Miguel Tejada, Orioles Reunite In Baltimore

post from The Ghost of Moonlight Graham on 23 January 2010 11:24:36 PM. © The Ghost of Moonlight Graham

I really like what the Baltimore Orioles have done this offseason. They have brought in a nice group of veterans to mix in with the young and up-and-coming talent they have.The key to what they are doing is they are not signing any of these veteran players to contracts that could be considered an albatross [...]

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Check out Mariano Riveras luscious man-nips

post from Zell's Pinstripe Blog on 23 January 2010 11:03:36 PM. © Zell's Pinstripe Blog

I hope you enjoyed the title. I’m just taking the words from our friends over at TMZ. This is a post for all of those of you who wonder what our beloved Yankee players do during the off-season.He may not have a hot blonde at his side like A-Rod, but fellow Yankee Mariano Rivera isn’t letting [...]

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The State of the Rockies: January Edition

post from Purple Row on 23 January 2010 10:03:53 PM. © Purple Row

Hello Rowbots! After a 40 day break, I'm back and better than ever, ready to talk about the construction of the Rockies' Opening Day 25 man roster. Since I last wrote about the State of the Rockies, many answers have been revealed and much has been clarified on this subject. In this column I'll be giving my take on each deal the Rockies have done since the Winter Meetings, outlining the 2010 roster as it stands today, and showing how much money the Rockies have tied up in payroll in coming years.

But before I look at the answers, I'd like to touch on the questions that remain for the Rockies this offseason. One question (whether to sign Jason Giambi to fill out the bench) was answered today, but that in turn opens up new questions for Colorado going into the 2010 season. Please allow me to explain.

As it stood today before the Giambi signing according to my projections, the Rockies had one spot on the 25 man roster to work with--to be filled presumably by a utility infielder. Adding Giambi fills that projected roster slot and provides the Rockies with a big, fearsome bat off the bench, veteran leadership, and another back-up to Todd Helton at first base. In addition, it might have the ancillary benefit of getting Seth Smith more PAs since Tracy won't feel the need to save him for high leverage situations.

However, Giambi is left-handed, keeping the Rockies vulnerable to southpaws, and he doesn't give the Rockies a lot of defensive flexibility. As it stands now the Rockies would then have no true backup to Ian Stewart or Troy Tulowitzki (and no, EY2 doesn't count) and my projected roster is full. One solution to this is to simply do nothing and go into Spring Training with this roster (the Rockies could certainly do worse).

Another is the possibility (unlikely) of Clint Barmes being moved to a super-utility role, to which he is well suited. This would assume either that the Rockies sign a player like Orlando Hudson to be the starter at second base if he can be had cheaply (less than $4 million), which would be nice but is very unlikely, or they sign a player like Fernando Tatis, Melvin Mora, or Robb Quinlan to provide a few at-bats per week and back up third. Of these Tatis is the most palatable.

If the above scenario happens (the Rockies add another infielder), a player (most likely EY2) will be optioned to AAA to begin the season. However, since the Rockies have a relatively light opening schedule to 2010 (three off days in April), the FO could elect to option a relief pitcher (Daley and Corpas both have options) and go with an eleven man pitching staff in the short run. This seems highly unlikely to me, however, and EY2 seems ticketed for AAA if the Rockies do make another addition.

Another route that I've heard mentioned that Colorado might take is to sign another relief pitcher like Joe Beimel to further solidify the bullpen. This would most likely mean a demotion for Daley, who has the most options remaining.

But who should fill out the roster? It is a good problem to have for the Rockies, having too many good pieces in the bullpen, starting rotation, and lineup. They could make a major move (signing Hudson or Felipe Lopez), a minor one (Tatis, Mora, Quinlan, or a reliever), or no move at all and still be an excellent team going into 2010.

Now about that 2010 Opening Day Roster...

I'll begin this analysis with a look at how the roster is shaping up for 2010. Before I begin, let me first note that this analysis will be limited to what I can project the 25 man roster to be, since I'm forecasting the 2010 ODP (which only includes the active roster and DL). For most of the players not on the 25 man roster but who are on the 40 man such as Jhoulys Chacin and Hector Gomez, they will be paid the prorated major league minimum should they make the Show and considerably less in the minor leagues.

