With full pitcher and catcher workouts set to begin, there has been some discouraging news from some camps.

First came the news that Cliff Lee underwent foot surgery last week. He will miss the first few weeks of spring training and may not be ready for the start of the Seattle Mariners regular season. The Mariners felt that removing the floating bone spur now was better than having Lee pitch through the discomfort all season. Lee is one of the major additions the Mariners made this offseason (along with Chone Figgins, Milton Bradley, and Casey Kotchman) to make them a favorite to overtake the LA Angels in the American League West.

Jair Jurrjens

Then came news that the Atlanta Braves young hurler Jair Jurrjens was having shoulder discomfort and needed an MRI. Jurrjens did not throw during the offseason and felt the discomfort right before he left Curacao and it continued during his first throwing session in Florida. Jurrjens threw 188.1 innings in 2008 and felt fatigue down the stretch as he never threw more than 143.1 innings in a professional season. After taking conditioning tips from John Smoltz, Jurrjens did not show fatigue in 2009 as he threw 215 innings while going 14-10 with a 2.60 ERA. He was also dominant in his last five starts as he comprised a 0.97 ERA in 37 innings. Many have been waiting for the moment that Jurrjens would encounter arm problems as his workload as exploded over the last two season.

However the MRI results were encouraging as it showed just shoulder inflammation. Jurrjens will rest for the rest of the week and begin his throwing program next week. He may be set back a bit in spring training but should compile enough Grapefruit League innings to be ready at the start of the regular season. Good news for the Braves as Jurrjens is expected to carry an even larger burden after the trade of starter Javier Vazquez.

Dice-K

The Boston Red Sox made quite a few moves in the offseason and added workhorse John Lackey to bolster an already strong rotation. However the rotation is only strong if the pitchers are healthy and consistent, which the Red Sox pitchers were not in 2009. News out of Red Sox camp in Fort Myers is that right-handed starter Daisuke Matsuzaka has a sore upper back. The back injury will delay his throwing program at the start of spring training. 2009 was disappointing for Dice-K as he had two stints on the disabled list with weakness in his throwing shoulder. He made just 12 starts in 2009, going 4-6 with a 5.76 ERA. He walked 30 while striking out just 54 and opponents hit .325 against him. The back soreness may have been caused by his intense offseason workout regime that was required due to the injuries he has endured since signing with the Red Sox. The Red Sox believe that there will be plenty of time in spring training to get Dice-K ready for the regular season. The Red Sox need Dice-K is they are going to compete in the American League East and make it back to the World Series.

Tags:

Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Cliff Lee, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jair Jurrjens, Seattle Mariners

Roy Halladay

The Philadelphia Phillies coveted Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay in 2009, but the price tag was too high. The Blue Jays were rumored to want lefty pitcher JA Happ, top prospect pitcher Kyle Drabek, and an outfielder from Domonic Brown, Michael Taylor, and Anthony Gose. While Drabek, Brown, and Gose were top prospects in the Phillies minor league system, Taylor was having an All-Star season in the minors, and Happ was headed for ROY honors. At the July trading deadline, GM Ruben Amaro did not want to give up the Phillies future. Instead of acquiring Halladay, Amaro pulled the trigger on a deal for the reigning American League CY Young winner Cliff Lee (and outfielder Ben Francisco). In exchange, the Cleveland Indians received four prospects in infielder Jason Donald, catcher Lou Marson, and pitchers Carlos Carrasco and Jason Knapp. Lee’s dominance with the Phillies helped carry them to a second straight World Series.

Kyle Drabek at the Future's Game

However the Phillies still coveted Halladay. In the second blockbuster trade of the offseason, the Phillies acquired Halladay and sent Drabek, Taylor and top catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud to the Blue Jays. Sure the Phillies received some money in this deal (whereas over the summer Toronto was not offering cash) along with a proven winner, but I thought that they were not going to give up the future.  Drabek could have slid into Joe Blanton’s slot in 2011 and d’Arnaud would replace Carlos Ruiz. The move of Taylor was a good one (especially for him) because the Phillies have an abundance of quality outfielders.

