| By Jason A. Churchill |  | By 12-08-2010 |
UPDATE 10:28 PM Shannon Drayer reported earlier this evening that "talks are ongoing" and that the Olivo deal is not done or official by any means.
I know a lot of fans are wondering why the heck Seattle would sign Olivo, and I agree with the sentiment. He's not plus defensively, though he's more advanced than Adam Moore, and while he has above-average raw power, he's hit one home run to the right side of center field in two years, which means unless he's pulling his homers right down the line, Safeco is going to kill him.
The rumored salary is the problem for me, however, and the two-year commitment, if that is indeed the case. Otherwise, it's one of those deals that isn't ideal, but makes some sense.
We're not likely to find out for another 18-24 hours at the soonest, and the M's have a lot of other eggs frying, so stay tuned.
- Jason A. Churchill
If you want to get the latest premium updates, don't hesitate to subscribe here.
UPDATE 5:15 PM Troy Renck is reporting that Miguel Olivo is likely to sign soon -- with the M's as the most likely target and the cost being $7.5 million over two years. Here's to hoping he's wrong in terms of both the cash and the years. I don't hate Olivo as much as most of the world, but this would be a poor investment of limited resources.
- Chris Crawford
UPDATE 4:00 PM With The Jason Bartlett trade to the Padres all but official, the last remaining SS on the market (that's any good, anway) is J.J. Hardy, and it looks like as if he may be headed to Baltimore. The return on Bartlett was something the M's probably could have matched, but they were justified in not doing so. A guy who hasn't had an OPS over .800 but once in his career wouldn't be worth Dan Cortes and Brandon League. It may be frustrating to see the middle infield unaddressed this week, but it's probably for the best.
- Chris Crawford
UPDATE 2:30 PM With Dioner Navarro signing with the Dodgers, you can scratch another potential catching target off the list for Seattle. I was told, though, that the M's really never showed interest.
If you want to get the latest premium updates, don't hesitate to subscribe here.
UPDATE 1:30 PM Hints the M's are in a true rebuilding mode
UPDATE 12:25 PM While the M's finalize the deal for Cust, club representatives are hearing Milton Bradley's name tossed around in trade rumors, which should be no shock to anyone.
The M's would likely have to pay most or all of the $12 million owed to Bradley to move him, but making him 100 percent free to a club willing to take a chance on him could bet the M's something halfway useful. We'll see.
One thing holding back a Bradley move might be the club's uncertainty with Michael Saunders, both in terms of performance and staying healthy. Bradley may remain in Seattle until another outfielder is acquired.
UPDATE 10:45 AM It's looking like Cust is signing for $2.5 million, but here's the juicy part. Cust originally wanted $8 million over two years, nobody bit. Then he wanted $4 million for one year. Again, no takers. Our source with a club that was also interested in Cust says that he's going to get at least $2 million guaranteed, with the possibility of it being $2.5 million with incentives. Again, that could change, but it's around those figures.
UPDATE 10:40 AM Jon Morosi is now reporting that Cust has agreed to a one year deal. Terms are not yet known, but as that information breaks we'll be sure to get it to you.
UPDATE 9:39 AM Shannon Drayer is reporting this morning that a deal with Cust appears imminent.
Day 3 in Florida and the M's haven't done much, but they have been linked to a number of players, including catchers Miguel Olivo and Gregg Zaun, as well as infielders Adam Kennedy, Felipe Lopez and Luis Valbuena.
Prospect Insider reported last night that the M's were one of a number of clubs to show interest in Reds first base prospect Yonder Alonso, though nothing is likely to happen on that front, and we also reported that the M's were close to completing a deal for a hitter.
All we knew as of last night was the hitter wasn't Matt Diaz, who has since signed a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wednesday morning, there's word that the club could be hours away from announcing the signing of a DH, with Jack Cust the overwhelming name being mentioned.
We'll keep you up to date with the latest, and subscribers can get all the inside dope right here, but I'll set today's discussion with the following:
"They are doing the right thing; the Crawfords, Werths and Lees don't make sense right now. But the Uptons, Greinkes, Rasmuses and any one-year bat does. And they are in serious on all those fronts as much as anyone else.
