Jayson Werth Signs with The Washington Nationals

It was announced today that the Washington Nationals signed 32-year old OF Jayson Werth formerly of the Philadelphia Phillies to a 7-year $126 million dollar deal for an average of $18 million a year. Manny Ramirez (8-year $160 million in 2000) and Alfonso Soriano (8-year $136 million in 2006) are the only outfielders to sign larger contracts than Werth. So what does this do for the Nationals.

First it causes the Nationals to create a big splash on the eve of the MLB Winter meetings. To be perfectly honest, of the teams that I had read that were interested in Werth the Nationals did not even come up in the conversation. For the Nats to sign a top free-agent from a division rival is key. The signing also helps to ease the loss of slugger Adam Dunn who signed a 4-year $56 million deal with the Chicago White Sox last week. 

Second, it gives the National some stability in the outfield and a veteran presence that has played on winning teams in the young clubhouse. This can already be seen with the Nationals in the case of Ivan Rodriguez who has had a definite positive effect on the Nationals. Sometimes a team on the cusp of moving up to the next level needs some experience. I think Werth can fit that role. And that's it for the positives. 

I think that for the splash made by the Nationals, they gave Werth way too much in terms of years. At the end of the contract, Werth will be 39-years old. Can he be productive at that age? Absolutely. Look at his former teammate Raul Ibañez for an outfielder to be productive at an older age. My question is how will Werth be after possibly three, four or five years of not being competitive. He has been used to playing with the Phillies who for the last four seasons has been in the post-season with two back-to-back World Series appearances in 2008 and 2009. Will he play the same on a team that (let's say for argument sake) is out of contention by August each year? Only time can answer that question.

I can't positively answer this next point but I think that we can take the Nationals out of the Cliff Lee race. They were mentioned early on as one of the possible teams that Lee might play for this upcoming season. As the San Francisco Giants proved this past season, productive pitching can overcome deficits in offensive production behind them. A rotation anchored by Cliff Lee and Stephen Strausberg with Bryce Harper and Ryan Zimmerman providing some thunder from the offensive side makes the Nationals intriguing to say the least. Who knows, maybe the ownership behind the Nationals have a few more cards up their sleeves and pull out the trump card in the form of Cliff Lee. We'll know soon enough.

As for the NL East? Well the Werth signing is an example of the rest of the division gaining ground while the Phillies lose ground. The Braves are stronger with the pick up of Dan Uggla last month. The Marlins will remain pesky in the division. The Mets are something of an unknown as we won't know how Beltran, Bay and Santana come back from their injuries. What we do know is that the Phillies are a year older with a big hole to fill in the outfield. Are Domonic Brown and/or John Mayberry ready to play at the major league level? Thankfully Spring Training is only a few months away so we won't have to wait too long to see what happens. Plus, the winter meetings start tomorrow. There should be more fireworks in store.

FH

Derek Jeter Re-signs With the Yankees!!!!!

Jack Curry of the YES Network reported on his Twitter feed that The Yankees and Derek Jeter have concluded their negotiations and have come up with the following contract:

Jeter's 3-yr deal with Yanks is done. He'll make between $15-$17 million a year. 4th yr option isn't guaranteed. Deal contingent on physical.

Curry also notes in his blog post Jeter, Yanks agree on deal:

The fourth year of the deal was important to Jeter, who said in spring training that he wanted to play four or five more seasons. But the Yankees didn’t want to guarantee a fourth year to Jeter, who had the worst season of his career when he batted .270 in 2010 and who will turn 37 years old in June. The sides vowed to be creative in trying to secure a deal, which is why they were finalizing a hybrid option that will include various elements and won’t be fully guaranteed. The sides met deep into the night on Friday and were talking again on Saturday

There it is folks. The contract drama is over. Let's hope there's no bad blood left over from the negotiations. Glad to see #2 will be back in Pinstripes for at least the next 3 years. The amount that I said would be enough to sign him was more than was agreed upon, but as I told a few people after Mariano signed the other day once Rivera signed for 2-years at $15 million per then Jeter would sign for something in the same range. Both players are valuable to the team but some would argue that Rivera is worth more. That is a debate for another day. For now, things are returning to normal in Yankeeland. Next on the docket: Cliff Lee.