In order to try and salvage the farm system, Amaro traded Lee to the Seattle Mariners, acquiring prospects in pitcher Phillippe Aumont, outfielder Tyson Gillies, and pitcher JC Ramirez. The Mariners got a quality arm to team with young ace Felix Hernandez, giving them the top 1-2 combo in the AL. The Phillies received three prospects, none of whom are proven but all have talent. I’m not sure if they compare with what the Phillies gave up.

In the final piece of the deal, the Blue Jays dealt Taylor to the Oakland A’s for coveted corner infield prospect Brett Wallace. Taylor now has a chance to win the starting leftfielder job with the A’s. The Blue Jays received a power hitting corner infielder (which they needed), a catching prospect (which they needed), and one of the top young arms in minor league baseball. If they all produce like they are expected, the Blue Jays will have made out well.

If the Phillies had to have Halladay, they should have made the deal in July of 2009 because they gave up just as much now. Making the deal now, I would have liked to see them keep Lee too. Their rotation is a bit inconsistent so having them both would have solidified it. Amaro said that money was the main reason to trade Lee, but with yet another ticket price hike at Citizens Bank Park, money will be rolling in. Plus they could have traded Blanton (who is set to make almost as much as Lee in 2010) though they wouldn’t have received three prospects like they did for Lee.

With Halladay’s enormous salary, along with the other stars, it is unlikely that the Phillies will re-sign All-Star rightfielder Jayson Werth for 2011, though top prospect Brown could be ready to take over. After the 2011 season, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson, Jimmy Rollins, and Ryan Howard will become free agents. So the Phillies could be a cast of unknowns and Roy Halladay. If the Phillies do not win a World Series with Halladay, the deal will be deemed a failure, especially if Lee carries the Mariners to the playoffs and Drabek dominates for the Blue Jays (he’ll be my 2011 ROY pick).

Tags:

Brett Wallace, Cliff Lee, JC Ramirez, Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor, Oakland A's, Philadelphia Phillies, Phillippe Aumont, Roy Halladay, Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays, Travis d'Arnaud, Tyson Gillies

Ryan Madson

Coming off their first World Series title in 20 years, the Philadelphia Phillies entered 2009 with virtually the same team as in 2008 (except for the addition of Raul Ibanez in left field). However getting to the World Series was a lot tougher in 2009. Injuries decimated the bullpen as everyone except setup man Ryan Madson spent time on the DL and Madson was hardly lights out (5-5 with a 3.26 ERA in 79 games and converted 10 of 16 saves). No one expected closer Brad Lidge to be perfect again, but he was hardly automatic in 2009 as he blew 11 saves in 42 opportunities. Lefty JC Romero missed the first 50 games due to a performance-enhancing drug suspension, but returned and injured his elbow. It seemed like every week someone was going on the DL and a new body was being called up from the minors.

Ace Cole Hamels was hardly an ace and was inconsistent all season (10-11 with a 4.32 ERA in 32 starts with 24 homeruns allowed and more hits than innings pitched). A slimmer Brett Myers hurt his hip and missed a portion of the season. Joe Blanton had his typical average first half (6-4 with a 4.44 ERA with 19 homeruns allowed) and good second half (6-4 with a 3.62 ERA and 11 homeruns allowed). Chan Ho Park struggled in the starting role (but thrived as a reliever), opening the door for lefty JA Happ’s outstanding rookie season (12-4 with a 2.93 ERA in 23 starts). The struggles in the rotation led to the acquisition of CY Young winner Cliff Lee from the Cleveland Indians (and outfielder Ben Francisco), though the Phillies were linked to Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay (but the price seemed to be too high). Lee dominated in his time with the Phillies, even into the playoffs (7-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts and 10 BB/ 74 K but in the playoffs, Lee was 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA in 5 starts with 2 complete games and 6 BB/ 33 K). They also added free agent veteran Pedro Martinez, who also added a boost to the rotation (5-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 9 starts)

The offense was typical for the Phillies, even with leadoff hitter Jimmy Rollins’ lackluster season. Centerfielder Shane Victorino and rightfielder Jayson Werth had career years. First baseman Ryan Howard sizzled again when the summer heated up (.305 with 23 homeruns and 74 RBIs in the second half).

