Otsuka non-tendered?

by Adam J. Morris on Dec 12, 2007 11:44 PM CST in News

mlb.com's list of players non-tendered today includes Akinori Otsuka of the Rangers.

Pretty surprising news, if this is the case. He's had arm problems, but the most recent reports seemed to indicate that he was back throwing and would be ready to go this spring.

Update [2007-12-13 0:56:31 by Adam J. Morris]: -- The AP is reporting that Otsuka has been non-tendered.

I am hoping that this is due to the Rangers feeling Otsuka isn't going to be able to pitch, or pitch effectively, in 2008.

Otsuka would have gotten $4-5 million in arbitration, which isn't a prohibitive amount for a solid relief pitcher.

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that is a huge blow

if true.

by clark on Dec 12, 2007 11:33 PM CST reply actions

All I can say is

wow. This is surprising if it is true, I think its probably bad information.

"Dwyade is to basketball what the 40 is to the Rangers." -thedirkatron

by coolaid on Dec 12, 2007 11:34 PM CST reply actions

this had better be over a new injury development

and not saving a few dollars.

i cant imagine they would non tender him for money after tryign to sign gagne and hawkins though.

i thought he was throwing fine?

bah in any case. at least CJ should get a shot to close I guess, but the bullpen is suddenly not that deep.

by DShep on Dec 12, 2007 11:37 PM CST reply actions

State Motto

"Don't Mess with Texas"

You fuck with the bull, you get the horns aki.

by SaltyGoesYard on Dec 12, 2007 11:38 PM CST reply actions

Otsuka

Rotoworld is reporting that the Rangers non-tendered both Otsuka and Gourneault.

"Then I met some friends for a beer, went to a BoDeans's concert, and son of a vondruke, if I didn't leave him at the concert hall."

by RCCook on Dec 12, 2007 11:39 PM CST reply actions

Correction

Per Evan Grant, Gourneault was DFA'd to make room for Broussard.

"Then I met some friends for a beer, went to a BoDeans's concert, and son of a vondruke, if I didn't leave him at the concert hall."

by RCCook on Dec 12, 2007 11:46 PM CST up reply actions

And also

could we really have not gotten a prospect for him if we wanted to get rid of him?

by DShep on Dec 12, 2007 11:41 PM CST reply actions

the way this offseason is shaping up, I hope they have some more significant moves planned. Considering the Billy Beane quote that AJM posted a week or two ago, this team either needs to be trying to improve, or trying to rebuild, and so far this offseason, they have been stagnant.

losing Aki really damages our ability to compete in 2007 and, I believe, hurts our greatest area of depth, our bullpen.

If we go into this next season with the current roster, I admit I will have only a passing interest in the day to day results.

by clark on Dec 12, 2007 11:41 PM CST reply actions

How do you figure

that they've beem stagnant exactly? Have they given away some young talent that I'm not aware of?

by FirebatM3 on Dec 12, 2007 11:46 PM CST up reply actions

stagnant...

means not doing anything (motionless) it has nothing to do with young talent. Jonny boy hasn't been completely stagnant but close to it. Milton Bradley for a year is hardly the answer to all these holes in this lineup.

"Take this offer and shove it !!" Hunter,Gagne, Jones, Fuku

by LAMuscleFag on Dec 12, 2007 11:51 PM CST up reply actions

We are not competing next year

Let it sink in, this was evident by about the allstar break last year.

by SaltyGoesYard on Dec 12, 2007 11:52 PM CST up reply actions

well not competing next year is the...

understatement of the year. But the number one goal this off season was to get a quality centerfielder and that has not been accomplished. Not much has been accomplished this off season. Just because you're not going to compete doesn't mean you can't make advances. So we should just stand pat and be the laughing stock of the league again well isn't that just lovely !

"Take this offer and shove it !!" Hunter,Gagne, Jones, Fuku

by LAMuscleFag on Dec 12, 2007 11:55 PM CST up reply actions

Or

We could recognize that there are still nearly four months until Opening Day, and so the roster isn't necessarily a finished product yet.

"Then I met some friends for a beer, went to a BoDeans's concert, and son of a vondruke, if I didn't leave him at the concert hall."

by RCCook on Dec 12, 2007 11:58 PM CST up reply actions

Hardly

but are we really bemoaning the fact that we lost the Hunter or Rowand sweepstakes? Is paying those guys those contracts really something that this team should be doing right now?

