Thursday, December 11, 2003
M'S READY FOR TEJADA SWEEPSTAKES
Boy, they better be....
P-I Mariner beat writer John Hickey is in New Orleans this weekend for the Winter Meetings. Since Hickey wants to hit Bourbon Street tonight, he was able to get his stories onto the P-I web site by 10:30 Pacific time. But then again, Hickey is probably sleeping as we speak right now. Who knows though....
(Yes, the "John Hickey Beads" search is coming, I can just feel it)
Anyways, the headline reads "M's Ready For Tejada Sweepstakes".
The Mariners want to dress up the left side of their infield.
That, according to general manager Bill Bavasi, is the top priority for Seattle at a four-day gabfest known as the winter meetings.
The meetings start Friday, and by the time they wind up, Bavasi and Co. may have a pretty good idea what their roster will look like in 2004.
The Mariners want to alter the left side of the infield by adding Miguel Tejada, the Oakland Athletics shortstop who was the American League Most Valuable Player two years ago.
They want to alter the left side of the infield by subtracting Jeff Cirillo, who never blossomed as a hitter in two seasons in Seattle.
Last time I checked, Carlos Guillen is not a former A.L. MVP. So for all of you rose-colored glasses people, Tejada is a MAJOR IMPROVEMENT over DUIllen.
The Anaheim Angels were going to contend for Tejada's services. But after doling out $51 million over four years to starter Bartolo Colon this week, the Angels say they can't afford Tejada.
The Dodgers were in the mix, too. But the team's owner, Fox Corp., is in the middle of trying to sell the club and isn't looking to add a huge contract. Frank McCourt, the prospective buyer, might be a player for Tejada's services, but he can't do anything until he takes control. That won't be until the end of this month, and probably not until sometime early next year.
The A's want Tejada back, but don't have any money to spend. What cash the A's have on hand they want to use to bring back closer Keith Foulke. While the A's have offered Tejada salary arbitration and are prepared to pay big money in arbitration if Tejada decides to stay, Oakland insiders say it's crazy to think Tejada won't take a multiyear deal somewhere else.
I can't see the Angels getting Tejada because they did sign Krispy Kreme spokesperson Fat Ass Bartolo Colon. And little David Eckstein fits in with that Anaheim scene, with all the little teacups, short and stout I hate Eckstein. The guy needs a beanball into his chest big time.
As for the Dodgers, I didn't really think about their upcoming sale. Granted, it is Los Angeles. There is a ton of media attention in the City of Angels. But would you sign with a ballclub with no owner? Say what you will about the Mariners ownership, but it is stable, to a point.
And the Dodgers need 3 Miguel Tejadas just to make their lineup look halfway decent.
And finally, the A's. Forget about it.
This is not to say that there aren't other contenders for Tejada's services. He hit .278 with 27 homers and 106 RBIs -- an off year by his standards -- in 2003, and plays a decent shortstop. In 2002, Tejada averaged .308, had 34 homers and drove in 131 runs. He's an asset any team would love to have.
The Mariners would. There is a contract offer from Seattle, reportedly for three years at about $25 million, sitting on Tejada's desk.
Baltimore would, too. Orioles officials said Wednesday they would offer more than the Mariners.
So too, would the Tigers, with Detroit owner Mike Illich saying the club was willing to overpay to get Tejada. The Tigers have already made a move to shore up the infield by bringing in Fernando Vina to play second base, so Detroit is serious about getting into free agency.
On the other hand, sources say that when Tejada's representatives asked the Tigers for huge money this week, the Tigers said "No thanks." No one was saying exactly how huge the request was, but $12 million-15 million a year might be a good guess.
Again, let me go over the reasons why Baltimore and Detroit should not even be considered on Tejada's radar:
Baltimore: Horrible owner (Peter Angelos); Destined to finish in 3rd-4th place behind the Yankees, Red Sox, and possibly Blue Jays; It's BALTIMORE for crying out loud.
Detroit: Horrible owner (Mike Illitch); team lost 119 games in 2003 (if they signed Tejada, then they will lose only 100 games, big friggin deal); It's DETROIT!
As for why Tejada should come to Seattle, provided that the Mariners give him a fair offer, not the original 3-year, 24-25 million dollar slap job:
Good ownership (say what you will, but they have done some good things); Solid ballclub (will win 90-100 games, could be a playoff team w/ Tejada); AL West familiarity (Oakland rival of Seattle's); There is no better place to live than the Northwest (it rains, but it rains everywhere); Great fanbase (some bandwagon fans, but hell, 45,000 every night in Safeco is better than 35K); IT'S NOT BALTIMORE OR DETROIT!!!
The rumor mill says the Tejada camp is extremely interested in a long-term contract, seven or eight years. However, deals like that don't come around much any more. Alex Rodriguez's 10-year deal with the Rangers pretty much killed off the notion teams would find longer is better.
