Just before the weekend it became official that Carl Pavano was re-joining the Twins, in what looks to be a very competitive divsion this year. All of the teams in the central have improved, while the Twins are hopeful that Justin Morneau can return to his all-star caliber coming off of a concussion that took a serious toll on him for the entire second half of the 2010 season. Without Morneau, the Twins all but have no chance in the central this year. There is no way an opposing manager would let Joe Mauer beat them when the game is on the line, and who could blame them?
For the second time in the same offseason, the Colorado Rockies made a huge extension (and leap of faith) to 5-tool player Carlos Gonzalez for 7years and $80MM. This now locks up CarGo through arbitration and a couple of years afterwards. I think it's a great deal that reminds me of the deal Tampa Bay made with Evan Longoria. Now everyone who looks at that deal thinks Longoria was crazy, but Tampa saw a chance to lock up a player that is key to the success of their ballclub and they did it. Same with Gonzalez, because if 2010 isn't a fluke, they have possibly the best all-around player in the game locked up for cheap for the next 7 years. Even if he performs below 2010 (which he likely will), he will still be a great player to have because he does so many things on the field and he absolutely LOVES to hit in Coors Field. If Colorado is right, they will look like geniuses. If they are wrong, they will look like JP Ricardi did when he gave Alex Rios the mega-deal that made him borderline un-moveable. But even Rios had things to offer when he wasn't hitting, and eventually turned that around too.
I found a quote today on Buster Olney's blog about the position the Royals are in with Joakim Soria:
"3. Bill Madden doesn't get the Royals' stance on refusing to trade Joakim Soria. I'd respectfully disagree: Soria's contract is so extraordinary for the team that the value of his deal makes it almost impossible for Kansas City to get equal value."
I completely disagree with Buster on many levels. First of all Soria is cheap, but to Kansas City, that money is better off investing in young position players who will set you up for years of production. Rarely do closers hold their value. Also, closers do not draw fans into the ballpark. I wouldn't pay $100 to watch a team of prospects never get a lead enough times to watch Soria pitch. The fact that his contract is so attainable is even more valuable due to the fact that many mid to low market teams could get involved and not have to move money to take him on, just talent. When they traded Greinke (a guy that draws fans) and now refuse to trade Soria (a guy who throws a couple innings a week) it's really sending mixed signals to the fans in KC. However, I doubt they are thinking along the same lines as everyone in the media. They are smart baseball minds, and realize all of these things also. I wouldn't be shocked at all if Tampa Bay went out and got him with some of the pieces they picked up in the Matt Garza trade.
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