Yardbarker: Rich Aurilia

Taking a look at the 2009 Free Agent Market..

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:34:49 -0500

Here is the complete list from MLBTRADERUMORS.COM :

Catchers
Brad Ausmus (40)
Paul Bako (37)
Rod Barajas (33) - $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Josh Bard (31)
Michael Barrett (32)
Henry Blanco (37) - $3MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Johnny Estrada (33)
Toby Hall (33) - $2.25MM club option for '09 with a $0.15MM buyout
Jason LaRue (35)
Paul Lo Duca (37)
Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Ivan Rodriguez (37)
David Ross (32)
Javier Valentin (33)
Jason Varitek (37)
Gregg Zaun (38)
First basemen
Rich Aurilia (37)
Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Sean Casey (34)
Tony Clark (37)
Carlos Delgado (37) - $12MM club option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with a $5MM buyout
Eric Hinske (31)
Doug Mientkiewicz (35)
Kevin Millar (37)
Richie Sexson (34)
Mark Teixeira (29)
Daryle Ward (34)
Second basemen
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Jamey Carroll (35) - $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.15MM buyout
Craig Counsell (38)
Ray Durham (37)
Damion Easley (39)
David Eckstein (34)
Mark Ellis (32)
Mark Grudzielanek (39)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Orlando Hudson (31)
Tadahito Iguchi (34)
Jeff Kent (41)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Mark Loretta (37)
Nick Punto (31)
Shortstops
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Orlando Cabrera (34)
Alex Cintron (30)
Alex Cora (33)
Craig Counsell (38)
David Eckstein (34)
Adam Everett (32)
Rafael Furcal (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Cesar Izturis (29)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Edgar Renteria (33)
Juan Uribe (30)
Ramon Vazquez (32)
Omar Vizquel (42) - $5.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Third basemen
Rich Aurilia (37)
Casey Blake (35)
Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Aaron Boone (36)
Russell Branyan (33)
Craig Counsell (38)
Joe Crede (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Mark Loretta (37)
Fernando Tatis (34)
Ramon Vazquez (32)
Left fielders
Moises Alou (42)
Garret Anderson (37) - $14MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Milton Bradley (31)
Emil Brown (34)
Pat Burrell (32)
Carl Crawford (27) - $8.25MM club option for '09 with a $2.5MM buyout
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Luis Gonzalez (41)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Raul Ibanez (37)
Gabe Kapler (33)
Kevin Mench (31)
Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for '09
Craig Monroe (32)
Greg Norton (36)
Jay Payton (36)
Wily Mo Pena (27) - $5MM club option or $2MM player option for '09
Manny Ramirez (37)
Juan Rivera (30)
Fernando Tatis (34)
Center fielders
Rocco Baldelli (27)
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Mike Cameron (36) - $10MM club option for '09 with a $750K buyout
Jim Edmonds (39)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Gabe Kapler (33)
