So, the first thing I've noticed about the Raul Ibanez signing is that everyone seems to have a different opinion. Some folks believe Ibanez will be a suitable replacement for Pat Burrell, maybe even an upgrade. Others wonder how in the name of Jamie Moyer the Phillies could give a three-year contract to a guy who will be 37 in June.
My take: The Phillies have discussed getting younger and more athletic in left field. Ibanez is older and not much faster than/defensively superior to Burrell. But he is a more consistent hitter. It would help, certainly, if he batted right-handed. Although he hit .305 against left-handed pitchers last season, that appears to have been an anomaly. He's only a .268 career hitter against lefties, compared to .293 against righties. That said, the Mariners never took him out of the lineup against tough lefties, so there's no indication that Charlie Manuel will have to either. Besides, the Mets' twin closers (Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz) are both right-handed anyway. And, regardless of which side of the plate he hits from, Ibanez figures to be more productive than a righty-lefty platoon involving Greg Dobbs, Matt Stairs, Geoff Jenkins and someone like Juan Rivera.
Regarding the three-year contract: In Vegas, multiple sources told me Burrell is looking for a three-year deal, too. Burrell, who routinely was lifted for a late-inning defensive replacement and may be best suited as a DH, made $14 million in 2008. So, spending $10 million per year for Ibanez actually is more affordable, especially when you have 10 arbitration-eligible players fixing to raise the payroll by a cumulative $20-30 million. Thus far, Ibanez actually is getting better with age. It wasn't until he turned 30 that he became an everyday player for the Royals, and over the past three years, only one AL outfielder (Magglio Ordonez) had more RBIs than Ibanez's 338. From what I hear, his health is impeccable. He played 162 games for the Mariners last season and has missed only 16 games over the past four years, thanks in part to a rigorous offseason conditioning program near his Miami-area home. Based on his track record, you won't have to worry about Ibanez's durability.
And while Burrell generally was well-liked by his teammates, anyone who has ever heard Dobbs rave about Ibanez's character and professionalism knows how highly he's regarded in the clubhouse. Ibanez comes with the endorsements of Pat Gillick and new assistant GM Benny Looper, both of whom have histories with him from their time in Seattle.
But the best thing about Ibanez: He kills the Mets. OK, it's a small sample size, but Ibanez is 13-for-37 (.351) with two homers in nine career games against the Mets. Keep that up, and he'll fit in just fine here.
So, do I like the Ibanez deal? Sure. If nothing else, it beats the alternatives.
BURRELL Age: 32 2008 stats: .250, 33 HR, 86 RBI, 74 R, 102 BB, 136 K, .507 SLG, .367 OBP Career stats (9 seasons): .257, 251 HR, 827 RBI, 655 R, 785 BB, 1,273 K, .485 SLG, .367 OBP Last four seasons: .262, 124 HR, 395 RBI, 309 R, 413 BB, 547 K, .504 SLG, .386 OBP *** Everybody hear about the five-year, $82 million contract that A.J. Burnett is about to sign with the Yankees? So, Derek Lowe is the best remaining free-agent pitcher on the market, and with the Yankees locking up both Burnett and CC Sabathia, plenty of pitching-needy teams will be lining up to give Lowe the five-year, $80 million contract that he's seeking. Is there any doubt, then, that the Phillies' best bet is re-signing Jamie Moyer?
LAS VEGAS -- About to leave for the airport here, but we're hearing the Phillies have reached a three-year, $30 million agreement with free agent Raul Ibanez, pending a physical exam. Ibanez would replace Pat Burrell in left field. Awaiting confirmation from Ruben Amaro Jr.
More as it develops.
(Updated, 9:19 a.m. Eastern): Haven't heard from Amaro, but sources have confirmed that Ibanez, in fact, has signed with the Phillies. Ibanez is a Type A free agent, so the Phils will forfeit a first-round pick. Burrell made $14 million last season, so Ibanez's annual salary will be cheaper. Burrell is believed to be looking for a three-year contract. If he gets it, it won't be from the Phillies.
LAS VEGAS -- Most of the Phillies' delegation -- dubbed here as "Amaro's Eleven" -- is scheduled to leave Vegas today. So, as I walked along the Strip last night, I half expected to see Ruben Amaro Jr., Pat Gillick, Scott Proefrock, Benny Looper, Chuck LaMar, Charley Kerfeld and the rest of the Crew standing in front of the Bellagio and wistfully watching the fountains, just like everyone's favorite Hollywood thieves. (I'll let you decide which ones would be played by George Clooney and Brad Pitt.)
Anyway, the 2008 winter meetings are over, and for the Phillies, it was a week of near-misses. They spent considerable time and energy tying to nudge the Padres and Cubs toward the completion of a three-team trade that would've brought versatile Mark DeRosa to Philadelphia. Alas, it didn't happen. The Cubs balked at having to move DeRosa, and the deal is dead (for now).
The Phillies' contingency plan, according to sources, is to sign free-agent Raul Ibanez to play left field. Ibanez, 36, would be the first corner outfielder to sign, and thus, he'd likely set the market for those that follow. But he figures to command a multiyear contract and a sizable raise from the $5.5 million that he made last season. Ibanez is an underrated player, a .286 career hitter who seems to be getting better with age. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged 26 homers and 113 RBIs, comparable to Pat Burrell's average of 31 homers and 99 RBIs over the past four years. (Sources have said that Burrell is seeking a three-year contract, but surprisingly, nobody seemed to be talking about him at the Bellagio this week.)
Ibanez is a left-handed hitter, which wouldn't make him a particularly good fit in the Phillies' already lefty-loaded lineup. But he batted .305 (60-for-197) against left-handed pitchers last season. Was that an aberration? Ibanez is a .268 career hitter against lefties, but few know him better than Gillick and Looper, who were backers of Ibanez during their tenures with the Mariners. Indications are that a deal with Ibanez could happen quickly, once "Amaro's Eleven" return to Philly.
Don't like Ibanez? The next-best option appears to be trading for righty-swinging Delmon Young. But the Twins are asking for 24-year-old infield prospect Jason Donald, and the Phillies aren't eager to move him.
*** Amaro said he figured Jamie Moyer was talking to other teams, but he didn't know which ones. Well, now we do. Moyer has gotten interest from the Brewers, who lost CC Sabathia this week and almost surely will lose Ben Sheets, too.
*** Within the notebook, we have more on Cole Hamels' comments about the Mets to WFAN and Omar Minaya's refusal to declare the Mets are the "team to beat" in the NL East. There's also some more information on the Phils' Rule 5 draft picks.
I'll be traveling home for most of the day, so updates to The Blog will be sparse this afternoon. Meanwhile, I'd like to hear from you regarding Ibanez. Should the Phillies sign him to replace Burrell in left field?
LAS VEGAS -- Spent a couple of minutes with Mets GM Omar Minaya this morning, and he smiled at the suggestion that the Mets, after acquiring dual closers Francisco Rodriguez and J.J. Putz, are the "team to beat" in the NL East.
"No way," Minaya said with a grin. "We were never the team to beat. Forget about team to beat. We've got to work on just getting back to the playoffs."
OK, we get it. Minaya isn't willing to mimic Jimmy Rollins. But Cole Hamels doesn't mind throwing some more fuel on the Mets-Phillies fire.
During a radio interview today on WFAN in New York, Hamels called the Mets "choke artists" after their late-season collapses of the past two years.
"Last year and this year I think we did believe that [they were choke artists]," Hamels told WFAN. "Three years ago we didn't because they smoked everybody, and I think we all thought they were going to win it all. Unfortunately that didn't happen. ... But, yeah, that's kind of what we believed, and I think we're always going to believe that until they prove us wrong. For the past two years they've been choke artists."
