Only two teams led the AL Central after the first two weeks and they were the Clevland Indians and the Detroit Tigers. My pick of Chicago White Sox got blown out of the water as the Tigers were the only team to finish over .500. The division is arguably the worst in baseball and every team in the division has major holes.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals are an up and coming team with a lot of young talented position players, in fact they have more prospects than they know what to do with. The one thing the Royals don't have is pitching, like no pitching whatsoever. They also have made the first major trade of the off-season by trading Melky Cabrera to the Giants for Jonathon Sanchez and therefor cleared the way for Lorenzo Cain in Center and added a potentially good piece to their rotation. Nobody knows how Sanchez will be for the Royals, but the Royals likely aren't done shopping for some pitching. If the rotation for the Royals can improve to a respectable level then Kansas City could be legitimate candidates to win the division. The Royals could pursue one of the top starters, but I think its more likely that they will pursue cheaper options than go after someone like C.J Wilson. Resigning Bruce Chen is a no brainier for me, but he wants a multi year deal and someone else could give it to him before the Royals do. A lot of people have picked the Royals as a breakout candidate for 2012 and they may have a point because this team has consistently had a top offense and their bad rotation is what has dragged them down.
Chicago White Sox
The Sox were arguably the most disappointing team of 2011 and definitely had the most disappointing free agent signing in Adam Dunn. Dunn was supposed to hit 50 Home runs in Chicago but he would up hitting 11, with .159 BA. The White Sox rotation is probably the best in the division and for awhile they ended up being able to trade Edwin Jackson because of the emergence of Phil Humber. The White sox are now looking to get younger, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are going to be dumping salary and they absolutely wont be butchering their rotation. While they could move Zach Stewart into the rotation they have said that they would only trade a pitcher if they resign Mark Buehrle. The White Sox really don't have a lot of trade pieces outside of their rotation and they have some really bad contracts that they will have a lot of trouble moving. If I was the White Sox I would see what I could get for John Danks or Gavin Floyd even if Mark Buehrle signs elsewhere because they really need to try and get younger and while these players are young they can get a really good return for both of those guys.
Clevland Indians
The Indians had a great run this season but they are just starting to have their prospects going but the whole franchise is still a mess. The rotation is a mess and the one solid contributor of 2009 and 2010 in Shin-Soo Choo had a bad 2011 and going in to 2012 I have no idea what to expect from the Indians. They could win the division or they could lose 95 games, a big part of that will be how Ubaldo does in 2012 and the other part is what they do in their Outfield now that Grady is gone. Fukudome could be retained but they could try any number of players in the outfield. They could try for Cuddyer, Dejesus or Kubel but it depends on if the Indians think they can win in 2012.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins probably are the most disapointing team of 2011 because everything went wrong for them. If they want to compete then Maur and Morneau will need to be healthy and Morneau hasn't been able to stay healthy for 3 years. Cuddyer, Kubel, Capps and Nathan could all be gone in 2012 and the rotation is a total mess. Tsuyoshi Nishioka bombed and it was made worse by the success of 2010 short stop JJ Hardy and Nishioka is not even guaranteed to be a starter in 2012. The Twins going to need to try and turn things around next season but they may be headed to full on rebuild, but if they can make some good signings then this is still a team that could win this division especially if everyone can stay healthy and effective. They should try and resign Cuddyer or pursue Willingham and get a solid backup like Jose Molina. I also think that they should try some risk and reward typed players for their rotation and see if they can piece together a good rotation out of the scrap heap. As much as I should count them out this is a team that has been able to make idiot moves consistently over the last 10 years ans still somehow find ways to win.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers had a great season due mostly to Justin Verlander. Despite winning 95 games they dealt with a lot of injuries and they have question marks in RF, 3rd and at second. This team could make a play for any of the big time free agents, but even if they ignore all of their question marks they probably would be able to piece together a lineup based on what they already have that would the division in 2012. The Tigers could be in play for Aramis Ramirz but it would probably be better for them to just try Inge again at 3rd and see if he can be a contributor again and while they could try for a starting outfielder they could just as easily stick with Delmon Young and Brennan Boesch in the corner outfield. The best move for the Tigers would probably be for them to bring in veterans to spring training and have them compete with the existing option and see what happens. It would also be good for them to sign a 5th starter on a one year deal rather than give the spot to prospect Jacob Turner who has only had 3 starts at AAA.
