The 2015 Major League Baseball Player Chatter, News and Fantasy Thread

[Chi_archie]

I'm not happy about this trade at all! Bad move in my opinion...

I want ant to see the PTBNL first and see if there was any truth to the rumor that this trade was opening up some $ to go get Brandon beachy

[sweep]

hate the yankees empire

[koz-man]

hate the yankees empire

I'll second that

[koz-man]

Nats sign Casey Janssen



The Washington Nationals have signed reliever Casey Janssen to a one-year contract worth $5 million, according to multiple reports.

The deal includes a mutual option for 2016, according to reports.

Janssen, 33, has spent his entire eight-year career with the Toronto Blue Jays, going 29-24 with a 3.52 ERA and 90 saves. The right-hander spent the past three seasons as Toronto's closer, converting 81 of 91 save opportunities.

Janssen figures to serve as a late-inning setup man for the Nationals, who traded right-hander Tyler Clippard to the Athletics earlier this offseason.

[Straight Cash]

Nats sign Casey Janssen



The Washington Nationals have signed reliever Casey Janssen to a one-year contract worth $5 million, according to multiple reports.

The deal includes a mutual option for 2016, according to reports.

Janssen, 33, has spent his entire eight-year career with the Toronto Blue Jays, going 29-24 with a 3.52 ERA and 90 saves. The right-hander spent the past three seasons as Toronto's closer, converting 81 of 91 save opportunities.

Janssen figures to serve as a late-inning setup man for the Nationals, who traded right-hander Tyler Clippard to the Athletics earlier this offseason.

I must have missed that Clippard trade. Nats are spending some serious coin, better win now with that rotation.

[stevenash]

Jannssen in and Clippard out is a serious upgrade.
Nats recognizing that BP was their weakness and addressed it.

I've always been critical of the Nats front office in the past, for several reasons, Werth contract, shutting down Stras, the list is endless, looks like they are getting their shit together.

[EmpireMaker]

hate the yankees empire

I'm not a Yankee fan either but Tanaka is a great pitcher. Surely, any of you would love to have him on your favorite team.

[Chi_archie]

jayson werth going to serve 5 days in jail

[koz-man]

Dian Toscano, Braves agree to deal

ATLANTA -- Cuban outfielder Dian Toscano and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a four-year, $6 million contract.

The 25-year-old, a left-handed hitter, batted .356 during the 2012-13 season for Villa Clara in Cuba.

His deal, announced Wednesday, includes a $1.2 million signing bonus payable 72 hours after he reports to major league spring training and salaries of $800,000 this year, $1 million in 2016, $1.3 million in 2017 and $1.5 million in 2018.

Atlanta has a $1.7 million option for 2019 with a $200,000 buyout.

The Braves are rebuilding their outfield after trading Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and Evan Gattis.
Nick Markakis was signed to replace Heyward in right field. Other newcomers include Zoilo Almonte, Eury Perez and Jonny Gomes. B.J. Upton returns in center field.

To make room for Toscano on the 40-man roster, outfielder Jose Constanza was designated for assignment.

[Shortstop]

Nats are spending some serious coin, better win now with that rotation.

I agree. I still don't see them getting further than the NLCS if they even get that far.

Granted, they've made some nice moves this winter I just don't see them making much noise in October...

[Shortstop]

jayson werth going to serve 5 days in jail

They should've made him shave his beard, too!

[Shortstop]

Dian Toscano, Braves agree to deal

ATLANTA -- Cuban outfielder Dian Toscano and the Atlanta Braves have agreed to a four-year, $6 million contract.

The 25-year-old, a left-handed hitter, batted .356 during the 2012-13 season for Villa Clara in Cuba.

His deal, announced Wednesday, includes a $1.2 million signing bonus payable 72 hours after he reports to major league spring training and salaries of $800,000 this year, $1 million in 2016, $1.3 million in 2017 and $1.5 million in 2018.

Atlanta has a $1.7 million option for 2019 with a $200,000 buyout.

The Braves are rebuilding their outfield after trading Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and Evan Gattis.
Nick Markakis was signed to replace Heyward in right field. Other newcomers include Zoilo Almonte, Eury Perez and Jonny Gomes. B.J. Upton returns in center field.