Mark Kotsay (33)
Corey Patterson (29)
Scott Podsednik (33)
Right fielders
Bobby Abreu (35)
Casey Blake (35)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Brian Giles (38) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Ken Griffey Jr. (39) - $16.5MM club option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Gabe Kapler (33)
Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for '09
Fernando Tatis (34)
Brad Wilkerson (32)
DHs
Milton Bradley (31)
Pat Burrell (32)
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with $5MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Raul Ibanez (37)
Manny Ramirez (37)
Juan Rivera (30)
Mike Sweeney (35)
Frank Thomas (41)
Jose Vidro (34)
Starting pitchers
Kris Benson (33)
A.J. Burnett (32) - can opt out after '08 season
Paul Byrd (38)
Roger Clemens (46)
Matt Clement (33)
Bartolo Colon (36)
Ryan Dempster (32)
Shawn Estes (36)
Josh Fogg (32)
Freddy Garcia (33)
Jon Garland (29)
Tom Glavine (43)
Mike Hampton (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Livan Hernandez (34)
Orlando Hernandez (43)
Jason Jennings (30)
Randy Johnson (45)
John Lackey (30) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Jon Lieber (39)
Braden Looper (34)
Rodrigo Lopez (33) - club option for '09
Derek Lowe (36)
Greg Maddux (43)
Pedro Martinez (37)
Sergio Mitre (28)
Jamie Moyer (46)
Mark Mulder (31) - $11MM club option for '09 with a $1.5MM buyout
Mike Mussina (40)
Carl Pavano (33) - $13MM club option for '09 with a $1.95MM buyout
Brad Penny (31) - $8.75MM club option for '09 with a $2MM buyout
Odalis Perez (32)
Oliver Perez (27)
Andy Pettitte (37)
Sidney Ponson (32)
Mark Prior (27)
Kenny Rogers (44)
Glendon Rusch (34)
C.C. Sabathia (28)
Curt Schilling (42)
Ben Sheets (30)
John Smoltz (42)
Tim Wakefield (42) - perpetual $4MM club option
Kip Wells (32)
Randy Wolf (32)
Closers
Brian Fuentes (33)
Eric Gagne (33)
Eddie Guardado (38)
Trevor Hoffman (41)
Jason Isringhausen (36)
Brandon Lyon (29)
Francisco Rodriguez (27)
Salomon Torres (37) - $3.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Kerry Wood (32)
Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (30)
Luis Ayala (31)
Joe Beimel (32)
Joe Borowski (38)
Doug Brocail (42)
Shawn Chacon (31)
Juan Cruz (30)
Alan Embree (39) - $3MM club option for '09
Scott Eyre (37)
Kyle Farnsworth (33)
Casey Fossum (31)
Keith Foulke (35)
Tom Gordon (41) - $4.5MM club option for '09 with a $1MM buyout
LaTroy Hawkins (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Matt Herges (39)
Bob Howry (35)
Jon Lieber (39)
Jason Johnson (35)
Damaso Marte (34) - $6MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Trever Miller (36) - $2MM club option for '09 with a $0.4MM buyout
Guillermo Mota (35)
Will Ohman (31)
Darren Oliver (38)
Chan Ho Park (36)
Horacio Ramirez (29)
Al Reyes (38)
Dennys Reyes (32)
Arthur Rhodes (39)
Juan Rincon (30)
Glendon Rusch (34)
Rudy Seanez (40)
Brian Shouse (40)
Russ Springer (40)
Mike Timlin (43)
Ron Villone (39)
David Weathers (39)
Kip Wells (32)
Matt Wise (33)
Jamey Wright (34)

