent rumor has the Twins interested in free agent outfielder Josh Willingham. Willingham put up career numbers last season with 29 HR and 98 RBI. However, the Twins already have outfield options in Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel who would easily provided just as much production as Willingham, and both are career Twins.
Does it really make any sense to let either Cuddyer or Kubel go in order to sign Willingham, who brings essentially the same exact production?
New York Mets: Letting Go of Third Baseman David Wright Via Trade
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With all of the news surrounding New York Mets free agent shortstop Jose Reyes, New York Mets fans have something else to worry about—the possibility of losing third baseman David Wright via trade.
Losing both Reyes and Wright would be absolutely devastating for a Mets fan base that already plays second fiddle to the Yankees in Gotham, and while they would likely get promising prospects, the entire identity of the Mets would be stripped away by losing both of their most famous stars.
New York Yankees: Signing Free Agent First Baseman Albert Pujols
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According to many non-New York Yankees fans, the hated Yankees have more money than God, and will sign anyone who is available. That may not entirely correct.
Rumors were swirling about Yankees GM Brian Cashman meeting with the agent for free agent first baseman Albert Pujols. However, the reality is that Cashman was indeed meeting with Dan Lozano, however Lozano also represents quite a few other players who just happen to be free agents as well.
The Yankees are very happy with current first baseman Mark Teixeira, so there should be no reason for Yankees fans to start raising holy hell, or for non-Yankees fans to once again curse the power of the almighty dollar.
We all know that the Oakland Athletics are having major issues right now, and we’re not just talking about their offense.
With the uncertainty of their stadium situation, and the uncertainty of whether or not they will be allowed to relocate to the San Jose area, the A’s are unequipped to financially compete with the other big dogs in the free agent market. While GM Billy Beane has been able to work magic in the past, the reality is that the A’s just have trouble attracting the top-tier talent that’s available.
That’s why it makes absolutely no sense to trade starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez. Gonzalez is the ace of the A’s staff, and is not eligible for free agency until 2016. Seems to me it makes more sense to hang on to their best player and wait for their financial situation to change. If the A’s are allowed to relocate and they can build a new stadium in San Jose, they’ll have the financial wherewithal to keep Gonzalez and attract a better caliber of talent.
Philadelphia Phillies: Not Signing Free Agent Shortstop Jimmy Rollins
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If there is any one player who has been the face of the Philadelphia Phillies’ franchise over the past decade, it is shortstop Jimmy Rollins.
With all of the talk lately about where Rollins will end up, fans would be up in arms if Rollins were to sign elsewhere. Yes, the Phillies are poised to win now, and with their recent signing of closer Jonathan Papelbon, they are clearly in win-now mode.
However, is there any better option than Rollins? FanGraphs still rates him as one of the better defensive shortstops in the league, and while he may not quite provide the production seen in earlier years, there just aren’t many better options out there than the man who wants to stay in Philly and finish his career there.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Trading Center Fielder Andrew McCutchen
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The Pittsburgh Pirates won more games in 2011 than at any time since 2004, and while it was their 19th straight losing season, progress was clearly made. And much of that progress was centered around their best all-around performer, center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
McCutchen, who put up a line of .259/.364/.456 with 23 homers, is clearly the best player on the Pirates roster. However, recent rumors, most recently reported by ESPN’s Keith Law, indicate that the Pirates are at least willing to listen to offers regarding their star center fielder.
Um, listening is one thing. Actually trading their one biggest commodity after an encouraging season is another.
San Diego Padres: Trading for Chicago White Sox Right Fielder Carlos Quentin
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The San Diego Padres suffered through a miserable season, losing 91 games and finishing last in the NL West. Much of the blame can be laid on an anemic offense, which was second-to-last in the NL in runs scored and dead last in team batting average (.237).
A recent rumor has the Padres looking at trading for Chicago White Sox right fielder Carlos Quentin. While Quentin would certainly help in providing some offense, much of that offense would suffer playing half his games at pitcher-friendly Petco Park, and Quentin has had a constant struggle staying on the field, missing the final month of last season alone with a sprained shoulder.
In addition, the Padres would have to pay a steep price in prospects, arguably the strength of the Padres’ organization. Quentin could certainly provide punch, but the Padres are clearly building for the future, so a Quentin deal would mortgage that future.
San Francisco Giants: Trading Starting Pitcher Tim Lincecum
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A couple of weeks ago, Jon Paul Morosi of foxsports.com wrote an article about the possibility of the San Francisco Giants trading Tim Lincecum.
While the article itself was not a suggestion that the Giants actually trade the two-time Cy Young Award winner, it was more a “what if” type of article. Nonetheless, just the mere mention of trading Lincecum set off a flurry of tweets and many other articles. I even wrote a piece regarding the wisdom of trading Lincecum.
Giants fans should really calm down. Lincecum isn’t going anywhere. It was merely a look at how the Giants could benefit if they traded Lincecum.
Welcome to the Hot Stove League, where ramblings become rumors in a nano-second.
Seattle Mariners: Signing Free Agent First Baseman Prince Fielder
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When it comes to the subject of Prince Fielder, there are many people with varying opinions on the true value of Fielder, and just how much help he can actually provide over the life of a long contract.
For some teams, like the Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins, signing Fielder might make sense for teams looking to win now. However, for the Seattle Mariners? For the team that has scored the least amount of runs in the American League over the last two seasons, they need a lot more help than Fielder can provide.
For $20-25 million, the Mariners would be much better off finding three or four players that can provide offense than for one man who likely won’t provide the total value that his contract will call for. Fielder’s body type, transition to American League and defensive liability are all pitfalls that will likely show that Fielder will end up being overpaid.
St. Louis Cardinals: Not Signing Free Agent First Baseman Albert Pujols
Jeff Curry/Getty Images
For St. Louis Cardinals fans, the idea that Albert Pujols could be gone after delivering a World Series championship in 2011 seems ludicrous, however it could very well become fact.
Pujols, who turned down a nine-year, $200 million offer during the preseason, has already been courted by the Miami Marlins, and will likely listen to offers from several other clubs as well. The man who will go down as one of the greatest Cards of all time, next to Stan Musial, is giving Cardinals’ fans an amount of heartburn that they certainly hoped they wouldn’t have to go through so soon after the fruits of victory.
Tampa Bay Rays: Trading Starting Pitcher James Shields
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The Tampa Bay Rays have already been involved in much speculation regarding their roster for 2012, and one of the biggest topics of conversation thus far has been the possibility that the Rays are exploring a trade involving starting pitcher James Shields.
Shields, who led the American League with 11 complete games and four shutouts to go with his 16-12 record and 2.82 ERA, has been the subject of trades involving the Cincinnati Reds, the Miami Marlins and the New York Yankees.
