About Me And Recent Work

I hope you all are enjoying the holiday season, as this is when the market slows down. I would like to take a moment and let my readers know a little about me. My goal is to one day be a general manager of a Major League team, but I would be just as happy to work for a network that broadcast baseball, or another position for a team. I have also considered opportunities that may exist in Japan, Australia, The Dominican Republic, and other foreign countries. I am currently studying statistics, economics, and mathematics in hopes to earn my bachelors degree in a few years. 

In my intro to statistic class, my group and I look at some distinct groups in the Major Leagues. We collected data from all the position players who played 116 games or more in 2013 and stratified them into groups: 50 American League players, 50 National League Players, 33 24-27 year old players, 34 28-31 year old players, and 33 32-35 year old players. 

Using statistical software and proper judgement we found that there is not much evidence that proves that one group is better than the other in home runs. This chart to the right shows the home runs for the 50 players in each league who played at least 116 games. The evidence shows that the American League is not better than the National League as many think, they are literally almost exactly the same.  The same outcome came up when comparing the number of home runs by the different age groups. The American League is only superior in one respect: the pitcher is not required to bat, but I did not incorporate that, I strictly wanted to test the players. 

Batting average also doesn't change much between age group as many think. It is a common misconception that the 28-31 age group is the best age group, but in batting average they all seem to be the same. In this graph 0 represents the other two age groups, and 1 represents the 28-31 age group. They are statistically similar. A player may be healthiest and most agile when in this age group, but in 2013 all of the players seem to have similar statistics. 

Remember that each age group was composed of about 33 players randomly selected from the total number of players in that age group who played 116 games or more. One notable player that was not selected randomly was Miguel Caberea. Perhaps after another selection the statistics may be slightly more different, but not by much. 

Dodgers Sign Chris Perez

GO GO GADGET FASTBALL!

The Dodgers have reached an agreement with reliever/closer Chris Perez on a one year deal. Perez had one great season in 2010 with a 1.71 ERA, but has leveled out at higher ERAs ever since. In 2013 Perez posted a 4.33 ERA. With Perez the level of uncertainty is higher than ever, he may move mountains or he may be stopped by a pebble.

To speculate a little, the Dodgers have a surplus of relievers and an absence of a fifth starter, a second baseman, and a third baseman. The Dodgers' most valuable reliever is their closer Kenley Jansen, and he may be subject to trade with the acquisition of Perez. The Rays are in need of a closer, and they are looking to trade David Price. By chance the Dodgers also have a left handed hitting outfielder, Andre Ethier, something the Rays need. The Rays also have a productive second baseman/utility player, Ben Zobrist. Perhaps a mega trade can be on the horizon involving Jansen, Gorden, Ethier, Price, and Zobrist. The Dodgers seem to not have a budget, so absorbing some of Ethier's contract should not be a problem.

Grant Balfour Not An Oriole

The deal between Grant Balfour and the Baltimore Orioles has fallen through. After receiving the results from Balfour's physical the Orioles backed out of the deal. After input from two other doctors, the diagnosis is that there is nothing physically wrong with Balfour. The problem the Orioles are concerned about is the X-Ray of his right shoulder. Balfour is going to bring up the problem with the players union and file grievance against the Orioles.

The market for Balfour is back in business as he will not be signing with the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees, Rays, Rangers, and White Sox all have been reported to have interest in the 36 year old closer from down under. He will be pitching in 2014, the question is: Where?

Shin Soo Choo Signs With The Texas Rangers

The next biggest free agent has come off the board and he will be making his home in Texas for the next seven years. The contract that Choo signed is worth 7 years and $130 Million. There were reports that the Yankees offered him a 7 year $140 Million contract, but after state income taxes the deal that Texas offered would earn Choo more money.

Choo is what I call an on base expert. He has an astonishingly him on base percentage. From 2008-2013 Choo has an on base percentage of .392 and he consistently puts up on base percentages close to that value on an annual basis. Choo found his most successful season during his first and only year in Cincinatti, 2013. Choo demonstrated his balance of power and speed by eclipsing 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in the same season for the 3rd time in his career. A new career high on base percentage at .423 also helped result in a new career high in runs scored at 107.

