That contract, same as the Dodgers was negotiated some time ago.fkreutz wrote:Anyone else notice that less than a week after giving Pujols $254M, FOX gave the Angels $3B. that's what a good businessman does. Put a quality product on the field and see a huge rise in revenues. Wish Dolan was as forward thinking......
Re: Articles
1097DALLAS, Texas -- Asked about his reaction to Albert Pujols signing with the Los Angeles Angels, Indians GM Chris Antonetti said, "I would have preferred that he stayed in the National League."
The Angels signed Pujols to a reported 10-year, $254 million deal early Thursday morning. Then they signed left-hander C.J. Wilson to a reported five-year, $77.5 million package. Those signings followed a week in which the Miami Marlins signed Heath Bell, Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle for a combined $191 million.
The Indians countered with five days of talk. Their only player move was designating prospect Hector Rondon for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Grady Sizemore. Rondon, recovering from right elbow surgery, cleared waivers Thursday and was outrighted to Class AAA Columbus.
Antonetti was not surprised at the amount of money that the Marlins and Angels spent. When asked about being able to compete with teams with that kind of payroll, Antonetti said, "It's our job to find a way to stay competitive, to figure out a way to win.
"It doesn't necessarily make it any easier, but that's part of the business. We have to challenge ourselves to make the best decisions we can and just focus on what we can do to improve our team and win as many games as we can."
Antonetti left the meetings feeling he was just a couple of text messages away from making a deal.
Here’s one item that you can’t do without as the winter meetings come to a close at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas.
On July 2, MLB’s 30 teams will be reduced to spending $2.9 million each on international free agents. Until then it’s business as usual which bodes well for Cuban defectors Yoenis Cespedes, Jorge Soler and any other who isn’t covered by the amateur draft.
The agents for Cespedes were at the winter meetings drumming up business for the 26-year-old outfielder. He’s expected to sign for close to $40 million. Soler, 19, will probably get mad money as well.
Cespedes has been working out for teams in the Dominican Republic for the last month. Most baseball people feel he has big-league ability, but will probably have to start his career at Class AA. First, MLB has to declare them free agents. That could take several weeks.
As for the Indians’ next step internationally, director of scouting John Mirabelli is leaving for a tournament in Taiwan.
— Paul Hoynes
"I think we were able to further some of the discussions we've had on trades and free agents while we were here," he said. "Hopefully, that has led us closer to a deal that will allow us to improve the team.
"It could happen very quickly. There are some things we could be relatively close on. As we've said a bunch of times, the timing may change and it will take weeks for it to happen."
Outfielder Josh Willingham is one player the Indians have discussed. He's a right-handed hitter with power, but the Indians have yet to make an offer. Willingham, who made $6 million last year with Oakland, is seeking a three-year deal.
The Twins are interested in Willingham if they can't re-sign Michael Cuddyer. Jason Kubel and Cuddyer turned down arbitration offers from the Twins on Wednesday. First baseman Derek Lee turned down the Pirates' arbitration offer. The Indians have expressed interest in the right-handed hitting Lee, but so far it hasn't been returned.
Reliever Francisco Rodriguez did accept arbitration and it could cost the Brewers over $11 million on a one-year deal.
The Indians traded for Derek Lowe and signed Sizemore before the start of the meetings.
Minor matters: The Indians lost two players in the Class AAA phase of the Rule 5 draft.
The Twins took right-hander Marty Popham from Class AA Akron. Popham was 0-1 with a 7.24 ERA in 22 appearances, including 16 starts at Akron. He was 6-2 with a 4.19 ERA in 22 games, including 16 starts at Class A Kinston.
The Marlins took outfielder Donnie Webb off Akron's roster. Webb hit .214 (56-for-256) with 10 doubles, three triples, two homers and 24 RBI in 85 games. He stole 14 bases in 19 attempts.
The Angels signed Pujols to a reported 10-year, $254 million deal early Thursday morning. Then they signed left-hander C.J. Wilson to a reported five-year, $77.5 million package. Those signings followed a week in which the Miami Marlins signed Heath Bell, Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle for a combined $191 million.
The Indians countered with five days of talk. Their only player move was designating prospect Hector Rondon for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Grady Sizemore. Rondon, recovering from right elbow surgery, cleared waivers Thursday and was outrighted to Class AAA Columbus.
