Results tagged ‘ Reds ’
Darren Oliver and David Weathers Accept Arbitration
The only players to accept arbitration out of the 24 players offered were Darren Oliver and David Weathers. I like the decisions by both.
Oliver was a Type A free agent. With so many other viable left handed relievers on the market that wouldn’t cost a draft pick, Oliver figured to have a small market. By accepting arb., he will probably get a salary of near 5 million next year. The Angels will want to hang on to him; he would keep the bullpen strong even after losing Francisco Rodriguez. I think it was smart for the Angels to offer arbitration, and also smart for Oliver to accept it.
Weathers was a Type B free agent, so his market wouldn’t be
hurt by his Elias ranking. However, he wanted to return to the Reds and his market was thin for whatever reason. This is a lucky move by the Reds. Weathers can come in and help stabilize the 8th inning while setting up for Francisco Cordero. It’s a good thing for them that he didn’t decline arb. to sign elsewhere. The Reds will continue looking for bullpen help, particularly from the left side. Arthur Rhodes could make a lot of sense.
I think it was smart for these two players to accept arbitration, but I also think the teams are happy also.
Player Market: Bobby Abreu
I haven’t done a player market in a while. Bobby Abreu seems like a pretty popular name so far. Let’s take a look at where he might end up.
Cubs (frontrunners) Now that Ryan Dempster is resigned and Kerry Wood won’t be back, the remainder of the Cubs’ money will go toward a left handed bat for right field. The Cubs are in a financial predicament, however. 130 million is already tied up in contracts, and arbitration raises could push them another 5 million or so. If it’s true that payroll won’t go past 140 million, then salary must be moved in order to aquire Abreu. Marquis could be traded. I think they’ll do that to clear at least 7 million, and then with the 12 million made available, they’ll sign Abreu. But that’s just my prediction.
Braves (frontrunners) If they miss out on other outfield possibilities, Abreu could make a lot of sense. It would give them the flexibility of demoting or trading Jeff Francoeur without having to put someone in right field that shouldn’t be there. He had very good stats last year, and would be an all around a great aquisition for any team to make.
Reds (frontrunners) He could solve their left field problems. Great American Ballpark should attract Abreu, and the Reds could use a high OBP player to replace Adam Dunn. If they can get a few big years from various young players, this team could compete for the Wild Card and maybe even the NL Central.
Mets (possible) The Mets have been saying all along that they view pitching as their offseason priorty. They would still be upgrading their pitching by signing Abreu, though. For example: The Mets trade Ryan Church to the Rays for Edwin Jackson, sign Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes, and sign Bobby Abreu. That all can fit into their payroll, and they improve the bullpen and offense while keeping the rotation the same. Abreu would take over in right field, replacing Ryan Church. I think this idea could work.
Rays (dark horse) I know that they’re running low on money, but if they want to stretch the payroll a tad, Bobby Abreu could make sense. He is a middle of the order bat that plays right field; Abreu would fill all of their holes in just one aquisition. This one is a dark horse only because of the possible salary it would take to lock him up.
Indians could trade Kelly Shoppach
It is known that the Indians could look to trade catcher Kelly Shoppach this offseason. The reasoning is to improve one of their holes while keeping Victor Martinez behind the plate. Then, they could either give Ryan Garko another shot at first base, or they could sign a free agent like Jason Giambi. They’re looking for a veteran starting pitcher, a late inning reliever, and an infield bat. The Reds, Red Sox, Tigers, and Marlins are possibilities for Shoppach. How about Bronson Arroyo and cash from the Reds for Shoppach? I favor the Reds a bit in this trade, but it still makes sense. The Reds would replace Arroyo with Homer Baily. The Red Sox could offer a young pitcher like Michael Bowden, but that’s if the Indians would accpet a young pitcher in return. I have no idea what the Tigers could offer. They don’t have anything the Indians want, and their in the same division. The Marlins make the most sense to me. They could fill two of the Indians holes easily. Kelly Shoppach for Kevin Gregg and Scott Olsen. The Indians bring in a verteran starter to add a bit more depth to their rotation. Gregg is a solid, cheap closer. The costs of all combined would probably only equal about an extra 5 million for the Tribe. So that would leave them with 10 million to sign a big infield bat through free agency. This trade makes sense for the Fish, too. They cut 10 million in salary between this trade and the Mike Jacobs deal, as well as open up a spot for prospects Chris Coghlan and Andrew Miller. Kevin Gregg wasn’t a necessary part of this team because of all the other bullpen talent on their team. The best part about it is that they can fill their weakest link last year: catcher. I like this trade for both teams.
