SB Nation - Clay Rapada

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.

Winter Meetings Catch-Up 12/07/09

Ian Casselberry — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:18 -0000

Okay, with the assorted FanShots and main page posts, let's have one place to chat until some more news or rumors break at the Winter Meetings. I ask that you please continue to post links as FanPosts, just so people know where to look on the blog main page. I may repeat those stories on the front page, just to add more details and for distribution purposes.

If this has made things a bit confusing, I apologize. But I think it's the best way to facilitate discussion among regular commenters and anyone who may be clicking over here (for the first time or otherwise) to check on the latest developments.

Here's the day so far from Indianapolis:

Adam Everett has re-signed with the Tigers, agreeing to a one-year, $1.55 million contract.
Clay Rapada was traded to the Texas Rangers for a player to be named later (or cash considerations).
Several teams are interested in trading for Edwin Jackson, but according to FOXSports.com, the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks may be closest to a deal.
The Yankees are among the clubs interested in both Jackson and Curtis Granderson, but based on what Buster Olney reported on ESPN, the Tigers may have asked for more than the Yanks were willing to trade.
Jon Paul Morosi reported that the Angels are also "still in" on Jackson and Granderson.
Perhaps the Washington Nationals can also be counted among those pursuing Jackson, according to the Washington Post's Dave Sheinin.
In all, 12 teams are reportedly making offers for Jackson that the Tigers are now sifting through.
Fanhouse's Ed Price mentioned a rumor that the Mets had acquired Jackson. But the key word there was "rumor," and this eventually proved to be false news.
Via Yahoo! Sports' Tim Brown, the Tigers are one of four (and maybe five) teams looking at reliever Kevin Gregg. This year, Gregg compiled 23 saves (in 31 chances) for the Cubs, with 71 strikeouts and 30 walks in 68.2 innings. He beat out Carlos Marmol for the team's closer job, but eventually lost it in mid-August.
Detroit also signed minor league pitcher Brad Thomas, as reported by The Detroit Tigers Weblog. Thomas, a 32-year-old lefty, last pitched in the majors in 2004, playing the last two years in Korea.
Finally, the Tigers outrighted reliever Zach Simons to Triple-A Toledo, removing him from the 40-man roster (where Thomas replaces him).

Did we miss anything? Until anything new arises, this can be a place for general discussion. Thanks for your cooperation.

Detroit's Clay Rapada Era is Over

Ian Casselberry — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:35:03 -0000

For anyone wondering why the Detroit Tigers don't use Clay Rapada in their bullpen, the question is now irrelevant. The lefty reliever was dealt to the Texas Rangers this afternoon for either a player to be named later or cash (straight cash, homey). If you wanted to see a trade at these Winter Meetings, you now have one.

(Thanks to allikazoo for posting the link a FanShot.)

Rapada came over to the Tigers' organization from the Chicago Cubs in a trade for outfielder Craig Monroe back in 2007 (in what may have been Mike McClary's favorite moment from that season). In 32 appearances over three seasons with Detroit, Rapada compiled a 3-0 record and 4.94 ERA. He struck out 21 batters in his 27.1 innings (and was even more impressive in the minors), but also issued 18 walks, which is presumably why Jim Leyland never quite warmed up to him.

Perhaps the final word on Rapada's Tigers career came in September, when he wasn't among the team's minor league call-ups once rosters could expand. He was added to the active major league roster, however, when Bobby Seay had to rest a strained pectoral muscle late in the season.

For the Rangers' point of view on the trade, check out Lone Star Ball. Otherwise, you can post your favorite Clay Rapada memories in the comments.

Rangers acquire Clay Rapada

Adam J. Morris — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:17:27 -0000

Per T.R. Sullivan, the Rangers have acquired Clay Rapada, whose name sounds like a type of fishing lure, from the Detroit Tigers for either cash considerations or a player to be named later (which means, most likely, for nothing of substance).

Rapada turns 29 in March, and is a sidearming lefty who I assume will be in the mix for the Rangers' LOOGY spot this spring. He appears to be out of options, which I'd guess is why the Tigers were willing to basically give him away. The Tigers got him back in 2007 in exchange for former Ranger Craig Monroe.

The 40 man roster is now at 39.

