Remember when the White Sox had to un -retire No. 3 so Harold Baines could wear it? They had honored Baines by retiring his number, but made the mistake of not first waiting for him to retire. So then he came back, and naturally he wanted his number back. And so they gave it to him, even though they had retired it.
That was comical.
Now the White Sox are un -retiring Luis Aparicio's No. 11 so Omar Vizquel can wear it.
This isn't comical. This is appropriate.
Aparicio is the greatest shortstop ever from Venezuela, the country's only Hall of Famer. Vizquel is the greatest modern shortstop from Venezuela, and a possible Hall of Famer.
When Vizquel signed with the White Sox, he asked the team about Aparicio's number. Later, Vizquel asked Aparicio about it. Aparicio told Vizquel -- and the White Sox -- that he'd be honored.
That sounds right, because it's an honor to Aparicio to have another great (though aging) shortstop from his country wear his number. And an honor to Vizquel that he's deserving of No. 11.
One side note: The White Sox originally assigned Vizquel No. 17, which isn't retired but is known in Chicago for belonging to Chico Carrasquel, the first Venezuelan shortstop in the big leagues. And while Vizquel has worn No. 13 throughout his big-league career, he can't wear it in Chicago because that's manager Ozzie Guillen's number -- yet another Venezuelan shortstop.
Category: MLB
Thinking about Selig -- and Gillick
Whatever you think of Bud Selig the commissioner, it's hard to fault the Brewers for paying tribute to Selig the owner. He did bring baseball back to Milwaukee and eventually got Miller Park built. And even if for many of those years the Brewers were awful -- they finally made it back to the postseason a few years after the Selig family sold the team to Mark Attanasio -- without Selig, there are no Brewers and likely no Milwaukee baseball.
But while Selig and his statue-to-be are in the news today , I'm more fascinated by another longtime baseball executive.
It's not that there's any real news on Pat Gillick today. But in a column over the weekend in the Toronto Sun, Bob Elliott pointed out something about Gillick that is truly amazing.
We already know that Gillick was perhaps the best general manager of our generation, building playoff teams in Toronto, Baltimore, Seattle and Philadelphia, winning back-to-back World Series with the Blue Jays and then winning it all again with the 2008 Phillies.
But here's the real kicker: Not one of the three teams Gillick left has made it to the playoffs even once since he's been gone. That's 15 years and counting since he stepped down as Jays GM after the 1994 season, 11 years and counting since he left the Orioles after 1998 and six years and counting with the Mariners.
Yes, the Phillies did make it back to the World Series under Ruben Amaro in 2009, but Gillick was still with the team as an influential advisor. And, as Elliott also pointed out, Gillick has committed to stay with the Phillies.
They want to keep him because of all that he adds.
I'm thinking they need to keep him because of what happens to teams when he leaves.
But while Selig and his statue-to-be are in the news today , I'm more fascinated by another longtime baseball executive.
It's not that there's any real news on Pat Gillick today. But in a column over the weekend in the Toronto Sun, Bob Elliott pointed out something about Gillick that is truly amazing.
We already know that Gillick was perhaps the best general manager of our generation, building playoff teams in Toronto, Baltimore, Seattle and Philadelphia, winning back-to-back World Series with the Blue Jays and then winning it all again with the 2008 Phillies.
But here's the real kicker: Not one of the three teams Gillick left has made it to the playoffs even once since he's been gone. That's 15 years and counting since he stepped down as Jays GM after the 1994 season, 11 years and counting since he left the Orioles after 1998 and six years and counting with the Mariners.
Yes, the Phillies did make it back to the World Series under Ruben Amaro in 2009, but Gillick was still with the team as an influential advisor. And, as Elliott also pointed out, Gillick has committed to stay with the Phillies.
They want to keep him because of all that he adds.
I'm thinking they need to keep him because of what happens to teams when he leaves.
Low-budget Twins? Not anymore
Do you realize the Twins now have more money committed to their 2010 payroll than the Cardinals do? More than the Braves? As much as the big-spending Mariners?
With Orlando Hudson signing a one-year, $5 million deal to be Minnesota's new second baseman, the Twins now have $93 million committed for 2010. Add in money for the players not yet under contract (and not eligible for arbitration), and the Twins are looking at about a $96 million opening day payroll, as Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune pointed out .
Sorry, but when you're knocking on the door of $100 million, we can't call you small-budget anymore.
"We like that designation," general manager Bill Smith insisted.
It's hard to tell exactly where the Twins payroll will rank, but they're basically guaranteed to be in the top half of MLB payrolls, for the first time since they ranked eighth in 1989 (they should be somewhere around 10th this year). To show how things have changed in those last 21 years, the Twins' 1989 payroll was $15.5 million, not all that much different from the Dodgers, who spent $25.6 million to rank first that year.
