Today is the first day of the winter baseball meetings in Las Vegas. As usual there should be lots of rumors coming out of the winter meetings with this club trading for that player and this player signing with this team. Some of those rumors have no basis while others have some merit.
One thing is for sure, we know that these eight players will make millions of dollars:
- Jason Varitek
- Francisco Rodriguez
- Mark Teixeira
- Derek Lowe
- Manny Ramirez
- CC Sabathia
- Ben Sheets
- A.J. Burnett
When the dust settles and the rumors turns to concrete answers . . .
- Whose payroll are they on?
- Who is paying their check?
- Where will their home be for the next 4-5 years?
Here are my answers:
| 1. | Jason Varitek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Back to the Redsox | |
| 2. | Francisco Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . | NY Mets | |
| 3. | Mark Teixeira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Boston Redsox | |
| 4. | Derek Lowe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Atlanta Braves | |
| 5. |
Manny Ramirez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
Back to the LA Dodgers | |
| 6. | CC Sabathia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | LA Angels | |
| 7. | Ben Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | Atlanta Braves | |
| 8. | A.J. Burnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . | NY Yankees |
Your turn!
I look forward to your comments.
Adam Jolley says:
I do love the winter meetings! I think we’re only 68 days until pitchers and catchers report!
1. Jason Varitek . . . . Back to the Redsox
2. Francisco Rodriguez . . . . NY Mets
3. Mark Teixeira . . . . Boston Redsox
4. Derek Lowe . . . . Cincinnati Reds
5. Manny Ramirez . . . .Back to the LA Dodgers
6. CC Sabathia . . . . LA Angels
7. Ben Sheets . . . .St. Louis Cards
8. A.J. Burnett . . . .Baltimore Orioles
Is it too evident by looking at our predictions that we’re Redsox fans? Wishful thinking for me with Lowe. I’d love to be able to see the “Derek Lowe face” 81 times a year. I’m calling all female reporters in town now to warn…
Merrill Dubrow says:
Adam,
I hope you are right – that means the Yankees get no one on the list!
Good comments.
Merrill
Michael Halberstam says:
The only thing I’m sure of is that Varitek will be a Red Sox for life.
If I had to guess:
F-Rod—Angel’s
Texiera—Beantown or NYY
Lowe—Don’t care
Manny—Dodger’s or Angel’s
CC—Yankee’s (Wishful thinking)
Sheets—Don’t care
A.J.—Yankee’s or Met’s
We hear all kinds of rumors flying around in LA. The sooner things are settled the better.
Jeffrey Lorber says:
Whoever is oldest goes to the Yankees!
Hope we (Yanks) get CC or AJ – anyone with just initials is OK with me too!
Jon Last says:
Of course, the New Yorker needs to weigh in. Here are my answers:
1. Jason Varitek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to the Redsox
2. Francisco Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . . NY Mets
3. Mark Teixeira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NY Yankees
4. Derek Lowe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NY Yankees
5. Manny Ramirez . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back to the LA Dodgers
6. CC Sabathia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LA Dodgers
7. Ben Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to Brewers
8. A.J. Burnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. Louis Cardinals
Adam Lorber says:
this is the first year im not at them!!!! Vegas was not budget sensitive …
Jason Varitek – who cares – he should retire …sox wont resign him – retired or NYY …they can use a .200 DH
Francisco Rodriguez – Mets
Mark Teixeira – RedSox or Halos
Derek Lowe – Yankees
Manny Ramirez – LA
CC Sabathia – Brewers or GIANTS (sleeper pick) …family doesnt want to go to NY …
Ben Sheets – Yanks (See Carl Pavano)
A.J. Burnett – Yanks (see Jared Wright)
Wood – Indians
Dye – Braves
Peavy – Cubs – best staff in baseball
Randy Johnson – As
Barry Packer says:
Merrill,
With a little bit of cheating (K-Rod just signed with the Mets) and a bit of optimism (Varitek and Teixeira to the Red Sox—although I am a big Mike Lowell fan, and years ago remember the quote from the Sox front office of “what would we do with Willie McGee?” —Teixeira, Ortiz, Lowell, Youkilis and Bay into 4 positions???, baseball is here.