The Rays have also been rumored to be dangling starter Wade Davis, and that particular rumor makes a LOT more sense, to be honest.
Texas Rangers: Trading for Chicago Cubs Starting Pitcher Matt Garza
Denis Poroy/Getty Images
The Texas Rangers recently signed closer Joe Nathan to a two-year contract, opening the door for current closer Neftali Feliz to move into the starting rotation. Even if the Rangers lose starter C.J. Wilson to free agency, they will still have a starting rotation that features Feliz, Colby Lewis, Derek Holland, Matt Harrison and Alexi Ogando, with Scott Feldman waiting in the wings.
Why then, as rumor would have it, would the Rangers be interested in Matt Garza? It seems to me that GM Jon Daniels took care of a major pitching staff issue with the signing of Nathan and moving Feliz to the starting rotation. Daniels would likely be looking to shore up center field and finding another quality bullpen arm rather than making a move to acquire Garza, which would then require other moves to free up a rotation spot.
Maybe it’s me, but why sign Nathan to free up Feliz for the rotation, and then think about another messy trade?
Toronto Blue Jays: Signing Free Agent Designated Hitter David Ortiz
Darren McCollester/Getty Images
The Toronto Blue Jays are definitely in the hunt for more offense, and while there is some speculation that has Adam Lind moving from first base to DH in order for the Jays to look at signing Prince Fielder, recent rumors have the Jays very interested in signing long-time Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz.
This is not a bash on Ortiz whatsoever, however if a three-year deal is what Ortiz is looking for, as is being reported, the Jays should clearly pass. At 36 years of age, it’s highly doubtful that Ortiz can continue providing quality power numbers which have already been diminished in recent years. At a likely salary of at least $8-10 million per year, it just doesn’t add up.
Washington Nationals: Signing Free Agent Infielder Mark DeRosa
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The Washington Nationals recently found out that first baseman Chris Marrero tore a hamstring playing winter league ball in the Dominican Republic, and could likely miss significant time in 2012.
With Adam LaRoche likely to start at first base for the Nats in 2012, they are now looking for a utility infielder/backup first baseman, and recent rumors suggest that former San Francisco Giants infielder Mark DeRosa is on the radar.
This is the same Mark DeRosa who played in exactly 22.5 percent of games in the last two years after signing a $12 million deal with the Giants.
DeRosa likely won’t cost anywhere near that much this time around, but considering his injury history, the Nats would definitely best be served looking elsewhere.
Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.
As a diehard baseball fan, I like to think I know enough about the game to make constructed opinions on the game and its many facets.
Taking on a list of the most overrated baseball players, though, is unquestionably a losing proposition.
The term ‘overrated’ is so subjective that it can be taken in entirely different ways and while one person may consider overpaid to be the same as overrated, others may disagree.
For purposes of this slideshow I’ve enlisted feedback from of a group of baseball bloggers to create a list of the 10 most overrated players in the game today.
In comparing these selections I’ve bumped them up against a 2011 Sports Illustrated article on the most overrated players in baseball as voted by 185 current major leaguers.
If nothing else, I hope this list can provide a glimpse (albeit in a small sample size) of how players’ views of their peers may or may not align with the view of those outside the clubhouse.
Feel free to chime in (as I’m sure you will) on any selections included as we delve into the always-controversial topic.
Player Vote: 10. Manny Ramirez
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Career Stats (19 seasons): .312 BA/.411 OBP/.585 SLG/2,574 H/555 HR
Given the off-the-field issues Manny Ramirez has had, it’s not surprising that he could end up on such a list.
His salaries have been inflated considering that he’s essentially the Randy Moss of Major League Baseball, but at the same time, he was always a game-changer who couldn’t be overlooked when he stepped up to the plate.
10: Jimmy Rollins
Len Redkoles/Getty Images
Career Stats (12 seasons): .272 BA/.329 OBP/.432 SLG/1,866 H/170 HR
Jimmy Rollins has received a number of accolades throughout his career, including three All-Star appearances, three Gold Glove awards and an MVP trophy in 2007.
He boasts some statistics that set him apart from infield peers and his defense isn’t called into question, but his offense, while relatively consistent, has yielded six seasons with sub-.275 batting averages.
Overall, his offensive productivity has diminished since his MVP season.
Player Vote: 9. A.J. Burnett
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Career Stats (13 seasons): 121-111 /4.10 ERA/1.332 WHIP/8.2K-9inn/3.8BB-9inn
A.J. Burnett is the first Yankee we’ll see on this list selected by MLB players, but he won’t be the last.
It’s no secret that Burnett has struggled with his control on the mound throughout his career, something that’s only amplified when playing in Yankee Stadium.
He clearly hasn’t lived up to the five-year, $82.5 million contract he signed with the team and I’d say he is the most (and probably only) deserving Yankee on this list.
9: Ryan Howard
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Career Stats (8 seasons): .275 BA/.368 OBP/.560 SLG/1,043 H/286 HR
In some ways, it’s understandable to call Ryan Howard overrated, but in others, it just seems like smoke and mirrors.
His strikeout numbers are relatively high, and he doesn’t typically hit for a great average. Knowing that Ryan Howard isn’t a man who will hit for average and contact, though, it’s easy to see where his value lies.
In multiple seasons, he’s managed to hit nearly 50 home runs and drive in close to 150 runs despite an average below .270 and coming close to the league lead in strikeouts.
Player Vote: 8. David Ortiz
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Career Stats (15 seasons): .283 BA/.378 OBP/.544 SLG/1,760 H/378 HR
David Ortiz falls into a similar category as other Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies.
Playing under such a bright light makes it virtually impossible to live up to everyone’s standards, and inevitably you’re going to be considered overrated in someone’s book.
Ortiz has certainly had some rough patches throughout his career, but it’s hard to argue with a 36 home run/114 RBI average since 2003.
8: Jonathan Papelbon
Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images
Career Stats (7 seasons): 23-19 /2.33 ERA/1.018 WHIP/10.7K-9inn/2.4BB-9inn
It might just be me, but I don’t completely get why Jonathan Papelbon gets as much criticism as he does.
The Phillies did sign him to a contract that will be very difficult to live up to in the coming years, but 2010 was really his only down year.
Even then, he saved 37 games and maintained an ability to miss bats, although his walk numbers were as high as they’ve ever been.
Player Vote: 7. B.J. Upton
J. Meric/Getty Images
Career Stats (7 seasons): .257 BA/.342 OBP/.416 SLG/769 H/90 HR
It might just be that most feel B.J. Upton is being awarded too much upside, because while the MLB players consider him one of the most overrated players in the game, I don’t think he’s typically rated all that highly…right now.