"I'd be really surprised if the Mariners entered next season without a lot of us saying 'ahh, yeah, I see what they are up to and I really like it.'"
- American League Assistant GM
To subscribe, click here.
winter-meetings-\'10:-day-three
Comments
The following 55 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: Willmore on 12-08-2010 11:23:30 Bad link in "M's were close", an extra .php |
| 2. By: AntsInIn on 12-08-2010 11:26:47 So any news on the Jack Cust signing? |
| 3. By: CrustyJuggler on 12-08-2010 11:32:27 Hickey is saying a Seattle/Cust deal probably won't get done before the end of the Winter Meetings. |
| 4. By: Jason A. Churchill on 12-08-2010 11:36:04 I'm hearing that Cust wants to make a decision by Thursday, but the other three clubs interested in his services, as well as the M's, have strong interest in other options, which may speed that up. So while nothing is ever likely to be official and done sooner rather than later, it could be a done deal in as little as a few hours. Cust wants two years, that was one of the hangups early. |
| 5. By: Edman on 12-08-2010 11:47:33 I think Cust would be a great pick-up. I don't expect him to be a world beater, but he can draw a walk, at the very least. It's a sold move, just not spectacular. On a team with many holes, he can help for a year or two. If it was me, I'd ofter him a one year deal, with a mutual option for a second year. Bradley is likely gone after next year, so Cust could still have a role in 2012. |
| 6. By: Jason A. Churchill on 12-08-2010 11:56:59 Cust is basically Branyan without the back problem, isn't he? |
| 7. By: Rick Randall on 12-08-2010 12:03:50 Cust's HR% and XBH% the last 4 seasons: 5.1/8.9, 5.5/8.7, 4.1/6.7 and 3.1/7.5. |
| 8. By: Jason A. Churchill on 12-08-2010 12:11:11 He's a TTO if there ever was one. |
| 9. By: StandinPat on 12-08-2010 12:11:30 Royals looking to sign Francoeur, that's just too funny. |
| 10. By: Jason A. Churchill on 12-08-2010 12:20:03 That was the most inevitable move of the offseason, Pat. It is hilarious. He's terrible. By the way, there's almost zero chance Milton Bradley remains in Seattle once Cust is added. |
| 11. By: StandinPat on 12-08-2010 12:23:44 "there's almost zero chance Milton Bradley remains in Seattle once Cust is added" and that makes the Cust move that much better. Do you think they just DFA him? or can they pickup all but $1-2 mil and get someone to bite? |
| 12. By: Rick Randall on 12-08-2010 12:28:44 He is a TTO, but 2 of those "Os" are declining (HR and SO) pretty steadily. Not sure I would go more than 1 year. |
| 13. By: shortstop9 on 12-08-2010 12:35:34 If it leads to Bradley leaving then it's a good move.Any thoughts why we are not in on D.Navarro for C. |
| 14. By: jgstecker on 12-08-2010 12:47:41 Talk about your moves backfiring on you: If Seattle simply released Silva they'd owe him 11.5 million next year. Instead Seattle owes Milton 13.3 million AND they're sending $5.5 million to Chicago for Silva's 2011 salary. That's a $7.3 million blunder by Jack. |
| 15. By: jgstecker on 12-08-2010 12:51:23 Can Ryan Doumit catch at all? He's available and Pittsburgh is willing to eat salary. If he can catch 80-100 games, it would be worth it to get his bat in their against righties. |
| 16. By: cusefan15 on 12-08-2010 13:01:18 Kind of sucks that Milton is gone with the addition of Cust. It seems like he would be a decent bet to bounce back. But I guess there was some writing on the wall once Wedge was hired. |
| 17. By: maqman on 12-08-2010 13:14:27 They should at least look at Bradley through spring training, unless somebody offers a bucket of balls for him before then. I like the Cust move if it transpires. |
| 18. By: mazono on 12-08-2010 13:29:32 Jack Z on Brock and Salk, I caught the tail end of it, Asked about Moore and Saunders with the team. Jack said "Depends on how good you want to be." I like it. |
