Every MLB Team's Worst Roster Move So Far
For just about every single team in Major League Baseball, the art of making transactions is based on team need, player availability, player performance and a variety of other issues, not the least of which is often money.
For teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, money is often not a deterrent in going after available players who can help their team succeed. However, with the implementation of the luxury tax, even these teams have become cost-conscious concerning available players.
Oftentimes, player transactions performed during the offseason are based on players’ most recent exploits. Consider Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays. He hits 54 home runs for the Jays last season, and he is given a five-year, $65 million contract. Coming out of nowhere and having a huge year can certainly reap a nice paycheck, and Bautista is certainly starting off where he finished off last season, currently leading the majors with 19 bombs.
Then again, consider the example of Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano, who in 2006 had a monster year with the Washington Nationals, hitting 46 home runs with 95 RBI and was rewarded with an eight-year, $136 million contract by the Chicago Cubs. How well do you think that deal worked out for Chi-town?
Transactions within baseball are certainly not an exact science, and each team rolls the dice in regards to either signing or dropping a player.
We will take a look at each team’s worst roster decision for the 2011 season, which will include moves made during the offseason as well.
Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Russell Branyan
1 of 30
The Arizona Diamondbacks were an active team during the offseason and early part of spring training, trying to assemble a decent roster under new manager Kirk Gibson. They traded Mark Reynolds and John Hester to the Baltimore Orioles for David Hernandez and Kameron Mickolio in December. Reynolds has struggled early on with the O’s, while Hernandez has performed well out of the bullpen thus far for the D-Backs.
In mid-February, the D-Backs took a chance and signed first baseman/outfielder Russell Branyan to a one-year, $1 million contract. After playing in 31 games and hitting only .210 with zero home runs, Branyan was released by the Diamondbacks on May 21.
There’s a quick million down the tubes.
Atlanta Braves: Dan Uggla
2 of 30
On Nov. 16 of last year, the Atlanta Braves pulled off a deal to acquire slugging second baseman Dan Uggla from the Florida Marlins for Michael Dunn and Omar Infante. About six weeks later, they announced they had signed Uggla to a five-year, $62 million contract extension.
Several experts questioned the deal at the time, specifically the length of the deal. Uggla, at 31 years old, had turned down a four-year, $48 million offer from the Marlins, prompting owner Jeffrey Luria to exclaim at the November General Managers Meetings to say, "If somebody wants to give him five years, good luck to them, he's 31 years old."
After Wednesday’s 0-for-5 performance against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Uggla is now hitting just .180, with seven home runs and 16 RBI. Not quite what the Braves paid for.
Baltimore Orioles: Derrek Lee
3 of 30
It’s a good thing that the Baltimore Orioles only committed one year to first baseman Derrek Lee. In 2010, Lee showed a marked drop-off in power numbers across the board, registering the lowest number of home runs (19) and runs batted in (80) in a full season since his rookie year. His batting average, slugging percentage and OPS were also well below his career numbers.
His 2011 season has shown a continued decline, hitting just .231 with four home runs and 14 RBI in his first 40 games, a slugging percentage of just .346 and OPS of .657.
For $7.25 million, the Orioles have gotten hosed so far.
.png?w=256)
Boston Red Sox: Bobby Jenks
4 of 30
When the Boston Red Sox signed closer Bobby Jenks to a two-year, $12 million contract, they did it for two reasons. First, to shore up a shaky bullpen that ranked 23rd in the majors with a 4.24 ERA and gave up more home runs than any other team. Second, to serve as insurance for current closer Jonathan Papelbon.
Thus far, Jenks has completely spit the bit. Currently on the disabled list with a strained right forearm, Jenks is 1-2 with a 9.35 ERA and 2.538 WHIP. When healthy, Jenks looked uncomfortable pitching in the seventh and eighth innings.
Jenks threw a 30-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday and is slated to throw another one on Friday before making at least one rehab appearance. Jenks could be activated from the DL by the end of the weekend. Red Sox management can only hope that Jenks returns to his old form rather than the new one they’ve seen so far.
Chicago Cubs: Carlos Pena
5 of 30
I don’t know, call me crazy, but does anyone else think it’s absolutely crazy to pay a player $10 million who hit .196 the previous season? That’s exactly what the Cubs did in signing free agent first baseman Carlos Pena.
Many in baseball saw the signing as a bridge, or stopgap measure, so that the Cubs can try to sign either Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder after the 2011 season.