Ten years ago, the Twins were still spending $15.6 million, but by that point the Yankees were at $92.9. Since then, the Twins have usually ranked somewhere in the 20s among the 30 big-league teams (they were 24th last year).
Why the change? Obviously, the move to Target Field is a big part of it.
"We're in a good position," Smith said. "We have a lot of good players, we've had some success on the field, and we're moving into a new ballpark. Anytime you're on a roll, you've got to try to keep it going.
"When our payroll was low, we always said it's not about money, it's about players. That's still true."
The Twins have enough good players (and a few great ones) that they've won the American League Central five of the last eight years, even when they were being badly outspent. But as those players have gotten more experienced, they've also become more expensive, which is why the Twins payroll has risen so much without any really big free-agent acquisitions.
Of the $93 million committed for 2010, more than 40 percent of it goes to three players: Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan.
It's expected that the Twins will get Mauer signed to a new long-term contract in the coming weeks, but that won't necessarily change what they spend this year. Mauer is already signed for $12.5 million for 2010 under his existing deal.
In any case, it's hard to call the Twins cheap. It's hard to call them small-budget, whether they like the designation or not.
With Orlando Hudson signing a one-year, $5 million deal to be Minnesota's new second baseman, the Twins now have $93 million committed for 2010. Add in money for the players not yet under contract (and not eligible for arbitration), and the Twins are looking at about a $96 million opening day payroll, as Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune pointed out .
Sorry, but when you're knocking on the door of $100 million, we can't call you small-budget anymore.
"We like that designation," general manager Bill Smith insisted.
It's hard to tell exactly where the Twins payroll will rank, but they're basically guaranteed to be in the top half of MLB payrolls, for the first time since they ranked eighth in 1989 (they should be somewhere around 10th this year). To show how things have changed in those last 21 years, the Twins' 1989 payroll was $15.5 million, not all that much different from the Dodgers, who spent $25.6 million to rank first that year.
Ten years ago, the Twins were still spending $15.6 million, but by that point the Yankees were at $92.9. Since then, the Twins have usually ranked somewhere in the 20s among the 30 big-league teams (they were 24th last year).
Why the change? Obviously, the move to Target Field is a big part of it.
"We're in a good position," Smith said. "We have a lot of good players, we've had some success on the field, and we're moving into a new ballpark. Anytime you're on a roll, you've got to try to keep it going.
"When our payroll was low, we always said it's not about money, it's about players. That's still true."
The Twins have enough good players (and a few great ones) that they've won the American League Central five of the last eight years, even when they were being badly outspent. But as those players have gotten more experienced, they've also become more expensive, which is why the Twins payroll has risen so much without any really big free-agent acquisitions.
Of the $93 million committed for 2010, more than 40 percent of it goes to three players: Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan.
It's expected that the Twins will get Mauer signed to a new long-term contract in the coming weeks, but that won't necessarily change what they spend this year. Mauer is already signed for $12.5 million for 2010 under his existing deal.
In any case, it's hard to call the Twins cheap. It's hard to call them small-budget, whether they like the designation or not.
Category: MLB
Another young starter signs
When the Red Sox signed John Lackey in December, GM Theo Epstein said he believed it would be easier to add a hitter than a pitcher in the middle of the season.
Well, it's becoming more and more obvious that it won't be easy to add a top pitcher in the next few free-agent markets, either.
The Yankees won the World Series in large part because they were able to go shopping last winter and find both CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. But how many pitchers of that caliber will be available in the winters to come?
While it should come as no surprise that the Tigers have locked up Justin Verlander -- there's a reason they never considered trading Verlander when they made almost anyone on the team available last fall -- it does officially take one more big-time pitcher out of the market until after the 2014 season. (Verlander's five-year, $80 million contract, reported by the Associated Press late Wednesday night, will be announced this afternoon, sources confirmed to CBSSports.com).
Add in Roy Halladay, Felix Hernandez and Josh Johnson, who signed long-term contracts earlier in the winter, and Zack Greinke, who signed long-term with the Royals last winter, and Jon Lester, who signed with the Red Sox last spring, and you can see where this is going. And while the Giants don't seem to be making much progress on a multi-year deal with Tim Lincecum, that doesn't affect this picture, because Lincecum is under club control through 2013.
And, of course, Sabathia is signed through 2015, and Burnett through 2013.
For now, there are still a few big-time pitchers eligible for free agency after this year, but the best ones are already past age 30. There are also nine months before the 2010-11 free-agent shopping season begins, which means there's still plenty of time for Josh Beckett to re-sign with the Red Sox and/or for Cliff Lee to re-sign with the Mariners.
