2014/2015 Official MLB Offseason Thread: Signings, Trades, Rumors, Etc.

[Merlot]

BOYZ!

Melky Cabrera a "big name"??? He's had three solid years in the last 4 but I would never put this guy in the big name category. Russell Martin had one of his two best years last year, but otherwise he's been a barely adequate (if that) batter even for a catcher. Who will he be this coming year?

http://espn.go.com/boston/mlb/story...-pablo-sandoval-five-year-95-million-contract

It's being reported that the Red Sox have offered Pablo Sandoval $95 million for 5 years, but don't seem to want to go 6 years in significant part because of possible weight problems. I really don't see what one year difference makes from 5 to 6 based on a weight issue. It sound to me like a convenient excuse to avoid giving him 6 years. If the Sox are concerned about weight 5 years are plenty to worry about, and I think the fact that they have reportedly made the largest bid speaks to much less concern about that. No matter what I still don't think his stats are worth the kind of money the Sox have reportedly offered, unless his OPS was in the middle to upper .800s at minimum no matter what park he been playing in. Giving him $19 million a year looks so much like a Yankee inflated contract.

I am not enthused for this deal.



Merlot

 

[Merlot]

BOYZ,

Hanley Ramirez to sign 5-year $90 million deal with Boston.

This one has been slightly under the radar though it's been talked about among Sox fans. It's only more surprising because the possibility has been eclipsed by all the talk about the Panda. I was excited right up to the moment when I checked his stats. Right away what jumps out is playing time and the lack of. Three straight seasons in the last four years of less than 100 games played, two of them barely half of a season or less. If the guy can stay healthy and play 135 to 140 games he would be a big presence and a strong force at Fenway. But right now I'm wondering which of the two players would have been the better choice, and neither makes me comfortable in view of these large contract deals.

Right now his best value was when he got traded for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell who were significant in the 2007 World Series Championship.

http://www.overthemonster.com/2014/11/24/7273925/red-sox-sign-hanley-ramirez-contract-analysis

The Red Sox came out of nowhere Sunday night to land Hanley Ramirez on a five-year, $90 million contract. While there's still paperwork to be done before we can call it "final", it's a deal that might just go down as the steal of the offseason.

It's no surprise that Ramirez' value is not what one might have expected years ago. In the years immediately following the trade that sent Ramirez to the Marlins in exchange for Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell, he emerged as one of the most valuable players in the game. His glove was certainly lacking at shortstop, but he produced more than enough with his bat to make up for any deficiencies in the field.

The last five years, however, have not gone quite so smoothly. After seeing his numbers dip in 2010, Ramirez struggled mightily through an injury-marred 2011 campaign, endured a mediocre year in 2012, and was limited to 86 games, however fantastic, thanks to more injuries early in 2013.

2014, however, saw Ramirez put together a fairly complete performance for the first time in a long while, and it's that return to form that makes the five-year deal he signed with the Red Sox look like a bargain.

Let's forget about the perception of the market for the moment. Many expected Hanley to be the real prize on the left side of the infield this offseason, but that's not really all that important. Let's just look at the player the Red Sox landed, and how much they're giving him.

There's no doubt that Ramirez is a risky signing. He's on the wrong side of 30, has dealt with the aformentioned injuries, and saw his performance suffer for it in 2011 and 2012. Ramirez is more likely than, say, Pablo Sandoval to completely fall to pieces over the coming years, and while $90 million isn't as much as it used to be in baseball, it would still be a big hit to the team's payroll if Ramirez spent most of those five years injured or underperforming.

With that risk, however, comes the possibility for great rewards. At .283/.369/.448, Ramirez' batting line from 2014 is reasonably impressive without adjustment. But with adjustment--for the park he's playing in and the competition he's facing--we have a 135 wRC+. That's not simply good. It would be tied with David Ortiz for the best on the 2014 Red Sox. Hanley Ramirez does not provide Pablo Sandoval's solid filler bat. He's a legitimate offensive force. Even if his numbers don't improve at all upon making the jump to Fenway (an unlikely event), the Red Sox would be happy to slot his bat into the middle of the order day after day.

