RIOS CLAIMED BY UNKNOWN TEAM: OPEN OVERREACTION THREAD
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OMGOMGOMGOMG
I wouldn’t mind this. I just hope we don’t give up anybody good for him since the Jays are looking to dump his salary.
Rios hits home run in 2nd inning
by DrJ Funk Master Deluxe 3000 on Aug 7, 2009 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions
with Bay and Drew hurting/struggling, could it possibly be the Red Sox? Would he even be an upgrade over Reddick or other AAA players?
STUPID RED SOX FAN IS STUPID
Minor White > Ansel Adams
truly.
i guess when you have a fan base that large, you’re bound to have a few r-tards give fans a black eye.
Cain is Able ...
They are like the anti Giants. We yo-yo position players tehy yoyo starting pitchers
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
they just brought up Junichi Tazawa
Neal before Zod!
Official Sponsor of the 1997 San Francisco Giants
by nostocksjustbonds on Aug 7, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Would they do it to prevent the Yankees from grabbing him?
Not that the Yankees necessarily need him, but there are still Steinbrenner’s in that company, fer goodness sake.
Not going to get excited since the Jays can just pull him back from waivers. As bad as they want to shed payroll I doubt they’d let him get away for nothing. And I don’t really want the Giants to trade anyone good for Rios at this point.
That said I’d be happy to get him.
this
pretty normal process. Big time contracts always make their way to the waiver wire. Very rarely do these sort of things work itself out. Although I am curious to see how was willing to take on that sort of salary. Thats a substantial amount.
Cain is Able ...
I don't think it would take a lot though
They have a crap load of payroll committed to next year. They don’t have a lot of options or flexibility unless they get rid of some people.
I always thought that their decision to keep Halladay
would coincide with a potentional Rios trade. Now with Rios and Rolen off the books, they could be free to sign Halladay to an extension.
Realistically, it probably wasnt even us who made the claim. If a team is willing to do this, I could see the Mets (doesnt delgado’s contract expire this season?) making the move.
Cain is Able ...
I thought Neukom wasn’t too big on adding too much payroll for big contracts. Could be totally wrong though
With malice towards the Dodgers
Rios' patroling Right Fielder
would be pretty awesome. He’s an amazing defensive value. And although maddening inconsistent on offense, his numbers always seem to be there at the end of the year. He would be better than overpaying for Holiday or Bay. This would be an excellent move actually.
Cain is Able ...
Is Right Fielder related to Prince Fielder? If so, I assume he would automatically hate the dodgers.
if this is true, I’m gonna unplug you
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
MADBUM DOES COKE AND BEATS WIFE
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
LOLOLOLOLOLOL
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions
i blame billy mays
"I would've been here sooner but I had to shake the Veleasels"
by The Gene Hackman on Aug 7, 2009 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
U DED DOG
I don't know anything about minor league players, so I adopted the Coke Bottle, someone please help me.
I also make music, please check it out
this is going to get pretty tiresome
almost every team in MLB is going be put on waivers over the next few weeks. Many of them are going to be claimed, very few of them are actually going to switch teams.
I meant almost every player in MLB is going to be put on waivers…
by FluLikeSymptoms on Aug 7, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah, but there’s actually been trades the last few days. Pavano was traded today, Gaudin was traded yesterday, and there was a minor deal for Anderson Hernandez. Looks like the GM’s predictions of lots of August deals are coming true, and they’ll even be more by the end of the month, because many teams who still think they’re in it will be gone by then.
Proud new dad of Edgardo errr Edgar Renteria!!!
I think that Rios is an exception to this, as he was heavily mentioned in trade rumors. Coupled with the fact that many McCoven are enamored with Rios on the while, it’s much more relevant than your average waiver claim.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
I doubt the Giants were the first team to put the claim in if the description of the waiver process is correct.
Kind of shocking a team would claim him with his contract.
Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.
Yes, but they are at risk of getting his contract
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
which isn’t unreasonable
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
But, when you make a claim, it’s not automatic right? Like, if the Giants claimed him, but couldn’t work out a deal they liked, they didn’t have to take him?
read MLBTR comments for help!