The 2009 Phillies made it back to the World Series, the first time since the 1995-1996 Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately the offense sputtered and the pitching just could not hold down the NY Yankees. Heading into the offseason, the Phillies had some holes to fill and question marks that needed to be answered. Members of the World Champion team that had major supporting roles were free agents like Matt Stairs, Eric Bruntlett, Myers, and Scott Eyre. Lidge, Romero, Ibanez, and Jamie Moyer had offseason surgery, with Lidge and Romero questionable for spring training and Moyer having complications. With a payroll set to bulge due to arbitration cases for Victorino, Blanton, and catcher Carlos Ruiz, GM Ruben Amaro was hoping to stay within a set amount. Here’s the Phillies wish list:

1. 

   Placido Polanco signing

   A third baseman: Despite his solid season, Pedro Feliz was a free agent and not expected to be re-signed due to his struggles in the playoffs (.167 in 54 at-bats with just 4 RBIs and 11 Ks). Ruben Amaro quickly signed former Phillie Placido Polanco, who was coming off a Gold Glove season with the Detroit Tigers at second base. Polanco hasn’t played third since 2005 but is a hard working veteran who will be excellent batting in the 2 hole (where he is the game’s best) in front of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth, and Raul Ibanez.

2. A backup catcher: Starter Carlos Ruiz has been a postseason hero for the Phillies the last two years. Late in 2009, the Phillies cut ties with backup Chris Coste (a fan favorite) and added veteran Paul Bako. However with Bako a free agent, the Phillies decided to go after a local free agent. Brian Schneider, who spent the last two years with the NY Mets, signed on to backup Ruiz. Schneider has been known to be a great defensive catcher though he tends to struggle with the bat.
3. Bullpen help: This is a major need as there are quite a few question marks with the health of the arms returning. The biggest hole is to add a left-hander to complement JC Romero and management hoped to re-sign Scott Eyre, but both sides are far apart. The Phillies seem fine with going to young lefties Sergio Escalona and Antonio Bastardo (who was on the postseason roster but was rarely used) in 2010. Rumors have the Phillies signing a mystery reliever with Danys Baez and Mike MacDougal being the leading candidates.
4. Adding another starter: Despite Kyle Kendrick’s resurgence at the end of 2009, the Phillies are looking to add a starter to compete with Kendrick, veteran Jamie Moyer, and Drew Carpenter. However the Phillies made a blockbuster deal to land Roy Halladay (who they coveted in July) but traded away Cliff Lee and top prospect Kyle Drabek. So yes the Phillies added a workhorse in Halladay, but still may need another starter.

Tags:

Brad Lidge, Brian Schneider, Carlos Ruiz, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, JA Happ, Joe Blanton, Pedro Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies, Placido Polanco, Roy Halladay, Ryan Howard, Ryan Madson

