2018/2019 Off-Season Thread

jack presley · 20-10-2018 7:00pm #1

Here's the thread for the 2018-2019 off-season discussion.

jack presley · 20-10-2018 7:03pm

https://twitter.com/JoeFrisaro/status/1053695136616644608

Mesa brothers (well one of them anyway) rumoured to be pretty good so this would be a bit of a coup if true.

jack presley · 21-10-2018 6:30pm

A couple of new managers announced today.

Brad Ausmus - Angels
David Bell - Reds

circular flexing · 22-10-2018 6:56am

For reference here is the complete FA list

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/12/2018-19-mlb-free-agents.html

jack presley · 26-10-2018 1:20pm

A couple of more manager hires yesterday.

Toronto - Charlie Montoyo (Rays bench coach)
Twins - Rocco Baldelli (Rays as well and he's only 37)

Lot of love for Rays staff at the moment. One of the final 2 in the Mets GM staff search is with them at the moment too (the other being an agent who has deGrom, Cespedas and Tim bloody Tebow as his clients so don't know how that would work!)

Igotadose · 26-10-2018 1:37pm

Doug Melvin won't be the next Met's GM.
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mets-gm-search-doug-melvin-reportedly-eliminated-chaim-bloom-and-brodie-van-wagenen-remain-finalists/

Down to Chaim Bloom and Brodie Van Wagenen. Either would be a really interesting hire, but.... the Wilponzis aren't leaving anytime soon so I doubt it matters much.

Edit: my nephew went to Yale around the same time as Chaim Bloom. I recall him telling me that one of his college mates 'worked for the Rays.' Hmm... I wonder if that means tickets should he get the job...

jack presley · 28-10-2018 11:18pm

https://twitter.com/russellmania621/status/1056667411439669248?s=21

jack presley · 28-10-2018 11:20pm

Igotadose wrote: »

Doug Melvin won't be the next Met's GM.
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mets-gm-search-doug-melvin-reportedly-eliminated-chaim-bloom-and-brodie-van-wagenen-remain-finalists/

Down to Chaim Bloom and Brodie Van Wagenen. Either would be a really interesting hire, but.... the Wilponzis aren't leaving anytime soon so I doubt it matters much.

Edit: my nephew went to Yale around the same time as Chaim Bloom. I recall him telling me that one of his college mates 'worked for the Rays.' Hmm... I wonder if that means tickets should he get the job...

Looks like it’s Van Wagenen. Will be officially announced after WS.

A few months back he was accusing MLB teams as colluding to keep salaries down. Will be interesting to hear his opinions now that he’s on the other side of the table now.

Edit - Press conference 2:30 ET Tuesday.

jack presley · 29-10-2018 2:47pm

https://twitter.com/djshort/status/1056896588373786624

ShyMets · 29-10-2018 4:46pm

jack presley wrote: »

Igotadose wrote: »

Doug Melvin won't be the next Met's GM.
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mets-gm-search-doug-melvin-reportedly-eliminated-chaim-bloom-and-brodie-van-wagenen-remain-finalists/

Down to Chaim Bloom and Brodie Van Wagenen. Either would be a really interesting hire, but.... the Wilponzis aren't leaving anytime soon so I doubt it matters much.

Edit: my nephew went to Yale around the same time as Chaim Bloom. I recall him telling me that one of his college mates 'worked for the Rays.' Hmm... I wonder if that means tickets should he get the job...

Looks like it’s Van Wagenen. Will be officially announced after WS.

A few months back he was accusing MLB teams as colluding to keep salaries down. Will be interesting to hear his opinions now that he’s on the other side of the table now.

Edit - Press conference 2:30 ET Tuesday.

So how do other Mets fans feel about this appointment. For one thing it's very left of field and not what I was expecting. I thought Melvin was a nialled on cert.

His lack of GM experience is a worry and it will be interesting to see how his previous role influences h his decision making

Will he be just another yes man for the Wilpons. For me the jury is out for now. Let's see how things pan out during the Winter meetings and off season.

