Moss Signs Two-Year Contract with Royals

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February 2, 2017 LOCAL Cubs acquire Butler from Rox for Farris February 1, 2017 By Carrie Muskat/MLB.com Moss signs two-year contract with http://m.mlb.com/news/article/214897836/cubs-acquire- Royals right-hander-eddie-butler/ Moore said club still plans on using floating DH The Royals Just Barely Resemble the for 2017 Royals February 1, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com January 30, 2017 By Jeff Sullivan/FanGraphs.com http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/214666500/royals- http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-royals-just-barely- brandon-moss-agree-on-2-year-contract/ resemble-the-royals/ Royals believe Brandon Moss’ power MLB TRANSACTIONS will translate to Kauffman Stadium February 2, 2017 •.CBSSports.com February 1, 2017 By Rustin Dodd/KC Star http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city- royals/article130216959.html Boulevard is now ‘official craft beer’ LOCAL partner of the Royals Moss signs two-year contract with February 1, 2017 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/chow- Royals town/article130032584.html Moore said club still plans on using floating DH Brandon Moss officially signs with the for 2017 Royals, will make $3.75 million in February 1, 2017 By Jeffrey Flanagan/MLB.com http://m.royals.mlb.com/news/article/214666500/royals- 2017 brandon-moss-agree-on-2-year-contract/ February 1, 2017 By Rustin Dodd/KC Star http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city- Brandon Moss passed his physical and was introduced as the royals/article130111349.html newest Royal on Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium. Seven things you may not know about Here's what MLB.com learned prior to and during the news new Royals slugger Brandon Moss conference. February 1, 2017 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for- The contract petes-sake/article130111959.html Kansas City Royals draft an official Moss' two-year deal, as was previously reported, will guarantee him $3.75 million in 2017 and $7.25 million in '18. craft beer And a source indicated Moss has a $10 million mutual option February 1, 2017 By James Dornbrook/Kansas City for '19 with a $1 million buyout. Plus, a source indicated that Business Journal Moss, in each year of the deal, can earn $50,000 for each http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2017/02/01/bou time he passes certain plate-appearance thresholds, starting at levard-brewing-company-royals-sponsorship.html 275 and increasing in increments of 25 until 500.

Playing time NATIONAL Royals general manager Dayton Moore was adamant that he does not view Moss as a full-time DH, and that the club still MLB Roundup: Who is willing to pay will implement the "floating" DH plan it's promoted all big for a reliever? offseason. February 1, 2017 By Buster Olney/ESPN.com http://www.espn.com/blog/buster-olney/insider/post? "Let's face it, we have a somewhat aging team that can use id=16098 half-days off," Moore said. "There are times [Eric Hosmer] can use a half-day, or [Salvador Perez] or [Lorenzo Cain] or Carlos Martinez reportedly has [Alex Gordon]. This will allow [manager Ned Yost] to mix agreement on new long-term deal with and match." Moore views Moss as a capable corner outfielder Cardinals and backup first baseman. February 1, 2017 By Ken Rosenthal/FOXSports.com Hitting at spacious Kauffman Stadium http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/carlos-martinez- cardinals-royals-brewers-cubs-free-agents-orioles-notes- Moss is a career .309 hitter at The K with three homers and 020117 an .853 OPS in 17 games (also two homers for the A's in the Cardinals, Martinez closing in on 2014 American League Wild Card Game, won by the Royals extension in 12 innings). February 1, 2017 By Jenifer Langosch/MLB.com Moss: "I love this ballpark. I think it is one of the most http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/214952714/carlos- unheralded ballparks in all of baseball. It's beautiful. As far martinez-cardinals-nearing-extension/ as hitting goes, some hitters like hitting in smaller parks, some hitters like ballparks where you see the ball well. I've always been able to see the ball really well here. It's a special lineup, as we know. I think it’s going to be very beneficial to ballpark. For a power hitter, if you can see it, and you can give a lot of our position players an opportunity to DH from barrel it, it shouldn't matter what ballpark you're in." time to time.

Impressions of the Royals “That’s our method. One of the things that attracted us so much to Brandon was that he wasn’t a pure DH. He could Moss: "I'm impressed with the type of people here. They're play both wing outfield spots. He could play first base. So not just going to get a guy just because he's a good player. that was important for us.” You have to fit a certain mold. I take pride in fitting that mold. I've always thought this would be an outstanding place The signing of Moss, 33, became official on Wednesday to play because from afar it always looks like they're having afternoon, close to three days after each side agreed to a two- fun." year, $12 million contract over the weekend. Moss will make $3.75 million in 2017 and $7.25 million in 2017. The Changing philosophy from speed/defense to power? contract also includes a guaranteed $1 million buyout on a $10 million mutual option in 2019. Moss could also make up "With guys like Jorge Soler and Brandon," Moore said, "and to $500,000 in bonus money. According to the contract, the continued production of our other players, maybe we'll Moss will make an additional $50,000 if he reaches 275 plate have a chance to have a three- or four-run lead late in the appearances, and another $50,000 for every additional 25 game where in past years, we've been hanging on to one-run plate appearances up to 500. leads late. Defense, speed, going first to third, that's all still there. But we play a lot of games on the road, too. ... We're For now, the Royals’ payroll projects to approach $140 going to need to score more runs. I'm looking forward to million, yet Moore hinted Wednesday that the club will likely more home runs. ... It's going to be a fun year." make another move before pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 13. Moss' memories of Wild Card Game The Royals believe they must attempt to fill the rotation hole "It was the most fun and heartbreaking game I've ever been a caused by the death of starting pitcher Yordano Ventura. part of," he said. "I've never had that much fun playing Moore said the club would look to the remaining free-agent baseball, until the 12th inning. I can't even describe that market, in addition to trade possibilities. The Royals are also feeling, because I'd never felt it before. I honestly felt that expected to look for ways to add depth to their bullpen. going into the game, whoever won that game was going to the World Series. And the reason was, we were two totally But on the offensive side, the lineup has started to take shape. different teams. We had incredible starting pitcher and power In signing Moss and trading for outfielder Jorge Soler, the -- power galore. And these guys had an unbelievable bullpen. Royals have added a measure of pop to a lineup that finished The game was shortened to six innings, and then they had all 13th in runs scored and last in the American League with 147 that speed all over the place. And speed won the game that homers in 2016. Moss, who could find himself batting in the night. ... You won't see very many games like that." lower third of the lineup, is coming off a 2016 in which he batted .225 with a .300 on-base percentage and 28 homers in How long did it take Moss to get over that loss? 128 games.