Antonetti was not surprised at the amount of money that the Marlins and Angels spent. When asked about being able to compete with teams with that kind of payroll, Antonetti said, "It's our job to find a way to stay competitive, to figure out a way to win.
"It doesn't necessarily make it any easier, but that's part of the business. We have to challenge ourselves to make the best decisions we can and just focus on what we can do to improve our team and win as many games as we can."
Antonetti left the meetings feeling he was just a couple of text messages away from making a deal.
Here’s one item that you can’t do without as the winter meetings come to a close at the Hilton Anatole Hotel in Dallas.
On July 2, MLB’s 30 teams will be reduced to spending $2.9 million each on international free agents. Until then it’s business as usual which bodes well for Cuban defectors Yoenis Cespedes, Jorge Soler and any other who isn’t covered by the amateur draft.
The agents for Cespedes were at the winter meetings drumming up business for the 26-year-old outfielder. He’s expected to sign for close to $40 million. Soler, 19, will probably get mad money as well.
Cespedes has been working out for teams in the Dominican Republic for the last month. Most baseball people feel he has big-league ability, but will probably have to start his career at Class AA. First, MLB has to declare them free agents. That could take several weeks.
As for the Indians’ next step internationally, director of scouting John Mirabelli is leaving for a tournament in Taiwan.
— Paul Hoynes
"I think we were able to further some of the discussions we've had on trades and free agents while we were here," he said. "Hopefully, that has led us closer to a deal that will allow us to improve the team.
"It could happen very quickly. There are some things we could be relatively close on. As we've said a bunch of times, the timing may change and it will take weeks for it to happen."
Outfielder Josh Willingham is one player the Indians have discussed. He's a right-handed hitter with power, but the Indians have yet to make an offer. Willingham, who made $6 million last year with Oakland, is seeking a three-year deal.
The Twins are interested in Willingham if they can't re-sign Michael Cuddyer. Jason Kubel and Cuddyer turned down arbitration offers from the Twins on Wednesday. First baseman Derek Lee turned down the Pirates' arbitration offer. The Indians have expressed interest in the right-handed hitting Lee, but so far it hasn't been returned.
Reliever Francisco Rodriguez did accept arbitration and it could cost the Brewers over $11 million on a one-year deal.
The Indians traded for Derek Lowe and signed Sizemore before the start of the meetings.
Minor matters: The Indians lost two players in the Class AAA phase of the Rule 5 draft.
The Twins took right-hander Marty Popham from Class AA Akron. Popham was 0-1 with a 7.24 ERA in 22 appearances, including 16 starts at Akron. He was 6-2 with a 4.19 ERA in 22 games, including 16 starts at Class A Kinston.
The Marlins took outfielder Donnie Webb off Akron's roster. Webb hit .214 (56-for-256) with 10 doubles, three triples, two homers and 24 RBI in 85 games. He stole 14 bases in 19 attempts.
Re: Articles
1098Indians signed OF Felix Pie to a minor league contract.
He'll get an invite to spring training and can earn up to $1 million if he makes the team and hits his performance bonuses. If he doesn't make the Opening Day roster, he can request his release. Pie has managed just a .249/.298/.374 batting line with 17 homers and 20 steals over 964 career major league at-bats but will turn just 27 in February and still has a shot to at least be a useful extra outfielder.
Dec 11 - 1:51 PM
He'll get an invite to spring training and can earn up to $1 million if he makes the team and hits his performance bonuses. If he doesn't make the Opening Day roster, he can request his release. Pie has managed just a .249/.298/.374 batting line with 17 homers and 20 steals over 964 career major league at-bats but will turn just 27 in February and still has a shot to at least be a useful extra outfielder.
Dec 11 - 1:51 PM
Re: Articles
1099Nick Camino of WTAM 1100 in Cleveland reports that Josh Willingham has narrowed his choices to the Twins and Indians.
Camino reported Saturday that Willingham was down to four teams, but he says the Rockies and Mariners are now out of the picture. The Twins are likely viewing Willingham as a back-up plan if they're unable to re-sign Michael Cuddyer. The Indians, meanwhile, have yet to make an offer to the 32-year-old but are having an ongoing dialogue with the outfielder's representatives.
