MLB 2016-2017 Offseason Thread

jack presley

World Series coming to an end so might as well have the off season thread ready to go!

jack presley

And not a good start to the off season for the Mets. Might be losing Cespedes which isn't good but then I read this:

https://twitter.com/adamrubinespn/status/793529776279388161


First Jose, now Jeurys.

Igotadose

Can't ever seem to get any good postseason news.

Ahh well, pitchers and catchers report in 107 days!;)

krustydoyle

Angels to acquire OF Cameron Maybin from the Tigers.. And they'll pay his 9 mill option for 2017

Waitsian

krustydoyle wrote:

Angels to acquire OF Cameron Maybin from the Tigers.. And they'll pay his 9 mill option for 2017

And it begins...

Matt Stairs is the new Phillies hitting coach.

Who's the biggest free agent on the market this off-season? I wonder where Encarnacion and Cespedes end up?

Waitsian

Not a great free-agent class tbh. There's a lot of familiar names but for me a few stand out. Bautista, Encarnacion and Cespedes yes but Chapman of the Cubs, Trumbo and Wieters of the Os and Beltran of the Rangers.

Waitsian

Holliday of the Cards and Reddick of the Dodgers might be worth a punt.

Any idea on who might call it a day and retire? Pierzinski, Howard, Aaron Hill, Dickey maybe?

TimRiggins

mod9maple wrote: »

Holliday of the Cards and Reddick of the Dodgers might be worth a punt.

Any idea on who might call it a day and retire? Pierzinski, Howard, Aaron Hill, Dickey maybe?

If Dickey retires so will Josh Thole!

smackbunnybaby

American League

Angels (6): Andrew Bailey rhp, Jhoulys Chacin rhp, Tim Lincecum rhp, Geovany Soto c, Jered Weaver rhp, C.J. Wilson lhp

Astros (4): Jason Castro c, Doug Fister rhp, Colby Rasmus of, Luis Valbuena 3b

Athletics (2): Ross Detwiler lhp, Sam Fuld of

Blue Jays (9): Jose Bautista of, Joaquin Benoit rhp, Brett Cecil lhp, R.A. Dickey rhp, Edwin Encarnacion 1b/dh, Scott Feldman rhp, Gavin Floyd rhp, Dioner Navarro c, Michael Saunders of

Indians (3): Marlon Byrd of, Rajai Davis of, Mike Napoli 1b/dh

Mariners (4): Franklin Gutierrez of, Adam Lind 1b, Dae-ho Lee of, Drew Storen rhp

Orioles (9): Pedro Alvarez dh, Michael Bourn of, Brian Duensing lhp, Tommy Hunter rhp, Steve Pearce 1b, Nolan Reimold of, Drew Stubbs of, Mark Trumbo of/1b, Matt Wieters c

Rangers (5): Carlos Beltran of, Ian Desmond of/ss, Carlos Gomez of, Colby Lewis rhp, Mitch Moreland 1b

Rays (3): Kevin Jepsen rhp, Logan Morrison of/1b, Alexei Ramirez ss

Red Sox (4): Aaron Hill if, Junichi Tazawa rhp, Koji Uehara rhp, Brad Ziegler rhp

Royals (2): Drew Butera c, Peter Moylan rhp

Tigers (3): Erick Aybar ss, Casey McGehee 3b, Jarrod Saltalamacchia c

Twins (1): Kurt Suzuki c

White Sox (3): Alex Avila c, Austin Jackson of, Justin Morneau 1b

Yankees (2): Billy Butler dh/1b, Mark Teixeira 1b
National League

Braves (3): Emilio Bonifacio if/of, Eric O’Flaherty lhp, A.J. Pierzynski c

Brewers (2): Blaine Boyer rhp, Chris Capuano lhp

Cardinals (2): Brandon Moss 1b/of, Jerome Williams rhp

Cubs (7): Trevor Cahill rhp, Aroldis Chapman lhp, Chris Coghlan of/if, Munenori Kawasaki if, David Ross c, Joe Smith rhp, Travis Wood lhp

