MLB Rumors: Latest on Zack Greinke, Cliff Lee and Adrian Beltre
Last night the Boston Red Sox made their second major move of this off-season by signing former Rays OF Carl Crawford to a 7-year deal worth $142 million. The 29-year old Crawford will now join All-Star first baseman Adrian Gonzalez in a potent Red Sox line-up that could threaten the Yankees stranglehold over the AL East.
The signing is a crushing blow to the Angles who were thought by many to be the front-runner for Crawford’s services. Still, many of the big names free agents remain on the market including Cliff Lee, Adrian Beltre, Rafael Soriano, and Manny Ramirez.
Moreover, the Padres blockbuster deal of Adrian Gonzalez may not be the only big-time trade this off-season. Amongst the names being thrown around are Tampa Bay’s Matt Garza and 2009 Cy Young Winner Zack Greinke.
What’s the latest on off-season player movement? Where will the remaining free agents land? Read on to find out.
Big Pay Day For Lee
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After pitching a phenomenal off-season after a tremendous regular season (12-9 3.18 ERA and 185 K) it was inevitable that Cliff Lee would earn a massive payday. The 32-year old righty has pinpoint control, a nice cutter and terrific change-up figured to be the highest paid pitcher this off-season, but who knew his contract would reach historic proportions.
Allegedly the Yankees offered the former Ranger and Indian a six-year contract worthy nearly $140 million. The $23 million annual tag? That would make Lee the highest paid pitcher in baseball.
Crawford Signing Ups Asking Price
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Unfortunately for the Yankees, the Sox signing of Carl Crawford for $142 million over seven years forced New York to increase their offer to seven years. At this point it seems unlikely that Texas would be able to match the Yankees offer, although Texas is one of seven states without an income tax which could give them one strategic advantage over the so-called Evil Empire.
Another possible suitor in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes could be the Angels. Los Angeles lost out on Carl Crawford just a season after the Red Sox signed away free-agent pitcher John Lackey.
The Angels would be better served adding a bat to their line-up rather than a starting pitcher, however they have significant resources this off-season and don’t want to leave empty handed.
Plan C For The Angels?
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If the Angels don’t land Lee, expect them to turn their attention to Adrian Beltre. Last season in his lone season in Boston, Beltre had a career renaissance. Beltre rebounded from a weak 2009 to bat .321 with 28 home runs and 102 RBI making him the best free agent infielder.
During this free agency period, Beltre’s name has not surfaced as often as other premier free agents. The 31-year old Dominican stated he would like to return to the Red Sox, but with the addition of Gonzalez and Crawford, Beltre seems as good as gone.
Oakland reportedly offered a five-year deal worth $64 million however further reports stated that his agent – Scott Boras – was seeking a five-year deal worth nearly $85 million.
At that price I would imagine there would be zero interest, although the same could have been said about Jayson Werth before last week.
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Red Flags For Beltre Signing
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The LA Times has reported that the Angels have “serious” interest in Beltre who would offer a significant upgrade over the platoon of Alberto Callaspo and Brandon Wood.
For any team looking to sign Beltre there are two major concerns. The first involves Beltre’s age – he’ll be 32 by the start of the season and 37 by the time his contract expires. The second involves his past. Beltre was considered a busted prospect until he smacked 48 bombs and 121 RBI with a .334 batting average in his contract season. Beltre earned a lucrative five-year contract with Seattle before delivering a paltry .266 average with only 20 HR per season.
One thing fans don’t have to worry about is his production outside the confines of Fenway Park. Many people I have talked to doubt Beltre because they believe his home ballpark artificially inflated his numbers. The truth? Beltre was actually a better player on the road than at home!
The 5’11 third baseman batted .327 with 15 HR away from home while hitting a still respectable .314 with 13 HR in Boston. There are a number of reason’s to stay away from Adrian, but Fenway Park isn’t one of them.
Is Another Cy Young Winner Available?
