- Travis Blackley has reportedly been released from his minor league contract with the Oakland A's to play in the Korean League
- The Sydney Morning Herald has a good feature on Chris Oxspring, who talks about his major league debut back in 2005, in which he gave up a grand slam, recovering from his injury, and what it will be like to return to the US as an older player. It is nice to see a decent sized, informed and well written piece by the mainstream media!
- Still no word on where Grant Balfour will end up in 2011. Many other right handed relievers are getting three year deals on good money (Jesse Crain: White Sox, $12 million, Scott Downs: Angels, $15 million, Matt Guerrier: Dodgers, $12 million). There is some talk around that the Rockies could be interested in him. Jeff Passan from Yahoo Sports has penned quite a scathing article criticising GMs for offering up such generous deals to relief pitchers. It's worth a read. As for Balfour, it's hard to know what is likely to happen. It definitely seems to be a seller's market at the moment, and there is a bit of cash flying around, so at this point it seems Balfour's decision to decline arbitration with the Rays could pay dividends.
Dec 18, 2010
Weekend news
There's been a few pieces of Aussie baseball news about the place this weekend. There's been a few interesting performances in the ABL - with Canberra getting up over the Heat, and Sydney and Adelaide playing out a close series so far. Elswhere:
Dec 14, 2010
Chris Oxspring talks about success with the Blue Sox, his coaching role, and his contract with the Detroit Tigers
Last week, Sydney Blue Sox starting pitcher Chris Oxspring secured a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers, with a chance to make the big league squad at Spring Training. This follows some superb form in the Australian Baseball League, with Oxspring leading the league in most measures, including ERA (0.67) and strikeouts (44). With the Blue Sox still licking their wounds after Sunday's mauling by the Aces, Oxspring was kind enough to talk with OzMLBPlayers.com about his journey back to the States, the success of the Blue Sox, and the Blue Sox plans to bounce back from the weekend's series.
Signing with the Tigers comes as a bit of a second wind for Oxspring. He played a handful of games for the Padres in 2005, before his contract was sold to a Japanese team, the Hanshin Tigers. Since then, he spent a little more time in the States with a Brewers affiliate, and a couple of years in Korea. Oxspring said that he was 'extremely happy playing in Korea', but noted that for him - like most baseballers - the dream is really to play in America. 'Growing up you always want to play at the top level, and that's it,' he said.
The Detroit Tigers interest and acquisition of Oxspring is a bit of a coup for the ABL. It demonstrates that Australian baseball can [still] provide a legitimate pathway to the majors. Oxspring said that the work he has been doing, and his performances on the field 'definitely' matter to US teams. He said his contract offer can be attributed a lot to the numbers he has put up in the ABL and that having some of his fellow Blue Sox hold links to the Tigers organisation has also helped. Andy Graham, who regularly forms the other half of the battery with Oxspring, has served the Tigers in the minor leagues for a number of years, and recently signed up to coach their short season A-ball affiliate. Also, Blue Sox manager Glenn Williams has been helping the Tigers scout the ABL on the east coast.
When asked about the reasons for the Sox success this season, Oxspring naturally talks pitching. 'We've been throwing the ball really well and good pitching always beats good hitting,' he said. 'We've had to pitch well, because we are not a side that is gonna score a boatload of runs, usually its only three or four a game. But so far all our pitchers have generally been going great'.
While they started the season very strong, the Blue Sox have just been knocked down a few pegs at the hands of a Melbourne side who has - so far - been starved of runs. The Aces piled on 30 runs in two shortened games on Sunday. Young Sydney pitchers Aaron Sookee and Todd Van Steensel bore the brunt of Melbourne's relentless attack. Sookee gave up 7 runs off 7 hits in 0.2 innings of work on Sunday, which followed up Friday night, when he gave up 4 runs off 4 hits in 0.2 innings. Van Steensel also gave up 3 runs in his one inning of work. 'We were inconsistent with our pitching,' said Oxspring when asked of the reasons for the heavy loss. 'We did make some quality pitches, but we made too many mistakes and [Melbourne] were good enough to get to us'.
As one of the veteran pitchers in the Blue Sox lineup, Oxspring has also taken on the role of pitching coach. It seems to be something that he has enjoyed. 'I am learning a lot about myself, both handling it all on the field, and off the field, and trying to get the balance right' he said. He now has the tough gig of helping the young arms pick themselves up off the canvas and get dusted off for the upcoming series. He says that while you can always find little things that went wrong in games like these, for the youngsters it is more important that they just focus on trying to learn from the experience. 'You've just got to try and learn something. You get given your medicine, you have to take it, and you have to become better for it. Some days you are gonna get beaten. They [Sookee, Van Steensel and co] just have to keep their chin up and keep working'.
The Blue Sox are heading out to Adelaide to take on the Bite this weekend. They will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's debacle. They meet a side who started the ABLOxspring of the Blue Sox plans for the series. 'We will go in like every week, do some preparation, and talk about what to expect'.