Playing With the Tigers' 40-Man Roster

Ian Casselberry — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:30:10 -0000

With major league teams having to finalize their 40-man rosters by Friday, the Detroit Tigers have some decisions to make about which players they want to protect and which to leave exposed for the Rule 5 Draft that takes place at the end of next month's Winter Meetings.

If you look at Detroit's current 40-man roster, you'll notice 42 names are listed. However, six of those names will be free agents as of Friday. That leaves four openings. But at least two of them are already spoken for, as Scott Sizemore and Ryan Strieby will need to be added.

(Jason Beck and Lynn Henning seem to be high on Brennan Boesch, who hit 28 homers for Double-A Erie this year. Me, I think he looks a bit like Number Two's son on The Prisoner. He could take up a third opening.)

So the Tigers will probably have to make some moves to create more room on the roster. Who else should go? And which prospects need to be protected?

At Mack Avenue Tigers, Kurt Mensching listed the players he thinks should go, and the ones that could stay. In his article on the subject, Beck also suggested a couple of other players Detroit could protect. (Just to clarify, players generally don't have to be protected until they've played four minor league seasons, which is why prospects such as Casey Crosby, Cody Satterwhite, or ~~Brett Jacobsen~~ Scott Green aren't being mentioned.)

[EDIT: Take 75 North's Matt Wallace reminds me that Jacobson was traded to Baltimore in the Aubrey Huff deal. My mistake. I keep trying to forget that trade ever took place.]

Almost two weeks ago, demondeaconsbaseball requested that we have a 40-man roster discussion thread, so this is probably the best time to do it. I know some are more familiar with the Tigers' minor league system than others. (I'm probably not as familiar with some prospects as I should be, either.) But I think plenty of you have an opinion on this.

Just to get the thread started, four names immediately stood out as players who could be cut when I looked over the roster. I'd send off Freddy Dolsi, Clay Rapada, Don Kelly, and Dontrelle Willis. (All but Willis have minor league options remaining, however, and could stay in the organization. As Kurt pointed out in his post, Eddie Bajek has listed who still has options at his blog, Detroit Tigers Thoughts.)

So what moves would you make? Is there anybody else you'd cut loose? Who's an important player for the Tigers to protect? Play with the 40-man roster!

Bad Sign For Seay? Rapada Added to Roster

Ian Casselberry — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:45:39 -0000

More photos » by Gary Malerba - AP

Is Bobby Seay going to be out for a while? Or did the Detroit Tigers call up lefty reliever Clay Rapada, just in case?

Browse more photos »

Maybe this is a precautionary measure, maybe not.

But the Detroit Tigers added left-handed reliever Clay Rapada to their active roster today, less than 24 hours after Bobby Seay came out of last night's game experiencing some discomfort in his left shoulder. According to Jason Beck, no announcement has been made yet on Seay. But the media hasn't been in the clubhouse to talk to anyone yet, either.

Rapada pitched in 42 games for Triple-A Toledo this season, compiling a 4-2 record, 2.76 ERA, and five saves. He posted 47 strikeouts (versus 17 walks) in 45.2 innings. He appeared in two games for the Tigers earlier this season, when Seay's workload was getting heavy. Rapada allowed two runs and four hits in 2.1 innings.

One problem with Rapada might be that he hasn't pitched since September 4, when the Mud Hens' season ended. Unless he's stayed in shape over the past three weeks, it could be a while before he's ready to pitch in a game again.

Seay left last night's game after pitching to two batters, both of whom got base hits. The Tigers announced afterwards that he complained of pain in the front of his shoulder, and would be examined by a specialist.

He hasn't been very sharp since early September, compiling a 6.43 ERA in his last 10 games, with 11 hits allowed in seven innings. (His August wasn't that great either, with eight hits and six walks allowed in nine innings, and a 4.00 ERA.)

UPDATE: (6:30 p.m.): Via Jason Beck, Seay is out for at least the weekend, while he rests a strained left pectoral muscle. A MRI exam back in Detroit revealed no structural damage, and he's back with the team in Chicago now. Seay will be re-examined on Monday.

Rapada Called Up, Larish Sent Down

Ian Casselberry — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:30:09 -0000

After Bobby Seay was used for the third straight game last night against the Yankees, the question was who would be available out of the bullpen if the Tigers needed a situational left-hander for the next two games? (Jim Leyland seems to think Nate Robertson isn't suited for that role.) That little dilemma has been taken care of, according to the Freep's John Lowe.

