With the Winter Meetings underway in Nashville, many major transactions have taken place over the first two days. Here's a roundup:
Monday, December 3:
-Cubs sign RHP Kyuji Fujikawa to 2-year, $9.5 million deal with a vesting option for 2013.
-Padres re-sign RHP Jason Marquis to a 1-year, $3 million deal.
-Rangers re-sign C Geovany Soto to a 1-year, $2.75 million deal.
-Red Sox sign C/1B Mike Napoli to a 3-year, $39 million deal.
-Rays sign 1B James Loney to a 1-year, $2 million deal.
-Giants re-sign OF Angel Pagan to a 4-year, $40 million deal.
-Rangers sign RHP Joakim Soria to a 2-year, $8 million deal with a team option for 2015.
Tuesday, December 4:
-Nationals sign RHP Dan Haren to a 1-year, $13 million deal.
-Diamondbacks sign Eric Hinske to a 1-year, $1.35 million deal.
-Red Sox sign OF Shane Victorino to a 3-year, $39 million deal.
-Giants re-sign IF Marco Scutaro to a 3-year, $20 million deal.
-Rockies trade RHP Wilton Lopez and a PTBNL to the Astros for RHP Alex White and RHP Alex Gillingham.
-Marlins trade IF Yunel Escobar to the Rays for minor league IF Derek Dietrich.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Hot Stove Transactions Roundup - November 27-28, 2012
Tuesday and Wednesday were big days for transactions in baseball, and the major dominoes are starting to fall. Here's a roundup:
-Braves sign BJ Upton to a 5-year, $75.25 million deal. After being courted heaviily by both Atlanta and the Phillies, the Braves got their man in Upton, locking him up for the next five years.
-Yankees re-sign Andy Pettitte to a 1-year, $12 million deal. With one veteran locked up, the Yankees will turn their focus to re-signing Mariano Rivera next.
-Angels sign RHP Ryan Madson to a 1-year, $3.5 million deal. Madson will be the new closer for the Angels, and they are now working to trade Jordan Walden.
-Reds re-sign RHP Jonathan Broxton to a 3-year, $21 million deal with a club option for 2016. With Broxton locked up, the Reds will likely move Aroldis Chapman to the rotation and try to trade a starter like Mike Leake.
-Cubs sign RHP Scott Feldman to a 1-year, $6 million deal. Feldman joins Scott Baker as the newest members of the Cubs rotation.
-Rays sign IF Mike Fontenot to a minor league deal, re-sign OF Rich Thompson
-Royals trade RHP Vin Mazzaro and 1B Clint Robinson to the Pirates for minor leaguers LHP Luis Rico and RHP Luis Santos.
-Red Sox trade RHP Zach Stewart to the Pirates for a PTBNL.
-Red Sox trade RHP Sandy Rosario to the Athletics for a PTBNL or cash.
-Red Sox trade 3B Danny Valencia to the Orioles for cash.
-Padres trade RHP Cory Burns to the Rangers for a PTBNL.
-Astros are on the verge of trading RHP Wilton Lopez to the Astros, but the deal may have hit a snag late in the day.
For the latest, be sure to follow me on Twitter @TradeDeadliner.
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-Braves sign BJ Upton to a 5-year, $75.25 million deal. After being courted heaviily by both Atlanta and the Phillies, the Braves got their man in Upton, locking him up for the next five years.
-Yankees re-sign Andy Pettitte to a 1-year, $12 million deal. With one veteran locked up, the Yankees will turn their focus to re-signing Mariano Rivera next.
-Angels sign RHP Ryan Madson to a 1-year, $3.5 million deal. Madson will be the new closer for the Angels, and they are now working to trade Jordan Walden.
-Reds re-sign RHP Jonathan Broxton to a 3-year, $21 million deal with a club option for 2016. With Broxton locked up, the Reds will likely move Aroldis Chapman to the rotation and try to trade a starter like Mike Leake.
-Cubs sign RHP Scott Feldman to a 1-year, $6 million deal. Feldman joins Scott Baker as the newest members of the Cubs rotation.