Not promising as far as past history goes.

ish,

Merlot

 

[Merlot]

Uh Oh,

Now it's being reported that the Red Sox have an agreement in place with Pablo Sandoval too. Hmmmmm, I've already given my lack of enthusiasm on this one. No doubt there's plenty of potential, but are they really worth the money and terms?

Sandoval agrees to Red Sox deal, as Boston looks for free agent sweep

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer...sox-deal-as-boston-looks-for-free-agent-sweep

Pablo Sandoval has agreed to to a Red Sox deal, completing what appears to be a stunning free agent double play.

Sandoval will receive close to $100 million for five years, people familiar with the deal say, following news Hanley Ramirez is close to a deal with Boston, as well. The Red Sox were reported by the Boston Globe to have originally offered $95 million, but they may have gone up a bit from there.

The Red Sox are close to a deal with Hanley Ramirez, as well, sources confirm. Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reported he is on the verge of a deal with Boston and is traveling to Boston to finalize things.

Ramirez told the Red Sox he is willing to play positions other than shortstop, with left field a possibility.

Sandoval, the Giants' World Series hero, made a tough decision to leave San Francisco. The Padres also made what is said to be an "aggressive" opening offer.

Sandoval won three World Series rings in five years in San Franciasco, becoming something of a cult hero.

But Boston is rebuilding in a big way. The team is also talking to its former ace, Jon Lester, and is believed prepared to offer him close to $130 million over six years.

With Ramirez and Sandoval, the Red Sox are also in position to trade some of their hitters for pitchers.

Bye bye Cespedes???

Interesting,

Merlot

 

[Doc Holliday]

Pablo Sandoval to sign with Red Sox

Red Sox Nation rejoice! The Red Sox are not only close to adding Hanley Ramirez to the fold, but a deal with free agent Pablo Sandoval is imminent. It is rumoured that he'll sign for 5 years for 'at least' $90 million:

Red Sox to also sign Pablo Sandoval

p.s. Now i'm hearing the deal for Sandoval is for $100 million. If true....R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S!!!!

 

[Doc Holliday]

Russell Martin, who makes his off-season home in Mtl, was on Dave Morissette's tv show last night & gave a demonstration of his ability to walk on his hands. I don't think Brian McCann can do this. Russell Martin is in tremendous shape!

Russell Martin walks on his hands

 

[daydreamer41]

Pablo Sandoval to sign with Red Sox

Red Sox Nation rejoice! The Red Sox are not only close to adding Hanley Ramirez to the fold, but a deal with free agent Pablo Sandoval is imminent. It is rumoured that he'll sign for 5 years for 'at least' $90 million:

Red Sox to also sign Pablo Sandoval

p.s. Now i'm hearing the deal for Sandoval is for $100 million. If true....R-I-D-I-C-U-L-O-U-S!!!!

Two average players for more than $18 million per year for one and $20 million per year for the other. $188 over 5 years.

Neither hit more than 20 HR or batted more than .285 average. Talk about BIG SPENDERS. Got to love the Red Sox's deep pockets.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I now realize there's no way that the Expos could once again survive in Mtl considering the lower Canadian dollar & the fact there are some teams out there still spending tremendous amounts of money on average players. The silence from our resident Red Sox fans in regards to the recent two signings speaks volumes.

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

I now realize there's no way that the Expos could once again survive in Mtl considering the lower Canadian dollar & the fact there are some teams out there still spending tremendous amounts of money on average players.

I must respectfully disagree, Doc. Yes, the sagging looney will be a factor, as will Quebec taxes, but the whole industry has sooo much dough, that turning a profit doesn't take brilliance.

The silence from our resident Red Sox fans in regards to the recent two signings speaks volumes.

