SB Nation - Juan Rivera

Tuesday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:36:15 -0000

by Matt Slocum - AP

Today's Frosty Mug is so full, I didn't even have time to caption this picture of Randy Wolf.

Some things to read while evening out the teams.

It turned out to be a pretty active first day of the Winter Meetings. The Brewers were the talk of the late night rumor mill, based on reports that they're close to signing a three year deal with Randy Wolf (also noted in Rumorville). Tom H. says the deal is rumored to be in the $25-27 million range, and is also quantifying the amount of smoke surrounding it.

With that said, the deal mustn't be done yet, because Arn Tellem, who represents Wolf, is meeting with the Mets this morning. Jon Heyman says the Mets aren't willing to offer Wolf a three year deal.

Is this the move you were hoping for from the Brewers? I'd be happy with it at this point, as long as the price isn't much above $27 million. There's always some risk involved, but this is almost certainly a better deal than, for example, the four year deal Joel Pineiro is seeking.

Wolf might not be the only starting pitcher the Brewers acquire this week. They've reportedly discussed a deal with the Mets that would send Corey Hart to New York for John Maine, a former student of Rick Peterson who has missed most of the last year with shoulder issues (FanShot). It's unclear how much fire is behind this smoke, but the Mets are also rumored to be discussing a similar trade with the Angels, with Juan Rivera taking Hart's place.

The Brewers also added a little depth to their middle infield yesterday, claiming shortstop Luis Cruz off waivers from the Pirates (FanShot). Cruz played seven positions (everything but pitcher and catcher) last season in AAA, but has virtually zero ability with the bat (a .274 OBP in AAA last season), and Adam McCalvy confirmed the move was made for minor league, not major league depth. The Brewers don't have a true shortstop prospect in the minors above Brent Brewer and Josh Prince, neither of whom played above A-ball last season.

The Brewer bullpen suffered a blow yesterday, as Mark DiFelice underwent surgery to repair damage to his labrum and rotator cuff, and will miss the entire 2010 season (FanShot). DiFelice is 33 and undergoing his second major shoulder procedure, but intends to try to pitch in the majors again in 2011, telling Adam McCalvy "I don't want it to end like this."

This raises the stakes a little bit in the search for additional bullpen help, but the Crew won't be getting said help from Rafael Betancourt. Late in the day yesterday it was reported that the Brewers were unlikely to lure Betancourt away from a return to the Rockies. I haven't seen it confirmed, but I'm pretty sure he accepted arbitration late last night.

Looking back at a rumor from the weekend, In-Between Hops has come out against a Jeff Suppan-for-Juan Pierre deal, fearing the extra $4 million in salary the Brewers would have to take on would make it difficult for them to sign a pitcher like Randy Wolf.

And, looking back even farther, Dave Allen of FanGraphs has a look at the pitch-blocking ability of Gregg Zaun. Ken Macha is making me crazy: I should see this as a positive, but instead I see it as the excuse that might be used to keep an underperforming/overused Zaun in the lineup and a more deserving catcher on the bench.

In the minors, Brewerfan.net has a new Power 50 up. It's always interesting to see how guys move up and down the charts during the offseason. This edition's big gainers were Kentrail Davis, Jake Odorizzi and John Axford, with Hernan Iribarren, Chris Cody and Max Walla losing significant ground.

And around here, we're looking for your help to select a Brewer All-Decade Team in a series we're calling Making Your '00 Face. That link will take you to the voting for first base, where Prince Fielder has opened up what will likely turn out to be an insurmountable lead. Voting for second base will open at 4 pm today.

Around baseball:

Braves: Reliever Rafael Soriano has accepted the team's offer of arbitration.
Cardinals: Have agreed to a one year, $7.5 million deal for Brad Penny, pending a physical.
Nationals: Signed Ivan Rodriguez to a two year deal worth $6 million, acquired reliever Brian Bruney from the Yankees for a PTBNL, and released reliever Saul Rivera.
Pirates: Signed reliever Vinnie Chulk to a minor league deal.
Rangers: Acquired pitcher Clay Rapada from the Tigers for a PTBNL or cash.
Red Sox: Signed pitcher Fabio Castro and re-signed Kason Gabbard.
Rockies: Released outfielder Matt Murton, who is expected to spend 2010 in Japan.
Tigers: Re-signed Adam Everett to a one year deal, and signed reliever Brad Thomas, who has spent the last two seasons pitching in Korea.
Twins: Carl Pavano has accepted the team's arbitration offer.