I mean, to me, stagnancy means a failure of direction. If we did sign those 30 year old FAs to 5 year contracts, that is stagnant, because we'd still be not rebuilding, but not competing. I don't see how we're being stagnant here. If anything, we got a couple of more tradable pieces (Bradley, Broussard and maybe Shelton), we got a cheap reliever with upside (Fukumori) and maybe a CF down the line. There's nothing wrong with sitting out on a market when you're definitely not going to compete.

by FirebatM3 on Dec 12, 2007 11:59 PM CST up reply actions

there's nothing right with it either..

you want to at least put a half way decent team on the field. All these top free agents are avoiding this team like the plague because at this point quite frankly this team sucks. If the Rangers are as bad this coming year as they were last year and thats very possible why on earth do you think next years free agent crop would want to come here? Fuku wouldn't even come here for more money..so if money isn't going to do the trick do ya think maybe a half way decent team might? How much more evidence do we need that the top tier free agents do NOT want to come here until someone cleans up this mess! Guess what thats going to cost a little money get over it!
And I'm not talking about the continual re-signing of re-treads.

"Take this offer and shove it !!" Hunter,Gagne, Jones, Fuku

by LAMuscleFag on Dec 13, 2007 12:07 AM CST up reply actions

So

You want the Rangers to spend money on free agents so the team will be halfway decent, but also state that no good free agents want to sign here even when the Rangers offer the most money, because the team sucks.

Okay...

"Then I met some friends for a beer, went to a BoDeans's concert, and son of a vondruke, if I didn't leave him at the concert hall."

by RCCook on Dec 13, 2007 12:11 AM CST up reply actions

well Fuku is just one example....

and who knows how much more the Rangers offered it could of been 50 cents for all we know. Whatever it was it wasn't enough apparently.
Rowand won a gold glove last year and hit .309 and yes it was his best year but that doesn't mean he's going to regress back to having off years. Arlington is a hitters park he would
of been great here. 12 million a year for a player like him is NOT over the top.

"Take this offer and shove it !!" Hunter,Gagne, Jones, Fuku

by LAMuscleFag on Dec 13, 2007 12:22 AM CST up reply actions

and furthermore...

I know a lot of guys are leery of a 5 year contract he'd only be 35 that is not old in this day and age. Barry Bonds is 43. Julio Franco played until he was 48. IF you take care of yourself you can still be highly productive at age 35.

"Take this offer and shove it !!" Hunter,Gagne, Jones, Fuku

by LAMuscleFag on Dec 13, 2007 12:25 AM CST up reply actions

rowand

i haven't seen much evidence that he takes care of himself

by ab03 on Dec 13, 2007 12:26 AM CST up reply actions

and you don't know that he ..

doesn't either. It's not like he's a fat pig or anything. Did you see him at krispy kreme?

"Take this offer and shove it !!" Hunter,Gagne, Jones, Fuku

by LAMuscleFag on Dec 13, 2007 12:30 AM CST up reply actions

I think

he's refering to the fact that Rowand has yet to play a full season save 1. He runs into walls and makes a lot of diving catches.

Players like that don't last long, just ask Rusty.

by FirebatM3 on Dec 13, 2007 12:36 AM CST up reply actions

yep

by ab03 on Dec 13, 2007 12:38 AM CST up reply actions

how

does signing a 30 year old free agent hurt the rebuilding? would fukudome have kidnapped chris davis?

all it does is take away a position for a prospect to play (harmless considering we dont have a single real legit good OF), and cost money.

and if worst comes to worse you can always trade them and eat some of the salary.

by DShep on Dec 13, 2007 12:26 AM CST up reply actions

Exactly !!

Dshepp you totally get it - you always have !

"Take this offer and shove it !!" Hunter,Gagne, Jones, Fuku

by LAMuscleFag on Dec 13, 2007 12:28 AM CST up reply actions

+ 1

yep jonny boy better get on the stick it's not shaping up so well so far.

"Take this offer and shove it !!" Hunter,Gagne, Jones, Fuku

by LAMuscleFag on Dec 12, 2007 11:47 PM CST up reply actions

What?

We have kept all of our prospects. That was the main goal.

