Chapman Not Ready To Make Immediate Impact

Tim Kurkjian of ESPN.com quoted a general manager who said that Aroldis Chapman might not be ready to contribute immediately in the major leagues.

“I love his arm,” one GM said. “But he’s got a ways to go before he’s ready to pitch in the major leagues, physically and emotionally.” Chapman is only 21 years old and will have to adapt to all of the trappings of a big-money contract while living in the United States. Likewise, he is still learning to pitch, posting a 4.03 ERA in the National Series in Cuba this season. That said, it’s hard to ignore the young southpaw’s 100 mph fastball. Expect him to receive a contract at least as rich as the four-year, $32 million deal Jose Contreras signed with the Yankees four years ago.

Proctor Could Be With Atlanta for Two Years

David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Braves could have RHP Scott Proctor for two seasons.

Proctor signed a “split-contract” with the Braves this week that will pay him a prorated portion of a $750,000 salary for any time he spends on the major league roster and $12,000 for each month he spends in the minors. According to the terms of his contract, unless he spends nearly the entire 2010 season — all but three weeks — on the major league roster, he won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season. Proctor, 32, was released by the Marlins last month after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May

Minnesota Exercises Option on Michael Cuddyer

Twins exercised Michael Cuddyer’s $10.5 million option for 2011.

Yes, you read that right: 2011. The team had five days after the World Series to make the decision, which will keep Cuddyer with the Twins through age 32. The former jack-of-all-trades flashes 20+ home-run power (32 in 2009) while cranking out a good amount of doubles. He plays a lousy right field and has only been “worth” over $8.8 million once. That was in 2006, when he was worth $11.3 million according to Fangraphs. The life-long Twin is a good — if inconsistent — player who is easily worth the option on a big market team, but we’re not sure the decision is right for the Twins specifically. The team is likely taking the risk on the hopes that the club’s new stadium will give them the resources to make such a decision logical.

Arizona, Toronto Discussing Chris Snyder

The Diamondbacks and Blue Jays are in trade talks for Chris Snyder.

Snyder hit .200/.333/.352 in a scant 165 at-bats during the season, losing his starting gig to Miguel Montero, and having the year marred by injuries. Due $11.25 million through 2011, the 28-year old has a reputation as a great defensive catcher who has a healthy rapport with pitchers. The Jays’ top prospect is widely considered to be catcher J.P. Arencibia, so you have to wonder what Toronto is thinking if the rumor is true.

Marlins Decline Option on 1B Ross Gload

Marlins declined 1B Ross Gload’s $2.6 million club option for 2010.

Gload impressed as a pinch-hitter and hit a cumulative .261/.329/.400 in 230 at-bats. The club option is too pricey for a bench player on the Marlins roster, but the 33-year-old is certain to land another job somewhere in the National League. He was a plus defensive outfielder in 2009.

Lidge May Need Arthroscopic Surgery

Brad Lidge may require arthroscopic surgery to clean up loose bone fragments in his pitching elbow.

Lidge is undergoing a MRI to help make this determination. The ailment reportedly never affected Lidge in the regular season, during which he also battled a sprained right knee. His 7.21 ERA makes that hard to believe. Any surgery would not compromise Lidge’s availability in spring training. Raul Ibanez (muscle tears in groin, abdomen) and Jamie Moyer (torn meniscus in knee) both also underwent MRIs and may also be candidates for surgery

Rockies Decline Options on Alan Embree and Yorvit Torrealba

Rockies declined RHP Alan Embree’s $3 million option for 2010. The Rockies instead bought out his contract for $250,000. Embree, who turns 40 in January, posted a 5.84 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP in 24 2/3 innings this season before a broken leg ended his season prematurely. He’s now a free agent and is allowed to sign with any team that shows him interest.

Rockies declined catcher Yorvit Torrealba’s $4 million option for 2010. Torrealba, 31, hit .324/.373/.394 after the All-Star break and won starting catching duties, but the Rockies are ready to go with Chris Iannetta in 2010. The Rox haven’t ruled out having him return as a backup.

Nationals Decline Option on Austin Kearns

Nationals declined OF Austin Kearns’ $10 million option for 2010.

This might be the no-brainer of the offseason. Kearns hit just .195/.336/.305 this season with three home runs and 51 strikeouts in 174 at-bats. The Nationals handed him a $1 million buyout to go away.

Manny Exercises Player Option; Rejoins LA

According to Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times, Manny Ramirez will exercise his $20 million option and return to the Dodgers in 2010.

It’s not a big surprise. Ramirez hit the cover off the ball again for the Dodgers in 2009 despite missing 50 games due to a PED suspension. He will be 38 years old by the start of next season and is an awful defensive outfielder, but Manny remains one of the top right-handed hitters in the game.

Beckham Will Start Second for ChiSox in 2010

White Sox GM Kenny Williams said Friday that Gordon Beckham will serve as the club’s starting second baseman in 2010.

Chris Getz and Josh Fields were shipped to the Royals on Friday for Mark Teahen, who will take over at third base in Chicago. “I can’t seem to find the position I’ve played my whole career,” Beckham, a natural shortstop, told MLB.com. He started over 100 games at third base in ‘09, but this is the most logical way for the White Sox to fit Teahen into the lineup.