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

[MexicanStallion]

Just comical and well deserved for the Nats.

ESPN's Jayson Stark has been told by three teams that the Nationals are looking to trade both Jonathan Papelbon and Drew Storen.

Most assumed one of them would go, with Storen probably the most likely. However, it appears that the Nats are aiming to really remake their bullpen, with Stark saying they're targeting Aroldis Chapman, Darren O'Day and others. Papelbon and Storen were reportedly pursued by the Tigers before they traded for Francisco Rodriguez.

[Shortstop]

Aroldis Chapman would look great in a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform!

Hey.....EZ Nowwwww!!???

yeah let's make that happen

Word!

I think he'd look even better in a Toronto Blue Jays uniform.

I figured you'd think so!

[Shortstop]

Red Sox acquire closer Kimbrel from Padres

The Red Sox have made the first big move in the Dave Dombrowski era, acquiring closer Craig Kimbrel from the Padres for four prospects.

I've always liked Kimbrel. Great acquisition for Boston!

Guy has "nasty" stuff. However, since he's in Boston now, he has "wicked" stuff!

[EmpireMaker]

Jose Fernandez: Scott Boras will be part of discussions with Marlins

By David Brown | Baseball Writer

November 20, 2015 7:06 pm ET

• 
  

The Marlins recently said agent Scott Boras would not be part of the conversation when they talk to ace right-hander Jose Fernandez about how much they plan to use him 2016, which will be his first full season following Tommy John surgery.
Oh, yeah? Well, the word apparently didn't trickle to Fernandez, who Friday at a Marlins charity event said that, yes, Boras would be part of the conversation. He is his agent, after all.
Via reporter Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, Fernandez said:

"I don't know what all this is all about, but Scott Boras will be there because he's my agent, and I decide who is going to be on my phone calls on my conference. It's that simple."

Fernandez surely knows what "this is all about." Team president David Samson on Nov. 12 said the team would keep Boras out of the loop, no doubt in reference to the obnoxious Matt Harvey innings debate that sprouted late this season for the Mets. Boras started that disagreement, too, though Harvey's return from elbow reconstruction is on a different schedule than that of Fernandez because of the timing.
It's possible, or even likely, that what the Marlins-Fernandez-Boras kerfuffle really is about is Fernandez rejecting the previous offer of a long-term contract by the team, and how, according to Miami radio personality Andy Slater, Fernandez has zero confidence in Miami's ability to build a competitive team around him and Giancarlo Stanton, and how Miami's front office thinks Boras has poisoned Fernandez against them.
Some reports say there's no interest on the part of the Marlins in trading Fernandez, who posted a 2.92 ERA in 11 starts with 79 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings -- and looked dominant as always -- after returning from Tommy John in May 2014. Others aren't as sure:
Fernandez would bring a haul in return, but it's also important for the Marlins to want to keep him. He's a 23-year-old Cuban-American pitcher who can lead a franchise. The Marlins need people to come to the games, and to watch them on TV -- they're 30th in revenue league-wide, CBS Sports MLB Insider Jon Heyman notes -- and Fernandez is a big reason to buy a ticket or tune in. They need to build with players like him, not send them away. If they don't think they'll come to an agreement with him and Boras by the time Fernandez reaches free agency in 2019, it would be prudent to explore trade offers -- but it seems like they've already reached the last resort.
Slater reported teammates complaining of Fernandez acting immaturely and less like a leader and more like a 23-year-old in 2015. Included in his alleged behavior: trade requests to GM Michael Hill. Let's say the report is true, or has truths in it -- can you blame Fernandez? The Marlins come off as one of the most dysfunctional, disingenuous, untrustworthy teams in the league. Imagine playing for your adopted hometown in Miami, one of the most livable cities for a young person with some money in the United States, and wanting to be traded. Why is that? Fernandez obviously has his reasons.
The Marlins-Fernandez relationship might not be broken, but it certainly appears to need saving.

[Chi_archie]

Just comical and well deserved for the Nats.

ESPN's Jayson Stark has been told by three teams that the Nationals are looking to trade both Jonathan Papelbon and Drew Storen.

Most assumed one of them would go, with Storen probably the most likely. However, it appears that the Nats are aiming to really remake their bullpen, with Stark saying they're targeting Aroldis Chapman, Darren O'Day and others. Papelbon and Storen were reportedly pursued by the Tigers before they traded for Francisco Rodriguez.

bullpens can be such a crap shoot

[koz-man]

Jose Fernandez: Scott Boras will be part of discussions with Marlins

I wonder how much Scott is worth??? $$$$

[BigSpoon]

bullpens can be such a crap shoot

I agree, very tough for teams to try and replicate the Royals bullpen.