Players Under Contract for 2010

This category is for money that the Rockies have already committed to the 2010 roster. Note that this only includes players who are under contract with the Rockies (not just under team control), giving management concrete salary obligations to work around. I have also included Alan Embree and Yorvit Torrealba, who won't be on the 2010 squad but who have buyouts paid by the Rockies in 2010. This data, as well as much of the data for the rest of this study, was contributed by the incomparable Jeff Euston at Cot's Contracts.

For each player I'll give their name, approximate ML service time, 2010 salary, and minimum future salary obligations. This means that I assume that the Rockies decline every club option now and in the future, with the players' buyout included as an obligation. A * after a player's name indicates that they avoided salary arbitration.

Player NameML Service Time2010 Salary Add. Min. ObligationYears After 2010Todd Helton12.059$16,600,000$23,700,0001Aaron Cook7.02$9,000,000$9,750,0001Brad Hawpe5.058$7,500,000$500,0000Huston Street*5$7,500,000$15,000,0002Jeff Francis5.04$5,875,000$00Jorge De La Rosa*5.015$5,600,000$00Rafael Betancourt*6.079$3,775,000$3,775,0001Troy Tulowitzki3.033$3,500,000$25,750,0003Clint Barmes*4.122$3,225,000$00Manuel Corpas3.076$2,750,000$3,750,0001Miguel Olivo6.171$2,000,000$500,0000Chris Iannetta*3.029$2,000,000$6,350,0002Jason Hammel*2.153$1,900,000$00Jason Giambi14.082$1,750,000$00Ubaldo Jimenez2.087$1,250,000$8,000,0002Ryan Spilborghs*3.082$1,300,000$1,925,0001Taylor Buchholz*3.14$1,055,000$00Matt Belisle*4.019$850,000$00Randy Flores*5.025$650,000$00Yorvit Torrealba8.03$500,000$00Alan Embree15.059$250,000$00Total$78,080,000$99,000,000

As you can see, there are nineteen players on this list who will be Rockies in 2010, ten of whom avoided salary arbitration.

Free Agent/Under Contract Players

The nine who were already under contract (Helton, Cook, Hawpe, Francis, Tulowitzki, Corpas, and Jimenez) or added as a free agent (Giambi and Olivo) are being paid a total of $50,225,000 in 2010. Of these nine players, the Rockies have committed at least some money to all but Francis and Giambi in 2011 (Hawpe and Olivo have option years). A more detailed breakdown of the future is provided later on. Meanwhile, here's my take a couple of these players:

Brad Hawpe: The signing of Giambi creates an even larger redundancy for Hawpe's role with the team (another defensively challenged left-handed slugger. Theoretically, the Giambi signing could be the precursor to a Hawpe trade, which I've advocated before. I wouldn't bet on it though, as Dan O'Dowd seems committed to keeping Hawpe on the team as a solid contributor on offense, a veteran leader, and insurance against regression by Seth Smith, Dexter Fowler, and Carlos Gonzalez--a move which I can live with, especially with the Rockies so close in 2010 to playoff glory.

Miguel Olivo: I advocated the signing of Olivo as a backup catcher in this price range last month and my position hasn't changed from that point. He's solid Iannetta insurance and despite his deficiencies (patience at the plate, ball blocking, and game calling), he'll produce well in a Rockies uniform.

Arbitration Eligible Players

All but one of the ten arbitration eligible players received raises from the Rockies. The chart below details how the arbitration eligible players' salaries increased from 2009 to 2010:

Player NameML Service Time 2009 Salary 2010 SalaryDiff. from 2009Huston Street5$4,500,000$7,500,00067%Jorge De La Rosa5.015$2,000,000$5,600,000180%Rafael Betancourt6.079$3,350,000$3,775,00013%Clint Barmes4.122$1,625,000$3,225,00098%Chris Iannetta3.029$415,000$2,000,000382%Jason Hammel2.153$422,200$1,900,000350%Ryan Spilborghs3.072$415,000$1,300,000213%Taylor Buchholz3.14$1,055,000$1,055,0000%Matt Belisle4.019$800,000$850,0006%Randy Flores5.025$600,000$650,0008%Total$13,782,200$26,355,000132%

As you can see, the ten AE Rockies are earning on average 132% more than they did last year, (almost $13 million) basically replacing the lost salaries of Garrett Atkins, Jason Marquis, and the other departed 2009 Rockies. This is below last year's MLB average salary increase of 172% but still represents a large figure given the volume of AE players the Rockies had.

