The Official MLB Offseason Topic

[MrRant 0]

PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates were working Monday to complete a trade that would send catcher Jason Kendall to the Padres for third baseman Jeff Cirillo and catcher Ramon Hernandez, The Associated Press has learned.

 

The teams were close to making a deal last summer, shortly after the Pirates dealt outfielder Brian Giles to the Padres. Then, the two sides couldn't agree on how much of the remaining $42 million of Kendall's contract Pittsburgh would pick up.

 

Talks resumed, moving the teams to the verge of a deal, a team source said on the condition of anonymity. The renewed Padres-Pirates trade talks were first reported Saturday by the Beaver County (Pa.) Times.

 

Cirillo and Hernandez will combine to make $21.95 million in 2004 and 2005 -- about the midpoint of what the Pirates were willing to pick up of Kendall's contract and the Padres wanted Pittsburgh to pay when the teams talked last summer.

 

Kendall, a .304 career hitter who has never hit for power, has a no-trade clause he is willing to waive to complete the deal. He grew up in San Diego and wants to play again with Giles, one of his closest friends in Pittsburgh.

 

The Padres are looking to make a big splash as they move into Petco Park, something that landing a homegrown star such as Kendall would do. Kendall, a former All-Star, rebounded from a severe ankle injury in 1999 and a thumb injury in 2001 to hit .325 last season.

 

The Padres acquired Cirillo from the Seattle Mariners last week, even though they already appear set at third base with Sean Burroughs. San Diego got Hernandez and outfielder Terrence Long from the Oakland Athletics in November for outfielder Mark Kotsay.

 

Cirillo will make $6,725,000 in 2004 and $7,025,000 in 2005, and his deal includes a club option of $7,625,000 for 2006 with a $1.25 million buyout. Hernandez is owed $2.85 million this season and $4.1 million in 2005.

 

Cirillo is a .299 career hitter, but is coming off consecutive poor seasons in Seattle. He hit .205 with two homers and 23 RBI in 87 games last season.

 

Pittsburgh recently signed free agent Chris Stynes to play third base, but he could shift to second -- a move that would allow second base prospects Bobby Hill and Freddy Sanchez to start the season at Triple-A Nashville. Hill (Cubs) and Sanchez (Red Sox) were the main players acquired last season when the Pirates traded third baseman Aramis Ramirez and outfielder Kenny Lofton to the Cubs and pitcher Jeff Suppan to Boston.

 

The Pirates plan to cut their payroll from about $52 million last season to $35 million, and the combined $9,575,000 they would pay Cirillo and Hernandez this season is more than the $8 million they owe Kendall. But they would save more than $20 million over the life of Kendall's contract if they don't pick up any of the salary owed him from 2005-07.

 

Kendall will make $10 million in 2005, $11 million in 2006 and $13 million in 2007 under the $60 million, six-year contract he signed in 2000 -- coincidentally, just months before the Pirates moved into PNC Park.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

Reds sign John Vander Wal. Nice pick up O'Brien. Since we got rid of Taylor, Branyan and the sudden sadden death of Stenson (RIP), we had nothing on the bench, Vander Wal for that price [7k] is a smart move. Reds don't lose a pick and gains one of the better reserve OFers in the league.

 

WATCH OUT CUBS!`111`111!!!!

[Guest webmasterofwrestlegame]

Angels just confirmed that Vlad is a done deal having passed his medical.

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

Some Os rumors:

 

Possibility of the Os going after Maddux for a 2 year deal for a veteran starter - comes from Gammons who has been wrong on just about everything so far so I don't think its gonna happen.

 

Trade Rumor with the Angels for one of their starters. Several players mentioned that could be traded either way.

 

Os are no longer interested in Irod.

[MrRant 0]

ESPN Power Rankings as of 1/11/2004

 

Offseason Power Rankings

Rank Team Trend Comment

1. Angels Latest move: Jan. 10: Agree to deal with OF Vladimir Guerrero.

Comment: Along with a wealth offense, Guerrero gives the Angels' outfield two corner cannons.

