Are Relief Pitchers Worth Their Contracts? posted by Matthew Deutschman

Theory of the Week:  Relief Spending

    Every winter the free agent frenzy escalates as contracts rise to astronomical amounts and lengths.  Some MLB executives balk at the dearth of talent and exhorbitant contracts, while others jump at the opportunity to sign what they think are the missing pieces, for whatever the market demands.  Swarming the headlines this past off-season were some of the questionable contracts signed by relief pitchers.

    While at first it may not seem like some of the signings were worthwhile (both in dollars and years), there may be a method to the GMs' madness.  Last season, teams that made the playoffs averaged a bullpen ERA of 3.94, compared with 4.30 for teams that fell short of the postseason.  Non-playoff teams also used their less reliable bullpens an average of 30 innings more than playoff teams.  That may not seem like much of a difference, but the combination of those two discrepencies equates to more than a run per game.  Consider that the extra run was usually being scored late in the game, and you may just have the grounds for a hefty investment.

    The Yankees made the playoffs last year and had a bullpen ERA of 4.37.  In the offseason they re-signed closer Mariano Rivera to a three-year, $45 million contract, a record for relievers.  This year Rivera has 26 saves and a 1.49 ERA, and hasn't blown a save all season.  Last year the Yankees' bullpen ERA was 4.37, but Rivera has helped New York's pen to a 3.64 mark this season. ... [read more]

Shaky Pen Gets Mets Swept By 'Stros posted by Matthew Deutschman
    Sure enough, just after I wrote about how I’d like to see Jerry Manuel try to stretch Aaron Heilman for some more two-inning relief appearances, Heilman blew a tie game in his second inning of work on Friday night.  After getting through the seventh inning cleanly, Heilman loaded the bases in the eighth and gave up a game-winning grand slam to pinch hitter Mark Loretta.  To add insult to injury (literally, considering the ailing arms of John Maine and Billy Wagner), Heilman was tagged with the loss again on Saturday in another collapse of sorts from the Mets’ bullpen.  This one was a group effort though, with Scott Schoenweis and Billy Wagner contributing to the blown 4-1 lead.  After yet another solid, but insufficiently long, outing from Johan Santana, Schoenweis allowed a solo home run to Kaz Matsui, who has killed the Mets, hitting .438 against his former team over the last three years.  Wagner then gave up a bizzare two-run single to Geoff Blum with the bases loaded in the ninth to blow the save, as both runners crashed into one another and Ramon Castro all at once at the plate.  Then, in the tenth, Heilman put the first two runners on base before handing the ball over to Pedro Feliciano.  Feliciano actually did not pitch poorly, striking out the first batter he faced and then allowing the game-ending sacrifice fly on a weakly hit liner by Darin Erstad.  Fernando Tatis made an excellent catch on Erstad’s sinking flare, but was unable to throw Lance Berkman out at the plate.

  &... [read more]

Twins in First posted by Street Reporter

For the first time since May 13, the Minnesota Twins--the team that stood pat during the recent Trade Deadline Sweepstakes--assume first place in the NL Central today.

Chicago had been waiting for its bats to heat up all season, and both Swisher and Konerko have had a few streaks of hot hitting, but they couldn't get the whole team hitting at the same time. So they grabbed Ken Griffey, Jr., a move that was part consummation of a long-time love affair with Junior by GM Kenny Williams and part best-choice trade.

Williams didn't give up much to get Griff, but it's hard to say where the aging outfielder fits in best. They've got him slotted in at center, where he's still adequate and no worse than Nick Swisher, but Junior's most valuable as a DH, and Jim Thome has been one of the few players to start cold and then get hot again. With both being lefties, it doesn't make sense to platoon them, either. And so there will be a rotation of sorts among Griff, Thome, Konerko and Swisher at first, DH and outfield.

Today, it wasn't enough to overcome even the lowly Kansas City Royals, however, in a 14-3 shellacking of the White Sox highlighted by a benches-clearing brawl in the fifth. And the result is that the Twins, who beat the Indians 6-2 to jump into first place.

The White Sox looked pretty awful, as starter Clayton Richard couldn't get out of the fourth inning, coughing up nine runs (six of them earned) on eleven hits and two home runs. After a wild pitch and error by Richard, the Royals put up five in the second inning and never looked back. By the time it was 6-0 in... [read more]

Gardenhire Suspended posted by Adam Carrier

In my opinion, its only one game, and im not too shocked, but it got me thinking...are managers like Gardy bad for the game? In my opinion, no. He is fiery yes, but I wouldnt call him unreasonable. He has never come close to making a spectacle of himself like that minor league manager a while back, i believe the hat-kicking fiasco was the farthest i think i have seen him go. Whenever I have seen him come out to argue a call, I have always agreed with him, at times i have been nearly as mad. The call the other night that led to the hat-kicking and fans throwing things was a horrendously bad call. I saw that, everyone I was watching the game with saw that, and obviously Gardy saw it. I dont think you can blame what followed his ejection on Gardy. Our fans...Minnesota fans...of all sports, at all levels...need little provocation to act like morons. (See the Hockey riots at the U of M when they won the Championship). I thought it was funny, and hopefully, but doubtfully, it will serve as a small wakeup call to Umpires to open their damn eyes. This whole thing about instant replay is rediculous. I have a better idea, give the umpires glasses or fire them all and hire people that can do the job better. Baseball has been around for what, 130 years? This problem hasnt been this bad for 130 years, or even five years. It seems like in the last year or two, umpires have gone blind. Fix that problem before you go to the video tape folks.

