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US Presswire photo Mark Buehrle is considering the Nationals, along with four other teams. |
DALLAS -- Though the Mark Buehrle sweepstakes is moving toward a resolution -- he has narrowed his search down to three clubs, according to a source familiar with the talks -- the veteran left-hander may not be able to make his final decision until other top free agents have made theirs.
If general manager Mike Rizzo had his way, the Nationals would lock up the 32-year-old hurler right now.
But some of Buehrle's other pursuers are currently negotiating with other players and may not know if they're still interested in signing the pitcher until they've settled those other negotiations.
The Marlins, for example, have expressed strong interest in Buehrle. But if they win the Albert Pujols lottery, they're not going to have enough money left to land a pricey starting pitcher.
At this moment, Pujols is still deciding between staying in St. Louis or leaving for Miami. Until the slugger makes that decision, Buehrle won't know whether the Marlins are still in the mix for him. But if Pujols sticks with the Cardinals, the Marlins are expected to make an immediate push for Buehrle, according to the Miami Herald.
The Rangers, meanwhile, are also believed to be among the finalists for Buehrle. But the two-time defending AL champs also have interest in retaining fellow lefty C.J. Wilson ... if his price tag doesn't skyrocket too high.
The market for Wilson hasn't materialized the way agent Bob Garber hoped, so Texas might feel like it has a chance to re-sign its ace for four or five years, a move GM Jon Daniels might find preferential to a Buehrle deal.
Suffice it to say, there are multiple balls in the air right now. And until these other clubs decide which one to grab, the Nationals may have to wait to get an answer from Buehrle.
58 comments:
Just read that Yanks are interested in trading Burnett and will eat portion of his contract
Burnett is a player with a change of scenery would do him very well.
Are the Nats really hoping to be the lucky club that lands Buehrle for 4 years and maybe $65+M with no-trade proptection? Wow.
dfh21
There's a significant story developing relating to the Marlins and Loria which probably doesn't affect their pursuit of Pujols or Buehrle, but may have serious ramifications within the next year. The SEC's widespread investigation of the entire stadium financing procedure. Am curious if there are any people familiar with details, perhaps viewing this in FL, who could share their perspective?
I'm sure Burnett could use a change of scenery. I just hope it involves moving somewhere other than Washington.
Regarding Curt's query: I don't have any details beyond the press reports, but I would certainly not want to be a player heading into a situation where management was under any such legal -- and potentially financial -- pressure. One need only ask Reyes, Wright, and the other Mets what it was like playing for the Wilpons the past couple of years. Uncertainly is never a good thing, particularly when your multi-million dollar paycheck could be in doubt. And I've got to believe the agents for Pujols and Buehrle are smart enough to point that out to their clients.
Thanks Just Sayin' regarding the ramifications of SEC investigation into Marlins' stadium financing. For others, here's a background link in NY Times.
http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/03/54935/?ref=baseball
Curt Flood.... one of the issues that's cropped up is the agreement over the use of the parking garages.
The Marlins rent the 5,600 spaces from the City of Miami at $10.00 per spot for every event that they hold and as stadium operators, and that includes concerts. The plan was that as a City owned facility, they meaning the City of Miami would be exempt from Dade County Property taxes.
But Dade County has ruled that since the garages are rented out to a second party for profit, the City would be responsible for a $2 to $3 million dollar annual tax bill.
The City then went back to the Marlins and asked for help in paying those taxes and you can pretty much guess where Loria told them to stick it. And all this is besides the SEC investigation on the overall financing plan put together by the Marlins and sold to the City and Dade Count.
This is going to get pretty ugly as the overall news comes out.
I have a memory of Burnett standing on the mound in Fenway watching yet another Sox homer pass over the green monster, shaking his head and saying "Why? Why? Why?"
I saw something interesting on MLB Network. Ozzie commented that "Latinos in south FL don't have the money to go to games". I wonder if that is true. I know they will be losing the Ft Lauderdale/West Palm fan base. They will not travel to weekday games in Miami - not that they did that when it was in Dolphins stadium. They may be able to pull in some people the first few years, but unless the economy improves drastically in FL they will be selling off all the players regardless of record.
