Atomic RoadRunners

This is the final installment of the 2009 Atomic Roadrunner Protected List preview series.  Protected lists are due for submission this Sunday, February 1st, by midnight, Eastern.  Here are the folks that are saying goodbye, as they will not be protected for 2009:

Chris Coste
2 Years – $5
.263 Average, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 28 Runs, 0 Steals
Coste was a great pickup with incumbent Carlos Ruiz struggling. Although a heavier workload brought down the average later in the season (when he had been replaced by Pablo Sandoval on the AaRr squad), he did an admirable job. The Phillies also brought in Ronny Paulino from the Pirates, so Coste’s security might be in jeopardy.

Gregor Blanco
2 Years – $5
.251 Average, 1 HR, 38 RBI, 52 Runs, 13 Steals
Blanco was a 7th-round minor league pick, though he really wasn’t much of a prospect. He did pretty well in spring training, and won at-bats from Matt Diaz (injured), Josh Anderson (sent to AAA) and the oft-injured (and then traded) Mark Kotsay. However, other than average (which fell his second time through the NL) and the occasional steal, he didn’t seem to do much, though his totals in the counting stats look decent. With some high-profile OF prospects coming up soon, there isn’t much certainty in Blanco’s world right now.

Brett Myers
2 Years – $31
10-13, 4.55 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 163 K’s
Myers was supposed to be my top-tier pitching acquisition, but he had a horrible first half, was sent down to AAA for three weeks, and then came back and pitched like a decent No. 2 starter. He kept up the strikeouts, but also walked more than expected. Apparently he needed a full year to get used to the move back from the bullpen, where the Phillies had him closing for 2007 before the Brad Lidge acquisition. He’ll be a decent starter in 2009, but not for $31 – that’s bollocks.

Jason Marquis
2 Years – $10
11-9, 4.53 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 91 K’s
Marquis was a minor league selection as a fill-in starter. He wasn’t very good, and I didn’t activate him very often, but he lasted the year, which is more than many other pitchers can say. He had a bit of a hot streak in July and August, and we rode him for that. He was traded to Colorado, so that can’t possibly be good for his numbers.

Tony Pena
2 Years – $3
3-2, 4.33 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 52 K’s and 3 saves
Pena was won at auction as a “handcuff” for the then-protected Brandon Lyon. This was after it was announced that Chad Qualls would handle the 7th inning, Pena the eighth, and Lyon the ninth. Pena didn’t do as well as his 2007 numbers, and he never had the chance to close, especially after the Diamondbacks acquired Jon Rauch. While Pena will be a decent set-up man, Qualls is the closer going into 2009.

Noah Lowry
2 Years – $1
– did not pitch –
Lowry was a transaction deadline pickup viewed exclusively for 2009. Injured in spring training, he had two surgeries on his throwing arm, and further complications in October pretty much killed any enthusiasm for protecting him. Plus, I think we’ve seen his peak three years ago, and he never had good stuff, for that matter.

Rockies acquired RHP Jason Marquis from the Cubs for RHP Luis Vizcaino and cash. The Rockies get more expensive, taking on $5 million even after the $875,000 payout from the Cubs, but time will tell if they’re actually any better. The arrival of Marquis would appear to knock either Greg Smith or Jorge De La Rosa out of the rotation. Odds are that De La Rosa will go to the pen, but he was a lot better than Marquis down the stretch last year. Meanwhile, Jason Hirsh and Franklin Morales get dropped further down the depth chart. Supposedly, the Rockies are still interested in adding Tim Redding even after this move. However, he’s totally unnecessary at this point. The Cubs are taking a $4 million commitment here, as Vizcaino is due $3.5 million in 2009 and then either $4 million or a $500,000 buyout in 2010. He could always bounce back and prove to be a useful reliever for the Cubs, but if it comes down to him or Michael Wuertz for one spot in the pen, we’d take Wuertz. (Rotoworld)

