Kuzul

Adrian Gonzalez went a thorough physical at Massachusetts General Hospital today. While the organization has not officially commented on the results, a team official (speaking on the condition of anonymity) said he passed.

Currently, the club, the player and his agent are sequestered in an effort to hammer out a contract extension…so while the Red Sox have not confirmed that he passed the physical, it seems unlikely they would be negotiating a contract extension if he had not.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the ballclub and Gonzalez have until 2:00 PM tomorrow to conclude negotiations on an extension. It is unclear whether the Red Sox would pull the plug on the trade if they are unable to get the first baseman’s name on an extension by that time.

That said, it seems unlikely the organization would come this far and then NOT get the contract done… especially in the aftermath of having botched the final stages of the Teixeira negotiations a couple of years ago.

From the perspective of the player, you have got to believe that he has incentive to get the deal done as soon as possible. While he will likely have no shortage of suitors in the off-season, the fact of the matter is that he just had shoulder surgery and it’s projected that he will not enjoy a full spring training.

He will get a late start, and it’s likely that it will take some time to regain strength in the joint. If he has an off-year, which is entirely possible, he may find that teams will be conservative in the years and money they offer next winter. Right now, he has a perennial contender that is eager to get him under contract. A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush (or so they say).

It seems likely that a potential stumbling block in these negotiations will be a desire by the team to protect itself in the event the injury proves to be troublesome over the long term.

The Sox have secured favorable terms in recent contracts with players who have had some injury problems. They have shown a desire to limit the team’s financial exposure (i.e., Drew, Beckett, Lackey, etc) and it seems likely they will ask for similar protections in the Gonzalez deal.

It remains to be seen whether Gonzo and agent John Boggs would be receptive to such terms.

The team and the player are on the clock. Tick-tock.

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Well, folks, the Atlanta Braves have been doing some much-needed improvements to their roster and the results are starting to look nice.  Gone is the dead weight of guys like Rick Ankiel, Kyle Farnsworth, Melky Cabrera and a few more who weren’t worth the uniforms they had on.  Also, Derrek Lee and Matt Diaz are now free agents and can test the waters. 

So, what does this mean for Atlanta?  Let’s find out.

Atlanta already has their infield together, for the most part.  The only questions are about Chipper Jones’ production and whether Freddy Freeman can come in and excel in a starting role.  I think Freddy will surprise us all and have a great year.  Chipper should do well, and, if he hurts himself or retires mid-year, we still have Brooks Conrad who can step in and produce.

The major issue is the outfield.  Matt Diaz is gone.  Nate McLouth couldn’t hit sand if he fell off a camel.  They’ve brought in Joe Mather, but he is not a big producer.  Martin Prado will more than likely play left field, or center, if need be, which leaves a hole in either center or left.  This brings me to my theory on what the Braves should do this offseason: Pursue Shin-Soo Choo.

Let’s take a look at Choo before we start talking about trades and the like.  Here is how Choo stacks up with some of the best in the league:

S. Choo

CLE

550

81

165

22

90

22

7

83

118

0.300

0.401

0.484

D. Jeter

NYY

663

111

179

10

67

18

5

63

106

0.270

0.340

0.370

When you compare these guys, Choo stacks up pretty well.  He had a much better year than Derek Jeter, compares well to Carl Crawford and, while his power numbers aren’t on the same level as a Votto or Pujols, they are where they need to be to be a solid power hitter. 

He is also a skilled hitter, averaging .297 in his career and hasn’t hit under .300 the past three seasons.  What I see could help him in a better system are his RBI totals and his runs scored.  He walked 83 times last year, third on this list behind Pujols and Votto, which means people respect him a bit.  He also has some decent speed, stealing 22 bases and only being caught seven times.  His strikeouts are a little worrisome, but Crawford is close to him, and Carlos Gonzalez and Joey Votto have him beat there.  He also is decent in the field, with a .982 fielding percentage, a good arm and good instincts.

Choo would fit in well in this Braves system.  Let’s talk about trade options.  As you well know, the Indians, well, don’t have the greatest talent pool.  There are definitely some options, as the Braves could turn right around and ship Joe Mather to Cleveland, along with Nate McLouth, which would give Cleveland two solid outfielders.  If they need pitching, the Braves have that as well.  A deal could easily be made for Choo if the Braves pursued it.

