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Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Phils Decline Arbitration for Moyer, Burrell
The Phillies didn't offer salary arbitration to Jamie Moyer, Pat Burrell, Tom Gordon or Rudy Seanez.

The Phillies did not offer Jamie Moyer or Pat Burrell salary arbitration, a league source said last night.

The decision on Burrell didn't surprise me.

The decision on Moyer did.

Burrell made $14 million last season, when he hit .250 with 33 home runs and 86 RBIs. Based on those numbers, he would have received a raise in 2009. I speculated earlier this week that the Phillies probably wouldn't offer Burrell arbitration because they wouldn't want to pay him more than $14 million, even for one year. And I'm guessing that because Burrell seemed unlikely to command more than $14 million from another team next season, the Phillies felt Burrell would have accepted arbitration had they offered. I think the Phillies simply don't want to allocate that much money to Burrell, especially when they have 10 players already eligible for salary arbitration and they have other things they would like to do (perhaps sign a leftfielder like Raul Ibanez or Rocco Baldelli, a relief pitcher like Juan Cruz and sign players like Ryan Madson and Jayson Werth to contract extensions).

Moyer surprised me because the Phillies want him back. They have talked about a contract extension, even though those talks seem to have slowed. I thought the Phillies thought that offering Moyer arbitration posed a minimal risk because if he accepted he would be signed to a one-year contract. And I thought the Phillies wouldn't mind having Moyer, 46, signed to a one-year contract (instead of a one-year contract with a 2010 option or a two-year contract) considering Moyer's age. But I was wrong. I'm guessing the Phillies think Moyer, who made $7 million last season, would get a significant raise, much more than they would like to pay, even on a one-year deal. And like Burrell, I don't think the Phillies liked the idea of Moyer accepting arbitration and possibly having to wait until February to know how much they would be paying him because it might preclude them for pursuing other interests either through free agency or trades.

But this doesn't mean Burrell and Moyer won't be back next season. I still think the Phillies and Moyer can work out an agreement. And if the Phillies don't like what they see out there, they can always bring back Burrell ... albeit at a lower price. The only thing the Phillies risk is that they won’t receive draft picks as compensation if either player signs with another team. Both players are Type A free agents, which means the Phillies would have received two draft picks if either player would have signed elsewhere. But based on what they did, the Phillies obviously feel the compensation wasn't worth the risk of them accepting arbitration.

*

The Phillies also didn't offer arbitration to Tom Gordon or Rudy Seanez.

*

The Associated Press wrote that just two of 171 players who filed for free agency have agreed to contracts (Ryan Dempster and Jeremey Affeldt). And just 24 of them were offered salary arbitration. So I guess the Phillies aren't alone. For example, the Yankees didn't offer arbitration to Andy Pettitte, Bobby Abreu or Jason Giambi.

A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, Ibanez and Cruz were offered arbitration from their respective teams. They are Type A free agents, which means the Phillies would have to forfeit a top pick to sign them. The Reds offered arbitration to David Weathers, who the Phillies could have some interest in. He is a Type B free agent, so the Phillies wouldn't lose a pick to sign him. Other relief pitchers the Phillies could have some interest in like Doug Brocail and Russ Springer were not offered arbitration.