The Tigers look like the best team in a weak division, but any of these teams could surprise everybody and breakout. The only one of these teams that will likely be considering signing major free agents is the Tigers but all the teams could be very active on the trade market this winter, especially the Royals who could definitely acquire another starting pitcher.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Best Moves for the NL Central!
In the last 20 years an NL central team has won the pennant four times and three of those times were won by the St.Louis Cardinals who have three pennants and two World Series in the last seven years. That being said they have had four different winners in the last four years and the division could be wide open for 2012.
Houston Astros
The Astros have no chance of contending in 2012 and they will be looking to dump salary with their new ownership. They traded their two best pieces last season in Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence for prospects and will try and trade Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Carlos Lee for prospects as well. They could try for some bounce back players like Ben Sheets or Jamie Moyer, but they wont have any impact beyond that. Wandy will draw interest but they will not get the prospects they want unless they eat some salary which is exactly the opposite of what the new ownership will want to do. The Astros wont likely get much for Myers at the outset of the season but if he is pitching well then he could get something for them at the trade deadline as he is only under contract for 2012. Carlos Lee could be moved but they would get nothing but mild salary relief unless he tears it up before the trade deadline. The Rockies, Nationals and Red Sox could all be potential trade partners for Wandy or Myers and Astros can focus on rebuilding after all that money comes off the books.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates took a big step forward in 2012 and were in contention for a long while but they outperformed themselves. The Pirates will look to re-sign Derrek Lee, acquire a starting catcher and lock up Andrew McCutchen long term. The Yankees and Bucs almost had a deal for Francisco Cervelli last season and they could try again this off season or the Bucs could try for Ramon Hernandez. They will try Pedro Alvarez at third again this season but a strong backup is also a possibility. The Bucs biggest need is some upper rotation pitchers and while they could try for Edwin Jackson I expect that they will just try and develop their pitching prospects now that they have Gerrit Cole coming up. The Pirates would really benefit from signing Fielder but I seriously doubt they will make that impact on the Free agent market. Some key upgrades could mean that the Pirates will finally finish with a winning season and if Pedro Alvarez develops into a decent third baseman then the Pirates could be a top team in the NL Central soon.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have a new team president, General Manager and soon manager. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer will look to build a team that can win a world series, but first they will try and dump Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano. Cubs fans want the team to pursue Albert Pujols, but Fielder really makes more sense for the team as he is four years younger and can help the team in a few years when they can contend. Fielder will likely be the only big free agent they pursue as they will be looking to dump salary more than sign more big contracts. They may try and swap Zambrano for another bad contract like A.J Burnett, but dumping Soriano will be hard as he is under contract for the next three seasons. They could look to retain Ramirez, but some lower level free agents and bounce back players would likely be a better option for the Cubs. The resources of the Cubs are the best in the Division but they are still a few years away from contending and this is a rebuilding year for the team.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers screwed their farm system to win now, but if they can replace Fielders bat with a productive one then they can still win in this division. Their biggest area of need is really the left side of the infield with Casey McGehee and Yuniesky Betancourt unlikely to be retained, but their really aren't a lot of great solutions for them. They will likely try for a variety of different infielders as well as retaining utility infielder Jerry Harriston Jr who could start at 3rd or short if needed. With the money being freed up from Fielders contract there is a good chance they could pursue Jose Reyes who would really help the team. The Brewers can still contend this season but they will need to make good moves in order to do so. They could also still possibly retain Prince Fielder if a market for the First baseman doesn't develop, because the market after the Cubs is pretty hypothetical.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are arguably the most disappointing team in the national league, mostly due to their rotation which after Johnny Cueto was very poor and while they will be adding Aroldis Chapman to the rotation some more moves may be necessary, but due to their limited payroll they may just hope that other members of the rotation perform better. There has been some talk of trading Joey Votto, but he is a great player and still has two more relatively cheap years left and I expect that he will play at least one more year with the Reds before they really consider trading him. The Reds have real potential for 2012 but they will likely do it with primarily what they already have and will have to hope that 2012 goes better than 2011 did.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Defending World series champions biggest off season story will be their new manager and some guy named Albert Pujols. Their rotation will be better than last years with Adam Wainwright coming back from Tommy John surgery and their biggest need will be Shortstop and second base and they only need to retain Rafael Furcal to fill their need at shortstop. I doubt that they will want to start 2012 with Nick Punto at second base and could pursue someone like Clint Barmes or a lower level free agent like Mark Ellis. They could also try and put Allen Craig primarily at second, but he only had 8 starts at second since coming up in 2010. Pujols is the biggest story of the off season for the Cardinals and I expect that in the end they will show him the money.
