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Home , Addison Russell, Alvin Dark, Blocking the plate, Derrick Hall, Devon Travis, Joe Paterson (baseball)

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Diamondbacks notebook: GMs wrap up meetings, prospects play for AFL title By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/diamondbacks-notebook- gms-wrap-up-meetings-prospects-play-for-afl-title

Diamondbacks' buys second - area house By Phoenix Business Journal http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/morning_call/2014/11/t ony-la-russa-buys-another-los-angeles- house.html?iana=ind_sports

Derrick Hall Recognition Plaque MLB NEWS By Phoenix Business Journal November 14, 2014 • MLB.com http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/potmsearch/reprint/sub http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb_news_ind ex.jsp mission/3347511?ana=e_potm_thx&ana=e_notification_potm

Putz moves into D-backs front office By Jason P. Skoda / Ahwatukee Foothills News November 14, 2014 • Sports.yahoo.com http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews http://www.ahwatukee.com/sports/sports_briefs/article_ce9d9 28e-69dc-11e4-b0fb-bb4a36876598.html MLB TRANSACTIONS Green Men Arizona Training Camp 2014 November 14, 2014 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions By Ryan “Sully” Sullivan / Green Men Media http://www.greenmenmedia.com/2014/11/11/green-men- arizona-training-camp-2014/

D-backs Academy Phoenix Magazine

The post-GM meetings buzz 's rumored Miami megadeal among five things to watch By Jerry Crasnick / ESPN.com http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/11870766/five-things- watch-following-mlb-gm-meetings

NL Notes: D’backs, Murphy, Rockies, Cards, Nats By Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/11/nl-notes-dbacks- murphy-rockies-cards-nats.html

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The championship game of the involves the Diamondbacks notebook: GMs wrap up meetings, East Division-leaders Salt River Rafters and several prospects play for AFL title Diamondbacks are engaged. By Mark Brown / Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/article/diamondbacks-notebook- The Diamondbacks are one of five organizations, along with the gms-wrap-up-meetings-prospects-play-for-afl-title Astros, Marlins, Rockies and Twins, which populate the Rafters with players. After a first season of experimentation and some trepidation, two changes implemented by appear on In the title game Saturday at 1 p.m. at Scottsdale Stadium, the life-support. Rafters will face the Peoria Javelinas (Braves, Cardinals, Indians, Rays, Royals), winners of the Western Division. The issue of instant replay, discussed by Hall-of-Fame Joe Torre and MLB’s Vice President of Baseball Operations this Rafters’ manager Andy Haines of the Marlins will start right- week at the General Managers' meeting in Phoenix, seems to hander Anthony DeSclafani, who went 1-2, 7.57 ERA in five have a future in the game. The other change, rule 7.13, addresses starts with the Marlins at the major league level this past season. the issue of home plate collisions. With continued study, Torre In six starts with the Rafters, DeSclafani has a record of 1-0 and pointed , the aim is greater protection for all players in the a 2.67 ERA. area of home plate. Several Diamondbacks prospects gave important contributions Relative to rule 7.13, Torre told reporters the initiative was a to the Rafters’ East title . collision between the Giants’ and Miami’s Scott Cousins on May 25, 2011. In the crash at the plate, Posey Peter O’Brien, acquired last July from the Yankees in sustained a fractured fibula and torn ligaments in his right ankle. the Martin Prado deal, finished second in the league in home runs and second in walks. Evan Marzilla, who will That play resulted in rule 7.13 and designed to protect both the find a crowded gardens in the Arizona camp next runner and the catcher. February, over .300 and second on the Rafters in stolen bases. “The big issue is the catcher blocking the plate without the ball,” Torre said. “Since we implemented the rule, luckily no one was Elsewhere, right-hander Archie Bradley was the winning carried off the field. We don’t want to see a run scored on a in the league’s All-Star game and relievers Jimmie Sherly (1-0, technicality.” 0.93 ERA in nine games) and Enrique Burgos (1-1, 3.97 in nine games) were effective. Ultimately, the judgment of the remains the critical factor. While 7.13 discusses where a runner can , the Brandon Drury, after sporting a average catcher’s intention to block the plate and expanded replay below .200, finished better, hit above .220, and topped the capabilities, Torre said the rule itself requires more definition. Rafters with the most plate appearances.

Diamondbacks' Tony La Russa buys second Los Angeles- On the issue of replay, Torre indicated the method could use area house improvements in technology but did not offer any details. The By Phoenix Business Journal length of a replay session, he pointed out, is protracted. http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/morning_call/2014/11/t

ony-la-russa-buys-another-los-angeles- Usually, the umpires will huddle for anywhere from 1 minute, 30 house.html?iana=ind_sports seconds to two minutes or more. “Too long,” said Torre and indicated changes and improvements could be on the way. Tony La Russa, theArizona Diamondbacks' chief baseball

officer, has been busy this off-season. Anther aspect under the microscope is the length of a game.

