Cardinals Release Maroth

The Cardinals mid season experiment with Mike Maroth failed, and they have decided to release him. It doesn't come as a surprise to many after he was 0-5 with a 10.66 ERA in 14 games for the Cardinals. He was 5-2 with the Tigers before being traded, and is just thirty, so I am sure there will be interest in him. The Twins may be looking for a pitcher, especially a lefty, and could sign him. He is from Florida, and could pitch for the Marlins if they are interested in a veteran pitcher. So many teams are looking to round out the bottom of their rotation so I expect Maroth to be signed early rather than late. He can put up 8-10 wins, while hovering around a 4.50 ERA, not bad a for a fifth starter if he can stay healthy. Teams that have been interested in Maroth in the past include the White Sox, Rangers, Marlins, and others. He will probably make two to four million where ever he ends up going. I suspect a one year deal, worth about three million dollars with a club option so the team can have control over his fate if he struggles.

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Interview with Jamie Moyer

Last July, I put in a call to the Moyer Foundation about a possible interview with Jamie Moyer. The women I talked to, Sandy Murray, told me he would really like to focus on baseball and would get back to me at the end of the season. Come the end of the season, I put in another call and I had my questions sent over to have answered. Moyer is currently pitching on the Phillies, but has been in baseball since 1986. Many think, including me, that he will keep pitching until there is no long a jersey available. I want to thank Jamie Moyer, and especially Sandy Murray for staying to her word, I really appreciate it.

ELI: What was it like being drafted by the Cubs? Did you see it coming?

JAMIE: It was exciting. It was a dream come true to be drafted by a pro team and have the opportunity to play.

ELI: After pitching in the majors for several years, you were sent back to the minors in 1992? What did you work on while you were down there to get back?

JAMIE: Getting my confidence back.

ELI: What was it like getting traded from the Red Sox to the Mariners? How did you find out?

JAMIE: It was an exciting opportunity to be a starting pitcher on a regular basis, doing what I wanted to do, going to an organization where I knew there was a consistent chance to go far, as long as I did well. I found out right before a game- I took off my uniform and just got on a plane.

ELI: Many would say that 1997 was your breakout year with the Mariners. Do you remember working on anything in the off season before that to get better?

JAMIE: Nothing in particular, the same program every season. Consistent work outs and getting rest while trying to get mentally prepared is all.

ELI: What was it like going to Japan in 1998? Were any of the players playing on the Japan team playing in the majors now?

JAMIE: Ichiro and [Hideki] Matsui were there. The opportunity to play on an All Star team was really exciting. Often times I thought about how I wanted to play on a regular season team full of All-Stars.

ELI: The 2001 season was a crazy year for the Mariners. What do you remember most from that year?

JAMIE: Everybody came in with a great work ethic and expected win, and we did. We tied the MLB record with 116 wins.

ELI: The final game in 2007 was a big one, were you feeling any different about that start than other ones?

JAMIE: I knew the significance of what was going on, which made it exciting, starting knowing the Mets were losing. But I tried to focus on pitching well, and fortunately we were able to win, and it gave us a division championship.

ELI: Can you tell me some about the Moyer Foundation? Camp Erin?

JAMIE: The Foundation is an extended home for me with the support of great employees, great volunteers, and the generous support of the community believing in what we do at the Foundation. With all that support, it has been a great way to give back to the community. Camp Erin is our bereavement camps for children- it is a special place for us. I feel privileged and honored to establish more Camp Erin's in the Northwest and beyond. To see many children, who are going through such a difficult time, benefit from Camp Erin is fulfilling. We are so grateful to those who have supported our mission through Camp Erin and we look forward to continuing to help kids for many years to come.

ELI: What would you say is your best pitch?

JAMIE: Any pitch that I can get someone out early on!

ELI: Could you name one hitter you have had constant success against?

JAMIE: It varies. Nobody really stands out. Maybe Scott Brosius.

ELI: Who is the funniest guy in the clubhouse?

JAMIE: Shane Victorino.

ELI: Who on the Phillies is most likely to be found sleeping in the dugout during the game?

JAMIE: Nobody, because I wouldn't let them.

ELI: What is your favorite baseball movie?

JAMIE: Field of Dreams.

ELI: Can you think of a funny mound visit you had with a coach or catcher?

