Extreme Makeover: OOTP Edition (2012 Astros)

[Orcin]

October 8, 2012 (Houston Chronicle)

Subject: Manager Mills History, Astros Start Search

"In his time here in Houston, Brad Mills has been an important part of our organization," read this morning's press release issued by the Astros, "but it's time for us to try a different direction. We informed Mills yesterday that he would no longer be managing the Houston Astros and thanked him for his service." The club wished Mills future success, but was vague about the timetable for finding his replacement. The Astros may wait until after the World Series when the pool of available candidates will be at its peak.

Hitting Coach Mike Barnett was also relieved of his duties. Pitching Coach Doug Brocail was re-assigned to fill the vacant position of pitching coach at Oklahoma City (AAA), leaving three important positions to fill on the major league staff. According to GM Jeff Luhnow, Joe Pettini will be retained as the bench coach to provide some continuity for the new coaching staff. This comment fueled speculation that the next Astros manager could be coming from the Cardinals organization.

Pettini’s former boss, Tony La Russa, and his legendary pitching coach, Dave Duncan, are available. Other rumored candidates for the managerial position include former Red Sox manager Terry Francona, former Astros manager Art Howe, and veteran managers Lou Piniella and Bobby Cox. There is also a theory that Pettini will be the new manager, since he is already under contract and the move would save the team some money. Tony DeFrancesco, the team’s AAA manager, is also under consideration according to sources in the Astros front office.

One source close to Jeff Luhnow has told the Chronicle that the current speculation is way off base. The source said that Luhnow is not just reading the “available personnel” listing, and has been considering several people not currently on the market. Luhnow has said that his priority is teaching young players, so it is possible that he would look to the college ranks or minor leagues for a new skipper. Former players could also be on the list, and there is no shortage of possibilities there. Several major league position coaches could also be candidates if the source is correct, because their names do not always appear on the available personnel list published by the commissioner’s office.

[yougo1000]

Sandberg maybe?

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by yougo1000

Sandberg maybe?

He would be a good choice.

[Orcin]

Minor League Personnel Moves

The major league decisions deserve their own post, which will come later. There were a lot of decisions to make in the minor leagues. I can’t upgrade every position in one year, so my priority was expiring contracts. Most of this work was completed in September.

[Ratings Legend: Coach: Hit/Pitch/Field, Manage: Rook, Vet, Plyrs]

Oklahoma City Redhawks (AAA)
Manager – Tony DeFrancesco (6/5/5, 7/6/6) retained (2013)
Pitching Coach – Burt Hooten (7, 4/5/4), contract expired and not renewed
Hitting Coach – Leon Roberts (8, 6/6/6) retained (2014) but moved to Lancaster

Major league pitching coach Doug Brocail (8, 4/5/5) was re-assigned to be the pitching coach at Oklahoma City, replacing Hooten. Former major league 3B Howard Johnson (8, 6/7/7) was hired as the hitting coach, replacing Roberts.

Corpus Christi Hooks (AA)
Manager – Keith Bodie (6/2/5, 6/6/6) retained (2014) but moved to Lancaster
Pitching Coach – Gary Ruby (7, 5/6/5) retained (2014)
Hitting Coach – Joel Chimelis (6, 5/5/5) retained (2014)

Jose Parra (7/8/7, 10/6/8) was hired as the Corpus Christi manager. Parra was most recently a manager at the Detroit Tigers development facility in the Dominican Republic.

Lancaster Jethawks (High-A)
Manager – Rodney Linares (5/1/6, 6/6/6), contract expired and not renewed
Pitching Coach – Don Alexander (6, 5/5/5) retained (2014)
Hitting Coach – Darryl Robinson (6, 0/1/1), contract expired and not renewed

Corpus Christi manager Keith Bodie (6/2/5, 6/6/6) was re-assigned to Lancaster, replacing Linares. Oklahoma City hitting coach Leon Roberts (8, 6/6/6) was re-assigned to Lancaster, replacing Robinson.

Lexington Legends (Low-A)
Manager – Ivan De Jesus (6/2/9, 7/6/6) retained (2013)
Pitching Coach – Dave Borkowski (6, 4/3/3), contract expired and not renewed
Hitting Coach – Josh Bonifay (6, 5/4/5), contract expired and not renewed

Former minor league pitcher Bob Buchanan (7, 8/4/6) was hired as the pitching coach, replacing Borkowski. Former Astros hitting coach Sean Berry (7, 6/5/5) was hired as the hitting coach, replacing Bonifay.