Diamondbacks (2): Daniel Hudson rhp, Rickie Weeks of

Dodgers (9): Brett Anderson lhp, Joe Blanton rhp, Jesse Chavez rhp, Rich Hill lhp, J.P. Howell lhp, Kenley Jansen rhp, Justin Turner 3b, Chase Utley 2b

Giants (8): Gordon Beckham if, Gregor Blanco of, Santiago Casilla rhp, Javier Lopez lhp, Joe Nathan rhp, Angel Pagan of, Jake Peavy rhp, Sergio Romo rhp

Marlins (7): Andrew Cashner rhp, Mike Dunn lhp, Jeff Francoeur of, Chris Johnson 3b/1b, Jeff Mathis c, Dustin McGowan rhp, Fernando Rodney rhp

Mets (7): Jerry Blevins lhp, Bartolo Colon rhp, Alejandro de Aza of, Kelly Johnson if, James Loney 1b, Fernando Salas rhp, Neil Walker 2b

Nationals (8): Matt Belisle rhp, Sen Burnett lhp, Stephen Drew if, Chris Heisey of, Mat Latos rhp, Mark Melancon rhp, Wilson Ramos c, Marc Rzepczynski lhp

Padres (6): Edwin Jackson rhp, Jon Jay of, Brandon Morrow rhp, Clayton Richard lhp, Adam Rosales if, Carlos Villanueva rhp

Phillies (5): Andres Blanco if, Peter Bourjos of, A.J. Ellis c, Jeremy Hellickson rhp, David Hernandez rhp

Pirates (5): Neftali Feliz rhp, Matt Joyce of, Ivan Nova rhp, Sean Rodriguez if, Ryan Vogelsong rhp

Reds (2): Ross Ohlendorf rhp, Alfredo Simon rhp

Rockies (6): Jorge De La Rosa lhp, Daniel Descalso if, Nick Hundley c, Boone Logan lhp, Ryan Raburn of, Mark Reynolds 1b

Waitsian

Ex Blue Jays and Red Sox coach Torey Lovullo is the new Arizona manager.

Waitsian

Mariners outfielder Nori Aoki is off to the Astros, claimed off waivers.

And leaving the Astros for Philadelphia is P Pat Neshek.

jack presley

Cespedes has opted out of his contract so is now a free agent. We all knew it was going to happen but to hear that it's now official, is a bit a a downer.

Waitsian

jack presley wrote:

Cespedes has opted out of his contract so is now a free agent.

Toronto needs a slugging outfielder. Hmmmm.

TimRiggins

mod9maple wrote: »

Toronto needs a slugging outfielder. Hmmmm.

See it being rumored over here. Apparently no serious talks with Edwin which is a disgrace. Still lots of time for that to change though but really hope we don't lose him to another AL East team which will probably happen.

krustydoyle

jack presley wrote:

Cespedes has opted out of his contract so is now a free agent. We all knew it was going to happen but to hear that it's now official, is a bit a a downer.

Wanna guess where he'll end up??

Igotadose

krustydoyle wrote: »

Wanna guess where he'll end up??

My heart says Mets. My brain says elsewhere. Seems like the Angels, or Marlins, are most likely. He'd fit in well in Miami and give them scary offense from an outfield with Stanton and Yelich as well. Mets never have any money and Alderson dislikes long contracts.

Mets think they'll replace his production with Bruce and Conforto. I think without Cespedes, breaking .500 next year's unlikely without 3 of the 4 missing starters returning to form, and finding a catcher than reliably do something - either field, or hit, or hopefully both. Plus Familia being replaced for at least the duration of a suspension. They might get Walker back for a year, though who knows how healthy he'll be.

Igotadose

It's HOF time. Tim Raines is in his last year of eligibility. Vlad Guerrero's there for the first time, as well as Pudge Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez. Ex-Met first timers include Melvin Mora and Mike Cameron. I always wondered what the early 2000's Mets would have been like had they retained Mora and let Rey Ordonez go...

If I had a vote, it'd be Raines, Pudge and Guerrero. Guerrero should be a shoo-in and Raines was amazing in his prime, plus Pudge was probably the best all-around since the Bench and Carter.