Also, the Atlanta Braves are rumored to be pursuing Justin Upton.  If they were to get both of these guys, putting Choo in left and Upton in center, this would be a serious team, easily capable of stomping the Philadelphia Phillies. 

There are, indeed, options available.  They just need to pursue some excellent options and this team can go from good to great in an afternoon.

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The Red Sox may finally be on the verge of acquiring the bat that is the apple of GM Theo Epstein’s eye…and that bat doesn’t belong to either of the free agent outfielders (Carl Crawford, Jayson Werth) Epstein has been visiting this week.

Published reports indicate that Epstein may be closing in on a deal with former assistant Jed Hoyer, the general manager of the San Diego Padres, that will bring 1B Adrian Gonzalez to Boston. Those reports say the Red Sox will send a bevy of minor league prospects westward in the deal, to the exclusion of anyone on the Red Sox major league roster, but it says here that such reports are wishful thinking…I cannot imagine Hoyer trading A-Gon without getting back at least one young, INEXPENSIVE big-league player in return.

I will be writing a post in the next day or so that lays out the reasons Daniel Bard WILL NOT be included in the deal—and he should NOT be included in the deal—but it seems logical that any of the other Red Sox young hopefuls could be included in the deal. While Epstein & Company will try to keep SS Jose Iglesias from being included, it’s a near-certainty that Hoyer would want the blue-chipper as part of his haul from the Red Sox. If Epstein can hang on to Iglesias, he’ll be the front-runner for the 2011 MLB Executive of the Year.

My prediction: Jacoby Ellsbury, Casey Kelly, Stolmy Pimental and Anthony Rizzo will go to the Padres in the deal.

Of course, prior to finalizing the deal and sending four quality players/prospects to the Padres, the Red Sox will insist on talking with Gonzalez about a contract extension—something in the vicinity of six-years and $120 million. The Sox will also want to take a look at the medical reports on Gonzalez to assure the slugger’s shoulder is recuperating properly after offseason surgery.

I then expect the Sox will spend another $20 million a year (for five or six years) on Carl Crawford, replacing Ellsbury’s speed atop the lineup with the former Tampa Bay outfielder.

Epstein has coveted Gonzalez, 28, since the middle of the 2009 season, and made an aborted attempt to acquire him at the 2009 trade deadline last winter, and then again at the 2010 trade deadline…all to no avail. But it would appear that he has the talent and the determination to make it happen this time around.

Hoyer will need to extract a sizeable haul from the Red Sox in order to justify the trade to Padres fans, just a few months after the team unexpectedly finished just one game out of the postseason. Gonzalez is the team’s most popular player, a native son with a great deal of crossover appeal with the team’s Mexican-American market. But he is due to make in excess of $6 million in 2011, and the Padres are working under significant financial constraints. They’ve admitted they can’t sign him and have come to the realization they need to trade him…and Hoyer knows he will never get more in return for A-Gon than he can right now.

Hoyer certainly knows Gonzalez is worth far more than two draft picks (which would be what the Padres would receive if he were to play out his contract and become a free agent next offseason). Add to that the fact that Hoyer would be handcuffed from trading the first baseman at the 2011 trade deadline if his team were in contention, as they were last season, and all signs point to a deal getting done this offseason…likely at the winter meetings next week.

By trading Gonzalez now, Hoyer will be able to fill the holes the club has entering the season while acquiring low-cost players that would remain under the team’s control for up to six years…and in today’s baseball climate those considerations are tantamount in a place like San Diego.

Hoyer and his assistant, Jason McLeod, who served as Boston’s scouting director until joining Hoyer in San Diego, are intimately familiar with the Red Sox farm system. They will likely insist on pitcher Casey Kelly and first baseman Anthony Rizzo in any deal. Additionally, they will want at least two more players/prospects…and with both Kelly and Rizzo at least another year away from being major-league ready, Hoyer will want to have someone to plug into the lineup to show an immediate return on the trade—that player will likely be Ellsbury. Lastly, pitching being what it is, they will want a pitcher in the deal…and with Pimental rising up the prospect rankings it seems likely he’ll be the one to go.

