Rob Biertempfel has a few updates on some international free agents via Twitter:
-He mentions that the Pirates have interest in Yoenis Cespedes, but that they will quickly back away if the bidding gets crazy.
-The Pirates have interest in left handers Wei-Yin Chen and Tsuyoshi Wada, according to Biertempfel. This is the second time we’ve heard the team linked to Wada. About a month ago Jon Heyman mentioned the Pirates as one of the teams who could pursue the Japanese left hander. Wada is 31 years old, ad throws in the 86-87 MPH range with a good circle change and a solid slider. He’s been described as a Dallas Braden type, although there are questions as to whether he can be a starter. The expected price for Wada is two years and $8 M.
Chen is a 26 year old free agent out of Taiwan. He’s been playing in the Japanese league, but unlike most players out of Japan, Chen wouldn’t require a posting fee, since he’s a true free agent (Wada is also a free agent, with no posting fee required). He used to reach 95 MPH, but had Tommy John surgery a few years ago and was topping out at 91 this past year. Chen put up a 2.68 ERA in 164.2 innings last year, with a 5.1 K/9, a 1.7 BB/9, and a 0.5 HR/9. Tim Dierkes of MLBTR speculates that he could cost $20 M over four years.
-Japanese free agency began yesterday. Guys like Chen and Wada are now allowed to negotiate with teams.
December 2, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Capuano agrees to terms with mystery team. Lets go Bucs?!
December 2, 2011 at 2:14 pm
With the new Cap on international spending, shouldn’t that make the pirates much more of a player for Cespesdes since they could spend their entire international budget on him and that would be higher then all but 7 teams based on their record?
Twitter: timwilliamsp2
December 2, 2011 at 2:35 pm
The cap doesn’t go in to effect until next year (starting July 2nd, 2012). Also, for the first year, all teams will have $2.9 M to spend.
And Cespedes is 26 years old, so he wouldn’t count towards anyone’s cap, even if the new system was currently in place. Only Cubans under 23 count.
December 2, 2011 at 2:20 pm
major league trade rumors ahd Capuano going to Dodgers for 2 years $10 mil.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
December 2, 2011 at 3:19 pm
Cespedes is probably going to get a major league contract too. I just don’t see the Bucs paying Chapman like money for any amateur. It would be hard for them to come up with biggest bonus for a player like this but it can still be worth talking to him.
December 2, 2011 at 6:33 pm
What are the rumors about Ryan Kalish and the Pirates?
December 2, 2011 at 8:33 pm
where’s you see that? I would think the only player sox would want is Hanny
December 2, 2011 at 8:57 pm
forget it just saw it on TIOPS. Kalish Jed Lowrie Felix Doubront for Hanny? I’d have to consider that but I do have serious man crush on A Ranaudo and will disappointed if they deal with them and dont get him.
December 2, 2011 at 11:43 pm
get aceves in there (instead of doubront?) and that’d suit me just fine.
December 2, 2011 at 9:02 pm
Sorry, but Chen and Wada DO NOT excite me.
December 2, 2011 at 11:42 pm
it doesnt matter what excites there’s nothing of quality on the free agent market for starting pitchers- outside chen and wada pirates need innings and more innings jeff locke and rudy owens are ready for these spots.
December 2, 2011 at 11:43 pm
arent ready for these spots