If the price is right why not bring him in
Offseason News & Rumors
- Thread starter Espo
- Start date
devilfan02
Registered
I tend to agree. I haven't heard any news regarding if he's healthy or not. The way the market is this offseason, I don't know how cheap we can get him for???? We still need to address the bullpen and giving him a one year deal might not be a bad idea. A major reach but the reliever market is very thin.
BTW, does everyone agree that Eveland will most likely be our lefty reliever next year? I think he was a GREAT pickup in that trade and he'll provide above average relief out of the pen. Down the line we could use him in the rotation but probably not next year (especially if Mulder signs, he would make 2 leftys in the rotation)
BTW, does everyone agree that Eveland will most likely be our lefty reliever next year? I think he was a GREAT pickup in that trade and he'll provide above average relief out of the pen. Down the line we could use him in the rotation but probably not next year (especially if Mulder signs, he would make 2 leftys in the rotation)
Doug Slaton is going to be the lefty reliever. The guy has great stuff. Eveland is now up there with Nippert as our best pitching prospect as a starter. If he's in the bigs after spring it will be as the 5th starter.
devilfan02
Registered
I do agree Slaton is our top lefty right now. Nearly every Brewer fan has said that Eveland is great out of the pen but struggled as a starter. He's still young and should turn into a serviceable starter but if he doesn't make the rotation, I would still like to see him in the pen. May be wishful thinking
I think it probably benefits the Dbacks more in the long run to have Eveland play as a starter in Tucson than out of the bullpen in the bigs.
devilalum
Heavily Redacted
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2002
- Posts
- 16,776
- Reaction score
- 3,187
Royce Clayton just signed a one year $1.5 M deal with the Blue Jays to be their starting short stop. Also Gambo, take it for what its worth, just said on FSN that the Dbacks started discussing contract details with Mark Mulder tonight.
Last edited:
Diamondback Jay
Psalms 23:1
*Crosses his fingers*
For now, it's safe to say that the interest between the Diamondbacks and free-agent pitcher Mark Mulder is mutual, particularly after Mulder and his agents toured Chase Field on Wednesday. But just how serious the Diamondbacks are won't be clear until the two sides get down to talking dollars, which could happen soon. Mulder had been one of baseball's best left-handers before a shoulder injury derailed his 2006 season. Mulder has drawn interest from several other teams, reportedly including Texas, San Diego and San Francisco. Azcentral.com
devilfan02
Registered
It would be great if we could somehow get him to sign before the winter meetings. He has a house here, plays golf everyday at Whisper Rock, and is getting married soon to a girl from Phoenix. He has publicly said he wants to stay close to home. Once the meetings start, anything can happen. One of those teams, particularly Texas, could get despaerate and offer him a crazy contract which he couldn't turn down. Obviously he'll wait to hear offers at the meetings but if we could be aggressive now and offer him a fair deal he might sign
devilfan02
Registered
For now, it's safe to say that the interest between the Diamondbacks and free-agent pitcher Mark Mulder is mutual, particularly after Mulder and his agents toured Chase Field on Wednesday.
But just how serious the Diamondbacks are won't be clear until the two sides get down to talking dollars, which could happen soon.
Mulder had been one of baseball's best left-handers before a shoulder injury derailed his 2006 season. OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1')
His agents have said Mulder is scheduled to begin throwing in January and be back on a mound in early March.
Other teams will likely offer him contracts with a low base salary and loads of incentives, but because the Diamondbacks don't do incentive-based deals, they'll have to be creative in the structure and likely need to guarantee more money.
Mulder has drawn interest from several other teams, reportedly including Texas, San Diego and San Francisco.
The Diamondbacks front office, including General Partner Jeff Moorad, along with manager Bob Melvin and pitching coach Bryan Price were there to greet Mulder and his agents, Terry Bross and Gregg Clifton.
"(The meeting) was really just, 'Hey, this is what we're about. This is what we're doing moving forward. We want you to be a part of it,' " Bross said. "I would definitely say that Mark would like to see a (contract) proposal."
Mulder has some ties to the club. He and new bench coach Kirk Gibson, both Michigan State products, know each other well, and A.J. Hinch, the team's director of player development, played with Mulder in Oakland.
And then there's the fact that Mulder lives in Scottsdale.
"There always is some intrigue to the hometown team," Bross said.
A new suitor
Add the Seattle Mariners to the list of teams that might be interested in former Diamondbacks left fielder Luis Gonzalez.
"Seattle called us today and they want to throw their hat in the ring and see if there's a fit there," said Bross, one of Gonzalez's agents.