FH

For Further Reading
- Click Here to access Jack Curry's blogpage on MyYESNetwork.com

The Hot Stove is Burning in Beantown!!!!

Buster Olney on his twitter feed reported that the Boston Red Sox have completed a trade with the San Diego Padres for first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. In return, the Padres would receive prospects P Casey Kelley, 1B Anthony Rizzo and OF Reymond Fuentes. So what does this deal mean for the respective teams.

The Red Sox finally get a first baseman that they've wanted for a few years now. Gonzalez is a left handed hitter that should fit perfectly in Boston's lineup. He is a career .284 hitter who can hit for power and drive in runs. In addition, he has a very good eye at the plate, draws a lot of walks while keeping his strikeouts to a minimal level for a player that hits for power. He is consistent playing almost every game which is a testament to his conditioning. Arguably his best season was in 2008 when he played in EVERY game for the Padres batting .279 with 31 Homers and 119 RBI. He had 172 Hits (32 2B/1 3B/31 HR), registered an OPS of .871 (.361 OBP%/.510 SLG%). Gonzalez has been a four time All-Star and two time All-Star for the Padres.

On the Padres side, I referred to Mickey Koke of the Friarhood.com for information on the three prospects that the Padres received in exchange for Gonzlaez.

P Casey Kelly: Athletic frame, advanced beyond his years, he has natural instinctive feel for pitching. Kelly has three plus pitches: a low 90s fastball, he can work it to both sides of the plate, cutting it or sinking his fastball. He has hard 12-6 curveball, and an above average change which he throws with the same arm motion as his fastball. He has demonstrated excellent command and control. Repeats his mechanics with effortless delivery. Fastball has exceptional downward movement, and generally sits between 90 and 93 mph, has touched 95-96 mph. Curveball has the potential to become plus out pitch. It sits around 75-78 mph, but he can rely too heavily on it which can get him into trouble. Kelly's changeup sits around 83 mph with a lot of tilt. he is a strike thrower and will keep pitching coaches happy, keeping the ball low in the strike zone. Has demonstrated excellent composure. He is projected to be a top of the rotation starter, has legit ace potential.

1B Anthony Rizzo: A towering strong first baseman with an excellent frame. Solid overall approach at the plate, solid pitch recognition, good bat speed. Needs to be more selective with two strikes. Doubles power but should project 20 homer power. Has a tendency to chase breaking pitches late in the count. A plus defender with a strong arm and surprising mobility for his size. Great baseball fundamentals.

OF Reymond Fuentes: Extremely gifted athletic center fielder. slight in build but very strong. A very good contact hitter, should excel utilizing his speed being a gap to gap hitter. Has some pull pop that some scouts believe could eventually translate into 15 homeruns. Polished bat. Still working on plate discipline. Game changing speed. Fantastic range and glove in the outfield, will make the hard plays look easy. Gold Glove potential. Very solid instincts. Fringe arm but good enough to remain in center-field. Some scouts have compared him to Jacoby Ellsbury but believe he may become a better hitter and defender.

The Red Sox were apparently given a window in which they can work a long-term deal for Gonzalez. Another quality player has joined the AL East and another piece has been added to the Rivalry. With the acquisition of Gonzalez, I think it is safe to say that Adrian Beltre will not be playing in Boston since Kevin Youkilis will be moved back to third base. Welcome to the Rivalry Adrian.

And not to be lost in the Gonzalez trade news, Boston also resigned their Captain, veteran Catcher Jason Varitek to a one-year deal. According to Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe: Major league sources said Varitek accepted $2 million, with an additional $300,000 available through incentive clauses. The Associated Press reported the incentives breakdowns: $100,000 each for 60, 70 and 80 games started at catcher.

It is good to see Boston Red Sox legend Varitek return for what might be his final season with the Sawx. He should finish his career with them and get the accolades deserved of a player of his caliber and what he means to that team, city and fanbase.