The rest of the list is as follows:
Sheets—Yankees
Sabathia—Dodgers
Lowe—Phillies
Burnett—Orioles
Manny—Does anybody really want him for the length of time and money; and how long into his 40′s will he patrol left field?
And speaking of Pavano, a rumor on WEEI says that Pavano could possibly be heading back to Boston. I say the only condition I would do that is if they could re-cycle him again (Pavano and Armas, Jr. for Pedro).
Scoop
Joe Baldi says:
Merrill, nice to hear from you.My thoughts:
Varitek—————-Bosox—2 years
K-Rod—————–Mets—–3years
Teixeira—————Washington ( ugh!!!! ) That’s a rumor I heard today.
I think the O’s might be a player—6years
Lowe——————-Mets—-3years
Manny—————–Dodgers / Giants / Angels—3years
CC———————Yankees ( Show me the money )–6years
Sheets—————–Brewers—2years
Burnett—————-Bosox——3years
Other than CC I think anyone who signs a pitcher to more than 3 years is crazy. Not that I think CC should get more than 4. Manny might last somewhere for 3 years. Interesting to note that not even Torre could change his habits.
I think Teixeira and CC are the jewels of the class. Sheets is a real gamble.
Varitek , at this point is living on the emotions of the fans. great team guy, but clearly past his prime. I hope I’m wrong because he is such a great team guy.
Football. The Giants are not the juggernaut they are made out to be. Have to find a way to mount an offense against good teams when their running game is shut down.
Dolphins are a great story. Steelers still to be reckoned with. The Cowboys may be America’s team but that does not get them in the playoffs.
Titans / Giants Superbowl
Pats in AFC East
Will Morris says:
As always Merrill, you are on top of things: My thoughts:
Jason Varitek Back to the Red Sox
Francisco Rodriguez Easy, Signed with the Mets today
Mark Teixeira Just may go to the Orioles
Derek Lowe Phillies
Manny Ramirez Nobody wants him but the Dodgers
CC Sabathia Red Sox or Giants
Ben Sheets Yankees
A.J. Burnett Arkansas boy, would like to see him with the Cards, but if Sabathia doesn’t go to the Yankees, then Burnett to the Yankees – maybe Lowe as well.
Merrill Dubrow says:
The first of the 8 free agents signs! As predicted here!
K-Rod getting $37 million from Mets
FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal confirmed that Francisco Rodriguez would get a three-year, $37 million deal from the Mets.
The contract includes a vesting option for a fourth year. All indications are that the deal is now done. Dec. 9 – 3:14 pm
Merrill Dubrow says:
Hot off the press!
Report: Sabathia turns down Yanks offer
The San Jose Mercury News passes along a rumor that CC Sabathia has declined the Yankees’ six-year, $140 million offer.
Apparently, the rumor is spreading fast, and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has also picked up on it. An executive close to the CC Sabathia talks told the Andrew Baggerly of the Mercury News that the Brewers are emerging as the frontrunners for Sabathia. Dec. 9 – 4:50 pm et
rick hurwitz says:
varitek – red sox
texiera – red sox
sabathia – yankees
burnett – atlanta
lowe – yankees
k-rod – a wild guess – the mets
manny – dodgers
sheets – milwaukee
penny – red sox
andrew bausk – framingham girls tennis team
fuentes – detroit
baldelli – red sox
nomar – angles
kerry wood – cleveland
Mark Sutin says:
Here we go
Varitek…no body wants him..resigns with Red Sox
Texiera. LA
Sabathia. Yankees
Burnett. yankees
Sheets. Yankees
Lowe. Red Sox
Pavano. You can’t make this up Red Sox
Manny. who cares. Probably LA
KRod. Mets
Merrill Dubrow says:
It looks like the second free agent has a home! I am sure this makes all of the NY Yankee fans quite happy.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Yankees have agreed to terms with CC Sabathia on a contract worth “at least $140 million.”