The cost won’t be cheap for the Red Sox, but they have a plethora of talent in the farm system right now. They will also have as many as seven picks among the first 50 or so picks at next June’s draft so they will have an opportunity to immediately replenish whatever they send west.

The timing is right on both sides of the table to get a deal done…it’s time to strike while the iron is hot!

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The White Sox added one of the games top power hitters in Adam Dunn on Friday, signing him to a four year, $56 million dollar contract. The move gives the Sox a much needed left-handed power hitter. This move, however, doesn’t mean the White Sox won’t quit their pursuit of resigning Paul Konerko. 

Dunn has hit more than 38 or more home runs in 7 consecutive seasons. For Washington last season, Dunn hit 38 home runs and drove in 103 runs. He’s been on National League teams his whole career, starting with the Reds in 2001, and finished fourth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.

Along with the Reds, he’s also played for the D-backs, and Nationals. In his career, Dunn has hit .250/.381/.521 with 354 home runs. He’s also played in 150 games in all but two seasons in the Majors. Obviously his offense and durability hasn’t been the question with Dunn, but his defense, high strike out rate, and batting average are. Dunn is a career .250 hitter and is known for his bad defense and high strike-out rate as well as his tremendous power. 

The White Sox do have the luxury of playing him at DH so they won’t have to play Dunn on the field and can put a much superior defender in the outfield. Dunn though, isn’t exactly fond of being a DH and would still like to play the field despite his bad defense. Still, Dunn can focus on being what he was signed to do for Chicago. Being their left-handed, middle of the order, power hitter. However, Dunn might see time at first base if the White Sox can’t resign Konerko.

Dunn became a free agent this season after turning down extension offers from the Nationals and being in a lot of trade rumors throughout the 2010 season. Since he was a type A free agent, the Nationals get the White Sox’s first round pick for signing Dunn.

I think this is a pretty good signing for the White Sox as they have another power hitter in a line-up that’s already pretty good. Though his strikeouts are a bit of a problem, his bad defense won’t be exposed if he’s playing most of his games at the DH spot.

He also doesn’t have to be the only power threat in the line-up like he was before with the likes of Carlos Quintin, Alex Rios, and Paul Konerko (if he re-signs) around him. This big signing doesn’t mean the White Sox are done. They still have plenty of issues to resolve, including their closer situation and the rest of the bullpen. I think that this signing is a step in the right direction for the White Sox and they should put up yet another challenge for the Twins in the AL central in 2011

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Thursday night’s non-tender deadline forced the Mariners to make some moves, which included all three of a trade, a signing and a non-tender.

LHP Erik Bedard was signed to a one-year, $1 million non-guaranteed contract. Should the Mariners decide Bedard is not healthy or able to contribute they can cut him in spring training for a fraction of the contract.

INF Jose Lopez was traded to the Colorado Rockies for RHP Chaz Roe. Roe is a 6’5″ former first round draft pick. His 2010 was spent at Colorado Springs, a launching pad. Though that may have inflated his ERA, his other numbers and peripherals don’t show much promise. Though, at only age 24, he could still put things together.

LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith was non-tendred. Rowland-Smith wouldn’t get into details, but it sounds as if he was not pleased with the offer from the Mariners.

It is believed he was offered a major league contract, so perhaps he wasn’t happy with the role he’d play on the team. A true fan favorite, and wonderful person, I wish RR-S the best.

The marketing commercials will be missed, mate.

OTHER NOTES

Per Ken Rosenthal of FOX, the Mariners have shown interest in catcher Russell Martin, who was non-tendered last night by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The MLB Winter Meetings kick-off next week. The Mariners will be looking to add offense, obviously. Also look for them to seek a veteran catcher and starting pitching depth.

The public memorial for Mariners’ late broadcaster Dave Niehaus will be next Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1:10 pm. Safeco Field doors open at noon. Expected to speak are Dan Wilson, Jay Buhner, Chuck Armstrong, Rick Rizzs, Ron Fairly and Dave’s children Andy and Greta Niehaus-Dunn.

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The clock struck midnight, and the deadline for MLB teams to tender contracts passed. Of course, non-tendering doesn’t mean you can’t or won’t return to that club, but often times it’s a good sign that the team, player or both wanted to go in a different direction.

