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Re: The MLB Thread
Yankees moves not worrying Red Sox
by Ian Browne / MLB.com
BOSTON -- The Yankees have made some noise this weekend, nearing completion on transactions that will bring talented righty starters Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda on board.
So where does that leave the Red Sox, their forever rivals?
At least by outward appearances, Boston doesn't appear shaken by the 1-2 punch of Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.
"Pineda, when I saw him the first half, he looked unhittable," said Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine. "Second half, he looked OK. [The Mariners] saw a lot of him and they traded him.
"Kuroda is a good pitcher [but] a year older than he was last year [and] pitching in the American League and not the National League. [He'll be] pitching in not a great pitchers' ballpark from a great pitchers' ballpark. They're probably an upgrade from [Bartolo] Colon and [Freddy] Garcia. Probably, I don't know. It seems it."
Not only are the Red Sox still standing, but they think they'll be just fine in the AL East standings.
Valentine and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who were both at a charity event for the Jimmy Fund on Saturday across the street from Fenway Park, seemed enthused about the 2012 Red Sox, regardless of what is going on in the Bronx.
"I think we have a good team," Valentine said. "If we can continue to add to it as the season progresses when we see [what] the needs are and we see what the strengths and weaknesses are, we'll be fine."
It was the Red Sox who made all the glitzy moves last offseason, and that didn't even result in a trip to the postseason.
Thus far this winter, Boston has made a couple of potential big bullpen upgrades in closer Andrew Bailey and setup man Mark Melancon.
Though Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington could still have a significant move in him -- veteran free-agent starter Roy Oswalt remains an enticing possibility -- Valentine sounds eager to take stock of what the team already has.
"When you have a core like we have, if that core is healthy, you know, I don't think there's any rush to do anything before we at least see the team in Spring Training and see the group, see the health, see how people are working together," Valentine said. "[We'll] see how the development of the young guys are and the health of the old guys."
Saltalamacchia looks forward to catching a rotation of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Daniel Bard. He is curious who will emerge as the fifth starter. Either way, he feels good about how the Red Sox stack up.
"I never thought we really needed to go out and do anything [or] make any splash," said Saltalamacchia. "We've got the team. Any time you have Buchholz, Beckett and Lester as a top three, there's not too much to worry about. I think we'll just go out there and play our game. Those guys are going to be ready. They know what to do. We've got four or five good veteran guys coming in to compete for a job. We've got [Daniel] Bard, we've got [Alfredo] Aceves. We've got guys that are proven. They did it last year with Garcia and Colon, so it's our turn."
Re: The MLB Thread
Rockies ship Seth Smith to A's for hurlers Moscosco & Outman
by Thomas Harding / MLB.com
DENVER -- The quest to beef up Colorado's pitching staff resulted in the Rockies obtaining right-hander Guillermo Moscoso and left-hander Josh Outman from the Athletics on Monday for outfielder Seth Smith.
The Rockies' signing of free-agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer dictated that the team would seek to deal Smith. The Rockies talked with the Braves in an attempt to acquire second baseman Martin Prado but did not reach an agreement, and the Mariners also were mentioned in reports.
However, the deal with the Athletics for Moscoso, 28, who set career highs in nearly every category last season, and Outman, 27, who has been in and out of the Majors since 2008, satisfied the initiative to build pitching depth and competition.
"Both were in the rotation for Oakland, and Moscoso was the No. 2 starter before the end of the year," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "Both are gong to come in and compete for the starting rotation, and both have versatility and [Minor League] options. It should be a spirited competition in Spring Training."
The trade came a day after Smith reached a one-year, $2.415 million agreement with the Rockies. The move puts the Rockies' Major League roster at the limit of 40. However, the buildup of pitching depth could make another deal possible before the season begins, O'Dowd said. He also said that the team is seeking a veteran starter on a Minor League contract.