Of course, with another big season, Lee could be perfectly placed to enter the market -- especially since that market doesn't have nearly as much to offer over the next few winters as once was promised.
Well, it's becoming more and more obvious that it won't be easy to add a top pitcher in the next few free-agent markets, either.
The Yankees won the World Series in large part because they were able to go shopping last winter and find both CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. But how many pitchers of that caliber will be available in the winters to come?
While it should come as no surprise that the Tigers have locked up Justin Verlander -- there's a reason they never considered trading Verlander when they made almost anyone on the team available last fall -- it does officially take one more big-time pitcher out of the market until after the 2014 season. (Verlander's five-year, $80 million contract, reported by the Associated Press late Wednesday night, will be announced this afternoon, sources confirmed to CBSSports.com).
Add in Roy Halladay, Felix Hernandez and Josh Johnson, who signed long-term contracts earlier in the winter, and Zack Greinke, who signed long-term with the Royals last winter, and Jon Lester, who signed with the Red Sox last spring, and you can see where this is going. And while the Giants don't seem to be making much progress on a multi-year deal with Tim Lincecum, that doesn't affect this picture, because Lincecum is under club control through 2013.
And, of course, Sabathia is signed through 2015, and Burnett through 2013.
For now, there are still a few big-time pitchers eligible for free agency after this year, but the best ones are already past age 30. There are also nine months before the 2010-11 free-agent shopping season begins, which means there's still plenty of time for Josh Beckett to re-sign with the Red Sox and/or for Cliff Lee to re-sign with the Mariners.
Of course, with another big season, Lee could be perfectly placed to enter the market -- especially since that market doesn't have nearly as much to offer over the next few winters as once was promised.
Category: MLB
Tags: Justin Verlander, Tigers
'Finances will not hold us back'
The Rangers were so financially handcuffed last year that one employee said it was just like working for the Expos when major league baseball owned the team.
So the promises that prospective new owner Chuck Greenberg is making must sound like dreamland for Rangers people and Rangers fans.
Greenberg, a Pittsburgh attorney, told CBSSports.com today that his group will be able to spend when needed, and that once baseball approves the sale (which could happen in the next two months), he'll be ready to approve expenditures, as needed.
"In order to make a [trade], you need the financial resources and a depth of talent," Greenberg said. "We'll have both of those two things. If there's a chance [to make a deal], finances will not hold us back."
Some people in baseball have wondered what the ownership switch will mean for general manager Jon Daniels, but Greenberg expressed strong support for the GM and his staff. Greenberg's group includes club president Nolan Ryan, who was brought in last year by former owner Tom Hicks.
"I wouldn't trade our front office for any in baseball," Greenberg said.
So the promises that prospective new owner Chuck Greenberg is making must sound like dreamland for Rangers people and Rangers fans.
Greenberg, a Pittsburgh attorney, told CBSSports.com today that his group will be able to spend when needed, and that once baseball approves the sale (which could happen in the next two months), he'll be ready to approve expenditures, as needed.
"In order to make a [trade], you need the financial resources and a depth of talent," Greenberg said. "We'll have both of those two things. If there's a chance [to make a deal], finances will not hold us back."
Some people in baseball have wondered what the ownership switch will mean for general manager Jon Daniels, but Greenberg expressed strong support for the GM and his staff. Greenberg's group includes club president Nolan Ryan, who was brought in last year by former owner Tom Hicks.
"I wouldn't trade our front office for any in baseball," Greenberg said.
Category: MLB
Making the Tigers a winner
Johnny Damon says he can make the Tigers a winner.
Actually, Scott Boras said that, quoting Damon, in a story in the Detroit News . But I don't doubt that Damon said it, and I don't doubt that he believes it.
"I can make the Detroit Tigers a winner," Damon said, according to Boras.
I'm not so sure. Damon would make the Tigers a little better (as well as making them more expensive).
But here's what it's going to take to make the Tigers a winner:
1. The rotation is going to have to be as good as the Tigers think it is. That means Justin Verlander needs to be at near-Cy Young level, that Rick Porcello needs to be as good as he was as a 20-year-old rookie, and that Jeremy Bonderman needs to come back after basically missing a year and a half.
2. Magglio Ordonez is going to have to hit a lot more like he did in the second half of 2009 than in the first half, and he's going to have to drive in a lot more than the 50 runs he drove in last year.
3. Second baseman Scott Sizemore and center fielder Austin Jackson are going to have to show they can hold their own in the big leagues.
