MLB Trade Deadline

December 31, 2008

Giants Rotation

Johnny @ 4:43 pm — Filed under: Lineups/Pitching Staff, Roster, Rumors (trade and free agent rumors)

With the recent signing of Randy Johnson, the Giants have more depth than ever in their rotation.

Giants Rotation:

  1. Tim Lincecum - 2.62 ERA, 227.0 IP
  2. Matt Cain – 3.76 ERA, 217.3 IP
  3. Randy Johnson - 3.91 ERA, 184.0 IP
  4. Barry Zito - 5.15 ERA, 180.0 IP
  5. Jonathan Sanchez - 5.01 ERA, 158.0 IP
  6. Noah Lowry - 3.92 ERA, 156.0 IP in 2007

Prospects:

  • Madison Bumgarner – 1.46 ERA, 141.2 IP in A
  • Tim Alderson – 2.79 ERA, 145.1 IP in A+

The Giants have a solid rotation 1 through 5. Lincecum may be the best pitcher in baseball, and he’s only 24. Cain would be an ace on most other staffs. Johnson and Zito are Cy Young winners. Sanchez struck out 157 batters in 158.0 innings. Zito and Sanchez may have had ERAs over 5.00 in 2008, but Bill James believes they both will have ERAs under 4.00 next season.

The Giants have the depth to move one of their starters. Zito cannot be moved, Johnson just signed, and Lowry is coming off an injury. Sanchez is the most likely to go, but Cain would bring in the biggest haul. Cain to the Brewers for Prince Fielder seems like a great fit. The Brewers could then let Gamel take over first. Fielder would enjoy McCovey Cove almost as much as Barry did. The deal seems like a good match, however it is pure speculation on my part. Sanchez could also land the Giants a young, corner infielder. Sanchez’s name has been thrown around a lot in rumors this offseason. If Sanchez does not get traded before the season, look for him to be moved once Noah Lowry proves he is healthy.

The Giants have a few young arms in the minors they are very high on. LHP Madison Bumgarner and RHP Tim Alderson were given grades of A and B+, respectively, by John Sickels at Minor League Baseball. A front four of Lincecum, Cain, Bumgarner, and Alderson will be unstoppable in a few years.

Regardless of who the Giants trade, San Francisco will have one of the best rotations in baseball in 2009.

2009 MLB Mock Draft

Johnny @ 1:10 pm — Filed under: Projections and Predictions, Rumors (trade and free agent rumors)

DraftInfo tries to predict what the June draft will look like. The draft order is not finalized yet due to free agent compensation.

The top five:

1. Washington Nationals- Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego State

2. Seattle Mariners- Grant Green, SS, USC

3. San Diego Padres- Kyle Gibson, RHP, Missouri

4. Pittsburgh Pirates- Alex White, RHP, UNC

5. Baltimore Orioles- Dustin Ackley, OF, North Carolina

Dodgers Sign Vargas

Johnny @ 12:25 pm — Filed under: Roster, Transactions (trades, free agent signings)

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed RHP Claudio Vargas to an incentive laden, one-year deal. The deal is worth $400,000 with another $1.4 million of possible incentives. Vargas had a 4.62 ERA in 37.0 innings last season.

Vargas has a career 4.94 ERA. If Vargas makes the big club, which he probably will, he’ll only hurt the Dodgers’ playoff chances.

Angels Sign Fuentes

Johnny @ 12:03 pm — Filed under: Transactions (trades, free agent signings)

The Angels have found their replacement for K-Rod by signing LHP Brian Fuentes to a 2-year deal with a club option for 2011. According to Buster Olney, Fuentes will earn $17.5 million for the 2-years. The option is worth $9 million and vests based on games finished. The Rockies will receive the Angels #33 overall pick in the June draft and a supplemental pick as compensation. Fuentes, 33, had a 2.73 ERA in 62.7 innings pitched.

The Angels have the money to afford the deal, and signing him for only two-guaranteed years is a steal. Fuentes should be just as good as K-Rod next season.

Cubs Trade DeRosa and Sign Miles

Johnny @ 11:53 am — Filed under: Transactions (trades, free agent signings)

The Chicago Cubs traded Mark DeRosa to the Cleveland Indians for RHP Jeff Stevens, RHP Chris Archer, and LHP John Gaub. Derosa had an .857 OPS last season. The Cubs also signed IF Aaron Miles to a 2-year deal. Miles had a .753 OPS last season.

The moves free up more payroll for the Cubs to sign a right fielder and get a pitcher. I like both deals for the Cubs. Having Miles and Fontenot play second will give the Cubs one more lefty in the lineup, which they needed.

The Indians get the infielder they need. DeRosa, 34, will play third for the Tribe. Not a bad deal for the Indians, but Peralta should really not be playing shortstop anymore. The Indians should consider flipping Cabrera and Peralta on their infield.