LAS VEGAS -- This is far from being considered imminent. In fact, there's little evidence that the teams have done more than make a few phone calls. But if the Phillies are looking for a middle-of-the-lineup right-handed hitter, the Rockies have told them that third baseman Garrett Atkins is available.
One problem: To get Atkins, the Phillies will have to trade top pitching prospect Carlos Carrasco.
An industry source says the Rockies are insisting on Carrasco, and the Phillies are positively unwilling to trade him. This morning, Charlie Manuel said he believes Carrasco could be a No. 2 or 3 starter in the majors. But Manuel's No. 1 wish is for a right-handed power hitter, and the options seemingly are dwindling. The three-team trade involving Mark DeRosa has crumbled, and the Phillies appear reluctant to deal shortstop prospect Jason Donald to the Twins for Delmon Young. They aren't involved in the Manny Ramirez sweepstakes and have shown little desire to bring back Pat Burrell.
Getting Atkinswould make Pedro Feliz expendable (Feliz has one year left on his contract). Atkins, who turns 29 tomorrow, was the best man at Chase Utley's wedding, and Utley would love to be reunited with his close friend and former college teammate.
So, what do you think? If you were the Phillies, would you consider an Atkins-Carrasco swap?
LAS VEGAS -- Charlie Manuel emerged from his room today, having rid himself of a nasty flu virus. Like everyone else, he has heard the rumors about the three-team deal that would send Jake Peavy to the Cubs, Mark DeRosa to the Phillies and two Phils prospects to the Padres.
Well, forget about it.
As the Rule 5 draft wrapped, the lobby buzz was that Cubs GM Jim Hendry has told Padres GM Kevin Towers that he's moving in a different direction. It seems, as we've been hearing, the Cubs preferred to make a one-for-one trade and didn't want to part with DeRosa. All week, Ruben Amaro Jr. hasn't commented about this deal, and he wasn't about to start now.
Meanwhile, Manuel was lobbying for a middle-of-the-lineup right-handed hitter to replace Pat Burrell. The only hitter who fits that description is Manny Ramirez, and the Phillies aren't interested. But how about lefty-swinging Raul Ibanez? Indications are he'd like to come to the Phillies and that a deal could get done promptly.
Amaro also has confirmed that the Phillies have had discussions with Chan Ho Park and said the Phillies have spoken recently with Jamie Moyer's agent, although he wouldn't elaborate on how negotiations were progressing in either situation.
LAS VEGAS -- One of the Phillies' targets to add middle-infield depth is taken.
Nick Punto, the former Phils' farmhand, has re-signed with the Twins. Punto, 31, agreed to a two-year, $8 million contract with a club option for 2011. Mark DeRosa remains a possibility, but as of this morning, there's no movement on the complicated three-team trade with the Cubs and Padres.
1. The Phillies have drafted right-hander Robert Mosebach with the 26th overall pick in the Rule 5 draft. Mosebach, 24, went 9-12 with a 4.62 ERA in 29 starts last season for the Angels' Class AA team. More on him after the draft once we get to speak to assistant GM Chuck LaMar.
2. Brad Lidge and his wife, Lindsay, have had their second child, Rowan Thomas Lidge.
More in a bit.
(Updated, 2:01 p.m. Eastern): In the minor-league phase of the Rule 5 draft, the Phillies selected second baseman Kyle Haines from the Giants' organization and speedy outfielder Javis Diaz from the Padres' organization. They lost catcher John Suomi to the Royals and right-handers Brett Harker and Ron Hill to the Marlins.
Spoke with Phillies pro scouting coordinator Mike Ondo about Mosebach. He said the Phillies got good reports on him during the Arizona Fall League. Mosebach has been a starter throughout his career, but he was used as a reliever in Arizona and his velocity and command were improved. Probably a long shot for Mosebach to make the Phillies out of spring training, and thus, he could be offered back to the Angels. But the Phillies believe he has enough potential to give him a shot.
Baseball's annual winter meetings, which have overtaken the posh Bellagio for the past four days, will conclude this morning with the Rule 5 draft. Basically, the Rule 5 draft is a crapshoot of players with a certain level of service time who aren't protected on a 40-man roster. Here's the catch: It costs $50,000 to select a player, and the player must remain on his new team's active major-league (25-man) roster for the entire subsequent season or be offered back to his old team for $25,000.
Yeah, it's complicated.
Anyway, the Rule 5 draft is a favorite of Pat Gillick, who, as GM of the Blue Jays in 1981, plucked George Bell from the Phillies. Other famously unexpected Rule 5 finds include Johan Santana, Dan Uggla, Josh Hamilton and Shane Victorino. But the Phillies may not make a selection in this year's draft. They have the 26th overall pick, and Ruben Amaro Jr. said yesterday that it's doubtful any of the players they like will still be available.
Typically, after the Rule 5 draft, it's a race to the airport, with execs eager to leave town. This year, though, I have a feeling more folks will be sticking around for an extra night in Vegas. Amaro, for instance, isn't flying back to Philly until Friday morning.
*** So, if Ronny Paulino has so much upside as an offensive catcher, why would the Pirates trade him? Well, according to people I spoke with last night, there are questions about Paulino's work ethic. The words "unmotivated" and "lazy" were used to describe him. The Phillies, though, believe that Paulino's willingness to play winter ball in the Dominican Republic is a sign that he's ready to begin fulfilling his potential.
Time will tell.
*** Within the notebook, we examine the possibility that Ryan Howard and other Phillies could play in the World Baseball Classic. There also are a few words on the Mets' big three-team trade for reliever J.J. Putz. We'll try to get some Phillies reaction this morning.
What else is on tap today?
Well, never heard back from Amaro last night about the Chan Ho Park rumor, so I'll endeavor to get that addressed today. Also, we'll keep monitoring that complex three-team deal between the Cubs, Padres and Phillies. While signals were mixed yesterday about the possibility of the trade getting completed, one thing almost everyone agreed on is that it won't happen before the parties leave here. If it gets done, it'll take a few more days.
LAS VEGAS -- According to a report on Yahoo! Sports, the Phils are close to signing free-agent right-hander Chan Ho Park to a one-year contract. It's 9:25 p.m. here, and thus far, Ruben Amaro Jr. hasn't answered a call or a text message, but we'll keep trying.
Park, 35, went 4-4 with a 3.40 ERA in 54 games (four starts) for the Dodgers last season. He has been both a starter and a reliever throughout his career, so potentially, he could slot into the back of the Phillies' rotation or into the middle of their bullpen.
LAS VEGAS -- So, the Mets have seen the Phillies' swap of backup catchers and raised them a three-team, 12-player trade that will bring closer J.J. Putz to Flushing.
That should raise the stakes a bit in the NL East.
(Vegas puns intended). As expected, the Mets have cornered the market on closers at these winter meetings, and if you watched in the late innings last season, it was something they had to do. In two days, they have acquired two closers. Yesterday, they signed free-agent Francisco Rodriguez to a rather economical three-year, $37 million contract. K-Rod, who set a major-league record with 62 saves for the Angels last season, will handle the ninth inning, replacing Billy Wagner.
To make sure K-Rod gets the ball with a lead, they have traded for Putz, who had 91 saves for the Mariners over the past three seasons. The Mets also get outfielder Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green from the Mariners. They will send maligned reliever Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez, slugging Class AA first baseman Mike Carp and two other minor leaguers to Seattle and reliever Joe Smith to Cleveland. The Indians also send outfielder Franklin Gutierrez to Seattle and get infielder Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.
Got all that?