The addition of Choo will be noticed significantly in Texas, but I think with this signing the Rangers need to acquire a pitcher. As of now the lineup is strong, but the rotation could use some work. Jurickson Profar can be used to acquire ace pitcher David Price, and a combination of Darvish and Price could lead the Rangers to a division title. As of now the lineup for the Rangers looks as follows:

SS Andrus
LF Choo
3B Beltre
1B Fielder
RF Rios
1B Moreland
C   Arencibia
CF Martin
2B Profar

Royals Sign Omar Infante and Minor Moves

Omar Changing Teams for the 4th time

The Kansas City Royals made their second big off season acquisition by signing second baseman Omar Infante. If the Royals choose to keep their lineup the way it is, they have one of the deepest and most balanced lineups in baseball. Infante will fill the hole at second base for the price of 4 years $30.25 Million. The Royals two off season acquisitions, Aoki and Infante will likely be the 1-2 punch in 2013. Infatne has been someone average over the past few seasons holding a .288 batting average and a .318 on base percentage from 2011-2013, splitting time between the Tigers and the Marlins. Infante will be 32 in 2014 and the contract will carry him through his age 36 season.

In the area of minor moves:

The Rays have re-signed first baseman James Loney to a 3 year $21 Million deal. Loney had a .299/.348/.430 slashline in 2013 along with great defense.

The Twins signed starting pitcher Mike Pelfrey to a 2 year $11 Million deal. Pelfrey has not found much success since 2010 when he had a 3.66 ERA and 204 innings pitched. 

The Giants have signed right handed hitting outfield and first baseman Michael Morse to a 1 year $6 Million deal. He will likely platoon and come off the bench. 

The Cardinals signed 36 year old second baseman Mark Ellis to a 1 year $5.25 Million deal. Ellis played for the Dodgers in 2013 and had a .270/.323/.351 slashline. 

The Braves signed average but durable starter Gavin Floyd likely to replace Tim Hudson on a 1 year $4 Million deal. Floyd was injured for the 2013 season but pitched 168 or more innings 5 consecutive seasons prior. 

The Houston Astros continue to add to their sneaky strategy and add relief pitcher Matt Albers on a 1 year $2.45 Million deal. Albers has a sub 3.00 ERA in the past 2 seasons. 

The New York Yankees signed veteran second baseman Brian Roberts to a 1 year $2 Million deal. Roberts will be 36 in 2014 and has not played more than 77 games since 2009. 
  

Relievers On the Move

Several relievers have been signed or traded in the past few days. Relievers have become a very important part of the game. In the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings relievers are depended on to get outs especially in close games.

John Axford signed a one year $4.5 Million contract that contains about $2 Million in incentives with the Cleveland Indians. Axford made his name in Milwaukee, but after one and a half inefficient seasons he was traded to the Cardinals. Axford has a 3.50 ERA with 81 saves from 2011-2013 with all the saves coming in the first 2 years. If the Indians do not re-sign Chris Perez, John Axford, or 'Tom Sawyer,' will be closing games in Cleveland.

The Blunder From Down Under

Grant Balfour will be changing coasts after signing a 2 year $15 Million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. Coincidentally the Orioles traded their previous closer, Jim Johnson, to the Oakland Athletics, Balfour's previous team.  Balfour will be 36 in 2014, but he has been showing strong in the past few years of his contract. He holds  a 2.47 ERA over the past 4 years of his career with 62 saves coming in 2012 and 2013. Balfour is a cheaper alternative to Jim Johnson and will get his job done just as well.

The Diamondbacks continued their special area of work, trades, and found Addison Reed in their bullpen. The White Sox receive third base prospect Matt Davidson who had a productive season in AAA. Reed will be just 25 in 2013 and has already accumulated 69 saves to the beat of a 4.17 ERA, but a 3.79 ERA. I think Reed will find more success as he ages, and with 4 years of team control, this was a good deal for the Dbacks.

Joba Chamberlain has not found much of any success out of the bullpen the past 2 seasons, and after having Tommy John surgery, I don't expect him to find anymore success. The Detroit Tigers did sign Joba to a 1 year $2.5 Million contract, but he will probably be no where near the 8th or 9th innings.

Boone Logan was an effective cog in the Yankees' bullpen from 2010-2013 facing lefties and getting out of jams. Logan's strength was he can get out lefties well, but he can also get out his share of right handed hitters. In his time in New York, the now 29 year old hard throwing lefty had a 3.38 ERA and a 10.3 K/9 rate. Logan will be pitching for the Colorado Rockies for the next 3 seasons and earning a total of $16.5 Million.

