[El Nino]

Mike Napoli, who made three trips to World Series, announces retirement


Veteran Mike Napoli, a popular clubhouse figure who hit 267 home runs and made three World Series trips during his 13-year career, announced his retirement Saturday.
Napoli, who did not play in the majors last season because of a knee injury, said in a statement that he hopes to "be remembered as someone who always tried to keep the clubhouse atmosphere light and inclusive."
Napoli, 37, was a career .246 hitter over parts of 12 seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians. He entered the majors as a catcher before switching to first base, and he helped Boston win the World Series in 2013 while also reaching the Fall Classic with the Rangers (2011) and Indians (2016).

Overcame crippling sleep apnea too.

[koz-man]

The Today's Game committee got the Las Vegas edition of the winter meetings off to a festive start by electing both Harold Baines and Lee Smith to the Hall of Fame. The pair will join whomever makes it next month in Cooperstown next summer.

[koz-man]

LAS VEGAS -- Harold Baines was given a save as big as any Lee Smith ever posted.

In a vote sure to spark renewed cries of cronyism at Cooperstown, Baines surprisingly was picked for the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday after never coming close in any previous election.

"Very shocked," the career .289 hitter said on a conference call.

Smith, who held the major league record for saves when he retired, was an easy pick when the Today's Game Era Committee met at the winter meetings.

It took 12 votes for election by the 16-member panel -- Smith was unanimous, Baines got 12 and former outfielder and manager Lou Piniella fell just short with 11.

George Steinbrenner, Orel Hershiser, Albert Belle, Joe Carter, Will Clark, Davey Johnson and Charlie Manuel all received fewer than five votes.

[Chi_archie]

LAS VEGAS -- Harold Baines was given a save as big as any Lee Smith ever posted.

In a vote sure to spark renewed cries of cronyism at Cooperstown, Baines surprisingly was picked for the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday after never coming close in any previous election.

"Very shocked," the career .289 hitter said on a conference call.

Smith, who held the major league record for saves when he retired, was an easy pick when the Today's Game Era Committee met at the winter meetings.

It took 12 votes for election by the 16-member panel -- Smith was unanimous, Baines got 12 and former outfielder and manager Lou Piniella fell just short with 11.

George Steinbrenner, Orel Hershiser, Albert Belle, Joe Carter, Will Clark, Davey Johnson and Charlie Manuel all received fewer than five votes.

wow

hall of very good for Baines, but not fame

c'mon

[yisman]

Both guys should've been left out of the Hall. This "Game Era Committee" needs to be sent to Siberia.

[BigSpoon]

Never once did I ever watch Harold Baines and think that he was a HOF player. Most puzzling HOF ever really.

[JMobile]

Brandon Belt is rumored to be in trades. Crazy, thought he would be a permanent Giant.

Padres interested in Marvin Gonzalez from the Astros to play at SS and also Realmuto. I doubt Padres pick up anybody like them.

[koz-man]

In a session with Yankees reporters here in Las Vegas, Yankees GM Brian Cashman reiterated his top personnel concerns of the offseason: looking for starters and a way to address the loss of Didi Gregorius. BUT "At no time all winter have I said I'm looking for an outfielder. The (Bryce) Harper stuff ... I'm surprised you're still asking."

[koz-man]

The Detroit Tigers have come to agreement with right-handed starting pitcher Tyson Ross on a one-year deal worth $5.75 million, as first reported by The Athletic.

The Kansas City Royals and speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton have agreed to a one-year deal worth $5.25 million, according to ESPN's Buster Olney and multiple reports.

[koz-man]

Mariners claim Kaleb Cowart, will try him as two-way player


The Seattle Mariners claimed Kaleb Cowart off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels on Monday and said he will come to spring training as a two-way player.

Cowart, a right-hander, hasn't pitched in the major leagues or at the minor league level.

He was considered a potential two-way player when the Angels drafted him 18th overall in the 2010 draft. Current Mariners general manager Jerry DiPoto was with the Angels organization from 2011 to '15.

As a pitcher at Cook High School in Adel, Georgia, Cowart went 10-1 with a 1.05 ERA as a senior and was named Gatorade's national player of the year in 2009-10.


Cowart, 26, batted .134 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 124 plate appearances for the Angels last season. He hit .287 with six home runs and 45 RBIs in Triple-A in 2018.


He appeared in games at third base, second base, first base, shortstop and left field last season.