In a deal expected to be finalized next week, the Rockies will get Jason Marquis from the Cubs for Luis Vizcaino, according to the Denver Post. The Rockies will also get about $1 million, so they’ll be taking on just under $5 million in acquiring Marquis to join a rotation set to include Aaron Cook, Jeff Francis, Ubaldo Jimenez and either Greg Smith or Jorge De La Rosa. We’re not sure that’s an upgrade at all. The Cubs also probably aren’t getting any better with the deal, but they’re freeing up some money they’ll use to bring in a superior starter. This is a lot more about the Cubs wanting to dump Marquis than it is any desire for Vizcaino. With an open rotation spot, they could well enter the mix for Derek Lowe or Randy Wolf. It seems unlikely that the Jake Peavy talks will be revisited. (Rotoworld)

Marquis, 30, tossed 167 innings of 4.53 ball in 2008. He did roughly the same in ’07. Vizcaino, 34, posted a 5.28 ERA in 46 innings. He dealt with a strained shoulder and later expressed concerns that he didn’t pitch enough. His velocity was up from ’07 and he whiffed more than a batter per inning, but he was done in by walks and home runs. Vizcaino added a DUI to his resume in October. (MLBTradeRumors.com)

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the biggest holdup in the Jake Peavy four-team swap appears to be the Cubs’ desire to move Jason Marquis and most of his $9.875 million 2009 salary. The Cubs need to dump some of that cash in order to afford Peavy and a left-handed bat. The club may be open to eating around $4 million of Marquis’ salary, but are struggling to find a taker. The 30-year-old righty went 11-9 last season with a 4.53 ERA, a 1.45 WHIP, and a 91/70 K/BB ratio. (Rotoworld)

The Rockies have internally discussed acquiring Jason Marquis from the Cubs. Marquis for Willy Taveras might interest the Rockies if the Cubs were willing to eat some salary, but the Cubs would probably just as soon stick with Kosuke Fukudome and Reed Johnson as their center field combination. MLB.com mentions Jeff Baker as a possibility to be involved. However, if the Rockies want Marquis, it shouldn’t cost major league talent. (Rotoworld)

Here’s the latest on the Roadrunners heading into Monday’s Winter Meetings:

• The Cubs are trying to dangle 6th-starter Jason Marquis to whomever is interested. Marquis is nearly expendable, and will be so if the much-rumored Jake Peavy trade ever happens. Of course this could be like the much-rumored Brian Roberts trade from last season, which never happened, either.
• Newly-minted NL Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum has now changed his tune (or his agent has) and would welcome long-term contract discussions.
• The Rockies are still trying to trade catcher Yorvit Torrealba, now that Chris Iannetta has emerged as the everyday starter. However, Torrealba isn’t slated to have a huge salary in 2009, and is good insurance. Moving Garrett Atkins and Willy Taveras are much higher on the Rockies’ agenda.
• With the Indians seemingly out of the race, the Twins and Dodgers are the front-runners for Casey Blake’s services. It looks as though whomever will offer former Roadrunner a third guaranteed year will get him, and if it’s the Dodgers, that locks Blake DeWitt in at second base.
• Most reports and preliminary depth charts have both Mike Gonzalez in Atlanta and Matt Lindstrom in Florida as the presumptive closers entering 2009. Neither the Braves (focused on rotation and left field) nor the Marlins (focused on cutting costs) seem to be in the market for a closer, so that bodes well for the Roadrunners’ saves totals in 2009.
• If the Padres move 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff, Chase Headley will move from left field to 3B.
• The activity of the Reds in the market for outfielders suggests that Chris Dickerson might not be a safe play as a starting OF in 2009.
• Gregor Blanco is being viewed strictly as a 4th OF who can play left and center, as the Braves look for a bopping left fielder. Possible targets that have been mentioned: Ryan Ludwick, Rick Ankiel, Corey Hart or Jeremy Hermida.