One of the danger-men awaiting Oxspring and his fellow Sydney pitchers is Quincy Latimore. Oxspring is aware of the threat he poses. 'If you look at the year he's had, right back to the Florida State League, he has had an outstanding season, and he has continued it over here', Oxspring observed. In terms of how the Sox will approach the Bite, Oxspring said that they want to make sure they don't make mistakes to guys like Latimore, and try to get after some of the hitters who aren't doing so well.
Regarding his plans for the rest of the season, Oxspring said he plans to keep on pitching through the rest of the schedule, but he is also keen to ensure he is right for Spring Training. 'If I get tired, I might tone it down a bit', he said. Entirely understandable!
The trip to the majors is always a long one for Aussie baseballers, and Oxspring's journey has involved a taste of the Show back in 2005, followed by some detours through Asia, and AAA-ball, before an injury setback. Heading back at 33, he will be one of the older guys trying to make a roster spot. His tenacity and perseverance are admirable, as is his realistic outlook and approach. 'It will be very tough battle [to earn a spot on the Tigers' major league roster', he said. 'It will take a lot of luck, and some good performances on the field'. While he would love to make the roster as a starting pitcher, Oxspring said that 'more than anything I think they'd look at me as a long reliever or a spot starter'. he says that either way, he would be happy to get the chance.
'You can't bank on anything in baseball', Oxspring opines. 'There are always injuries and challenges and guys who don't perform as well as expected, so there are lots of chances to make it. I just need to take them'.
Chris Oxspring is heading back to the US for the start of Spring Training in mid-February. Stay tuned to OZMLBPLAYERS.COM for all the latest ABL and Aussie baseball news. We wish Chris all the best for his trip, and will be following his progress closely.
Following his time in the Korean league, Oxspring suffered a severe arm injury, requiring Tommy John surgery. This is a significant injury for any pitcher to overcome, and it is always a risk that they will not return to pre-injury performance levels. However, Oxspring's form in the ABL so far suggests that his arm is doing alright. Oxpsring admitted that he was not sure how he was going to go after the surgery, and that his form 'has been a bit of a surprise'. He said 'you never know how it will go after Tommy John surgery, and you don't really know how successful it [the operation] has been until you start throwing'.
Oxspring certainly has started throwing, and has seen some great success, putting up a number of dominant performances for the Blue Sox so far. 'It feels as good as, if not better, than it did before the injury' he said
The Detroit Tigers interest and acquisition of Oxspring is a bit of a coup for the ABL. It demonstrates that Australian baseball can [still] provide a legitimate pathway to the majors. Oxspring said that the work he has been doing, and his performances on the field 'definitely' matter to US teams. He said his contract offer can be attributed a lot to the numbers he has put up in the ABL and that having some of his fellow Blue Sox hold links to the Tigers organisation has also helped. Andy Graham, who regularly forms the other half of the battery with Oxspring, has served the Tigers in the minor leagues for a number of years, and recently signed up to coach their short season A-ball affiliate. Also, Blue Sox manager Glenn Williams has been helping the Tigers scout the ABL on the east coast.
When asked about the reasons for the Sox success this season, Oxspring naturally talks pitching. 'We've been throwing the ball really well and good pitching always beats good hitting,' he said. 'We've had to pitch well, because we are not a side that is gonna score a boatload of runs, usually its only three or four a game. But so far all our pitchers have generally been going great'.
While they started the season very strong, the Blue Sox have just been knocked down a few pegs at the hands of a Melbourne side who has - so far - been starved of runs. The Aces piled on 30 runs in two shortened games on Sunday. Young Sydney pitchers Aaron Sookee and Todd Van Steensel bore the brunt of Melbourne's relentless attack. Sookee gave up 7 runs off 7 hits in 0.2 innings of work on Sunday, which followed up Friday night, when he gave up 4 runs off 4 hits in 0.2 innings. Van Steensel also gave up 3 runs in his one inning of work. 'We were inconsistent with our pitching,' said Oxspring when asked of the reasons for the heavy loss. 'We did make some quality pitches, but we made too many mistakes and [Melbourne] were good enough to get to us'.
As one of the veteran pitchers in the Blue Sox lineup, Oxspring has also taken on the role of pitching coach. It seems to be something that he has enjoyed. 'I am learning a lot about myself, both handling it all on the field, and off the field, and trying to get the balance right' he said. He now has the tough gig of helping the young arms pick themselves up off the canvas and get dusted off for the upcoming series. He says that while you can always find little things that went wrong in games like these, for the youngsters it is more important that they just focus on trying to learn from the experience. 'You've just got to try and learn something. You get given your medicine, you have to take it, and you have to become better for it. Some days you are gonna get beaten. They [Sookee, Van Steensel and co] just have to keep their chin up and keep working'.
