The Daily returns following information overload from the Cubs Convention. Pitchers and catchers report to Mesa one month from today.
The mystery is over. RHP Max Scherzer reportedly agreed to terms on a seven year contract with the Washington Nationals for more than $180 million. Scherzer turned down six years and $144 million from the Tigers last year, so it was a given Scott Boras would try to top that offer and then some.
Updated 12:18pm CST – According to multiple reports, Max Scherzer signed for seven years and $210 million with half of the contract deferred. Scherzer’s contract includes a $50 million signing bonus and he will receive $15 million per year for 14 years.
If Mike Rizzo, the Nationals GM, doesn’t deal a pitcher, the Nationals will have the best rotation in baseball with pitching depth in the minors. Rizzo could trade RHP Jordan Zimmermann or even RHP Stephen Strasburg as Jon Paul Morosi reported. With the Nationals adding Scherzer, the rotation could be: RHP Jordan Zimmermann, RHP Max Scherzer, RHP Stephen Strasburg, RHP Doug Fister and LHP Gio Gonzalez.
The addition of Scherzer could open the door for Rizzo to trade Jordan Zimmermann. As reported in November, since the Nationals could not sign Zimmermann to an extension, Rizzo could move him for a package of players that included a second baseman. Rizzo could then use the money it would take to retain Zimmermann and commit it to Scherzer, a player he drafted in Arizona.
Scott Boras alluded to the fact in November Max Scherzer might have to wait to sign until a spot on a team’s rotation was opened.
Jordan Zimmermann is believed to be high on the Cubs’ list, remember the Sun-Times reported in November the two teams were close on a trade that would have sent Zimmermann to the Cubs.
Jon Heyman reported Sunday night the Nationals have been talking to teams about Zimmermann. But the Nationals could keep Jordan Zimmermann and go all-in to try to win The Series this year.
Jon Lester
Jon Lester downplayed Anthony Rizzo’s guarantee of a division title this season. Lester said Rizzo “obviously made a bold statement” while pointing out the Cubs are “all pulling on the same rope.”
Lester explained he doesn’t “think the end-all goal is the division.” It would be “nice to win the division” and “nice to make the playoffs, obviously the end-all goal for everyone in that clubhouse, is the World Series.” Lester clarified he is not predicting a World Series title, just saying that’s the goal.
Jon Lester also addressed the proposed :20 pitch clock that MLB will experiment with at the Double-A and Triple-A levels this season. Lester said putting a time limit would “take the beauty out of the game.” Lester talked about the “cat-and-mouse game” that exists between pitchers and hitters that are used to throw off each other’s timing. And removing that aspect of the game might speed up it up a little bit but not enough to make a difference.
James Shields
The James Shields Market is heating up and he could be an option for the Brewers if Milwaukee sends RHP Yovani Gallardo to Texas as expected. The Brewers would receive prospects from the Rangers for Gallardo which would offset forfeiting their first round draft pick to sign James Shields.
Bob Nightengale reported Sunday that Shields “has been seeking a five-year, $125 million contract.” Teams would prefer to sign Shields for four years and around $80 million. Jim Bowden also understands that is the case. Teams do not want to go a fifth year for Shields.
According to Nick Cafardo, the Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Giants, Marlins, Rangers, Blue Jays and Yankees still have some level of interest in Shields.
Weekend Headlines
What a weekend is was at the 30th Annual Cubs Convention. The excitement around the team is definitely back and the expectations are extremely high. What was a very good weekend for the team began with six arbitration eligible players agreeing to terms on one-year contract to avoid the process.
The only player that did not settle with the Cubs prior to Friday’s deadline to exchange salary arbitration figures was RHP Pedro Strop. The two sides are expected to agree to a contract soon.
The Cubs signed two pitchers to minor league contracts, one is a former Red Sox reliever in Daniel Bard that has strong ties to the front office.
If you missed any of the headlines or reports from the convention, click on the links and get caught up.
Let’s Go
- A Contract Extension on the Horizon for Theo Epstein?
- From the Wire: Cubs Avoid Arbitration with LHP Felix Doubront, Sign to One-Year Contract
- The CCO Talks Cubs Minor Leagues on South Bend Cubs Radio
- Cubs Exploring Options for the Outfield
- The Daily CCO: Anthony Rizzo Guarantees a Division Crown for the Cubs
- From the Wire: Cubs Avoid Arbitration with Chris Coghlan, Sign to a One-Year Contract
- From the Wire: Cubs and Welington Castillo Avoid Arbitration, Agree to Terms on One-Year Deal
- From the Wire: Jake Arrieta Avoids Arbitration, Agrees to Terms with the Cubs on a One-Year Contract
- From the Wire: Cubs and Travis Wood Avoid Arbitration, Agree to Terms on a One-Year Contract
- From the Wire: Cubs Agree to Terms on a One-Year Contract and Avoid Arbitration with Luis Valbuena
- Day One of the 2015 Cubs Convention: Let’s Go! The Excitement and Optimism is Back
- The Daily CCO: Starlin Castro, Javier Baez and Other News, Notes and Rumors from the Cubs Convention
- Cubs Sign RHP Daniel Bard and LHP Francisley Bueno to Minor League Contracts
- Day Two of the 2015 Cubs Convention: Ricketts Family Forum
- Day Two of the 2015 Cubs Convention: Baseball Operations with Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer
- Day Two of the 2015 Cubs Convention: Meet Joe Maddon
- Day Three of the 2015 Cubs Convention: Jason McLeod, Jaron Madison and Four Cubs Prospects from the Farm
News, Notes and Rumors
Starlin Castro was asked Saturday what he thought about facing Jeff Samardzija. Castro responded, “He’s the enemy now.”
Jason McLeod said Sunday that RHP Armando Rivero will be in big league camp on a non-roster invitation.
Javier Baez will continue to play for Santurce in Puerto Rico through the playoffs.
Tom Ricketts poked fun at the White Sox attendance.
Kerry Wood welcomed World Series talk at Woody’s Winter Warm-Up according to the Tribune.
This Day In Cubstory
Jan. 19
2012 – Cubs signed free agent Rodrigo Lopez
2011 – Cubs traded Tom Gorzelanny to the Nationals for Michael Burgess, Graham Hicks and A.J. Morris
2006 – Cubs signed free agents Matt Skrmetta and Les Walrond
2000 – Cubs signed free agent Willie Green
1983 – Cubs acquired Ron Cey from the Dodgers for Dan Cataline and Vance Lovelace
1966 – Anthony Young, born
1965 – Kevin Coffman, born
1948 – Ken Frailing, born
Jan. 18
2012 – Cubs signed free agent Jason Jaramillo
2009 – Cubs traded Felix Pie to the Orioles for Henry Williamson and Garrett Olson
2002 – Kerry Wood avoided arbitration and agreed to a one-year contract.
1972 – Cubs signed free agent Steve Hamilton
1955 – Dave Geisel, born
1946 – Billy Grabarkewitz, born
1940 – Cubs purchased Dick Bass from the Senators
1938 – Grover Cleveland Alexander was elected to the Hall of Fame. Alexander pitched for the Cubs from 1918-1926 and was 128-83 in 242 games, 224 starts, with 158 complete games during his tenure with the Cubs. Alexander posted a 2.84 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 10 saves with 24 shutouts. Alexander won 373 games during his 20 year career with the Phillies, Cubs and Cardinals.
1909 – Cubs traded Tom Downey and Kid Durbin to the Reds for John Kane
1901 – Orphans acquired Jack Doyle from the Giants for John Ganzel, Ned Garvin and Sammy Strang
1896 – Babe Twombly, born