 Ok back to the Fans throwing things. I agree it is stupid, however comical to throw stuff on the field. Throwing baseballs is a little muc... [read more]

Twins come back, take three of four from Sox posted by Rich Martin

You're chasing the top team in your division. They come to town for a four-game series. You must win three of four at least.

That's just what the Twins did by winning 10-6 on Thursday. But it was the way they did it that's so hopeful for the Twinkies.

Minnesota was down 4-0 before Justin Morneau stepped to the plate in the fifth. Morneau, who's been on a tear, smacked a home run. Joe Mauer's hit tied the game in the seventh with Jason Kubel up. Yup, he followed in Morneau's footsteps with a three-run jack of his own. The Twins scored a few more in the eighth and that was that.

Mauer was three for four with a run and two RBIs, while Nick Punto, Brendan Harris and Delmon Young had two hits.

Scott Baker didn't have a great outing, but it was good enough. Nor was the bullpen perfect, but it was up to the task.

So the Twins are only a half-game behind the White Sox. Both teams are improving their rosters -- the White Sox picked up Ken Griffey, who still has some pop though he's a liability as a fielder (and is hitting just .245).

The Twins have to be considering recalling Francisco Liriano from the minor leagues. He's been great, and Livan Hernandez has been lit up lately. The American League has figured him out.

How would these moves -- and the Tigers' trade of Pudge Rodriguez to the Yankees for Kyle Farnsworth -- affect the AL Central race?

If Liriano is anywhere near his form of two years ago, it's a huge upgrade for the Twins. If he approaches his form of 2006, they could do some damage in the postseason.

I'm not sure how... [read more]

Mariners Deadline Analysis posted by Street Reporter

A few trades of note for Mariners fans--the ones made, the ones not made, and the ones made by other teams. Here are the Top 3 Seattle Deadline Stories:

1. Rhodes is now a Marlin. This was the guy everyone figured the Mariners would deal, and it came through. It makes complete sense, as the Mariners don't need Rhodes down the stretch, for a handful of lefty specialist innings, while the Marlins do. In return, Seattle gets Gaby Hernandez, a once-well-regarded starter who's scuffled at Albuquerque (where every pitcher scuffles), and he'll get a fresh start with Tacoma and the Mariners. He's nobody special, but Rhodes is an aging lefty in a one-year deal, so Lee Pelekoudas got who he could. Nice job, Lee.

2.  Ibanez is still a Mariner. This was the other guy everyone figured the Mariners would deal, but it didn't come through. In spite of last-minute interest from the Blue Jays, as well as talks with the D-backs, Mets, and Cubs. Nothing materialized, and it's too early to know exactly who we turned down for this. But Ibanez is a guy we don't mind keeping, as he'll be a veteran presence for the rest of the season. He's a free agent next year, so Seattle's probably going to lose him regardless, but for a team that's rebuilding. losing him then won't be awful, either. I can't judge this until I know what Seattle refused, but I'm at least glad Lee didn't make a move just to make a move. 

3. Griffey is now with the White Sox. Though we didn't get Junior, this isn't a terrible thing, either. With Chicago, Griff gets a chance at a ring, which he'd never have in Sea... [read more] (2 comments)

Delayed Reaction to Pudge posted by Mike Ferrara

Well that was a surprise...

Nice win by the Yanks followed by a very unexpected trade with the Tigers to acquire Catcher, Pudge Rodriguez for P Kyle Farnsworth.

The more I think about this trade, the happier I get...you can take the angle that the Yanks (like any other team in baseball) can't afford to give up a quality arm...That is true, however this 'quality arm' is not exactly what I would call consistent and not someone that i want pitching meaningful innings in, in October.

 

Pudge brings a lot to the table...He has had a decent offensive year, and similiar to his role with the Tigers, won't be asked to provide all of the offense.  He will also be good for the young pitchers on the staff if/when they can come back.

 

What a big season it has been in terms of major trades.  With all of the moves that have been made (including another surprise, with Griffey Jr. going to the White Sox) the biggest trade has yet to have happened...

 

WILL Manny Ramirez go to Florida???  Yankee fans, lets just pray that he does.

 

 ... [read more]

Twins come back to knock off Sox posted by Rich Martin

Most people would say the surprise team of the year in baseball is the Rays. The Twins are a close second.

This series against the White Sox is crucial. After this, they play only one more series. This is the team the second-place team must catch up.

The Twins did just that, and in inspiring -- and typical -- fashion as they moved to within a half-game of the Sox.

Minnesota doesn't hit that many homers. What it does do is score during the big innings, and using speed and clutch hitting. Each game it's one or two familiar figures and a couple of guys not very well-known outside the Twin Cities.