At just 27, he’s definitely got his best years in front of him; and with good speed on the basepaths and in the field, he could develop into a top-tier player at some point.
7: Torii Hunter
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Career Stats (15 seasons): .274 BA/.332 OBP/.467 SLG/1,819 H/281 HR
Torii Hunter’s defensive abilities will never be called into question, as he’s one of the best outfielders we’ve seen in a long time.
His offensive ability is there and he’s been a solid contributor from a statistical perspective, averaging 22 home runs and 85 RBI per season since signing with the Angels.
It’s just a matter of deciding whether that’s worth nearly $20 million per season.
Player Vote: 6. Nick Swisher
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Career Stats (8 seasons): .254 BA/.360 OBP/.466 SLG/939 H/185 HR
Again here, it seems Nick Swisher’s uniform may have put him on this list, as I don’t really see how he can be considered an overrated player.
I could just be in my own little world, but in general, I see Swisher as a serviceable mid- to back-end of the lineup guy who is put on a bigger spotlight due to the market he plays in.
6: Ian Kinsler
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Career Stats (6 seasons): .275 BA/.355 OBP/.469 SLG/826 H/124 HR
Ian Kinsler’s career thus far has been somewhat a game of ups and downs. Every year that he’s batted at least .286 has been followed up with a season at least 23 points lower, including a 66-point dip from 2008 to 2009.
In reality, his roughly $4 million salary seems fair for his output, but playing on a team that’s made World Series pushes the past two seasons adds pressure to be a bigger name on the roster.
Player Vote: 5. Jonathan Papelbon
Tom Pennington/Getty Images
Career Stats (7 seasons): 23-19 /2.33 ERA/1.018 WHIP/10.7K-9inn/2.4BB-9inn
Once again, it seems like players have that bias against the New York/Boston teams, as Papelbon is the second member of the Red Sox the MLB selection has chosen.
5: Ubaldo Jimenez
Leon Halip/Getty Images
Career Stats (6 seasons): 60-49/3.76 ERA/1.296 WHIP/8.2K-9inn/3.9BB-9inn
Ubaldo Jimenez may not be an overrated player as a whole, but in reality, he was likely overvalued after his outstanding 2010 campaign, leading to the disappointment of a sub-par 2011.
At 27, you’d have to think he’ll rebound and achieve greater success once again with his health being the biggest variable.
Player Vote: 4. Jayson Werth
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Career Stats (9 seasons): .264 BA/.360 OBP/.464 SLG/814 H/140 HR
Jayson Werth’s addition to this list toes the line between overrated and overpaid.
With 2009 and 2010 (.282 BA, 64 HR, 184 RBI) as Werth’s most significantly successful seasons, the Washington Nationals caused many to scratch their heads in signing Werth to a seven-year, $126 million contract.
4: Jayson Werth
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Career Stats (9 seasons): .264 BA/.360 OBP/.464 SLG/814 H/140 HR
Werth’s reward to Nationals fans in 2011 was a season in which he batted .232, drove in only 58 runs and struck out a career-high 160 times.
He may very well redeem himself during the final six years of his contract, but given the hole he’s dug himself, I wouldn’t count on that contract panning out in the long run.
Player Vote: 3. Derek Jeter
Nick Laham/Getty Images
Career Stats (17 seasons): .313 BA/.383 OBP/.449 SLG/3,088 H/240 HR
All in all, I’m at a loss for how Derek Jeter is considered by a selection of his peers to be the third most overrated player in baseball.
I understand that his stature on and off the field set the table for lofty expectations, but if you look at Jeter’s track record in one of the hardest markets to play in, it’s hard not to be impressed with what he’s done.
3: Joe Mauer
Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
Career Stats (8 seasons): .323 BA/.403 OBP/.471 SLG/1,096 H/84 HR
As a Minnesota native and graduate of the same high school that Joe Mauer attended, you’d think I’d be the first to refute any claim that he’s overrated in this league.
Fans in Minnesota love that he’s a hometown boy and has enjoyed success in the league. But the reality is that his contract accounts for nearly 25 percent of the team’s payroll and his passive attitude towards rehabilitating from injury is starting to call his value into question.
He’s had enough of a track record as a hitter in this league to think he’ll bounce back to the top of the league in batting average, but his lack of power and the growing likelihood that he’ll switch to a less taxing position make it hard to believe he’ll live up to the $184 million paycheck he’s earning.
Player Vote: 2. Joba Chamberlain
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Career Stats (5 seasons): 20-13/3.70 ERA/1.335 WHIP/9.1K-9inn/3.5BB-9inn
After Joba Chamberlain posted a solid 2.60 ERA and finishing eighth in Rookie of the Year voting in 2008, the Yankees thought they had a pitcher on their hands who would be fit for the long haul and could be a mainstay on the staff.
His tenure as a starter was less than positive and his demotion to the bullpen didn’t go well, either. Despite putting up decent numbers in limited action in 2011, he’ll continue to be a name that emerges in trade talks, as the Yankees likely won’t wait forever for him to turn the corner.
2: J.D. Drew
Elsa/Getty Images
Career Stats (14 seasons): .278 BA/.384 OBP/.489 SLG/1,437 H/242 HR
I’m not really so sure anyone out there is considering J.D. Drew good enough of a player anymore to be overrated, but he certainly has declined since his best years with the Bosox.
After a decent 2006 season, Drew was given a five-year, $70 million contract and simply hasn’t produced.
He averaged only 57 RBI per season during his contract and only once batted .280, a number he had only dipped below once since 2000.
Player Vote: 1. Alex Rodriguez
Nick Laham/Getty Images
Career Stats (18 seasons): .302 BA/.386 OBP/.567 SLG/2,775 H/629 HR
Some people might not be surprised to see this name as MLB players’ choice for the most overrated player in the game today.
I, however, don’t get it. Alex Rodriguez will always have the usage of banned substances hanging over his head, but his productivity before that time and after that time have been remarkable.
We’ve seen his numbers come down a bit since he won his last MVP trophy in 2007 but since 2008, he’s still managed to average nearly 30 home runs and 100 RBI per season while earning an OPS near .900 and OBP of .375.
With A-Rod turning 37 next summer, I wouldn’t be surprised if we never saw another 50 (or even 40) home run season from him, but he’s still got good years left in the tank and calling him the most overrated player in the game really seems to be a stretch.
1: A.J. Burnett
Leon Halip/Getty Images
Career Stats (13 seasons): 121-111 /4.10 ERA/1.332 WHIP/8.2K-9inn/3.8BB-9inn
Between his inability to handle the pressure that he signed up for when he went to the Yankees, the inflated paychecks he’s receiving and the fact that we’ve seen how much better he can be, it’s hard not to consider A.J. Burnett the most overrated player in the game.
