The Cubs had 7 players who were arbitration eligible and on the day that teams and players must exchange arbitration figures, the Cubs signed all but Matt Garza.
The Cubs’ six other arbitration-eligible players all agreed to one-year deals. DeWitt, who batted .265 in 121 games last season, will make $1.1 million in 2012, while Baker, who batted .269 in 81 games, signed for $1.375 million.
Soto signed for $4.3 million, a boost from the $3 million he received in 2011. The catcher, who made $575,000 in 2010, batted .228 in 125 games last season, a drop from his .280 average in ’10.
Wells (7-6, 4.99 ERA) was sidelined after his first start because of a strained right forearm muscle, but he made 23 starts and was 4-0 with a 3.32 ERA in six August outings. He made $475,000 last season and will receive $2.705 million.
Stewart and Volstad are both new to the Cubs. Stewart, acquired from the Rockies for Tyler Colvin and D.J. LeMahieu, made $2.228 million last year and will receive $2.237 million, while Volstad, acquired from the Marlins for Carlos Zambrano, earned $445,000 last season and will make $2.655 million.
Matt Swartz had projected all of the arbitration eligible contracts awhile back and he had this for the Cubs players.
- Matt Garza – $8.7MM
- Geovany Soto – $4MM
- Randy Wells – $2.2MM
- Jeff Baker – $1.4MM
- Blake DeWitt – $1.2MM
- Chris Volstad – $2.6MM
- Ian Stewart – $2MM
Swartz’s total projected salaries for the 6 who signed was $13.4 million. I’m unsure why he had just $2 million for Stewart since he made more than last year and I can’t remember a player who earned less the following year. The Cubs signed the 6 for a total of $14.4 million.
A player in arbitration typically receives 40% of his market value in his first year, 60% in his second year and 80% in his third year. Using the CAIRO projections, here are the expected contracts.
| Player | PA/IP | WAR | Value |
| DeWitt | 327 | 1.1 | 3.3 |
| Soto | 399 | 2.3 | 6.9 |
| Stewart | 338 | 1 | 3 |
| Baker | 228 | 0.7 | 2.1 |
| Wells | 119 | 1.2 | 2.4 |
| Volstad | 114 | 0.8 | 1.6 |
That’s a total of 19.3 million. I had estimated a total of $21.3 million for 6 arbitration eligible players. That included Koyie Hill and the Cubs had not yet acquired Ian Stewart or Chris Volstad. If we plug Garza’s numbers in using his CAIRO projections (194 IP, 3.0 WAR) we get an estimated salary ranging somewhere between $9 to $12 million. Of course we already know that Garza will earn somewhere between $7.95 million and $10.225 million. If it goes to arbitration one of those figures would be chosen and myg uess is it would be Garza’s. I think it’s likely the Cubs try to settle somewhere in the middle, but probably closer to Garza’s figure than their own. I’m going to guess the Cubs and Garza agree at $9.3 million.
If that ends up being right, the Cubs will have signed their 7 arb eligible players for $23.7 million. I’ve updated the payroll page with the latest figures. As of now, the Cubs have 15 players under contract for 2012. The total they’re paying those players is $74.05 million. Carlos Pena is due $5 million this year and the Cubs pay the Marlins the difference between $18 million and Volstad’s salary. That’s $15.345 million. The total the Cubs are on the hook for right now is $94.4 million.
If we add an estimated $9.3 million for Garza and the other auto-renewal players we get a total of $108 million. There’s another $.75 million that goes to players on the 40-man roster who aren’t with the MLB team. So we have a total of $108.8 million at this point. The Cubs payroll last year was $134 million.
Tom Ricketts has said that the overall baseball expenses will remain about the same. The Cubs increased the money spent on front office excecutives by maybe $15 million. There may be a lot of truth to the rumors that the Cubs are quite interested in Yoenis Cespedes. They still have the money to sign him so it makes sense.
Regarding the 40-man roster having 41 players on it, I’m wondering if Manny Corpas didn’t sign an MLB contract. Or maybe Sonnanstine.
Haven’t read it yet, which explains why my head is still intact.
[quote name=Rice Cube]
Haven’t read it yet, which explains why my head is still intact.[/quote]I see you said “yet” to imply that you will eventually get around to it.
[quote name=josh]I see you said “yet” to imply that you will eventually get around to it.[/quote]I figure I’d get through maybe the first paragraph before I jump into the autoclave.