ShyMets · 29-10-2018 4:46pm

jack presley wrote: »

Igotadose wrote: »

Doug Melvin won't be the next Met's GM.
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mets-gm-search-doug-melvin-reportedly-eliminated-chaim-bloom-and-brodie-van-wagenen-remain-finalists/

Down to Chaim Bloom and Brodie Van Wagenen. Either would be a really interesting hire, but.... the Wilponzis aren't leaving anytime soon so I doubt it matters much.

Edit: my nephew went to Yale around the same time as Chaim Bloom. I recall him telling me that one of his college mates 'worked for the Rays.' Hmm... I wonder if that means tickets should he get the job...

Looks like it’s Van Wagenen. Will be officially announced after WS.

A few months back he was accusing MLB teams as colluding to keep salaries down. Will be interesting to hear his opinions now that he’s on the other side of the table now.

Edit - Press conference 2:30 ET Tuesday.

So how do other Mets fans feel about this appointment. For one thing it's very left of field and not what I was expecting. I thought Melvin was a nialled on cert.

His lack of GM experience is a worry and it will be interesting to see how his previous role influences h his decision making

Will he be just another yes man for the Wilpons. For me the jury is out for now. Let's see how things pan out during the Winter meetings and off season.

jack presley · 29-10-2018 5:02pm

ShyMets wrote: »

So how do other Mets fans feel about this appointment. For one thing it's very left of field and not what I was expecting. I thought Melvin was a nialled on cert.

His lack of GM experience is a worry and it will be interesting to see how his previous role influences h his decision making

Will he be just another yes man for the Wilpons. For me the jury is out for now. Let's see how things pan out during the Winter meetings and off season.

I'm the same, jury out. I'm happy that they didn't go the traditional route with Melvin who has said the game has passed him by but I think I would have preferred the other guy who at least has been in a front office before.

It has the potential to be a total disaster with his inexperience and also having to shed all his conflicts of interest (like that's going to happen). But he has insisted on increasing the analytics department which was the smallest in the majors so there's that.

But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter who's in charge, the Wilsons pull the strings and if they want Jose Reyes on the roster, then Jose Reyes is on the roster.

Igotadose · 29-10-2018 5:30pm

jack presley wrote: »

But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter who's in charge, the Wilsons pull the strings and if they want Jose Reyes on the roster, then Jose Reyes is on the roster.

This. Interesting hire and all, but he's not in it for the $$ so maybe he'll change up some things -guy is an agent and they seem like a bunch of first, money hounds and second, glory.

Be interesting to see how he 'divests' himself of what he knows about Syndegaard, de Grom, and his other clients on the Mets, whether he extends/re-ups/etc.

I was kind of hoping for Chaim Bloom as well, especially given my chance at tickets should he get the job

But, I expect he'll land elsewhere. Also was disappointed they didn't hire that woman Ng (first name escapes me.) She looked like the best overall candidate to me. Very glad they didn't go with Melvin.

02-11-2018 9:23pm

Looks like Kershaw is staying with the Dodgers
3years for $93m

Despite being unimpressed with him this season, I'm still over all happy that he's staying. I'd hate to see him pitch elsewhere
I'd love to see him get an injury free season

circular flexing · 02-11-2018 9:27pm

$31 million per year is a lot for a pitcher who is in the twilight of his career and will no doubt spend a lot of time on the DL in those 3 seasons.

02-11-2018 9:44pm

circular flexing wrote: »

$31 million per year is a lot for a pitcher who is in the twilight of his career and will no doubt spend a lot of time on the DL in those 3 seasons.

If he hadn't signed a new deal, and stayed with the Dodgers, he would have been earning $32.5m a year for the next two seasons.
It's kind of win win for both Kershaw and the Dodgers.

