The Rays Tank: Maddon Contract Talks Progressing; Yoennis Cespedes Beyond Rays Reach
by Steve Slowinski on Jan 13, 2012 8:20 AM EST
in The Rays Tank
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PrintThis should come as no surprise to anyone here, but the Rays' contract negotiations with Joe Maddon are progressing well. Maddon's deal is set to expire at the end of 2012, but there's been little to no talk of him going elsewhere -- he wants to be back and Friedman & Co. want him back. It's a perfect match, so the only question has been what the terms of the contract would be. Maddon last deal was for 3 years and would have paid him around $1.4 million for 2012, so I've got to imagine his next deal will be similar.
In other news, the Miami Marlins have possibly the best offseason strategy ever: "Aggressive right to the point of stupidity, but not quite there." That's how team president David Samson characterized the Marlins' plan for pursuing soon-to-be-free-agent Yoennis Cespedes, and honestly, couldn't it also apply to everything else they've done this year? It's the perfect tagline.
If the Marlins do plan on being so aggressive with Cespedes, then I imagine this will push the bidding up into the $50-60 million range, well beyond anything the Rays should be involved with.
- Tommy Rancel at ESPN Florida wrote up a bit more analysis on Luke Scott, and he also took a look at Friedman's recent statement that the Rays are looking beyond just first basemen in order to find their final hitter. I dunno, they can expand the free agent pool all they want, but it still looks to me like many of the best bets still on the market are first basemen. Unless Friedman is talking about a trade?
- Bud Selig got a three-year contract extension yesterday, surprising no one. The only thing that surprises me is how much money he brings in as the Commish. $25 million a year? Holy cow.
- So wait... Alaskans won't be able to get Seattle Mariners games next year? Yay for MLB's ridiculous blackout policy! Granted, baseball is probably quite low on most Alaskan's list of priorities right now, as they're getting absolutely pummeled with snow.
- Eno Sarris put together a reminder on hitter aging curves. Gotta say, I'm surprised by how early power peaks (on average). I had always assumed it peaked around 27 years old, but it turns out it's slightly earlier than that.
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If you believe the rumors the Indians FO has gone to ownership
to ask for more dollars or years to siugn Carlos Pena. If true, should the Rays turn to Derek Lee or Casey Kotchman. I’ve liked Lee over Pena because at this point Los cannot hit LHP and unless Joe will PH for him this time around unlike last, he’s an automatic K v them
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
Lee vs Pena
Andrew said yesterday he liked Scott because it meant “not having to platoon at DH” so you could apply the same theory to 1B as well given that the team has chosen to operate with a 4 man bench more often than not. If the SP trade market doesn’t open up, I don’t see how the team can avoid using a 12 man staff again this season.
The team doesn’t buy into SSS, but Lee’s #’s in the AL over 364 PA were .246/.302/.404 in a park that should have helped RH power.
As Mr. Neg pointed out, Lee’s #’s vs LHP are in a 5 year decline now dating back to 2007 but this past season was the first time he was below league average in that split. The SLG% vs LHP by year:
597
535
456
421
366
that’s quite the drop off
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
I like D.Lee
I wouldn’t mind having him, just thought the trend was interesting.
As for 1b. Andrew Friedman said he wanted to improve the offense at DH/1b without disturbing the integrity of the defense.
I would assume he got the uptick in offense from Scott and the 1b will be someone who can handle the position.
So, I don’t think its splits that AF will look at 1b, it will be ability to hit + play the position defensively.
One other observation about D.Lee from 2011 vs LHP (Only observations!) is that he had a .346 BABIP.
Actually, that quote isn't fully accurate
He said there is a tipping point where the offensive production can outweigh the defensive value on yesterday’s call
there are times when enough offense trips the defensive value line when it makes sense for the team
I don’t think that speaks to the FA market as much as a trade possibility
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
That's the quote he gave on the conference call yesterday
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
even you posted the quote:
*First base & DH: Kotch is still in the conversation – looking at who can generate the most offense while maintaining defensive expectations.
That was an earlier quote though, no?
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
yes
doesn’t invalidate though.
I don’t think his opinion switches with the wind between December 22 (XM interview) and January 12th (yesterday’s interview).
so, in typical Friedman speak,
The possibilities remain anything from a well-rounded 1B to an offensive first one
We’re drilling down!
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
well
I’ll continue to suggest that the Rays pattern is 1b must be able to play defense the tipping point won’t be in 2012.
Rays will have a competent first baseman on the roster. If he can hit, much the better for the Rays.