Tri-City Valley Cats (Short-A)
Manager – Stubby Clapp (5/3/8, 6/5/6) retained (2013)
Pitching Coach – Rick Aponte (6, 4/4/4) retained (2014)
Hitting Coach – Mark Bailey (5, 5/4/4), contract expired and not renewed

Former Cleveland Indians hitting coach Jon Nunnally (7, 6/6/6) was signed as the hitting coach, replacing Bailey.

Greenville Astros (R)
Manager – Omar Lopez (5/4/6, 6/6/6) retained (2013)
Pitching Coach – Hector Mercado (5, 3/3/3), contract expired and not renewed
Hitting Coach – Cesar Cedeno (7, 6/5/5) signed a three-year extension

Former Angels closer Bryan Harvey (7, 6/6/6) was hired as the pitching coach, replacing Mercado.

Kissimmee Astros (R)
Manager – Ed Romero (1/6/6, 7/6/7), signed a three-year extension
Pitching Coach – Jaime Garcia (6, 5/5/5) retained (2014)
Hitting Coach – Edgar Alfonzo (5, 5/4/5), contract expired and not renewed

John Moses (7, 7/6/6) was hired as the hitting coach, replacing Alfonzo. Moses was fired as the hitting coach at Corpus Christi in 2011 by Ed Wade, but we were able to get him back.

[Orcin]

MLB 2012 POST-SEASON RESULTS

A.L. Wild Card: Los Angeles Angels defeated Tampa Bay Rays
N.L. Wild Card: Cincinnati Reds defeated Chicago Cubs

A.L. Divisional Series: New York Yankees defeated Los Angeles Angels 3-1
A.L. Divisional Series: Kansas City Royals defeated Texas Rangers 3-1
N.L. Divisional Series: Cincinnati Reds defeated Milwaukee Brewers 3-1
N.L. Divisional Series: Atlanta Braves defeated Colorado Rockies 3-2

A.L. Championship: New York Yankees defeated Kansas City Royals 4-3
N.L. Championship: Atlanta Braves defeated Cincinnati Reds 4-1

2012 World Series: Atlanta Braves defeated New York Yankees 4-3
This was championship #4 for the Braves franchise (1914, 1957, 1995, and 2012).

**********

My score was 3 out of 100. “This is just a terrible score, Jeff.” At the beginning of the season, my owner had no expectations and yet I still fell short. Fan loyalty and market size were reduced 10%. The budget for next season was cut to only $100 million, but that won’t create a problem. My personal budget target is $90 million.

I will wrap up the major league season with notes about awards, etc. while conducting a search for a new manager and coaching staff. The Chronicle was not even close on the speculation about the next manager. Apparently, my front office confidants can keep a secret. No, it’s not Roger Clemens.

[Orcin]

2012 HALL OF FAME CLASS

Craig Biggio (first Astros Hall of Famer)
Barry Bonds
Roger Clemens
Mike Piazza
Curt Schilling
Sammy Sosa

PERSONNEL CHANGES

Detroit Tigers – Fired Manager Jim Leyland
Los Angeles Dodgers – Fired GM Ned Colletti
New York Mets – GM Sandy Alderson retired
Philadelphia Phillies – Fired GM Ruben Amaro Jr.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Fired Manager Clint Hurdle
Seattle Mariners – GM Jack Zduriencik retired
St. Louis Cardinals – Fired Manager Mike Matheny

(I just report them. Don't ask me to explain them.)


MLB 2012 POST-SEASON AWARDS

Most Valuable Player:
A.L. – 1B Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels (.311/.412/.552, 38 HR, 107 RBI)
N.L. – CF Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers (.312/.387/.563, 30 HR, 88 RBI)

Cy Young:
A.L. – SP CC Sabathia, New York Yankees (16-6, 2.71 ERA, 209 K’s)
N.L. – SP Carlos Zambrano, Miami Marlins (18-4, 2.37 ERA, 156 K’s)

Rookie of the Year:
A.L. – CF Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (.316/.378/.448, 54 SB, Gold Glove)
N.L. – SS Zack Cozart, Cincinnati Reds (.287/.329/.498, 26 HR, 85 RBI)

Manager of the Year:
A.L. – Ned Yost, Kansas City Royals (97-65)
N.L. – Fredi Gonzalez, Atlanta Braves (91-71, World Series winner)

Houston Astros Gold Glove Awards:
SS Jed Lowrie (6 errors, .989 FCPT, ZR = +13.2, 1.056 EFF)

[Orcin]

November 8, 2012 (Houston Chronicle)

Subject: Astros Sign Lowrie to Contract Extension

The Astros announced that shortstop Jed Lowrie has agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $15 million. The new contract buys out Lowrie’s remaining arbitration eligibility and contains a $6 million team option for the third year. A source close to GM Jeff Luhnow said that the team option was insisted upon by the Astros in case one of the prospects in the organization (Carlos Correa?) is ready to go by the 2015 season.

