Offseason News & Rumors

[devilfan02]

Brian Barden, Scott Hairston, Robbie Hammock and newcomer Dave Krynzel appear to be the top candidates for Green’s roster spot, although the D-Backs could keep two from that group if they opt to start the season with 14 position players and 11 pitchers. They carried 13 position players last season.

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=79698


I don't see how we will offer arbitration to Gonzo. We should get 2 sandy picks for Counsell and Bautista which is huge

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=79698


I don't see how we will offer arbitration to Gonzo. We should get 2 sandy picks for Counsell and Bautista which is huge

Right, the only way Gonzo is offered arbitration is if he signs with another team before the arbitration deadline (as he would have no other choice but to decline it, giving the Dbacks the free pick). What are the chances of him signing before the deadline? I don't know, but he has generated more interest than I had expected he would.

 

[devilfan02]

Right, the only way Gonzo is offered arbitration is if he signs with another team before the arbitration deadline (as he would have no other choice but to decline it, giving the Dbacks the free pick). What are the chances of him signing before the deadline? I don't know, but he has generated more interest than I had expected he would.

I agree. I thought that he would find a spot fairly quick once Soriano and Lee found their respective teams. Obvioulsy that wasn' the case. Although the Manny trade rumors are rampid every offseason, I think he will be dealt and it's just a matter of time. JD Drew is close to signing a huge deal with the Red Sox (what a joke) which will open the door for Manny to be traded. Oddly enough, all the teams who are interested in trading for Manny (LAA, LAD, SF, SD, TEX) are also interested in Gonzo. I bet Gonzo is a backup plan for a handful of these teams who won't be able to land Manny. Not sure when arbitration ends but I know the Winter Meeting start in a little over a week and this is when everything happens. Still think offering Gonzo arbitration is too risky and since we're already gonna get 2 sandwich picks, we should just let him walk



On a side note- ESPN insider is reporting that the Cubs have offered Schmidt a 3 year, $44 million deal ($14.6 per year).

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Still think offering Gonzo arbitration is too risky and since we're already gonna get 2 sandwich picks, we should just let him walk.

Haha, I think there's been a miscommunication. I think there is zero chance that the Diamondbacks offer Gonzo arbitration unless he has already signed a contract with another team before the arbitration deadline (mid December, I think). If Gonzo does sign a contract with another team before that time, then the Dbacks will offer him arbitration, as there is zero risk in doing so (he can't accept the arbitration offer if he has already signed with another team, so we automatically get the extra pick).

Edit: $44M for Schmidt? What are the Cubs thinking?

 

[devilfan02]

My bad, your right. We shouldn't offer him arbitration if hasn't signed with another team, thats what I meant. If we could get 3 sandwich picks that would be unreal. Still think we will only get 2 which is still great

 

[The Commish]

Yanks win Igawa bid with a $25 million offer per ESPN.


http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2678036

 

[Espo]

According to a few sites Counsell is going to head to Milwaukee because the two year deal he was offered by the Padres wound up going to Tony Graffinino.

 

[devilfan02]

According to a few sites Counsell is going to head to Milwaukee because the two year deal he was offered by the Padres wound up going to Tony Graffinino.

Wow, too bad for Counsell. If your asking me, Counsell is much better then Graffinino. Hopefully he can find somewhere to play everyday

 

[devilfan02]

Yanks win Igawa bid with a $25 million offer per ESPN.


http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2678036

This is getting ridiculous. This trend of throwing crazy money at unproven japanese players needs to change. This is one of the most frustrating offseasons so far for IMO. Seems like we can't get anyone. Salary Cap, please

 

[boondockdrunk]

Yanks win Igawa bid with a $25 million offer per ESPN.


http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2678036

Good, he is not going to do well in the majors as a starter anyway. The films I have seen of his pitching are really not that impressive.

 

[Stan C]

Seems to me the Red Sox may have pulled a sly one.
You guys will correct me if I'm wrong, but they don't have to pay anything unless he signs by the 14th. If he doesn't, no one else can bid for him until he is a free agent next year, and then there is no "pay off" fee. Then the real bidding will start.
Seems like Boras can posture all he wants, but if the Red Sox don't like a good long term deal for a reasonable amount (which most GMs have forgot this year - see Gary Mattews Jr. Juan Pierre, Carlos Lee, Alfonso Soriano, and not 14.6 million for Jason Schmidt for 3 years?), then they just take their money home and they've kept him from going to the evil Yankee empire.
Maybe they will be as nuts as the rest, but if not, it's not a bad poker hand to be holding. What do you have to lose if you are not satisfied?

 

[coyoteshockeyfan]

Seems to me the Red Sox may have pulled a sly one.
You guys will correct me if I'm wrong, but they don't have to pay anything unless he signs by the 14th. If he doesn't, no one else can bid for him until he is a free agent next year, and then there is no "pay off" fee. Then the real bidding will start.
Seems like Boras can posture all he wants, but if the Red Sox don't like a good long term deal for a reasonable amount (which most GMs have forgot this year - see Gary Mattews Jr. Juan Pierre, Carlos Lee, Alfonso Soriano, and not 14.6 million for Jason Schmidt for 3 years?), then they just take their money home and they've kept him from going to the evil Yankee empire.
Maybe they will be as nuts as the rest, but if not, it's not a bad poker hand to be holding. What do you have to lose if you are not satisfied?

I believe the Japanese team can choose a lower bid if the highest bid doesn't come to a deal. Otherwise a team like the Devil Rays could offer a billion dollar posting fee with no intention of negotiating with the player just to keep the rich teams from getting him.