Are the Cubs still in the running for Fielder with that kind of payroll remaining? They’ve been staying quiet on it, but I’m guessing Fielder’s asking price will go down before too long.
I don’t know why I’m even asking. Nothing they’ve done indicates they are doing anything but punting the next 3 years. Some dreams die hard I guess.
I must have been double-counting Z’s contract when I came up with that spitballed $117m or so estimate in my article the other day. Adding FTL.
I may have miscalculated. Or rather Excel may have miscalculated.
[quote name=josh]Are the Cubs still in the running for Fielder with that kind of payroll remaining? They’ve been staying quiet on it, but I’m guessing Fielder’s asking price will go down before too long.[/quote]
I hope not, He’s not worth the possible comp/2nd rounder for a possible first rounder if he stays healthy for 3-4 years anyway. His 2011 line (.299/.415/981) was his third best year in a contract year, he was worse in 2010, and part of that 2011 line is an intentional walks rate that doubled and let the league.
So, no, I hope we don’t sign Fielder. Sign Roy Oswalt who’s a cheap, one-year starter instead if we’re looking for possible comp picks/trade value or even wins. 1B is a position of strength anyway.
[quote name=mb21]I may have miscalculated. Or rather Excel may have miscalculated.[/quote]
Nah, I’m pretty sure you’re right. I just looked at the payroll number and added $15m, forgetting that Z was already in it (dying laughing)
[quote name=Pezcore]I hope not, He’s not worth the possible comp/2nd rounder for a possible first rounder if he stays healthy for 3-4 years anyway. His 2011 line (.299/.415/981) was his third best year in a contract year, he was worse in 2010, and part of that 2011 line is an intentional walks rate that doubled and let the league.
So, no, I hope we don’t sign Fielder. Sign Roy Oswalt who’s a cheap, one-year starter instead if we’re looking for possible comp picks/trade value or even wins. 1B is a position of strength anyway.[/quote]
Isn’t the money being bandied around for Oswalt somewhere around $9m? IIRC the new CBA says you only get comp picks for guys who go on to sign a deal averaging $12m or so.
Also, that’s the first time I’ve ever seen someone complain about a player’s offensive numbers with an OPS a shade under 1.0 (dying laughing)
I’d be surprised if the Cubs signed Fielder unless the market completely bottomed out, especially after they traded for Rizzo. They’re probably just hanging around to try to keep the price up for other teams.
Forgot about that new CBA. I just don’t think its a good idea. Oswalt has dropped to 8mm, maybe he drops further, and it’s a one-year deal on a player who might be undervalued.
It’s not that he’s bad — it’s just that he was putting up OPS above 1.0 earlier in his career, this was a contract year, and his 2010 campaign had a OPS a shade above .850. I don’t want to spend 18MM$$ on him when I could spend it on ‘that other Cuban Guy’ or ‘a one-year, low-risk die roll.’
I like Oswalt and think he’d actually significantly improve the rotation. The question is, what the hell do the Cubs do with the 32 starters they already have?
[quote name=mb21]I like Oswalt and think he’d actually significantly improve the rotation. The question is, what the hell do the Cubs do with the 32 starters they already have?[/quote]
Trade Garza + either Dempster or Wells. Send one of the borderline starters, because most of these guys are, to AAA or the pen.
[quote name=mb21]I like Oswalt and think he’d actually significantly improve the rotation. The question is, what the hell do the Cubs do with the 32 starters they already have?[/quote]
I think the question is why the hell do the Cubs need to shell out 8 million to sign a guy for one year who improves their win total from 72 to 73. Maybe they could flip him at the deadline, that’s about it.
I mean realistically. I don’t see Garza being traded considering the expectations the Cubs have with regards to a return. Wells could be traded, but he’s one of those guys with years of club control so I don’t see it. I could see Dempster, but he does have a NTC.
I like the idea of packaging a few players for a couple of solid prospects. Soto, Garza, Dempster, Wells, Byrd and Marmol are all chips. Sawx, Jays, Tiggers, Cards, and M’s would all be good destinations.
[quote name=Berselius]I think the question is why the hell do the Cubs need to shell out 8 million to sign a guy for one year who improves their win total from 72 to 73. Maybe they could flip him at the deadline, that’s about it.[/quote]I don’t really care about the win total. Can they sign him to a good contract? That’s all I care about. How much trade value would he have at the deadline? Bad teams sign players like Oswalt. They’re relatively cheap and could bring something valuable in return later on.