Thanks to Tim Dierkes for Compiling this list...

MLB Start 'Em, Sit 'Em - Week 25

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:11:55 -0500

Screaming Sports' Phil Yoon goes over a week of upcoming matchups and determines who you should sit, who you should start and why. Surprisingly, there are three pretty big names that should be riding the pine this coming week.

Aurilia To Rays?

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:52:40 -0500

With Evan Longoria out, the Rays need a solid back up at third to keep them in the running for the playoffs. While Willy Aybar is a solid player, he is not keeping up with Longoria's numbers, and it is hurting the team. The Giants have been looking to dump some players for cash or a prospect and would be more than willing to move Rich Aurilia, 36, who is hitting .277 with 8 HR in 104 games this season.

The Rays currently three games ahead of the Red Sox, but they face the Red Sox six more times before the season is over. The Rays would be smart to take a chance on Aurilia.

Could Molina Be The Answer?

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:04:26 -0500

With just under three days until baseball's trading deadline, all appears quiet on the Phillies front. Aside from some little rumbles here and there, there's real no big news when it comes to the Phillies It's quite possible the acquisition of Joe Blanton will probably be the only trade the Phillies will have made when the deadline passes. It doesn't have to be, and it shouldn't. While I don't advocate making a deal just to give your fanbase the impression you're doing all you can to improve your club, I believe if a reasonable deal can be made, management needs to explore it. If you look at the Phillies, most think they need to go out and get an outfield bat. Geoff Jenkins has struggled in right field and Jayson Werth is much more valuable playing against left-handed pitching. The only real available options are Seattle's Raul Ibanez, and the Pirates Jason Bay. Ibanez isn't a good fit for the Phillies. He bats left-handed, and the Phils have plenty of bats form the left side of the plate if they added and outfielder, they would have to bat right-handed. Bay bats right-handed, but the Pirates are said to be holding him for a king's ransom. The Phils weren't willing to include Carlos Carrasco or Lou Marson in a deal for CC Sabathia. Why would they suddenly want to give up top prospects for Jason Bay? I'm satisfied with the outfield as it is now. Jenkins has heated up some since the All-Star break (.308), and in a platoon with Werth, I think it will work out over the long haul. Besides, I see more pressing needs on this ballclub. Mainly in the bullpen and behind the plate. As good as the Phillies bullpen has been this season, it's starting to show signs of wear; especially J.C. Romero. Not that he's getting shelled (only two ER in his last 10 appearances), but he's throwing a lot more pitches to retire batters. This will only get worse as the season progresses, unless he gets a break. You cannot stress enough how important it is to have a good catcher. They're call the pitches and are involved in some of the biggest plays in the game. The problem with the catching position is there aren't too many strong catchers in the National League; especially in Philadelphia. The catching situation has been a complete mess. Carlos Ruiz has barely been able to hit his weight (.211), and Chris Coste has struggled since getting more playing time. With Ruiz batting ahead of the pitcher, it's giving the opponents two automatic outs (three if there's a runner on base, Carlos likes the double play ball). Before an outfielder is brought in, it would be wise for the Phillies to address the bullpen and catching positiion. This can happen. Just call the Giants. It's no secret the Giants have packed in their 2008 season, and are looking for young talent to rebuild with. Should the Phillies put together the right offer, they can get two players they could sorely use. Pitcher Jack Taschner and catcher Bengie Molina. Taschner has queitly put together a strong season in San Francisco. In 49 games he's 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA. More importantly, he's tough on left-handed batters (0.94 WHIP, .179 BAA). While his numbers against right-handed hitters aren't as impressive, Taschner is an ideal lefty-specialist, which is what the Phillies bullpen is missing. Sure, Romero is lights out against left-handers, but since he's the only lefty in the bullpen he's not used in that role. While Taschner and the Phillies have been linked in some rumors, Molina hasn't. Molina is the oldest of the three Molina brothers currently in Major League Baseball, but he's the only one who can hit. He's currently hitting .282 with six home runs and 61 RBI's. His power numbers are lower this season, but he's still on pace to knock in over 80 runs. He's also one of the leagues best defensive catcher's. Both of these players have good contracts. Taschner will be a "Super Two" player in 2009, and is under team control until 2012. Molina is signed through 2009, and is only due to make $6 million, which is a bargin for one of the leagues better catchers. Also an ideal contract for the catcher who will hand over the job to Marson in 2010 (that's projected of course). While prying Molina from the Giants wouldn't be easy (they're not going to give him away), it's definitely possible, and can could be done without giving up Carrasco or Marson. A package of Jason Donald, J.A. Happ and another low-level prospect shoulg get the deal done. Should Pat Gillick sweeten the pot with another player, the Giants might throw in Rich Aurilia, who would be used as a right-handed bat off the bench. These aren't the sexiest names available, but the most logical. A deal with the Giants is the "blockbuster" the Phillies need to put them over the top in the National League.

Aurilia sidelined in D-backs finale

Fri, 30 May 2008 01:21:26 -0500

I'm not a big Ritchie fan like I used to be. But, the guy can play 3/4 of the infield positions, and he still has some pop left off the bench. Hope he gets well soon.

Giants shopping for a first baseman

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:19:26 -0500

San Francisco Giants' GM Brian Sabean said on his weekly radio show that the team is still searching for a left-handed hitting first baseman. The Giants have had conversations within the organization on different players, the two main candidates would be Washington Nationals Nick Johnson and Atlanta Braves Scott Thorman. Both were on the trading block during the off-season and spring training, but are they still available?

2008 Fantasy First base Rankings: NL West

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:22:44 -0500

The National League West Division has a good mix of young talent and veterans at 1B. Here's a pre-season ranking on all the NL West 1B that could make a fantasy impact in 2008.

The 10 Best Non-100 RBI Seasons in the Past 10 Years

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:19:25 -0500

Here's another quality article from Beyond the Boxscore that demystifies the 100 RBI season. And for those not in the know, VORP stands for value over replacement player.