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions
The claiming team can not pull back their claim. However, they can refuse to trade any player or money for the player put on waivers, thus forcing his current owners to either pull back the waiver and keep him, or give him to the claiming team for nothing. In that case the claiming team would only be on the hook for his remaining contract – the entire term.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
Not true. They can put him back on waivers after that, but after that they cannot pull him back again.
well, if they put Rios on irrevocable waivers, and he was claimed
why would the claiming team “trade” anything to the Blue Jays to get Rios
the waivers are “irrevocable,” Rios is theirs
Daily Gameball and Joker at GIANTSBOARD.COM
Say Hey Say Willie, that Giant Kid is Great!
No, its the Jays who can pull out of it. If the Giants pull out then he would be “claimed” nad any under the giants in the waiver order can claim him
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions
that should say
If the Giants pull out then he would basically not be "claimed" by the Giants and any team under the giants in the waiver order can claim him
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Great… Little Sabeans running around with goatees and laptops… AGGGHH.
Insanity is just a state of mind.
by KTJ on Aug 7, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Kicking trike tires.
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
doing their little due diligence
These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others. -Groucho Marx
dookie dilligence
"I would've been here sooner but I had to shake the Veleasels"
by The Gene Hackman on Aug 7, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions
If the Giants make a claim, and Toronto decides all they want is rid of the contract, yes the Giants would be stuck with him.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
Ding, ding, ding
You are correct!
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
basically this
The Blue Jays now have three choices:
-They can let the claiming team have Rios and the $60MM-plus remaining on his contract.
-They can pull him back from waivers and keep him.
-They can work out a deal with the claiming team.
If they decide to pull him back, they cannot trade him until after the season is done.
MLBNetwork disagrees
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions
nice copy/paste from the link ;)
STEVE HOLM! refuses to be the odd man out.
by UnleashTheGore on Aug 7, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions
IF they make a trade..
Do the players Toronto is receiving have to clear waivers or would they all just be PTBNL?
Brandon Crawford: Your SF Giants 2011 Opening Day starting SS!
He is either a) traded to the team b) pulled back by Toronto or c) given outright to the claming team. I think it’s 7 days for this process but could be wrong.
by AngelWillSaveUs on Aug 7, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions
3 days (not including weekends) dealine for Toronto is Tuesday
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions
ugh
I hope we’re not going to have to wait a couple days to find out who the team is
Baseball is a huge knitting circle of blabber mouths, we will know before game time (no one will confirm it though)
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions
exactly.
You can claim someone to block them – but you gotta be careful ’cause you might end up w/ the player ;)
I think the redsox did this a year or two ago, I forget.
by FairweatherFan on Aug 7, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Neither, a good player with a good contract, right side of 30, great glove, ave bat. But alot of teams have the right to claim him in front of us
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
2014
5M this year, 9M next year and then about 12M/yr from 11’-14’
It's worse than that
2009: ~$2M remaining
2010: $9.7M
2011: $12M
2012: $12M
2013: $12.5M
2014: $12.5M
2015: $13.5M club option – with a $1M buyout
In all it’s $61.6M from now until the end of 2014 (assuming the $1M buyout is exercised and he’s cut loose for 2015.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
Who are the realistic possibilities to claim him
Based on teams current situation and his contract, you can probably narrow down the possibilities a lot.
-The Giants
-Mets
-Braves?
-Rockies?
-Seattle?
-Cleveland?
-White Sox?
I left off teams who have a better record than us because if we didn’t claim him who cares who did. Not sure about teams with question marks, mostly because I can’t think off all their outfield situations off the top of my head. With help from the group, I think we can narrow this down.
They’re rebuilding, I would find it hard to believe
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
srsly. they have a pretty good right fielder already
These are my principles. If you don't like them, I have others. -Groucho Marx
Mostly bad guesses
There’s not enough money for Atlanta, Colorado, Seattle, Cleveland, or the White Sox (they just added > $50M in salary from the Peavy deal) to take him on. Don’t forget that Rios is still owed around $61.5M over the next 5.33 years. Also, don’t forget that a team may be claiming him as a blocking move to keep a competitor from getting him. They wouldn’t want him on their team, but they’d be gambling that the Jays would pull him off the wire when they tell the Jays they won’t trade anybody or any $$$ for Rios.
