Results tagged ‘ Braves ’
Thames, Damon
Sorry about not being able to blog in a while. We have been
really busy of late and will get back on track.
While we have been gone, a lot has happened. The Yankees
have signed Marcus Thames, who will fight for the only spot remaining on the
bench with Jamie Hoffman. Thames would provide the Yankees power, when needed,
but does only hit .257 against lefties, which the Yankees seem to need even
with all the righties they have in their lineup. Thames has decent speed as
well, and will steal a base when he has too. I, personally, would rather take a
utility guy who can hit against left-handers, like Reed Johnson. Johnson can
only play outfield, but he hits better than most of the Yankee outfielders
against lefties. Thames will be returning to the Bronx, and will be the third
player this off-season that has returned. Javier Vazquez, Nick Johnson, and now
Thames. We will see how this deal plays out.
The Damon sweepstakes have also gone from the Yankees to the
Tigers, Braves, and White Sox. Now the Yankees are out of it of course, because
of the Randy Winn signing and now the Marcus Thames signing. The Tigers have
apparently offered Damon 2 years, which is exactly what he is looking for. 2
years, 14 million. Don’t be surprised to see Damon playing in a Tigers uniform
next year, oddly replacing Marcus Thames. Damon would alternate between left
field and DH with Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen. Along with Austin Jackson
that would be a very good team. The Braves are also interested, but nobody
knows if they are willing to offer him a second year. I don’t think this deal makes any sense,
because you would have to trade Melky Cabrera and you would not have any room
for top prospect Jason Heyward. Even with Cabrera you don’t have much room for Heyward.
Thank you, thank you. Any comments, question, or
disagreements? Feel free to comment.
Transaction Review of 1/5/09 to 1/16/09
Sorry we haven’t
been able to keep up on the trade review but here it is. The past two weeks of
the biggest moves in b-ball right here.
CASEY KOTCHMAN TO THE MARINERS. BILL HALL, PTBNL AND CASH TO THE RED SOX: The Mariners have needed a first
baseman since Russell the Muscle left the team. Russell Martin had 33 homers
and then got injured for the last month. The Red Sox have Victor Martinez and
Kevin Youkilis so they don’t need Casey Kotchman. The Mariners got one of the
best defensive first baseman in the league in exchange for a struggling Bill
Hall, cash, and an unknown minor league player to be named. I consider this a
great move for the Mariners, getting a good first baseman, for something that
they can care less to lose.
BRETT MYERS SIGNS WITH THE ASTROS: The Astros, hoping to contend for
the playoffs, signed an above average starting pitcher in Brett Myers for 1
year, 5 million dollars. Brett Myers had an injury plagued 2009 and he didn’t
pitch much. He pitched in the playoffs but only once or twice. We won’t know
how Brett Myers will pitch for the Astros, but 1 year 5 million is a very good
deal for both sides. The Astros get a good pitcher for just 5 million and Brett
Myers gets to pitch and he is glad he is actually making 5 million because of
his injury so nobody knows how his year will be.
SCOTT PODSEDNIK SIGNS WITH THE ROYALS: The Royals needed a center fielder
after Coco Crisp signed with the Athletics. So they signed Scott Podsednik who
had a very good season last year after signing a minor league deal with the
White Sox. He hit .304, had 7 homeruns, and 30 stolen bases in 132 games. He is
definitely a stolen base threat. He had 43 in 03, 70 in 04, 59 in 05, and 40 in
06. The Royals need that speed and can easily help the Royals contend this year
with his speed and his above average defense. The Royals got him for a cheap
1.75 million which is a steal for the Royals. Podsednik can easily hit over
.300 and can steal 40-50 bases a year.
ERIC HINSKE SIGNS WITH THE BRAVES: Every Yankee is going to the Braves;
Hinske, Melky, Mike Dunn, and possibly Damon. Hinske was good with the Yankees.
After hitting 1 homerun with the Pirates he hit 7 with the Yankees. He is also
versatile because he can play any outfield position and the corner infield
positions. He can provide pop but it will be interesting to see how he will hit
in Turner Field which is a pitchers park. Plus, he has done very well in the AL
while struggling in the NL. The Braves got him for 1 million which seems like a
reasonable amount for 1 year especially for someone who can provide your team
an important pinch hit homer.
