BD Hot Stove: You Won’t Be Sori | Baseball Digest

BD Hot Stove: You Won’t Be Sori | Baseball Digest

While many a set up man has inked a pricey, multi-year deal, closer Rafael Soriano has sat back and waited. Waited for the right situation- be it money, length of contract or team. So today the hot stove will focus on the possible landing spots for a hard throwing right-hander that nailed down 45 saves in 48 opportunities last season.

As a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, Soriano held opponents to a .163 batting average and had a 4:1 strikeout to walk ratio in 2010. He allowed just 36 hits and 14 walks in 62.1 innings pitched. His numbers far outweigh those of other relievers already signed and is looking for money equivalent to a pitcher of his stature. Fellow free agent Mariano Rivera received $15M per season on a two year deal from the Yankees. With the Red Sox signing inconsistent closer Bobby Jenks to a two year, $12M deal (albeit to set up for now), Soriano’s money total should fall somewhere in between.

Soriano is just 31 years of age and has made 141 appearances over the last two seasons after missing most of 2008 campaign with an elbow injury. The time is now for him to grab major money, but who is left to give it to him?

AL East

There are a number of fans and members of the media who feel the Yankees will go hard after Soriano. Some think it depends on whether or not Andy Pettitte returns. Really one should have nothing to do with the other. Pettitte should affect the starting rotation and the rotation only. The Yankees would love to have Soriano to set up and serve as insurance for Rivera, but would Soriano be willing to take possibly a one year deal (not likely) and serve in a set up capacity (maybe)?

The Red Sox are the only other team that has the money to sign Soriano, but they’re big spending is done.

AL Central

The White Sox have spent a lot of money this winter, primarily on shoring up their offense. With Jenks gone, and no established closer, Soriano would be a good fit. But he may not be a fit for the payroll. Still, I can see Kenny Williams making Soriano an offer he can’t refuse.

Everyone else in the division has an established closer, can’t afford Soriano, and/or isn’t good enough to invest in him.

AL West

The Rangers have already said they’ll pass on Soriano, and they’ll stick to that answer. A’s GM Billy Beane makes some crazy signings/trades (Ben Sheets, Matt Holliday) in hopes of getting a huge return in a deadline deal, but that’s not happening this time around. The Mariners aren’t going to invest in a closer when they’re team is so mediocre. That leaves the Angels who have not been able to spend owner Artie Moreno’s money this winter. It may not make a lot of sense for the Angels true needs, but the Halos could have a great one-two punch with Scott Downs, whom the Angels gave a three year, $15M deal, out of the bullpen. It would also mean guaranteeing Soriano at least three years.

NL East

The Phillies won’t say it, but if they could get a taker for Brad Lidge, they certainly would try to sign Soriano. If the Nationals have money left after Jayson Werth’s signing, I could see them making a strong bid so that a youngster like Drew Storen isn’t thrust into the closer’s role just yet. No one else in the division has the money to make this sort of move.

NL Central

Pirates? Not happening Reds? Unless they move Francisco Cordero, not happening. Astros? They need bats not arms. Cardinals? Ryan Franklin is the guy, though like the Angels they could make a good one-two punch. But who would close? Cubs? Already set with Marmol and Wood.

NL West

The Giants are the kind of team that has the money to bring in Soriano, but with Brian Wilson the closer incumbent on a World Series winner, it’s not likely to happen. Though GM Brian Sabean could put some floaters out there to see if Soriano would set up for the right price.

The Rockies could certainly make a solid offer and combine him with Huston Street or possibly then move Street.

At some other point the Dodgers would certainly be contenders, but their too busy fighting over custody of 2nd base and the Padres don’t have enough in the collection basket.

Wild guess – Soriano ends up as a White Sox. Long shot- SF Giant.

Rumors, News, Transactions

Edgar Renteria’s hometown newspaper “El Heraldo” reports that the native of Barrinquilla, Colombia has signed a one year deal with the Cincinnati Reds. It will be Renteria’s 7th team in his 15 year career. The deal is said to be worth $3M plus incentives.