The Dodgers found their own left handed reliever in the form of JP Howell who has found success in the past two seasons. For 2 years and guaranteed $11.25 Million Howell will bring his 2.48 ERA over the past two seasons to Los Angeles. He will join a bullpen with Brian Wilson, Kenley Jenson, and Paco Rodriguez. I do not think LA is done adding to their bullpen.

In the wake of Boone Logan signing with the Rockies the Yankees signed basically the older version of Boone Logan, Matt Thornton. He will pitch in New York on a 2 year $7 Million. In the same time that Boone Logan was with the Yankees Thornton was with the Chicago White Sox before being traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2013. From 2010-2013 the hard throwing left pitched to a 3.27 ERA with his ERA gradually rising each year. He does not get as many strikeouts as Logan, but he will likely be a nice addition to the Yankees' thin bullpen.

Mets Sign Colon. Pirates Sign Volquez

The New York Mets have made another free agent signing in the form of Bartolo Colon. Colon will pitch for the Mets on a 2 year $20 Million contract. Colon posted a 2.65 ERAwith 190 innings pitched in 2013 at the age of 40 with the Athletics. The Mets will see if Colon has anything left in the tank and will likely be replaced by Harvey in 2015 when he returns from Tommy John surgery. For the second year of the contract Colon may be moved to the bullpen or be traded.

Edison Volquez signed a 1 year $5 Million deal with the Pirates after a terrible 2013 campaign. He played with the Dodgers and the Padres in 2013 posting a 5.71 ERA in 170 innings pitched. Volquez has battled injuries throughout his career and will be 31 during the 2014 season. The Pirates are continuing their buy low strategy as they did with AJ Burnett and Francisco Liriano.

Mariners Sign Hart and Acquire Morrison

Corey Hart missed all of the 2013 season due to surgery on both of his knees, but Hart, with healthy knees, has been an All Star in the past. The Mariners jumped on the opportunity to acquire a player who has the potential to perform for cheep. Hart's deal is for one year worth $6 Million gaurenteed salary but it will be similar to Mike Napoli's deal which revolved heavily around incentives. I wouldn't be comfortable with Hart in the outfield with his knee injuries, so I would assume he would find his position at first base. From 2010-2012 Hart averaged 29 home runs and 83 RBIs with a .279 batting average and a .343 on base percentage. Hart will try to help the Mariners succeed in 2014, but their off season is done here.

The Mariners also continued their progress at the Winter Meetings today by acquiring first baseman and outfielder Logan Morrison in exchange for right handed pitcher Carter Capps. Morrison has not found much success in seasons after 2011 battling injuries and hitting just .236 with a .321 on base percentage. Morrison also saw a significant power decrease after 2011 when he hit 23 home runs. Morrison will be 26 years old in 2014, so he is a player hoping for a rebound season. The Mariners got him for cheep so a possibly if Hart fails Morrison will not.

Rockies and Athletics Exchange Anderson for Pomeranz

Brett Anderson looking tough

The second biggest story of the Winter Meetings on Tuesday was the exchange of Brett Anderson for Drew Pomeranz and Chris Jensen. This trade is the even for both sides as Anderson is going to be 26 and has the potential to do so well, but is consistently injured and Pomeranz also going to be 26 has the same potential to do well, but has not showed it. Pitching in Colorado has its challenges as it yields more home runs than the average ballpark.

 Anderson has peaked at 175 innings pitched in a season which was his rookie year and has only pitched more than 100 innings pitched in his sophomore season. Anderson does hold an ERA of 3.81 over 450 innings pitched, so there is success in his career. Pomeranz has 136 innings pitched in his career and his lowest ERA is 4.93 in 2012 where he pitched 96 innings. Unlike Anderson, Pomeranz has found barely any success at the Major League level, perhaps joining a winning team and pitching in a bigger ballpark will help him. Anderson will have to stay healthy in order to help out the Rockies in 2013.

D-Backs, Angels, and White Sox Complete Three Team Deal

The Winter Meetings have met their first big deal in the form of a three team deal. The Diamondbacks acquired power hitting Mark Trumbo from the Angels along with 2 prospects, the Angels acquired pitchers Tyler Skaggs and Hector Santiago, and the White Sox acquired outfielder Adam Eaton. The deal seems to work well for all three teams, but I would declare the Angels the winner here.