VLADIMIR GUERRERO SIGNS WITH THE
RANGERS: After Marlon Byrd
signed with the Cubs, the Rangers needed a bat. Vladimir Guerrero was a good
choice for Texas. He would come cheap and could definitely give them much more
than 5 million dollars worth. Just back in 08 he hit .303 and had 27 homers. In
09 he had a .295 average which isn’t bad along with 15 homers which isn’t Vlad
like but he did have many injuries. As Yankee fans knew, he came up clutch in
the playoffs which the Rangers need. I like this move by the Rangers.
KHALIL GREENE SIGNS WITH THE RANGERS: After Omar Vizquel left the Rangers
needed a back-up infielder. Greene can play short and third base. He has pop
especially for a shortstop. Greene used to be good but has never had a good
average, and has gotten injured a lot the past 2 years. The Rangers only got
him for 750,000 dollars but I would chose to sign someone else if I was the
Rangers. Greene only hit .200 last year and that was with a starting role. I
think the Rangers could have used homegrown talent for that or they could have
signed Mark Loretta or at least consider a return of Jerry Hairston.
AROLDIS CHAPMAN SIGNS WITH THE REDS: One of the biggest free agents of this
offseason finally signs. The Cincinnati Reds of all teams sign him for 6 years,
30.25 million dollars. The Reds didn’t seem to be interested at all. I
personally thought the Angels would sign him. Also he can earn up to 16 million
dollars in bonuses. I would not shell out 48 million for a guy who we have
never seen play in MLB before. Scouts say he can throw up to 102 MPH but we
don’t know that. The only bullpen session he threw was indoors with sneakers
on. Not a very good way to find out how well he throws. I would have tried to
sign Chapman, but not for that much money.
AUBREY HUFF SIGNS WITH THE GIANTS: The Giants were looking for a
left-handed bat most preferably a first baseman or outfielder. They signed 08
Silver Slugger Aubrey Huff who hit .304 with 32 homers in 08. He had a down
2009 in which he hit .241. Aubrey Huff can come back in the NL. They signed him
for 1 year, 3 million which would be a very good deal if Huff can have a good year. But that is all up to Aubrey Huff
having a good year. Huff will take Bennie Molina’s spot in the lineup.
RYAN CHURCH SIGNS WITH THE PIRATES: The Pirates signed Ryan Church signed
to be a starting left fielder alongside youngsters Andrew McCutchen and
Lastings Milledge. Church has always been right on average, and could be a very
good outfielder. He doesn’t have much pop but hits an average .270. He has a
good arm as well. The Pirates could have gotten a better outfielder but Church
signed cheap (2.72 million, 1 year) and can give you a good season like I said
before.
ADAM LaROCHE SIGNS WITH THE
DIAMOND-BACKS: I
knew the D-Backs needed a first baseman to get back to their 07/08 playoff
state. Adam LaRoche had a pretty good
season last year with 3 teams. The Pirates, Red Sox, and Braves. He hit 25
homers, hit .277, and had 85 RBI’s. He is much underrated defensively as shown
by his .999 fielding percentage and 108 assists. I like
this move for the Diamond-Backs and will be a good fit in the 6th
spot.
JOSE VALVERDE SIGNS WITH THE TIGERS: After Fernando Rodney signed with the
Angels and Brandon Lyon signed with the Astros, the Tigers needed someone in
their bullpen, especially at the closer role. Jose Valverde was on the market
after a good season and it was a good signing for Tigers. They get a very good
All Star closer for 2 years and 14 million. He could possibly rack up 100 saves
in these two years if he adjusts to the AL which would be nice for the Tigers.
KEVIN KOUZMANOFF, ERIC SOGARD TO THE
A’S. SCOTT HAIRSTON, AARON CUNNINGHAM TO THE PADRES: Scott Hairston is going back to the
Padres. Kinda weird right? Half a year and he is back to the same team. The A’s
traded for defensive wizard Kevin Kouzmanoff to take the place that Eric Chavez
would have if he wasn’t injured. Kouzmanoff is not an Albert Pujols when it
comes to hitting, but he can do something every once in a while. He hit .255
last year with 18 homers. He only made 3 homers last year which is certainly
better than the 17 the Gold Glove winner Ryan Zimmerman did. They also got the
17th best prospect in the Padres system in Eric Sogard. The Padres
got Scott Hairston whom they traded to the A’s earlier this year. Hairston is
Jerry Hairston’s brother. Hairston had a good average and decent power. The
Padres also got rising outfielder Aaron Cunningham.