Clay Rapada has been called up from Triple-A Toledo. Going down to make room for him on the roster is Jeff Larish.

Rapada has pitched in eight games so far this season for the Mud Hens, giving up four runs and 10 hits in six innings. However, he's also struck out seven batters. Last year with Detroit, Rapada went 3-0 with a 4.22 ERA in 25 appearances.

This is a tough break for Larish, who made the team out of Spring Training, and looked to be a valuable left-handed power bat for the Tigers. However, with the emergence of Josh Anderson, and the speed he's added to the lineup, Larish just wasn't getting off the bench lately.

It'll be interesting to see if this turns out to be a somewhat temporary move, as Seay needs a rest for this current series and Leyland likely prefers another lefty against the likes of Grady Sizemore, Victor Martinez, and Travis Hafner when the Tigers play the Indians this weekend.

(Hat tip to Kurt, who's apparently much more alert at his computer than I am. It's probably a good thing he's filling in here!)

Better Know a White Sox Division Rival: Detroit Tigers

larry — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 11:00:10 -0000

This is the last in a series about AL Central division rivals and the race to be the tallest midget.

Offseason Comings and Goings

Back in 2006, Dave Dombrowski was the darling of GMs. He’d rebuilt the long dormant Tigers from both within and without to form a team that reached the World Series. In 2007, they won 88 games but ran into a rampant Indians team and, to remedy that, Dombrowski flexed his prospects and payroll muscles by first acquiring Edgar Renteria and then Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis (signing both to lucrative extensions for good measure). There was talk of a 1000 run offense. And then the 2008 season happened. They scored 821 runs – a solid performance, good for fourth in the AL – but gave up 857 as both their rotation and bullpen imploded.

Dombrowski’s past dealings had largely exhausted his formerly rich farm system. And his spendthrift ways (along with a super economy, especially in the Motor City, which has apparently almost halved their season ticket base) had largely exhausted his monetary advantage, as well. Still, with their collection of older talent and big contracts, the Tigers have to go all-in. And, to the best of their ability, that’s just what they did this offseason.

Knowing his rotation needed help, Dombrowski did about as well as he could and traded/overpaid for Edwin Jackson. Knowing his bullpen needed help, he signed Brandon Lyon to close. Knowing his defense needed help, he signed Adam Everett to play SS. And knowing his pitchers needed help by having someone catch the ball, he traded for Gerald Laird to do so.

Going out the door were Edgar Renteria, Matt Joyce to Tampa for Jackson, and a bunch of relievers – including Kyle Farnsworth – who helped their bullpen stink. The Gambler also appears to have retired.

Offense

A projected lineup: Curtis Granderson CF, Placido Polanco 2B, Magglio Ordonez RF, Miguel Cabrera 1B, Carlos Guillen LF, Gary Sheffield DH, Gerald Laird C, Brandon Inge 3B, Adam Everett SS

Bench and Spare Parts: Matt Treanor C, Ramon Santiago INF, Marcus Thames OF, Timo Perez OF, Ryan Raburn OF, Brent Clevlen OF, Ryan Larish INF/OF, Mike Hessman OF

This remains a potent offense. Granderson is an ideal leadoff hitter. The 33 year old Polanco keeps chugging along with his blend of batting average dependent OBP and decent pop. Ordonez also keeps chugging along. While his days of 30+ home runs are gone, his line drive ways should keep his batting average high and power numbers good. While Cabrera’s continued weight gains and plate discipline losses make his contract look more risky long-term, the short-term prognosis is still that of an offensive powerhouse. Guillen struggled with back problems late last season and missed all of September. The Tigers will hope that his power returns. Sheffield has been atrocious since coming over from the Yankees. The Tigers will hope to get anything out of him – though he’s healthy for the first time in a long time. Laird is an overall average catcher, though it will be interesting to see how he reacts to his return to a full-time role (it wasn't pretty last time). Inge and Everett are offensive black holes but their defense makes them adequate and this offense can handle their lack of production.