I think we could get that package for two guys when the second of the guys wouldn’t net a top 50 prospect on his own.
Plus, the market is starting to really dry up for Pitchers right now.
I think they trade Garza to whoever doesn’t get a seat at the starting pitcher table. Guy who’s left standing is most desperate.
[quote name=mb21]I mean realistically. I don’t see Garza being traded considering the expectations the Cubs have with regards to a return. Wells could be traded, but he’s one of those guys with years of club control so I don’t see it. I could see Dempster, but he does have a NTC.[/quote]I think we’ll see the Cubs come down on those demands a bit. I think it’s clear that Thoyer view him as a luxury item for a rebuilding team, and they have to realize that he won’t get any cheaper. I expect him to be traded not long after his arb deal is done or by the end of ST, at the latest.
Dempster is an interesting case. He’s shown signs of age-based decline, but he can still pitch and his contract isn’t bad. If they can get him to waive his 5-10 rights, he’d make a nice deadline piece.
Bottom line: I think all of Byrd, Garza, Dempster, and Soriano are gone by August, with an outside chance that Soto joins them. Just my suspicions, though.
.
4 hours to Darvish deadline. Morosi say the two sides are “close.”
via MLBTR:
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Larry Lucchino is out of his fucking mind.
Word from The Shire is that there’s a new Cubs ad stating “Baseball is Better… When Homers Hit Waveland”
Too bad most of those HRs won’t be hit by the Cubs (dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]Word from The Shire is that there’s a new Cubs ad stating “Baseball is Better… When Homers Hit Waveland”
Too bad most of those HRs won’t be hit by the Cubs (dying laughing)[/quote]The Cubs are so bad, they’re advertising dept is using the success of their opponents. (dying laughing)
We’re back to the 1990′s era Cubs. OV should lobby for Heathcliff Slocumb to be brought in as a coach. Along with Jeff Blauser and Mike Bielecki.
[quote name=Berselius]Word from The Shire is that there’s a new Cubs ad stating “Baseball is Better… When whores wear glitter“[/quote]
/new meme’d
Another young Cuban is about to hit the market. Gerardo Concepcion. 2010 ROY in the Cuban league. 3.63 ERA in 21 appearances, 16 of which were starts. All I could cobble together right now, but both Chicago teams are named as interested parties.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]The Cubs are so bad, they’re advertising dept is using nothing but direct quotes from press conferences.[/quote]Hey you guys, remember when Theo came and said all that stuff?That was awesome. Let’s go to a game. Maybe Theo will be there.
I really hope the Raiders hire Tice so the Bears get a wrench thrown into their stupid fucking “We Must Protect This House” plan.
[quote name=AndCounting]Hey you guys, remember when Theo came and said all that stuff?That was awesome. Let’s go to a game. Maybe Theo will be there.[/quote]Theo is the whore’s glitter of the marketing dept.
Lloyd Braun will accept his WaterPik from the BBWAA in person: http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7474286/milwaukee-brewers-ryan-braun-accept-mvp-award-speak
Heyman, via Twitter:
Do you get points for tagging something multiple times?
[quote name=mb21]Do you get points for tagging something multiple times?[/quote]It kills me when people think they can make a topic trend by repeating the same tag. It’s twitter’s version of the Sammy Sosa meaningless 3-homer game.
If I’m reading this right: http://www.diariodecuba.com/deportes/5542-el-pitcher-gerardo-concepcion-se-fuga-del-torneo-de-rotterdam
Concepcion threw 101.2 innings, allowed 103 hits, walked 43 and struck out 53. Pretty “meh” to me.
[quote name=mb21]Do you get points for tagging something multiple times?[/quote]No. Most of the writers tag team names so those tweets get picked by people monitoring those tags and retweeted, trended, etc, but doing the same term more than once is just dumb.
Also, Concepcion is a lefty.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I really hope the Raiders hire Tice so the Bears get a wrench thrown into their stupid fucking “We Must Protect This House” plan.[/quote]Kinda wish the Raiders had kept Hue Jackson on. It wasn’t Hue’s fault the team decided to trade the future for Carson Palmer’s meh-ness.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Also, Concepcion is a lefty.[/quote]I don’t see what his politics have to do with anything.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Kinda wish the Raiders had kept Hue Jackson on. It wasn’t Hue’s fault the team decided to trade the future for Carson Palmer’s meh-ness.[/quote]I don’t think he got fired for anything on-field. The way I heard it was that the problem was Jackson wanted to expand his control to have complete control of team personnel. When MacKenzie was hired, there was a meeting, and Jackson was terminated almost immediately afterwards.