Houston Astros
The Astros have no chance of contending in 2012 and they will be looking to dump salary with their new ownership. They traded their two best pieces last season in Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence for prospects and will try and trade Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and Carlos Lee for prospects as well. They could try for some bounce back players like Ben Sheets or Jamie Moyer, but they wont have any impact beyond that. Wandy will draw interest but they will not get the prospects they want unless they eat some salary which is exactly the opposite of what the new ownership will want to do. The Astros wont likely get much for Myers at the outset of the season but if he is pitching well then he could get something for them at the trade deadline as he is only under contract for 2012. Carlos Lee could be moved but they would get nothing but mild salary relief unless he tears it up before the trade deadline. The Rockies, Nationals and Red Sox could all be potential trade partners for Wandy or Myers and Astros can focus on rebuilding after all that money comes off the books.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates took a big step forward in 2012 and were in contention for a long while but they outperformed themselves. The Pirates will look to re-sign Derrek Lee, acquire a starting catcher and lock up Andrew McCutchen long term. The Yankees and Bucs almost had a deal for Francisco Cervelli last season and they could try again this off season or the Bucs could try for Ramon Hernandez. They will try Pedro Alvarez at third again this season but a strong backup is also a possibility. The Bucs biggest need is some upper rotation pitchers and while they could try for Edwin Jackson I expect that they will just try and develop their pitching prospects now that they have Gerrit Cole coming up. The Pirates would really benefit from signing Fielder but I seriously doubt they will make that impact on the Free agent market. Some key upgrades could mean that the Pirates will finally finish with a winning season and if Pedro Alvarez develops into a decent third baseman then the Pirates could be a top team in the NL Central soon.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have a new team president, General Manager and soon manager. Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer will look to build a team that can win a world series, but first they will try and dump Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano. Cubs fans want the team to pursue Albert Pujols, but Fielder really makes more sense for the team as he is four years younger and can help the team in a few years when they can contend. Fielder will likely be the only big free agent they pursue as they will be looking to dump salary more than sign more big contracts. They may try and swap Zambrano for another bad contract like A.J Burnett, but dumping Soriano will be hard as he is under contract for the next three seasons. They could look to retain Ramirez, but some lower level free agents and bounce back players would likely be a better option for the Cubs. The resources of the Cubs are the best in the Division but they are still a few years away from contending and this is a rebuilding year for the team.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers screwed their farm system to win now, but if they can replace Fielders bat with a productive one then they can still win in this division. Their biggest area of need is really the left side of the infield with Casey McGehee and Yuniesky Betancourt unlikely to be retained, but their really aren't a lot of great solutions for them. They will likely try for a variety of different infielders as well as retaining utility infielder Jerry Harriston Jr who could start at 3rd or short if needed. With the money being freed up from Fielders contract there is a good chance they could pursue Jose Reyes who would really help the team. The Brewers can still contend this season but they will need to make good moves in order to do so. They could also still possibly retain Prince Fielder if a market for the First baseman doesn't develop, because the market after the Cubs is pretty hypothetical.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are arguably the most disappointing team in the national league, mostly due to their rotation which after Johnny Cueto was very poor and while they will be adding Aroldis Chapman to the rotation some more moves may be necessary, but due to their limited payroll they may just hope that other members of the rotation perform better. There has been some talk of trading Joey Votto, but he is a great player and still has two more relatively cheap years left and I expect that he will play at least one more year with the Reds before they really consider trading him. The Reds have real potential for 2012 but they will likely do it with primarily what they already have and will have to hope that 2012 goes better than 2011 did.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Defending World series champions biggest off season story will be their new manager and some guy named Albert Pujols. Their rotation will be better than last years with Adam Wainwright coming back from Tommy John surgery and their biggest need will be Shortstop and second base and they only need to retain Rafael Furcal to fill their need at shortstop. I doubt that they will want to start 2012 with Nick Punto at second base and could pursue someone like Clint Barmes or a lower level free agent like Mark Ellis. They could also try and put Allen Craig primarily at second, but he only had 8 starts at second since coming up in 2010. Pujols is the biggest story of the off season for the Cardinals and I expect that in the end they will show him the money.
