The Seattle Mariners are now two seasons removed from the 61-101 debacle of 2008. 2009 looked a lot prettier in a multitude of ways. It was the first year of service from General Manager Jack Zduriencik, who managed to cut payroll from almost $118 million, down to a $99 million. These are still ridiculous paychecks, but cutting that much fat is a pretty great start from a new GM. Not only that, but the Mariners had some big contracts come off the books this off-season, including Adrian Beltre, Erik Bedard, Miguel Batista, and Kenji Johjima. Which means that coming into 2010, the M's have lots of money to play with. They have already made a splash in the free-agent market signing Chone Figgins, and have made some key trades dating back to late last season, when they picked up Jack Wilson, and Bill Hall, as well as getting Cliff Lee just a week ago from the Phillies. Neither Wilson nor Hall are great bats, but they do provide solid defense to the left side of the infield. Hall will most likely serve a utility role anyway if Figgins ends up the everyday third-base man.
The M's have also managed to dump a terrible contract in Carlos Silva for a slightly better bad contract with Milton Bradley, who they got from the Chicago Cubs just a few days ago. Bradley, at least has an upside with his potentially good average, and awesome OBP, while Silva has only managed to be bad, or hurt while with Seattle. Maybe the change of scenery will do both players some good.
Now, the Mariners do still have some holes, according to a Mike Axisa article I read on www.baseball-reference.com. First base probably being the biggest hole, in my opinion. There is some talk of second-base man Jose Lopez moving over to first, but that doesn't really address the issue properly. There are players like Xavier Nady, who can play outfield and first-base, which would suit their needs, but might not be ideal. Still, he'll probably come fairly cheap, so it couldn't hurt to pick him up. Nick Johnson was a target as well until the Yanks took him off the market.
But since the M's have money to spend, why not do it right and pick up a power first-base man. Ken Griffey Jr. is pretty much the steady DH, but his power is waning, and Bradley's power production is not exactly stellar. So why don't the M's take a chance on Carlos Delgado, a good first-base defender, and a great potential home-run supplier. True, he's coming off a season cut short by injury, but he's now fully healed and rested, and it couldn't hurt to take a gamble on him for say, two years/$15 million. Maybe I'm off on the numbers, but he fits what they need.
They need some bullpen too, and maybe another catcher, but otherwise the Mariners are in great shape, compared to the last few years. If they can get some steady pitching behind aces Felix Hernandez and Cliff Lee, then they should be one of the better, if not best rotations in the American League. Kudos to a GM who knows what he's doing. The Mariners have the potential to go very far next year, so keep them on your radar.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The Deal
So let's discuss the Roy Halladay/Cliff Lee trade for a minute or two, shall we? I have one question for Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro: Why? The Phillies made one of the best mid-season moves last year, grabbing Cliff Lee on the upturn of his season. The Phillies made no qualms about saying Halladay was their first choice last year, but the team would've had to give up too much to get him, so they wisely moved on to Cliff Lee, and got him fairly cheaply too. Lee then dominated his first few games in the National League, then struggled a little, but settled to a 7-4 record with a 3.39 ERA. Not bad. But Mr. Lee wasn't done. He then displayed one of the greatest postseason pitching performances I have personally ever seen. Clifford won four of the five games he started, posted a sick 1.56 ERA, and struck out 33, while walking only 6. He was phenomenal for the Phillies, and proved to be exactly what they needed; a stud ace to take the pressure off Cole Hamels.
It seemed almost a certainty that the Phils would then lock Lee up long-term. But then rumors began during the winter meetings that it would cost the Phillies 'C.C.'-type money to keep him. (No offense to Cliff Lee, but that's a bit overzealous. Even C.C. is not worth that amount of money. No one is.) So then the Phils renewed their interest in possibly getting Halladay. Would it still cost a ton to get him? Well, the answer was pretty much yes. The Phils had to give up their apparent second coming of Jesus Christ, Kyle Drabeck, as well as three other prospects. AND, they'd have to trade Cliff Lee. What?!
There was no stipulation that Lee had to be traded in order to get Halladay. GM Amaro simply decided that he needed to attain some prospects in return for what they were giving up for Halladay. But the Phillies have an extremely deep team as it is right now, with no giant holes that need filling by young propects. So if there was ever a time to unload a little farm talent in order to get ANOTHER ace, this would be the time, right? The Phils have represented the NL in the past two World Series, and were on the short list of teams to make it to the dance this year, with either Lee or Halladay heading the staff. But why not keep both if possible?
