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Friday, December 12, 2008

Love Me (Non-)Tender: 2008 edition

Midnight EST is the non-tender deadline, as the ranks of the unemployed will temporarily swell in MLB....

Non-tenders so far include:
ARI - Chris Burke, Robby Hammock, Wil Ledezma, Jeff Salazar
ATL - Chuck James
BAL - Daniel Cabrera
BOS - Kevin Cash
COL - Willy Taveras
HOU - Reggie Abercrombie, Ty Wiggington
LAD - Mario Alvarez, Angel Berroa, Yhency Brazoban, Scott Proctor, Takashi Saito
MIL - Chris Capuano
NYY - Chris Britton, Justin Christian
PIT - Denny Bautista
SD - Charlie Haeger, Clay Hensley
TB - Jonny Gomes
TEX - Doug Mathis
WAS - Tim Redding

NTNgod Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:36 PM | 66 comment(s)
Related News: General, Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Colorado, Houston, LA Dodgers, Milwaukee, NY Yankees, Pittsburgh, San Diego, Tampa Bay, Texas, Washington

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1. Dayton Moore is a Big Fat Idiot (AG#1F) Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:11 PM (#3027772)

Why is Saito rumored to be non-tendered? Is he that hurt?

2. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:16 PM (#3027775)

Why is Saito rumored to be non-tendered?

Because he'll be expensive, because there are still questions about his health, and because he's no longer going to be the closer even if he does come back.

-- MWE

3. Stately, Plump Buck Mulligan Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:19 PM (#3027781)

Willie Taveras to the White Sox -- coming soon, I think.

4. Dewey, Local Boy and Soupuss Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:22 PM (#3027785)

Willie Taveras to the White Sox -- coming soon, I think.

They'll do whatever it takes to keep Brian Anderson from a job, won't they?

5. Obama Bomaye Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:24 PM (#3027787)

I seem to recall they gave him a job, and he hit about .210.

6. Dewey, Local Boy and Soupuss Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:26 PM (#3027790)

I seem to recall they gave him a job, and he hit about .210.

So because he was bad for two months in 2006, that means we're stuck with a Willy Taveras/Jerry Owens platoon out there? Wow.

7. Raskolnikov Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:27 PM (#3027793)

Saito would be awesome, but alas too expensive for the Mets.

8. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:33 PM (#3027799)

Saito would be awesome, but alas too expensive for the Mets.

The Mets already have one guy who's coming off an injury - for whom they traded - so why would they want another one?

-- MWE

9. Dayton Moore is a Big Fat Idiot (AG#1F) Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:33 PM (#3027801)

D'backs to non-tender Chris Burke

10. Dayton Moore is a Big Fat Idiot (AG#1F) Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:34 PM (#3027803)

Guys tendered contracts today:

A's C Rob Bowen
White Sox OF Dewayne Wise and IF Wilson Betimet
Tigers IF Ramon Santiago

11. Raskolnikov Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:39 PM (#3027810)

The Mets already have one guy who's coming off an injury - for whom they traded - so why would they want another one?

No real reason. Just that Saito Prime was unhittable.

12. 3Com Park Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:44 PM (#3027827)

Saito has a serious elbow injury and he's 39. He's very high risk for 2009.

13. thetailor Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:51 PM (#3027842)

Too expensive? If the Dodgers aren't willing to be on the hook for a one year $3.5 million contract for him, it sounds to me like he'll be pretty damn cheap. Sign Saito and trade Schoeneweis for cash. Done.

14. Billy B Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:52 PM (#3027843)

So because he was bad for two months in 2006, that means we're stuck with a Willy Taveras/Jerry Owens platoon out there? Wow.

Anderson had 405 PAs in 2006 - 652 for his career - and the next season he bests a .290 OBP will be his first.

I'm more upset about the fact that they appear to want to give him a chance to play everyday, then I am about the remote chance they bring in Taverez.

15. Dewey, Local Boy and Soupuss Posted: December 12, 2008 at 03:55 PM (#3027848)

I'm more upset about the fact that they appear to want to give him a chance to play everyday, then I am about the remote chance they bring in Taverez.

Anderson's not a good hitter, but he's the best center field option they have at the moment. Bringing in Tavarez wouldn't change that fact, either.

16. Dayton Moore is a Big Fat Idiot (AG#1F) Posted: December 12, 2008 at 04:04 PM (#3027863)

17. Russ Posted: December 12, 2008 at 04:05 PM (#3027864)

I wouldn't mind the Pirates burning some money on Saito to help out the bullpen. Give him a big 1-year deal and hope that he is so good you can move him at the deadline.

