The Yankees continue to say they will not counterpunch in reaction to the Red Sox’s record signing of David Price. Which means the most interesting dollar vs. dollar rivalry is on the other coast: It is expected the battle for Zack Greinke has come down to the Dodgers vs. the Giants.
In fact, the expectation is Price’s record annual average for a pitcher of $31 million – tied with Miguel Cabrera for the most of any player – will fall once Greinke signs, likely in the next few days.
Outside executives anticipate he will get a five-year deal in the $165 million range, though the winning bidder might have to go to six years. Those same executives, though, have been split about which of the two California teams will get the NL Cy Young runner-up.
I have heard theories the Dodgers, who had a record payroll in 2015, will not allow themselves to be outbid for a piece they need so badly. And I have heard the Dodgers have a breaking point and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman places great value on the compensatory draft pick Los Angeles would get if Greinke signs elsewhere.
I have heard theories the Giants, with so much money coming off their payroll this offseason and next, are comfortable spending big to get a co-ace with Madison Bumgarner. And I have heard the Giants – like with Jon Lester last offseason – have a point they will not cross and merely will stay in it to make sure their rival pays the largest amount possible.
After Greinke joins Price as a signed player, the next level of starters including Johnny Cueto, Jeff Samardzija, Mike Leake and Scott Kazmir will quickly move off the boards. The executives said they could see scenarios in which the Giants do not get Greinke and respond by signing a starter or two – perhaps retaining Leake – and play for a big-money left fielder such as Alex Gordon or Yoenis Cespedes.
AL East champs get a new GM
Ross Atkins was named general manager of the Blue Jays on Thursday.
Atkins had been serving as the Indians’ VP of player personnel. He was hired in Cleveland and promoted by Mark Shapiro, who became the Blue Jays’ president and CEO at the conclusion of last season. Shapiro’s presence and the expectation he will take an active hand in baseball operations led to Alex Anthopoulos rejecting a contract extension to stay as GM.
After Anthopoulos exited, assistant GM Tony LaCava was named the interim GM, and he was a finalist with Atkins for the permanent position. LaCava, who was instrumental in the recent trade for Jesse Chavez, retention of Marco Estrada and signing of J.A. Happ, will stay on as senior VP of baseball operations/assistant GM.
Atkins was recognized in Cleveland for being a strong leader with excellent interpersonal skills who had gained experience as a minor league pitcher with the Indians, a minor league coach, international director (he is fluent in Spanish), farm director and scout.