Well, perhaps we have other things going on in our lives...and have little interest in responding to inane comments like the one preceding yours.

The Sox just signed the two best position players available, according to both Keith Law and MLBTR. Sandoval was a bit of an over-pay, but not one the Sox can't afford. Ramirez is an absolute stud, when healthy, and also a head case. That said, he looks up to big Papi who has long been his mentor. Papi should have no trouble keeping him in line.

Since jettisoning the 2013 season, the Sox have rebuilt an 800 run lineup with the additions of Betts, Cespedes, Sandoval, Ramirez, and Castillo. Also Bogaerts started hitting again after moving back to short and Napoli's finger has finally recovered from his dislocation.

Fangraphs now says the Sox are the best team in the American League, though I won't believe it until they finish putting the pitching staff back together. Their budget is still reasonable enough that they can sign both Lester and Miller and trade for Hamels and get back under the luxury tax threshold after just one year with Napoli, Cespedes, and Mujica coming off the books after 2016.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I heard today that Cespedes is being shopped around. Seattle may be his next destination.

I'm somewhat surprised Ortiz hasn't yet seriously considered retirement. One more season maybe?

Where will Ramirez play? The outfield?

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

I heard today that Cespedes is being shopped around. Seattle may be his next destination.

Cespedes is as good as gone. Sox are interested in Iwakuma.

I'm somewhat surprised Ortiz hasn't yet seriously considered retirement. One more season maybe?

At least one. Sox have an option for $10 million for 2016. Considering his .873 in 2014, there's still a lot of life in the big guy.

Where will Ramirez play? The outfield?

Left. As a shortstop, he's Jeteresque.

 

[Merlot]

Red Sox fans,

Pablo Sandoval eyes 'new challenge'

http://espn.go.com/boston/mlb/story...d-sox-introduce-pablo-sandoval-hanley-ramirez

BOSTON -- Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez spent the last two seasons as NL West rivals. Now they're teammates, signing with the Boston Red Sox as free agents to try to boost Boston out of the AL East cellar.

"It's exciting for me to be with Hanley and David Ortiz," Sandoval said Tuesday, adding that the trio has already been dubbed the "Three Amigos."

Sandoval's deal -- a five-year pact for $95 million with a $17 million club option for a sixth year (or a $5 million buyout), a major league source told ESPNBoston.com - was finalized Tuesday morning.

The Red Sox were expected to announce Ramirez's deal later Tuesday. According to the Associated Press, the Red Sox are waiting for Ramirez to pass a physical.

Sandoval helped the Giants win three championships, earning the World Series MVP in 2012 and the nickname "Kung Fu Panda" that helped cement him as a fan favorite.

"I want a new challenge. I need a new challenge," he said Tuesday during a Fenway Park news conference. "I know that I had a great career in San Francisco. But I'm going to have a new one here."

Sandoval helps fill a hole in the Red Sox lineup for a third baseman and a left-handed bat. Ramirez, who played shortstop and a little third base with the Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers, is expected to move to left field.

"You're always trying to get a sense of where they might fit in," Red Sox manager John Farrell said when asked about potential lineups. "We're not even at Thanksgiving yet. The potential for some other additions might exist."

For now, the Red Sox are overloaded with outfielders and short on pitchers, having acquired Allen Craig and Yoenis Cespedes at the July trade deadline while shipping off four-fifths of the rotation.

"We've got a ways to go in the offseason," Farrell said.

Sandoval's deal includes a team vesting option for 2020. The 28-year-old Venezuelan, who is listed at 5-foot-11 and 248 pounds, was seen as a potential replacement for Ortiz at designated hitter when he retires.

.............

Pablo Sandoval's career postseason batting average of .344 is the best in baseball history among players with at least 150 plate appearances. And he has a .426 batting average in 50 career World Series plate appearances as he helped the Giants win three titles.