Jon Heyman reports the Yankees are willing to offer Andy Pettitte $12M or $13M to return in 2011. It may take more than that.

Another reliever still on the market is lefty Brian Fuentes, who has told teams he wants to close. Good luck with that.

Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes reports that the Orioles, Angels, and Rays are interested in free agentVlad Guerrero, and the Rays also have some interest in Manny Ramirez.

The Phillies have signed veteran Delwyn Young to a minor league deal.

They Might Be Giants

I said Giants in 7...apparently I gave the Rangers too much credit after not giving them enough credit going into the ALCS.

Tim Lincecum may be weird, may be fugly, may look like a chick...but the guy can pitch.

Brian Wilson and his weird beard (he could play Bill Mays in a biopic) were dominant in the post-season.

And Edgar Renteria, who in 1997 knocked in the game winning run in the 7th game of the World Series to give the Florida Marlins their first championship, had the game winner again 13 years later. A 3-run home run off of Lee to earn the series MVP award.

The Giants get their first win since that amazing Willie Mays catch back in 1954. Their first since moving to the Bay Area. As I mentioned on Facebook last night, congrats to all Giants fans with the exception of Mad Dog Russo and Chris Berman who can stick it.

Cliff Lee didn't wait very long to take care of business after losing for the second time in the series. He quickly filed for free agency.

The Giants had the third longest drought without winning a World Series. Who does the number 3 spot now belong to? The Texas Rangers, who started out as the Washington Senators in 1961.

It's the Day Before TGIF Hot Stove

As we move closer to next week's winter meetings, things are starting to move a little bit. Here's a quick run down.

The Braves and White Sox have officially announced the Javier Vazquez deal. As expected, the White Sox will receiving shortstop Brent Lillibridge, but Jo-Jo Reyes is not included as was originally speculated. Chicago instead will get prospects- third baseman Jon Gilmore, catcher Tyler Flowers, and left-handed pitcher Santos Rodriguez. In addition to Vazquez, Atlanta picks up reliever Boone Logan.


The Shortstops are on the Move

The Padres sent Khalil Greene to the Cardinals yesterday in exchange for two minor league pitchers who have yet to be named.

Dan Graziano reports that the Tigers have acquired shortstop Jack Wilson from the Pirates. No word yet on who is going to Pittbsurgh. Both the Tigers and Wilson's agent have denied there's a deal in place.

The Giants have NOW agreed to a 2-year deal with Edgar Renteria. It comes about a month after it was originally reported and then denied.


Screw Tradition

The Red Sox are expected to hold a news conference today to announce the signing of Japanese amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa to a 3-year, $4 million deal. That according to the Boston Herald.


Burnett the Candle at Both Ends

Braves GM Frank Wren has confirmed that Atlanta has made a contract offer to free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett. Rumors have it that it's a 5-year deal, but the Atlanta Constitution speculates it's a 4-year, $60 million offer.


Rumors

The Associated Press reported that the Giants and Marlins are talking a Jonathan Sanchez for Jorge Cantu swap. Cantu's value is high again after having a bounce back 2008 season.

Casey Blake says the Twins or Dodgers can have him if they add a guaranteed third year to any new deal.


Other Signings

The Red Sox have given newly minted AL MVP Dustin Pedroia a brand spanking new 6-year, $40.5 million contract.

The Giants have finalized a deal with reliever Bob Howry, who was most recently with the Cubs. The Giants are also said to be preparing a $100 million plus offer for CC Sabathia.

It's the Day Before TGIF Hot Stove

As we move closer to next week's winter meetings, things are starting to move a little bit. Here's a quick run down.

The Braves and White Sox have officially announced the Javier Vazquez deal. As expected, the White Sox will receiving shortstop Brent Lillibridge, but Jo-Jo Reyes is not included as was originally speculated. Chicago instead will get prospects- third baseman Jon Gilmore, catcher Tyler Flowers, and left-handed pitcher Santos Rodriguez. In addition to Vazquez, Atlanta picks up reliever Boone Logan.


The Shortstops are on the Move

The Padres sent Khalil Greene to the Cardinals yesterday in exchange for two minor league pitchers who have yet to be named.