2. Phillies Latest move: Dec. 24: Signed C-1B Shawn Wooten.

Comment: Just happy to see Vlad bolt for the AL West.

3. Orioles Latest move: Jan. 10: Signed 1B-DH Rafael Palmiero.

Comment: Raffy eases the sting of losing out on Guerrero. ... Ponson or Maddux a must.

4. Red Sox Latest move: Jan. 10: Named Ron Jackson hitting coach, Dave Wallace pitching coach, Euclides Rojas bullpen coach, Brad Mills bench coach.

Comment: So how are those Nomar contract extension talks coming along ...?

5. Yankees Latest move: Jan. 5: Signed RHP Javier Vazquez to a four-year contract.

Comment: Jan. 22 is the workout date for Cuban flamethrower Maels Rodriguez.

6. Mets Latest move: Jan. 6: Signed RHP Braden Looper.

Comment: Fiction: Vladimir Guerrero. Fact: Roger Cedeno or Timo Perez in right field.

7. Mariners Latest move: Jan. 9: Signed SS Rich Aurilia. Traded SS Carlos Guillen for 2B-SS Ramon Santiago.

Comment: Aurilia's career on-base percentage a pedestrian .331.

8. Cubs Latest move: Dec. 24: Signed 2B Todd Walker.

Comment: Long-term deal with Kerry Wood top priority, but don't rule out Maddux deal.

9. Royals Latest move: Jan. 6: Signed OF Juan Gonzalez.

Comment: One year, $4.5 million for Juan Gone seems like a terrific bargain.

10. Blue Jays Latest move:Jan. 8: Signed RHP Terry Adams, SS Chris Gomez.

Comment: Would be favorite to be the Marlins of 2004 if they didn't reside in the AL East.

11. Astros Latest move: Jan. 9: Signed INF John Valentin to a minor-league contract.

Comment: Question now seems to be how much will Clemens pitch on the road.

12. Giants Latest move:Jan. 10: Signed RHP Brett Tomko.

Comment: Tomko has had only one losing season in seven-year career.

13. Marlins Latest move: Jan. 8: Signed INF Damion Easley to minor-league deal.

Comment: Reportedly where Guerrero really wanted to play next season.

14. Tigers Latest move: Jan. 9: Acquired SS Carlos Guillen.

Comment: Good but not great offseason. Question is why did it take so long?

15. Cardinals Latest move: Signed RHP Julian Tavarez, 2B Marlon Anderson, OF Ray Lankford.

Comment: Anderson appears to be the favorite for the leadoff role at the moment.

16. Padres Latest move: Jan. 8: Claimed C Tom Wilson. Designated RHP Brandon Villafuerte for assignment.

Comment: Jeff Cirillo gets much-needed change of scenery, even if he's a backup for now.

17. Braves Latest move: Dec. 23: Signed LHP Armando Almanza.

Comment: Has Julio Franco reached 50 years old yet?

18. Athletics Latest move: Jan. 9: Signed RHP Lou Pote to a minor-league deal.

Comment: Billy Beane probably wondering if Eckersley might consider a comeback.

19. Diamondbacks Latest move: Jan. 6: Signed 2B Robby Alomar.

Comment: No player has seem his skill diminish more than Alomar in last two seasons.

20. Rockies Latest move: Jan 10: Signed INF Denny Hocking.

Comment: Rockies hoping to land Turk Wendell and Jeff Fassero.

21. Rangers Latest move:Jan. 5: Signed INF Eric Young.

Comment: Loaded AL West means another long season ahead for A-Rod.

22. Expos Latest move:Jan. 6: Re-signed SS Orlando Cabrera.

Comment: Monterrey Expos? Like the location, but new nickname needed.

23. Brewers Latest move: Jan. 9: Named Lee Thomas special assignment scout.

Comment: Did anyone notice Wes Helms hit .310 last September?

24. Devil Rays Latest move: Jan. 10: Named Don Zimmer senior baseball advisor.

Comment: Will Zim bring winning touch to Tampa Bay?

