Yardbarker: Josh Bard

No on Varitek, No on Laird, Yes on Bard

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 22:55:18 -0500

The Tigers are in the hunt for a catcher. Brandon Inge has been moved to third base and Dusty Ryan may be ready to contribute at the big league level, but I don't think anybody is comfortable with him being handed the full load at this point. With this need has come speculation [...]SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "No on Varitek, No on Laird, Yes on Bard", url: "http://www.detroittigersweblog.com/2008/11/no-on-varitek-no-on-laird-yes-on-bard/" });

The Breakdown: Contract Riders...

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:51:44 -0500

Now we all know the story of the so called rock 'n' rolla whom has demanded only brown M & M's. And of course that's true. But didja know that ballplayers have their own wacky demands? IT'S TRUE!

Because I typed it in all caps. So shall we look at the facts? Yes. Let's look at the facts.

Catchers
Br... ...

Rumors: Mets might be a match with Tigers for Magglio Ordonez !

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:28:24 -0500

A recent article in the Detroit News by Lynn Henning suggests that the Tigers might entertain the idea of trading Magglio Ordonez to free up salary.

Lynn Henning says in the article :

A critical question is whether the team can expect to achieve anything other than payroll relief if it trades Magglio Ordonez. The Tigers aren't in favor of trading a career .312 hitter on Ordonez's level, particularly one who consistently hits good pitching. Ordonez would leave a serious hole in a batting order that could be further strapped if Detroit, as expected, settles on a new shortstop known more for his defense than for his hitting.

Ordonez, however, will turn 35 in January and stands to pull $48 million during the final three years of his contract. The Tigers are staring at a potentially tough year at the box office and might need to consider trading Ordonez even if little is obtained in return.

A more realistic possibility is the Tigers would agree to absorb some of Ordonez's remaining money if they could gain a reliever, shortstop or catcher in return.

With the above being said makes me believe the Mets can be a match for Tigers. The Mets have Aaron Heilman who the Mets would love to unload, if the return is right and they also have Scott Schoeneweis who also got his ticket for dismissal this year, plus he has some value. The Mets have Brian Schneider who the Mets think a little less of because of his lacking approach at the plate and his plate calling with pitchers. I would not be surprised if Minaya who has a need for a right handed bat and a left fielder, can find himself calling for Magglio Ordonez's services. The guy hits and he hits for power, he might be the offensive player the Mets need to get them over the hump.

If the Mets were to trade Brian Schneider they can look at a Jason Varitek, Josh Bard, or Jose Valentin's brother Javier Valentin who are all free agents. It's only a amount of time to see the disappearance of Aaron Heilman or Scott Schoeneweis. The Tigers have had interest in Aaron Heilman and Scott Schoeneweis in the past. Both of them were discussed when the Mets were in the hunt for a right handed bat offensive bat in Marcus Thames.

What do you think? Make Comments!

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...

