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2015 NEW YORK YANKEES OFFSEASON THREAD VOL. Baseball is in the air
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by essential1,
- Start date
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As far as pitching goes, I think the Yankees should go ahead and go after signing an Ace. A proven guy like Lester or Scherzer would definitely help put this pitching rotation over the top and make it one of the best in baseball. It would also provide some stability, as the rotation has proven to be injury prone. Yanks can't continue to patch up the problem by hoping an average pitcher or mid season signing can get us over the hump.
The Yanks also need a power bat in the lineup. Let's face it, the offensive numbers just aren't there. A guy like Cruz would give us the necessary power boost, and can help fill the void in the corner outfield. I think this ballpark is great for power hitters and the organization hasn't taken advantage of that fact. We've all seen how much of a difference a power bat makes in the lineup. Look at the A's and Cespedes, that move definitely affected them offensively.
I'm just talking here, not sure how the financing would work as other guys have to be taken care of as well. However, as a fan this would make me very happy.
The Yanks also need a power bat in the lineup. Let's face it, the offensive numbers just aren't there. A guy like Cruz would give us the necessary power boost, and can help fill the void in the corner outfield. I think this ballpark is great for power hitters and the organization hasn't taken advantage of that fact. We've all seen how much of a difference a power bat makes in the lineup. Look at the A's and Cespedes, that move definitely affected them offensively.
I'm just talking here, not sure how the financing would work as other guys have to be taken care of as well. However, as a fan this would make me very happy.
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Sometimes my mind wanders, but I just thought about when Lindgren is ready. I don't think likely until the end of the season.
But Warren-Lindgren-Betances-Robertson... Brings a tear to my eyes.
I'm pleading that the Yankees sign Robertson for 4 years. There's very little risk in giving him money over 4 years. Top to bottom if you add Lester as well, that's a championship pitching staff, and I would guarantee they win one or two in the next few years.
On another note, I read something about the Yankees philosophy and what they normally have to trade, and it applies to Chase Headley. Something we rarely ever have are cheaper veteran contracts that have trade value. We really have no trade bait in that manner to get mid-level prospects, instead if we want players, we have to trade prospects for prospects. Smaller market teams who can't really afford to outright sign $20mil + top of the crop players end up with these $6-12mil players who they get a couple of years of value for then are able to ship them off for mid-level prospects.
Martin Prado, Brandon McCarthy, Chase Headley all were traded just to get mid-level prospects back, and were cheap enough for another team to just take on their deals without a problem. If the Phillies were not asking for King's Ransom for everything, Marlon Byrd could have brought them some return in value, still could if they just ask for a prospect. Just 1 good one.
If we can sign Headley to a 3-4 year deal, we have something we need a guy who can play 3B, 1B & LF. Prado who can play 2B, 3B, LF & RF for 2 more seasons. Both we could trade to get some prospects when we need to clear room for Jagielo or Refsnyder.
I don't see a conceivable way that makes baseball sense for the Yankees winning chances that keeps us under $230mil in payroll. At a cost saving best, Yankees probably can go with $215mil, but 0% chance this team makes the playoffs next year largely as is. I think that extra $8-10mil for Headley and the ability to trade him for prospects whether 2nd-4th year is worth it.
But then Hal Steinbrenner says this
And we realize that Year 3 of missing the playoffs is upon us. I'm praying this is a smoke screen like last year staying under the $189mil tax. Re-signing just McCarthy & Robertson and no one else puts us between $201-206mil
But Warren-Lindgren-Betances-Robertson... Brings a tear to my eyes.
I'm pleading that the Yankees sign Robertson for 4 years. There's very little risk in giving him money over 4 years. Top to bottom if you add Lester as well, that's a championship pitching staff, and I would guarantee they win one or two in the next few years.
On another note, I read something about the Yankees philosophy and what they normally have to trade, and it applies to Chase Headley. Something we rarely ever have are cheaper veteran contracts that have trade value. We really have no trade bait in that manner to get mid-level prospects, instead if we want players, we have to trade prospects for prospects. Smaller market teams who can't really afford to outright sign $20mil + top of the crop players end up with these $6-12mil players who they get a couple of years of value for then are able to ship them off for mid-level prospects.