The Blue Sox are heading out to Adelaide to take on the Bite this weekend. They will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's debacle. They meet a side who started the ABLOxspring of the Blue Sox plans for the series. 'We will go in like every week, do some preparation, and talk about what to expect'.
One of the danger-men awaiting Oxspring and his fellow Sydney pitchers is Quincy Latimore. Oxspring is aware of the threat he poses. 'If you look at the year he's had, right back to the Florida State League, he has had an outstanding season, and he has continued it over here', Oxspring observed. In terms of how the Sox will approach the Bite, Oxspring said that they want to make sure they don't make mistakes to guys like Latimore, and try to get after some of the hitters who aren't doing so well.
Regarding his plans for the rest of the season, Oxspring said he plans to keep on pitching through the rest of the schedule, but he is also keen to ensure he is right for Spring Training. 'If I get tired, I might tone it down a bit', he said. Entirely understandable!
The trip to the majors is always a long one for Aussie baseballers, and Oxspring's journey has involved a taste of the Show back in 2005, followed by some detours through Asia, and AAA-ball, before an injury setback. Heading back at 33, he will be one of the older guys trying to make a roster spot. His tenacity and perseverance are admirable, as is his realistic outlook and approach. 'It will be very tough battle [to earn a spot on the Tigers' major league roster', he said. 'It will take a lot of luck, and some good performances on the field'. While he would love to make the roster as a starting pitcher, Oxspring said that 'more than anything I think they'd look at me as a long reliever or a spot starter'. he says that either way, he would be happy to get the chance.
'You can't bank on anything in baseball', Oxspring opines. 'There are always injuries and challenges and guys who don't perform as well as expected, so there are lots of chances to make it. I just need to take them'.
Chris Oxspring is heading back to the US for the start of Spring Training in mid-February. Stay tuned to OZMLBPLAYERS.COM for all the latest ABL and Aussie baseball news. We wish Chris all the best for his trip, and will be following his progress closely.
A few articles, Rowland-Smith, Oxspring, Balfour
Some Tuesday morning reading for you:
- Roy Shelton at Net Dugout brings some analysis to the Astros decision to sign Ryan Rowland-Smith, in an interesting piece he sees quite a lot of value in the acquisition by the Astros
- The Queensland Times has a chat with Chris Oxspring about his deal with the Tigers. Good to see a regional newspaper showing the big players how to do it and going beyond the standard newswire fare being peddled elsewhere. [Check back later today for details of my discussion with Oxspring yesterday]
- Still no word on a Grant Balfour deal, but MLB Trade Rumours has some more contextual information.
Dec 11, 2010
Sunday Reading: Rowland-Smith, Oxspring deals; Trent Oeltjen, Liam Hendriks, Grant Balfour news
There was plenty of news coming out of the US this week regarding Aussie baseballers. Both Ryan Rowland-Smith and Chris Oxspring secured contracts, Trent Oeltjen signed again with the Dodgers, and Grant Balfour remains without a club. Here is a round-up of some of the reports:
- After parting ways with the Seattle Mariners, Ryan-Rowland Smith has signed a one-year, $725,000 deal with the Houston Astros. This generated a little media interest in Australia, including this article from Fox Sports. They must have trawled deep in the archives for that photo.
- It looks like Rowland-Smith will be vying for the 5th position in the Astros' rotation. Houston has a strong first three: Roy Oswalt, Wandy Rodriguez and recently-signed Brett Myers. There are a few young guys battling it out for the 4th and 5th spot. For more info, check out Astros County.
- Some Astros fans are feeling cyncial about the acquisition, checkout Crawfish Boxes to see their views.
- Chris Oxspring has signed with the Detroit Tigers, with a minor league contract but with an invite to Spring Training. This story was picked up by SBS, as well as NineMSN. Oxspring was quoted as saying "I go over with a Major League invite so I will be at spring training with the Major League team and if I throw the ball well enough then I will stay longer and they will take a longer look...If I don't then I will start in Triple A (minor leagues) and give it all I've got".
- Like Oxspring, Trent Oeltjen has signed a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training with the Dodgers.
- In some other news this week, Perth Heat pitcher, Liam Hendriks has been getting some attention as one of the Minnesota Twins top pitching prospects. Baseball America has rated Hendriks as having the 'Best Control' in the Twins' minor league system, and has predicted that he will crack the Twins' big league squad in 2014 as their third starting pitcher [I don't quite know how they can be so precise about their predictions, but there you go]. Twins Blog Twinkie Town has named Hendriks as the Twins' number two prospect.