December 30, 2008

Cubs Trade Marquis to Rockies for Vizcaino

Johnny @ 8:18 pm — Filed under: Transactions (trades, free agent signings)

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Chicago Cubs will trade RHP Jason Marquis and $1-million to the Colorado Rockies for RHP Luis Vizcaino. The deal will will be completed next week. The starting pitcher Marquis had a 4.53 ERA in 167.0 innings pitched. The reliever Vizcaino had a 5.28 ERA in 46.0 innings pitched.

The Cubs will save between $5-million and $6-million with the deal. In 2009, Marquis is owed $9.875-million while Vizcaino is owed $3.5-million. Vizcaino has a $4-million option for 2010 or a $500,000 buyout. The option vests if Vizcaino appears in 68 games next season. Marquis will be a free agent after 2009.

I’m not sure whether the Rockies are acquiring Marquis for his hitting or his pitching. Actually, Marquis has pitched well in Coors with a 2.51 career ERA there. The freed up cap space will allow the Cubs to sign a left-handed hitting right fielder and maybe even a starting pitcher. This trade does not mean Peavy is on his way to the Cubs, but do not be surprised if those talks are revisited.

15 Free Agent Predictions

Johnny @ 2:01 pm — Filed under: Projections and Predictions, Rumors (trade and free agent rumors)

Lets take a look at 15 free agents and where they might end up.

Manny Ramirez – .332/.430/.601

Manny has had a bad month. Teixeira signed with the Yankees, and the Angels stated they are not interested in the slugger. That leaves the Dodgers as the only suitor for his services. The Dodgers are said to have reached a stalemate in contract talks with Manny, so LA has contacted Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu. Expect a deal to get done between Manny and the Dodgers. They want him, and Manny has no other choice. Where he’ll end up: LA Dodgers

Derek Lowe - 3.24 ERA, 211.0 IP

Lowe stated early on that he wants to end up on the east coast. Clearly, Lowe wanted to return to Boston, however the Sox signed Brad Penny to fill the only void in their rotation. Another suitor, the Yankees, signed Sabathia and Burnett instead. That leaves the Mets, Braves, Phillies, and Angels as possible suitors. The Mets have been rumored to be in serious talks with Lowe. Expect that deal to get done soon. Where he’ll end up: NY Mets

Ben Sheets - 3.09 ERA, 198.3 IP

The Cardinals, Brewers, Astros, and Rangers could be interested in the pitcher. The Braves still could use another starter, so we’ll stick him in Atlanta. Where he’ll end up: Atlanta Braves

Adam Dunn – .236/.386/.513

The slugger is probably better suited as a DH, but that may not happen. First base is also an option for Dunn. Teams interested in the slugger include the Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, and Cubs. Where he’ll end up: Washington Nationals

Pat Burrell – .250/.367/.507

Burrell can hit, but he cannot play defense. Will Burrell’s numbers suffer away from that hitter’s haven in Philly? Most teams find Milton Bradley and Bobby Abreu more interesting. The Rays, Braves, Brewers, A’s, Mariners, and Rangers are all possible suitors. Where he’ll end up: Atlanta Braves

Milton Bradley - .321/.436/.563

Bradley had a career year last season for Texas, but he also has a history of having a temperament and being injury-prone. Bradley is probably better fit to be a DH than an everyday outfielder, however teams in need of an outfielder find this switch hitter too good to pass up. The Cubs and Rays seem like the frontrunners. Where he’ll end up: Chicago Cubs

Bobby Abreu – .296/.371/.471

The veteran’s defense has not been good, but he still gets on-base and hits doubles. The Rays, Cubs, Dodgers, and A’s could be suitors. Tampa Bay needs a left-handed bat to DH, and Abreu fits perfectly. Where he’ll end up: Tampa Bay Rays

Orlando Hudson – .305/.367/.450

Arizona could not afford to keep the slick fielding Hudson. The market may be more apparent once the big sluggers sign. The Mets, Cardinals, and possibly the Giants, Indians, and Royals need a second baseman. Where he’ll end up: NY Mets

Brian Fuentes - 2.73 ERA, 62.7 IP

Fuentes is the best closer available. The Cardinals, Brewers, and Angels are interested. The Angels have the most money. Where he’ll end up: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Jon Garland - 4.90 ERA, 196.7 IP

The Braves, Mets, Dodgers, Orioles, Brewers, and Angels could be interested. Garland would benefit tremendously from a move to Dodger Stadium and the NL West, and the Dodgers do need the pitching. Where he’ll end up: LA Dodgers

Randy Wolf - 4.30 ERA, 190.3 IP

Wolf is a good pitcher, but injury-prone. Early this offseason, Wolf said he would be open to signing with any team. The Dodgers, Brewers, and Mets have expressed interest. Atlanta seems like a good fit, but the Braves are unwilling to deal with Wolf’s agent after the Furcal debacle. Where he’ll end up: Milwaukee Brewers

Oliver Perez – 4.22 ERA, 194.0 IP

Perez will see a better market once Lowe and some of the other starters sign. Perez is only 27. The Mets, Cardinals, Angels, and Brewers may be interested in Perez. Where he’ll end up: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Orlando Cabrera - .281/.334/.371

