Anaheim Angels:
Exercised option on C Bengie Molina, one-year, $3 million
Acquired OF Juan Rivera and SS Maicer Izturis from Washington for OF Jose Guillen
Signed OF Steve Finley, two-years, $14 million with a $7 million option
Signed P Paul Byrd, one-year, $5 million
Signed P Esteban Yan, two-years, $2.25 million
The moves made by the Angels this week are hard to defend. Byrd is coming off Tommy John surgery and he experienced problems even after returning last season. His ERA will rise coming to the American League. At least his contract is just for one year. Why the Angels decided to give a multi-year deal to a pitcher who has never posted an ERA under 3.83 is beyond me. With the success they have had developing their own relief pitchers you would think that a is better and cheaper option.
Baltimore Orioles:
Re-signed 1B Rafael Palmeiro, one-year, $3 million
Re-signed OF B.J. Surhoff, one-year, $1.1 million
Boston Red Sox:
Exercised option on 3B Bill Mueller, one-year, $2.5 million
Re-signed C Doug Mirabelli, two-years, $3 million
Signed P Matt Mantei, one-year, $750,000
Signed P John Halama, one-year, $1 million
Signed SS Edgar Renteria, four-years, $40 million
Signed P David Wells, two-years, $8 million
Not long after losing Pedro Martinez, the Sox inked Edgar Renteria. The 29-year-old shortstop will likely hit second in the batting order and will sure up the infield defense. He is an upgrade over Orlando Cabrera. Wells signed an incentive-laden deal. He can earn an additional $5 million each season. If he reaches the bonus levels he will likely be worth, or close to worth the money. Wells obviously can’t replace Martinez but he can help soften the blow.
Chicago White Sox:
Player option exercised by OF Carl Everett, one-year, $4 million
Re-signed P Jon Garland, one-year, $3.4 million
Exercised option on P Shingo Takatsu, one-year, $2.5 million
Player option exercised by 1B Frank Thomas, one-year, $8 million
Signed OF Jermaine Dye, two-years, $10.15 million
Signed Dustin Hermanson, two-years, $5.5 million
Cleveland Indians:
Re-signed P Scott Elarton, one-year, $850,000
Re-signed P Bob Wickman, one-year, $2.75 million
Exercised option on P Scott Sauerbeck
Signed 2B Jose Hernandez, one-year, $1.8 million
Acquired P Arthur Rhodes from Pittsburgh for OF Matt Lawton
Jose Hernandez was picked up by the Tribe as a utility player but may end up seeing some starts. He is a quality player and if forced into the starting lineup he can perform well enough. Rhodes was acquired so that Sauerbeck can go back to being more of a lefty specialist. Rhodes will likely be the primary setup man.
Detroit Tigers:
Exercised option on P Ugueth Urbina, one-year, $4 million
Signed P Troy Percival, 2 years, $12 million
Kansas City Royals:
Signed 3B Chris Truby to a one-year deal
Acquired OF Terrence Long and P Dennis Tankersley from Padres for P Darrell May and P Ryan Bukvich
Acquired OF Eli Marrero from Atlanta for P Jorge Vasquez
Acquired P Leo Nunez from Pittsburgh for C Benito Santiago
Most of Eli Marrero’s value comes as a solid defensive catcher but like the Braves last season, the Royals plan to use him strictly as an outfielder. Marrero was excellent against lefties last season and will likely form a platoon with Matt Stairs or Terrence Long.
Minnesota Twins:
Signed IF Juan Castro, two-years, $2.05 million
Signed C Mike Redmond, two-years, $1.8 million
Re-signed P Brad Radke, two-years, $18 million
New York Yankees:
Acquired P Felix Rodriguez from Philadelphia for OF Kenny Lofton and cash
Acquired P Mike Stanton from the New York Mets for P Felix Heredia
Re-signed C John Flaherty, one-year, $800,000
Signed P Jaret Wright, three-years, $21 million
Signed 2B Tony Womack, two-years, $4 million
Signed P Carl Pavano, four-years, $40 million
Have the Yankees finally learned their lesson? You can’t just spend money for the sake of it. You have to make smart decisions and bring in players that fit your needs. While they didn’t exactly make the best decisions with their early signings, they had the right idea. The Carl Pavano signing is their best move of the winter. He fits their need of a solid starting pitcher. The contract may be a little rich but the Yankees can certainly afford it. Pavano will pay off.