- Grant Balfour has not yet signed a contract, following his decision to decline arbitration at the Rays. So far it seems the Orioles are the best chance of picking him up, or he could well end up staying in Tampa. While you wait to hear more, check out this interview courtesy of ESPN back in early 2010:
Dec 9, 2010
Q&A with Ryan Rowland-Smith
2010 was a tough season for Aussie pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith. The big left-hander came off a very strong 2009 season in which he demonstrated genuine potential to be a consistent performer and solid number 4 or 5 starter at the Major League level. He began the 2010 season as a part of the Mariners' starting rotation, but just couldn't get to the same levels as he did in 2009 and finished with a 1-10 record. He has now parted ways with the Mariners and is looking for a fresh start in 2011. He is associated with the Sydney Blue Sox in the Australian Baseball League and is back in Australia for a few weeks. Ryan recently discovered OzMLBplayers.com, and has kindly taken some time to answer a few questions about what he learned last year, and his hopes for the next season.
You have recently parted ways with the Mariners, who have played a massive role in your MLB career over the past ten years. What do you remember as being the highlights of time with the Mariners, and what are you going to miss about the club and the city?
Seattle will always be very close to me - the city and the people. There are so many good people in that organization from top to bottom that I formed great relationships with. The things I'll remember most are things like my debut at Safeco Field, and getting a standing ovation after my last start in '09.
Also the fans are amazing, even through my struggles last year they were so positive and stuck by me. I am going to miss the M fans a lot.
Which player did you learn most from, or most look up to during your time at the Mariners and why?
The one guy that stands out as being a mentor and probably the best team mate I'll ever have would have to be [ex-Mariners first baseman] Mike Sweeney. He is such an amazing human being inside the dugout and in the clubhouse. The guy makes every situation better, he would be the first guy I would go to when times got tough. When I am a veteran guy I really hope I can take on his leadership qualities.
Have you been following the ABL much? Who do you rate as young up and coming Aussie pitchers?
I have been trying to, now that I can follow your website it will be easier [nice plug Ryan - thanks!]. I have looked up the rosters and done some research on the young guys who I look forward to meet. There are a lot of new names which seem to grab some hype so I want to see what they're all about.
2010 was obviously a bit of a contrast to 2009, you seemed to get stronger and stronger as 2009 went on, and fought back well from a couple of set backs. What is your plan to try and reach the same success you did in 2009? If 2011 shapes up the same way 2010 did, would you do anything different, and if so, what?
Sure was a contrast! It's amazing how an experience like the 2010 season can really make you work on changing physiologically. In 2009 I really had trust in myself as far as trusting in my mechanics and trusting that my fastball, change up, whatever the pitch I was throwing would beat the hitter, I had a mind set of going after guys, attacking the strike zone and backing my plan.
In 2010 I lost confidence, I tried to be perfect on every pitch, I listened to way too many opinions and lost what got me to the big leagues and gave me success, [that is] competing and having a screw you attitude.
As for 2011 being the same as 2010, I already know that it won't [happen]. Whoever gets me in 2011 gets the real me and not the imposter that went out every 5th day last year. That is number one on my goal list: to prove a point, and that's what I plan on doing.
You have chosen to do a lot of training with some MMA gyms, is there any chance of you stepping into the octagon? Are you a fan of the UFC or other MMA? Who do you follow? What attracted you to MMA?
HAHA, no Octagon for me. Maybe in a few years. [I will] try baseball out first.
I have tried all different types of training, baseball movement's hitting or pitching is an explosive movement, MMA provides that. I got introduced to the group I am training with last year when I met Randy Couture. Randy told me about a program him and his partner Jay Glazer put together for athletes called MMATHLETICS. So this off season after struggling, I wanted to put myself around some of the most mentally tough people I could, and that was it. Jay Glazer has been putting me through tough workouts four times a week.
As well as being some of the toughest workouts physically I have ever done, which leave you laying on a ground in sweat with your guts spinning, it is a huge physiological boost - which I was in desperate need of. Those guys can't be scared or unsure of themselves in their sport.
I have never felt so in control of my mind when it comes to competing, which through my experience will be huge for me in 2011.
As far as watching the UFC, I am a lot more into after [now] being around MMA. I posted a pic on twitter a few nights ago of Cooper Gibson, who also trains me. [He's] a 20 year old who works his ass off and hopefully we will see him on a UFC card soon.
What are your plans for the rest of 2010? When are you heading back to the States?
I am spending Christmas with my family, my girlfriend Amanda and her parents probably up on the Gold Coast. I will be working out, throwing, and hopfully checking out a few Blue Sox games. [I will] return to LA to continue workouts there on the 10th of January .
Thanks to Ryan for being generous with his time and for offering some insights into his plans for 2011. I look forward to seeing how things pan out over the next few months. It would be great to see him in a Blue Sox uniform throwing down some nasty stuff at the Perth lineup in a few weeks time - I suppose we will have to wait and see what happens.
You have recently parted ways with the Mariners, who have played a massive role in your MLB career over the past ten years. What do you remember as being the highlights of time with the Mariners, and what are you going to miss about the club and the city?
Seattle will always be very close to me - the city and the people. There are so many good people in that organization from top to bottom that I formed great relationships with. The things I'll remember most are things like my debut at Safeco Field, and getting a standing ovation after my last start in '09.
