2006-07 MLB Offseason Thread

[The Man in Blak 0]

There are plenty of statistics that could be cited to show that Youkilis is a decent third baseman but, since you've already stated that stats aren't important to you, why bother?

[CanadianChris 0]

The problem with "seeing is believing" is that people tend to only remember certain things about what they see, particularly if they already have a preconceived notion of whatever it is they're watching.

 

The stats do a fine job of proving that Youkilis is below-average offensively for a first baseman, although he's a decent leadoff hitter.

[the max 0]

Youkilis is a unique player in that he's not really built for one certain position. He's played outfield and both corner positions and done so pretty well. He's not a gold glove player, but he's not going to out-and-out lose you numerous games with his defensive gaffes. He gets on base, which is, dare I say pretty important, and hits doubles (almost a third of his total hits were doubles). He's not a huge power threat and he's not going to get a lot of RBI. His job is to get on base, which he did pretty well last season considering how much he was moved around the lineup.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Kevin Youkilis is not a world beater, but he's a solid player and adds a lot of value to a lineup. He's not an ideal first baseman because he lacks the power associated with that position. However, he is almost perfect as a leadoff hitter (except for his lack of speed) and still brings value, especially at his low cost. The most important thing in baseball is getting on base, and he's one of the best at doing that. He's not going to win any Gold Gloves, but his defensive reputation is good at both first and third (career rate at third is 110).

 

I watched most of Boston's games last year, so I don't appreciate being told that you have to watch the games to know value. Youkilis was the third best player on offense last year. He's no stiff.

[Precious Roy 0]

The Mariners signed Jose Guillen. 1 year, 5.5 million, 3 million in incentives. I'm not sure if that means he only has 2.5 million guaranteed, or 3 million available on top of the 5.5. Probably the latter. There's also a 9 million team option for 2008. Either way, great low risk signing for the Mariners.

[Cartman 0]

When your "3rd best player on offense" is Kevin Youkilis, you deserve 3rd place in your division...

[Craig Th 0]

Or you could be intelligent and NOT trade the main piece of your offense at all.

 

Youkilis does NOT play 3B all that well. 1B he is above average at best. OBP Machine's shouldn't strikeout that much either. I watch every Sox game(hurt last season) and I just don't see what everyone loves about this stiff. Stats look fine and dandy on paper but seeing is believing.

You watched EVERY game? Wow, I applaued you.

 

And if you are hating the BoSox soooo much with what they are doing, what would you do?

[vivalaultra 0]

Chris Carpenter and the Cardinals have extended their agreement through 2011 with an option for 2012. Hopefully for them, he'll continue to be the pitcher he was for the last 2 and a half seasons...and not the several before that.

 

The Giants signed Bengie Molina to a 3-year deal. They also officially signed Rich Aurillia.

[Bruiser Chong 0]

I'd hate to be a Giants fan, too. A three-year deal for a guy who was having drawing interest for any kind of contract?

[Guest Felonies!]

The Giants signed Rich Aurillia.

lol, youth movement

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

OBP Machine's shouldn't strikeout that much either.

 

Many players with high OBPs strike out often. Seven players with OBPs higher than Youkilis also struck out more. Besides, strikeouts are not important here because in return, Youkilis made less flyball and groundball outs.

 

The idea that Youkilis is a poor offensive player is nonsense. Could the Red Sox get better production from first base? Possibly, but you'd pay millions more for marginal returns. Running numbers, Youkilis created as many runs as Richie Sexson, who hit 34 home runs.

 

There's a tendency to blame the best players for failure. The Sox lost because their 5th starters, shortstop and center fielder bombed. Youkilis was one of the bright spots.

[Bored 0]

Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Padres are close to signing Greg Maddux.

 

A's will probably sign Mike Piazza by the end of the week to be a full-time DH. Insert your own joke about him now being able to live in San Francisco during the regular season.