Oakland Athletics:
Acquired C Jason Kendall and cash from Pittsburgh for P Arthur Rhodes and P Mark Redman
Acquired 2B Keith Ginter from Milwaukee for P Justin Lehr
Acquired P Juan Cruz, OF Charles Thomas, and P Dan Meyer from Atlanta for P Tim Hudson
With the rumors that were heard about a week ago that the Dodgers were offering Edwin Jackson and Antonio Perez for Tim Hudson, it is surprising to see that this is all the A’s ended up with. Cruz proved to be effective as a reliever last season and the A’s may end up giving him another shot in the rotation. Meyer is a very solid left-handed pitching prospect and has good upside and Thomas is nothing more than a fringe starter. The A’s are getting some talent but not what would be expected in return for Tim Hudson. However, it is better than losing him to free agency and only receiving draft picks.
Seattle Mariners:
Player option exercised by P Eddie Guardado, one-year, $4.5 million
Re-signed C Dan Wilson, one-year, $1.75 million
Signed 1B Richie Sexson, four-years, $50 million
Signed 3B Adrian Beltre, five-years, $64 million
Wow. Two days after the Mariners gave the richest contract in club history to Richie Sexson they trump that by giving the new richest contract in club history to Adrian Beltre. Sexson is getting a bit much considering the injury risk but since his signing did not prevent the Beltre deal it is acceptable. The Beltre signing is likely the best deal of the offseason so far. In a non-Barry Bonds world, Beltre was the MVP last season. He had one of the greatest seasons from a third baseman all time. He has yet to reach his prime and the contract runs through it. Even if Beltre reverts to his old form, which is unlikely, this contract is a huge win for Seattle.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays:
Acquired C Kevin Cash from Toronto for P Chad Gaudin
Cash was picked up as nothing more than a backup for Toby Hall. He doesn’t have much upside and his ceiling isn’t much higher than the level he is currently at.
Texas Rangers:
Re-signed P Doug Brocail, one year, $1 million
Signed C Sandy Alomar Jr., one-year, $550,000
Signed OF Richard Hidalgo, one-year, $5 million
Signed 1B Greg Colbrunn to a minor-league deal
Colbrunn was also given an invite to spring training and will likely earn a spot on the team. He may act as their designated hitter against left-handed pitching.
Toronto Blue Jays:
Acquired P Chad Gaudin from Tampa Bay for C Kevin Cash
Signed 3B Corey Koskie, three-years, $17 million
Koskie reportedly turned down a three-year, $20 million contract from Los Angeles. The Canadian-born third baseman must have liked what he saw in Toronto and wanted to return home. Eric Hinske, the third baseman last season and former rookie of the year, is now penciled in as the first baseman but don’t be surprised to see him get traded.
Arizona Diamondbacks:
Signed 3B Troy Glaus, four-years, $45 million
Signed P Russ Ortiz, four-years $35 million
Signed SS Royce Clayton, one-year, $1.3 million
Signed SS Craig Counsell, two-years, $2.7 million
Bringing in two middle infielders is a questionable move. Considering who they are and what kind of bats they bring with them, one would have been plenty. At least with Clayton they are only committed to a one-year deal and he is still very solid defensively. Brandon Webb is probably happy. Counsell is 34 and had a .645 OPS last season. There is no defense for a two-year deal for him.
