So the Blue Jays would like to have a reliable closer in 2004. This doesn't mean they're going to sign Roberto Hernandez to a multi-year deal, but it does mean that they'd like to have someone who can be counted on to shut down the opposition late in the game. The ideal candidate would be affordable (probably no more than $3 million for a one-year deal, preferably less) and resilient (the Jays are not devotees of the exclusively ninth-inning reliever, so someone willing and able to enter with two on and one out in the 8th and finish the game would be welcome). Here's an article detailing the best closing candidates on the market; lower-priced names like Tom Gordon, Latroy Hawkins, Rod Beck, Tim Worrell and even Armando Benitez have been tossed around by Jays fans. With such a bumper crop available, the odds of bringing in a solid pitcher for a budget price seem promising. Even if not, there are reasonable in-house candidates like Aquilino Lopez, Jason Kershner and, in a pinch, Cliff Politte. Longer-term solutions at Triple-A include flamethrower Adam Peterson and perhaps even dark horse Jason Arnold. So here's our question: who do you think will lead the Jays in saves in 2004, and how much will he cost?
Don't be fooled into giving Jimenez too much credit for pitching in Colorado... the last two years he's actually been far worse on the road than at home. If he's the Jays closer for 2004... well there's always 2005.
Benitez - $3 million
He seems to have a stigma attached to him from his NY days, with highly visable blown saves for the Mets, and lasting just a few weeks with the Yankees, so I think a lot of teams that need a closer will pass on him.
If you can overlook that he's been pretty dominant otherwise. I can see him falling through the cracks and the Jays landing him.
He seems to have a stigma attached to him from his NY days, with highly visable blown saves for the Mets, and lasting just a few weeks with the Yankees, so I think a lot of teams that need a closer will pass on him.
If you can overlook that he's been pretty dominant otherwise. I can see him falling through the cracks and the Jays landing him.
I would like to see Hawkins get another chance to be a closer, and I'm sure he could be had for less than $2mil. if promised the closers spot. As a side note, Worrel IS NOT a closer. He only proves that any middle reliever can play one for a year on a good team. He lost he share of leads and tried to many times.
From what I can see of Jimenez's splits his HR rate was worse at home (no surprise) and his K/BB rate was worse on the road - I dont see how thats park effect rather than sample size
I have no illusions about Jimenez - at best he's a 4.00-4.50 reliever - I just think J.P. wont spend more than 1 million on a reliever - which rules out a lot of options
I have no illusions about Jimenez - at best he's a 4.00-4.50 reliever - I just think J.P. wont spend more than 1 million on a reliever - which rules out a lot of options
Opps, typo. Meant 4mil for Hawkins, condisering he is already making 3.
Fair enough Geoff, I assumed you meant that Jimenez would be a Good option. Personally I think J.P. will go as high as $2M for a closer, but that's just an opinion, I've go no real backup for it.
I think you've got a point about Benitez possibly falling through the cracks, Pistol, but if that means $3M I think the Jays will just watch him fall.
I think you've got a point about Benitez possibly falling through the cracks, Pistol, but if that means $3M I think the Jays will just watch him fall.
Hawkins was just dominating in 2003. OPS against of 596, 75K in 77 innings, only 16BB. What's not to like? Only downside was those 77 inning pitched; that's a reasonably heavy workload for a reliever. But he's big which in theory means he should be able to soak up the innings a bit better, and his walk and hit rates are good and reasonable respectively.
His three year numbers? OPS against of 634 over 209 innnings. Yeah, he's worth a bit of money, and $4Million sounds about right. He'll command more money than Paul Quantrill, say, who is also excellent, and who turned down a $3 million dollar option. He's younger, he throws harder, and is arguably better (though with less of a track record). On the other hand there are quite a few good relievers out there so I doubt he'll get much more than $4 Mill.
