1989 Free Agency Talk

[Carlos]

Denver needs to run out an 8 man rotation and figure out which of those young pitchers is going to make it.

It's a good problem to have unless all of them suck.

But, seriously, I'm running a six-man rotation in 1989 (and probably beyond) and that's with a starter or two likely getting pushed to the bullpen. Even the relievers are feeling the pressure.

[Ryan]

Some of these contract demands are just stupid. That is all.

[Carlos]

Some of these contract demands are just stupid. That is all.

That's another problem I have. The demands make it unlikely that Denver will get into a bidding war with richer teams.

One thing that separates Kraft from a McEvoy or Aurillo is the simple fact that I don't have to give up a prospect to acquire him.

Can't say that's enough to change my mind.

[Clay]

So Sin City "leads" for Kraft and Parongo. Going with the Davenport philosophy from this past off-season of buying your way back into the race. Could work.

[Pat]

I think some of the big names will sign this sim. With the increased time, you better be making your best offers.

[Lintyfresh85]

Hoping to get at least one signing done today. I've got enough offers out... I'm sure someone will bite.

[Clay]

What are peoples thoughts on Hiraki to L.A.?

I actually like that signing at that price.

[Lintyfresh85]

I don't know if last year was a down year... or the beginning of the end... thus, I didn't bid on him.

[BradleyB]

So Sin City "leads" for Kraft and Parongo. Going with the Davenport philosophy from this past off-season of buying your way back into the race. Could work.

the use of quotes around "leads" is fitting. i'm not sure how beneficial it is to be the ahead right out of the gates. guess we'll see what happens.

[Pat]

What are peoples thoughts on Hiraki to L.A.?

I actually like that signing at that price.

I love the signing at that price...if it were '83...and we had injuries turned off.

From 1981-1988, Hiraki averaged just 115 games per season. Over '87-'88, he averaged just 93 games. Did I also mention that he turns 37 this summer?

I don't know the specifics of the deal...is it just two years guaranteed? what is the yearly breakdown? is there incentives?...nor do I know my scouts rating...I'm at work, but OSA thinks 5-5-2-5-4...and 5-5-2-5-4 is not worth $12 million.

I also don't understand the signing from an organization directional perspective. I PM'd Spot a week ago about trading for one of my older players and he said he wasn't interested because he doesn't see his team being competitive for the next three seasons. Three seasons? So Hiraki is just an OF stop-gap? Wouldn't the team benefit more from giving a youngster an opportunity? Even if that player doesn't produce it saves money, right? Spot knows better than anyone when his team is ready to be competitive, but if that time isn't now, why sign a dude he will be 40 at contracts end?

Maybe I'm wrong. I've been wrong many times before. But if Hiraki plays in 90 games a season and hits .250 with a .600 OPS...no, he is not worth the money and the team would be better finding a young player to fill that void. And isn't LA pretty close to their budget limit? So much that they had to let their franchise SP walk in Free-Agency? I think Tardif is asking for $8,000,000/per in Free-Agency. Was he asking for less when he was still a Bandit? Maybe something long-term around $6 per? Could it have been back loaded? Could Los Alamos have moved some other contract so they could re-sign one of the best young SPs in the league? Only Spot knows.

Buuuuuut....he is very popular. He will put some butts in the seats. He probably isn't as bad as he was last season. He could easily hit .270 with a .700 OPS, steal some bases, play good defense and probably play 120-130 games a season. Maybe he bounces back, hits his usual .320, with an .800 OPS and Spot moves him at the deadline for some quality picks/prospects. Or maybe he is a complete bust. Time will tell.

[BradZ]

Hiraki is for 2 guaranteed years: 89 - $4.91 and 90 - $3.91. Then there's a mutual option for 91 at $3.91

[Pat]

I'm glad it's only two years guaranteed...but Hirkai for $5 mill...or Tardif for $8?

[Clay]

Depends if you're sour on Tardif. If Hiraki is healthy, he's a great table setter for a pretty decent offense. Also his first taste of the IL.

[Pat]

Depends if you're sour on Tardif. If Hiraki is healthy, he's a great table setter for a pretty decent offense. Also his first taste of the IL.

Pretty decent based on what? Their 4.1 runs per game was the 4th worst mark in the all of the BLB? The team had the worst ERA in the IL and they let their #1 SP walk, I think because he couldn't afford him, right?

Not sour on Tardif. Sure, he isn't the player that he was projected to be before the '85 injury but he is a good young player. 200+ innings, amazing control, should last in this league for a long time.

[Clay]

Pretty decent based on what? Their 4.1 runs per game was the 4th worst mark in the all of the BLB? The team had the worst ERA in the IL and they let their #1 SP walk, I think because he couldn't afford him, right?

I'll rephrase for those who can't read between the lines.... pretty decent offensive talent. I'm not talking about the past. I think a healthy Hiraki with guys like Buzzell and Gene Murphy give you the opportunity to put out a pretty decent offense.

As far as Tardif goes, I don't remember him ever saying he wasn't resigning him because of money. But, I think our attachments to players go both ways. I think we hold onto some players longer than we should because we're attached... while others we're quicker to part ways with because they frustrate you. I could see someone like Tardif falling into the 2nd category.