[quote name=mb21]Do you get points for tagging something multiple times?[/quote]
Reminds me of Michael Scott doing his Houdini straightjacket trick.
“Magic magic magic magic magic…”
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I don’t think he got fired for anything on-field. The way I heard it was that the problem was Jackson wanted to expand his control to have complete control of team personnel. When MacKenzie was hired, there was a meeting, and Jackson was terminated almost immediately afterwards.[/quote]Sucks to be him then.
Gonna be tough for Oakland going forward without their first four picks or whatever they traded away.
[quote name=ACT]I don’t see what his politics have to do with anything.[/quote]
Heyman says Darvish is a Ranger: http://eye-on-baseball.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/22297882/34453185
[quote name=Rice Cube]Sucks to be him then.
Gonna be tough for Oakland going forward without their first four picks or whatever they traded away.[/quote]Yep, they’ve got a hard row to hoe. Still, they’ve got a solid core on defense, and some very good-above average players on offense. They need to bolster the OL, which can easily be done with late-round picks, and get some secondary depth, which they can do via FA, especially this offseason. MacKenzie could probably get them turned around by the end of next offseason.
The really crazy thing is that Jackson and MacKenzie are friends and even share the same agent.
[quote name=Berselius]I’d be surprised if the Cubs signed Fielder unless the market completely bottomed out, especially after they traded for Rizzo. They’re probably just hanging around to try to keep the price up for other teams.[/quote]Yeah, I think so, too. I just can’t make it make sense, either, except that it would be fun to watch Fielder crack home runs, and this year will be mostly devoid of fun. For that reason, I say sign him.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I think we’ll see the Cubs come down on those demands a bit.[/quote]
I agree. I think they’ll take what they can get here before too long, just like Fielder will end up doing.
[quote name=josh]I agree. I think they’ll take what they can get here before too long, just like Fielder will end up doing.[/quote]The problem is that if they trade Garza for what one might consider a fair market deal, the Cubs fans will riot because they expected so much more.
[quote name=Rice Cube]The problem is that if they trade Garza for what one might consider a fair market deal, the Cubs fans will riot because they expected so much more.[/quote]Riot? Or write angry blog posts and frump?
[quote name=josh]Riot? Or write angry blog posts and frump?[/quote]
[quote name=Rice Cube]The problem is that if they trade Garza for what one might consider a fair market deal, the Cubs fans will riot because they expected so much more.[/quote]Yeah, the worm will turn on Theo pretty quick if the white flag comes out this year, as I suspect it will. But there’s only one way to rebuild a farm system quickly under the auspices of the new CBA and that’s to move the marketable pieces you have for young, cost-controlled talent. I hope the majority of Cub fans realize this.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder] I hope the majority of Cub fans realize this.[/quote](dying laughing)
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Consider though that Garza will be worth less if he doesn’t have a good season, or they wait for his contract to expire. They may get to cut their losses phase. Or maybe they just keep him and make the best of what they have.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Yeah, the worm will turn on Theo pretty quick if the white flag comes out this year, as I suspect it will. But there’s only one way to rebuild a farm system quickly under the auspices of the new CBA and that’s to move the marketable pieces you have for young, cost-controlled talent. I hope the majority of Cub fans realize this.[/quote]The logical answer, and I agree. I think Thoyer had to have taken this job knowing that they were going to be crucified every year they didn’t win the WS.
[quote name=josh]I agree. I think they’ll take what they can get here before too long, just like Fielder will end up doing.[/quote]
I’m not seeing that at all. Despite the motiviation of a rebuilding team to deal a pitcher like Garza to help build for the future, what gets an org to bring down its demands is if there are significant financial reasons to do so. Those do not exist here. The Cubs are not poor. The whole point in dealing a Garza is if he brings back a considerable overpay in return. Other than that, why bother? Might as well wait.