King Felix

With a new general manager (Jack Zduriencik) and a new manager (Don Wakamatsu) at the helm of the Seattle Mariners, plus veteran son Ken Griffey Jr. returning, there was hope in Seattle. The Mariners competed and showed glimpses of hope for the possibility of overtaking the LA Angels for the American League West title in 2010. Seattle ranked tied for last in the AL in batting average (.258) and 12^th in homeruns (160). There were middle of the pack in stolen bases (89) and last in the AL in on-base percentage (.314). The pitching staff was first in ERA (3.87) and the only team with an ERA under 4.00 in the AL. However they were near the bottom in strikeouts (1043), in the middle of the pack in homeruns allowed (172), and the staff only had 4 complete games. The Mariners had the most save opportunities (77), but converted 48 of them (64%). Feliz Hernandez led a young pitching staff (marred by veteran injuries) and he finished second in the CY Young award vote. He finished with a record of 19-5 and a 2.49 ERA. Reliever David Aardsma thrived when moving to the closer’s role, converting 38 of 42 saves in 73 games with a 2.52 ERA. With regular playing time, 1B/DH Russell Branyan put up the numbers many thought he was capable of for years (.251, 21 doubles, 31 homeruns, and 76 RBIs). Second baseman Jose Lopez quietly put up solid offensive numbers (.272, 42 doubles, 25 homeruns, and 96 RBIs). The addition of trading deadline shortstop Jack Wilson from the Pittsburgh Pirates only served to solidify the defense. Outfielder Franklin Gutierrez was solid, hitting .282 with 24 doubles 18 homeruns, 70 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. His partner in the outfield, right fielder Ichiro Suzuki continued his abuse on AL pitching, hitting .352 (225 hits) with a .386 on-base percentage in the leadoff spot. Ichiro won yet another Silver Slugger and Gold Glove award in 2009. With third baseman Adrian Beltre’s contract coming off the books, along with veteran pitcher Erik Bedard’s, the Mariners have some money to spend to upgrade the team for 2010. Here’s the Mariners wish list:

1. 

   Chone Figgins

   A third baseman: Unfortunately for the Mariners management, third baseman Adrian Beltre never produced (or stayed healthy) to deserve his huge contract. With him filing for free agency, the Mariners were in the market. Christmas came early for Mariners fans as GM Jack Zduriencik signed top free agent Chone Figgins to a 4-year deal. Adding Figgins adds a versatile player (he can play everywhere) who can bat second or ninth, complementing Ichiro at the top of the order. Figgins was the Mariners top target so they got their man.

2. A power bat: Tops on the Mariners list is to re-sign slugger Russell Branyan, who had a career year with regular playing time. However if this does not come to fruition, there are other bats on the market. Rumors have the Mariners linked to British Columbia native and Gonzaga University star Jason Bay. Sources have stated that the outfielder would be ecstatic to play for the Mariners, but I’m not sure they are willing to pay out more top-dollar money. Fan favorite Ken Griffey Jr. surprisingly re-signed so maybe he could give the Mariners one last healthy and productive hurrah. Update: The Mariners traded highly paid starting pitcher Carlos Silva (who no longer held a spot in the M’s rotation) to the Chicago Cubs for highly paid and troubled slugger Milton Bradley. The future will be the only way to tell who wins on this deal, but the Mariners do get a power bat if he can stay healthy.
3. 

   Cliff Lee

   Starting pitching to surround King Felix: Behind the young ace in the rotation are Ian Snell (acquired from the Pirates), Ryan Rowland-Smith, Luke French, Jason Vargas, and possibly Brandon Morrow (if the Mariners ever decide if he is better suited as a starter or reliever). Now a free agent, lefty starter Erik Bedard never could stay healthy enough to provide support for King Felix. In one of the biggest blockbuster trades in the history of baseball, the Mariners acquired former CY Young award winner Cliff Lee from the Philadelphia Phillies. Sure they had to give away a few prospects, but Lee will solidify the Mariners rotation and give them one of the best 1-2 punches in baseball. The lefty was outstanding during the playoffs and World Series for the Phillies, his first playoff experience. This is exactly the type of pitcher that the Mariners were looking for when the offseason began.