I agree MR.MR Negative
I think a nod was given to Mr. Scott because he can fill in defensively at 1b. The rays are not deep at 1b and Luke is better that Damon in that regard.
You never know when a jerk like Yuke will run out of the baseline and try to injure our 1b.
god i missed this.
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
What the hell?
That’s just pathetic baseless speculation that we don’t need here.
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
You don't remember Yuek hitting Kotch last year?
I don’t think he went out of the baseline, but I do remember it happening. I’m sure Landlord took it as a person offense.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.
Follow @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on Jan 13, 2012 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
But has Scott done that?
That’s how I took it
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions
I think the only Scott comment is that he's better than DFAmon at 1B
He was commenting on depth, b/c of guys like Yuke
Use the force, Lueke
by nomoredevil on Jan 13, 2012 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
Huh? I think you're misreading.
I see it as Landlord suggestion 1B depth is good because you never know what opposing players will do.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.
Follow @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on Jan 13, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
Ahh, I see...you clarified down below.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.
Follow @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on Jan 13, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
Damn sinus meds have killed my sleep
I’m a walking zombie these days
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
Excuses excuses.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.
Follow @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on Jan 13, 2012 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
are you seriously contending that Poukilis is not a dirty player and that he DIDN'T slide right at Kotch's legs last season?
it’s only baseless if you didn’t watch that game
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
Perhaps eye puss prevented Youk from seeing the bag clearly.
by Passionate Apathy on Jan 13, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
I think Jason must have had some eye puss to not see the play clearly
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
pus
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
are you not familiar with the meme?
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
Does it have a shelf life?
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
My fault...I misread Yuke as a typo for Luke
carry on :)
My apologies Mr. Landlord
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
Sure, just after I make dobber one again
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
While it may technically qualify as speculation
it is neither pathetic or baseless.
Use the force, Lueke
by nomoredevil on Jan 13, 2012 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
gotta love
the time span between “rumor of Scott and Rays” and the time it was announced that it was a done deal…a matter of hours?!!!
I think it was within the hour
Sounded like Connolly alerted Topkin that something might be up & Connolly got confirmation from Scott shortly thereafter.
That, or Topkin got word while on site and he sent a note to Connolly to check on it.
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Ithink AF
Has positioned himself nicely in negotiations with the available 1b;s on the market. It will be decided by which player wants to get real with their compensation and come to terms with $tu’s pocket book. The reward for the player is a guaranteed starting job. Not much competition at 1b in St. Pete, as the current roster stands.
WELCOME BACK!!!!
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
Another fun stat
to look at with guys like Pena is the “late and close” numbers.
I’d like to think that this stat might encompass more of the relief pitcher matchups.
Pena career Late & Close is a .250/.374/.510 (.885 OPS).
Last three years OPS in that category has been 2009: .979, 2010: .680 & 2011: .776
Just something else I found interesting.
Derrick Lee has other strange trends too...
2010 with non-contender Cubs: .751 OPS
2010 with contender Braves: .849 OPS
2011 with non-contender O’s: .706 OPS
2011 with contender (at the time) Pirates: .982 OPS
Does playing for a contender really matter or SSS?
I like that pic of Maddon
I’d think he would get a significant raise. 3mil a year x 4 maybe? I’m not sure what average manager salaries are. But he’s should be paid like other top well respected managers.
I hate to dip into the rosterbation, but a thought I had this morning
KC trading Billy Butler for usable parts (pitching) and re-purpose the dollars dedicated to him to those acquired salaries plus opening a DH spot for Damon to get to his 3000 hits. Lets him provide some of that leadership to a KC squad that could compete over the next 2 years with a division that is anything but a sure thing.
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
I find your ideas interesting and would like to subscribe to your newsletter
by AndrewTorrez on Jan 13, 2012 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
If you do, I could make $3M a year
Imagine all of the people I could help with that money
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I watched Cespedes last night.
There was a live stream of his debut from the Dominican Winter League available. He is clearly rusty from not having seen live pitching. He struck out three times, twice pretty badly on breaking balls on 0-2 counts.
"I don't believe in just being out there and just grinding away. Let's do it intelligently, let's do it quickly, let's get it done. And then move on." ----Joe Maddon
Thanks for the Marlins news! This is where I always look first for my Marlins news.
(I hate the f***ing Marlins)
RIP OTTOTD
It's a brilliant quote.
I’m gonna toss Marlins stuff in the Rays Tank every now and then, and that was too good to pass up.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.