Let’s take a look at some of the players who were non-tendered and where they might catch on.

LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith, Seattle Mariners

The Skinny: 2010 wasn’t a good season for the only player in MLB history with a hyphenated last name. In fact, it was downright miserable. Converted back to a starter midway through 2008, RR-S saw relative success through 2009, thanks in part to Safeco Field being friendly to soft tossing lefties (see: Moyer, Washburn, etc…). 2010 was a disaster that saw an ERA over 6.00, a demotion to AAA Tacoma and a move back to the bullpen.

The Non-Tender: Though Rowland-Smith was unlikely to see much of a raise through arbitration, considering the year he had, he asked for and was granted his release, even though he was offered a major league contract. A fan favorite, a true class act and guy you just want to root for, the Ozzie will be looking for a new team.

The Perfect Fit: Seattle really is the best fit for his skill set and would allow him to stay in a comfort zone. If he does go elsewhere, though, San Diego might be a great fit. It’s a big ballpark. It’s also the National League, so this could be a good rebound spot.

RHP Joel Peralta, Washington Nationals

The Skinny: This is an interesting one. Peralta was one of the Nationals’ best relievers, statistically, in 2010. Unless he punched a baby in the face or something, I can’t figure out why a guy who put up a similar stat line to Rafael Soriano was cut loose. True, he’s 34, and regression is in order—but I just can’t see why he’d be cut loose for nothing.

The Non-Tender: The Nats offered Peralta a one-year deal for around $2 million. He wanted two years as reward for his good season. The Nats must have decided that they’d rather non-tender him than risk a potential reward he may have gotten in arbitration.

The Perfect Fit: Teams are always looking for bargain relievers, so there should be a decent market for him. The Mets could be a team wanting to contend who could use a reliever, and Citi Field should play well for Peralta.

OF Lastings Milledge, Pittsburgh Pirates

The Skinny: Milledge is still only 25, isn’t a good defender and doesn’t hit for much power. About the only thing he may have going for him is some speed and the ability to steal a base. I go back to his age, though. Surely some team will take a chance on him—A minor league deal and maybe a fourth OF/PH/PR bench job.

The Non-Tender: The Pirates likely didn’t want to pay the salary he’d get, even though it’d probably only be in the $1.5 million range.

The Perfect Fit: Not the American League. Perhaps the Cubs or Diamondbacks with their friendly parks could use a young bench player.

LHP J.P. Howell, Tampa Bay Rays

The Skinny: Howell missed the entire 2010 season with a shoulder injury. He’s just 27, though, and put up solid numbers in 2009 including 17 saves.

The Non-Tender: This is expected to just be a payroll move, and by all accounts Howell wants to come back. You have to wonder, though, what he’d think if the right team with the right cash called, if he’d reconsider.

The Perfect Fit: Considering his desire to stay in Tampa, it would probably take a team like the Mets or Giants calling. Teams that can offer him more cash or the incentive to win. The Rays are shedding players and payroll, so they may not be able to offer him either.

C Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers

The Skinny: In the middle part of the past decade, Martin was a young up-and-coming catcher. Good defense with solid offensive potential. Some regressing in 2007 and 2008, then a steep drop-off in 2009 and 2010. He’s had some hip issues, which aren’t good for catchers. His agent claims he’s fine, but that’s his job.

The Non-Tender: The Dodgers appear to be close to re-signing Rod Barajas, so Martin becomes more expendable. The McCourts are still fighting, so budgets will remain tight.

The Perfect Fit: Two places pop into mind. First, rival San Francisco. The Giants obviously have their catcher in Buster Posey, but he’ll need days off. Martin is a few years younger than current backup Eli Whiteside. While Whiteside had a “career year,” it’s a pretty small sample. I’d expect regression for both players but more on the positive side for Martin.

The other would be Seattle. If Adam Moore gets hurt or sent down, the Mariners will want a veteran backup with passable defense and at least some offensive potential. This could be one of Martin’s better hopes for potential playing time.

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Adrian Beltre is in the Dominican Republic for David Ortiz’ charity golf tournament.

This afternoon he provided an exclusive interview to the Boston Globe in which he said, “There’s a lot going on right now, but I do hope I stay with the Red Sox.”