After the K-Rod news broke yesterday, Ruben Amaro Jr. barely flinched. "I don't think it affects us much," the Phils' GM said. "They've had Billy Wagner, and we still beat them the last two years. He's going to be a fine addition to their club if, in fact, the deal is finalized [pending a physical]. But those sorts of things don't affect our manager and doesn't affect our players. They just go out and play, and I think that they like those challenges. We don't operate on a reactive basis. We try to do what's necessary to improve our club. And we can't worry about what the Mets or Marlins or Atlanta Braves are doing out there."
OK, that really may be the case. But the Phillies can't deny this: Their biggest edge over the Mets, the bullpen, has been neutralized. In fact, Putz-Rodriguez in the final two innings may be even better than Ryan Madson-Brad Lidge.
LAS VEGAS -- So, it seems the "small trade" mentioned by Ruben Amaro Jr. will be a swap of catchers. The Phils will send Class AAA catcher Jason Jaramillo to the Pirates for Ronny Paulino, a .278 hitter in parts of four seasons.
Paulino, 27, is a major-league-caliber catcher, so this figures to fuel the speculation that Chris Coste will be packaged in a trade, perhaps the multi-team deal that would bring Mark DeRosa to Philly.
(Updated, 9:29 p.m.): Just talked to Amaro, who gave a vote of confidence to Carlos Ruiz. "As we saw last year, Ruiz was outstanding," Amaro said. "He did a fine job for us. As far as I'm concerned, he's our No. 1 catcher. It's his job to lose."
Amaro said Lou Marson likely will spend most of next season at triple-A Lehigh Valley. Marson had passed Jaramillo on the Phillies' depth chart. Paulino has power (11 home runs in 2007) but was supplanted as the Pirates' starter last season by Ryan Doumit. In 40 games, he batted .212 with two homers and 18 RBIs, but he also threw out 26 percent of potential base stealers.
LAS VEGAS -- Just came from Ruben Amaro Jr.'s daily briefing in the 31st floor suite and went straight into an impromptu press conference in the media room with Scott Boras, the agent for Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira and most important to the Phillies, Derek Lowe. So much to get to, so little time ...
1. Amaro said the Phillies are poised to announce a "smaller trade that might be a notch about [Greg] Golson for [John] Mayberry" within the hour. They're awaiting the result of physicals. The guys who will be swapped are 40-man roster players. When we know their identities, so will you. Meanwhile, let the speculation fly.
2. Regarding the rumor put forth by Steve Phillips: Amaro wouldn't comment, but it's highly unlikely that the Phillies would deal Carlos CarrascoandJason Donald for Mark DeRosa. Said Amaro, "Those are very good players, some of our best players."
3. Amaro said the Phillies "have kept things alive" with Lowe but didn't sound particularly optimistic that they'll land him. Boras wouldn't get specific about Lowe's landing place. "Obviously, Derek Lowe wants to play for a winning club, a contending club, and certainly, there are a number of teams that fill that bill," he said.
4. Ryan Howard is a good bet for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, according to Amaro. Matt Stairs (Canada), Carlos Ruiz (Panama), J.C. Romero (Puerto Rico) and minor leaguers Brad Harman, Drew Naylor and Joel Naughton (all Australia) likely will play, too.
5. Don't expect much action from the Phillies in tomorrow's Rule 5 draft. They have the 26th pick, and the players they are targeting likely won't be available at that slot.
LAS VEGAS -- One thing is for certain about the multi-team trade rumors involving Jake Peavy and Mark DeRosa: Nothing is certain. That, and there absolutely no consensus about what might happen.
A few minutes after I talked to one source who claims the Cubs aren't likely to trade DeRosa, we hear ESPN broadcaster Steve Phillips is reporting that a trade may be completed by tonight and DeRosa will, in fact, be heading to the Phillies. According to Phillips, the Phillies would send two prospects (J.A. Happ or Carlos Carrascoand Jason Donald) to the Padres, who also would get Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis and outfield prospect Felix Pie.
Hard to imagine the Phillies would give up that much, but we'll have a chance to ask Ruben Amaro Jr. in about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, I'm headed back to the lobby to see if anyone will confirm, deny, or more likely, avoid the rumor.
LAS VEGAS -- Scott Boras has surfaced in the lobby, and we're hearing that he intends to talk to reporters later today.
While we wait, we believe the Yankees remain interest in signing Derek Lowe, a Boras client (he also has Mark Teixeira, Manny Ramirez and Oliver Perez, among others). If any team can drive up the price for Lowe, it's the Yankees, and Lowe is believed to be asking for three to five years at $15 to $18 million per year. Hard to imagine the Phillies going to those lengths for Lowe, although Ruben Amaro Jr. left open the possibility yesterday. Amaro did say that the Phils have interest in other free-agent pitchers, too. Sources with knowledge of the Mets' needs/wants say they also may be interested in Lowe.
*** About that multi-team trade involving Jake Peavy, it's still on hold. Padres people seem to be insisting that it's going to happen. Cubs people are less certain. To me, it all stems from the fact that the Padres simply want to unload Peavy's salary. The Cubs, meanwhile, have ownership questions (and, thus, payroll concerns) and still prefer to make a one-on-one trade. They may have no choice, though, but to involve a third team.
Either way, it's starting to look like it won't happen before the meetings end tomorrow.
LAS VEGAS -- As I type this, Davey Johnson, who will manage the U.S. entry in the World Baseball Classic in March, is seated on a dais here in the media room. Johnson and Team USA GM Bob Watson is still in the process of gauging players' interest, but it has been announced that Derek Jeter, also here in the media room, will be the shortstop.
Two years ago, Chase Utley played for Team USA. Obviously, his hip surgery won't allow him to reprise his second-base position. But it wouldn't be a surprise to see Ryan Howard batting cleanup. Jimmy Rollins was considered in 2006, and it's possible he could split time with Jeter. Brad Lidge and Cole Hamels could be candidates, too. We'll try to find out more.
(Updated, 4:02 p.m. Eastern): Asked around and heard that Lidge, for one, didn't express interest in pitching in the WBC when Phillies players met with WBC officials during the season. (Lidge had a terrible 2006 season after pitching in the last WBC.) However, I'm told that Team USA is paying little regard to those preliminary meetings with players as they compile their list. If they want a player, they'll try to get him. The Phillies could have more non-USA players (Matt Stairs for Canada, J.C. Romero for Puerto Rico, Carlos Ruiz for Panama) than players on Team USA.
By the way, Team USA is going to train in Clearwater at the Phillies' complex and will play the Phillies in a pre-tournament game March 5. The Phillies also will play Team Canada at Bright House on March 4.
LAS VEGAS -- It's not even 9 a.m. here, and already, the Bellagio is buzzing.
After two days of meeting with CC Sabathia, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman flew to San Francisco last night for a third sit-down. Evidently, Sabathia was moved by Cashman's persistence. Or, more likely, the Yankees' seven-year, $160 million offer was too good to refuse. Regardless, CC is poised sign that contract, and you can just feel the desert earth out here beginning to quake.
So, the question for us, Phillies Nation, is how does the Sabathia deal affect the Phillies and their pursuit of Derek Lowe?
My initial thought was that it actually helps because it may take the Yankees out of the running. Now that the Yankees landed CC, they don't absolutely need Lowe. And, perhaps, Lowe won't get the five-year contract, $80 million that he's reportedly seeking. But folks in the lobby with knowledge of the Yankees' intentions are saying that Cashman & Co. don't intend to stop with CC. They'd like to add another starting pitcher, or two, and Lowe may still be on their list.
Scott Boras, Lowe's agent, has been noticeably mum during these meetings. He surfaced Monday during Greg Maddux's retirement press conference, but slipped out a back door before reporters could get to him. With the CC move going down today, I think we may hear from Mr. Boras and, just maybe, get a better idea of where Lowe's camp stands.
