Yardbarker: Mark Teixeira

Economy Direct Reflection on Arbitration

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:19:38 -0500

Economy Direct Reflection on Arbitration

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:59:09 -0500

When Philadelphians awoke yesterday morning and opened their copies of the Daily News or Inquirer, many were surprised to see that the Phillies didn't offer arbitration to Jaime Moyer or Pat Burrell. Some people reacted angrily, thinking it meant that two key cogs on the 2008 World Championship team would not be returning, some were frustrated, and some just didn't care. I myself was surprised. While I didn't take the angry road, I thought it was the first stupid move of the Ruben Amaro Era. I figured Moyer would return regardless, and other teams might shy away from him if it meant sacrificing a first round draft pick for a 46 year-old pitcher. As far as Burrell, my assumption was that he'll get the multi-year deal he's looking for and given his age the odds of him accepting arbitration would be remote. Even if the Phillies have no intention of re-signing him (which has become obvious), they would at least receive two high draft picks as compensation. After thinking about it some more, I finally understood why arbitration wasn't offered to these players. With the state of the struggling economy, even multi-million dollar sports franchises are on a budget and have to protect themselves from excess spending. Let's look at the cases of Moyer & Burrell and why arbitration was not offered. The Phillies have had ongoing negotiations with Moyer. Depending what media source you are reading, the hold up is Moyer wants a multi-year deal and the Phillies are offering only one year. While a multi-year deal will most likely come to pass, say the Phillies are offering Moyer one year at $7 million; roughly a raise of $2 million from his 2008 salary. Now say the Phillies do not budge on one year, but arbitration is on the table. Moyer can accept the arbitration and submit a figure for $9 million. Well instead of the Phillies negotiating with Moyer and working a deal out, it goes directly to a third party to decide. Given the fact Moyer is a 22-year veteran who led the Phillies in wins last season (16), there's a good chance the Phillies will lose that arbitration hearing. Financially it makes more sense for the Phillies to give Moyer a two-year deal with a lower annual salary, then one year at a higher rate. Burrell is a different story. Burrell, like a lot of players, is looking for a big multi-year deal. He's coming off a season where he just made over $14 million, and behind Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira is the best free agent hitter. Odds are he'll get the contract he wants, but with the unsettling economy a lot of players aren't going to get the money they are looking for. It might make sense for Burrell to accept arbitration and play one more season in Philadelphia, then hit the free agent market next offseason with hopes the economy is improved and teams are again freely spending. An arbitrator is not going to give Burrell a decrease in pay, meaning Burrell would be on payroll for upwards of $17 million for the season. That simply isn't in the Phillies budget. Even with Burrell's 2008 salary being shed from the payroll, the team's payroll is going to go up. With 10 players up for arbitration heavy raises are due. Another thing to factor in when it comes to Burrell is the Phillies want to give an extension to Ryan Madson and Jayson Werth (both free agents after the 2009 season), and buy out the arbitration years for Cole Hamels. Should Burrell return with his hefty salary, this will not happen. Don't get me wrong. The Phillies franchise isn't hurting for money. They made plenty of money with last season's title run, but there's no guarantee that they will make that type of money this season. Fans will not be spending what they did last season. Sure, fans are still going to buy tickets and Citizens Bank Park might still be filled nightly, but maybe they will only buy two beers instead of three. Instead of buying two Schmitters, they'll buy a couple hot dogs. Fans won't be so ready to buy a new hat in the Majestic Clubhouse Store. They'll realize last years hat isn't too dirty, and is still in good shape (besides, dirty hats have character). I think you see my point. In this economy every dollar counts, so fans will cut corners when attending the games because it's more important to have a little money in the bank "just in case", instead of living like there's no tomorrow. This isn't just a Philadelphia thing. Look at some of the names that weren't offered arbitration. Bobby Abreu, Andy Pettitte, Kerry Wood, Edgar Renteria, Adam Dunn, Joe Beimel, & Randy Wolf all weren't offered arbitration. Around the league, all teams (even empty pocket clubs like the Yankees), are forgoing potential draft picks in order to keep their payroll in order. The potential ends don't justify the means. It's easy to think that fat cat owners are just being cheap by not spending their way to a World Series title, but that's an ignorant way to look at things. A recession doesn't just affect the Average Joe like you and I but multi-million dollar athletes and sports franchises as well. It will be interesting to see how the baseball's offseason continues to unfold.