Was he speaking from the heart, or was the sound bite given to him by Scott Boras to keep the Red Sox front office biting at the bait on the agent’s hook?

Only time will tell, but it would be nice to think that Beltre understands the benefits of playing with a contender—in Fenway Park—in a perpetual playoff atmosphere.

His comments will serve to give the Red Sox Nation hope that he will return to the hot corner in Boston.

Here are a few more of Beltre’s comments—

“I got used to seeing the park full in the first inning and still full in the ninth inning. I liked that atmosphere…”.

“If everything was close to the same, I would go back to Boston. But we have to see. The number of years is what is important to me.”

“I would to play with these guys again, (they) are my friends and they made me feel part of the team. I was disappointed Victor (Martinez) left because he helped make me comfortable. But I had a feeling that would happen because he wasn’t happy with how (the Red Sox) approached (negotiations) with him. But I would still come back. I liked playing there and I want to be with a contender.”

Hmmm, does that mean if the years are right he might give the Red Sox a hometown discount to get a deal done?

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Among the myriad reports on the internet announcing that the NY Yankees have agreed to a deal with free agent closer Mariano Rivera (two years, $30 million) comes this little ditty: Sports Illustrated reporter Jon Heyman says the Red Sox offered Rivera more money and more years than the Yankees!

Wow!

It makes you wonder what would have happened with Jonathan Papelbon if the Sox had been able to land Rivera…would they have non-tendered him?

What does the pursuit of Rivera say about the ball club’s confidence in Papelbon? It may underscore the fact this will be Pappy’s last year with The Olde Towne Team, and it may emphasize they have questions as to whether Daniel Bard is ready to assume the closer’s mantle in 2012 (Rivera would have given him another year or two to learn the ropes and grow into the role).

One thing is for certain: The Red Sox went after the Yankees’ jugular on this one!

The hot stove is starting to heat up…

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It can be a confusing time of the year in Major League Baseball, what with arbitration offers, non-tender candidates, Type A and B free agents, waiver claims and the Rule 5 draft.  So it can be tough to decipher what is happening with the team you support and whether there is any truth to the rumors that can emerge.

The Blue Jays are no different, especially with the secrecy that surrounds Alex Anthopoulos’ moves.  This is what has happened so far and what could be happening.

Dustin McGowan has re-signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for a one-year, $450,000 deal.  The former first-round pick hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2008 due to a series of injuries.  But with this deal, it gives hope that the hard-throwing pitcher will make his return to the mound at some point in 2011.

The Blue Jays are reported by MLB Trade Rumors to be interested in acquiring Mark Reynolds from the Arizona Diamondbacks.  While negotiations with the team to acquire their other star, Justin Upton, seemed to go nowhere, there is a chance that the third baseman could be had for a much more reasonable price.

Arizona as a team, led the league in strikeouts last year, by a large margin, and Reynolds had the most on his team.  So it is understandable that Arizona would be pursuing a contact hitter in return for the power hitter.

It is also rumored that the Blue Jays are pursuing relievers Jesse Crain and Matt Guerrier.  The Jays bullpen is up in the air after both Kevin Gregg and Scott Downs turned down their arbitration offers, though Jason Frasor will be returning after accepting his offer.

Both RHP Jeremy Accardo and OF Fred Lewis were not tendered contracts by the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2011 season, making them free agents.

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Phew! Rumor has it that the greatest closer in the history of baseball will stay in pinstripes.

That is great news for the New York Yankees who are said to be re-signing Mariano Rivera for two more years at $30 million.

Rumor has it that two of the Bombers’ biggest rivals, the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels, tried to steal Mo from New York.

One team supposedly offered Rivera three years at $17 million a season.

The only response to both suitors is loyalty is not gone from sports, as Rivera wants to stay for less money and years exactly where he started.

Rivera just turned 41 years old on November 29, but he sure doesn’t show his aging on the pitching mound.

Last season Rivera posted a 1.80 ERA, over 60 innings of work. Mo made 33 saves in 2010.

Rivera’s cutter is still baffling hitters after 16 seasons.

Add that talent to a most intimidating presence on the mound and it is so hard to imagine the most graceful and humble demeanor is behind such an existence.

Mariano Rivera is just all class.

Mo and the Yankees Universe are finally breathing for the first time this offseason.

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