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

[koz-man]

Brandon Belt avoids arbitration


SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants first baseman Brandon Belt has agreed to a $3.6 million, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration.

Belt hit .308 with two RBIs in the World Series after missing time over the final 2½ months with a concussion.

He played in only 61 regular-season games, batting .243 with 12 homers and 27 RBIs. During batting practice in July before a game at Miami, two Giants accidentally threw balls to Belt at the same time. One of the throws hit him in the face.

Belt experienced nausea, headaches and dizziness in the aftermath, and feared his season might be done. San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy had his doubts, too, especially when Belt's symptoms returned for a second time.

Belt played five games in August after coming back, then missed six more weeks when the symptoms recurred.

Following Belt's agreement Monday, new third baseman Casey McGehee is the Giants' only player left in arbitration.

=========================

When he first came up. I thought he would tear up the league.

This year will be his 5th and I still feel his power numbers will increase.

[EmpireMaker]

http://m.mlb.com/fantasy/preview/y2015?partnerId=ed-8927201-773165903

Fantasy Player Values

[EmpireMaker]

Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada has been declared a free agent by Major League Baseball.
Moncada, 19, was having issues gaining residency and needed to be cleared by the U.S. government's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
He is a switch hitting shortstop. The Brewers, Rangers, Giants,Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox and Padres have recently seen Moncada perform in a private workout.

[EmpireMaker]

(2/3/2015) Free-agent pitcher James Shields has multiple offers on the table and is expected to sign by the end of this week, FOX Sports reports. The Cardinals, Yankees and Padres were reported to have shown interest earlier Tuesday, and other teams have also been rumored to be in the mix throughout the offseason. Shields went 14-8 with a 180:44 K:BB ratio in 227 innings with the Royals in 2014.

[Shortstop]

Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada has been declared a free agent by Major League Baseball.
Moncada, 19, was having issues gaining residency and needed to be cleared by the U.S. government's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
He is a switch hitting shortstop. The Brewers, Rangers, Giants,Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox and Padres have recently seen Moncada perform in a private workout.

Yet another Cuban entering MLB. Awesome!

I'd love to see the Pirates show some interest in this kid.

[Shortstop]

Brandon Belt avoids arbitration


SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants first baseman Brandon Belt has agreed to a $3.6 million, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration.

Belt hit .308 with two RBIs in the World Series after missing time over the final 2½ months with a concussion.

He played in only 61 regular-season games, batting .243 with 12 homers and 27 RBIs. During batting practice in July before a game at Miami, two Giants accidentally threw balls to Belt at the same time. One of the throws hit him in the face.

Belt experienced nausea, headaches and dizziness in the aftermath, and feared his season might be done. San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy had his doubts, too, especially when Belt's symptoms returned for a second time.

Belt played five games in August after coming back, then missed six more weeks when the symptoms recurred.

Following Belt's agreement Monday, new third baseman Casey McGehee is the Giants' only player left in arbitration.

=========================

When he first came up. I thought he would tear up the league.

This year will be his 5th and I still feel his power numbers will increase.

Damn! What are the odds?

I agree with you, koz-man. I see a bright future for Belt! Guy has a ton of potential, in my opinion...

[Chi_archie]

http://m.mlb.com/fantasy/preview/y20...7201-773165903
Fantasy Player Values

awesome thanks!

[koz-man]

Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada has been declared a free agent by Major League Baseball.
Moncada, 19, was having issues gaining residency and needed to be cleared by the U.S. government's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
He is a switch hitting shortstop. The Brewers, Rangers, Giants,Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox and Padres have recently seen Moncada perform in a private workout.

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball has eliminated its requirement that Cuban players obtain a license from the U.S. government before they are eligible to sign with big league teams.

The decision could speed the negotiating process for Yoan Moncada, a well-regarded 19-year-old infielder who left Cuba last year with permission from Cuba's government.

MLB Executive Vice President Dan Halem sent a memorandum to teams Tuesday, saying the new policy was warranted following changes made last month to Cuban Assets Control Regulations by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. That followed President Barack Obama's announcement in December that the United States and Cuba were re-establishing relations.

A Cuban player previously had to obtain an unblocking license from OFAC before he could sign a contract. Halem told clubs that under the new rules "all Cuban national prospects must provide a sworn statement."

MLB provided teams a copy of the statement each prospect must sign. It says, in part, "I have taken up permanent residence outside of Cuba. In addition, I hereby state that I do not intend to, nor would I be welcome to, return to Cuba. Further, I hereby state that I am not a prohibited official of the Government of Cuba ... and am not a prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party."

