The Rays just locked Matt Moore up for 5 years (14 mio.) with 3 team options (if excercised: 37.5 mio.). This is EXCELLENT news as it should mean that Matt Moore starts 2012 out of the Rays rotation.
Great signing! Most of the $ is in the options on the final arb year and first 2 years of free agency, so the team can avoid if things do go well. So it's a good deal even if he turns in to Jake McGee.
Speaking of McGee, gotta feel for him. He was in about the same position a couple of years ago. Then came TJS and the move to relief. I would imagine McGee's name came up in discussions between Moore and his agent, if not from the Rays themselves.
Last thought, guess this means no extension for Price?
There's a lot of talk about TB needing a 1st baseman. I thought Kotchman did a consistently fabulous job last year- both hitting and fielding. Why does he seem to get ignored when talking about the 2012 team? Is there something I don't know that keeps him from being mentioned? I hope he comes back.
Kotchman was a great find in '11, started at AAA until Johnson flamed out and then put up nice numbers for next to no $. Many doubt he can repeat that performance in '12, and he'll cost a lot more this year. Plus he's not a traditional power hitter at first. Have to see how the market plays out, but he may end up back with the Rays. There really aren't any minor league options, unless they give Vogt a shot, which is unlikely. I'd just hate to see them trade a starter for a package built around a 1B, that would be a waste. But I guess they have to do something since they can't seem to develop a decent 1B in the minors.
I'm afraid that Yonder Alonso is not that BIG bat that can protect Evan Longoria in the lineup. I'm not an Alonso fan. I think his excellent OPS last year was a fluke and he'll produce more like his MiL-numbers suggest. Sth. like 270-340-440 or so (not bad, but not THE BAT). I much more like the idea of Josh Willingham for 2-3 years behind Evan. ;-)
And while Kotch was great in '11 most people think he'll not be able to repeat it (he was very lucky according to BABIP). I personally do want a long-term solution at 1B in favour to a short term one, but if it's not doable, a Kotch with ML-deal and Nick Johnson with MiL-combo would be okay I think in the short term.
Reds fan says Alonso just lost 20 pounds to better his defense at LF. If so, I assume his power would be even lower than people expect. His possible power ceiling is like 15-20 homer before.
I would be very happy as a fan. If could we could get Alonso and Grandal. For Wade Davis and some decent prospects. Just ad a vet DH and I think we can go to the series.
Great signing! Most of the $ is in the options on the final arb year and first 2 years of free agency, so the team can avoid if things do go well. So it's a good deal even if he turns in to Jake McGee.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of McGee, gotta feel for him. He was in about the same position a couple of years ago. Then came TJS and the move to relief. I would imagine McGee's name came up in discussions between Moore and his agent, if not from the Rays themselves.
Last thought, guess this means no extension for Price?
Price to KC for Eric Hosner?
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of talk about TB needing a 1st baseman. I thought Kotchman did a consistently fabulous job last year- both hitting and fielding. Why does he seem to get ignored when talking about the 2012 team? Is there something I don't know that keeps him from being mentioned? I hope he comes back.
ReplyDeleteI want to see a Big bat to protect Longo!
ReplyDeleteYadier Alsono!!
Kotchman was a great find in '11, started at AAA until Johnson flamed out and then put up nice numbers for next to no $. Many doubt he can repeat that performance in '12, and he'll cost a lot more this year. Plus he's not a traditional power hitter at first. Have to see how the market plays out, but he may end up back with the Rays. There really aren't any minor league options, unless they give Vogt a shot, which is unlikely. I'd just hate to see them trade a starter for a package built around a 1B, that would be a waste. But I guess they have to do something since they can't seem to develop a decent 1B in the minors.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid that Yonder Alonso is not that BIG bat that can protect Evan Longoria in the lineup. I'm not an Alonso fan. I think his excellent OPS last year was a fluke and he'll produce more like his MiL-numbers suggest. Sth. like 270-340-440 or so (not bad, but not THE BAT). I much more like the idea of Josh Willingham for 2-3 years behind Evan. ;-)
ReplyDeleteAnd while Kotch was great in '11 most people think he'll not be able to repeat it (he was very lucky according to BABIP). I personally do want a long-term solution at 1B in favour to a short term one, but if it's not doable, a Kotch with ML-deal and Nick Johnson with MiL-combo would be okay I think in the short term.
Reds fan says Alonso just lost 20 pounds to better his defense at LF. If so, I assume his power would be even lower than people expect. His possible power ceiling is like 15-20 homer before.
ReplyDeleteI would be very happy as a fan. If could we could get Alonso and Grandal. For Wade Davis and some decent prospects. Just ad a vet DH and I think we can go to the series.
ReplyDelete@Anon 11:10: That'd be great! But, unfortunately, the Reds might be holding out for a great starter (meaning Shields).
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you are right, But I would like to think they could get it done if they through in Colome with davis.
ReplyDeletePrice to KC for Eric Hosner.
ReplyDelete