25. Dodgers Latest move: Jan. 10: Re-signed OF Dave Roberts.

Comment: Dodgers might be this offseason's biggest disappointment.

26. White Sox Latest move: Jan. 8: Signed RHP Cliff Politte.

Comment: Ponson last shot at saving miserable offseason.

27. Twins Latest move:Jan. 9: Signed LHPs Kevin Tolar, Aaron Fultz, 1B Juan Diaz.

Comment: Twins will be in rough shape if any of these three make their final roster.

28. Indians Latest move: Jan. 9: Signed RHP Jose Jimenez.

Comment: Jimenez could be interesting outside of Coor Field.

29. Reds Latest move: Jan. 7: Signed LHP Aaron Myette.

Comment: Unconditional Pete Rose reinstatement could mean quick exit for Dave Miley.

30. Pirates Latest move: Dec. 24: Signed INF Chris Stynes.

Comment: Jason Kendall-to-San Diego trade talk rekindled, with Cirillo coming to Pittsburgh.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Funny how the Yankees jumped from 25th to 5th without making a move. Guess the staff finally came to their senses.

[MrRant 0]

I think the Angels made a good move... but not enough to go to 1st IMO... and I am REALLY suprised the M's are at 7.

[Bored 0]

Which is why there is no reason to take that list seriously along with what Al pointed out.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Damn. I didn't notice the M's at 7. How the FUCK do you justify that ranking?

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

Funny how the Yankees jumped from 25th to 5th without making a move. Guess the staff finally came to their senses.

they did sign Vazquez to a long term deal, although I doubt thats enough to jump that much.

[MrRant 0]

The Mets are #6?

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

I'd buy that. They VASTLY improved their outfield dense with Cameron, signed Braden Looper, and signed Kaz Matsui.

[MrRant 0]

I would still put them at about #10-15 or so. Personally.

[Guest Smell the ratings!!!]

I think it's ranking the team's offseasons, not the actual teams overall.

 

Either that or the Dolphins comped ESPN some of that primo shit they were smoking this afternoon.

[Guest Anglesault]

So, I guess being hated by Red Sox and Blue Jays fans wasn't enough and he had to add the Yankees to the list.

 

You forgot the Mets, I'm sure the Mets don't enjoy Clemens.

Yeah, but who really cares about them?

[LooseCannon25 0]

So, I guess being hated by Red Sox and Blue Jays fans wasn't enough and he had to add the Yankees to the list.

 

You forgot the Mets, I'm sure the Mets don't enjoy Clemens.

Yeah, but who really cares about them?

Watch what you say there buddy........dont be mad because your pitching rotation is dropping like flies, and you guys got KEvin Brown who's 39 and always injured.

[Guest Anglesault]

I'd say that's plenty reason to be mad.

[NYU 0]

So, I guess being hated by Red Sox and Blue Jays fans wasn't enough and he had to add the Yankees to the list.

 

You forgot the Mets, I'm sure the Mets don't enjoy Clemens.

Yeah, but who really cares about them?

*raises hand*

 

So we have a Japanese player that is completely untested with American baseball......and an outfielder that we signed for millions yet only hits .250......and a new closer that has a worse reputation than Benitez, the former scrub of New York.....and two starting pitchers nearing 40.....and a relief pitcher that will be applying for social security soon, but is still going despite coming off Tommy John surgery and absolutely no fan wanting him back......and a rotation of Roger Cedeno, Timo Perez and Jeff Duncan in right field, which is enough to make any team fall into hysterics.....

 

Mets are going all the way this year. Just wait until they sign the ZEILE!

[LooseCannon25 0]

I'd say that's plenty reason to be mad.

I agree......

 

Vazquez ----- Good solid pitcher....trust me, he's been baffling my division for about 4 years now. However, we're gonna find out if he can pitch in a big city like NY where there's tons of pressure

 

Brown ----- Could be one of the best in the league if he can stay healthy....That's a big if though

 

Mussina ---- A sureshot, can't miss guy. He'll be solid again

 

Contreras ---- NOt proven as a full season starter yet. Showed that he can get rattled in his performance in the playoffs.