The Astros have three additional arbitration cases pending: SP Bud Norris, MR Wilton Lopez, and MR Wesley Wright. All of these cases should settle around $1 million.

Several other veteran players have been informed that their services will no longer be required by the rebuilding team. The only other player eligible for arbitration was LF Travis Buck, but he was informed that he would not be tendered an offer. The Astros have also informed veteran pitchers Brandon Webb and Francisco Cordero that they will not be tendered arbitration or contract offers. The team has declined their option on catcher Chris Snyder, paying a $500,000 buyout instead of a $4 million salary next year.

The Astros have reportedly offered minor league contracts to two players: RF Brandon Barnes and SS Diory Hernandez. Several other players are eligible for minor league free agency, but the Astros are not interested in retaining their services. The 2012 trade activity has adequately stocked the upper minors with true prospects at most positions.

[5cards]

Originally Posted by Orcin

PERSONNEL CHANGES

Detroit Tigers – Fired Manager Jim Leyland
Los Angeles Dodgers – Fired GM Ned Colletti
New York Mets – GM Sandy Alderson retired
Philadelphia Phillies – Fired GM Ruben Amaro Jr.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Fired Manager Clint Hurdle
Seattle Mariners – GM Jack Zduriencik retired
St. Louis Cardinals – Fired Manager Mike Matheny

(I just report them. Don't ask me to explain them.)

Detroit... 71-91... they're supposed to be in the Series, not swapping with KC
Phillies & Cardinals... I guess being third is a fire-able offense?
Pittsburgh... Gee, I wonder. 100-loss seasons never work out well for management.

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by 5cards

Detroit... 71-91... they're supposed to be in the Series, not swapping with KC
Phillies & Cardinals... I guess being third is a fire-able offense?
Pittsburgh... Gee, I wonder. 100-loss seasons never work out well for management.

Heh, I probably shouldn't be making fun of other team's personnel moves right before I announce my manager.

[Orcin]

November 11, 2012 (Houston Chronicle)

Subject: Astros Announce New Manager and Coaches

The Houston Astros have named former catcher Brad Ausmus as their new manager. Terms of the deal were not revealed but sources say that Ausmus received a four-year contract at the same salary as former manager Brad Mills ($800,000 per year). Ausmus had been working in the San Diego Padres front office as a special assistant to the GM.

Ausmus is no stranger to Houston fans, having played here for ten seasons including the World Series year of 2005. Ausmus is popular with local fans, but that may change if he cannot improve the results on the field. Ausmus has a philosophy that is aligned with GM Jeff Luhnow, favoring pitching and defense along with sound fundamentals and a sabermetric approach to managerial decisions.

The coaching staff that will support Ausmus in his new challenge was also announced today. Joe Pettini will continue to serve as the bench coach for Ausmus, but the other coaches are new to the organization.

The new pitching coach will be Mexican-born Jose Cecena, a former pitcher who appeared briefly in the majors with the Texas Rangers. He spent most of his early career in the minors, and then pitched for ten seasons in the Mexican League. Astros GM Jeff Luhnow has strong ties to Mexico (he was born there) and there may be a personal connection to Cecena driving this relatively obscure hire. Cecena is said to be an excellent teacher of young pitchers, something the Astros have in abundance.

The new hitting coach is Larry Parrish, a former major league player and coach. Parrish has a good career record as a minor league manager and was the major league hitting coach with the Atlanta Braves in 2011. The Braves fired Parrish after only one season, blaming him for the team’s poor performance at the plate. Other insiders say that GM Frank Wren needed a scapegoat for the team’s failure. The world champion Braves were third in the National League in runs scored this season, so there does not appear to have been a lack of talent. Parrish will have his hands full here, as the Astros were last in the National League in on-base percentage and 13th of 16 teams in runs scored.