[geniusMoment 0]

The winter meetings are under way in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Stay tuned for the latest on trades, free-agent signings and the rumors we're hearing at Disney's Swan and Dolphin Resort:

 

All times ET

 

Rumor Central

For more information on potential trades or free-agent signings, check out Rumor Central Insider, which is updated daily with news, nuggets and notes from around the country. Some of today's best includes the following:

• Richie Sexson: Time to deal?

• Vernon Wells: The $20M man?

• Manny Ramirez: No L.A. story?

 

8:58 p.m., from Jerry Crasnick

 

• Free agent right-hander Vicente Padilla has reached a preliminary agreement on a $34 million, three-year contract with the Rangers, a baseball source said Monday night. The deal is contingent upon Padilla passing a physical exam, which is expected to be administered in the coming days.

 

7:40 p.m., from Jerry Crasnick

 

• Ted Lilly's agent Larry O'Brien arrived in Orlando on Monday afternoon and told ESPN.com that he plans to meet with front office executives from the Cubs, Giants, Yankees, Blue Jays and Mariners on Tuesday. O'Brien characterized speculation that Lilly has already agreed to a deal with the Cubs as "just a rumor." Lilly is seeking a four-year deal in the $35-40 million range, and the Cubs are among the clubs to have made him an offer. "We're beyond the preliminary stage [with the Cubs], but our discussions are ongoing," O'Brien said.

 

• The Devil Rays, searching for help at first base, have discussed bringing in free agent Darin Erstad for a look. Erstad appeared in just 40 games with the Angels last year because of injuries. But Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon was known to be a big Erstad fan from their days together in Anaheim.

 

6:20 p.m., from Jerry Crasnick

 

• While Ted Lilly (Cubs) and Vicente Padilla (Rangers) moved closer to signing multiyear contracts, indications are that Jeff Suppan might remain on the market until after the winter meetings. Suppan is believed to be seeking at least $10 million a year on a multiyear deal and continues to attract interest from St. Louis and several other clubs.

 

• There's some buzz circulating that the Tigers might be willing to move outfielder Craig Monroe, who hit .255 with 28 homers in 147 games. The Tigers upgraded their offense recently with the addition of Gary Sheffield, and they need left-handed relief help with the departure of Jamie Walker through free agency.

 

• Craig Landis, the agent for outfielder Jay Payton, plans to meet with Billy Beane when the A's general manager arrives in town Wednesday. With lots of left-handed bats available (Luis Gonzalez, Cliff Floyd, Trot Nixon and Aubrey Huff, to name a few), Payton wins points because he's right-handed and extremely versatile. He started 62 games in left field, 46 in center and 45 in right last year for Oakland. Baltimore might have some interest as well, but the cost-conscious Washington Nationals backed off Payton because they think he's too expensive.

 

• The Nationals say that first baseman Nick Johnson will be ready to play by Opening Day, but his offseason rehab hasn't gone as well as the team might have hoped. Johnson broke his right leg in a September collision with outfielder Austin Kearns, then had arthroscopic surgery in early November to clean out scar tissue in his right knee.

 

• The Royals, who are interested in free-agent pitchers Gil Meche and Miguel Batista, talked to the agents for Ryan Franklin on Monday.

 

6:14 p.m., from Buster Olney

 

• Joe Borowski will take his physical with the Indians' team doctor Tuesday. If Borowski signs, he won't automatically be the team's closer; he'll be among those competing for the job. The Indians are believed to be offering a one-year deal worth $4 million, a baseball source told ESPN The Magazine's Amy Nelson.

 

• The Indians are pursuing Octavio Dotel, among other free-agent relievers who have closer experience.

 

5:30 p.m., from Jayson Stark

 

• The Mets and Rangers are in the running for free-agent starter Vicente Padilla, who is weighing both three- and four-year offers. He's expected to decide soon.

 

• While no meeting has been scheduled, Cubs GM Jim Hendry and Ted Lilly's agent, Larry O'Brien, are expected to get in touch when O'Brien arrives at the meetings this evening.

 

4:15 p.m., from Peter Gammons

 

• The Dodgers and Mariners are in the hunt for Manny Ramirez.