I don't see anything to get excited about with Jose Jimenez. Career OPS against of 768. Yep, Colorado is unlikely to help those numbers, but if you are looking for a cheapish reliever, the Rod Beck's, and Steve Reed's of this world are a better bet. Jose Jimenez might turn back into a cheap starter, but I wouldn't count on it.
His three year numbers? OPS against of 634 over 209 innnings. Yeah, he's worth a bit of money, and $4Million sounds about right. He'll command more money than Paul Quantrill, say, who is also excellent, and who turned down a $3 million dollar option. He's younger, he throws harder, and is arguably better (though with less of a track record). On the other hand there are quite a few good relievers out there so I doubt he'll get much more than $4 Mill.
I don't see anything to get excited about with Jose Jimenez. Career OPS against of 768. Yep, Colorado is unlikely to help those numbers, but if you are looking for a cheapish reliever, the Rod Beck's, and Steve Reed's of this world are a better bet. Jose Jimenez might turn back into a cheap starter, but I wouldn't count on it.
Hawkins would be awesome. 80+ innings of excellent relief, provided that they are the right innings (tie game or one run differential), would be worth the big bucks ($4M). Go get 'em.
If Benitez is available for something lessd than 3 million, preferably two then I also think you have to have a look. Pistol is right about a stigma. I won't speak to prior "stigma" because it was based on performance in pressure situations but, to me Benitez pitched well with the Yankee's. I think Torre didn't feel comfortable with him as his primary closer and Nelson a known Torre quantity came available after Nelson's accurate remarks after the trade deadline. The deal suited the Yanks and suited Seattle who were still in the race with an injured closer in Sasaki, a less than dominating season by Arthur Rhodes and Hasagawa as their replacement closer. Prior to Hasagawa assuming the closer job Nelson flopped big time. The match was perfect.
Benitez again pitched reasonably well then came up with the sore arm. I doubt a GM will count that trade against the character of Benitez but if they do then so much the better if he becomes under valued and slides into the Jays price range.
If the Jays can land him at a discount then they should go for it. This is a guy who can really bring it and the laid back atmosphere of T.O. might suit his mental make-up very well.
Benitez again pitched reasonably well then came up with the sore arm. I doubt a GM will count that trade against the character of Benitez but if they do then so much the better if he becomes under valued and slides into the Jays price range.
If the Jays can land him at a discount then they should go for it. This is a guy who can really bring it and the laid back atmosphere of T.O. might suit his mental make-up very well.
For $3M? Yeah, I'll take Mr Benitez. He'd have to take a massive paycut to come to TO though (he earnt nearly 7M last year). He has that established closer aura which will keep his pay high, notwithdstanding personality issues. He has a 3 year OPS against of 645 with a noticable but not horrific platoon split (he's better against righties). He's a mighty fine player, but if I had to choose I'd still take LaTroy because I suspect you'll get a little more bang for your buck.
I think the Jays will have interest in Jimenez but he's not a closer. He's actually a groundball finesse guy who doesn't walk many people and can probably give you bulk innings in middle of a game or even as a back of the rotation starter; probably the ideal swing-man. Then again the Jays already have Pete Walker so I'm not sure what Jimenez might offer. Even if he was signed quite cheaply for his experience and control, the Jays would still have to direct dollars at other names if they really want to find a closer.
So let's eliminate the "obvious" names who everyone will pursue and might only fall to the Jays if their market dries up. Let's assume for now that this includes Foulke, Urbina, Mantei (must be traded for with DBacks eating salary), Gordon, Hawkins, Guadardo, Hasegawa, Benitez, Quantrill, and Rhodes. The guys who aren't offered arbitration and end up willing to settle for a one or two year deal for $3 million or less are the only realistic options from here and it will largely depend on how the market plays out.