Not only did he hire a new manager and general manager, La During experimentation in the Arizona Fall League, Russa recently purchased a home in Los Angeles, the Los have 20 seconds, once they step on the rubber, to release the Angeles Times reported. ball. If a batter does not make contact with a , he must keep one foot inside the batter’s box at all times until the next pitch is La Russa paid $717,500 for a 1,800 square-foot ranch home with delivered. Plus, there is a shorter time between half-. three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a chef's kitchen, a dining room

and a living room with a fireplace. The house was originally built “We need to address the issue of dead time,” Torre said. “The in 1951 and is located in Monrovia, located on the foothills of goal is to pick up the pace and make the game much crisper.” the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County.

Any change in these areas of protection at the plate, use and The house was updated with an enlarged master suite, covered conditions of the replay and improve the tempo of the game, patio and built-in bookcases with a library ladder. Torre pointed out, must come with an agreement between management and the players’ association. La Russa, a Hall of Fame manager, was brought on to the

Diamondbacks earlier this year in a newly created position. ADVANCING TO THE TITLE GAME 2

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(Video embedded on webpage) The house first went on the market in June with an asking price of $668,000, the Times reported. DAY ONE: Force and I took full advantage of a cheaper airfare to Phoenix by driving to Bellingham, WA and flying down to In May of this year, La Russa bought another home in California Mesa, AZ with Allegiant Air. Parking at the airport was a few for $1.2 million. bucks a day. The bar at the airport put us in a good mood and the plane ride down got us pumped! Derrick Hall Recognition Plaque By Phoenix Business Journal A million ideas passed through my head of what to do with our http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/potmsearch/reprint/sub Training Camp opportunity. How could we take full advantage mission/3347511?ana=e_potm_thx&ana=e_notification_potm of this incredible chance to get ready for hockey with two of the best mascots on earth? Derrick Hall Once the plane landed, the fine folks at Tourism Scottsdale Date added:November 12, 2014 hooked us up with a pool view suite at The Saguaro. We decided to get a little workout in before hitting Grayhawk Golf Course Submission Type:Professional Recognition the following morning. If you were wondering, yes Grayhawk is Phil Mickelson’s home course. Current employer: DAY TWO: Contrary to popular belief, even though our Current title/position:President & CEO beloved team missed the playoffs, our golf games had not improved. We both got slaughtered by the layout and eaten alive Industry:Sports Business by the sun. Travel Tip #1 – Sunscreen is a good idea during August in Arizona. The course was immaculate though. Big Phil Position level:President is a smart man for slicing up Grayhawk all those years, it’s a true gem. Reason for being recognized:Hall will receive the Torch of Liberty Award from the Anti-Defamation League, which That night Force and I were treated to an unreal dinner at recognizes individuals who have exhibited extraordinary Distrito. We hit the gigantic tequila menu (over 100 tequilas) humanitarianism and whose everyday actions exemplify the while James Beard winning chef Jose Garces hooked us up with principles of opportunity, anti-discrimination, equal rights, an insane lamb dish. The experience was unlike anything you’d community involvement and fairness to all. find back in Vancouver. The rustic atmosphere sucked us in and Putz moves into D-backs front office the extensive gourmet food and crazy drink menus filled us up By Jason P. Skoda / Ahwatukee Foothills News good. http://www.ahwatukee.com/sports/sports_briefs/article_ce9d9 28e-69dc-11e4-b0fb-bb4a36876598.html DAY THREE: I had no idea what I’d gotten us into with the Arizona Diamondbacks. We were just looking for a good little The Arizona Diamondbacks named J.J. Putz as special assistant training sesh. Nothing more. Wow did we ever get more. We to D-backs president and CEO Derrick Hall. headed down for batting practice and met Arizona legend Luis Gonzalez. He came right up to us, introduced himself and said In his new role, Putz will Hall and other departments he was a massive fan! throughout the baseball and business side of the organization, including attending community events, meeting with corporate He loves watching hockey and picks up what we throw down. partners and interacting with season ticket holders. Putz will Despite being a baseball icon and DBacks Front Office remain in uniform during spring training to work with pitchers employee, he’s got to be one of the most grounded guys we’ve and will visit D-backs minor league affiliates at various points in ever met. No such thing as a big head on Gonzalez – just a the regular season. genuine beauty!