24 Free Agents offered arbitration deals

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:33:22 -0500

MLB Trade Rumors has the list of free agents that were offered arbitration deals before midnight last night: Type A (15 players) A.J. Burnett Orlando Cabrera Juan Cruz Brian Fuentes Orlando Hudson Raul Ibanez Derek Lowe Darren Oliver Oliver Perez Manny Ramirez Francisco Rodriguez C.C. Sabathia Ben Sheets Mark Teixeira Jason Varitek Type B (9 players) Casey Blake Milton Bradley Paul Byrd Jon...

Click the link to read more...

Arbitration Day

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:22:17 -0500

All is still quiet on the Phillies front, but expect some sort of news today, as the deadline to offer free agents arbitration approaches. The Phillies have just under seven hours to offer Jamie Moyer and Pat Burrell arbitration or the Phillies will not be compensated should they sign a deal with another team. Since both players are "Type A" free agents, the Phillies would be losing out on two high draft picks (a sandwich pick and a first or second, depending on the record of the team), if arbitration is not offered. Moyer isn't a real concern. It's a guarantee he'll be offered arbitration. The Phillies still hope to bring him back, so there would be no risk should he accept the arbitration (although he's looking for a multi-year deal). It also may sway other teams from signing the 46 year-old free agent. In an era where teams value their farm systems, not many teams will want to part with a first round pick for a player at Moyer's age. Burrell is another story. Some local media outlets are reporting the Phillies will not offer Burrell arbitration. Should this be true, it will be the first stupid move of the Amaro Era. The big fear is should Burrell accept arbitration he'd be a Phillie for at least one more season (I guess that means when the front office says they want Burrell back, it really means they don't). First, while his salary is a concern an arbitrator's not going to give him much more then he made last season ($14.25 million). Burrell was the 29th highest-paid player last year. It's reported he wants a raise to $17 million for a new contract. Only 6 players made more then $17 million last season (Alex Rodriguez, Jason Giambi, Derek Jeter, Manny Ramirez, Carlos Beltran, & Ichiro Suzuki). Burrell isn't in the class of player, and odds are wouldn't win that arbitration hearing. Even if he should come back for $16 million; would that be such a bad thing? 30 home runs and 99 RBI's aren't easy to replace. Secondly, why would Burrell accept arbitration? Sure he says he wants to remain a member of the Phillies, but at 32 he's looking for his last big contract. Taking a one year deal here in Philadelphia would only hinder that. Besides, the only way Burrell would accept arbitration is if he could not get a multi-year deal on the free agent market. That's not going to happen. Once Manny & Mark Teixeira sign, Burrell will be the next prize bat available, and someone will give him the 4 years he's looking for. For the Phillies to give up two draft picks because they are afraid Burrell might accept arbitration is ridiculous. The only way Burrell will return to Philadelphia is if they give him a multi-year deal. We all know that's not going to happen. The other two arbitration eligible players are Tom Gordon and Rudy Seanez. There's no shot either receives an offer. Gordon is still recovering from shoulder surgery, and although a "Type B" free agent, Seanez was left off the playoff roster. The Phillies don't want him back (especially through arbitration), and he's a guy who could accept.

10 Highest Paid MLB Players: Largest Salaries

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:42:44 -0500

As mega free agents CC Sabbathia, Manny Ramirez and Mark Teixeira are prime to make big money - none of those three have signed their mega deals yet. In part this because teams are moving more methodically, the economy is in shambles, and there are too many moving parts (ie, the Yankees won't chase Teixeira without having CC turn them down). See more through the link!

New York Yankees Off Season Report

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 19:09:35 -0500

Season Wrap Up
The Yankees failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 90’s due to injuries, age and the less than expected performance out of some of their up and coming pitchers Kennedy and Hughes, not to mention CF Cabrera. They finished in third place just 3 games ahead of the Blue Jays. Need I say more? If Mr. Steinbrenner (as in George Steinbrenner) were in better health, that might have spelled the end of either manger Joe Girardi or GM Brian Cashman if not both! Hal must be more patient than his father. This was not the senario they had for the final season in historic Yankee Stadium, “the House that Ruth Built”.