-Rays sign IF Mike Fontenot to a minor league deal, re-sign OF Rich Thompson
-Royals trade RHP Vin Mazzaro and 1B Clint Robinson to the Pirates for minor leaguers LHP Luis Rico and RHP Luis Santos.
-Red Sox trade RHP Zach Stewart to the Pirates for a PTBNL.
-Red Sox trade RHP Sandy Rosario to the Athletics for a PTBNL or cash.
-Red Sox trade 3B Danny Valencia to the Orioles for cash.
-Padres trade RHP Cory Burns to the Rangers for a PTBNL.
-Astros are on the verge of trading RHP Wilton Lopez to the Astros, but the deal may have hit a snag late in the day.
For the latest, be sure to follow me on Twitter @TradeDeadliner.
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Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Mets Update: Wright Contract Offer; Dickey Status Uncertain
There is less than a week until the 2012 Winter Meetings get underway in Nashville, Tennessee, and the hot stove is already heating up for the New York Mets.
It has been well-documented that the Mets are attempting to reach contract extensions with two of their marquee players, David Wright and R.A. Dickey. Both Wright and Dickey had club options in their contracts for the 2013 season, and the Mets have already exercised the options for both of those players.
Wright will make $16 million in 2013, while the reigning N.L. Cy Young Award winner will earn $5 million. Although securing these players for next season is not a concern, if the Mets are unable to lock them up for a longer deal, there is a chance that one, or both of them, won't be in Flushing for the duration of the 2013 season.
Today, multiple reports confirmed that general manager Sandy Alderson offered Wright a 6-year/$100 million contract extension. This comes on the heels of third baseman Evan Longoria's extension with the Tampa Bay Rays, which was for the same length and dollar value that the Mets have reportedly offered their franchise third baseman.
However, the belief is that Wright will turn down the Mets offer, and is looking for an extra year on the contract. This contract will be the last chance for Wright, who turns 30 in December, to get a long-term deal in his career.
Dickey's situation is more complex than Wright's is. The right-hander is coming off of the best year of his career, but at age 38, doubts remain about whether he can replicate the success of 2012.
The Mets are looking to cut payroll, and if they feel that they either can't afford to sign Dickey beyond 2013, or that he won't be able to register the same stats that he has over the last few seasons, they could easily look to trade him while his value is still high.
- Michael Rappaport
It has been well-documented that the Mets are attempting to reach contract extensions with two of their marquee players, David Wright and R.A. Dickey. Both Wright and Dickey had club options in their contracts for the 2013 season, and the Mets have already exercised the options for both of those players.
Wright will make $16 million in 2013, while the reigning N.L. Cy Young Award winner will earn $5 million. Although securing these players for next season is not a concern, if the Mets are unable to lock them up for a longer deal, there is a chance that one, or both of them, won't be in Flushing for the duration of the 2013 season.
Today, multiple reports confirmed that general manager Sandy Alderson offered Wright a 6-year/$100 million contract extension. This comes on the heels of third baseman Evan Longoria's extension with the Tampa Bay Rays, which was for the same length and dollar value that the Mets have reportedly offered their franchise third baseman.
However, the belief is that Wright will turn down the Mets offer, and is looking for an extra year on the contract. This contract will be the last chance for Wright, who turns 30 in December, to get a long-term deal in his career.
Dickey's situation is more complex than Wright's is. The right-hander is coming off of the best year of his career, but at age 38, doubts remain about whether he can replicate the success of 2012.
The Mets are looking to cut payroll, and if they feel that they either can't afford to sign Dickey beyond 2013, or that he won't be able to register the same stats that he has over the last few seasons, they could easily look to trade him while his value is still high.
- Michael Rappaport
Sunday, November 25, 2012
What To Watch For: Week of 11/26-12/1
Over the past week, a few notable free agents have been signed, and some trades have been made.
Free agent signings:
-Cubs re-signed Shawn Camp to a 1-year, $1.35 million deal.
-White Sox re-signed Dewayne Wise to a 1 year, $700,000 deal.
-Red Sox signed OF Jonny Gomes to a 2-year, $10 million deal.
-Royals re-signed RHP Jeremy Guthrie to a 3-year, $25 million deal.