[BigSpoon]

In a session with Yankees reporters here in Las Vegas, Yankees GM Brian Cashman reiterated his top personnel concerns of the offseason: looking for starters and a way to address the loss of Didi Gregorius. BUT "At no time all winter have I said I'm looking for an outfielder. The (Bryce) Harper stuff ... I'm surprised you're still asking."

Sounds like they are going to go all in on Machado.

[ApricotSinner32]

Mariners claim Kaleb Cowart, will try him as two-way player


The Seattle Mariners claimed Kaleb Cowart off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels on Monday and said he will come to spring training as a two-way player.

Cowart, a right-hander, hasn't pitched in the major leagues or at the minor league level.

He was considered a potential two-way player when the Angels drafted him 18th overall in the 2010 draft. Current Mariners general manager Jerry DiPoto was with the Angels organization from 2011 to '15.

As a pitcher at Cook High School in Adel, Georgia, Cowart went 10-1 with a 1.05 ERA as a senior and was named Gatorade's national player of the year in 2009-10.


Cowart, 26, batted .134 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 124 plate appearances for the Angels last season. He hit .287 with six home runs and 45 RBIs in Triple-A in 2018.


He appeared in games at third base, second base, first base, shortstop and left field last season.

[jrgum3]

wow

hall of very good for Baines, but not fame

c'mon

I agree I always liked Baines and thought he was a good player but probably not a HOF player.

[EmpireMaker]

Entering the Winter Meetings with a wide variety of potential moves under consideration, the Dodgers will “in all likelihood” move an existing starter via trade, ESPN.com’s Alden Gonzalez writes. Just what the might look like isn’t yet clear, but the club’s numerous options will surely hold appeal to rivals. To be sure, the Dodgers have found ways on numerous occasions in the recent past to juggle seeming roster overloads, but Gonzalez says that the ability to utilize a player such as Kenta Maeda as a trade piece (while improving in other areas) will likely prod a deal of some kind.

• The Dodgers, meanwhile, are “showing continued interest” in second bagger DJ LeMahieu, per MLB.com’s Jon Morosi (via Twitter). Certainly, the club has seen plenty of the 30-year-old over his career, virtually all of which has taken place with the division-rival Rockies. LeMahieu would presumably be seen as a near-everyday piece at second base in Los Angeles, though it’d hardly be surprising to see a lefty hitting platoon mate utilized to some degree if he’s added. Beyond the team’s general predilection for such arrangements, LeMahieu has been 80 OPS points better against left-handed pitching in his career.
• Giants first baseman Brandon Belt is drawing calls from “several” other teams, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today (via Twitter). Belt is still owed a hefty $48MM over the next three seasons and also can block deals to ten teams. His worrisome concussion history also poses a clear concern. And, of course, the market has not been particularly kind to first basemen of late. Certainly, Belt’s OBP-heavy bat would promise to improve quite a few lineups around the game, but it’s unclear as yet exactly what kind of trade scenarios might be under consideration.
• As the Diamondbacks weigh their next move, they are finding Zack Greinke’s partial no-trade rights a “major impediment,” according to Jon Heyman of Fancred (Twitter link). Numerous potential landing spots for Greinke appear among the 15 clubs to which he can block a deal, which leaves the veteran no small amount of leverage and complicates things for the Arizona organization. It is not clear whether the D-Backs have engaged with Greinke and his reps about his willingness to green-light a deal to certain destinations, but obviously the clause adds a notable variable to an already-tricky situation. While he’s still a high-level performer, Greinke is already 35 years of age and is entitled to a hefty $104.5MM ($95.5MM of salary, the remainder signing bonus) over the next three seasons.

[El Nino]

Almost $35 million/year to Greinke until he is 38 years old...wow. That is fukkin' disgusting.

[BarkingToad]

Almost $35 million/year to Greinke until he is 38 years old...wow. That is fukkin' disgusting.

Arizona knew this when they signed him, same thing will be said about Harper and Machado down the road. There's always teams dumb enough to pay them big bucks long term.

[Chi_archie]

Almost $35 million/year to Greinke until he is 38 years old...wow. That is fukkin' disgusting.

oh wow oh wow oh wow

[mr. leisure]

Almost $35 million/year to Greinke until he is 38 years old...wow. That is fukkin' disgusting.

Reminds me of Albert Pujols .

[koz-man]

Dodgers have talked to other teams about moving two outfielders among the group of Kemp, Puig, Pederson, Bellinger, and as they look to re-shape payroll, they are also are prepared to move starting pitchers Rich Hill and Alex Wood.