Posted by Todd Zolecki @ 12:12 AM  Permalink | 38 comments
38
Comments   
Posted 12:23 AM, 12/02/2008
yougottabelieve26
I just don't agree with these decisions. I mean you ask anyone, including Todd, and they will tell you that the Moyer choice was a no-brainer. I just can't say I really know what the heck Amaro is thinking here.
Posted 12:38 AM, 12/02/2008
MrPhillie
It was mentioned on CBS Sportsline how Jermaine Dye would be a good fit in Philadelphia. Is there any truth to the rumor that the Phils maight be loking to trade for Dye? I know he's 34 yrs-old, so other than wanting someone a bit younger, he actually does make sense for the Phillies. He's a proven hitter, decent average, good power and RBI numbers, doesn't have ridiculously high strikeout numbers, has decent OBP and SLG %'s...plus he made 9.5M last year, which is a good salary for his production. Anyway, just curious how serious this option is at the moment. As for pitching, I like Jamie, but if the Phils have a realistic shot at Lowe, isn't that the better option, all things being equal? And I know they're not equal, I'm just saying....
Posted 12:54 AM, 12/02/2008
PhilliesWS08
This is asinine. If you offer arbitration, you will either sign your left fielder to a 1-year deal or receive draft picks if he leaves (draft picks that the Phillies desperately need to rebuild their farm system). I hope I'm wrong, but I have a feeling that this will be the first of many foolish moves by Amaro.
Posted 01:10 AM, 12/02/2008
eaglephanatic
I don't get the Moyer decision, either. Most teams are looking for pitching, so chances are that the Phillies will be outbid by anther team for him. Is he injured?
Posted 01:22 AM, 12/02/2008
rbecker1963
I actually agree with these moves. Why should the Phils be boxed in for Burrell's 15 mil and Moyers 8 mil? That's 23 million against a few compensation picks? No brainer. Neither of these players are worth that kind of money. We go and get a Jermaine Dye or whoever and let the Happ kid pitch. In fact, let's make Eaton earn his pay. Amaro has this right.
Comment removed.
Posted 02:05 AM, 12/02/2008
pog
Bad idea....for much of the season, Moyer was the stopper out of the 3 slot in the rotation....he kept losing streaks from being longer, plus he was a positive influnce for the younger pitchers...... i guess the phillies have enough clubhouse leadership, especially on their pitching staff.....
Posted 02:23 AM, 12/02/2008
robm0202
For all of you, and it seem like a minority, who think that declining arbitration on Burrell was a good idea, I am going to reel off some past compensation picks made by other teams over the last 5 or 6 years. Let me know if you still think declining arbitration on Burrell, who was 90% going to decline it himself, was a good idea. David Wright, Joba Chamberlain & Ian Kennedy (both of whom were given to the Yankees as compensation for signing good ole Tom Gordon), Jacoby Ellsbury, Joe Blanton, Adam Wainwright, Clay Buchholz, Huston Street, Jed Lowrie, Kelly Johnson, Conor Jackson, Phil Hughes, Blake Dewitt, Adrian Cardenas, and Colby Rasmus (Cardinals top prospect). Now these guys are all Major League players (some stars) or at least top prospects in their system that were all used with compensation picks received from a Type A signing elsewhere. Still like the move?
Posted 02:36 AM, 12/02/2008
jeff gross
This is about MONEY!! For once, the owners as a whole seem to be saying that the salaries are out of control. By not offering arbitration you aren't saying you have no interest, but that you think the salaries being handed out in arbitration have been outragious. This is a way of lowering salaries across the board for good, stable players. The real stars (Manny, CC) and the real great upcoming players (Teixeira) will still get huge payouts, but the regular good players (Pat, Aberu, and 90% of the FAs) will be getting pay cuts. All in all, good move. The Phils need to spend money, but not to throw it away because they want to move fast. Who is going to give Moyers more then us? He's a good guy, who will come to the team and say, "X offered my this much, can you beat it?" of couse we will.
Posted 04:20 AM, 12/02/2008
red rock
Please,rbecker,NO!,don't make Eaton "earn his pay"...if we're real quiet and turn out all the lights,maybe he'll just go away...just like W.
Posted 05:45 AM, 12/02/2008
fla
I don't like it. Now if Moyer leaves, to replace him with a comparable free agent they will pay more then Moyer would heave received in arbitration, over more years and lose a draft pick besides not receiving 2 picks for Moyer. Makes no sense.
Posted 08:00 AM, 12/02/2008
Mark1npt
Maybe they weren't offered arbitration because they and the team have already mutually decided they will re-sign, at some point here in the near future, without all the animosity that accompanies the process?
Posted 08:47 AM, 12/02/2008
NJLouis66
In the Phils' defense here, it may be that they want to pursue what they think are upgrades in place of both Moyer and Burrell first. Therefore, offering arbitration risks having that player actually accept it, effectively cancelling other pursuits. Like Todd said, the surprise is with Moyer, who, it seemed, the Phils really wanted back. Perhaps the Phils expect something to resolve there soon negating the need for an arbitration offer.