 

• The Cubs are making a hard push for Ted Lilly. According to Steve Phillips, Lilly's agent will arrive later today.

 

• The Giants worked out Octavio Dotel in the Dominican Republic last weekend. Eleven teams made offers, but the Giants weren't one of them.

 

1:40 p.m., from Jerry Crasnick

 

• Paul Kinzer, the principal agent for Vicente Padilla, will fly into Orlando on Tuesday for the winter meetings. In the meantime, agent Adam Katz is speaking to clubs on Padilla's behalf. Kinzer's principal focus has been on Texas, where Padilla won 15 games last season. But things could change if Padilla doesn't have an agreement in place by the end of the meetings. "Hopefully something gets done in the next day or two," Kinzer said. "If it doesn't happen soon, we might have to open things up more." Padilla's talks with Texas could turn on whether he continues to push for a four-year deal or is willing to accept three.

 

• The Twins, looking for a starter to bolster their rotation, are focusing on the lower end of the free-agent market, but have also explored the possibility of swinging a trade with Colorado for Jason Jennings. The Rockies would no doubt want Minnesota's top prospect, Matt Garza, as a centerpiece to such a deal. Given Minnesota GM Terry Ryan's reluctance to trade his best prospects, that's unlikely to happen.

 

• One agent in the lobby of the Walt Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort predicted that Mike Piazza will wind up in Oakland despite his recent dalliance with Texas, in large part because Piazza would prefer to remain in California. The agent also said that Barry Bonds would much rather stay in San Francisco than sign with Oakland. "He doesn't want to drive across the Bay, he doesn't want to play in a dilapidated stadium, and he doesn't want to wear the white shoes," the agent said.

 

1:30 p.m.

 

• Reliever Joe Borowski will undergo a physical exam Tuesday in Cleveland, ESPN The Magazine's Tim Kurkjian reports. The Indians want to see how healthy his shoulder is before proceeding any further.

 

12:50 p.m., from Jayson Stark

 

• There were reports out of Chicago today that the White Sox were again looking into trading for Alex Rodriguez. But according to an official of one team that has inquired about A-Rod's status recently, those reports are just "the same old bull. A-Rod isn't going anwhere."

 

• While the A's and Rangers are still Mike Piazza's chief pursuers, there were rumblings Monday that the Angels had also kicked the tires on Piazza, who is expected to sign with one of those clubs sometime this week.

 

• The Padres are believed to be closing in on a deal with free-agent outfielder Jose Cruz Jr., who was released by the Dodgers last August.

 

• Only one free-agent starting pitcher won more games this year than Vicente Padilla (who won 15 for Texas). So Padilla has attracted significant interest. But the buzz among teams chasing him is that he's going to wind up back with the Rangers. Rumored sticking point: Padilla wants a four-year deal, and Texas is balking.

 

• Reports that the Cubs are making serious runs at Jason Schmidt and Barry Zito appear to be vastly overblown. Zito is barely on their radar screen. And Schmidt's price tag ($15 million a year for three to five years) has them looking for less expensive options -- with a list topped by Ted Lilly and Gil Meche.

 

• Octavio Dotel's agent, Dan Horwits, told a group of reporters Monday that there is "no question" that Dotel is now fully healthy, a year and a half removed from Tommy John surgery. Dotel is being as hotly pursued as any free-agent reliever left on the market. But according to one team that has inquired about Dotel, he has filtered out nearly all the clubs that want him to set up and expects to sign with a team that will let him be a closer again. That group would include the Red Sox, Devil Rays, Indians and Royals.

 

• The Mets have signed former Mariners pitcher Clint Nageotte to a minor-league contract, with an invitation to spring training; the Phillies signed former Mets, Indians and Brewers reliever Kane Davis to a minor-league deal; and the Royals signed former Devil Rays No. 1 pick Dewon Brazelton to a minor-league contract.

 

12:15 p.m.

 

• The Cubs are in serious pursuit of left-hander Ted Lilly.

 

• The Cubs are dangling right fielder Jacque Jones.