Martin Prado, Brandon McCarthy, Chase Headley all were traded just to get mid-level prospects back, and were cheap enough for another team to just take on their deals without a problem. If the Phillies were not asking for King's Ransom for everything, Marlon Byrd could have brought them some return in value, still could if they just ask for a prospect. Just 1 good one.
If we can sign Headley to a 3-4 year deal, we have something we need a guy who can play 3B, 1B & LF. Prado who can play 2B, 3B, LF & RF for 2 more seasons. Both we could trade to get some prospects when we need to clear room for Jagielo or Refsnyder.
I don't see a conceivable way that makes baseball sense for the Yankees winning chances that keeps us under $230mil in payroll. At a cost saving best, Yankees probably can go with $215mil, but 0% chance this team makes the playoffs next year largely as is. I think that extra $8-10mil for Headley and the ability to trade him for prospects whether 2nd-4th year is worth it.
But then Hal Steinbrenner says this
And we realize that Year 3 of missing the playoffs is upon us. I'm praying this is a smoke screen like last year staying under the $189mil tax. Re-signing just McCarthy & Robertson and no one else puts us between $201-206mil
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Hal talking cheap. I'm all for the Yankees splurging and having the highest payroll in sports. How do you think we have 27 championships? It's always been the Yankee way. This cost saving plan is doing more harm than good, at least we used to make the damn playoffs every season.
I miss George "The Boss" Steinbrenner [emoji]128532[/emoji]
I miss George "The Boss" Steinbrenner [emoji]128532[/emoji]
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Non-story or do you guys think this will this have an affect on his re-signing?
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/10...ck-saban-is-a-better-leader-than-joe-girardi/
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2014/10...ck-saban-is-a-better-leader-than-joe-girardi/
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I want Scherzer in pinstripes. He's the power arm we have been missing since CC lost his velocity 3-4 years ago.
With CC, Tanaka and others being injury question marks heading into next season we need someone reliable.
In terms of the lineup, man, IDK. Major overhaul for sure. We need to get younger - I'm tired of all the old guys all over the place. It's time for energy, steals, and youth.
With CC, Tanaka and others being injury question marks heading into next season we need someone reliable.
In terms of the lineup, man, IDK. Major overhaul for sure. We need to get younger - I'm tired of all the old guys all over the place. It's time for energy, steals, and youth.
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We do steal a lot of bases.
What's missing is power. However that manifests itself.
I still take Lester over Scherzer. No draft pick compensation. Less likely to go the route of CC because they lose the fire in their fastball.
But that being said if it was Scherzer over Lester, wouldn't bother me.
What's missing is power. However that manifests itself.
I still take Lester over Scherzer. No draft pick compensation. Less likely to go the route of CC because they lose the fire in their fastball.
But that being said if it was Scherzer over Lester, wouldn't bother me.
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If we pick up Lester/Scherzer and a power hitter i'll consider it a decent offseason.
Still can't believe the A's traded Cespedes for Lester with the risk of losing him after half a season.
Still can't believe the A's traded Cespedes for Lester with the risk of losing him after half a season.
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They knew Lester was a rental, and had no urge to keep him passed this season. They were going for the World Series this year, and it failed.
It's really 2 power bats. But that's asking too much. I have 0 faith in Beltran, Teix, & A-Rod as anything better than 5-8 in the order.
3 contracts: A-Rod, C.C., Teix are killing us. (Beltran too, but to a lesser extent, I think if we wanted to, we could trade him).
We made the mistake of extending A-Rod 10 years instead of 7, which made more sense for a guys almost half way through 32 years old. Contract would have ended this season. And even though CC didn't opt out in 2011, we like idiots added 2 extra years to his contract, would have ended after 2015.