Also, you have to consider all of the teams in the AL (even those with better records than us), because the order goes: entire AL first, then entire NL. So, only the Fodgers and Phils are above us on the list.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
Yeah, I put ? because I wasn’t sure if he was a fit there. However, I highly doubt anyone would claim him as a blocking move with his contract and the current economic conditions. Also, if there are teams who would do that, it’s those above (except Cleve and Seat, possible Atl), but you don’t think they have the money.
Was wrong about the waiver rules, so I’d definitely add Red Sox to that list, maybe not so much the Yankees.
by AngelWillSaveUs on Aug 7, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah
I agree that the only teams likely to take the gamble and block are big market teams in the playoff chase (ie. Yanks, Angels, and BoSox) – although Minaya is a nut-job and the Mets have money, so he could think that this would be a way to make a splash and save his job.
BTW, IMO the Yanks are the best fit for him (forgetting all the playoff implications) because they need a stud RF for next year to play alongside either Jason Bay or Matt Holliday in LF. They can easily afford him with Damon, Matsui, Petite and Hinske coming off the books this year.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
Really?
I don’t really know their situation financially, but they got out paying Lee and Martinez next year so I thought they might have some room. Could totally be wrong though.
by AngelWillSaveUs on Aug 7, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions
http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/124963387135800.xml&coll=2
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
The Mets don’t seem to have money either, after the Madoff thing.
Bruce Bochy would like you to look at the career numbers and stop complaining.
Well they dumped Lee and Martinez contract, so I figured they might have some financial flexibility. Sizemore in CF, not sure about the corners. I put some non-contenders on there because his contract is long so it doesn’t necessarily have to be a team contending this year but thinks they can in the near future.
by AngelWillSaveUs on Aug 7, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
MOLINA CLAIMS WAFERS
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
Those are awesome
Just dont look at the amount of trans fat. Scary
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
Trans fat? Sounds Divine.
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
Actually meant
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
by satyricrash on Aug 7, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
NOM NOM NOM
Brian Sabean strongly encourages you to disregard the drudgery of your employment responsibilities and join him in the consumption of spirituous libations.
That site makes me so hungry
Is it bad that I use it for recipie ideas?
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
Eat right. Exercise. Die anyway.
Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis.
by j14 on Aug 7, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Spending the ages of 60-80 without diabetes> with diabetes
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
WHERE CAN I FIND THIS?
Adopted brother of Jason Jarvis.
by j14 on Aug 7, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Hold out for better
His OPS isn’t even better than what’s a garko – i’m a garko
Every reform movement has a lunatic fringe - Theodore the Dodger Hater Roosevelt
The attraction is that he is perhaps the best defensive OF in baseball, and is having a down offensive year.
Merkin Valdez? Manuel Mateo? A rose by any other name...
Good call. His contract isn't too bad either. ~$10M per year till 2014/15
Every reform movement has a lunatic fringe - Theodore the Dodger Hater Roosevelt
by Cannonballden on Aug 7, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know
I just think whoever claimed him is not thinking about this year, and is probably building for the future. I don’t know enough about other team’s OF situations to speculate on who that could be.
Most likely the BoSox or Yanks
Here’s my guess – in the order of most likely to least likely:
1. BoSox: They suddenly need help. Youklis actually played LF last night. Bay is hurt, and, most importantly, they want to keep Rios away from the Yanks and Angels. Bay could fly the coop at the end of this season, so Rios could be nice insurance for that.
2. Yanks: They don’t so much need him this year, but he’d fit in so nice and cheaply next year – think of it as the lay-away plan that only costs them about $2.2M for the rest of this year. They have Damon playing LF now, with Hinske, Gardner, Cabrerra, and Swisher manning the other 2 spots off-and-on. Hinske, Damon, and Matsui (only DHing now) are all gone after this season, so Rios would fit in just fine. Until then he’s a nice bat of the bench and a better defender than any of their other OF’s except maybe Cabrerra.
3. Angels: With Torii Hunter still hurt, Vlad an injury just waiting to happen, and Bobby Abreu and Vlad FAs at the end of this season, Rios would seem to be a nice fit for injury relief this season and as the starting RF next year. Besides, the Angels didn’t take on any players before the trade deadline, so they have some salary to work with.