Last season, Moscoso went 8-10 with a 3.38 ERA, 74 strikeouts and 38 walks, and held opponents to a .212 batting average in 23 games (21 starts). He also went 3-3 with a 3.88 ERA in nine appearances (eight starts) at Triple-A Sacramento.
Originally signed by the Tigers as an undrafted free agent in 2002, he was traded to the Rangers in December 2008 for catcher Gerald Laird, and made 11 appearances for the Rangers in 2009 and 2010. He has a career 3.47 ERA. The Athletics obtained him for right-handed pitcher Ryan Kelly in January 2011.
Outman appeared in 13 games -- nine of which were starts -- for the Athletics last season and went 3-5 with a 3.70 ERA. He struck out 35 hitters and walked 25. The left-hander spent the rest of the year at Sacramento, posting an 8-3 record with a 3.91 ERA in 17 starts. Originally a 10th-round pick by the Phillies out of Central Missouri State in 2005, he was traded to the Athletics for pitcher Joe Blanton in June 2005.
"Moscoso is less risk, a strike-thrower and a good competitor," O'Dowd said. "He's got a good fastball and changeup, a little cutter and he's got some deception. Outman has a bigger arm. His walks are a hittle high, but he's got a big arm, he competes well and he's a left-hander. We'll give [manager] Jim [Tracy] and [pitching coach] Bob [Apodaca] some decisions to make, both starting rotation-wise and bullpen-wise."
Moscoso said he was able to make big strides with the Athletics because he had a greater opportunity than in the past. Now, he has a new opportunity in Colorado.
"I don't know what's going to happen," he said. "I know they want me in the rotation, but it's something that we have to find out in Spring Training -- just go there and fight for my spot."
Outman's career was interrupted by an elbow surgery that required surgery in June 2009 and cost him the rest of that year and all of 2010. Outman is a fly-ball pitcher, but he has a chance for success.
Although Coors has long been good to hitters, it is a big park, and the number of cheap home runs hit there has been limited in recent years because the Rockies are storing baseballs in a chamber that prevents them for hardening and shrinking in the Rocky Mountain climate. Plus, the Rockies have speedy outfielders -- specifically Carlos Gonzalez in left and Dexter Fowler in center.
"I obviously spent some time with the A's and thought it was going to be kind of a breakout year for me, now that I've gotten fully over the surgery and everything, and an opportunity to get back into the rotation," Outman said. "But I think I'm going to get a really good opportunity with Colorado. Just another place where I know they want me."
With veteran Jorge De La Rosa beginning the year on the disabled list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery on his left elbow, the Rockies can choose from a large group of young candidates. Right-hander Jhoulys Chacin will be given a chance to become the staff ace.
Also battling for jobs in the rotation this spring will be starters Drew Pomeranz, Alex White, Tyler Chatwood, Kevin Slowey, Juan Nicasio, Jason Hammel and Esmil Rogers.
The Rockies selected Smith, 29, out of Ole Miss in the second round of the First-Year Player Draft in 2004. He debuted in mid-September of 2007 and went 5-for-8 as a pinch-hitter during the Rockies' dramatic run to the playoffs. He then went 3-for-6 with a double and two RBIs during that postseason, during which the Rockies swept the Phillies in the National League Division Series and the D-backs in the NL Championship Series before being swept by the Red Sox in the World Series.
In 2011, Smith, who plays both corner outfield positions, hit .284 with 15 home runs, 32 doubles, nine triples and 59 RBIs. In his career, Smith has hit.275 with 51 home runs, 78 doubles, 19 triples and 181 RBIs in 487 Major League games.
"He's a great kid who did a lot for our franchise, especially those years when he came up and delivered some big hits off the bench for us," O'Dowd said. "It was very difficult to trade him, just like it was difficult to trade Chris Iannetta and Ian Stewart. But with the moves we made we felt like his opportunities were going to be somewhat limited, so we feel this is best for him as well. With Charlie Blackmon, Tyler Colvin and Eric Young Jr., we feel this gives one or two of them an opportunity to play."