4. Carlos Guillen is going to have to stay healthy, and he's going to have to show that he's not already getting old.
5. Brandon Inge is going to need to show that his second-half dropoff last year was mostly due to his bad knees, and also that those knees are going to be a lot sturdier after surgery.
You tell me all five of those things happen, and I'll tell you the Tigers can be a winner, with or without Johnny Damon. You tell me four of the five happen (assuming the rotation success is one of the four), and I'll tell you the Tigers have a real chance to win.
They could win, despite all the dire talk at the start of the winter. They need a lot to go right.
Do they also need Johnny Damon? I'm not so sure they do. The way I understand it, they're not so sure, either, although they have had conversations about adding Damon.
He's not a perfect fit. At this stage of his career, he's a bad outfielder, and while he was very good offensively in 2009, his numbers were inflated by hitting in a great Yankee lineup and in a ballpark that fit him so well. And while Damon should spend some time as a designated hitter, the Tigers already have other players who need to DH.
I can't say he makes the Tigers a winner. But I don't blame him for thinking he would make a difference.
Actually, Scott Boras said that, quoting Damon, in a story in the Detroit News . But I don't doubt that Damon said it, and I don't doubt that he believes it.
"I can make the Detroit Tigers a winner," Damon said, according to Boras.
I'm not so sure. Damon would make the Tigers a little better (as well as making them more expensive).
But here's what it's going to take to make the Tigers a winner:
1. The rotation is going to have to be as good as the Tigers think it is. That means Justin Verlander needs to be at near-Cy Young level, that Rick Porcello needs to be as good as he was as a 20-year-old rookie, and that Jeremy Bonderman needs to come back after basically missing a year and a half.
2. Magglio Ordonez is going to have to hit a lot more like he did in the second half of 2009 than in the first half, and he's going to have to drive in a lot more than the 50 runs he drove in last year.
3. Second baseman Scott Sizemore and center fielder Austin Jackson are going to have to show they can hold their own in the big leagues.
4. Carlos Guillen is going to have to stay healthy, and he's going to have to show that he's not already getting old.
5. Brandon Inge is going to need to show that his second-half dropoff last year was mostly due to his bad knees, and also that those knees are going to be a lot sturdier after surgery.
You tell me all five of those things happen, and I'll tell you the Tigers can be a winner, with or without Johnny Damon. You tell me four of the five happen (assuming the rotation success is one of the four), and I'll tell you the Tigers have a real chance to win.
They could win, despite all the dire talk at the start of the winter. They need a lot to go right.
Do they also need Johnny Damon? I'm not so sure they do. The way I understand it, they're not so sure, either, although they have had conversations about adding Damon.
He's not a perfect fit. At this stage of his career, he's a bad outfielder, and while he was very good offensively in 2009, his numbers were inflated by hitting in a great Yankee lineup and in a ballpark that fit him so well. And while Damon should spend some time as a designated hitter, the Tigers already have other players who need to DH.
I can't say he makes the Tigers a winner. But I don't blame him for thinking he would make a difference.
Category: MLB
Tags: Johnny Damon, Tigers
Yanks, Damon would be better together
First Nick Johnson, now Randy Winn.
The Yankees really don't want Johnny Damon, do they?
They turned away from Damon once in December, giving Johnson $5.75 million and telling everyone he could have Damon's second spot in the lineup. They turned away from Damon again today, giving Winn $2 million to be the outfielder they needed to add, and giving him a roster spot that could have gone to Damon.
Johnson has nice on-base numbers, and also a well-earned reputation for getting hurt all the time. Winn is a decent extra outfielder.
Neither one is Damon, who at 36 is no longer a good outfielder but was still a key offensive contributor to a championship team in 2009.
The Yankees and Damon were a match that worked, and should have worked for another year. The breakup isn't all on the Yankees -- as I wrote after the Johnson deal in December, we've learned that he didn't want to be a Yankee as much as he claimed, just as we've learned that they didn't want him as much as they claimed.
But we all know how the Yankees react when a player is important to them. They get a deal done.
They gave Damon chances to stay. They were reportedly willing to do $14 million for two years at one point in December, and they were apparently willing to sign Damon to some sort of contract this week (for a lot closer to the $2 million Winn took than to the $13 million Damon made last year).
But the Yankees also let it be known that keeping their payroll under $200 million (for now) matters more to them than Johnny Damon did.
Damon and agent Scott Boras sure don't seem to have played this winter's market well. Even if Damon eventually gets more money elsewhere, it's hard to see how he'll fit as well as he did with the Yankees.
It's hard to see how the Yankees are a better team with Johnson and Winn instead of Damon.
