FA Discussion Thread

[hank]

 

[hank]

 

Instead of all at once I'd be open to opening infielders, then outfielders, then pitchers.  If we do it in three groups I think that would work well.  All at once can get crazy to keep track of bids.

[Colby]

I like our free agency phases.  It allows you to compete on one position at a time.

Pujols is the biggest Pirates free agent signing in 20 years.  I have not made a move, or been able to make one like that, in FGM since the league started 5 years ago.  While $15m/year for 5 years is expensive, I felt Pujols had a bad year in Anaheim due to issues adjusting without his kids in town (they were finishing the school year back in STL).  With the kids moved, I bet he doesn't start off in a slump and returns to his form of old.  I don't think that form will last all five years, but I think I can get great contributions from him for 2-3 years.

I spoke to Big Al today over the phone and welcomed him to the franchise.  He thinks Mike Olt has talent and will mentor him.  He is excited to rejoin former teammate Pete Kozma and likes what he sees in Gyorko.  Albert knows its a young team with others such as Wieters and Revere.  I promised him we will seek to add a couple more veteran bats - likely outfielders - as the winter meetings continue.

The other big worry in Pittsburgh is pitching.  Once again, a lot of young talent, but we're unsure who will get the jobs in spring training.  A couple starters are expected to be signed in free agency, but nothing too flashy like this Pujols signing.  Then again, the Buccos still have almost $20m in cap room and have a bunch of trade leverage.

We also have the 6th pick in the draft in 2014 and a restocked farm with plenty of top picks from the past two years.  As a GM of this franchise, I haven't been able to see the team make the playoffs.  2012 was a big season but the Buccos fell just short of the post-season.  The build of the team from 2010-12 was based on veterans on manageable contracts.  The farm was sold and players like McCutchen and Walker were sold along with the specs.  2013 was a rebuilding year, and I will pick my spots in 2014 to do what I can, but I think this team has a good short-term future and a brilliant long-term future.  Hopefully some wins this season and the next will allow the cap to start to increase again, just in time for the team to be a perennial World Series contender on a short budget.

RAISE THE JOLLY ROGER FGM

[Brewers GM]

The inflated CI dollars is one reason we should give serious consideration to opening up free agency to all positions at the same time.

I would like to think in FGM, owners have a long-term plan in mind and something like the order of introducing FA's will certainly not sway market prices so heavily.  Maybe I'm naive, but if you look at the teams who have been most successful in the past it's clear that patience and long-term thinking is critical.

[nerwffej]

I agree going into free agency should have a plan and back up. How players go on block shouldn't matter, you should have a amount you spend for guys you want if goes to high back up plan. Pitchers are talked about as being worth least amount in value no reason they shouldn't be last up help keep salaries down little anyway.

[Brent]

The Angels sucked when I took them over and I am in the middle of a rebuild.  I'm going to bring talent in whatever way possible and if that is grabbing a CI or two then that is what I'll do.  These guys have value and value is what I need to build this team.  Unused cap space with no value on the team is useless and doesn't allow me to do anything with the team.

[Colby]

I agree going into free agency should have a plan and back up. How players go on block shouldn't matter, you should have a amount you spend for guys you want if goes to high back up plan. Pitchers are talked about as being worth least amount in value no reason they shouldn't be last up help keep salaries down little anyway.

That's actually a valid point.

[Colby]

Rumors
- According to management, Pastornicky has leaped past Forsythe in the MI depth chart and will battle Kozma for the starting job.  Pujols likes Pastornicky, but favors his old teammate Kozma.
- Matt LaPorta is floundering in the Gulf of Mexico trying to swim ashore and make Spring Training next month.
- Outfielder Caleb Gindl shows promise and could very well be the third starting outfielder.  It's no secret that the Pirates will pursue at least two free agent outfielders.
- Wieters needs a backup and doesn't want a mentor.  Pujols agreed and the Bucs go after FA C Jose Molina.  Albert played with his brother Yadier for many years and knows what a Molina can do.
- Rumor is that Albert Pujols is also the assistant GM of the Pirates.
- SP James McDonald is seeking to return to the major leagues.  He only turns 30 and is a year removed from a brilliant 2012 campaign.  If push comes to shove, the front office may have to release him to get another roster spot and pick up cap space for a free agent to replace him.
- Ottavino is favored for the closer's job.  Pujols says he won't be needed in that role because he will crush the National League.
- Worley is currently the ace which is clearly a massive problem.

Biggest remaining needs = OF, SP, backup C

[Dan Wood]

I saw David Wright as the best available player in free agency and decided I would lay down a doomsday bid on him. As Trumbo loses his Ci eligibility in the desert, a CI spot was opened up for Wright. My squad still has a hole at Catcher and MI but did not view Martin and Reyes as players we wanted around. Wright, Alvarez, Trumbo, Ajax, and Yelich are a nice core for the next few years... Adding a few more pieces to this core might give me the opportunity to do what I never was able to as GM of the Reds, and that is finish higher than third. Morales and Cozart are decent players to have around, and I should have at least three decent starters. We shall see how things come around as depth is not a strong point.

[OUDAN]

E2 is a welcome addition to the lineup in the Bronx he wasn't a need but we also wanted to add another big bat and he is one of the tops available. Few more moves to come!