The rules change was first reported by Yahoo! Sports.

Bidding is expected to be high for Moncada, with the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers considered the front-runners.

Many consider Moncada the top Cuban prospect.
=========================

The flood gates are open now!!!

[EmpireMaker]

Yet another Cuban entering MLB. Awesome!

I'd love to see the Pirates show some interest in this kid.

Moncada is considered the top current Cuban prospect.

[Shortstop]

NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball has eliminated its requirement that Cuban players obtain a license from the U.S. government before they are eligible to sign with big league teams.

The decision could speed the negotiating process for Yoan Moncada, a well-regarded 19-year-old infielder who left Cuba last year with permission from Cuba's government.

MLB Executive Vice President Dan Halem sent a memorandum to teams Tuesday, saying the new policy was warranted following changes made last month to Cuban Assets Control Regulations by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control. That followed President Barack Obama's announcement in December that the United States and Cuba were re-establishing relations.

A Cuban player previously had to obtain an unblocking license from OFAC before he could sign a contract. Halem told clubs that under the new rules "all Cuban national prospects must provide a sworn statement."

MLB provided teams a copy of the statement each prospect must sign. It says, in part, "I have taken up permanent residence outside of Cuba. In addition, I hereby state that I do not intend to, nor would I be welcome to, return to Cuba. Further, I hereby state that I am not a prohibited official of the Government of Cuba ... and am not a prohibited member of the Cuban Communist Party."

The rules change was first reported by Yahoo! Sports.

Bidding is expected to be high for Moncada, with the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers considered the front-runners.

Many consider Moncada the top Cuban prospect.
=========================

The flood gates are open now!!!

It's about time!

[Shortstop]

Moncada is considered the top current Cuban prospect.

Yeah, and just think how much other untapped talent is down there!

[Shortstop]

http://m.mlb.com/fantasy/preview/y20...7201-773165903
Fantasy Player Values

Thanks, EM! Great post, bud!

[Shortstop]

Pirates acquire Steve Lombardozzi from Orioles

For cash considerations from what I understand.

In my opinion, another indicator that Neil Walker's days here are numbered.

However, he is NOT the PTBNL for Travis Snider...

[Chi_archie]

Pirates acquire Steve Lombardozzi from Orioles

For cash considerations from what I understand.

In my opinion, another indicator that Neil Walker's days here are numbered.

However, he is NOT the PTBNL for Travis Snider...

Nah he is triple AAAA type depth and insurance for walker injury. They picked him up because jake Elmore choice to leave the organization when he was designated for assignment

[Otters27]

Now that Cuba US are more cool with each other expect more Cubans to be in MLB and less US players to make it big

[koz-man]

Yeah, and just think how much other untapped talent is down there!

I agree. It's about time...

[MexicanStallion]

ESPN Leagues should be opening out in the next few days. It's been down for maintenance for around a week. Can dive into the updates and projections.

[EmpireMaker]

Two Cuban players just left the team in PR, they will turn up in the US but they aren't star players (but could make MLB).

[Otters27]

cuba would be better off embracing these guys going to the MLB and not having to force them to defect

[koz-man]

Victor Martinez has torn meniscus

Another Knee Injury For Victor Martinez

Martinez Was Efficient In 2014

In 2014, Victor Martinez did something only two players in American League history had done before -- hit 30 homers while striking out fewer than 50 times.
30 HRs, fewer than 50 K's in season,
AL history

Victor Martínez	2014
Ted Williams	1957
Joe DiMaggio	1950
-- ESPN Stats & Information

Dr. James Andrews is scheduled to perform surgery Tuesday to repair the injury. Detroit has not announced a timetable for Martinez's return.


General manager Dave Dombrowski said the injury hasn't altered Detroit's approach to the offseason -- not yet, at least.


"There are no changes in our plans at this time," Dombrowski said in an email. "We will evaluate that after his surgery."


Martinez will make $14 million this season after signing a four-year, $68 million contract in the offseason with the Tigers.


The 36-year-old, switch-hitting designated hitter batted .335 with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs in 2014 in helping Detroit to its fourth straight American League Central title. He finished second to Los Angeles Angels phenom Mike Trout in the AL MVP voting.


This is the second time Martinez has suffered a serious offseason knee injury as a Tiger. In 2012, he tore his left ACL in offseason conditioning and missed that entire season. Besides having surgery to repair that injury, he also underwent a microfracture procedure on the same knee earlier that year.