Dan Graziano reports that the Tigers have acquired shortstop Jack Wilson from the Pirates. No word yet on who is going to Pittbsurgh. Both the Tigers and Wilson's agent have denied there's a deal in place.

The Giants have NOW agreed to a 2-year deal with Edgar Renteria. It comes about a month after it was originally reported and then denied.


Screw Tradition

The Red Sox are expected to hold a news conference today to announce the signing of Japanese amateur pitcher Junichi Tazawa to a 3-year, $4 million deal. That according to the Boston Herald.


Burnett the Candle at Both Ends

Braves GM Frank Wren has confirmed that Atlanta has made a contract offer to free agent pitcher A.J. Burnett. Rumors have it that it's a 5-year deal, but the Atlanta Constitution speculates it's a 4-year, $60 million offer.


Rumors

The Associated Press reported that the Giants and Marlins are talking a Jonathan Sanchez for Jorge Cantu swap. Cantu's value is high again after having a bounce back 2008 season.

Casey Blake says the Twins or Dodgers can have him if they add a guaranteed third year to any new deal.


Other Signings

The Red Sox have given newly minted AL MVP Dustin Pedroia a brand spanking new 6-year, $40.5 million contract.

The Giants have finalized a deal with reliever Bob Howry, who was most recently with the Cubs. The Giants are also said to be preparing a $100 million plus offer for CC Sabathia.

Breaking News: Giants Ink Renteria

WFAN is reporting that the San Fran Giants have signed free agent shortstop Edgar Renteria to a 2-year, $18 million deal. Renteria spent the past season, his 13th in the bigs, with the Tigers. Hit .270-10-55, scored 69 runs, and stole just 6 bases, the lowest total of his career.

Renteria is one player who seems to play, both offensively and defensively, in the National League. It looks like he'll get that chance again.

UPDATE 9:35 PM - Earlier this evening Edgar Renteria's agent Barry Meister shot down reports that Renteria and the Giants had agreed to a deal. Meister said the two sides have talked, but are not close to any deal.

Breaking News: Giants Ink Renteria

WFAN is reporting that the San Fran Giants have signed free agent shortstop Edgar Renteria to a 2-year, $18 million deal. Renteria spent the past season, his 13th in the bigs, with the Tigers. Hit .270-10-55, scored 69 runs, and stole just 6 bases, the lowest total of his career.

Renteria is one player who seems to play, both offensively and defensively, in the National League. It looks like he'll get that chance again.

UPDATE 9:35 PM - Earlier this evening Edgar Renteria's agent Barry Meister shot down reports that Renteria and the Giants had agreed to a deal. Meister said the two sides have talked, but are not close to any deal.

Around the Horn - 4/17

The Tigers bats have come alive. The team that was shut out 4 times already, has scored 30 runs on the last 3 games. Last night it came at the expense of reigning Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia, who has been nothing short of awful this season, and the Indians. He was banged around for 9 runs in 4 innings last night and now has a 13.50 ERA. Edgar Renteria hit a grand slam, and he and Miguel Cabrera drove in 5 runs each.

Felix Hernandez scattered 8 hits in picking up a complete game victory in the Mariners 4-2 win over the A's. The King struck out 8 and lowered his ERA to 1.47.

Gil Meche picked up his first win as the Royals held off the Angels, 3-2. The top 3 batters in the Royals lineup-Joe Gathright, Mark Grudzelienak, and Mark Teahen- went a combined 8-14.

Jim Thome broke out of his slump with career home run #510 in the White Sox 3-1 win over the Orioles. Thome's blast accounted for the all Chisox runs and gave Jose Contreras his first win of the season.

The Rangers took 14 innings to beat the Blue Jays 7-5. Former Jay, Frank Catalanotto scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. A.J. Burnett, the 9th Jays pitcher used, made his first relief appearance since 2004 and was saddled with the loss.

Mike Lamb's sac fly in the 8th inning broke a 5-5 tie and gave the Twins a 6-5 win over the Rays. Shawn Riggans, Carl Crawford, and Eric Hinske homered for Tampa.