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I don't trust Scherzer
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Yasmani Tomas
This video stinks in showing fielding or speed, which I can't find anything about him other than 70 Power on the 20-80 scale, but does show he has effortless power
The more I look, besides Tomas who is a long term investment. Unless they go after him, I kind of just want the Yankees to make trades for SS & RF for stop gap measures. Rather than sign a guy we need, but for more years than necessary, maybe get a couple of guys who would expire at the same time as our other huge contracts.
So unless Tomas, I'd see if Amaro was finally an adult and willing to make a move that is fair for Marlon Byrd. 2 years left, good power hitter. For Shortstop I'd look at Alexei Ramirez. Good at the plate, hits very well for 6-7 in the order, and is a decent fielder. Has 2 years left on his contract.
Out of the entire minor leagues Eric Jagielo, Aaron Judge, Rob Refsnyder, Gary Sanchez, Luis Severino & Jacob Lindgren are the only guys still worth holding onto. Everybody else can be had, which still allows for a decent return of mid-level guys, and can finally allow us to re-build the minor league system, rather than having big names without the production clog it up.
Would basically expire Teix, Beltran, Prado, Ramirez & Byrd at the same time. $67.125mil would come off the books, and free up 1B, 2B, SS, RF & DH
Then after 2017. CC & A-Rod frees up $46mil. Opens up 3B & #4 Starter by then.
I've given up on Headley returning. Just doesn't seem likely.
This video stinks in showing fielding or speed, which I can't find anything about him other than 70 Power on the 20-80 scale, but does show he has effortless power
The more I look, besides Tomas who is a long term investment. Unless they go after him, I kind of just want the Yankees to make trades for SS & RF for stop gap measures. Rather than sign a guy we need, but for more years than necessary, maybe get a couple of guys who would expire at the same time as our other huge contracts.
So unless Tomas, I'd see if Amaro was finally an adult and willing to make a move that is fair for Marlon Byrd. 2 years left, good power hitter. For Shortstop I'd look at Alexei Ramirez. Good at the plate, hits very well for 6-7 in the order, and is a decent fielder. Has 2 years left on his contract.
Out of the entire minor leagues Eric Jagielo, Aaron Judge, Rob Refsnyder, Gary Sanchez, Luis Severino & Jacob Lindgren are the only guys still worth holding onto. Everybody else can be had, which still allows for a decent return of mid-level guys, and can finally allow us to re-build the minor league system, rather than having big names without the production clog it up.
Would basically expire Teix, Beltran, Prado, Ramirez & Byrd at the same time. $67.125mil would come off the books, and free up 1B, 2B, SS, RF & DH
Then after 2017. CC & A-Rod frees up $46mil. Opens up 3B & #4 Starter by then.
I've given up on Headley returning. Just doesn't seem likely.
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I'm a little shocked that so many of you want them to sign Scherzer or Lester.
I know they're aces and true #1 pitchers but you give them the 5-7 year contracts that they're looking for at $20-25M a year and in 2-3 years its the CC situation all over again.
@Essential1 how do you feel about Jimmy Rollins? A lot of what I read says that the team wants to get rid of him and the Yankees would be a suitor. Only 1 year left on his contract, decent in the field, and he's decent at the plate as long as you get over his tendency to swing at the 1st pitch and pop it up.
I know they're aces and true #1 pitchers but you give them the 5-7 year contracts that they're looking for at $20-25M a year and in 2-3 years its the CC situation all over again.
A lot of rumors going on here in Philly about the Phils. Changes in ownership, forcing team president out, etc. But right now is probably the best time to get a deal done with the Phillies. Former GM Pat Gillick is basically running things now since the team prez is out dealing with cancer, so you won't have to deal with Amaro.
@Essential1 how do you feel about Jimmy Rollins? A lot of what I read says that the team wants to get rid of him and the Yankees would be a suitor. Only 1 year left on his contract, decent in the field, and he's decent at the plate as long as you get over his tendency to swing at the 1st pitch and pop it up.
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I'm not worried about Lester becoming meh. Not the same kind of pitcher as CC. CC problem has been his gas is gone, so it makes everything else irrelevant. Lester gets by in the same way Andy Pettitte always did, which stands up better to age. Scherzer I'm more concerned about having the CC route. But there's too many question marks, and not enough answers in the next 3-4 years to pass up on an Ace.