The Rule 5 Draft is on Thursday, so I'm almost done burying you in links like these: Harry Pavlidis of The Hardball Times and Lisa Winston of MiLB.com have a look at several players who recently played in the Arizona Fall League and were left unprotected in the draft.

Competition is heating up in the market for Edwin Jackson. One report yesterday had the Tigers receiving 12 offers for his services. I guess that's what you get when you put a pitcher who threw over 200 effective innings last season and is due about $5 million on the market.

Speaking of pitchers the Brewers might be interested in, Justin Duchscherer declined the A's offer of salary arbitration.

I think most of us will be happy to see these former Brewers sign elsewhere, and keeping one of them in the division would be a double bonus: Jason Kendall is reportedly drawing interest from the Royals, and Braden Looper has expressed interest in pitching for the Cubs.

In case you were wondering, Keith Law has an explanation of how the Winter Meetings, usually held in a warm vacation spot, ended up in Indianapolis. The cold temps and snow haven't kept people from exchanging some tidbits of info you probably would never have known without the internet (and might not have missed):

There was apparently a small tiff between Scott Boras and new Hall of Famer Whitey Herzog over comments Herzog made about Matt Holliday, a Boras client.
Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez didn't shoot anything while out deer hunting with Bobby Cox last week.
Former D-Back, Indian, Ray and Ranger Nick Bierbrodt, who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2004, is a ttempting a comeback.
New Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopolous is battling a cold this week, so he's not shaking anyone's hand.
Speaking of the Blue Jays, radio reporter Mike Wilner has an annoying ring tone and left his phone in the media workroom yesterday.
Craig Calcaterra brought an airport card to the meetings, making him one of the few writers not reliant on slow internet service.

And, of course we're all having fun this week, but Paul DePodesta has a reminder for all of us that many of this week's rumors will be just that, and not to get too worked up over them. Of course, no one ever gets too worked up around here, right?

Away from the meetings, here's a strange story. After months of investigation, Major League Baseball has concluded that new Twins prospect Miguel Angel Sano, who claims to be 16, is somewhere between 16 and 18. Sano also recently changed his name to Miguel Jean. If he turns out to be Miguel Tejada in disguise, the Twins will probably be very upset.

On this day in 1991, Brewer reliever Julio Machado was arrested for murder after shooting a passenger in a car that had just been involved in an accident. Machado was later found guilty and served 12 years in prison.

I don't have any Brewer birthdays today, but it is a Woot-off day, so there's that.

Drink up.

Juan Rivera Headed to Mets?

Rev Halofan — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:22:17 -0000

Wow this is a not-so-crazy rumor: Joel Sherman in the NY POST says that the New York Mets want to trade for Angels outfielder Juan Rivera.

Rivera has two years for $9+ Million left on his contract and Mats GM Omar Minaya loves him, having traded for him once before when he was the GM of the Montreal Expos earlier this decade. If the Angels are serious about acquiring Jason Bay, it would make sense to move Johnny Rivers.

Considering that we need bullpen help I perused the Mets roster.. but damn is that cupboard ever bare over there... check out the Mets roster and suggest a possible trade... the only player of interest I found over there was pitcher Tobi Stoner and that is just because he has the coolest name in baseball. If we packaged Rivera with a minor league prospect do the Mets have anything attractive that we could use? Ugh, doesn't seem so...

Mets Pursuing Josh Willingham And Juan Rivera?

Eric Simon — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:31:48 -0000

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

"I am the subject of an unsubstantiated rumor!" (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

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Just to be clear, any headline you see here with a trailing question mark should be considered unsubstantiated -- or marginally substantiated -- and is being posted here for the purpose of discussion.

With that in mind, Joel Sherman is reporting that the Mets are pursuing Nationals outfielder Josh Willingham (which we kind of already knew) and Angels outfielder Juan Rivera.