The Cubs blasted the Reds 12-3. Geovanny Soto drove in 3 runs and Derek Lee homered to help Carlos Zambrano pick up the win. Zambrano has cut down on caffeine to help stop the muscle cramps he's been getting during games. The Cubs placed Alfonso Soriano on the 15-day DL with a strained calf.

Adam Wainwright homered and picked up his 2nd win in the Cards 5-4 triumph over the Brewers. Skip Schumaker also homered as the Cards improved to 11-4.

Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes each hit their first home runs of the year in the Mets 5-2 over the Nationals. John Maine picked up his first win and sent the Nationals to their 11th loss in 12 games.

Brandon Webb had a 2-run single and became the majors first 4-game winner in the Diamondbacks 4-1 win over the Giants. Mr. Mediocrity, Barry Zito, turned in another mediocre performance with 4 runs (3 earned) and 5 walks allowed in 6 innings.

Michael Bourn homered and Roy Oswalt picked up his first victory in the Astros 2-1 win over the Phillies.

Mike Jacobs and Luis Gonzalez homered in the Marlins 6-5 win over the Braves. Tim Hudson lasted just 3 innings in picking up his loss. Mark Hendrickson improved to 3-1 with the win.

The Dodgers thumped the Pirates 8-1. Rafael Furcal went 4-4, including a home run.

Mark Redman and four relievers limited the Padres to 3 hits in the Rockies 10-2 drubbing of San Diego. Garrett Atkins lead a 15-hit Rockies attack with 4 hits.

News and Notes

The Rays expect starting catcher Dionner Navarro to be back next week. Navarro has been on the DL since the first week of the season after cutting his hand in the Yankee Stadium visitor's dugout.

Tigers reliever Fernando Rodney got some good news. His arm has no structural damage and he can begin throwing in 3-5 days.

Mariners closer J.J. Putz threw a 41-pitch bullpen session yesterday, but there's still no target date for his return from a rib injury.

The Twins will have to wait longer for outfielder Michael Cuddyer's return than his scheduled Sunday eligibility date. His broken finger has been slow to heal.

Angels starter John Lackey is on schedule to be back in about 3 weeks.

Around the Horn - 4/17

The Tigers bats have come alive. The team that was shut out 4 times already, has scored 30 runs on the last 3 games. Last night it came at the expense of reigning Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia, who has been nothing short of awful this season, and the Indians. He was banged around for 9 runs in 4 innings last night and now has a 13.50 ERA. Edgar Renteria hit a grand slam, and he and Miguel Cabrera drove in 5 runs each.

Felix Hernandez scattered 8 hits in picking up a complete game victory in the Mariners 4-2 win over the A's. The King struck out 8 and lowered his ERA to 1.47.

Gil Meche picked up his first win as the Royals held off the Angels, 3-2. The top 3 batters in the Royals lineup-Joe Gathright, Mark Grudzelienak, and Mark Teahen- went a combined 8-14.

Jim Thome broke out of his slump with career home run #510 in the White Sox 3-1 win over the Orioles. Thome's blast accounted for the all Chisox runs and gave Jose Contreras his first win of the season.

The Rangers took 14 innings to beat the Blue Jays 7-5. Former Jay, Frank Catalanotto scored the go-ahead run on a wild pitch. A.J. Burnett, the 9th Jays pitcher used, made his first relief appearance since 2004 and was saddled with the loss.

Mike Lamb's sac fly in the 8th inning broke a 5-5 tie and gave the Twins a 6-5 win over the Rays. Shawn Riggans, Carl Crawford, and Eric Hinske homered for Tampa.

The Cubs blasted the Reds 12-3. Geovanny Soto drove in 3 runs and Derek Lee homered to help Carlos Zambrano pick up the win. Zambrano has cut down on caffeine to help stop the muscle cramps he's been getting during games. The Cubs placed Alfonso Soriano on the 15-day DL with a strained calf.

Adam Wainwright homered and picked up his 2nd win in the Cards 5-4 triumph over the Brewers. Skip Schumaker also homered as the Cards improved to 11-4.

Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes each hit their first home runs of the year in the Mets 5-2 over the Nationals. John Maine picked up his first win and sent the Nationals to their 11th loss in 12 games.