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that the deal is for seven years and $160 million rather than the six-year, $140 million deal the Yankees previously had on the table. Sabathia apparently gave general manager Brian Cashman his decision at the conclusion of their Tuesday night meeting in San Francisco, opting to accept the richest pitching contract in baseball history. Sabathia, who won the AL Cy Young award in 2007 and went 17-10 with a 2.70 ERA between the Indians and Brewers last season, is expected to make the deal official once he passes a physical. Dec. 10 – 8:15 am et
Fee Sepahi says:
1. Jason Varitek-Back to Red Socks
2. Francisco Rodriguez- To Mets
3. Mark Teixeira – Washington
4. Derek Lowe – To Atlanta
5. Manny Ramirez – To Oakland
6. CC Sabathia – To Yankees
7. Ben Sheets – Will not pass physical remain in Milwaukee
8. A.J. Burnett – To Phillies
Randy Carson says:
Well, one thing is for certain. None of them will be going to the American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays! Toss the money around, you big spenders!
Todd Hansen says:
1. Jason Varitek – Who cares
2. Francisco Rodriguez – Who cares
3. Mark Teixeira – Who cares
4. Derek Lowe – Who cares
5. Manny Ramirez – Who cares
6. CC Sabathia – New York Yankees
7. Ben Sheets – Who cares
8. A.J. Burnett – Who cares
(I have already started wearing my Yanks lid crooked!)
Merrill Dubrow says:
Todd,
Appreciate your comments. I assume you will care if your Yankees get Lowe and Burnett.
Enjoy the holidays.
Merrill
Todd Hansen says:
Of course but still optomistic that Ian Kennedy and the other young guys – Phil Hughes, Alfredo Aceves or Chase Wright can fill the 4 & 5 spots in the rotation. Lowe, Sheets and Burnett would be an added bonus but these guys are not in the same class as CC.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Todd,
Sorry to burst your bubble but your “young” guys aren’t that good. With Wang back and CC in the fold you have the start of something special. Wouldn’t it be funny if you fixed your pitching and now your hitting is a mess!
Fun time of year for sure.
Merrill
Daniel Allen says:
Merrill,
Here are my predictions:
1. Jason Varitek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boston Red Sox
2. Francisco Rodriguez . . . . . . . . . . .NY Mets
3. Mark Teixeira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washington Nationals
4. Derek Lowe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NY Yankees
5. Manny Ramirez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LA Dodgers
6. CC Sabathia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NY Yankees
7. Ben Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Milwaukee Brewers
8. A.J. Burnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Baltimore Orioles
AND
The Cubbies get Adam Dunn…?
- Daniel
Todd Hansen says:
Trust me I know they had tough years…but I also remember signing Carl Pavano. A lot of pressure pitching for the Yanks when you only had one quality starter opening the season in Wang (who would have thought Mussina would put up 20 wins and Joba was in the pen). However, with CC, Wang & Chamberlain in the first three spots you take a lot of that pressure away from them. Hitting is on the mend from injuries last year and with help from acquiring Nady and Nick Swisher who will be an adequate replacement for Giambi (same average, 20+ homer potential but he can field!). I will like to see Cano rebound and get off to a better start in 2009 (reasonable expectation) and Jorge just to stay healthy.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Todd,
I will try and stay with the hitting because I am not sure Chamberlain isn’t setting up next year. Swisher isn’t that good and Damon (even though I love him) is getting old very quickly. Matsui and Posado are coming off injuries and who know what you are going to take. AROD is great but Jeter’s numbers are coming back to earth, I don’t think Cano will be there and Cabrera isn’t much more than a 4th outfielder. By the way the loss of Abreau could be big. They seem to have a ton of questions with their hitting…. Just my thoughts…..