Crap: Brief Observances of the Giants' Face Plant

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 08:02:50 -0500

A Giants fan waits gleefully to watch his summertime heroes take the field only to see them promptly gag all over themselves. Will he make it for 162 games?

Sports Bloggers Reveal Their Favorite Baseball Players

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 12:24:00 -0500

Two weeks ago, with baseball season fast approaching, I thought we needed to do something special to kick off the 2007 campaign. We wanted to do something big, something lasting and something involving other members of this loosely-connected fraternity we call the sports blogosphere. With that in mind we emailed what we consider to be our favorite sites and asked them one question: Who is your favorite baseball player of all-time, and why? The results of this little project blew us away.

Your 2007 Giants: Excitement or Excrement?

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 04:26:57 -0500

Barry times two, Benitez (yuck!) and,,, Isabella Soprano of "Cathouse"?!?!??!

So Easy, Even a Giants Fan Can Do It.

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 06:59:39 -0500

Geico Cavemen aren't the only ones getting it stuck to them. Here's how to get past the oppression and enjoy the season to come.

2007 Fantasy SS Rankings & Projections (18-15)

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 13:05:38 -0500

This edition includes Khalil Greene, Rich Aurilia, Omar Vizquel, and new Twins' standout Jason Bartlett. How do the two younger guys stack up against the veterans? And what are your thoughts on the following: "As an aside, Viquel won the Hutch award in 1996 for "best exemplifying the fighting spirit and competitive desire to win." Vizquel was a surprise pick, as I prefer to refer to the award as the 'White Award for Honorable Whiteness', and one only needs to look at the list of recent winners to see why: David Cone, Sean Casey, Jason Giambi, Curt Schilling, Tim Salmon, Jamie Moyer, Trevor Hoffman, Craig Biggio, and Mark Loretta. Notice anything strange about this list? It's pretty obvious -- I mean, come on, there's no David Eckstein anywhere! This is a traveshammockery!"

Brian Sabean's getting the band back together

Sun, 03 Dec 2006 05:23:30 -0500

I know there were a lot of you Giants fans worried that there was simply no way Brian Sabean could keep the 2006 juggernaut together. I mean, how could they possibly maintain that much talent? Three outfiedlers over 40? An offense without one player who hit 30 homers, or scored or drove in 100 runs? A pitching staff without a 15-game winner, a 20-save closer, or a pitcher with 200 strikeouts? A 76-85 record in the worst division in recent memory? No fan in their right mind could expect that the Giants could bring back a similar team in 2007. Well, fear not. It looks like, with some minor modifications, your 2007 Giants will be almost exactly the same as last year's. 35 year-old Ray Durham? No way in hell he's getting away. Two year deal for $14 million. Worried about them trading 39 year-old Omar Vizquel for prospects? Not likely. And yes, sadly, the Giants did lose Moises Alou. But they've replaced him with 34 year-old Dave Roberts who they signed to a three year, $18 million deal (no word yet on whether Roberts pees on his hands). As far as the youth movement, 31 year-old prospect Pedro Feliz is also likely to be kept in the fold on a one-year deal. Maybe the best move yet of the offseason is that they're bringing back one of the old familiar faces. Ex-Giant Rich Aurilia is heading back to the Bay Area on an $8 million deal. The 35 year-old left San Francisco as a shortstop, but the Giants figure on putting his power bat (23 HR, 70 RBI in homer-friendly Cincy last season) at first base. Ah, but what about the big fella? Will Giants fans be lucky enough to cheer on Barry Bonds as he shatters Hank Aaron's all-time home run record? That, my friends, is still up in the air. See, the Giants could likely move Matt Cain or Noah Lowry and some prospects for Manny Ramirez. On the one hand, that would give them a legitimate clean-up hitter and one of the top offensive forces in baseball. On the other hand, they wouldn't be able to witness history. Keep your fingers crossed, Giants fans.

Giants sign Dave Roberts and Rich Aurilia

Sat, 02 Dec 2006 18:32:08 -0500

Roberts got a huge 3 year/18 million contract while Aurilia got a 2 year/8 million contract