Brandon Webb had a 2-run single and became the majors first 4-game winner in the Diamondbacks 4-1 win over the Giants. Mr. Mediocrity, Barry Zito, turned in another mediocre performance with 4 runs (3 earned) and 5 walks allowed in 6 innings.

Michael Bourn homered and Roy Oswalt picked up his first victory in the Astros 2-1 win over the Phillies.

Mike Jacobs and Luis Gonzalez homered in the Marlins 6-5 win over the Braves. Tim Hudson lasted just 3 innings in picking up his loss. Mark Hendrickson improved to 3-1 with the win.

The Dodgers thumped the Pirates 8-1. Rafael Furcal went 4-4, including a home run.

Mark Redman and four relievers limited the Padres to 3 hits in the Rockies 10-2 drubbing of San Diego. Garrett Atkins lead a 15-hit Rockies attack with 4 hits.

News and Notes

The Rays expect starting catcher Dionner Navarro to be back next week. Navarro has been on the DL since the first week of the season after cutting his hand in the Yankee Stadium visitor's dugout.

Tigers reliever Fernando Rodney got some good news. His arm has no structural damage and he can begin throwing in 3-5 days.

Mariners closer J.J. Putz threw a 41-pitch bullpen session yesterday, but there's still no target date for his return from a rib injury.

The Twins will have to wait longer for outfielder Michael Cuddyer's return than his scheduled Sunday eligibility date. His broken finger has been slow to heal.

Angels starter John Lackey is on schedule to be back in about 3 weeks.

Breaking News: Floyd No-No Broken Up in 8th

White Sox starter Gavin Floyd took a no-hitter into the 8th inning against the Tigers, but Edgar Renteria just broke it up with a bloop single to right. Floyd came back from a 3-1 count to strike out Jacques Jones, before Renteria took a 1-1 pitch the opposite way for the Tigers first hit of the day.

Breaking News: Floyd No-No Broken Up in 8th

White Sox starter Gavin Floyd took a no-hitter into the 8th inning against the Tigers, but Edgar Renteria just broke it up with a bloop single to right. Floyd came back from a 3-1 count to strike out Jacques Jones, before Renteria took a 1-1 pitch the opposite way for the Tigers first hit of the day.

Break up the Royals

No one outside of Kansas City, and maybe not even there, picked the Royals to win the AL Central. But they're well on their way to a 162-0 season. They beat the Detroit Tigers for the 2nd straight time today, coming Edgar Renteria short of pitching a no-hitter. "Huh?", you ask.

Renteria had all 3 Tigers hits on the day, 2 of them allowed by starter Brian Bannister, who dominated the Tigers through 7 innings in a 4-0 win.

Kenny Rogers pitched well for Detroit, allowing 2 runs in 6 innings, but the Royals reached the Tigers shaky pen for 2 more.

Break up the Royals

No one outside of Kansas City, and maybe not even there, picked the Royals to win the AL Central. But they're well on their way to a 162-0 season. They beat the Detroit Tigers for the 2nd straight time today, coming Edgar Renteria short of pitching a no-hitter. "Huh?", you ask.

Renteria had all 3 Tigers hits on the day, 2 of them allowed by starter Brian Bannister, who dominated the Tigers through 7 innings in a 4-0 win.

Kenny Rogers pitched well for Detroit, allowing 2 runs in 6 innings, but the Royals reached the Tigers shaky pen for 2 more.

Tigers Acquire Renteria

The Detroit Tigers, according to Buster Olney, are players in the Alex Rodriguez sweepsstakes, but it would not include a move back to shortstop. The Tigers acquired shortstop Edgar Renteria from the Braves for rookie starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez.

The Braves will be handing the full time shortstop job to Yuniel Escobar.

Tigers Acquire Renteria

The Detroit Tigers, according to Buster Olney, are players in the Alex Rodriguez sweepsstakes, but it would not include a move back to shortstop. The Tigers acquired shortstop Edgar Renteria from the Braves for rookie starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez.

The Braves will be handing the full time shortstop job to Yuniel Escobar.