Promised y'all more about Pat Burrell's situation, and in today's News Journal, you got it. It's a strange world when there's less of a market for a 30-homer, 90-RBI slugger than for a middling middle infielder like Nick Punto (no offense, Nick), but that has been the case here thus far. Publicly, at least, the Burrell camp isn't panicking. Ed Hayes, one of Burrell's agents, told me yesterday that the market for the veteran left fielder will become clearer once Manny Ramirez, Mark Teixeira or even Raul Ibanez sign, but of course, there are no guarantees. If the crumbling national economy affects second- and third-tier free agents as much as we think, it's possible that Burrell will have to settle for a short-term, below-market-value contract.
Regardless, Hayes doesn't think the Phillies want Burrell back, and based on their lack of conversation with Burrell's people, it's hard to disagree. So, after nearly 10 years, the Burrell Era in Philly appears to be over.
If that's the case, when you look back on Burrell's career with the Phillies, what will you remember?
*** Speaking of the economy, and I wish I had room for this in the paper, I asked Hayes if he thinks the sluggish market here at the winter meetings is due to the gloomy economic climate.
"Sure, the economy is playing a role because that's what the commissioner has dictated," Hayes said, alluding to Bud Selig's decision to have former Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volker preach fiscal conservatism to the owners at their quarterly meetings last month. "Specific directives were given at the owners meetings, and they all should be in line with that."
*** What's on tap for today?
Well, we're hoping to have lunch with Charlie Manuel, who was sick with the flu yesterday and unable to speak to the media after having his contract extended through 2011. Also, I'll continue to ask around about the complex multi-team trade that could send Jake Peavy to the Cubs, J.A. Happ to the Padres and Mark DeRosa to the Phillies. (Details of the trade are in the post below.)
UPDATE: Late last night, while trolling the Bellagio lobby, I heard that the Cubs also may be trying to unload pitcher Jason Marquis to clear salary space for Peavy. The Phillies could be the beneficiary of that move. The Orioles may also be involved, with pitching prospect Garrett Olson going to San Diego.
LAS VEGAS -- During a meeting with reporters this evening in his sweet suite on the 31st floor of the Bellagio, Ruben Amaro Jr. sounded like a GM with an itchy trigger finger.
"We've discussed a variety of opportunities, and there are some deals out there that if a club or some clubs would say yes, it would get done," Amaro said. "But I can't tell you that anything is imminent because that word doesn't come freely."
Moments later, he added, "If there's a deal that I feel would make our club better, then I'll go ahead and move on it, and these clubs know that. There's not too many teams waiting on me."
So, what's the hold up?
Well, with regard to the complex deal involving Jake Peavy, it's a matter of perception. The Padres want to unload Peavy's salary, but his no-trade clause limits GM Kevin Towers' possibilities. Peavy is willing to waive his no-trade to go to the Cubs, who would prefer to deal only with the Padres. "I'm much better served one on one," Cubs GM Jim Hendry told Chicago reporters. "I'm not quite as efficient as Theo [Epstein] or Billy Beane in multi-tasking, so I keep it as simple as I can."
But the Padres and Cubs are having difficulty matching up, in part because the Cubs don't have enough prospects to lure Peavy and also because Peavy is owed a minimum of $63 million over the next four years and the Cubs are up for sale. So, several teams, including the Phillies, seemingly are trying to step in and vulture a player (Mark DeRosa) from the Cubs' roster to "help" the teams complete the deal. Makes sense, right? DeRosa batted .285 with 21 homers and 87 RBIs last season and would give the Phils second-base insurance until Chase Utley is ready to play. Once Utley comes back, DeRosa could be the right-handed half of a platoon in left field.
You can understand, though, why the Cubs wouldn't want to part with him, especially if they don't have to. And since the Padres can't trade Peavy just anywhere, the Cubs don't think they have to compromise to get him. Eventually, the Cubs think, the Padres either will have to trade Peavy to them or not at all.
Meanwhile, Amaro waits to see who blinks first: Hendry or Towers.
*** Amaro admitted the Phillies are interested in free-agent right-hander Derek Lowe. He even said they could handle a lucrative, long-term contract, depending on how it's structured. (I would think the Phils would want to front-load the deal, so that Lowe doesn't clog up the payroll down the road when Cole Hamels and several of the Phillies' other arbitration-eligible players are making really big bucks).
But Lowe is represented by Scott Boras, and if we know anything about Boras, it's that he will make sure his client gets the best deal. For Lowe, the best deal won't come until after CC Sabathia signs, and Sabathia isn't expected to sign until next week. If the Yankees get Sabathia, the Phillies have a better shot at getting Lowe. But if Sabathia signs somewhere else (the Giants are interested, and Sabathia is a Bay Area native), Lowe could be the Yankees' consolation prize. The Yankees could conceivably throw Monopoly money at Lowe (a five-year, $80 million contract would be possible), taking the Phillies out of the equation.
So, once again, Amaro waits.
That's all for now. But we'll be back tomorrow with much more.
LAS VEGAS -- Deadline for The Paper is creeping up, but Ruben Amaro Jr. just let us know (so, we'll let you know) that Charlie Manuel has received a contract extension. The Phillies picked up Manuel's 2010 option and tacked on an extra season. So, now, Manuel is under contract to lead the Phillies through 2011. He'll make $1.5 million in 2009, $1.7 million in 2010, and is expected to make more than $2 million in 2011. Manuel has a 354-294 record in four seasons with the Phillies.
We've spent most of the day monitoring the Jake Peavy trade situation, which may have expanded to four teams. It sounds like the Phillies are poised to make some sort of a move, just waiting for a "yes" from one or more of the teams that they've been talking to.
LAS VEGAS -- You never know who you're going to find roaming a Vegas casino. A few minutes ago, I ran into Kris Benson, who spent last season in the Phillies' farm system after signing a minor-league contract. Benson is here with his lovely wife, Anna, trying to find a job. This time, the Phillies have told him they're not interested.
LAS VEGAS -- After two days of meeting with closers, the Mets are poised to announce the signing of Francisco Rodriguez to a three-year, $37 million contract. Rodriguez set a major-league record with 62 saves last season for the Angels.
So now, at last, the Mets have their answer to Brad Lidge, who signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension in July.
(Updated, 5:37 p.m. Eastern): The move to get K-Rod likely takes the Mets out of the Raul Ibanez sweepstakes, according to sources. The Phillies and Cubs seem to be the leading candidates for Ibanez.
(Updated, 8:30 p.m. Eastern): Never mind that the impending acquisition of K-Rod strengthens the Mets' beleaguered bullpen and bridges the biggest gap between the Phillies and Mets. Ruben Amaro Jr. isn't concerned.
"I don't think it affects us much," Amaro just told us. "They've had Billy Wagner, and we still beat them the last two years. He's going to be a fine addition to their club if, in fact, the deal is finalized [pending a physical]. But those sorts of things don't affect our manager and doesn't affect our players. They just go out and play, and I think that they like those challenges. We don't operate on a reactive basis. We try to do what's necessary to improve our club. And we can't worry about what the Mets or Marlins or Atlanta Braves are doing out there."
LAS VEGAS -- We're nearly two days into the winter meetings, and there has been hardly any lobby buzz over Pat Burrell, surprising considering Burrell has averaged 31 homers and 98 RBIs over the past four seasons. Just talked with one of Burrell's agents, Ed Hayes, who said a market for Burrell likely won't take shape until another free-agent outfielder, namely Manny Ramirez or possibly Raul Ibanez, signs a contract and sets the market.
Regardless, though, Hayes doesn't think Burrell will be back with the Phillies.
"I'm hopeful, but I'm also a realist," Hayes said. "I would be surprised if he's back because I have not heard anything from the Phillies that would lead me to believe the club wants to have him back."