NatsJack.. just another reason Luria will someday end up in Jail.. what comes around goes around.
Thanks NatsJack in Florida. As the overall Miami stadium financing details come tumbling out it will be a fascinating window into the inner finances of a baseball team. I'm sure Marvin Miller will be monitoring this. And from other reports I've read there's a fair chance that payoffs and other wickedness will be uncovered that occurred during the approval process. Knowing Loria's reputation going back to the days in Montreal, I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up impacting him down the road. Does anyone else feel there could be ramifications down the road?
Nats picked the wrong guy to make their #1 target.
Everyone and their mother wants to sign Buehrle, while other better players (Reyes and Pujols) have only had two suitors.
This offseason is all about pitching and not at all about offense. It makes little sense, because it's probably the worst offseason ever for pitching (when CJ Wilson is the best available, you know there's a problem), and chock full of offensive weapons (Pujols, Fielder, Reyes, to name a few).
If Buehrle demands 4 years, as he rightfully should given the demand, the Nats should walk away.
The Marlins organization is committing huge sums of money on long term deals. They are doing this by making a huge assumption that they will automatically have a large fan-base when they move into the new stadium and have marquee players on board. Can they sustain those long term deals?The other assumption is that they will automatically be a contending team.The mix of Ozzie, Pujols, Reyes, Ramirez, Bell, Lomo, etc. says that it may take some time for them to gel as a team - if they ever do. Great on paper, but, wow, they are making changes at the speed of light down there.
As an alternative to Buerhle, how about Gio? He is a young lefty and under contract for a few more years.
What would it take?
Lannan or Detweiler, Desmond, Bernadina (help in the A's depleted OF) from the ML roster and Norris/Moore and Peacock (maybe one more prospect)?
Just a thought but a young dominant Lefty would be pretty nice
Michelle S.... Norman Branham, former owner of the Eagles, went after the stadium financing plan leagally when it first came up several years ago but lost his case. He was, however, able to launch a recall campaign against the standing Dade County Mayor that threw that bum out.
Needless to say, they have developed a serious rift in their fan base.
@Water 23
Gio had 91 walks last year and top's out at a 95 mph fastball...I know hes 25 and cheap, but is he really that awesome? Ya I would give up Lannan & Bernadina for him though! ha.
Anon @1:41,
I think the price will be a bit more than that.
I swear each time I log on the pitcher and catcher countdown drops by 5
Gio Gonzalez is a stud. It would take a huge package to get that guy. Similar to what Ubaldo drew maybe more, I would think.
dfh21
This stuff was out the Marlins signed anyone though. The money is talking right now. I guess the Nats will have to wait until some dominoes fall to get their answer on Buehrle. I still think he's a good signing at the 13m a year rumors I've heard. If Wilson is only getting offers of 15 mil a year, that sounds right.
GG is a fastball/curve pitcher who walks way too many guys, right?. Man, that sounds too much like AJ Burnett once you get him out of that canyon in Oakland. Plus, he's still really cheap, they are going to ask way too much for him.
So, let's say the Nats whiff on Buerhle. Either Marlins do not get AP and go big on Buerhle or do get AP and Cards grab hometown boy Buerhle. What is next for the Nats? CJ seems a little too much and Angels and Rangers seems very interested. Yu may sit on the sidelines. Gio seems like a decent option but the cost to acquire is going to be too steep.
I think that leaves the Nats with switching gears and going after a great hitter.
Do they go after Prince? Who else. Sitting in the bench and not getting anything may be a real issue.
A decent scenario if they do nothing, Morse slides into 1B in June/July; Harper to OF; LaRoche to playoff team for A ball player; and the Nats SPs get sometime to show what they can do.
Interesting.
The Phillies were kicking the tires on Gio Gonzalez, but apparently they're out now. Rosenthal says the Nats are among the remaining bidders. The A's want prospects, not MLB guys, but they want really good ones, according to MLB Trade Rumors.
Water23,
Fielder is exactly where I would go. Heck I would skip Buehrle and go right to Fielder now.
Fielder is the only positional player I think they should consider ... but locking him up for more than five years? They need another left-handed hitter the advanced offensive stats aren't tea leaves but they do indicate that's a very high priority need for this offense. La Roche + Espinosa (not his natural side) + Harper + maybe Lombardozzi (not his natural side either)? No that does not equal impact hitting from that side, in Harper's case at least not yet. Tyler Moore is right handed. Derek Norris is right handed.
Roger Bernadina, Brian Goodwin and Corey Brown are really about all there is right now that give them something ... and there might be Ankiel. Again that means they are seriously sagging on the left side ... not something Davey Johnson likes I'm sure.
Fielder is an entire left side all by himself. Its why he has to be attractive to the Nats. But he isn't flexible he plays one position and not well ... he could end up as a DH by age 30.
Bowden on ESPN says the Philles offered Domonic Brown as part of a package for Gio.
Bowden probably made it up.
Long before his next contract is up, Fielder is turn into Dmitri Young -- a fun fat guy to have around the clubhouse, but not much of a ballplayer. The Nats should spend zero time thinking about him...definite DH material.
"The A's will not trade Gonzalez at the Winter Meetings, tweets Joel Sherman of the New York Post, as they're using their Dan Haren haul as parameters and no one has come close yet."
captcha: "hyped"
December 14, 2007: [Haren] traded by the Oakland Athletics with Connor Robertson to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Brett Anderson, Chris Carter, Aaron Cunningham, Dana Eveland, Carlos Gonzalez and Greg Smith."
B-R.com
They're not going to be able to sign Fielder any easier than Buehrle. Once Pujols signs, things open up for him, and Boras will get him more than anyone thinks, as usual.
The Nats should spend zero time thinking about him...definite DH material.
The Nats are spending zero time thinking about him ... at least according to Mark.
Sec 3. - they want a Dan Haren haul? They might as well say he's untouchable.
Man, if the Nats had Cargo somehow.
It's OK to want it...
captcha: dogium
Hmmm. I detect an element of ... dismissiveness toward Gio in the captcha elf.
Rizzo is drawing a big blank at the winter GM meetings. Let's be honest, the Nationals are not going to be able to sign any big name free agents unless they pay double what the player is worth. This is what they did with Jason Werth last year and look how that came out.
Buehrle would be crazy to sign before the Pujols contract is decided. Whoever loses has lots of money to put on the table and will bid for him. The same may be true for Wilson and Fielder as factors in the Buehrle decision. I really have my doubts about Buehrle coming to Washington.
I wonder what the Cubs would take for Tyler Colvin--young, lefty bat with some pop, mostly a corner OF as I recall. Might make a nice bat off the bench.
This is what they did with Jason Werth last year and look how that came out.
To be fair, that hasn't "come out" yet.
... but honestly, in that video Mark posted, he sounded like a nearly-beaten man.
Rizzo, not Mark. Mark sounded fine.
Nats should get on the track for Darvish.
Sounds like there is going to be a limited pool of suitors. More bucks of course, but eight years younger than Buerhle, with better stuff.
Yep. There's still hope to bid enough for Cespedes too, without giving up any players.
I'd be willing to bet Boros makes one last call to Rizzo and the Lerners before Fielder signs with someone. Not that they'd bite but you never know.
NatsStat,
The Yankees and Red Sox will be all over that once he posts.
On Fielder.. Not speculating that he is coming here, but commenting on that he will be a big fat guy at 30.
Has anyone else seen where he doesn't have a warm fuzzy father/son relationship with Cecil. In fact, I think he detests Cecil. Something to do with being a dead beat dad. He also doesn't want to be anything like his dad and wants to be a better player. I think that's why he became a vegetarian. So he doesn't become the big fat guy.
I like the guy, I think he brings a lot to a team. I think he can be good probably until he hits 35. It doesn't mean that I think the Nats should or would go after him.
and the captcha on that one was "lytome".. rather prophetic or pathetic. I am not sure which.
I think that's why he became a vegetarian. So he doesn't become the big fat guy.