Happy Thanksgiving! While news has slowed due to the holiday weekend and upcoming Winter Meetings (starting December 8th), here’s the latest in nifty bullet-point format:

• Mark Teixeira: Top suitors are the Angels and Red Sox, with the Yankees, Orioles, and Nationals considerably farther behind. Teixeira is a Maryland native, explaining the O’s and Nat’s interest.
• Casey Blake: The Twins look like the top suitor, followed by the Indians. A deal with the Twins looked close to being finalized, but the Twinkies are likely waiting for the arbitration deadline to pass.
• Brandon Phillips: With Chase Utley slated to miss (at a minimum) all of Spring Training, and potentially the first half of the season recovering from hip surgery, Phillips’ value gets a boost, making him a stronger protection.
• Chris Dickerson: The Reds have been mentioned in several trade scenarios, but a few different reports have them chasing after the Rockies’ Willy Taveras, as the Reds aren’t necessarily sold on Dickerson as a center fielder. He probably doesn’t have the bat for a corner, making him a bench option.
• Jason Marquis may be on the market, as the Cubs try to line up cash and roster openings for a run at Jake Peavy. Peavy would give the Cubs a starting rotation of Carlos Zambrano, Peavy, newly re-signed Ryan Dempster, Ted Lilly, and Rich Harden.
• Brandon Moss (knee) should be ready “if not opening day, then soon thereafter,” said GM Neil Huntington. Moss had knee surgery last month and is facing 4-6 months of recovery time. “There’s nothing that tells us he won’t be ready Opening Day,” Huntington said. (Rotoworld)
• Brandon Lyon: The market for free-agent reliever Lyon isn’t likely to be settled until the major free agents find homes. Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, along with trade candidate Houston Street are all in greater demand, as well are some of the lefty specialists. Latest rumors had Lyon considering Detroit or returning in a set-up role in Arizona.

Here’s a rundown of Roadrunner rumors during this week’s General Manager Meetings in Dana Point, CA.:

• Brandon Lyon is open to pitching in Colorado.

• According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, the Diamondbacks haven’t talked contract with Brandon Webb‘s agent, Jonathan Maurer, since the team pulled out of a June near-agreement for three years and $54MM. Maurer expects to hear from the D’Backs this winter, but the price has gone up. Webb isn’t looking to set any records, but he’s well under-compensated on his current deal (which runs through 2010). ESPN’s Buster Olney heard a four-year, $80MM extension would probably suffice, but it’s not known whether the D’Backs will do that. Maurer wonders if they’ll look to trade Webb if contract talks break down.

• According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, the Nationals are preparing to make a significant offer to Mark Teixeira. Olney believes the Angels will make an offer in the $100-120MM range, but that offer will expire soon. If and when Scott Boras passes on that proposal, it might be the Yankees, Red Sox, Nationals, and Orioles competing for Tex.

• GM Ruben Amaro Jr. had an informal five-minute talk with Casey Close, who represents Ryan Howard and Joe Blanton.
• Larry LaRue says the Angels are hinting they can afford both Mark Teixeira and C.C. Sabathia.  The Yankees could afford it, too.
• The Angels have not yet made an offer to Mark Teixeira, but they’ll deal with that situation before moving on to other needs.  Boras is suggesting Teixeira pays for himself.
• Ken Rosenthal has an Angels update: If they are to sign Mark Teixeira, the Angels would like to do it quickly.  However, it’s Scott Boras’ custom to let the market develop until late December or so.  It’s possible the Angels change gears on November 14th.  There are other big names to pursue, though none fit as perfectly as Tex.

• MLB.com’s Steve Gilbert talked to Brandon Lyon‘s agent Barry Meister, who said his client would be open to closing or an eighth inning role.  Lyon would be thrilled to return to the D’Backs, but they don’t figure to match a multiyear offer.  More likely, they offer arbitration but let him leave. Lyon, 29, posted a 4.70 ERA in 59.1 innings this year.  His command was strong, possibly indicating better times ahead.