"I don't think he has," Moore interjected amidst laughter. “We went into this offseason looking for opportunities to Said Moss, "I don't think you get over it, ever. We thought lengthen out our lineup, spread it out, (acquire) a more we had a World Series team." veteran presence, more power,” Moore said. “And we’re just really fortunate to execute this deal.” There are concerns, though. Sure, Moss hit 28 home runs for the Cardinals last season. But he hit .225 with just a .300 on- The addition of Moss could complicate the role of third base percentage. And after the All-Star break, Moss slashed baseman Cheslor Cuthbert, who is out of options and slated at .191/.248/.392. to lose his starting spot to a healthy Mike Moustakas. Royals believe Brandon Moss’ power Cuthbert must stay on the 25-man roster or be exposed to another club through waivers. The roster equation could will translate to Kauffman Stadium present Cuthbert as a possible trade chip. But on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 By Rustin Dodd/KC Star Moore said the club still believed there was enough http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city- opportunity for the 24-year-old infielder. royals/article130216959.html “I think so,” Moore said. “First of all, you’re assuming For months, the Royals extolled the virtues of a designated perfect health. And we learned last year that that’s probably hitter by committee, a rotating role that would offer more not the case. And like I said before, as our roster begins to flexibility to the roster and more rest for an aging roster. age a little bit, it gives Ned (Yost) an opportunity to mix and match a little bit. I have great confidence that at the end of In signing free-agent slugger Brandon Moss, Royals general the year, it will work to the overall productivity in a positive manager Dayton Moore said the club was not ditching that way.” idea. Instead, club officials believe they have acquired a player with the versatility to DH, play a corner outfield spot But first, Moore said the Royals desired more production or spell Eric Hosmer at first base. from their offense. And as the club searched for offensive help this offseason, Moore said Moss fit the profile. The club In other words: The Royals believe Moss can be a strong liked his makeup and reputation as a solid clubhouse complement for their championship core. presence. The team’s analytics department believed his power would translate to the spacious confines of Kauffman “We didn’t sign Brandon to be our DH,” Moore said on Stadium. There is some evidence for this. In 17 regular- Wednesday. “We plan on rotating that slot. We have an aging season games at Kauffman, Moss has batted .309 with a .338 on-base percentage and three home runs. Those numbers do Boulevard is now ‘official craft beer’ not include the Wild Card Game in 2014, when Moss crushed two mammoths shots in the Royals’ 9-8 victory over the partner of the Royals Oakland A’s. February 1, 2017 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star http://www.kansascity.com/living/liv-columns-blogs/chow- “I love this ballpark,” Moss said Wednesday afternoon, while town/article130032584.html donning a Royals jersey at his introductory news conference. “I think it’s one of the most unheralded ballparks in baseball. The Boulevard Brewing Company announced Wednesday It’s beautiful. And as far as hitting goes, some hitters like that the Royals have named Boulevard as their “official craft hitting in small parks; some hitters like hitting in parks where beer” partner. you see the ball well. And this ballpark has always been a ballpark where I’ve seen the ballpark really well. The Royals said the agreement means more types of Boulevard beers will be available at Kauffman Stadium. “I don’t know why that is. It’s just one of those special Most interesting of all: Boulevard will have full use of ballparks. I feel like, for a power hitter, if you can see it and Royals trademarks, and the company can create “new Royals you can barrel it, it shouldn’t matter the size of the ballpark.” products and collaborations.”

As he enters his first season in Kansas City, Moss will also “We’ve enjoyed a long, close and mutually rewarding be motivated to shake off concerns after an atrocious slump relationship with our hometown team, and we’re excited by marred the end of his 2016 campaign in St. Louis. A season the opportunity to elevate our partnership,” Boulevard ago, Moss was hitting .261 with a .333 on-base percentage president Jeff Krum said in a news release. “We hope to through the end of August. Then a dreadful stretch over the create unique and memorable fan experiences, and look season’s final month hampered his overall production and forward to a successful season, both on and off the field.” limited the market for his services this winter. Boulevard was already part of the Royals Craft & Draft area On Wednesday, Moss said some of the struggles stemmed at Kauffman Stadium, but according to a release from the from an ankle sprain that required a trip to the disabled list in brewery, there will be “new Boulevard experiences in the early July and never quite healed to 100 percent. Diamond Club, the View Level and a right field ‘Hop Stop.’ ” “It was feeling OK, but the wear and tear every single day — it killed me,” Moss said. “It still didn’t have to be as bad as it Boulevard has planned a celebration of its relationship with was. I don’t think you’re ever going to see a hitter go nine for the Royals on Feb. 15 at its Tours & Recreation Center. 109 ever again. Tickets are $10, and include a commemorative glass and beer. Some Royals alumni are expected to be on hand, and “Sometimes in this game, things happen. Obviously, you go proceeds will benefit Royals Charities. out there and you don’t play at 100 percent, you can’t expect 100 percent of the results … but I never expected it to be The Royals also announced that Miller Lite continue to be an what it was.” “Official Beer” this season.