But he IS a big fat guy. And he can disown all he wants about his father, but he can't disown the genes.
I would be flummoxed by the pitching market if I were Rizzo. Buehrle wants 4+ years? Wilson can't get more than 4 years? At $15MM per? Buerle likely will get his 4+ as the consolation prize for Pujols and set the market for Wilson. In a year where the FA pitching pool is shallow, Buerhle will make it expensive for everyone else. (Which is probably good because Rizzo won't be tempted to buy an already over-priced E. Jackson or other recycled flop.)
Much better to stand pat, as D. Johnson said yesterday (or the day before).
I would take Gio Gonzalez if the price wasn't too high. Despite good numbers the last two years, he's sort of an enigma. Doesn't seem he was ever really highly regarded. So has he overachieved? Is it the ball park, that favors pitchers w/ the huge foul territory? Nothing to get too excited about.
Feel Wood.
I know the genes, but he can fight it and be a good to great MLB player until he is 35.
What, am I talking to MYSELF here??
"Plain and simple, Fielder is not on the Nationals' radar. And what about Pujols? Uh, no."
NR MZ said...
What, am I talking to MYSELF here??
"Plain and simple, Fielder is not on the Nationals' radar. And what about Pujols? Uh, no."
December 7, 2011 3:23 PM
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Quiet, you..... We're BROADCASTING here!!!
I'm not a fan of waiting on everyone else to decide what they want to do before moving on. In the military we always think about "seizing the initiative". If Buehrle is basically telling us he's only interested in being a Nat if he doesn't get a better offer from the Marlins, why don't we go for Oswalt for a shorter term right now when no one else is paying him much attention. With the young arms in the system, Oswalt would look pretty sweet for a couple of years and wouldn't end up as an albatross for as long if he does start to break down. He is also more of an "Ace" than Buehrle and therefore might be better suited to teach Stras and JZimm and some of the others how to handle that role.
@ MicheleS,
As was stated in a few reports/panel discussions, Prince has always be a large body guy. He has not ballooned up like others (D. Young). And he plays a lot of games every year. His choice to become a vegetarian may have been part of not being in his fathers shadow but also b/c his wife is one and he thought it would be healthier. Also, even if he is his dad, I believe his father's stats were very good up until 33.
He is not the best solution for the Nats. No, that would be for LaRoche to regress to his norm (and then be traded); Morse to continue his progression and move to 1B when LaRoche is moved; Werth to regress to his norm; Harper to continue to develop and arrive in June/July right when LaRoche is moved and finally finding a CF (Span, Bourjos, Goodwin, Perez, Cepedes etc).
@ lesatcsc,
Another good thought! We have a lot of young arms and why not solve the veteran SP and move on.
Unkyd said...
NR MZ said...
What, am I talking to MYSELF here??
"Plain and simple, Fielder is not on the Nationals' radar. And what about Pujols? Uh, no."
December 7, 2011 3:23 PM
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Quiet, you..... We're BROADCASTING here!!!
December 7, 2011 3:57 PM
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And now, for the accurate quote:
"Quiet, numbskulls! I'm broadcasting!!!"
From what I am hearing from folks at the meetings (not Nats beat people), now that Puljols if off the radar for the Marlins, they will attempt to sign both Wilson and Buehrle together, not a one or the other deal as Nats media would have you believe. Second most likely secanrio is Wilson stays close to home and Buehrle goes to the Marlins NOT the Nats. IF either happens Nats are left out in the cold AGAIN at the winter meetings!
Rosenthal/Ladson say it is down to Nats and Marlins for Buerhle
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2011/12/mark-buehrle-rumors-wednesday.html
Just so Mark doesn't think I am stirring the Fielder rumors again....
I like the guy, I think he brings a lot to a team. I think he can be good probably until he hits 35. It doesn't mean that I think the Nats should or would go after him.
December 7, 2011 3:07 PM
Apparantly, some didn't read the entire post...
MLB network has just reported that Buehrle is signing with the Marlins, crap.
He got a 4 year deal for $58 million.
Oh well
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