This was a marriage that worked, and from the outside, the breakup is always going to be a little hard to understand. At some point, though, we're just going to have to accept that these two have broken up.
First Nick Johnson. Now Randy Winn.
It's time to accept reality.
The Yankees really don't want Johnny Damon, do they?
They turned away from Damon once in December, giving Johnson $5.75 million and telling everyone he could have Damon's second spot in the lineup. They turned away from Damon again today, giving Winn $2 million to be the outfielder they needed to add, and giving him a roster spot that could have gone to Damon.
Johnson has nice on-base numbers, and also a well-earned reputation for getting hurt all the time. Winn is a decent extra outfielder.
Neither one is Damon, who at 36 is no longer a good outfielder but was still a key offensive contributor to a championship team in 2009.
The Yankees and Damon were a match that worked, and should have worked for another year. The breakup isn't all on the Yankees -- as I wrote after the Johnson deal in December, we've learned that he didn't want to be a Yankee as much as he claimed, just as we've learned that they didn't want him as much as they claimed.
But we all know how the Yankees react when a player is important to them. They get a deal done.
They gave Damon chances to stay. They were reportedly willing to do $14 million for two years at one point in December, and they were apparently willing to sign Damon to some sort of contract this week (for a lot closer to the $2 million Winn took than to the $13 million Damon made last year).
But the Yankees also let it be known that keeping their payroll under $200 million (for now) matters more to them than Johnny Damon did.
Damon and agent Scott Boras sure don't seem to have played this winter's market well. Even if Damon eventually gets more money elsewhere, it's hard to see how he'll fit as well as he did with the Yankees.
It's hard to see how the Yankees are a better team with Johnson and Winn instead of Damon.
This was a marriage that worked, and from the outside, the breakup is always going to be a little hard to understand. At some point, though, we're just going to have to accept that these two have broken up.
First Nick Johnson. Now Randy Winn.
It's time to accept reality.
Category: MLB
A Cub . . . or an Expo?
On the facts, the Hall of Fame got the Andre Dawson call right.
He played 11 years with the Expos, just six with the Cubs. He was, as Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson said in an e-mail, "clearly the face of the franchise" when he left the Expos after the 1986 season. He won six of his eight gold gloves in Montreal, and while he was an MVP with the Cubs, he finished second twice with the Expos, and also was the rookie of the year there.
If only barely, the numbers definitely say he's more an Expo than a Cub.
That said, I'm having trouble with the decision to put Dawson in the Hall with an Expos cap (and with all his teams listed on the plaque), just as Dawson apparently is having trouble with it. While the Hall was right to take the cap decision away from the players -- it wouldn't be right for Dawson to be pictured as a Marlin, even if that's what he said he wanted -- in this case the player should have been able to choose.
Idelson said he talked with Dawson Tuesday night at the BAT dinner, and said he thought that at the end of the day, Dawson understood the rationale. I see the rationale, too, but I guess I'd rather this decision was left to emotion rather than to the simple facts.
The decisions will only get tougher, as more and more multiple-team Hall of Famers are elected. Is Randy Johnson a Mariner or a Diamondback? What about Roger Clemens (if he even gets in)? Alex Rodriguez?
They're emotional decisions, because fans' ties to players -- and managers -- are so emotional.
And on emotion, the Hall of Fame seems to have gotten this call wrong.
He played 11 years with the Expos, just six with the Cubs. He was, as Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson said in an e-mail, "clearly the face of the franchise" when he left the Expos after the 1986 season. He won six of his eight gold gloves in Montreal, and while he was an MVP with the Cubs, he finished second twice with the Expos, and also was the rookie of the year there.
If only barely, the numbers definitely say he's more an Expo than a Cub.
That said, I'm having trouble with the decision to put Dawson in the Hall with an Expos cap (and with all his teams listed on the plaque), just as Dawson apparently is having trouble with it. While the Hall was right to take the cap decision away from the players -- it wouldn't be right for Dawson to be pictured as a Marlin, even if that's what he said he wanted -- in this case the player should have been able to choose.
Idelson said he talked with Dawson Tuesday night at the BAT dinner, and said he thought that at the end of the day, Dawson understood the rationale. I see the rationale, too, but I guess I'd rather this decision was left to emotion rather than to the simple facts.
The decisions will only get tougher, as more and more multiple-team Hall of Famers are elected. Is Randy Johnson a Mariner or a Diamondback? What about Roger Clemens (if he even gets in)? Alex Rodriguez?
They're emotional decisions, because fans' ties to players -- and managers -- are so emotional.
And on emotion, the Hall of Fame seems to have gotten this call wrong.
Category: MLB
Phillies keep window open
The Phillies will try for a third straight World Series in 2010 with basically the same team that got there in 2008 and 2009.