Related: Indians, Twins
Camino reported Saturday that Willingham was down to four teams, but he says the Rockies and Mariners are now out of the picture. The Twins are likely viewing Willingham as a back-up plan if they're unable to re-sign Michael Cuddyer. The Indians, meanwhile, have yet to make an offer to the 32-year-old but are having an ongoing dialogue with the outfielder's representatives.
Related: Indians, Twins
Re: Articles
1100I know they need an upgrade over LaPorta, but somehow I don't think this guy is it:
Indians In Serious Talks With Jose Lopez
By Mike Axisa [December 13, 2011 at 9:47pm CST]
In an effort to balance out their predominantly left-handed lineup, the Indians are in serious talks with infielder Jose Lopez according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. This is another indication that the team is beginning to sour on Matt LaPorta.
Lopez, 28, provides a right-handed bat and some versatility, having spent considerable time at all four infield spots throughout his career. He hit just .216/.245/.372 with eight homers in 242 plate appearances for the Rockies and Marlins this past season, but he'd hit .285/.313/.453 in the two season prior to that. Lopez is a .278/.312/.400 career hitter against southpaws.
Indians In Serious Talks With Jose Lopez
By Mike Axisa [December 13, 2011 at 9:47pm CST]
In an effort to balance out their predominantly left-handed lineup, the Indians are in serious talks with infielder Jose Lopez according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. This is another indication that the team is beginning to sour on Matt LaPorta.
Lopez, 28, provides a right-handed bat and some versatility, having spent considerable time at all four infield spots throughout his career. He hit just .216/.245/.372 with eight homers in 242 plate appearances for the Rockies and Marlins this past season, but he'd hit .285/.313/.453 in the two season prior to that. Lopez is a .278/.312/.400 career hitter against southpaws.
Re: Articles
1102Baseball's new labor deal includes video replays on fair-or-foul and trapped-ball calls, pending umpires' approval
NEW YORK, New York -- Baseball's new labor contract includes more video replay, the chance for a longer All-Star break and a small, but likely welcome perk for players: the chance to get a private room instead of a roommate during spring training.
The Associated Press obtained the document that includes several changes, many starting next year. Among them:
• Allowing teams from the same division to meet in the playoffs before the league championship series.
• A ban on players getting tattoos with corporate logos.
• The possibility of players wearing microphones during games.
Players have already ratified the hundreds of pages contained in Major League Baseball's Memorandum of Understanding. Owners are scheduled to vote Thursday.
Also part of the deal: Any big leaguer who wants to change uniform numbers without switching teams better give eight months' notice unless he's willing to buy warehouses full of his overstocked jerseys.
MLB wants to expand replay to include fair-or-foul calls, "whether a fly ball or line drive was trapped" and fan interference all around the ballpark. Umpires still must give their approval and it's uncertain whether the extra replay will be in place by opening day.
Video review began in August 2008, but only to look at potential home runs.
The All-Star break will be expanded to four days, rather than the traditional three-day gap. The five-year deal says starting in 2013 that MLB "shall have the right to elect to switch the All-Star game from Tuesday to Wednesday and the Home Run Derby from Monday to Tuesday." Sixty-nine of 82 All-Star games have been played on Tuesday, according to STATS LLC.
Gone, too, are the days of roommates, something that dates back decades, to the days players rode the rails to Florida. Now, all players on 40-man rosters are assured of single rooms during spring training. They've had that perk during the regular season since 1997.
And for players thinking about selling ads on their bodies, MLB has thought ahead. The agreement says "no player may have any visible markings or logos tattooed on his body" as part of the uniform regulations.
"Just trying to head something off at the pass," said Rob Manfred, baseball's executive vice president for labor relations.
The NFL has a rule against "unauthorized commercial identification," according to spokesman Greg Aiello, and the NBA has a rule banning corporate insignia, spokesman Mike Bass said. Baseball appears to be the first U.S. major pro league to specifically ban commercial tattoos.
Quick uniform number switches will be a thing of the past.