Ruben Amaro Jr. said last week, and again here yesterday, that the Phillies haven't had any substantive negotiations with Burrell's representatives, and talks don't appear to be imminent either.
LAS VEGAS -- Just heard that the Cardinals are, in fact, looking to move an outfielder, possibly for bullpen help, and they may be interested in Ryan Madson as a potential closer. But they're more likely to deal a lefty-hitting outfielder (Rick Ankiel or Skip Schumaker) than righty-hitting Ryan Ludwick. The Phillies would, of course, prefer a right-handed hitter to replace Pat Burrell, but they are considering some lefties, including free agent Raul Ibanez. The Cardinals also could be looking for a left-handed pitcher. J.A. Happ, perhaps? Just a thought.
Morning, all. Welcome to Day 2 of the winter meetings from the Bellagio.
Lots to get to, starting with a rumor from the folks at Fox Sports that the Phils and Cardinals had some late-night trade talks surrounding an outfielder, likely Ryan Ludwick. As you know, the Phillies almost surely will need a left fielder to replace Pat Burrell, and the Cardinals have a surplus of outfielders (Ludwick, Chris Duncan, Rick Ankiel, Skip Schumaker, Brian Barton). St. Louis is looking for bullpen help, and the Phillies had the best bullpen in the NL last season. But acquiring one of the Cardinals' outfielders may cost the Phils someone like Ryan Madson, and I don't think that's a sacrifice they're willing to make. I get the impression the Phillies would be content to obtain a right-handed hitter (Juan Rivera?) to platoon in left field with lefty-swinging Greg Dobbs and Matt Stairs.
Anyway, we'll do some checking on additional Phillies-Cardinals chatter throughout the day.
*** In honor of the location of these meetinngs, we've been referring to the Phillies' contingent as "Amaro's Eleven." Actually, though, the Phillies have a few more than 11 representatives here. Ruben Amaro Jr.'s crew includes David Mongtomery, Pat Gillick, Charlie Manuel, assistant GMs Scott Proefrock, Chuck LaMar and Benny Looper, senior advisor Charley Kerfeld, scouts Gordon Lakey, Jim Fregosi Jr., Mike Ondo and Howie Freiling, amateur scouting director Marti Wolever, farm director Steve Noworyta, administrative director Susan Ingersoll, director of travel Frank Coppenbarger, statistical analyst Jay McLaughlin, athletic trainer Scott Sheridan and assistant athletic trainer Mark Andersen.
*** Bumped into former assistant GM Mike Arbuckle, and he's enjoying the 20-minute commute from his suburban Kansas City home to his office with the Royals. Arbuckle gets (and deserves) a lot of credit for his input in the drafting and development of many homegrown Phillies players, including Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Brett Myers, Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels.
LAS VEGAS -- So, I was walking through the Bellagio after dinner last night, and something occurred to me. There isn't a more appropriate city to host baseball's winter meetings than Vegas, where people flock from all corners of the country to see just how far they can stretch a dollar.
Folks come to Vegas for one reason: To strike it rich. And that's precisely what some very wealthy baseball players are trying to do here this week.
Only at the winter meetings can someone like Jason Giambi, who made $120 million over the past seven years with the Yankees, stalk the lobby in the hopes of landing a job. But in Vegas, America's Playground, the sight of a multi-millionaire glad-handing potential employers sort of blends in amid the flashing neon lights, the replica Eiffel Tower and all the other symbols of overindulgence.
Something else about the Bellagio that may come in handy for teams and players that are looking to consummate a relationship: Around the corner from the media work room here, and just a few hundred feet from the lobby and the casino, there's actually a wedding chapel. Maybe Ruben Amaro Jr. and Jim Bronner should consider meeting in there to say "I do" on a deal for Jamie Moyer?
So, what's on tap for today?
Well, we'll be monitoring the trade front, including the rumored three-way deal involving the Phillies, Cubs, Padres, Jake Peavy and who knows who else. We'll bring you the latest on Moyer and any rumblings about relievers, outfielders and other areas that the Phillies want to address. Also, we'll have a chance to chat with Charlie Manuel at about 7:30 p.m. Eastern time, so we'll let you know what he has to say about the Phillies' offseason endeavors and the fact that his contract has yet to be extended. (Don't worry. It will be.)
LAS VEGAS -- About to take one final lap through the lobby, but I wanted to tie a bow on Day 1 of the winter meetings:
Much of what the Phillies do here, obviously, depends on Jamie Moyer. If they re-sign him, they can focus their attention on the bullpen, left field, and most importantly, those 10 arbitration-eligible players who figure to receive a cumulative raise totaling at least $20 million. If they don't, suddenly they have to find another starting pitcher, and that won't be easy because Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett, the top free agents after CC Sabathia, are going to command money and years that the Phillies simply can't commit.
Everybody thought the Moyer negotiations would be a slam dunk. We shouldn't have. First of all, Moyer had a surprisingly strong season, winning 16 games, posting a 3.71 ERA and making 33 starts, all at age 45. Second, he enlisted an agent (Jim Bronner) to handle these negotiations, unlike 2006 when he brokered a contract extension by himself. Bronner isn't going to let the Phillies low-ball Moyer, and the Phillies aren't going overpay for a pitcher who, they truly believe, would rather stay in Philly than go anywhere else.
All of that, coupled with Moyer's complex 2008 salary structure (detailed in the post below), has made this a tricky negotiation. Moyer wants a multiyear deal worth more than the annual $7 million that he took home in 2008 after incentive bonuses. The Phillies don't believe his value is $7 million.
So, if not Moyer, then who? The Phils could make a trade, and while they may have kicked the tires on Jake Peavy or a potential three-way deal involving Peavy, don't get your hopes up. Peavy will make $11 million in 2009, $15 million 2010, $16 million in 2011, $17 million in 2012 and $22 million in 2013. Hard to imagine the Phils taking on that kind of salary, especially when they have to deal with a possible long-term contract for Cole Hamels. Also hard to imagine them giving up a bunch of prospects (Carlos Carrasco, J.A. Happ, etc.) in a deal that would send Peavy elsewhere. Free-agent-wise, I think Lowe remains a long shot, but the Phils could turn to a third-tier free agent, like Randy Wolf, who went 12-12 with a 4.30 ERA last season for San Diego and Houston. When I asked Ruben Amaro Jr. about Wolf, he didn't rule out the possibility.
But they won't have to worry about any of that if only they can find common ground with Moyer.
LAS VEGAS -- Just came out of our meeting with Ruben Amaro Jr., and there isn't much to report. Amaro and his lieutenants -- we're calling them "Amaro's Eleven," in honor of being at the Bellagio -- held internal meetings this morning, then talked with the agents for several free agents as well as a few of their own arbitration-eligible players and execs from other clubs about possible trades. Amaro didn't discuss many specifics -- or confirm many of the things we've been hearing all day in the lobby. Here, though, are a few highlights:
--There has been no progress on the Jamie Moyer front. Amaro didn't talk with Moyer's agent today, and that agent, Jim Bronner, refused to comment on the negotiations. From what I can tell, the major stumbling block is, in fact, money. It seems the sides differ on Moyer's value for 2009 because of his complex 2008 salary terms. Moyer's base salary was $3.5 million. It rose to $4.5 million when he reached 170 innings in 2007. Then, it rose to $5.5 million when he hit the 180-inning mark. And with performance bonuses for 165, 175 and 185 innings in 2008, his salary climbed to $7 million. So, should Moyer get a raise from $7 million in 2009? Or should he get a raise from the base of $3.5 million or $5.5 million? That's where the sides may disagree.
--Randy Wolf is one of the free-agent pitchers the Phillies would consider, even though he rejected their offers in each of the past two offseasons. Amaro, it seems, isn't holding that against Wolf, but I'm sure the Phils don't want to be turned down a third time.