Looking back at my original projections, I did very well on a few (getting De La Rosa and Buchholz exactly right), pretty well on others (close on Hammel and Iannetta), overestimating a few by a lot (Betancourt, Street, Belisle, Flores, and Barmes), and underestimating Spilborghs.

Of these ten players, the Rockies have committed 2011 salary to Street, Betancourt, Iannetta, and Spilborghs. The other players (with the exception of De La Rosa and Flores) will still be under team control, but not at a concrete price point.

Here's my quick take on the arbitration-avoiding deals signed since the Winter Meetings:

Huston Street: I'm really not a fan of throwing lots of money at relievers (Dave Cameron does a pretty good job of summing up my opinion), but if you're going to do it with a reliever, Huston Street is a pretty good bet. He's young but has a good track record, he was very effective last year, and he's a model citizen to boot. I'd rather the Rockies turn the closer job over to a lower-priced power arm and spent the money elsewhere, but given the position the team is currently in I don't mind the expenditure as much.

Jorge De La Rosa: JDLR doesn't have anything to prove to me at this point. He's a stud and will perform like one (well above his contract's value) in 2010. Keeping him long term is another thing entirely.

Rafael Betancourt: I've written at length about Betancourt before and my opinion of middle relievers, but I must admit I was pleased that the Rockies got him at the price they did, especially when one considers the Brandon Lyon situation. If Betancourt's 35 year old body stays healthy, this will be an acceptable contract for the Rockies and will provide late game bullpen stabilization.

Jason Hammel: While Hammel may not necessarily repeat his excellent 2009 campaign, the peripherals are largely there for him to have a comparable 2010. I expect him to far outperform his contract.

Ryan Spilborghs: I appreciate Spilborghs as much as the next guy, but I think that the Rockies overpaid here for a fifth outfielder. Sure, Spilborghs may be the best fifth outfielder in MLB, but that doesn't change the fact that he'll have limited plate appearances (though his right-handedness is certainly a plus) in the role he's been given. Even so, Spilborghs should be solid depth and can rise to the occasion if injuries do strike, making him a nice security blanket for the Rockies in a year where wins are at a premium.

Taylor Buchholz: He didn't give the Rockies any production last year due to injury and therefore wasn't really due a raise. His health in 2010 is a definite risk for Colorado, as they could see an ineffective or injured Buchholz in 2010. I'm betting on a return to at least replacement level production for Buchholz when he does return, but that date is still in question.

Players Under Team Control, Pre-Arbitration Eligible

These seven players are at less than three years of major league service time and therefore are not eligible for salary arbitration. The Rockies have the option of keeping them under control for several more years and can do so cheaply in 2010 (for a price between $400,000 and $460,000). While I don't have concrete salary numbers for these players, for the purposes of this exercise I'm assuming a 3% raise over 2009 salary. The pre-arbitration players:

Player NameML Service Time2010 SalaryIan Stewart1.154$416,120Seth Smith1.119$415,090Carlos Gonzalez1.06$415,090Franklin Morales1.051$414,060Dexter Fowler1.027$413,030Matt Daley0.166$412,000Eric Young Jr.0.041$412,000Total$2,897,390After 2010, only Stewart and maybe Smith will be new arbitration eligible players for the Rockies. Add them to the current AE players that will still be AE next year and the Rockies will have four to six possible arbitration cases (plus FAs offered arbitration as Betancourt was this year) in the 2011 offseason, much better than the ten cases Colorado had this year.