Baltimore, St. Louis and the Dodgers are also in the mix.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1130dbnb1130.html
Interesting, I didn't know we don't do incentive laiden deals
But just how serious the Diamondbacks are won't be clear until the two sides get down to talking dollars, which could happen soon.
Mulder had been one of baseball's best left-handers before a shoulder injury derailed his 2006 season. OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1')
You must be registered for see images
He posted a 6-7 record with a 7.14 ERA in 17 starts for the St. Louis Cardinals before being shut down in September and undergoing surgery to repair fraying and a partial tear in his rotator cuff.His agents have said Mulder is scheduled to begin throwing in January and be back on a mound in early March.
Other teams will likely offer him contracts with a low base salary and loads of incentives, but because the Diamondbacks don't do incentive-based deals, they'll have to be creative in the structure and likely need to guarantee more money.
Mulder has drawn interest from several other teams, reportedly including Texas, San Diego and San Francisco.
The Diamondbacks front office, including General Partner Jeff Moorad, along with manager Bob Melvin and pitching coach Bryan Price were there to greet Mulder and his agents, Terry Bross and Gregg Clifton.
"(The meeting) was really just, 'Hey, this is what we're about. This is what we're doing moving forward. We want you to be a part of it,' " Bross said. "I would definitely say that Mark would like to see a (contract) proposal."
Mulder has some ties to the club. He and new bench coach Kirk Gibson, both Michigan State products, know each other well, and A.J. Hinch, the team's director of player development, played with Mulder in Oakland.
And then there's the fact that Mulder lives in Scottsdale.
"There always is some intrigue to the hometown team," Bross said.
A new suitor
Add the Seattle Mariners to the list of teams that might be interested in former Diamondbacks left fielder Luis Gonzalez.
"Seattle called us today and they want to throw their hat in the ring and see if there's a fit there," said Bross, one of Gonzalez's agents.
Baltimore, St. Louis and the Dodgers are also in the mix.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/diamondbacks/articles/1130dbnb1130.html
Interesting, I didn't know we don't do incentive laiden deals
CatBoxBackFan
Hall of Famer
Left-hander Mulder meets with Diamondbacks
ESPN.com
The Arizona Diamondbacks met with Mark Mulder on Wednesday, courting the left-hander and his agents at Chase Field.
"I think it went very well," Arizona manager Bob Melvin said in a report on MLB.com. Melvin was in attendance along with general manager Josh Byrnes, assistant GM Peter Woodfork, director of player development A.J. Hinch and pitching coach Bryan Price. "We just had some lunch and got to know each other a little bit."
According to the report, financial details have not yet been discussed. The talks are still in the formative stage.
"We had a real nice meeting with the Diamondbacks' brass," said Mulder's agent, Gregg Clifton, who was joined by his partner Terry Bross. "It was a very enjoyable experience."
Arizona joined Texas as the only teams to meet with Mulder.
Mulder, who has a home in the Phoenix area, is coming off a shortened season during which he went 6-7 with a 7.14 ERA. The left-hander was bothered by his shoulder throughout the year and underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear in mid-September.
MLB.com is reporting that there's been some speculation that some teams might offer Mulder an incentive-laden contract to assure themselves that he is healthy, but that could be problematic for the Diamondbacks, who have a strict policy against including incentives in contracts.
ESPN.com
The Arizona Diamondbacks met with Mark Mulder on Wednesday, courting the left-hander and his agents at Chase Field.
"I think it went very well," Arizona manager Bob Melvin said in a report on MLB.com. Melvin was in attendance along with general manager Josh Byrnes, assistant GM Peter Woodfork, director of player development A.J. Hinch and pitching coach Bryan Price. "We just had some lunch and got to know each other a little bit."
According to the report, financial details have not yet been discussed. The talks are still in the formative stage.
"We had a real nice meeting with the Diamondbacks' brass," said Mulder's agent, Gregg Clifton, who was joined by his partner Terry Bross. "It was a very enjoyable experience."
Arizona joined Texas as the only teams to meet with Mulder.
Mulder, who has a home in the Phoenix area, is coming off a shortened season during which he went 6-7 with a 7.14 ERA. The left-hander was bothered by his shoulder throughout the year and underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear in mid-September.
MLB.com is reporting that there's been some speculation that some teams might offer Mulder an incentive-laden contract to assure themselves that he is healthy, but that could be problematic for the Diamondbacks, who have a strict policy against including incentives in contracts.