-Yankees re-signed RHP Hiroki Kuroda to a 1-year, $15 million deal.
Trades:
-Mariners traded OF Trayvon Robinson to the Orioles for IF Robert Andino.
-Rockies traded LHP Matt Reynolds to the Diamondbacks for IF Ryan Wheeler.
-Cubs traded RHP Jake Brigham to the Rangers for RHP Barret Loux.
With the Winter Meetings right around the corner, teams are preparing to make their boldest moves of the offseason in the upcoming weeks. Although the Meetings in Nashville don't start until December 3rd, the Hot Stove will be simmering all week leading up to them. Here are some things to watch out for:
-This week, free agent BJ Upton will likely make a decision on where he will be playing in 2013 and beyond, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The Philles and Braves are the favorites to sign the talented outfielder, and are engaged in a bidding war after meeting with him last week. The Reds and Nationals also have interest in Upton, but the general consensus is that he will end up in either Philadelphia or Atlanta.
-Mike Napoli, also a free agent, may also sign soon after meeting in Boston this weekend with Red Sox management. He is also drawing heavy interest from the Mariners and Rangers, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, and according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com, the Mariners may be willing to offer a fourth year that the Red Sox will not.
-Shortstop Stephen Drew, arguably the best middle infielder on the market, is drawing interest from the Red Sox, Tigers, and Yankees, according to Heyman. One potential scenario is that he will sign with the Tigers, and then Detroit will trade Jhonny Peralta to either the Diamondbacks or the Red Sox.
-The Padres are looking at starting pitching options, and according to Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune, have Dan Haren as their top target, followed by Shaun Marcum. Daisuke Matsuzaka has also expressed an interest in pitching for the team, and there is likely mutual interest there.
-Zack Greinke, the top pitcher available, is drawing interest from the Rangers, Angels, and Dodgers, and will likely end up with one of those teams.
-Josh Hamilton's market is still unclear, so don't expect him to sign anywhere soon. He will likely be a late offseason signing, and the Orioles, Red Sox, Mariners, Brewers, Rangers, and Braves have all shown some level of interest in him.
For the latest updates, stay here at MLBReaction or follow me on Twitter @TradeDeadliner.
Free agent signings:
-Cubs re-signed Shawn Camp to a 1-year, $1.35 million deal.
-White Sox re-signed Dewayne Wise to a 1 year, $700,000 deal.
-Red Sox signed OF Jonny Gomes to a 2-year, $10 million deal.
-Royals re-signed RHP Jeremy Guthrie to a 3-year, $25 million deal.
-Yankees re-signed RHP Hiroki Kuroda to a 1-year, $15 million deal.
Trades:
-Mariners traded OF Trayvon Robinson to the Orioles for IF Robert Andino.
-Rockies traded LHP Matt Reynolds to the Diamondbacks for IF Ryan Wheeler.
-Cubs traded RHP Jake Brigham to the Rangers for RHP Barret Loux.
With the Winter Meetings right around the corner, teams are preparing to make their boldest moves of the offseason in the upcoming weeks. Although the Meetings in Nashville don't start until December 3rd, the Hot Stove will be simmering all week leading up to them. Here are some things to watch out for:
-This week, free agent BJ Upton will likely make a decision on where he will be playing in 2013 and beyond, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The Philles and Braves are the favorites to sign the talented outfielder, and are engaged in a bidding war after meeting with him last week. The Reds and Nationals also have interest in Upton, but the general consensus is that he will end up in either Philadelphia or Atlanta.
-Mike Napoli, also a free agent, may also sign soon after meeting in Boston this weekend with Red Sox management. He is also drawing heavy interest from the Mariners and Rangers, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, and according to Jim Bowden of ESPN.com, the Mariners may be willing to offer a fourth year that the Red Sox will not.
-Shortstop Stephen Drew, arguably the best middle infielder on the market, is drawing interest from the Red Sox, Tigers, and Yankees, according to Heyman. One potential scenario is that he will sign with the Tigers, and then Detroit will trade Jhonny Peralta to either the Diamondbacks or the Red Sox.