Players must tell the commissioner's office by July 31 of the preceding year if they want a new jersey. That is, unless "the player (or someone on his behalf) purchases the existing finished goods inventory of apparel containing the player's jersey number." As in, every replica jersey, jacket, T-shirt, mug and anything else with a number that's anywhere in stock.
The deal also bans players and team officials from asking official scorers to reconsider decisions -- clubs must instead send video to MLB to appeal calls -- and increases punishments for slow-moving hitters and pitchers, raising pace-of-game fines up to $10,000 each for the sixth violation and beyond.
There are several provisions regarding players' conduct. They include:
• A ban on players betting with illegal bookies on any sport.
• New language allowing the commissioner to discipline players for violating federal, state or local law or for conduct "materially detrimental or materially prejudicial to the best interests of baseball."
• Possible suspensions for intentionally throwing a ball or equipment at non-uniformed personnel with the intention of causing bodily harm; for assaulting fans, media or umpires; or for making public statements that question the integrity of the game, the umpires, the commissioner or the commissioner's staff.
"Just want to make sure our rules are up to date," Manfred said. "In general we looked at the rules and thought we had some things that could be tighter."
Players also can be disciplined for violating MLB's social media policy, which still is being developed.
The agreement calls for nicknames written on equipment to "not reasonably likely to offend fans, business partners, players and others associated with the game."
Eliminating a practice of some teams, there is a prohibition on "taxi squads" -- calling up players from the minors and not activating them. Also, teams may only invite players to offseason minicamps if they are not yet eligible for salary arbitration.
The deal includes a new schedule format starting in 2013, when there will be six five-team divisions, with no more than 20 interleague games per team. Teams will play 17 or 18 times against division opponents, with the exact format still to be worked out.
And there's at least one issue still to be decided.
For the postseason, the sides agreed to negotiate on tiebreaker rules -- do teams tied for the last wild-card berth meet on the field, or will the tie be broken by a formula?
NEW YORK, New York -- Baseball's new labor contract includes more video replay, the chance for a longer All-Star break and a small, but likely welcome perk for players: the chance to get a private room instead of a roommate during spring training.
The Associated Press obtained the document that includes several changes, many starting next year. Among them:
• Allowing teams from the same division to meet in the playoffs before the league championship series.
• A ban on players getting tattoos with corporate logos.
• The possibility of players wearing microphones during games.
Players have already ratified the hundreds of pages contained in Major League Baseball's Memorandum of Understanding. Owners are scheduled to vote Thursday.
Also part of the deal: Any big leaguer who wants to change uniform numbers without switching teams better give eight months' notice unless he's willing to buy warehouses full of his overstocked jerseys.
MLB wants to expand replay to include fair-or-foul calls, "whether a fly ball or line drive was trapped" and fan interference all around the ballpark. Umpires still must give their approval and it's uncertain whether the extra replay will be in place by opening day.
Video review began in August 2008, but only to look at potential home runs.
The All-Star break will be expanded to four days, rather than the traditional three-day gap. The five-year deal says starting in 2013 that MLB "shall have the right to elect to switch the All-Star game from Tuesday to Wednesday and the Home Run Derby from Monday to Tuesday." Sixty-nine of 82 All-Star games have been played on Tuesday, according to STATS LLC.
Gone, too, are the days of roommates, something that dates back decades, to the days players rode the rails to Florida. Now, all players on 40-man rosters are assured of single rooms during spring training. They've had that perk during the regular season since 1997.
And for players thinking about selling ads on their bodies, MLB has thought ahead. The agreement says "no player may have any visible markings or logos tattooed on his body" as part of the uniform regulations.
"Just trying to head something off at the pass," said Rob Manfred, baseball's executive vice president for labor relations.
The NFL has a rule against "unauthorized commercial identification," according to spokesman Greg Aiello, and the NBA has a rule banning corporate insignia, spokesman Mike Bass said. Baseball appears to be the first U.S. major pro league to specifically ban commercial tattoos.
Quick uniform number switches will be a thing of the past.
Players must tell the commissioner's office by July 31 of the preceding year if they want a new jersey. That is, unless "the player (or someone on his behalf) purchases the existing finished goods inventory of apparel containing the player's jersey number." As in, every replica jersey, jacket, T-shirt, mug and anything else with a number that's anywhere in stock.