[MexicanStallion]

There's been some small trades so far in the offseason.

ESPN's Jerry Crasnick reports that the Mariners are working on a trade to acquire Marcell Ozuna.

Ozuna has fallen out of favor in Miami, as he's apparently in owner Jeffrey Loria's doghouse. The 25-year-old outfielder hit only .259/.308/.383 with 10 homers and 44 RBI in 2015 and spent time in the minors. However, he batted .269/.317/.455 with 23 bombs and 85 RBI in 2014 and is not yet arbitration-eligible, so there's obvious appeal. Crasnick says the Marlins are looking for a young starter in exchange for Ozuna, and the Miami Herald's Clark Spencer hears Roenis Elias and Nate Karns could pique their interest. Meanwhile, MLB.com's Joe Frisaro believes the two clubs could be working on a larger trade involving more than just Ozuna and a pitcher. Nothing appears imminent here, but there's some smoke.

[EmpireMaker]

#Angels announce that they've signed Geovany Soto to a one-year deal
Geovany Soto’s deal is worth $2.8M.

[Chi_archie]

#Angels announce that they've signed Geovany Soto to a one-year deal
Geovany Soto’s deal is worth $2.8M.

cheap

[koz-man]

Red Sox emerging as big spender

The Red Sox are emerging as a big spender in the chase for David Price, but Buster Olney hopes they're ready to open the purse: Last winter, they were hesitant to offer Jon Lester $135M -- and that'll be far less than what Price can command.

[Shortstop]

The Chicago White Sox signed Alex Avila to a one-year, $2.5 million deal.

The left-handed hitting Avila is a catcher and can also play first base.

[EmpireMaker]

• The Dodgers have had contact with free agent righty Ryan Madson, Heyman says. The veteran, who enjoyed a remarkable turnaround last year, could be one of several options as Los Angeles looks to beef up its pen.
• The Mariners have long said that re-signing Hisashi Iwakuma is a priority, and GM Jerry Dipoto reaffirmed that stance only days ago. Heyman writes that the club is “willing to go to around $24 million or so over two years” for the accomplished veteran. It’s not entirely clear whether there’s any willingness to go beyond that amount, but it seems a bit light for a pitcher of Iwakuma’s ability. (MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes predicts a three-year, $45MM deal for the righty.)
• Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez would welcome a trade, writes Heyman. It’s been known for awhile that Alvarez is on the block due to his rising arbitration salary, poor glove and struggles with left-handed pitching. The Pirates almost certainly don’t want to pay Alvarez his projected $8.1MM salary next season and could very well non-tender him next week if they can’t find a taker. Heyman notes that the Orioles make some sense, and I’d add the Athletics as a speculative fit also. He’s probably best off with an AL club where he can DH, but it’s also fun to think of the power numbers Alvarez could log at Coors Field.
• The Cardinals are among the most interested teams in Ben Zobrist and have reached out to his representatives at Octagon, reports Heyman. Zobrist was linked to the Cardinals last week, and Heyman notes that there are as many as 20 teams believed to have interest in the versatile switch-hitter. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch tweets that the Cardinals are indeed in the mix, but it remains to be seen whether they can sell Zobrist on a super-utility role (an “uber-role,” as Goold terms it). Zobrist’s preference is reportedly to play second base.
• While the Orioles are prioritizing an effort to bring back Chris Davis, the club has legitimate interest in outfielder Alex Gordon. Meanwhile, Heyman says that he’d be surprised if the club pursues Gerardo Parra as a corner outfield option, since “they weren’t all that impressed by him” over the last several months.
• The Royals may be “willing to at least talk” with the reps of backstop Salvador Perez about “reworking” his early-career extension. That contract has become almost comically team-friendly since it was signed — a reflection of both the significant risk taken on by the team at the time and the extent to which Perez has rewarded that trust. It’s not entirely clear what kind of scenario could be pursued, but all indications are that Kansas City would be bargaining from a position of strength.
• There’s at least “a bit” of contact between the Angels and free agent third baseman David Freese, says Heyman. A reunion continues to appear possible, though the club will likely look to see how some other market possibilities play out before committing to the veteran.

