Bye bye Gordon

[FlaChief58]

610 is reporting that Alex Gordon has declined his 2016 option and is a free agent

[Gravedigger]

Can you replace his hitting? That's what is most crucial. Can you get a clutch hitter, or a consistent Zobrist type bat. If Dayton can I say let him walk and spend the money elsewhere. Dyson is a joke as a bat, hence why he's never really cracked the lineup the last two seasons except when guys need rest. If he hit like Cain letting Gordon walk wouldn't be a question.

[tk13]

Originally Posted by ChiliConCarnage

I'd be shocked if the Royals offer was 4/80. Maybe near that scale for 3 years.
4/80 is paying 1/5th or 1/6th of your payroll for a 35 year old to roam the outfield.

I like Gordon too but I doubt the Royals are going to make that kind of offer.

More importantly, if you're going to blow $15-20 million a year on a player, the less risky move is going after one of the younger guys like Hosmer. Not that we'll sign him, but he's much younger and part of that contract would be under a new TV deal.
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[Valiant]

Originally Posted by tk13

I don't know if it's a plant, but at best, it reflects what someone in the front office has told Mellinger privately. They know it's going to be a PR blow.

Dayton and Yost had their end of year press conference today, and Moore was pretty specific in saying his philosophy is to pay for future production, not past performance. I wouldn't be surprised if the Royals would go 4.... that's through his 35 year old season. But I can see them not liking a 5 or 6 year deal. Especially if they hope to try and re-sign some of the younger guys on the team.

And that is how you keep winning. I would only of given him a 3 year at 16 mil tops.. We need that money for Salvy, Cain and Hos.. And add a pitcher...

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Great Expectations

Did you mean 2017 on Starling?

Yes, I did. Whoops.

That would make him 25.

[tomahawk kid]

Originally Posted by ChiTown

In a 4 year contract, he would be 35 in the last year, but you also get AG for the next couple of seasons while he is still in his prime. I would think the Royals would be all over a 4/$80MM Contract. That, IMO, would be good deal for the next 3 years and questionable in the last year of that contract.

This^. I think, if the team is going to keep him, we're going to have to accept overpaying him for the last year or so.

[Valiant]

Originally Posted by Gravedigger

Can you replace his hitting? That's what is most crucial. Can you get a clutch hitter, or a consistent Zobrist type bat. If Dayton can I say let him walk and spend the money elsewhere. Dyson is a joke as a bat, hence why he's never really cracked the lineup the last two seasons except when guys need rest. If he hit like Cain letting Gordon walk wouldn't be a question.

That is why I would concentrate on keeping Zobrist.. He can fill LF, until a young gun comes up that is MLB worthy. Orlando/Dyson can have RF, hopefully Orlando just turns it on and secures the spot himself.

[Bootlegged]

he Detroit Tigers need pitching, lots of it — in the rotation and in the bullpen — and finding it is their main off-season priority.

But they need a leftfielder, too.

Looking at the free-agent leftfielders, the team will have a number of choices.

They could attempt a reunion with Yoenis Cespedes or try for terrific two-way player Alex Gordon. They could shell out serious money for a veteran like Ben Zobrist, whose services are coveted by 29 other teams, or settle on a platoon partner for Tyler Collins.

But if the Tigers wade into the big-money waters — Cespedes, Gordon and Zobrist will command lucrative, multiyear deals — they would all but sacrifice their chance at landing a front-line starting pitcher, one who can slot into their top three, which is general manager Al Avila's hope.

And even though the team is high on Collins, who was solid in 2015 but not spectacular enough to win the job entering 2016, the position will have to be addressed in some fashion, and most likely, a cost-effective one.

That option could be Gerardo Parra, who might be a perfect fit.

Parra, 28, hit .291 with 14 homers and 51 RBIs with the Brewers and Orioles in 2015. He swings left-handed, plays solid defense (won NL Gold Gloves in 2011 and 2013) and has one of the best arms in baseball. In seven seasons, he is a .277 career hitter.

He doesn't fit as a platoon partner with Collins — both are left-handed hitters — but Parra, who made $6.2 million in 2015, could assume the everyday role, leaving Collins as the No. 4 outfielder.

[Mr. Laz]

They are going to let Gordo and Rios walk and go with Dyson and Orlando probably.

That big money walking.

The question is whether they do that same with Zobrist and go back to Infante.

[ChiTown]

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

They are going to let Gordo and Rios walk and go with Dyson and Orlando probably.

That big money walking.

The question is whether they do that same with Zobrist and go back to Infante.

Wait. And you are stating that they won't get another RF and/or LF in FA to replace those guys? If so, you are batshit crazy.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Mr. Laz

They are going to let Gordo and Rios walk and go with Dyson and Orlando probably.

That big money walking.

The question is whether they do that same with Zobrist and go back to Infante.

I don't know if I buy that as a plan for the corner OF spots next year. Would be pretty weak offensively, and they've shied away from giving Dyson an everyday role when it was easier to justify (like last year, when they spent a lot on a flyer on Alex Rios).

Given that Glass is on record as saying they are trying to win again next year, not just "have a good season," I don't think I can buy a Dyson/Orlando starting LF/RF combo.

[Saul Good]

Originally Posted by ChiTown

Wait. And you are stating that they won't get another RF and/or LF in FA to replace those guys? If so, you are batshit crazy.

I'm assuming he means those two will platoon in RF, and we will sign a LF. We can get by with that platoon in RF as long as we keep Zobrist at 2B.

[teedubya]

IMO, Gordon is gone.

Dayton pays for future production, not past performance. This is how we will sustain a dynasty.

[teedubya]

Gordon's strong work ethic has a huge influence on the team... That would suck to have that leave... #DoubleEdgeSword

[ChiTown]

Originally Posted by Saul Good

I'm assuming he means those two will platoon in RF, and we will sign a LF. We can get by with that platoon in RF as long as we keep Zobrist at 2B.

Still hate that, but I suppose I could see a RF Platoon. But you are still going to need to get an everyday LF'r in Laz's scenario.

BTW, if they bring back Zobrist, he goes to RF and Omar plays 2B. They aren't going to pay him $8MM/ to play 1 or maybe 2x's per week.

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by Saul Good

I'm assuming he means those two will platoon in RF, and we will sign a LF. We can get by with that platoon in RF as long as we keep Zobrist at 2B.

I can buy a platoon situation with those two, especially since that leaves open spots in 2017 and beyond for an internal option, should one develop to the point he is ready.

But I read it as those two as everyday starters, and I just can't buy that.

They need a proven bat to sprinkle in there, whether its Gordon, Zobrist, or someone else.