Jason Bay May Sign with Angels

Rev Halofan — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:26:29 -0000

More photos » by Steve Nesius - AP

7 months ago: Boston Red Sox baserunner Jason Bay (44) steals second as Tampa Bay Rays' Akinori Iwamura, of Japan, fields the late throw during the third inning of a baseball game Saturday night, May 2, 2009 in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

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Many media outlets are reporting that baseball's Winter Meetings are buzzing with the Angels monopolizing the time of free agent outfielder Jason Bay (via his representatives), and the Angels' contingent just landed at the airport in Indianapolis an hour ago.

In the age of the cell phone and blackberry this is more possible, but reports indicate that the Mariners and Red Sox cannot even get in a word edge-wise. Bay is seeking a Torii Hunter style deal: 5 years, $18 Million. He turned down 4 years $15 Million from Boston in November.

Another big pair of rumors is a reported Juan Rivera to the Detroit Tigers for Curtis Granderson trade as well as an upbeat report that the Angels may have found a trading partner for the services of Gary Matthews Jr.

Bay only batted .267 last season but his OPS was .921. That was, however, in Fenway (minor league girls can hit) Park.

If we sign Bay, adios Big Daddy (Vladimir Guerrero)

If we sign Bay, adios Johnny Rivers (Juan Rivera)

If we sign Bay, adios Thunder Mountain (John Lackey)

I will stop before I accidentally rhyme something and you mistake this for a poem.

Poll

Is Jason Bay Worth Torii Hunter Money?

Report: Braves Attempting to Move Derek Lowe

gondeee — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:05:31 -0000

From Ken Rosenthal, we learn that the Atlanta Braves have had what seems like several conversations with teams about trading starting pitcher Derek Lowe, but they have had little luck finding a taker:

The Braves' most extensive discussions concerning Lowe have been with the Brewers about a trade for outfielder Corey Hart, according to one source.

But the Brewers are not sure they would want Lowe even if the Braves included significant money in the deal, another source says.

Another team showing interest is the Angels:

The Angels, who showed interest in Lowe about a month ago, according to sources, could use him to replace Lackey in their rotation. The Braves, seeking a right-handed hitter, like Angels outfielder Juan Rivera.

Rosenthal also speculates that the White Sox could be a match for the Braves, in a possible swap for right-handed first baseman Paul Konerko, but no sources are cited for that rumor.

The rumor about the Brewers seems quite credible since Rosenthal mentions two different sources, and the Braves have long had eyes for Corey Hart (though I don't know why). Once John Lackey signs, the market for Lowe may open up, with those teams who lost out on Lackey willing to up their offer to get Lowe. The Braves could still reverse course and choose to deal Javier Vazquez, but for the moment it seems clear that they are focused on moving Lowe and his contract (even if they have to eat part of it).

[UPDATE 8:15pm]

Mr. Rumor Clarification (aka Mark Bowman) was quicker than he normally is in clarifying the above rumor. Here's Bowman:

The Braves see the Brewers as a potential suitor for Derek Lowe. But contrary to a report on FOXSports.com, they have never been interested in trading the veteran sinkerballer in exchange for Brewers outfielder Corey Hart.

Good. I feel the same way about Corey Hart. No thank you. Bowman reiterates an statement he made earlier in the off-season that the Brewers are primarily interested in Javier Vazquez. He also mentions that the Braves have strong interest in trying to match up Lowe with the Angels in a trade.

Abreu Signing Signals Chone Figgins Adios

Rev Halofan — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:25:42 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

Figgy Stardust (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

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The Angels wasted no time in re-signing Bobby Abreu. The terms appear to be $19 Million Guaranteed money ($9 M each year and a $1 Million buyout for 2012 if they do not pick up the option for then - and it kicks in if Abreu posts 550 PA in 2011 or a combined 1200 PA in 10-11). With team leader Torii Hunter in CF signed thru 2012 and a bargain priced Juan Rivera signed thru 2011, the Angels have a foundation in the outfield to wait for Mike Trout to develop into the Tim Salmon of the future. Some fourth outfielders await in the minor leagues along with Reggie Willits in case there is an injury, but minus Vlad Guerrero in 2010, the Angels look like they can have a healthy rotation of this AARP brigade thru the DH slot.