Putz rejoins the organization following 12 seasons in the big Following DB’s batting practice we were welcomed onto the leagues with the Mariners, Mets, White Sox and D-backs, ending field to smack a few. After hitting a few over the (foul) fence, we his career in 51st place on the all-time saves list with 189. He headed back into the clubhouse to take a few more swings to posted a 2.81 ERA in four seasons with Arizona, the second hone the skills. DBacks staff set up the balls for us as we took in lowest in franchise history among pitchers with 150 or more some quality advice. Elbow up! appearances behind only Brad Ziegler (2.63). Putz was named to the 2007 All-Star team and won the AL Following batting practice we headed up to the concourse only Rolaids Relief Man of the Year award that season when he saved to be swarmed by a couple families of hockey fans. After we 40 games. took a few photos we whipped up some signs for the game that night. We headed back down to the bowels of the stadium and Green Men Arizona Training Camp 2014 were seated right next to the Rockies . We looked up saw By Ryan “Sully” Sullivan / Green Men Media Justin Morneau and as you saw in the video, that was all we http://www.greenmenmedia.com/2014/11/11/green-men- needed. arizona-training-camp-2014/

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We’d meet Justin after the game to shoot the stuff. What an guy meets on a daily basis, I was stunned. I respect the hell out absolute beauty this guy is! You could tell he’s made a Canadian of Geroy and it was great to see him south of the 49th. from his vernacular. The way the guy the speaks about hockey is a beautiful thing. The way he spoke about Bieksa…not as That stadium is ridiculous and the parking situation is sheer beautiful. He did wish him good luck and good health this insanity. Don’t get me wrong though, like the Arizona Coyotes season though. The two are good friends and ironically enough, who play right next door, the parking is FREE. The traffic is we got to work with them both for this Training Camp video. crazy but the price to park is non-existent. I feel a few teams up north here could take a few lessons from that. DAY FOUR: TPC Scottsdale is how we started the day. Force again had my number that morning. The man can golf ladies and The night was capped off by Erik Griffin doing comedy right gentlemen. I’m not sure where he got the skills but the man was next to our hotel. Yeah you heard right, “Montez” from throwing darts that day like an englishman in a sold out pub. Workaholics was right next door at the comedy club. A perfect Two holes in after a few immaculate drives a few bugs decided end to a perfect day! to destroy my legs. I have no clue what kind of morning mosquitos they were but when they bit it hurt like a you know DAY FIVE: This was a true bucket list day for me. I absolutely what. I’m blaming my entire brutal golf game on that. love the Phoenix Suns Gorilla. He is the best mascot in all of sports. Let me rephrase that actually, since the departure of Perhaps my worst decision that morning though was using a 8- Super Grizz from the once GM Place, he is the best mascot in iron from 100-yards out. It was an uphill green and I was in all of sports. Who are we kidding, Super Grizz was incredible! some thicker rough. I figured a little more distance and a little less height would pop it up on the chin of the dance floor and it The Gorilla threw down some amazing dunks and let us toss a could roll from there. I gave it a 75% swing, over shot the green, few alley-oops his way. This obviously was key in our training hit the cart path, hit a metal patio table and smacked the window camp for our hand-eye coordination. The man could absolutely of the clubhouse! Luckily the windows are at least pane fly and just being near that hefty amount of greatness filled me because the sound of that ball was reminiscent of Trevor Linden up with butterflies. against the Blues. I crushed it! After we that was checked off my life’s list of things to do, we We then headed to the Hotel Palomar in downtown Phoenix headed back to Scottsdale to meet up with Howler of the and stayed a few rooms away from Minnesota’s WNBA team. Arizona Coyotes. Force and I tried to speak to them in the elevators and hallways but we were way too intimidated. Without heels they were seven The dog had some more great workout advice for us as you can feet tall. With heels they had to bend over to get out of the see in the video. That “whatever it’s called with the ropes elevators. training” works the hell out of you. There’s nothing worse than peeling off a sweaty green suit but that’s what had to be done That’s the kind of hotel we were at though, this place was meant after that workout. Howler knew how to push the right buttons for ballers. Not just from the WNBA but I mean money-wise as – it’s probably why he’s one of the best mascots in the league well. It was absolutely gorgeous from top to bottom. The today. outdoor pool over looked the city with the bar and DJ’s pumping just footsteps from the ledge. Force and I definitely felt Finally after Howler was done beating the crap out of us, we met out of place but also right where we were supposed to be as well. a nice young lady from Visit Mesa for dinner. She showed us around the town a little bit and brought us out to Postino East What I mean by that is in Vancouver, this hotel would probably Wine Cafe. This place was incredible, it was just wine and appies run you an arm and a leg. In Arizona, this baller hotel is meant but that’s all you needed. A boat load of appies and a boat load for young guys like us to hang out at for a few days while tipping of wine. For the record because it’s Arizona, Force nor I drove back a few pints and catching a few games. Many, many, many that night. We arranged a lift with Nikolai Khabibulin instead things in Arizona are flat out better in many, many, many ways. I (not true but we did cab). hate to say it Vancouver but holy crap is it true! Everything’s just as awesome but for a third of the cost. DAY SIX: For our final excursion we got to play Las Sendas golf course in beautiful Mesa, Arizona. This thing from top to We had a few bevies at the pool and hit up University of bottom was an absolute stunner. It was probably one of the Phoenix Stadium – Home of the Arizona Cardinals. They hotter days of the trip as well and we were warned on numerous Cardinals were opening their pre-season against the Houston occasions to watch for snakes and if you lose your ball…just let Texans. The Texans meanwhile suited up #1 overall draft pick it go. Easier said than done when you’re spraying off the tee like Jadaveon Clowney for his first NFL game. First quarter – first I was that day. sack. The dude is a beast! Overall I wasn’t awful in Arizona at the three courses but I easily Sitting in the press box I looked over and saw an old friend. Of went through a flat of golf balls. Only a few mulligans, no snake all people and of all games and cities, there’s former BC Lion bites and a bad ass tan. Sounds like a win to me. great and Green Men Alumni Geroy Simon. He was doing a little scouting for the Riders back in Sasky. The real beauty of When our round was all said and done we made sure to grab one this guy is even with the suits off he remembered our names. I final In-N-Out burger and head for the airport. Our time in know that may sound dumb but with the amount of people this Zona had come to an end and our Training Camp worked like a charm. It got us hyped for the season, back into the zone for 4