Picture courtesy of MLB Facebook page

Mark Trumbo has slugged 95 home runs in the first 3 seasons of his career, but holds a .251 batting average, and a .300 on base percentage in his career. The Angels loose a significant source of power, but can afford two already having a stacked lineup. Skaggs is still considered one of the top pitching prospects in the game and is just 22 years old. He has not found success at the MLB level yet with 68 innings pitched and a 5.43 ERA. Santiago is just 25 years old and can be used as a starter or a reliever as he has found success as both. His ERA as a starter is a bit higher than as a reliever but overall he will be a valuable asset to the Angels. Adam Eaton is also considered on of the best young players in the game with just 88 games played at the Major League level. Eaton has a ,254 batting average and a .332 on base percentage over his short career but that is expected in to increase.

Trumbo will have to play the outfield in Arizona which I see as a potential problem. Trumbo is a big guy ans doesn't move well that is why he was playing primarily first base and designated hitter in Los Angeles. Although he did play his share of game at third base and both corner outfield spots I do not consider him anything more than a first baseman, and it is understood that he will not displace current first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. The Angels won the trade as they got rid of a one dimensional player and bolstered they pitching significantly. they have a promising young lefty and a sturdy starter that can fall back as a reliever.

The Red Sox Sign Mike Napoli

The Boston Red Sox have resigned first baseman Mike Napoli to a 2 year $32 Million deal. Napoli was a major reason for the Red Sox success in the second half of the 2013 season and the playoffs. Napoli has a career OPS+ of 127 and an OPS+ of 138 from 2011-2013 with the Rangers and the Red Sox. He will definitely be part of the team chemistry that was so important to the Red Sox success in 2014 and 2015. This signing will definitely make the departure of Ellsbury and possibly Drew not as harsh.

Beltran Signs With The Yankees

Carlos Beltran is returning to New York

Carlos Beltran signed a 3 year $45 Million contract with the New York Yankees which includes a no trade clause. Beltran had many options including Boston, Kansas City, St. Louis, Baltimore, and Seattle to go to this off season, but Beltran wanted to return to New York where he spent 7 seasons with the Mets. The Cardinals now have a serious hole in their lineup as Beltran provided much production and a non right handed bat The Cardinals may explore outfield option Shin Soo Choo and Nelson Cruz, but for the Yankees they have a surplus of outfield bats.

The Yankees now have Beltran, Ellsbury, Ichiro, Gardner, Soriano, and Wells as players who can all play the outfield. Trade rumors have arisen that either Ichiro, Gardner, or Soriano may be on the move, but that move will probably occur later at the winter meeting. The Yankees are in need of starting pitching, a closer, a second baseman, and a third baseman if Alex Rodriguez does in fact get suspended for the 2014 season.

Potential trade partners for the Yankees may be the Cincinnati Reds for Brandon Phillips or Homer Bailey, the Philadelphia Phillies for Chase Utley or Jonathon Papelbon, the San Francisco Giants for Pablo Sandoval, the San Diego Padres for Chase Headley or Houston Street, the Houston Astros for Matt Dominguez , the Los Angeles Angels for Howie Kendrick or Ernesto Frieri, or the Royals for Mike Moustaka
s or Greg Holland.

We're Leaving. Cano Signs With The Mariners. Granderson Signs With The Mets. And More

Robinson Cano

Robinson Cano has signed a 10 year $240 Million deal with the Seattle Mariners. In the wake of the Yankees signing Jacoby Ellsbury they allowed Robinson Cano to leave. Depending on what other bats the Yankees add, the departure of Robinson Cano may not be so upsetting. With the addition of Brian McCann, Ellsbury, Kelly Johnons, and possibly another player the Yankees
will improve their production at several positions and lose production at only second base. The Yankees may explore trades for Howie Kendrick, Brandon Phillips, or other second baseman, or take a more conventional route and sign free agents such as Omar Infante or Stephan Drew. With the departure of Robinson Cano I would personally bat Ellsbury third and have Gardner lead off with a right handed bat with some speed behind him.

