posted 12/30/11 2:21 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
The FREE trial period for 'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' is coming to an end as I'll begin sending out features for the full digital magazine next week. I'll send out one last update early next week to FREE trial subscribers to help get you caught up.
Here is what the full version will cost you:
•'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' Offseason Subscription (January 3rd thru April 3rd): $7.99
•One-time purchase of latest update for non-subscribers (organizational depth charts not included): $1.99 (*ideal for last-minute fantasy draft prep)
You'll be able to sign up right here on the site early next week!
*Details for the in-season magazine will be available sometime in March. At that time, there will be a wider variety of subscription options available (full season, full year, monthly, etc.)
Since all the features won't be finished for another 10-14 days, the magazine features will be emailed to subscribers as they are completed, starting next week. You will not be receiving multiple attachments like you have been during the trial period. There will likely be just one pdf file attachment per email. By January 13th, paid subscribers will have received the following:
MLBDepthCharts Magazine Organizational Depth Charts
updated 12/20/11 1:05 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
One very important feature that will be included for subscribers of the soon-to-be-released MLBDepthCharts Magazine is access to updated organizational depth charts for each of the 30 teams, which I've spent a good amount of time putting together. I'm still adding the finishing touches on them and the rest of the features of the magazine so website posts will be minimal until early January. For now, take the time to sign up for the Free Trial and preview some of the regular features that will be part of the digital magazine.
A depth chart can be as simple as listing names under each position but there's a lot more to it than that if we are to truly understand the state of each team at any particular position. These organizational depth charts that I'm creating will be updated regularly with 2011 stats, age, date of birth, position(s), height, weight, when drafted/signed as amateur, how acquired, contract, service time, 2011-12 salary, and 2011-12 prospect rankings by Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus. In other words, you should be able to learn a lot about a major league organization by looking at these.
I've sent one example (St. Louis Cardinals) to subscribers of the Free Trial. Sign up now and you'll also get the Offseason Trade Tracker, Free Agent Tracker, Roster Projection Grid, and much more. It's important to hear your feedback so I can make any necessary changes or additions before the official release.
by Jason Martinez
One very important feature that will be included for subscribers of the soon-to-be-released MLBDepthCharts Magazine is access to updated organizational depth charts for each of the 30 teams, which I've spent a good amount of time putting together. I'm still adding the finishing touches on them and the rest of the features of the magazine so website posts will be minimal until early January. For now, take the time to sign up for the Free Trial and preview some of the regular features that will be part of the digital magazine.
A depth chart can be as simple as listing names under each position but there's a lot more to it than that if we are to truly understand the state of each team at any particular position. These organizational depth charts that I'm creating will be updated regularly with 2011 stats, age, date of birth, position(s), height, weight, when drafted/signed as amateur, how acquired, contract, service time, 2011-12 salary, and 2011-12 prospect rankings by Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus. In other words, you should be able to learn a lot about a major league organization by looking at these.
I've sent one example (St. Louis Cardinals) to subscribers of the Free Trial. Sign up now and you'll also get the Offseason Trade Tracker, Free Agent Tracker, Roster Projection Grid, and much more. It's important to hear your feedback so I can make any necessary changes or additions before the official release.
Players Not Tendered Contracts for 2012
posted 12/12/11 11:55 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
The deadline for teams to tender contracts to players who are eligible for arbitration has come and gone. In total, 24 players were non-tendered, including a few who weren't even arb-eligible, and are now free agents. Another five players who were designated for assignment recently were also non-tendered, although I didn't include them on the list because they had already been removed from their team's 40-man roster.
• ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS: RHP Micah Owings, LHP Joe Saunders
• ATLANTA BRAVES: IF Brooks Conrad, RHP Peter Moylan
• BALTIMORE ORIOLES: 1B/OF Luke Scott, LHP Jo-Jo Reyes
• BOSTON RED SOX: LHP Rich Hill
• CHICAGO CUBS: C Koyie Hill
• COLORADO ROCKIES: OF Cole Garner, OF Ryan Spilborghs
• DETROIT TIGERS: 2B Will Rhymes
• KANSAS CITY ROYALS: LHP Aaron Laffey
• LOS ANGELES DODGERS: LHP Hong-Chih Kuo
• MINNESOTA TWINS: LHP Jose Mijares
• NEW YORK METS: C Ronny Paulino, 1B/OF Mike Baxter
• SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: C Eli Whiteside, IF Jeff Keppinger
• SEATTLE MARINERS: C/OF Chris Gimenez, RHP Dan Cortes
• ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: SS Ryan Theriot
• TAMPA BAY RAYS: RHP Andy Sonnanstine
• TEXAS RANGERS: RHP Fabio Castillo
• WASHINGTON NATIONALS: LHP Doug Slaten
by Jason Martinez
The deadline for teams to tender contracts to players who are eligible for arbitration has come and gone. In total, 24 players were non-tendered, including a few who weren't even arb-eligible, and are now free agents. Another five players who were designated for assignment recently were also non-tendered, although I didn't include them on the list because they had already been removed from their team's 40-man roster.
• ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS: RHP Micah Owings, LHP Joe Saunders
• ATLANTA BRAVES: IF Brooks Conrad, RHP Peter Moylan
• BALTIMORE ORIOLES: 1B/OF Luke Scott, LHP Jo-Jo Reyes
• BOSTON RED SOX: LHP Rich Hill
• CHICAGO CUBS: C Koyie Hill
• COLORADO ROCKIES: OF Cole Garner, OF Ryan Spilborghs
• DETROIT TIGERS: 2B Will Rhymes
• KANSAS CITY ROYALS: LHP Aaron Laffey
• LOS ANGELES DODGERS: LHP Hong-Chih Kuo
• MINNESOTA TWINS: LHP Jose Mijares
• NEW YORK METS: C Ronny Paulino, 1B/OF Mike Baxter
• SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: C Eli Whiteside, IF Jeff Keppinger
• SEATTLE MARINERS: C/OF Chris Gimenez, RHP Dan Cortes
• ST. LOUIS CARDINALS: SS Ryan Theriot
• TAMPA BAY RAYS: RHP Andy Sonnanstine
• TEXAS RANGERS: RHP Fabio Castillo
• WASHINGTON NATIONALS: LHP Doug Slaten
Cahill and Breslow traded to Arizona
posted 12/10/11 5:23 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
The Diamondbacks are one of the few teams with enough good starting pitching depth to go out and acquire an impact player. In this case, they traded their top pitching prospect of the past few years, Jarrod Parker, along with outfielder Collin Cowgill and reliever Ryan Cook, to the A's for 23 year-old starter Trevor Cahill, who was an All-Star in 2010, and lefty reliever Craig Breslow. Here's a breakdown of how each roster is affected by the trade.
by Jason Martinez
The Diamondbacks are one of the few teams with enough good starting pitching depth to go out and acquire an impact player. In this case, they traded their top pitching prospect of the past few years, Jarrod Parker, along with outfielder Collin Cowgill and reliever Ryan Cook, to the A's for 23 year-old starter Trevor Cahill, who was an All-Star in 2010, and lefty reliever Craig Breslow. Here's a breakdown of how each roster is affected by the trade.
Rule V Draft Results
posted 12/8/11 1:25 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
Here are the results from today's Rule V Draft. Players taken in the major league phase must spend the entire season in the big leagues and spend at least 90 days on the active roster or be returned to their former team. In other words, Rule V picks can not be stashed on the disabled list for the season. Click HERE for the Rule V draft results tracing back to 1997. I'll be sending out a printer-friendly version with 2011 stats for subscribers to the Free Trial of 'MLBDepthCharts Magazine'. Sign up now!