│ chirping players and completely depressed about our golf games Patrick's Day. Now that the general managers have left Phoenix and ready for hockey again! behind and returned to their bunkers, here's a snapshot of five things to watch moving forward: We want to thank Tourism Scottsdale, Visit Mesa, City of Phoenix, Allegiant Air, Arizona Coyotes, Arizona Cardinals, 1. The Giancarlo Stanton watch has begun in earnest Arizona Diamondbacks, the Phoenix Suns, Vancouver Canucks, , New Balance and Kevin Bieksa for all of your Nothing changes doubt to astonishment faster than reports of a help in the making of the 2014 Green Men Training Camp. $300 million-plus contract proposal.

- Ryan “Sully” Sullivan It's an understatement to say the baseball world has been skeptical about the ' ability to sign their All-Star D-backs Baseball Academy right fielder to a long-term contract. People familiar with the Phoenix Magazine situation say Giancarlo Stanton has seen enough dysfunction during his tenure with the team that his first preference would be (Article attached) to move on to a perennial contender once he becomes eligible for free agency in 2016 -- if not sooner.

Thursday's revelation that the Marlins have floated a record- The post-GM meetings buzz breaking deal certainly changes the equation. Nobody knows the Giancarlo Stanton's rumored Miami megadeal among five things inner dynamics of the negotiations other than Marlins to watch management and agent Joel Wolfe, but now that the $300 By Jerry Crasnick / ESPN.com million figure has been tossed out for public consumption, the http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/11870766/five-things- Marlins have fulfilled the "Hey, we tried" end of the narrative. watch-following-mlb-gm-meetings And if Stanton doesn't sign, a lot of people will be asking, "What the heck was he thinking?" PHOENIX -- Sometimes the prudent approach during Hot Stove season is to stop trying to read between the lines and The latest news flash needs to be tempered with a dose of reality: simply take what baseball executives say at face value. Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria isn't exactly awash in credibility and goodwill in South , and it's a legitimate question whether After Detroit general manager David Dombrowski made it clear he can afford to pay Stanton that kind of money and field a that re-signing Victor Martinez was the team's representative team around him. The Marlins have ranked last in main offseason priority, the Tigers sprung into action and locked the in attendance in four of Stanton's five big up V-Mart to a four-year, $68 million deal this week. The Tigers league seasons. Will Marlins Park suddenly become a "go-to" thereby addressed a potential roster void and made life more destination just because he's making $30 million-plus a year? challenging for offensively impaired clubs in the market for an impact hitter. The Marlins have given indications that they'll bend on their blanket no-trade policy and include one in Stanton's contract. The Martinez signing was the second significant transaction to But his deal probably would have to include an opt-out clause go down at the Arizona Biltmore during MLB's annual general that allows him to leave Miami mid-contract if things don't managers meetings. transpire according to plan.