4. Giants: I hope this isn’t true, but you never know with Sabes in charge. I just can’t think of any team in the NL that could take on salary, and is in the postseason race. The Mets could afford him, but why take the chance now that they have no hope for the playoffs. IMO, Rios would be a nice fit on the Giants, except for the horrible terms of his contract. There’s no way that we should be handcuffing ourselves down to another long-term contract (he still has 5.33 years and $61.5M left on it – which comes out to a little under $12M per year). Our bad experiences with Zito and Rowand should be enough of a warning on that front.
Of course, this all could be wrong. For all we know, this could just be a claim that was put in by a team that doesn’t want Rios, but wants to block him from going to a competitor. They’re gambling that the Jays won’t call their bluff and give Rios away for no players in return (ie. a straight salary dump). I think that would be a good bet, as I can’t believe that the Jays would give him up for nothing in return – the fans would revolt.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
Yanks, are last in line with, from what I’ve been reading, little payroll fexibility. Its already 208M
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Wrong, wrong, wrong
The Yanks are last in line in the AL, but ahead of every team in the NL. The order goes: entire AL first, then entire NL. So, only the Fodgers and Phils are above us on the list.
As for salary, as I wrote above, they only owe Rios about $2.2M for the rest of this year. The salaries that they shed for next year (Hinske, Damon, Matsui, …) more than make up for the $10M Rios is owed next year.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
I bet it was the Red Sox
Partly to cock block the Yankees
Chris Dominguez: Bringing dingerz back to The Bay (In a while)
they're notorious for doing that
And I bet it’ll happen again this year. If not for Rios, then def. for a pitcher.
there’s no way a team blocks another by putting in a claim for a player signed thru 2014 and making 60 million dollars. Teams only block when it comes to some impending FA or player not making a lot of money. As for your predictions, the injury to Jason Bay is only day to day so they’re not claiming a contract like this because of a small injury. They also are negotiating a new contract with Bay and want to keep him past this season. There’s no room for both of them. I also say no to the Yankees, because of the reasons I mentioned above, added to the fact that they now look like the best team in baseball. Why add 60 million when you’re rolling? The Angels? Maybe.
Proud new dad of Edgardo errr Edgar Renteria!!!
I disagree with your opinions on the BoSox and Yanks
1. He fits in perfectly with the Yanks considering they’d only be paying him about $2M for the rest of this year to be at least a pinch-hitter and a defensive replacement. The Yanks have been starting Nick Swisher and Hinske in RF this year (and just recently Jerry Hairston). Do you really think they wouldn’t see Rios as a big upgrade? Then next year he’s a cheap (to them) starting RF to go along with Cabrera in CF and either Bay or Holliday in LF. Don’t forget that Damon, Hinske and Matsui are all gone at the end of this year. If for some reason they strike out on those 2, Rios would fill in nicely while they wait for Carl Crawford to become a FA after the 2010 season.
2. As for the BoSox, I don’t think their entire motive will be blocking. I think that Rios is at the very least a cheap insurance policy for them the rest of this season in case of the lingering hammy injury to Bay, and the always injury-prone JD Drew. Going forward, do you really think the BoSox are putting all thier eggs in one basket in regards to re-signing Bay? If they haven’t signed him by now they almost certainly won’t be able to as the season winds down (no reason for Bay not to test the market now with the Yanks likely to pay top $$$ to try and steal him away from their hated rival). Epstein usually has multiple back-up plans. Going forward, having Rios through 2014 would allow them to trade JD Drew (he’s too injury-prone – averaging < 120 games played per season in his career – and not nearly as good a defender as Rios), or replace Ellsbury in CF with a more powerful bat and just as good of a glove.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
reply fail?
Um, do I make any predictions about Bay? I, too, doubt any team would cock-block at that high of expense, which is why I said they’d “def.” do it for a pitcher. Yanks need some back end help and so do the Red Sox, so it’d only make sense for the Sox to pick up any pitcher off Waivers they think the Yanks might be interested in. It’ll help their pitching, and it’ll prevent the Yanks from improving.
Checked with my buddy in the Red Sox org
NO.