Holes to Fill
They desperately need a legitimate #1 starter as Wang is no better than a solid #2. They may also be in the market for another non-ace with the retirement of Mussina and the possible departure of Pettitte. Then there’s the CF decision and depending on if they resign Abreu, RF as well. There’s also the backup catcher position with the uncertainty of Posada’s ability to catch moving forward and everyone is looking for stronger bullpens, except for maybe Philly.

Free Agents

The Yankees are looking at eight free agents in Bobby Abreu, RF; Jason Giambi, 1B; Chad Moeller, C; Mike Mussina, SP; Carl Pavano, SP; Andy Pettitte, SP; Sidney Ponson, SP; Ivan Rodriguez, C. So far, SP Mike Mussina has officially retired after his first 20 win season (going out on top). I don’t see them going after C Ivan Rodriguez, SP Sidney Ponson, 1B/DH Jason Giambi nor SP Carl Pavano. They might even pay Pavano to go elsewhere. With the arm problems of Jorge Posada, they might just resign Mussina and I’m sure they’d love to have Pettitte back but recent rumors have said that he may reunite with Joe Torre in LA. That leaves RF Bobby Abreu and if they don’t find a quick replacement, they might bring him back at a lower cost, too.

As usual, the Yankees will try to make a big splash in the free agent market as they go after 1B Mark Teixeira and pitchers CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, but I don’t think they’ll stop there either, not after the dissapointment they had this year.

The Outlook
As the Yankees move into their new Stadium, I forsee the Yankees trying too hard to improve, hence making a forced move or two in an attempt to overcompensate as is their history. It will be hard for them to beat the Sox and the Rays in ‘09 with all of the holes they will need to fill in the rotation and if the Jays resign Burnett, they face the possibility of finishing even lower next year. If that happens, heads will roll!

Off Season Moves Made So Far
The addition of 1B/OF Nick Swisher will help as I see his less than average 2008 performance as a bad year that he will easily bounce back from.

Giambi?

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:41:21 -0500

While Oriole nation watches and wonders whether or not Mark Teixeira signs with Baltimore, MASN's "What They're Saying About The Orioles" notes a brief little snippet from CBS Sportsline profiles on free agent first basemen.

It mentions someone who has been nothing but a nemesis to the Orioles, ...

We are thankful for…

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 11:33:24 -0500

a??changeups

a??our beautiful new stadium

a??our memories at the old one

a??Manny Acta

a??Cantina Marina's Cajun Corn Dogs

a??Elijah Dukes, for growing up a lot and proving us all wrong

a??Ryan Zimmerman, for giving us an Opening Night to remember forever

a€¦Mark Teixeira and Scott Boras, for bringing ...

Angels Could Make Run At Epic Rotation

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 23:49:21 -0500

With the recent news of the Angels being interested in CC Sabathia, another pitchers name has been brought up as a possibility. Jake Peavy. A deal could be made where Jered Weaver and/or some other young pitching talent could be traded for Peavy. This deal could be very likely with Padres' manager Bud Black having very close relations with Mike Sciocia. Bud Black was the Angels pitching coach prior to becoming the Padres manger, and he has seen what kind of young talent the Angels possess. Another factor that could play into this trade is that Jake Peavy would be close enough to his San Diego home to where he would not have to relocate his family. If the Angels signed free agent CC Sabathia and trade for Jake Peavy, they could possibly have one of the greatest rotations in baseball history. Torii Hunter is already excited at the possibilities. He said, "Tex is a great player, and so is CC. You can't go wrong with either of those guys. As for Peavy, I faced him a couple of times in Interleague Play, and he's nasty. Great pitching wins championships." They would have 2 Cy Young award winners along with three other all-star pitchers. The rotation would include CC, Peavy, John Lackey, Ervin Santana, and Joe Saunders. All 5 of these pitchers are capable of winning 20 games and the best part about it is that they are all 28 years of age or younger. If both of these additions were made, the Angels could be set up for many World Series' to come.

Wednesday's Rumors

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:32:55 -0500

These are mostly updates of yesterday's stories...