At the same time, though, years of failure to meet expectations make it hard to believe there are that many out there still rating him highly enough to even consider him overrated.
November 18, 1997- The Boston Red Sox trade Carl Pavano and Tomy Armas to the Montreal Expos for Pedro Martinez
November 23, 2003- The Boston Red Sox trade Michael Goss, Casey Fossum, Brandon Lyon, and Jorge De La Rosa to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Curt Schilling
November 24, 2005- The Boston Red Sox trade Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Jesus Delgado, and Harvey Garcia to the Florida Marlins for Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota
For all you reading, I hope you have enjoyed this history lesson. As you can see, these three trades all have similarities. First, they were all blockbusters. Second, they were all for “difference makers.” Boston has a great track record with building pitchers from within; but, when they really need some extra firepower, the organization has never been shy about going out and landing their man.
Heading into the 2012 season the Red Sox could definitely use some more starting pitching. Boston’s pitching fell to pieces in September, and with Lackey out for 2012 they have an open roster spot. Now is Ben Cherington’s time to get that difference maker.
Can Boston do it? With their organizational depth they could make a trade with ease. Spending has never been an issue, and the books should be ripe with financial flexibility as contracts are retired over the next two seasons.
The bigger question is who is available? Who can Boston go after? The market is not particularly abundant with talent. Some guys we can speculate about, but most pitchers who have been made openly available do not fit the “difference maker” mold.
Boston already has a solid front three of Beckett, Lester, and Buchholz. What they really need is a high-upside guy who can eat innings. That, Boston can certainly find on the trade market. Here are some blockbuster options for the Boston Red Sox heading into 2012.
Felix Hernandez Obviously, Felix Hernandez fits the profile of a “difference maker.” However, I really doubt a trade like this happens. Seattle has a lot of great young pitchers, but they have King Felix locked up for the long haul. Plus, the Mariners are not exactly ripe with marquee players these days.
Hernandez would require a king’s ransom and Boston might have to empty all their upper level talent to haul in the righthander. The dividends could be worth it, but it means punching holes in the organization’s future. Felix Hernandez would be great, but the King in a Sox uniform is just a mirage.
Matt Cain I do not consider Cain a “difference maker.” He has solid stats, but he rides backseat to Tim Lincecum for a reason. Lincecum is an ace with ridiculous stuff and a fierce pitcher’s mentality. Cain’s control makes him a sniper of the strike zone, but he lacks that last little oomph.
It was a lot easier to predict a Matt Cain trade before the Giants moved Jonathan Sanchez. Now that Sanchez has departed San Francisco could become selfish with their starters. So, the first bump in the road is that the guy might not even be available. The second, is that Boston will have some tough competition in the trade market; particularly, those chipper crosstown rivals in New York. The Yankees can offer a proposal wrapped around Jesus Montero, and Boston cannot match a prospect like that.
Who is the better option for Boston?
Anibal Sanchez Gio Gonzalez Jair Jurrjens Submit Vote vote to see results
Who is the better option for Boston?
Anibal Sanchez
0%
Gio Gonzalez
0%
Jair Jurrjens
0%
Total votes: 0
Anibal Sanchez The availability of Sanchez is flying under the radar, but there are certainly rumors. Sanchez has been an underrated pitcher his entire career, but 2011 was a breakout campaign.
He posted career numbers in BB/9 (2.9), K/9 (9.3), and innings (196.1), while sporting a solid 3.67 ERA. Sanchez’s season was mired in an ugly July-August stretch, in which he posted a combined 5.94 ERA. But, xFIP is pretty generous; because of Florida’s lackluster defense Sanchez’s ERA should have been closer to 3.25.
2012 could be a return to familiar ground for the 27-year-old. Sanchez was raised in the Boston farm system and was moved in the Josh Beckett trade. What better way to bring him back to the team.
Sanchez is young with plenty of room to grow. He has great numbers in Florida, and his numbers can only favor from the solid Boston defense. Florida wants to compete in 2012, so Sanchez could mean a high price; but, Boston has the pieces to fill some of Florida’s more pressing holes.
Jair Jurrjens The Braves have made it clear they are ready to move their pitchers. They certainly have an excess amount of young arms and need offense and prospects. This makes them an ideal trade partner for the Sox. Jair Jurrjens has been said to be available. The young righty has ace like numbers, but a diverse injury history has held him back.
The injury history could mean that Jurrjens can be acquired at a premium; however, speculation says that Frank Wren is looking for a huge package of players. Jurrjens is only 25-years-old and has shown amazing promise in his career; the upside could be huge.
However, with his injury history Boston should avoid spending big. If they wait out the market and can acquire him at a premium, it could be a “different maker” in disguise for the Red Sox rotation.
Gio Gonzalez Gio Gonzalez is up for grabs this winter, that we know. Gonzalez had a career year in 2011 (16-12, 3.12 ERA, 8.8 K/9) and he has exhibited plenty of upside in his career.
However, things might not be as amazing as they seem. Gonzalez is only 26-years-old, and that means there is still a lot of potential he can grow in to.
But, at the same time, going deep into the numbers warrants concern. In his career, Gonzalez is 21-14 with a 3.56 ERA at home; away, he is 17-18 with an average 4.32 ERA. Once again we can turn to xFip, which says that Gonzalez’s numbers were supported by good defense in 2011.
If he is the best Boston can get, then Gonzalez is still a worthwhile acquisition. However, if it means emptying the farm, then Boston should look to other options.
Bobby Valentine, best known for his time with the New York Mets, reportedly will be the new manager of the Boston Red Sox.
According to Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com, Valentine will now become the 45th manager in Red Sox history and will arrive in Boston on Wednesday.
Valentine, who led the Mets to the 2000 World Series, compiled a .510 winning percentage and a 13-11 postseason record throughout his MLB managerial career, but was fired by the Mets after the 2002 season following a dismal 75-86 record.
Despite not having the greatest record as head coach, Valentine might actually be a match made in heaven for the Red Sox because of one of his most noteworthy attributes: his charisma.
Valentine was a rather controversial figure in New York, but one thing everyone can agree on was that he had a personality that could warm up a clubhouse. I mean, he came back to the dugout with a fake mustache once after getting ejected.
Was Bobby Valentine the right hire for the Red Sox?
Yes No Submit Vote vote to see results
Was Bobby Valentine the right hire for the Red Sox?
Yes
75.8%
No
24.2%
Total votes: 132
That may be exactly what the Red Sox need coming off a bitter split with former manager Terry Francona that exposed all kinds of dark secrets.
The Red Sox have also lost former general manager Theo Epstein to the Chicago Cubs, who was considered the mastermind behind the team’s two championships in 2004 and 2007.