He’ll eat crow if that weren’t the case.
by SoFa King Mike on Aug 7, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, the top 3 choices are only possible if the Giants didn’t claim because of the reverse order thing.
Winn, Johnson and Molina off the books next year, so I think the money is there if the Giants did claim him. Neal & Kieschnick are a few years away and Nate/FLew/Velez are nice stop gaps but no players you’d be too upset with bumping for a job once those guys are ready. I could see it being us. If it was, lets just hope Sabean gets the Jays would be happy to give up that contract for not too much.
by AngelWillSaveUs on Aug 7, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Isn’t it reverse order within the league? So all AL teams would have to pass before the Giants got a shot?
Evan is right!
The Yanks are last in line in the AL, but ahead of every team in the NL. The order goes: entire AL first, then entire NL. So, only the Fodgers and Phils are above us on the list.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
:
If a player is claimed by more than one team, the club with the worst record in that player’s league gets priority — and the player can be traded only to that team
Brian Sabean wants to kick tires. I want to kick Brian Sabean.
Adopted Giant: Fred "OBP and UZR, Dammit!" Lewis
I believe he is offered to all teams, worst record gets him. If teams with same record put in a claim, THEN league is the tie breaker.
by AngelWillSaveUs on Aug 7, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions
No thinking necessary
Evan was right. The AL gets first shot, in reverse order of their current records.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2006/08/waiver_trade_ru.html
If more than one team places a claim on a player, the winning claim is awarded based on worst record or the league the claiming team is in.
by AngelWillSaveUs on Aug 7, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Dave Roberts is off the books next year, too.
/sobs
Brian Sabean wants to kick tires. I want to kick Brian Sabean.
Adopted Giant: Fred "OBP and UZR, Dammit!" Lewis
He’s making money as a Red Sox broadcaster, as well
by SoFa King Mike on Aug 7, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
His contract isn't that bad...
“And Rios has been nothing short of fantastic the last two years – he was worth +4.6 wins in 2007 and +5.5 wins last year. And he’s got the exact same skillset as he had then.”
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/rios-wells/
Everybody loves money
Multi-year deals for 34 year old middle infielders always work out!!!!
Brian Sabean wants to kick tires. I want to kick Brian Sabean.
Adopted Giant: Fred "OBP and UZR, Dammit!" Lewis
He’s only 31 this year. Unless you meant the last year of a 3 year deal or something.
We're all basically Pedro Feliz.
I know. The 34-year old thing was meant to evoke Renteria.
And yeah, if we gave Sanchez a 3-year deal, he’d be 34 by the end of it.
Brian Sabean wants to kick tires. I want to kick Brian Sabean.
Adopted Giant: Fred "OBP and UZR, Dammit!" Lewis
Sanchez already has a deal in place. The Giants are on the hook for $8M next year for him.
Why isn't Sabean held accountable for leading the Giants into many years of mediocrity???
Well, yes and no. They have an option which becomes automatic if he reaches 600 plate appearances.
People have been talking about a 3-year deal that would supersede that option and run from 2010-2012.
Brian Sabean wants to kick tires. I want to kick Brian Sabean.
Adopted Giant: Fred "OBP and UZR, Dammit!" Lewis
What if Sanchez would do a 2 year? I doubt he would, but it becomes more tempting.
Everybody loves money
he did offer a 3 year extension to Pit that waived his option this year. You never know
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
His camp proposed a 3 year/18million deal to the Pirates.
You want to see a walk? Then go watch the mailman.
ITS DA GINATS! OF COURS!
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
I hate how most of the Giants coverage for Sanchez has been like
OMG HE MUST BE SO EXCITED TO PLAY MEANINGFUL BASEBALL NOW!!!
It’s pretty stupid.
Idk...Giants have a record of overpaying for players.
They might get bullied into paying more.
by californianotter on Aug 7, 2009 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions
I want me Rios
Minor White > Ansel Adams
by say hey nation on Aug 7, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Rios's contract
I agree that the per year amounts are quite nice. However, the length is just a killer. There’s no way we should risk spending $61.5M (guaranteed) over the next 5.33 year with the uncertainties of injuries, the economy, and the vagaries of performance likely to bite us at some point. The risk just isn’t worth the reward. Read the tea leaves. The only players that will be getting > 3 year contracts for the foreseeable future are the true superstars. All the rest will be fighting for the scraps.