We are rebuilding right now, I mean what the hell else do you call this?

by SaltyGoesYard on Dec 12, 2007 11:49 PM CST up reply actions

for the love of christ

we have better not pulled an angels (like they did with warner madrigal)

by knockoutking24 on Dec 12, 2007 11:47 PM CST reply actions

This can't be over money

If they felt he could pitch and regain his value they'd keep him just for the trade value he might have in July.

I guess Fukumori fills the Japanese reliever quota.

Tomorrow Never Knows

by t ball on Dec 12, 2007 11:48 PM CST reply actions

Does this mean Loe is back in his set-up role?

I miss that Loe.

Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball

by willamos2 on Dec 12, 2007 11:49 PM CST reply actions

Aki

definately a big surprise.

by Randy Richardson on Dec 12, 2007 11:50 PM CST reply actions

This is a bummer

I always liked Aki. I'll miss watching him pitch. Hopefully he catches on somewhere else, out of the division ideally.

But that river of tears has dried for all of us.

by trza on Dec 12, 2007 11:54 PM CST reply actions

FYI

Jamey noted that although Otsuka was non-tendered, the Rangers can still negotiate a new contract with him.

"Then I met some friends for a beer, went to a BoDeans's concert, and son of a vondruke, if I didn't leave him at the concert hall."

by RCCook on Dec 12, 2007 11:56 PM CST reply actions

why would they do that?

he was under our control for two more years, right?

by clark on Dec 13, 2007 12:02 AM CST up reply actions

Not sure

Unless they want to re-negotiate his contract for less money, or they really did want to cut ties with him.

"Then I met some friends for a beer, went to a BoDeans's concert, and son of a vondruke, if I didn't leave him at the concert hall."

by RCCook on Dec 13, 2007 12:04 AM CST up reply actions

He can also negotiate with other teams

which makes me think he's gone. Unless his injury is worse this is a horrible move on JD's part.

If there is one lawyer in town, he goes broke. If there are two, they both get rich

by Taylor on Dec 13, 2007 7:44 AM CST up reply actions

maybe

San Diego can convince him to sign with them...

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Dec 13, 2007 8:56 AM CST up reply actions

Perplexed.

T.R. -- enough is enough.

by inactive lsb user on Dec 12, 2007 11:58 PM CST reply actions

Well this is a

kick in the nuts.

by Brett Perryman on Dec 13, 2007 12:03 AM CST reply actions

I'm betting its surgery..

.. i can't imagine they would cut him loose for nothing when they have him under control.

by mattrpav on Dec 13, 2007 12:14 AM CST up reply actions

yeah

I would like to assume they know something we don't, and are acting now so they can free up a spot on the 40, some extra cash, and go after somebody else...

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Dec 13, 2007 8:57 AM CST up reply actions

BOOOO!

Not only was Aki good, but he also stopped Sosa's 600th from bouncing into the stands! Boo-urns.

"People hated Jackie Robinson because he was black. People hate Barry Bonds because he's a cheating douchebag." -- Lewis Black

by ghtd36 on Dec 13, 2007 12:14 AM CST reply actions

I thought that was

bullpen catcher, Josh Frasier

Troy I.

by tdi1985 on Dec 13, 2007 1:14 AM CST up reply actions

We're both wrong

It was the bullpen coach.

"People hated Jackie Robinson because he was black. People hate Barry Bonds because he's a cheating douchebag." -- Lewis Black

by ghtd36 on Dec 13, 2007 1:28 AM CST up reply actions

well

i could see why there's no use for him, but i don't see why you would just give him away instead of playing him then trading him. i assume it wasn't an option but this move is going to need some explanation.

of course, the last time i wanted an explanation, for the fuku signing, the explanation didn't make me feel any better.

by ab03 on Dec 13, 2007 12:17 AM CST reply actions

Wow

What a sudden flurry of perplexing moves.
A 7th or 8th inning Japanese reliever getting signed out of nowhere.
Otsuka nontendered, eerily soon to showing a lack of devotion to the team. I'm not saying that's necessarily the reason, but It's a possibility.
Broussard traded for, a mere week after Shelton is traded for.
What's next, a Michael Young trade?
Nah, let's not get crazy!