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]I’m not seeing that at all. Despite the motiviation of a rebuilding team to deal a pitcher like Garza to help build for the future, what gets an org to bring down its demands is if there are significant financial reasons to do so. Those do not exist here. The Cubs are not poor. The whole point in dealing a Garza is if he brings back a considerable overpay in return. Other than that, why bother? Might as well wait.[/quote]That’s fine. Personally, I’m fine with keeping him, but I’m not going to be shocked if they take less, either. They’ve been operating more like a small ball club, at least for this off-season. I don’t see them giving the fans too much to get excited about this season. It’s not like Garza packs the house every game he pitches. He’s not exactly Strasburg.
[quote name=Suburban kid](dying laughing)
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By that I just mean I don’t see their financial welfare entirely dependent on Garza being in the rotation. If anything, people will come out to see someone like Fielder, B Jax, or Cesepedes hit homeruns.
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]I’m not seeing that at all. Despite the motiviation of a rebuilding team to deal a pitcher like Garza to help build for the future, what gets an org to bring down its demands is if there are significant financial reasons to do so. Those do not exist here. The Cubs are not poor. The whole point in dealing a Garza is if he brings back a considerable overpay in return. Other than that, why bother? Might as well wait.[/quote]
Yeah, I think they’ll back down just a bit because they clearly want to move him. But I agree that they won’t get desperate and make a bad deal.
[quote name=Mish][/quote]Mish is the underdog of posting youtube clips.
Starting to sound like the Rangers are going to get a nice deal with Yarvish: http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/foul_territory/2012/01/rangers-yu-darvish-nearing-deal.html
IDK if SK expects me to summarize any videos or pics I post here… (dying laughing)
Follow All the Morons Confused by Wikipedia’s Blackout in One Place
http://gizmodo.com/5877167/follow-all-the-morons-confused-by-wikipedias-blackout-in-one-place
[quote name=Mish]IDK if SK expects me to summarize any videos or pics I post here… (dying laughing)[/quote]All I mentioned was links. Specially, links that aren’t self-explanatory. This isn’t that hard. (dying laughing)
Dierkes live chat here: http://www.coveritlive.com/index2.php/option=com_altcaster/task=viewaltcast/altcast_code=aa9cced165/height=550/width=470
[quote name=Suburban kid] This isn’t that hard. [/quote]
I assume people tell you this all the time.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]If I’m reading this right: http://www.diariodecuba.com/deportes/5542-el-pitcher-gerardo-concepcion-se-fuga-del-torneo-de-rotterdam
Concepcion threw 101.2 innings, allowed 103 hits, walked 43 and struck out 53. Pretty “meh” to me.[/quote]
He’s a much more deserving player than Ron Santo.
Rob Lowe tweeted that Peyton Manning will not play in the NFL any longer. Yes, THAT Rob Lowe. If this is (somehow) true, it would literally be the funniest thing ever.
[quote name=Joe Morgan]He’s a much more deserving player than Ron Santo.[/quote](dying laughing)
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KT would be proud.
[quote name=Mish]I assume people tell you this all the time.[/quote]
[quote name=Suburban kid]
[/quote]Blame the whiskey.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Blame the whiskey.[/quote]It was 3 AM and SK is a creepy, impotent fuck, what’d you expect would happen?
Oh, good question on the live chat:
Which contract would you rather have on the books, Werth or Crawford?
[quote name=Mish]It was 3 AM and SK is a creepy, impotent fuck, what’d you expect would happen?[/quote]I guess I consented when I replied to the comment.
Wait, the Dodgers tendered Loney a contract?
Never change, Ned. Never. Change.
[quote name=Mish]Rob Lowe tweeted that Peyton Manning will not play in the NFL any longer. Yes, THAT Rob Lowe. If this is (somehow) true, it would literally be the funniest thing ever.[/quote](dying laughing) Rob Lowe is better at being a sportswriter than the Cubs beat writers. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Oh, good question on the live chat:
Which contract would you rather have on the books, Werth or Crawford?[/quote]
Crawford by a mile, despite all I’ve ranted about in the past (dying laughing)
[quote name=Berselius]Crawford by a mile, despite all I’ve ranted about in the past (dying laughing)[/quote]Yeah, that Dierkes’ answer, too. But for my money, both those deals are preferable to Howard’s.