Atlanta Braves:
Re-signed 1B Julio Franco, one-year, $1 million
Acquired P Danny Kolb from Milwaukee for P Jose Capellan
Acquired P Tim Hudson from Oakland for P Juan Cruz, OF Charles Thomas, and P Juan Cruz
Capellan is a flame-throwing prospect for the Braves and giving him up is a lot to pay for an overvalued closer. However, with Kolb on board the Braves can move John Smoltz back into the rotation. If Smoltz can stay strong throughout the year he could be a Cy Young candidate. Speaking of Cy Young candidates, the Braves also added former winner Tim Hudson. They gave up their other top pitching prospect in Dan Meyer but that had to be done to get someone of Hudson’s talent. With Smoltz and Hudson they now have one of the best one-two punches in baseball.
Chicaco Cubs:
Re-signed SS Neifi Perez, one-year, $1 million
Re-signed P Glendon Rusch, two-years, $4 million
Exercised option on P Ryan Demptster, one-year, $2 million
Re-signed SS Nomar Garciaparra, one-year, $8 million
Re-signed 2B Todd Walker, one-year, $2.5 million
Signed C Henry Blanco, two-years, $2.7 million
Walker will be back in Chicago and will fill the same role he did last season. He may be back for 2006 as well as the Cubs have a $2.5 million option. I don’t know why they had to give a back-up catcher a two-year deal but it seems like the thing to do this offseason.
Cincinnati Reds:
Re-signed C Jason LaRue, one-year, $3.5 million
Re-signed C Javier Valentin, one-year, $450,000
Re-signed P Paul Wilson, two-years, $8.2 million
Signed P Dave Weathers, one-year, $1.35 million
Signed P Ben Weber, one-year, $600,000
Weathers’ contract includes an option for 2006. He will fill a role in middle relief for the Reds. Ben Weber was one of the best relievers in baseball during 2002 and 2003 but he lost it in 2004. At 35 he isn’t a good bet to bounce back but at the price, it is a nice risk for the Reds. He could end up being a steal for this season.
Colorado Rockies:
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Florida Marlins:
Extended contract of 3B Mike Lowell, three-years, $22.5 million
Re-signed 2B Damion Easley, one-year, $750,000
Signed P Antonio Alfonseca, one-year, $300,000
Signed P Todd Jones, one-year, $1.1 million
Signed P Al Leiter, one-year, $8 million
Alfonseca originally signed a two-year, $4.75 million contract but failed the physical, nullifying the deal. He agreed to new incentive-laden deal that, if he stays healthy, will give him about the same as the first guaranteed contract.
Houston Astros:
Exercised option on OF Craig Biggio, one-year, $3 million
Re-signed OF Orlando Palmeiro, one-year, $800,000
Re-signed SS Jose Vizcaino, one-year, $1.25 million
Los Angeles Dodgers:
Re-signed P Elmer Dessens, one-year, $1.3 million
Signed 2B Jeff Kent, two-years, $17 million
Signed OF Ricky Ledee, two-years, $2.5 million
Milwaukee Brewers:
Signed C Damian Miller, three-years, $8.75 million
Acquired P Jose Capellan from Atlanta for P Danny Kolb
Acquired OF Carlos Lee from Chicago (AL) for OF Scott Podsednik, Luis Vizcaino, and a PTBNL
Acquired P Justin Lehr from Oakland for 2B Keith Ginter
Buy low, sell high. That is the theory in every industry and it is no different in baseball. Kolb is coming off an excellent season that he is unlikely to repeat so it is the perfect time to trade him. Being able to pick up a very good prospect in Capellan has to be considered a success. Luis Vizcaino was Kolb’s likely replacement as closer but not any longer. He was shipped with Scott Podsednik to Chicago for Carlos Lee. Lee will join Geoff Jenkins as two solid hitters back-to-back in the Milwaukee lineup. Mike Adams is currently penciled in as the closer but expect the Brewers to make another move to bring in someone like Ugueth Urbina.