| 19. By: Edman on 12-08-2010 13:32:36 I'm not so sure that Bradley is gone, yet. I don't think it's a no-brainer. Not likely, but I'm sure they'll look at him in Spring Training, because they've got nothing to lose. He's already paid for, might as well find out if there's a chance he can hit. |
| 20. By: malcontent1 on 12-08-2010 13:39:00 I don't understand why Bradley would be DFA'd. Cust has a pretty drastic platoon split over the last 3 years, and Bradley has the opposite platoon split (a .925 OPS vs. Left Handers since 2008). I understand that it didn't work with Griffey and Sweeney last year, but that was because Griffey hit the wall at 40, whereas Bradley will only be 33 next year, and the right handed half of the platoon. |
| 21. By: Jason A. Churchill on 12-08-2010 14:28:14 Bradley isn't staying unless the M's can find 400-plus ABs for him. Because he will implode otherwise. But like I wrote above, they'll likely wait until they have him replaced... he was penciled in as a part-time left fielder, not just a DH. jgstecker, Word is, Doumit is a 35 defender and is not even worthy of catching 50 games a year for a second-division team. Chris Snyder is generally thought to be an average game caller and below-average everywhere else and he's starting in Pittsburgh over Doumit. Plus, Doumit is not cheap in the least. He's owed $5.6 million guaranteed. |
| 22. By: rightwingrick on 12-08-2010 14:34:52 Just read that Pirates are making C/1B/OF Ryan Doumit (former #2 draft pick, switch-hitter, from Moses Lake) available in trade, and will eat money if they can get pitching back and possible SS. If I'm Jack Z, I'm all over that one; possible backup for Smoak at 1B, Moore at C, and Saunders at LF. Any of Pauley, French, Varvaro, Fields, Noriega, and Triunfel might make a case there. |
| 23. By: mazono on 12-08-2010 15:43:00 JAC- That wait for it... wait for it part of the update. Was that Wedge quoting you... hahah |
| 24. By: shortstop9 on 12-08-2010 16:02:33 I hope they don't trade for Valbuena. He was not a good defensive player last year.Lets grab O.Hudson for 2B and bat him 9th.All we need after that is a LF to bat 3rd through trade and another SP. Ichiro Figgins LF Cust Smoak Gutti C Wilson/Wilson Hudson |
| 25. By: short on 12-08-2010 17:02:51 Well, if the team is shopping Bradley that would explain this: "Wedge says Milton Bradley will play a lof of OF, noting he can play all 3 spots. Also some DH. Wants guys to get plenty of rest this year." --Geoff Baker's Twitter Bradley can play center field if his goal is to hurt himself and make his pitcher hate him. If those aren't top priorities, he shouldn't be allowed out there. I guess maybe there's a GM in the majors somewhere that doesn't know this and might buy Wedge's line. Dayton Moore doesn't read this blog, does he? |
| 26. By: CyFelix on 12-08-2010 18:07:51 I like that he doesn't like platooning players. I really like Saunders and the only way he can learn is taking 600 PA a year. |
| 27. By: nwmsfan on 12-08-2010 18:34:13 Hudson can't play short though, we need a temporary 2B that can be converted to utility once Ackley is ready. If we sign a 2B for the year and ackley isnt ready by june then I think we're in trouble. |
| 28. By: bunvt on 12-08-2010 19:16:45 Olivo + Safeco field = not a good match, In my opinion. |
| 29. By: shortstop9 on 12-08-2010 19:17:08 We should let Ackley play LF. Watching him I think it is a stretch for him to play solid D at 2B in the majors.How about signing O. Cabrera for one year he can play both and hit a bit. |
| 30. By: shortstop9 on 12-08-2010 19:19:56 Do you think the Pirates would take Jack Wilson back straight across for Doumit? Then we could get J.J. Hardy or Ian Desmond |
| 31. By: CrustyJuggler on 12-08-2010 19:20:09 To do with the Bartlett blurb.. League/Cortes >>>> Russell/Ramos ...by a good ways, too. Just sayin'. |
| 32. By: CrustyJuggler on 12-08-2010 19:26:50 Please be wrong about Olivo. How on Earth could he get 2yrs @ $7.5M? That makes no sense. |