As for the Seattle Mariners, Cano is not the end of their off season acquisitions. With Robinson Cano being the lone star in their lineup the Mariners are looking to add another bat. That bat is speculated to be Choo, Napoli, Carlos Beltran, or Nelson Cruz. I speculate they could trade for Matt Kemp for a few prospects, but the Mariners are serious in their pursuit of starting pitcher David Price. It has been said that the Mariners are willing to make a package featuring pitching prospect Taijuan Walker and second baseman Nick Franklin. A pitching rotation with Felix Hernandez, David Price, and Hisashi Iwakuma may bring back memories of the Mariners from over a decade away. A trade including Mike Zunino and Dustin Ackley may be able to land Matt Kemp or another impact bat. Signing another free agent will especially put the Mariners in competition for 2014.

Curtis Granderson

Curtis Granderson has apparently reached agreement the New York Mets worth $60 Million over 4 years. Granderson will bring much needed power to the Mets lineup and provide protection for David Wright. Already in an outfield with Juan Lagares, Eric Young Jr, and Chris B. Young, Granderson will probably play a corner outfield position. In three full seasons with the Yankees Granderson hit 108 home runs, but in the three full seasons in Detroit he played prior to coming to the Yankees, he hit 75 home runs. Although hitting coach Kevin Long changed his swing Yankee Stadium dramatically changed his stats for the better. Playing in Citi Field Granderson's days of 40 home run seasons are gone.

After being non tendered by the Blue Jays JP Arencibia has found a new home in Texas. The Rangers were looking for a catcher and instead of going after McCann, Pierzynski, or Saltalamacchia, the Rangers to the cheaper alternative by giving Arencibia to a 1 year $2 Million deal.

The Astros continued their quest to improve for the 2014 season by signing starting pitcher Scott Feldman to a 3 year $30 Million deal. After a successful season between the Cubs and the Orioles posting a 3.86 ERA in 186 innings pitched. After trading Jordan Lyles in a deal for Dexter Fowler, Feldman fills a hole in the Astros rotation.

The Marlins continue their under the radar moves by signing shortstop but likely second baseman Rafael Furcal. He will 36 in 2014 and has a career .284 career batting average and a .267 batting average from 2010-2012. Furcal missed all of 2013, but is expected to rebound in 2014.

Aoki Traded to Royals. Red Sox Sign Mujica

How does Aoki look in his new uniform? 

In the hunt for a right fielder the Royals acquired well rounded outfielder Norichika Aoki from the Brewers in exchange for left handed pitcher Will Smith. Aoki will be 32 next season and has 2 seasons under his belt, and those two seasons were pretty successful. He played 151 and 155 games in 2012 and 2013 respectively with nearly identical batting averages and on base percentages both seasons at .287 and .355. Aoki also features speed stealing 30 bases in 2012 and 20 bases in 2013, but being caught much more in 2013. Smith will be 24 in 2014 and has a mixture of succss and failure in his first two seasons. He sported a 5.32 ERA in 89.2 innings in his rookie year of 2012 and an ERA of 3.24 in 3.24 in 33.1 innings the following season. The chances of the Royals signing Carlos Beltran are now lowered.

Mujica will join a bullpen with Japanese duo Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara with Uehara as a closer. Mujica played with the Marlins and Cardinals the last 3 seasons and gathered 206 innings and a 2.93 ERA. Mujica closed for the Cardinals in 2013 after closer Jason Motte had to have Tommy John surgery. He eventually led the Cardinals to the World Series. Mujica is a great addition to the Red Sox bullpen. The deal is reported to be 2 years $9.5 Million.

Ellsbury, Morneau, Saltalamacchia Sign. Fowler, Gentry, Lindblom, Bell, Smith Gregerson Traded

Jacoby Ellsbury in his new uniform

The biggest news of yesterday's busy day was the signing of Jacoby Ellsbury. The New York Yankees signed the All Star Jacoby Ellsbury to a colossal 7 year $148 Million deal. Ellsbury will join an outfield with Brett Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki probably making the best defensive outfield in the MLB. Ellsbury has had some fluctuation in his stats from year to year, but he has been someone consistent. He has put up a .297/.350/.439 slashline for his career, and has one dominating season under his belt. Ellsbury has led the league in stolen bases 3 seasons and has a 162 game average of 55 stolen bases. With an average annual war of 3.9 and assigning $5 Million to each win above replacement Ellsbury seems to be worth the deal. Johnny Damon is a similar player to make the transition from the Red Sox to the Yankkes via free agency, and he saw some success. Damon's average home run totals increased from 14 to 19.25 per season. That is a 37.5% increase. If the same can be said for Ellsbury, who has an average home run total of 15 home runs per season, you can expect him to hit about 20 home runs a year in Yankee Stadium. Combined with his speed and defense, Ellsbury will be an impact player for the Yankees, although his signing most likely takes them out of competition for Cano.

