NL EAST

Braves- The Braves presented an interesting situation as they were able to trade Derek Lowe away this summer to the Indians, who was probably their only really bad contract. You could focus on Chipper Jones and his deal but I think he will have a solid year. What isn’t a secret is the fact that the Braves need offense. That’s why Matt Diaz and the $2mm left on his deal come to mind. Yes it is only $2mm, but if you free up his money and scrape the piggy bank a bit, you could possibly have enough to sign free agent Johnny Damon. Damon who is looking for more something in the range of $3-$5mm is also looking for significant at-bats as he continues his pursuit of 3,000 hits (currently at 2,723) He would be an easy upgrade in the outfield.

Marlins- After spending the most money this offseason next to the Angels, the Marlins still have a few holes that need to be filled before they can take the next step to be considered a legitimate contender. To free some money up, say $12mm over the next two-years, John Buck could be amnestied. I know I am jumping the gun a bit with him as last season was his first in the NL, but his career numbers are .241 avg, .303 OBP and .412 SLG. I didn’t like his contract when the Marlins signed him prior to last season as I thought he was cashing in on one good season and six below average ones.

Mets- The Mets presented two candidates with the likes of Jason Bay and Johan Santana. Both players are signed through 2013 with team options for ‘14. Santana will make about $24-25mm each season while Bay will make $16mm each season. But I believe Santana could come back and contribute towards the end of this season and help the team next year. Bay on the other hand has flat out stunk in his two years in New York hitting .251 and putting up only 18 home runs.

Phillies- This decision may not sit well with some, but hear me out. I would use the amnesty clause to get rid of Ryan Howard and his five-year $125mm deal. In eight seasons with the Phillies, Howard has a career .275 avg and has only one season where he hit .300 or above. The last two seasons, his OBP, SLG and OPS have all dropped with his SLG and OPS last year being the lowest of his career (SLG .488 and OPS .835). Howard will make $20-$25mm in each season of the deal and will miss the beginning of the upcoming season as he rehabs from a full tear in his Achilles’ Tendon. The Phillies would instantly have financial flexibility which allow them to easily resign Cole Hamels who is set to be a free agent after the season.

Nationals- As hard a decision Howard was to amnesty, the Nationals’ selection in Jayson Werth is the complete opposite. Unlike Howard who I think can and is the focal point of the Phillies offense (though he is declining), Werth is better suited as a fifth hitter protecting others in the line-up. As the focal point in the line-up last season for the Nats, he hit .232 with 20 home runs and 58 RBIs. He is set to make $112mm over the next six seasons and has a full no-trade clause.

Image taken by Keith Allison and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

Crasnick notes that Oswalt will continue to workout and stay in shape with the goal of becoming the new Roger Clemens and signing with a contender midseason.

Oswalt’s agent, Bob Garber, released this statement Thursday afternoon.

“After much thought and careful consideration, Roy has decided to continue to evaluate his options,” Garber said in the statement. “He is in great health and will continue to stay in shape, while throwing regularly off the mound. Roy has every intention of pitching for a contending club at some point this season.”

Derrick Goold of The St. Louis Post-Dispatch caught up with Lance Berkman today, a long time teammate of Oswalt’s, said that the money situations was not right for Oswalt to sign right now. “I think he feels like that he can get the same money in half a season as he could in a full season and he’s probably right.”

In 2011, Oswalt went 9-10 while posting a 3.69 era in 139 innings with the Phillies. He did average a career low with 6.0 strike outs per 9 innings and is coming off a series of injuries. Oswalt earned $16mm last season and made $1,777,777.78 for every win or $172,043,01 for every strikeout.

Image taken by Matthew Straubmuller and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

Adam McCalvy of MLB.com blogged Braun’s statement after the decision was announced:

“I am very pleased and relieved by today’s decision.

“It is the first step in restoring my good name and reputation. We were able to get through this because I am innocent and the truth is on our side.

“We provided complete cooperation throughout, despite the highly unusual circumstances.