Smith patiently sat through the trade speculation until the deal finally occurred.
"I was able to talk to [Athletics general manager] Billy Beane earlier today, and he had some good things to say and some exciting things," Smith said. "We're definitely looking forward to the opportunity. I'd like to say that our time in Denver was fantastic. My wife and family, we love Denver, and it'll always have a special place for us, and I have nothing but great things to say about the city, the fans and the organization. We're definitely going to miss it."
Re: The MLB Thread
Melky Cabrera, Giants agree to one-year / $6 million deal
by Ronald Blum / AP Sports
NEW YORK (AP)—A person familiar with the agreement tells The Associated Press that outfielder Melky Cabrera and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $6 million, one-year contract and avoided salary arbitration.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the deal had not yet been announced.
Cabrera hit .305 with 44 doubles, 18 homers and 87 RBIs for Kansas City last year, then was traded to the Giants in November for left-hander Jonathan Sanchez.
The 27-year-old Cabrera was let go by Atlanta following a poor 2010 season and signed a $1.25 million contract with the Royals, earning another $250,000 in bonuses for plate appearances.
Re: The MLB Thread
Andre Ethier, Dodgers avoid arbitration; agree to $10.95 mil / 1-yr deal
by AP
NEW YORK (AP)—Andre Ethier has agreed to a $10.95 million, one-year contact with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The deal was announced Tuesday by his representatives at Creative Artists Agency. He avoided salary arbitration and is eligible for free agency after this season.
In addition to his salary, he can earn $50,000 in performance bonuses: $25,000 each for 600 and 625 plate appearances.
Either was coming off a $15.25 million, two-year contract that paid him $9.25 million last season, when he hit .292 with 11 homers and 62 RBIs and earned his first Gold Glove in the outfield.
He had a 30-game hitting streak early in the season but was bothered by a right knee injury and had surgery in September.
Re: The MLB Thread
Craig Counsell will retire; join Brewers' front office
by AP
MILWAUKEE (AP)—Milwaukee Brewers infielder Craig Counsell has decided to retire and join the club’s front office.
The Brewers said Tuesday that Counsell will become special assistant to general manager Doug Melvin. Counsell is a Milwaukee native and follows his father into the Brewers’ front office. John Counsell worked there from 1979-1987.
The 41-year-old Counsell completed his 15th major league season last year. His last five seasons have been spent in Milwaukee. Playing second base, shortstop and third base, Counsell compiled a .255 batting average with 218 doubles, 40 triples, 42 home runs, 647 runs and 390 RBIs.
During his baseball career, Counsell played for the Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Brewers. Counsell says he’s looking forward to beginning a new challenge in baseball.
Re: The MLB Thread
Boy i'm gonna miss him. His stats might not show it, but Counsell was a GAME CHANGER whatever team he was apart of it. One of those sparks, catalysts.
Two of my favorite World Series moments ever involved Counsell in the 1997 World Series where he won with the Marlins, and in 2001 when he won with the Diamondbacks.
Re: The MLB Thread
Ethier is ABSURDLY OVERPAID. The guy has talent, but I don't get the kind of money the Dodgers have paid him over the years and continue to pay him. Way too much.
He's a complimentary player getting paid star money. I don't think he provides enough power given his salary. The Dodgers really haven't done anything to improve their team. Guess they're waiting for the sale and the inevitable cash infusion. Eithier will get even more overpaid next year since he'll be a FA. Unless he totally tanks and gets injured.
On the Prince Fielder-Rangers thing, the Rangers have a pretty interesting dilema going. If they sign Prince that probably means that they'll let Josh Hamilton leave after 2012. Hamilton wants a fair contract from the Rangers (read: market value) and won't take a hometown discount. I don't see them giving him a big money contract and signing Fielder and Darvish. I think they sign Fielder and let Hamilton go and trade prospects for another OF after the 2012 season.