And then they'll try again with the same team in 2011, and maybe 2012.
If the first part of the Phillies' winter was about incremental improvements -- first Placido Polanco in place of Pedro Feliz at third base, then Roy Halladay in place of Cliff Lee atop the rotation -- the next part was about insuring they can keep this group together as long as possible.
Now, with Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz all signed to three-year deals, no team in baseball has as many key players locked up as the Phillies do. Of their significant players, everyone but right fielder Jayson Werth is under control for at least the next two years.
That includes seven of the eight players in the everyday lineup, and also the top four starting pitchers (Halladay, Cole Hamels, Blanton and J.A. Happ), and also the two key pitchers in the bullpen (Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson).
Ever since the Phillies traded for Halladay and traded away Lee in a related (but not technically three-way) deal, plenty of people have asked why they didn't keep Lee. Given the multi-year strategy, it's easier to understand now why they didn't.
Lee wasn't prepared to sign a long-term deal. Halladay was, and so, eventually, was Blanton.
Rather than going for it all in an all-out rush in 2010, the Phillies were trying to extend their window of opportunity into 2011, 2012 and maybe even beyond.
They like the team they have now. They like it enough that they want to keep it around -- and they will.
And then they'll try again with the same team in 2011, and maybe 2012.
If the first part of the Phillies' winter was about incremental improvements -- first Placido Polanco in place of Pedro Feliz at third base, then Roy Halladay in place of Cliff Lee atop the rotation -- the next part was about insuring they can keep this group together as long as possible.
Now, with Joe Blanton, Shane Victorino and Carlos Ruiz all signed to three-year deals, no team in baseball has as many key players locked up as the Phillies do. Of their significant players, everyone but right fielder Jayson Werth is under control for at least the next two years.
That includes seven of the eight players in the everyday lineup, and also the top four starting pitchers (Halladay, Cole Hamels, Blanton and J.A. Happ), and also the two key pitchers in the bullpen (Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson).
Ever since the Phillies traded for Halladay and traded away Lee in a related (but not technically three-way) deal, plenty of people have asked why they didn't keep Lee. Given the multi-year strategy, it's easier to understand now why they didn't.
Lee wasn't prepared to sign a long-term deal. Halladay was, and so, eventually, was Blanton.
Rather than going for it all in an all-out rush in 2010, the Phillies were trying to extend their window of opportunity into 2011, 2012 and maybe even beyond.
They like the team they have now. They like it enough that they want to keep it around -- and they will.
Category: MLB
Nady agrees to terms with Cubs
The Cubs have a deal with free-agent outfielder Xavier Nady, CBSSports.com has confirmed. The deal will pay him $3.3 million, plus incentives.
Nady, who missed almost all of last season after elbow surgery, fills the Cubs' need for a right-handed hitting outfielder. The 31-year-old Nady returns to the National League, where he spent most of his career before he was traded to the Yankees in the middle of the 2008 season. Nady played just seven games last year for the Yankees.
Nady's deal was reported earlier by SI.com and Yahoo! Sports.
Nady, who missed almost all of last season after elbow surgery, fills the Cubs' need for a right-handed hitting outfielder. The 31-year-old Nady returns to the National League, where he spent most of his career before he was traded to the Yankees in the middle of the 2008 season. Nady played just seven games last year for the Yankees.
Nady's deal was reported earlier by SI.com and Yahoo! Sports.
Category: MLB
Tags: Cubs, Xavier Nady
A's sign Ben Sheets
Free agent right-hander Ben Sheets has signed with the A's, CBSSports.com has learned.
Sheets agreed to terms on a one-year deal for $10 million, plus incentives. He passed a physical today, and the deal is expected to be announced this afternoon.
Sheets, who started the All-Star Game in 2008, didn't pitch at all in 2009 after undergoing elbow surgery. He made a complete recovery, and was very impressive when he threw for teams last week in Louisiana.
The Cubs, Mets, Rangers and Mariners were also pursuing Sheets, but it's believed that the A's came in with the strongest offer. Sheets joins a young rotation that also includes Brett Anderson, one of the most impressive rookie pitchers in the American League last year.
The 31-year-old Sheets was 86-83 in eight seasons with the Brewers, including a 25-14 record in his final two years. He has dealt with injuries through much of his career, and has started 30 games only once since 2004.
Sheets agreed to terms on a one-year deal for $10 million, plus incentives. He passed a physical today, and the deal is expected to be announced this afternoon.
Sheets, who started the All-Star Game in 2008, didn't pitch at all in 2009 after undergoing elbow surgery. He made a complete recovery, and was very impressive when he threw for teams last week in Louisiana.