Major League Phase
• HOUSTON ASTROS select RHP Rhiner Cruz (NYM)
• MINNESOTA TWINS select RHP Terry Doyle (CWS)
• SEATTLE MARINERS select LHP Lucas Luetge (MIL)
by Jason Martinez
Here are the results from today's Rule V Draft. Players taken in the major league phase must spend the entire season in the big leagues and spend at least 90 days on the active roster or be returned to their former team. In other words, Rule V picks can not be stashed on the disabled list for the season. Click HERE for the Rule V draft results tracing back to 1997. I'll be sending out a printer-friendly version with 2011 stats for subscribers to the Free Trial of 'MLBDepthCharts Magazine'. Sign up now!
Major League Phase
• HOUSTON ASTROS select RHP Rhiner Cruz (NYM)
• MINNESOTA TWINS select RHP Terry Doyle (CWS)
• SEATTLE MARINERS select LHP Lucas Luetge (MIL)
• BALTIMORE ORIOLES select IF/OF Ryan Flaherty (CHC)
• NEW YORK YANKEES (via KC) select LHP Cesar Cabral (BOS)
• CHICAGO CUBS select RHP Lendy Castillo (PHI)
• PITTSBURGH PIRATES select IF Gustavo Nuñez (DET)
• ATLANTA BRAVES select LHP Robert Fish (LAA)
• ST. LOUIS CARDINALS select OF Erik Komatsu (WAS)
• HOUSTON ASTROS (via BOS) select IF Marwin Gonzalez (CHC)
• ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS select RHP Brett Lorin (PIT)
• NEW YORK YANKEES select RHP Brad Meyers (WAS)
Labels: rule V draft
Huston Street: New Closer in San Diego
posted 12/7/11 11:43 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
The Padres' last contract offer to Heath Bell was reportedly for two years and in the $14-16 million range sometime during the 2011 season. They did not want to go three years with the 34 year-old closer, so he left for a team - the Marlins - that offered him that, plus a fourth year option. Not surprisingly, their goal was to replace him with an experienced closer who would fit within the amount they had earmarked for Bell. Former A's and Rockies reliever Huston Street was acquired today to take over for Bell, who succeeded future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman. Between Bell and Hoffman, they saved 678 games from 1994 through 2011. Tough shoes to fill but the 28 year-old Street has a pretty good track record of his own.
by Jason Martinez
The Padres' last contract offer to Heath Bell was reportedly for two years and in the $14-16 million range sometime during the 2011 season. They did not want to go three years with the 34 year-old closer, so he left for a team - the Marlins - that offered him that, plus a fourth year option. Not surprisingly, their goal was to replace him with an experienced closer who would fit within the amount they had earmarked for Bell. Former A's and Rockies reliever Huston Street was acquired today to take over for Bell, who succeeded future Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman. Between Bell and Hoffman, they saved 678 games from 1994 through 2011. Tough shoes to fill but the 28 year-old Street has a pretty good track record of his own.
Angel Pagan for Andres Torres and Ramon Ramirez
posted 12/7/11 9:31 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
In what appears to be a 'change of scenery' move, the Mets and Giants exchanged center fielders coming off of disappointing seasons. Andres Torres goes to New York, along with reliever Ramon Ramirez while Angel Pagan heads west to San Francisco. All three players are arbitration eligible, although Pagan and Torres were non-tender candidates before the trade. Here's a breakdown of how each roster is affected by the trade. You can vote at the bottom of the article on who you think got the better end of the deal.
by Jason Martinez
In what appears to be a 'change of scenery' move, the Mets and Giants exchanged center fielders coming off of disappointing seasons. Andres Torres goes to New York, along with reliever Ramon Ramirez while Angel Pagan heads west to San Francisco. All three players are arbitration eligible, although Pagan and Torres were non-tender candidates before the trade. Here's a breakdown of how each roster is affected by the trade. You can vote at the bottom of the article on who you think got the better end of the deal.