Then there's the middle tier...guys who were less visible setup guys that didn't get as much press but could possibly do the job for a year or two. I'd include Baez, Ligtenberg, Sullivan, Rincon, Fox, Adams, Beck, Worrell, Leskanic, Reed (if option declined), Osuna, and F-Rod (must be traded for). You'd want to pay these guys between $500K and $2 million depending the guy and how the market plays out. You could pay more for Baez because of his youth or the possibility of making him a starter; in fact he might belong in the top tier as Phillie is already looking into him.
Then there's the longshots who may have been closers at one time but might be past it and are only worth a shot if they come quite cheaply. Mesa, Alfonseca, Williams, Veres, Guthrie (if option declined), Ritchie, Yan, Eldred, Fassero/DeJean (if options declined), Myers, Jimenez, Jones, Howry, Grimsley, Levine, and Fetters. Definately under a million for these guys and a few of them may not command major league contracts.
In an ideal world, the Jays would get one of each of these. I'm going to assume that none of the top guys filters down into their price range though I'm sure they'll still contact everyone that interests them there. So let's say they end up signing one or two of the middle guys and one or two of the lower guys. I'd give Rincon a fairly good chance of becoming a Jay as JP is obviously quite familiar with him. I'd also go hard after Baez, Fox, Sullivan, and Ligtenberg and fall back on Beck or Worrell if the price is right. Mike Williams and Guthrie would be the guys that most interest me from the lower tier.
I'm going to put the early odds on Rincon eventhough I think he's better suited for lefty setup. Chad Fox is probably the guy that gives the best chance at being both affordable (around a million) and a closer-like pitcher.
So let's eliminate the "obvious" names who everyone will pursue and might only fall to the Jays if their market dries up. Let's assume for now that this includes Foulke, Urbina, Mantei (must be traded for with DBacks eating salary), Gordon, Hawkins, Guadardo, Hasegawa, Benitez, Quantrill, and Rhodes. The guys who aren't offered arbitration and end up willing to settle for a one or two year deal for $3 million or less are the only realistic options from here and it will largely depend on how the market plays out.
Then there's the middle tier...guys who were less visible setup guys that didn't get as much press but could possibly do the job for a year or two. I'd include Baez, Ligtenberg, Sullivan, Rincon, Fox, Adams, Beck, Worrell, Leskanic, Reed (if option declined), Osuna, and F-Rod (must be traded for). You'd want to pay these guys between $500K and $2 million depending the guy and how the market plays out. You could pay more for Baez because of his youth or the possibility of making him a starter; in fact he might belong in the top tier as Phillie is already looking into him.
Then there's the longshots who may have been closers at one time but might be past it and are only worth a shot if they come quite cheaply. Mesa, Alfonseca, Williams, Veres, Guthrie (if option declined), Ritchie, Yan, Eldred, Fassero/DeJean (if options declined), Myers, Jimenez, Jones, Howry, Grimsley, Levine, and Fetters. Definately under a million for these guys and a few of them may not command major league contracts.
In an ideal world, the Jays would get one of each of these. I'm going to assume that none of the top guys filters down into their price range though I'm sure they'll still contact everyone that interests them there. So let's say they end up signing one or two of the middle guys and one or two of the lower guys. I'd give Rincon a fairly good chance of becoming a Jay as JP is obviously quite familiar with him. I'd also go hard after Baez, Fox, Sullivan, and Ligtenberg and fall back on Beck or Worrell if the price is right. Mike Williams and Guthrie would be the guys that most interest me from the lower tier.
I'm going to put the early odds on Rincon eventhough I think he's better suited for lefty setup. Chad Fox is probably the guy that gives the best chance at being both affordable (around a million) and a closer-like pitcher.
It's not rational to discount the Colorado effect for Jiminez simply because his home numbers were not abnormally high. He pitched in a higher run environment than any other closer in the game, and should get credit for that. I'm not saying he'd be a good option (don't know enough about him), but just because he did better at home than you'd expect (or, worse on the road than you'd expect) does not mean you can just toss the Coors Field effect out the window.