The Cubs, Mets, Rangers and Mariners were also pursuing Sheets, but it's believed that the A's came in with the strongest offer. Sheets joins a young rotation that also includes Brett Anderson, one of the most impressive rookie pitchers in the American League last year.
The 31-year-old Sheets was 86-83 in eight seasons with the Brewers, including a 25-14 record in his final two years. He has dealt with injuries through much of his career, and has started 30 games only once since 2004.
Category: MLB
Tags: A's, Ben Sheets
The $2 million man
He was never worth $50 million.
We guessed that when Gary Matthews Jr. signed his ridiculously big contract with the Angels three winters ago. We're sure of it after watching how the last three years have gone.
But here's what we also need to remember: If you get past the crazy salary, Matthews can still be a useful player. And at $2 million, which is all he'll cost the Mets over the next couple of years, he's worth the risk.
The Mets have had a horrible winter. It feels like the only players they can get are the ones no one else wants. Even Jason Bay, their big prize, seemed to have few if any other options. Bengie Molina, who for most of the winter seemed to have no other options, waited for weeks until he found one, eventually returning to the Giants for less guaranteed money than the Mets were offering.
Now the Mets get Matthews, who was unhappy with the Angels because he didn't get to play enough (and, of course, the Angels were unhappy with him because he didn't play well enough).
It feels at first like the Mets picking up another scrap that no one wants, but this one makes more sense. Carlos Beltran is coming off knee surgery and will miss the first few weeks of the season. The Mets need someone who can play center field. Matthews can play center field.
"The kid's always had talent," said one scout who has followed Matthews' career. "He'll make the routine play, and sometimes even make better plays than that. I just wish he'd work a little harder, and I wish he would realize what he is offensively, and not try to hit home runs."
Gary Matthews isn't going to save the Mets. That falls on Beltran (once he comes back), on Jose Reyes and Johan Santana and David Wright. But among the Mets' problems last year was a lack of depth, and a huge falloff whenever one of their star players was out.
Matthews isn't a star, despite his star-like salary. But he is a major-league player, and the Mets need more of those.
We guessed that when Gary Matthews Jr. signed his ridiculously big contract with the Angels three winters ago. We're sure of it after watching how the last three years have gone.
But here's what we also need to remember: If you get past the crazy salary, Matthews can still be a useful player. And at $2 million, which is all he'll cost the Mets over the next couple of years, he's worth the risk.
The Mets have had a horrible winter. It feels like the only players they can get are the ones no one else wants. Even Jason Bay, their big prize, seemed to have few if any other options. Bengie Molina, who for most of the winter seemed to have no other options, waited for weeks until he found one, eventually returning to the Giants for less guaranteed money than the Mets were offering.
Now the Mets get Matthews, who was unhappy with the Angels because he didn't get to play enough (and, of course, the Angels were unhappy with him because he didn't play well enough).
It feels at first like the Mets picking up another scrap that no one wants, but this one makes more sense. Carlos Beltran is coming off knee surgery and will miss the first few weeks of the season. The Mets need someone who can play center field. Matthews can play center field.
"The kid's always had talent," said one scout who has followed Matthews' career. "He'll make the routine play, and sometimes even make better plays than that. I just wish he'd work a little harder, and I wish he would realize what he is offensively, and not try to hit home runs."
Gary Matthews isn't going to save the Mets. That falls on Beltran (once he comes back), on Jose Reyes and Johan Santana and David Wright. But among the Mets' problems last year was a lack of depth, and a huge falloff whenever one of their star players was out.
Matthews isn't a star, despite his star-like salary. But he is a major-league player, and the Mets need more of those.
Category: MLB
Posted on: January 22, 2010 12:03 pm
Edited on: January 22, 2010 12:12 pm
Score: 168
Mets to acquire Matthews from Angels
The Mets will acquire outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. from the Angels, CBSSports.com has confirmed.
The Angels have agreed to pay the bulk of the $23 million remaining on the last two years of Matthews' contract. It's not known yet who the Mets will send the Angels in return, but it's not expected to be a very significant player.
Matthews gives the Mets some insurance in center field, since Carlos Beltran recently underwent surgery and is expected to miss at least the first few weeks of the season.
Even a small amount of salary relief is helpful to the Angels, who were about $4 million over budget after this week's Joel Pineiro signing.
Matthews' five-year, $50 million contract was a disaster for the Angels, who signed him as a free agent after the 2006 season. Even before he played his first game for the team, he was accused of acquiring human growth hormone. Matthews went on to have a subpar 2007 season, and after the Angels signed Torii Hunter the following winter, Matthews no longer had a full-time job.