For now, Moss has an opportunity for a fresh start with a new In a release, the club said “new signature areas will be franchise — an organization he has admired for a while, he unveiled on Opening Day, including the Miller Lite Left said. Two years ago, he came to Kauffman Stadium for the Field Grill and the Blue Moon Taproom atop Rivals sports 2014 Wild Card Game as a member of the A’s, experiencing bar.” “the most fun and most heartbreaking game” of his career. Brandon Moss officially signs with the He hit two homers that night, and the A’s still lost in 12 innings. For the Royals, it was a franchise-changing moment. Royals, will make $3.75 million in For Moss, it remains a painful memory. 2017 February 1, 2017 By Rustin Dodd/KC Star “We played for 12 innings, and one team had to come out on http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city- top,” Moss said. “You won’t see very many baseball games royals/article130111349.html like that.” Brandon Moss is officially a member of the Royals, the club And yet, something attracted him to this Royals team, he announced on Wednesday. Moss passed a physical on said. Maybe it was the way they played. Maybe it was the joy Wednesday morning and signed a two-year contract worth a they seemed to exude on the field. But whatever it was, he guaranteed $12 million. He is expected to be introduced on could see himself playing for Kansas City some day. As the Wednesday afternoon during a news conference at Kauffman calendar pushed toward February, the opportunity finally Stadium. came up. On Wednesday, it became official. Moss, 33, will make $3.75 million in 2017 and $7.25 million. “I know that they bring in good people here,” Moss said. The contract also includes a guaranteed $1 million buyout on “They’re not going to go out and get a guy just because he’s a $10 million mutual option in 2019. Moss could also make a good player. You have to fit a certain mold. I take pride in $500,000 in bonus money. According to the contract, Moss hopefully fitting that mold. will make an additional $50,000 if he reaches 275 plate appearances, and another $50,000 for 300, 325, 350, 375, “I’ve always admired the way they play. And I’ve always 400, 425, 450, 475 and 500 plate appearances. thought this would be an outstanding place to play, because it looks like they’re having fun. That’s what I do. Baseball, to After signing Moss, the Royals’ payroll projects to be just me, is fun.” under $140 million. Moss profiles as a left-handed option at designated hitter, in addition to insurance in the outfield and at first base. A veteran slugger, Moss spent most of the last February 1, 2017 By James Dornbrook/Kansas City two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, batting .225 with Business Journal a .300 on-base percentage and 28 homers in 128 games in http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2017/02/01/bou 2016. levard-brewing-company-royals-sponsorship.html Seven things you may not know about Boulevard Brewing Co. signed a five-year agreement to new Royals slugger Brandon Moss renew and expand its partnership with the Kansas City February 1, 2017 By Pete Grathoff/KC Star Royals. http://www.kansascity.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/for- petes-sake/article130111959.html The sponsorship names Boulevard as the official craft beer of the Royals. Miller Coors also renewed and remains a sponsor It’s official. First baseman/outfielder Brandon Moss is a of the team, and Miller Lite remains the team's official beer. member of the Royals, as the team announced the two-year signing on Wednesday. The new deal with Boulevard builds on its presence in the highly popular Craft & Draft section along the third base line Moss, 33, has been in the majors since 2007. Here are a few on the Loge Level at the Kauffman Stadium. Built in 2015, things you may not know about him: the area offers over 75 different beers and handcrafted gastropub food that emphasizes fresh and local ingredients. 1. Moss hit his 100th career home run at Kauffman Stadium while playing for the Indians in 2015. The ball went into Boulevard also will offer new experiences in the Diamond Cleveland’s bullpen in right field, and the pitchers made a Club, the View Level and create a "Hop Stop" in right field. ransom note (ranging $5,000 to an Apple Watch) if Moss The Kansas City-based craft brewery also gains the right to wanted it back. use Royals trademarks throughout the team's six-state television territory. 2. He nearly quit baseball in 2012 to become a firefighter. Moss told MLB.com that he was worried that his chance to "We've enjoyed a long, close and mutually rewarding stay in the major leagues was over and he contemplated a relationship with out hometown team and we're excited by career change rather than play in Class AAA. the opportunity to elevate our partnership," Boulevard President Jeff Krum said in a release. "We hope to create “Coming from baseball, that’s the kind of job you’re looking unique and memorable fan experiences, and look forward to for,” Moss told Jennifer Langosch. “To where what you put a successful season, both on and off the field." into it, you can get out of it.” Boulevard plans to celebrate the renewed partnership with 3. Moss is a distant cousin of country music star Alan the Royals with a special event on Feb. 15 in the brewery's Jackson. Tours & Recreation Center at 2534 Madison Ave. Royals alumni and other special guests will make an appearance at 4. Moss was once described as the most-talkative first the event. baseman in Major League Baseball. Does that sound harsh? Maybe, but when he was with the A’s, the team made a Tickets cost $10 and include a commemorative glass and season-preview commercial revolving around this trait: (click beer. The proceeds from the event will benefit Royals link for video) Charities. Tickets can be purchased at: https://boulevardroyalsrally.eventbrite.com 5. While an avid hunter, Moss had a bad experience during a trip to Montana. NATIONAL “Twice on this 11-day trip, I feared for my life and the guy that I was with didn’t help,” Moss told the MLB Network in 2014. “I was close to getting eaten by a grizzly bear twice.” MLB Roundup: Who is willing to pay big for a reliever? Moss talks about it in this fun video: (click link for video) February 1, 2017 By Buster Olney/ESPN.com http://www.espn.com/blog/buster-olney/insider/post? 6. As a kid, Moss and a friend once pretended to be homeless id=16098 ... to get free pizza. Moss recounted the story to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle: A significant number of relievers remain unsigned, from right-hander Joe Blanton to left-handers Jerry Blevins, Boone “I was maybe 10 and we used to live a block away from a Logan and Travis Wood. For Blevins and Logan, the Pizza Hut. So my next-door neighbor and I, we got this idea expectation or hope of a multiyear deal still exists, perhaps to dress in old clothes and take a tent and put it behind Pizza fueled by deals like the St. Louis Cardinals' four-year, $30.5 Hut and pretend we were homeless kids.” million contract with Brett Cecil, or the Colorado Rockies' three-year, $19 million investment in Mike Dunn. It worked, too. But a question that is gaining momentum among teams and agents is: Which clubs are actually positioned to spend bigger 7. In his career, Moss has hit more home runs off current dollars on a reliever this late in the winter? Royals pitcher Chris Young (five) than anyone else. The Rangers’ Yu Darvish is second on the list (four), followed by Jeremy Guthrie (three), a former Royal. For example: The New York Mets have been exchanging concepts with free-agent lefties, but with limitations -- just Kansas City Royals draft an official one-year offers. The Los Angeles Dodgers appear open to craft beer adding a reliever, and they liked Blanton's work last summer. But having committed almost $200 million to retain Kenley Jansen, Rich Hill and Justin Turner, L.A.'s interest seems Nevertheless, Manfred suspended Chapman for 30 limited. games, effective Opening Day 2016. The fact that neither the reliever nor the players' association Because the market for relievers is playing out much like it appealed the decision spoke to the commissioner's has for the large collection of corner infield/corner sweeping powers in such cases. MLB's standard outfield/DH slugger types, teams can use the extraordinary for off-the-field behavior has proved to be volume of unsigned players to their advantage: Supply and considerably higher than the law's. You don't have demand. to be arrested to be in serious trouble with the Manfred. Soon, the time for waiting out the relief market will end and free agents will start to grab the best available deal, like That likely explains why Familia's camp is stonewalling someone seizing the first seat within reach in a game of baseball's current investigation; Cooperating can musical chairs. only make things worse. Familia was arrested on Oct. 31, after his wife placed a 911 call, telling dispatchers Familia was "going crazy" and J.P. Howell worked out a one-year, $3 million deal with "drunk." According to the complaint filed by Fort the Toronto Blue Jays. Howell is the last piece of Toronto's Lee, New Jersey, police, Rivas had "visible offseason puzzle, writes Richard Griffin. injuries" which included a "scratch to the chest and bruise to the right cheek."