Also the fans are amazing, even through my struggles last year they were so positive and stuck by me. I am going to miss the M fans a lot.
Which player did you learn most from, or most look up to during your time at the Mariners and why?
The one guy that stands out as being a mentor and probably the best team mate I'll ever have would have to be [ex-Mariners first baseman] Mike Sweeney. He is such an amazing human being inside the dugout and in the clubhouse. The guy makes every situation better, he would be the first guy I would go to when times got tough. When I am a veteran guy I really hope I can take on his leadership qualities.
Have you been following the ABL much? Who do you rate as young up and coming Aussie pitchers?
I have been trying to, now that I can follow your website it will be easier [nice plug Ryan - thanks!]. I have looked up the rosters and done some research on the young guys who I look forward to meet. There are a lot of new names which seem to grab some hype so I want to see what they're all about.
2010 was obviously a bit of a contrast to 2009, you seemed to get stronger and stronger as 2009 went on, and fought back well from a couple of set backs. What is your plan to try and reach the same success you did in 2009? If 2011 shapes up the same way 2010 did, would you do anything different, and if so, what?
Sure was a contrast! It's amazing how an experience like the 2010 season can really make you work on changing physiologically. In 2009 I really had trust in myself as far as trusting in my mechanics and trusting that my fastball, change up, whatever the pitch I was throwing would beat the hitter, I had a mind set of going after guys, attacking the strike zone and backing my plan.
In 2010 I lost confidence, I tried to be perfect on every pitch, I listened to way too many opinions and lost what got me to the big leagues and gave me success, [that is] competing and having a screw you attitude.
As for 2011 being the same as 2010, I already know that it won't [happen]. Whoever gets me in 2011 gets the real me and not the imposter that went out every 5th day last year. That is number one on my goal list: to prove a point, and that's what I plan on doing.
You have chosen to do a lot of training with some MMA gyms, is there any chance of you stepping into the octagon? Are you a fan of the UFC or other MMA? Who do you follow? What attracted you to MMA?
HAHA, no Octagon for me. Maybe in a few years. [I will] try baseball out first.
I have tried all different types of training, baseball movement's hitting or pitching is an explosive movement, MMA provides that. I got introduced to the group I am training with last year when I met Randy Couture. Randy told me about a program him and his partner Jay Glazer put together for athletes called MMATHLETICS. So this off season after struggling, I wanted to put myself around some of the most mentally tough people I could, and that was it. Jay Glazer has been putting me through tough workouts four times a week.
As well as being some of the toughest workouts physically I have ever done, which leave you laying on a ground in sweat with your guts spinning, it is a huge physiological boost - which I was in desperate need of. Those guys can't be scared or unsure of themselves in their sport.
I have never felt so in control of my mind when it comes to competing, which through my experience will be huge for me in 2011.
As far as watching the UFC, I am a lot more into after [now] being around MMA. I posted a pic on twitter a few nights ago of Cooper Gibson, who also trains me. [He's] a 20 year old who works his ass off and hopefully we will see him on a UFC card soon.
What are your plans for the rest of 2010? When are you heading back to the States?
I am spending Christmas with my family, my girlfriend Amanda and her parents probably up on the Gold Coast. I will be working out, throwing, and hopfully checking out a few Blue Sox games. [I will] return to LA to continue workouts there on the 10th of January .
Thanks to Ryan for being generous with his time and for offering some insights into his plans for 2011. I look forward to seeing how things pan out over the next few months. It would be great to see him in a Blue Sox uniform throwing down some nasty stuff at the Perth lineup in a few weeks time - I suppose we will have to wait and see what happens.
Chris Oxspring signs with the Tigers
Sydney Blue Sox starting pitcher, 33-year old Chris Oxspring has signed a minor-league deal with the Detroit Tigers. Oxspring, who was born in Ipswich, has previously played a handful of games with the Padres back in 2005. He has also spent a lot of time pitching in the Korean and Japanese leagues at the LG Twins and the Hanshin Tigers. He is currently the pitching coach and number one starter for the Sydney Blue Sox in the new Australian Baseball League, and has had a dominant start to the season.
His stat line in the season so far is nothing short of impressive. He has 5 starts, with a record of 3-0, his ERA is only 0.79 over 34 innings, and he has struck out 36. Admittedly, he is a very experienced guy pitching against a lot of younger, less experienced players, but having watched him live, it is clear his command and control has been very sharp.
Commenting on the acquisition, the Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski [somewhat amusingly] said:
“We grew our operation [in the South Pacific] over the last few years...We added (international operations director) Tom Moore and added the right people. We are definitely signing more players from the Far East".
I don't know that we are quite in the Far East! Leaving that aside, it is a great achievement by Oxspring and perhaps an endorsement that the ABL is a valid US-winter league that can generate interest and attention in Major League Baseball.
We will be sure to follow Chris's journey to the States and his performance at Spring Training and keep you informed here!