I believe the Dbacks '07 starting line-up is contingent on whether or not they can work-out any type of a long-term w/Eric Byrnes.... If the Dbacks for some reason continue to just offer him a 1-yr contract, then Eric would more than likely demand a trade... I dont see why they're only offering him a 1-yr deal since Carlos Gonzalez is more than likely 2-yrs away and I still dont believe Scott Hairston can be an everyday ML player....
If the Byrnes situation does pan-out, this is how I envision the Dbacks opening-day starting line-up:
1) Chris Young-CF
2) Orlando Hudson-2B
3) Chad Tracy-3B
4) Eric Byrnes-CF
5) Carlos Quentin-RF
6) Conner Jackson-1B
7) Stephen Drew-SS
8) Miguel Montero/Chris Snyder-C
I would love for Drew to hit 3rd, but no way would Tracy be lower than #6 in the order... Its a difficult decision at 5/6, but I think Quentin being a more natural power hitter doesnt take him out of his element being slotted there in the order....
The question still also remains on are the Dbacks content w/Tracy's defense at 3B... I still wouldnt be shocked if some trade rumors circulate about him throughout the season.. Perhaps Callaspo could replace him there, but that limits his value considerably since he'll be the Dbacks roving utility player essentially replacing Counsell in that role.....
I really wish Kendrick would change his mind regarding incentive laiden contracts....If Mulder is indeed out until June, why would they commit to a long-term deal? Didnt they learn that w/Fossum who was damaged goods?
True, they managed to trade Fossum, but his contract wouldnt be near what Mulder would warrant.... I would sign Mulder to a 1-yr contract and he would earn a bonus based on how many innings he pitches this season, if he let's say gets 100 from June-October, then he automatically would qualify for a 2nd year contract and then the Dbacks could negotiate a long-term deal throughout the '08 season.....
Anyways.. if they fail to get Mulder, there's always Tomo Okah and I wouldnt mind him either....
If the Byrnes situation does pan-out, this is how I envision the Dbacks opening-day starting line-up:
1) Chris Young-CF
2) Orlando Hudson-2B
3) Chad Tracy-3B
4) Eric Byrnes-CF
5) Carlos Quentin-RF
6) Conner Jackson-1B
7) Stephen Drew-SS
8) Miguel Montero/Chris Snyder-C
I would love for Drew to hit 3rd, but no way would Tracy be lower than #6 in the order... Its a difficult decision at 5/6, but I think Quentin being a more natural power hitter doesnt take him out of his element being slotted there in the order....
The question still also remains on are the Dbacks content w/Tracy's defense at 3B... I still wouldnt be shocked if some trade rumors circulate about him throughout the season.. Perhaps Callaspo could replace him there, but that limits his value considerably since he'll be the Dbacks roving utility player essentially replacing Counsell in that role.....
I really wish Kendrick would change his mind regarding incentive laiden contracts....If Mulder is indeed out until June, why would they commit to a long-term deal? Didnt they learn that w/Fossum who was damaged goods?
True, they managed to trade Fossum, but his contract wouldnt be near what Mulder would warrant.... I would sign Mulder to a 1-yr contract and he would earn a bonus based on how many innings he pitches this season, if he let's say gets 100 from June-October, then he automatically would qualify for a 2nd year contract and then the Dbacks could negotiate a long-term deal throughout the '08 season.....
Anyways.. if they fail to get Mulder, there's always Tomo Okah and I wouldnt mind him either....
devilfan02
Registered
I agree regarding Tracy. IMO, this is his make or break year and he knows it. No more excuses with him- his strikeout numbers, overall plate discipline, and overall approach (get back to being a line drive/gaps hitter) need to drastically improve. He also needs to focus more while at 3rd. Most his errors are because he rushes throws or gets flustered on certain short hop ground balls. As of now, he's a liability at 3rd but hopefully that will change.
I want Tracy to get another year to prove himself. However, we need to add a bat and I have a feeling Tracy might be the trading piece to fill that need (or Byrnes depending on his negotiation demands). Joe Crede is reportedly on the block and would be a decent addition. He is arguably the best defensive 3B in the game and provides above avg power, especially in Chase. He does have health issues (disc problems) and is due for a contract extension, not sure if we want to deal with either. Just throwin a trade idea out there, not really sure if I'm for it either. His defense is VERY intriguing as good defense is key to the success of this team.
I never realized that Kendrick didn't do incentive deals. You'd think he'd make an exception for a guy like Mulder. Whatever, if he's ok with offering more guarunteed money in order to get him then thats fine with me. If Kendrick uses it has an excuse for not being able to sign him then that would be a different story
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2004
- Posts
- 8,942
- Reaction score
- 405
The Diamondbacks policy on not giving incentive laden deals is something that came out of the Colangelo ousting (the team is still in massive debt due to contracts from the glory years). One of the practices put in place after the Jerry fiasco was no incentive deals, along with no deferred payments. Kendrick and company want to know exactly how much they are spending, and I think in the long run that is the way to go.