[Shortstop]

• The Dodgers have had contact with free agent righty Ryan Madson, Heyman says. The veteran, who enjoyed a remarkable turnaround last year, could be one of several options as Los Angeles looks to beef up its pen.
• The Mariners have long said that re-signing Hisashi Iwakuma is a priority, and GM Jerry Dipoto reaffirmed that stance only days ago. Heyman writes that the club is “willing to go to around $24 million or so over two years” for the accomplished veteran. It’s not entirely clear whether there’s any willingness to go beyond that amount, but it seems a bit light for a pitcher of Iwakuma’s ability. (MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes predicts a three-year, $45MM deal for the righty.)
• Pirates first baseman Pedro Alvarez would welcome a trade, writes Heyman. It’s been known for awhile that Alvarez is on the block due to his rising arbitration salary, poor glove and struggles with left-handed pitching. The Pirates almost certainly don’t want to pay Alvarez his projected $8.1MM salary next season and could very well non-tender him next week if they can’t find a taker. Heyman notes that the Orioles make some sense, and I’d add the Athletics as a speculative fit also. He’s probably best off with an AL club where he can DH, but it’s also fun to think of the power numbers Alvarez could log at Coors Field.
• The Cardinals are among the most interested teams in Ben Zobrist and have reached out to his representatives at Octagon, reports Heyman. Zobrist was linked to the Cardinals last week, and Heyman notes that there are as many as 20 teams believed to have interest in the versatile switch-hitter. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch tweets that the Cardinals are indeed in the mix, but it remains to be seen whether they can sell Zobrist on a super-utility role (an “uber-role,” as Goold terms it). Zobrist’s preference is reportedly to play second base.
• While the Orioles are prioritizing an effort to bring back Chris Davis, the club has legitimate interest in outfielder Alex Gordon. Meanwhile, Heyman says that he’d be surprised if the club pursues Gerardo Parra as a corner outfield option, since “they weren’t all that impressed by him” over the last several months.
• The Royals may be “willing to at least talk” with the reps of backstop Salvador Perez about “reworking” his early-career extension. That contract has become almost comically team-friendly since it was signed — a reflection of both the significant risk taken on by the team at the time and the extent to which Perez has rewarded that trust. It’s not entirely clear what kind of scenario could be pursued, but all indications are that Kansas City would be bargaining from a position of strength.
• There’s at least “a bit” of contact between the Angels and free agent third baseman David Freese, says Heyman. A reunion continues to appear possible, though the club will likely look to see how some other market possibilities play out before committing to the veteran.

Yeah, I highly doubt that Pedro Alvarez will be wearing a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform come April...

I have very mixed thoughts about him leaving. He's definitely a "Jekyll & Hyde" type of player...

[BigSpoon]

Less than 10 days away from the GM meetings in Nashville. Will have to wait until then for the real action to begin with major free agents and trades.

[Chi_archie]

Less than 10 days away from the GM meetings in Nashville. Will have to wait until then for the real action to begin with major free agents and trades.

yes, very excite

although I read some murmers about a possible starling marte to cleveland indians deal...

not too pleased with that

[koz-man]

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!

[koz-man]

The Orioles have reacquired L.J. Hoes, getting the 25-year old outfielder from Houston for cash considerations.

The O's drafted the right-handed hitting Hoes in the 3rd round in 2008, then sent him to the Astros in the 2013 deal that brought Bud Norris to Baltimore.

In 777 minor league games, Hoes has a .752 OPS., compared to just .617 in 112 big league games.

[EmpireMaker]

Happy Thanksgiving !!!

• The Astros aren’t likely to be big players for Chris Davis, a source familiar with the situation tells Evan Drelllich of the Houston Chronicle. Davis will command a big price and Houston already has a lot of high-power, high-strikeout hitters. I myself speculated that Davis and the Astros could be a fit in my Astros Offseason Outlook piece, under the logic that the team needs a big left-handed bat, Davis is a Texas native and first base would be open if Chris Carter and Evan Gattis were non-tendered. Drellich’s piece looks at that first base situation for the Astros, and the presence of prospects Tyler White and A.J. Reed might also make a Davis signing unlikely.
• Six general managers who recently spoke with Peter Gammons believe the Red Sox will sign David Price this offseason. “Boston will go $30-40M above anyone else” to land Price, one NL GM opines. This is just the latest chatter connecting Price to the Sox, and while Gammons writes that “some feel he is uneasy about Boston, but David is so sophisticated, so talented and so intelligent he will make the best of any situation.” Another GM, however, speculates that the Cardinals could be the ones to make the big play for Price, passing on re-signing Jason Heyward in the process.
• Gammons shares some more chatter from his sources, including “a lot of John Lackey and Alex Gordon to the Cubs speculation.”
• Recently designated players like John Axford, Daniel Nava, A.J. Griffin, Danny Hultzen and Wilin Rosario could all be intriguing targets for the Padres, Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune opines. The first three are free agents, Hultzen was outrighted off the Mariners’ 40-man roster and Rosario is still in DFA limbo.

