Joel Hanrahan and the Tigers: A Perfect Match??

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Rumors had been swirling around free agent pitcher Joel Hanrahan since winter. Hanrahan is a proven closer who ran into a some issues last season with the Boston Red Sox posting a 9.82 ERA in just 7 1/3 innings. But in early May the reason for his struggles was revealed. The, now 32-year old right-hander, needed Tommy John Surgery which ended his 2013 season.

Hanrahan has a career ERA of 3.85 and a total 100 career saves. Originally a starting pitcher with the Nationals, he became the Pirates closer in 2011. Hanrahan made the All-Star Team both seasons he played in Pittsburgh collecting 40 saves in 2011 and 36 in 2012.

Hanrahan has now signed with the Tigers .... to read my article about how I think it will affect the Tigers bullpen ..... CLICK HERE!

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A's, Doolittle Agree to Contract Extension

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The Oakland Athletics and left handed reliever Sean Doolittle have agreed to a new five-year contract that will take him from this season through the 2018 season the club announced Friday. The contract includes club options for 2019 and 2020. The first five years of the new contract take Doolittle through his first three years of arbitration. If the club decides to utilize their options for 2019 and 2020 it will cover his first two years of free-agency. No financial terms of the contract were announced but should be within days.

Doolittle was converted from a first baseman to a pitcher in just 2011 and primarily only threw a fastball for his first two seasons in the majors. He made the fastball work for him by starting very far to the first base side of the rubber as well as having an unusual release point right next to his ear. It made it hard for players to see the pitch clearly and it has worked for him nicely.

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Contract Year: Time for Big Decisions for Scherzer, Lester

A lot of players right now are talking contracts. Whether it means they are in a contract year like the Boston Red Sox Jon Lester or the Detroit Tigers Max Scherzer or they are being offered long term extensions with their current teams, such as the Atlanta Braves’ Freddie Freeman,Julio Teheran and Craig Kimbrel. These players are left with a lot of decisions to make. Of course every major contract is a gamble for every team, but major contract years/offers put a lot of pressure on players to make what could be life changing decisions.

For example, maybe Max Scherzer should have thought a little harder about the six-year $144 million contract the Detroit Tigers offered him to stay. Scherzer is going into a contract year with the Tigers and had the option of taking their offer or most likely becoming a free agent at the end of the 2014 season. He turned it down and now it appears that the offer is most likely not just off the table but far from it. Less than a week after not completing the deal with Scherzer, the Tigers’ agree to an astronomical 10-year, $292 million contract extension with one of the leagues best hitters and the 2012 Triple Crown Winner, Miguel Cabrera.

For the rest of the story CLICK HERE! Brought to you by Outside Pitch Sports Network LLC

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Atlanta Braves Sign Ervin Santana

A source told ESPN Deportes’ Enrique Rojas that the Atlanta Braves have signed free-agent pitcher Ervin Santana, 31, to a one-year $14 million contract. The deal is pending a physical that will be conducted on Wednesday in Lake Buena Vista, FL at the Braves’ spring training facility.

Santana has been on the free-agent market since rejecting a $14.1 million qualifying offer from the Kansas City Royals last fall who will now receive a first round draft pick from the Braves in compensation for Santana.  Santana was originally seeking a long-term deal of at least four-years and $50 million. He was the last big name free-agent pitcher on the market and has been linked to several teams in the past few weeks. Most recently it was believed that Santana would sign with either the Toronto Blue Jays or the Baltimore Orioles for a similar price that he is reportedly going to get from the Braves. He also received a three-year offer from the Minnesota Twins, according to Rojas’ source.

To Read the Rest of the Story go to OutsidePitchMLB.com - a MLB Advanced Media Affiliated Pro-Blog

Look who the Orioles picked? Bet Santana is Pissed!

Today, as I predicted would happen in a previous post! That the Orioles would and indeed they did forfeit their first round, 17th overall draft pick. But the question then was "Will it be Santana or Jimenez? Well today we got our answer. Ubaldo Jimenez whose been on the free-agent market for wuite some time now has signed with the Orioles for four years and $50 million.

Jimenez
(Getty Images)

The Orioles were really in desperate need of a proven 5th starter. Even after signing Suk-min Yoon, there is no guarantee that he will produce in the majors even with his spotless 24-0 record last season with the Kia Tigers in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO).