Dan Bernstein is claiming that Theo didn’t want Wood back, but was told from higher-ups to get a deal done.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Yeah, that Dierkes’ answer, too. But for my money, both those deals are preferable to Howard’s.[/quote]
[quote name=Mish]It was 3 AM and SK is a creepy, impotent fuck, what’d you expect would happen?[/quote]
[quote name=Alan Sepinwall]I think Parks and Rec is now required to do an episode where Ron and Andy talk about the Colts with Chris.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
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[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]
[/quote]
Probably too bitter
Jim Bowden is speculating Soriano as a good fit with the Tigers (dying laughing). Only if the Cubs send along enough money to make him cheaper than Carlos Pena.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Dan Bernstein is claiming that Theo didn’t want Wood back, but was told from higher-ups to get a deal done.[/quote]
What does he mean “higher-ups?” Tom Ricketts or all the Rickettses?
(dying laughing), I was wondering why Wikipedia was working for me. Then I realized that without javascript it all loads just fine. (dying laughing)
[quote name=fang2415](dying laughing), I was wondering why Wikipedia was working for me. Then I realized that without javascript it all loads just fine. (dying laughing)[/quote]I want to some site this morning and realized all I had to do was hit stop and it never redirected to the black out. Can’t remember what site that was.
Yu —> 6 years, $60MM + $10MM in possible bonuses
Tim Ruskell will interview for the Bears
GMdirector of pro personnel position tomorrow.[quote name=Rice Cube]Yu —> 6 years, $60MM + $10MM in possible bonuses[/quote]
So essentially that’s a 6 year, $120ish million deal where the player only sees about half that total (dying laughing)
What’s that mean overall? The Rangers think that Yu can deliver about four wins a season?
[quote name=Smokestack Lightning]What does he mean “higher-ups?” Tom Ricketts or all the Rickettses?[/quote]He didn’t elaborate. I should add that I’m a bit dubious of this rumor.
Sorry to interrupt, but have any of you seen the failboat story?
First time I’ve actually seen a photo of that disaster over yonder and it’s quite striking.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Sorry to interrupt, but have any of you seen the failboat story?
First time I’ve actually seen a photo of that disaster over yonder and it’s quite striking.[/quote]That overhead shot is awesome, but some of these are also striking / slightly funny:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16560050
Took me a while to figure out which way was supposed to be up in a few.
[quote name=fang2415](dying laughing), I was wondering why Wikipedia was working for me. Then I realized that without javascript it all loads just fine. (dying laughing)[/quote]
If you hit escape just as the page loads it also doesn’t go to the backout screen.
Independent of the posting fee, that’s a fantastic signing. If you include it (since in some sense it’s part of how they valued the player), it’s probably not.
The captain’s latest excuse is that he tripped and fell out of the ship (and landed in the lifeboat).
[quote name=fang2415]That overhead shot is awesome, but some of these are also striking / slightly funny:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16560050
Took me a while to figure out which way was supposed to be up in a few.[/quote]Holy crap. Why was it so close to the shore?!
[quote name=Berselius]Independent of the posting fee, that’s a fantastic signing. If you include it (since in some sense it’s part of how they valued the player), it’s probably not.[/quote]Yeah, that’s a pretty team-friendly contract w/o the posting fee. I’m not sure how to view it, although to be honest I am the sort of person who thinks it’s a little odd to pay half the contract up front just to have the conversation, so take that FWIW.
[quote name=Suburban kid]The captain’s latest excuse is that he tripped and fell out of the ship (and landed in the lifeboat).[/quote]It’s sad that I instantly think Jeter when I hear “the captain”. Though that would make for an even more compelling story.
[quote name=Suburban kid]The captain’s latest excuse is that he tripped and fell out of the ship (and landed in the lifeboat).[/quote]His dumb luck > Clint Barmes’ dumb luck
[quote name=Mish]It’s sad that I instantly think Jeter when I hear “the captain”. Though that would make for an even more compelling story.[/quote]
[quote name=Rice Cube]Holy crap. Why was it so close to the shore?![/quote]He was showing off for the locals on shore. The captain acted dangerously and then, when he capsized the ship killing probably 40 people, he cowardly ran away. The coast guard had to order him back to the ship, but he complained, “it’s too dark now”.
Manning’s agent, father say Rob Lowe is full of shit. So we can add the expected denial to the rumor mill.
[quote name=Mish]It’s sad that I instantly think Jeter when I hear “the captain”. Though that would make for an even more compelling story.[/quote]Except when Jeter trips, he accidentally lands on the ground ball and touches the base for the force-out.
/legend
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]
[/quote]
[quote name=The Sea Captain]
[/quote]
Women and children first!
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.
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.And then I’ll shag the men and animals.
[quote name=Berselius]
[/quote]
[quote name=Suburban kid]Women and children first!