Team’s Payroll
I will put the amount of money teams will have to spend this offseason along with their payroll from the previous year, arbitration eligible players, and the salary they have committed. This will make things easier when trying to guess who could afford the top-notch free agents. I was informed greatly from MLB Trade Rumors. This will be a side-bar link.
|
Teams |
Last year’s payroll |
Salary Committed |
Arbitration Eligible |
Estimated money to spend |
|
Braves |
102 million |
48 million |
Casey Kothman, Omar Infante, Kelly Johnson, Matt Diaz, Jeff Francoeur, Mike Gonzalez |
45 million |
|
Mets |
138 million |
104 million |
Ryan Church, John Maine, Aaron Heilman, Pedro Feliciano, Duaner Sanchez |
28 million |
|
Phillies |
103 million |
100 million |
Cole Hamels, Jayson Werth, Shane Victorino, Joe Blanton, Greg Dobbs, Ryan Howard |
15 million |
|
Marlins |
21 million |
20 million |
Scott Olsen, Jorge Cantu, Ricky Nolasco, Mike Jacobs, Jeremy Hermida, Josh Willingham, Dan Uggla, Cody Ross, Matt Treanor, Alfredo Amezaga, Joe Nelson, Kevin Gregg, Logan Kensing, Eulogio de la Cruz, Doug, Waechter |
0 million |
|
Nationals |
55 million |
40 million |
Ryan Zimmerman, Tim Redding, Jesus Colome, Ryan Wagner, Willy Harris |
10 million |
|
Cubs |
118 million |
122 million |
Reed Johnson, Ronny Cedeno, Michael Wuertz, Neal Cotts, Chad Gaudin |
20 million |
|
Brewers |
80 million |
60 million |
Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, JJ Hardy, Corey Hart, Dave Bush, Seth McClung, Todd Coffey, Chris Capuano |
20 million |
|
Cardinals |
100 million |
78 million |
Aaron Miles, Rick Ankiel, Ryan Ludwick, Todd Wellemyer, Brad Thompson |
20 million |
|
Reds |
74 million |
54.5 million |
Bill Bray, Edwin Encarnacion, Mike Lincoln |
15 million |
|
Astros |
86 million |
88 million |
Humberto Quintero, Ty Wigginton, David Newhan, Brian Backe, Wandy Rodriguez, Jose Valverde, Geoff Geary, Tim Byrdak |
15 million |
|
Pirates |
49 million |
31 million |
Ryan Doumit, Adam LaRoche, Nate McLouth, Paul Maholm, Zack Duke, John Grabow, Tyler Yates, Denny Bautista |
8 million |
|
Dodgers |
59 million |
118 million |
Russell Martin, Andre Eithier, Takashi Saito, Jonathan Broxton, Scott Proctor, Yhency Brazoban |
50 million |
|
Diamond Backs |
66 million |
55 million |
Chris Snyder, Augie Ojeda, Conor Jackson, Chris Burke, Edgar Gonzalez, Chad Qualls |
10 million |
|
Rockies |
68 million |
77.5 million |
Garret Atkins, Willy Tavaras, Jorge de la Rosa, Jason Grilli |
3 million |
|
Padres |
73 million |
44 million |
Jody Gerut, Scott Hairston, Heath Bell, Clay Hensley |
4 million |
|
Giants |
76 million |
64 million |
Fred Lewis |
10 million |
|
Angels |
124 million |
87 million |
Macier Izturis, Rob Quinlan, Chone Figgins, Ervin Santana |
30 million |
|
A’s |
48 million |
29 million |
Huston Street, Justin Duchscherer Rob Bowen |
10 million + |
|
Rangers |
67 million |
63 million |
Gerald Laird, Marlon Byrd, Brandon McCarthy, Frank Francisco, CJ Wilson, Kameron Loe |
10 million |
|
Mariners |
117 million |
88 million |
Felix Hernandez, Erik Bedard, Jeremy Reed |
20 million - |
|
White Sox |
121 million |
108 million |