Hanley Ramirez, Red Sox agree

http://espn.go.com/boston/mlb/story/_/id/11931183/hanley-ramirez-boston-red-sox-agree

The Boston Red Sox agreed with Hanley Ramirez on Monday on a four-year, $88 million deal with a vesting fifth year for an additional $22 million, according to a major league source.

Ramirez, who will turn 31 on Dec. 23, has primarily played shortstop throughout his 10-year career but has also told teams he would be willing to change positions.

Ramirez was originally projected as a fall-back plan for the Red Sox in the event they were unable to sign the switch-hitting Pablo Sandoval. Sandoval reached agreement with the Red Sox on Monday, sources told ESPN, after choosing among offers from Boston, the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres. All three offers were believed to be for five years and at least $90 million.

Ramirez rejected the Los Angeles Dodgers' $15.3 million qualifying offer earlier this month to become a free agent. Ramirez won the 2009 batting title and led the NL with a 1.040 OPS in 2013 (among hitters with at least 300 plate appearances).

SO, $22 million per year for a guy with Ramirez' injury record? I don't think paying that much for him if he had been generally healthy would have been worthwhile. Overall, as he his record is, and considering a known temperament issue that he has had at times I think giving him that much guaranteed money is a big mistake. No matter how healthy he stays I doubt he will ever be worth $22 million and anyway I think he could have been had for $18 million a year...not that he'll measure up to that either. I see 2009 as a 5 year old aberration.

As for Sandoval, he's proven what he can do consistently and he's great when the stakes are highest, though we'll have to see if he can maintain that.

However this works out it's worlds better than the sheer insanity of letting Robinson Cano leave and keeping a useless bag of rocks like A-Rod at a cost of over $60 million. :lol: :thumb:

Cheers,

Merlot

 

[Special K]

Cespedes is as good as gone. Sox are interested in Iwakuma.


At least one. Sox have an option for $10 million for 2016. Considering his .873 in 2014, there's still a lot of life in the big guy.


Left. As a shortstop, he's Jeteresque.

Well we know that's certainly not a glowing comparison. Lol.

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

The Yankees appear to be out on Chase Headley, unwilling to go beyond three years. While they have been known to surprise, the thinking seems to be that the half billion the dropped last year on Tanaka, Ellsbury, McCann and Beltran might preclude any spending this winter.

Frankly, I don't see where they need any pitching. After all, they have:

Masahiro Tanaka and his bum elbow.
CC Sabathia and his bum knees
Ivan Nova and his bum elbow
Michael Pineda and his bum shoulder

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

Interesting piece today by Chad Jennings on the LoHud blog. He identifies the Yankees needs, in order of importance:

1. Rotation. See my last post. Not only are they short one, but all have health issues.
2. Shortstop.
3. Second Base
4. Bullpen
5. Third Base
6. Right Field

 

[Joe.t]

Brett Lawrie reportedly going to Oakland for All-Star Josh Donaldson, will be sad to see this happen, loved watching Lawrie's energy and enthusiasm that he brought to the game everyday, kind of hoping that it does not go through.

http://mlb.mlblogs.com/

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

Quite a move for the Jays. It not only cost them Lawrie, but three of their top prospects as well. Lawrie is still quite young, but has yet to 1) produce much in the big leagues and b) stay healthy for more than. Four years in the bigs, four years on the DL. He is, however, four years younger than Donaldson, currently the best 3b in MLB.

Somebody better wake up Brian Cashman.

 

[Doc Holliday]

It's a great trade for both teams. Toronto gets the best 3rd-baseman in baseball who'll only add to one of the most potent offenses in the league. He's also under their control for another 4 years. Oakland gets oft-injured Brett Lawrie & three highly-touted prospects. The two pitchers will likely crack Oakland's pitching staff next season, while the 18-year old shortstop may one day be the best of the bunch.