Tags:

Adrian Beltre, Chone Figgins, Cliff Lee, David Aardsma, Felix Hernandez, Franklin Gutierrez, Ichiro Suzuki, Jack Wilson, Jose Lopez, Ken Griffey Jr, Russell Branyan, Seattle Mariners

With the Major League Baseball season officially ending on Wednesday, the offseason officially began and with that came 118 players filing for free-agency over the first two days. The Chicago White Sox bought out the 2010 option for outfielder Jermaine Dye, making him eligible for free agency. Other big names that have filed include the Atlanta Braves closer combination of Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox reliever Billy Wagner, Colorado Rockies starter Jason Marquis, Detroit Tigers second baseman Placido Polanco, Tigers closer Fernando Rodney, the trio of LA Angels: Chone Figgins, Vladimir Guerrero, and John Lackey, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Holliday, Cardinals utility fielder Mark DeRosa, and Philadelphia Phillies starters Pedro Martinez and Brett Myers. There are many more potential free agents, along with players whose options may be declined and may be declined arbitration.

Cliff Lee

A few players had their options picked up for next season and beyond. The Phillies quickly picked up starter Cliff Lee’s option for next year so as to add their ace back to the pack. The Arizona Diamondbacks also picked up their ace’s option in Brandon Webb. Webb pitched in just one game in 2009 before being shut down for shoulder surgery. More than ten percent of their payroll will go into a pitcher coming off of surgery. It is expected for Webb to be ready for spring training. The Minnesota Twins picked up the 2011 option for outfielder/infielder Michael Cuddyer. Cuddyer led the Twins with a career-high 32 homeruns.

There were also a few players who re-signed with their current team before becoming free agents. The White Sox re-signed outfielder/first baseman Mark Kotsay to a one year deal. The LA Angels signed right fielder Bobby Abreu to a two-year deal. Tim Hudson reached a three-year agreement with the Atlanta Braves to return pending the MRI on his elbow.

Mark Teahen

Along with the announcement of players opting for free agency comes the trades. The White Sox upgraded their offense with the acquisition of Kansas City Royals infielder/outfielder Mark Teahen for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman Josh Fields. Many Royals fans feel this trade is just to cut salary (and general manager Dayton Moore admitted that the trade was partly financial drive), especially considering Teahen is arbitration eligible this offseason. For the White Sox, the plan is to have Teahen play third base, which is his preference, and to move Rookie of the Year candidate Gordon Beckham to second base. Teahen spent the last few years all over the field for the Royals, at third base, at first base, in the outfield, and was this year’s starting second baseman. “I’m excited, obviously, going to a team that has a chance to win it every year,” Teahen said. “That’s what you play for obviously is to win. I wish I could’ve been part of making a winner in Kansas City, but I’m excited to go to a team that has a shot year-in and year-out of getting in the postseason.” For the Royals, there is no determination of where Getz and Fields will play in 2010. This trade could lead to more trades for the Royals, like Alberto Callaspo.

Carlos Gomez

The Milwaukee Brewers traded former All-Star shortstop JJ Hardy to the Minnesota Twins for outfielder Carlos Gomez. This trade opens the door for the Brewers rookie shortstop Alcides Escobar to start in 2010 and allows the Brewers to let free agent Mike Cameron go. This is Gomez’ second time being traded as he was part of the trade with the NY Mets for Johan Santana.

The Florida Marlins traded outfielder Jeremy Hermida to the Red Sox for minor league pitchers Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez. Hermida was set to receive a pay raise in arbitration this year and the Marlins front office did not feel he lived up to the high expectations that were placed on him when he was one of the top prospects in the game. This could be a back up plan if the Red Sox cannot re-sign free agent Jason Bay. “We’re getting two left-handed pitchers. One of them, Hunter Jones, we think will compete for a bullpen spot in Spring Training,” Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said. “Big guy, he has three pitches. It’s an opportunity to add a pitcher we think can compete for a big league job.

Another trade made was the Tampa Bay Rays cutting salary and sending second baseman Aki Iwamura to the Pittsburgh Pirates for reliever Jess Chavez.

Tags:

Aki Iwamura, Brandon Webb, Carlos Gomez, Chris Getz, Cliff Lee, Hunter Jones, Jeremy Hermida, Jermaine Dye, Jess Chavez, JJ Hardy, Jose Alvarez, Josh Fields, Mark Teahen, Michael Cuddyer, Tim Hudson