Saturday December 17, 2011

Jonathan Hacohen:  Posted every Weekend: Your top baseball questions from the past week are answered. E-mail all questions to mlbreports@gmail.com, message us on Twitter and post on our Facebook Wall!

Let’s get to your top questions of the week:

Which team is going to bite the bullet and sell the farm for Gio Gonzalez? There have been big demands from Beane thus far!!  Wade

MLB reports:  Great question Wade!  I don’t think we have gone an Ask the Reports segment in the past few weeks (or any days for that matter lately) without discussing the status of Gio.  Gonzalez has been linked to the Yankees for some time, but with the asking price being Montero and 2 other big time prospects, Brian Cashman has wisely declined.  I could see the Nationals getting in on the Gio Derby if they are prepared to pay the price, or the Kansas City Royals perhaps.  From a numbers standpoint, Gio would be best served heading to the National League.  His stuff and abilities would translate well in the NL.  Playing in the American League, specifically the East, would be asking for trouble.  His home/road splits are undeniable.  Gio would have a hard time succeeding in a hitter’s park.  But at this point, smart money is on the Yankees and Red Sox still as the frontrunners.  This is not the right move in my opinion, but the one that is most likely to happen.  But don’t count out the Nationals…they are planning some big moves still preparing for the Harper/Strasburg show.  

Do the Mets go after Theriot? Gio Gonzalez? Trade Murphy? What does your crystal ball say?  Raul

MLB reports:  The MLB reports crystal ball- you have been paying attention Raul.  Well done.  I don’t see the Mets going after Theriot or Gonzalez at this point.  Daniel Murphy is likely to be moved, although I don’t see a big return.  The Mets biggest needs right now are another bat in the outfield, catcher and starting pitcher.  I can see them going after a Jason Varitek or Jesus Flores behind the plate.  As far as an outfielder, the Mets will scrape by with a Rick Ankiel or J.D. Drew signing.  Someone to hopefully hold down the fort at a reasonable salary.  Joel Pineiro or Bartolo Colon could be potential targets.  2012 won’t be pretty…sorry my man.  It will be a rebuild year for the Mets.  

Jesus Montero next year…what will be his line?  Not Shawn

MLB reports:  The mystery of Montero.  I am expecting a big year assuming he gets a full-time position.  Which he should and likely will.  The Yankees will go from one catching DH to another, as Montero will likely replace Jorge Posada at the DH spot.  He will also see time at first base and behind the plate.  Despite 5 seasons in the minors, Montero is still only 22-years of age, believe it or not.  To be realistic, expect a .270 AVG with 15-18 home runs, 70 RBIs, 60 Runs, .320 OBP and .420 SLG.  Most hitters do not adjust to the major league game overnight, especially 22-year-old catchers.  Montero will put up good numbers, but he still needs time.  

When is a team going to sign Danys Baez?  Jason

MLB reports:  When hell freezes over?  At 34-years, Baez is coming off two very unspectacular season.  2010 brought a 5.48 ERA and 1.636 WHIP, while 2011 saw a 6.25 ERA and 1.556 WHIP.  We are looking at a minor league deal with invite to spring training at best.  Teams will look at Baez when all the other useable pitchers on the market are taken, or injuries start to appear at spring training.  If I was Baez, I would go take a nice long vacation around the world and leave my cell phone at home.  He should not expect a call until late January at best.  The man has earned approximately $43 million already in his career.  If he has one more season in him, it would be a miracle.

Yeah what’s up with da Yankees? Why aren’t they making any moves at all??  Drewskie

MLB reports:  We were asking the same question last year, weren’t we Drewskie?  There is a combination of reasons for the Yankees inactivity in recent years.  A very high budget with little flexibility contracts-wise.  Many good young players coming through the system and ready to take big league roster spots.  Very few quality free agents with unrealistic contract expectations.  29 other MLB teams which have little talent that they wish to move, especially to New York (unless the price is high).  Finally, while many players want to play in New York, some are shying away.  With the media and fan glare well-known in Yankee stadium, it is not the environment for everyone.  So at the end of the day, Brian Cashman is being smart in making sure not to make rash decisions and make moves just for the sake of it.  Remember A.J. Burnett?  Rafael Soriano?  Sometimes the best moves that you make are the ones that you don’t end up making.  The Yankees still have a high-octane offense and plenty of depth.  One or two more starting pitchers and fears will be alleviated.  Stay patient as the foundation is there.  Some under-the-radar pieces will be added in the next month.  Trust me.  It just may not be the moves you expect.  But anything that allows the core Yankees prospects to stay in the system is a good thing.

What do you make of the “sky-high” and “north” of $50 million reported bid for Yu know who? Clues that it may be Toronto?  Thomas

MLB reports:  Speculation has really gotten out of control on Yu Darvish.  Many outlets are reporting that the Jays are the winners of the Darvish derby at an estimated $48 million.  Despite this being the golden age of internet information, there is no confirmations at this point.  Darvish’s Japanese squad has until Tuesday to accept the bid, which is still a mystery to the public at large.  I could see the bid being as high as $70 million.  While the Blue Jays are apparently strong contenders for Darvish, don’t count out the Nationals, Rangers, Yankees and others.  This is a high-stakes poker game.  Nobody is showing their cards or folding yet.  I still see the Nationals winning the sweepstakes.  So we won’t know until the very end.  While spending $100 million+ between the post and contract is a risky move for an unknown MLB talent, in Darvish’s case it could make sense.  Between Japanese media attention, stadium revenues and merchandising, the Darvish brand could bring a high revenue stream to a MLB team.  It is not the route I would take, but as I crunch the numbers- I can see how the expenditure is justified.  Darvish will be playing Major League Baseball come April.  But as far as which city will be lucky enough to have him is still pure speculation at this point.  

Last question:  Why does life suck so much without baseball?  Tim

MLB reports:  Because baseball is life.  All kidding aside though, is life that bad without baseball Tim?  We have many outlets to get our fix.  Pop in a DVD to watch some older games or even a baseball movie.  Pick up a baseball book, there are countless good ones out there.   We have daily MLB reports (wink) of free agent signings and trades.  This baseball offseason has been one of the busiest ones in recent times.  We had a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.  The Astros were sold and relocated to the American League West.  The Winter Meetings.  Talk of an International Draft.  Expanding the playoffs.  Realignment.  There is never a shortage of baseball topics and news to discuss.  If you have access, there is winter ball.  Point being that even without live MLB games, there is always something baseball to-do and to keep busy with.  Twitter.  Facebook.  Websites like ours.  You can always find a baseball outlet.  Pitchers and Catchers report in 64 days.  It is a quick offseason.  Look at the season half-full instead of half-empty.  The baseball season is never done.  We just happen to be in the offseason stage- but it is still a key part of the overall baseball year.  I feel your pain Tim though. Opening day will be here before you know it.

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Jonathan Hacohen is the Lead Baseball Columnist & Editor for MLB reports:  You can follow Jonathan on Twitter (@JHacohen)

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