The first one came Monday, when Michael Cuddyer passed on a At the very least, contract talks appear serious enough that it's $15.3 million qualifying offer from Colorado to sign a two-year, taken Stanton off the trade market. Michael Hill, Miami's $21 million contract with the . president of baseball operations, said the Marlins are so focused on signing Stanton that potential suitors aren't even approaching A lot of teams don't have the luxury of finding handy solutions them with trade scenarios anymore. in-house -- or locking up players who are on deadlines and have to beat the clock. So we can look forward to a lot of dancing, "I think we've been upfront since last offseason that we weren't parrying and other groundwork-laying that might produce a trading him and we're trying to build with him," Hill said. "I flurry of activity before the winter meetings in San Diego in 3½ think that message has been received. He's a Miami Marlin. weeks. Nobody's coming at us. We tried to squash that last offseason, and our peers have respected that and taken us at our word." Unless, of course, it doesn't. 2. NL West is in a fascinating state of flux "I've never been a good predictor of the pace in the offseason," San Francisco assistant GM Bobby Evans said. "Invariably, Jeff Bridich, Colorado's young, Harvard-educated GM, seems there's a trigger point. Maybe it's a pitcher or two, or a reliever or legitimately torn over how aggressively to engage in trade two, or there's a club or two that help create that pace. You discussions for Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez. They're so never know who or where that's coming from." good and such an important part of the fabric of the team, it's hard for the Rockies to stomach the idea of shipping them off at In other words, we're still more or less at ground zero, with lots a severely discounted price. But the combination of injuries and of rumor mongering to come between now and Thanksgiving, big-contract obligations clearly puts a crimp in the values for Christmas and (in a select few cases) Valentine's Day and St. both Tulo and CarGo. Your gut tells you the timing isn't right -- 5

│ particularly in Tulowitzki's case -- and the Rockies will be Brandon Beachy have left the rotation with Julio Teheran, Mike standing pat. Minor, Alex Wood and a couple of question marks. If the Braves are willing to reduce their chances of being competitive in 2015 Sentiment isn't nearly as big a factor for Dodgers president of with an eye on the long term, Upton and Heyward could help baseball operations Andrew Friedman, who appears ready to restock the system in trades. Atlanta management isn't at that trade a veteran outfielder no matter how much money he needs point yet, but the option clearly merits consideration. to swallow. The consensus is that Andre Ethier and Carl Crawford are candidates No. 1 and 1a to be former Dodgers by "When I seriously look at this club, does it have a chance to win? the start of spring training. Yeah," said , the team's president of baseball operations. "But we have a gaping hole. We are in a division The Arizona Diamondbacks are also in the self-assessment stage that's pitching rich, and right now we are pitching poor." after losing a major league-high 98 games. At the moment, the starting rotation consists of Wade Miley, Josh Collmenter, Chase Evan Gattis' name has also made the rounds in trade Anderson, Trevor Cahill and Vidal Nuno, with Patrick Corbin speculation, although the Atlanta people insist he's not being not expected to return from surgery until June. pushed as vigorously as reports would suggest. B.J. Upton is the The D-backs also have to find a way to play better against the one player the Braves really, truly want to move, and his contract NL West iron after going 10-28 against Los Angeles and San and performance make him virtually untradeable. Francisco this season. 4. It's lonely on the Panda watch "We have a nice, young nucleus, so there's a lot to build on here," said Tony La Russa, the Diamondbacks' chief baseball Giants general manager Brian Sabean might make it to officer. "I'll be very disappointed if we don't have a winning Cooperstown one day for his vision and his roster-building skills. season. I think 82-80 is the least that we can do, assuming normal slumps and normal injuries." But he's not a fan of dealing with agents or courting the media, so he has increasingly left those duties in the hands of Bobby It's important for front offices to be honest with themselves in Evans, his longtime and trusted assistant. assessing the talent on the roster, and La Russa and his group are still wading through that process. It might be Memorial Day When Evans showed up for a daily general managers media before we know if the Diamondbacks' people are prescient or briefing in Phoenix, it was odd how little attention he attracted. victims of wishful thinking. While , Brian Cashman and other executives entertained crowds of reporters, Evans stood in the center of the 3. The five-plus players who might gum up the works hotel ballroom and answered questions in relative solitude.

A rumor made the rounds during the meetings that the The Giants' big-ticket item, obviously, is re-signing third Nationals and Cubs were discussing a trade that would send baseman Pablo Sandoval, and things haven't proceeded as pitcher Jordan Zimmermann to Chicago. It was quickly quickly as San Francisco fans might prefer. Sandoval's weight debunked, and in hindsight it seemed like a major stretch. The and conditioning issues are a concern for potential suitors, and Cubs just traded veteran starters and Jason his regular-season numbers have declined over the past two to Hammel to Oakland for prospects Addison Russell and Billy three years, so his market might not be in sync with his McKinney at the July deadline. So a deal for Zimmermann expectations for a lucrative contract. But the Giants are trying to wouldn't have worked unless the Cubs knew they could lock him give him his space, even though they need to get his situation up to a long-term contract. resolved and move on to addressing other needs.