The deal also bans players and team officials from asking official scorers to reconsider decisions -- clubs must instead send video to MLB to appeal calls -- and increases punishments for slow-moving hitters and pitchers, raising pace-of-game fines up to $10,000 each for the sixth violation and beyond.
There are several provisions regarding players' conduct. They include:
• A ban on players betting with illegal bookies on any sport.
• New language allowing the commissioner to discipline players for violating federal, state or local law or for conduct "materially detrimental or materially prejudicial to the best interests of baseball."
• Possible suspensions for intentionally throwing a ball or equipment at non-uniformed personnel with the intention of causing bodily harm; for assaulting fans, media or umpires; or for making public statements that question the integrity of the game, the umpires, the commissioner or the commissioner's staff.
"Just want to make sure our rules are up to date," Manfred said. "In general we looked at the rules and thought we had some things that could be tighter."
Players also can be disciplined for violating MLB's social media policy, which still is being developed.
The agreement calls for nicknames written on equipment to "not reasonably likely to offend fans, business partners, players and others associated with the game."
Eliminating a practice of some teams, there is a prohibition on "taxi squads" -- calling up players from the minors and not activating them. Also, teams may only invite players to offseason minicamps if they are not yet eligible for salary arbitration.
The deal includes a new schedule format starting in 2013, when there will be six five-team divisions, with no more than 20 interleague games per team. Teams will play 17 or 18 times against division opponents, with the exact format still to be worked out.
And there's at least one issue still to be decided.
For the postseason, the sides agreed to negotiate on tiebreaker rules -- do teams tied for the last wild-card berth meet on the field, or will the tie be broken by a formula?
Re: Articles
1103Who here is surprised that Butthead Selig is now amenable to expanding the universe of plays on which instant replay can be used, in spite of having said earlier that he would oppose it?
For better or worse (and I honestly don't know which it will be), the expansion will continue.
For better or worse (and I honestly don't know which it will be), the expansion will continue.
Re: Articles
1104I agree with the Fair/Foul call subject to replay but the trapped ball call I disagree with. The trapped ball call is a safe/out call and that should not be subject to replay.
Just my opinion.
Just my opinion.
Re: Articles
1106Booming bat earns Asdrubal Cabrera Indians' Man of the Year honor
Published: Thursday, December 15, 2011, 6:00 AM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
With 25 homers and 92 RBI in 2010, Asdrubal Cabrera was an easy choice as the Indians' player of the year.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The right piece of advice can do marvelous things. Look what it did for Asdrubal Cabrera, the Cleveland Indians' Man of the Year for 2011.
In spring training, veteran second baseman Orlando Cabrera watched Asdrubal Cabrera take batting practice. He saw him drive balls over the fence and to the deepest parts of the practice fields in Goodyear, Ariz.
"Why don't you swing like that during games?" the elder Cabrera asked. The shortstop replied that he was more concerned about making contact and hitting for average. Orlando Cabrera told him to look for his pitch at least once a game and try to drive the ball.
Turned out to be good advice.
Asdrubal Cabrera hit 25 homers and drove in 92 runs, both career highs, to become the driving force on an offense that helped the Indians jump from 69 to 80 victories between 2010 and 2011. Cabrera was the AL's starting shortstop in the All-Star Game when Derek Jeter withdrew because of injury. He was a finalist for the Gold Glove and won the AL Silver Slugger for shortstops and the $50,000 bonus that went with it.
Cabrera ended the year hitting .273 with 87 runs, 32 doubles, three triples, 17 steals in 22 attempts and a .792 OPS in 151 games. Before last season, Cabrera had 18 homers in just over three years in the big leagues.
He hit .325 (79-for-243) with runners on base and .309 (43-for-139) with runners in scoring position. Of his 92 RBI, 32 tied the score or put the Indians ahead.
After hitting .293 with 14 homers and 51 RBI in the first half, Cabrera tired. He hit .244 with 11 homers and 41 RBI after the break as injuries and the burden of being the focal point of a struggling offense wore on him.
Closer Chris Perez was elected the Indians' Steve Olin-Frank Gibbons Good Guy award. Shelley Duncan and Justin Masterson were nominated for the award as well. The Good Guy award goes to the player who not only understands baseball writers and other reporters have a job to do, but cooperates. Perez, win or lose, save of blown save, was always by his locker ready to talk about his performance and the team's.