-The Padres are looking at starting pitching options, and according to Bill Center of the San Diego Union-Tribune, have Dan Haren as their top target, followed by Shaun Marcum. Daisuke Matsuzaka has also expressed an interest in pitching for the team, and there is likely mutual interest there.
-Zack Greinke, the top pitcher available, is drawing interest from the Rangers, Angels, and Dodgers, and will likely end up with one of those teams.
-Josh Hamilton's market is still unclear, so don't expect him to sign anywhere soon. He will likely be a late offseason signing, and the Orioles, Red Sox, Mariners, Brewers, Rangers, and Braves have all shown some level of interest in him.
For the latest updates, stay here at MLBReaction or follow me on Twitter @TradeDeadliner.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Hot Stove Roundup - November 16, 2012
After a quiet start to the offseason that brought only a couple of low-impact signings, the past few days have been extremely busy in player movement, and the course of the offseason has begun to take shape. Here's a recap:
-The Blue Jays-Marlins megadeal that was written about here (http://mlbreaction.blogspot.com/2012/11/marlins-blue-jays-complete-12-player.html) is not yet official. Because it takes a lot of time to get all twelve players through physicals in addition to league approval, the trade will likely be announced Saturday.
-The Cubs signed RHP Scott Baker to a 1-year, $5.5 million deal. Chicago was reaching out to all low-cost free agent pitching options, but settled on the former Twin to fill their rotation spot.
-Reliever Jeremy Affeldt re-signed with the Giants on a 3-year, $18 million deal, as was expected.
-Cubs signed C Dioner Navarro to a 1-year, $1.75 million deal.
-After losing their backup catcher David Ross to the Red Sox, the Braves signed Gerald Laird to a 2-year deal to fill the void.
-Athletics traded RHP Tyson Ross and IF A.J. Kirby-Jones to the Padres in exchange for IF Andy Parrino and LHP Andrew Werner.
-LHP Brian Fuentes retired after spending 2012 with the Athletics and Cardinals.
There were two major free agent signings over the last few days:
-Tigers signed Torii Hunter to a 2-year, $26 million deal. After receiving interest from many teams including the Red Sox, Rangers, Yankees, Phillies, Dodgers, and Braves, the Tigers emerged as a favorite early in the week and the sides were able to work out a deal. Hunter joins an already impressive lineup in Detroit and wil try to win his first World Series ring with the 2012 American League Champions.
-Blue Jays signed Melky Cabrera to a 2-year, $16 million deal. Cabrera, who was a leading candidate for National League MVP before his positive drug test and subsequent suspension, was an interesting free agent case, and received interest from a handful of teams. The Blue Jays, who have had a very busy week, took the risk of signing the tainted outfielder, and now have a very solid lineup in place for 2013 with the additions of Cabrera and Jose Reyes this week.
Some news has broke on some unsigned free agents as well:
-BJ Upton is now a hot name on the free agent market, and it looks like he will wind up in the NL East. According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Upton met with both the Braves and Phillies at their parks this week, and the Nationals are also interested to a lesser extent. Offers were likely made, and Upton's days in Tampa Bay are almost definitely over.
-Add the Angels to the Hiroki Kuroda sweepstakes, says Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. As Alden Gonzalez reports, the Angels are prioritizing Zack Greinke and will look to Kuroda as a back-up plan. The Dodgers, Yankees, and Red Sox have all expressed interest in Kuroda to this point in the offseason.
-After reports out of Miami pointed to Ricky Nolasco as the next Marlin to be moved in the firesale, officials from the team say that a trade involving the right is unlikely. Logan Morrison is being shopped, however, and the Red Sox are a possible fit.
-There is mutual interest between Lance Berkman and the Astros for a reunion, says Mark Berman of FOX 26 Sports Houston. The sides are expected to meet later in the week to discuss.
With two big free agents off the board and one epic trade completed, the offseason is hurdling towards its climax at the winter meetings in early December. If moves are made in the coming week, they will likely be made before Wednesday, as it is unusual to see player movement over Thanksgiving weekend. If anything does break, stay here at MLBReaction or follow me on Twitter @TradeDeadliner.