Besides, he’s not likely to hit as well playing so many games in AT&T, PetCo, and Chavez Ravine versus Toronto, Fenway, Yankee Stadium, Camden Yards, and the Trop.
"There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer." - Honus Wagner
Thank you. I’ve been mystified by the misconception around here.
Saving countless runs with my Brian Horwitz
by lyricalkiller on Aug 7, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions
It will be interesting to see how it plays out. From out here in our moms’ basements it looks like a no-brainer to go after him, but (a) we have only the vaguest idea how things are looking financially in the MLB front offices, and (b) much of Rios’s value resides in his superb UZR numbers, and it’s hard to know just how much to trust those.
much of Rios’s value resides in his superb UZR numbers, and it’s hard to know just how much to trust those
much of Rios’s value resides in his superb UZR numbers, and it’s hard to know just how much to trust those
much of Rios’s value resides in his superb UZR numbers, and it’s hard to know just how much to trust those
much of Rios’s value resides in his superb UZR numbers, and it’s hard to know just how much to trust those
much of Rios’s value resides in his superb UZR numbers, and it’s hard to know just how much to trust those
much of Rios’s value resides in his superb UZR numbers, and it’s hard to know just how much to trust those
Also, much of Rios’s value resides in his superb UZR numbers, and it’s hard to know just how much to trust those. Is Bobby Abreu an almost-average outfielder, like this year, or is he a -2,301 run outfielder, like last year? UZR says yes! So I have no problem committing $70M to a player who’s value is UZR-driven, as that metric just so danged consistent.
/repeated because it gets overlooked
by Grant Brisbee on Aug 7, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions
I also forgot to write that I like UZR. It’s just that I trust it as much as I trust a random sampling of 200 at-bats to predict future performance.
by Grant Brisbee on Aug 7, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions
He went from a golden god last year to below average this year, so I would say absolutely not.
by Grant Brisbee on Aug 7, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions
If I may flip over to the other side of this argument for a moment — both last year and this year were huge outliers. For his career, he’s +12.9, which is still great. And fans and scouts alike all seem to agree that he’s a good fielder, unlike Abreu.
But I get the feeling there are park-specific or team-specific variables that haven’t been fully accounted for by fielding stats. We just don’t know exactly where the error bars are with UZR. And given Rios’s age, salary, and unspectactular hitting, you need to be SURE he’s a great fielder.
more like a silver or a bronze god. let’s not get ahead of ourselves
Wall-E for Best Picture 2008
2009: The return of Los Galacticos!
I SAID GOLDEN!!!
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK
by Josh from Hollywood on Aug 7, 2009 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I get slow roasted over an open fire every time I bash UZR.
You and Evan have my best wishes for the future.
by Lars The Wanderer on Aug 7, 2009 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I didn’t even need to bring Abreu into the discussion:
Rios’s UZR/150 last year: 27.5
Rios’s UZR/150 this year: -.6
And he’s hitting .261/.315/.413. So he’d be our worst hitting outfielder? Sweet.
Committing $60M or whatever to a corner outfielder having a second straight sub-.800 OPS season? He’d better be able to snare home runs out of the air with his wang.
by Grant Brisbee on Aug 7, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I had no idea you were so kinky, Grant.
Brian Sabean wants to kick tires. I want to kick Brian Sabean.
Adopted Giant: Fred "OBP and UZR, Dammit!" Lewis
I’m picturing a toad eating a fly, but with home runs and wangs.
by Grant Brisbee on Aug 7, 2009 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions
PORTEND?
that’s so weird i was just watching david attenborough’s Life in Cold Blood last night
"I would've been here sooner but I had to shake the Veleasels"
by The Gene Hackman on Aug 7, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s the fact that you are thinking about his wang that is bothersome.
by positiveuphemism on Aug 7, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Thank you!
While I think this definitely a down year for him. I think expecting 07 numbers year to year is also a stretch. That’s a lot of money for a 15 HR guy.
You want to see a walk? Then go watch the mailman.