I think what detracted from Tracy's defense last yr was how Melvin was using him in the order... He's not a #4 or #5 hitter whatsoever since he develops that pull first mentality... I believe if he's batting 3rd, he'll revert back to his '05 form of spraying the ball to all fields which enabled him to generate better power numbers....Hence, if he's not pressing offensively, that would allow him to focus more on his defense and he wont lapse out as much....
Josh Byrnes has indicated if the Dbacks dont acquire either Mulder or Ohka, that they might pursue another starter via trade...I only see Tracy as the best bait since he would attract some solid pitcher in return and of course if the Dbacks managed to acquire a pitcher whose contract matches Tracy, then it would be of above average calibre...I dont see the Dbacks obtaining a veteran (only if its to a minimal contract) to replace Tracy under this scenario since they dont want to increase their payroll beyond a certain threshold ($60-$65 mil IIRC).... Then Callspo and Brian Barden would platoon 3B together...
I think Moorad as a former agent should sit down and convince Kendrick that it is necessary in some cases to structure incentive laiden contracts w/a few contingenices/clauses.. or else you're repeating the Russ Ortiz fiasco... or in Mulder's situation.. a potential Fossum situation..... So you sign Mulder to a guaranteed long-term contract and he returns back by June and he doesnt rediscover his former self... He then suddenly re-injures himself and find out he requires further surgery and misses most of '08 and in the process earning a lucractive deal along w/the others who the Dbacks still owe mega-deals to.... that wouldnt be wise.....
I havent heard much about how the Dbacks plan on using Jorge Julio next season.. some teams might be interested in him and the Dbacks might be able to lure a decent starter in return... Valverde seems to be the favorite to become their closer, but we all know on how erratic he is.... Getting Gagne would be intriguing, but again that's where they would need to reconsider their current stance on the incentive laiden policy....
Josh Byrnes has indicated if the Dbacks dont acquire either Mulder or Ohka, that they might pursue another starter via trade...I only see Tracy as the best bait since he would attract some solid pitcher in return and of course if the Dbacks managed to acquire a pitcher whose contract matches Tracy, then it would be of above average calibre...I dont see the Dbacks obtaining a veteran (only if its to a minimal contract) to replace Tracy under this scenario since they dont want to increase their payroll beyond a certain threshold ($60-$65 mil IIRC).... Then Callspo and Brian Barden would platoon 3B together...
I think Moorad as a former agent should sit down and convince Kendrick that it is necessary in some cases to structure incentive laiden contracts w/a few contingenices/clauses.. or else you're repeating the Russ Ortiz fiasco... or in Mulder's situation.. a potential Fossum situation..... So you sign Mulder to a guaranteed long-term contract and he returns back by June and he doesnt rediscover his former self... He then suddenly re-injures himself and find out he requires further surgery and misses most of '08 and in the process earning a lucractive deal along w/the others who the Dbacks still owe mega-deals to.... that wouldnt be wise.....
I havent heard much about how the Dbacks plan on using Jorge Julio next season.. some teams might be interested in him and the Dbacks might be able to lure a decent starter in return... Valverde seems to be the favorite to become their closer, but we all know on how erratic he is.... Getting Gagne would be intriguing, but again that's where they would need to reconsider their current stance on the incentive laiden policy....
devilfan02
Registered
We all agree that Melvin placing him in the 4 hole was the primary reason for his bad year. Tracy even said himself that he had a different approach last year and it caused his strikeouts to soar. As of today, Tracy will def be penciled in as either the 4 or 5 hitter. There is no way Melvin would have him outside those 2 spots unless a decent bat appears somewhere. So, as I said above, no more excuses with Tracy. He needs to revert back to his old plate approach, whether he's batting 3rd or 5th, and start getting on base. If he fails to do that, then he doesn't fit in our plans. As of now, our team is not built at all for power. Tracy, along with Melvin, needs to realize that we don't need 40 HR's out of him. Get on base, we have enough guys who can small ball him home. I just really hope Tracy learned from last year and realizes that he's not a cleanup hitter, even if he's batting cleanup (if that makes any sense).