The Orioles kind of alienated themselves from AJ Burnett by cancelling contracts and sparking bad blood with former Oakland Athletics' closer Grant Balfour and  OF Tyler Colvin. They lost out on Arroyo to the Diamondbacks who would have been better for them than both Burnett and Jimenez who have draft picks tied to them while Burnett did not. Jimenez went 13-9 with a 3.30 ERA in 32 starts for Cleveland last season. He turned down a $14.1 million qualifying offer from the Indians, so Baltimore would have to forfeit its first-round draft pick to sign him.

As I blogged a few days ago it was time that the O's finally gave in and gave up that draft pick. They were out of options otherwise unless they signed Santana or Jimenez. They ultimately went with Jimenez ... It will be interesting to see where Santana will end up and who still needs a starter and is willing to give up their best draft pick ... my point in this blog was to talk about Jimenez! But I'm kinda off onto topic number #2 ....

Are free-agents who turn down a qualifying offer from their current team really truly free if they have a draft pick attached to their name??

I'd say hello no! But I will get to that in second. I mean yes, the Tanaka signing basically held everything in stasis for the entire month of January which I found disgusting and unfair! Then to be the last pitchers left because you are controlled by a draft pick and no one wants you? To me that means that even if you have played long enough and finally become a free agent but because you couldn't decide you have to feel dragged down. Because while you can blame Tanaka for January, both Ubaldo and Santana should have been signed by now ... I guess Mr. Jimenez has now. 

Ervin Santana
 (Image courtesy of Jaime Squire/Getty Images)

The Orioles needed a closer and a starter and probably would have done better without being overly picky about team physical. I would bet - if I actually had any money - that Grant Balfour has a great year for the Tampa Bay Rays. I don't know too much about Colvin except that he too got screwed by the Orioles over a physical. I personally think that the Orioles need to loosen the reins a bit and chill out or they wouldn't have had to spend $50 million and a first round draft pick to get Jimenez ... if he has a Cy Young year then he may be worth it but who sees that in the stars right now?

The question as of this moment is what teams is desperate for a starter and which teams are brave enough to give up that first round pick?? And how would you feel if you were Santana? Is there anyone in the hunt left for a starter?? Betcha he didnt think that it would be like this come mid February!! Can't wait to find out!!

Kimbrel, Braves Avoid Arbitration with a Four Year Deal

My latest for MLB Nation:

Craig Kimbrel and the Atlanta Braves announced Sunday morning that they have agreed to terms on a four-year contract with an option for 2018. The financial details of the contract were not disclosed.

Kimbrel, 25, is arguably one of Major League Baseball’s best closers and by far the best in the National League. He has led the National League in saves the past three seasons, including recording a MLB leading 50 saves last season. In 2013 Kimbrel posted an ERA of 1.21 and had 98 strikeouts in just 67 innings pitched. The three time All-Star was also Rookie of the Year in the National League in 2011.

With statistics like those it is no wonder the Braves wanted to avoid any arbitration issues with the young closer as well as keep him on their roster as long as they can. As it is Kimbrel will be only 29 when this contract is up. If he stays healthy over the next four years the Braves may have a hard time keeping him. Braves general manager, Frank Wren said of Kimbrel,

“”We are very excited to agree to terms with Craig, who we feel is the best closer in Major League Baseball. He is one of the key pieces of our pitching staff and we are happy to keep him in a Braves uniform for at least four more years.”

The Braves have made it their top priority to lock down all their young stars this off season. They recently signed Freddie Freeman, 24, to an eight-year, $135 million deal. They also made sure to keep outfielder Jason Heyward, also 24, and 21-year old starting pitcher, Julio Teheran, who went 14-8 last season with a 3.20 ERA.

With so many young stars the Braves are not only securing success for 2014 but for the future as well.

For More News From Around the League Check Out MLB Nation!

Pitcher Yoon and Orioles agree on Contract ...

..."Pending Physical." Could this spell disaster for the Orioles?

On the surface, according to MLB.com's Brittany Ghiroli, it appears that Korean pitcher Suk-Min Yoon and the Orioles have agreed, tentatively, to a three year, $5.75 million contract. Yet the Orioles haven't said much regarding the deal because ... wait for it ... it depends upon Yoon passing a physical.