[BigSpoon]

Reminds me of Albert Pujols .

Greinke contract isn't great but Pujols contract is way worse. Angels still owe him $29M/year for next 3 years until he's 41 years old for replacement level production. Greinke should still provide at least 2 WAR per season.

[JMobile]

Phillies signed McCutchen for 3 years.

Blue Jays released Troy Tulowitzki. Wow.

[Cross]

Wow, maybe Phillies dropping out of Harper sweepstakes with that move??

[yisman]

Just heard a rumor from DK about a potential blockbuster involving Yankees, Mets, Marlins.

Marlins would send Realmuto to the Mets, Mets would send Syndergaard to Yankees, and Yankees would send prospects to Miami

Among other things, of course.

[Heltah Skeltah]

Just heard a rumor from DK about a potential blockbuster involving Yankees, Mets, Marlins.

Marlins would send Realmuto to the Mets, Mets would send Syndergaard to Yankees, and Yankees would send prospects to Miami

Among other things, of course.

Ya this came out late last night. I'd be shocked if it actually happens

[batt33]

Just heard a rumor from DK about a potential blockbuster involving Yankees, Mets, Marlins.

Marlins would send Realmuto to the Mets, Mets would send Syndergaard to Yankees, and Yankees would send prospects to Miami

Among other things, of course.

wow, interesting to see if it happens...

[EmpireMaker]

Continuing to cast a wide net in their search for upgrades, the White Sox “have checked in on” outfielder Michael Brantley, Jayson Stark of The Athletic writes. To this point, the 31-year-old Brantley has spent his entire career as a member of the AL Central rival Indians, though he figures to be too pricey for the Tribe this offseason. Based on his career to date, Brantley would be a substantial upgrade for a Chicago team that received horrid production from its cast of outfielders in 2018.

• Speaking of the White Sox, they’re among the teams that will meet with superstar Manny Machado, per Jon Heyman of Fancred. The Yankees and Phillies, two other unsurprising suitors, will also sit down with the 26-year-old infielder, Heyman adds. In total, Machado will visit four clubs in the coming days, Buster Olney of ESPN hears.
• The Brewers met yesterday with free agent backstop Wilson Ramos and his representatives, MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy reports. Positive vibes seem to have emerged from the sit-down on both sides, which could perhaps spur some momentum toward a match. The Mets met with Ramos today, as Joel Sherman of the New York Post was among those to tweet, though the New York club is seemingly pushing on other fronts first.
• Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who surprisingly hit the open market Tuesday when the Blue Jays released him, may be a fit for the Athletics as a second baseman, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle observes. While Tulowitzki would like to remain at short, he “would be willing to change positions,” his agent, Paul Cohen, told Slusser on Tuesday. He’s also a Bay Area native who, according to Cohen, “would have a lot of interest” in returning there.
• Meantime, the shortstop-needy Tigers will consider Tulo, but signing him is “a low probability,” GM Al Avila said (via Jason Beck of MLB.com). Regardless, the Tigers will add a shortstop prior to next season, Avila declared (via Evan Woodbery of MLive.com).
• The Nationals want an everyday second baseman, and free agent DJ LeMahieu tops their list, Bob Nightengale of USA Today relays. General manager Mike Rizzo revealed last week that the Nationals had contacted LeMahieu’s camp.
• Eight teams are interested in infielder Wilmer Flores, Heyman tweets. The 27-year-old Flores was an above-average offensive player with the Mets in each of the past three seasons, though he did most of his damage against lefties and dealt with injury issues. The Mets non-tendered Flores last month.
• Infielder Carlos Asuaje, whom the Rangers claimed off waivers from the Padres on Monday, is drawing interest from Japan, Heyman reports. It’s unclear, however, whether Texas would enable Asuaje to leave. The Rangers would probably need financial compensation for that to happen, Heyman posits.

[EmpireMaker]

Mets are kicking the tires on all good catchers that are currently available, but they would like to get Realmuto.