Cabrera and Perez will be presented with plaques from the BBWAA.
Finally: The Indians are negotiating minor-league deals with infielder Jose Lopez and outfielder Felix Pie. Lopez played with Colorado and Miami last season. Pie played with Baltimore.
Published: Thursday, December 15, 2011, 6:00 AM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The right piece of advice can do marvelous things. Look what it did for Asdrubal Cabrera, the Cleveland Indians' Man of the Year for 2011.
In spring training, veteran second baseman Orlando Cabrera watched Asdrubal Cabrera take batting practice. He saw him drive balls over the fence and to the deepest parts of the practice fields in Goodyear, Ariz.
"Why don't you swing like that during games?" the elder Cabrera asked. The shortstop replied that he was more concerned about making contact and hitting for average. Orlando Cabrera told him to look for his pitch at least once a game and try to drive the ball.
Turned out to be good advice.
Asdrubal Cabrera hit 25 homers and drove in 92 runs, both career highs, to become the driving force on an offense that helped the Indians jump from 69 to 80 victories between 2010 and 2011. Cabrera was the AL's starting shortstop in the All-Star Game when Derek Jeter withdrew because of injury. He was a finalist for the Gold Glove and won the AL Silver Slugger for shortstops and the $50,000 bonus that went with it.
Cabrera ended the year hitting .273 with 87 runs, 32 doubles, three triples, 17 steals in 22 attempts and a .792 OPS in 151 games. Before last season, Cabrera had 18 homers in just over three years in the big leagues.
He hit .325 (79-for-243) with runners on base and .309 (43-for-139) with runners in scoring position. Of his 92 RBI, 32 tied the score or put the Indians ahead.
After hitting .293 with 14 homers and 51 RBI in the first half, Cabrera tired. He hit .244 with 11 homers and 41 RBI after the break as injuries and the burden of being the focal point of a struggling offense wore on him.
Closer Chris Perez was elected the Indians' Steve Olin-Frank Gibbons Good Guy award. Shelley Duncan and Justin Masterson were nominated for the award as well. The Good Guy award goes to the player who not only understands baseball writers and other reporters have a job to do, but cooperates. Perez, win or lose, save of blown save, was always by his locker ready to talk about his performance and the team's.
Cabrera and Perez will be presented with plaques from the BBWAA.
Finally: The Indians are negotiating minor-league deals with infielder Jose Lopez and outfielder Felix Pie. Lopez played with Colorado and Miami last season. Pie played with Baltimore.
Re: Articles
1107This should finally turn the tide:
Cleveland Indians hire Derek Falvey, David Stearns as directors of baseball operations
Published: Thursday, December 15, 2011, 4:08 PM Updated: Thursday, December 15, 2011, 5:40 PM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have named Derek Falvey and David Stearns as directors of baseball operations. The post has been vacant since Mike Chernoff was promoted to assistant general manager in October of 2010.
Falvey, former assistant director in baseball operations, has been with the Indians for five years. Stearns was hired from MLB's headquarters in New York. They will split the duties of the job with Falvey concentrating on player acquisition. He pitched at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and earned a degree in economics.
Stearns will concentrate on player contracts and analysis. He spent the last three years working for MLB. Over the last year he worked on salary arbitration, contracts and was a member of MLB's negotiating team on the new basic agreement. Before joining MLB, the Harvard graduate worked for the Mets, Pirates and Arizona Fall League.
Cleveland Indians hire Derek Falvey, David Stearns as directors of baseball operations
Published: Thursday, December 15, 2011, 4:08 PM Updated: Thursday, December 15, 2011, 5:40 PM
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have named Derek Falvey and David Stearns as directors of baseball operations. The post has been vacant since Mike Chernoff was promoted to assistant general manager in October of 2010.
Falvey, former assistant director in baseball operations, has been with the Indians for five years. Stearns was hired from MLB's headquarters in New York. They will split the duties of the job with Falvey concentrating on player acquisition. He pitched at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., and earned a degree in economics.