[Chi_archie]

Alex Gordon and the Cubs is interesting

[koz-man]

As soon as the Cards let go of Jason Heyward. He will have his break out year. Ya!??

[Shortstop]

Less than 10 days away from the GM meetings in Nashville. Will have to wait until then for the real action to begin with major free agents and trades.

Yes! Let the wheeling and dealing and moving and shaking commence!

[Shortstop]

although I read some murmers about a possible starling marte to cleveland indians deal...

not too pleased with that

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[BigSpoon]

Alex Gordon and the Cubs is interesting

I'd be very surprised if he left the Royals.

[BigSpoon]

Happy Thanksgiving !!!

• The Astros aren’t likely to be big players for Chris Davis, a source familiar with the situation tells Evan Drelllich of the Houston Chronicle. Davis will command a big price and Houston already has a lot of high-power, high-strikeout hitters. I myself speculated that Davis and the Astros could be a fit in my Astros Offseason Outlook piece, under the logic that the team needs a big left-handed bat, Davis is a Texas native and first base would be open if Chris Carter and Evan Gattis were non-tendered. Drellich’s piece looks at that first base situation for the Astros, and the presence of prospects Tyler White and A.J. Reed might also make a Davis signing unlikely.
• Six general managers who recently spoke with Peter Gammons believe the Red Sox will sign David Price this offseason. “Boston will go $30-40M above anyone else” to land Price, one NL GM opines. This is just the latest chatter connecting Price to the Sox, and while Gammons writes that “some feel he is uneasy about Boston, but David is so sophisticated, so talented and so intelligent he will make the best of any situation.” Another GM, however, speculates that the Cardinals could be the ones to make the big play for Price, passing on re-signing Jason Heyward in the process.
• Gammons shares some more chatter from his sources, including “a lot of John Lackey and Alex Gordon to the Cubs speculation.”
• Recently designated players like John Axford, Daniel Nava, A.J. Griffin, Danny Hultzen and Wilin Rosario could all be intriguing targets for the Padres, Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune opines. The first three are free agents, Hultzen was outrighted off the Mariners’ 40-man roster and Rosario is still in DFA limbo.

Funny reading the David Price bit, must be difficult to make the best of a situation where he's going to get over $200M. What a life of a star professional athlete.

[EmpireMaker]

I hate this move:

Starting pitcher J.A. Happ has signed a three-year, $36 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, the club announced Friday evening.
Happ, 33, was with the Blue Jays for parts of three seasons from 2012-2014. He was 19-20 with a 4.39 ERA (90 ERA+) in his time there. He was traded to Seattle last offseason and then dealt to the Pirates, where he thrived.
In his time with Pittsburgh, Happ was 7-2 with a 1.85 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 11 starts. He struck out 69 in 63 1/3 innings. Interestingly, pretty much all of Happ's best work as a starter has come in the National League.
Signing him to a three-year deal worth $12 million per year suggests the Jays are expecting him to remain in the rotation long-term.
With this addition, the Jays have more than enough in-house to fill out their rotation. It looks as follows:
1. Marcus Stroman
2. Marco Estrada
3. R.A. Dickey
4. J.A. Happ
5. Jesse Chavez/Drew Hutchison
There's also the option of moving youngster Aaron Sanchez into the rotation.
The topic on everyone's mind is surely David Price. If the Jays feel it is possible to bring him back, signing Happ and trading for Chavez wouldn't necessarily eliminate them from contention for the free-agent ace. Several reports have indicated the Jays wouldn't be willing to pay huge money to retain Price, however, and it does appear the Jays are filling out a rotation without him. If we do throw Sanchez in the mix, they already have seven viable candidates for the five rotation spots.
Basically, this move doesn't mean the Blue Jays are 100 percent out on Price, but all the moves in totality thus far in the offseason logically point to them being ready to move on.

[Shortstop]

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!!

Haha! Late to the party!