After three consecutive last-place finishes with Rodriguez as the shortstop, Texas must rebuild. The Rangers are desperate to unload the contract. They wouldn't have a prayer of doing that, except they are willing to take on another long-term deal, that of Boston outfielder Manny Ramirez, just to get out from Rodriguez's $252 million package.
Tejada may find a seven- or eight-year deal may not be out there. It certainly won't be with the Mariners, who are unlikely to go beyond five years.
Baltimore and Detroit, two long-time losers looking to upgrade, may be willing to go for more years if that will lure Tejada.
Otherwise, the Mariners, with a major league-best 393 wins the past four seasons, are regarded as mild favorites in the race to lure Tejada.
The race begins in earnest Friday.
OK, this is where I can agree with the Mariners brass. They would be stupid to give any player a 8-9-10 year deal. That will not happen in today's market.
However, a 5-year deal is VERY REASONABLE. The M's should offer Tejada a 5-year, 40-45 million dollar deal and that should get it done. It's not like we're talking about Damian Easley here. IT'S FRIGGIN MIGUEL TEJADA!!!
As for the Randy Winn-Ryan Franklin signings....
Winn gets $3.5 million in 2004, then $3.75 million in 2005. The 2006 option year contract calls for a salary of $5 million. If the Mariners decline to pick up the option, Winn can take the option himself and a $3.75 million deal. He also has $125,000 incentives in 2005 and 2006 for making 650 plate appearances
Franklin's contract calls for a $200,000 signing bonus, a $1.7 million salary in 2004 and $2.4 million in 2005
Surprisingly, I can't complain about these deals at all. Good job, M's brass.
As manager Bob Melvin said Thursday, "Now we know who our three (starting) outfielders are."
A backup is needed, and the Mariners will be looking for one at the winter meetings.
At this point, if the Mariner outfield in 2004 is indeed Raul Ibanez/Randy Winn/Ichiro, and the M's sign Tejada, then that's fine. Not great, but hell, Tejada coming to Seattle would soothe a lot of aches and pains I've had as a M's fan over the years.
As for the 4th outfielder...how about Reggie Sanders? He's right handed, and has played well over the past couple of season with Arizona, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh. Blow-Mel loves his former Arizona Diamondbacks. Hell, Sanders would be the best D-Back he'd bring into the Mariners organization. Jose Cruz, Jr. is an option as well. But we'll see what happens.
Nothing is for certain.
Except the Safeco Field DJ playing crappy songs...
FIRE UP THE MIGGY HOT STOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P-I Mariner beat writer John Hickey is in New Orleans this weekend for the Winter Meetings. Since Hickey wants to hit Bourbon Street tonight, he was able to get his stories onto the P-I web site by 10:30 Pacific time. But then again, Hickey is probably sleeping as we speak right now. Who knows though....
(Yes, the "John Hickey Beads" search is coming, I can just feel it)
Anyways, the headline reads "M's Ready For Tejada Sweepstakes".
The Mariners want to dress up the left side of their infield.
That, according to general manager Bill Bavasi, is the top priority for Seattle at a four-day gabfest known as the winter meetings.
The meetings start Friday, and by the time they wind up, Bavasi and Co. may have a pretty good idea what their roster will look like in 2004.
The Mariners want to alter the left side of the infield by adding Miguel Tejada, the Oakland Athletics shortstop who was the American League Most Valuable Player two years ago.
They want to alter the left side of the infield by subtracting Jeff Cirillo, who never blossomed as a hitter in two seasons in Seattle.
Last time I checked, Carlos Guillen is not a former A.L. MVP. So for all of you rose-colored glasses people, Tejada is a MAJOR IMPROVEMENT over DUIllen.
The Anaheim Angels were going to contend for Tejada's services. But after doling out $51 million over four years to starter Bartolo Colon this week, the Angels say they can't afford Tejada.
The Dodgers were in the mix, too. But the team's owner, Fox Corp., is in the middle of trying to sell the club and isn't looking to add a huge contract. Frank McCourt, the prospective buyer, might be a player for Tejada's services, but he can't do anything until he takes control. That won't be until the end of this month, and probably not until sometime early next year.
The A's want Tejada back, but don't have any money to spend. What cash the A's have on hand they want to use to bring back closer Keith Foulke. While the A's have offered Tejada salary arbitration and are prepared to pay big money in arbitration if Tejada decides to stay, Oakland insiders say it's crazy to think Tejada won't take a multiyear deal somewhere else.
I can't see the Angels getting Tejada because they did sign Krispy Kreme spokesperson Fat Ass Bartolo Colon. And little David Eckstein fits in with that Anaheim scene, with all the little teacups, short and stout I hate Eckstein. The guy needs a beanball into his chest big time.
As for the Dodgers, I didn't really think about their upcoming sale. Granted, it is Los Angeles. There is a ton of media attention in the City of Angels. But would you sign with a ballclub with no owner? Say what you will about the Mariners ownership, but it is stable, to a point.
