November 30, 2008
Every year we see the same pattern on most major signings and trades.
Teams wait until they know what they they will have to give up for Type A Free Agents before making their big moves.
And they don't know that until after the Free Agents are either offered arbitration or allowed to leave without compensation.
Some teams will not offer arbitration on players they don't have in their future plans or that would be prohibitively expensive.
Others will be offered arbitration either in hopes of giving the team more time to negotiate a long term deal or to ensure they receive a 1st round draft pick and a sandwich pick as compensation if that player leaves in Free Agency.
A good example of a Type A free agent player that likely will not be offered arbitration is Trevor Hoffman.
As Tom Krasovic of the Union Tribune and Corey Brock of MLB.com have said, Hoffman would likely garner a larger salary in 2009 than either the $4 million he was offered or the $7.5 million he made in 2008 making him much to expensive for the salary cutting Padres.
Kerry Wood of the Cubs would be another player likely not to be offered arbitration. Wood would likely receive $9-10 million in arbitration and the Cubs have recently traded for closer Kevin Gregg, although Yahoo seems to disagree with just about every other media outlet on this matter.
Type A Free Agent players that are expected to be offered arbitration include those that are likely to sign high dollar value, long term contracts.
CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, Edgar Renteria, Manny Ramirez, AJ Burnett and K Rod are just a few that are expected to receive an arbitration offer tomorrow.
After that, the fun begins and the hot stove begins to heat up.
Are you ready for some baseball?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Peavy trade is NOT dead!
Tuesday November 18, 2008
I keep hearing rumors that the Peavy trade is dead. That he will be a Padre next year.
I don't think anyone who follows baseball closely thought Peavy would be the first deal of the year. So why are so many lamenting or celebrating the fact that he hasn't been traded already?
Of the big deals to be made CC will sign undoubtedly first and set the tone and ceiling for all the other signings and trades.
Once CC has found a $140+ million home, then all the other guys will have an idea of what they can ask for.
Burnett, Lowe and company will have a better idea what they are worth in this market once Sabathia is signed. Once those guys get serious offers and the Braves/Cubs/Mets/etc... can't match them, THEN Peavy will be traded to the Braves or Cubs or whomever.
I read that Wren said they were not actively pursuing a trade for Peavy.
I read where Towers said the trade with the Braves was dead and that the Cubs were the only option.
Do they all think we are stupid?
Of COURSE Atlanta is still in the running for Peavy. They are POSTURING! They are trying to say, "we have other options to pursue" so we won't give as much as you are asking for.
Well, unless they are going to outbid the Yankees, then they are not going to sign Sabathia, Burnett or Lowe.
Who else could possibly be an option that would preclude trading for Peavy? No one!
We know the Braves don't WANT to give up top prospects, who does, but they WILL give up top prospects for a pitcher of Peavy's caliber when push comes to shove.
With the recent signing of Dempster and the offers we have seen from the Yankees to Sabathia and Burnett, it is highly likely that the Braves will break down and give the Padres what they are asking for, regardless of what Wren is trying to feed the media.
Dempster signed for 4 years at $13 million per year.
Sabathia was offered 6 years/$140 million earlier this week.
Burnett was offered 5 years/$80 million today.
So what is a CY Young winning, 27 year old pitcher worth over the next 5 years? Certainly more than the $78 million contract he is currently signed to.
I would guess more than the Braves were offering the Padres for him prior to the start of free agent players being able to negotiate with every team on the 14th.
And I am not the only one that thinks that that a trade for Peavy will eventually happen before teh start of the 2009 season.
Petter Gammons seems to think so.
Frank Wren apparently told Peter Gammons he thinks the Braves will get the trade done. Yes the same Braves GM Wren who said just 3 days ago that active negotiations were over.
In a conversation with Corey Brock of MLB.com, Kevin Towers said that he wasn't ruling out continued negotiations with the Braves.
So please, no more about this trade being done. Its still November. We won't even see pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training until February. If you see Peavy reporting to the Padres camp in Peoria, then it may be dead. until then it is very much alive.
I keep hearing rumors that the Peavy trade is dead. That he will be a Padre next year.
I don't think anyone who follows baseball closely thought Peavy would be the first deal of the year. So why are so many lamenting or celebrating the fact that he hasn't been traded already?
Of the big deals to be made CC will sign undoubtedly first and set the tone and ceiling for all the other signings and trades.
Once CC has found a $140+ million home, then all the other guys will have an idea of what they can ask for.
Burnett, Lowe and company will have a better idea what they are worth in this market once Sabathia is signed. Once those guys get serious offers and the Braves/Cubs/Mets/etc... can't match them, THEN Peavy will be traded to the Braves or Cubs or whomever.
I read that Wren said they were not actively pursuing a trade for Peavy.