 

Lieber ---- Guy hasn't pitched in almost 2 damn years. Be happy if you get 10 wins from him.

[LooseCannon25 0]

So, I guess being hated by Red Sox and Blue Jays fans wasn't enough and he had to add the Yankees to the list.

 

You forgot the Mets, I'm sure the Mets don't enjoy Clemens.

Yeah, but who really cares about them?

*raises hand*

 

So we have a Japanese player that is completely untested with American baseball......and an outfielder that we signed for millions yet only hits .250......and a new closer that has a worse reputation than Benitez, the former scrub of New York.....and two starting pitchers nearing 40.....and a relief pitcher that will be applying for social security soon, but is still going despite coming off Tommy John surgery and absolutely no fan wanting him back......and a rotation of Roger Cedeno, Timo Perez and Jeff Duncan in right field, which is enough to make any team fall into hysterics.....

 

Mets are going all the way this year. Just wait until they sign the ZEILE!

You forgot the catcher who seems too selfish to move to first, yet continues to deteriorate in front of our eyes. How about the first basemen who missed almost all of last year, will miss all of this year, and yet STILL won't retire. Then there's the 3rd baseman, who I like, who hits 11 homers.

[NYU 0]

So, I guess being hated by Red Sox and Blue Jays fans wasn't enough and he had to add the Yankees to the list.

 

You forgot the Mets, I'm sure the Mets don't enjoy Clemens.

Yeah, but who really cares about them?

*raises hand*

 

So we have a Japanese player that is completely untested with American baseball......and an outfielder that we signed for millions yet only hits .250......and a new closer that has a worse reputation than Benitez, the former scrub of New York.....and two starting pitchers nearing 40.....and a relief pitcher that will be applying for social security soon, but is still going despite coming off Tommy John surgery and absolutely no fan wanting him back......and a rotation of Roger Cedeno, Timo Perez and Jeff Duncan in right field, which is enough to make any team fall into hysterics.....

 

Mets are going all the way this year. Just wait until they sign the ZEILE!

You forgot the catcher who seems too selfish to move to first, yet continues to deteriorate in front of our eyes. How about the first basemen who missed almost all of last year, will miss all of this year, and yet STILL won't retire. Then there's the 3rd baseman, who I like, who hits 11 homers.

Oh oh. Don't forget our utility man. We got rid of John Valentin last season. Got rid of Tony Clark this season. But by gawd, we kept Joe McEwing. GO SUPER JOE! Hop in and out of that batter's box like a jumping bean! Not like you want a .200+ average or anything!!

[LooseCannon25 0]

So, I guess being hated by Red Sox and Blue Jays fans wasn't enough and he had to add the Yankees to the list.

 

You forgot the Mets, I'm sure the Mets don't enjoy Clemens.

Yeah, but who really cares about them?

*raises hand*

 

So we have a Japanese player that is completely untested with American baseball......and an outfielder that we signed for millions yet only hits .250......and a new closer that has a worse reputation than Benitez, the former scrub of New York.....and two starting pitchers nearing 40.....and a relief pitcher that will be applying for social security soon, but is still going despite coming off Tommy John surgery and absolutely no fan wanting him back......and a rotation of Roger Cedeno, Timo Perez and Jeff Duncan in right field, which is enough to make any team fall into hysterics.....

 

Mets are going all the way this year. Just wait until they sign the ZEILE!

You forgot the catcher who seems too selfish to move to first, yet continues to deteriorate in front of our eyes. How about the first basemen who missed almost all of last year, will miss all of this year, and yet STILL won't retire. Then there's the 3rd baseman, who I like, who hits 11 homers.

Oh oh. Don't forget our utility man. We got rid of John Valentin last season. Got rid of Tony Clark this season. But by gawd, we kept Joe McEwing. GO SUPER JOE! Hop in and out of that batter's box like a jumping bean! Not like you want a .200+ average or anything!!