18. zonk Posted: December 12, 2008 at 04:12 PM (#3027869)

So is Chris Burke a total washout?

I always thought he'd turn into something worthwhile.

He fast seems to be turning into Alfredo Amazega without the steals.

19. hardrain Posted: December 12, 2008 at 04:16 PM (#3027873)

Will Daniel Cabrera's talent be harvested by another?

20. Stately, Plump Buck Mulligan Posted: December 12, 2008 at 04:16 PM (#3027874)

Anderson's not a good hitter, but he's the best center field option they have at the moment. Bringing in Tavarez wouldn't change that fact, either.

21. Danny Posted: December 12, 2008 at 04:21 PM (#3027878)

The advanced metrics (both UZRs and Dewan) love Burke's glove at 2B. Does he have the arm for SS? I'd probably rather have him as a UT than Petit or Pennington.

22. Dewey, Local Boy and Soupuss Posted: December 12, 2008 at 04:31 PM (#3027887)

There is room for Anderson (late-inning defensive replacement) and Owens (speed) on the team as fourth and fifth outfielders, or at least there should be. Why DeWayne Wise is on the team, I don't know.

If the Sox carry seven relievers (and I'm sure they will), I doubt they'll be able to justify five outfielders.

And who's the starting CF? (Please don't say Tavarez)

23. Stately, Plump Buck Mulligan Posted: December 12, 2008 at 04:40 PM (#3027895)

(Please don't say Tavarez)

Taveras. See -- I didn't say Tavarez!

24. Dewey, Local Boy and Soupuss Posted: December 12, 2008 at 04:43 PM (#3027898)

Taveras.

Ew. I don't see the upgrade here.

25. Dayton Moore is a Big Fat Idiot (AG#1F) Posted: December 12, 2008 at 04:51 PM (#3027914)

Indians tender Kelly Shoppach

Twins tender Jason Kubel and Matt Guerrier

26. Ivan Grushenko of Hong Kong Posted: December 12, 2008 at 06:47 PM (#3028073)

The advanced metrics (both UZRs and Dewan) love Burke's glove at 2B. Does he have the arm for SS? I'd probably rather have him as a UT than Petit or Pennington.

Burke did play 85 games at SS in the minors up to the AA level. Here is what BA said about his arm in their 2005 Top 10 Prospect write-up for the Astros (written by Jim Callis):

His arm is his weakest tool, though at second base it's not the liability it was at shortstop.

27. Crispix Attacks is in the best shape of his life. Posted: December 12, 2008 at 07:11 PM (#3028084)

I thought Cannonball Tim Redding and Willy Taveras had been traded for each other? Guess not.

It would be a rare treat to see two players get traded for each other and then immediately both get released into free agency.

(Wait, that happens in the NBA all the time, because of their ridiculous salary rules. And it's not fun at all.)

28. depletion Posted: December 12, 2008 at 07:17 PM (#3028087)

Chuck James was pretty good for a while. He was great in the minors, too. Why did the Braves give up on him?

Can Ty Wigginton play 2nd any more?

29. NTNgod Posted: December 12, 2008 at 07:18 PM (#3028088)

James won't pitch next year b/c of surgery.

30. depletion Posted: December 12, 2008 at 07:21 PM (#3028091)

I see. I just did my own reading. I hope he comes back in some fashion, he is a talented pitcher.

31. Danny Posted: December 12, 2008 at 07:55 PM (#3028106)

Thanks, HK. Guess not...

32. Ivan Grushenko of Hong Kong Posted: December 12, 2008 at 08:20 PM (#3028132)

Chris Britton seems interesting. Isn't he worth a 40-man roster spot?

33. ess eff Posted: December 12, 2008 at 09:01 PM (#3028161)

It would be a rare treat to see two players get traded for each other and then immediately both get released into free agency.

That happened a few years back when the Rox traded Pokey Reese to the Red Sox for Scott Hatteberg and then both were non-tendered by their new teams.

34. Dayton Moore is a Big Fat Idiot (AG#1F) Posted: December 12, 2008 at 09:05 PM (#3028165)

Gary Majewski and Matt Belisle will be non-tendered.

Does Chris Capuano have anything left in the tank?