I'm just afraid that Tracy could become the next Lyle Overbay.... However, at least Melvin has seemed to have more patience w/Tracy than Brenly did w/LO.... Obviously, everyone recalls how Brenly desperately wanted Overbay to become strictly a pull-hitter which caused him to need that much required change of scenery... True, at the time the Dbacks obtained the sheer power-hitting corner IF, but we know the fate of him.....
Tracy hitting .290, 25 HRs, 90 RBs would be adequate.... I envision Conner Jackson's '07 stats being around the same neighborhood....
I applaud the Dbacks recent hiring of Kirk Gibson.. No one better than him teaching the younger players all the fundamentals.. the little things it takes to win.....
One player that intrigues me is Jeff Davanon... His health is always in question, but he could play all OF spots on a regular basis and generate pretty solid stats... It appeared the moment he went down was when the Dbacks began to falter... But.. again.. it's contingent on his health.....
I believe the Dbacks will have 13 position players this year:
IF:
Connor Jackson
Orlando Hudson
Stephen Drew
Chad Tracy
Tony Clark
Alberto Callaspo
OF:
Eric Byrnes
Chris Young
Carlos Quentin
Jeff Davanon
Robbie Hammock
C:
Miguel Montero
Chris Snyder
Callapso will cover all the IF positions, while Hammock can play both corner OF positions, 1B, and perhaps in desperation catcher....
Perhaps that number can climb to 14 based on if the Dbacks acquire another innings-eater starter that would free-up needing another reliever in the mix........
Hairston will be dealt in some package trade..... Again, it shall be interesting on how all sorts out.....
Tracy hitting .290, 25 HRs, 90 RBs would be adequate.... I envision Conner Jackson's '07 stats being around the same neighborhood....
I applaud the Dbacks recent hiring of Kirk Gibson.. No one better than him teaching the younger players all the fundamentals.. the little things it takes to win.....
One player that intrigues me is Jeff Davanon... His health is always in question, but he could play all OF spots on a regular basis and generate pretty solid stats... It appeared the moment he went down was when the Dbacks began to falter... But.. again.. it's contingent on his health.....
I believe the Dbacks will have 13 position players this year:
IF:
Connor Jackson
Orlando Hudson
Stephen Drew
Chad Tracy
Tony Clark
Alberto Callaspo
OF:
Eric Byrnes
Chris Young
Carlos Quentin
Jeff Davanon
Robbie Hammock
C:
Miguel Montero
Chris Snyder
Callapso will cover all the IF positions, while Hammock can play both corner OF positions, 1B, and perhaps in desperation catcher....
Perhaps that number can climb to 14 based on if the Dbacks acquire another innings-eater starter that would free-up needing another reliever in the mix........
Hairston will be dealt in some package trade..... Again, it shall be interesting on how all sorts out.....
Diamondback Jay
Psalms 23:1
San Diego and Boston are reportedly in trade talks on a deal that would send Manny Ramirez to San Diego for Jake Peavy and Adrian Gonzalez.
What a horrible, HORRIBLE deal for San Diego. Kevin Towers should have rejected this deal the second it hit the table.
What a horrible, HORRIBLE deal for San Diego. Kevin Towers should have rejected this deal the second it hit the table.
Last edited:
devilfan02
Registered
Holy Blank! Thats great news for us! Manny will be Manny and will walk when his contract his final leaving us not to worry about Peavy and Gonzalez. That would be a HUGE mistake to trade away a great pitcher in Peavy and a up and comer in Gonzalez. If true, what a horrible trade
Diamondback Jay
Psalms 23:1
Agreed..
Makes sense huh? Padres trade a good, young, power hitting 1B who realistically was the only offensive bat worth a damn last year, PLUS a top of the line starting pitcher for an airhead.
Then again, this IS the same team who traded their 22 year old 2B of the future, one who put up very solid numbers this season, for a 3B that's 3 years older and STILL in prospect phase.
Anyone here STILL think the Diamondbacks would have been better off getting Kevin Towers as GM?
Makes sense huh? Padres trade a good, young, power hitting 1B who realistically was the only offensive bat worth a damn last year, PLUS a top of the line starting pitcher for an airhead.
Then again, this IS the same team who traded their 22 year old 2B of the future, one who put up very solid numbers this season, for a 3B that's 3 years older and STILL in prospect phase.
Anyone here STILL think the Diamondbacks would have been better off getting Kevin Towers as GM?
devilfan02
Registered
Dido.
I couldn't believe they traded Barfield, he's decent with a high cieling defensively with a good bat. Is also dangerous and effective on the bases. All for prospects? Wow, risky trade if your asking me. IMO, Barfield was one of the better prospects who came up last year. Good but obvioulsy not excellent like Drew