The Red Sox clearly have the talent to contend for another World Series. Centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and offseason acquisition Adrian Gonzalez were among the best hitters in baseball last season, and second baseman Dustin Pedroia is always dangerous.
There’s also starters Jon Lester and Josh Beckett, who proved to be formidable in 2011.
The hot stove in Queens isn’t lit this year. For the Mets fan this serves at the very least as our short-term reality. After years of personnel mismanagement and ownership’s dalliance with the worst Ponzi scheme in modern history, there isn’t much left in the cupboard as a means to augment the roster.
Which is why this slideshow’s premise may appear predictable.
But let me take you on a journey to see what we could have had in Queens for the next several seasons.
Apathy has no place in a Mets fan’s vocabulary; we’re skilled at punishing ourselves.
Albert Pujols
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
I might change my name to Captain Obvious.
Pujols is a once-in-a-generation hitter. By the time I’m old and gray, he will have been the greatest right-handed hitter I’ve ever seen play.
The Mets were, once upon a time, major players in the free-agent market. Before Alex Rodriguez inked his ridiculous $250 million deal with Texas, they were both his preferred and widely expected destination.
They were considered players again during Omar Minaya’s reign—adding big money pieces like Carlos Beltran, Pedro Martinez, Jason Bay and Johan Santana. While the results vary, the Mets were always a possible free-agent destination.
Not now. Pujols will cost at least $250 million to a team not named the Cardinals. His Hall of Fame bat will only be hitting home runs in Citi in a visiting uni.
Mark Buehrle
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Buehrle isn’t your quintessential ace, but he’s the model of consistency. His repertoire could be even more effective if he’s given the opportunity to feast on National League lineups.
He’s not going to pass 90 mph on the gun, but Buehrle will give you 200 innings-plus with respectable statistics. He’s a veteran pitcher who could provide guidance to what is becoming a decidedly younger Mets rotation.
Unfortunately, Buehrle is at least a $10 million a year pitcher. The Mets simply don’t have the funds to offer him a deal.
Heath Bell
Kent Horner/Getty Images
This one stings.
The Mets never truly gave Bell a chance to earn a consistent spot in the bullpen. While his ERA was bloated, it appears they just didn’t see what they had in the fiery, hard-throwing right-hander. His role was rarely defined, and he was shipped to and from the minors on what seemed like a daily basis.
Bell was unceremoniously shipped to San Diego for a used glove and some gum before he went on to become a dominant closer.
The Mets currently have no closer, but as is the trend with this team, the money just isn’t there. Nor (as I haven’t mentioned) does the team wish to give up draft picks for type-A free agents.
Jose Reyes
Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
This one stings just a little bit more.
If the Mets were business-as-usual, Reyes would have been locked up to a long-term deal paying him fair market value long before he ever reached free agency.
But this isn’t business as usual.
Reyes’ situation is further complicated by his perilous injury history. While the Mets would perhaps pony up the dough (think $20 million annually for six years) if he didn’t miss significant time, there’s virtually no chance they do so now unless he decides he wants to stay at a huge discount.
Paying a player—even one as beloved as Reyes—$20 million in his mid 30’s? Especially considering his game his based on his legs? No dice.
Prince Fielder
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Yes, I’m well aware Ike Davis exists. First base isn’t a needed position for the Mets despite last year’s rotating door at the position while Davis sat out.
But if business was being conducted as it would be were the Mets solvent, it’s hard to believe that they wouldn’t at least flirt with Fielder. He’s likely to make less than Pujols (think $23 million annually, give or take) and despite his weight he manages to stay on the field regularly.
On a team planning to contend for a title in the next three years and a team flush with cash—two things the Mets wish they were—Fielder is your prototypical cleanup hitter.
Too bad.
Michael Cuddyer
Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
Cuddyer’s name doesn’t jump off the page, but he’s a solid veteran with a good bat and versatility in the field. Cuddyer has split time over the course of his career at first base, right field and second base—though he’s had the least experience at the latter.
He could have been a solution for right field and/or at second, depending on the team’s final makeup. As for judging his defense at second, he could be lacking, but I haven’t seen him play every day at the position.
Of course, Cuddyer is priced out of the Mets’ range and will likely make at least $10 million annually going forward.
Even though he doesn’t carry a superstar price tag, just about anyone that isn’t a cheap vet isn’t being considered currently by Mets GM Sandy Alderson.
Yu Darvish
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Darvish is considered the best pitching prospect to ever get posted by a Japanese team.
I’ll give you a moment to collect nickels for every time you’ve heard that expression.
Darvish has impressed most major league scouts that have seen him pitch. One of these days, a pitcher from Japan who is highly-touted will end up performing up to expectations (no offense to the Hiroki Kurodas of the world).
His posting fee is expected to be outrageous, but this is where it’s bothersome. There are a lot of mid-market teams expected to bid. His multi-year contract after that won’t be a $100 million bunker-buster.
So theoretically, if he pans out, he could be had for tens of millions cheaper than lesser star pitchers.
The Mets, of course, aren’t even in position to bid as a mid-market franchise. They’re too busy paying Bobby Bonilla compounded interest.
Yoennis Cespedes
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Cespedes is another interesting case. Much like Darvish, he’s an unproven commodity but has significant upside. While he’s a risk, there should be many teams beyond the usual Yankees/Sox/Phillies bidding for his services.
His performance in the WBC left scouts unimpressed, but there’s no doubting the tools.Tools of course don’t translate over to performance. Sometimes it’s about how the player responds mentally & emotionally.
By now this theme has made you ill (try writing it), but this is a player the Mets could have capitalized on. While they were never really in the ballpark of the aforementioned payroll leaders, the Mets were huge spenders, often finishing with a top-three or top-five payroll.
Cespedes is a risk worth taking. He’s just not a risk worth taking for a team slashing payroll massively.
CJ Wilson
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
My own words would appear to haunt me on Wilson. I’ve been rather critical of the lefty considering he’s been a playoff bust, hasn’t been a top performer very long and seems to have a rather outgoing personality that could either be boom or bust in a Northeast pressure-cooker.
But he is what he is: an in-his-prime lefty who managed a sub-3.00 ERA and set career highs in innings pitched and strikeouts. (For perspective, his ERA+—which adjusts for ballpark—was 152 and good for 6th best in the majors).
Wilson has only gotten better year after year in limited time as a starter.
Unfortunately (for whomever gets him) Wilson will be overpriced in a rather dry pitching market. He’s the top commodity, so it should come as no surprise that the Mets won’t even call his agent.
Carlos Beltran
Ralph Freso/Getty Images
First let’s set the record straight. Beltran will be forever known for watching Strike 3 cross the plate in 2006. But his career as a Met—he might be the best straight free-agent signing in the history of the franchise—was very good.