Hope you all had a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

[BigSpoon]

I hate this move:

Starting pitcher J.A. Happ has signed a three-year, $36 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, the club announced Friday evening.
Happ, 33, was with the Blue Jays for parts of three seasons from 2012-2014. He was 19-20 with a 4.39 ERA (90 ERA+) in his time there. He was traded to Seattle last offseason and then dealt to the Pirates, where he thrived.
In his time with Pittsburgh, Happ was 7-2 with a 1.85 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in 11 starts. He struck out 69 in 63 1/3 innings. Interestingly, pretty much all of Happ's best work as a starter has come in the National League.
Signing him to a three-year deal worth $12 million per year suggests the Jays are expecting him to remain in the rotation long-term.
With this addition, the Jays have more than enough in-house to fill out their rotation. It looks as follows:
1. Marcus Stroman
2. Marco Estrada
3. R.A. Dickey
4. J.A. Happ
5. Jesse Chavez/Drew Hutchison
There's also the option of moving youngster Aaron Sanchez into the rotation.
The topic on everyone's mind is surely David Price. If the Jays feel it is possible to bring him back, signing Happ and trading for Chavez wouldn't necessarily eliminate them from contention for the free-agent ace. Several reports have indicated the Jays wouldn't be willing to pay huge money to retain Price, however, and it does appear the Jays are filling out a rotation without him. If we do throw Sanchez in the mix, they already have seven viable candidates for the five rotation spots.
Basically, this move doesn't mean the Blue Jays are 100 percent out on Price, but all the moves in totality thus far in the offseason logically point to them being ready to move on.

Not as huge fan of that signing either as a Jays fan. Hopefully they can strengthen the bullpen since the rotation looks pretty poor at the moment.

[Chi_archie]

As a bucco fan I'm not happy to see Happ go

but the price seems steep

he should buy the Pirate pitching coach a car with that new money though

[koz-man]

Funny reading the David Price bit, must be difficult to make the best of a situation where he's going to get over $200M. What a life of a star professional athlete.

Agree. Would love to have those problems...

[EmpireMaker]

Police: Dodgers' Puig suffers injuries in bar fight; MLB to investigate

By David Brown | Baseball Writer

November 28, 2015 11:38 am ET

• 
  

Dodgers slugger Yasiel Puig reportedly sustained injuries to his face in a fight with a bouncer at a Miami bar Wednesday night, and Major League Baseball plans to investigate under the league's new domestic violence policy. The bouncer reportedly had asked him to leave the Blue Martini bar after Puig got into an argument with his own sister.
Puig would be the second player, following Jose Reyes of the Rockies, to be subjected to MLB's new policies on domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. An agreement between the players union and the owners, announced in August, gives commissioner Rob Manfred wide powers in disciplining players involved in such cases (and/or putting them in treatment).
Via the Associated Press, Miami police spokesperson Delrish Moss said:

"At some point" Puig and a bouncer began to fight, leaving Puig with the swollen left eye and "minor bumps and bruises" to his face. Moss said the bouncer got a busted lip and minor facial bruises. The spokesman said the bouncer claimed Puig sucker-punched him; Puig said the bouncer got too aggressive. Moss said neither wanted to press charges.
A Dodgers spokesman said Friday night the team had no comment.

The initial report came from ESPN Deportes, and TMZ followed up with details, saying Puig "pushed" his sister, got "physical" with bar staff after they tried to break it up, and incited a "brawl" outside of the bar with the "sucker punch."
The Los Angeles Times reports the police were told a different story.

The domestic violence element stemmed from a TMZ report that bar employees got involved in the situation after Puig had a physical altercation with his sister.
However, Moss said, “No shoving was alleged. To the best of our knowledge, the only physical altercation was between the bouncer and Puig.”

MLB's investigation would be separate from that of the Miami police, so even with the absence of a "physical" altercation between Puig and his sister in the police report, he might not be off the hook.
The bar incident was not Puig's first public scrape. He was arrested twice in 2013 because of reckless driving.

So much talent, so little self-control

[koz-man]

Police: Dodgers' Puig suffers injuries in bar fight; MLB to investigate

By David Brown | Baseball Writer

November 28, 2015 11:38 am ET

"At some point" Puig and a bouncer began to fight, leaving Puig with the swollen left eye and "minor bumps and bruises" to his face. Moss said the bouncer got a busted lip and minor facial bruises. The spokesman said the bouncer claimed Puig sucker-punched him; Puig said the bouncer got too aggressive. Moss said neither wanted to press charges.

The bar incident was not Puig's first public scrape. He was arrested twice in 2013 because of reckless driving.

So much talent, so little self-control

Not surprised by the sucker punch one bit. His he ever going to grow up???

[Chi_archie]

puig=trash

[BigSpoon]

Puig trade value at an all-time low. Dodgers will have to just give him away to get rid of him.

[Shortstop]

As a bucco fan I'm not happy to see Happ go

Word!

J.A. played a hugh role for the Pirates this year. Many doubted the signing, but it proved to be a strong one...