 

• The Brewers are listening to offers on outfielders Geoff Jenkins and Kevin Mench.

 

Noon

 

• The Dodgers and Giants, both in need of power-hitting outfielder, continue to discuss Manny Ramirez with the Red Sox.

 

9:30 a.m.

 

• The Indians are interested in Joe Borowski as a closer. The Phillies last week backed away from a multiyear agreement deal with the free-agent reliever because of concerns about the right-hander's shoulder.

 

• Free agent-reliever David Weathers is closing in on a two-year deal with the Reds, two baseball sources at the winter meetings told ESPN.com. The agreement is believed to be worth about $5 million.

[vivalaultra 0]

The Padres are somewhat close to signing Greg Maddux to a 2-year deal. They've already signed Jose Cruz Jr., who crushes left-handed pitching. Also, the Houston Astros have inquired about Jake Peavy. I stand by my statement that any team that trades Jake Peavy deserves to be kicked out of baseball, but, good God, having a rotation of Oswalt, Pettitte, Peavy, Clemens, and Woody would be sweet. Also, the Astros are interested in Jason Jennings still, with the trade suspects being Chris Burke and Willy Taveras, although I don't see what the point of trading away the future of 2nd base and the first true CF the Astros have developed since Steve Finley for a guy with a career ERA over 4 and a career record of 2 games under .500 with a not-so-stellar K/BB ratio is. And there's a slight rumor of a White Sox/Mets deal with Mark Buehrle and Lastings Milledge being involved.

[Guest]

Say this three times.

 

Vicente Padilla is making 11 million dollars a year.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Jon Lester's cancer is supposedly in remission and he may be ready to pitch by Spring Training. Good for him.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

Also, the Astros are interested in Jason Jennings still, with the trade suspects being Chris Burke and Willy Taveras, although I don't see what the point of trading away the future of 2nd base and the first true CF the Astros have developed since Steve Finley for a guy with a career ERA over 4 and a career record of 2 games under .500 with a not-so-stellar K/BB ratio is.

 

You may be underestimating Jason Jennings a little bit. There's a chance last year was a fluke, but he improved his peripheral numbers including his K/BB which was vastly improved. Remember that he has been pitching his entire career up in Colorado. Looking at his career trajectory, it looks like you can pencil him in for 200+ innings a year with a sub 4.00 ERA. That's very valuable (plus I still don't know what you see in Taveras).

[vivalaultra 0]

Willy Taveras, I think, is going to be a hell of a major league Centerfielder, probably not Carlos Beltran-esque, but still I feel he'll be a good one. He skipped AAA and he's still only 24 years old so there's alot more development to be done, but his defense and speed are excellent, and this year, he showed better plate discipline, hit for more power, and, overall showed much improvement at the plate, as evidenced by his 33-game hit streak. Once he learns to read pitchers better and not to always go back into first standing up, I think he'll be capable of stealing 50 bases a year and while he might not hit for much power, I think he's capable of hitting about .290-.300 every year with his ability to drop a bunt down or leg out an infield single. And there's the whole issue of if the Astros get rid of him, who the Hell's gonna play centerfield? Luke Scott? Jason Lane? Carlos Lee? Gonna shuffle Biggio back to the outfield? If it comes down to trading either Chris Burke or Willy Taveras, I'd trade Taveras and play Burke in center before sliding him to 2nd next season, but if the Astros trade both for a pitcher, that seems like creating two holes to fill one.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

The only thing you can say for him is that he is just 24. In his first full season in the majors, he hit .291/.325/.341. In his second season, he went .278/.333/.338, which to me looks like zero improvement. His K/BB numbers are atrocious. He steals bases at a 75% clip, which is just about at the threshold of having positive value.

 

He is a good to great defensive centerfielder, but I'm not sure he's good enough to make up for a .650 OPS. His most similar batters don't paint a good picture at all. With zero power to speak of, and no ability to draw a walk, pitchers are going to continue to challenge him and probably cause him to regress a bit.