The near term future seems like the end of the Halo road for Angels 3B Chone Figgins. He could play outfield... but with over $30 million committed there on three guys already in their 30s, and with a league-minimum Brandon Wood bat ready to power the lineup from the hot corner for LA of Anaheim in 2010... this looks like the door is slammed shut on the return of Chone Figgins to play for the Angels. Figgy will be getting $9 million a season easily and his D at 3B makes him irresistible to many teams.

Seriously. It seems the Abreu signing was a goodbye...

Poll

Would You Be Bummed at a Figgy Departure

Totally, dude

447 votes

Kind of a bummer but we'll manage

445 votes

Nah, unless Wood tanks

261 votes

1153 votes | Poll has closed

Bobby Abreu: Should He Stay or Should He Go?

Rev Halofan — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:12:42 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

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Veteran outfielder Bobby Abreu was a key contributor in 2009 for the Angels.

With incentives, he was paid $6 Million (a bargain that arose due to financial uncertainties in the world economy over the past Winter) and scored 96 runs, walked 94 times, hit 15 HRs and batted .293. He is one of 19 Angel players to drive in more than 100 runs in a season in franchise history.

Bobby is a free agent. Should the Angels re-sign him?

We have no player in the minor leagues with a skill set anywhere near what Bobby Abreu has, although his Age 36 Season is far from a guarantee (though he proved doubters in the Bronx wrong this year). And of course, with an improved world economy and a weak free agent class, he is likely going to get a pay increase and a guarantee for 2011 as well.

Without Bobby Abreu the Angels corner outfield depth is as follows:

Juan Rivera, Gary Matthews Jr., Reggie Willits, Terry Evans, Chris Pettit.

Sure, Chone Figgins can be re-signed and moved to an outfield corner. Sure, Jason Bay or Matt Holliday could be signed (and we will be dealing with Scott Boras in Jered Weaver's arbitration hearing this winter so we can and do and will deal with him for Holiday over any player we want whom he represents).

Is $8.5 Million per year for two years going to bring in Bobby and will he be the plate discipline Messiah he was in 2009? How high should we bid, how long can he play and would Bay or Holliday be a better investment if we are shelling anything like that out? Should he stay or should he go?

Poll

Should the Angels Re-Sign Bobby Abreu instead of pursuing Jason Bay or Matt Holliday as Free Agents?

Yes

550 votes

Let's see what Bay and Holliday want

515 votes

No, at 36 he is a big risk.

118 votes

1183 votes | Poll has closed

Looking At What Exactly is Angels Baseball

Tommy Rancel — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:29:46 -0000

More photos » by Kathy Willens - AP

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Scott Kazmir was not brought to LA for his defense.

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If you read quotes from members of the Angels Organization or listened to any talk radio show on mainstream media stations today, then you heard the words "wish they played" or "got away from" followed by "Angels baseball." Apparently, the Yankees didn't win the ALCS as much as the Angels lost it by not playing "Angels baseball."

From what I can gather, Angels baseball is a lot like "Twins baseball"; doing the "little things," being "clutch," and of course playing solid defense. Defense was something the Angels didn't do well in this series, but it was something they did fairly well all season with a team UZR of 11.6. The Angels are often credited with above average defense, but that's not always the case.

Sure, back when the Halos won the World Series in 2002 they were a great defensive team led by Darin Erstad's +20 defense in center field. They were also very good the following season. However, since 2003 they've only had one really stand out defense squad (2005) followed by some below average to average ones before the 2009 team.

Year	Team UZR
2009	11.6
2008	0.9
2007	-2
2006	-14.2
2005	24.5
2004	-7.3
2003	38.4
2002	41.2

This year's Angels team was led by Chone Figgans, who had a 14.5 UZR at third base. The biggest surprise was the man in second place, Juan Rivera. Despite a reputation as a poor fielder, Rivera had a 13.6 UZR in left field. One good season doesn't mean Rivera is a plus defender, but most people remember his play, or lack there of, in late September in Fenway Park, and do not realize that Rivera was a better fielder than multi-time gold glover Torii Hunter.