Some PED rumors about Pudge might slow him down, what a great arm he had though, loved picking them at 1st from his knees behind the plate.

Jeff Bagwell's probably got a good chance, he has the 2d most votes from the last time after Raines, 69% out of 75% needed. Might make it this time. Trevor Hoffmann's got a chance though I don't think he's worthy, he's one of those 'Hall of the Very Good' players, really wasn't that scary a reliever in my recollection.

krustydoyle

Cubs decline SP Jason Hammels 12 mill option for 2017

krustydoyle

Rockies hire Bud Black at there new manager

TimRiggins

Mets rumored to be in for Joey Bats. Suprised that a NL team would take him as he's not great at RF anymore.

jack presley

TimRiggins wrote: »

Mets rumored to be in for Joey Bats. Suprised that a NL team would take him as he's not great at RF anymore.

The Mets are going to be rumoured to be in for every outfielder going but I can't see them signing any of them.

Cespedes will sign somewhere and we'all hear the speil about how confident they are going into next season with Conforto/Granderson/Bruce as the outfield. Sandy Anderson hates spending money on deals over 2-3 years.

And I presume Batistuta has been given a qualifying offer from Toronto so it would cost a draft pick to sign him and Sandy hates giving up draft picks too.

TimRiggins

jack presley wrote: »

The Mets are going to be rumoured to be in for every outfielder going but I can't see them signing any of them.

Cespedes will sign somewhere and we'all hear the speil about how confident they are going into next season with Conforto/Granderson/Bruce as the outfield. Sandy Anderson hates spending money on deals over 2-3 years.

And I presume Batistuta has been given a qualifying offer from Toronto so it would cost a draft pick to sign him and Sandy hates giving up draft picks too.

He's been given a qualifying offer alright which he's expected to decline as he wants multi year deal. Apparently we're trying to sign Edwin back, better late then never but this should have really been done months ago. Anyway, the MVP, Cy Young, Rookie and Manager of the year nominations were brought out yesterday

AL MVP

• Mike Trout, Angels
• Jose Altuve, Astros
• Mookie Betts, Red Sox
NL MVP

• Kris Bryant, Cubs
• Corey Seager, Dodgers
• Daniel Murphy, Nationals
AL Cy Young

• Rick Porcello, Red Sox
• Corey Kluber, Indians
• Justin Verlander, Tigers
NL Cy Young

• Max Scherzer, Nationals
• Kyle Hendricks, Cubs
• Jon Lester, Cubs
AL Rookie of the Year

• Michael Fulmer, Tigers
• Gary Sanchez, Yankees
• Tyler Naquin, Indians
NL Rookie of the Year

• Kenta Maeda, Dodgers
• Corey Seager, Dodgers
• Trea Turner, Nationals
AL Manager of the Year

• Jeff Bannister, Rangers
• Terry Francona, Indians
• Buck Showalter, Orioles
NL Manager of the Year

• Dusty Baker, Nationals
• Joe Maddon, Cubs
• Dave Roberts, Dodgers


The AL Cy young baffles me. No Zach Britton after an ERA of 0.54, and no Aaron Sanchez after leading the AL in ERA. Buck Showalter is a strange one for AL Manager of the year too, and I'd give the NL one to Dave Roberts after the job he did with the Dodgers after all their injuries this year

jack presley

TimRiggins wrote: »

The AL Cy young baffles me. No Zach Britton after an ERA of 0.54, and no Aaron Sanchez after leading the AL in ERA. Buck Showalter is a strange one for AL Manager of the year too, and I'd give the NL one to Dave Roberts after the job he did with the Dodgers after all their injuries this year

They don't seem to like relievers for the Cy Youngs. Most of the winners will be pretty predictable I'd say although I'd like to see Scherzer get the NL CY.

circular flexing

TimRiggins wrote: »

He's been given a qualifying offer alright which he's expected to decline as he wants multi year deal. Apparently we're trying to sign Edwin back, better late then never but this should have really been done months ago. Anyway, the MVP, Cy Young, Rookie and Manager of the year nominations were brought out yesterday

Rumours are that Encarnacion wants $125 million over 5 years. I can't see the Jays going for that but I guess we'll see.

jack presley

A good read here about the top 50 free agents and where a good spot for them to land might be.

http://www.si.com/mlb/2016/11/07/reiter-50-free-agency-rankings

Waitsian

circular flexing wrote:

Rumours are that Encarnacion wants $125 million over 5 years. I can't see the Jays going for that but I guess we'll see.