Halladay wouldn't allow a trade without an extension, but the Phils were able to do that, with a three-year $60 million deal. So why did they need to give up Lee? They had already picked up his option for 2010 at $9 million, which is extremely reasonable. So you would've had a rotation of Halladay, who you locked up for four years; Lee, who you had for one more cheap year; Hamels, who you hope can return to 2008 form; and young talent in J.A. Happ. Quite frankly, who cares who the fifth starter is at that point, because you've got the best rotation in the National League, if not baseball. But instead, Amaro trades Lee to get some talent for the future, maybe.
It's ridiculous to say that the team who got Roy Halladay this off-season 'lost out', but with this deal, how can you say the Phillies got the best possible situation? The Phils would've had the best rotation in baseball, but instead are now just somewhat better than they were last year, when they lost the WS. Go figure.
It seemed almost a certainty that the Phils would then lock Lee up long-term. But then rumors began during the winter meetings that it would cost the Phillies 'C.C.'-type money to keep him. (No offense to Cliff Lee, but that's a bit overzealous. Even C.C. is not worth that amount of money. No one is.) So then the Phils renewed their interest in possibly getting Halladay. Would it still cost a ton to get him? Well, the answer was pretty much yes. The Phils had to give up their apparent second coming of Jesus Christ, Kyle Drabeck, as well as three other prospects. AND, they'd have to trade Cliff Lee. What?!
There was no stipulation that Lee had to be traded in order to get Halladay. GM Amaro simply decided that he needed to attain some prospects in return for what they were giving up for Halladay. But the Phillies have an extremely deep team as it is right now, with no giant holes that need filling by young propects. So if there was ever a time to unload a little farm talent in order to get ANOTHER ace, this would be the time, right? The Phils have represented the NL in the past two World Series, and were on the short list of teams to make it to the dance this year, with either Lee or Halladay heading the staff. But why not keep both if possible?
Halladay wouldn't allow a trade without an extension, but the Phils were able to do that, with a three-year $60 million deal. So why did they need to give up Lee? They had already picked up his option for 2010 at $9 million, which is extremely reasonable. So you would've had a rotation of Halladay, who you locked up for four years; Lee, who you had for one more cheap year; Hamels, who you hope can return to 2008 form; and young talent in J.A. Happ. Quite frankly, who cares who the fifth starter is at that point, because you've got the best rotation in the National League, if not baseball. But instead, Amaro trades Lee to get some talent for the future, maybe.
It's ridiculous to say that the team who got Roy Halladay this off-season 'lost out', but with this deal, how can you say the Phillies got the best possible situation? The Phils would've had the best rotation in baseball, but instead are now just somewhat better than they were last year, when they lost the WS. Go figure.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Nation
So there has been a lot of activity in the past few days, especially this particular day which saw three ace pitchers moving to new teams. Whoa. And while I'll no doubt get around to discussing the Halladay/Lee trade, I'd like to first take some time to look at one team in particular, and why they are quickly making themselves out to be the favorites in 2010.
Yes folks, I'm saying that the Boston Red Sox have made some great strides in the past couple of days. And while getting rid of 3B Mike Lowell and getting SS Marco Scutaro RHP John Lackey are all pretty good moves, there is a stronger underlining factor to the Red Sox's past, current, and future successes. They are versatile. Versatility pays ladies and gents. Most clubs have completely forgotten this, being content, instead, to have one guy at each position and a few decent backups who can usually play a couple of positions. But it's because Boston's everyday starters are so versatile, that sets them apart.
Let's start with Kevin Youkilis. He's a fantastic On-Base Percentage player who can play first-base, third-base, and both corner outfield positions. And he plays with grit. I'm not personally a fan because frankly I think he takes his passion for the game and his team a little too far sometimes and it makes him seem like he's constantly complaining about something. That, or looking to fight somebody. And his batting stance looks like he has to take a piss. But I can see why Boston fans love him. I value him for his versatility.
Dustin Pedroia is another gritty player. He's good at just about everything. He can hit for average, for power, get on-base a ton, and plays good defense. And there were rumors that he would be asked to move to shortstop next year. But did he complain? No. In fact he loved the idea, and even jokingly said that Yankee SS Derek Jeter's days were numbered as being the best shortstop in the AL. The Red Sox have since signed SS Marco Scutaro to a two-year deal, but the point is, this guy wasn't afraid to transition back to the position he played in college. Most players, after having won Rookie of the Year and an MVP award probably wouldn't have been so gracious about being asked to move around the diamond.