MIGUEL OLIVO SIGNS WITH THE ROCKIES: This move happened a while ago, but we
forgot to analyze it. Miguel Olivo will either platoon with Chris Ianetta or
back him up. Most likely back him up. Ianetta is young and has power so they
will give him a chance. Olivo was a starter with the Royals and was average.
The veteran batted .249 with a career high 23 homers. 23 homers would be a lot
more in the hitter’s park Coors Field. He also had 5 triples which is relatively
good for catchers who are slow and big. Olivo did have 8 errors last year and 4
of them were passed balls.
There are still many more free agents on the market like Johnny Damon and
Bengie Molina who is close to signing with the Mets. We will see at the end of
the postseason. Many of these free agents might not even sign till the season
is over. Lots of A’s and B’s still out there and it will be very interesting to
see where they will sign.
Any comments, questions, disagreements? Feel free to comment.
When we thought baseball players couldn’t get worse, they do.
When we thought
baseball players couldn’t get worse, they do.
Mark McGwire. One great thing comes to your mind when you
hear that name. He broke the homerun record in 1998. UNDER STEROIDS. Not so
great anymore right? Yes Mark McGwire used steroids. First Jose Canseco said “Me
and teammate Mark McGwire used steroids as far back in 1988″ in his 2005 book, Juiced:
Wild Times, Rampant ‘Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball got big. Second, his
brother, Jay McGwire, said “He used to in low dosages so he wouldn’t lift his
way out of baseball” in his book, The McGwire Family Secret: The Truth about
Steroids, a Slugger and Ultimate Redemption. And now McGwire finally admits
to using them. He brings a decade of wondering and speculation to an end after
he admitted his steroid use during a 20 minute telephone interview with The Associated
Press. “I used steroids during my playing career, and I apologize” We all would
Mark but would we all take them? No. Taking them is the worst thing. If you
know it is wrong, then why would you take them? To make you better? Probably.
To make more money? Probably. But you can make money without taking steroids.
Take Ken Griffey Jr. as an example. Griffey has made money and has been very successful
without taking steroids. Along with Derek Jeter and Albert Pujols who we are
pretty sure didn’t take steroids. So
back to Big Mac. He took them when he was recovering from an injury in 1993,
tried them in 1989/1990 and as Canseco says 1988. And the biggest year of them
all! 1998. The season he beat Roger Maris’s homerun record with 70 homers. Another player that year who surpassed Maris’s
61 homers was Sammy Sosa who has also been linked to steroids. I am really sad
to say: Baseball isn’t baseball anymore. It isn’t how it used to be. Every big
homerun hitter is linked to steroids; Alex Rodriguez, Sammy Sosa, Manny
Ramirez, Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds just to name a few. The only good thing
about players admitting about taking steroids is that they are being honest
about doing it. But that means nothing. Except that they have courage to do
that.
Other News around the
League
·
Mark Teixeira is getting honored with the Legacy
award along with King Albert, Zack Grienke and others.
·
Jon Heyman says Johnny Damon has offers from the
Braves and Giants. The Giants probably pulled that back after they signed
Aubrey Huff and David O’Brien says the Braves have not offered Damon a
contract. Executives think that Damon will resign with the Yankees.
·
Bleacher Report thinks the Yankees should pull
off a deal for Carl Crawford by sending Brett Gardner, Austin Romine, and a
good pitching prospect. This is not a bad idea, but could be tweaked. I
personally would prefer the Yankees wait till he is a free agent.
·
Greg Maddux will return and he will be an
assistant to Cubs GM Jim Hendry.
·
Dice-K Matsusaka was hiding a groin injury from
the Red Sox for the whole entire year.
·
Tony LaRussa said he might consider bringing
Mark McGwire to pinch hit so the voters will have some more time to think about
if he deserves a Hall of Fame plaque or
not.