JAMIE: Danny Wilson, during a Yankees game. I had left him a message earlier in the day asking him to be a God father to my son. The message got mixed up at the hotel, and he didn't get back to me immediately. At the game that night, after the first pitch, he walked up to me, handed me the ball, and said, 'Oh, and by the way, yes!'

ELI: If you could pitch to one pitcher in the past, who would it be?

JAMIE: Babe Ruth.

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Left Off Roster, Tavarez Probably Gone

Seeing the Red Sox leave veteran pitcher Julian Tavarez off the World Series roster is a good sign that they have seen enough from Tavarez, and will probably decline his option. Tavarez, 35, was pretty adamant about starting and I do not think the Red Sox want to put someone making nearly four million in the bullpen. He is not as dominant as he used to be and is probably going to fade a little more coming into 2008. This season, he was 7-11 with a 5.15 ERA and 77 K in 134.2 innings. I think there will be interest in him, but probably at a one year deal, worth 2-3 million dollars. It is possible to see the Diamondbacks go after him for their bullpen or rotation, maybe the Reds as well. Tavarez was on the Cardinals when Baker was managing the Cubs, so we could see Baker lobby for him in his bullpen. Since 1993, Tavarez is 84-70 with a 4.42 ERA with the Indians, Rockies, Cubs, Giants, Cardinals, Pirates, Marlins, and Red Sox-so he has experience playing against most teams.

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Negotiations Heading South?

Carlos Silva, Twins: The Twins offered Carlos Silva a three year deal worth 24 million dollars that Silva turned down. The Twins haven't been the best in contract negotiations in the past, which may lead to another player leaving. They need to settle this fast before it carries on so long that Torii Hunter walks as well. Silva wants a four year deal worth 35-45 million dollars and he could probably get that because his numbers would look really good in the National League, on grass, and if he can work his sinker ball consistently.

David Eckstein, Cardinals: Cardinals GM John Mozeliak says no deal is imminent, and he hasn't had discussions with his agent recently, which suggests that Eckstein will explore the market. The Cardinals probably aren't terribly desperate to retain Eckstein, but would like to have him. They do have Brendan Ryan, who batted .289 with 4 HR and 12 RBI, but La Russa and Eckstein had a good relationship and the coaching staff really liked how versatile Ryan was. I expect the White Sox to be most interested if he hits the open market.

Jose Guillen, Mariners: The Mariners and Guillen have a mutual option it us becoming more and more clear that Guillen will opt out. He had a great year with the Mariners this season and could probably get a multi year deal if he went on the market. He hit .290 with 23 HR and 99 RBI and is just 31, so he could probably command a three or four year deal.

Mariano Rivera, Yankees: According the MLB Rumors East Coast Correspondent Martin Brooks, Mariano Rivera is looking for a three year deal, worth 45 million dollars. I do not think the Yankees will work with that, especially if they invest forty million in Jorge Posada. Interest is up for Rivera, especially from the Phillies, so I do not think he will have trouble finding a job.

Paul Byrd, Indians: The recent reports that Paul Byrd has taken HGH definitely has hurt his chances of the Indians picking up his option. Despite his fourteen wins, MLB and other teams denying that they knew about his use will probably force him out of Cleveland. I do not think Cleveland is completely turned off, but they might want to rework his contract a little bit.

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Cardinals To Shop Duncan?

Although Tony La Russa is a big fan of outfielder and first baseman Chris Duncan, the Cardinals may feel the need to trade him for pitching. He would do wonders for an American League team because of his versatility. If the Cardinals could land a pitcher by trading Duncan, they could test the market for a free agent outfielder like Aaron Rowand. Duncan, 26,hit just .259, but had 21 HR and 70 RBI in 127 games. I expect he would draw interest from the Tigers, who are looking for an outfielder and possible DH as Gary Sheffield continues to have setbacks. I also think the White Sox, Giants, Rangers, and maybe the Blue Jays to be interested in him, but a lot will determine whether or not the other free agents opt out of their contracts.