But you're right, he's been on the DL for long stretches of the past 3 seasons, so it looks likely that that will continue. He needs a bit of luck, or perhaps a change in mindset. I imagine the 2019 season could be the last where he is considered the Dodgers #1 Starter

circular flexing · 02-11-2018 9:50pm

Deleted User wrote: »

If he hadn't signed a new deal, and stayed with the Dodgers, he would have been earning $32.5m a year for the next two seasons.
It's kind of win win for both Kershaw and the Dodgers.

But you're right, he's been on the DL for long stretches of the past 3 seasons, so it looks likely that that will continue. He needs a bit of luck, or perhaps a change in mindset. I imagine the 2019 season could be the last where he is considered the Dodgers #1 Starter

So I agree the per year rate is better for the Dodgers but overall it could be worse, particularly if he fades hard after next season (just look what happened with Hernandez and Mariners). I guess it comes down to what incentives are in the contract as it doesn't seem like the full $93 million is guaranteed.

02-11-2018 9:57pm

circular flexing wrote: »

So I agree the per year rate is better for the Dodgers but overall it could be worse, particularly if he fades hard after next season (just look what happened with Hernandez and Mariners). I guess it comes down to what incentives are in the contract as it doesn't seem like the full $93 million is guaranteed.

Again, I agree with you (High 5 :P )
I definitely think there is a little bit of nostalgia for the Dodgers. For a team that is so big on analytics, I think there is a bit of heart in this decision. Especially considering they wouldn't pay Greinke a few years back

The other side of it, is what Starting Pitchers are available this off season?

circular flexing · 02-11-2018 10:04pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Again, I agree with you (High 5 :P )

The other side of it, is what Starting Pitchers are available this off season?

I hear that Eovaldi fella is pretty good :P

jack presley · 05-11-2018 6:36pm

Marlins sculpture's gone

https://twitter.com/EmptySeatsPics/status/1059454538523045888

krustydoyle · 09-11-2018 12:01am

So if you were Harper... Where would you go?

jack presley · 09-11-2018 11:10am

krustydoyle wrote: »

So if you were Harper... Where would you go?

No idea but the media are gas at the moment. They obviously have content to fill but all I’m seeing is “Team X have shown interest in Player Y” which is basically saying nothing. I’d imagine every team is kicking the tyres on every player at the moment.

circular flexing · 09-11-2018 12:43pm

jack presley wrote: »

No idea but the media are gas at the moment. They obviously have content to fill but all I’m seeing is “Team X have shown interest in Player Y” which is basically saying nothing. I’d imagine every team is kicking the tyres on every player at the moment.

The Yankees are definitely in for every FA anyway.

I think the list of teams for Harper is pretty short considering he turned down $300 million over 10 years from the Nationals.

jack presley · 26-11-2018 8:39pm

Braves busy today.

They've already signed Bryan McCann and looks like they're getting Josh Donaldson too.

circular flexing · 26-11-2018 8:57pm

jack presley wrote: »

Braves busy today.

They've already signed Bryan McCann and looks like they're getting Josh Donaldson too.

Only a one year deal for Donaldson. Wonder if he regrets not signing a long term deal with Blue Jays now.

circular flexing · 28-11-2018 6:48am

If this trade (or anything close to it) happens, I'm legit finding a different team to follow or just giving in on baseball

https://twitter.com/MLBNetwork/status/1067498622147796992

jack presley · 28-11-2018 7:38am

I feel the same (dont want to give up Gimenez or Dunn).

ShyMets · 29-11-2018 5:44pm

Looks like Cano and Diaz are heading to the Mets. If it comes to pass will be interesting to see what the Mets give up

circular flexing · 29-11-2018 5:46pm

ShyMets wrote: »

Looks like Cano and Diaz are heading to the Mets. If it comes to pass will be interesting to see what the Mets give up

Yeah sure seems that way. I hope Mariners don't end up with Bruce in return though.