| 33. By: Blowgun7 on 12-08-2010 19:30:02 Don't get the outrage over Olivo. Team isn't contending this year, so if you hate the deal you are really upset about Olivo being under contract for 2012 at 3.75 million?? Guy has is probably a 1.5-2.0 win player the next two yrs factoring Safeco in.. Not a terrible deal for a catcher, given what we got |
| 34. By: rjfrik on 12-08-2010 19:30:10 Oh god no. Please please no olivo. What a waste of money if true. It makes no sense at all |
| 35. By: nwmsfan on 12-08-2010 19:35:06 I would be pretty upset if Olivo was on the hook for 2012. We need money for 2012 to compliment our core. What happened the last time we gave an up-the middle position veteran a 2 year deal? I think we would all like to see Jack wilson gone ASAP. That really sucks if its a 2 year deal |
| 36. By: Blowgun7 on 12-08-2010 19:38:47 It's 3.5 million.. it won't prevent us from complimenting the core.. What's your suggestion for catcher? It's very difficult to find a decent one capable of giving you 1.5 to 2 wins over replacement.. Unless you think Olivo can't repeat this prior two yr performance, then I don't know why everybody is so angry about this. I think M's fans are just pre-programmed to hate any signing or acquisition of a right handed bat.. It's like we should just field a team of 9 lefties to make some of you happy |
| 37. By: banton on 12-08-2010 19:40:09 ""Do you think the Pirates would take Jack Wilson back straight across for Doumit? Then we could get J.J. Hardy or Ian Desmond"" Where do you come up with this stuff?? Do you not read that we have a severely limited budget, and that there is a plan in place that reflects that budget? |
| 38. By: FWBrodie on 12-08-2010 19:40:24 Olivo aka Catcher Jose Lopez. WTF? This goes against everything this FO has said and done the past few years. If this happens, it means they think nothing of Moore or somebody wants Moore in a trade? This must be a mistake. Crossing fingers and having faith in Jack Zduriencik for now. |
| 39. By: Chris Crawford on 12-08-2010 19:42:14 Crusty, it's greater, but it'd have to be to get a deal that 1. satisfies the Rays and 2. keeps him in the American League. There's no equivalent the M's had. Some people said White, but Ramos>>>>>>>White. |
| 40. By: shortstop9 on 12-08-2010 19:44:07 Don't know what you are talking about. |
| 41. By: banton on 12-08-2010 19:45:51 Maybe JAC is planing on flipping Olivo in a package in another off-season deal. |
| 42. By: Blowgun7 on 12-08-2010 19:48:08 Would love to know what you guys wanted to see at catcher the next two seasons... when a guy with a .750 OPS the last three seasons from the catcher position is so despised by the fanbase.. What do you guys think is gonna happen? You think he's gonna OPS .450 again just because he's back in Seattle? |
| 43. By: CrustyJuggler on 12-08-2010 19:51:53 Chris, I was thinking Lueke if the M's are that down on him. Lueke + just about anyone would trump that offer from the Padres. But, personally, I hope Lueke stays with the team. So this maybe good news after all. #36; To think Olivo is going to be 2 wins over replacement in Safeco and the AL is just silly. The guy hit .211/.276/.322 away from Coors last year for pity's sake. He also declined arbitration so we'd be giving up a draft pick. Bad move all the way 'round. I'm still hoping it doesn't happen. |
| 44. By: baseballman on 12-08-2010 19:56:33 43: Olivo is a type B FA |
| 45. By: Blowgun7 on 12-08-2010 20:03:31 Eh, he was a 2 win player in KC two seasons ago.. I'd peg him at 1.5 wins for us. I just don't view this as a big deal one way or the other |
| 46. By: jase411 on 12-08-2010 20:13:02 With the possiblilty of Olivo signing, would that put RoJo or Moore on the trading block? Maybe a part of another future deal? |