Nonetheless, $10 million is an awfully large stopgap for a player hitting .209 with only five home runs after 43 games.
Chicago White Sox: J.J. Putz
6 of 30
The Chicago White Sox have to be kicking themselves at this point. They allowed Bobby Jenks, last year’s closer, to enter free agency and be signed by the Boston Red Sox. Considering the testy relationship between Jenks and manager Ozzie Guillen, that was certainly not unexpected.
They also allowed reliever/closer J.J. Putz to walk as well, and all Putz has done this season is convert 13 of 13 save opportunities for the surging Arizona Diamondbacks, with a sparkling 1.80 ERA.
Considering the White Sox have blown seven saves already this season, Putz is clearly a player that could have been signed. GM Kenny Williams committed big dollars to Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko and Jesse Crain, why not Putz?
Cincinnati Reds: Edgar Renteria
7 of 30
When the Cincinnati Reds signed shortstop Edgar Renteria during the offseason off his World Series MVP performance for the San Francisco Giants, they certainly thought that Renteria would contribute a lot more than he has thus far.
In 29 games, Renteria has exactly two extra-base hits, both doubles, in 80 at-bats and a .225 batting average. While the Reds certainly didn’t expect the Renteria of several years ago, they no doubt expected more for $2.1 million.
Cleveland Indians: Austin Kearns
8 of 30
It’s hard to look at the Cleveland Indians roster and say they made any bad roster decisions, considering their completely surprising 30-16 start to the season. Predicted by many to end up at or near the cellar of the American League Central, the Indians have been the talk of the majors thus far with the inspiring play from their young and inexperienced squad.
However, there is one decision that hasn’t quite panned out so well thus far. Austin Kearns, signed to a one-year, $1.3 million deal, has gotten off to a very slow start for the Tribe, hitting just .210 with only five extra-base hits and zero home runs.
Colorado Rockies: Felipe Paulino
9 of 30
Last November, the Colorado Rockies traded Clint Barmes to the Houston Astros for reliever Felipe Paulino. The trade seemed to make sense at the time, Barmes was not going to get playing time in Colorado, and Paulino clearly needed a change of scenery, with a record of 6-21 after three seasons in Houston.
Apparently, the rarified air in Colorado hasn’t helped Paulino. In 18 relief appearances, Paulino sported a 7.36 ERA and was designated for assignment by the Rockies four days ago.
Detroit Tigers: Joaquin Benoit
10 of 30
Last November, the Detroit Tigers rewarded reliever Joaquin Benoit with a three-year, $16.5 million contract. It was apparently a reward for Benoit’s fabulous season last year with the Tampa Bay Rays, posting a miniscule 1.34 ERA in 63 appearances, striking out 75 in 60 innings.
The Tigers should get their reward money back. Benoit has been miserable thus far for the Tigers, with a 6.62 ERA in 19 appearances.
Florida Marlins: Javier Vazquez
11 of 30
Last season for the New York Yankees, starting pitcher Javier Vazquez finished with a 10-10 record and 5.32 ERA, which is about on a par with how his career has gone (155-153, 4.32). Still, the Florida Marlins rewarded mediocrity, er, I mean Vazquez, with a one-year $7 million contract.
Mediocrity was what the Marlins bought, and mediocrity is exactly what they have received. Vazquez is currently 3-4 with a 6.41 ERA in nine starts thus far in 2011. A WHIP of 1.727 certainly hasn’t helped Vazquez, either.
Houston Astros: Matt Lindstrom
12 of 30
On Dec.23 of last year, reliever Matt Lindstrom received a very nice Christmas present when he was shipped to the Colorado Rockies for two minor leaguers. Lindstrom then signed a two-year, $6.6 million contract with a team option for a third season.
Lindstrom thus far has been nothing but lights out for the Rockies, posting an ERA of 1.33 in 23 appearances, striking out 17 in 20.1 innings and picking up two saves along the way.
Houston’s bullpen has been terrible thus far, with an ERA well over 5.00 and 12 blown saves.
Kansas City Royals: Kyle Davies
13 of 30
Does anyone else find it strange that whenever a pitcher is performing badly, some phantom injury seems to pop up, and the pitcher winds up on the DL? Maybe it’s just me.
That’s where Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kyle Davies finds himself, landing on the DL a week ago with “right rotator cuff inflammation.” (Insert chuckle here)
Of course, Davies was 1-6 with a 7.46 ERA in nine starts at the time of his “injury.” The Royals re-signed Davies this past offseason to a one-year, $3.2 million deal.