Hop on the bandwagon while It's still fashionable: Rickey Henderson for Centerfield in '08!

by BudLight on Dec 13, 2007 12:21 AM CST reply actions

Conspiracy Theory

Is it possible that JD heard that Aki's name was on the Mitchell Report and dumped him? Just a thought...

"People hated Jackie Robinson because he was black. People hate Barry Bonds because he's a cheating douchebag." -- Lewis Black

by ghtd36 on Dec 13, 2007 12:34 AM CST reply actions

If he ends up back with the Padres

I will gently weep.

by clark on Dec 13, 2007 12:36 AM CST reply actions

So Now...

Adam Eaton-- Now on the Phillies
Akinori Otsuka-- Non-tendered
Billy Killian-- Now on the White Sox

Meanwhile...

Chris Young-- All-Star for the Padres last year, led the NL in hits/9 the past two years
Terrmel Sledge-- .210 hitter in 200 ABs for the Padres last year
Adrian Gonzalez-- 30 HRs, 100 RBIs for the Padres last year

A single tear is inching down my cheek.

"People hated Jackie Robinson because he was black. People hate Barry Bonds because he's a cheating douchebag." -- Lewis Black

by ghtd36 on Dec 13, 2007 12:45 AM CST up reply actions

The only explanation is TJ sugery...

which then would make sense to non-tender him to save the money because realistically he's not young and he'll prob be 37-38 by the time he makes his comeback.

Either way this sucks but at least CJ will be closing soon enough.

by slimshadty12 on Dec 13, 2007 12:39 AM CST reply actions

Well the thing is

We don't know. If for instance his arm problem is a bone or joint infection like MRSA (God I hope not!) it's monumentally worse than needing TJ surgery.

Or maybe Tom Hicks in a fit of rage over Aki's conversation with Fukudome ordered him dumped (and I really don't think that's it either).

Maybe just wait and see if a reason is given?

'At Georgia Southern, we don't cheat. That costs money and we don't have any.' Erk Russell / Georgia Southern

by Ed Coffin on Dec 13, 2007 12:49 AM CST up reply actions

you'd think they could have let this info out

before it happened.

its not like the organization would have found out about something this afternoon.

i think theyd want to make sure people knew why before it crossed the wire.

by DShep on Dec 13, 2007 12:51 AM CST up reply actions

Isn't that

the same type of actions that we crucified Hart and Buck for? Talking bad about a player to the public.

Chances are, JD was looking for a deal, hence the slew of Aki recovering stories. When it was clear nothing was going to happen, Aki was non-tendered.

Yosha Aki, Yosha. I'm pouring a can of beer on the group for ya buddy.

by FirebatM3 on Dec 13, 2007 12:57 AM CST up reply actions

Well sure...

If the Rangers' management released stories about Otsuka about how he begged out of the closer role because he was afraid of the pressure.

OTOH, if they said the reason why they were non-tendering Otsuka was because of concerns about his elbow, I'm sure people wouldn't crucify JD for it.

OTOOH, if they said they were just going to release him, then, yeah, JD would probably be crucified....

Req

by Requiem on Dec 13, 2007 1:17 AM CST up reply actions

ohhhh

it's gonna be a long season.

by SteveP on Dec 13, 2007 1:16 AM CST reply actions

+1

You nailed it.

"People hated Jackie Robinson because he was black. People hate Barry Bonds because he's a cheating douchebag." -- Lewis Black

by ghtd36 on Dec 13, 2007 1:20 AM CST up reply actions

raindrop in the ocean...

it's been a long decade...this season's nothing new to me

at least we have a bright farm future

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Dec 13, 2007 9:27 AM CST up reply actions

Watch the...

Redhawks, RoughRiders, and Blaze. That should help some.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Dec 13, 2007 8:10 PM CST up reply actions

Could this be a result

of the rumor that Aki told Foukowhatever that San Diego is a better place to play than Texas?

by cgolden on Dec 13, 2007 7:18 AM CST reply actions

Daniels

"Daniels said that, while Otsuka has sent good rehab reports this winter, the club had too much uncertainty to meet the pitcher's salary and contractual-length demands. That uncertainly also deterred other teams from consummating trade proposals for Otsuka.

"We went through all of our options," Daniels said, "and ultimately decided the risk was more than we felt comfortable with for what it would have cost to retain him.""