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.
.
.And then I’ll shag the men and animals.[/quote]I don’t do that.
On land.
The Darvish deal is structured such that he’s not getting $60MM guaranteed according to MLBTR:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/01/rangers-to-sign-yu-darvish.html
[quote name=Suburban kid]The captain’s latest excuse is that he tripped and fell out of the ship (and landed in the lifeboat).[/quote]All teenage pregnancies are the result of someone tripping and falling.
[quote name=Rice Cube]The Darvish deal is structured such that he’s not getting $60MM guaranteed according to MLBTR:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/01/rangers-to-sign-yu-darvish.html/quoteI'm still not sure how figure in the posting fee, but I can’t help but think the Rangers did some good work here.
[quote name=mb21]All teenage pregnancies are the result of someone’s whore’s glitter and being delusional.[/quote].
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I’m still not sure how figure in the posting fee, but I can’t help but think the Rangers did some good work here.[/quote]As far as MLB is concerned it’s a 6 year $120 million contract. For reporting purposes it’s $15 million per year over the next 6 years. The posting fee cannot be ignored here. It cost the Rangers $120 million to get 6 years of Yu Darvish. That Darvish only gets $60 million of that is irrelevant with regards to determining if it’s a good contract or not.
I don’t have an opinion if it’s a good one or not. Darvish’s numbers in Japan are out of this world. They make Dice-K look average. They’re video game numbers. It’s distinctly possible he’s one of the 5 best pitchers in all of baseball right now. It’s also possible that those numbers don’t translate at all. I’d probably guess somewhere around a 3 WAR average over those 6 years.
So if he provides 18 WAR at an average win value of about $6 million then he’s worth $108 million. Considering the upside here I don’t think it’s a bad deal. I don’t think it’s a good deal either.
What I think is that the Rangers got themselves a pitcher who could be a legitimate ace and they did for a reasonable cost. They also got one is questionable. In the end the risk was weighed into the contract.
[quote name=mb21]So if he provides 18 WAR at an average win value of about $6 million then he’s worth $108 million. Considering the upside here I don’t think it’s a bad deal. I don’t think it’s a good deal either.[/quote]If there’s only $56 mil guaranteed as MLBTR is reporting, and the posting fee was $51 mil and change, then the Rangers hit almost that exact number. If the bonuses have to be paid, it’s reasonable to expect that an uptick in salary would then be accompanied by an uptick in wins contributed.
[quote name=mb21]What I think is that the Rangers got themselves a pitcher who could be a legitimate ace and they did for a reasonable cost. They also got one is questionable. In the end the risk was weighed into the contract.[/quote]Pretty much. I’m guessing this is the thought process for Thoyer re: Cespedes, as well.
Apparently SOPA/PIPA are now on their last legs as most of the bills’ sponsors have cried uncle.
http://mashable.com/2012/01/18/pipa-sopa-abandon-bill/
http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2012/01/lamar_smith_sopa_copyright_violater.php
Cubs finalize minor league deal for Jason Jaramillo: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/01/cubs-sign-jason-jaramillo.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MlbTradeRumors+%28MLB+Trade+Rumors%29
[quote name=mb21]Cubs finalize minor league deal for Jason Jaramillo: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/01/cubs-sign-jason-jaramillo.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MlbTradeRumors+%28MLB+Trade+Rumors%29/quoteHow many catchers in camp now? 4 or 5 no?
4, but that’s typical. There will probably be 5 or 6 when camp starts. You’ve got about 25 pitches who are going to be throwing every other day to start. Need a bunch of catchers to catch them.
[quote name=mb21]4, but that’s typical. There will probably be 5 or 6 when camp starts. You’ve got about 25 pitches who are going to be throwing every other day to start. Need a bunch of catchers to catch them.[/quote]Ah. Add that to the list of things I had never paid attention to until now.
/Still hopes Theo has called DET to offer them Soto.
Holy crap. I just realized Randy Wells got a spectacular raise in arbitration. $2.25 mil. WTF.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Holy crap. I just realized Randy Wells got a spectacular raise in arbitration. $2.25 mil. WTF.[/quote]Intangible fee.
I think overall they’re guessing he can give them a win so it’s not actually that crazy. But I too was a bit surprised he got that much.
Wells is projected to be worth 1.2 WAR over 119 innings. That’s $2.4 million and it’s more than reasonable to think he can throw more than 120 innings. He was worth 3.0 fWAR in 2009, 3.2 in 2010 and .1 last year. He’ll regress some. I could easily see him being worth 2 WAR next year.