The 2010 Opening Day Roster, As It Currently Stands

As I mentioned up top, the signing of Giambi probably means that the Rockies will add another utility infielder, removing a cheap player (EY2) from the Opening Day Payroll and adding a more expensive one (like Tatis or Hudson). But barring such a move and assuming that Buchholz begins the season on the DL (leaving 25 healthy players on the ODP), the Rockies have committed to an ODP of $80,977,390 for 2010. This is an increase of about $5.8 million (or 7.7%) from 2009 and it represents the largest Rockies ODP in their history.

Future Salary Obligations

As I alluded to above, the Rockies have framework in place for years to come in terms of players under contract. This chart, an adaptation of the one at Cot's, shows the Rockies' future salary commitments by year. As in the other charts, I assume that the team turns down all player options to find the salary floor. A notable difference from Cot's: Euston prorates signing bonuses (such as that of Aaron Cook or Chris Iannetta) over the life of the contract while I place them in their entirety at the beginning of the contract. Numbers in italics are buyouts.

Player NameService Time2011201220132014Todd Helton12.059$19,100,000$4,600,000Aaron Cook7.02$9,250,000$500,000Brad Hawpe5.058$500,000Huston Street5$7,500,000$7,500,000Rafael Betancourt6.079$3,775,000Troy Tulowitzki3.033$5,500,000$8,250,000$10,000,000$2,000,000Manuel Corpas3.076$3,500,000$250,000Miguel Olivo6.171$500,000Chris Iannetta3.029$2,550,000$3,550,000$250,000Ubaldo Jimenez2.087$2,800,000$4,200,000$1,000,000Ryan Spilborghs3.082$1,925,000Total$56,900,000$28,850,000$11,250,000$2,000,000Net$99,000,000

As you can see, the players that the Rockies have locked up long-term provide an excellent, cost-controlled core for now and the immediate future. The roster turnover after the 2010 season should be fairly minimal, with only four players out of the 26 I've listed scheduled to become outright free agents, out of team control. This and the wealth of pitching prospects in the pipe bodes very well for the Rockies in the near term.

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Heyman: Yanks Set Deadline For Damon (Updated)

post from A Die Hard Yankees Fan on 23 January 2010 08:04:36 PM. © A Die Hard Yankees Fan

According to Chad Jennings, Brian Cashman denied the report:

?That?s not true,? Cashman said. ?I have a certain amount of money, and when I decide to spend it, I?m going to spend it.?

Bill Madden wrote this today:

Still, as recently as a couple of days ago, there was renewed dialogue between Damon, Boras and the Yankees in which the Yankees made one last attempt to have a good Yankee remain a Yankee.

"Tell us your bottom line for what you're willing to play for," they said, "and if it's in the realm of where our budget needs to be we can go to ownership (Hal Steinbrenner) and see if something can be worked out." But instead of giving them a number, Boras came back with more of his patented "mystery team" hogwash, claiming he had a couple of other offers they were still considering.

And Marc Carig says that he received a text from Damon, and he says he "should have a team in a week".

From Jon Heyman:

damon has days to take low deal with yankees. assuming he says no, theyll sign another OF soon from johnson, nady, winn, edmonds, dye

I guess we'll just have to wait for more info in the next couple of days.

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Heyman: Yanks Give Damon Deadline (Updated)

post from Sliding Into Home: A Yankees Blog on 23 January 2010 07:04:16 PM. © Sliding Into Home: A Yankees Blog

(UPDATED 6:38 p.m.) According to Chad Jennings, Brian Cashman denied the report:

?That?s not true,? Cashman said. ?I have a certain amount of money, and when I decide to spend it, I?m going to spend it.?

But Bill Madden wrote this today:

Still, as recently as a couple of days ago, there was renewed dialogue between Damon, Boras and the Yankees in which the Yankees made one last attempt to have a good Yankee remain a Yankee.
"Tell us your bottom line for what you're willing to play for," they said, "and if it's in the realm of where our budget needs to be we can go to ownership (Hal Steinbrenner) and see if something can be worked out." But instead of giving them a number, Boras came back with more of his patented "mystery team" hogwash, claiming he had a couple of other offers they were still considering.