To make room for Toscano on the 40-man roster, outfielder Jose Constanza was designated for assignment.

The Cubans are taking MLB by storm!

I think it's awesome that these guys get to display their talents amongst the other greatest players in the world.

I often wonder how much wasted talent stayed on that island over the years...

[Shortstop]

I want ant to see the PTBNL first and see if there was any truth to the rumor that this trade was opening up some $ to go get Brandon beachy

I hadn't heard the Beachy rumors, Arch.

I'd definitely like to see him don the Black and Gold this year!

[Shortstop]

hate the yankees empire

It will be interesting to see how the Yankees do "Post-Jeter" this season...

[EmpireMaker]

Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was named the top prospect in baseball by MLB.com Friday. Buxton played just 31 games in 2014 due to wrist and concussion issues and finished with a .240/.313/.405 line along with four home runs, 16 RBI and six stolen bases in 121 at-bats with high Class A Fort Myers. He also went 0 for 3 at the Double-A level. Buxton is making his second straight appearance atop MLB.com's top prospect list.
The rest of MLB.com's top-five prospects (in order) are Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, Astros shotstop Carlos Correa, Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor and Cubs shortstop Addison Russell. None of the quartet appeared in the top five of last year's MLB.com prospect list, though all four cracked the top 12.

[koz-man]

O's, Steve Pearce avoid arbitration

BALTIMORE -- Orioles first baseman Steve Pearce has agreed to a $3.7 million, one-year contract and avoided a salary arbitration hearing.

Pearce had asked for $5.4 million and had been offered $2 million when the sides exchanged proposed salaries two weeks ago, the largest gap among the 74 players who swapped. The settlement Friday was at the midpoint.

Pearce hit .293 for Baltimore last year and set career bests with 21 homers and 49 RBIs.
He is eligible for free agency after this season.

Three Orioles remain in arbitration: closer Zach Britton, right-hander Miguel Gonzalez and outfielder Alejandro De Aza.

[Chi_archie]

Pirates sign Chris Volstad to a minor league deal

[BigSpoon]

It will be interesting to see how the Yankees do "Post-Jeter" this season...

They will be fine. He's a legend but he was barely replacement level for the past 2 seasons that he played in.

[EmpireMaker]

SIGNINGS & AGREEMENTS
- Angels: P Garret Richards avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.2 million contract.
- Orioles: Have signed P Mark Hendrickson to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. (Rich Dubroff via Twitter)
- Rays: Have signed P Ronald Belisario to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training.
RUMORS & SPECULATION
- Brewers, Padres: The Padres reportedly have interest in Brewers INF Luis Sardinas, whom they recently acquired from the Rangers. (Ken Rosenthal via Twitter)
- Brewers, Phillies: Brewers assistant GM Gord Ash acknowledged the recent trade talks surrounding P Jonathan Papelbon but said there's been very little movement of late. (Adam McCalvy, MLB.com)
- Dodgers: P Zack Greinke's contract allows him to opt out and become a free agent after the 2015 season, but he says he hasn't decided whether he's going to do that. (Bill Shaikin via Twitter)
INJURY UPDATES
- Orioles: 3B Manny Machado (knee surgery) expects to be ready for a full spring training. (Steve Melewski, MASN)
MISCELLANY
- Orioles: 1B Chris Davis says his decision in 2013 to use adderall despite no longer having a therapeutic exemption was "a moment of weakness." (Roch Kubatko via Twitter)

[Shortstop]

Pirates sign Chris Volstad to a minor league deal

Who?!?

[Shortstop]

They will be fine. He's a legend but he was barely replacement level for the past 2 seasons that he played in.

I agree they'll be fine. Wouldn't be surprised to see them in the playoffs this year.

Tough shoes to fill at short, though...