To avoid all this handwaving, does anyone have any park-adjusted splits for Jiminez?
S.K.,
Your right, you shouldn't discount the Colorado effect. Jimenez is probably ok once you take him away from Colorado, but I don't see any evidence that he is going to be *good* or at least above average. Nothing wrong with giving $500K, but I don't see any reason to chase him. I willing to be convinced though...
I don't have park-adjusted "splits" but Michael Wolverton does publish support/park neutral stats here.
Is his methodology sound? It looks like pretty small sample size here, but it agrees with my prejudices so I like it... :-)
According to Michael Wolverton's stats LaTroy Hawkins and Paul Quantrill were equally awesome, Benitez was a long way down (below our very own star Aquilino Lopez) and Jiminez was actively bad.
If you want a Rockie, and you can get him, get Steve Reed who looks good even *before* you factor in the Colorado effect.
Your right, you shouldn't discount the Colorado effect. Jimenez is probably ok once you take him away from Colorado, but I don't see any evidence that he is going to be *good* or at least above average. Nothing wrong with giving $500K, but I don't see any reason to chase him. I willing to be convinced though...
I don't have park-adjusted "splits" but Michael Wolverton does publish support/park neutral stats here.
Is his methodology sound? It looks like pretty small sample size here, but it agrees with my prejudices so I like it... :-)
According to Michael Wolverton's stats LaTroy Hawkins and Paul Quantrill were equally awesome, Benitez was a long way down (below our very own star Aquilino Lopez) and Jiminez was actively bad.
If you want a Rockie, and you can get him, get Steve Reed who looks good even *before* you factor in the Colorado effect.
just because he did better at home than you'd expect (or, worse on the road than you'd expect) does not mean you can just toss the Coors Field effect out the window.
And I'm not saying it should be tossed out the window. Go right ahead and adjust his home stats for Coors field, his road stats (~ neutral park) over the last two years still say he's a stinker. A high-upside stinker? Perhaps.
Robert, if you're reading this, I'd like to hear your take on applying park effects to individual players. It seems to me that some players have their own personal "park effects" which don't fit with the majority. Another example that comes to mind is Shea Hillenbrand in Fenway.
And I'm not saying it should be tossed out the window. Go right ahead and adjust his home stats for Coors field, his road stats (~ neutral park) over the last two years still say he's a stinker. A high-upside stinker? Perhaps.
Robert, if you're reading this, I'd like to hear your take on applying park effects to individual players. It seems to me that some players have their own personal "park effects" which don't fit with the majority. Another example that comes to mind is Shea Hillenbrand in Fenway.
My best guess is that Aquilino Lopez will lead the Jays with 30 saves next year and cost $350,000-$400,000. I anticipate that the Jays will sign one or two of the lesser names above, but that Lopez will close for them.
It seems to me that some players have their own personal "park effects"
Yeah. An extreme pull, flyball hitting lefty at Yankee Stadium (think Jim Edmonds) would benefit to a greater degree from Yankee Stadium than would a similar righty.
I think that Bill James must really be into individual Fenway effect. Bill Mueller a batting champ? Ortiz and Millar have excellent seasons. I feel that those three were brought in at least in part because James ascertained that they would benefit from Fenway more than most. I almost get the feeling that it wasn't "what does a hitter of Mueller's type do at Fenway?", but "what would Mueller do at Fenway?" I betcha that they tracked the height and distance of all of his flyballs over the past three years, and noticed that a greater proportion of Mueller's flyballs (greater proportion than flyballs of other available hitters, that is) would have gone off of the Monster if they had been hit in Boston. By doing this, they make Bill Mueller more valuable to the Red Sox than to any other team, because he would perform best as a Sox. So, they have realized a market inefficiency (the key tenet of Moneyballism) in their favour.
Yeah. An extreme pull, flyball hitting lefty at Yankee Stadium (think Jim Edmonds) would benefit to a greater degree from Yankee Stadium than would a similar righty.