Decisions, Decisions Part Three- Infielders

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 23:53:15 -0500

The next segment in the "Decisions, Decisions" series will take a look at free agent infielders. Although many believe that the only need is at first base, certain circumstances may arise that would cause the Yankees to need more than this. These circumstances will be explained before each infield position's listed possibilities. Should Jorge Posada's rehab show that he is unable to catch for all, or any, of the 2009 season, the Yankees may look into a more quality backup catcher than Jose Molina. With that, let's take a look at the catchers on the market. Catchers Josh Bard- Prior to the 2008 season, Josh Bard had shown that he was a quality backup catcher, with his best season coming in 2007, and another quality season in 2006 (seven of these games came with Boston, where he did not do so well). However, I do not see Bard as a superior backup to Jose Molina, thus I do not see him signing with the Yankees Michael Barrett- Michael Barrett was once a quality catcher for the Chicago Cubs. However, those days are behind him. Also, his attitude problems may scare many teams away, including the Yankees. Much like Josh Bard, I see Jose Molina as a better catcher, thus I do not see Barrett donning the pinstripes in 2009. Miguel Olivo- Many rumors had the Yankees linked to Miguel Olivo around the time of the All-Star Break. Olivo has been much better offensively than Jose Molina. However, he has a slightly lower fielding percentage throughout his shorter career. Because I cannot see the Yankees offering Ivan Rodriguez arbitration, for fear that he will accept, and because Olivo could possibly become a free agent, should the Royals opt for the buyout, I could see Olivo signing a short contract with the Yankees if Jorge Posada's rehab does not take the route that we hope it does. Should the Yankees opt for the buyout on Jason Giambi's contract, which is very likely, a first baseman would be a necessity. Here's what the free agent market has to offer: First Baseman Mark Teixeira- Mark Teixeira has been great thoughout his somewhat short career. With numbers such as 203 home runs, a lifetime .290 batting average, and a .996 lifetime fielding percentage at first base, Teixeira could be exactly what the Yankees need to spark the line up. Having lacked a Gold Glove-type first baseman since the Don Mattingly era, I can see the Yankees signing Teixeira in a heartbeat. Hank Blalock- Although this name has been thrown around very little in the Mark Teixeira hype, Hank Blalock may be a great plan B to Mark Teixeira. After great seasons in 2005 and 2006, Blalock just could not seem to stay healthy in 2007 or 2008, playing in a combined 123 games. However, in the games that he did play from 2007 to 2008, Blalock had 24 home runs, 71 runs batted in, and had a .996 fielding percentage at first base in 2008 (this was the first year that he played the position). Blalock has always had the potential to be a great player, but has not had the chance as of late. Should the Rangers opt for the buyout and Teixeira go elsewhere, I could see the Yankees signing Hand Blalock. Adam Dunn- Although Adam Dunn has made his name as an outfielder, he has played a good amount of first base in his career. Although he has never played in the American League, one would think that his outstanding numbers would translate after a short period of time. Despite the fact that Adam Dunn has had a great offensive career, his career fielding percentage at first base is only .984, which is lower than Jason Giambi's in his time with the Yankees. I don't believe that is what the Yankees are looking for in a first baseman, thus I don't see Dunn in a Yankees uniform, at least not at first base, come 2009. After hearing many rumors about Robinson Cano being on the trade market, I decided that I should add a short list of possible replacements at second base. This list would only pertain to the Yankees if Robinson Cano is traded and the Yankees do not receive a second baseman in return. With that, here's who's available through free agency: Second Baseman Orlando Hudson- Although Orlando Hudson missed a good portion of 2008, he helped the Arizona Diamondbacks in many ways both this year and in years passed. Although Hudson has been out of the American League for a few years now, he is an All-Star caliber player that would surely readjust quite quickly. Although Hudson's numbers are a bit lower than Robinson Cano's, with the exception of his fielding percentage, which is .003 % higher than Cano's, Hudson would be far superior to any other second baseman the Yankees would have to offer. However, Hudson may ask for far too much money, especially since the Yankees would first want to acquire a starting pitcher and possibly a first baseman. In conclusion, I could see Hudson playing for the Yankees if Robinson Cano is traded, but don't look forward to Brian Cashman and the Yankees giving up on Robbie just yet.

If they want more offense from catcher......

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 10:36:39 -0500

I think the Mets have bigger issues to address this offense then catcher but I keep hearing grumblings that they may look into upgrading offensively at catcher. If they did I would keep Schneider and move on from Castro. Schneider had an unusually interrupted season due to nagging injuries but Castro is consistently out do to injuries, in fact he never misses a trip to the DL in August. If I had my pick I would trade for Bengie Molina and platoon him with Schneider based on pitching match-ups, which would also keep both veterans healthy.

But here is another alternative to back-up Schneider, Josh Bard has elected for free agency. The 30 y/o switch hitting catcher missed most of last year with an ankle injury after a collision at the plate. Bard when healthy is an offensive catcher, he is a lifetime .265 hitter and that's playing his home games in Petco Park. In his first two full time seasons he hit .338 and .285 respectively (2006-2007). If he has a clean bill of health he would be the solid hitting catcher they maybe looking for. Bard may welcome the move as he's a native of Ithaca, NY.....