Justin Morneau

In the wake of Todd Helton's retirement the Rockies signed slugging first baseman Justin Morneau to a 2 year $13 Million deal. Morneau was traded to the Pirates mid season and was a big help for getting them to the post season. He hit 17 home runs last year playing most of his games in the spacious Target Field, and has a career average of 22 home runs per season.   Morneau is still relativley young at 32, but has battled some injuries the past few seasons, only playing 150 games total between 2010 and 2011. The Canadian born Morneau will slot in very nicely in the Rockies lineup which is projected to be Gonzalez, Tulowitzki, Morneau, Cuddyer, for a 3-6. The home run numbers are expected to rise for Morneau playing in Coors field.

It was reported that the Rays acquired Ryan Hannigan in a trade yesterday, but that turned out to be a 3 team with Heath Bell also headed to the Rays. Hannigan had a down year in 2012 with his batting average not cracking .200. Heath Bell will play for his 4th team in 4 years after what could be called a bounce back season. His ERA dropped from 5.09 to 4.11 after going from the Marlins to the Diamondbacks. With the signing of Juan Oviedo and the trade to acquire Heath Bell, the chances of Fernando Rodney returning to the Rays are bleak.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia

The Miami Marlins signed free agent catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia to a 3 year $21 Million deal. Salty has been pretty productive for ta catcher during his time playing for the Red Sox. In 3 full seasons in Boston the backstop put together an OPS+ of 104 over those 3 seasons. His slashline of .244/.306/.437 slashline during his time in Boston is significant given his defensive capabilities. With this signing I think the Marlins are up to something especially with their reluctance to trade Giancarlo Stanton. Watch out for the Marlins in the trade market and the free agent market as they may be flying under the radar.

After trading Jemile Weeks for Jim Johnson the Athletics made another move by trading for outfielder Craig Gentry and right handed reliever Josh Lindbolm. With the departure of Chris B. Young the Athletics were in search for an outfielder and they went to Gentry who's game revolves and speed and batitng average. His career .280 batting average in two full seasons proves Gentry's capabilities. Lindbolm's ERA has steadily been climbing but the ballpark he has been playing in has steadily been getting smaller. Going from Dodger Stadium to Citizens Bank Park to Rangers Ballpark his ERA went from 2.73 in 2011 to 5.46 in 2013. Lindbolm's ERA will resort back to around 3.00 as he moves to the spacious Oakland Coliseum.

Luke Gregerson

The Athletics further added to their bullpen after getting both Lindbolm and Johnson by trading outfielder Seth Smith for right hander Luke Gregerson of the San Diego Padres.  Smith hovers around a .265 batting avage with an on base percentage .100 points higher. He gets on base, and hits for average power with an average of 14 home runs per season. Gregerson has been an extremely effective and healthy reliever in San Diego the first 5 years of his career by pitching 347 innings and holding a 2.88 ERA in his career and a 2.60 ERA in the past 3 seasons. The Athletics are seriously building an effective bullpen, possibly soon to be the best in baseball.

The Houston Astros made their first splash of the off season by trading for center fielder Dexter Fowler from the Rockies in exchange for pitcher Jordan Lyl

Dexter Fowler

es and outfielder Brandon Barnes. In his first 5 full seasons Fowler has a 103 OPS+ with an on base percentage of .367 staying consistent by year. He swipes an average of 17 stolen bases and hits an average of 7 home runs, which is pretty good for a lead off hitter. Fowler will set the table well for the Astros with Jose Altuve following him.  Lyles hasn't found much success with his consistent ERA over 5 in his first 3 seasons, which is mot expected to go down in Colorado where ERAs tend to inflate. Brandon Barnes will be 28 in 2014 and has also not found much success in his first full season. He hit 8 home runs with a .289 on base percentageand a 50% stolen base percentage. This trade was probably done to free up salary so I expect the Rockies to make another move either for a starting pitcher or an outfielder.

Trades, Free Agent Signings, Non Tneders, and More!

Yesterday was a very busy day in baseball as many players found new homes. Two trades went through yesterday and several players signed with new teams and re-signed with their same teams.