I think that Bill James must really be into individual Fenway effect. Bill Mueller a batting champ? Ortiz and Millar have excellent seasons. I feel that those three were brought in at least in part because James ascertained that they would benefit from Fenway more than most. I almost get the feeling that it wasn't "what does a hitter of Mueller's type do at Fenway?", but "what would Mueller do at Fenway?" I betcha that they tracked the height and distance of all of his flyballs over the past three years, and noticed that a greater proportion of Mueller's flyballs (greater proportion than flyballs of other available hitters, that is) would have gone off of the Monster if they had been hit in Boston. By doing this, they make Bill Mueller more valuable to the Red Sox than to any other team, because he would perform best as a Sox. So, they have realized a market inefficiency (the key tenet of Moneyballism) in their favour.
Jonny: how can you say that his ROAD stats say he's a stinker? You should look at his overall stats, adjust for the Coors effect, and there you have it. It always puzzles me when people use bad road stats as an argument against a player changing teams, as if his home park is the only park he could ever be effective in.
Jiminez had a .333 BIP avg last year (if my primitive mental long-division is correct). That's high, Coors or no Coors. I think he's a good bet to rebound this year, and is definitely worth a flyer at 500K or so. I wouldn't make him the closer, but I can see him winning the job (we can't really be sure how Lopez will do in his sophomore season, though I have high hopes for him).
If Jose's price climbs over 1M, then I agree that he's not worth a try. But calling him a high-upside stinker is unfair, I think. He's been an effective reliever before and could be again.
Jiminez had a .333 BIP avg last year (if my primitive mental long-division is correct). That's high, Coors or no Coors. I think he's a good bet to rebound this year, and is definitely worth a flyer at 500K or so. I wouldn't make him the closer, but I can see him winning the job (we can't really be sure how Lopez will do in his sophomore season, though I have high hopes for him).
If Jose's price climbs over 1M, then I agree that he's not worth a try. But calling him a high-upside stinker is unfair, I think. He's been an effective reliever before and could be again.
S.K., it probably comes down to interpretation of "high-upside stinker". I didn't mean that to be terribly insulting, but you probably thought it was. You're bullish on the guy, I'm not.
In his best season, 2002, Jimenez had a WHIP of 1.19, compared to his career average of 1.44, and his K/BB rate was 4.27, career average 1.73. His BAA that year was .224 in Coor's, .311 elsewhere. Sounds like small sample size randomness more than a breakout year, and the fact that he was useless this year supports that idea.
I'm focusing on the road stats because his Coor's numbers appear non-standard. I'm suspicious that the general park factors for Coor's do not really apply to him, he's an outlier in terms of how Coor's affects him. But I'm absolutely no expert in this kind of thing, so like I said, knock yourself out and apply the Coor's park factors to his numbers. I think you'll still find a pitcher who is more likely the next Jeff Tam than the next Aquilino Lopez.
In his best season, 2002, Jimenez had a WHIP of 1.19, compared to his career average of 1.44, and his K/BB rate was 4.27, career average 1.73. His BAA that year was .224 in Coor's, .311 elsewhere. Sounds like small sample size randomness more than a breakout year, and the fact that he was useless this year supports that idea.
I'm focusing on the road stats because his Coor's numbers appear non-standard. I'm suspicious that the general park factors for Coor's do not really apply to him, he's an outlier in terms of how Coor's affects him. But I'm absolutely no expert in this kind of thing, so like I said, knock yourself out and apply the Coor's park factors to his numbers. I think you'll still find a pitcher who is more likely the next Jeff Tam than the next Aquilino Lopez.
Id like to see the Jays sign Chad Fox. Forget what happened in Boston he was dynamite in the playoffs and most people agree that if he can stay healthy he has closer stuff. Budget wise he would easily fit it as well. Curtis Leskanic would be a nice option as well.