They should have passed.
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Vernon Wells
14 of 30
When the Los Angeles Angels announced the trade that brought Vernon Wells from the Toronto Blue Jays for Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera, a collective gasp could be heard from Anaheim. General manager Tony Reagins and owner Arte Moreno were vilified by the press, specifically for taking on Wells’ enormous contract, with $84 million still remaining to be paid.
While Moreno and Reagins justified their position, Wells got off to a very slow start, hitting just .183 with four home runs and 13 RBI before landing on the disabled list with a groin strain.
Wells is not expected back from the DL until at least the first week of June, and Reagins and Moreno are still explaining the trade.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Ted Lilly
15 of 30
When the Los Angeles Dodgers signed starting pitcher Ted Lilly to a three-year deal for $33 million last October, on the surface, it looked like a decent signing. Lilly had won 54 games in the previous four seasons and was a steady if not spectacular left-hander.
However, Lilly has been inconsistent at the start of the 2011 season, with a 3-4 record and 4.71 ERA. The Dodgers have Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley as their 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation, and they need Lilly to provide much more efficiency than what they’ve seen thus far.
Milwaukee Brewers: Takashi Saito
16 of 30
Takashi Saito was signed during the offseason by the Milwaukee Brewers for $1.75 million, and Saito made exactly two appearances before heading to the disabled list with a hamstring injury.
To make matters worse, Saito was slowed in his rehab by an oblique strain. He could start throwing bullpen sessions within a week, however, it could be mid-June before Saito is seen in Milwaukee again.
Minnesota Twins: Carl Pavano
17 of 30
Last year, starting pitcher Carl Pavano put up nice numbers for the Minnesota Twins, posting a 17-11 record and a 3.75 ERA, and the Twins rewarded his efforts with a two-year, $16.5 million contract.
This season has been just a wee bit different. Pavano is off to a 2-4 start with a 5.28 ERA in 10 starts, and cost the Twins even more money by beating up a poor, defenseless garbage can with a baseball bat after a particularly egregious outing.
Pavano wanted to break the bat. The garbage can won that battle.
New York Mets: Chris Young
18 of 30
Starting pitcher Chris Young seemed to be a pretty good bargain when he was signed by the New York Mets for just $1.1 million. Young started out strong, posting an impressive 1.88 ERA in his first four starts.
However, it almost seems inevitable these days that there is just no such thing as a good thing for the New York Mets. Young started feeling pain in his shoulder, and sure enough, he was on the DL and lost for the season with a torn anterior capsule in his right shoulder.
Young had successful surgery on May 16, however, it’s the same surgery that Johan Santana suffered, so it could be a long road back for Young.
Good thing the Mets are only on the hook for this season.
New York Yankees: Rafael Soriano
19 of 30
Relief pitcher/closer Rafael Soriano may have been the closer in the majors last year, leading the American League with 45 saves and a nifty 1.73 ERA. The New York Yankees certainly thought so, signing him to a three-year, $35 million deal.
Presumably, Soriano is the heir apparent to take over the closer’s role if and when Mariano Rivera decides to call it a career. However Soriano, who had gotten off to a rough start in the setup role, with a 5.40 ERA in 16 appearances, is now on the DL with right elbow inflammation and is expected to miss at least six to eight weeks.
The good news is that Soriano won’t require Tommy John surgery, but it’s unlikely he’ll return before the All-Star break.
Oakland Athletics: Brian Fuentes
20 of 30
Relief pitcher/closer Brian Fuentes signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Oakland A’s during the offseason and started the season as the A’s closer after Andrew Bailey opened the season on the DL with a right forearm strain.
Fuentes has chipped in with nine saves, however he has taken the loss in his last four appearances, and after the final loss, Fuentes snapped and had some fairly derogatory statements aimed at manager Bob Geren for a perceived lack of communication.
The comments made in public did not play well, especially in the eyes of former A’s closer and Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley, who slammed Fuentes for calling his manager out in public and throwing him under the bus.
With Andrew Bailey now on rehab assignment and expected back within the next week, could Billy Beane be making some calls to get Fuentes out of Dodge/Oakland?
Philadelphia Phillies: Luis Castillo
21 of 30
In looking at all of the transactions for the Philadelphia Phillies since the end of last season, it’s pretty hard to pick one transaction that would be considered bad. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. did a great job plugging holes, signing free agents and re-signing players.