--Contrary to reports in the Japanese press, Amaro said the Phillies haven't made a contract offer to Tadahito Iguchi, even after Chase Utley had his surgery. They have, however, talked to Nick Punto.
--Haven't been able to get any confirmation on the Delmon Young rumor with the Twins. But the Phillies are in no rush to trade Jason Donald.
LAS VEGAS -- It's just past lunchtime in America's Playground, and throughout the morning, we have spotted most GMs and even a few managers in the lobby or the casino or somewhere in the Bellagio.
No luck, though, finding any Phillies execs.
Were they testing out championship ring designs? Were they holed up in their suites, watching the World Series DVD? No, as it turns out, they were meeting all morning. Hopefully, we'll find out something about those meetings when we get access to Ruben Amaro Jr. at about 4:30 p.m., Pacific Time. About 45 minutes ago, walking through the casino, I ran into Charlie Manuel, assistant GMs Benny Looper and Chuck LaMar, newly hired scout Howie Freiling, scout Gordon Lakey and even Pat Gillick. The retired GM simply couldn't stay away, although he was talking more about the Barry Manilow show playing on the Strip than the Phillies' plans for dealing with Jamie Moyer.
Anyway, when we speak to Amaro, we'll try to pin down the status of Manuel's contract, his thoughts on Jason Donald (trade chip or future Phillie), Moyer's situation and more. So, check back for that later tonight.
LAS VEGAS -- Here's a thought: With the Phillies possibly needing replacements for Jamie Moyer and Pat Burrell, would they consider bringing back Randy Wolf and/or Bobby Abreu?
Abreu isn't likely. He'll command at least as much money as Burrell, if not more, and indications are that the Phillies, who will have to shell out at least $20 million to keep their 10 arbitration-eligible players in 2009, don't want to add a big-money free agent in left field.
But Wolf certainly is possible. In the free-agent pitcher hierarchy, CC Sabathia is king. The second-tier includes Derek Lowe and A.J. Burnett. Below them are the likes of Jon Garland and Wolf. Pat Gillick was upset last year that Wolf rejected an offer from the Phillies and took less money to pitch in San Diego, but Gillick, of course, isn't in charge anymore. Assuming Ruben Amaro Jr. doesn't hold a grudge, Wolf could be on the Phillies' list. Whispers in the Bellagio lobby are that Wolf, a Southern California native, prefers to stay on the West Coast but won't limit himself to that part of the country.
LAS VEGAS -- Once again, for the fourth time, the Veterans Committee, comprised of the 64 living Hall of Famers, hasn't inducted any players into the Hall of Fame from its post-1943 ballot. Ron Santo got closest with 60.9 percent of the vote (75 percent is necessary for election). Former Phillies who got consideration were Jim Kaat (59.4 percent) and Dick Allen (10.9 percent). Candidates from the post-1943 ballot will be reconsidered at the winter meetings in 2010.
On the pre-1943 ballot, former Yankees second baseman Joe Gordon, the 1942 AL MVP and a five-time World Series champ, will be inducted after getting 83.3 percent of the vote. Mickey Vernon, the late Marcus Hook, Pa., native, got only 41.7 percent of the vote. Former Phillies outfielder Sherry Magee got only 25 percent of the vote.
Interestingly, the pre-1943 ballot is judged by a collection of different voters, including Hall of Famers Bobby Doerr, Ralph Kiner, Phil Niekro, Robin Roberts, Duke Snider, Don Sutton and Dick Williams and writers/historians Furman Bisher, Roland Hemond, Steve Hirdt, Bill Madden and Claire Smith.
Checked in to my hotel at about 10:30 p.m., Pacific time, last night, just in time to take a walk along the famous (or infamous, depending on your view) Strip and a spin around the lobby at the posh Bellagio. Saw Robin Roberts (he's in town for the Hall of Fame Veterans Committee announcement today). Saw Tommy Lasorda, too. Rays manager Joe Maddon was walking around. So were any number of agents. Didn't see any Elvis impersonators, but I'm sure they'll make their presence known before the week is over.
Didn't see Ruben Amaro Jr., or any members of "Amaro's Eleven" either. But I'm told they have arrived. In fact, word is the Phillies' contingent will be holed up in meetings throughout the morning. Presumably, one of those meetings will be with Charlie Manuel and his agent, Pat Rooney. If nothing else this week, the Phillies are expected to pick up Manuel's option for 2010, as we mentioned in our Sunday baseball notes. They may even extend his contract through 2011. So, we'll keep tabs on that situation.
Big names you're likely to hear in association with the Phillies this week: Derek Lowe, Raul Ibanez, and of course, Jamie Moyer. But, really, it'll be the less heralded players, like relievers Juan Cruz and Russ Springer, outfielders Juan Rivera and Rocco Baldelli and infielder Nick Punto who may draw the Phillies' interest. Among the many things that "Amaro's Eleven" learned from former GM Pat Gillick, it's that the little moves often have the biggest impact.
The rival Mets, meanwhile, have already met with Francisco Rodriguez, and they're expected to talk to Brian Fuentes and Kerry Wood. Everyone knows a leaky bullpen cost the Mets a playoff spot last season, so GM Omar Minaya seemingly is cornering the market on closers.
Almost time to take our first lap of the day around the lobby. Back with more in a bit.
So, here I sit, at Gate D14 at Philly International, waiting to board an AirTran flight that will take me to Atlanta, where I'll hop another AirTran flight to Las Vegas. Starting tomorrow, and running through Thursday, baseball's winter meetings will be held at the Bellagio, and we'll be there to bring you all the details. We'll be blogging early and often, trying to give you a flavor of the meetings, so please, keep it here.
So, in two days, executives from every team, most player agents and other baseball dignitaries will fly to Las Vegas and converge on the Bellagio for the annual winter meetings, a four-day confab during which countless rumors will fly and a few deals may be struck.
I suppose, given the location, we could call the Phils' contingent "Amaro's Eleven."
Ruben Amaro Jr., the Phillies' new general manager, spent most of last month building his crew. He hired Benny Looper, formerly of the Mariners, to replace assistant GM Mike Arbuckle, who resigned after the World Series. He promoted Chuck LaMar, the pro scouting guru who helped write reports on the Rays before the World Series, to an assistant GM position. And he hired Scott Proefrock away from the Orioles to become an assistant GM in charge of such unenviable -- but utterly essential -- tasks as major-league contract negotiations. For a few hours yesterday, Amaro's new team met with reporters during a luncheon at the Mission Grill in Center City, and you'll be able to read more about their plan for the winter meetings over the next few days in the pages of The News Journal and here at delawareonline.com. For now, though, I wanted to pass along an amusing anecdote from the luncheon.
Retired former GM Pat Gillick is known for his incredibly sharp memory. He's practially a human rolodex, rarely forgetting phone numbers, names, dates, etc. Looper worked with Gillick in Seattle, but his first encounter with him came in 1966. Looper was a high-school baseball player and a 27th-round draft pick of the Houston Colt .45s, and Gillick, then a Houston scout, tried to sign him for $2,000. Looper turned down the offer, went to college and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1968 for $5,000. About 20 years later, Looper ran into Gillick during spring training and introduced himself.
"Pat Gillick, my name is Benny Looper," he said.
"Yeah, from Granite, Oklahoma, right?" Gillick replied.
Uncanny.
Amaro, by the way, admitted that he has spoken to Gillick, now a paid advisor to the Phillies, "probably 15 or 20 times" since talking over as GM. Asked if Gillick charges by the phone call, Amaro laughed. "I hope he doesn't because [team president] David [Montgomery] would be very poor right now."
Anyway, keep it here for more throughout the weekend and live updates from Vegas once the winter meetings start Monday morning.