And Marc Carig says that he received a text from Damon, and he says he "should have a team in a week".

All we fans can do is wait. Like I said earlier, we'll know more in the upcoming days.

...

From Jon Heyman:

damon has days to take low deal with yankees. assuming he says no, theyll sign another OF soon from johnson, nady, winn, edmonds, dye

Not sure what that "low deal" is, nor have I seen anyone else talking about the Yankees making an offer. I guess we'll find out more in the next few days.

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UPDATE: Cashman Denies Damon Deadline

post from A Die Hard Yankees Fan on 23 January 2010 06:04:39 PM. © A Die Hard Yankees Fan

from Chad Jennings:

?That?s not true,? Cashman said. ?I have a certain amount of money, and when I decide to spend it, I?m going to spend it.?

While Cashman has repeatedly acknowledged that the Yankees remain in the market for an outfielder, he said the team has ?had no discussions on Jermaine Dye? and is ?not on Jim Edmonds at all.?

The slow-developing outfield market has not surprised Cashman. After seeing last year?s free agent market develop slowly, Cashman said, he expected the same this winter.

?How long it?s taking certain people to wake up and smell the coffee, that?s what surprises me,? Cashman said. ?When you get on the phone with agents, they tell you one thing, and certain agents can?t honestly believe what they?re trying to convey. Do they think I?m stupid??

From Jon Heyman:

damon has days to take low deal with yankees. assuming he says no, theyll sign another OF soon from johnson, nady, winn, edmonds, dye

I guess we'll just have to wait for more info in the next couple of days.

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Padres agree to deal with OF Stairs (AP)

post from MLB News Blog on 23 January 2010 05:18:07 PM. © MLB News Blog

Outfielder Matt Stairs and the San Diego Padres have agreed to a minor league deal. Stairs, who turns 42 in February, has spent last year and the final month of the 2008 season with Philadelphia, serving primarily as a pinch-hitter.

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Nolan Ryans group to buy Rangers (AP)

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks agreed to sell the Texas Rangers to a group that includes U.S. Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan on Saturday. The sides announced they had finally reached an agreement eight days after a 30-day exclusive negotiating window expired. The group is headed by Pittsburgh sports attorney Chuck Greenberg.

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Get The Most Out Of Your Internet Reporting

Selling online can be hard. While the internet is great because it offers access to a huge customer base, the internet has a downside because of its huge presence. While there are many customers online, getting to those customers is the challenge. Internet marketing is key to the success of an online business. An internet [...]

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Hunter Pence, Astros channel their inner Fergie,
meet halfway to avoid arbitration

More photos » Pat Sullivan - AP

Going against their usual grain, the Astros decided to sign a young player to a bargain contract.

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video details and more

I got a song (or two) in my heart this afternoon, I can't helps it! Maybe the songs aren't good ones, but still...

Alyson Footer tweets that Hunter and the Astros have (if you couldn't tell yet) met halfway between each side's offers and agreed on a 1 yr/$3.5 million contract for this season. Outside of this being extremely reasonable for a player who is 26, only getting better, and a fan favorite, the avoidance of arbitration is a good beacon for future negotiations, in my opinion. I don't know for certain if Pence would have held an arbitration hearing against the Astros, but it couldn't have been much of a good thing for the two sides to have to let a neutral decide Pence's value. Compromise was the name of the game.

I wrote about Hunter, arbitration and his free agent value in a post earlier in the week, so I don't have much more to offer on the subject. There are, of course, advantages to not signing Pence to a multi year deal, including the fact that we just don't know what kind of player Pence will become. With promising outfield talent in the lower levels of the minor leagues, Hunter's role may be to remain a relatively cheap, solid to good outfielder until youngsters like TJ Steele, Jay Austin, Jon Gaston, or even JD Martinez are ready to contribute for the Astros.

This signing leaves Wandy Rodriguez and Tim Byrdak as the remaining two Astros who are arbitration eligible and have yet to have agreed to a 2010 contract with the team. If Wandy can approach his 2009 statistics this season, he may want to hold off on agreeing to any multi year extension this offseason. As for Byrdak, he is expendable and his skills are replaceable.

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