I thought he'd end up in Boston for sure but their GM says they have players in the minors and 5 years is too long. One of Edwin and Bautista ends up in Texas I reckon. I'd be very surprised to see Bautista back in Toronto; Edwin maybe.

I could see one of Toronto's starters being traded. Sanchez no; Happ, Estrada or even Stroman yes.

TimRiggins

mod9maple wrote: »

I thought he'd end up in Boston for sure but their GM says they have players in the minors and 5 years is too long. One of Edwin and Bautista ends up in Texas I reckon. I'd be very surprised to see Bautista back in Toronto; Edwin maybe.

I could see one of Toronto's starters being traded. Sanchez no; Happ, Estrada or even Stroman yes.

Can't see Bautista going to Texas with all the history there anyway. Stroman might get traded or even going into the BP I think too. Sanchez/Estrada/Happ/Lirano would be a good enough starting rotation anyway.

Waitsian

The Rays I hear are open to offers on Longoria. Even the Tigers are getting calls on Cabrera. Interesting times ahead!

circular flexing

Wow I didn't realise how big Cabrera's contract is.

Interesting too that the Astros only have 2 players signed for post-2017.

krustydoyle

RA Dickey off to the Braves..

1 year deal

Waitsian

krustydoyle wrote:

RA Dickey off to the Braves..

I hope it's a big pitcher's park because, boy oh boy, did he give up a lot of homers in the Skydome.

jack presley

19 division games. So all things being equal, there should be at least 4 occasions when the Mets hitters can have a field day. Is he taking Thole with him? As that would mean the pitcher only having to face 7 real hitters

jack presley

mod9maple wrote: »

I hope it's a big pitcher's park because, boy oh boy, did he give up a lot of homers in the Skydome.

New ballpark this year I think. No idea of dimensions and until they start playing, we won't know if balls will fly out.

jack presley

Braves all in on having the oldest rotation in baseball as apparently in addition to 42 year old RA Dickey, they've now signed 43 year old Bartolo Colon.

I'm going to miss Bartolo as a Met. He was always entertaining to watch.

Waitsian

jack presley wrote:

I'm going to miss Bartolo as a Met. He was always entertaining to watch.

I hear they're in on Bautista, the Mets. Where would they play him? He's willing to play RF, 1st and 3rd.

jack presley

mod9maple wrote: »

I hear they're in on Bautista, the Mets. Where would they play him? He's willing to play RF, 1st and 3rd.

I think the Mets showing interest in anyone at this stage is just for show. They usually just pick up the dregs after all the good players have signed elsewhere.

If they did get Batistuta, I reckon they'd play him at 1st or 3rd. Both Duda and Wright are vulnerable to injury and never last a season so having someone reliable in those positions would be great.

jack presley

Ah well, I'll still have these to look at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVFsq9FQBlc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGoDZ5u4vto

Igotadose

jack presley wrote: »

Braves all in on having the oldest rotation in baseball as apparently in addition to 42 year old RA Dickey, they've now signed 43 year old Bartolo Colon.

I'm going to miss Bartolo as a Met. He was always entertaining to watch.

This week's gone from good to horrible to bizarre to even more depressing . I don't want to speculate on what's next

jack presley

Toronto picked up that Cuban free agent Gurriel whose brother signed with Houston last year. They also got Kendry Morales from KC. Not a bad day's work!

Waitsian

jack presley wrote:

Toronto picked up that Cuban free agent Gurriel whose brother signed with Houston last year. They also got Kendry Morales from KC. Not a bad day's work!

I'd love them to go after Reddick.

Waitsian

Howie Kendrick to the Phillies.

circular flexing

Guess the Morales deal means that Encarnacion is not returning to Toronto.

jack presley

circular flexing wrote: »

Guess the Morales deal means that Encarnacion is not returning to Toronto.