I read where Towers said the trade with the Braves was dead and that the Cubs were the only option.
Do they all think we are stupid?
Of COURSE Atlanta is still in the running for Peavy. They are POSTURING! They are trying to say, "we have other options to pursue" so we won't give as much as you are asking for.
Well, unless they are going to outbid the Yankees, then they are not going to sign Sabathia, Burnett or Lowe.
Who else could possibly be an option that would preclude trading for Peavy? No one!
We know the Braves don't WANT to give up top prospects, who does, but they WILL give up top prospects for a pitcher of Peavy's caliber when push comes to shove.
With the recent signing of Dempster and the offers we have seen from the Yankees to Sabathia and Burnett, it is highly likely that the Braves will break down and give the Padres what they are asking for, regardless of what Wren is trying to feed the media.
Dempster signed for 4 years at $13 million per year.
Sabathia was offered 6 years/$140 million earlier this week.
Burnett was offered 5 years/$80 million today.
So what is a CY Young winning, 27 year old pitcher worth over the next 5 years? Certainly more than the $78 million contract he is currently signed to.
I would guess more than the Braves were offering the Padres for him prior to the start of free agent players being able to negotiate with every team on the 14th.
And I am not the only one that thinks that that a trade for Peavy will eventually happen before teh start of the 2009 season.
Petter Gammons seems to think so.
Frank Wren apparently told Peter Gammons he thinks the Braves will get the trade done. Yes the same Braves GM Wren who said just 3 days ago that active negotiations were over.
In a conversation with Corey Brock of MLB.com, Kevin Towers said that he wasn't ruling out continued negotiations with the Braves.
So please, no more about this trade being done. Its still November. We won't even see pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training until February. If you see Peavy reporting to the Padres camp in Peoria, then it may be dead. until then it is very much alive.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Padres withdraw contract offer to Trevor Hoffman
The San Diego Padres withdrew their offer to Trevor Hoffman today.
I really don't understand this move.
The Padres make an offer that pretty much exactly met what many of us have predicted in terms of dollars and length. An offer that was $3.5 million less than his 2008 but certainly not unexpected.
Hoffman then asked to meet with John Moores, Sandy Alderson and Kevin Towers. Reportedly not to discuss money, but to discuss the direction of the team and his role.
It seemed that Hoffman was ok with making $4 million with a team option for a 2nd year at $4 million. The Padres contract offer to Hoffman was well below the market value for a 30 save, 3.77 era closer with a 5/1 k/bb ratio, league leading 3.45 pitch/ab,and the NL's 2nd best save percentage.
Hoffman reportedly simply wanted to hear from the Padres front office directly whether or not the team was going to be competitive. Seems a completely reasonable request from a future Hall of Fame player and the face of the Padres franchise since Tony Gwynn retired in 2001.
In the San Diego Union Tribune today, Tom Krasovic quoted Trevor Hoffman's agent, Rick Thurman as saying:
The next move by the Padres front office was totally inexplicable. Towers said Hoffman never responded to the offer, when it was widely reported that Hoffman had already asked for a meeting.
Then, instead of meeting with Hoffman, the Padres pull the offer entirely VIA FAX and Towers won't even make a comment about it.
In the midst of what is already being described in the media and by most fans as a fire sale, can you think of a better way to deep six any attempts at selling season tickets for 2009?
Season ticket sales just started less than 1 week ago. Season ticket holders had to make their payments by November 5th and from what I understand renewals are down. At this point last season, ticket sales were reportedly down 20% compared to the year before. It almost seems the Padres brass want a bigger decrease for 2009.
Are they deliberately trying to erode the fan base?
Is Moores trying to erode the value of the team so he can draw out his divorce and then give his wife less money for her half of his share of the Padres?
Yes I know that sounds crazy, but so is the Padres recent behavior.
So please, explain it to me Mr. Alderson, or Mr. Towers, or Mr. Moores.
Padres fans deserve at least that much in the face of possibly losing the 3 most popular players on the team - Peavy, Greene and now Hoffman. Tell us why we should buy season tickets. Why should we show up at Petco. If you don't WANT fans to come, this is a real good way to demonstrate your desire that they stay away.
Tell us, WHY did the Padres withdraw their contract offer to Trevor Hoffman?
I really don't understand this move.
The Padres make an offer that pretty much exactly met what many of us have predicted in terms of dollars and length. An offer that was $3.5 million less than his 2008 but certainly not unexpected.
Hoffman then asked to meet with John Moores, Sandy Alderson and Kevin Towers. Reportedly not to discuss money, but to discuss the direction of the team and his role.