And the Dodgers need 3 Miguel Tejadas just to make their lineup look halfway decent.
And finally, the A's. Forget about it.
This is not to say that there aren't other contenders for Tejada's services. He hit .278 with 27 homers and 106 RBIs -- an off year by his standards -- in 2003, and plays a decent shortstop. In 2002, Tejada averaged .308, had 34 homers and drove in 131 runs. He's an asset any team would love to have.
The Mariners would. There is a contract offer from Seattle, reportedly for three years at about $25 million, sitting on Tejada's desk.
Baltimore would, too. Orioles officials said Wednesday they would offer more than the Mariners.
So too, would the Tigers, with Detroit owner Mike Illich saying the club was willing to overpay to get Tejada. The Tigers have already made a move to shore up the infield by bringing in Fernando Vina to play second base, so Detroit is serious about getting into free agency.
On the other hand, sources say that when Tejada's representatives asked the Tigers for huge money this week, the Tigers said "No thanks." No one was saying exactly how huge the request was, but $12 million-15 million a year might be a good guess.
Again, let me go over the reasons why Baltimore and Detroit should not even be considered on Tejada's radar:
Baltimore: Horrible owner (Peter Angelos); Destined to finish in 3rd-4th place behind the Yankees, Red Sox, and possibly Blue Jays; It's BALTIMORE for crying out loud.
Detroit: Horrible owner (Mike Illitch); team lost 119 games in 2003 (if they signed Tejada, then they will lose only 100 games, big friggin deal); It's DETROIT!
As for why Tejada should come to Seattle, provided that the Mariners give him a fair offer, not the original 3-year, 24-25 million dollar slap job:
Good ownership (say what you will, but they have done some good things); Solid ballclub (will win 90-100 games, could be a playoff team w/ Tejada); AL West familiarity (Oakland rival of Seattle's); There is no better place to live than the Northwest (it rains, but it rains everywhere); Great fanbase (some bandwagon fans, but hell, 45,000 every night in Safeco is better than 35K); IT'S NOT BALTIMORE OR DETROIT!!!
The rumor mill says the Tejada camp is extremely interested in a long-term contract, seven or eight years. However, deals like that don't come around much any more. Alex Rodriguez's 10-year deal with the Rangers pretty much killed off the notion teams would find longer is better.
After three consecutive last-place finishes with Rodriguez as the shortstop, Texas must rebuild. The Rangers are desperate to unload the contract. They wouldn't have a prayer of doing that, except they are willing to take on another long-term deal, that of Boston outfielder Manny Ramirez, just to get out from Rodriguez's $252 million package.
Tejada may find a seven- or eight-year deal may not be out there. It certainly won't be with the Mariners, who are unlikely to go beyond five years.
Baltimore and Detroit, two long-time losers looking to upgrade, may be willing to go for more years if that will lure Tejada.
Otherwise, the Mariners, with a major league-best 393 wins the past four seasons, are regarded as mild favorites in the race to lure Tejada.
The race begins in earnest Friday.
OK, this is where I can agree with the Mariners brass. They would be stupid to give any player a 8-9-10 year deal. That will not happen in today's market.
However, a 5-year deal is VERY REASONABLE. The M's should offer Tejada a 5-year, 40-45 million dollar deal and that should get it done. It's not like we're talking about Damian Easley here. IT'S FRIGGIN MIGUEL TEJADA!!!
As for the Randy Winn-Ryan Franklin signings....
Winn gets $3.5 million in 2004, then $3.75 million in 2005. The 2006 option year contract calls for a salary of $5 million. If the Mariners decline to pick up the option, Winn can take the option himself and a $3.75 million deal. He also has $125,000 incentives in 2005 and 2006 for making 650 plate appearances
Franklin's contract calls for a $200,000 signing bonus, a $1.7 million salary in 2004 and $2.4 million in 2005
Surprisingly, I can't complain about these deals at all. Good job, M's brass.
As manager Bob Melvin said Thursday, "Now we know who our three (starting) outfielders are."
A backup is needed, and the Mariners will be looking for one at the winter meetings.
At this point, if the Mariner outfield in 2004 is indeed Raul Ibanez/Randy Winn/Ichiro, and the M's sign Tejada, then that's fine. Not great, but hell, Tejada coming to Seattle would soothe a lot of aches and pains I've had as a M's fan over the years.
As for the 4th outfielder...how about Reggie Sanders? He's right handed, and has played well over the past couple of season with Arizona, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh. Blow-Mel loves his former Arizona Diamondbacks. Hell, Sanders would be the best D-Back he'd bring into the Mariners organization. Jose Cruz, Jr. is an option as well. But we'll see what happens.
Nothing is for certain.
Except the Safeco Field DJ playing crappy songs...
FIRE UP THE MIGGY HOT STOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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