Bard, acquired with relief pitcher Cla Meredith from the Red Sox in 2006, hit .339 in 93 games after joining the team. Bard hit .285 with five home runs and 51 RBIs in 2007. source MLB.com

BSG & Josh Bard

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:39:25 -0500

An ode to jack clark for josh bard of the san diego padres.

THE PIRATES DEMAND OUR ATTENTION

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 18:58:35 -0500

Yes, I'm aware that Steeler training camp started today, and as I reported earlier, I'm tremendously excited. Just look at that schedule: New England, Dallas, San Diego, Phildelphia, the Giants, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Washington...and we haven't even broached the subject of their AFC North rivals. It's going to be interesting.

Usually, the start of training camp marks the unofficial end of the Pirate season around these parts. Bay, Sanchez, and Wilson gets replaced by Ben, Santonio, and Willie in the daily headlines.

But the Pirates are doing their best to retain fan interest at least for a short while longer, despite the start of Camp Tomlin.

Friday night was a wild ride of rumors that finally ended up in the trade of OF Xavier Nady and LHP Damaso Marte to the New York Yankees. The return on the trade was originally reported as OF Jose Tabata, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, LHP George Kontos, and LHP Phil Coke.

Pirates Nation quickly broke out their Management Disapproval Rubber Stamp throughout the internet, comparing the new regime to the Littlefields and Bonifays that preceeded them. But there was one problem: that wasn't the actual trade.

No, the Pirates actually received Tabata, Ohlendorf, and pitchers Daniel McCutchen and Jeff Karstens as compensation for their part in trying to help the Yankees get to the 2008 World Series. Predictably, statements were revised (by most) who felt that this trade was an improvement over the previously-reported haul. Although Joe Buck and Buster Olney still think the Yankees ripped us off, for what that's worth.

What do I think? Well, this is kind of like evaluating the NFL draft the morning after. It's pretty much just a guess on anyone's part, because no one can see into the future and know how a player will pan out, with the possible exception of Billy Beane.

I'm not going to lie: I do not scour minor-league sites and message boards and have very little knowledge of these prospects outside of what I've recently read. As the proprietor of a website whose audience takes nearly as much satisfaction from bizarre off-the-field news as on-the-field reports, I can say that a player like Tabata could be absolutely fascinating. A high-upside player with a Manny Ramirez-esque mentality? Where do I sign up? The Pirates haven't seen a personality like this in a long time. We're more conditioned to the bland personas and lack of ego that result in 68-win seasons. It's nice to have a potential sign of life down the road.

And tell me the possibility of a lineup populated by Tabata, Pedro Alvarez, and Andrew McCutchen doesn't intrigue you at least somewhat?

In addition to Tabata, the Pirates are receiving not one, not two, but three potential major league starting pitchers. For a team that was trotting John Van Benschoten out every fifth day, that's a step in the right direction.

Tabata is like a high-risk, high-reward stock. He might have a screw loose and he's had some injury issues, but he was considered untouchable for a long time by the Yankee braintrust. It's a different take on the usual high-risk, no-reward players the Pirates targeted, and I think a step in the right direction for at least trying something different.

The three pitchers will probably never be confused with Maddux, Glavine, and Smoltz, but I'm hoping they won't be confused with Van Benschoten, Bryan Bullington, and Bobby Bradley either.

So life goes on for the Pirates and their fans. It was a bit surreal watching Nady and Marte immediately thrust into the heat of a Yankee-Red Sox matchup right off the bat on Saturday, but I guess that's something we'll get used to. We'll also be getting used to watching young OF Steve Pearce on a regular basis, which might be fun. And yes, with this move and others that may come, we'll be getting used to another losing season in pursuit of a winner sometime down the road.

More Pirate news:

--Despite the absence of Nady and Marte, the show must go on. Unfortunately, the Padres took another one with a 3-1 victory over Paul Maholm and the Pirates on Sunday. Jake Peavy struck out 10 and limited the Pirates to just four hits; Maholm pitched an equally strong seven innings, allowing four hits and one run while whiffing nine. Unfortunately, John Grabow offered up two gopherballs [Scott Hairston and Josh Bard], which left the Pirates at 48-57.

