Welcome back baseball fans to THE NatsGM Live Analysis of the 2014 MLB Winter Meetings – Day 2. Yesterday was a relatively light day until late-night, when the Chicago White Sox turned the meetings on its ear, signing Yankee closer David Robertson and trading for Oakland pitcher Jeff Samardzija.
Today we should expect to see plenty of Jon Lester rumors and potentially his signing, along with the potential for major trades including Matt Kemp and Justin Upton. Please join me via the Comments Section or on Twitter @NatsGMdotcom to share your thoughts on the many transactions these next 4 days.
9:30am Update -> Although we are still awaiting official word on the Samardzija trade, Jon Heyman and others have confirmed the White Sox signing of David Robertson. Clearly the best closer option on the market this winter, Robertson did an admirable job taking over for Mariano Rivera as the Yankees’ closer.
Possessing a strong fastball and once of the best sliders in baseball, Robertson profiles well as a strikeout-inducing, walk limiting relief pitcher. Many teams seemed to be interested in offering him a three year deal, and the White Sox were able to snag him likely by guaranteeing a 4th year. While it is difficult to defend a 4-year contract to a relief pitcher, Robertson is exactly the type of impact arm Chicago’s bullpen needed, and he immediately and massively upgrades a spot of weakness for the White Sox.
On it’s own, I am not a huge fan of this deal, as 4-years and $46 million is extremely expensive for someone you hope pitches 280 innings the next 4 years. For reference, the White Sox will conservatively be paying him $164,000 per inning the next few years. That said not every move is made in a vacuum, and with the team making numerous upgrades to the roster already this offseason, Robertson was a necessary signing to stabilize the bullpen and roster. Robertson, along with Adam LaRoche and Samardzija, makes the White Sox a legitimate playoff contender in 2015.
Also a small “shout-out” to White Sox GM Rick Hahn, who I believe is the most underrated general manager in the game today. He receives very little mention in conversations about excellent front office men, but the job Hahn has done remaking their roster since taking over has been masterful.
11:30am Update -> Various media outlets are now confirming the Samardzija to Chicago deal, with infielder Marcus Semien and pitcher Chris Bassitt as two of the three players going back to Oakland. The first two players, while major league pieces, feels like a rather underwhelming return for a top-notch starting pitcher in Samardzija. I expect either top prospects shortstop Tim Anderson or pitcher Francellis Montas to be the third player going to Oakland.
12:40pm -> Most reporters are now announcing the details of the White Sox/Athletics trade as Jeff Samardzija and Michael Ynoa to Chicago in exchange for Marcus Semien, Chris Bassitt, Josh Phegley, and Rengel Ravelo.
My immediate impression is the White Sox did extremely well here to acquire a true #2 starting pitcher without having to part with one of their top prospects. Samardzija should slot in perfectly behind Chris Sale atop the White Sox rotation. Ynoa was a major international signing a few years ago, but has struggled with injuries virtually ever since. The White Sox are taking a flyer on a change of scenery for him.
Semien should act as one of the Athletics middle infielders in 2015, and Phegley is likely to find a spot on the roster behind starter Derek Norris. I will admit to knowing little about the other two players involved (Bassitt and Ravelo) but overall this package feels light. Less than six months ago Samardzija (and Jason Hammel) returned Addison Russell and Billy McKinney – this collection of talent does not compare with that package. Assuming no other players are involved, I think this is yet another outstanding move from White Sox GM Rick Hahn.
Chicago White Sox B+ Oakland C
12:55pm Update -> Jim Bowden is reporting that the Atlanta Braves are on the verge of signing Alberto Callaspo as a free agent. I would assume Callaspo is signing to be the starting second baseman in the wake of the Tommy LaStella trade and keeping the keystone warm until prospect Jose Peraza is major league ready. However, Callapso also provides some depth at third base in case the Braves are able to unload Chris Johnson and his bloated contract this offseason.
1:45pm Update -> Multiple outlets are reporting the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to re-sign LHP Francisco Liriano for 3-years and $39 million. After struggling mightily mid-career and nearly pitching himself out of baseball, Liriano has re-emerged under the guidance of Pirates’ pitching coach Ray Searage. In fact, Liriano has provided the Pirates with 323 1/3 innings of a 3.20 ERA the last two seasons; these results do not seem fluky, as his 9.4 K/9, 4.0 BB/9, and a 52.4% groundball rate support his success.
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3:45pm Update -> Rumors are circulating that Miguel Montero is indeed heading from Arizona to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for supposedly two low-level pitching prospects. The names of the prospects involved have yet to be named, but Arizona’s primary motivation for this deal is clearing the approximately $40 million remaining on his contract.
4:10pm -> The two young pitchers going back to Arizona in the Montero deal are being reported as Jeferson Mejia and Zach Godley. Assuming Chicago undertakes the entirety of Montero’s contract, I think Arizona did well to receive two arms in addition to the salary relief.
But that does not mean I think this is a poor deal for the Cubs, quite the contrary – Montero is a solid defensive catcher with excellent pitch framing skills and has solid offensive numbers against RHPs. In addition, his veteran presence should be a positive influence on the young Chicago pitching staff. If the Cubs can platoon him with Wellington Castillo (or another right-handed bat), Montero should provide league-average or slightly better offensive production.
In general I think both teams did well in this swap, but I probably prefer the Arizona side of the trade, simply due to their acknowledgement of where they are in the rebuilding process and clearing $40 million dollars in future payroll is significant.
Arizona Diamondbacks B Chicago Cubs B/B-
6:20pm Update -> Things in San Diego have slowed down this afternoon, with more rumors and speculation than actual activity. Earlier this afternoon some rumors were floated that the Nationals were discussing a trade with the Texas Rangers, with talks involving starting pitchers Doug Fister and/or Jordan Zimmermann for Washington and Rougned Odor for Texas. I would anticipate the Nationals are willing to part with Fister for Odor, perhaps with sweeteners on either side and Texas wants Zimmermann for Odor.
Texas, much like the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks, have developed some enviable depth in the middle infield, so naturally Washington will be linked to these teams all winter. However, a swap between these teams makes so much sense that the rumors cannot be dismissed as “hot air”.
8:50pm Update ->
My impression of the current negotiations between Jon Daniels and Mike Rizzo over Doug Fister, Jordan Zimmermann, and Rougned Odor.
11pm Update -> We are still playing the waiting game, as Jon Lester is supposedly deciding between Chicago and Boston. This decision is shaping up as the key domino in the offseason, as seemingly his deal will have a chain-like effect on the rest of the market.
Until he makes a decision, or until another transaction occurs, I recommend everyone grab a cold beer… Cheers!
Midnight Update -> And with that, Day 2 of the 2014 MLB Winter Meetings have come to a close, at least here on the east coast. I will return tomorrow to provide Live Analysis of Day 3. Thanks for joining me the past two days, and I am eager for a busier day on Wednesday.