Merrill
Merrill Dubrow says:
Todd – this solves one of their problems – this is a good move for the Yankees. He has speed, solid arm and power.
Brewers deal Cameron for Yanks’ Melky Cabrera
The New York Daily News reports that the Brewers and Yankees have agreed to a Mike Cameron-for-Melky Cabrera swap.
Cameron will start in center field for the Yanks next year. The 35-year-old hit .243 with 25 home runs and 70 RBI in 120 games last season and is set to earn $10 million in 2009.
The Brewers are getting younger and have cut a large chunk of payroll with the deal, but they’re losing a big part of their offense. Cabrera, 24, batted just .249 in ’08 with eight dingers and 37 RBI in 129 games.
Dec. 11 – 8:15 am et
Merrill Dubrow says:
This has to be a joke – Manny loves money way to much!
Report: Ramirez threatens retiremen
Manny Ramirez is growing extremely upset about the lack of suitors for his services, so much so that he has told friends he would contemplate retirement if a suitable offer doesn’t arrive soon, a person close to the situation told Newsday.
We needed a good laugh at the end of a busy week. We’re sure Manny will be receiving a lot of sympathy. To think there aren’t dozens of teams willing to pay him $25 million for a one-dimensional 36-year-old known for giving it all only when he feels like it.
Dec. 11 – 8:40 pm et
Merrill Dubrow says:
Another of the big 8 lands! As predicted by yours truly AJ Signs with the Yankees………
A.J. Burnett-S- Blue Jays Dec. 12 – 5:02 pm et
The Yankees and A.J. Burnett have agreed to a five-year, $82.5 million contract, according to FOXSports.com and ESPN.com.
Burnett would have looked pretty good at the top of the Braves’ rotation, but the club is probably better off with him having taken the Yankees’ offer. Odds are that he’ll give the team three quality seasons during the five-year commitment. The soon-to-be 32-year-old has made just 30 starts twice in his career, both times in contract years. Of course, he is a legitimate No. 2 starter when he’s healthy, and the Yankees should be able to cover his absences fairly well.
Merrill Dubrow says:
I was wrong on this one – after all the rumors flying around Tex lands in NY.
Mark Teixeira-1B- Angels Dec. 23 – 5:28 pm et
The New York Post has learned that Boston’s final bid for Mark Teixeira was $168 million over eight years.
$12 million less than what the Yankees paid. Boston might also have been held back by its refusal to give out no-trade clauses. The Red Sox surely would have rather seen Teixeira go to Washington than to the Yankees, but the current regime doesn’t worry about what New York is doing as much as the older ones did.
It’s believed the Nationals were at $180 million for nine years for Teixeira. The Orioles probably never budged from seven years and $140 million-$150 million.
Merrill Dubrow says:
WOW – I was right about this one……
Report: Braves, Lowe agree to 4-year deal
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Derek Lowe and the Braves have agreed to terms on a four-year, $60 million contract.
The deal is scheduled to be finalized Wednesday after Lowe takes a physical exam. Atlanta has focused on starting pitching this offseason, adding Lowe, Kenshin Kawakami and Javier Vazquez to a rotation that includes holdover Jair Jurrjens.
Lowe went 14-11 with a 3.24 ERA in 211 innings last season and has started at least 32 games in seven straight years, making him one of the most durable starters in baseball.
Missing out on A.J. Burnett no doubt disappointed the Braves, but they’re likely better off with Lowe at two-thirds of the monetary commitment. J
Jan. 13 – 10:53 am et
Merrill Dibrow says:
MANNY UPDATE!!
Manny Ramirez-OF- Dodgers Jan. 19 – 7:06 pm et
Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com reports that “depending upon whom you believe, the Giants are either heavily or barely in the mix for” Manny Ramirez.
The Dodgers remain the only team clearly in pursuit of Ramirez, although they’re seemingly content to wait things out and let him come to them.