Other former players were under consideration for these positions according to sources inside the Astros front office. Craig Biggio, who was recently elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, was reportedly contacted about the managerial position. Biggio withdrew his name from consideration, citing personal reasons. It is believed that Biggio did not want to give up the opportunities to coach his son Cavan’s high school team and watch his older son, Conor, play at Notre Dame this spring. Former Astros star Jeff Bagwell was allegedly contacted about the position as hitting coach, one which he had performed previously on an interim basis. Bagwell declined, saying that he did not want to devote the time required necessary to be effective in that role. Bagwell has said publicly that he would be open to assisting the Astros on a special assignment basis.

[Orcin]

The creation of Brad Ausmus, Manager

The game did not have Ausmus as a coach, so I had to convert him from his player profile. He is a dark horse candidate in real life. I really like the idea so I decided to implement it here. I could have hired one of the legendary manager candidates (fictional and real veteran) available in the game, but I wanted to choose a candidate that Luhnow might consider. I could have hired several ex-Cardinals, including Mike Matheny who was just fired in the game, but that didn’t feel right to me. Jose Oquendo was on my short list along with Biggio.

I had to set the ratings for Ausmus in commissioner mode, because I wasn’t accepting “inexperienced” for handling players when I had “legendary” available to me. I wanted a middle ground, somewhere north of “average” but not “excellent” or higher.

Brad Ausmus had very strong personality ratings as a player in the game:
• Leader Ability – Very High
• Loyalty – Normal
• Desire for Win – Very High
• Greed – Normal
• Intelligence – Very High
• Work Ethic – Very High

I felt these traits should carry over as a coach. “Good” sounded about right to me, considering Brad’s strong leadership characteristics, intelligence, maturity, and his experience as a former major league catcher. I would expect young players to respond favorably to Ausmus because of his charismatic personality and the support of former Astros star players such as Biggio, Bagwell, and Clemens.

I set his manager ratings by giving myself 780 of 1200 points (65%) to allocate among the six traits. Each category is rated “good” if the points are allocated equally (130 per category). I subtracted 30 from “teach hitting”, making it “decent”, because hitting should be Brad’s weakest trait. I added 18 points to “handle players” and 12 points to “handle rookies”, raising each of them to “excellent”. The remaining traits were left at “good”.

The ratings for the new coaches are:
HC Parrish – 8, 7/8/7
PC Cecena – 10, 8/7/8

These were the ratings assigned by the game. I simply hired them from the list. I put more money into the pitching coach, because one of my goals is a strong pitching staff. I hope to assemble this staff for a minimal cost, so getting the most out of our talent will be crucial.

[Stromson]

I'm way late (and still need to read the next few posts), but Carlos Zambrano a Cy Young winner?

[Orcin]

Originally Posted by Stromson

I'm way late (and still need to read the next few posts), but Carlos Zambrano a Cy Young winner?

AND he is a free agent so somebody can throw stupid money at him.

[Orcin]

Trade Proposal from the Cleveland Indians

I am not actively seeking trades at this point, but it would be silly to ignore proposals.

The Cleveland Indians want to trade 1B/OF Allen Craig for two outfield prospects: CF J.B. Shuck and LF Telvin Nash. The message here is: Cleveland GM Chris Antonetti wants to trade Craig. It is not certain that he will insist on one of those players. Craig interests me, so I will not reject this – instead, I will “discuss trade”.

Craig was traded to Cleveland in mid-season when St. Louis went into rebuilding mode. The Indians wanted Craig to replace RF Shin-Soo Choo, who went out for the season in May with an injury. Craig was hitting .316 at the time and promptly fell apart, hitting .228 for the Indians. He is 28 years old and under club control for another four years. He could potentially fill one of several different roles for us, including RF, 1B, or DH. He has good power and could beef up the middle of the order IF he hits like he did in St. Louis. The question is… will he bounce back? Which is the real Allen Craig in this game?

Nash was the Player of the Year in the California League (High-A) and a genuine power prospect, and I don’t want to trade him. How bad does Cleveland want to trade Craig? How about Shuck alone? Antonetti said yes. I believe the spring center field battle will come down to Bogusevic and Shuck, with Schafer being the odd man out. Schafer is out of options, so he can’t be sent down without clearing waivers. I risk losing him for nothing. How about Jordan Schafer instead of Shuck? Antonetti said yes.

Craig is the #3 right fielder on Cleveland’s depth chart, and it is easy to see why they are willing to trade him for any center fielder. They have Nyger Morgan there now, but the rumor is that they will non-tender him. Grady Sizemore is a free agent, so that would leave them without a center fielder on their roster.