Victor Martinez is another one. The Red Sox obtained his services last year in one of the most underrated trade of the season. Martinez is one of the best catchers in the game, and will most likely take over everyday catching duties from Varitek. But he can play 1B as well. And he's another great all around offensive threat.
This all accumulates into wins. These types of players put the team first, and not their stat sheet. Now, maybe these guys are jerks in person and just as greedy and pompous as some notable players of the past (I'm thinking of somebody, and his name rhymes with Rarry Ronds). But at least on the field, they are willing to take one for the team and move around defensively, while still being productive offensive players. Add to that a great pitching staff, and boom, you are in the playoffs year after year. Having a fantastic GM and a boat load of cash doesn't hurt either though.
Yes folks, I'm saying that the Boston Red Sox have made some great strides in the past couple of days. And while getting rid of 3B Mike Lowell and getting SS Marco Scutaro RHP John Lackey are all pretty good moves, there is a stronger underlining factor to the Red Sox's past, current, and future successes. They are versatile. Versatility pays ladies and gents. Most clubs have completely forgotten this, being content, instead, to have one guy at each position and a few decent backups who can usually play a couple of positions. But it's because Boston's everyday starters are so versatile, that sets them apart.
Let's start with Kevin Youkilis. He's a fantastic On-Base Percentage player who can play first-base, third-base, and both corner outfield positions. And he plays with grit. I'm not personally a fan because frankly I think he takes his passion for the game and his team a little too far sometimes and it makes him seem like he's constantly complaining about something. That, or looking to fight somebody. And his batting stance looks like he has to take a piss. But I can see why Boston fans love him. I value him for his versatility.
Dustin Pedroia is another gritty player. He's good at just about everything. He can hit for average, for power, get on-base a ton, and plays good defense. And there were rumors that he would be asked to move to shortstop next year. But did he complain? No. In fact he loved the idea, and even jokingly said that Yankee SS Derek Jeter's days were numbered as being the best shortstop in the AL. The Red Sox have since signed SS Marco Scutaro to a two-year deal, but the point is, this guy wasn't afraid to transition back to the position he played in college. Most players, after having won Rookie of the Year and an MVP award probably wouldn't have been so gracious about being asked to move around the diamond.
Victor Martinez is another one. The Red Sox obtained his services last year in one of the most underrated trade of the season. Martinez is one of the best catchers in the game, and will most likely take over everyday catching duties from Varitek. But he can play 1B as well. And he's another great all around offensive threat.
This all accumulates into wins. These types of players put the team first, and not their stat sheet. Now, maybe these guys are jerks in person and just as greedy and pompous as some notable players of the past (I'm thinking of somebody, and his name rhymes with Rarry Ronds). But at least on the field, they are willing to take one for the team and move around defensively, while still being productive offensive players. Add to that a great pitching staff, and boom, you are in the playoffs year after year. Having a fantastic GM and a boat load of cash doesn't hurt either though.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Polanco
Hello boys and girls, did you miss me? I didn't think so. Well I've been busy these past couple of weeks, but I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, especially with the MLB Winter Meetings starting today. The serious trade rumors are going to start flying. Deals will be made, star players will find new homes, and most likely the Mets will do something stupid. Anywho!
One early deal that I was surprised to see get done was the Philadelphia Phillies signing Placido Polanco, a player they had from 2002-2005. Eventually Polly had to be moved to make room for slugging second-baseman Chase Utley, and no one in his/her right mind can say that was a mistake. But the Phightin' Phils aren't bringing back Polanco to play second-base, nor to be a utility backup. Instead they are asking Polanco to move positions and be their everyday third-baseman.
This is odd for a few reasons. First, this deal happened very early in the off-season. Ever since the recession has hit, Major League general managers have been wary to pull the trigger on any big deal too early. Instead, most GM have been content to play the waiting game and find the best possible deal toward the end of December, or mid-January. Heck, some teams even wait until February to bring in a key component.
Second, although this free-agent class is not the most dynamic, there are many viable options at several positions. Aside from Jason Bay and Matt Holliday, there are some good outfielders milling around. #2 or #3 starting pitchers are plentiful. But third-base is practically overflowing! Probably topping that list are Adrian Beltre, Chone Figgins, Mark DeRosa, Troy Glaus, Joe Crede, maybe even Melvin Mora, and there is talk that Miguel Tejada will most likely make a move to third. Not to mention several other candidates.