The only negative would be the very short nine-day stay of second baseman Luis Castillo after he was released by the New York Mets. Clearly, Castillo was not going to fit in with the Phillies, and management quickly realized that.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Lyle Overbay
22 of 30
For the last three seasons, first baseman Lyle Overbay was overpaid by the Toronto Blue Jays, especially considering his overall body of work during that span. Sure, he was durable and could occasionally hit the long ball, but for the first base position, Overbay is simply overmatched by most first basemen in the majors.
So, the Pittsburgh Pirates picked him up off the scrap heap and signed him to a one-year, $5 million contract, almost $3 million less than what he made last year.
He’s still overpaid.
San Diego Padres: Jason Bartlett
23 of 30
When the San Diego Padres acquired shortstop Jason Bartlett from the Tampa Bay Rays for Cole Figueroa, Brandon Gomes, Cesar Ramos and Adam Russell, I was more than a little perplexed. Bartlett had a very nice season for the Rays in 2009, with a slash line of .320/.389/.490 and an OPS of .879.
However in 2010, Bartlett’s numbers dropped dramatically to .254/.324/.350/.675, with 10 less homers. The Padres then signed Bartlett to a two-year, $11 million contract with a team option for 2013. Thus far this season, Bartlett is hitting .247 with zero home runs and just six extra-base hits.
How was that worth four players and an $11 million contract?
San Francisco Giants: Miguel Tejada
24 of 30
This one was a no-brainer. It was such a no-brainer that rumors have been flying about New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes ending up in San Francisco to replace Tejada and his impotent bat.
There ought to be a warrant out for Tejada’s agent, because he committed highway robbery and sold a false bill of goods. Giants GM Brian Sabean should have a sheep’s uniform on, because he got fleeced.
I really could go on and on with this…
Seattle Mariners: Milton Bradley
25 of 30
I know, Milton Bradley technically wasn’t a transaction for the 2011 season, aside from his release, of course. However, this would be for a lack of a transaction.
Bradley and his bad-boy act should have been out of Seattle long before May 16. His bag of bad behavior should have been out the door by the time spring training ended. If there is a team out there that has ANY interest in signing him, I’d love to know who it is, and I’ll travel over there and slap their GM upside the head.
St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols
26 of 30
Slugging first baseman Albert Pujols is on his way to breaking many, many records. Albert Pujols is a franchise player. Not just a franchise player, he should be the franchise player for the St. Louis Cardinals, for many years to come.
The Cardinals turned the Pujols contract negotiations into a debacle during spring training, and with the devastating injury to Adam Wainwright, it was not a very good March for the Redbirds. Fortunately, they haven’t allowed any of it to affect their play on the field, currently at 30-20 and sitting atop the National League Central division.
Simply put, they should have signed Pujols in the spring and done whatever it took to do so.
Tampa Bay Rays: Manny Ramirez
27 of 30
Another no-brainer here. Manny’s time in Tampa Bay was brief, but bombastic. After just five games during which he hit .059, Manny suddenly retired rather than face the music for another failed MLB drug test.
Give Tampa Bay credit here, they didn’t let the circus that is Manny affect their play on the field.
Texas Rangers: Yorvit Torrealba
28 of 30
The Texas Rangers have been employing a platoon at the catcher’s position with Yorvit Torrealba and Mike Napoli, and neither one of them are hitting their weight. Well, Torrealba is but only by about 13 points or so.
Between the two of them, they are hitting a combined .201, a slugging percentage under .400, and a combined salary of $8.8 million for this season.
Yikes.
Toronto Blue Jays: Frank Francisco
29 of 30
After having success in Texas as both a closer and setup man, reliever Frank Francisco isn’t having much success at anything in Toronto with the Blue Jays. Francisco, who came over in the deal that sent Mike Napoli to the Rangers, has given up five runs in his last two innings of work.
Manager John Farrell has not yet stated that Francisco is not his closer, however, with Jon Rauch and Jason Frasor in the bullpen, Francisco had best figure it out, and quickly.
Washington Nationals: Adam LaRoche
30 of 30
This is another no-brainer, at least in my eyes. Adam LaRoche, who signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the Washington Nationals, was hitting an abysmal .172 with three home runs and 15 runs batted in before landing on the disabled list with a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
The current plan calls for LaRoche to rest for two to three weeks before being re-evaluated, however, many are saying that it would be a minor miracle if LaRoche doesn’t require surgery, which would easily sideline him for the rest of this season and most of next year as well.
How’s that for a $16 million buy?
.png?w=480)