[Shortstop]

Victor Martinez has torn meniscus

Another Knee Injury For Victor Martinez


Martinez Was Efficient In 2014

In 2014, Victor Martinez did something only two players in American League history had done before -- hit 30 homers while striking out fewer than 50 times.
30 HRs, fewer than 50 K's in season,
AL history

Victor Martínez	2014
Ted Williams	1957
Joe DiMaggio	1950
-- ESPN Stats & Information

Dr. James Andrews is scheduled to perform surgery Tuesday to repair the injury. Detroit has not announced a timetable for Martinez's return.


General manager Dave Dombrowski said the injury hasn't altered Detroit's approach to the offseason -- not yet, at least.


"There are no changes in our plans at this time," Dombrowski said in an email. "We will evaluate that after his surgery."


Martinez will make $14 million this season after signing a four-year, $68 million contract in the offseason with the Tigers.


The 36-year-old, switch-hitting designated hitter batted .335 with 32 home runs and 103 RBIs in 2014 in helping Detroit to its fourth straight American League Central title. He finished second to Los Angeles Angels phenom Mike Trout in the AL MVP voting.


This is the second time Martinez has suffered a serious offseason knee injury as a Tiger. In 2012, he tore his left ACL in offseason conditioning and missed that entire season. Besides having surgery to repair that injury, he also underwent a microfracture procedure on the same knee earlier that year.

Horrible news for the Tigers and their fans.

I must admit, I had totally forgotten what a great season he had last year.

Also had no idea he finished 2nd behind Trout for the AL MVP. Proof that no one remembers who finished second!

[MexicanStallion]

Martinez will make $14 million this season after signing a four-year, $68 million contract in the offseason with the Tigers.

That's off to a rough start with a brand new contract. Unfortunate for Martinez.

[EmpireMaker]

James Shields reportedly will decide where to play in 2015 and beyond by the end of the weekend. (USATSI)JAMES SHIELDS UPDATE
Nothing is imminent: Shields and the San Diego Padres, believed by many to be the favorites to land him in free agency, have not met recently, reports Dennis Lin. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
SPECULATION
Giants: Right-hander Tim Hudson says he's leaning toward retirement after the 2015 season ends. He "retired" in his mind, and then changed it, perhaps five times on the flight home from Kansas City after Game 7 of the World Series, and left the door open "a crack" to return in 2016. But he's 39 years old and has logged 3,003 innings, not including postseason, over 15 years. (CSN Bay Area)
Phillies: Might try to trade Cliff Lee as soon as he proves he's healthy in spring training. Lee, 36, is set to make $25 million in 2015. He has a vesting option for $27.5 million in 2016 if he pitches at least 200 innings this season, but also could be bought out for $12.5 million. (ESPN's Jayson Stark)
TRANSACTION
Rangers: Signed Nate Schierholtz to a minor-league deal with a spring invite. He struggled with the Cubs and Nationals in 2014, but for three seasons before that he slugged .442 in 1,134 plate appearances. (Texas Rangers)
INVITED
Kris Bryant and Addison Russell: To spring training for the Chicago Cubs, which begins Feb. 19. Bryant and Russell are part of an exciting crop of youngsters that have fans patient enough with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer that happy days are here again at Wrigley Field. (CBS Chicago)
INJURED
Jose Molina: Needs knee surgery and will miss "a long and indefinite period." A free agent currently, Molina played with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014 and he turns 40 in June. (Fox Sports's Jon Morosi)
LAUDED
Yasiel Puig: By new Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi, who said in a Twitter chat with fans that Puig measures out to be a Gold Glove caliber right fielder. (Dodgers Blue Heaven)

[Shortstop]

http://m.mlb.com/fantasy/preview/y20...7201-773165903
Fantasy Player Values

Good stuff, EM! Thanks for posting!

[Chi_archie]

I have high hopes for Clayton Richard

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/12/pirates-sign-clayton-richard-to-minor-league-deal.html

[koz-man]

Horrible news for the Tigers and their fans.

I must admit, I had totally forgotten what a great season he had last year.

Also had no idea he finished 2nd behind Trout for the AL MVP. Proof that no one remembers who finished second!

Me too...

[Shortstop]

I'm still confused as to why James Shields is such a hot commodity.

Never thought the guy was anything special. Just my opinion...

I always got a kick out of the "Big Game" nickname. Which "Big Game" did he ever win???

Plus, his postseason stats are awful to say the least...