Posted 09:40 AM, 12/02/2008
RunningTheBases
In previous seasons the comments listed above about offering arbitration to Moyer and Burrell would be correct. However, this off-season appears to be a sea-change as indicated by jeff gross. They're declining each for different reasons. If the Phillies honestly thought Moyer would walk they would offer arbitration. Obviously, Moyer would have won a large raise in arbitration, but risk losing him if some team throws alot of money at him. This is very doubtful. The Phillies believe Burrell is no longer worth $14 million in today's market when Howard and Utley are the team's better hitters, and Pat is declining more each year defensively, plate discipline and batting average. The Phillies need to allocate money more to players going forward. Most fans do not see Burrell in a realistic light because they love him. However, he was rated 29th out of 30 left fielders defensively in running down fly balls and keeping hits as singles instead of doubles. And, Burrell should have an batting average well above .250, and more rbis with 33 homers, especially for $14 million a year.
Posted 09:53 AM, 12/02/2008
KarenA
Not sure how much sense it makes not offering Moyer arbitration. Like I said in previous thread, it will be interesting to see what happens with the big names on the free agent list (CC, Manny etc.) Wonder if they'll accept their arbitration??
Posted 09:55 AM, 12/02/2008
mick314
I call your attention to RED ROCK (see above). Kindly read his post aloud three times a day, as necessary, for pain. Three refills available.
Posted 10:02 AM, 12/02/2008
jeff gross
I will bet anyone a steak dinner and a 6 pack that Moyers is pitching for the Phills next year. I'll give even odds that Pat is back as well. Only 20 something of the FAs were offered arbitration this year
Posted 10:15 AM, 12/02/2008
Chainsaw
I could kind of see where you wouldn't offer arbitration to Moyer - he is coming off a career year and is 45. The arbitrator might give him $15 million. Burrell, on the other hand, would not accept arbitration. At this stage in his career, he needs a multi-year deal, and he is one of the best hitting OF's on the market, so it's for certain that someone will give him a deal that would make more sense for him than going to arbitration. If, however, he did accept arbitration, you are only on the hook for one year. As much as he adds to the team, I'd be in favor of accepting that risk. Now he will sign elsewhere and we will get nothing.
Posted 10:20 AM, 12/02/2008
jeff gross
why dio you assume Pat will walk? He wants to return. We want him if the price is right. Why won't teh phils match any offer he receives (that's reasonable)?? I don't see any great replacements out there who meet our needs (RH, good power, good OBP)
Posted 10:21 AM, 12/02/2008
willl
If real estate values are down 20-30% and the stock market is down 40%, then the revenue of teams ( TV ad rates, corporate sponsorships, luxury suite revenue and perhaps fans in the seats) will also be down significantly, and what follows is that the value of the teams, and the salaries paid, will also fall. This decision makes sense in the context of a falling market for MLB salaries. Any arbitrator will be required to look at PAST comparable salaries, but will not be permitted to project the future. This is why not only the Phillies, but also teams throughout MLB were very relunctant to offer arbitration.
Posted 10:33 AM, 12/02/2008
RollinsWasRight
I get it. I don't like it, but I get it. First of all, the overall numbers of Type-A free agents who were not offered arbitration is a blatant indication that the poor economy most definitely is going to affect the off-season. But think about it...Moyer went 16-7 this year with an ERA in the 3.8-range. And he did it while earning $7M. If he goes to arbitration, based on those numbers, an arbitrator is likely to award him a huge raise, possibly even a one-year salary similar to whatever average annual salary Derek Lowe gets on the open market. 16-7, 3.8ish ERA are pretty Derek Lowe-like numbers. Do the Phillies want to risk having to pay a 46-year old $14-16M next year?
Posted 11:07 AM, 12/02/2008
jeff gross
RWR: Yep, you do get it. I expect Moyers back for the same, or just under what he made last year on a 1 year contract with an option.
Posted 11:13 AM, 12/02/2008
EL Zorro