Hadn't thought of that but yeah you're probably right.

Igotadose

Looks like the Mariners got Danny Valencia from the A's. Good get for them I think, they weren't far off this year. I think they need more pitching help though, King Felix had an off year. Still want to see that Mets/M's series in my lifetime (the one I missed in 2000 because...)

Waitsian

Igotadose wrote:

Looks like the Mariners got Danny Valencia from the A's. Good get for them I think.

He's a good player. He had a spell in Toronto and impressed. He's one of those underrated guys that flies under the radar.

Waitsian

circular flexing wrote:

Guess the Morales deal means that Encarnacion is not returning to Toronto.

This deal was reported 2 days ago in the press but has yet to be officially confirmed.

Igotadose

Walker accepted the Mets QO, making him the 2d highest paid 2B in MLB. Cespedes officially turned down the QO.

If Walker's healthy, and hits like he did in the latter half of last season, that's fine. If he's unhealthy or not hitting like the 1st half, that's bad.

David Wright's been cleared to resume baseball activities. I'm torn on this - big Wright fan, but my brain says he's done and can't play at high level anymore. Was a defensive liability and didn't really hit anymore.

Reyes was o.k. as a replacement and performed better than I'd hoped, but his defense was shaky. IMO he's a shortstop whose lost a step or a backup 2b. Wilmer Flores hasn't proven himself as an elite 3b. Really need someone at 3rd that meets all the requirements - good defense, drives in runs. Some have suggested Wright just go out on the 60 day DL but I think he's too proud for that.

Unless the pitching comes back strong, also far from a given, 2017 looks unhappy so far.

Oh, the guy they traded for Cespedes is the AL ROY. Fulmer. We shall see long term how that works out.

jack presley

Igotadose wrote: »

Walker accepted the Mets QO, making him the 2d highest paid 2B in MLB. Cespedes officially turned down the QO.

If Walker's healthy, and hits like he did in the latter half of last season, that's fine. If he's unhealthy or not hitting like the 1st half, that's bad.

David Wright's been cleared to resume baseball activities. I'm torn on this - big Wright fan, but my brain says he's done and can't play at high level anymore. Was a defensive liability and didn't really hit anymore.

Reyes was o.k. as a replacement and performed better than I'd hoped, but his defense was shaky. IMO he's a shortstop whose lost a step or a backup 2b. Wilmer Flores hasn't proven himself as an elite 3b. Really need someone at 3rd that meets all the requirements - good defense, drives in runs. Some have suggested Wright just go out on the 60 day DL but I think he's too proud for that.

Unless the pitching comes back strong, also far from a given, 2017 looks unhappy so far.

Oh, the guy they traded for Cespedes is the AL ROY. Fulmer. We shall see long term how that works out.

We can't have any regrets over Fulmer. That was one of those deals that had to be made. Without it, the Mets wouldn't have got to the World Series. You have to give up pieces to get pieces so I don't think about what it would have been like if he was still a Met. In the longer term it will probably work out a hell of a lot better for Detroit than NYM but I wouldn't go back and not make the trade.

Speaking of Fulmer, just read today that he continues to work as a plumber during the off-season which i thought was pretty cool if a little bizarre.

On Walker, if he's fit all well and good but potentially you could have an Duda, Walker and Wright as the 1-2-3 basemen, none of whom I'm confident on being able to get past April without going on the long term DL.

As much as I like Wright, I'd love it if he retired and they gave him some made-up ambassador role or something. He's going to be a liability if he gets on the field next year.

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman

Chapman - I want Chapman. If the Nationals can pull that off then I think we finally win a damn playoff game.

krustydoyle

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman wrote: »

Chapman - I want Chapman. If the Nationals can pull that off then I think we finally win a damn playoff game.

Nahhhh, hes coming back to the bronx :P

The Reservoir Dubs Anchorman

krustydoyle wrote: »

Nahhhh, hes coming back to the bronx :P

If he just wants to get paid he might.

If he wants to win it's either the Cubs or the Nationals who can pay him and win.