Stearns will concentrate on player contracts and analysis. He spent the last three years working for MLB. Over the last year he worked on salary arbitration, contracts and was a member of MLB's negotiating team on the new basic agreement. Before joining MLB, the Harvard graduate worked for the Mets, Pirates and Arizona Fall League.
Re: Articles
1108We're all set now. The position was vacant for over a year. Falvey concentrating on player acquisition.
No wonder they couldn't get any players.
No wonder they couldn't get any players.
Re: Articles
1109Stearns will concentrate on player contracts and analysis. He spent the last three years working for MLB. Over the last year he worked on salary arbitration, contracts and was a member of MLB's negotiating team on the new basic agreement. Before joining MLB, the Harvard graduate worked for the Mets, Pirates and Arizona Fall League.
Glad we could get another Ivy Leaguer for the front office.
I bet the Indians lets him stay based in New York, but I might be wrong.
Glad we could get another Ivy Leaguer for the front office.
I bet the Indians lets him stay based in New York, but I might be wrong.
Re: Articles
1110Baseball America analyzes the Big Deal
Indians Swap Cory Burns For Aaron Cunningham
By Matt Eddy
December 16, 2011
E-mail Print
The Deal
The Indians and Padres completed a minor [sic] trade in which San Diego sent 25-year-old outfielder Aaron Cunningham to Cleveland for Double-A righthanded reliever Cory Burns, who tied for the minor league lead with 35 saves this year.
Cunningham has no options remaining, so the Indians cannot send him to the minors without him first clearing waivers. He hit just .243/.301/.396 over 248 plate appearances in sporadic play for the Padres and had become redundant in an organization suddenly teeming with outfield depth. Kyle Blanks, Cameron Maybin and Will Venable are penciled in as Padres starters, with Chris Denorfia and Mark Kotsay in supporting roles. Blake Tekotte and James Darnell, both members of the 40-man roster, will be on call at Triple-A Tucson.
Indians Acquire
Aaron Cunningham, rf
Age: 25. Position: RF (91 G), LF (17 G), CF (7 G), 3B (1 G).
Born: April 24, 1986 in Anchorage.
Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 205. Bats: R. Throws: R.
School: Everett (Wash.) CC.
Career Transactions: Selected by White Sox in sixth round of 2005 draft; signed June 10, 2005 ... Traded by White Sox to Diamondbacks for 2B Danny Richar, June 16, 2007 ... Traded by Diamondbacks with OF Carlos Gonzalez, 1B V. Chris Carter and LHPs Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland and Greg Smith to Athletics for RHPs Dan Haren and Connor Robertson, Dec. 14, 2007 ... Traded by Athletics with OF Scott Hairston to Padres for 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff and 2B Eric Sogard, Jan. 16, 2010.
Club (League) Class AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
Tucson (PCL) AAA .329 87 340 65 112 34 4 9 63 38 54 4 .398 .532
San Diego (NL) MLB .178 52 90 12 16 6 1 3 9 9 17 1 .257 .367
Cleveland has two righthanded-hitting outfielders on its 40-man roster, Shelley Duncan and Thomas Neal, but neither can cover center field, so that's where Cunningham comes in. He provides a capable platoon option for lefty-hitting starters Michael Brantley, Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo, though that's probably Cunningham's ceiling given that he lacks the power for a corner or the range to play center field on an everyday basis. He has had trouble handling big league righties (.620 OPS in 249 PAs), but he has a strong track record against lefties at the Triple-A level, batting .313/.397/.535 with eight homers in 277 PAs over the course of the past three seasons. Cunningham's Triple-A line versus righties: a more modest (when you consider Pacific Coast League context) .292/.361/.460 with 19 homers in 790 PAs.
Padres Acquire
Cory Burns, rhp
Age: 24.
Born: Oct. 9, 1987 in Phoenix.
Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 180. Bats: R. Throws: R.
School: Arizona.
Career Transactions: Selected by Indians in eighth round of 2009 draft; signed June 16, 2009.