During his three most productive seasons, Carlos hit 101 homers and drove in 340, playing stellar Gold Glove defense throughout. While he later succumbed to knee injuries, 2011 was something of a renaissance.
Some may call it a contract-year anomaly, but for the first time he was no longer depended on to man center field. And he was two years removed from major knee issues that had him sidelined.
To answer the inevitable: Why include Beltran as a player the Mets wish they could have when they traded him away to begin with?
Well, this slideshow is something of a hypothetical. In a perfect world, the Mets own a mid- to mega-market payroll and are contending. Beltran offers a major upgrade to their current roster composition.
Only 10?
Marc Serota/Getty Images
In summary, there are probably 80 to a 100 players the Mets would like to have. This ranges from top-flight starting pitchers and sluggers on down to bench players and bullpen specialists.
The Mets’ economic situation—the key issue throughout—dictates that they’ll be dealing in a secondary market taking chances on injured veterans. That worked out partially last year when they brought in Chris Young and Chris Capuano.
It also means that much of their depth will be provided by their minor league system. The idea is to have depth as a means to offset short-term dilemmas, not man key positions day to day (a la Nick Evans).
We’ve entered a new era that’s sure to last at least the next few years—one in which this team will nickel and dime until they’re in a situation where cash flow no longer stifles player acquisitions.
It’s been roughly four weeks since it was announced that Frank McCourt must sell the Dodgers. In that time the Dodgers front office has been hard at work, dipping their feather pens in inkwells and thrusting them in the direction of any man in sliding shorts. (Is this an instance where one might use the term, pause?) Mark Ellis and Matt Treanor were the first to grab hold of the thrusting pens and etch their respective John Hancocks.
It’s been estimated that the Dodgers have about $10M left to spend on free agents, but even this figure is largely speculatory. Regardless, I’m going to bump it up to $15M because I’m a full-glass plus another half-full-glass kind of guy. It’s more fun to speculate as an optimist, right?
The following is a reasonable, circa plausible batch of suggestions to a team that owes plenty of cash to middling and/or non-existent talent. I will make no attempt to shed light on the bat-infested attic that is the Dodgers bank account, but I’m happy to tell them how to distribute its innards!
A Dream Within a Dream Within a Dream: Prince Fielder
Get a ripped, pseudo-vegetarian for 7 easy payments of $20 million!
There’s not a whole lot to say that you don’t already know. It’s simple. Prince Fielder coming to LA would transform their offense. This equation should clear up any doubts you may have:
from [8(anemic) + Matt Kemp] ——————————————> [7(anemic) + Matt Kemp + Prince Fielder]
My remedial math skills tell me this would be a mammoth improvement.
There is a downside to signing a rotund first baseman, of course, but the idea of having two of the top three in the 2011 MVP voting is too good to pass up. Fielder would make them an immediate contender in the National League. Ask Brewer fans if they enjoyed having Fielder and Ryan Braun in the middle of their lineup.
Currently playing his position: James Loney
Lesser free agent options: Carlos Pena, Derrek Lee
Nodding Off, but If You Punch Me, I’ll Punch You Back: Roy Oswalt
Maybe, maybe.
Hiroki Kuroda is more existential than literal, at this point. There have been as many reports claiming that he will play in Japan as reports claiming he will resign with the Dodgers. For Ned Coletti, the absolute value of this equation appears to be zero. As in, there’s no reason to wait on Kuroda’s decision when moves must be made.
That brings us to former Astros ace and member of the Phillies mound parliament, Roy Oswalt. The Phils bought Roy out of his $16M option for 2012, rendering him an unrestricted free agent.
His back was a nagging issue in 2011, but reports suggest that he has put the back problems behind him (puns are still funny, no?).
Injuries are always a concern, but you’re gambling in an attempt to scoop up the 2010 version of Oswalt, that one that threw over 200 innings, struck out 193 and boasted an ERA of 2.76. A slightly lesser version of that would give the Dodgers a 1-2 punch that rivals anyone outside of Philadelphia.
While he’s unlikely to receive offers that match last year’s price tag, he is still a commodity. If the Dodgers could somehow lock him up for a year or two at $10M per, the juice would seem to be worth the squeeze.
Currently playing his position: Chad Billingsley
Comparable free agents: CJ Wilson, Mark Buehrle
I’m Awake, but I’d Rather Not Be: Joel Pineiro
That’s right, Pineiro. You get no love in your picture in my slideshow. Now show ‘em your sad face!
You may have noticed a pretty significant drop-off in talent. At least I’m prefacing it in the titles.
I have a personal vendetta against Joel Pineiro, so it pains me to put him on this list. (Apparently, I’m not the only one.) Some time ago, during his tenure with the Twins, my cousin and I sat behind the visitor’s bullpen at what was then Comiskey Park. We spent the majority of the game asking him (and the rest of the pen) to throw us a ball. He denied us, taunted us and patronized us. It was humiliating.
Point is, Pineiro’s a solid rotation guy and will likely come cheaper than Oswalt. Plus, he wouldn’t have to burn much gas moving his stuff from Anaheim to LA. We’re not all about sports at Bleacher Report, we’re environmentally conscious, too.
It’s About to Get More Real Than I Normally Prefer to Get: Wilson Betemit
I wasn’t kidding. I’m legitimately suggesting the Dodgers sign Wilson Betemit.
It would be Wilson’s second foray into the Dodgers clubhouse, should the front office take my advice. His first go-around wasn’t anything to write home about, but Mr. Betemit has grown since then. He’s changed for the better.
While his defense would charitably be described as atrocious, his bat veils these deficiencies. He’s come to the plate 674 times over the past two seasons, garnering status as a solid semi-regular which is precisely how the Dodgers would use him. Over that time, he has a .372 OBP and a .462 SLG. That’s better than solid, any way you slice it. And better than Juan Uribe in his Inception-iest dream.
The biggest hurdle for the Dodgers signing Betemit will be the price tag. After making $1M in 2011, there’s a good chance a team will throw $3M or $4M at him this offseason. It’s also possible he’ll be offered a regular job at third base or designated hitter.
Playing his position now: Juan Uribe
Comparable free agents: Edwin Encarnacion*
* Please, no.
Really, Rick Ankiel?: Rick Ankiel
Rick Ankiel: Ruining dream analogous title sequences since 2011.
“And down goes the talent! I don’t think it’s going to get up!”
It’s unfortunate, but a fact, that barring an unforeseen circumstances, the 2012 Dodgers starting lineup is all but set. It’s logical to look for role players, at this point, given the fiscal situation. Also, I’m still in the denial stage with the Juan Rivera signing. If we could avoid bringing that up in the comment section, I’d appreciate it.