Sergio Santos for Nestor Molina
posted 12/6/11 12:51 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
We knew that the White Sox were very likely going to trade some of their best players this offseason. John Danks and Carlos Quentin are the two names that make the most sense, considering both have value and could make over $13 million combined in 2012 before hitting the free agent market after the season. But it was 28 year-old closer Sergio Santos, who is under team control for at least four more seasons on a club-friendly contract (3 yr, $8.25M with club options from 2015-17), that was the first to go in exchange for Blue Jays pitching prospect Nestor Molina. The Jays, meanwhile, have picked up their closer without having to overpay for a free agent or give up any of their top prospects. Here's a breakdown of how each roster is affected by the trade.
by Jason Martinez
We knew that the White Sox were very likely going to trade some of their best players this offseason. John Danks and Carlos Quentin are the two names that make the most sense, considering both have value and could make over $13 million combined in 2012 before hitting the free agent market after the season. But it was 28 year-old closer Sergio Santos, who is under team control for at least four more seasons on a club-friendly contract (3 yr, $8.25M with club options from 2015-17), that was the first to go in exchange for Blue Jays pitching prospect Nestor Molina. The Jays, meanwhile, have picked up their closer without having to overpay for a free agent or give up any of their top prospects. Here's a breakdown of how each roster is affected by the trade.
MLBDepthCharts RADIO - December 5th, 2011
posted 12/5/11 1:11 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
In case you missed the live feed of today's episode of MLBDepthCharts RADIO, you can hear today's 30-minute podcast here. Evan Abrams and I discussed a wide variety of offseason topics. The archived episodes can also be found on our ITunes page later in the day.
by Jason Martinez
In case you missed the live feed of today's episode of MLBDepthCharts RADIO, you can hear today's 30-minute podcast here. Evan Abrams and I discussed a wide variety of offseason topics. The archived episodes can also be found on our ITunes page later in the day.
Labels: mlbdepthcharts radio
Thin Free Agent Market for 3B Could Result in Multiple Trades
posted 12/5/11 8:41 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
It appears that Aramis Ramirez might be the lone starting third baseman available on the free agent market. The Angels, A's, Brewers, Cubs, Orioles, Phillies, Rockies, and Tigers are among the teams that could be looking to upgrade at the hot corner. Two other free agent third basemen, Wilson Betemit and Casey Blake, are solid players but could be more suited for bench roles at this point in their careers. That makes eight teams potentially looking for a third base upgrade and only one obvious free agent option. Is it safe to say that at least one or two of these teams trade for a starting third baseman in the near future?
by Jason Martinez
It appears that Aramis Ramirez might be the lone starting third baseman available on the free agent market. The Angels, A's, Brewers, Cubs, Orioles, Phillies, Rockies, and Tigers are among the teams that could be looking to upgrade at the hot corner. Two other free agent third basemen, Wilson Betemit and Casey Blake, are solid players but could be more suited for bench roles at this point in their careers. That makes eight teams potentially looking for a third base upgrade and only one obvious free agent option. Is it safe to say that at least one or two of these teams trade for a starting third baseman in the near future?
Projected Starting Shortstop Comparison (MLBDepthCharts Magazine)
posted 12/4/11 4:36 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
With less than a month before the scheduled release of 'MLBDepthCharts Magazine', I still have quite a bit of content I'll be providing for subscribers to the Free Trial. I'll be sending out the 'Projected Starting Shortstop Comparison' report tomorrow. SIGN UP NOW!
I've already sent out the following:
OFFSEASON TRADE TRACKER
The newest addition to the Free Trial, I'll be keeping track of every trade made this offseason beginning with the Derek Lowe to Cleveland trade on 10/31. Included are 2011 stats, 2012 salary and contract info, age, and service time for all players involved in a trade.
by Jason Martinez
With less than a month before the scheduled release of 'MLBDepthCharts Magazine', I still have quite a bit of content I'll be providing for subscribers to the Free Trial. I'll be sending out the 'Projected Starting Shortstop Comparison' report tomorrow. SIGN UP NOW!