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Cliff Floyd To Explore Market

Cliff Floyd started his career with the Marlins in 1997, and finished with them in 2002. He has always spoken well of his Marlins and has told close friends he wouldn't mind finishing his career there. He is also good friends with Fredi Gonzalez, who was a base coach back when Floyd was with the team. This was probably Floyd's hardest year in the majors, having to deal with the death of his father and coming back from knee surgery, so playing near his Florida home would definitely be a plus. He made three million this year and batted .284 with 9 HR and 45 RBI, not bad, but it could have been better. He will probably look for another one year deal, worth 2-3 million again. That shouldn't be too much for the Marlins, but they probably do not want to take on that kind of salary for someone who can't play everyday. Who knows though, he could take a discount and really mold some of those young ballplayers into great ones. I think the Cubs really liked what Floyd was able to do for the team and I'm sure they would like to bring him back, if he is interested. He is a solid guy off the bench and in the clubhouse who can still crush the ball. Floyd told his agents to talk to with any team, so I suspect he will land somewhere-maybe Baltimore, Oakland, Twins, or maybe the Nationals, but he says if no one offers a contract, he will happily retire.

[Note: Republished From October 1st]

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Will The Orioles Trade Millar?

The city of Baltimore is openly mad at Orioles first baseman Kevin Millar for throwing out the first pitch for the Red Sox. Yes, Millar has ties to most of the players and coaches on the team, but throwing it out for someone in your own division, in the playoffs, isn't right. Could the people in the Front Office be so upset with Millar that they will look to trade him? I doubt this is the case, but Millar would definitely draw interest from around the league. The Giants are looking for a first baseman with Ryan Klesko on his way out and Millar would be a good upgrade. The Orioles and Giants have worked several trades with the Giants in the past, so this is plausible. Maybe a minor league prospect or two for Millar would do the trick, but Millar has just one more year on his contract which might turn the Giants off. Millar will make 2.75 million next season which is fair considering he will probably hit .260 with 15 HR. Another possibility is the Yankees, who are looking for a first baseman. This would make Ted Williams sit up in his freezer, but the Yankees would love to have his bat and experience in their lineup. Calls were not immediately returned from Brian Cashman, but I see the Giants, Yankees, and Rangers being interested in Millar if the Orioles decide to shop him.

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Rangers Shopping Laird

Jarrod Saltalamacchia is the catcher of the future for the Rangers and which suggests that Gerald Laird is now expendable. Laird was not impressive this season with his bat, but did throw out 39.9 % of the players stealing on him. He batted .224 AVG with 9 HR and 47 RBI, so he would make for a solid backup defensively, but I would not count on him as a starter. They could package him for an outfielder or a pitcher with other players, which seems more likely than a one-for-one type deal. The Rangers and Brewers have had pretty good relations when it comes to trades, working the Carlos Lee deal a couple of seasons ago. I think it is possible that Laird along with a pitching prospect or relief pitcher could land Hall, who struggled for the Brewers this season. The Mets, Cubs, Rockies, and Blue Jays I see as other legitimate candidates to land him because they have expendable players in the outfield. The Marlins and A's might also might join the race, but they would be minor trades because they are only looking for an upgrade at catcher. I see a trade happening either in early November, before the frenzy for Torii Hunter begins, or sometime in January as teams look for players to fill spots on their team. Laird is eligible for arbitration and will probably make some where between 500,000-500,500 dollars for 2008, a respectable contract for a budget conscience Marlins or A's.

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Barfield Back To Padres?

Padres GM Kevin Towers said in an interview with MLB Rumors that second base is the easiest position to full. The Padres have some second base prospects in their system but they are still a couple years away. I think the Padres are looking for a second baseman and may look to bring back Barfield, who struggled with the Indians this season after batting .230 with 4 HR in 130 games. The Indians have Asdrubal Cabrera, and have no need for Barfield so he will likely be traded anyways. The Mets and Twins might take a chance on him if their second base options don't work out, but they might look to in house options too. Barfield is a good option for the position, but if they think high of their prospects he might not be. If I was the Padres GM, I would be all over Barfield even if he is a three or four year player. He knows the Padres and how they play and had success playing in the NL West-I think it would be a great investment. If they are not interested in Barfield, Tadihito Iguchi is a great player to take a chance on. He is coming off a bad year but a change of scenery would benefit him.