·
The Cubs will retire Andre Dawson’s number 8 if
he goes into the Hall of Fame as a Cubbie. Dawson played for the Expos twice as
much he did the Cubs so we will see what will happen.
·
Lastly, Derek Jeter is finally getting married
to Minka Kelly, just to throw that out there.
The biggest remaining question is will Johnny Damon resign
with the New York Yankees. You will have different opinions and feel free to
comment and tell us what you think about Mark McGwire, Johnny Damon and the
rest.
TRANSACTION REVIEW WEEK OF 12/20/09-12/28/09
Another week has come and gone, and we hope you all had a safe and merry Christmas. While you guys were at home tearing open presents, some GM’s around baseball were making some big moves. This week, there were no trades made, but some pretty big free agents were signed, and Yankeeholics is here to tell you all about them.
TROY GLAUS SIGNS WITH THE BRAVES: The 33 year old Glaus will play first base for Atlanta. He was limited to 14 games with the Cards in 2009 (because of shoulder surgery in January), but in ’08 he did pretty well, hitting .270 with 27 homers and 99 RBIs. A good move by the Braves: Glaus is a solid, dependable player who will hit well for them and do the job with the glove at 1st base. He is also quite cheap, as the Braves will not lose and significant draft picks because of him on Draft Day. The downside: in the 14 games he played after returning from his surgery in September 2009, he could only manage a .172 average, with no homers and 2 RBIs. He might not hit the same way he did in 2008.
DARREN OLIVER SIGNS WITH THE RANGERS: The Rangers signed 39 year old lefty reliever Darren Oliver for 1 year worth $3.5 million. This move will bolster the Rangers bullpen. Oliver had a 2.71 ERA in 63 games pitched for the Angels in 2009. A smart move by Texas to cheaply pick up a good addition to their bullpen.
COCO CRISP SIGNS WITH THE ATHLETICS: The Athletics signed outfielder Coco Crisp to a 1 year deal worth 5 million dollars. The 30 year old hit .228 last year with 3 homers, 14 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases in 49 games with the Royals before undergoing surgery on both shoulders. Crisp is a switch hitter with very good speed, and he should provide some aid to an ailing A’s lineup (now that’s a tongue twister!). In 8 seasons in the bigs, Coco has a .277 average and a .377 OBP to go along with 59 homers, 327 RBIs, and 137 steals in 832 games. This is a nice move by the Athletics to add some speed and average to the top of their lineup. The signing of Crisp will likely move Rajai Davis to a corner outfield spot.
FERNANDO RODNEY SIGNS WITH THE ANGELS: The Angels signed right handed reliever Fernando Rodney to a 2 year deal worth 11 million. He will likely serve as set up man to Brian Fuentes, but do not be surprised if he takes over the closing role from Fuentes, considering how much Fuentes struggled in 2009 (3.93 ERA and 7 blown saves). The 32 year old Rodney also struggled in the closing role with the Tigers last season, only managing a 4.40 ERA. Still, he seems a better option than Fuentes, and Rodney does have one of the best fastball-changeup combos in the bigs. Though control has always been an issue for Rodney, this is a clever move by the Angels in an attempt to bolster their weakened bullpen.
BRIAN ANDERSON SIGNS WITH THE ROYALS: The Royals signed former top prospect Brian Anderson to a 1 year deal. In 2009, the 27 year old outfielder struggled to a .243 average with 4 homers and 18 RBIs in 202 at bats with the White and Red Sox. We feel this is an incredibly dumb move by the Royals: Anderson has never shown that he has any talent, and the Royals already have a fairly strong outfield, with David DeJesus, Jose Guillen, and Mitch Maier. Anderson will compete with Maier for the job in center field, but unless he does something incredible in 2010, Kansas City fans will be left rueing this signing.
MATT CAPPS SIGNS WITH THE NATIONALS: The Nationals signed right handed closer Matt Capps to a 1 year deal. In his 5 years in the bigs (all with the Pirates) the 27 year old has been very average, collecting 67 saves while putting up a 3.61 ERA. He is coming off a torrid 2009, in which he blew 5 saves and he posted a 5.80 ERA. The Nationals are desperate though; before this off season they had almost no bullpen, but now with the acquisitions of Bruney and Capps, they have a set up man and a closer. Capps is not a great player; but he is good enough and cheap enough for the Nats.