The ball club is understandably keeping relatively quiet regarding the deal, most likely waiting for the completion of the physical.  With the drama that the Orioles have already been through this off season, "pending a physical" could easily mean deal or no deal.

The Orioles have had very public spectacles over physicals this off season. The first with closer Grant Balfour whose two year, $15 million contract seemed all but a done deal that is until the physical. Although the All-Star closer insisted that he was healthy and that his shoulder was just fine, Balfour's physical revealed issues surrounding his knees and wrists. The deal was promptly dropped by Baltimore and Balfour had to find another team with which to sign. The Aussie was not a very happy camper after this deal fell through telling the San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser that Orioles general manager, Dan Duquette, did not treat him with "respect" and that the Orioles had just "lost their best chance at winning." Balfour went on to sign a two year, $12 million contract with one of his former teams, the Tampa Bay Rays.

Another public extravaganza surrounding an Orioles reportedly done deal, pending a physical, involved outfielder Tyler Colvin. The deal was reported to be a guarenteed Major League Baseball contract but it was reduced to only a minor league contract, to which Colvin would not agree, after a physical revealed issues with Colvin's back. He did not accept the minor league deal and is still a free-agent. Rumors reveal that there is a chance he could accept the Orioles minor league deal as a fall back if he is unable to sign a MLB deal with another club. Regardless of what happens to Colvin, it was just another public situation, revolving around a physical, that the put the Orioles in the spotlight.

While most every MLB team requires a physical when signing new players, this has seemingly been a problem in Baltimore. It has created negative press for the Orioles and so it is not surprising that they have not made any big, official announcements regarding adding Yoon to their starting rotation.

It makes sense for the Orioles, who have been looking for another starting pitcher, to go after Yoon especially after free agent pitcher AJ Burnett signed with the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. Yoon, Ervin Santana and Ubaldo Jimenez are the main free agent pitchers left on the market. Plus, Santana and Jimenez will not only expect large contracts, the team that signs them will also have to give up a draft pick to either the Kansas City Royals, for Santana, or the Cleveland Indians, for Jimenez, in order to complete the deal. Both Santana and Jimenez rejected their former teams' offers of $14.1 million at the end of last season, thus tying themselves to one of the teams' draft picks. With Yoon the Orioles will not have that issue.

Yoon, 27, has been a consistent pitcher in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) and is hoping to make the jump to MLB with the same success as his countryman, Hyun-jin Ryu has done with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Last season with the Dodgers Ryu was 14-8 with a 3.00 ERA. Yoon had breakout year in 2011 in the KBO Yoon going 17-5 with a superb 2.45 ERA in 172.1 innings pitched to go along with 178 strikeouts. 2012 wasn't as spectacular in 2012 but still managed to put up strong numbers and in 2013 Yoon had a shoulder issue that kept him to playing in only 30 games for his KBO team, the Kia Tigers. Once recovered the Tigers asked Yoon to close games instead of starting them and the Korean hurler ended up with seven saves by the end of the season. The now supposedly healthy Yoon could be an excellent addition to the Orioles, being the much needed starter or even the closer for the club. Baltimore has been actively looking for both this winter.

Although Yoon has deemed himself healthy and proved it at the end of his 2013 season in Korea, it is possible that he may fail his physical. Anything is possible but according to CBS' Jon Heyman's sources it is unlikely. Fortunately for the Baltimore Orioles it looks like the the third time might just be the charm.

For More on Yoon and the Orioles Check Out Sports Unbiased - Your Alternative Source for Sports

My Prediction Comes True: AJ Burnett Signs with the Phillies

Honestly, I can actually say that I saw this one coming. Not to "toot my own horn" or anything, but I called the Philadelphia Phillies signing AJ Burnett just after he announced that he planned to pitch in 2014. In a previously published article, written on January 30, 2013 titled Could the Phillies be Burnett's Third Suitor?, I wrote, 

"Also possibly throwing their hat in the ring for Burnett are the, out of nowhere, Philadelphia Phillies. With a fifth spot left open in their rotation ready to be fought for at spring training, the Phillies could fill that role with Burnett, a proven starter and workhorse...Burnett could fit in not only as their much-needed reliable fifth starter, he could end up in the number two role to break up lefties Lee and Hamels."

