MLB News: Really Jayson Werth?

Jayson Werth just got a 7 year, 126 million dollars. Let me repeat that, Jayson Werth just signed a 7 year, 126 million dollar deal. The 1 time all star, who is 31 years old got really overpaid, which is kind of scary because if Werth is going for that much, Crawford is going to get an absurd contract. I'm not opposed to the Sox signing Crawford even if it is for crazy years and money.

Best thing that came out of this is that he's not on the Red Sox.

Shaun Marcum A marked Man In Milwaukee

The Brewers and Blue Jays have agreed to a trade that will send two players a little closer to home. The Blue Jays will send Kansas City native Shaun Marcum to Milwaukee in exchange for Canadian prospect Brett Lawrie. MLBTradeRumors

I think this is setting up a Zack Grienke to Toronto deal. With another prospect along with a Anthony Gose and maybe Kyle Drybek they should have enough of a package to get the frustrated young pitcher. It sucks because I lose Marcum to the NL in fantasy but the Cuban Missle Alexi is back which I'm fine with.

I Really, Really, Really, Don't Want Jayson Werth

So yesterday the Sox met with Jayson Werth and Carl Crawford. I obviously want them to sign Crawford, but I know we as Red So fans are going to have to live the next 5 years with Werth. I honestly don't know if Crawford is a good fit here, but I just want them to sign him so we don't have the option to sign Werth.

Jayson Werth is 31 going to be 32 in May, and he has hit over 30 HRs once, has never hit over 100 RBIs and is going to be the next JD Drew. His career .186 average with runners in scoring position also leaves something to be desired as well.

I would have no problem giving Carl Crawford a Matt Holliday like 7 year, 120 million dollar deal at all. Yes, it'll probably kill us later in his career, however, fuck it, who cares. Crawford still has some potential "career years" in front of him, Werth on the other hand has hit his ceiling.

Even if they do sign Crawford, they still will have to trade for Adrian Gonzalez to make up for letting V Mart go in my mind.

"No Chance" Werth Coming Back To Phillies?

ESPN's Jayson Stark reported yesterday that there is "zero chance" Werth will be back with the Phillies next year. I don't know how much I buy into making a bold claim like that this early in the offseason, but Stark for the most part in on point.

I really hope this isn't true, because it will be more and more likely that the Sox are going to get him. It's not that I don't like Werth, I just think they are going to overpay in get caught in another JD Drew type contract. He would add some power to the OF, and he has a pretty good defensive player, but something tells me it will be way to expensive and long of a contract to get him.

Yankees Staying Out Of Werth/Crawford Race

We all know the Yankees are going to make a hard push for Cliff Lee, but if you can remember just a year back everyone and their mother thought the Yankees would be going after Crawford when he became available. Now it seems things have changed. After a solid season from Brett Gardner and Nick Swisher, plus the strong push by Ganderson at the end of the season, the Yankees are thinking they are all set in their outfield.

Do I buy it? Yea, to a point. The Yankees already have their hands full trying to resign Jeter and Rivera, while also going out and outbidding the Rangers (and others) for Cliff Lee. With that being said, things can change very quickly and much like what happened with Mark Teixeira two years ago, we all know they can jump in at anytime.

My thinking is that there is no shot they get involved in anyway for Werth, and the only way they will get involved in trying to sign Crawford is if the lose out on Lee and their fan base starts going mental.

Phillies About To Make Moves

There are a bunch of rumors going around the MLB today, and most of them have to do with the Phillies. Basically they all have to do with the Phillies looking to unload Jayson Werth and/or grab another starting pitcher. The question is what level of pitcher are they looking for.

The hot rumor so far is that the Phillies are making a serious run at Oswalt, but they don't want to take on his contract unless they can move Werth (Oswalt is owed more than $7 million for the rest of this year and $16 million next season, and he has a $16 million option with a $2 million buyout for 2012). The other problem is that Oswalt will have to clear any trade, as he has a no trade clause. He has said he wants to stay more near Texas, but Philly is a proven winner, so I think if it came down to that he would go.

Other names that are being kicked around are Dan Haren, Jeremy Guthrie, and Ben Sheets. I'll tell you right now if the Phillies get Haren they are going to win it all.

In any of these deals (with the exception of Guthrie) the Phillies are going to have to free up some money (according to reports). Most people think that means Werth is on his way out. Werth has been linked to the Red Sox many times over the last month or so. It would be interesting what the Sox would have to give up to get him, but the price could be driven down quickly if the Phillies are able to land a starting pitcher for prospects.

Anyways, I do believe the Phillies will make a couple moves very soon, so keep an eye on this.

Phillies Put Jayson Werth On The Block

Numerous reports say the Phillies are getting more aggressive in their attempts to deal outfielder Jayson Werth. The Phillies have been informed by the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays that they will be interested in Werth. Phillies are open to a deal, since the 31-year-old Werth is a free agent at the end of the season, and the team has made little progress in their efforts to extend his contract.

It will be every interesting to see who makes a run at him. The Sox could use an outfielder, since lord known when Ellsbury will be back and Mike Cameron has been a complete bust (plus who knows how much JD will play). Yet, the Sox aren't the only one who could use Werth services. The Yankees got word that Nick Johnson has yet another setback, so they could be in the market for someone to fill in the DH role, and the Rays have been dealing with problems with Upton, and lack of a solid DH.

I would like Boston to make a run at him if the price is right. If they do sign him they better either not give up much, or be able to sign him past this season.

Werth is currently hitting .278 BA (.365 OBP) with 13 HRs and 48 RBIs.