Notables The simple assault charge Familia faced was the equivalent of a misdemeanor under New Jersey law. Had he been convicted, Familia would have o The Washington Nationals, looking to faced a maximum of six months in jail, a $1,000 bolster the concerning bullpen depth, signed fine and two years' probation. ... a couple of veterans.  Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini loves Billy Since then, however, MLB has been rebuffed in its Hamilton. From Marcus Hartman's piece:Team attempts to learn more and, specifically, whether CEO Bob Castellini told a group of fans on the Rivas felt pressured to ask for a dismissal. With Reds caravan last weekend he sees the 26-year- spring training right around the corner, old center fielder as a potential Hall of investigators have resigned themselves to being Famer."He's got a great attitude. Upbeat. He's a shut out, yet there's no chance Manfred will let talent," Castellini said. "He's got to get the bunt Familia off the hook. down a little bit better and maybe improve on his hitting, but you can't ask for a better teammate than Billy Hamilton. Even though he'll be allowed to attend the first pitchers- and-catchers workouts in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and has been given permission to pitch for the "He's got talent, and when he gets up there and he's on Dominican Republic in the World Baseball base and nobody's out, that pitcher … he’s Classic, Familia's day is coming. One major worried. And that’s what you want." league official says a decision will likely come toward the end of camp.