I wouldn't mind J-Roll. Certainly much better than what Jeter gave us on offense and defense. As a 7 hitter, he'd be better than a lot of options. But it all depends on what they want for him.
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So I guess I'm the only one with any news..
Kenta Maeda
Pablo Sandoval
A comment made on Wallace Matthews writing about Dellin Betances becoming the closer.
Looking at all the other comments about how we'll be fine and even better just letting D-Rob go led me to this conclusion: Our fans suck. In all honesty our fans know very little about baseball. My only way to make me feel better about saying that, is because there are so many fans that it just seems like we have a larger % of idiots
Also been reading a lot about Victor Martinez being a possible target.
Kenta Maeda
Pablo Sandoval
A comment made on Wallace Matthews writing about Dellin Betances becoming the closer.
Looking at all the other comments about how we'll be fine and even better just letting D-Rob go led me to this conclusion: Our fans suck. In all honesty our fans know very little about baseball. My only way to make me feel better about saying that, is because there are so many fans that it just seems like we have a larger % of idiots
Also been reading a lot about Victor Martinez being a possible target.
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6 years, $130M for a could be 4th starter seems like a lot to me.
The Sandoval talk makes no sense to me. Why sign a guy that has weight issues and in the past had to be taken out for defensive purposes? And teams now, except for Boston with Ortiz and Detroit with VMart, don't really value having an everyday DH.
From an outsider's view, I think that DRob will be back with the Yankees unless the Tigers decide they want to overpay for him. The Yanks will offer him a qualifying offer and there's a chance he may take it. But if he doesn't, having the QO attached to him is gonna scare off some teams. I think 3 years, $30-40M gets it done. I get why some fans don't want them to sign DRob back because except for Rivera and Kimbrel, giving closers long contracts and big money never works out.
It feels like whenever the Yankees make big splashy moves in free agency and trades its about a 50/50 chance that they work out. But when they make smaller, cheaper moves, like Colon, McCarthy, Garcia, Eric Chavez, Russell Martin, and even the Kerry Wood deal, they seem to have a higher chance of working out for the team.
The Sandoval talk makes no sense to me. Why sign a guy that has weight issues and in the past had to be taken out for defensive purposes? And teams now, except for Boston with Ortiz and Detroit with VMart, don't really value having an everyday DH.
From an outsider's view, I think that DRob will be back with the Yankees unless the Tigers decide they want to overpay for him. The Yanks will offer him a qualifying offer and there's a chance he may take it. But if he doesn't, having the QO attached to him is gonna scare off some teams. I think 3 years, $30-40M gets it done. I get why some fans don't want them to sign DRob back because except for Rivera and Kimbrel, giving closers long contracts and big money never works out.
It feels like whenever the Yankees make big splashy moves in free agency and trades its about a 50/50 chance that they work out. But when they make smaller, cheaper moves, like Colon, McCarthy, Garcia, Eric Chavez, Russell Martin, and even the Kerry Wood deal, they seem to have a higher chance of working out for the team.
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Yeah neither sound too convincing as positive signings to me. But news is news
T0INE
formerly toine2983
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Man, I cringed reading about that Japanese pitcher and Sandoval.
No thanks.
No thanks.
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I can contribute to
essential1
's offseason preparation with international scouting. Nobody watches Japanese pitchers more than I do. Kenta Maeda is a middle of the rotation guy, a #3 at absolute best. Smaller frame than Darvish and Tanaka, less electric FB. Throws it easily, but only touches low-90's maxed on the radar gun. His strongest attribute is command, does not provide many free passes. Reliable for 175-200 IP. Boston is heavily interested and signing "Maeken" potentially allows the Sox to keep from trading Betts. Maeda's largest problem will be a secondary out-pitch. Doesn't have Tanaka's splitter or Darvish's plethora of off-speed weaponry. He throws a slider, but it rates only slightly above-average.
essential1
's offseason preparation with international scouting. Nobody watches Japanese pitchers more than I do. Kenta Maeda is a middle of the rotation guy, a #3 at absolute best. Smaller frame than Darvish and Tanaka, less electric FB. Throws it easily, but only touches low-90's maxed on the radar gun. His strongest attribute is command, does not provide many free passes. Reliable for 175-200 IP. Boston is heavily interested and signing "Maeken" potentially allows the Sox to keep from trading Betts. Maeda's largest problem will be a secondary out-pitch. Doesn't have Tanaka's splitter or Darvish's plethora of off-speed weaponry. He throws a slider, but it rates only slightly above-average.