 

Burke could be a nice talent, but it's looking more and more like Pettite and Clemens won't be returning next year. If you have the opportunity to lock up a solid #2/#3 to put behind Oswalt, I say you should go for it.

[vivalaultra 0]

Oh, I agree with locking up a #2 or #3 starter (even though I think both Pettitte and Clemens will return in some capacity next year), but I'm not convinced that Jason Jennings is the right man for the job. Now, if it was Willy Taveras/Chris Burke for Jake Peavy (or Chris Young. I really like Chris Young) or Willy/Burke for Dontrelle Willis, I'd jump on that in a heartbeat.

[The Man in Blak 0]

Jason Jennings is an odd one - he put up very comparable stats to his 2002 year, which was his most successful season before 2006 happened, but he chopped nearly a run off of his ERA from that season. The only peripheral that had a remarkable difference was the percentage of line drives that he gave up - 24% of his hits were line drives in 2002, but liners only amounted to 19% of his hits in 2006 - and I don't know if that dip in LD% is a function of actual improvement by Jennings, or the result of the new super-humidor ball being used in Coors Field this year.

[CanadianChris 0]

While Ted Lilly (Cubs) and Vicente Padilla (Rangers) moved closer to signing multiyear contracts, indications are that Jeff Suppan might remain on the market until after the winter meetings. Suppan is believed to be seeking at least $10 million a year on a multiyear deal and continues to attract interest from St. Louis and several other clubs.

Well, you've got to admire his chutzpah, if nothing else. $10 million a year for Suppan would be the new worst deal of this offseason.

[Cheech Tremendous 0]

I don't care how scarce starting pitching is, or how many times I hear that these teams are just awash in cash, when Gil Meche, Jeff Suppan, Vincente Padilla and Ted Lilly start getting $10-$11 million a year, there is serisously something wrong. These guys are fringe starters at best, and there are probably a number of AAA guys who could nearly match their production if given a shot.

[Guest Felonies!]

The Cubs might trade Jacque Jones for Jason Jennings, which actually isn't too bad, because nobody likes Jacque Jones. Ted Lilly, though. Geez. Is he better than Gilgamesh or whatever his name is?

 

 

I always get Chris Burke and My Clam mixed up on the Astros. Team just has a lot of white-bread guys.

[The Man in Blak 0]

While Ted Lilly (Cubs) and Vicente Padilla (Rangers) moved closer to signing multiyear contracts, indications are that Jeff Suppan might remain on the market until after the winter meetings. Suppan is believed to be seeking at least $10 million a year on a multiyear deal and continues to attract interest from St. Louis and several other clubs.

Well, you've got to admire his chutzpah, if nothing else. $10 million a year for Suppan would be the new worst deal of this offseason.

 

I don't think anything's touching Gary Matthews Jr. pulling 5/55 with no-trade this year, or any other year, really. Suppan has been a league-average pitcher (or better) for four or five years now. Gary Matthews Jr. was DFA'd by three different teams and will be 32 years old.

[vivalaultra 0]

Gilgamesh for Gil Meche AND My Clam for Mike Lamb in one post? You've outdone yourself.

 

Another reason to feel bad for Orioles fans...apparently, the Orioles' FO contacted the agent of Jeff Bagwell because they really, really wanted Baggy to be their DH. However, Bagwell would rather retire.

[Guest Felonies!]

We need to spread My Clam.

 

Oh hey, I think Dusty Baker replaced Harold Reynolds on BBTN. Once again, nobody has recovered from managing the Chicago Cubs since Durocher. It's a career killer. Poor Lou.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

We need to spread My Clam.

 

Oh hey, I think Dusty Baker replaced Harold Reynolds on BBTN. Once again, nobody has recovered from managing the Chicago Cubs since Durocher. It's a career killer. Poor Lou.

No love for Don Zimmer and his Preparation H endorsement deal?

[Guest NYankees]

There is a rumor floating around that Pettitte might go back to the Yankees and sign by as early as this weekend.

[vivalaultra 0]

To that, I say...Poppycock!