PHILADELPHIA -- Maybe it's because I went to college in Boston. Or, perhaps, it's because I still have many friends who live/work there. Regardless, the Boston Globe is a staple of my daily reading, and in today's edition, well-connected baseball writer and friend Tony Massarotti reported that the Phillies have made a contract offer to Derek Lowe.
So, Ruben Amaro Jr., is this true?
"I can't confirm or deny it, but I'll tell you that we have talked to Derek Lowe's representatives," Amaro said today. "He's not the only free-agent pitcher that we've had discussions with. There have been plenty of them."
Asked if making a deal with Lowe (or any other free-agent pitcher) would preclude the Phillies from also re-signing Jamie Moyer, Amaro said, "It could, but again, the way a deal is done, a lot of it depends on the structure of the deal to see if we can add more. That's one of the challenges we have. There's not just one area that we want to address. It's obvious that we have an outfield situation to deal with, and we'd like to add some more bullpen help if we could. I'd be more than happy to have six starters, or seven, or eight. It's a good problem to have."
Lowe, 35, led the Dodgers' rotation last season, going 14-11 with a 3.24. He's a sinkerball pitcher, which would suit him well in Citizens Bank Park, and he has said he'd like to return to the East Coast after spending the past four years in LA.
But I wouldn't get your hopes up about Lowe just yet. He has multiple suitors, and if the Yankees are unable to lure CC Sabathia to New York, they likely will make an aggressive play for Lowe, too. Lowe is represented by Scott Boras, and if we know anything about Boras, he won't allow his client to sign with anyone until he's certain he can't get a better deal. And Amaro intends to follow the Pat Gillick example and not sign free-agent pitchers to lengthy (more than three-year) contracts. Lowe could command that sort of contract, depending on demand from other teams.
"I would be reluctant to sign pitchers for more than three years," Amaro said, "but under certain circumstances, it has to be considered."
*** In other news, Amaro said Chase Utley is progressing well after having surgery on his right hip last month. Utley has been rehabilitating in Philly and is still on track to return, possibly by mid-April.
Also, the Phillies have hired Craig Colbert as their major-league advance scout and Tim Gradoville as their bullpen catcher. Colbert, 43, spent the previous 11 years in the Padres organization, the last two as the bench coach under manager Bud Black. Gradoville, 28, spent the past seven seasons as a catcher in the Phillies' minor-league system.
It was never going to happen. Not in a year when troubled slugger Josh Hamilton put his life back together, big-market teams like the Giants and Celtics won championships, and oh yeah, that Michael Phelps guy captured eight Olympic gold medals.
But one Sports Illustrated senior writer, esteemed baseball scribe Tom Verducci, cast a Sportsman of the Year vote for Charlie Manuel, a decision he explained here. Phelps, predictably and deservingly, won the award, which was announced yesterday.
OK, imagine you're Dustin Pedroia. In two seasons in the majors, you've won a Rookie of the Year award, a Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove, and last month, you were crowned AL MVP. You worked for $457,000 this year, a shade more than the major-league minimum salary, and you're not eligible for arbitration until after next season.
But this, folks, is only another example of why players and teams agree on long-term deals. The Sox secured Pedroia's services at a relatively fixed rate in a baseball economy that historically has escalated every year. Chase Utley, widely regarded as baseball's best second baseman, signed a seven-year, $85 million contract with the Phillies in 2007, when he had one more year of service time than Pedroia and was on the verge of salary arbitration. Pedroia, the majors' next-best second baseman (sorry Dan Uggla, but it's true), could've held out for that much cash, if not more. But with another year until arbitration and four more until free agency, Pedroia, already 25, opted for the security of a multiyear contract. Now, if he gets injured or his performance slips, he still will be financially solvent, likely for the rest of his life.
Everybody wins.
We'll have plenty of time over the next few months to discuss the merits of giving long-term deals to Ryan Howard, Cole Hamels and the Phillies' other arbitration-eligible players. (Readers of this blog know how I feel about giving Howard a long-term deal, or at least the kind of long-term deal that he desires.) For now, though, I'll leave you with this: Unless Howard, Hamels and the others are willing to make like Pedroia, himself a highly accomplished player, and sacrifice some dollars for the privilege of long-term security, it doesn't behoove the Phillies to get involved.
Don't mean to distract from the arbitration conversation in the posts below, but wanted to mention that the Astros have re-signed Doug Brocail, one of the relievers who has drawn some interest from the Phils. Brocail, 41, has agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract after posting a 3.93 ERA in 72 games last season.
The Phillies remain interested in relievers Russ Springer (10-2, 2.24 ERA in 146 games over the past two years for the Cardinals), David Weathers (sub-4.00 ERA in each of the past four seasons for the Reds) and Juan Cruz (4-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 57 appearances last season for the Diamondbacks). Cruz, 30, is the youngest and most impressive of the group. But he also has been offered salary arbitration, so the Phillies would forfeit their 2009 first-round pick if they sign him. Springer, 41 and a 10-game loser with the Phillies way back in '96, wasn't offered arbitration. Weathers, 39, was, but as a Type B free agent, he wouldn't cost a first-round pick.
Talked to Ruben Amaro Jr. for a few minutes last night, and while you can read the full story in today's News Journal, I'd like to pass along some highlights of our conversation.
Among other things, I asked him to explain why the Phillies didn't offer salary arbitration to Jamie Moyer and Pat Burrell. And, as we hypothesized in this space late Monday night, it had to do with payroll flexibility and making sure the Phillies have enough cash in reserve to deal with their 10 arbitration-eligible players in 2009 and perhaps even dole out a few long-term contracts along the way.
"It's cost control but also it's flexibility as far as the timing is concerned," Amaro said. "If they happened to accept [arbitration], we would have to wait until February for an arbitrator to decide what kind of money they'd get. Having those dollars tied up would preclude us from doing what we need to do to improve the club in other areas. This allows us to continue to engage both players in negotiations without any restriction, and the way the rules are now, we can continue to negotiate with both players. We're continuing to negotiate with Jamie. We haven't had as many discussions with Burrell, but that doesn't mean we won't. But now, we can do it without the caveat that an arbitrator will put a dollar amount on these guys for us."
*** Just because reliever Juan Cruz, outfielder Raul Ibanez and a few other Type A free agents that have drawn the Phillies' interest were offered arbitration, don't think the Phils will shy away from signing them, even though doing so would cost them their 2009 first-round draft pick.
"If we think the right thing to do is to sign someone or try to sign someone who we might have to lose a draft pick for, we have to do what's right," Amaro said.
*** Pitching remains Amaro's top priority, and within that realm, re-signing Moyer is still atop his to-do list. Amaro declined to characterize the negotiations by saying whether he's more or less optimistic that a deal will get done than he was two weeks ago. The sides are at odds, apparently, over the length of the contract. At 46, Moyer is the oldest player in the majors. So, although he led the Phils with 16 wins last season, I think they're worried about committing more than one year. Moyer wants to pitch for more than one more year, and he'd rather not have to go through the free-agent process again. Could the sides agree on an incentive-laden, one-year contract with an option for 2010? Time will tell.
"We're hopeful that we'll bring [Moyer] back," Amaro said. "If we cannot, then we'll have to go down a different road. It's part of the process. Jamie and his agent see him at a certain value, and we see Jamie at a certain value. It's trying to get them together."
I know the Phillies have kicked the tires on A.J. Burnett and/or Derek Lowe as possible Moyer replacements, but I don't think either of those pitchers will be in their price range. If the Phils lose Moyer, I think it's more realistic that they replace him with a lower-tier pitcher, someone like Jon Garland.