I understand not offering Moyer arbitration. Face it. Nobody is going to offer him a better deal than the Phillies, and he wants to return. As for Burrell, I think is a mistake. I don’t think he is going to get a big raise or a raise at all. The minimum the Phillies could have offered was 11.9, because you can only lower his previous salary by 15% in arbitration, which was $14 million (right?). I would have offered Pat $12 and probably he was going to counter with $16. Do you think an arbitration panel would rule in his favor, a 30 something player playing older than his age and that needs a defensive replacement and is prone to huge slumps? I would not, specially with all the economic problems. The worst-case scenario would be for the Phillies to pay $16 and the best-case scenario would be to get him for a $2 million discount. By offering arbitration, you would have either solve the problem in left field this year without losing players, via a trade or by signing free agents, and in case he does not accept arbitration, you get 2 compensation picks. If he stays for one-year arbitration figure, then next year you can go after free-agent-to-be Holliday, if he is not extended or traded, or any other younger outfielder. Now, the worst-case scenario is losing Burrell with no compensation at all.
Posted 12:18 PM, 12/02/2008
robm0202
Yea, I wasn't really upset about moyer not being offered arbitration. It is pretty much a foregone conclusion that he will be back next year. I probably sound like a broken record, but Burrell on the other hand is not coming back and he would not have come back on a one year deal considering the fact that he will easily get a multi year deal from someone. If they end up bringing back both, then it is a non issue, but i believe Burrell has played his last game for us.
Posted 12:39 PM, 12/02/2008
jeff gross
In case you haven't noticed, only 24 players were offered arbitration (about 15%). I don't see the teams knocking down Pat's door to sign him, nor do I think he is that much in demand. While we need a RH bat, most clubs can go either way. There are plenty of OF out there this year who are younger, quicker, cheaper and more consistant then Pat. having said that, I hope he's back as for us, he's the best answer out there. As for your guess, El Zorro, I disagree. Given what arbitration has been deciding lately, he could get up to 18 million this year based on his numbers last year (33 HR, 90 RBI) An extra 6 million is enough to made Werth, Victorino, Madson or a combination of them very happy with their arbitration hearings
Posted 01:08 PM, 12/02/2008
Norma
Wow! Only 24 out of 171 offered arbitration? Maybe jeff's right. Maybe it is about money. I was surprised the Phils didn't offer Jamie arbitration. But the money part does make sense. They could offer him $2 mil. rather than $6 mil., more. And use the money elsewhere. Maybe towards paying Pat. I like the idea of having the Phils "match" another teams offer to Pat.
Posted 01:55 PM, 12/02/2008
EL Zorro
Jeff, no way Burrell would get $18 million a year in arbitration. The record, if I'm not mistaken, is $10 million and is shared by Ryan Howard (won the case), Alfonso Soriano (lost) and Francisco Rodríguez (lost last year). These three players are All Stars and the only one who won (Howard) is a Rookie of the Year and MVP and almost won it this year. Soriano is 40-40 man and Rodríguez has been the best closer in baseball the last couple of years. He saved like what, a record 70 games this year. Burrell, in the other hand, has never been an All Star or won any award. My feeling was that he was going to decline it because he had until Sunday to decide and he wants at least a 3-year deal, and then we get the picks. And you are right, the reason they only offered arbitration to a handful of players is the economy. But I see the players association filing some kind of lawsuit. This reminds me about the collusion case they won a couple of decades ago.
Posted 02:06 PM, 12/02/2008
phillywebcast
They could have offered the arbitration if nothing else but getting two nice picks in exchange for the players if they don't sign. Moyer and Burrell are Type A for a reason, they've earned it and should have gotten more than the cold shoulder from the Phillies who have just raised ticket prices, parking lot fees, and just about everything else that could be raised. I wonder how much of this decision wasn't Amaro's but the ownership who told Amaro, no way. It most assuredly wasn't a decision soley made by Amaro.
Posted 02:19 PM, 12/02/2008
jeff gross
PHilly webcaste, We only get picks if they go elsewhere. The obvious concern here is that both Pat and Moyers would have accepted Arbitration and then we'd be stuck paying whatever the board decided and not get picks. As for the most given in arbitration, I believe that Howard's was teh largest amount for first time players, not in general. Imagine if manny accepts arbitration. can you imagine him getting only 10 million?? It seems obvious that the owners are trying to get a grip on salaries either because of teh ecconomic situation or they are using it as an excuse to lower salaries. Lower salaries will result in lower ticket costs at some point as well.
Posted 02:19 PM, 12/02/2008
jeff gross
PHilly webcaste, We only get picks if they go elsewhere. The obvious concern here is that both Pat and Moyers would have accepted Arbitration and then we'd be stuck paying whatever the board decided and not get picks. As for the most given in arbitration, I believe that Howard's was teh largest amount for first time players, not in general. Imagine if manny accepts arbitration. can you imagine him getting only 10 million?? It seems obvious that the owners are trying to get a grip on salaries either because of teh ecconomic situation or they are using it as an excuse to lower salaries. Lower salaries will result in lower ticket costs at some point as well.