Jim Johnson

The biggest news was the trade between the Athletics and Orioles. Closer Jim Johnson has a 2.70 ERA over the past 3 seasons and has 101 saves over the past 2 seasons. Jemile  Weeks is the younger brother to Ricky Weeks, and has not found much success at the Major League level besides his rookie year. Weeks is set to compete for a spot at second base. These two players were exchanged for one another strait up. Johnson is going to replace closer Grant Balfour, and Johnson is projected to earn $10 Million or more in arbitration. The Orioles are trying to land a starting pitcher and by freeing up salary they may be on the verge of making a splash.

Doug Fister

The other big trade was between the Washington Nationals and the Detroit Tigers. The Nationals acquired starting pitcher Doug Fister who featured a respected 3.30ERA over the past 3 seasons and a 3.67 ERA in 2013. In exchange for Fister the Tigers pitching prospect Robbie Ray, infielder Steve Lomardozzi, and left handed reliever Ian Krol. Fister will be a definite improvement over Dan Haren who signed with the Dodgers as a free agent who featured a 3.97 ERA in the past 3 seasons and a 4.67 ERA in 2013. Fister will join a rotation with Stephan Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, and a 5th starter.

Also last night the Red Sox signed free agent catcher AJ Pierzynski to a 1 year deal with $8.25 Million guaranteed. Pierzynski played for the Texas Rangers in 2013 posting a .272/.297/.425 slashline with 17 home runs in 134 games. The Red Sox were preparing for the departure of Jarrod Saltalamacchia who  posted a .273/.338/.446 slashline with 14 home runs in 121 games.
It appears the Red Sox have taken a down grade at the catcher's position especially with Pierzynski's age.

Phil Hughes

Phil Hughes has a 4.54 career ERA, but a 95 career ERA+. The reason for having an ERA+ around average with a high ERA is the ballpark factor. Hughes has pitched most of his games in Yankee Stadium, one of the smallest ballparks in the league. Hughes signed a 3 year $24 Million deal with Minnesota Twins. The deal also includes bonuses up to $1 Million a year based on the amount of innings pitched. As Hughes moves to the spacious Target Field his ERA will drop dramatically. If his ERA+ is any indication of the type of pitcher he is, his ERA may drop to around 3.70.

After several successful seasons early in his career Scott Kazmir has fell of quite a bit. Its weird to think Kazmir will only be 30 in January, but he has been around around for 9 seasons. Kazmir hasn't found much success in recent years, but he signed a 2 year $22 Million deal with the Oakland Athletics. This deal is probably the reason why Brett Anderson is now available for trade.

The Blue Jays signed catcher Dioner Navarro to a 2 year $8 Million that will pay $3 Million in the first season and $5 Million in the second season. This move made JP Arencibia become non-tendered and become a free agent. Navarro played 89 games with the Chicago Cubs and posted a 132 OPS+ , very good for a catcher, and he is a defensive upgrade over Arencibia in my opinion.

Joe Nathan

Being announced a little more than an hour ago was the signing of closer Joe Nathan. Nathan signed a 2 year deal with the Detroit Tigers. The salary in the deal hasn't been made official yet, but this is a good deal for the Tigers. With the failures of Jose Valverde and the shakiness of the closer position last season, the Tigers needed a stud for the ninth inning. Nathan posted 2 stellar seasons with the Texas Rangers by collecting 80 saves with a 2.09 ERA.

On smaller notes, the Rays have traded for catcher Ryan Hannigan, the Giants re-signed starter Ryan Vogelsong to a 1 year $5 Million deal, the Mariners signed Willie Bloomquist, and the Rays re-signed  reliever Juan Oviedo.

Several players were non tendered yesterday as it was the non tender deadline. When a player gets non tendered it means that the team will not be tendering a contract to that player, because they believe they will be too expensive through arbitation, so the team allows them to become a free agent. Some of the important players that were non tendered yesterday are J.P. Arencibia, John Axford, Andrew Bailey, Ronald Belisario, Chris Coghlan, Chris Getz,Tommy Hanson, Jeremy Hefner, Daniel Hudson, Jayson Nix, Xavier Paul, Omar Quintanilla  Sandy Rosario, Ryan Webb, Jerome Williams, and Wesley Wright. These players are now allowed to sign with any team that offers them a contract.