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-The Blue Jays-Marlins megadeal that was written about here (http://mlbreaction.blogspot.com/2012/11/marlins-blue-jays-complete-12-player.html) is not yet official. Because it takes a lot of time to get all twelve players through physicals in addition to league approval, the trade will likely be announced Saturday.
-The Cubs signed RHP Scott Baker to a 1-year, $5.5 million deal. Chicago was reaching out to all low-cost free agent pitching options, but settled on the former Twin to fill their rotation spot.
-Reliever Jeremy Affeldt re-signed with the Giants on a 3-year, $18 million deal, as was expected.
-Cubs signed C Dioner Navarro to a 1-year, $1.75 million deal.
-After losing their backup catcher David Ross to the Red Sox, the Braves signed Gerald Laird to a 2-year deal to fill the void.
-Athletics traded RHP Tyson Ross and IF A.J. Kirby-Jones to the Padres in exchange for IF Andy Parrino and LHP Andrew Werner.
-LHP Brian Fuentes retired after spending 2012 with the Athletics and Cardinals.
There were two major free agent signings over the last few days:
-Tigers signed Torii Hunter to a 2-year, $26 million deal. After receiving interest from many teams including the Red Sox, Rangers, Yankees, Phillies, Dodgers, and Braves, the Tigers emerged as a favorite early in the week and the sides were able to work out a deal. Hunter joins an already impressive lineup in Detroit and wil try to win his first World Series ring with the 2012 American League Champions.
-Blue Jays signed Melky Cabrera to a 2-year, $16 million deal. Cabrera, who was a leading candidate for National League MVP before his positive drug test and subsequent suspension, was an interesting free agent case, and received interest from a handful of teams. The Blue Jays, who have had a very busy week, took the risk of signing the tainted outfielder, and now have a very solid lineup in place for 2013 with the additions of Cabrera and Jose Reyes this week.
Some news has broke on some unsigned free agents as well:
-BJ Upton is now a hot name on the free agent market, and it looks like he will wind up in the NL East. According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, Upton met with both the Braves and Phillies at their parks this week, and the Nationals are also interested to a lesser extent. Offers were likely made, and Upton's days in Tampa Bay are almost definitely over.
-Add the Angels to the Hiroki Kuroda sweepstakes, says Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. As Alden Gonzalez reports, the Angels are prioritizing Zack Greinke and will look to Kuroda as a back-up plan. The Dodgers, Yankees, and Red Sox have all expressed interest in Kuroda to this point in the offseason.
-After reports out of Miami pointed to Ricky Nolasco as the next Marlin to be moved in the firesale, officials from the team say that a trade involving the right is unlikely. Logan Morrison is being shopped, however, and the Red Sox are a possible fit.
-There is mutual interest between Lance Berkman and the Astros for a reunion, says Mark Berman of FOX 26 Sports Houston. The sides are expected to meet later in the week to discuss.
With two big free agents off the board and one epic trade completed, the offseason is hurdling towards its climax at the winter meetings in early December. If moves are made in the coming week, they will likely be made before Wednesday, as it is unusual to see player movement over Thanksgiving weekend. If anything does break, stay here at MLBReaction or follow me on Twitter @TradeDeadliner.
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Thursday, November 15, 2012
R.A. Dickey finishes Outstanding Season With N.L. CY Young Award.