MLB Trade Rumors has updates here: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/11/significant-momentum-mets-trade-rumors-mariners-acquire-robinson-cano-edwin-diaz.html

jack presley · 29-11-2018 8:59pm

The baseball offseason can be weird.

Monday: Mets claim an AAA outfielder called Jordan Patterson off waivers from the Rockies
Thursday: Reds claim Jordan Patterson off waivers from the Mets.

What was the point of claiming a player in November when nothing's happening then putting him on waivers 3 days later when nothing else has happened in between? What a waste of time for everyone.

jack presley · 29-11-2018 9:06pm

circular flexing wrote: »

Yeah sure seems that way. I hope Mariners don't end up with Bruce in return though.

MLB Trade Rumors has updates here: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/11/significant-momentum-mets-trade-rumors-mariners-acquire-robinson-cano-edwin-diaz.html

All this Mets/Mariners trade talk is just journalists filling space. "A source said...." etc. I've been following the mets blogs etc and every day they're changing the story of who's going where. It's all just guesswork.

Bring on the winter meetings when something will actually happen.

And yeah, no one wants Bruce!

jack presley · 29-11-2018 9:55pm

I know there's always talk of expansion (Montreal's name always pops up) but Portland look like they're getting in the mix.

https://www.portlanddiamondproject.com

Waitsian · 29-11-2018 11:59pm

jack presley wrote: »

I know there's always talk of expansion (Montreal's name always pops up) but Portland look like they're getting in the mix

Slightly off topic but bear with me. They'd also love an NHL team. I think it would be a great city for both hockey and baseball. Ive always been surprised they only had one Pro sports team.

circular flexing · 30-11-2018 12:06am

mod9maple wrote: »

Slightly off topic but bear with me. They'd also love an NHL team. I think it would be a great city for both hockey and baseball. Ive always been surprised they only had one Pro sports team.

They have 2 - Trail Blazers and Timber. Seattle is almost certainly getting a hockey team soon so not sure what that would mean for any potential Portland hockey team.

circular flexing · 30-11-2018 1:25am

jack presley wrote: »

All this Mets/Mariners trade talk is just journalists filling space.

Sure there's always some space filling but I think it's past that point in this case. I hope it comes to nothing but if Mariners can get 3 or 4 good prospects out of the deal then that'd be exciting.

circular flexing · 30-11-2018 3:50am

Deal now being reported as McNeil, Kelenic, Dunn, Bruce and Swarzak to Mariners in exchange for Cano and Diaz.

I gather from the Twitter machine that this is a bad deal for Mets.

Another update: McNeil is not going to be included. Not so keen on this deal now.

jack presley · 30-11-2018 8:29am

circular flexing wrote: »

Deal now being reported as McNeil, Kelenic, Dunn, Bruce and Swarzak to Mariners in exchange for Cano and Diaz.

I gather from the Twitter machine that this is a bad deal for Mets.

Another update: McNeil is not going to be included. Not so keen on this deal now.

I tell you something, getting Kelenic is a huge coup for the Mariners. Obviously I’ve never seen him play so am only going on what scouts and reporters are saying but apparently he’s going to be a star. Ok, he’s only 19 and not every prospect pans out but his upside is massive. I’d hate to see him go.

jack presley · 30-11-2018 4:29pm

jack presley wrote: »

I tell you something, getting Kelenic is a huge coup for the Mariners. Obviously I’ve never seen him play so am only going on what scouts and reporters are saying but apparently he’s going to be a star. Ok, he’s only 19 and not every prospect pans out but his upside is massive. I’d hate to see him go.

$60m of Cano's remaining $120m coming the Mets way. Twitter is gas, you have half of the Mets guys going mad saying this is the worst deal ever and the other half loving it saying it's brilliant. Only time will tell I suppose.

Igotadose · 30-11-2018 5:30pm

I'm liking the Mets/Mariners deal. Diaz is an elite closer so far, 4 years of control. Cano probably will play o.k.. Bruce and Swarzak are gone, that's not terrifying at all. Swarzak was a disaster pretty much every time out.