Bobby Jenks, DJ Carasco, DeWayne Wise |
10 million |
|
Twins |
57 million |
54 million |
Jason Kubel, Matt Guerrier |
15 million |
|
Indians |
79 million |
64 million |
Kelly Shoppach |
15 million |
|
Tigers |
137 million |
115 million |
Marcus Thames, Ramon Santiago, Fernando Rodney, Justin Verlander, Gary Glover, Joel Zumaya, Bobby Seay |
|
|
14 millionRoyals |
58 million |
52 million |
John Buck, Esteban German, Mark Teahen, Joey Gathright, Zack Greinke, Brian Bannister, Kyle Davies, Jimmy Gobble, Joel Peralta |
7 million |
|
Red Sox |
133 million |
92 million |
Kevin Youkilis, Kevin Cash, Javier Lopez, Jonathan Papelban |
33 million |
|
Rays |
43 million |
49 million |
Edwin Jackson, Dioner Navarro, Jason Bartlett, Gabe Gross, Jonny Gomes, Grant Balfour |
5 million |
|
Yankees |
209 million |
140 million |
Xavier Nady, Wilson Betemit, Chien-Ming Wang, Brian Bruney |
50 million |
|
Blue Jays |
98 million |
80 million |
Jose Bautista, Jason Frasor, Brian Tallet, Brandon League |
15 million |
|
Orioles |
67 million |
63 million |
Freddie Bynum, Luke Scott, Nick Markakis, Jeremy Guthrie, Daniel Cabrera, George Sherrill, Chris Ray, Fernando Cabrera |
15 million |
Player Market: Casey Blake
Casey Blake leads the third base free agent market. There will be tons of suitors for him. Not only because he is the best third baseman available, but also because of his versatility. Let’s take a look.
Dodgers (frontrunners) You can’t trade one of the best third base prospects in the game and then just take a pass on his replacement. I know it will be hard locking up Blake, but you’d have to think the Dodgers would have to go all in to get him. Casey is more of a small-town guy, but with the Dodgers possibly offering 3 years, 24 million, he might take the money over the geography. I think he stays in Dodger Blue.
Braves (frontrunners) His versatility would make him a very valueable asset to the Braves. He could play either outfield corner, so they’d have flexibility if Jeff Francoeur continued struggling. The’d also be able to move Blake to third base in the event of a Chipper Jones injury. They also have the money to get a deal done. Don’t be surprised if he goes here.
Twins (frontrunners) They need a third baseman, and Blake makes a lot of sense here. They will go hard to try and trade for Adrian Beltre, but if they miss out Blake is a great fall-back option. He would also be nice to help out in the outfield if Michael Cuddyer reinjures himself.
Mets (possible) He could sign on in New York with the Mets and see a lot of time in the outfield. The only problem is that they’ll have to outbid the Dodgers and give Blake possibly up to 30 million over three years. That’s way to much. It would be far smarter to add a few million and sign Raul Ibanez. They get a far superior bat for only a little more money. Or Jaun Rivera could make sense for a lot less on a one year deal.
Giants (possible) There will always be the Giants – Dodgers rivalry. It is both on an off the field. The Giants could decide to spend a lot on Casey Blake to improve the infield and keep him from the Dodgers. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see them aggressively pursue him.