New York Mets Pitcher R. A. Dickey started the 2012 season as a 4 or 5 starter in the Mets starting rotation, but the Mets and R. A. Dickey himself had no idea what 2012 had in store for Dickey. Dickey would go 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA in 33 starts and 230 SO in 233.2 innings pitched. Dickey pitched back to back complete game shutouts and 32 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings in june. He also had a stretch of 44 2/3 innings without an earned run. He struck out at least 10 batters or more in seven starts this year, including a career high 13 on the day of his 20th victory Sep. 27th. Dickey led all N. L. pitchers in strikeouts, innings, and shutouts. Dickey also ranked second in wins and ERA. Dickey received 27 of a possible 32 first place votes and finished with 209 points, almost double what the runner-up, LA Dodgers Clayton Kershaw received. "This is a story that's beyond me," Dickey said. "It transcends R. A. Dickey. It's bigger than that." Jared Pate
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Marlins, Blue Jays complete 12-player blockbuster
The 2012-2013 offseason can no longer be called quiet, as the Marlins and Blue Jays shocked the baseball world by pulling off one of the biggest mega-deals in recent history on Tuesday night. In a matter of minutes, five veterans from the Marlins were headed to Toronto in exchange for seven Jays. Here's a breakdown:
Blue Jays acquire:
RHP Josh Johnson
LHP Mark Buehrle
SS Jose Reyes
OF Emilio Bonifacio
C John Buck
$4 million cash
Marlins acquire:
SS Yunel Escobar
C Jeff Mathis
2B Adeiny Hechavarria
OF Jake Marisnick
RHP Anthony DeSclafini
RHP Henderson Alvarez
LHP Justin Nicolino
At first glance, it looks like the Blue Jays were the big winners in this deal. By adding Johnson and Buehrle to a rotation that already includes Ricky Romero, Brandon Morrow, and JA Happ, the Jays have a very strong rotation that will make them contenders in the AL East for many years to come. Johnson, widely regarded as one of the National League's top pitchers over the past few years, has been a hot name in trade rumors, and received strong interest from the Rangers and Red Sox at the deadline in July 2012. Buehrle, who is known for being picky about geography, may not be happy with the deal, but will provide a strong veteran presence, joining Romero and Happ in a lefty-heavy rotation north of the border. Even though he struggled a bit in 2012, Reyes is an upgrade over Escobar at shortstop, and the Blue Jays have him under control for the next five years following the huge contract he signed with Miami last offseason. Buck, who played for the Jays in 2010, will likely be dealt elsewhere this offseason, as the Jays already have JP Arencibia behind the plate and top prospect Travis D'Arnaud ready for major league time. The versatile Bonifacio will likely be used as a utility player in Toronto, as he has the ability to play second base, shortstop, or the outfield.
The Marlins also received talent in this deal, receiving three of the Blue Jays' top eight prospects (according to Baseball America) in Marisnick (#2), Nicolino (#5), and Hechavarria (#8). Marisnick, 21, was a third round pick of the Blue Jays in 2009, and finished 2012 with AA New Hampshire. He is a five-tool player who projects as a major league centerfielder, and will likely start 2013 in AAA New Orleans for the Marlins. Nicolino, 20, had a very strong season at Single-A Lansing, and projects for major league arrival in 2014 or 2015. Hechavarria, who is Cuban, will likely start 2013 in the Majors with Miami as their second baseman. Escobar, also Cuban, is a fit in the Miami market, and Mathis will get a chance for playing time behind projected starting catcher Rob Brantly. DeSclafini, a 22-year old righty, was teammates with Nicolino in Lansing, and also had a strong year. Alvarez, 22, will likely be a member of the depleted Marlins rotation in 2013 after spending 2012 in the big leagues with the Jays.
By dealing away many key pieces in the past four months, including Hanley Ramirez, Omar Infante, Anibal Sanchez, Heath Bell, and now these three players, the Marlins have once again sold off all of their assets in an effort to build up a strong farm system for continued franchise growth. Last winter, the Marlins were a team that seemed destined for greatness, moving into a brand new ballpark and signing three key free agents: Heath Bell (3 years, $27 million), Mark Buehrle (4 years, $58 million), and Jose Reyes (6 years, $106 million). Less than a year later, following a dismal 69-93 season in 2012, all three of those players have been traded and the Marlins are in rebuild mode again. After a strong effort to rebuild their team's image and roster last offseason, the Marlins are back to square one, and the firesale is likely not over. Many believe that right-hander Ricky Nolasco will be the next to be traded, and the possibility of trading slugger Giancarlo Stanton cannot be completely ruled out. Stanton publicly voiced his frustration tonight, tweeting "Alright, I'm pissed off!!! Plain & Simple", in reaction to the deal. Due to his weakened relationship with the Marlins and the extremely high return he would get on the trade market, the Marlins are likely going to be inclined to listen to offers for the slugger.