While his supporters will admit he has lost a step, in most circles Hunter is still seen as a good center fielder. However, that perception hasn't been true since 2003 when he posted a UZR of 13.2. Since then his UZR's have been: -0.1, 2.6, -10.9, -6.0, -11.5, -1.9, but he does make a lot of highlights. In other news, Bobby Abreu continued to be Bobby Abreu and that means another season of near -10 defense.

No, the Angels did not play well defensively in this series, but playing defense was not the strongest suit of this Angels team nor has it been in a couple of seasons. Maybe more of the blame should be on the Angels .346 wOBA offense that averaged 5.45 runs a game in the regular season, but just over three runs a game in the ALCS. Or maybe the Yankees, who were the best team in the regular season, just happened to continue being the best team in the ALCS.

Angels Yankees ALCS Game 6 Lineups Remain the Same?

Rev Halofan — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:04:36 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

about 1 month ago: Los Angeles Angels' Joe Saunders, scheduled starter for Game 6 of the American League Championship baseball series against the New York Yankees, walks back to the dugout after the game was postponed because of rain Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, in New York. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

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These lineups for the Angels and Yankees were posted before Saturday's postponement and there is no reason to think they will change for Sunday... What do you think of them? There was talk that Figgins would be demoted to batting 9th, but lo and behold, he remains atop the lineup and the hot bat of Banjo Mathis stays in the mix as well.

Angels
Chone Figgins, 3B
Bobby Abreu, RF
Torii Hunter, CF
Vladimir Guerrero, DH
Kendry Morales, 1B
Howie Kendrick, 2B
Juan Rivera, LF
Jeff Mathis, C
Erick Aybar, SS

Yankees
Derek Jeter, SS
Johnny Damon, LF
Mark Teixeira, 1B
Alex Rodriguez, 3B
Jorge Posada, C
Hideki Matsui, DH
Robinson Cano, 2B
Nick Swisher, RF
Melky Cabrera, CF

Joe Saunders (LHP) @ Andy Pettitte (LHP)

What do you think of these batting orders?

Umpires Greenlight Yankees Game 4 Victory

Rev Halofan — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:38:10 -0000

More photos » by Lenny Ignelzi - AP

about 1 month ago: The Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia, left, talks with third base umpire Tim McClelland about a fifth inning double tag by Angels catcher Mike Napoli against New York Yankees Robinson Cano and Jorge Posada at Game 4 of the American League Championship baseball series Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, in Anaheim, Calif. Posada was called out and Cano remained on third as a fielder's choice. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)

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So two Yankees are tagged not standing on a base, what happens? One is called safe. This is just one of many instances this postseason where the most ratings-friendly team in baseball located in a favorable media market is being gifted more opportunities to score and to wear down the opposing pitcher.

Numerous calls that should have gone the Angels' way and a strike zone the ignored the knees and letters to an Angels starter, Scott Kazmir, who lives on the outer limits of the plate can only add to the frustration as anyone with an historical appreciation of the game can practically smell a media-industrial complex version of Arnold Rothstein collaborating to celebrate the 80th birthday of the Chicago Black Sox in corrupt style.

The soul-killing effect of knowing that the Yankees were getting all the calls while the Yankees were getting ther money's worth out of starter CC Sabathia drowned what was the biggest Angels threat of the evening. It began with a Kendry Morales solo homer and was suddenly two men on with nobody out - but the Angels reverted to their hacking of old and formerly nails-versus lefties Juan Rivera grounded a 2-1 pitch into a double play that was the twist of the knife on the game, and perhaps the season.

But John Lackey faces A.J. Burnett on Thursday night and 6 teams in baseball history have come back down 3 games to 1 to win a 7 game series, so the ALCS may be far from over. If only the phone records and bank statements of the umpiring crew could be more closely scrutinized prior to Thursday evening.

Poll

Blame of the Game

Bobby Abreu

135 votes

Chone Figgins

114 votes

Juan Rivera

216 votes

Scott Kazmir

868 votes

1333 votes | Poll has closed