This might not be the last time Zimmermann's name makes the "Obviously, we have to conduct other business," Evans said. rounds this winter. He's one of several prominent Washington "But we want to give them their time. It's hard to do a players (along with Ian Desmond, Doug Fister, Denard Span negotiation without him knowing what else he has to explore." and Tyler Clippard) with five years of service time. The Nats are engaged in contract talks with Zimmermann, Fister and Evans' calm demeanor reflects the Giants' methodical, panic-free Desmond, but it's anybody's guess whether those players will approach to doing business. He half-jokingly acknowledged that sign long-term deals with Washington before they become the Sandoval signing has financial and public-relations eligible for free agency next November. ramifications beyond the Kung Fu Panda's impact between the lines. The have a similar dynamic in effect with Justin Upton and , who are also a year "The Dugout Store wants to know what's going to happen, away from free agency. The difference is we're talking about two because they have to figure out whether to put the Panda hats teams in decidedly different places right now. The Nationals on sale or not," Evans said. won the NL East by 17 games and have legitimate World aspirations. They can't afford to move a proven, 20-homer 5. now, Max Scherzer later or a 200- rotation staple without acquiring players who can fill those voids immediately. Jon Lester, one of the top two starters on the market, has at least two ready-made suitors in Boston and the Cubs. His agents, the The Braves, in contrast, are still deciding on their future course. Levinson brothers, tend to operate below the radar and have The farm system is thin, and elbow injuries to Kris Medlen and 6

│ shown a willingness to negotiate deals quickly if their clients' may not find out in the coming weeks,” he said. “Nothing of wishes and the planets align properly. substance has taken place, so here we are.”

"They're not looking to break records," said one industry •The Cardinals have “payroll muscle” at their disposal, GM John observer. Mozeliak tells Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Though the team has no intentions of spending its money just to In contrast, Max Scherzer's agent, , spent much of a put it to use, Mozeliak says it will do so in the right 45-minute question-and-answer session with the media this week circumstances: “You’re definitely right in the assessment that we pontificating on the state of the industry and advocating for a do have resources. If adding a year or adding a higher [average neutral site that would help turn the Fall Classic salary] means a deal, yes, we’re capable of doing that as long as it from a regional to a national event. stays within the parameters of being rational.”

Amid those big-picture proclamations, Boras pointed out that •Deciding to deal a high-performing veteran is a difficult Scherzer ranks on an elite level with Clayton Kershaw and Felix decision in many circumstances, none more so than for a team Hernandez when it comes to SIERA and other more advanced that intends to contend. That is the strategic choice facing the metrics. He has a binder and a whole lot of numbers in his head Nationals, who have several top players entering their final year to prove it. of team control. As I noted about ten days ago in my offseason outlook for the Nats, the concept of a trade (most likely "When you talk about pitchers, Max Scherzer has never been on involving Zimmermann) has to at least be entertained, the DL," Boras told reporters at the Biltmore. "You have a rare particularly if a young middle infielder was part of the return, guy here. He's a No. 1 pitcher. He's really that good. There aren't and GM sounds willing to consider anything. Adam many of them. Every World Series winner the past 11 years has Kilgore of argues, quite validly, that this is had a WAR of around 3.6. So when you're looking at that, the not the time to be viewing the pitcher as an asset to be optimally question is, does the ownership want to win? It's the difference leveraged, but rather an opportunity to push for the present between a good team and a World Series team." (comfortable with the knowledge that a qualifying offer would still be available). Drew Fairservice of , meanwhile, Translation: Don't expect things to move quickly with Scherzer. proposes that the Nats should move the righty as a means not Boras' intended audience is team ownership -- not the general only of setting up for the future but also possibly addressing manager. Barring a surprise, he will most likely be giving a present needs (namely, second base). similar update on his star client at the winter meetings in San Diego. NL Notes: D’backs, Murphy, Rockies, Cards, Nats

By Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/11/nl-notes-dbacks- murphy-rockies-cards-nats.html

Diamondbacks chief baseball officer Tony La Russa says he has hired Ed Lewis to take charge of the team’s analytical department, Brian Costa of the Wall Street Journal reports on . Lewis is an old friend of La Russa’s who does stock market analytical work, the head D’backs baseball man tells Costa. The question whether and how the Arizona ballclub would incorporate analytics into its operations has been a topic of interest since even before La Russa’s hiring, and it will be interesting to see what this latest front office addition means for the team’s intentions.