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi of FOX Sports were the first to report the deal, with Buster Olney of ESPN, Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun, and Juan C. Rodriguez of the Miami Sun-Sentinel adding information.
For the latest on the busy offseason, stay right here or follow me on Twitter @powermonster1
-Jared Pate
Blue Jays acquire:
RHP Josh Johnson
LHP Mark Buehrle
SS Jose Reyes
OF Emilio Bonifacio
C John Buck
$4 million cash
Marlins acquire:
SS Yunel Escobar
C Jeff Mathis
2B Adeiny Hechavarria
OF Jake Marisnick
RHP Anthony DeSclafini
RHP Henderson Alvarez
LHP Justin Nicolino
At first glance, it looks like the Blue Jays were the big winners in this deal. By adding Johnson and Buehrle to a rotation that already includes Ricky Romero, Brandon Morrow, and JA Happ, the Jays have a very strong rotation that will make them contenders in the AL East for many years to come. Johnson, widely regarded as one of the National League's top pitchers over the past few years, has been a hot name in trade rumors, and received strong interest from the Rangers and Red Sox at the deadline in July 2012. Buehrle, who is known for being picky about geography, may not be happy with the deal, but will provide a strong veteran presence, joining Romero and Happ in a lefty-heavy rotation north of the border. Even though he struggled a bit in 2012, Reyes is an upgrade over Escobar at shortstop, and the Blue Jays have him under control for the next five years following the huge contract he signed with Miami last offseason. Buck, who played for the Jays in 2010, will likely be dealt elsewhere this offseason, as the Jays already have JP Arencibia behind the plate and top prospect Travis D'Arnaud ready for major league time. The versatile Bonifacio will likely be used as a utility player in Toronto, as he has the ability to play second base, shortstop, or the outfield.
The Marlins also received talent in this deal, receiving three of the Blue Jays' top eight prospects (according to Baseball America) in Marisnick (#2), Nicolino (#5), and Hechavarria (#8). Marisnick, 21, was a third round pick of the Blue Jays in 2009, and finished 2012 with AA New Hampshire. He is a five-tool player who projects as a major league centerfielder, and will likely start 2013 in AAA New Orleans for the Marlins. Nicolino, 20, had a very strong season at Single-A Lansing, and projects for major league arrival in 2014 or 2015. Hechavarria, who is Cuban, will likely start 2013 in the Majors with Miami as their second baseman. Escobar, also Cuban, is a fit in the Miami market, and Mathis will get a chance for playing time behind projected starting catcher Rob Brantly. DeSclafini, a 22-year old righty, was teammates with Nicolino in Lansing, and also had a strong year. Alvarez, 22, will likely be a member of the depleted Marlins rotation in 2013 after spending 2012 in the big leagues with the Jays.
By dealing away many key pieces in the past four months, including Hanley Ramirez, Omar Infante, Anibal Sanchez, Heath Bell, and now these three players, the Marlins have once again sold off all of their assets in an effort to build up a strong farm system for continued franchise growth. Last winter, the Marlins were a team that seemed destined for greatness, moving into a brand new ballpark and signing three key free agents: Heath Bell (3 years, $27 million), Mark Buehrle (4 years, $58 million), and Jose Reyes (6 years, $106 million). Less than a year later, following a dismal 69-93 season in 2012, all three of those players have been traded and the Marlins are in rebuild mode again. After a strong effort to rebuild their team's image and roster last offseason, the Marlins are back to square one, and the firesale is likely not over. Many believe that right-hander Ricky Nolasco will be the next to be traded, and the possibility of trading slugger Giancarlo Stanton cannot be completely ruled out. Stanton publicly voiced his frustration tonight, tweeting "Alright, I'm pissed off!!! Plain & Simple", in reaction to the deal. Due to his weakened relationship with the Marlins and the extremely high return he would get on the trade market, the Marlins are likely going to be inclined to listen to offers for the slugger.
Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi of FOX Sports were the first to report the deal, with Buster Olney of ESPN, Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun, and Juan C. Rodriguez of the Miami Sun-Sentinel adding information.
For the latest on the busy offseason, stay right here or follow me on Twitter @powermonster1
-Jared Pate
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