You know what, that pissed me off more than anything else, more than not getting Vlad. This guy hit like .180 last year, he was godawful, his at bats are torture to watch. But what do they do, resign Tony Clark who had several clutch homers last year, nope, bring back Shinjo who's a good defensive outfielder....nope....we resign the biggest waste of space on last years roster.....he can sit next to the 44 year old middle reliever.

[NYU 0]

Oh oh. Don't forget our utility man. We got rid of John Valentin last season. Got rid of Tony Clark this season. But by gawd, we kept Joe McEwing. GO SUPER JOE! Hop in and out of that batter's box like a jumping bean! Not like you want a .200+ average or anything!!

You know what, that pissed me off more than anything else, more than not getting Vlad. This guy hit like .180 last year, he was godawful, his at bats are torture to watch. But what do they do, resign Tony Clark who had several clutch homers last year, nope, bring back Shinjo who's a good defensive outfielder....nope....we resign the biggest waste of space on last years roster.....he can sit next to the 44 year old middle reliever.

But....but.....he has a history of hitting off Randy Johnson. SURELY that makes him an asset to the team.

 

What can I say? Wilpon has a hard-on for John Franco and Joe McEwing.

 

While we're talking about stupid Mets ideas, shall we mention now or later the whole hiring of permanent GM Jim Duquette. Considering he had a LOUD voice behind Steve Phillips's moves, what sense does it make to now put this guy in charge of the team? He basically has the same philosophy and, as we have seen, he'd rather settle for signing subpar players cheaply than signing all-stars for a price a little higher. And when are we going to see all this prospects Duquette traded for....? We traded our failed players to get money back and to get prospects for the future? Besides Royce Ring, I hear absolutely nothing about these prospects. And Wilpon looks like he'd rather buy a ninth golden limo for the family than spend any actual money on the team. What a bust all those trades looked like. "Hey! I got an idea! Let's trade Burnitz when he's finally getting hot at the plate!"

 

But then again, not many other GMs even wanted to INTERVIEW for the position, since the prodigal son Jeff Wilpon sparks such hatred between others involved in baseball.

 

.....but wait, where was I?

 

Ah, yes. Mets going all the way this year.

[LooseCannon25 0]

As long as Wilpon is the owner they won't be winning anytime soon......he's a small market mentality owner in NY...not a good mix.

 

I swear to god Cedeno better not be astarter this year, or Timo....they need a rightfielder.....oh whats that, they could have signed Guillen who hit 31 homers last year for just 3 million.....nah Let's just stick with the awful 3some in right field.

[MarvinisaLunatic 0]

Ah, yes. Mets going all the way this year.

All the way to where? 4th place in the NL East?

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Baseball's such a random game that anything can happen, really. If all the breaks go the Mets way, I could see them finishing second. But that's if everything goes right. They could easily finish last.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Phillies sign Doug Glanville to a one year contract. One one hand, he can't hit at all. But on the other hand, he's terrific defensively, can pinch run, and he's an absolutely terrific personality.

[Guest OctoberBlood]

I don't see how the Mets are a better team than they were last year. I think they can easily finish last.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

Phillies sign Doug Glanville to a one year contract. One one hand, he can't hit at all. But on the other hand, he's terrific defensively, can pinch run, and he's an absolutely terrific personality.

I wouldn't say he can't hit at all, as he's come through with some big hits in the past, but he definitely seems like the kind of guy you'd like to have in the clubhouse and a solid guy to have on your bench.

[the pinjockey 0]

I am too worried that the Glanville signing is just something to get an ally of the organization in the clubhouse. After last year, they probably went looking for one of their "guys".

 

If they trade Utley or Michaels for something good, then I won't mind this signing. But if Michaels and/or Utley get sent down I won't be too pleased. Especially in the case of Utley. At that point the organization is saying that their top hitting prospect can't keep Doug Glanville out of the 25 man roster. That can't be too good for the kids to see.

 

Hopefully that Utley/Kim deal is still on the table.