KELVIM ESCOBAR SIGNS WITH THE METS: The Mets signed Kelvim Escobar to a one year deal. Though the 33 year old worked mostly as a starter with the Angels, going 43-36 with a 3.60 ERA in 101 starts, the Met’s GM, Omay Minaya, said the club plans on using Escobar out of the bullpen. Escobar has had success out of the ‘pen before, most notably in 2002, when he saved 38 games for the Blue Jays. He is an injury risk though; due to shoulder issues he has been limited to 1 start over the last 2 years. With him a Francisco Rodriguez in the back of the pen the Mets (yes the Mets) will be a threat to win games thanks to the end of their bullpen.
BOB HOWRY SIGNS WITH THE DIAMONDBACKS: Relief pitcher Bob Howry has signed a one year deal with the D-Backs. It’ll be a homecoming for Howry, who was born in Phoenix. Last year, Howry did decently, posting a 3.39 ERA in 64 appearances with the Giants. The 36 year old is a real workhorse and is a low injury risk; in the 4 seasons before 2009, he made over 70 appearances a season, and in 2009 in posted 64. Not bad. He will serve as setup man to Chad Qualls. Smart move by the D-Backs to sign an underrated player who obviously has some talent.
MARK DEROSA SIGNS WITH THE GIANTS: The Giants signed 34 year old Mark Derosa to a 2 year contract. This happened 20 minutes ago, so I don’t have much information about it. The versatile Derosa had a below par 2009, stroking .250 with 23 homers and 78 RBIs during stints with the Indians and Cardinals. In 3 season before 2009, the lowest Derosa’s average dipped was to .285, so he obviously can hit. He will likely start at third base for the Giants, with Pablo Sandoval moving to first. However, his versatility will allow manager Bruce Bochy to use him virtually anywhere on the diamond. Regardless of his position, Derosa will bolster a Giant’s lineup in desperate need of power. A smart move by San Francisco to grab a versatile and sweet swinging player.
And that’ll do it for this week’s transaction review! Join us next Sunday for another weekly wrap up of the trades and signings in MLB! Have a safe and happy New Year.
Questions, comments, disagreements? Your comments are appreciated!
TRANSACTION REVIEW WEEK OF 11/30/09
This week’s transaction review is going to be quite long, because of the number of major trades that were made. So let’s get started.
CHRIS COSTE SIGNS WITH THE METS: The Mets signed catcher and first baseman Chris Coste for a one year contract. Chris Coste is coming off a rough 2009, in which he batted .224 with 2 homers and 18 RBIs with the Astros. He will help replace Brian Schneider, who signed with the Phillies earlier this week (SEE BELOW). Coste will provide some experience as a backup catcher (to Omir Santos) and backup first baseman (to Daniel Murphy), but you would have expected the Mets to have gone after Bengie Molina or Ivan Rodriguez instead, both who had better seasons than Coste. The Mets certainly have the money to sign a higher quality catcher than Coste.
BRIAN SCHNEIDER SIGNS WITH THE PHILLIES: The Phillies signed catcher Brian Schneider to a two year contract. The 33 year old hit .218 with 3 homers and 18 RBIs in 59 games with the Mets last season. He will serve as Carlos Ruiz’s understudy, but again, you would have expected the Phillies to sign a higher quality catcher with the money they have.
RAYS TRADE PLAYER TO BE NAMED LATER TO THE INDIANS FOR KELLY SHOPPACH: The Rays were in search of a backstop ever since they declined their option on Gregg Zaun, and Shoppach might be a good replacement. In 2009 he could only manage .214 with 12 homers, but he has talent, as he proved in 2008 with 21 homers and a .517 slugging percentage. He might even getting the starting catcher’s position, as Dioner Navarro turned in a disappointing 2009, hitting .218 with 8 homers and 32 RBIs. Shoppach is only 29, so he has plenty of years ahead of him to improve. The Indians will probably give the catching job to prospect Lou Marson until massive prospect Carlos Santana is ready for the majors.
BILLY WAGNER SIGNS WITH THE BRAVES: The Braves signed closer Billy Wagner to a one year deal. The 38 year old will help bolster Atlanta’s bullpen since they just lost Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano to the free agent market. Wagner was brilliant after returning from Tommy John Surgery in 2009, posting a 1.72 ERA over 15.2 innings with the Red Sox and Mets. Though he’s always an injury risk, it is smart of the Braves to sign him.