[Wrigley]

Is Johan Santana coming back in 2015

[EmpireMaker]

James Shields
The only remaining free agent that would move the needle is still in play, with the rumor mill churning at high capacity.
Friday night, Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported nothing was imminent, though several reports indicated the Padres were the frontrunner.
Saturday morning, Scott Miller reported that talks between Shields and the Padres were heating up and "gaining momentum." Following that, Marlins beat reporter Joe Frisaro said that the Padres are the favorite, "if not a lock" to get Shields. Later, though, Miller said talks got to the point of an impasse, with the "ball in Shields' court."
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Padres are the favorites and "badly" want Shields, but they've also been told that several other teams are involved in the bidding.
As for the Yankees, GM Brian Cashman (via nj.com) said the "heavy lifting, for right now, is over" on roster shaping this offseason. Adding Shields would surely be heavy lifting, so they appear to be out, as we previously have reported here at CBSSports.com.
So while it sounds like there's at least some movement and it's fair to say the Padres are in the lead, we still have no answer on Shields' landing spot. Nightengale added that Shields is expected to sign "soon," which doesn't really narrow things down much.
This does, though:
Roster moves, salary updates, etc.
A's: They won their arbitration case against Jarrod Parker, who will make "only" $850,000 this season.
Pirates: They also won an arbitration case, as Neil Walker will make $8 million this season (Tom Singer). He was shooting for $9 million.
Reds: They signed relievers Burke Badenhop and Kevin Gregg while designating Ismael Guillon for assignment.
News, rumors and speculation
Cubs/Rays/Joe Maddon: MLB continues to investigate the Rays' claim that the Cubs tampered in hiring Maddon.
Reds: They were reportedly interested in Dayan Viciedo, but GM Walt Jocketty told reds.com that he didn't see a fit (Mark Sheldon).
Miscellany
All-Star Game: Sounds like the tradition of alternating between the AL and NL venues is dying.
Giants: The ballclub is discussing an expanded role for Barry Bonds, which would be in instruction, possibly with minor-league hitters (sfchronicle.com).

[LordVodka]

Is Johan Santana coming back in 2015

WOW! Now that's a name I haven't heard in a long time.

[broadway6]

Sucks about Victor. He was an awesome find for me last year. Around the 11th round.

[Chi_archie]

Can't wait to see where shields ends up

[Otters27]

HA HA it says giant giving barry bonds an expanded role. If I was the giant I would ditch him

[koz-man]

Reds add relievers Badenhop, Gregg

CINCINNATI -- The Reds have added a pair of right-handed pitchers to their bullpen, agreeing to a one-year deal with Burke Badenhop that guarantees him $2.5 million and giving Kevin Gregg a minor league contract.


Badenhop, who turns 32 on Monday, was 0-3 with a 2.29 ERA and one save in 70 relief appearances for Boston last year. He is 18-23 in seven big league seasons that included stints with Florida (2008-11), Tampa Bay (2012) and Milwaukee (2013).


Badenhop gets $1 million this year under Saturday's agreement, which includes a mutual option for 2016 at $4 million with a $1.5 million buyout. He can earn $250,000 in performance bonuses for games pitched: $50,000 for 45, and $100,000 apiece for 50 and 55. If the option is exercised, he also could earn the bonuses in 2016.


Gregg, 36, had a 10.00 ERA in 10 games last year in his second stint with the Marlins, when he started the season in Miami's minor league system and then needed surgery in August to remove bone chips from his pitching elbow. He is 30-44 in 12 seasons, also pitching for the Angels (2003-06), the Marlins (2007-08), the Chicago Cubs (2009, `13), Toronto (2010) and Baltimore (2011-12).


He would get a $1.5 million, one-year contract if added to the 40-man roster and have the chance to earn performance bonuses.

============

About time the reds did something. Still not sure how I feel about these two!!??

[EmpireMaker]

The Padres are really trying to put together a playoff caliber team, and it does look promising for them.

The Padres have agreed on a four-year deal with pitcher James Shields, according to SBNation.
The deal is expected to include an option for a fifth season, and is rumored to be worth between $72 million and $78 million. Shields still needs to take a physical, which will likely push back the official announcement for a few days.
The Padres had been rumored to be the favorite for Shields recently, with both the Cubs and Marlins being mentioned as contenders for his services. The 33-year-old is coming off a season in which he posted a 3.21 ERA over 227 innings.
The move completes the Padres overhaul this offseason. The team completely revamped in the outfield, adding Justin Upton, Matt Kemp and Wil Myers. Catcher Derek Norris and third baseman Will Middlebrooks also joined the club via trades.
Shields will join Andrew Cashner, Tyson Ross and Ian Kennedy at the top of San Diego's rotation.