Cooking with Chas: What’s Next on the Hot Stove

With the Yankees making their $240 million splash, and two of the four marquee free agents–CC Sabathia and Francisco Rodriguez–finding new homes last week, what’s going to be the next big news on the hot stove burner?

It appears that Mark Teixeira is going to decide where he’ll settle before we hear any news about Manny Ramirez–unless he decides to retire, that is. Yesterday, it was reported that the Red Sox were closing in on signing Tex to an 8-year deal, believed to be valued at $184 million. Then, this morning the word is that the Sox are backing out of the Teixeira sweepstakes. In an e-mail to the Associated Press, Boston owner John Henry stated that they had been outbid and were no longer going to be a factor in the competition for his services. This, of course, begs the questions, who were they outbid by, and are the Red Sox bluffing?

In answering the first question, I’m sure most everyone will agree that the obvious answer is the Yankees, but Brian Cashman was also quoted as saying that his team is not the high bidder. So, is there another team that offered more than $23 million per year for 8 years? It’s hard to believe that team could be the Orioles or the Nationals. Frankly, if it’s the latter, this writer’s opinion is that it’s a big mistake. I suppose it could be the Angels, but more than likely–to answer the second question–it’s that the Sox are bluffing, possibly because they believe that Teixeira’s agent, Scott Boras, is feeding them misinformation regarding other offers he’s received for his client.

Prediction: the Red Sox and Teixeira agree to a deal by the end of this weekend.

The other major news item from this past week is the Dodgers signing of Rafael Furcal to a three-year, $30 million deal, with a vesting option for a fourth year at an additional $12 million. The vesting option is believed to be contingent upon Furcal reaching 600 plate appearances in the third year of the contract.

The signing was not without some controversy, however. The Braves are now saying that they will never again deal with Furcal’s agents–the Wasserman Media Group, led by Paul Kinzer and Arm Tellem–believing that the firm reneged on a deal they had with its client. In a statement issued by Tellem, he claims there was no such agreement, and that the Braves knew that Furcal was sleeping on their offer, which was believed to be very similar to the Dodgers’. Atlanta team president John Schuerholz, however, is quoted as saying, “Having been in this business for 40-some years, I’ve never seen anybody treated like that…I advised Arn Tellem that whatever players he represents, just scratch us off the list”.

Prediction: the Braves back off their stance and eventually sign Wasserman client Randy Wolf.

Venturing into territory previously uncharted by Cooking with Chas, the Houston Astros’ all-time leader in games pitched, Dave Smith, died this week at age 53. Smith, a two-time all-star who also is second on the Astros’ career saves list, apparently died of a heart attack on Wednesday. He is remembered by those who played with and against him as a fierce competitor, and by teammates and friends for his generosity and zest for life. Giants third base coach and former big leaguer Tim Flannery, who also served on the Padres’ coaching staff with Smith from 1999 to 2001, called him “…the most giving, unconditionally compassionate man anyone ever came across…” and fondly remembers him “…reaching into his pocket and pulling out $100 to give to someone selling newspapers for a quarter”.

Personally, I remember Smith for the part he played in what I recall as the most exciting baseball post-season I’ve ever witnessed. During my sophomore year in college, I was part of a group of haters who rooted passionately against the 1986 Mets of Gary Carter, Keith Hernandez, Lenny Dykstra and Ray Knight, even going so far as to cheer for the Red Sox in the World Series. This, of course, is the primary reason I hate the Red Sox to this day–the one time I rooted for them…well, you know what happened. But, despite the fact that the ’86 Astros were essentially a one-man show, that entire team holds a place near and dear to my heart for the valiant effort they put forth, despite being seriously over-matched.

Smith didn’t pitch very well in that LCS, most notably blowing game three by yielding a 9th inning game-winning two-run home run to Lenny Dykstra, and ruining the Astros’ chances of going up 2-1 on the Mets with Mike Scott–the aforementioned one-man show–throwing the next day. However, he was as much a part of that team as Billy Hatcher, Glenn Davis, Charlie Kerfeld and Alan Ashby. Actually, as I peruse the box scores of that series, I realize that he was probably the biggest reason his team lost, but I love the ’86 Astros, and Dave Smith was loved by his teammates. Rest in peace, Flight 45.

In other hot stove news, 46-year old starting pitcher Jamie Moyer, the oldest player in baseball, and the Phillies agreed to a two-year deal worth $13 million. The Phillies also signed Chan Ho Park to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, which could go to as high as $5 million with incentives. Park may compete for a spot in their rotation or fill a bullpen role.

The Royals and Kyle Farnsworth agreed to a two-year, $9.25 million deal. He’ll become the right-handed half of a bullpen duo with Ron Mahay, setting up for closer Joakim Soria.

The Angels re-signed outfielder Juan Rivera, to a three-year, $12.75 million deal, a move that decreases the likelihood that they’ll be interested in pursuing free agent Manny Ramirez. Rivera will continue to fill the role of the Halos’ fourth outfielder and part-time designated hitter.

Needing a new home after the Cardinals completed a trade for Khalil Greene, Cezar Izturis headed back to the American League, signing with the Orioles to be their shortstop. The sides agreed this week on a two-year, $6 million deal.

The Astros agreed to a pair of one-year, $750,000 deals. Aaron Boone will be the right-handed half of a third base platoon with Geoff Blum, and Jason Michaels will be their fifth outfielder.

The Diamondbacks brought in Felipe Lopez to play second base when they agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $3.5 million.

Adam Everett signed with the Tigers, to replace Edgar Renteria as their shortstop, for one year at $1 million plus incentives.

Finally, here’s a brief rundown of recent news related to former Red Sox players. Alan Embree will become the Rockies’ primary left-handed setup man, agreeing to a $2.25 million, one-year contract. Outfielder Trot Nixon and pitcher Matt Clement were signed to minor league deals–Nixon by the Brewers and Clement, who hasn’t pitched in the majors since June 2006–with the Blue Jays. Second baseman Mark Loretta signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers. Pitcher Lenny DiNardo received a spring training invitation from the Royals.