FH

For Further Reading:

- Click Here for Peter Abraham's article Some details on the Gonzalez deal from Boston.com's website dated December 4, 2010
- Click Here for Mickey Koke's article Red Sox Prospects Rumored Coming to San Diego in the Gonzalez Trade from the Friarhood.com website.
- Click Here for Joe Lemire's article Padres Get Max Value for Gonzalez from SI.com's website dated December 4, 2010
- Click Here for Peter Gammons' article Why Gonzalez Deal Works for Red Sox, Padres from MLB.com dated December 4, 2010
- Click Here for Adrian Gonzalez's career statistics from Baseball Reference.com
- Click Here for Casey Kelly's minor league statistics from Baseball-Cube.com
- Click Here for Anthony Rizzo's minor league statistics from Baseball-Cube.com
- Click Here for Reymond Fuentes' minor league statistics from Baseball-Cube.com
- Click Here for Peter Abraham's article Varitek returns to Sox from the Boston.com website dated December 3, 2010

Mariano, Papelbon and Free Agency

It was reported by Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman through his Twitter feed that the legendary closer for the New York Yankees Mariano Rivera is close to signing a 2-year 30 million dollar contract. Heyman also revealed that there were other teams interested in retaining his services included the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Yankees' division and historic rival the Boston Red Sox.

So let's just say that we live in some bizarro world and Mariano had signed with Boston. A question would have remained unanswered: What would have happened to Jonathan Papelbon. It would be feasible that the Red Sox could keep both to arguably have the best bullpen in Baseball. The thought of having Josh Bard, Jonathan Papelbon and Mariano Rivera as the 7-8-9 innings option is just downright scary. According to Gordon Eddes of ESPNBoston.com, the Red Sox were planned to non-tender Papelbon thereby releasing him making him a free-agent if in fact they had signed Mariano.

Knowing that, does the intended free agent pursuit of Mariano Rivera finally destroy the relationship between the Red Sox and Papelbon? As it is the relationship has been rocky to say the least. Compounding the issue is the point of view from the Red Sox that Papelbon has been in decline since his 2006 season when he posted a 4-2 record with a 0.92 ERA with 35 saves in 59 games. Papelbon struck out 75 batters while walking only 13 and giving up 40 hits in 68.1 innings for a WHIP of 0.776. Compare that with this past season where Papelbon posted a 5-7 record with a 3.90 ERA with 37 saves in 65 games. Papelbon struck out 76 batters while walking a career high 28 and giving up 57 hits in 67 innings for a WHIP of 1.269. Add to the mix the fact that Papelbon has been at odds with the team due to Papelbon's inability to admit to his mistakes when said mistakes led to losses by the team.

To be honest, I never believed that Papelbon would resign with the team after his current contract ended. I have heard for years that Papelbon wants to return to a starting role and that will not happen in Boston. In the case of Rivera being signed by the Red Sox to replace Papelbon, there is no shame in being replaced by the best closer in the game. But then again it's easy for me to say since he's not coming to replace me. We'll see how the drama unfolds from Beantown this upcoming season.

FH

For Further Reading:
- Click Here for Michael S. Schmidt's article from the NYTimes.com webpage from December 3, 2010 called Rivera and Yanks Near Two-Year Deal
- Click Here for Gordon Eddes article from the ESPNBoston.com webpage from December 3, 2010 called Source: Sox courted Mariano Rivera
- Click Here for Nick Cafardo's article from the Boston.com webpage from December 3, 2010 called Sox pursued Mariano?
- Click Here for Johnathan Papelbon's career statistics from Baseball-Reference.com

Derek Jeter and His Contract Demands

I've been astonished now for the last few weeks on how the sports media has turned on New York Yankees Captain Derek Jeter. I could see the point of view that the media put forth in his winning his 5th Gold glove for a Shortstop. Where my astonishment lies is how he is being portrayed as a greedy and egotistical person in his contract demands.

It was reported yesterday that Jeter was looking for a contract in the range of 5-years and 25 million-per-year. Whether that is true or not I cannot say. If it is true then Jeter's demands are unrealistic. On the other hand, I believe the Yankees' offer of 3-years and 15 million-per-year is disrespectful. Now I know many of you who are reading this will say: How is making 15 million-per-year a slight. Allow me to elaborate.

In this past contract, Jeter averaged 18.9 million-per-year. Looking at that number, the offer made to Jeter is almost 4 million less. When most of us leave a job for a newer one it is often based on salary and the prospects of making a higher salary. This is especially so when we feel that we cab do our jobs at the level that is expected of us. Then why should it be different than Derek Jeter.