Aquilino will lead the club in saves, but I think the answer you're looking for is Curtis Leskanic for 2 years at $4.2 million total.
I'd have no problem with Leskanic and/or Fox having a chance at the closer's job, but I'd prefer Fox. If they blow it, I think they are veterans who cna then assume a role as a strong middle / ser-up man. A cheap verteran closer would be great, though, if J.P. cna get Tosca in the habit of using A-Lo as the true "ace" reliever. Maybe 15 high pressure saves for A-Lo and 25 for a guy like Fox at a little less than 4 mil over 2 years
I don't think JP is about to pay that much for Leskanic. Maybe for Benitez if he slips.
JP wont pay top dollar for a closer. Thats why Fox and Leskanic would be more affordable than a Benitez or Hawkins. What about a trade. KC still needs a 2ndbasemen and they are high on Hudson. The Jays have Cat to play 2nd next year and hopefully Adams or Hill for 2005. KC has Macdougal and Affeldt and JP was interested in Affeldt last year. Due to blisters Affeldt might be suited to the closers role very well. JP still has all of that outfield depth to use for pitching as well. I asked him about using Bush or Arnold in a relief role but he said they would remain starters for now.
Affeldt may well be valuable out of either a starting or closing role for the Jays. But I wouldn't trade an everyday player as important as Hudson for him. He's just too good defensively and doesn't hurt you with the bat and is making minimal dollars for another couple of years. Without him at second I shudder to think of the state of the infield defence. If and when Adams and Hill are actually ready, sure trade away. But not now...if Affeldt is just going to be a closer then I don't think it's worth it.
If the Jays were offered Affeldt for Hudson straight up right now they would take it in a second. Hudson can be replaced by Cat right now. Sure we lose a bit defensively but to get an arm like Affeldts it would be more than worth it. Pitching is much more hard to come by than hitting. Affeldt can close or start if he gets his blister problems under control.Plus he is lefthanded which is another plus. I think it would be a great deal to make.
Didn't J.P. try Hudson for Affeldt last offseason?
He could be replaced by Cat right now but that's like saying Cat could replace Wells in centerfield. We're talking about a different class of defensive player.
K.C. is starved for pitching too. Yes they want a second baseman but I'm pretty sure they would be satisfied with their options there rather than trading Affeldt. Cat can not play second except in a pinch and Hudson has a chance to be something pretty special if he can even up his splits a bit.
Leskanic? I don't see it. JP could have had him for next to nothing before the trading deadline when the team was starting to tumble out of contention and relief pitching was the no. 1 reason. He didn't make a deal for him then and I don't see him doing that now.
However, I would be pretty pleased if the team plays low ball for a proven reliever and lands him. Just like I was advocating for a day or so before the deadline.
Leskanic? I don't see it. JP could have had him for next to nothing before the trading deadline when the team was starting to tumble out of contention and relief pitching was the no. 1 reason. He didn't make a deal for him then and I don't see him doing that now.
However, I would be pretty pleased if the team plays low ball for a proven reliever and lands him. Just like I was advocating for a day or so before the deadline.
Didn't J.P. try Hudson for Affeldt last offseason?
That's one of those "where there's smoke" rumours that was never confirmed. There's no question that the Jays like Affeldt, but so does every other team, and K.C. won't give him away until he becomes too expensive. I don't think O-Dog is on the trading block, but if he was the critical piece in a deal for a stud pitcher, Dave Berg (who may platoon there anyway) is far ahead of Cat on the 2B depth chart.
Aquilino Lopez will lead the Jays with 30 saves next year and cost $350,000-$400,000.
I'm in complete agreement with Mike Green. I'd say with a 90-win team that the closer should get 45 saves, but something tells me they will be spread around, with a few going to the nominal setup man and a handful to the lefties. Lopez did well enough last year to be given the "bullpen ace" designation, and I don't expect him to lose it.