--I said it Friday, and I'll say it again: if you haven't checked out Dejan Kovacevic's new blog, you're doing yourself a great disservice. He's been all over the trade and everything else Pirate since its inception.

--Barney Dreyfuss, former owner of the Pirates who paid for the construction of Forbes Field out of his own pocket at a cost of $2 million, was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Dreyfuss ran the Buccos from 1900-1932 and oversaw six NL pennants, two World Series titles, and just five losing seasons. If you ask me, his legacy has been greatly overshadowed in Pittsburgh sports history.

--Could Bay, Grabow, or Wilson be the next to go? As Branch Rickey would say, "You can finish last without them."

--The Pirates rank 20th in Paul Meyer's latest Power Rankings.

--The Pirates Charities auction on Saturday night was a huge success and will assist in the building of the region's first Miracle League Field, a baseball field designed to accommodate children with special needs.

SEND YOUR TIPS, LINKS & FEEDBACK: mondesishouse@gmail.com

Overhyped: Andy Marte and John Van Benschoten

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:24:47 -0500

The following young men have been hyped as "Can't Miss Prospects", but they've obviously been overhyped and they surely are missing. The Suspects- Andy Marte and John Van Benschoten. Marte has been hyped by the Braves, Red Sox, and Indians but he's quickly falling off the map batting .198 with an ugly .594 OPS over 4 seasons. He's been linked to Edgar Renteria, Kelly Shoppach, Guillermo Mota, Coco Crisp, David Riske, and Josh Bard, but doesn't hold a candle to any of them. Van Benschoten is a former 1st round pick but has this horrific carrer line- 2-12, 8.66 era, 2.07 whip, and more walks than strikeouts...ouch! For the full article about these two flubs click on URL.

San Diego battery had no luck last night

Thu, 22 May 2008 09:17:39 -0500

Albert Pujols had a bad 10 minutes last night. But not as bad as the Padres pitcher and catcher combination of Chris Young and Josh Bard. Pujols hit a ball that hit Young in between the eyes, causing a large gash and heavy bleeding. Two plays later, a Troy Glaus single caused a play at the plate in which Albert slid right into Bard's ankle bending it in a direction it naturally shouldn't go.

Blog Podge: Fantasy Baseball Update

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:15:59 -0500

Fantasy baseball news and notes from around the blogosphere and local newspapers.

Fantasy Baseball Sizzlers and Fizzlers

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 13:58:11 -0500

In "Sizzlers and Fizzles," I will evaluate the past week's performances, injuries, and job security, and then predict which players will sizzle (do well) or fizzle (drop off) in the upcoming week. We'll get you started with Andre Ethier (OF, Los Angeles Dodgers). In probably the most shocking lineup move, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Joe Torre opted to tab Andre Ethier the starting RF over incumbent Juan Pierre. It's shocking for a few reasons: (1) It's the correct move. (2) Joe Torre tends to favor veterans. (3) Juan Pierre will make $36.5 million over the next four seasons. Ethier might be on short-leash, but at least it's a leash. Ethier is a huge talent who is finally getting a shot, so he's a good option in the fantasy world.

San Diego Padres 2008 Fantasy Team Preview

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:59:47 -0500

We continue our fantasy baseball team previews, taking a look at what 2008 holds for the San Diego Padres, highlighting key offseason moves, projected starters, players to draft/avoid and sleepers.

2008 Fantasy Catcher Rankings: NL West

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:10:39 -0500

Here's the fantasy catcher rankings for the NL West. Look closely at these guys as three of the teams are using platoon situations right now, which will degrade valuations for all those players involved.

Ranking MLB Catchers : You Rank Them, You Win!!!

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:17:35 -0500

Wow!!! After posting the idea of winning a $25 Gift Card to Best Buy for the first entry that lists all 30 players and ranks them correctly yesterday, my e-mail was flooded by you guys. So good news/bad news out of that. The bad news is, instead of you ranking the Short Stops, you'll be ranking the Catchers. This was done because some of you said you'd already started with the Short Stops, this will make the contest a little more interesting. The good news is, you get to do some research on Catchers, and still have a chance to win the $25 Gift Card. The first e-mail I receive that is the closest to my rankings will win!!!