Craig would give me a good option for right field in case Justin Maxwell doesn’t make it, and a good option for first base in case Brett Wallace doesn’t make it. Or he could be a good DH. Ok, maybe “good” is stretching it but Craig had .976 OPS for St. Louis as a part-time player in 2011. The ratings say that he has a chance to be good. He might be better than good.

The final test is two questions: (1) would I do this if I were the other team? Craig is a decent player but he is no longer a prospect. Schafer is not better, but he fills a need and has a chance to develop further. (2) Would Jeff Luhnow do this? I think so. We know that Luhnow liked Allen Craig at one point because he drafted him at St. Louis in 2006. Craig fills a need in return for a player that might be cut in the spring.

I pulled the trigger on this offer before Cleveland traded Craig elsewhere.

[Orcin]

November 22, 2012 (BNN)

Subject: Astros Deal Schafer for Craig

It won't turn either team into an instant contender or provide a huge franchise shakeup, but the Houston Astros and Cleveland Indians finalized a trade today. Houston will send 26-year-old center fielder Jordan Schafer to the Indians, while the Astros will receive 28-year-old first baseman/outfielder Allen Craig. "We think this is a deal that will help out both teams and we're glad to get it done," said Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow. The trade is expected to be officially completed later today with the players to join their new ball clubs by the end of the day.

Schafer is hitting .237 lifetime with 217 hits, 41 doubles, 6 triples, 8 home runs and 50 RBIs to date. He has scored 115 runs, walked 113 times and has a .325 OBP.

In his 241-game career Craig is batting .271 with 44 doubles, 2 triples, 29 home runs and 119 RBIs. He has stolen 6 bases and scored 98 times. Craig is expected to play full-time in 2013, but his exact role has yet to be decided. New manager Brad Ausmus could use Craig at first base, right field, or as the designated hitter.

Other recent Astros transactions:
• Claimed MR Cesar Cabral off waivers from the New York Yankees
• Claimed MR Zachary Quate off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays
• Waived MR Arcenio Leon off the 40-man roster and assigned him to AAA

Note: Quate, a right-hander, and Cabral, a left-hander, are young relievers with lots of potential. They are possible setup men for next season, or they could be vastly over-rated by my scout. It costs nothing but a roster spot to find out.

[Orcin]

ASTROS ARBITRATION RESULTS

The Astros won all three cases.

• SP Bud Norris was awarded $750,000. The player demanded $1,012,800.
• MR Wilton Lopez was awarded $900,000. The player demanded $1,020,000.
• MR Wesley Wright was awarded $750,000. The player demanded $1,200,000.


ASTROS SALARY CHART

The chart below shows the salary commitments heading into free agency. I have at least $30 million to allocate to additional players, and I could probably stretch that to $35 million if the right players are available.

[Orcin]

RULE 5 DRAFT

The 40-man roster had several open spots after players filed for free agency. There are three players on the 60-day disabled list, but only one of those (Fernando Martinez) is worthy of saving a spot. Players with some value that are at risk in the Rule 5 draft:

• SP Jose Ortegano (L) 25; 8/5/7 2/5, 2012: 4-2, 5.04 AAA; probably over-rated
• SP Henry Sosa (R) 27; 6/6/5 .5/.5; 2012: 11-8, 5.56 AAA; 38% GB ratio
• SP Jose Cisnero (R) 24; 7/6/5 1.5/2; 2012: 10-7, 4.47 High-A; OSA rates lower
• 3B Jordan Kreke (R) 25; 6/4/6 1.5/4.5; 2012: .289/.361/.433 AA; must keep
• SS Jiovanni Mier (R) 22; 4/4/4 1/1.5; 2012: ,269/.334/.391 High-A; 2009 #1 pick
• LF Marc Krauss (L) 25; 4/5/5 1/1; 2012: .215/.275/.325 AAA; OSA rates high
• RF Robbie Grossman (S) 23; 4/3/5 1/1; 2012: .288/.423/.528 AA; OSA rates high

I prepared a depth chart assuming no free agent signings, and some players were too valuable to risk losing despite shortcomings and/or doubt about their ratings. If I need the room later, I will waive them and take the risk because presumably I will have found a better option.

The following transactions were made to protect players in advance of the draft, leaving two open roster spots.

• Placed SP Jose Ortegano on the secondary roster
• Placed 3B Jordan Kreke on the secondary roster
• Placed SS Jiovanni Mier on the secondary roster
• Placed LF Marc Krauss on the secondary roster
• Placed RF Robbie Grossman on the secondary roster

I will risk Sosa and Cisnero in order to leave spots open for a third catcher and a closer. Any other free agent signings or rule 5 picks will have to bump someone.