Reds (not likely) They will probably have interest because of his good bat for left field, but he will be grossly overpayed for an outfielder. Especially with all the better ones available via free agency. The only thing that might cause a discount from Casey Blake is Great American Ballpark.
Rays (not likely) The Rays had interest in him at last year’s trade deadline. They probably will pursue him to an extent this year, too. But instead I find it more likely they go with cheaper options.
Phillies (not likely) They’ll want him as a left fielder to replace Pat Burrell, but they don’t have a lot of money to spend. It might be smarter to use Citizens Bank Park as a lure for Jaun Rivera to sign on the cheap.
Indians (dark horse) The Indians are a dark horse candidate to resign Casey Blake. He still makes a lot of sense for their team. Although there might be a little bad-blood, a deal could still get done.
Could Homer Baily for Gerald Laird and Elvis Andrus Work?
I though of a potentially good trade between the Rangers and Reds. As you can see from the Reds Offseason Needs, they need both a catcher and a shortstop. The Rangers need some pitching. Could the Reds trade Homer Baily to the Rangers for Gerald Laird and Elivis Andrus. They would love to add a great pitching prospect like Baily, especially one with his upside. I don’t think the Reds would do Jarrod Saltalamacchia for Baily, and the Rangers wouldn’t do Salty and Andrus both for Homer. So, they compromise with Laird replacing Saltalamacchia. The Rangers still keep all of their young catchers, but still move part of that surplus. They sacrifice Andrus, but he isn’t that neccessary for the team because they have Michael Young. The Reds lose a pitching prospect that still has a lot of upside, but they fill two key positions in the process. Two scarce positions, as well. It would also allow both teams to spend their money to fill different holes because they would be filling holes without spending money. The Rangers could spend it on Milton Bradley, the Reds on an outfielder. Remember, these two teams hooked up on the Josh Hamilton for Edinson Volquez trade last winter, so obviously they aren’t afraid to trade high-upside players such as Andrus and Baily.
Offseason Plan: Conclusion
The Offseason Plan series has sadly ended. It was a lot of fun writing this. I hope you enjoyed it. Remember, you can always click on the sidebar link: Offseason Plan to see them all. Here are the links for every team’s offseason plan…
Marlins, Astros, Blue Jays, Cubs, Diamond Backs, Dodgers, Mariners, Giants, Orioles, Red Sox, White Sox, Tigers, Indians, Angels, Phillies, Rays, Royals, Reds, Rockies, Mets, Twins, Padres, Nationals, Rangers, Brewers, Pirates, Cardinals, A’s, Braves, Yankees.
Offseason Plan: St. Louis Cardinals
The overachieving St. Louis Cardinals have faded from the playoff race recently, but could make a comback in 2009 with a succesful offseason. They need to add at least one starter with Kyle Lohse and Braden Looper hitting free agency. They also need a lefty reliever for the bullpen. A complete middle infield makeover is in order. It wouldn’t kill them to use Brendan Ryan at one of the positions, but the other must be sloved outside of the organazation. They will be in on all #3 or #4 type starters, as well as Will Ohman and Edgar Renteria. I picked them to sign both, as well as Mark Ellis in the offseason. It is going to be tough to compete in the NL Central, however. The Cubs are awesome, the Brewers are going to be very good even without CC Sabathia and maybe Ben Sheets, the Astros are likely to make some big splashes, and if certain Reds’ young players break out, the Cards could finish in fifth place. This team is going to have to move an outfielder in the offseason with Colby Rasmus likely to be called up from AAA. The one being shopped could be Rick Ankiel. With the bleak center field market, he could have a lot of interest. He is a free agent after 2009. It makes more sense to trade him instead of Skip Schumaker, who isn’t even arb. eligible untill after 2009. I think Ankiel should be traded for one of their needs. The Cardinals are a team that could continue to compete, but might also fall on their faces. However, a lot of people were saying they’d be awefull this year, and they were wrong. Don’t underestimate Tony LaRussa.
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