It appears that my prediction has come to fruition. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported Wednesday that Burnett, 37, had reached an agreement on a one-year, $16 million deal with Philadelphia.

Burnett had been mulling retirement for most of the off season until late January. When the announcement came out that he was not going to retire, most baseball fans and critics thought he would end up with the Baltimore Orioles. Burnett does reside in Maryland and the Orioles definitely could have used another proven, seasoned starter.

The other club reportedly in pursuit of Burnett at the time was the Tampa Bay Rays. According to a tweet by Peter Gammons on January 30, 2013,

@pgammo Orioles "all in" on AJ Burnett, Rays in, early in process

Since then the right-hander had also been linked to the Pittsburgh Pirates, who he played for in 2012 and 2013. He told reporters at the end of last season that he would most likely return to the Pirates as a free agent or retire. When he announced that he would pitch again, he made it clear that the team needed to be relatively close to his Maryland home. Philadelphia certainly fits that bill.

This signing couldn't have come at a better time for the Phillies as just Tuesday the team's ace, LHP Cole Hamels, told reporters that he will not be ready to start on opening day due to bicep tendinitis. He did say he remained confident that he would be able to pitch sometime in April.

Burnett is a perfect fit for the Phillies. Joining Hamels and Cliff Lee at the top of the rotation, Burnett will be able to break up the two lefties and provide extra stability in the rotation, especially now after Hamels' announcement. 

Read The rest of my article on Sports Unbiased - Your Alternative Source for Sports

Indians, Michael Brantley Agree to Four Year Contract Extension

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According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer,  Michael Brantley gave up his arbitration eligible status Monday to commit himself to the Cleveland Indians for the next four years. It must be pretty good being a member of the Cleveland Indians these days, getting a long-term and lucrative deal like this. The two had been in arbitration talks and this deal brings those to an end before the arbitration hearing that was scheduled for February 17th.

The contract is huge for Brantley. Prior to this contract Brantley had asked the Indians for $3.8 million while the club was offering him$2.7 million. Now, he stands to make up to $36 million. It is a guaranteed $6.25 million a year for the first four years and there is a club option for 2018 worth another $11 million if it is picked up.

Brantley has been in MLB for five years totaling three full years of service and this was his first time being eligible for arbitration.  He only made $526,900 in 2013.  At just 24 years old this gives Brantley stability for a good portion of his career.

The Indians seemed to have made the right decision in locking down Brantley, not unlike the Atlanta Braves locking down young stars like Freddie Freeman and Jason Heywood.

Freddie Freeman, Getty Images

Brantley is a healthy young kid who has only once, in five years, been on the disabled list. He has a career batting average of .277 with 26 career home runs and 212 career RBI. He stole 17 bases last season and his speed also helped him on defense as he split time between left and center field. His career fielding percentage is .994. In his five years with Cleveland he has only recorded seven errors and 21 outfield assists. He played in 151 out of 162 games in 2013 hitting .284 with 10 home runs, 73 RBI and .728 OPS.

For More News From Around the League Check Out MLB Nation!

Athletics, Coco Crisp Ink Two Year Contract Extension

Yes! Finally some news about my A's and not just news but I know for A's fans FANTASTIC NEWS! COCO IS LOCKED UP FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS, MAYBE EVEN 3!!

The Oakland Athletics had already exercised their $7.5 million option on CF Coco Crisp, 34, earlier this winter. Crisp was scheduled to become a free-agent next off season. As it seems, much to the delight of A's fans everywhere, Crisp will be wearing an Oakland uniform for at least the next two years.

The news was announced earlier this morning by the team and the contract details came through The San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser. According to Slusser the deal is worth $22.75 million with a club option for 2017 based on plate appearances.

Crisp is coming off a career year in 2013. In 131 games with the Athletics he batted .261 with 22 doubles, a career-high 22 home runs, 21 stolen bases and 61 walks (compared to just 66 strike outs). He's been a stellar lead-off man for the Athletics and have great defensive capabilities.

As the news was posted on Facebook this morning the reaction to the news from A's fans sounded like this,

Larry Medina: Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Randy T. Montgomery Jr.: #faithinbeane
Randy Smith: Hell ya love Coco!
Brad Washburn: I am HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!! I had to play the Bernie Lean song! Coco is the heart of this team!