| 47. By: Edman on 12-08-2010 20:33:48 I've got to agree with Blowgun, some of you are completely overracting. Olivo for two years isn't horrifying. Some utility infielders who can't hit make more than $3.5 million. Like it or not, Moore needs to be able to learn his craft. Two years of Olivo allowing him to improve his skills is just fine by me. You think Zaun is coming here for free? You don't think Olivo could be a step up from the Bard and all the other attempts to find a back-up? Don't you think the M's would have signed a great hitting and solid defensive catcher, if one was available for that kind of money? You'll discount his Coors Field numbers, but ignore his numbers everywhere else? This last season, a .250 hitting catcher with some power would have looked like the next coming of Johnny Bench, compared to what we got. And the Bartlett thing again? Really? Dispite what Jason has pointed out, some of you are upset that he went to the Padres? He was never coming to Seattle. They were not going to pay two shortstops $7+ million a year. |
| 48. By: Edman on 12-08-2010 20:35:12 #46, someone would have to want Johnson to be able to trade him. |
| 49. By: kath99208 on 12-08-2010 21:41:18 Any idea if we're in on Matt Garza at all? Seems like he'd be a solid 2 or 3 starter and is under team control for 3 more seasons. What would it take to get him? |
| 50. By: Lailoken on 12-08-2010 21:55:04 I really like the Cust move. He sacrificed some power for improved contact rates last year so some of the XBH% talk in this thread is a tad offbase. It was a change in approach more than a sign of decline. Hard to argue with the money. According to fangraphs over his last four seasons he's been worth: 9.6 million (2010), 4.3 (09), 9.4 (08), & 12.3 (07). 2.5 million is a relative bargain. After last year, Bradley was far from a sure bet going forward. This provides a little more certainty in the middle of the lineup. We know Ichiro & Figgins will likely get on a base a ton & we know that Cust will likely follow them somewhere in the middle of the order with some power & on-base skills. Smoak getting somebody decent hitting behind him in the lineup would mean he'd get to see more fastballs. That is important for this team, Smoak needs to remain on the right developmental path. |
| 51. By: shortstop9 on 12-08-2010 23:12:04 If we can get somebody to hit 3rd we will score alot more runs than last year. |
| 52. By: shortstop9 on 12-08-2010 23:16:34 Crawford to the Sox -geez they are gonna own.Do you think Boston may trade Ryan Kalish. |
| 53. By: marinermutt on 12-08-2010 23:21:26 Jason, would Kalish be a fit for the M's? What type of deal would it take for the Sox to move him. Thanks, |
| 54. By: masonb on 12-09-2010 00:54:22 I know I'm not Jason, but I just wanted to give my $.02 about Kalish. From everything i've heard, Kalish is their long-term answer in RF. Look for him to be the everyday guy next season after Drew leaves. I would think that his value is pretty high to the Sox and would probably cost more than it's worth for a player who hasn't proven anything yet |
| 55. By: sexymarinersfan on 12-09-2010 02:34:55 Michael Saunders is going to get a chance to be our starting everyday LF next season. If he fails, Milton's PA will go up. But Saunders deserves a chance to prove that he belongs in this league. He's one of our top prospects from a few seasons ago and needs time to see if he has what it takes to play everyday in this league. I imagine that the FO is thinking of taking the same approach with Moore. You just can't have a sub .200 CA in there unless he cranks out Napoli or Reynolds type of homeruns. So while I'm not completely thrilled with Olivo possibly coming back, at least it's a veteran who has some skill and leadership behind the plate. We'll just have to wait and see. I really like the signing of Cust. I'll miss the muscle, but I think Cust is more suited to be an everyday DH. Carp should fight for some AB's as well in spring training and could be a useful left handed bat off the bench next season, and spell Smoak at 1B. |
Haven't created a Prospect Insider account yet? Sign up!
|
|
 |
|
|
| Copyright 2010 Prospect Insider | Created by AQ Central Prospect Insider is optimized for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome |