Several "name" players were informed by their clubs that at this time their services will not be needed for 2010. It's all part of how baseball is changing.
Saturday was the deadline for baseball teams to offer arbitration eligible players contracts for next season. Some of those players were deemed too expensive at this time. However, as the off- season goes on and the player has not signed a contract with another club, it is possible for the player to return to his original team. Today's economic environment dictates good decision making and good fiscal management by Major League Baseball clubs. That's not to say all the decisions are anywhere close to being good or that all the fiscal management is prudent. It does say that marginal players are not going to get their day at arbitration.
Most of the players not tendered contracts were coming off an injury that provided too much risk for the team. Among those players were the following:
Chien- Ming Wang of the New York Yankees-His foot problems were much more serious and have lasted far longer than most observers thought at the time of the injury. Wang was a special pitcher for the Yankees. He could induce ground balls with the great sink he had on his pitches. His legs, as they are with every pitcher, were critical to his success. Wang might return by mid-season. He will probably draw the interest of his former manager, Joe Torre.
Alfredo Amezaga-Florida Marlins- Amezaga was seen by the Marlins as part of their speedy outfield mix. He was a converted infielder who never really reached what some thought was a fairly high ceiling. Micro-fracture knee surgery has interrupted his career and resulted him being non-tendered by Florida. The team is loaded with good infielders and outfielders and his price tag was more than they wanted to spend.
Mike MacDougal has closed in the big leagues. However, for now, right hip surgery has ended his time in Washington. He would have been passed by in the bullpen pecking order this coming season. The Nationals are getting better (see Drew Storen, etc.) and the Nationals did not want to pay to watch MacDougal rehab on their dime and time.
And of course, there are other players who just go too expensive to afford. Their production regression and other roster options made the non-tender decision fairly easy for some clubs. Those players include:
Garrett Atkins-The Rockies have had it with Mr. Atkins. He was replaced in the lineup by Ian Stewart at 3B. Atkins has been sliding down the slippery slope for the past 2 1/2 season. Finally, he may have hit the bottom. It's tough to ask a big league club to pony up to the vault when the player is coming off a season with a batting average of .226. Add to that 9 home runs and 48 RBI with no stolen bases. The result? Catch ya later. Someone will believe in Atkins' bat and give him a "make good" minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.
Jack Cust-How many times have I heard, "well, he's not Jack Cust." Well, Jack Cust is Jack Cust. He can't escape the lack of contact and the inability to play defense. His 25 home runs were always appreciated. But he got the "Thank you for your service-but we're going in a different direction" line. That direction? Jake Fox. He's an upgrade over Cust for less money and higher upside.
Jonny Gomes-He has been non-tendered before and survived. The Reds have other options. But he might just find his way back on the roster. For some reason, Gomes always surfaces once the season begins. He's probably on his 5th baseball life already.
John Buck-Imagine this-the Royals have picked up Jason Kendall to solve their catching problems. Granted, John Buck was never more that a .240 hitter, but pitchers liked to throw to him. He could hit 10 homers a season. And he wasn't Jason Kendall. The Astros have always liked Buck. I think he lands there. Soon. Buck just got too expensive for Kansas City. But a couple years for Jason Kendall was fine, thank you. What am I missing here?
Matt Capps-Capps expressed some dismay when he was given his gold watch and sent packing. However, let's take a look at what his payday would have been based upon. Matt Capps saved 27 and blew 5. Not bad. Matt Capps had a 5.80 ERA as a closer. Bad. Matt Capps had a record of 4-8 in relief. Bad.
In today's economic climate, marginal or below margin players will find it difficult to deal on their terms. They will have no choice but to accept the terms dictated by the clubs. For most, that means a Minor League contract. Many will be invited to spring training to eat innings, get at-bats and show what they have left in the tank. The players noted above will probably all get a chance to rebound. The injured have to prove their health. Those that have regressed have to prove they are capable of taking a spot on a 25 man roster. That's what spring training is for. But make no mistake. It is getting very difficult for anyone other than the very best or the very inexpensive young players to wake up in April and find their name on the big league roster. Baseball is changing.