So as far as we are being told there was no further injury developments, and they just didnt want to pay someone whose health was risky 5 million dollars or whatever he could have gotten up to in arbitration.

When did we become the marlins.

by DShep on Dec 13, 2007 8:10 AM CST reply actions

Health risk + 5 Million

Sounds like Milton Bradley to me.

Oh Man!!!!

by SwiperNoSwiping on Dec 13, 2007 8:28 AM CST up reply actions

Marlins...

No, they have more/better young talent.

This thing sucks!

You're hijacking the thread and being repetitive. Move forward.

by Rodney on Dec 13, 2007 8:33 AM CST up reply actions

It officially makes

Johnny Boy's San Diego trade one of the worst in team history.

"As of now they're (The Astros) world series favorites. Period." - Sharky

by DJCahill on Dec 13, 2007 8:40 AM CST reply actions

Not for lack of trying,

I know, and really, for things out of his control, but this offseason has pretty much undone most of the goodwill that I built up for JD during the season. This team received a gift in the ARod money at the start of the offseason, and so far, we have subtracted more than we have added.

I like the infusion of young talent in the minors, but if this team performs as badly as it should, at least on paper, in the coming year, JD may not be around to see it.

by clark on Dec 13, 2007 8:49 AM CST up reply actions

JD is not getting fired

next season...

now the Aki release is puzzling but JD is sticking to his gound, not overpaying for average talent and selling the future for 1 or 2 pieces of a 25 piece puzzle.

Although I must admit my view of JD will change if Gerald Laird is starting over Salty when the season starts.....I'll be right there with you throwing him under the bus then....

Put Mayberry Jr. back at First Base.

by Jukebox Joe on Dec 13, 2007 8:56 AM CST up reply actions

Not trying to throw him under the bus

I really like JD and think he is capable of making some very shrewd decisions as a GM, but this is a results oriented business, and as of right now, this team could very possibly finish with the worst record in the AL.

The one area of depth that we seemed to have, our bullpen, took a huge blow last night, and I think that hurts our ability to add guys via trade. We will probably (maybe hopefully, at this point) add a CF like Patterson and hope he pulls a GMJ and makes something out of his many tools. And hopefully we will add another bullpen arm (Jorge Julio, Octavio Dotel?) And then we have to hope against hope that some of these younger players stay healthy and play up to their potential.

by clark on Dec 13, 2007 9:11 AM CST up reply actions

uh no

it's Arod's, and it's not even close.

by Longhorn on Dec 13, 2007 9:08 AM CST up reply actions

"One of the Worst"

Not "The Worst".

Asshat.

"As of now they're (The Astros) world series favorites. Period." - Sharky

by DJCahill on Dec 13, 2007 9:12 AM CST up reply actions

Don't be flustered.

by Longhorn on Dec 13, 2007 9:48 AM CST up reply actions

Best case

What is the best case senario of this move, we negotiate a cheaper contract? Were about to sign Prior?, There is some big convuluted big trade about to go down? Aki's arm falls off and we all feel better about Hicks saving 5 mill. As there anything I can hope that this turns into.

by 1man5tools @ Lone Star Ball on Dec 13, 2007 9:13 AM CST reply actions

I don't get it

"the club had too much uncertainty to meet the pitcher's salary and contractual-length demands."

So just do arbitration. I understand that arbitration rarely occurs and normally the player and club strike a deal, but that doesn't mean arbitration wasn't an option. If there were concerns about his recovery that might explain it. But one year ago the Rangers took a flier on a reliever recovering from injury and it worked out just fine.

"When I was a pup, we got spanked by presidents 'til the cows came home! Grover Cleveland spanked me on two non-consecutive occasions!" LBrooks

by WyoRanger on Dec 13, 2007 9:39 AM CST reply actions

There has to be something serious here...

as some have suggested TJ surgery or something. If not, this is a bad decision by JD.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Dec 13, 2007 8:12 PM CST reply actions

Im surprised this isnt a hotter topic

26 replies on newberg, 70 something here.

mitchell report derailed it. im still mad about this. getting rid of aki to save a few million when the team was looking at a 55 million dollar payroll even with aki.

unless they arnt telling us something and had more reason then im aware of to believe he wouldnt be effective at all. hell even if its just to trade him at the deadline.. it was worth the chance.

by DShep on Dec 14, 2007 12:15 AM CST reply actions