Posted 02:28 PM, 12/02/2008
phillywebcast
I am aware that we only would get some picks if Moyer and Burrell signed elsewhere. Now if they sign elsewhere, we get nothing. That was my point. Why get nothing for two players that are Type A free agents? The Phillies always seem to give away their better players and get nothing in return for them. It was the Phillies who decided to pay Pat Burrell 14 million last year... look at the contract that our former centerfielder Aaron Rowand got with the Giants 60 million for 5 years. I wonder if Burrell would take 3 years $36 million, or is Burrell better than Rowand and should he deserve more?
Posted 02:38 PM, 12/02/2008
jeff gross
without a doubt Pat had a better year then Rowland did. Also, power hitters are generally better paid then single double hitters. I don't think that Pat was overpaid this year, remembering that it was the final year in a long term contract. At this point in his carreer, and the way the market seems to be shaping up, it is too much to pay him for next year. My point being that no one will pay him more then the 14 he made, and probaly much less. Why should the Phils overpay when, since Pat wants back, he will probably accept a matching offer from teh Phillies in any case
Posted 03:27 PM, 12/02/2008
RollinsWasRight
Zorro - the arbitration process for young players (less than 6 years service time) and for veteran FAs accepting an "offer" from their current team is different. Howard and Soriano and K-Rod were records for non-FA eligible arbitration awards. The process for veteran Free Agents isn't quite the same; for example, if the Phillies and Burrell went to arbitration, an arbitrator would not be bound to award him either the Phillies salary offer, or Burrell's salary request. The arbitrator himself would decide Burrell's exact salary based on past performance, prior year salary, salaries of comparable players, market trends, age, etc. That's why the Yankees didn't offer it to Abreu or Pettitte. They were both likely to receive awards of $18M or more... The whole "arbitration" thing is so confusing, it makes my head spin. For 25 years I have been trying to get my brain around all the nuances, and I still feel clueless about what's going on half the time.
Posted 04:13 PM, 12/02/2008
robm0202
There is no way Burrell would have fetched 18 million if it went to arbitration. The most likely outcome would have been the 2 sides agreeing on a number and him signing it before it went to arbitration. Remember that the Phils rarely actually go to arbitration, the only guy that has gone to arbitration in awhile was Howard. Burrell would have only gotten a slight raise from his 14 million, which for a 30+ hr hitter and 90+ rbi guy year in and year out is a bargain, and for only one year mind you. The Phillies are convinced that they can replace Burrell with scraps like Baldelli, but it is not going to happen. Baldelli is a part time player and people mention Ibanez too as an alternative, then who will be our power right handed hitter to protect Utley and Howard? Bringing in another left handed bat will expose us against left handed pitchers. The real issue to me is the picks we are giving up by not offering. Jeff, your numbers are very misleading (25%). You took it as a percentage of the free agents when it should really be a percentage of the Type A's. Why the heck would you offer arbitration to a free agent that won't get you compensation picks? The real number is 15 out of 25 Type A's were offered arbitration which is a significant amount. The only shocks that were not offered were Abreu and Burrell (maybe Moyer too).
Posted 04:31 PM, 12/02/2008
jeff gross
robm0202: First of all, you get one pick for a type B player and 2 picks for a type A,. so your reasoning is faulty to begin with. Secondly, the Philies do go to arbitration and not just with Howard. Amitedly it is a different type of Arbi, but this year you have Howard, Hammel, Werth, Victorino, and some others who are elegible for arbitration. As for how much he'd get, as you say, Pat has good numbers. If the two sides could agree on a number they dont' need arbitration to do so. I still maintain that the Phils will match any reasonable offer made to pat and Moyer. Notice that 12 teams, including Phillies, didn't offer anyone arbitration. A type FA's not offered include: Trevor Hoffman, Bobby Abreu, Andy Pettitte, John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez, Brad Penny, Kerry Wood, Garret Anderson, Rafael Furcal, Edgar Renteria, Adam Dunn, Randy Johnson, Doug Brocail and Randy Wolf. It's a new world out there this off season. Need to get used to the rules
Posted 05:11 PM, 12/02/2008
RollinsWasRight
