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.

2014 Hall of Fame Ballot

The 2014 Hall of Fame Ballot has been released and some very notable names are appearing for the first time, and some for the second time. The ballot is listed as follows: Jeff Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Tom Glavine, Jeff Kent, Greg Maddux, Edgar Martinez, Don Mattingly, Fred McGriff, Mark McGuire, Jack Morris, Mike Mussina, Rafael Palmeiro, Mike Piazza, Tim Raines, Curt Schilling, Lee Smith, Sammy Sosa, Frank Thomas, Alan Trammell, Larry Walker. The decisions will be hard, but luckily, you get a summary of each players accolades.

Jeff Bagwell

Jeff Bagwell:

Bagwell played his entire career with the Houston Astros, collected 2314 hits, 449 home runs, 1529 RBIs, and 202 stolen bases, over 15 years. On his shelf is a Rookie of the Year award for 1991 and an MVP award for the shortened 1994 season. Bagwell was a stud in the lineup for the Astros and definetly desevres to be induccted into the Hall of Fame. Bagwell also has no connection to steroids.

Craig Biggio:

Biggio also played his entire career with the Houston Astros, and he collected 3060 hits, 291 home runs, 1175 RBI, and 414 stolen bases. Biggio was one of the most well rounded players collecting 4 gold glove awards and 5 silver slugger awards. Biggio played at least 140 games in 17 of his 20 seasons making him one of the most consistent players of a generation. I like many others was shocked Biggio did not get inducted last year, but he will definitely be inducted in 2014.

Barry Bonds:

Barry Bonds

Bonds played 22 seasons collecting 762 home runs, 2935 hits, 1996 RBI, and 514 stolen bases. He also has 7 MVP awards for both the Pirates and Giants, several All Star appearances, silver sluggers, and gold glove awards. Barry Bonds could be the greatest player ever, but he was found guilty for use of performance enhancing drugs. He denied evidence that obviously proved that he did take the substances, and made his situation worse. Bonds disappointed generation, and he will never be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Roger Clemens:

Clemens split time between the Red Sox, Blue Jays, Astros, and Yankees over 24 seasons. He has 354 wins, a 3.12 ERA, and 4672 strikeouts. Stats like those earned him 7 Cy Young Awards, 1 MVP, and 11 All Star Game appearances.Clemens was in fact found guilty for performence enhancing drugs and also continued to deny it. Although he was found not guilty in one of his many trials, everyone knows the truth. Clemens will also never reach the Hall of Fame.

Tom Glavine:

Tom Glavine

Glavine pitched 22 seasons for the Braves and the Mets and collected 305 wins with a 3.54 career ERA and 2607 strikeouts. He has two Cy Young awards, one in 1991 and one in 1998, 10 All Star Game appearances, and 4 silver slugger awards for a pitcher. Glavine was part of the terrifying trio of Maddux, and Smotlz that led the Braves to several post season births. Glavine would get my vote this election.

Jeff Kent:

Kent played 17 seasons split between the Mets, Dodgers, Giants, Astros and half a season with the Blue Jays and Indians. He collected 2461 hits, 377 home runs, 1518 RBIs, and hold the record for most home runs by a second baseman. Kent has just 1 MVP award for the 2000 season, but 4 silver slugger awards. Kent was a really good player, especially at second base, but he wasn't among the greatest. Kent would not get my vote this time around.

Greg Maddux:

Greg Maddux

In my opinion Greg Maddux is the greatest pitcher of the live ball era. He dominated an entire decade and represented the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves over 23 seasons. Maddux has 355 wins, a career 3.16 ERA, and 3371 strikeouts. You can find 4 Cy Young Awards, and 18 Gold Glove Awards in Maddux's possession. Elected to 8 All Star Games and being extremely durable his entire career, Greg Maddux will get the highest vote percentage in the ballot. If he does not get elected the first time eligible, I will eat my hat.

Edgar Martinez:

Edgar Martinez is understood to be one of the greatest designated hitters ever. He played his entire 18 year career with the Seattle Mariners. He collected 2247 hits, 309 home runs, and 1261 RBIs. Martinez was often overlooked by playing along side names like Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr, and Ichiro Suzuki, but he has always been a consistant bat in the Mariners lineup during his career. He never won an MVP nor a gold glove, but was part of 7 All Star Games, and collected 4 Silver Slugger Awards. Martinez was a very good player, and consistent, but I do not know how being a DH will effect him. I would not vote for Martinez on this ballot.