PLACIDO POLANCO SIGNS WITH THE PHILLIES: The Phillies signed Placido Polanco to a 3 year, 18 million dollar contract. The ex-Tiger second baseman will move to third base with the Phillies. Polanco played with the Phillies from 2002-2005, and is replacing Pedro Feliz to make the Phillies lineup even more dangerous. In 2009, Polanco hit .285 after smoking .341 in 2008. The 34 year old will probably bat second in the lineup, and he makes the Phillies lineup arguably the best in baseball.
TAKASHI SAITO SIGNS WITH THE BRAVES: The Braves signed relief pitcher Takashi Saito to a one year, 3 million dollar contract. In another attempt to make up for the loss of Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano, Saito will serve as set up man to Billy Wagner. He should do pretty well; the 39 year old posted a 2.43 ERA in 56 appearances for Boston in 2009. He will help bolster the Brave’s bullpen.
HENRY BLANCO SIGNS WITH THE METS: An odd move by the Mets: they already signed veteran Chris Coste, and now they have gone and signed 38 year old Henry Blanco, who will probably be a backup catcher as well. It is a mystery to us all why the Mets feel the need for so many catchers, especially such low quality ones; Henry Blanco eke out .235 in 2009, with 6 homers and 16 RBIs with the Padres. And rumor has it that the Mets are still on the lookout for a more productive catcher. Only the New York Mets…
ATHLETICS TRADE JEFF GRAY, MATT SPENCER, AND RONNY MORLA TO THE CUBS FOR JAKE FOX AND AARON MILES: The main cog of this trade is Fox, who hit .257 with 11 homers and 44 RBIs in 216 at bats in 2009. The versatile 27 year old provides pop to the weak Athletics lineup, and will challenge Eric Chavez and Jack Chavez for at bats. Aaron Miles could only manage .185 over 157 at bats with the Cubs in 2009 and will probably serve as a backup infielder to second baseman Mark Ellis and shortstop Cliff Pennington. Matt Spencer is a good prospect who will provide some much needed power to the Cubs lineup when called up. Last season in the minors, he belted 19 homers with 91 RBIs. Jeff Gray, who managed a 3.76 ERA over 26.2 innings in 2009 will likely work in the Cubs bullpen. Eduardo Morla is a virtually unheard of 21-year old, who went 1-7 with a 4.86 ERA over 63 innings in the low minors last season. Seems like a pretty even but unimportant trade, as no truly talented prospects were traded.
MARCO SCUTARO SIGNS WITH THE RED SOX: The Red Sox signed shortstop Marco Scutaro to a two year contract. The 34 year old impressed in 2009, hitting .282 with 12 homers and 60 RBIs. He was the best shortstop on the market, and could prove to be the end of the Russian Roulette the Sox plays with its shortstops. He is above average both offensively and defensively, and a Red Sox fan will be quite happy with this move by Boston.
CHONE FIGGINS SIGNS WITH THE MARINERS: Third baseman Chone Figgins signed with the Mariners. Since Seattle third baseman Adrian Beltre is unlikely to return, this is a clever move by the Mariners. The 31 year old Figgins hit .298 last season with 5 homers, 54 RBIs, and 52 stolen bases. Figgins is a suitable replacement for Beltre, and though he won’t provide the same kind of power, the Mariners will be salivating at the idea of him and Ichiro Suzuki causing nightmares for opposing pitchers and catchers on the basepaths. Great move by Seattle.
GREG ZAUN SIGNS WITH THE BREWERS: The Brewers signed catcher Greg Zaun to a one year contract. The 38 year old, who hit .260 with 8 homers and 27 RBIs in 90 games for Baltimore and Tampa Bay, will serve as a suitable backup catcher and a veteran mentor to young backstops Mike Rivera, Angel Salome, and George Kottaras.
And that will wrap up this week’s trade review! There was a lot of player movement around baseball this week, and there will be a lot more as the off season progresses, and Yankeeholics will cover every inch of it. Join us next Sunday for another Transaction Review!
Questions, comments, disagreements? Feel free to leave us a comment!
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