I just don't understand the argument that Burrell wouldn't get a raise...or *that much* of a raise. He was overpaid last year to begin with, and he *would* get a raise, and any raise would be too much in the Phillies' eyes. They would like him back, but at $10-11M per year. He made $14M last year, and through arbitration he would get a raise if he merely matched his career norms. He actually played slightly above his career norms, and would command at least $15M in arbitration, which is $4-5M more than they want to pay. $4-5M per year will buy you Juan Cruz, a player they like and are after. They are unwilling to throw more money away, and I don't understand how anyone can fault them, considering the economy, the clear impact it is having on the baseball off-season (notice the extremely sluggish market and the surprising players who were not offered arbitration - Burrell, Moyer, Pettitte, Abreu, Dunn, Wood and Furcal), plus the money they are already throwing away on Adam Eaton and Geoff Jenkins. Factor in the number of players they have to sign, or else go through arbitration with (Howard, Hamels, Werth, Victorino, Madson, Dobbs, etc.), and the raises for Utley, Myers and Lidge that are coming, and it is very understandable that they felt the risk was too great. Again, I disagree, and would've taken the chance on either getting Burrell for one more year, or else getting two picks in compensation, but that may be exactly why I am not a baseball executive. It makes sense. It is a conservative move, but it makes good business sense.
Posted 06:19 PM, 12/02/2008
EL Zorro
RWW, I believe the difference in the arbitration process between young players and veteran players is that the veterans have the right to decline it. The owners used this tool with their own free agents to make sure they get the picks in return if they don’t sign them, like Milwaukee did with Sabathia, the Angels with Teixiera and the Dodgers with Manny. Rarely you see a veteran accepting arbitration. That’s why I don’t understand the Phillies not offering Burrell arbitration. All they had to do, if I am not mistaken, was to offer him a figure lower than last year by 15% ($11.9 mil). I have a very strong feeling he was going to decline it. He wants a contract of at least 3 years (maybe his last good contract). Let’s say, if he had accepted arbitration from the Phillies, next year would’ve been tougher for him to get that kind of contract. Also, there is a lot of Type A free agents this year that doesn’t deserve to be, but they are because the markets was thin. In a good regular free agent year it would have been tough for both Phillies to be Type A. I believe you have to be in the top 30% of the list in performance. That’s why you find a Doug Brocail and Russ Springer as Type A this year. And that’s why the Phillies should have taken advantage of it. They could lose some draft picks if they sign Juan Cruz, Burnett of Lowe and getting nothing in return for losing Burrell. 2009 could be a very weak draft for the Phillies.
Posted 06:51 PM, 12/02/2008
robm0202
Wow Jeff, so much to address from your comment. First, Type B's are irrelevant in my argument and I of course know that you get a pick for Type B's, don't insult me. Last time I checked Burrell and Moyer were Type A's, so Type B's have nothing to do with them. I also know how arbitration goes and that a ton of our guys (10 or 11 I believe) are due for arbitration. The thing is that Howard will probably be the only one that takes it that far. In the past the Phillies are known for meeting with players that are due for arbitration and making a fair deal with them. Howard on the other hand is looking to gain the most possible money out of this, so he is not interested in coming half way with the Phils and would rather an arbitrator hear his side. This is what I meant when I said that the Phillies rarely go to arbitration with players other than Howard, look it up. I also thought that if Burrell did accept arbitration then this would be the case as well. The two sides would come to an agreement and it probably would not go to an arbitrator because they would make a fair deal with him. Also, outside of the players I mentioned there were not many surprises that were not offered arbitration like I said. You named Petitte, not very surprising because the Yankees were worried he would accept it, same with Abreu though that was truly surprising to me because he would probably fetch picks. Smoltz is only a Type B and is coming off a season ending injury so the risk of him accepting arbitration was too much for the Braves and not surprising. As for Hoffma and Wood, both players wanted to return and would have accepted arbitration and both teams did not want those players back so it would have been foolish to offer them. Renteria had a terrible year so he is not surprising. Penny, Furcal, and Pedro were neither Type A or Type B, so they can't get compensation. Brocail was signed today so thats why he wasn't offered. You should do some research next time.
About Andy Martino
Andy Martino is in his first season on the Phillies beat. A former New York City public school teacher and graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, he previously wrote for the New York Daily News, where he covered baseball and worked with the award-winning investigative sports "I-team."
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