Don Mattingly 

Don Mattingly:

Don Mattingly does not have many more chances to get into the Hall of Fame. He was a great leader, and one of the best players of the 80s and early 90s. He played 14 seasons, collected 2153 hits, and hit 1099 RBIs. Mattingly may not have the numbers to get into the Hall of Fame, but thousands of young fans looked up to Mattingly and that is something to honor, he must have been a great player to have such a strong fan base. I would vote Mattingly in.

Fred McGriff:

McGriff played 19 seasons split between the Devil Rays, Braves, Blue Jays, Padres, Cubs, and Dodgers. Over those 19 seasons he hit 493 home runs, 2490 hits, and 1550 RBIs. McGriff never won an MVP or a Gold Glove Award, but was elected to 5 All Star Games and won 3 Silver Slugger Awards. McGriff played a complete seasons every year from 1988-2002 making him a relieable player. McGriff has the stats to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but I am unsure how I feel about the bouncing from team to team. I would not vote for McGriff this first time.

Mark McGuire

Mark McGuire:

McGuire was not inducted into the Hall of Fame last year for the same reason that Clemens and Bonds weren't. McGuire openly admitted to steroid usage, but because he came out and did so, makes his chances of getting in better. McGuire has 583 home runs, 1626 hits, and 1414 RBIs over 16 seasons with the Athletics and Cardinals. McGuire will not be elected this time around, but I think he
may be the first player convicted of steroid usage to get into the Hall of Fame, due to his sportsman ship and open confession.

Jack Morris:

Morris played 18 seasons mostly with the Tigers collecting 254 wins with a 3.90 ERA and 2478 strikeouts. He never won a Cy Young Award, and was selected to just a few All Star Games. This is Morris' last year to be inducted to the Hall of Fame, but that is no reason to induct him. His ERA is way to high for a Hall of Famer. He has a significant amount of wins, but when you think of great, you don't think about giving up 4 runs per game. I would not vote for Morris, nor do I think he will get in the Hall of Fame.

Mike Mussina

Mike Mussina:

Mussina was one of the players that I liked to watch growing up, but I realize he isn't one of the greatest players ever. He pitched 10 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles and 8 seasons for the New York Yankees. He acquired 270 wins in that time period and held a 3.68 ERA. He had 7 gold glove awards and pitched his first 20 win season in the last year of his career. Mussina will always be considered on the better pitchers of the 90s and early 2000s, but will not make the Hall of Fame this time around. He might make it 5 years down the road.

Rafael Palmeiro:

Palmeiro split 20 seasons between the Orioles, Rangers, and Cubs and put up some big numbers. He gathered 3020 hits, 569 home runs, and 1835 RBIs. Although he has 3 Gold Glove Awards and 2 Silver Slugger Awards, he never won an MVP. Palmeiro's Hall of Fame campaign is stained by the usage of steroids. He too was part of the steroid era, but his name does not come up as often as others. He fulfilled both the 3000 hits and 500 home run bench marks, but the steroids blemish his resume.  Palmeiro will not make the Hall of Fame this year.

Mike Piazza

Mike Piazza:

Mike Piazza played 16 seasons with mostly the Mets and Dodgers, and is considered one of the best catchers of all time. He won the Rookie of the Year in 1993, 12 All Star Game appearances, and 10 Silver Slugger Awards. He wasn't quite known for his defense, but he could swing a mean bat. People like to connect Piazza
with steroid usage, but he was never accused and his record is clean. Piazza deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and won't get in this year but will in the future.

Tim Raines:

Raines is a speed demon that played for The Expos, White Sox, Yankees, Orioles, Athletics, and Marlins over 23 seasons. He has 808 career stolen bases along with 2605 hits and 170 home runs. With Just 7 All Star Game appearances and 1 Silver Slugger Award Tim Raines wasn't among the great players. He was a very good player, but there are several other players I would take over him. I would not induct Raines into the Hall of Fame.