His stat line in the season so far is nothing short of impressive. He has 5 starts, with a record of 3-0, his ERA is only 0.79 over 34 innings, and he has struck out 36. Admittedly, he is a very experienced guy pitching against a lot of younger, less experienced players, but having watched him live, it is clear his command and control has been very sharp.
Commenting on the acquisition, the Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski [somewhat amusingly] said:
“We grew our operation [in the South Pacific] over the last few years...We added (international operations director) Tom Moore and added the right people. We are definitely signing more players from the Far East".
I don't know that we are quite in the Far East! Leaving that aside, it is a great achievement by Oxspring and perhaps an endorsement that the ABL is a valid US-winter league that can generate interest and attention in Major League Baseball.
We will be sure to follow Chris's journey to the States and his performance at Spring Training and keep you informed here!
Dec 6, 2010
More interesting news - RRS and Mariners part ways
Hot on the heels of Grant Balfour's decision to decline arbitration with the Rays comes news that Ryan Rowland-Smith and the Seattle Mariners have parted ways.
Like Balfour, Rowland-Smith was eligible for arbitration this year. However the deadline for tendering contracts to arbitration-eligible players passed late last week. Geoff Baker from The Seattle Times reports that the Mariners made him a contract offer, but did not guarantee it - meaning that RRS would have to make the team out of Spring Training. Rowland-Smith turned down the offer, as it did not meet his terms. This means that he is now a free agent. It is not clear exactly what terms it was that were not satisfactory, but it could be related to money or to this 'non-guaranteed' element.
According to Baker, the way the system usually works is that performance does not really factor into offers like the one made to Rowland-Smith, so even though he did not perform well last year, someone in his situation would ordinarily expect a pay increase. It seems the Mariners may not have offered an increase that met his expectations.
Baker reports that Rowland-Smith said 'I felt that despite the rough year I had, being 27 and being healthy, and taking steps to prevent what happened from happening again, I felt like the contract they were offering me didn't match my expectations'. Rowland-Smith also told Baker that he has no hard feelings about leaving Seattle, but is excited about his future prospects.
There appears to be no word yet about potential clubs for Rowland-Smith to join. He is currently doing a lot of training in the LA area, so perhaps a move to a Californian team could be on the cards?
Like Balfour, Rowland-Smith was eligible for arbitration this year. However the deadline for tendering contracts to arbitration-eligible players passed late last week. Geoff Baker from The Seattle Times reports that the Mariners made him a contract offer, but did not guarantee it - meaning that RRS would have to make the team out of Spring Training. Rowland-Smith turned down the offer, as it did not meet his terms. This means that he is now a free agent. It is not clear exactly what terms it was that were not satisfactory, but it could be related to money or to this 'non-guaranteed' element.
According to Baker, the way the system usually works is that performance does not really factor into offers like the one made to Rowland-Smith, so even though he did not perform well last year, someone in his situation would ordinarily expect a pay increase. It seems the Mariners may not have offered an increase that met his expectations.
Baker reports that Rowland-Smith said 'I felt that despite the rough year I had, being 27 and being healthy, and taking steps to prevent what happened from happening again, I felt like the contract they were offering me didn't match my expectations'. Rowland-Smith also told Baker that he has no hard feelings about leaving Seattle, but is excited about his future prospects.
There appears to be no word yet about potential clubs for Rowland-Smith to join. He is currently doing a lot of training in the LA area, so perhaps a move to a Californian team could be on the cards?
Dec 5, 2010
Interview with Blue Sox outfielders Mitch Dening and David Kandilas
Before the rain fell down on Blacktown Olympic Park on Saturday, drowning any hope of the Aces and Blue Sox taking the field, I had a chance to sit down with Blue Sox up-and-comers Mitch Dening and David Kandilas to talk about their progress this year, life on the road, playing every day in the States, and their hopes for 2011. Both Kandilas and Dening have had solid starts to the ABL season - both in offense and defense, and both will be looking to have a productive and positive season in 2011.
As at Saturday, David Kandilas was leading the way for Sydney with a .333 average and four RBIs. He was second in the league in on base percentage, with .463 - having picked up six walks in addition to his hits, with only one strikeout. He has also swiped three bases. Kandilas was signed by the Rockies as a teenager and, now 20, he has played two seasons of Rookie Ball.
Mitch Dening has a couple of years on Kandilas, and has four years of minor league experience in the Red Sox organisation. So far this season he has gone 13 for 46 (.250) with two doubles, one home run and six RBIs.
Since Dening and Kandilas have had a couple of years overseas, I asked them what it was like to be back playing baseball in Australia. They are both enjoying the league here, and they commented that playing in the ABL is a lot more relaxed than overseas - there is less pressure, less travel and a more relaxed, positive feeling about the league. However, even though they have a respite from some of the day to day rigours of the US summer, neither Dening nor Kandilas is treating their time at home as a holiday. Dening is working hard towards improving his strength and power for next season, and Kandilas is working on strength and fitness.
