Offseason Deals and Rumors

[Boss-Hog]

Please use this thread for continued offseason deals and rumors discussion.

[mdccclxix]

Yankees To Sign Brian Roberts
By Steve Adams [December 17 at 7:36am CST]
The Yankees and second baseman Brian Roberts have agreed to a one-year deal worth $2MM plus incentives, reports Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Morosi's colleague, Ken Rosenthal, reported last night that the two sides were likely to reach an agreement. Roberts is represented by Relativity Baseball (formerly known as SFX).

[wally post]

(Yanks sign Roberts)
I wonder if this opens up a possibility of a trade where the Os need a 2nd baseman - and possibly a closer as well?

[bounty37h]

I don't know why, but I am amazed that Roberts is still around. It is fun for me to see though, as I first saw him as a young kid when I was at baseball camp at UNC one summer-his dad was the coach there and he tagged along, had great skills even as a young kid.

[HeatherC1212]

Yankees To Sign Brian Roberts
By Steve Adams [December 17 at 7:36am CST]
The Yankees and second baseman Brian Roberts have agreed to a one-year deal worth $2MM plus incentives, reports Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports (on Twitter). Morosi's colleague, Ken Rosenthal, reported last night that the two sides were likely to reach an agreement. Roberts is represented by Relativity Baseball (formerly known as SFX).

I have serious death in my soul over reading this news. You had to join my least favorite AL team Brian???! There wasn't anyone else out there who would give you a chance? Seriously?! Ugh. *sigh*

[webbbj]

Is it safe to say Brandon Phillips will be a red next year?
We need a leadoff hitter, how will we acquire that piece?

[RedEye]

Is it safe to say Brandon Phillips will be a red next year?

We need a leadoff hitter, how will we acquire that piece?

I don't think it is safe to say that yet. Walt still probably has some surprises up his sleeve. At least that's my guess.

[Mario-Rijo]

Is it safe to say Brandon Phillips will be a red next year?
We need a leadoff hitter, how will we acquire that piece?

A guy I believe we could get is De Aza from the White Sox, not ideal but a solid option. Yorman Rodriguez for him I can see working, the Sox seem to be collecting young talent with some upside. De Aza has 2 years left before FA.

And yeah I think we are stuck with Brandon whom I never wanted to sign this most recent deal with in the 1st place, so I hope he ages gracefully.

[marcshoe]

Someone on another thread mentioned that de Aza was the only centerfielder with worse defensive numbers than Choo last year. Decent bat, but probably not enough to make up for his glove.

[Mario-Rijo]

Someone on another thread mentioned that de Aza was the only centerfielder with worse defensive numbers than Choo last year. Decent bat, but probably not enough to make up for his glove.

I'm all for a better alternative, who you got?

[mth123]

Other names hitting the waiver wire or free agency today:

Ramon Hernandez, Yorvit Torrealba (If Mes is hurt more than we think)
Jose Mijares (Another lefty would be a good idea IMO)
Kevin Fransden (Better idea than Nelson unless Nelson can play SS)
Carlos Pena, Chad Tracy, Tony Abreu (no real reason to be interested)
Kyle Farnsworth (given the state of the pen, but I'd pass)

[Kc61]

On MLB Network this morning they suggested that Reds were still in it for Choo. Seemed like Rangers and Choo perhaps have been unable to cut a deal so far.

Wonder if Walt is proposing something creative. Like a long term deal at less money, but with options for Choo to be a free agent again after, say, two or three years.

Guessing the Reds are stuck in neutral until they see how Choo works out. If they don't get him, then Reds maybe add a player or two, lesser free agents or trades. If Choo does work out, then maybe Reds are "selling" a couple of players to reduce team salary, or seeking a couple of inexpensive role players.

Everything points to the Reds becoming more active once the Choo thing is settled.

[RedEye]

On MLB Network this morning they suggested that Reds were still in it for Choo. Seemed like Rangers and Choo perhaps have been unable to cut a deal so far.

Wonder if Walt is proposing something creative. Like a long term deal at less money, but with options for Choo to be a free agent again after, say, two or three years.

Guessing the Reds are stuck in neutral until they see how Choo works out. If they don't get him, then Reds maybe add a player or two, lesser free agents or trades. If Choo does work out, then maybe Reds are "selling" a couple of players to reduce team salary, or seeking a couple of inexpensive role players.

Everything points to the Reds becoming more active once the Choo thing is settled.

I think this makes a lot of sense. Walt did say that the Reds were going to really try to sign Choo. My guess is he wasn't lying, but that he also didn't know how the market would play out. At the moment, Choo's options seem to be dwindling a bit, so Cincy really could be back in play if they can approach the deals other teams are offering. Strange thing is that Boras said at one point that Choo had an offer in-hand and was considering it. I wonder if he decided against it.

[Benihana]

On MLB Network this morning they suggested that Reds were still in it for Choo. Seemed like Rangers and Choo perhaps have been unable to cut a deal so far.

Wonder if Walt is proposing something creative. Like a long term deal at less money, but with options for Choo to be a free agent again after, say, two or three years.

Guessing the Reds are stuck in neutral until they see how Choo works out. If they don't get him, then Reds maybe add a player or two, lesser free agents or trades. If Choo does work out, then maybe Reds are "selling" a couple of players to reduce team salary, or seeking a couple of inexpensive role players.

Everything points to the Reds becoming more active once the Choo thing is settled.

That makes sense. Or they could go the other direction and do something like a 2 year, $45-50M deal. That could be interesting too.

[757690]

For the people who want the Reds to trade Phillips, the Yankees, with all their resources, filled their vacant 2B position with 36 year old Brian Roberts, who has played 133 total these last three seasons, producing a .633 OPS.