*** If Burrell bolts (the well-sourced John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus has floated a rumor that the Angels may want him as a first-base replacement for Mark Teixeira), the Phillies will need reinforcements in the outfield. Amaro said they'd prefer to add a right-handed hitter, unless they can find a lefty-hitting outfielder capable of playing every day (among free agents, only Ibanez and switch-hitting Milton Bradley fit that description). Two right-handed hitters to continue keeping an eye on: Rocco Baldelli and Juan Rivera. Neither was offered arbitration, and both could conceivably form one-half of a platoon with lefty-swinging Greg Dobbs, Matt Stairs or Geoff Jenkins.
Their attempts to trade for Jake Peavy having stalled, the Braves have come up with another pitcher, acquiring Javier Vazquez from the White Sox, pending a physical exam. The deal, according to this report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, includes Vazquez and lefty reliever Boone Logan (Ryan Howard and Chase Utley are going to see A LOT of him) going to the Braves for top catching prospect Tyler Flowers, infielder Brent Lillibridge, minor-league third baseman Jon Gilmore and rookie-league left-hander Santos Rodriguez.
Meanwhile, the Braves have lost Mike Hampton, who signed a one-year contract with a $2 million base salary with the Astros.
Over the past few weeks, I've gotten a few e-mails from folks who wondered how much money the Phillies earned for winning the World Series.
Well, now we know.
According to Bloomberg News, the Phils will share $18.4 million, about 2.6 percent less than the bonus given to the Red Sox in 2007. That's what happens, I suppose, when you win a World Series during a global recession. Although, the pool of money is determined by ticket sales in the playoffs and World Series, and fewer tickets were sold this year because none of the teams play in a ballpark that seats as many people as Colorado's Coors Field.
Anyway, each player still takes home a nice loot. The Phillies players awarded 45 full shares, partial shares totaling just over seven full payments and 15 cash bonuses. Club employees, including trainers and scouts, usually are awarded a share. The full share is worth $351,504.48, more than enough pocket change to buy a few nice Christmas gifts, don't you think?
The midnight deadline has come and gone, and although the Phillies aren't commenting yet, we have reason to believe at this hour, based on a conversation with a trusted source, that the Phillies didn't offer arbitration to Type A free agents Pat Burrell and Jamie Moyer.
Surprise.
So, what does this mean? Well, if Burrell and Moyer sign with another team, the Phillies won't receive draft-pick compensation. Evidently, though, they didn't want to risk that Burrell or Moyer would accept an arbitration offer, which would've been tantamount to a one-year contract at a higher salary than their 2008 figure. Burrell made $14 million this year, while Moyer made $7 million, including performance bonuses. The Phillies can still re-sign both players, and they remain hopeful of bringing back Moyer. But, obviously, they aren't interested in keeping either free agent for the same salary. They also didn't offer arbitration to relievers Tom Gordon or Rudy Seanez, but nobody expected that they would.
To me, the decisions on Moyer and Burrell reveal a greater willingness by the Phillies to talk about long-term deals with many of their 10 arbitration-eligible players, including Cole Hamels, Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino. Ryan Madson and Jayson Werth may be even bigger priorities, since both will be free agents after next season. If the Phillies lose Burrell, they'll seemingly need to lock up Werth and Victorino. Madson became a critical piece of the bullpen, and everyone knows how critical Howard and Hamels are to the nucleus of the World Series champs.
Stay tuned for more.
(Updated, 11:57 a.m.): Still surprised by the non-offers to Moyer and Burrell, and judging by your comments, you are, too. That said, across baseball, only 24 free agents were offered arbitration, although that was up from 17 last year, according to the Associated Press.
So, which free agents got offers? Mostly, it was the usual suspects: Casey Blake (Dodgers), Milton Bradley (Rangers), A.J. Burnett (Blue Jays), Paul Byrd (Red Sox), Orlando Cabrera (White Sox), Juan Cruz (Diamondbacks), Brian Fuentes (Rockies), Jon Garland (Angels), Mark Grudzielanek (Royals), Orlando Hudson (Diamondbacks), Raul Ibanez (Mariners), Derek Lowe (Dodgers), Brandon Lyon (Diamondbacks), Darren Oliver (Angels), Oliver Perez (Mets), Manny Ramirez (Dodgers), Dennys Reyes (Twins), Francisco Rodriguez (Angels), CC Sabathia (Brewers), Ben Sheets (Brewers), Brian Shouse (Brewers), Mark Teixiera (Angels), Jason Varitek (Red Sox), David Weathers (Reds).
Who wasn't offered arbitration? Well, the Yankees didn't offer to any of their free agents (Andy Pettitte, Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi). Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Tom Glavine didn't get offers either. And, of potential interest to the Phillies, relievers Russ Springer and Doug Brocail didn't get arbitration offers.
Good morning, all. We're back after a long, and relaxing, holiday weekend. But it's time to get back to business, especially since the hot stove figures to get a bit warmer this week. Without further ado, then, a few things to keep an eye on this week and beyond:
1. By midnight tonight, teams must decide whether to offer binding arbitration to their free agents. Here's how it works: If a Type A free agent (Jamie Moyer or Pat Burrell) is offered arbitration and signs with another team, his former team receives two compensatory draft picks, including the first-rounder of the team that signs him. For example, the Yankees offered arbitration to Tom Gordon in 2005. He signed with the Phillies, and with their compensatory picks, the Yankees drafted Ian Kennedy and Joba Chamberlain in 2006.
Great, right?
Well, it isn't that simple. If a free agent accepts arbitration before the Dec. 7 deadline, he's suddenly under contract for 2009 at a slightly higher salary than in 2008. So, arbitration is tantamount to a one-year contract offer, and a team must be willing to risk that the player who is unhappy with the interest he has generated on the open market actually will forego free agency to return for one year.
Now you see why it behooves a GM to have a degree from Stanford.
But Ruben Amaro Jr.'s decisions really aren't tough. I think, from people I've talked to, that the Phils wouldn't mind having Moyer or Burrell back for one more season. In fact, Moyer's desire for a multiyear contract, at age 46, is one of the things that has prolonged his negotiations with the Phillies. It seems the Phils wouldn't mind keeping Burrell, but only on their terms, which appear to be no more than a two-year contract. So, my guess (strictly a guess) is that the Phils will offer arbitration to both Moyer and Burrell.
2. Once the arbitration deadline passes, the free-agent market will become more active. Most teams, as you might imagine, wait until after the arbitration deadline before making offers to free agents. Pretend you're Athletics GM Billy Beane. If, just for the sake of conversation, you're interested in Burrell, why would you engage in serious contract talks until you know if the Phillies offer him arbitration? If they do, you may not be willing to forfeit a first-round pick. If they don't, your interest in Burrell may increase. For the Phillies, keep an eye on some of the Type A free-agent relievers (Juan Cruz, Russ Springer, Doug Brocail). If they aren't offered arbitration, the Phillies may pursue them more aggressively.
3. Spent a few days at my parents' house in Jersey during the holiday weekend, so I read plenty about the Yankees and Mets in the New York papers. The Mets, according to reports, are interested in signing a free-agent closer (Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes), but they also have talked with the Rockies about trading for Huston Street. It seems the Mets believe they need two high-quality relievers, one to pitch the eighth inning and one to pitch the ninth.
4. Other key dates to circle on your calendar: Dec. 7: Deadline for free agents to accept arbitration. Dec. 8-11: Winter meetings in Las Vegas (we'll be there) Dec. 11: Rule 5 draft Dec. 12: Deadline to tender contracts for 2009 (the Phillies were able to acquire Jayson Werth in 2005 and Chad Durbin last year only because their previous teams didn't tender contracts to them.)
I'll have more throughout the day/week, but for now, I'd like to hear from you. Should the Phils offer arbitration to Burrell, even if it means that he may actually accept?
BY SCOTT LAUBER