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P.S. Maeda was lights out at the 2013 WBC, and wanted to be posted last offseason. Hiroshima is going to take the $25M posting fee and run.
Yasmani Tomas is only 23, but not quite the prospect Puig, Abreu, and Cespedes were. His defense isn't as good as Rusney Castillo, hence a move to corner outfield. He runs fairly well for a man his size. 6'4", 230 lbs. Power is his biggest asset, although his HR numbers declined this season. Sources say it was a shoulder injury hitting the wall while fielding. Tomas is a bit of a free swinger and requires additional fine-tuning in the minors.
Yasmani Tomas is only 23, but not quite the prospect Puig, Abreu, and Cespedes were. His defense isn't as good as Rusney Castillo, hence a move to corner outfield. He runs fairly well for a man his size. 6'4", 230 lbs. Power is his biggest asset, although his HR numbers declined this season. Sources say it was a shoulder injury hitting the wall while fielding. Tomas is a bit of a free swinger and requires additional fine-tuning in the minors.
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Both from MLB Trade Rumors
Free Agent Profile: David Robertson
By Steve Adams [October 7, 2014 at 12:28pm CDT]
Though he’s spent much of his career in the shadow of perhaps the greatest closer of all time, Mariano Rivera, Yankees right-hander David Robertson stepped onto the ninth-inning stage this season and excelled. The strong effort continued a four-year run of dominance that has positioned the former 17th-round pick quite well as he hits free agency for the first time.
Strengths/Pros
In today’s game, strikeouts are king for pitchers, and Robertson excels in that department. Though he’s not overpowering — he’s averaged 92 mph on his heater in his career — Robertson racks up strikeouts at a prolific rate in part because he releases the ball closer to home plate than most pitchers, causing his fastball to appear quicker (a trait which SI.com’s Tom Verducci examined in a 2011 article). He averaged 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings this season and has punched out 12.0 per nine in his carer, including 12.3 per nine over the past four seasons.
"
Though he’s spent much of his career in the shadow of perhaps the greatest closer of all time, Mariano Rivera, Yankees right-hander David Robertson stepped onto the ninth-inning stage this season and excelled. The strong effort continued a four-year run of dominance that has positioned the former 17th-round pick quite well as he hits free agency for the first time.
Strengths/Pros
In today’s game, strikeouts are king for pitchers, and Robertson excels in that department. Though he’s not overpowering — he’s averaged 92 mph on his heater in his career — Robertson racks up strikeouts at a prolific rate in part because he releases the ball closer to home plate than most pitchers, causing his fastball to appear quicker (a trait which SI.com’s Tom Verducci examined in a 2011 article). He averaged 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings this season and has punched out 12.0 per nine in his carer, including 12.3 per nine over the past four seasons.
"
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The Rock paying RE2PECT TO THE CAPTAIN live on Monday Night Raw 7:00 mark
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Free Agent Profile: Chase Headley
4 year / $48mil is a couple mil more than I expected. It would all depend how the Sandoval & Hanley deals workout in all honesty to determine what Chase gets.
By Tim Dierkes [October 8, 2014 at 1:43pm CDT]
One of the game’s best defensive third basemen reaches free agency this winter in Chase Headley. Headley’s MVP-caliber 2012 season saw his offense reach lofty heights, but two years later that’s looking like an anomaly.