Here are a few more stray notes from the National League:

•The Mets do not have any near-term intentions to approach about a contract extension, GM Sandy Alderson tells ESPNNewYork.com’s Adam Rubin. At the same time, the team is “reluctant” to deal him away at present, said Alderson. That could change, of course, if the club adds a November 14, 2014 • sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews new shortstop or otherwise adds offense, per the report. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/morenews

•Rockies GM Jeff Bridich says that deciding whether to deal November 14, 2014 stars Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez is “not just a casual  type of process” for the club, ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick Once a year, like clockwork: Pirates acquire a catcher, reports. Calling them “marquee” players, Bridich said it could be Tony Sanchez tweets about it 11:17 am EST (NBC that other teams will not be willing to give up a haul that meets Sports) that lofty standard given both players’ injury issues. “We may or  BP names Addison Russell Cubs' top prospect over 11:09 am EST (Comcast Chicago) 7

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 Nationals release oft-injured prospect Purke 11:08 am  List of National League MVP award winners 7:26 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) EST (Reuters)  Braves trade fired general manager Frank Wren’s son  Baseball-List of National League MVP award winners 10:30 am EST (NBC Sports) 7:17 pm EST (Reuters)  Frandsen re-signs with Nats, avoiding arbitration 10:04  Baseball-Trout, Kershaw land MVP awards in an LA am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) sweep 7:16 pm EST (Reuters)  Nationals, Kevin Frandsen avoid arbitration for $1  Longtime MLB player, manager Alvin Dark dies at 92 million 9:45 am EST (NBC Sports) 7:15 pm EST (The Associated Press)  Orioles do well with collection of postseason awards  Kershaw wins NL MVP; Posey, Pence receive votes 9:15 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) 7:02 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Yanagita leads Japan to 8-4 win over MLB All-Stars  Clayton Kershaw wins the National League Most 9:05 am EST (The Associated Press) Valuable Player Award 6:56 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Marlins’ offer to Giancarlo Stanton could be worth up  List of American League MVP award winners 6:49 pm to $320 million 8:42 am EST (NBC Sports) EST (Reuters)  IOC to unveil major Olympic changes next week 4:47  Trout unanimously wins AL MVP; Donaldson finishes am EST (Reuters) eighth 6:46 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Ambassador Kennedy welcomes MLB All-Stars to  Baseball-List of American League MVP award winners Japan 2:30 am EST (The Associated Press) 6:46 pm EST (Reuters)  Your Top Plays for Today 1:55 am EST (The Associated  White Sox: Jose Abreu finishes fourth in AL MVP Press) voting 6:44 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  Clayton Kershaw, Mike Trout win MVP awards 1:13  Angels' Trout lands American League MVP Award am EST (The Associated Press) 6:36 pm EST (Reuters)  Nats' all-time stats leaders after 10 seasons 12:50 am  Trout unanimous AL Most Valuable Player, Cruz gets EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) votes 6:30 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Mike Trout wins the American League Most Valuable November 13, 2014 Player Award unanimously 6:23 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Astros want to sign one of the top free agent closers  Orioles made an offer to A.J. Burnett 6:05 pm EST 11:55 pm EST (NBC Sports) (NBC Sports)  Yankee Stadium fixture 'Bill the Baker' dies at 67 11:27  Padres win bidding for rights to Korean pitcher 5:48 pm pm EST (The Associated Press) EST (The Associated Press)  Yankees and Blue Jays have called the Angels about  Rebuilding Phillies take a chance on Araujo’s power Howie Kendrick 11:10 pm EST (NBC Sports) arm 5:40 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)  Daily Dose: Trout Gets His MVP 10:57 pm EST  Report: Marlins, Stanton discussing $300 million deal (Rotoworld) 5:37 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Indians have talked to Justin Masterson about a  Report: Giancarlo Stanton and the Marlins are reunion 10:25 pm EST (NBC Sports) discussing a $300 million deal 5:22 pm EST (NBC  Report: Cole Hamels would welcome trade out of Sports) Philly 10:20 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic)  Phillies sign Elvis Araujo 5:05 pm EST (NBC Sports)  LA MVPs celebrate and dream for World Series 9:39  Bobby Parnell is in The Best Shape of His Life 4:52 pm pm EST (Reuters) EST (NBC Sports)  Nationals nearing a deal with Kevin Frandsen 9:30 pm  Report: A's, Giants both linked to newest Cuban EST (NBC Sports) prospect 4:40 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Angels interested in Yoan Moncada, but likely priced  Phillies sign lefty pitcher Elvis Araujo to big-league out 8:35 pm EST (NBC Sports) contract 4:31 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)  Tomas-to-A's seems far-fetched, but we know better  Francoeur agrees to minor league deal with Phils 4:07 8:31 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) pm EST (The Associated Press)  Cubs: would love to work with Russell  Payroll shouldn't be an issue for White Sox 4:00 pm Martin 8:28 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)  Rendon finishes 5th in NL MVP vote 8:11 pm EST  Former Giants, A's manager Alvin Dark passes away at (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) 92 3:43 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Rangers sign GM and assistant GM Thad  Yasmany Tomas signing appears “imminent” 3:38 pm Levine to contract extensions 7:40 pm EST (NBC EST (NBC Sports) Sports)  Alvin Dark: 1922-2014 2:36 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Fosse remembers Dark as 'one of the best' 7:40 pm  Giants FA Morse makes new best friend 2:21 pm EST EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Kershaw named first NL MVP pitcher since 1968 7:36  The latest on Pablo Sandoval 1:54 pm EST (Comcast pm EST (AFP) SportsNet Bay Area)  Trout, Kershaw land MVP awards in an LA sweep 7:27  Padres pay $2 million to negotiate with Korean pitcher pm EST (Reuters) 1:37 pm EST (Reuters) 8