 The Tampa Bay Rays continue to talk with slugger Chris Carter. If MLB cannot get cooperation in this case, it seems that its options are clear: Give him the maximum  Travis Sawchik writes about velocity among the penalty allowed. The players and family members remaining free-agent pitchers. have the right to talk or not talk. Manfred, as the  Major League Baseball is frustrated by the keeper of a private business and this collectively investigation into Jeurys Familia, writes Bob bargained domestic violence policy, has the right Klapisch. From Klapisch's story: Charges against to assume the worst if he cannot get answers from the Mets' closer were dropped in December, a baseball employee. leaving it to Rob Manfred's team to sort through the evidence. The obstacle has been the lack of cooperation from Familia's wife, Bianca Rivas,  Chris Correa gave his account of the hacking who refused to testify in court against her scandal, and Manfred responded.It seems like husband and has been similarly reluctant to assist Correa wants it both ways: He wants the tell the MLB.The impasse is similar to the one after world that the Houston Astros lifted information prosecutors chose not to press charges and tools from the Cardinals, but he doesn't want against Aroldis Chapman for an incident in 2015. to put himself in a position to answer other The Yankees' closer fired his handgun eight times questions -- like whether anyone else in the St. and allegedly choked his girlfriend after an Louis organization had knowledge of his argument at their Florida home, but police made actions.The guess here is that one or more of his no arrests and no further charges were pursued by peers would prefer that he stop discussing all of the Broward State Attorney's Office. Conflicting this. accounts and insufficient evidence were cited as the reasons. The Astros had no comment.  The most shocking thing about Wily Mo Pena signing with the Cleveland Indians is that he's only 35 years old. Seems like he's been around for a century. NL West

o Maricopa County wants an extension Moves, deals and decisions in its situation with the Arizona Diamondbacks. o Hunter Renfroe did not make the Top 100 list. 1. Domonic Brown signed with the Rockies. 2. The Red Sox won their arbitration case. 3. Seattle has signed a reliever. 4. The Milwaukee Brewers claimed an infielder on waivers. Lastly 5. The Atlanta Braves were able to pass Adam Walker through waivers. o Terry Francona donated $1 million to his alma mater. o Pressure is a privilege, says Jessica AL East Mendoza. o Former Reds player Chris Sabo is a manager of men. o Dylan Bundy plans to work the cutter Buster Posey and other Giants paid back into his 2016 repertoire. o tribute to a fallen member of Navy SEAL Team 6. o Four Yankees prospects are ready to steal the spotlight in spring training, writes Ken Davidoff. o Brad Brach has a knack for picking up And today will be better than yesterday. wins. Carlos Martinez reportedly has agreement on new long-term deal with AL Central Cardinals February 1, 2017 By Ken Rosenthal/FOXSports.com http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/carlos-martinez- o The Minnesota Twins set their minor- cardinals-royals-brewers-cubs-free-agents-orioles-notes- league coaching staffs. 020117 o A Q-and-A with the Twins' Derek Players occasionally avoid arbitration by signing contract Falvey. extensions, and Cardinals right-hander Carlos Martinez will Chicago White Sox fans say they're o be the next rising star to land a significant deal. willing to wait, writes Daryl Van Schouwen. o Kyle Zimmer is throwing free of Martinez, 25, is in agreement on a five-year, $51 million pain, writes Rustin Dodd. extension with the club, according to FanRag Sports, which confirmed an initial report by FOX Sports saying that the sides were progressing toward such a deal.

The contract, the largest ever given to a first-time eligible AL West arbitration player, will buy out Martinez’s three arbitration years and two years of free agency, enabling the player and club to avoid a hearing that is scheduled for Wednesday. It o Carlos Gomez continues to work on also includes two club options, giving the Cardinals control his swing, writes Gerry Fraley. over Martinez through 2023, MLB.com said. o The Astros have three scheduled arbitration hearings Martinez asked for $4.25 million in arbitration; the Cardinals offered $3.9 million. The Cardinals are a “file-and-trial” team, meaning that they go straight to a hearing once numbers are exchanged, with no further negotiation on a one- year deal. Their policy, however, does not preclude long-term NL East discussions, a source said. Martinez has produced a 3.02 ERA and .663 opponents’ OPS o Seth Lugo is making a push for in 60 starts and 370 innings the past two seasons. He also 2017, writes Matt Ehalt. made two relief appearances in 2015. WHAT NEXT FOR ROYALS? At some point, the Royals will get financial relief on the Maddon. Still, he gives the team another option on top of $20.25 million remaining on the late Yordano Ventura’s left-hander Brett Anderson, who recently signed a one-year, contract. But that does not mean the club is operating as if it $3.5 million free-agent contract. is about to receive a financial windfall. The Cubs are more interested in supplementing their rotation So, while ownership might approve the addition of a free than their bullpen — they signed righty Koji Uehara to a one- agent such as right-hander Doug Fister, club officials are year deal rather than make a multi-year commitment to debating the value of such a move when they might get another free-agent reliever. comparable performance out of younger, less expensive options. While further moves are possible, club officials are trying to leave sufficient room under the $195 million tax threshold to As I reported on Jan. 24, the fate of Ventura’s contract hinges stay flexible for mid-season acquisitions. on the outcome of his toxicology report, which is not expected for another two weeks. The Cubs exceeded the threshold for the first time last season and paid a tax of $2.96 million. As a second-time offender, According to sources, the contract will remain guaranteed if their penalty would increase from 17.5 percent for every Ventura’s death is determined to be accidental, with dollar spent above the threshold to 30 percent. insurance reimbursing the Royals for about 75 percent of the remaining amount. COMING UP ACES

The rest of the deal, however, will be voided if it is The free-agent market continues to vex some players and determined that Ventura’s death resulted from driving while agents, as evidenced by the large number of proven major intoxicated, likely triggering a legal battle. leaguers still available. But certain player representatives have skillfully worked around the clubs’ increased dedication The loss of Ventura, who projected to be at least the Royals’ to efficiency, crafting favorable deals for their clients by No. 3 starter behind Danny Duffy and Ian Kennedy, creates seizing available openings. an obvious and heartbreaking hole. The three-year, $33 million deal that Kendrys Morales landed The Royals, however, are not without internal possibilities, with the Blue Jays on Nov. 18 looks increasingly good, given starting with oft-injured righty Kyle Zimmer, who is coming the saturation of first-base DH types in the market. The same off thoracic-outlet surgery. can be said of the two-year, $22 million deal that Edinson Volquez received from the Marlins on Dec. 1, the third- Right-handers Jake Junis, Alec Mills and Josh Staumont are largest free-agent contract for a starting pitcher this progressing through the Royals’ minor-league system, along offseason. The Wasserman Media Group negotiated both with lefties Matt Strahm and Eric Skoglund. deals.