New York Mets:
Re-signed P Kris Benson, three-years, $22.5 million
Re-signed P Mike DeJean, one-year, $1.15 million
Acquired P Felix Heredia from the New York Yankees for P Mike Stanton
Signed P Pedro Martinez, four-years, $53 million
There is no doubt that Martinez is still a good pitcher but he isn’t presently worth $13 million per season, never mind in four years. GM Omar Minaya used the press conference to explain why he was given so much money. He stated that Martinez will be more than a just pitcher; he will also be a recruiting tool. It’s hard to defend or attack that so we’ll just have to wait and see. The Mets need to hope he’s right because they might be struggling to find other reasons why he’s worth it.
Philadelphia Phillies:
Exercised option on P Billy Wagner
Re-signed P Corey Lidle, two-years, $6.3 million
Acquired OF Kenny Lofton and cash from the New York Yankees for P Felix Rodriguez
Re-signed P Rheal Cormier, two-years, $5.25 million
Re-signed C Todd Pratt, one-year, $750,000
Signed P Jon Lieber, three-years, $21 million
Pittsburgh Pirates:
Re-signed P Jose Mesa, one-year, $2.5 million
Re-signed P Salomon Torres, two-years, $2.6 million
Acquired Mark Redman and Arthur Rhodes from Oakland for Jason Kendall and cash
Acquired OF Matt Lawton from Cleveland for P Arthur Rhodes
Acquired C Benito Santiago from Kansas City for P Leo Nunez
Since the Pirates won’t be paying all that is owed to Santiago this season, he is a decent addition as a stop-gap until someone better can be brought in. He won’t do much for them but as the eighth hitter he should be acceptable. It was known from day one that Arthur Rhodes would soon be dealt, to where and for whom were all that we didn’t know. Milton Bradley had been mentioned but it turns out to be an extremely similar but slightly lesser player, Matt Lawton. He had a good season in Cleveland last year and could see similar success while leading off for Pittsburgh. He’s currently penciled in as the starting right fielder but the Pirates would like to make an acquisition and put Lawton in center and Tike Redman on the bench.
St. Louis Cardinals:
Exercised option on P Chris Carpenter, one-year, $2 million
Re-signed P Cal Eldred, one-year, $600,000
Re-signed P John Mabry, one-year, $725,000
Re-signed P Matt Morris, one-year, $2.5 million
Signed C Einar Diaz, one-year, $600,000
Einar Diaz will spend the season as the primary back-up to Yadier Molina.
The Cardinals apparently have given up hope on Randy Johnson and are turning their attention to other options.
San Diego Padres:
Acquired P Darrell May and P Ryan Bukvich from Royals for OF Terrence Long and OF Dennis Tankersley
Signed P Rudy Seanez, one-year, $550,000
Signed P Dennys Reyes, one-year, $550,000
Signed P Woody Williams, one-year, $3.5 million
Signed OF Eric Young, one-year, $1 million
San Francisco Giants:
Re-signed SS Deivi Cruz, one-year, $800,000
Exercised option on P Marquis Grissom, one-year, $2.5 million
Exercised option on P J.T. Snow, one-year, $2 million
Exercised option on P Brett Tomko, one-year, $2.5 million
Signed SS Omar Vizquel, three-years, $12.25 million
Signed P Armando Benitez, three-years, $21.5 million
Signed C Mike Matheny, three-years, $10.5 million
The inexcusable contracts being handed out are continuing. The latest one is the Mike Matheny deal. He’s a fine defensive catcher for sure but he is a black hole offensively. He had just a .640 OPS last season and is already 34-years-old. His defense might not even be enough to carry his bat when the second and third years of this contract come up.
Washington Nationals:
Signed 3B Vinny Castilla, two-years, $6.3 million
Signed SS Christian Guzman, four-years, $16.8 million
Acquired OF Jose Guillen from the Angels for OF Juan Rivera and SS Maicer Izturis
Signed C Gary Bennett, one-year, $750,000
Acquired OF JJ Davis from Pittsburgh for OF Antonio Surce
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