The Mets are focused on acquiring catcher J.T. Realmuto, but they seem to have a fallback plan behind the plate if those talks collapse. Free agent Yasmani Grandal has emerged as a “strong possibility” for the Mets, Andy Martino of SNY tweets. Likewise, the White Sox are “looking at” Grandal, per Buster Olney of ESPN.
The 30-year-old Grandal, who has spent his career with the Padres and Dodgers, ranks as the top catcher available in free agency this winter. MLBTR predicts Grandal will receive a four-year, $64MM contract on the heels of yet another strong season in Los Angeles, where the switch-hitter slashed .241/.349/.466 (125 wRC+) and totaled at least 20 home runs (24) for the third straight campaign. He’s also a well-regarded backstop, despite some notable miscues in the playoffs, as Baseball Prospectus ranked him as the premier defensive catcher in the game in 2018.
Any team that signs Grandal would have to give up more than just money, as he rejected a $17.9MM qualifying offer from the Dodgers after the season. In the cases of New York and Chicago, that would mean surrendering their second-highest draft pick and $500K in international signing bonus pool space in 2019. Meanwhile, the Dodgers would receive a compensatory draft pick after Competitive Balance Round B for Grandal’s departure.
For both the Mets and White Sox, it’s easy to see a fit for Grandal. New York’s current catcher trio – Travis d’Arnaud, Kevin Plawecki and Tomas Nido – inspires little confidence, while the White Sox traded 2018 starter Omar Narvaez to the Mariners for reliever Alex Colome earlier this offseason. The White Sox do still have veteran Welington Castillo on hand, though he only has one guaranteed year left on his contract, and general manager Rick Hahn said Tuesday (via James Fegan of The Athletic) that prospects Zack Collins and Seby Zavala aren’t yet ready for the majors. However, Hahn did note that it would make more sense “on paper” for the White Sox to pursue a backup catcher instead of a starter.

[Otters27]

Phillies signed McCutchen for 3 years.

Blue Jays released Troy Tulowitzki. Wow.

Tulo done. Gets hurt every year. Yping guys all better than him now. Where is he headed?

[koz-man]

Cleveland Indians talking three-team trades involving Edwin Encarnacion, Yonder Alonso and others

[BigSpoon]

Tulo done. Gets hurt every year. Yping guys all better than him now. Where is he headed?

Yup, he was a sunk cost and Jays have alot of young middle infield prospects in their system.

[El Nino]

Just heard a rumor from DK about a potential blockbuster involving Yankees, Mets, Marlins.

Marlins would send Realmuto to the Mets, Mets would send Syndergaard to Yankees, and Yankees would send prospects to Miami

Among other things, of course.

Wow that would be interesting.

[JMobile]

Tulo done. Gets hurt every year. Yping guys all better than him now. Where is he headed?

Maybe Tulo will join Rockies again?

Charlie Morton signs with the Rays.

[batt33]

Maybe Tulo will join Rockies again?

Charlie Morton signs with the Rays.

Cashing in while he's hot....good for him......

[ApricotSinner32]

Mets are kicking the tires on all good catchers that are currently available, but they would like to get Realmuto.

The Mets are focused on acquiring catcher J.T. Realmuto, but they seem to have a fallback plan behind the plate if those talks collapse. Free agent Yasmani Grandal has emerged as a “strong possibility” for the Mets, Andy Martino of SNY tweets. Likewise, the White Sox are “looking at” Grandal, per Buster Olney of ESPN.
The 30-year-old Grandal, who has spent his career with the Padres and Dodgers, ranks as the top catcher available in free agency this winter. MLBTR predicts Grandal will receive a four-year, $64MM contract on the heels of yet another strong season in Los Angeles, where the switch-hitter slashed .241/.349/.466 (125 wRC+) and totaled at least 20 home runs (24) for the third straight campaign. He’s also a well-regarded backstop, despite some notable miscues in the playoffs, as Baseball Prospectus ranked him as the premier defensive catcher in the game in 2018.
Any team that signs Grandal would have to give up more than just money, as he rejected a $17.9MM qualifying offer from the Dodgers after the season. In the cases of New York and Chicago, that would mean surrendering their second-highest draft pick and $500K in international signing bonus pool space in 2019. Meanwhile, the Dodgers would receive a compensatory draft pick after Competitive Balance Round B for Grandal’s departure.
For both the Mets and White Sox, it’s easy to see a fit for Grandal. New York’s current catcher trio – Travis d’Arnaud, Kevin Plawecki and Tomas Nido – inspires little confidence, while the White Sox traded 2018 starter Omar Narvaez to the Mariners for reliever Alex Colome earlier this offseason. The White Sox do still have veteran Welington Castillo on hand, though he only has one guaranteed year left on his contract, and general manager Rick Hahn said Tuesday (via James Fegan of The Athletic) that prospects Zack Collins and Seby Zavala aren’t yet ready for the majors. However, Hahn did note that it would make more sense “on paper” for the White Sox to pursue a backup catcher instead of a starter.

[Cross]

Still waiting for next move after McCutch deal.