- Mark Feinsand says that the Yankees think the Angles are bluffing when they say they're shifting their attention from Teixeira to Sabathia.

One Yankees official didn't seem too concerned with the news of the Angels' supposed interest in ...

A's trying to shake up the AL West

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 19:07:40 -0500

The Oakland Athletics, the team that traded away Joe Blanton and Rich Harden last year in what looked to be rebuilding moves, are ready to rebuild a little sooner than we thought.

They already traded for Matt Holliday, unloading underperforming Huston Street in the process. Now reports are that Rafael Furcal - whom the A's reportedly offered a 4-year, $48-million deal - toured Oakland yesterday and had lunch with GM Billy Beane.

If the Athletics can sign Furcal, he would be an upgrade over Bobby Crosby. The displaced shortstop could in turn be traded. The assumption is that there is a great chance Jason Giambi will also land with the A's, suddenly making the lineup much more formidable with Furcal, Holliday, Eric Chavez, Jack Cust and Giambi.

If the Angels lose Mark Teixeira and miss out on CC Sabathia, the tide could turn in the AL West.

What About Next Year For The Yanks

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:29:15 -0500

Everyone keeps saying that if the Yankees fail to sign CC Sabathia then they should go after some other big free agents such as Mark Teixeira and Manny Ramirez who are both looking for long-term contracts. What about next year. After the 2008 season they had many players whose contracts were up (some had options) or were eligible to sign for free agency, which meant a big amount of money coming off the payroll. To be specific: Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Damaso Marte, Sidney Ponson, Ivan Rodriguez, and Chad Moeller. If they do sign a big free agent like Mark Teixeira or Manny Ramirez to a long-term contract plus the long-term contract with Alex Rodriguez then there might not be enough money to sign that big free agent pitcher to a long-term contract next year. Ya, you could sign someone like A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe but you know that that won't be enough for the Yanks.

Angels Are Not Signing CC Sabathia

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 05:42:19 -0500

They're just blowing smoke, playing the game. See, the Angels' real target is Mark Teixeira a?" he's the one that really beefed up their team and rounded out their lineup. Adding Sabathia would just make the Angels pitching heavy but still leave their lineup vulnerable. Sure, he's a nice addition for any [...]

Angels Ready to Offer C.C. Big Contract?

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:42:53 -0500

From the LA Times:

The Angels, unwilling to meet Mark Teixeira's desire for a 10-year contract, are in discussions with CC Sabathia and could offer him a contract that approaches the $140-million bid extended to him by the New York Yankees.

The Angels appear reluctant to guarantee more than seven ...

Starting Pitchers: Sabathia and Peavy Rumors...

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:08:00 -0500

CC Sabathia:

The LA Times reports that the Angels are in the hunt for CC Sabathia. Club is in discussions with the free-agent pitcher and could offer him a contract that approaches the $140-million offered by the New York Yankees.

The Angels have backed off Mark Teixeira for now and have turned their full attention to Sabathia.

Teixeira remains the Angels' top priority -- the club would sign him but does not want to miss out on Sabathia while waiting to see whether Teixeira's asking price falls. The Angels are not believed to have made a formal offer to either player.

Jake Peavy:

The Chicago Sun-Times' Gordon Wittenmyer asked Piniella at an event in Chicago on Sunday whether the Cubs were still pursuing starting pitching in the wake of their four-year contract extension with free agent right-hander Ryan Dempster.

"No," Piniella was quoted as saying in Tuesday's Sun-Times. "Starting we don't need. We're set. We've got six good starters, and they're all experienced. Getting Dempster back was the key. We're in good shape with our starting pitching. Bullpen-wise, [we're looking for] possibly one more experienced pitcher. We've got a lot of young kids out there."

Piniella's comments make the Cubs the second team to publicly distance itself from rumors about Peavy, who is being shopped by the San Diego Padres. The Braves, considered at the time the leading contender to land Peavy's services, stopped actively pursuing the right-hander on Nov. 14.

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Can the Mets jump in the on the Peavy sweepstakes??? He wants to be in the NL and now everyone appears not interested anymore..

Can You Imagine the Rotation, if Peavy was the only acquisition:

Santana
Peavy
Maine
Pelfrey
Niese

Mets would have to compensate him to break his no-trade, but it would be definitely worth it.