Pitching

Rotation: Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Armando Galarraga, Edwin Jackson, Nate Robertson

Bullpen and Spare Parts: Brandon Lyon, Fernando Rodney, Joel Zumaya, Bobby Seay, Clay Rapada, Zach Miner, Ryan Perry, Juan Rincon, Alfredo Figaro, Scott Williamson, Dontrelle Willis

You want question marks, this pitching has them plastered all over the place. Verlander was not impressive last season and a return to prior form will be absolutely essential for the Tigers. While his peripherals suggest a decent rebound should be expected, the continued loss of fastball velocity is a concern. Bonderman’s 2008 campaign was cut short by surgery to correct a circulatory problem in his throwing shoulder. His velocity and command have yet to return so far this spring. Galarraga was the Tigers’ one bright spot last season as he turned from random offseason acquisition to staff ace; however, nothing in his history suggests anything close to a repeat and his peripherals show massive regression is on tap. Perennial breakout favorite Jackson will continue to entice but be nothing more than backend fodder. Left-hander Robertson looks to be the current favorite for the 5th spot, but a sprained thumb could cause him to miss the opening day roster.

Starting at the top of the bullpen, Lyon just isn’t that good. He’s a fine enough relief pitcher but he’s certainly not the lights-out closer that is usually associated with the role. This would perhaps be okay – because, after all, more of the high leverage relief innings happen before the typical bases empty ninth inning entrance of a closer – however, it’s not like there’s much else to really like in this bullpen, either. Zumaya is hurt again and will be opening the season on the DL. Rodney was erratic last season after returning from injury but, while he gives up too many walks, he does strike batters out and a return to adequacy is likely. Non-roster invitee Rincon has had an excellent spring and appears to have pitched his way onto the roster – though coming off two poor seasons, not much should be expected of him. Rapada will be the LOOGY while Seay, the man responsible for Jerry Reinsdorf’s hate of Scott Boras, will be the primary lefty set-up man. 2008 top draft pick Perry, a win now selection, is a hard-throwing righty whose fastball touches triple digits and has a slider and change which are also good; while his command can be shaky, he could be a repeat of 2006 Zumaya. Miner, who lost out in the 5th starter derby, will be the swingman. Although Willis was almost a certainty to not make the opening day roster, him being placed on the DL on Sunday was a bit of a shock and even more surprising was that it was for an anxiety disorder.

Farm

There’s just one man in this depleted system that will make an impact this year.

Rick Porcello is a 20 year old righty. There was talk early in the spring about him breaking camp with the Tigers in their rotation. That talk died down, not least because of control problems, but it is a near certainty that he will appear sometime this season in the big leagues. Last season, against older and more advanced competition, he was the Florida State League (High-A) Player of the Year. His 93 MPH sinking two-seam fastball, 95 MPH four-seam fastball, slider, and change are all excellent to good and his low strikeout rate at Lakeland was attributed to the Tigers not permitting him to use his slider in order to force him to work on his curve. He’ll start the season at Double-A Erie but expect the stay to be short.

Outlook

This midget is all-in but it still doesn’t look like it’s enough to take this contest.

Previously: Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians

Morning Prowl: Porcello's Start, Morosi's Mancrush, and Clay's Breaking Ball

Ian Casselberry — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:00:11 -0000

When Jim Leyland says things like, "I can honestly tell you that nobody's getting ahead of anybody else," is it any wonder that Rick Porcello might be getting a stronger look from the Tigers' coaching staff?

On his blog, Jeff Pearlman predicted a fourth-place finish for Detroit, as he's not impressed with either Dontrelle Willis nor Edwin Jackson.

I'd like to thank Jon Paul Morosi for once again providing us with the opportunity to make fun of his apparent man-crush on Jack Wilson. I thought we were done with stories about Wilson, but Morosi talked to him yesterday about what could've been. Wilson endorsed the signing of Adam Everett, however.

Can Clay Rapada be the second left-hander in the Tigers' bullpen? He'll need to master a breaking pitch first.

Perhaps Rapada can take a cue from Joel Zumaya, who broke out some curveballs and change-ups yesterday, much to the delight of Leyland and Rick Knapp.

Joe Posnanski thinks the Kansas City Royals pitching staff could rack up a lot of strikeouts this season.

The Daily Fungo looks back at a curious trade from 14 years ago that involved former Tiger Barbaro Garbey.

After putting together a composite projection for the Tigers' batters, Tiger Tales does the same for Detroit's pitching staff.