BREWERS’ ATTANASIO AT IT AGAIN? Another free-agent agreement that appears rather prescient from the player’s perspective is the three-year, $19 million Some Brewers officials are skeptical about the team’s deal that left-handed reliever Mike Dunn secured from the reported pursuit of free-agent catcher Matt Wieters, believing Rockies. Two comparable lefties, Jerry Blevins and Boone that the interest is more from agent Scott Boras than the team Logan, seem unlikely to match those terms, which were itself. negotiated by Tom O’Connell.

While that might be true, there is a history of agents working CAA certainly did well to get $110 million for outfielder directly with Brewers owner Mark Attanasio to orchestrate Yoenis Cespedes and $70 million for Ian Desmond, the signings late in free agency. largest and fifth-largest free-agent contracts of the offseason. But one club executive said, unsolicited, that ACES, the On March 25, 2013, the Brewers signed right-hander Kyle agency operated by Sam and Seth Levinson, “quietly did the Lohse — a Boras client — to a three-year, $33 million best work of any agency this offseason … they read the contract, forfeiting the 17th pick in the draft (the White Sox market better than anyone.” later chose shortstop Tim Anderson with that selection). The exec specifically cited ACES’ four-year, $52 million On Jan. 26, 2014, the Brewers signed right-hander Matt deal for Josh Reddick with the Astros, its four-year, $30.5 Garza, whose agent, CAA’s Nez Balelo, also represented million deal with a full no-trade clause for Brett Cecil with Ryan Braun. Garza’s four-year, $50 million deal did not the Cardinals and its two-year, $12 million deal for Brandon include the loss of a draft pick. Moss with the Royals. The Moss deal became official Wednesday, at a late stage of the offseason when multi-year Lohse had a combined 3.45 ERA over 63 starts in his first commitments are difficult to secure. two seasons with the Brewers, then faltered in his third. Garza has averaged 138 innings in three injury-marred ACES also negotiated the largest free-agent contract in a seasons with the club, producing a 4.57 ERA in 71 starts. weak class for starting pitchers, a three-year, $48 million deal for Rich Hill. And even some of the agency’s lesser CUBS THINKING BUTLER COULD DO IT agreements compare favorably to others in the market.