Strengths/Pros
Headley’s only Gold Glove award came in that magical 2012 season, but he’s got a good chance at another one this year. By measure of Ultimate Zone Rating, Headley was the best defensive third baseman in baseball in 2014. If you prefer Defensive Runs Saved, Headley ranked third. He was a top ten defender in 2012 and ’13 as well, so it’s not just a one-year fluke.
MLB: Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees
Headley’s defense is a major contributor to his value, leading to roughly four wins above replacement in each of the last two seasons. His WAR ranks tenth among all third basemen for 2013-14, easily ahead of this offseason’s likely top-paid third baseman, Pablo Sandoval. At worst, Headley is Sandoval’s equal, but defense hasn’t caught up with offense in terms of free agent spending.
Headley hit .286/.376/.498 with 31 home runs for the Padres in 2012, despite playing half his games in San Diego. 19 of those home runs came in the season’s final two months. He hit .269/.343/.392 prior to that season and .246/.338/.387 since, and it’s not hard to see that one of these is not like the others. However, the switch-hitting Headley remains capable of a solid on-base percentage, posting a .371 OBP and walk rate near 13% in his 224 plate appearances for the Yankees this year. He is, on the whole, still an above average hitter.
Having been traded midseason, Headley is not eligible for a qualifying offer. Fellow free agents Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez will certainly require draft pick forfeiture, and perhaps Aramis Ramirez too, but Headley is free of that limitation.
Weaknesses/Cons
Prior to being traded to the Yankees, Headley hit an abysmal .229/.296/.355 for the Padres in 307 plate appearances. His Padres’ walk rate of 7.2% was well below his career norm.
Upon the trade, Tony Blengino of FanGraphs examined Headley’s batted ball profile, and it wasn’t promising. Headley was in “steady offensive decline,” wrote Blengino, who explained, “his decline in batted-ball production has been solely attributable to diminished fly ball authority.” Did Headley’s 224 plate appearances after the trade represent a reliable return to form? That will be a crucial question for offseason suitors.
Headley’s recent injury history may be perceived as a negative, though it could also be considered an explanation for his offensive struggles in the first half of the season. He received an epidural in June and avoided going on the DL for his back. After the epidural, Headley hit .273/.359/.400 in 312 plate appearances.
Personal
Headley was born in Colorado and resides in Tennessee with his family. The Headleys recently welcomed a new baby into the world, their second child. According to the Padres’ 2014 media guide, Headley played varsity baseball and basketball all four years in high school in Colorado, and was also valedictorian. He began college at University of the Pacific in California and later transferred to the University of Tennessee, where his older brother was attending.
According to a profile by MLB.com’s Corey Brock in January 2013, Headley owns a large farm in Western Kentucky and has a passion for bow hunting. A religious man since his freshman year in high school, Headley told Mark E. Darnall and Bruce A. Darnall in 2012, “My goal is to have Jesus be the center of everything.”
Market
Any team without an established, reliable third baseman could consider Headley this offseason. Given the uncertainty that comes with Alex Rodriguez, a return to the Yankees is possible. The Red Sox, Astros, Royals, Brewers, Giants, Blue Jays, and Nationals could also seek help at third base, though some of those clubs might only want a short-term solution.
Headley’s competition on the free agent market will include Pablo Sandoval, Aramis Ramirez, and Hanley Ramirez. Whether Aramis Ramirez hits the open market could be a big factor for Headley, as well as whether Hanley Ramirez signs as a third baseman. The trade market could feature Luis Valbuena, Trevor Plouffe, and Pedro Alvarez.
Expected Contract
Headley has never had a multiyear deal in his career, and I think he’ll value long-term security this offseason. The question is whether he signs a three or four-year deal. A few potential comparables to consider are Shane Victorino‘s three-year, $39MM deal from two years ago and Jhonny Peralta‘s four-year, $53MM deal from last offseason. I think Headley will sign a four-year, $48MM deal.
One of the game’s best defensive third basemen reaches free agency this winter in Chase Headley. Headley’s MVP-caliber 2012 season saw his offense reach lofty heights, but two years later that’s looking like an anomaly.