I've already sent out the following:
OFFSEASON TRADE TRACKER
The newest addition to the Free Trial, I'll be keeping track of every trade made this offseason beginning with the Derek Lowe to Cleveland trade on 10/31. Included are 2011 stats, 2012 salary and contract info, age, and service time for all players involved in a trade.
Should Rollins Be Priority For Brewers?
posted 12/4/11 3:48 PM PST
by Jason Martinez
Update 7:12PM PST - The story has been updated so only Rollins and not Reyes is mentioned as a possibility for the Brewers. Reyes has agreed to a six-year deal with the Marlins.
The Brewers haven't completely given up on free agent Prince Fielder just yet. ESPN's Buster Olney tweeted a few days ago that they could offer a six-year, $120 million deal for the 27 year-old first baseman. While it would be a great story if Fielder actually accepted what would surely be a lesser offer than he'll receive from some other teams around the league, the fact remains that the Brewers would still have a huge hole to fill at shortstop with limited spending money remaining.
So here's the question. Are the Brewers better off with Fielder at first base and an affordable free agent shortstop (think Yuniesky Betancourt, Ronny Cedeño, Alex Gonzalez, or Jerry Hairston, Jr.) or are they a better team with Mat Gamel at first base, Jimmy Rollins at shortstop, and money left over to pursue some bullpen help?
by Jason Martinez
Update 7:12PM PST - The story has been updated so only Rollins and not Reyes is mentioned as a possibility for the Brewers. Reyes has agreed to a six-year deal with the Marlins.
The Brewers haven't completely given up on free agent Prince Fielder just yet. ESPN's Buster Olney tweeted a few days ago that they could offer a six-year, $120 million deal for the 27 year-old first baseman. While it would be a great story if Fielder actually accepted what would surely be a lesser offer than he'll receive from some other teams around the league, the fact remains that the Brewers would still have a huge hole to fill at shortstop with limited spending money remaining.
So here's the question. Are the Brewers better off with Fielder at first base and an affordable free agent shortstop (think Yuniesky Betancourt, Ronny Cedeño, Alex Gonzalez, or Jerry Hairston, Jr.) or are they a better team with Mat Gamel at first base, Jimmy Rollins at shortstop, and money left over to pursue some bullpen help?
Talking MLB Rosters with Jesse Behr of FieldofIgorance.com
posted 12/4/11 11:44 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
I had the pleasure of talking some baseball recently with Jesse Behr of Field of Ignorance, a website based heavily off of beliefs preached in Michael Lewis' bestseller 'Moneyball'. Jesse had some roster-related questions for me and I was happy to share my opinions. Click HERE to read the interview.
If you have a baseball-related website, podcast, radio show, etc, and want to discuss anything roster-related, please feel free to contact me at mlbdepthcharts@gmail.com to request an interview.
by Jason Martinez
I had the pleasure of talking some baseball recently with Jesse Behr of Field of Ignorance, a website based heavily off of beliefs preached in Michael Lewis' bestseller 'Moneyball'. Jesse had some roster-related questions for me and I was happy to share my opinions. Click HERE to read the interview.
If you have a baseball-related website, podcast, radio show, etc, and want to discuss anything roster-related, please feel free to contact me at mlbdepthcharts@gmail.com to request an interview.
Jeff Mathis for Brad Mills
posted 12/3/11 10:15 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
It looks like Jeff Mathis might not be non-tendered after all. The Angels, who recently acquired a starting catcher in Chris Iannetta, would have been very unlikely to tender Mathis a contract had they been unable to find a trade partner. The Blue Jays, who recently lost backup catcher Jose Molina to the Rays in free agency, traded lefty starter Brad Mills to the Angels for Mathis, who becomes the new backup behind J.P. Arencibia. Here's a breakdown of how each roster is affected by the trade.