Ankiel would provide a much-needed power bat off the bench. And once June rolls on by and Juan Rivera’s hitting in the .220′s, he’ll get some solid playing time. He also brings with him the ability to play all three outfield slots and a 95 mph fastball from anywhere on the field.
He made $1.5M last year and is likely to sign another similar deal.
Currently playing his position: Trent Oeltjen*
Comparable free agents: Laynce Nix, David DeJesus
* I didn’t want to write it any more than you wanted to read it.
Can’t Wait to Be a Backup on Your Fantasy Team: Laynce Nix
“I look a bit like Josh Hamilton, but believe me, that’s where the comparison ends.”
Nix is a poor man’s Ankiel on defense, but a comfortable man’s Ankiel on offense. He, too, is serviceable in all three outfield spots. And he can knock the ball out of the ballpark.
Over the last three years, Nix is averaging a little over one Win Above Replacement (WAR). With the NL West up for grabs just about every season, solid role players could prove to be the difference between the Dodgers being in contention and being in disarray, come September.
Currently playing his position: Trent Oeltjen (still)
Comparable free agents: Rick Ankiel, David DeJesus
This One Is a Joke: Mark Ellis
Wait, what?
Mark Ellis signed a two-year contract with the Dodgers worth $8.75M.
That sentence was poorly worded and radically underemphasized. Let me give it another go.
34-year-old, .288 OBP-having, 7-homerun-hitting, slightly above-average defender, Mark Ellis, signed a two-year contract with the Dodgers worth $8.75M. Couldn’t Justin Sellers put up those numbers for the price of, oh, I don’t know, on the house?! Or, the league minimum.
Here’s the kicker: there’s a team option for 2014. Let me go ahead and make a preemptive executive decision on that bad boy – DECLINE.
People I’d rather to give $8.75M to: Mark Grudzielanek, the Lopez twins from Major League 3: Back to the Minors, the director of Major League 3: Back to the Minors, Chad Fonville, Kelly Johnson, Wilton Guerrero, the Guerrero tortilla company and Bernie Madoff.
OCCUPY MARK ELLIS!!!
Back to Competent Role Players: Javier Lopez
I would’ve thought a Javier Lopez Google search would have brought up more results than just this guy.
As Hong Chih Kuo makes his bid to become the Octomom of elbow surgeries, the only southpaw in the Dodgers pen is Scott Elbert. Lopez has dominated lefties over the past two years (and for the majority of his career.)
The biggest obstacle here is Lopez’ price tag. He made nearly $2.5M last season and doesn’t figure to take a pay cut in 2012.
Currently playing his position: Scott Elbert
Comparable free agents: Darren Oliver*
* My feelings about Darren Oliver are eerily similar to Adam Sandler’s feelings about The Pepperidge Farm guy in Big Daddy.
As Long as It’s Not a Matt Guerrier-Like Contract: Joel Peralta
Three minutes is too long to spend thinking of a caption for a picture of Joel Peralta.
Regardless of your feelings on matchup, Tony La Russa-ball, it pays to have a reliever who can get lefties out in the late innings. There’s no need to succumb to the lefty vs. lefty cult-like adage, though. Ask a left-handed hitter who he’d rather face: Ted Lilly or Mariano Rivera?
Peralta is a cost-efficient right-handed reliever who gets lefties out. The 35-year-old has allowed a measly two homeruns to left-handed foes since the start of 2010, and only 42 out of a possible 190 have even reached base. He’d be a nice compliment to Scott Elbert who wasn’t too shabby against lefties, himself.
Currently playing his position: Javy Guerra, Scott Elbert, Matt Guerrier, Josh Lindblom
Comparable free agents: LaTroy Hawkins
I Mean, Why Not?: Brandon Webb
That old adage: A sinker ball’s worth a minor league contract.
Yes, I’m fully aware that Brandon Webb has pitched a total of four major league innings since 2008. Yes, I’m aware that the number is so low that English literary rule requires I spell it out.
…
Don’t bother waiting for my rebuttal – there isn’t one. However, if you can sign a former Cy Young winner to a minor league contract, are you really throwing that many chips into the pot? Low-risk, medium-to-high-reward.
Currently playing his position: Nate Eovaldi, Rubby De la Rosa, Dana Eveland, Stephen Fife
Getting decent production from Dunn would be like signing a free agent. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
It is debatable whether Ozzie Guillen was beneficial to the White Sox over the past several seasons. He was a polarizing figure in Chicago and out. He has gone to Miami, and Robin Ventura will take over. At least the focus will be on the roster and not what Ozzie said on his Twitter account.
The news in Chicago is both good and bad. The bad news is that they dumped a ton of money on a few players who really haven’t produced. The good news is that at least a couple of those guys are being replaced. In particular, there were three in the regular lineup last season that were an out and out disaster.
When that happens, you can do one of two things. You can keep them with the knowledge that they can’t get any worse or perhaps get a little better. Your other option is the replace them with someone who is even just mediocre. Mediocrity, in this case, is a huge improvement. In the White Sox’s case, it could be enough to challenge for the division crown.
Infield
I’ve never been sure what to classify the designated hitter as. Gimmicks are always hard to deal with. In Chicago’s case, we can paraphrase Shakespeare: Feces by any other name wouldn’t smell so bad. Adam Dunn had one of those seasons that defy description. I’m not sure whether to admire him for continuing to go out there, or chastising Guillen for continuing to throw him out there. Last year, he managed the improbable combination of being a zero-tool player.
Then there is the curious case of A.J. Pierzynski. I’ve seen this before in Houston. There were three other catchers that played here and there, and all of them would have been better options as a regular according to TPR. Yet, he is a veteran and pitchers are familiar with him. The Astros had the same in Brad Ausmus. The difference is that Ausmus was actually likable.
Beckham was supposed to be a stud with the bat. Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
The rest of the infield was just fine. Brent Morel struggled early, but he is young and his strong September provides some hope. Meanwhile, Gordon Beckham turned in another strong defensive campaign, but he needs to show why the Sox picked him so high. Paul Konerko and Alexei Ramirez are as steady as they come.
Player to Watch: Adam Dunn
Outfield
If the infield is a spot of concern, then the outfield is a place of great hope. Juan Pierre and Alex Rios stunk up the joint last year, but Pierre’s embarrassing contract finally ran out. They aren’t so lucky with Rios, but they may have found something in Alejandro De Aza. The question will be whether he takes over for Pierre or whether he pushes Rios to the bench.
They need to find someone to take that other slot if they want to bench Rios, but Rios was so bad that they shouldn’t have much trouble doing that. Carlos Quentin is an underrated player in right field. Some dismiss him because of a low batting average, but he gets on base and provides a great deal of power.