It seemed that Hoffman was ok with making $4 million with a team option for a 2nd year at $4 million. The Padres contract offer to Hoffman was well below the market value for a 30 save, 3.77 era closer with a 5/1 k/bb ratio, league leading 3.45 pitch/ab,and the NL's 2nd best save percentage.
Hoffman reportedly simply wanted to hear from the Padres front office directly whether or not the team was going to be competitive. Seems a completely reasonable request from a future Hall of Fame player and the face of the Padres franchise since Tony Gwynn retired in 2001.
In the San Diego Union Tribune today, Tom Krasovic quoted Trevor Hoffman's agent, Rick Thurman as saying:
“Trevor would like to talk to them about the direction of the team and whatever his role is,” Thurman said.
The agent also expressed disappointment that the Padres haven't responded to the request. “Trevor's always had a tremendous respect for John and I think that's part of why he'd like to meet with him,” Thurman said. “He's always had a great relationship with John and his family."
The next move by the Padres front office was totally inexplicable. Towers said Hoffman never responded to the offer, when it was widely reported that Hoffman had already asked for a meeting.
Then, instead of meeting with Hoffman, the Padres pull the offer entirely VIA FAX and Towers won't even make a comment about it.
In the midst of what is already being described in the media and by most fans as a fire sale, can you think of a better way to deep six any attempts at selling season tickets for 2009?
Season ticket sales just started less than 1 week ago. Season ticket holders had to make their payments by November 5th and from what I understand renewals are down. At this point last season, ticket sales were reportedly down 20% compared to the year before. It almost seems the Padres brass want a bigger decrease for 2009.
Are they deliberately trying to erode the fan base?
Is Moores trying to erode the value of the team so he can draw out his divorce and then give his wife less money for her half of his share of the Padres?
Yes I know that sounds crazy, but so is the Padres recent behavior.
So please, explain it to me Mr. Alderson, or Mr. Towers, or Mr. Moores.
Padres fans deserve at least that much in the face of possibly losing the 3 most popular players on the team - Peavy, Greene and now Hoffman. Tell us why we should buy season tickets. Why should we show up at Petco. If you don't WANT fans to come, this is a real good way to demonstrate your desire that they stay away.
Tell us, WHY did the Padres withdraw their contract offer to Trevor Hoffman?
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Wednesday November 5, 2008
Is there a Penny in the Padres Future
From Rotowire.com
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Asra2z4DzH38wptEeeSe9m.FCLcF?slug=rotowire-radennyeaving&prov=rotowire&type=fantasy
(If you are wondering why no link - Blogger won't post it. Makes it invisible.)
Hmmmmmmmmm The Padres are the KINGS of picking up pitchers on short term, incentive laden contracts.
Is there a Penny in the Padres Future?
Penny certainly seemed awful angry at the Dodgers and what better way to get back at them than to pitch against them 5-6 times per season.
Is there a Penny in the Padres Future
From Rotowire.com
Update: The Dodgers declined their $9.25 million 2009 option for Penny on Wednesday, making him a free agent, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Recommendation: He may be forced to take a short, incentive laden deal to prove that he can still be a healthy option for a full six-month season, but Penny is unlikely to return to the Dodgers after team officials blamed his work ethic for his struggles in Los Angeles, rather than his shoulder issues last season.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Asra2z4DzH38wptEeeSe9m.FCLcF?slug=rotowire-radennyeaving&prov=rotowire&type=fantasy
(If you are wondering why no link - Blogger won't post it. Makes it invisible.)
Hmmmmmmmmm The Padres are the KINGS of picking up pitchers on short term, incentive laden contracts.
Is there a Penny in the Padres Future?
Penny certainly seemed awful angry at the Dodgers and what better way to get back at them than to pitch against them 5-6 times per season.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Tuesday November 4, 2008
From Tim Brown of Yahoo:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ai4hJI.8ivMN_To6PuiHY1sRvLYF?slug=ti-gmnotebook110308&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
I would think that the Padres would act fairly quickly to at least talk to Hoffman, the longest tenured player and all time MLB saves leader.
Last time the Padres tried to negotiate in the media. This time Hoffman might just return the favor and tell everyone exactly what they offered if they don't meet with him soon.
From Tim Brown of Yahoo:
The Padres offered Trevor Hoffman a one-year contract for significantly less than the $7.5 million he made last season. Hoffman did not dismiss the offer, but 10 days ago requested a meeting with John Moores, Sandy Alderson and Towers. The meeting hasn’t happened yet.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ai4hJI.8ivMN_To6PuiHY1sRvLYF?slug=ti-gmnotebook110308&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
I would think that the Padres would act fairly quickly to at least talk to Hoffman, the longest tenured player and all time MLB saves leader.
Last time the Padres tried to negotiate in the media. This time Hoffman might just return the favor and tell everyone exactly what they offered if they don't meet with him soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