Few teams are interested in Cabrera because of his type A status. Oakland, Toronto, and possibly Kansas City and Cleveland need shortstops. Where he’ll end up: Oakland A’s

Rocco Baldelli – .263/.344/.475 in 28 games

Baldelli may be a steal for whichever team signs him. After Baldelli’s recent diagnosis, his stock has jumped. The outfielder has shown he is productive when healthy. Where he’ll end up: Boston Red Sox

Jason Giambi - .247/.373/.502

Giambi, 37, is done as a first baseman, but he can still swing the bat. Teams will only be interested in him as a DH. The A’s and Rays are possibilities, but my guess is Ricciardi was lying when he said the Jays were done. I see Toronto signing the slugger. Where he’ll end up: Toronto Blue Jays

December 29, 2008

Dodgers Rumors

Johnny @ 3:42 pm — Filed under: Rumors (trade and free agent rumors)

A couple of rumors today involving the Dodgers:

  • The Dodgers have contacted Adam Dunn about filling the void in left field.

Power hitter, that plays crappy defense, it certainly sounds like Manny. If the Dodgers do sign Dunn, Manny might be out of suitors. I expect the Dodgers and Manny to work something out.

  • The Dodgers and the New York Mets have discussed a deal that would send OF Andruw Jones to New York to play right field. The Dodgers would pay for most of Jones’ salary. Jones is owed $22.1-million in 2009, the last year of his contract. Jones, 32, hit .158 in 209 at-bats last season. The Dodgers are not interested in Luis Castillo.

I actually like this move for the Mets. Jones can certainly handle right field defensively, and if he could turn things around he may be a huge asset in the middle of the lineup.

  • According to Ken Gurnick, the Dodgers are interested in outfielder Bobby Abreu and pitchers Jon Garland and Randy Wolf. The Dodgers would look to trade Jones or Juan Pierre if they can acquire an outfielder.

Abreu would not be a great fit in LA. He brings the same crappy defense as Dunn and Manny, but a lot less power. Garland may be a better fit for the Dodgers than Wolf, since they need an innings eater with Lowe gone. Wolf is too injury-prone.

Cubans Marti and Gomez Defect

Johnny @ 3:08 pm — Filed under: Rumors (trade and free agent rumors)

According to ESPN’s Enrique Rojas, RHP Yadel Marti and OF Yasser Gomez have defeccted from Cuba. The two will attempt to reach the Dominican Republic to pursue careers in the MLB. Marti, 29, had a 0.00 ERA in 12 2/3 innings pitched in the WBC in 2006. Gomez, 28, is a speedy outfielder with a .331 career average with Industriales de la Habana.

Both players are thought to be major league ready. My guess is Marti sees significant interest from major league clubs.

Brewers Lineup

Johnny @ 2:52 pm — Filed under: Lineups/Pitching Staff

Lets take a look at the Brewers lineup needs.

C Jason Kendall- 151 games, .651 OPS

1B Prince Fielder- 159 games, .879 OPS

2B Rickie Weeks- 129 games, .740 OPS

3B Mike Lamb/Bill Hall- 92 games, .596 OPS/ 128 games, .689 OPS

SS J.J. Hardy- 146 games, .821 OPS

RF Corey Hart- 157 games, .759 OPS

CF Mike Cameron- 120 games, .809 OPS

LF Ryan Braun- 151 games, .888 OPS

The Brewers big problem is OBP. Milwaukee ranked 21st in OBP in the majors last season. So far this offseason, the Brewers re-signed third baseman Mike Lamb to platoon with Hall. Lamb struggled in Minnesota last season, but should bounce back with the move to the NL. The Brewers do not have a lot of holes to fill in their lineup.

The Brewers need a backup infielder to push Rickie Weeks at second base. Weeks started to turn things around last season once Ray Durham was acquired. Re-signing Durham would be a good move.

The Brew Crew may look to move Mike Cameron, possibly for a younger center fielder like Melky Cabrera. Another option is to trade Cameron, shift Corey Hart to center, and sign a power hitting corner outfielder like Adam Dunn or Pat Burrell. A move like this may be in the best interest of the offense, but would significantly weaken the defense.

The Brewers have some young guys that provide depth at a couple of positions. Shortstop Alicides Escobar and third baseman Mat Gamel are almost ready for the bigs. Gamel has consistantly put up solid numbers in the minors and should be ready to take over third base full-time by the end of the season. Gamel’s only issue may be his defense. The emergence of Gamel would make Hall expendable. Escobar should be used as trade bait. Escobar, a solid prospect, may have trouble producing offensively in the big leagues with his inability to draw walks, and the Brewers already have a legitimate major league shortstop in J.J. Hardy.

Jason Kendall is pretty useless as a catcher nowadays, but he’ll start for the Brewers regardless. The Brewers have some good catching prospects in Lawrie, Lucroy and Salome.

If Weeks can produce like his talent suggests, the Brewers should have a very good lineup for the next couple of seasons.

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