“I have been an open book, willing to share details from every aspect of my life as part of this investigation, because I have nothing to hide. I have passed over 25 drug tests in my career, including at least three in the past year.

“I would like to thank my family and friends, my teammates, the Brewers organization led by Mark Attanasio, Doug Melvin, Gord Ash and Ron Roenicke, and other players around the league who have expressed their support and our great fans in Milwaukee and around the country who stuck by me and did not rush to judgment.

“I’d also like to offer special thanks to Michael Weiner and the Players Association for believing in me since day one and to my attorneys.

“I’d like to thank my agent Nez Balelo and Terry Prince of CAA Sports and Matthew Hiltzik of Hiltzik Strategies for all of their help and counsel through the process.

“This is not just about one person, but about all current and future players, and thankfully, today the process worked.

“Despite the challenges of this adversarial process, I do appreciate the professionalism demonstrated by the Panel Chair and the Office of the Commissioner.

“As I said before, I’ve always loved and had so much respect for the game of baseball.

“Everything I’ve done in my career has been with that respect and appreciation in mind.

“I look forward to finally being able to speak to the fans and the media on Friday and then returning the focus to baseball and working with my Brewers teammates on defending our National League Central title.”

Image by Ed Bierman under the Creative Commons License.

The deal includes an invite to Spring Training and allows Isringhausen to become a free agent if he doesn’t make the club.

In 53 appearances for the Mets last season, Isringhausen posted a 4.05 ERA and a 8.5 k/9.

In 14 seasons, Isringhuasen has accumulated 300 saves and is viewed as a potential mentor for current Angels closer Jordan Walden who is entering his second season in that role. Walden had 32 saves last season but also 10 blown saves.

Image taken by vosburg_09 and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

In 62 at-bats for the Dodgers last season, Gibbons posted a .255 avg and a career low slugging percentage of .345 and an OBP of .323

Image taken by Keith Allison and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

GM Chris Antonetti told Jim Bowden of ESPN that Garland is still currently rehabbing and is not ready to compete for a spot in the rotation.

Garland went 1-5 with a 4.33 ERA in 54 innings, nine starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011. He had a 4.7 K/9, 3.3 BB/9 and 1.0 HR/9 in 2011. The right hander is a career 12.4 WARP (Wins Above Replacement Player), and last season he had his third lowest WARP since his rookie season in 2000 with 0.3.

Image taken by SD Dirk and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

Aardsma can also earn an additional $500k in incentives this season. However much he earns in incentives this season, that amount will be added to his base salary for next season which is also $500k.

Aardsma saved 69 games for the Mariners in 2009 and 2010 but was out all last season after Tommy John surgery in July.

In six seasons, Aardsma has gone 13-15 while posting a 4.20 ERA with 69 saves and a 9.1 k/9.

Image taken by Eric Kilby and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

NL CENTRAL

Cubs- When you try to trade a player and no one will take him unless you pay almost all of his salary, then the amnesty clause may be the best bet for you. This is the situation the Cubs are in with Alfonso Soriano as they owe him $54mm over the next three seasons. In five seasons with the Cubs, Soriano has hit .266 while averaging 26 home runs and 73 RBIs.

Reds- The Reds had been rumored to have interest in Roy Oswalt but didn’t have the funds to sign him. So this is where having the amnesty clause would benefit them. They could amnesty Scott Rolen and his $6.5mm and turn around and used that money to sign Oswalt. Rolen has not played in more than 150 games since 2003 and was limited to 65 games last season.

Astros- The Astros who are set to move over to the AL West next year, operated under a $76mm budget last season. That was good enough for last place, a mere 40 games back (56-106). They are obviously playing for the future and have tried to trade some of their veterans including Carlos Lee. They have not been able to trade Lee because of his no trade protection and Lee’s booming cattle business near Houston. Lee is set to make $18.5mm this coming season. Using the amnesty clause on Lee would also open up first base and allow the Astros to get a look at Jonathan Singleton.

Cardinals- The Cardinals like the Reds also have shown interest in free agent pitcher Roy Oswalt but also don’t have the funds that it would take it sign him. With Kyle Lohse and his $11.875m salary, the Cardinals could use the amnesty clause to free up money to sign Oswalt. Lohse did perform well last season posting a 3.39 era, but in 2010 he posted a 6.55 era. Freeing up that amount of money could potentially allow the Cards to sign Oswalt to a multi-year deal.

Pirates- Since I used the amnesty clause on A.J. Burnett for the Yankees and Clint Barmes and his two-year $10.5mm deal is off limits since he just signed, I turned my attention to Kevin Correia and the $3mm left on his deal. Correia went 12-11 last season while posting a 4.79 era. The concerning stat was that he posted a 4.5 k/9 his lowest in his career.

Brewers- The Brewers were unable to sign Prince Fielder this past offseason because of financial reasons. If you take Randy Wolf and his $9.5mm that he is owed in ‘12 Fielder could be a Brewer again. In his two seasons with Milwaukee, Wolf has 26-22 while posting a 3.93 era while earning $18.75mm.

Image taken by Scott Abelman and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.

Image by Chris Brown under the Creative Commons License.

NL WEST

Diamondbacks- Since players that signed new deals this offseason are ineligible to be amnestied, you have to go down the list to find a potential candidate. Though Kevin Towers has done a good job at helping the Diamondbacks turn the corner and get back into the playoffs, I was not totally on board with some of the contracts he gave out this offseason. Ok enough rambling; my choice for the D’backs is Geoff Blum and his .224 avg. Blum will make $1.35mm this next season as a utility player. His best season came in 2002 when he hit .283 in 368 at-bats.

Padres-Jason Bartlett and Orlando Hudson are both set to make $5.5mm and had similar averages (.245 to .246) last season. The difference though is defense with the advantage going to Hudson thus making Bartlett the amnesty candidate for the Padres. Bartlett posted a .971 fielding percentage while making 18 errors at shortstop (612 chances). Hudson who played second base posted a .993 fielding percentage while only making 4 errors (550 chances).

Giants- Lets make this short and sweet, Barry Zito. Zito has two years left and $39mm on his seven-year $126mm deal that started in 2007. Since he signed his deal, Zito has yet to post an era below 4. He does have a vesting option for 2014 that vests with 200 innings pitched in 2013 or 400 innings in 2012-2013. He has yet to break the 200 inning marker and call me crazy, but I just don’t the Giants will let his option vest at $18mm if he doesn’t regain his Oakland form.

Dodgers- Since the Dodgers gave Kevin Brown $105mm back in 1998 a few things in the organization have changed a bit. They now love to hand out two and three year deals to declining veterans that are severely back-loaded thanks to the ownership situation. The Dodgers acquired Ted Lilly in 2010 and resigned him to a three-year $33mm back-loaded deal. Lilly earned $7mm last season and held his own while posting a 3.97 era. But the next two seasons, his salary will jump to $10.5mm and $12mm. If the amnesty clause was put in place like basketball it would allow a team to use it immediately, which would have allowed the Dodgers an additional $10.5mm to throw at someone like Prince Fielder to help fill another need. That’s right I forgot McCourt would’ve used the savings to pay off attorney bills, my bad.

Rockies- The Rockies presented a tough decision as I went back and forth between Todd Helton and his two-years and $9.9mm total left or injured Jorge de la Rosa and his $21mm (assuming he picks up player option for 2013). Helton re-worked his contract to free up money to allow the Rockies to fill other needs. Getting rid of the face of the franchise after all that he has done for the club and even re-working his deal for them would not go over well, which is why I didn’t select him. De la Rosa got my vote which some may disagree with. He is on a strict rehab program as he attempts to regain his form after Tommy Johny surgery last season. He isn’t expected to pitch until June and could be 2013 or ‘14 before he is able, if ever to regain his form. That type of money could be better spent elsewhere for a club that had a total payroll of around $82mm last season.

Image taken by terren in Virgina and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

Ramirez must first serve a 50-game suspension without pay due to violating baseball’s drug policy for the second time. Looking at the schedule, the first game Manny would be eligible to play in (no rain-outs) would be June 2 in Kansas City.

In 19 seasons (going on 20 now) Ramirez has accumulated 555 home runs, 2574 hits, 1831 RBI, with a .312 avg. In his career, Ramirez has played for the Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers, White Sox and Rays.

Image taken by Keith Allison and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

Kendrick made $2.45mm in 2011 and had already agreed to a one-year deal for 2012 at $3.585mm, which comes out to about a $1.135mm raise.

Kendrick will now make $3mm this season ($585k decrease compared to previously agreed upon amount) and $4.5mm in ‘13, Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com notes.  In addition, Kendrick can make up to $500k per season in incentives based on starts.

Kendrick will have one more year of arbitration left in 2014 after the two year deal is over.

In 2011, Kendrick went 8-6 while posting a 3.22 ERA with a 4.6 K/9 in 114.2 innings of work.

Image taken by Jeffrey Beall and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

Reports note that the framework for the deal had been in place for weeks, but was waiting on the Burnett trade to finally be approved before the Yankees could make Ibanez’s deal official. Ibanez is slated as the left-handed DH and could see some time in the outfield.

In 2011 Ibanez put up a slash line of .245/.289/.419 with 20 HRs and 84 RBIs and a .707 OPS in 575 plate appearances for the Phillies. While earning $12,166,667 last season, He earned $608,333.35 for every home run he hit, or $144,841.27 for every RBI, or $73,293.17 every time he got on base

The Phillies offered Ibanez arbitration which he declined, which means the Phils will receive a supplemental draft pick.

Image taken by Matthew Straubmuller and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

The 35-year-old Burnett is under contract through the 2013 season.  He compiled a 34-35 record with a 4.79 ERA in the 2009-2011 seasons with New York.

Image by Andrew Malone under the Creative Commons License.

Cameron had signed a minor league deal with Washington back in December and was attempting to win a roster spot in Spring Training.

In his career which lasted 17 seasons, Cameron accumulated 1700 hits, 278 home runs and 1901 strikeouts.

His best season came in 2001 with Seattle when he hit 25 home runs and 110 RBIs.

Rapada became a free agent when the Orioles released him earlier this week.

Rapada posted a 6.06 era in 16 1/3 innings for the Orioles last season.

In 52 2/3 career innings, Rapada holds a 5.13 era and a 7.5k/9.

Ramirez was suspended last season for 50-games for failing a drug test, and because he chose to retire rather than serve the 50-games, should he decide to sign with the A’s, he would have to serve his time.

A deal could be reached as soon or sometime next week.  Full-squad workouts start on February 25 in Arizona for the A’s.

Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.

AL EAST

Yankees- Having the highest payroll in all of baseball you’re going to have a few contracts you would like to get rid of. Sure you could argue that Alex Rodriguez should be amnestied as he had his worst statistical year in his career, but I am not so sure. I think Rodriguez still has some left in the tank and he will create a media frenzy as he approaches and potentially breaks Barry Bonds home run record. But the man I am sending home is A.J. Burnett and his $33mm which he is owed over the next two seasons. Yes the Yankees are trying to trade him, but I think Burnett has shown he can not handle the pressure in New York and is in dire need of a scenery change. By clearing his contract, the Yankees would be able to acquire the DH that they have been searching for. (Article done before Burnett trade)

Blue Jays- The Jays under GM Alex Anthopoulos have been very cautious on how they hand out multi-year contracts. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t send Raji Davis home along with his $3.25mm that he is owed. Davis appeared in only 95 games while posting a .237 avg. He did have 34 steals, but also posted a career low OBP of .273 (minimum 21 games).

Orioles- Brian Roberts who has been with the Orioles for 11 seasons, signed a four-year $40mm deal in February of ‘09 (covering ‘10-’13). In the first two seasons of the deal, he has missed at least one hundred games. Last season in only 39 games, he hit .221. Roberts has $20mm left ($10mm each season) on his deal.