And my personal reaction was "HELL F*CKING YEAH" ... coming from me that is shocking I know! LOL!

So Crisp definitely will be welcomed back with open arms by his fans. He has been quite a leader, cheerleader and creative comedian for the Athletics in recent years. He was the creator of the "Bernie Lean" craze of 2012 that took over Northern California and is seen by many as the heart and soul of the team. 

 This is not just coming from the fans. Before last fall's playoffs Manager Bob Melvin said, 

"I think everybody feeds off of Coco here, not necessarily just experience, just how good he is. I've said often when we're playing well, he's playing well. He sets the tone for us, and you've seen he's taken his game to a whole new level this year as far as the power dynamic goes."

Even former Detroit Tigers manager, Jim Leyland, said multiple times last season that the key to defeating the A's was containing Crisp. Crisp has a career .278 batting average in 30 post season games with both Boston and Oakland. 

Providing the A's with such team leadership and now power hitting along with defense, it is no wonder the Athletics want to keep him around for a while. 

For More on the Latest News Around the League visit MLB Nation

Garza and Brewers Finally Reach an Agreement

t was reported by most news and internet sources last Thursday that the Brewers and free-agent, RHP Matt Garza had come to terms to a four-year $52 million deal pending a physical. Apparently, the sources used by the media were not as credible as first thought. Later in the day the Brewers posted a statement saying,

Despite media reports, negotiations between the Brewers and Matt Garza are ongoing, but there is no deal yet.

So that made some of us in the media feel a little bit silly about having jumped the gun on this one. Many thought it implied that Garza, having just come off of two injury plagued seasons, had not passed his physical. We had all seen what happened to an all but done-deal between the Baltimore Orioles and All-Star Closer Grant Balfour. After his phyiscal the team decided it wasn’t worth it to remain in talks with Balfour who eventually signed with the Tampa Bay Rays.

It was announced early Sunday morning that a deal had indeed come to fruition between the Brewers and the 30-year old pitcher. The deal is still four-years but only for $50million, while Garza can earn up to $4 million more in incentives and has a vesting option for 5th year at $13 million.

The Brewers are hoping Garza can bolster their rotation that already contains pitchers like Yovani Gollardo, Kyle Lohse, Willy Peralta, and Marco Estrada. The Brewers rotation in 2013 could have been called decent, finishing sixth in hits allowed, ninth in ERA and 11th in batting average allowed, in the National League. According to Brewers’ general manager Doug Melvin,

Matt is an established top-of-the-rotation pitcher who provides our staff with experience and quality depth.

The Brewers, who finished at just 76-69 last year in the wins column, do need the help. Garza has some impressive stats in his career. He was the MVP of the 2008 League Championship Series with the Tampa Bay Rays and in 2010 he threw his first no hitter against the Detoit Tigers. He then went on to pitch well for the Cubs and the Rangers albeit fighting injuries.

If Garza can remain healthy he offers stability and balance to the Brewers’ rotation. He also has a good track record at the Brewers’ Miller Park posting a 3.42 ERA and 27 strikouts in 23 2/3 innings in four starts there.

To learn more go to MLB Nation

Tanaka Signs with the Yankees

Image courtesy of Getty Images

Get ready for this one folks, it is going to be a huge shock. Japanese phenom, RHP Masahiro Tanaka, has finally chosen a home – a home in New York. This winter’s most coveted free agent has signed with the New York Yankees at least according to a source who passed the breaking news on to ESPN’s Buster Onley.

The contract is reportedly a seven year deal worth $155 million with a club opt-out after four years and is the fifth largest ever for a pitcher. Apparently the Yankees are sparing no expense in order to return to their former dominance. The Yankees missed the post season in 2013 for just the second time since 1995.

Having been on a winter spending spree by already signing OF Jacoby Ellsbury, OF Carlos Beltran, and catcher Brian McCann to lucrative deals, it’s no surprise that the Yankees went after Tanaka. All four of those contracts combined comes to around $438 million.

Read More and give us your opinion on Tanaka on Sports Unbiased - Your site for all Sports News, Polls and Predictions!


*I woke up to my phone giving me this news this morning ... and it wasn't all over the internet yet! Kinda shocking and funny .... technology! LOL! SMH.*