[Shortstop]

Twins outfielder Byron Buxton was named the top prospect in baseball by MLB.com Friday. Buxton played just 31 games in 2014 due to wrist and concussion issues and finished with a .240/.313/.405 line along with four home runs, 16 RBI and six stolen bases in 121 at-bats with high Class A Fort Myers. He also went 0 for 3 at the Double-A level. Buxton is making his second straight appearance atop MLB.com's top prospect list.
The rest of MLB.com's top-five prospects (in order) are Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, Astros shotstop Carlos Correa, Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor and Cubs shortstop Addison Russell. None of the quartet appeared in the top five of last year's MLB.com prospect list, though all four cracked the top 12.

The Cubs have all the ingredients to become a pennant contender.

Whether or not it plays out on the diamond is yet TBD.

[koz-man]

Angels' Garrett Richards gets $3.2M

A person with knowledge of the contract has told The Associated Press that the Los Angeles Angels have reached a $3.2 million deal for the upcoming season with right-hander Garrett Richards.
[+] EnlargeMark L. Baer/USA TODAY SportsGarrett Richards is set to earn $3.2 million in 2015 after a breakout performance in 2014.


The person spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday because the announcement hadn't been made.
The Angels avoided potentially their trickiest arbitration case by signing Richards, who went 13-4 with a 2.61 ERA in his breakout season in 2014. Los Angeles agreed to a deal closer to the $3.8 million requested by Richards than the $2.4 million offered by the club.
Richards appeared to be a serious contender for the AL Cy Young award until he tore the patellar tendon in his left knee while covering first base Aug. 20 in Boston, ending his season.

[Chi_archie]

Who?!?

Tall guy pitched for marlins and cubs

must have had an injury and making a comeback

[Shortstop]

Tall guy pitched for marlins and cubs

must have had an injury and making a comeback

Gotcha. I'm just wondering why the Buccos have an interest in this guy?

Hopefully he ends up playing a major role in the Pirates World Series run this year...

[EmpireMaker]

The Tigers have reportedly held a private workout for the Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada, Detroit assistant general manager Al Avila told the Detroit News Saturday.
The Tigers have interested in Moncada but Avila will not say if the team will pursue Moncada when he becomes available to sign with a major league club.

[Wrigley]

Now that Football is over time to really start thinking fantasy baseball

[sweep]

looking forward to spring training and the weather that comes with it. Freezing here on the eäst coasþ lately

[Chi_archie]

Gotcha. I'm just wondering why the Buccos have an interest in this guy?

Hopefully he ends up playing a major role in the Pirates World Series run this year...

they love their reclamation projects and to stock pile depth at the AAA level

throw a bunch of shit against the wall and see what sticks I guess

maybe he could help as a bullpen arm in a pinch late next summer

[koz-man]

they love their reclamation projects and to stock pile depth at the AAA level

throw a bunch of shit against the wall and see what sticks I guess

maybe he could help as a bullpen arm in a pinch late next summer

This is the way the Reds do it...

[EmpireMaker]

Diamondbacks: Signed C Gerald Laird to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, the club announced.
Giants: Agreed to a one-year contract worth $3.6 million with 1B Brandon Belt, avoiding arbitration. (Jon Heyman)
Mets: Agreed to a one-year contract worth $4.2 million with 1B Lucas Duda, avoiding arbitration. (Jon Heyman)
Nationals: Designated RHP Eric Fornataro for assignment, the team announced. The move clears a 40-man roster spot for the recently signed RHP Casey Janssen.
Padres: Signed C Wil Nieves to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. (MLB.com)
Rockies: Signed RHP John Axford to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He'll earn a $2.6 million base salary if he makes the team with $4 million available in incentives. (Jon Heyman)

[EmpireMaker]

Mets need to upgrade from Duda, the guy is a bum.

[Shortstop]

MISCELLANY
- Orioles: 1B Chris Davis says his decision in 2013 to use adderall despite no longer having a therapeutic exemption was "a moment of weakness." (Roch Kubatko via Twitter)

Interesting...

[Shortstop]

they love their reclamation projects and to stock pile depth at the AAA level

throw a bunch of shit against the wall and see what sticks I guess

maybe he could help as a bullpen arm in a pinch late next summer

Word!

This is the way the Reds do it...

[Chi_archie]

Mets need to upgrade from Duda, the guy is a bum.

How about Ike Davis?