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Cardinals Should Keep Mozeliak

The Cardinals have John Mozeliak on an interim bases but he is not looking at it like that. Since being promoted, he has signed Springer, Isringhausen, and La Russa. He has proven that he can negotiate contracts at a quickened pace, and has been in the organization long enough to understand its intent and direction. Mozeliak has also worked in the draft for the Cardinals which suggests he has a eye for young talent. Yes, there are other General Managers out there that are available and capable of doing a great job, but why move someone who is doing a great job? According to the MLB Rumors West Coast Correspondent Thomas Reiss, the Cardinals have narrowed their choices down to Diamondbacks Assistant GM Peter Woodfork, White Sox Assistant GM Rick Hahn, and Indians assistant GM Chriss Antonetti. However, he believes that Woodfork and Mozeliak are the leading candidates behind Hahn and Antonetti. The new GM will have some say in the payroll, which makes even more sense to keep Mozeliak. Furthermore, you have someone who is familiar with the organization and bringing someone in would only lengthen that process. The Cardinals would like to resign David Eckstein, while upgrading in the outfield, and pitching staff. I see them going after someone like Ryan Freel, while trading for number two or three starter like Jon Garland. Garland would be great to put in between Carpenter and Wainwright, and would make them a lot better. Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds will likely be shopped around, but Rolen has three years left on his contract worth 36 million dollars while Edmonds may not be capable of playing center field on a regular basis. The Athletics might be looking for a new DH and could trade a pair of relievers for Edmonds and cash. Edmonds has played in the AL West and the Athletics might like to have a veteran in the clubhouse with experience against the division. The longer the Cardinals take to decide a GM, the more it weakens their chances of signing free agent to be David Eckstein, among others.

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Yanks Feel Heat, Request Meeting With Boras

The Yankees have made it clear that they will not negotiate with Alex Rodriguez if he opts out of his contract. Well apparently, it seemed that he was leaning towards exercising that clause and now the Yankees would like to convince him not to. Rodriguez has three years left on his contract worth 81 million dollars total, and if the Yankees want to keep him, it will probably go up. The Yankees would like get this settled and announced in the first days following the World Series so they can try and sign Rivera and Posada, while also deciding a manager. They do have a lot to do, but I think most can be accomplished. I think Boras has come to realize that A-Rod would only lose money if he opted out because teams that can afford him were starting to pull out of the running. So Boras is forced to lower his price tag or in other terms, come back down to earth, and work out a new deal with the Yankees. This could turn into a lengthy process, ending with the departure of several players including Mariano Rivera, who is looking at fifteen million dollars a year from the Phillies. I've said it from the beginning that I do not think A-Rod would leave simply because of this, and the Steinbrenner's see that it would only hurt the team, and have given the go ahead to pursue him. I do not know if the Yankees will go long term with Rodriguez, but I see the Yankees throwing three year deals at Posada and Rivera, both right around the 35 to 45 million dollar mark. For Rodriguez, he might be making that much annually. I see a final deal with Rodriguez at seven years, worth 30-33 million dollars annually, with a full no-trade clause. Boras will end up working his magic, like he has with so many clients before, but the 2007 MVP to-be will be under a lot of scrutiny if he doesn't repeat or improve upon the numbers he put up this year.

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Geoff Jenkins to Detroit?

Geoff Jenkins has played with the Brewers since 1998. Although he is no longer the face of the team, he has a presence in the clubhouse that cannot be replaced. However, he batted .255 with 21 HR and 64 RBI, numbers that are not worth 9 million for one more year. The Brewers have two options in this case:

1) Decline the option and sign him to a two year extension worth 15 million dollars with an option for a third year. You save some money that would go towards Francisco Cordero and other free agents.

2) Decline the option and let him walk. You have Mench and Stock, and you could go out and try and sign either Kosuke Fukudome, Jose Guillen, or maybe Kenny Lofton, as a one to two year stopgap for young players Cole Gillespie or Lorenzo Cain.

I would take option two and go with someone like Jose Guillen. He would provide a great bat for two to three years and by the time his contract is up, they would have young prospects ready to take the spot. Giving Guillen a three year deal worth 30-35 million makes sense, but I don't know if it will happen. If Jenkins is let go, I see the Indians going after him. Kenny Lofton did not seem to happy last night with the coaching staff in Cleveland and may walk. He has played with seven teams in eight years and I see him moving on again. The Brewers number one priority is signing Cordero, so seeing Jenkins walk might happen. The Tigers need a left handed hitter who can play left field or first base and Jenkins does fit the bill. He is thirty three and versatile, and would be a big upgrade over Timo Perez. Also, it would not be a long term commitment so it would be low risk for the Tigers.

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