I was also thinking that if Volstad was projected to earn as much as he did, and had an arguably worse season than Wells, Randy probably wouldn’t feel too happy earning less than Volstad. Both are first-year arb eligible, right?
http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/comments/yu_darvish_and_the_posting_system/
[quote name=mb21]Wells is projected to be worth 1.2 WAR over 119 innings. That’s $2.4 million and it’s more than reasonable to think he can throw more than 120 innings. He was worth 3.0 fWAR in 2009, 3.2 in 2010 and .1 last year. He’ll regress some. I could easily see him being worth 2 WAR next year.[/quote]Makes sense. That’s still a hefty raise, though.
Orlando Cabrera —-> retired
[quote name=mb21]Wells is projected to be worth 1.2 WAR over 119 innings. That’s $2.4 million and it’s more than reasonable to think he can throw more than 120 innings. He was worth 3.0 fWAR in 2009, 3.2 in 2010 and .1 last year. He’ll regress some. I could easily see him being worth 2 WAR next year.[/quote] isn’t 1.2 WAR about 6m and Not 2.4m? I thought 1 win was 5m.
[quote name=JMan]isn’t 1.2 WAR about 6m and Not 2.4m? I thought 1 win was 5m.[/quote]Yeah, but this is an arbitration salary.
[quote name=JMan]isn’t 1.2 WAR about 6m and Not 2.4m? I thought 1 win was 5m.[/quote]First year arb, players usually get 40% of their value.
[quote name=JMan]isn’t 1.2 WAR about 6m and Not 2.4m? I thought 1 win was 5m.[/quote]For a free agent that’s what it would be, but salaries are suppressed for non-free agents.
[quote name=KG]Yoenis Cespedes went deep. Scout who has seen him the last two days says he’s been hitting balls hard of late.[/quote]
.
Moyer signed with Colorado. At age 49. That shit is crazy.
[quote name=mb21]For a free agent that’s what it would be, but salaries are suppressed for non-free agents.[/quote]Yep I misunderstood what you addressing. While this team isn’t likely to be good their is still a chance of some surprises. should a few players start to provide the value they were once projected(Stewart/Volstad) the Cubs in are in a position to win in the high-70s/low-80s. If the players tank then the team isn’t saddled with some bad contracts.
Perhaps Cespedes is a quick study?
That tweet by KG has some sexual overtones.
[quote name=Mish]That tweet by KG has some sexual overtones.[/quote]
(dying laughing) @ the graphic.
That graphic is pure win. Also “afuera pa la calle” is my new favorite way to describe a HR.
His stance seems a bit upright, but he seems to have quick hands and is obviously strong. That swing reminds me a lot of Gary Sheffield.
Sheffield used to let pitches travel really deep, because his hands were so quick he could still get around on them, which is exactly what Cespedes does in the clip. I wonder if he hasn’t patterned himself after Sheffield.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Sheffield used to let pitches travel really deep, because his hands were so quick he could still get around on them, which is exactly what Cespedes does in the clip. I wonder if he hasn’t patterned himself after Sheffield.[/quote]
It’s funny you mention Sheffield. For a second I thought that was him batting. Very similar swings.
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]It’s funny you mention Sheffield. For a second I thought that was him batting. Very similar swings.[/quote]The more I watch it, the more uncanny it is. He’s a bit more upright than Sheffield would be, and he uses his lower half a bit more, but damn if that swing isn’t almost a carbon copy of Sheffield’s.
I can’t find a straight-on gif or vid of Sheffield’s swing, but it would be sweet to try and do a side-by-side gif of the two swings.
Speaking of batting stances:
The way he went down to an almost kneeling position during the swing reminded me of Juan Uribe.
[quote name=Aisle424]The way he went down to an almost kneeling position during the swing reminded me of Juan Uribe.[/quote]
Funny, it reminded me of Ryan Theriot.
[quote name=Aisle424]The way he went down to an almost kneeling position during the swing reminded me of Juan Uribe.[/quote]But he doesn’t have all that whacky extra shit in his swing that Uribe did. Uribe looked like a Parkinson’s patient on meth in the batter’s box.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]That swing reminds me a lot of another brown guy.[/quote]Bigot.
[quote name=GBTS]Bigot.[/quote]Penis wrinkle. (dying laughing)