Sure he had an off year by Derek Jeter standards. But isn't anyone allowed an off year? Would you rather have Jeter who you know is a model of consistency or a player who only performs at the highest level during his contract or walk year. His accomplishments, actions, class and grace have spoken for themselves year in and year out. Let's judge Jeter's decline on next year and the year after not just on last year.

I believe a suitable offer for the player that means so much to not only the New York Yankees but the city of New York and the fanbase of the team should be in the range of 3 to 4 years at 20 million-per-year. The team will make their money back as Jeter chases and eclipses the 3000-hit mark and further cements himself as a first ballot Hall of Famer. All this "nickel and dime" business is doing is turning a simple negotiation into a bitter conflict that can have long lasting effects between Jeter and the team. 

For the good of all parties, get this done already. If the Boss was still alive, this post would be non-existent as Jeter would be signed, sealed and delivered.

FH

The 2011 manager of the New York Mets is...

It has been reported throughout the Internet that the New York Mets have decided on a new manager for the 2011 season. The man hired for the job is Terry Collins, former manager of the Houston Astros and Anaheim Angels. 

In terms of a baseball person, Collins is a disciplinarian who I think will be good for the team. I think he will whip the team into shape and I believe that what he can't work with will be shipped out by GM Sandy Alderson. 

In terms of his track record, in six major league seasons, Collins has a career 444-434 record good for a .506 winning percentage. His record while with the Astros from 1994-1996 was 224-197, while his record while with the Angels was 220-237. His teams were the models of consistency with the teams finishing in second place five out of six seasons. So the man has shown to be a solid manager.

My question is: Why hire Collins now? We're talking about a man who hasn't managed a team in the majors since 1999. His departure in 1999 came about due to a clubhouse revolt by his players which led to current Angels manager Mike Scioscia taking over the reins of the team. Collins also managed the Orix Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional League in 2007 and part of 2008. 

Personal resume aside, I feel as if the team dropped the ball to reinvigorate the Mets' fanbase, especially the hardcore Mets' fans. The team could have made a splash by hiring a fan favorite such as former Mets' second baseman Wally Backman or former manager Bobby Valentine. Instead of stealing the backpage from the Yankees, the Mets left their fans wondering where the feelings of hope and change from last week went.

In management's defense, they interviewed numerous candidates and (if I'm not mistaken) those candidates who were not hired will have positions within the organization. Maybe Collins can bring a new and fresh perspective to the Mets. He has a two-year dealt try and get it done. We'll have to watch and see if it happens.

FH

For Further Reading
- Click Here for David Waldstein's article in November 22, 2010 New York Times Mets Choose the Intense Collins as their Manager

Felix Hernandez 2010 AL Cy Young Winner

It was announced today that Venezolano Felix Hernández is the 2010 American League Cy Young Award winner. The voters recognized that though Hernández finished the season with a 13-12 record he led the league (or was at the top of the league)in most pitching categories. The voters placed emphasis on performance over results since the Mariners had the worst offense in the league and failed to score enough runs during Hernández's starts to win the games he started. It is believed that his record would be different (and more like prior Cy Young Winners) if he had a team like the Yankees or Rays hitting behind him. Regardless if that is true or not, history has been set with Hernández winning the award with the lowest number of wins in a non-strike season (Fernando Valenzuela won the award in 1981 with a 13-7 record).

Hernández is the second Venezolano to win the Cy Young since Johan Santana won the award in 2004 and 2006. In total there have been seven Latinos to have win the award. Here is the list:

1969 Mike Cuellar (AL)(w/ Denny McClain)
1981 Fernando Valenzuela (NL)
1984 Willie Hernández (AL)
1997 Pedro Martínez (NL)
1999 Pedro Martínez (AL)
2000 Pedro Martínez (AL)
2004 Johan Santana (AL)
2005 Bartolo Colon (AL)
2006 Johan Santana (AL)
2010 Felix Hernández (AL)

The breakdown by country is as follows:
Dominican Republic 2
Venezuela 2
Puerto Rico 1
Mexico 1
Cuba 1

Hernández's Cy Young Award is sense of pride for all Venezolanos and I believe it will be front page on every newspaper in Venezuela. Congratulations to Felix Hernández on winning the Cy Young Award.

FH

For Further Reading
- Click Here for the official BBWAA webpage listing the results of the 2010 AL Cy Young Award
- Click Here for the list of past Cy Young Award winners since 1956