Los Angeles Angels
Mathis' departure opens the door for Bobby Wilson to backup Iannetta and 23 year-old Hank Conger to begin the season in the minors. It makes sense. The 28 year-old Wilson, who is out of options, is highly-regarded by the organization and Conger can benefit from regular playing time. If Iannetta voids his 2013 club option - he has that right after being traded - and the Angels fail to sign him to a contract extension, Conger could be in line for the starting job next season. He'll have to continue improving defensively, however, before he's the regular catcher on a team managed by Mike Scioscia.
by Jason Martinez
It looks like Jeff Mathis might not be non-tendered after all. The Angels, who recently acquired a starting catcher in Chris Iannetta, would have been very unlikely to tender Mathis a contract had they been unable to find a trade partner. The Blue Jays, who recently lost backup catcher Jose Molina to the Rays in free agency, traded lefty starter Brad Mills to the Angels for Mathis, who becomes the new backup behind J.P. Arencibia. Here's a breakdown of how each roster is affected by the trade.
Los Angeles Angels
Mathis' departure opens the door for Bobby Wilson to backup Iannetta and 23 year-old Hank Conger to begin the season in the minors. It makes sense. The 28 year-old Wilson, who is out of options, is highly-regarded by the organization and Conger can benefit from regular playing time. If Iannetta voids his 2013 club option - he has that right after being traded - and the Angels fail to sign him to a contract extension, Conger could be in line for the starting job next season. He'll have to continue improving defensively, however, before he's the regular catcher on a team managed by Mike Scioscia.
Reds and Red Sox Armed With Major League Ready Trade Chips
posted 12/2/11 11:15 AM PST
by Jason Martinez
With the General Meetings starting next Monday in Dallas, we could expect a fair amount of trades to go down. Many teams will be trying to acquire starting pitching. Teams with major league ready position players to offer in return might have the best chance to do so. Two teams that are in need of pitching and could be in the best position to make a deal are the Reds and Red Sox because of their major league ready talent currently blocked from starting jobs at the major league level. Take a look.
Boston Red Sox
The Sox could have as many as five major league ready players blocked from starting jobs, including catcher Ryan Lavarnway, first baseman Lars Anderson, infielder Jed Lowrie, and outfielders Ryan Kalish (pictured) and OF Josh Reddick. All have big league experience and could possibly crack a number of starting lineups around the league. Just probably not the Red Sox lineup. As things stand right now, Lowrie is penciled in as a starter. I have him at third base with Kevin Youkilis the designated hitter. Kalish or Reddick can also currently be penciled in as the starting right fielder. But there's a chance the Sox acquire another starting outfielder and designated hitter, pushing those three out of the projected starting lineup and onto the trade block.
by Jason Martinez
With the General Meetings starting next Monday in Dallas, we could expect a fair amount of trades to go down. Many teams will be trying to acquire starting pitching. Teams with major league ready position players to offer in return might have the best chance to do so. Two teams that are in need of pitching and could be in the best position to make a deal are the Reds and Red Sox because of their major league ready talent currently blocked from starting jobs at the major league level. Take a look.
The Sox could have as many as five major league ready players blocked from starting jobs, including catcher Ryan Lavarnway, first baseman Lars Anderson, infielder Jed Lowrie, and outfielders Ryan Kalish (pictured) and OF Josh Reddick. All have big league experience and could possibly crack a number of starting lineups around the league. Just probably not the Red Sox lineup. As things stand right now, Lowrie is penciled in as a starter. I have him at third base with Kevin Youkilis the designated hitter. Kalish or Reddick can also currently be penciled in as the starting right fielder. But there's a chance the Sox acquire another starting outfielder and designated hitter, pushing those three out of the projected starting lineup and onto the trade block.
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