Los Angeles has a ton of payroll room and Rosenthal speculates that they could turn to Adam Dunn or Bobby Abreu if they give up on Ramirez. Meanwhile, the Giants are said to be pursuing trades for big bats, which suggests that their interest in Ramirez may be real.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Manny Ramirez-OF-Dodgers Jan. 24 – 8:50 am et
Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times notes that it has been 80 days since the Dodgers offered Manny Ramirez a two-year, $45 million contract.
It’s still probably the only offer he has seen. According to Shaikin’s report, agent Scott Boras and Dodgers GM Ned Colletti talk regularly, but neither is blinking. “We have let the Dodgers know what Manny’s position is,” Boras said. “They are fully aware of the terms he feels are fair.”
Merrill Dubrow says:
I will be shocked if he ends up anywhere else but in Boston!!
Jason Varitek – C Jan. 27 – 10:01 am et
According to the Boston Globe, the Red Sox have given Jason Varitek a Saturday deadline to accept their contract offer.
The deal includes $5 million for this season with a $5 million team option or $3 million player option for 2010. The newspaper reports that the offer was made last week, meaning that Varitek will have had 7-10 days to make his decision. Much like Andy Pettitte re-signing Monday with the Yankees, Varitek will have to put aside his pride and accept a paycut to remain in Boston.
Merrill Dubrow says:
As predicted……….
Jason Varitek-C- Red Sox Jan. 30 – 2:05 pm et
SI.com is reporting that Jason Varitek has agreed to a two-year deal to stay with the Red Sox.
There was never anywhere else for him to go. Re-signing Varitek likely was the right move for the Red Sox with no legitimate upgrades available in free agency. They still do need to go get themselves a catcher of the future, but it doesn’t have to be done before the start of the season.
Merrill Dubrow says:
SURPRISED they truned this down! – I still think he signs there…..
PHOENIX (AP) -Manny Ramirez has rejected yet another offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Dodgers announced Thursday night the star outfielder’s agent Scott Boras had declined a $25 million, one-year contract with a $20 million player option for 2010. It was the club’s fourth offer to Ramirez this offseason.
“We want Manny back, but we feel we are negotiating against ourselves,” Dodgers owner Frank McCourt said in a statement. “When his agent finds those ‘serious offers’ from other clubs, we’ll be happy to restart the negotiations.”
General manager Ned Colletti and McCourt met Wednesday in Los Angeles with Boras.
The offer is similar to the two-year, $45 million deal with a buyout or club option that the Dodgers put on the table in November. Ramirez refused the offer and the Dodgers withdrew their proposal. The team came back with a one-year, $25 million offer, but Ramirez turned that down as well. Ramirez also turned down salary arbitration.
“Even with an economy that has substantially eroded since last November, out of respect for Manny and his talents, we actually improved our offer,” McCourt said.
“So now, we start from scratch.”
A message left with Boras was not immediately returned.
Colletti said there was not necessarily a hard deadline, and that Ramirez was not yet needed in spring training.
“With the season starting a week later, it’s a little bit more flexible than it might have been a year ago,” Colletti said.
The Dodgers open the regular season April 6 at San Diego.
Ramirez hit .396 with 17 home runs and 53 RBIs in 53 games with the Dodgers last season while leading them to the NL West title after he was acquired from Boston at the July 31 trade deadline.
Merrill Dubrow says:
Manny Ramirez – OF Mar. 4 – 8:21 pm et
Dodgers re-signed outfielder Manny Ramirez to a two-year, $45 million contract.
Ramirez passed his physical on Wednesday. The deal guarantees him salaries of $25 million in 2009 and $20 million in 2010, which is a player option.
The contract will be paid out over five years, with Ramirez receiving $10 million each of the next four years and $5 million in 2013. Ramirez is expected to be in Dodgers camp on Thursday. Manager Joe Torre estimates it will take him a week to get ready for game action.