Cooking with Chas: Out with the Old and In with the New

As we turn the page on 2008, the two most recent major free agent signings in MLB, for very different reasons, remind us of that familiar phrase associated with ringing in the new year.

Following the 2001 season, the Yankees signed Jason Giambi, who arguably should have won his second consecutive MVP that year, to a 7-year deal worth $119 million. His performance approached his two MVP-caliber seasons in 2002, but after that he was generally considered a disappointment. That contract expired following the 2008 season, so as an early Christmas present to their fans, the Yankees replaced him with another $100+ million player.

The Mark Teixeira signing by the Yankees came as a bit of a surprise. Personally, I had the pleasure of breaking the news to a good friend and Mets fan as I saw the ESPN report on the televisions in Dick’s Clothing and Sporting Goods during a little last-minute Christmas shopping excursion. Believe it or not, prior to this year, the Yankees had “only” signed two free agents to contracts–not including Derek Jeter’s extension–with a total value of greater than $100 million (Giambi and Alex Rodriguez) since they last won the World Series in 2000. This offseason, they added two more (Teixeira and CC Sabathia).

Will these be the acquisitions that finally hit pay dirt for the Yanks, successfully ending an eight-year drought? That’s difficult to say, but one thing’s for certain–they now are the odds-on favorite to win the World Series. It will be interesting to see what their outfield looks like now that the Teixeira signing shifts Nick Swisher to the outfield/DH mix that–barring any more changes–includes himself, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Xavier Nady, Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner. That, of course, is assuming that Jorge Posada is healthy enough to catch most every day.

So, obviously, determining the mix of positional players will be a challenge, and their defense is virtually assured of being below average. However, they won’t be lacking for offense as the 3-4 combination of A-Rod/Teixeira (or Teixeira/A-Rod), while not quite Ortiz/Manny in their prime, has to be considered the most formidable in baseball.

The Angels made surprisingly little effort to re-sign closer Francisco Rodriguez, allowing him to move east to the Mets, who signed him to a three-year, $37 million deal. Presumably, they were saving their money in an attempt to re-sign Teixeira or, failing that, another middle of the order bat. Well, obviously, they missed out on Teixeira, then indicated that they weren’t interested in Manny Ramirez as an alternative. So, they reversed course and seemingly decided that they weren’t prepared to go into next season with Scot Shields and Jose Arredondo vying for the 9th inning role. They signed Brian Fuentes to be Rodriguez’s successor as closer, agreeing to terms on a two-year, $17.5 million contract.

Fuentes is a solid pickup, and a fairly under-rated relief pitcher. Based on his record breaking 62-save season, K-Rod is somewhat over-rated, so the difference between the two is probably not as great as your initial impressions might lead you to believe. Add to that the fact that Fuentes comes about $3 million per year cheaper, and requires one less year of commitment. But, the pre-Teixeira Angels–with only Vladimir Guerrero as a legitimate threat in heart of their lineup–were anemic offensively, and Vlad seems to be getting old prematurely. I’m not saying his offensive skills have diminished–although his numbers were down last year–but he’s certainly had trouble staying healthy and appears to be constantly playing hurt. So, did the Angels address their most significant need? I hardly think so, but there are still three more months left in this offseason.

So, for the Yankees and Angels, it’s out with the old (Giambi, K-Rod) and in with the new (Teixeira, Fuentes). Both teams, of course, are hoping that the new year brings them a little more–in the Angels’ case–or a lot more–in the Yankees’ case–luck than 2008 did.

Elsewhere on the Hot Stove

In other news, the Cubs traded second baseman/utility man Mark DeRosa to the Indians for minor league pitchers Jeff Stevens, John Gaub and Chris Archer, none of whom are expected to make much of an impact in the majors for the Cubs in 2009. DeRosa–coming off a career year at the plate (.285, 21 HR, 87 RBI, .857 OPS)–is expected to be the Indians’ starting third baseman. The idea of moving shortstop Jhonny Peralta to third and second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera to short had been discussed as part of Cleveland’s offseason plans, but it appears they will leave things as they are for now. DeRosa’s versatility still leaves that option open, though.

The Cubs essentially replaced DeRosa by signing the versatile Aaron Miles to a two-year, $4.9 million contract. He will most likely share time at second base with Mike Fontenot, as well as serve as Chicago’s utility man, having played second, short, third and all three outfield positions last year. The replacement of DeRosa with Miles is one of a few moves that gives the Cubs financial flexibility that they’re expected to take advantage of by signing Milton Bradley. There are also rumblings that they may be looking to re-visit the Jake Peavy trade discussions with the Padres.

Elsewhere, with their eyes on returning to NL West contention in 2009, the Giants signed 45-year old future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson to a one-year contract worth $8 million. The Big Unit’s post-all star break ERA of 2.41 ranked fifth in the National League. He’ll join a rotation that is clearly a strength for the Giants, along with 2008 NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum, 2002 AL Cy Young Award winner Barry Zito, and Matt Cain–who, despite a 15-30 record over the last two years, has posted solid numbers (3.65 and 3.76 ERAs, better than 2-to-1 K/BB ratios, and just 35 HR allowed in 417 IP in 2007-08).

In the hopeless causes department, Willy Taveras and the Reds agreed to a two-year, $6.25 million contract. The 27-year old reigning National League stolen base leader will be Cincinnati’s center fielder and leadoff hitter, despite a .308 OBP–which ranked 66th out of 72 NL players with enough at bats to qualify for the batting title–in 2008. Even worse, only Michael Bourn’s OPS was worse than Taveras’ .604 mark among qualified NL batters. Using a slightly different definition of that word, the only position Taveras is truly qualified for is pinch-runner and defensive replacement, in this writer’s opinion.

Lastly, the Nationals signed starting pitcher Daniel Cabrera to a one-year, $2.6 million deal. Cabrera, who will turn 28 in May, has been the poster child for unfulfilled potential during his five years in Baltimore. Despite unimpressive career numbers, including a 5.05 ERA and 1.36 K/BB ratio, there’s still enough upside to expect that he’ll be in Washington’s 2009 rotation. The Orioles then signed 6-foot-9 lefty Mark Hendrickson to a one-year contract. He may compete for a spot in their 2009 rotation or fill a bullpen role.