The Cubs’ acquisition of right-hander Eddie Butler on Catcher Welington Castillo got non-tendered by the Wednesday was precisely the kind of trade the team wanted Diamondbacks, then signed a deal that could be worth $13 to make as it seeks to improve its starting-pitching depth. million over two years with the Orioles if he exercises his player option. Left-hander Jeff Locke got non-tendered by Butler, once a top prospect with for the Rockies, will be a the Pirates, then went for $3.025 million to the Marlins, the project for pitching coach Chris Bosio and manager Joe same salary he made last season. — Free-agent right-hander Jake Peavy still wants to rejoin Reliever Joaquin Benoit secured a one-year, $7.5 million the Padres, but the team is not sure it wants to give him the contract with the Phillies at age 39. Catcher A.J. Ellis landed innings that could go to another starter, sources say. a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Marlins when catchers such as Chris Iannetta and Kurt Suzuki went for $1.7 million The Pads have a number of candidates for their rotation — and $1.5 million, respectively. Jhoulys Chacin, Clayton Richard, Trevor Cahill, Luis Perdomo, Jarred Cosart, Christian Friedrich, Paul Clemens. ACES also negotiated one of the biggest extensions of the offseason — Danny Duffy’s five-year, $65 million deal with Peavy, 35, had a 5.54 ERA in 118 2/3 innings for the Giants the Royals. last season. Cardinals, Martinez closing in on SOME O’s EMPLOYEES STILL IN LIMBO extension A problem that seemingly was resolved for some who work February 1, 2017 By Jenifer Langosch/MLB.com for the Orioles continues to fester. http://m.cardinals.mlb.com/news/article/214952714/carlos- martinez-cardinals-nearing-extension/ On Jan. 9, I reported that more than 70 of the team’s employees were without contracts for 2017, according to It was less than three weeks ago that, when asked about his major-league sources. looming arbitration hearing, Carlos Martinez turned the conversation away from his 2017 contract status, and toward The group consisted of a cross-section of staffers in baseball his long-term future. operations: Major- and minor-league coaches; professional, amateur and international scouts; player-development "I want to play my whole career with the Cardinals," officials; even front-office executives. The decisions on the Martinez said. contracts rested with owner Peter Angelos said, sources said. Martinez took a step in that direction on Wednesday by On Jan. 12, I followed up with seemingly good news: agreeing to a contract extension with the team that signed Angelos had signed the contracts, ensuring that the him out of the Dominican Republic seven years ago. A employees would be paid on Jan. 15. But on Wednesday, I source told MLB.com that the five-year deal, which could be received an email from an employee who did not identify announced by the Cardinals as early as Thursday, is worth himself, but said that ownership had reversed course on about $51 million and includes two additional option years. The 25 employees, telling them that their contracts needed to be club has not commented on the contract, first reported by reviewed again for approval. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, but has scheduled a 10:30 a.m. CT news conference in which the deal is expected “I’m not sure what’s going on,” the employee said. “All I to be announced. know is that since it is Feb. 1, I will not be paid.” Martinez was due to become a free agent after the 2019 A source said that the number of employees in limbo is season. closer to 30, and added that others in the original group who had been told they were getting raises were still being paid at The agreement not only eliminates Martinez's arbitration last year’s rate. hearing, which was scheduled for next Wednesday, but it also represents the largest extension ever given to a first-time AROUND THE HORN arbitration-eligible player. Furthermore, the extension buys out at least two of Martinez's free-agent years, meaning the — The lag in the free-agent market has hampered the Pirates Cards no longer have to worry about losing him after the in their efforts to trade left-handed reliever Antonio Bastardo 2019 season. and clear money for perhaps another acquisition, according t0 major-league sources. The Cardinals believe they have a future ace in Martinez, who anchored the team's rotation in 2016. He led the club Bastardo is earning $6.5 million next season, and Jerry with 31 starts and 195 1/3 innings pitched, and ranked among Blevins, Boone Logan and Craig Breslow are among the lefty the National League's best in wins (16, 5th), ERA (3.04, 9th), relievers still available on the free-agent market. innings pitched (10th) and opponents' batting average (.233, 12th). — Speaking of lefty relievers, the Padres have drawn consistent trade interest in Brad Hand and Ryan Buchter, Martinez also induced 33 double plays, one shy of the both of whom were highly successful against left-handed franchise record, and ranked second in the NL with a ground- hitters last season. ball percentage of 57.7. His 0.69 home runs per nine innings was fourth-best among all NL pitchers. Both pitchers, though, are under long-term control — Hand for three years, Buchter for five. The Padres would not trade Martinez initially signed with the Cards in 2010, agreeing to either unless they received legitimate prospects in return, a $1.5 million bonus a year after his agreement with the Red sources say. Sox fell through due to paperwork issues. He reached the Majors in 2013, and pitched primarily in relief during his The Pads also wants to keep their bullpen as strong as first two big league seasons. Martinez joined the rotation full- possible to protect their suspect rotation, and could always time in 2015, and quickly distinguished himself as one of the move Hand and/or Buchter at the deadline or some other game's most talented young pitchers. His 3.02 ERA since point in the future. 2015 ranks 11th among all NL pitchers.

With Martinez's extension done, the Cardinals now have several rotation pieces in place for the long term. Mike Leake is signed through 2020, and top prospect Alex Reyes won't http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/the-royals-just-barely- be a free agent until '22 at the earliest. Adam Wainwright is resemble-the-royals/ signed through '18. Word came out over the weekend that the Royals have signed Michael Wacha now sits as the organization's only unsigned Brandon Moss to a two-year contract, pending a physical. arbitration-eligible player. The Cards anticipate taking his There’s nothing too strange about it, and Moss should have case to an arbitration hearing. little trouble finding himself regular plate appearances. He Cubs acquire Butler from Rox for won’t cost the Royals too much, and he will bring a power bat. You can think of him as being pretty similar, overall, to Farris Chris Carter. Decent eye, lots of power, lots of fly balls. February 1, 2017 By Carrie Muskat/MLB.com Moss is a little more versatile, while Carter is a little bit http://m.mlb.com/news/article/214897836/cubs-acquire- younger. It’s a fine player signed to a fine contract by a team right-hander-eddie-butler/ with an opening. Most people wouldn’t raise an eyebrow.

The Cubs are hoping a change of scenery can help Eddie And — look, team profiles don’t mean very much. Every Butler. On Wednesday, the Cubs acquired the right-hander team just wants to win, and it doesn’t matter how it happens. and the bonus money for slot No. 94 ($235,200) of the Front offices wouldn’t often refer to themselves as having current international signing period from the Rockies for one particular style. Value is value. And as far as the Royals right-hander James Farris and the bonus pool money for slot are concerned, transition was inevitable. Everyone knew No. 28 ($563,700). about their impending free-agent situation coming into the winter. At some point, the Royals were going to look Butler has an option remaining and could be extra insurance different. Teams go through phases. for Chicago's rotation. A 2012 supplemental first-round Draft pick, the Cubs were eager to have pitching coach Chris Bosio I’d just like to point something out about how the Royals work with him. The Rockies designated Butler for look today. We’ve spent so much time in the past discussing assignment on Saturday after they signed Greg Holland. the Royals’ style of baseball. From the looks of things, these Royals aren’t those Royals. It’s just a team with a few Butler has spent parts of the last three seasons with the familiar faces. Rockies, posting a 6-16 record and 6.50 ERA in 36 appearances (28 starts). In five Minor League seasons, Butler I don’t know if you can say the Royals are still at their peak, was 32-25 with a 3.33 ERA in 87 outings, all but one as a but we can at least describe how they’ve been at their best. starter. Everybody with me, now! What did the best Royals teams do to stand out? They ran the bases, first of all. They made a Last season, Butler split time between the Rockies and bunch of contact. They played outstanding overall team Triple-A Albuquerque, and he was 8-3 with a 4.45 ERA in 15 defense. And their bullpen shut opponents down. We’ve been starts in the Minors and 2-5 with a 7.17 ERA in 17 over and over and over this model, and it was fairly distinct. appearances (nine starts) in the big leagues. The best recent comparison might be an Angels ballclub from more than a decade ago. The Royals, without question, were Farris was selected by the Cubs in the ninth round of the unmistakably Royals-y. 2014 Draft, and he was 4-13 with 22 saves and a 2.91 ERA in 88 Minor League relief appearances over the last three Now to just cut to the chase, I’ve got a plot for you. This plot seasons. was informed, in large part, by actual stats from 2013 – 2016. Then I’ve also included 2017 team projections, based on To make room for Butler on the Cubs' 40-man roster, right- Steamer and our present depth charts. Five stats are shown on hander Dylan Floro was designated for assignment. The Cubs the plot: team batting value, stolen bases, strikeout rate, had claimed Floro off waivers from the Rays on Jan. 17. defense, and bullpen WAR. Instead of plotting the stats themselves, I’ve plotted the Royals’ MLB rank in each stat, Under the recently expired Collective Bargaining Agreement, with the y-axis stretching from worst to first. The higher the which applies to the current international signing period, each point, the better the rank. team was allotted a $700,000 base for its international signings. In addition to that base, the team got a signing You’re smart, you get it. Here’s a picture! (click link for bonus pool that was made up of four slot values, based on the graph) previous season's record. Credit to the Royals’ defense — after all these years, it The Cubs received the No. 28 slot value ($563,700), which remains very strong. For past years, I looked at a was traded to Colorado, plus No. 58 ($380,700), No. 88 combination of DRS and UZR, and the Royals ranked first, ($257,100) and No. 118 ($161,100), for an original total of third, first, and fifth. This year, the Royals’ defense is $2,063,100 during the current period, which began on July 2, projected to be second-best. In this way, the Royals are the 2016. Royals: They’re still going to get to baseballs and turn them into outs. It’s a definite team strength. Under the new CBA, starting with the 2017 signing period that begins on July 2, every team will get at least $4.75 But now look at the other lines. I don’t know where to start. million. Any team receiving a Competitive Balance Round A Bullpen? Opposing teams used to live in fear of the Royals’ pick in the Draft will get $5.25 million in international bonus late-inning bullpen. I don’t think we project bullpens well pool money. Teams receiving a Competitive Balance Round enough for us to all agree the Royals’ current bullpen is bad, B pick will have $5.75 million to spend. but it’s projected at No. 23. There’s no more Greg Holland, The Royals Just Barely Resemble the of course. There’s no more Wade Davis. There’s no more Luke Hochevar. There is plenty of pressure on the admittedly Royals interesting Matt Strahm. In any case, the bullpen doesn’t look January 30, 2017 By Jeff Sullivan/FanGraphs.com very deep right now. Stolen bases? It’s true that steals are pretty difficult to Brewers project, given that they’re based on decisions. A team could just choose to try to steal more, or to try to steal less. The Royals, though, led baseball in steals in 2013 and 2014. They were fifth in 2015, and sixth in 2016. They project for 12th in Seattle Nick Signed to a Minor League 2017. Still more than average, but also quite close to average. Jarrod Dyson is gone, and he led last year’s team in steals, by Mariners Hagadone Contract 13. Brandon Moss isn’t a runner. Jorge Soler isn’t a runner. The lineup is going to be less athletic.

And then you get to the strikeouts. The Royals used to be Washington Signed to a Minor League celebrated for their ability to put the ball in play and put the Matt Albers pressure on the other team. The team strikeouts actually slid Nationals Contract last season, when the Royals’ team strikeout rate ranked 14th. At present, the Royals are projected for 16th — neither very high nor very low. It’s not a contact-oriented ballclub. Maybe it wishes it were, but Moss isn’t a contact hitter, and neither Washington Signed to a Minor League is Soler. Alex Gordon just saw his strikeouts shoot north last Joe Nathan summer. So did Salvador Perez. There are contact hitters Nationals Contract here, but not eight or nine of them every day.

I included the batting line to show how things are or aren’t offset. The Royals’ offense certainly hasn’t been a juggernaut. By batting value — just batting, and not including baserunning — the Royals topped out at 15th in 2015. The other three years, they were in the bottom 10. And this year, as of right now, they project for 25th. So while the steals could be reduced, and while the strikeouts will be elevated, it doesn’t look like there’ll be a lot more offense to make up for that. It’ll just be a different kind of mediocre lineup. One with a bit less speed, and a bit less contact.

Again, it doesn’t mean that much on its own. Every team goes through changes at some point. It doesn’t mean the Royals can’t be successful, and we can’t currently even pretend like the projections are automatic. Maybe Ned Yost will squeeze more out of this ballclub. But the Royals that appeared on the national stage — these Royals aren’t likely to play with the same kind of style. On the best days, they’ll look awfully familiar. Yet the extremity of that style seems a thing of the past. MLB TRANSACTIONS February 2, 2017 •.CBSSports.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

TEAM PLAYER TRANSACTION

Boston Red Fernando Signed, ( 2017)(loses Sox Abad arbitration)

Colorado Domonic Signed to a Minor League Rockies Brown Contract

Milwaukee Ehire Acquired Off Waivers From Brewers Adrianza from Giants, San Francisco

Milwaukee Rob Scahill Designated for Assignment