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Could Zack Greinke be the back-up plan for whoever loses out on Lee? Reports have stated that Greinke would be willing to accept a trade to New York (and presumably any other big city contenders), making him an interesting trade target.
The 2009 Cy Young Winner had a down season in 2010, but with elite stuff and two more years under contract at an affordable price, Greinke would be a welcomed addition to any ball club.
At only 27-years old, I would argue Greinke may be the better long-term investment than Lee.
Why Kansas City Should Deal Greinke
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While Kansas City would likely request a huge package for Greinke, whoever loses out on the Cliff Lee sweepstakes may be forced to take drastic measures. Considering Carl Pavano is the best free agent starter not named Lee (and he has a history of not earning his lucrative pay days), I would be surprised if Greinke doesn’t get dealt this off-season.
The Royals are a long way from competing in the AL Central, but there is a ray of hope. Prospects including 3B Mike Moustakas, 1B Eric Hosmer, C Wil Myers in addition to young starters like Alex Gordon and Billy Butler give this team a bright future.
GM Dayton Moore would be wise to deal Greinke considering he is a shoe-in to leave when his contract expires and the team will not have the funds to pay him. If they deal their star right now, this is a team that could compete within three years.
Could The Marlins Be a Potential Suitor?
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One interesting rumor from the Winter Meetings involved Greinke being dealt to the Marlins as part of a three-team trade. Despite their meager team salary, the Marlins have never shied away from big deals giving this trade slightly more credibility.
The team dealt Dan Uggla because they couldn’t afford to pay him, but Greinke’s contract is still affordable and he won’t be eligible for a new contract for another two years.
Ken Rosenthal reported that although talks are still alive, they are somewhat lukewarm right now.
If the Marlins decide to get involved in the bidding for Greinke, they certainly have a leg up. Florida’s farm system ranks amongst the best in baseball and they already have multiple young, MLB ready players they could deal including Logan Morrison, Chris Coghlan and Gaby Sanchez.
A rotation including Josh Johnson, Greinke and Javier Vazquez (who always thrives when he escapes from the AL), could give the Marlins one of the scariest staffs to face in the playoffs.
Where Will Last Seasons Top Closer End Up?
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After Beltre and Greinke, former Rays closer Rafael Soriano is the most coveted player available this winter.
The 31-year old closer was superb last season saving 45 of 48 games with a 1.73 ERA and just under a strikeout per inning. Soriano allowed only 14 walks all season while giving up a miniscule opponents batting average of .163. N
obody expects Soriano to return to Tampa making his future team somewhat of a mystery. The Angels have been rumored to be interested in Soriano’s services, but not many other names have emerged.
One writer speculated that the Rangers could move 2010 Rookie of the Year Neftali Feliz back into the starting rotation (where he began his minor league career) and sign Soriano to pitch the ninth instead. As much as I love the idea of utilizing your best pitcher as a starter rather than a reliever, this seems like more of a pipedream.
After seeing Mariano Rivera re-sign for 15 million per season, it wouldn’t shock me if Soriano land a three-year deal worth $10 million per season.
Garza To Join Pena in Chicago?
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After acquiring former Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena yesterday (one year, $10 million), the Cubs may look to add another player from the Rays. Matt Garza has been rumored to be available all off-season, and for the first time we have a potential suitor.
Texas and Milwaukee had previously been mentioned but Texas has to wait until Cliff Lee signs before making any major moves while Milwaukee already traded for Shaun Marcum and are in discussions for Carl Pavano.
This morning ESPN Chicago reported that officials from the Rays and Cubs met for the second straight day to discuss the parameters of a Matt Garza trade.
Last season the 27-year old righty went 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA and 150 K’s while facing some of the toughest line-ups in the AL East.
Said Pena about his former teammate, "Matt Garza is one of those pitchers that wherever he goes is going to be an incredible asset. It's no secret that he is extremely talented and the sky is the limit for a guy like him. I think he's got Cy Young potential, to be honest with you. His stuff is electrifying. I think anybody would like to have a guy like that."
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