2018 Season MLB Non-Phillies News/Notes Discussion

[zambonir]

Meanwhile

Jeff Passan (JeffPassan)

This already seems problematic, the fact that their GM represented all these players (Cano and Thor). They are saying they would sign a FA pitcher to replace Thor so it's not a teardown. Price would be steep if Diaz is included I would think (the idea is Cano is just a salary-dump, but still).

[EastFallowfield]

Won't Cano be washed up by the time they're ready to compete too?

[Philsmania]

Athletics announce plans for new ballpark.

cbssports.com

Oakland Athletics release plans for new ballpark, and the 'jewel box' stadium...

This would certainly be a huge stadium upgrade for the A's

It looks incredible- I think futuristic without looking tacky. Nice to see some bold new ideas in stadium/community architecture. I hope it happens.

Same for the Rays' new park, though that would kick start MLB expansion talk, in earnest.

[zambonir]

They're trying to win now supposedly. I think even the interim GM said that over the summer. That's why it'd be a little weird to dump Thor at the same time.

[EastFallowfield]

Well, as the internet wags are saying, Ruben Amaro is now working in the Mets front office...

[zambonir]

haha.

[Lawman]

Jeff Passan (JeffPassan)

[California_Dreamin]

Cardinals just acquired Paul Goldschmidt, which would likely take them out of the Harper sweepstakes, if they were ever thinking of jumping in.

[phillychuck]

But will motivate the Cubs...

[David_Criss]

Eovaldi re-signs with the BoSox 4/67. Not a bad deal. That leaves Bauer and Greinke as the top trade candidates and Happ and Morton as the top FA options imo

[andyb]

From a Phillies perspective I think Robbie Ray would be at the top of their pitcher trade list as a less expensive but still potentially top tier left-handed arm. And without the salary might be easier for AZ to deal than Grienke.

[el-pietro]

Robbie Ray is a possible trade target too.

[nycphils]

I would have done 4/67 on Eovaldi without hesitation.

[zambonir]

Could just as easily be in a Phillies thread

Nationals owner Mark Lerner on Bryce Harper: ‘I think they’ve decided to move...

"I don't really expect him to come back at this point. I think they've decided to move on."

Lerner explained the premise of his conclusion. The 10-year, $300 million dollar offer the team made to Harper at the end of the season was "the best we can do," Lerner said, adding that club officials told Harper and his agent, Scott Boras, as much.

[zambonir]

And this (paywalled of course):

Inside Patrick Corbin's courting and the world of the newest...

The newlyweds, along with Corbin’s agent, visited Philadelphia and the New York Yankees. The meetings all went well, but it was D.C. that stood out. The meal with Mark Lerner and general manager Mike Rizzo felt more personable, less plastic than the other two.

While much was made in the previous weeks about the New York native Corbin growing up a Yankees fan and the Phillies’ willingness to overspend this winter, no one backed up their visit like the Nationals. They offered him a six-year, $140 million contract that was agreed upon Tuesday night. Corbin will be introduced in Washington on Friday.

Unquestionably, the terms and length of contract — which will have a portion of Corbin’s salary deferred — is the chief deciding factor. The Yankees reportedly never formally extended an offer and the Phillies were hesitant to go six years.

[allentown]

In one sense, the Phillies weren't willing to pay the current going rate. In another sense, they've stated that their philosophy is to grow their own pitchers, while being willing to sign top FA hitters. So for me, not signing Corbin or Eovaldi is consistent with their stated philosophy and the rubber hits the road on Harper and Machado. Weve known for quite a while that bidding for Harper begins north of $300 million/10 years, since that was the rejected Washington offer. I think Machado worth more than Harper. It's going to take at least $350 million to sign either of them. If TPTB aren't thinking in those terms, then they aren't being serious and Middleton's comments mean, what exactly? Love me as you hate Klentak? The pursuit of Harper and Machado will tell us a lot about Phillies upper management and ownership.

[xogfog]

I seeit a little different, yes, they would rather grow their own pitchers, but there is a glaring need for a left handed starter, which they don't have in the system. However, Corbin got a 6th year from the Nationals, which no other team in the league offered, so I can't blame the Phillies for losing out on that one, I'm sure they offered a very good 5 year deal. Corbin was excellent last year, but has only had middling success previously and has had Tommy John surgery, going into his year 30 season. Even the Yankees who wanted him badly, didn't go to a 6th year.

[allentown]

The Yankees have already greatly strengthened their rotation. The definition of 'going price' is what the highest paying team is willing to pay. The Nats paid it; we weren't willing to pay it. Yes, we need a LHSP. Middleton promised to spend like a semi-drunken sailor. In this case, he didn't. That at least fits with the team's philosophy on pitchers. By that philosophy it makes sense to make a less extreme gamble on a LHSP who isn't as good as Corbin, but will cost a lot less -- perhaps Happ. For me, Harper/Machado, and I'm saying one not both, are where the rubber meets the road. An organization which consistently makes reasonable FA offers at 85% of the going rate is not going to succeed and certainly is spending like a semi-drunken sailor The Nationals do have budget realism -- they knew they couldn't afford Harper. We have a lot more budget flexibility than they do. I think we'll sign a decent LHSP. I prefer a FA to a trade.

[xogfog]

Well the only substantial lefties on the FA board are Happ, Kikuchi (who wants to go out West), Gonzalez and Keuchel (who would cost a draft pick) unless you look to the trade market where Bumgarner, Ray, Duffy and others may be available and the Phillies do have assets to trade.

[allentown]

I'd like the Phillies to make a strong push for Kikuchi, but will be content with Happ. To me, the key for the off-season remains Harper or Machado.