• In the Cubs’ scramble to land Jake Peavy via trade and to re-sign Ryan Dempster, Ken Rosenthal reports that several players may have to be traded to reduce payroll, including Jason Marquis.
• The Rangers may look at outside options for third base, and they’ve been in touch with Casey Blake‘s agent.

Jason Marquis will pitch out of the bullpen in the first round of the playoffs, the Chicago Tribune reports. With the Division Series being only five games, Cubs manager Lou Piniella won’t need all of his starters. (Rotowire)

Jason Marquis earned his 11th win as the Cubs defeated the Mets 9-5 on Monday night. When we say he “earned” the win, we mean it — Marquis drove in more runs (5) than he allowed (4) over his 6 2/3 innings of work. He broke a 2-2 tie with his fourth-inning grand slam off Jon Niese, then added an RBI groundout in the fifth. Nothing like seeing a pitcher support his own cause. The loss knocks the Mets 2.5 games out in the NL East. Marquis has had his usual mediocre season, posting a 4.43 ERA, but he does have a winning record. As long as he has a spot in the Cubs rotation, he has some Fantasy value, but he might have to fight for that spot next season if he even returns to the team. His next start is scheduled for Sunday at Milwaukee. (Rotoworld, CBS Sports)

Cubs SP Jason Marquis made his first start in 11 days on Wednesday night against the Brewers and picked up his ninth loss. Marquis had some control issues. He lasted 5 1/3 innings and was pulled after walking two batters and throwing a wild pitch in the sixth. He walked five and gave up six hits on the night. He did strike out three batters. Marquis did not pitch well on lots of rest Wednesday. Still, he’s a solid starter for a contending team and is recommended in deeper mixed leagues during the season’s final week. That’s because he pitches twice in that frame. His next scheduled start comes Monday at the Mets and then he goes to Milwaukee. (CBS Sports)

The Cubs opted to move Ted Lilly ahead of Marquis in the rotation, thus pushing Marquis’ start to Wednesday, the Chicago Tribune reports. We talked about how with Hurricane Ike, the Cubs would shuffle their rotation for better matchups. Marquis will draw Ben Sheets in the second game of the Cubs / Brewers series. (Rotoworld)

Jason Marquis’ scheduled start Friday against the Astros has been postponed due to the threat of Hurricane Ike. No word yet on when the games will be rescheduled or how the Cubs will handle the rotation in reaction to the postponement. Marquis will likely be pushed back all the way until Sunday to finish the series with Houston. That is, of course, just speculation as there has been no definite decision made of yet. Marquis is 4-1 over his last six starts and has been an excellent pitcher of late for the Cubs. He can have the occasional high strikeout night and he’ll give you consistency for a contending team. (Rotowire, CBS Sports)

Cubs SP Jason Marquis walked five men on Saturday against the Reds but as Chicago won 14-9, it didn’t really matter as he picked up his 10th win. Marquis (10-8) allowed two runs on five hits over 7 1/3 innings. He struck out two. Marquis is 4-1 over his last six starts and has been an excellent pitcher of late for the Cubs. He can have the occasional high strikeout night and he’ll give you consistency for a contending team. He’s certainly a viable starting Fantasy pitcher in deeper mixed leagues. His next scheduled start comes Friday at Houston. (CBS Sports)

Cubs SP Jason Marquis allowed five hits and two runs with a season-high eight strikeouts during a 3-0 loss to the Astros Monday. Marquis went opposite Roy Oswalt, who threw 8 1/3 scoreless innings. Marquis allowed both of his runs in the fourth inning on a Geoff Blum sac fly and Hunter Pence RBI single. Marquis walked three as he lost for the first time since Aug. 1. Marquis won his previous three decisions coming into Monday despite not being overly impressive. He has allowed two runs or fewer in three of his last four starts and pitching for the contending Cubs does make him a viable SP in larger Fantasy formats. His next scheduled start is for Sunday against the Reds. (CBS Sports)