35. NTNgod Posted: December 12, 2008 at 09:08 PM (#3028167)

Capuano's still recovering from TJ, and he's likely to not be ready for the start of the year. The Brewers didn't want to have to pay him ~$3 mil when his return date was still uncertain.

36. Jim Wisinski is waiting till next year Posted: December 12, 2008 at 09:15 PM (#3028172)

Can Ty Wigginton play 2nd any more?

Depends on your standards for defense I guess. With the Rays he could play second, but pretty poorly. You wouldn't want him there every day on a good team but it does give him some added value that he can handle the position if necessary. He's actually quite a nice player to have around on a roster for lefty-mashing and positional versatility, though there's nowhere on the diamond that he's really an asset as a full-time starter.

37. Best Regards, Larry Mahnken Posted: December 12, 2008 at 09:20 PM (#3028176)

Chris Britton seems interesting. Isn't he worth a 40-man roster spot?

He's worth a 25-man roster spot.

The Yankees never gave him a shot. Sent him up and down, and sometimes would have him sit in the bullpen the whole time without ever using him -- even in blowouts -- and then send him back. Then they'd use him after a long time off, he'd get bombed, and they wouldn't use him again. Then when Girardi said they'd give him a real shot, he got hurt.

If you don't throw 95 and are in bad shape, you have to be lights-out all the time to get a shot. It's not fair, but that's how it is.

38. Craig in MN Posted: December 12, 2008 at 09:23 PM (#3028178)

Wigginton would look pretty nice playing 3rd for the Twins.

39. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 12, 2008 at 09:33 PM (#3028185)

The Pirates have only one guy they're considering non-tendering, Denny Bautista. I think he's gone.

-- MWE

40. Ivan Grushenko of Hong Kong Posted: December 12, 2008 at 09:36 PM (#3028187)

Larry, is Britton still hurt?

Wigginton would look pretty nice playing 3rd for the Twins.

A's too, on those days (weeks, months) when Chavez isn't available.

41. The Answer to the TWolves (GMoney) Posted: December 12, 2008 at 09:50 PM (#3028193)

Wonder what it would take to get Wigginton? A deal similar to what Casey Blake got? 3 years and say 18 million or so?

42. Best Regards, Larry Mahnken Posted: December 12, 2008 at 09:50 PM (#3028194)

Larry, is Britton still hurt?

No, he came back in August.

43. dng Posted: December 12, 2008 at 10:37 PM (#3028213)

Ty Wiggington was non-tendered, and the Astros are going to play Geoff Blum. That's lovely. I think it might (might) may have been wise to make moves that don't take five wins straight off the top. I don't know, maybe trade ####### Valverde and non-tender Backe.

I hate the Astros.

44. ess eff Posted: December 12, 2008 at 11:01 PM (#3028221)

Are there more non-arbitration-eligible players than usual being non-tendered this year? I count five or six already.

45. Walt Davis Posted: December 12, 2008 at 11:41 PM (#3028240)

Ty Wiggington was non-tendered, and the Astros are going to play Geoff Blum.

Just because he's non-tendered doesn't necessarily mean he's gone. The Astros can re-sign him. That sort of thing happens fairly often.

I assume Cabrera will land somewhere -- I was surprised to learn that in all these years of struggling, they have yet to even try him in the bullpen. Anyway, he stinks but at worst he seems a good bet to give you 150-180 IP as a 5th starter and that's worth $2 M or so these days.

Redding under the same logic.

I've been about as anti-Gomes as anyone but I'm a bit surprised to see him here. The Rays have holes in the OF/DH and it's hard to see him getting more than $1.5 M in arb.

46. dng Posted: December 12, 2008 at 11:54 PM (#3028246)

I can't imagine Wiggington won't get in FA what he would have gotten in arbitration. He's gone.

47. JoeHova Posted: December 12, 2008 at 11:57 PM (#3028248)

I remember last season Orioles fans kept popping up on Brewers websites talking about how Milwaukee should trade Matt LaPorta for Daniel Cabrera instead of CC Sabathia because Cabrera had upside and was under team control for another year. Good times...

48. Der Komminsk-sar Posted: December 13, 2008 at 12:31 AM (#3028257)

rotoworld: lance cormier (bal), joe nelson (fla)

49. Answer Guy Posted: December 13, 2008 at 12:40 AM (#3028260)

Cabrera never did put it together, or at least was never able to hold it together for long. He seems to have the makings of a good or at least reasonable starting pitcher somewhere.