Re: The MLB Thread
Yankees moves not worrying Red Sox
by Ian Browne / MLB.comhttp://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/201 … 8gqcHy.jpg
BOSTON -- The Yankees have made some noise this weekend, nearing completion on transactions that will bring talented righty starters Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda on board.
So where does that leave the Red Sox, their forever rivals?
At least by outward appearances, Boston doesn't appear shaken by the 1-2 punch of Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.
"Pineda, when I saw him the first half, he looked unhittable," said Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine. "Second half, he looked OK. [The Mariners] saw a lot of him and they traded him.
"Kuroda is a good pitcher [but] a year older than he was last year [and] pitching in the American League and not the National League. [He'll be] pitching in not a great pitchers' ballpark from a great pitchers' ballpark. They're probably an upgrade from [Bartolo] Colon and [Freddy] Garcia. Probably, I don't know. It seems it."
Not only are the Red Sox still standing, but they think they'll be just fine in the AL East standings.
Valentine and catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who were both at a charity event for the Jimmy Fund on Saturday across the street from Fenway Park, seemed enthused about the 2012 Red Sox, regardless of what is going on in the Bronx.
"I think we have a good team," Valentine said. "If we can continue to add to it as the season progresses when we see [what] the needs are and we see what the strengths and weaknesses are, we'll be fine."
It was the Red Sox who made all the glitzy moves last offseason, and that didn't even result in a trip to the postseason.
Thus far this winter, Boston has made a couple of potential big bullpen upgrades in closer Andrew Bailey and setup man Mark Melancon.
Though Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington could still have a significant move in him -- veteran free-agent starter Roy Oswalt remains an enticing possibility -- Valentine sounds eager to take stock of what the team already has.
"When you have a core like we have, if that core is healthy, you know, I don't think there's any rush to do anything before we at least see the team in Spring Training and see the group, see the health, see how people are working together," Valentine said. "[We'll] see how the development of the young guys are and the health of the old guys."
Saltalamacchia looks forward to catching a rotation of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Daniel Bard. He is curious who will emerge as the fifth starter. Either way, he feels good about how the Red Sox stack up.
"I never thought we really needed to go out and do anything [or] make any splash," said Saltalamacchia. "We've got the team. Any time you have Buchholz, Beckett and Lester as a top three, there's not too much to worry about. I think we'll just go out there and play our game. Those guys are going to be ready. They know what to do. We've got four or five good veteran guys coming in to compete for a job. We've got [Daniel] Bard, we've got [Alfredo] Aceves. We've got guys that are proven. They did it last year with Garcia and Colon, so it's our turn."
I agree with Bobby. It's never good to make reactionary moves. I do think the trade for Pineda was an aggressive and good move for the Yanks. You always value pitching over hitting, so even though Montero could turn out to be a good offensive player it's worth the risk for Pineda. Kuroda I'm not entirely sold on. And while on paper Pineda/Kuroda looks a heck of a lot better than Colon/Garcia did going into last season, those 2 guys pitched quite well for the Yanks. I still can't figure out how, but they did, and they did it all season long pretty much. It's not going to be easy to match their accomplishments. With that being said, they still have Freddy Garcia and he is in the running for the #5 starter, but I'm not sold he can repeat what he did last year. Like I said, I'm not sure how he OR Colon did what they did last year to begin with, so I wouldn't expect to see it again.
Bottom line is, the Red Sox can no longer obsess about the Yankees. Not when the Rays have finished ahead of them quite a bit in recent years, the Blue Jays are getting better, the Angels and Rangers look to be World Series contenders, and the Tigers right there as well (even though V-Mart could be lost for the season). It's no longer the Sox and Yanks in a 2 team race in the AL, and it hasn't been that way for a few years now. It's not even a 2 team race in the AL EAST. So the media and fans have to get that through their heads and stop freaking out about moves the Yankees make and thinking they have to keep pace with them.