Strengths/Pros
Headley’s only Gold Glove award came in that magical 2012 season, but he’s got a good chance at another one this year. By measure of Ultimate Zone Rating, Headley was the best defensive third baseman in baseball in 2014. If you prefer Defensive Runs Saved, Headley ranked third. He was a top ten defender in 2012 and ’13 as well, so it’s not just a one-year fluke.
MLB: Baltimore Orioles at New York Yankees
Headley’s defense is a major contributor to his value, leading to roughly four wins above replacement in each of the last two seasons. His WAR ranks tenth among all third basemen for 2013-14, easily ahead of this offseason’s likely top-paid third baseman, Pablo Sandoval. At worst, Headley is Sandoval’s equal, but defense hasn’t caught up with offense in terms of free agent spending.
Headley hit .286/.376/.498 with 31 home runs for the Padres in 2012, despite playing half his games in San Diego. 19 of those home runs came in the season’s final two months. He hit .269/.343/.392 prior to that season and .246/.338/.387 since, and it’s not hard to see that one of these is not like the others. However, the switch-hitting Headley remains capable of a solid on-base percentage, posting a .371 OBP and walk rate near 13% in his 224 plate appearances for the Yankees this year. He is, on the whole, still an above average hitter.
Having been traded midseason, Headley is not eligible for a qualifying offer. Fellow free agents Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez will certainly require draft pick forfeiture, and perhaps Aramis Ramirez too, but Headley is free of that limitation.
Weaknesses/Cons
Prior to being traded to the Yankees, Headley hit an abysmal .229/.296/.355 for the Padres in 307 plate appearances. His Padres’ walk rate of 7.2% was well below his career norm.
Upon the trade, Tony Blengino of FanGraphs examined Headley’s batted ball profile, and it wasn’t promising. Headley was in “steady offensive decline,” wrote Blengino, who explained, “his decline in batted-ball production has been solely attributable to diminished fly ball authority.” Did Headley’s 224 plate appearances after the trade represent a reliable return to form? That will be a crucial question for offseason suitors.
Headley’s recent injury history may be perceived as a negative, though it could also be considered an explanation for his offensive struggles in the first half of the season. He received an epidural in June and avoided going on the DL for his back. After the epidural, Headley hit .273/.359/.400 in 312 plate appearances.
Personal
Headley was born in Colorado and resides in Tennessee with his family. The Headleys recently welcomed a new baby into the world, their second child. According to the Padres’ 2014 media guide, Headley played varsity baseball and basketball all four years in high school in Colorado, and was also valedictorian. He began college at University of the Pacific in California and later transferred to the University of Tennessee, where his older brother was attending.
According to a profile by MLB.com’s Corey Brock in January 2013, Headley owns a large farm in Western Kentucky and has a passion for bow hunting. A religious man since his freshman year in high school, Headley told Mark E. Darnall and Bruce A. Darnall in 2012, “My goal is to have Jesus be the center of everything.”
Market
Any team without an established, reliable third baseman could consider Headley this offseason. Given the uncertainty that comes with Alex Rodriguez, a return to the Yankees is possible. The Red Sox, Astros, Royals, Brewers, Giants, Blue Jays, and Nationals could also seek help at third base, though some of those clubs might only want a short-term solution.
Headley’s competition on the free agent market will include Pablo Sandoval, Aramis Ramirez, and Hanley Ramirez. Whether Aramis Ramirez hits the open market could be a big factor for Headley, as well as whether Hanley Ramirez signs as a third baseman. The trade market could feature Luis Valbuena, Trevor Plouffe, and Pedro Alvarez.
Expected Contract
Headley has never had a multiyear deal in his career, and I think he’ll value long-term security this offseason. The question is whether he signs a three or four-year deal. A few potential comparables to consider are Shane Victorino‘s three-year, $39MM deal from two years ago and Jhonny Peralta‘s four-year, $53MM deal from last offseason. I think Headley will sign a four-year, $48MM deal.
4 year / $48mil is a couple mil more than I expected. It would all depend how the Sandoval & Hanley deals workout in all honesty to determine what Chase gets.
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4/48 is too much :x
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