Player to Watch: Alejandro De Aza
Starting Rotation
If we can say anything positive about Kenny Williams, it’s that he knows how to build a pitching staff. Mark Buerhle is a free agent, and while losing him would hurt, they have the numbers to absorb the loss. In fact, there is talk of trading Gavin Floyd or John Danks to ease some of the payroll concerns.
Hey, didn’t you used to be Jake Peavy? Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Philip Humber was a revelation last season, and even Jake Peavy began to show signs of life. Late last season, they acquired Zach Stewart in a trade with the Blue Jays. Look for him to slide into the rotation if and when they lose one or more of their veterans.
Player to Watch: Jake Peavy
Bullpen
Some folks will talk about the San Francisco Giants’ pen or the Texas Rangers’ pen as the best in baseball, but my money goes with the White Sox. Normally, Jason Frasor is a very good middle reliever, and if he returns to that stature the Sox will have five very good relief pitchers. Very few teams can put up that kind of record.
Both Sergio Santos and Chris Sale are legitimate closer candidates. Santos did it last season, but there is no reason to think Sale can’t do it. Jesse Crain and Matt Thortnon are excellent relief pitchers as well. Add it all up and you have what I think is the best pen in the American League at least.
Player to Watch: Chris Sale
Winter Meetings Win
Williams may be forced to dump some salary in order to account for disappointing attendance figures. Still, there isn’t much he has to do to win this next week. All he has to do is keep from shooting himself in the foot. Dunn can’t be as bad as he was last year. If they let Pierre go and keep Rios off the field, they will improve a great deal simply by cutting dead weight.
can AJ be successful in 2012? Leon Halip/Getty Images
The New York Yankees had a solid 2011 season going 97-65. Now that the 2011 season is over and they’re heading into the 2012 season, what do the Yankees need to work on to get to the world series?
In 2011,the Yankees offense led in HRs, BBs and came in second in RBI, R and OBP. So the offense was not the issue throughout the season. When it came down to it, the pitching rotation was the problem.
C.C was phenomenal during the season, but when the postseason came, he had a 6.23 ERA and was not looking like the dominant pitcher that he is. Some people said that maybe he’s going to start to break down and regress. But CC is the Yankees’ ace, and for the most part, he’s not the problem, he’s one of the most consistent pitchers in the game, going 19-8 with a 3.00 ERA in the 2011 season and again, starting 30 games and continuing to be a workhorse for the Yankees.
A.J. Burnett has one of the filthiest pitches in the majors, but he’s very inconsistent. In the 2011 season, A.J. went 11-11 with a 5.15 ERA. I feel like he has the stuff to be very dominant and turn his performance around, but he has not done what he’s expected to and could be a real problem in the upcoming season.
Phil Hughes was not the pitcher we saw in 2010. Phil Hughes went from a Cy Young like season, to going down to Triple-A and going 5-5 with a 5.79 ERA. In order for the Yankees to not have complete issues in the rotation, Phil Hughes needs to be the pitcher that he was in 2010.
Freddy Garcia who was recently re-signed by the Yanks, was a solid pitcher in 2011, going 12-8 with a 3.62 ERA. At first, I was skeptical when the Yankees acquired him before the 2011 season, but he was a solid pitcher throughout the season. I do think that he will be a problem in 2012 because he doesn’t have the stuff that a pitcher needs to be successful. In the postseason he went 5.1 innings pitched and gave up 3 runs in a loss to the Detroit Tigers. I think Freddy Garcia will be an issue for the Yankees in the 2012 season.
Ivan Nova surprised the Yankees in the 2011 season going 16-4 with a 3.70 ERA. He along with CC Sabathia were the two most reliable pitchers that the Yankees had to offer. Nova showed tons of composure as a rookie during the season and the postseason. I don’t see many issues with Nova if he becomes a smarter and wiser pitcher in the upcoming years.
The New York Yankees’ pitching rotation is the main issue that they have to work on this offseason. If the Yankees do go shopping for the right pitcher that complements the rotation well, then they wont have as big of a issue as they have now. I feel like they should go after a solid pitcher such as Mark Buehrle or C.J Wilson so that their pitching rotation will be a very solid facet to their game.
can AJ be successful in 2012? Leon Halip/Getty Images
The New York Yankees had a solid 2011 season going 97-65. Now that the 2011 season is over and they’re heading into the 2012 season, what do the Yankees need to work on to get to the world series?
In 2011,the Yankees offense led in HRs, BBs and came in second in RBI, R and OBP. So the offense was not the issue throughout the season. When it came down to it, the pitching rotation was the problem.
C.C was phenomenal during the season, but when the postseason came, he had a 6.23 ERA and was not looking like the dominant pitcher that he is. Some people said that maybe he’s going to start to break down and regress. But CC is the Yankees’ ace, and for the most part, he’s not the problem, he’s one of the most consistent pitchers in the game, going 19-8 with a 3.00 ERA in the 2011 season and again, starting 30 games and continuing to be a workhorse for the Yankees.
A.J. Burnett has one of the filthiest pitches in the majors, but he’s very inconsistent. In the 2011 season, A.J. went 11-11 with a 5.15 ERA. I feel like he has the stuff to be very dominant and turn his performance around, but he has not done what he’s expected to and could be a real problem in the upcoming season.
Phil Hughes was not the pitcher we saw in 2010. Phil Hughes went from a Cy Young like season, to going down to Triple-A and going 5-5 with a 5.79 ERA. In order for the Yankees to not have complete issues in the rotation, Phil Hughes needs to be the pitcher that he was in 2010.
Freddy Garcia who was recently re-signed by the Yanks, was a solid pitcher in 2011, going 12-8 with a 3.62 ERA. At first, I was skeptical when the Yankees acquired him before the 2011 season, but he was a solid pitcher throughout the season. I do think that he will be a problem in 2012 because he doesn’t have the stuff that a pitcher needs to be successful. In the postseason he went 5.1 innings pitched and gave up 3 runs in a loss to the Detroit Tigers. I think Freddy Garcia will be an issue for the Yankees in the 2012 season.
Ivan Nova surprised the Yankees in the 2011 season going 16-4 with a 3.70 ERA. He along with CC Sabathia were the two most reliable pitchers that the Yankees had to offer. Nova showed tons of composure as a rookie during the season and the postseason. I don’t see many issues with Nova if he becomes a smarter and wiser pitcher in the upcoming years.
The New York Yankees’ pitching rotation is the main issue that they have to work on this offseason. If the Yankees do go shopping for the right pitcher that complements the rotation well, then they wont have as big of a issue as they have now. I feel like they should go after a solid pitcher such as Mark Buehrle or C.J Wilson so that their pitching rotation will be a very solid facet to their game.
Beckham was supposed to be a stud with the bat.
Hey, didn’t you used to be Jake Peavy?
