MLB Offseason 2018-19: SIGN KIMBREL AND KEUCHEL YOU FUCKS

[Timby]

Fangraphs has a pretty great piece about just how problematic it is to have an agent switch sides and go to the front office.

So let’s examine what Boras and Clark are talking about.

We begin with the rules governing baseball’s player agents. Those Rules are written and enforced by the MLBPA, and essentially exist to protect players and govern agent conduct. Rule 5(B)(12), which defines conflicts of interest, prohibits both actual and potential or apparent conflicts. With regard to what situations are regarded as conflicts of interest, the Rule says this:

§5(B)(12)(b) – Being employed by, or in any capacity representing, or soliciting or accepting money or any thing of value from, or providing or causing money or any thing of value to be provided to Major League Baseball or any of its affiliated entities, any Major or Minor League Club, any other employer of professional baseball players, or any employee or official of them, including scouts or individuals acting in the capacity of a scout, unless previously authorized in writing by the MLBPA to do so in accordance with any specified conditions (e.g., notice to clients, client waivers, etc.);…

Accepting a job offer from a team is almost certainly a per se violation of this Rule. That’s particularly true in Van Wagenen’s case, given the number of Mets players he represents — which is what separates Van Wagenen from Dave Stewart, for example, who was working as an agent before assuming the GM role with Arizona in 2014. Stewart wasn’t directly linked to any D-backs players. Among Van Wagenen’s clients, however, is not only Cespedes but a collection of other Mets, including Jacob deGrom, Todd Frazier, Noah Syndergaard, and Tim Tebow. In other words, unless Van Wagenen got prior permission from the MLBPA, plus also gave notice and received permission in writing from each of his affected clients — all of which is possible but seems unlikely given Tony Clark’s response to the move — he’s in violation of the Rule.

 

[Tom Hendricks]

Fangraphs has a pretty great piece about just how problematic it is to have an agent switch sides and go to the front office.

I just can't take anyone seriously with the name Brodie.

 

[The Lady Eve]

Well, there was Steve Brodie who (supposedly) jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge on a bet, survived, and made a good living from the publicity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Brodie_(bridge_jumper)

 

[Herbert]

Well, there was Steve Brodie who (supposedly) jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge on a bet, survived, and made a good living from the publicity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Brodie_(bridge_jumper)

Yup. They even made a documentary about it.

 

[Captain Clark Terrell]

The San Francisco Giants have announced that HOF’er Willie McCovey passed away earlier this afternoon following a long battle with multiple health problems. He was eighty years old.

Rest in peace, sir.

 

[tomalak301]

The San Francisco Giants have announced that HOF’er Willie McCovey passed away earlier this afternoon following a long battle with multiple health problems. He was eighty years old.

Rest in peace, sir.

Just saw the news. It was bound to happen, but still a sad day.

RIP Stretch.

 

[Timby]

The San Francisco Giants have announced that HOF’er Willie McCovey passed away earlier this afternoon following a long battle with multiple health problems. He was eighty years old.

Rest in peace, sir.

A guy so good he managed to intimidate Bob Gibson. Hell of a hitter.

 

[Timby]

The Dodgers and Kershaw have agreed to extend his opt-out period until Friday afternoon, presumably because they're working on an extension.

I guess because Kershaw can't get anything done in October. (I KID, I KID)

 

[BillJ]

The Dodgers and Kershaw have agreed to extend his opt-out period until Friday afternoon, presumably because they're working on an extension.

I guess because Kershaw can't get anything done in October. (I KID, I KID)

Kershaw is an interesting possible free agent. I can't think of too many teams with the payroll flexibility to add a $30 million dollar a year pitcher, especially one whose velocity is diminished and has had periodic back troubles over the last couple of years?

 

[JirinPanthosa]

I was never particularly worried about Price opting out. Who would opt out of an insane contract on a championship contender? I guess unless he thought he could get a longer deal at the same level.

 

[Timby]

Ken Rosenthal is saying that the Cubs are exploring trade options to clear salary before they pick up Hamels' option ($20MM).

Who the hell can they dump with associated salary? Good luck trading Chatwood anywhere, you fucking idiots; if he does go somewhere there's no way they aren't eating a ton of his pay. I guess Zobrist, maybe? And maybe they're having buyer's remorse on Drew Smyly, since his recovery seems to have stalled? I don't know what this team is doing anymore.

 

[Tom Hendricks]

This is pretty awesome, Carlos Beltran's family went as every version of him for Halloween.

 

[Scout101]

I was never particularly worried about Price opting out. Who would opt out of an insane contract on a championship contender? I guess unless he thought he could get a longer deal at the same level.

Yes, the thought was he could get a little more money, add a year or so, and pitch in a more 'friendly' environment that doesn't care when he sucks. He was rumored to want to sign with St. Louis the last time around, but Boston offered more money.

He's since caught the taste for a championship, realized he's in a good spot if he wants to win, and opted in. Kinda hoped he'd opt out, if only to reallocate the money, but also not bad to have some roster certainty with all the big pieces coming up over the next year or two.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

Ken Rosenthal is saying that the Cubs are exploring trade options to clear salary before they pick up Hamels' option ($20MM).

Who the hell can they dump with associated salary? Good luck trading Chatwood anywhere, you fucking idiots; if he does go somewhere there's no way they aren't eating a ton of his pay. I guess Zobrist, maybe? And maybe they're having buyer's remorse on Drew Smyly, since his recovery seems to have stalled? I don't know what this team is doing anymore.

Could the Cubs have been able to refuse the $5M option on Kintzler? They turned down the $10.5M option (thank fuck for that). Or is turning down a player option not an option?

 

[BillJ]

Cubs exercise option on Hamels', send Drew Smyly to Rangers. Interesting how that worked out.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018...e-hamels-option-trade-drew-smyly-rangers.html

 

[Scout101]

Could the Cubs have been able to refuse the $5M option on Kintzler? They turned down the $10.5M option (thank fuck for that). Or is turning down a player option not an option?

No, I don't think you can reject the player option. Sounds like that was a mutual option: 10.5 club option (and player can't reject it), or if they pass, player option for 5M? I think at that point, team can cut the player if they don't want the roster spot used, but they'd owe him the money. He's obviously free to pass also and go to FA, but I don't think a team can decline a player option (it's not optional for them).

 

[Yanks]

I heard the Yankees resigned Gardner for a one-year deal.

I recommend not playing him until after the all-star break.

Willy McCovey... I always thought of him that he was one of the good guys in sports. One hell of a hitter. RIP

I did take notice he had a really closed stance... much like Stanton.

Hoping the Yankees sign Corbin...

 

[Yanks]

Kershaw is an interesting possible free agent. I can't think of too many teams with the payroll flexibility to add a $30 million dollar a year pitcher, especially one whose velocity is diminished and has had periodic back troubles over the last couple of years?

I don't see it happening... he might end up playing for a LOT less $$$. Just look how long the big names stayed on the bench waiting for a contract last year.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

The Cubs do pick up the option on Hamels (yay) and trade Smyly to the Rangers for a PTBN.

Story

 

[BillJ]

Dodgers and Kershaw extend current deal by one year, with no opt-out clause.

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/11/dodgers-reach-new-deal-with-clayton-kershaw.html