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 Kuiper: Zito to Giants 'would probably get out of Nationals Frandsen arbitration) control' 1:33 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area)  Scott Boras once again stumps for a neutral site World Thursday, November 13, 2014 Series. Which is dumb 1:30 pm EST (NBC Sports)  Ian Desmond turned down $107 million from the Team Player Transaction Nationals last offseason 1:13 pm EST (NBC Sports)  The Phillies sign Jeff Francoeur, seven others to minor Victor Signed as Free Agent, ( 2015- league deals 1:00 pm EST (NBC Sports) Martinez 2018)(four-year contract)  Best bench options for Nationals in free agency 12:40 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Philadelphia Jeff Signed to a Minor League

Phillies Francoeur Contract  Kuiper on Sandoval: 'It's like he's cheating on us' 12:36 pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Bay Area) Philadelphia Signed to a Minor League  Phillies sign Jeff Francoeur to a non-roster deal 12:31 Xavier Paul Phillies Contract pm EST (Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia)  Joe Torre says managers won’t be allowed to kill time Philadelphia Chase Signed to a Minor League

while deciding whether to challenge a call 12:30 pm Phillies d'Arnaud Contract EST (NBC Sports)  Tony La Russa “will be brokenhearted” if Wednesday, November 12, 2014 Diamondbacks don’t have winning record in 2015 12:16 pm EST (NBC Sports) Team Player Transaction  Nick Markakis is close to re-signing with the Orioles 11:42 am EST (NBC Sports) Cleared Waivers and Became a Atlanta Braves Cory Gearrin  Martinez re-signs, does it help Orioles' Cruz chances? Free Agent 11:39 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Acquired Off Waivers From Donn Roach  Sandy Alderson zings Scott Boras 11:33 am EST (NBC from Padres, San Diego Sports)  Remember this when Salvador Perez is worn down Anthony Traded From from Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers next year 11:19 am EST (NBC Sports) Gose Toronto (for 2B Devon Travis)  The Mets’ tradition of throwing players under the bus before trading them continues apace 11:03 am EST Kansas City Signed to a Minor League Joe Paterson (NBC Sports) Royals Contract  #CSN10: White Sox win the World Series 10:57 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Chicago) Kansas City Signed to a Minor League Ryan Roberts  Ike Davis likely to be non-tendered by the Pirates, Royals Contract working out in the 10:47 am EST (NBC Sports) Los Angeles Roger  HBT Extra: The MVPs will be Trout and Kershaw, Outrighted to Minors Angels Kieschnick right? 10:30 am EST (NBC Sports)  is making a comeback 10:15 am EST (NBC Milwaukee Sports) Josh Prince Released Brewers  Kluber's Cy Young win over Hernandez was so close 10:13 am EST (Comcast SportsNet Mid Atlantic) Traded From from Pirates, New York  AP source: Tigers reach 4-year deal with Martinez 9:58 Justin Wilson Pittsburgh (for C Francisco Yankees am EST (The Associated Press) Cervelli)

Traded From from Yankees, Pittsburgh Francisco NY Yankees (for LHP Justin Pirates Cervelli Wilson) November 14, 2014 • MLB.com http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/transactions

Last updated: Fri, November 14, 2014, 10:23 EST

Friday, November 14, 2014

Team Player Transaction

Washington Matt Purke Released Nationals

Washington Kevin Signed, ( 2015)(avoids 9