Rays- Amnesty and Andrew Friedman do not match. When the only people on your team that have multi-year deal are all major team friendly deals you don’t consider getting rid of them. BUT since that would buck the trend of the article, J.P. Howell at $1.35mm gets my vote. Yes, I know $1.35mm, but GM Andrew Friedman helped define what team friendly contracts mean. Howell who missed all of 2010 with a shoulder injury, came back in 2011 and posted a 6.16 era in 30 2/3 innings.

Red Sox-An argument can be made for either Carl Crawford or John Lackey. Crawford has six-years and $128mm left on his deal where as Lackey has only three-years and $45.75mm left. I think it is to early to throw the towel in on Crawford after just one season in Boston especially with so much invested in him. Lackey on the other hand is a different story and he gets my vote as the Red Sox amnesty candidate. In two seasons with Boston, Lackey has gone 26-23 while posting a rec league era of 5.26. In addition, Lackey is set to miss all of 2012 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Image taken by Keith Allison and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

Wakefield retires with a career record of 200-180, a 4.41 ERA and 2,156 strikeouts over 3,226 1/3 innings pitched for the Pirates and Red Sox over 19 seasons.

His best year came in 1995 (yes ‘95) when he went 16-8 with a 2.95 era in 1195 1/3 innings for the Red Sox.

Image taken by Keith Allison and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

There is still “one final” detail that is being worked out today, with Burnett set to take his physical on Sunday. The Yankees will send Burnett and $20mm to the Pirates for two low level prospects, Diego Moreno and Exicardo Cayones (prospect info compliments of Joel Sherman of the New York Post). The deal also needs MLB approval because of the amount of money that is switching hands.

The Pirates will get two years of Burnett for $13mm ($5mm this season and $8mm next) who was in dire need of a change of scenery. During his time in New York, Burnett produced mix results, going 34-35 posting a 4.79 era overall in three seasons after signing a five-year $82mm deal. He did give the Yankees at least 186 innings in each of his three seasons.

Burnett is going to a team that was in need of pitching and will be reunited with catcher Rod Barajas who was with him in Toronto when Burnett won 18 games.

Image taken by Keith Allison and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.

“Driven by a remarkable enthusiasm for the game, Gary Carter became one of the elite catchers of all-time,” MLB commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement. “‘The Kid’ was an 11-time All-Star and a durable, consistent slugger for the Montreal Expos and the New York Mets, and he ranks among the most beloved players in the history of both of those franchises. Like all baseball fans, I will always remember his leadership for the ‘86 Mets and his pivotal role in one of the greatest World Series ever played.”

“I am deeply saddened to tell you all that my precious dad went to be with Jesus today at 4:10 pm.,” his daughter Kimmy Bloemers wrote on the family’s website. “This is the most difficult thing I have ever had to write in my entire life but I wanted you all to know. He is in heaven and has reunited with his mom and dad. I believe with all my heart that dad had a STANDING OVATION as he walked through the gates of heaven to be with Jesus.”

Image by slgckgc under the Creative Commons License.

Who didn’t enjoy watching Derek Jeter dive into the stands, coming out with a bloody face, or Aaron Rowand crashing into the center field wall at Citizen Bank Ballpark, even though he broke his nose. I’m not talking about taking pleasure in their injuries. I’m talking about the excitement a baseball fan feels when the player goes all-in while making a play in disregard of his own safety.

In the same way, we sometimes criticize players that don’t risk enough or “play it safe” when making the same play. Or we will label a player as a non-team player or an individual, but is that really true?

If we stop and put things in perspective, who is actually contributing to the team’s success more? The guy who slams into the wall or into the stands without thinking about his health or the guy who plays it smart and stays healthier for the entire season?

This might be hard to explain and to believe, but the guy who plays it smart helps his team in the long run (unless we’re talking about the last out in the seventh game of the World Series). It is worthless to have the best players in the game if they can’t stay healthy. When your everyday players get hurt you have to replace them with below-average players. And the longer they stay hurt, the worse off your team will probably be.

