EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Now that the World Series is over, step one is players and teams deciding on contract options for next year. Teams decide whether to keep their players, at a price, or vice versa. Players do the same. Here are a few key players have options, and what will happen. Andy Ashby, LA Team Option: $8.5 Million 3-10, 5.18 ERA. I don't think the Dodgers are gonna bite this one. Ashby becomes a free agent. Miguel Batista, Ari Team Option: $5 Million Buyout: $300,000 Batista's a decent pitcher, with a 3.54 ERA and a good K rate. The market for starting pitching is terrible this year, so I think the D'backs will pick up Batista's option. Paul Byrd, Atl Player Option: $7 Million This one is up to Byrd. Byrd didn't pitch at all last year, so there's no chance he gets $7 million on the open market. Look for him to exercise his option. Chris Carpenter, StL Team Option: $2 Million Buyout: $200,000 Carpenter missed all of last year, and never did pitch well the previous three years. The Cardinals should buy this one out. Deivi Cruz, Balt Team Option: $1.5 Million Buyout: $200,000 Cruz has a .290 career OBP. There's no reason to have him on the roster, let alone pay him for the priviledge. Jeff Fassero, StL Team Option: $1.5 Million Buyout: $250,000 A 41 year old pitcher, with a 5.68 ERA! Cut him. Mark Grudzielanek, ChC Team Option: $6 Million Buyout: $500,000 Grudzielanek had a career year last year, at 33. He's good, but he's not worth $6 million. The Cubs should cut him, and try and resign him at a cheaper rate. Jimmy Haynes, Cin Player Option: $2.5 Million Who the hell had the bright idea to give Jimmy Haynes an option? Haynes will accept the option, of course, and if the Reds are lucky he'll remain on the disabled list. Livan Hernandez, Mon Team Option: $6 Million Sometimes its tough to be a GM. Livan put together his best year last year, posting a 3.20 ERA. And he's just 28. Right now he's probably worth more than $6 million on the open market. The problem is that the Expos are strapped, as they need to try and resign Vladimir Guerrero. If I'm the Expos, I pick up the option, and explore a trade if needed. Sterling Hitchcock, StL Team Option: $9 Million? Buyout: $1 Million Gone. Trevor Hoffman, SD Team Option: $10 Million Buyout: $2 Million The Padres probably need help in other places, but they can't afford to let Trevor Hoffman go. Not that its bad, as Hoffman is one of the best relievers in baseball. Brian Jordan, LA Team Option: $10.5 Million Buyout: $2.5 Million Sayanora. Eric Karros, ChC Team Option: $9 Million Buyout: $1 Million With Hee Choi waiting in the wings, there's no reason whatsoever to give Eric Karros $9 million. NONE. Corey Koskie, Min Team Option: $4.5 Million Buyout: $200,000 The Twins can't piss their season away this easy. They'll keep Koskie. Esteban Loazia, CWS Team Option: $3.5 Million Buyout: $150,000 Sometimes these decisions are tough, and sometimes their blindingly obvious. Derek Lowe, Bos Team Option: $5 Million Buyout: $500,000 Ditto. Matt Mantei, Ari Player Option: $7 Million Funny how all the injured pitchers have player options. Of course Mantei will exercise this option. Brent Mayne, KC Team Option: $3 Million Buyout: $250,000 The Royals should look elsewhere for catching help. Mayne just isn't that good. Hideo Nomo, LA Team Option: $8 Million Buyout: $1.5 Million Nomo's won 16 games two years in a row. I think the Dodgers will probably pick up this option. Russ Ortiz, Atl Team Option: $5.7 Million Buyout: $300,000 The Braves don't have much pitching anymore, so they really can't afford to lose Ortiz at this point. Rick Reed, Min Team Option: $8 Million Reed is not worth $8 million, and the Twins already have Radke, Milton, Mays and Santana. Expect the Twins to release him. Scott Sullivan, CWS Team Option: $3.1 Million Buyout: $250,000 I doubt he's worth $3.1 million. I'd let him go. There's plenty of relievers on the market. Jeff Suppan, Bos Team Option: $4 Million Buyout: $500,000 I'd let Suppan go. The Sox were never enthusiastic about pitching him in the postseason. His K rate is low as well. Frank Thomas, CWS Dual Option: $6 Million player/$8 Million team There's talk that Frank Thomas might actually leave the Sox. His contract is too complicated to figure out, so leave this one to Peter Gammons. Fernando Vina, StL Team Option: $4.5 Million Buyout: $1 Million Vina's often injured, and on the decline. As painful as it is, the Cardinals should part ways. They need the cash elsewhere. David Wells, NYY Team Option: $6 Million Buyout: $1 Million The crown jewel of the hot stove league. Do the Yankees keep Wells? They don't have much pitching to go on as it is, but Wells might be a risk at this point. This move will indicate alot about the Yankees' offseason. There you have it. Teams and players will make their decisions over the next two weeks, at which point free agency begins. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Brent Mayne, KC Team Option: $3 Million Buyout: $250,000 The Royals should look elsewhere for catching help. Mayne just isn't that good. The Royals already did that a week ago. Word is that Benito Santiago, AJ Pierzynski (yeah right) or somebody else will take over starting catcher duties in KC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the pinjockey 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 If the new owners don't cut payroll, the Dodgers are going to be some big players this offseason with Ashby and Jordan coming off. And it is hard to weep for baseball's supposed financial plight, when Eric Karros even has the words 9 million dollars anywhere in his contract. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 For the catching market, on one hand you have I-Rod and Javy Lopez. Problem is, that's it. Brad Ausmus and Benito Santiago aren't world beaters, and beyond them you have a slew of second string catchers. Do the Royals still have AJ Hinch? I think the Dodgers are the frontrunners in the Miguel Tejada sweepstakes. They need a better shortstop, they need offense, and they have money. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Twins already picked up the option on Koskie's deal. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Thanks. There's about a three month gap I'm working with, so if anyone picked up their option since June, I don't have that info available. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Do the Royals still have AJ Hinch? Nope.. AJ batted about .200 for the Detroit Tigers in limited action this year Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 I heard Miguel Batista's option wasn't picked up and several teams are interested, Orioles included. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 It would be funny (not really) if the Cubs ended up signing Pudge. I think the Marlins will he'll end up back in Florida, but he'd be a nice fit in Chicago. Honestly, if I'm the Braves. I'm not quick to resign Lopez. The numbers where great last year, but where was he the last 3 or 4 seasons? You have to wonder if his numbers improved, because he was entering his free agent season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tom 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Actually, Vern, catchers' power numbers tend to spike later in their careers. It's possible Lopez could hit 30+ homers for another couple seasons. It's also possible he could suck a big wang next year, of course, but I think the Braves will roll the dice. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Javy's year has fluke written all over it. He could be for real, but I doubt it. And catchers tend not to last past their mid 30s. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 I don't even like to call it a fluke season. He had like 3 seasons where he ranked behind Piazza in numbers for NL catchers. This was a "underachiever in their free agent year season" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Man there's some over-priced talent out there... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Hell. Even Treavor Hoffman's option is too damn much. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 supposedly the Padres want to get the all-time saves leader from Japan (Shingo something) to join their team in 2004. Who is this man who gave the Padres so much to spend? I've seen them linked to Maddux, to Wells, to alot of people. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 They have a new stadium. So they'll make more money has a team next season. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tom 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Javy's year has fluke written all over it. He could be for real, but I doubt it. And catchers tend not to last past their mid 30s. That depends, Al. Ron Shandler has tracked the catcher-power-spike-in-their-30s trend for a while now. It seems to happen more often in backups, but IIRC, didn't Lopez miss some time the past couple years? It might have been a contract year, but he might also be finding that second wind in his power stroke that a lot of catchers his age seem to experience. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the pinjockey 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 It is the new ballpark syndrome. Unless you want to be a farce like the Pirates or Brewers, you need some players to field a quality team moving into a new building. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Javy's year has fluke written all over it. He could be for real, but I doubt it. And catchers tend not to last past their mid 30s. That depends, Al. Ron Shandler has tracked the catcher-power-spike-in-their-30s trend for a while now. It seems to happen more often in backups, but IIRC, didn't Lopez miss some time the past couple years? It might have been a contract year, but he might also be finding that second wind in his power stroke that a lot of catchers his age seem to experience. Tom. If you have those numbers. I'd like to see them. Because, everything i've seen says catchers numbers decline after they reach the age of like 30. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Petco's dimensions seem to be pitcher friendly in spots, (334L, 367LC, 390C, 409RC, 322R) although that 322 porch isn't going to be a relief for a right handed pitcher. Same with 390 to center. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dr. Tom 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Tom. If you have those numbers. I'd like to see them. Because, everything i've seen says catchers numbers decline after they reach the age of like 30. It would be an awful lot to post. See if you can find a copy of Ron Shandler's Baseball Forecaster, Vern. It's highly recommended for anyone in a competitive fantasdy league, btw. Shandler discusses the power tendencies of catchers in that book. I know I've seen it mentioned in the last two editions. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MarvinisaLunatic 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Petco's dimensions seem to be pitcher friendly in spots, (334L, 367LC, 390C, 409RC, 322R) although that 322 porch isn't going to be a relief for a right handed pitcher. Same with 390 to center. Isnt the left field wall a big building? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob E Dangerously 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Petco's dimensions seem to be pitcher friendly in spots, (334L, 367LC, 390C, 409RC, 322R) although that 322 porch isn't going to be a relief for a right handed pitcher. Same with 390 to center. Isnt the left field wall a big building? yeah.. but the RF/RCF did sorta tell me 'Pac Bell Park' Only players won't be able to hit home runs into Shamu's playland beyond the RF fence. The new field in Philadelphia looks good too. I don't know if it will become paradise for Jim Thome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkktookmybabyaway 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 It is the new ballpark syndrome. Unless you want to be a farce like the Pirates or Brewers, you need some players to field a quality team moving into a new building. The Pirates would have been a farce without out PNC... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vern Gagne 0 Report post Posted October 28, 2003 Tom. If you have those numbers. I'd like to see them. Because, everything i've seen says catchers numbers decline after they reach the age of like 30. It would be an awful lot to post. See if you can find a copy of Ron Shandler's Baseball Forecaster, Vern. It's highly recommended for anyone in a competitive fantasdy league, btw. Shandler discusses the power tendencies of catchers in that book. I know I've seen it mentioned in the last two editions. That's cool. A link was all I was looking for. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Salacious Crumb Report post Posted October 29, 2003 Mark Grace retired. Hopefully the Red decide to actually spend a little money to upgrade the pitching staff to at least average. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted October 30, 2003 Mark Grace has re-signed with the Arizona D'backs....as a broadcaster. The Reds at least have $9 million they're saving from Barry Larkin's contract coming off the books. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bruiser Chong 0 Report post Posted October 30, 2003 I'd surely mark like a bitch if Pudge signed with the Cubs. If they were to cut some of the dead weight or at least get them to sign smaller contracts, I think they could pull it off. Chicago's got that atmosphere that players like to be a part of, so hey, it could happen. //Little black kid from Disney's Angels in the Outfield Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EVIL~! alkeiper 0 Report post Posted October 30, 2003 The Cubs declined Grudzielanik's option, and he is now a free agent. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Choken One Report post Posted October 30, 2003 Steinbrener: You see that guy? He must have 17 letters in his name...he GOTTA be good! SIGN HIM! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