Club (League) Class W L ERA G GS SV IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
Akron (EL) AA 2 5 2.11 54 0 35 59.2 47 15 14 3 15 70 1.04
Burns' name litters the Eastern League leaderboards—first in saves, first with 1.96 walks per nine innings, third with 10.6 strikeouts per nine, fifth with a .220 opponent average—but he thrives on deception and location moreso than raw stuff, but that's a formula that has served other Padres relievers through the years. Burns patterns his windup after Hideo Nomo, complete with the pre-balance hesitation and back turn to the batter. His crossfire delivery affords him deception on his 86-90 mph sinker and slurvy high-70s breaking ball. Burns' sinking changeup has its moments, giving him an advantage on current San Diego bullpen hopeful Brad Brach, who has a similar repertoire and funky delivery but more velocity.
Indians Swap Cory Burns For Aaron Cunningham
By Matt Eddy
December 16, 2011
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The Deal
The Indians and Padres completed a minor [sic] trade in which San Diego sent 25-year-old outfielder Aaron Cunningham to Cleveland for Double-A righthanded reliever Cory Burns, who tied for the minor league lead with 35 saves this year.
Cunningham has no options remaining, so the Indians cannot send him to the minors without him first clearing waivers. He hit just .243/.301/.396 over 248 plate appearances in sporadic play for the Padres and had become redundant in an organization suddenly teeming with outfield depth. Kyle Blanks, Cameron Maybin and Will Venable are penciled in as Padres starters, with Chris Denorfia and Mark Kotsay in supporting roles. Blake Tekotte and James Darnell, both members of the 40-man roster, will be on call at Triple-A Tucson.
Indians Acquire
Aaron Cunningham, rf
Age: 25. Position: RF (91 G), LF (17 G), CF (7 G), 3B (1 G).
Born: April 24, 1986 in Anchorage.
Ht.: 5-11. Wt.: 205. Bats: R. Throws: R.
School: Everett (Wash.) CC.
Career Transactions: Selected by White Sox in sixth round of 2005 draft; signed June 10, 2005 ... Traded by White Sox to Diamondbacks for 2B Danny Richar, June 16, 2007 ... Traded by Diamondbacks with OF Carlos Gonzalez, 1B V. Chris Carter and LHPs Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland and Greg Smith to Athletics for RHPs Dan Haren and Connor Robertson, Dec. 14, 2007 ... Traded by Athletics with OF Scott Hairston to Padres for 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff and 2B Eric Sogard, Jan. 16, 2010.
Club (League) Class AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB OBP SLG
Tucson (PCL) AAA .329 87 340 65 112 34 4 9 63 38 54 4 .398 .532
San Diego (NL) MLB .178 52 90 12 16 6 1 3 9 9 17 1 .257 .367
Cleveland has two righthanded-hitting outfielders on its 40-man roster, Shelley Duncan and Thomas Neal, but neither can cover center field, so that's where Cunningham comes in. He provides a capable platoon option for lefty-hitting starters Michael Brantley, Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo, though that's probably Cunningham's ceiling given that he lacks the power for a corner or the range to play center field on an everyday basis. He has had trouble handling big league righties (.620 OPS in 249 PAs), but he has a strong track record against lefties at the Triple-A level, batting .313/.397/.535 with eight homers in 277 PAs over the course of the past three seasons. Cunningham's Triple-A line versus righties: a more modest (when you consider Pacific Coast League context) .292/.361/.460 with 19 homers in 790 PAs.
Padres Acquire
Cory Burns, rhp
Age: 24.
Born: Oct. 9, 1987 in Phoenix.
Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 180. Bats: R. Throws: R.
School: Arizona.
Career Transactions: Selected by Indians in eighth round of 2009 draft; signed June 16, 2009.
Club (League) Class W L ERA G GS SV IP H R ER HR BB SO WHIP
Akron (EL) AA 2 5 2.11 54 0 35 59.2 47 15 14 3 15 70 1.04
Burns' name litters the Eastern League leaderboards—first in saves, first with 1.96 walks per nine innings, third with 10.6 strikeouts per nine, fifth with a .220 opponent average—but he thrives on deception and location moreso than raw stuff, but that's a formula that has served other Padres relievers through the years. Burns patterns his windup after Hideo Nomo, complete with the pre-balance hesitation and back turn to the batter. His crossfire delivery affords him deception on his 86-90 mph sinker and slurvy high-70s breaking ball. Burns' sinking changeup has its moments, giving him an advantage on current San Diego bullpen hopeful Brad Brach, who has a similar repertoire and funky delivery but more velocity.