Follow @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on Jan 13, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
Too bad, they're another local-ish team doing interesting things.
But anyway, I only really link to stuff on them whenever it has some sort of quasi-impact on the Rays. Or if it’s just really outrageous and I’d comment on it anyway, regardless of it was the Marlins or not.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.
Follow @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on Jan 13, 2012 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
Orlando is local-ish. Miami is another market entirely.
I don’t care about the Marlins news, just saying that it’s a major stretch to call them local-ish. 260 miles apart.
That would be like the A’s reporting on Dodgers news because they’re local-ish. Different division, different league, different philosophies, no overlap.
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
Oh, I know.
I’m mostly referring to stadium stuff, since Miami’s brought up frequently whenever the Rays stadium comes up. And although Miami has some unique demographics, both TB and Miami have some striking similarities in terms of sprawl, stadium location, etc.
I guess what I’m saying is, I think we shouldn’t underestimate how much the Marlins 2012 season could impact the Rays down the road. How many fans will show up? What will it do for revenues, expectations, yadda yadda? I’m finding the whole thing interesting to follow for that reason alone.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.
Follow @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on Jan 13, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
Slow knows the Florida landscape/culture the way GWB knew Iraq
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
by FreeZorilla on Jan 13, 2012 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Ba-zing.
’preciate it.
I love Casey Fossum. Now try and take me seriously.
Follow @steveslow
by Steve Slowinski on Jan 13, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
Clay Davenport on Cespides
is here; the nut graf is that he projects Cespides as sort of Mike Cameron-light; low average, decent OBP, good power.
alright, i've seen almost as many derivative spellings of this name as Qaddafi/Kadaffy/etc.
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
yeah, I don't know when he became "Yoennis" instead of "Yoenis"
although maybe that’s to distinguish himself from all the other Yoennises (Yoenni?) out there
by AndrewTorrez on Jan 13, 2012 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
I expect to see all of these soon
Younes
Yoeniz
Yoneis
Yunel
something important to remember is that Hispanics and especially Cubans pronounce the ‘Y’ to start off words as a ‘J’. I love watching games with my Cuban friend who’s a Yanks fan because he continuously says “Jankees” and it never gets old to me.
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
Not always
There are quite a few Cuban boxers with Y-names, and the only one who pronounces it with a J is Yoan Pablo Hernandez. Yuriorkis Gamboa, Yordanis Despagne, Yudel Jhonson, Yunier Dorticos, etc. all pronounce their names with a Y.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
well they're boxers, so their brains are so rattled up that they don't know half of what they say anyways.
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
Yoanus
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by SandalsNoPants on Jan 13, 2012 6:37 PM EST up reply actions
I sense labor trouble. From Tommy's piece:
Depending on the health of Scott’s shoulder – which will prohibit him from paying the outfield for the first few month of the season
I don’t think BJ will be motivated if he’s not payed.
or paid even
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
What's Gabe Kapler doing these days?
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
He actually called into the MLB Network radio show yesterday morning to share a Todd Hollandsworth story
Dude need a broadcasting job
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
ain't nottin but a ting mon
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
weren't we all gung-ho about him getting a minors managerial spot?
I still wouldn’t mind that happening.
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
Broadcasting or management
Either way — really enjoy hearing him talk
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
OT: I can't help but feel that the Rays get underrated because Zobrist is underrated.
And I almost feel the team has part of the blame. It seems like they love promoting Longoria, but don’t feel like putting Zobrist in the light. It could just be me though. Zobrist is a star player, and the media (620, TBT, sunsports, national media, etc..) never mentions it.
I was thinking about that when I read this thread: http://forums.theraysrepublic.com/index.php?showtopic=6970. Granted, I doubt anyone would want to form their opinion regarding value based on those opinions, but I feel that they reflect the fan’s feelings.
Personally, I would only take Pedroia over Zobrist.
in terms of 2B, you mean.
"I don't always post off-topic, but when I do, I post at http://ottotd.com" - $tinky $tu
"Please break your typewriter and computer and never come out of your ass cave again"
When teams have obvious stars like Longoria and Price, others always
fall to the background. A good example are the NY Yankees. I think players like Bernie Williams and Jorge Posada never got their due because of the bigger names
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
Defense isn't properly valued
People still think fielding percentage and error totals are how rank defenders.