Let’s assume for one moment that a player like Prince Fielder, who is incredibly productive, offensively, dives into the stands to catch a ball and breaks his hand. He might have given his team a win with that catch, if he makes it obviously, but how many wins will he costs the team when he has to spend more than a month on the DL?

So, is it worth risking your health over one play in one game, instead of staying healthy in the long run? The answer is no. Unless, and I repeat, we’re talking about the last out of the seventh game of the World Series. Players should try to make smart choices when playing the game. This will make them healthier and they will be able to help their teams throughout an entire season.

Now, is it easy to do? Absolutely no. Playing it smart in that kind of scenario is really hard to do for most players. You always want to win, and you probably won’t mind if you get a little banged up in the process.

So the next time you see a guy diving into the stands or crashing into a wall congratulate him, and enjoy the moment, but don’t speak poorly of those who play it carefully, because they will end up helping the team more in the long run. Remember it’s a 162 games season, not a sudden death game.

Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.

Kubatko goes on to say that the Orioles could face some sort of “punishment”.

The team signed Kim to a Minor League deal on January 30 that reportedly included a $550,000 bonus.  However, the Orioles failed to contact Major League Baseball.  Had the team done that, MLB would have contacted the KBO commissioner to get permission to begin the negotiations.

Last week, executive vice president Dan Duquette issued the following statement regarding the controversy:

“On behalf of the Orioles organization, I offer a sincere apology to the Korea Baseball Organization and the Korea Baseball Association for the club’s unintentional breach of protocol in failing to tender a status check in the process of signing Seong-Min Kim. The Orioles respect Major League Baseball’s recruiting policies and the governing bodies and people that contribute to the growth of baseball around the world.”

Image by Keith Allison under the Creative Commons License.

In case you missed our amnesty candidates for the AL West make sure you check them out.

AL CENTRAL

Twins- This player is only a candidate because he has been unable to recover from the aftermath of the concussions he sustained. My selection for the Twins is Justin Morneau who has two-years left on his six-year $80mm deal that started in 2008. Morneau who will make $14mm in the next two seasons has played in only 150 games over the last two seasons. When healthy, Morneau was an MVP and capable of putting up 34 home runs and 190 hits. Last season, Morneau hit .227 in 69 games while spending time on the DL for an assortment of injuries which included concussion symptoms.

Royals-This was another tough selection as the Royals don’t have many expensive contracts or multi-year deals that would fall into the amnesty category. But since we have to select one, Jeff Francoeur and his brand new two-year $13.5mm wins the amnesty award (Francoeur signed his new deal during the season). Though the breakdown of his contract is still not known, it would evenly breakdown to him earning $6.75mm which may be a little to rich for the Royals and there game plan.

Tigers- Unfortunately for Victor Martinez coming back from a torn ACL with $25mm left over two-years will get you on my amnesty list every time. Martinez was a stud last year hitting .330 with 103 RBIs but coming back from such a severe injury like he is, you just don’t know how someone will rebound. Plus, the money freed up will allow them to sign somebody to help fill the offensive void (like they did with Prince Fielder) and help fill other holes on the roster.

Indians- Travis Hafner who signed a four-year $57mm deal in July ‘07 cashed in after three seasons of hitting at least .305. Since then, his best numbers came last season when he hit .280 but played in only 94 games. Hafner is set to earn $13mm as the clubs primary DH this season. Hafner also has a $13mm club option for 2013 that probably won’t be exercised.

White Sox- Adam Dunn and Alex Rios, you are the weakest link. Goodbye. Ok, wrong game show but both are strong candidates to send away. But I would have to select Adam Dunn. Dunn is owed $34mm over the next three seasons, Rios $36.5mm over the same period so the money is close to even. But the thing that separates the two is that Rios is serviceable on defense while Dunn played only 39 games on defense. Rios has tasted success in the AL while Dunn is still searching for success in the AL.

Next we will look at the Amnesty candidates in the AL East.

Image taken by Keith Allison and used under the Creative Common License Agreement.