Justin Morneau is staking his claim to being a legitimate contender for the MVP. (Or if he isn't, I am making the claim for him.) He got the big hit in the five-run fifth inning, clearing the bases with a double. For the record, he has knocked in 82 runs while hitting 17 homers and batting .320. He is on course to have the kind of year he had two years ago when he was the MVP as the team won the division title on the last day of the season.

Morneau has 14 RBIs in his past 10 games. Not bad.

Carlos Gomez, back in the starting lineup after his injury in Cleveland, was three for three with two runs and an RBI. Joe Mauer was two for four with a run and two RBIs. It's great to see him do well -- his average has dipped a bit (now .318) after being up in the .330s for a while.

One other statistical note about the offense: Mauer and Morneau had their RBIs with two outs. The Twins are a clutch team, and have the best average in... [read more]

Mets Fried By Fish, Maine Leaves Early posted by Matthew Deutschman

    Monday night in Miami was an all-around bad experience for the Mets.  John Maine cruised into the fifth inning with a 2-0 lead, and looked just fine to the naked eye.  But after Maine missed with a 1-0 fastball to John Baker, Jerry Manuel, Dan Warthen and Ray Ramirez, the trainer, jogged out to the mound to consult with Maine.  He appeared to say he was fine, and stayed in the game for the time being.  But after his next pitch to Baker left the yard for a solo home run, and his 1-2 pitch to Marlins pitcher Ricky Nolasco chased Endy Chavez to the warning track to make the catch, Manuel and Warthen decided they had seen enough, and pulled Maine in favor of Carlos Muniz.  Maine is listed as day-to-day with shoulder stiffness, and Warthen said he was most concerned that Maine might develop further injuries if he tried to compensate in his delivery to protect his shoulder.  In all likelihood Maine will miss a start in order to rest his shoulder, and hopefully pitch again next week.  After the game Manuel was adamant that Maine will not pitch through any pain.

    It is always difficult to win a game when the bullpen needs to go 4.2 innings, and the lack of run support did not help either.  Overall this was a sloppy game on both sides.  In the sixth, Carlos Muniz threw a wild pitch that Brian Schneider should have handled.  It allowed Mike Jacobs to advance into scoring position with two outs, and he came around to score the tying run on Cody Ross' single.  Florida's trademark hideous de... [read more]

The Trading Post: Player Edition posted by Z.V. Sanders

Recently, I also did a rundown of a few of the teams that could be the busiest come deadline day. Now, a look at the specific players that could be moving:

Catcher

Bengie Molina, Giants: Both the Yankees and Marlins have been said to approached the Giants about the catcher. Both of those teams have had injuries to the position lately, and could be looking for an immediate replacement. The price has been said to be turning some off of the idea. You have to remember, you are not just getting a replacement catcher, you are getting one that can hit and knows what it takes to win a title. I'm secretly rooting for the Yanks to acquire him, because who doesn't want an all Molina catching squad? Now if only Yadier was for sale.....

Others: Greg Zaun (Blue Jays); Gerald Laird (Rangers)

First Baseman

Mark Teixeira, Braves: Seems like his name has been in this spot quite a bit in the past year. After being dealt to the Braves last year at the deadline for a slew of prospects, the Braves need to get something in return. Many teams could use a player of Teixeira's caliber, but need to be able to match the Braves needs for the future. Atlanta already has a solid group of young pitching, and doesn’t need anymore. The Braves could use some young hitting though. Besides Teix, they don't have much to speak of in terms of First Baseman. Another corner outfielder to compliment Francouer, or the eventual replacement for Chipper could come in a deal. Don't be surprised if the Red Sox go after him, and trade Manny somewhere else. Youkilis has had some success playin... [read more]

Olivo, Greinke, Guillen and Hillman suspended

Kansas City catcher Miguel Olivo and pitcher Zack Greinke have been suspended five games each for causing trouble in a weekend game with the Chicago White Sox.White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was suspended two games and Royals manager Trey Hillman was given one game Tuesday. All four penalties also included undisclosed fines.Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson issued the suspensions following Sunday's game in Kansas City. [read full article]

Posted Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:41:36 GMT - via FOXSports.com News for MLB

Twins manager Gardenhire suspended 1 game

Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire was suspended for one game Saturday for his outburst that led fans to throw hats and baseballs on the field during a victory over the Chicago White Sox.Gardenhire was to miss Saturday night's home game against the Cleveland Indians.Bob Watson, baseball's vice president of on-field operations, said Gardenhire also was fined an undisclosed sum. [read full article]

Posted Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:04:08 GMT - via FOXSports.com News for MLB

Longoria, Hart voted into All-Star game

Tampa Bay rookie third baseman Evan Longoria and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Corey Hart were elected All-Stars by fans in Internet balloting the ended Thursday.Longoria received 9 million votes and was followed by Jermaine Dye of the Chicago White Sox, Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees, Brian Roberts of Baltimore and Jose Guillen of Kansas City. [read full article]

Posted Fri, 11 Jul 2008 01:30:45 GMT - via FOXSports.com News for MLB