I love Brett Lawrie. I love his intensity, his drive, and his great talent. One sportswriter tweeted yesterday that he (Lawrie) is the best fielding third-baseman he's ever seen, including the great Brooks Robinson. However, the problem with Lawrie is that he's spent most of his career injured at one time or another. Last season, he was lost for the final months of the year with his third obliques muscle injury. If it wasn't one thing, it was always something else. Eventually, the Jays ran out of patience. This was unfortunate since he was one of the most popular players on the team, one of the top-selling jerseys in the league, and of course, a homegrown product.

But there's no doubt the Jays are short-term winners in that trade and have improved themselves. The pitchers they gave up will likely be very good one day, but Toronto is very deep in pitching and they wouldn't have made much of a difference for the next few years to come. Oakland are also winners, but mostly for the future. It was a win-win trade, beneficial to both teams.

Now the Jays have to find a left-fielder, closer & possibly a second-baseman.

Next season's batting lineup looks like:

Jose Reyes
Russell Martin
Jose Bautista
Edwin Encarnacion
Josh Donaldson
Dioner Navarro
Left fielder (Dirks or Mayberry)
Centerfielder (Pompei or Pillar)
Maicer Izturis

 

[EagerBeaver]

Brett Lawrie has been a big disappointment. Young guys who are injury prone sometimes are not taking care of their bodies off of the field. I would rather have a more durable player.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Brett Lawrie has been a big disappointment. Young guys who are injury prone sometimes are not taking care of their bodies off of the field. I would rather have a more durable player.

First off, he's only 24 years old. There's still time for Lawrie to turn his career around. Off the field isn't the problem when it comes to Brett Lawrie. From all accounts, he's a fitness freak & if you've seen him shirtless anyone would consider him a physical specimen. His physical problems are on the field in terms of the way he plays baseball. He plays baseball with a hockey/football player mentality and eventually the body starts to break down. He understands this and has spent the off-season working on a new training regimen and is aware he has to tone down his intensity. He's also been unlucky with broken bone injuries on his hands/fingers, but they were often related to his batting stance. He needs to get his hands out of the strikezone or else he'll wind up getting hit on his hands again.

But the biggest issue are all the injuries to his obliques. What is it now? Three oblique injuries in three years? Teams can't keep on relying on someone year after year who keeps getting long-term injuries all the time. Especially not a player of Lawrie's calibre, who's potential has yet to be fullfilled.

 

[Joe.t]

It's a great trade for both teams. Toronto gets the best 3rd-baseman in baseball who'll only add to one of the most potent offenses in the league. He's also under their control for another 4 years. Oakland gets oft-injured Brett Lawrie & three highly-touted prospects. The two pitchers will likely crack Oakland's pitching staff next season, while the 18-year old shortstop may one day be the best of the bunch.

I love Brett Lawrie. I love his intensity, his drive, and his great talent. One sportswriter tweeted yesterday that he's the best fielding third-baseman he's ever seen, including the great Brooks Robinson. However, the problem with Lawrie is that he's spent most of his career injured at one time or another. Last season, he was lost for the final months of the year with his third pectoral muscle injury. If it wasn't one thing, it was always something else. Eventually, the Jays ran out of patience. This was unfortunate since he was one of the most popular players on the team, one of the top-selling jerseys in the league, and of course, a homegrown product.

But there's no doubt the Jays are short-term winners in that trade and have improved themselves. The pitchers they gave up will likely be very good one day, but Toronto is very deep in pitching and they wouldn't have made much of a difference for the next few years to come. Oakland are also winners, but mostly for the future. It was a win-win trade, beneficial to both teams.

Now the Jays have to find a left-fielder, closer & possibly a second-baseman.

Next season's batting lineup looks like:

Jose Reyes
Russell Martin
Jose Bautista
Edwin Encarnacion
Josh Donaldson
Dioner Navarro
Left fielder (Dirks or Mayberry)
Centerfielder (Pompei or Pillar)
Maicer Izturis

This line up looks scary as it is, can you say World Series possibilities in 2015?, these deals by the Jays just might make the Red Sox overpay for some more players, especially if the Jays resign Melky.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/toronto-blue-jays