50. ess eff Posted: December 13, 2008 at 01:25 AM (#3028270)

Nobody has the complete 42-player list yet?

51. Proo Posted: December 13, 2008 at 06:31 AM (#3028306)

Full list from mlb.com, although I count only 36 names.

52. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: December 13, 2008 at 07:10 AM (#3028309)

Minor correction here: Wigginton doesn't actually look nice playing third for anybody. The glove just ain't there.

I will buy that he could look nice playing LF/RF/1B.

53. Russlan wants Pedro to be a Met again Posted: December 13, 2008 at 07:21 AM (#3028310)

The Marlins are a freaking joke. Nelson was outstanding last year, posting a 2.00 ERA in 54 innings. It's not like he was due for a huge raise. That's just ridiculous.

54. So Taguchi is My Sensei Posted: December 13, 2008 at 09:57 AM (#3028324)

If there ever was a "Dave Duncan project", it's Daniel Cabrera.

55. formerly dp Posted: December 13, 2008 at 10:37 AM (#3028328)

From the comments on the MLB web site:
I read on Sports Illustrated web site that the Mets didn't tender Ambiorix Burgos and Argenis Reyes.

56. Nothing Iffey About Griffey Posted: December 13, 2008 at 10:50 AM (#3028332)

The Reds non-tendered Matt Belisle, Gary Majewski, and Norris Hopper. They then signed Hopper to a one-year deal.

57. davoarid in MN Posted: December 13, 2008 at 12:06 PM (#3028360)

Wigginton just put up a .285/.350/.526 line. Can someone explain why he got "non-tendered"?

58. Mike Emeigh

Posted: December 13, 2008 at 12:13 PM (#3028365)

Wigginton just put up a .285/.350/.526 line. Can someone explain why he got "non-tendered"?

Drayton McLane is trying to cut payroll and the Astros wanted "financial flexibility". Wigginton was likely to make 7-8 million in arbitration, which is more than the Astros want to pay.

-- MWE

59. greenback

Posted: December 13, 2008 at 12:19 PM (#3028369)

If there ever was a "Dave Duncan project", it's Daniel Cabrera.

That's what they said about Kip Wells.

60. davoarid in MN Posted: December 13, 2008 at 12:23 PM (#3028370)

So when you become non-tendered, are you then just a regular free agent? Does the team that signs you lose anything? (Twins fan who REALLY wants to see Wigginton at third next year.)

61. Russlan wants Pedro to be a Met again Posted: December 13, 2008 at 12:27 PM (#3028373)

So when you become non-tendered, are you then just a regular free agent? Pretty much although service time issues are still the same.

Does the team that signs you lose anything? (Twins fan who REALLY wants to see Wigginton at third next year.)
No, the Twins wouldn't give up a pick.

62. Crispix Attacks is in the best shape of his life. Posted: December 13, 2008 at 12:39 PM (#3028381)

I read on Sports Illustrated web site that the Mets didn't tender Ambiorix Burgos and Argenis Reyes.

Is Burgos still in a Dominican jail?

63. Stately, Plump Buck Mulligan Posted: December 13, 2008 at 12:42 PM (#3028382)

That's what they said about Kip Wells.

I've said this before about Don Cooper -- it's really hard to understand the impact of a pitching coach. Cooper gets called "the best in the biz" and has a reputation for getting pitchers on the right track, but his stuff obviously doesn't work with every pitcher (or even most of them). And I worry when a GM goes and gets a bunch of high potential guys and says "Coop (or Duncan or whomever) will fix 'em." That happened for the White Sox before the '07 season, and pretty much every pitcher they brought in wound up sucking. It would be interesting to start a list of guys that Coop did or didn't turn around. To start:

DID: Loaiza (for one year), Thornton, Floyd, Contreras (sporadically)

DIDN'T: Sisco, MacDougal, Masset, Vazquez

64. HGM Posted: December 13, 2008 at 03:08 PM (#3028451)

Is there a full list of non-tenders anywhere?

65. Darren

Posted: December 13, 2008 at 05:08 PM (#3028484)

How much credit should he get for Jenks and Danks? McCarthy was much better in Chicago. Hermanson? Politte?

66. jwb Posted: December 13, 2008 at 06:08 PM (#3028510)

Is Burgos still in a Dominican jail?

Out on bail as of November 1, still facing charges. He may have trouble getting a visa. Katsuhiko Maekawa couldn't last year after hit and run conviction in Japan.

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Love Me (Non-)Tender: 2008 edition

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