Curt Schilling

Curt Schilling:

When someone says Schilling you think of the post season, but the post season doesn't have much of an effect on my decision to vote someone in, because it is a team effort to win. Schilling sported 216 wins, a 3.46 ERA and 3116 strikeouts. Schilling had some dominating seasons, but not a dominating career. He eclipsed 300 strikeouts two times, and won 3 World Series, but Schilling would not get my vote the first time around.

Lee Smith:

Smith collected 478 saves with 8 different teams in an 18 year career. He holds a 3.03 ERA and 1251 strikeouts and will represent the modern closer in the Hall of Fame ballots. Elected to 7 All Star Games, Smith was one of the best relief pitchers in the game. If he gets into the Hall of Fame then players like Trevor Hoffman, Billy Wagner, and Mariano Rivera should get in without a doubt. I would vote for Smith to get into the Hall.

Sammy Sosa:

Sammy Sosa

Sosa also convicted to steroid usage played 18 seasons, 13 with the Chicago Cubs, and slugged 609 home runs, collected 2408 hits, and drove in 1667 runs. Sosa won the MVP award in 1998 along with several Silver Slugger Awards and All Star Game appearances. Sosa has a lot of accolades, but he did take steroids and it is understood that much of his success is attributed to the usage. Sosa will never get into the Hall of Fame.

Frank Thomas:

Thomas played 19 seasons, 16 with the Chicago White Sox. He hit 521 home runs, 2468 hits, and 170 RBIs in his career. He racked up back to back MVP awards in 1993 and 1994, 5 All Star Game appearance and 4 Silver Slugger Awards. The Cubs had Sosa juicing on there team and The White Sox had Thomas juicing on their side. Thomas another steroid user, will not get into the Hall of Fame.

Alan Trammell:

Trammell does not have blow you away stats, but was slick in the field. He collected 2365 hits, 185 home runs, and 1003 RBIs, but also found his way to 4 Gold Glove Awards. Trammell had no connection with steroids and played his entire 20 year career with the Detroit Tigers. He has been eligible to be inducted for a while, and there is a reason why he hasn't been yet, he doesn't have the stats to go with the Hall of Fame. I would not vote for Alan Trammell.

Larry Walker

Larry Walker:

Walker played 10 seasons in Colorado and 6 in Montreal out of the 17 in his career. Walker is just one of the players everyone loves. He put up 2160 hits, 383 home runs, and 1311 RBIs. Most shockingly he also had a career 141 OPS+, meaning for his career he was 41% better than average. Walker is a special kind of player. He has just one MVP in 1997, but he has 7 Gold Glove Awards and 3 Silver Slugger Awards. Walker would get my vote in the induction.

Cardinals Sign Peralta and Angels Sign Smith

The St. Louis Cardinals make the move of the day by signing free agent short stop Jhonny Peralta to a 4 year $53 Million deal. The Angels were the minor news by signing free agent reliever Joe Smith to a 3 year $15.75 Million deal.

How does Peralta look in a Cardinals uniform? 

The Cardinals were on a hunt to acquire a short stop this off season whether if be through trade of the free agent market. They finally made that move and got Jhonny Peralta. His name was misspelled on his birth certificate, but his parents decided to keep it, but Peralta made the mistake last season. Peralta was caught in the Biogenesis scandal along with several other players and received a 50 game suspension. Before the suspension Peralta had a .303 avg, .358 OBP, with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs in 107 games. The batting average and on base percentage are well above his career average, but his power numbers are below his career average even without the suspension. Peralta's career numbers are a .268 avg, .330 on base percentage with 17 home runs and 75 RBI per season. Peralta will be 32 next season and the Cardinals probably will not see power numbers like that anymore. The possibility for Peralta to consistently hit for average and get on base is also unlikely.

Peralta will slot in the number two hole behind Matt Carpenter and in front of Yadier Molina. In my opinion Peralta was not worth the money the Cardinals spent on him and will definitely be a problem for them in the second half of the contract.

Smith doing his thing

Joe Smith has found much success in the past few seasons. As generic as his name sounds, his stats are the opposite Smith has pitched 197 innings over the past 3 seasons and has put up a 2.42 ERA for the Cleveland Indians. He will be leaving the Bullpen Mafia in Cleveland and be joining the Halos as it seems they are interested in strengthening their bullpen. After acquiring Salas, keeping Frieri, and now signing Smith, the Angels are making their pitching priority obvious.