For his part, Kandilas is taking it one step at a time. He is hoping to get some greater exposure next year, and to step up to the Class A full season league.
When asked about the quality of the competition in the ABL, Dening remarked that it is close to the standard experienced in the US. Both Dening and Kandilas noted that some of the pitching they have faced has been strong. 'There are quite a few pitchers who throw hard,' Dening said. 'Adam Blackley throws hard, Ryan Searle throws hard, the Brisbane bullpen is pretty good, and some of the Japanese pitchers we've faced have been tough too'.
Thanks to Mitch and David for taking time out to chat with me, and thanks also to the Blue Sox for arranging it all. I also had a quick chat to Blue Sox GM Eddie Bray, who was working hard to get things ready pre-game, however was kind enough to introduce himself. It sounds like things are going well with the Blue Sox, and Eddie has been gathering some ideas for making improvements in 2011.
All up, both guys presented as very focused and driven and it will be exciting to see what they can produce in 2011. It is clear that Dening knows what he wants - to play big league baseball - and he is prepared to put his head down and work hard to get there. Kandilas was quiet and pretty unassuming young guy, who obviously enjoys his baseball and is happy to take it as it comes at the moment. These two guys represent some of Australia's top prospects, and we will be sure to keep an eye on them through the 2011 season.
Postscript - I asked Dening about about the Bowman baseball card which is printed with his name and stats, but with Chris Snelling's picture:
As at Saturday, David Kandilas was leading the way for Sydney with a .333 average and four RBIs. He was second in the league in on base percentage, with .463 - having picked up six walks in addition to his hits, with only one strikeout. He has also swiped three bases. Kandilas was signed by the Rockies as a teenager and, now 20, he has played two seasons of Rookie Ball.
Mitch Dening has a couple of years on Kandilas, and has four years of minor league experience in the Red Sox organisation. So far this season he has gone 13 for 46 (.250) with two doubles, one home run and six RBIs.
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| The Blue Sox warm up before the Aces doubleheader |
One of the big differences between the ABL and US minor league baseball is that US leagues play every day. Kandilas played about 30 regular season games last year, and Dening played about 120. Plus each played around 20 games in Spring Training. Both players agree that it is fantastic to play every day, but they also know it is a tough slog. Dening talked about the fact that so much time is spent traveling and training, and it is difficult to eat well and stay fresh. Kandilas also lamented at the 'ten hour bus drives' and talked about how he had improvised a small mattress to catch some sleep on the long bus trips.
The hard work is worthwhile though, as there are plenty more opportunities to get noticed. Although they are playing in the lower levels of professional baseball, both Dening and Kandilas found there were big fan bases and crowds at their US games. 'Being in the Red Sox organisation, you get big crowds. There are Red Sox fans everywhere', said Dening, whose team the Salem Red Sox regularly had crowds of around 5,000 last year. Kandilas said that the Rockies were not quite as popular, but there were definitely big fan bases.
Dening did some work with the Boston Red Sox Major League squad during spring training last year, and his progression through four levels of minor league baseball in four seasons confirms that his performance and growth is being recognised. He said it is really beneficial having Australian connections in the Red Sox organisations. 'It's great having guys like Jon Deeble [Australian coach] and Craig Shipley [Australian former Major Leaguer] involved with the Red Sox. They help out us Aussies and can mention our names in meetings and help us get noticed'.
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| Mitch Dening on Blacktown Olympic Park |
Both Kandilas and Dening are looking to demonstrate their commitment and work ethic in their time in Australia, and expect their US-based teams to notice. Dening said he is looking to improve his strength. 'I need to start to drive the ball harder and hit some more home runs rather than hitting for average', he said. 'Obviously the higher you climb in the leagues, the harder it gets', said Dening, and for this reason it is more important to hit with power. Dening was modest when asked about his chances for promotion again this year, saying that he doesn't 'expect' it, but that he hopes that the Red Sox will see the hard work he has put in during the off-season and look to reward him. He said that there can be a lot of pressure as 'once you have shown you can perform at one level, they expect it then, you have to keep improving', he said.
For his part, Kandilas is taking it one step at a time. He is hoping to get some greater exposure next year, and to step up to the Class A full season league.
When asked about the quality of the competition in the ABL, Dening remarked that it is close to the standard experienced in the US. Both Dening and Kandilas noted that some of the pitching they have faced has been strong. 'There are quite a few pitchers who throw hard,' Dening said. 'Adam Blackley throws hard, Ryan Searle throws hard, the Brisbane bullpen is pretty good, and some of the Japanese pitchers we've faced have been tough too'.
Thanks to Mitch and David for taking time out to chat with me, and thanks also to the Blue Sox for arranging it all. I also had a quick chat to Blue Sox GM Eddie Bray, who was working hard to get things ready pre-game, however was kind enough to introduce himself. It sounds like things are going well with the Blue Sox, and Eddie has been gathering some ideas for making improvements in 2011.
