- Jon Heyman take a look at which teams have had the best offseason so far. Coming in at number one are the Seattle Mariners.
- Tom Verducci looks at which teams have put their money to the bet use. He dubs the Florida Marlins the most efficient team over the past decade, and the New York Mets the least.
- Beyond the Boxscore looks at how the top hitters from next year’s Hall-of-Fame ballot stack up. Of the four players mentioned, I think Jeff Bagwell and Larry Walker both deserve a nod.
January 21, 2010
Links: Best Offseasons, Most Efficient Teams
Rumor: Mets Might Make Offer to Torrealba
With the New York Mets losing out on free agent catcher Bengie Molina, they might turn to another free agent in Yorvit Torrealba. However, signing Torrealba might be difficult considering their history together:
Turning to him would be intriguing, and perhaps costly, because Torrealba filed a continuing grievance against the Mets after they backed out of a three-year deal with him two years ago . . . Last month, the Mets and Torrealba attended a hearing on the grievance, conducted by the baseball arbitrator Shyam Das. A ruling is not expected for several months.
January 20, 2010
Deal: Angels Sign Pineiro
The Los Angeles Angels have signed right-handed pitcher Joel Pineiro to a two-year, $16 million deal.
Phil Coke to Compete for Tigers’ Fifth Starter
Detroit Tigers‘ GM Dave Dombrowski has said recently acquried pitcher Phil Coke will get a chance to compete for the team’s fifth starter job. The lefty will compete with Armando Galarraga, Nate Robertson, Dontrelle Willis and Eddie Bonine. Jeremy Bonderman is likely to get the fourth starter job.
UPDATE: Manager Jim Leyland says he sees Coke being used in a relief role.
Brewers Sign Free Agent Doug Davis
The Milwaukee Brewers signed left-handed pitcher Doug Davis to a one-year, $5.25 million contract. Davis will make a base salary of $4.25 million in 2010. The contract includes a $1 million buyout and an additional $1 million in incentives based on starts and innings pitched.
January 19, 2010
Giants Re-Sign Free Agent Catcher Molina
CBS 5 Sports has learned the San Francisco Giants have re-signed catcher Bengie Molina to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million.
I wonder what this means for Buster Posey. I know Posey was supposed to split time at catcher with whoever the Giants signed, but with Molina back could this mean Posey starts the season in the Minors?
UPDATE: Buster Olney says Posey will start the season in Triple-A.
Waivers: Pirates Claim Brandon Jones
The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed outfielder Brandon Jones off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. The 26-year-old was taken off the Braves‘ 40-man-roster last week after the team signed Eric Hinske.
Projected Marlins’ Opening Day Lineup
Joe Frisaro over at the Marlins‘ MLBlog projects the Florida Marlins‘ opening day lineup. Check it out:
1) Chris Coghlan, LF
2) Logan Morrison/Gaby Sanchez (whoever wins the job), 1B
3) Hanley Ramirez, SS
4) Jorge Cantu, 3B
5) Dan Uggla, 2B
6) John Baker, C
7) Cody Ross, RF
8) Cameron Maybin, CF
9) Josh Johnson, P
That lineup packs some punch. If a couple of the young guys, Maybin or one of the first baseman, come into their own, and the starting staff stays healthy, the Marlins could be pretty good next season.
Tracy Ringolsby Makes Some Early Predictions on Standings
Tracy Ringolsby says he knows which teams are going to finish last in each division in the 2010 season. First place is up for grabs, but these six teams have already earned their places at the bottom (or so says Tracy):
AL West — Oakland A’s
AL Central — Kansas City Royals
AL East — Toronto Blue Jays
NL West — San Diego Padres
NL Central — Pittsburgh Pirates
NL East — Washington Nationals