 

[devilfan02]

Plus this is the highest Matsuzukas value will be. He knows damn well that going back to Japan will hurt him big time. He's even said himself that not working out a contract with Boston and having to return to Japan would be horrible for his career.

 

[Stan C]

I heard last night on espn that the team could not lower the bid, sorry no link. I had read that as well, but apparantly not.
And not wanting to go back is why I think there deal may not be quite as crazy as at least I originally thought. He's got real pressure on him to make a deal, and Boras may not get his birthday wish.
I'm not a Red Sox apologist, but I would like to see Boras look fleeced.

 

[Espo]

The Diamondbacks continued their pursuit of free agent left-hander Mark Mulder on Tuesday. The D-Backs discussed parameters of a deal with Mulder’s representatives Tuesday afternoon, although no offer was made, and are expected to continue discussions as the suitors get serious. “There appears to be interest from the Diamondbacks’ side,” agent Gregg Clifton said. Mulder, a Valley resident, already has received offers from San Diego, St. Louis and Texas, according to major league sources, with Cleveland remaining in contention.
eastvalleytribune.com

 

[devilfan02]

The Diamondbacks continued their pursuit of free agent left-hander Mark Mulder on Tuesday. The D-Backs discussed parameters of a deal with Mulder’s representatives Tuesday afternoon, although no offer was made, and are expected to continue discussions as the suitors get serious. “There appears to be interest from the Diamondbacks’ side,” agent Gregg Clifton said. Mulder, a Valley resident, already has received offers from San Diego, St. Louis and Texas, according to major league sources, with Cleveland remaining in contention.
eastvalleytribune.com

I'm excited about this. Lets hope something comes of this cause I think he'll be a good signing. I'm assuming he'll want a contract like Wolfs (prob higher) but if he can perform like his old self, it'll be the deal of the franchise

 

[Espo]

If Mulder were to sign that would be a heck of a rotation. I would feel a lot better about the upcoming season with a rotation like that. Webb, Hernandez, Mulder, Davis and any of the young guys as the 5th starter.

 

[boondockdrunk]

I'm excited about this. Lets hope something comes of this cause I think he'll be a good signing. I'm assuming he'll want a contract like Wolfs (prob higher) but if he can perform like his old self, it'll be the deal of the franchise

He will want upwards of $12 million a year. And even if we get him this will not be the deal of the franchise. That will still be signing Randy Johnson. You cannot beat what he did for the organization once he came over.

Oh and isn't Mulder going to be out until the All-Star break during the upcoming season? This could be a huge risk for this franchise as well. If Mulder does not return to form, a deal with him can greatly hinder our ability to resign a lot of our young guys.

 

[Espo]

He will want upwards of $12 million a year. And even if we get him this will not be the deal of the franchise. That will still be signing Randy Johnson. You cannot beat what he did for the organization once he came over.

Oh and isn't Mulder going to be out until the All-Star break during the upcoming season? This could be a huge risk for this franchise as well. If Mulder does not return to form, a deal with him can greatly hinder our ability to resign a lot of our young guys.

I haven't heard about him being out til the allstar break and just because he'll want upwards of $12 million doesn't mean someone will offer him that. I bet it can get done for $10 million a year or $8 Mil will incentives.

 

[Stallion]

Counsell is going to head to Milwaukee

Again? Come on, Craig, make up your mind. You're like an every-other-year snowbird.

 

[Espo]

Counsell Signs With Brewers

Baseball Digest Daily reports that the Brewers have inked Craig Counsell to a two-year deal with a club option for 2009.

Did Doug Melvin really put out this kind of commitment to a utility infielder? Counsell could see a lot of playing time if Rickie Weeks or J.J. Hardy fall out of favor or are hurt again. Hardy in particular will see his playing time drop.

 

[PDXChris]

Counsell Signs With Brewers

Baseball Digest Daily reports that the Brewers have inked Craig Counsell to a two-year deal with a club option for 2009.

Did Doug Melvin really put out this kind of commitment to a utility infielder? Counsell could see a lot of playing time if Rickie Weeks or J.J. Hardy fall out of favor or are hurt again. Hardy in particular will see his playing time drop.

Good for him, although I thought he would go to a contender. It would have been cool to see him as a Cub helping out that team. He could have gotten time at SS there as well.

Hey, he could have batted leadoff.

 

[devilfan02]

Counsell Signs With Brewers

Baseball Digest Daily reports that the Brewers have inked Craig Counsell to a two-year deal with a club option for 2009.

Did Doug Melvin really put out this kind of commitment to a utility infielder? Counsell could see a lot of playing time if Rickie Weeks or J.J. Hardy fall out of favor or are hurt again. Hardy in particular will see his playing time drop.

He'll see plenty of playing time. Bill Hall is getting move to the OF and Koskie is avg at best at 3rd. My bet is he'll play mostly at 3rd and make spot starts at 2nd and SS

 

[The Commish]

Oh and isn't Mulder going to be out until the All-Star break during the upcoming season? This could be a huge risk for this franchise as well. If Mulder does not return to form, a deal with him can greatly hinder our ability to resign a lot of our young guys.

Saying most likely the first month of the season or so for his return. Also if the DBacks were to do this deal it would be an incentive laden contract. If he returns to form, we will pay him accordingly. If he doesn't, we won't be on the hook for as much money. I'm all for it, let's hope Mulder is as well.

 

[devilfan02]

Gambo and Ash are reporting that the Dbacks have interest in signing Eric Gagne. Caught me by surprise too