Despite that, one scout who has watched him said he could be of help to the Mets, especially with Beltran out for the early part of the season.
"He can still play center field," the scout said. "You have to look past the contract."
The Angels have agreed to pay the bulk of the $23 million remaining on the last two years of Matthews' contract. It's not known yet who the Mets will send the Angels in return, but it's not expected to be a very significant player.
Matthews gives the Mets some insurance in center field, since Carlos Beltran recently underwent surgery and is expected to miss at least the first few weeks of the season.
Even a small amount of salary relief is helpful to the Angels, who were about $4 million over budget after this week's Joel Pineiro signing.
Matthews' five-year, $50 million contract was a disaster for the Angels, who signed him as a free agent after the 2006 season. Even before he played his first game for the team, he was accused of acquiring human growth hormone. Matthews went on to have a subpar 2007 season, and after the Angels signed Torii Hunter the following winter, Matthews no longer had a full-time job.
Despite that, one scout who has watched him said he could be of help to the Mets, especially with Beltran out for the early part of the season.
"He can still play center field," the scout said. "You have to look past the contract."
Category: MLB
If . . .
Look up Miguel Cabrera on baseball-reference.com , and check out the list of "most similar hitters through age 26."
Most similar: Ken Griffey Jr.
Next most similar: Hank Aaron.
Also on the list: Frank Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Al Kaline, Albert Pujols.
This guy is on the way to an incredible career -- if . . .
That's the thing with Cabrera, and that's why today's news out of Detroit could be the most encouraging piece of information Tiger fans have heard in a long time. At a Tiger function this morning, Cabrera told reporters that he has had three months of counseling and hasn't had a drink since the end of the season.
The "if" with Cabrera never involved his ability on the field. But there were always rumors of his off-field activities, and those rumors became public reality when police were called to Cabrera's home deal with an alcohol-related domestic dispute on the final weekend of the 2009 season.
Today, Cabera told reporters, "I know it will take a while [for the fans to forgive him], but I won't let them down again. I feel like a new man."
He doesn't need to be a new player. This is a guy with a .925 career OPS, with 105 home runs the last three years, with six straight 100-RBI seasons. This is a guy who can be one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. This is a guy who won't turn 27 until April.
This is a guy who could be one of the best hitters ever -- if he learns to take care of himself.
Let's hope what he said today is a sign that he will.
Most similar: Ken Griffey Jr.
Next most similar: Hank Aaron.
Also on the list: Frank Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Al Kaline, Albert Pujols.
This guy is on the way to an incredible career -- if . . .
That's the thing with Cabrera, and that's why today's news out of Detroit could be the most encouraging piece of information Tiger fans have heard in a long time. At a Tiger function this morning, Cabrera told reporters that he has had three months of counseling and hasn't had a drink since the end of the season.
The "if" with Cabrera never involved his ability on the field. But there were always rumors of his off-field activities, and those rumors became public reality when police were called to Cabrera's home deal with an alcohol-related domestic dispute on the final weekend of the 2009 season.
Today, Cabera told reporters, "I know it will take a while [for the fans to forgive him], but I won't let them down again. I feel like a new man."
He doesn't need to be a new player. This is a guy with a .925 career OPS, with 105 home runs the last three years, with six straight 100-RBI seasons. This is a guy who can be one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. This is a guy who won't turn 27 until April.
This is a guy who could be one of the best hitters ever -- if he learns to take care of himself.
Let's hope what he said today is a sign that he will.
Category: MLB
Tags: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
Phillies sign Blanton to 3-year deal
The Phillies have signed Joe Blanton to a three-year, $24 million contract, locking up another piece in their starting rotation. Blanton, who went 12-8 with a 4.05 ERA for the Phillies in 2009, would have been eligible for free agency after this year.
Blanton slots behind Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels. The Phillies signed Halladay to a long-term contract (through 2013) when they acquired him from the Blue Jays last month. Hamels is signed through 2011, and is under the Phillies control for another year after that. J.A. Happ, outstanding as a rookie in 2009, is under control through 2014.
Blanton, who made $5.475 million last year, had filed for $10.25 million in salary arbitration, with the Phillies offering $7.5 million.
Blanton slots behind Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels. The Phillies signed Halladay to a long-term contract (through 2013) when they acquired him from the Blue Jays last month. Hamels is signed through 2011, and is under the Phillies control for another year after that. J.A. Happ, outstanding as a rookie in 2009, is under control through 2014.
Blanton, who made $5.475 million last year, had filed for $10.25 million in salary arbitration, with the Phillies offering $7.5 million.
Category: MLB
Tags: Joe Blanton, Phillies