The rookies the Mets kicked into the deal, well, they're rookies. Amusing that on the same day, the Mets re-signed one-time 'second baseman of the future' Dilson Herrera to a minor-league contract. Herrera was included in the trade for Jay Bruce originally and the online "Mets congnoscenti" were all over what a terrible trade it was. Bruce had some good stretches. Herrera couldn't crack the Reds lineup. The *Reds*.

Time will tell, of course. My bigger concerns is this is yet another 'all-star AL second baseman' moving to the NL to play for the Mets. After Carlos Baerga and Roberto Alomar, I don't have good hopes there :P

circular flexing · 30-11-2018 6:06pm

jack presley wrote: »

$60m of Cano's remaining $120m coming the Mets way. Twitter is gas, you have half of the Mets guys going mad saying this is the worst deal ever and the other half loving it saying it's brilliant. Only time will tell I suppose.

If Mariners take Bruce's contract too then the net cost to the Mets will be much less. In return they are getting a very good second basemen who is definitely in the twilight of his career but is still elite (3.2 WAR even though he only played ~80 games) and a lights out closer who has HOF potential.

jack presley · 30-11-2018 6:19pm

circular flexing wrote: »

If Mariners take Bruce's contract too then the net cost to the Mets will be much less. In return they are getting a very good second basemen who is definitely in the twilight of his career but is still elite (3.2 WAR even though he only played ~80 games) and a lights out closer who has HOF potential.

Yeah if the rumours are true (and we won't know until everything's made official), the Mariners are paying $60m of Cano's money, all of Bruce's $28m and all of the $8.5m due to Swarzak. So the Mets are getting $96.5m in salary relief. Whether they'll spend that in free agency, we'll have to wait. And see as the Wilpon's didn't re-invest the insurance money they've been getting from David Wright's contract, I won't hold my breath.

jack presley · 30-11-2018 6:20pm

This tweet is from 2013 when Cano signed with Seattle.

https://twitter.com/mikekerwick/status/409049332562677760

circular flexing · 02-12-2018 4:11am

Sounds like the deal is done bar some formalities (approval from Commissioner's office for the amount of that Mariners are sending, Cano to waive his NTC and physicals).

Full deal is: Diaz, Cano and $20M to Mets for Bruce, Swarzak, Kelenic, Dunn and Bautista. Mets will pay Cano 5 yrs $63M once subtract how much owe Bruce/Swarzak plus $20M

jack presley · 02-12-2018 4:37pm

circular flexing wrote: »

Sounds like the deal is done bar some formalities (approval from Commissioner's office for the amount of that Mariners are sending, Cano to waive his NTC and physicals).

Full deal is: Diaz, Cano and $20M to Mets for Bruce, Swarzak, Kelenic, Dunn and Bautista. Mets will pay Cano 5 yrs $63M once subtract how much owe Bruce/Swarzak plus $20M

As a Seattle fan, what do you reckon?

I'm on the fence as a Mets fan. I know not every prospect comes through but I had heard really good things about Kelenic. That could come back to haunt the Mets. And Cano's 36 so his production is only going to go one way.

But it's probably not fair to look at one move in isolation. I'll wait to see who else arrives and leaves and look at the off-season as a whole.

circular flexing · 03-12-2018 12:17am

jack presley wrote: »

As a Seattle fan, what do you reckon?

I'm on the fence as a Mets fan. I know not every prospect comes through but I had heard really good things about Kelenic. That could come back to haunt the Mets. And Cano's 36 so his production is only going to go one way.

But it's probably not fair to look at one move in isolation. I'll wait to see who else arrives and leaves and look at the off-season as a whole.

I think there are a ton of upsides for the Mariners - getting rid of Cano's contract is huge. They'll now have money to spend in FA starting 2020 (after Felix's contract expires too) Getting Kelenic seems like a coup and maybe Bruce will rediscover his form next season.