If he would play either 2B or RF fulltime, he’d be more appreciated. People love to laud Cano for his 2B defense while overlooking that Zobrist could be the best guy behind Pedroia
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
Zobrist needs to put up back to back above average years
and not fall back like ‘10, then you’ll see the worm turn
follow me on twitter @sternfan10
stay healthy, check
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
perception is reality
Had such a HUGE season in 2009 that it made 2010 look like a downer.
by raysfaninminnesota on Jan 13, 2012 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
You shut your mouth!
Signed,
National media
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
DRS likes him a lot more than UZR
I’d say he is league average. When combined with his bat though, I’ll put him at 2B any day of the week.
The fielding percentage stuff from yesterday blew my mind.
I hadn’t heard that referenced in a very long time.
@RealNolenBailey
it also helps that 3b is more prone to highlight plays than 2b.
his versatility also gets him underrated as a couple people have mentioned. there’s a perception that if you dont play somewhere full-time it must be because you’re flawed.
Perhaps Zobrist doesn't actually want to be in the spotlight
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
Maybe we should just give Maddon a Scosia extension
10 year deal, he’s not leaving anyway.
Matt Moore. That is all.
That idiotic librul doesn''t know what he....
Oh wait, he’s smart!
I'm not a fanboy, I'm an awesome dude
by Jason Collette on Jan 13, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
Chuck Knoblauch was prescient
throwing a baseball at his mom and all
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
When do we normally sign Dan Johnson to his minor league deal?
He’s looking for work and we can’t lose him. He left us for a year to play in Japan and it was the one year we didn’t make it to the postseason.
Matt Moore. That is all.
Marc Topkin twitter
To make room on 40-man roster for Luke Scott, #Rays designate for assignment C Nevin Ashley
Don't tell R.J.
Or the NWS will have to issue a smug warning.
(Tried to find the poll he made about whether Ashely would ever make the bigs after a long argument with FreeZo, but I guess the archives don’t go back far enough or I suck at searching.)
by ChiBurbRaysFan on Jan 14, 2012 12:48 AM EST up reply actions
HIs tweet yesterday
@FreeZorilla In retrospect, I was too arrogant about Ashley back when. Hopefully he latches on to another team and shows off the gun.
The dream isn’t over. Last year fans shouted FRIEDMAN"D from the rooftops when Ruggs passed through waivers. Ruggz made it back to the bigs.
Follow Me on Twitter @FreeZorilla
Astros offering Carlos Lee and half of his salary for scraps
Anyone up for that? Personally, I want Pena more but if the Indians get Pena, would you prefer Carlos Lee to Kotchman or not?
Matt Moore. That is all.
Yes to Lee over Kotch.
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by SandalsNoPants on Jan 13, 2012 6:38 PM EST up reply actions
And I would take Lee over Pena for the same 9 million they would probably cost for one year.
Even more if it only takes a B prospect which I’m not so sure the Astros would accept. Usually for a team paying half the salary, a decent prospect is usually involved. Would they take Neimann/Davis off the Rays hands?
Pineda for Montero rumors floating around
Would be big impact for AL East
Mariners may not have enough money for Fielder. Wonder if this removes the need for him as well.
Smoak/Carp could definitely be in play now…perhaps for a starter to replace Pineda?
I know Smoak has not produced as expected but he is only 25 years old...
…and was definitely rushed to the majors(only 773 MiL ab’s). Put that together with a tough place to hit and a worse team with little to play for and you have a guy who needs a change of scenery. Something always intriguing about a young switch hitting 1st baseman(decent fielder), who, while he may not have shown a lot of power yet, has a good eye and could be a solid, if not spectacular hitter.
Buy low, good risk for the Rays at least as an option for 1st base?
I would like to give Smoak a shot.
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by SandalsNoPants on Jan 14, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
Damn...
I don’t want to see the Rays face Pineda that much.
by Snarfalicious on Jan 13, 2012 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
Yanks threw in Noesi also
PIneda is great but i like this for the Mariners. Jesus will be a beast.
Matt Moore. That is all.
but the Mariners threw in Campos
ridiculous ceiling, 18 in low-A.
by AndrewTorrez on Jan 13, 2012 8:10 PM EST up reply actions
So I suppose the market has been set for what a "young impact bat is worth, huh?
This and the Alonso for Latos trade.
Yanks just signed Kuroda too.....
Went from a so-so pitching staff to very good in just a few hours…..wonder if this will put pressure on Boston now as they are clearly #3 in the AL East at this point
It's very close.
Especially at the top.
CC and Pineda may be better than Price and any of our other starters. The Rays should pick up that slack in the bottom portion of the rotation, though.
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by SandalsNoPants on Jan 15, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
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