All up, both guys presented as very focused and driven and it will be exciting to see what they can produce in 2011. It is clear that Dening knows what he wants - to play big league baseball - and he is prepared to put his head down and work hard to get there. Kandilas was quiet and pretty unassuming young guy, who obviously enjoys his baseball and is happy to take it as it comes at the moment. These two guys represent some of Australia's top prospects, and we will be sure to keep an eye on them through the 2011 season.
Postscript - I asked Dening about about the Bowman baseball card which is printed with his name and stats, but with Chris Snelling's picture:
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| Bowman 2009 error card |
It is standard fare for Topps to print error cards - either through 'strategy' or ineptitude. Either way, Dening was not all that impressed by this effort. He said that he has seen the card and have had a few people ask him to sign it. He was pleased that Bowman have brought out another card which has got his photo on it, as he was pretty annoyed when he first learned of the card. In saying that, he was also quick to mention that Snelling was 'a great guy' and he had a great time hanging out with his fellow Central Coaster at the World Baseball Classic.
Dec 1, 2010
Some interesting Grant Balfour news
Interesting news coming out of the US today suggests that Grant Balfour - who has pitched the last few seasons at Tampa Bay - has declined arbitration of his contract. In short, he is looking to get a better deal.
The whole Major League Baseball players collective bargaining agreement is a complicated affair (you can learn more here at Cot's Baseball Contracts). Basically - if you have earned enough service in the big leagues, you are entitled to have your contract 'arbitrated' if you are not able to negotiate a new deal at the end of your term. At aribitration, each side puts forward figures for the contract value. They negotiate the contract in front of a 3-man panel who then awards the player a one-year, non-guaranteed contract at one salary or the other.
Balfour's contract is expiring, so the Rays recently offered him arbitration. However, he has declined the offer.
What does this mean for Balfour?
The Rays have quite a number of well-credentialed relievers on the books. They face quite a challenge trying to hold on to them all. Balfour has had a couple of good years, and is [rightfully] looking to cash in on his success. Balfour has expressed some disappointment that Tampa Bay have not been forthcoming with an offer already. According to the St Petersburg Times, he said he would be happy to continue at the Rays, but would have hoped to have heard some sort of offer by now.
His solid numbers over the past few seasons rank him highly among the current market of relievers. This puts him in a strong bargaining position. For these reasons, it seems he could expect to do better than he would through arbitration.
One risk that he is taking is the fact that he is a 'Type A' Free Agent. This means that any team who signs him will have to give up a draft pick. This might be something that would stop a smaller market team signing him. However there are plenty of big-market teams on the lookout for relievers like Balf, including the Yankees, and you would think that loss of a draft pick might not be such a big deal for them.
What happens now?
Balfour will probably begin shopping around to see what sort of deal he can get. This may be at the Rays, or it may be elsewhere. The St Petersburg Times reports he said "I'll take my chances on what I've done the past few years, I believe there's a multi-year deal out there for me.''
It will be interesting to see how it goes, and hopefully Grant can secure himself a long term deal. Stay tuned!
The whole Major League Baseball players collective bargaining agreement is a complicated affair (you can learn more here at Cot's Baseball Contracts). Basically - if you have earned enough service in the big leagues, you are entitled to have your contract 'arbitrated' if you are not able to negotiate a new deal at the end of your term. At aribitration, each side puts forward figures for the contract value. They negotiate the contract in front of a 3-man panel who then awards the player a one-year, non-guaranteed contract at one salary or the other.
Balfour's contract is expiring, so the Rays recently offered him arbitration. However, he has declined the offer.
What does this mean for Balfour?
The Rays have quite a number of well-credentialed relievers on the books. They face quite a challenge trying to hold on to them all. Balfour has had a couple of good years, and is [rightfully] looking to cash in on his success. Balfour has expressed some disappointment that Tampa Bay have not been forthcoming with an offer already. According to the St Petersburg Times, he said he would be happy to continue at the Rays, but would have hoped to have heard some sort of offer by now.
His solid numbers over the past few seasons rank him highly among the current market of relievers. This puts him in a strong bargaining position. For these reasons, it seems he could expect to do better than he would through arbitration.
One risk that he is taking is the fact that he is a 'Type A' Free Agent. This means that any team who signs him will have to give up a draft pick. This might be something that would stop a smaller market team signing him. However there are plenty of big-market teams on the lookout for relievers like Balf, including the Yankees, and you would think that loss of a draft pick might not be such a big deal for them.
What happens now?
Balfour will probably begin shopping around to see what sort of deal he can get. This may be at the Rays, or it may be elsewhere. The St Petersburg Times reports he said "I'll take my chances on what I've done the past few years, I believe there's a multi-year deal out there for me.''
It will be interesting to see how it goes, and hopefully Grant can secure himself a long term deal. Stay tuned!
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