There's some risks for the Mets. Cano is a good hitter now but his defence is on the decline and he wants to become the all time HR leader for 2nd basemen so he won't move to 1st (apparently he hated playing 1st/3rd last year but felt like he had no choice after the suspension). There's no DH position for the Mets to hide him in (for now). Also some players realise as they get older that they need to work harder to keep up a level of performance (Cruz and Raul Ibanez are 2 good examples of that) but I don't think Cano is that kind of person. Some speculation around that Cano is happy to go to Mets as he likes to be seen around town in NY. Diaz is obviously a star but Mets need a good 8th inning pitcher to complement him (I've no idea what their bullpen is like).

Only time will tell who won the trade (if anyone).

circular flexing · 03-12-2018 5:59am

Looks like Mariners are trading Segura to Phillies in exchange for JP Crawford and I assume another yet to be named player.

Now if only they could get rid of Seagar.

jack presley · 03-12-2018 4:32pm

circular flexing wrote: »

Looks like Mariners are trading Segura to Phillies in exchange for JP Crawford and I assume another yet to be named player.

Now if only they could get rid of Seagar.

Mariners certainly not wasting time with their Mets haul. Apparently Swarzak is the PTBNL in that deal.

EDIT - Now they’re saying he isn’t involved.

circular flexing · 03-12-2018 11:39pm

Mariners traded Segura, Juan Nicasio and James Pazos to Phillies for JP Crawford and Carlos Santana. Awful trade, imo.

ShyMets · 04-12-2018 9:49am

circular flexing wrote: »

I think there are a ton of upsides for the Mariners - getting rid of Cano's contract is huge. They'll now have money to spend in FA starting 2020 (after Felix's contract expires too) Getting Kelenic seems like a coup and maybe Bruce will rediscover his form next season.

There's some risks for the Mets. Cano is a good hitter now but his defence is on the decline and he wants to become the all time HR leader for 2nd basemen so he won't move to 1st (apparently he hated playing 1st/3rd last year but felt like he had no choice after the suspension). There's no DH position for the Mets to hide him in (for now). Also some players realise as they get older that they need to work harder to keep up a level of performance (Cruz and Raul Ibanez are 2 good examples of that) but I don't think Cano is that kind of person. Some speculation around that Cano is happy to go to Mets as he likes to be seen around town in NY. Diaz is obviously a star but Mets need a good 8th inning pitcher to complement him (I've no idea what their bullpen is like).

Only time will tell who won the trade (if anyone).

From a Mets point of view I think the pros outweigh the cons.

Pros:

We're getting an elite Closer in Diaz (Still need more depth in Bullpen)
Goodbye Bruce and Swarzak (Although knowing our luck Bruce will rebound with a monster season)
Cano, All Star who is still Productive. Yes his defence is on the slide. But if he can remain Productive for the next two seasons and his defence doesn't go too far south I'll be happy. I've already written off the last two years of the deal.

Cons
Cano suffers major regression
Would have preferred not to take on some such of Cano's salary
Giving up Kelenic. Really hope it doesn't come back to bite.

All the indications are the Mets are not done yet. The Winter meetings could be very interesting.

jack presley · 04-12-2018 9:52pm

Is anyone not going to the NLE...????

https://twitter.com/chelsea_janes/status/1070057934393094145

6 years. That's an awful lot of money invested in the top 3 of their rotation. They're certainly all in. I wonder is that the Harper money?

circular flexing · 04-12-2018 11:12pm

jack presley wrote: »

Is anyone not going to the NLE...????

https://twitter.com/chelsea_janes/status/1070057934393094145

6 years. That's an awful lot of money invested in the top 3 of their rotation. They're certainly all in. I wonder is that the Harper money?

NLE shaping up to be very competitive next year, only team not in contention would be Marlins (imo).

Sounds like the Mets went after Diaz hard from what Brodie Van Wagenen said at the press conference.

2018/2019 Off-Season Thread

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