If Leskanic gets anywhere near two years and $4 million, it won't be from the Jays. At one year for a million and change, he would be worth investigating, which should include an MRI and other tests. He missed all of 2002 after shoulder surgery, and pitched just 52.2 innings this year, so his durability remains a question mark.
Benitez may be sounder, but I wonder if J.P. wants to put up with his flakiness at any price. I'm starting to think Hawkins and Gordon will out of reach; too many big-budget teams are talking to them. The truth is, a lot of these guys are interchangeable, and the market will dictate who ends up in Toronto, unless one of the guys on the shopping list displays a Hentgen-like willingness to become a Fighting Jay.
That's one of those "where there's smoke" rumours that was never confirmed. There's no question that the Jays like Affeldt, but so does every other team, and K.C. won't give him away until he becomes too expensive. I don't think O-Dog is on the trading block, but if he was the critical piece in a deal for a stud pitcher, Dave Berg (who may platoon there anyway) is far ahead of Cat on the 2B depth chart.
Aquilino Lopez will lead the Jays with 30 saves next year and cost $350,000-$400,000.
I'm in complete agreement with Mike Green. I'd say with a 90-win team that the closer should get 45 saves, but something tells me they will be spread around, with a few going to the nominal setup man and a handful to the lefties. Lopez did well enough last year to be given the "bullpen ace" designation, and I don't expect him to lose it.
If Leskanic gets anywhere near two years and $4 million, it won't be from the Jays. At one year for a million and change, he would be worth investigating, which should include an MRI and other tests. He missed all of 2002 after shoulder surgery, and pitched just 52.2 innings this year, so his durability remains a question mark.
Benitez may be sounder, but I wonder if J.P. wants to put up with his flakiness at any price. I'm starting to think Hawkins and Gordon will out of reach; too many big-budget teams are talking to them. The truth is, a lot of these guys are interchangeable, and the market will dictate who ends up in Toronto, unless one of the guys on the shopping list displays a Hentgen-like willingness to become a Fighting Jay.
what about rod beck? he'd be ultra cheap and judging by his stint in san diego last year, he's got some gas left in the tank -- give him a one year deal and see what happens -- unlike hawkins (who pitched horribly in big game situations as the closer two seasons ago -- not to mention his ALDS stint this year in yankee stadium), beck has pitched well in big game situations and under the microscope (boston, chicago) -- dunno, seems to me for the price he should maybe get a shot -- if not, i would just stick with aqualino ...
I'd definately take a chance on Beck but not if I have to pay him like the guy who went 20-for-20 in saves with a sub-2.00 era. It would have to be a one year deal that fit the Jays' budget. I do think you have a much better chance at getting a guy his age on a one year contract but if he's asking $2 million or more that's a tough price to pay. I'd rather take my chances with two above average $1 million relievers.
It's hoped that a guy like him would come cheap but it's just hard to know what other teams are willing to pay him. I didn't think Hentgen would command more than $2 million so I think despite the overall downtrend in salaries and contract length, decent pitching is still treated quite well on the free agent market.
It's hoped that a guy like him would come cheap but it's just hard to know what other teams are willing to pay him. I didn't think Hentgen would command more than $2 million so I think despite the overall downtrend in salaries and contract length, decent pitching is still treated quite well on the free agent market.
do you think beck will command upwards of 2 mil?
maybe, but i don't think it gets that high -- you could be right that he may be out of the ballpark, and i'm not even suggesting he's the answer to the jays problems, but anything is better than what they had last year until aqualino finally got to close out some games ...
and you are right, i'm surprised that pat got 2.2, but i'm guessing it was that high since they got him to commit early ...
maybe, but i don't think it gets that high -- you could be right that he may be out of the ballpark, and i'm not even suggesting he's the answer to the jays problems, but anything is better than what they had last year until aqualino finally got to close out some games ...
and you are right, i'm surprised that pat got 2.2, but i'm guessing it was that high since they got him to commit early ...