I resisted some fool’s gold offered up by my scout as 5-star players and did not draft anyone. I did not lose anyone in the draft.

[Orcin]

FREE AGENCY

The 2013 Astros as currently constructed have a nice roster full of young talent. They will probably finish last in the A.L. West and get me fired. I have $30 million allocated to free agency that could improve this outcome, but I need to spend it wisely. There are a lot of names on the board, so I thought it would help me focus if I list my priorities. Any big free agent that I sign must meet ALL of these requirements:

• Improve the team on the field
• Provide leadership for the young players
• Bring fans to the ballpark and boost fan interest (i.e. popular/well known)
• Avoid blocking the development of a young prospect
• Willing to accept a short-term (3-4 years max) contract

My biggest needs are a DH to anchor the middle of the lineup and better pitching. Two players jump out at me that could meet all of the requirements and solve each of those problems. I will kick the tires on both of these players early to see if I am even in the running for their services. They may not want to come here and they may get higher and/or longer offers than I can match.

Lance Berkman – 1B/DH; bats S; age 37; rated 6/7/8, 3/3; poor speed; mediocre defense; played 161 games for STL in 2012 hitting .248 with 26 HR and 81 RBI; very popular former Astros player; rated very high in leadership, loyalty, desire for win

Berkman could bat cleanup as the DH and fill in at first base when needed. His presence in the lineup would take some pressure off the other players. His signing would definitely generate fan interest. He must be willing to accept a 1-2 year contract though. There is a downside – he is compensation-eligible meaning that I would lose my second (most likely) round pick if I sign him. It might be worth it for his leadership with the young players that I already have.

The other player might be a surprise because it doesn’t fill a position of need. However, it does improve the pitching staff in the best way possible – making every pitcher better.

Russell Martin – C; bats R; age 30; rated 6/6/7, 4/4); decent speed; outstanding defense; played 144 games for NYY in 2012 hitting .268 with 16 HR and 70 RBI; popular nationally; rated high in leadership and desire for win; rated 10 in catcher ability

The key is that catcher ability rating. Every pitcher on our staff automatically improves with him behind the plate. The synergy between him and Ausmus should be excellent. He knows the American League too. Castro would then become a very capable backup (his ceiling in my opinion). The catch is the money. I won’t be inclined to offer a contract in the range of Molina (5 years, $75 million). A contract in the range of Soto or Posey ($6-7 million per year) is right in my wheelhouse. He is likely to land in the middle of those two figures and I have to decide how high I am willing to go.

[Orcin]

December 7, 2012 (BNN)

Subject: Yankees Retain Free Agent Catcher Russell Martin

Team insiders were tight-lipped prior to today's deal that brought 29-year-old catcher Russell Martin back to New York. One source said that the new contract runs for six years and is worth $113 million. If true, this contract averages $18 million per year, exceeding the $15 million annual salary that Yadier Molina received from the Cardinals. Martin is considered one of the league's A-list players and certainly will enhance any chances the Yankees have to win a playoff spot this year.


Subject: Seattle Wins Lottery for C Napoli

Seattle officials presented their new catcher Mike Napoli today before a packed house of media representatives, agents and baseball officials. The deal is worth an estimated $71 million, and runs for 4 years.

**********

I was not even close on Martin. I had no idea that the Yankees would try to re-sign him with lots of catching prospects in their system. I was not interested in Napoli because of his defense, and certainly not at $18M per year. This gets a couple of big catchers off the board early. Miguel Montero is the only other top catcher on the market, and I doubt that I will be competitive on him.

So I need to change my strategy and acquire a player to backup/platoon with Castro. I also now know that I have more money available to chase a DH and a pitcher.

[Kevdog1020]

Originally Posted by Orcin

Subject: Yankees Retain Free Agent Catcher Russell Martin

Team insiders were tight-lipped prior to today's deal that brought 29-year-old catcher Russell Martin back to New York. One source said that the new contract runs for six years and is worth $113 million. If true, this contract averages $18 million per year, exceeding the $15 million annual salary that Yadier Molina received from the Cardinals. Martin is considered one of the league's A-list players and certainly will enhance any chances the Yankees have to win a playoff spot this year.

Have you thought about talking to the Yanks about some of their catching prospects? Love reading this story, btw.