Third, Polanco hasn't played third-base since 2005, and hasn't been called upon to man third-base regularly since his 2002 season with the St. Louis Cardinals. I'm sure Polanco can remember how to play it, and since he has been a stellar defensive player for a number of years, having earned three Gold Gloves at second, there isn't too much worry that he can handle the adjustment. But it is still an adjustment.
Now there are some positives to this deal as well. First, Polanco will be 34 next season, so he's not exactly over-the-hill yet. Second, the Phils know Polanco, having maintained his services in the past. He's played with Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and Shane Victorino, so there is some familiarity there, which is nice. Third, Placido has been a quality at-bat for many years, having compiled a life-time average of .303 while striking out only 391 times in over 5500 ABs. And the deal the Phillies signed isn't terrible. It's a three-year deal worth $18 million, with a mutual option for 2013. Most of the top third-base free agents wouldn't have come that cheaply.
Still there is a question of where Polanco will fit into the lineup. He's been a #2 hitter primarily in the past. But he'll probably fit in as a seven-hole hitter behind Jayson Werth with Philly. Had the Phils signed, let's say Figgins, they probably would've put him in lead-off, moving Rollins to the two-hole (utilizing his power a bit more) and moving Victorino to the seventh spot. I doubt they will move Victorino for Polanco, though.
As with most things, time will tell if this was the right call for the Phils to make. Polanco may go on to win a Gold Glove at third-base too, and continue to put up a great average on a great team. Age, a new position, and a new hitting spot may all be too much change for Polly though. We'll just have to watch the games to see.
One early deal that I was surprised to see get done was the Philadelphia Phillies signing Placido Polanco, a player they had from 2002-2005. Eventually Polly had to be moved to make room for slugging second-baseman Chase Utley, and no one in his/her right mind can say that was a mistake. But the Phightin' Phils aren't bringing back Polanco to play second-base, nor to be a utility backup. Instead they are asking Polanco to move positions and be their everyday third-baseman.
This is odd for a few reasons. First, this deal happened very early in the off-season. Ever since the recession has hit, Major League general managers have been wary to pull the trigger on any big deal too early. Instead, most GM have been content to play the waiting game and find the best possible deal toward the end of December, or mid-January. Heck, some teams even wait until February to bring in a key component.
Second, although this free-agent class is not the most dynamic, there are many viable options at several positions. Aside from Jason Bay and Matt Holliday, there are some good outfielders milling around. #2 or #3 starting pitchers are plentiful. But third-base is practically overflowing! Probably topping that list are Adrian Beltre, Chone Figgins, Mark DeRosa, Troy Glaus, Joe Crede, maybe even Melvin Mora, and there is talk that Miguel Tejada will most likely make a move to third. Not to mention several other candidates.
Third, Polanco hasn't played third-base since 2005, and hasn't been called upon to man third-base regularly since his 2002 season with the St. Louis Cardinals. I'm sure Polanco can remember how to play it, and since he has been a stellar defensive player for a number of years, having earned three Gold Gloves at second, there isn't too much worry that he can handle the adjustment. But it is still an adjustment.
Now there are some positives to this deal as well. First, Polanco will be 34 next season, so he's not exactly over-the-hill yet. Second, the Phils know Polanco, having maintained his services in the past. He's played with Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and Shane Victorino, so there is some familiarity there, which is nice. Third, Placido has been a quality at-bat for many years, having compiled a life-time average of .303 while striking out only 391 times in over 5500 ABs. And the deal the Phillies signed isn't terrible. It's a three-year deal worth $18 million, with a mutual option for 2013. Most of the top third-base free agents wouldn't have come that cheaply.
Still there is a question of where Polanco will fit into the lineup. He's been a #2 hitter primarily in the past. But he'll probably fit in as a seven-hole hitter behind Jayson Werth with Philly. Had the Phils signed, let's say Figgins, they probably would've put him in lead-off, moving Rollins to the two-hole (utilizing his power a bit more) and moving Victorino to the seventh spot. I doubt they will move Victorino for Polanco, though.
As with most things, time will tell if this was the right call for the Phils to make. Polanco may go on to win a Gold Glove at third-base too, and continue to put up a great average on a great team. Age, a new position, and a new hitting spot may all be too much change for Polly though. We'll just have to watch the games to see.
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