Best Moves for the NL West!
The Last two years have been weird for the NL West with the Padres winning for almost the entire year, but then the Giants surged past the Padres who were slumping big time. This Year the Rockies and Giants looked like they would battle for the NL West, instead the Diamondbacks surprised everybody and won. Next year it could be anybody especially with the Dodgers ownership situation likely becoming clear relatively soon.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers should be in play for Ramirez, Fielder and several other top free agents, but I doubt that their ownership situation will be solved in time for them to do almost anything but try and lock up Kemp and Kershaw. They will likely look for a deal in the Starting pitcher market and they are really only a few key pieces from running away with the division. Carlos Pena would be a good signing for the Dodgers, but the best fit would be Fielder if they can afford him.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks don't really have any area where they need to acquire someone but they have a lot of places where they could upgrade especially the middle of the rotation and 1st base. They could upgrade the mid rotation, but I suspect that they will leave 1st to Paul Goldschmidt and see what happens. They also should try and resign Aaron Hill who played well for them and they really should get a lefty who is not named Zach Duke. The Diamondbacks will need to do something about the back of their rotation and they may look to trade Joe Saunders for a pair of lesser arms that can still eat innings. The D-backs had a constant cycle at the 5th starter spot and even if they do not trade Saunders they should be able to find someone who can make 30+ decent starts over the season. The team may try for starters such as Rich Harden, Freddy Garcia or Kevin Millwood.
San Diego Padres
The biggest move for them will likely be trying to resign Heath Bell and they could try for a lower level impact bat and hope that their prospects develop like they want them to. I still don't understand why they declined Harang's option because now they will have to fill another rotation spot and Harang pitched well for the Padres.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are a weird team that always seems like they have too many good players to not win more, but they have some serious holes and really no starting pitching. I expect that the Rockies will try and find gold with some underrated Starting arms and try for either Ramirez or to trade for a third baseman like Michael Young or David Wright. They have a lot of replacement level players in the everyday lineup and need to change that before they will contend. Young would really be perfect for them as would an upgrade in Left Field with Josh Willingham. I expect them to take some chances on the free agent market for starting pitching and it will be a big part of how their year will turn out, some good players might be Roy Oswalt, Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon or Paul Maholm.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants pitching is arguably the best in all of baseball but they have no offense. If they want to win the division they will need to retain Beltran, have a healthy Buster Posey and find a position for Brandon Belt. They also are going to need a shortstop and could pursue bay area native Jimmy Rollins or the big name free agent Jose Reyes. The Giants are looking to make some moves but they have $44 million tied up in bad contracts and will need to extend Lincicum and Cain soon. Signing Beltran and a decent Shortstop could be all they need to win if Buster Posey can come back healthy. A good backup catcher is key for the Giants and if they keep Beltran then they probably can just stick with an outfield tandem of Cody Ross, Nate Schierholtz and Andres Torres in Left and Center field. If they miss out on Beltran its very possible they will go after Coco Crisp
The Only team I would count out of the Division title would be the Padres because any of the teams could end up winning if things go right for them.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers should be in play for Ramirez, Fielder and several other top free agents, but I doubt that their ownership situation will be solved in time for them to do almost anything but try and lock up Kemp and Kershaw. They will likely look for a deal in the Starting pitcher market and they are really only a few key pieces from running away with the division. Carlos Pena would be a good signing for the Dodgers, but the best fit would be Fielder if they can afford him.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks don't really have any area where they need to acquire someone but they have a lot of places where they could upgrade especially the middle of the rotation and 1st base. They could upgrade the mid rotation, but I suspect that they will leave 1st to Paul Goldschmidt and see what happens. They also should try and resign Aaron Hill who played well for them and they really should get a lefty who is not named Zach Duke. The Diamondbacks will need to do something about the back of their rotation and they may look to trade Joe Saunders for a pair of lesser arms that can still eat innings. The D-backs had a constant cycle at the 5th starter spot and even if they do not trade Saunders they should be able to find someone who can make 30+ decent starts over the season. The team may try for starters such as Rich Harden, Freddy Garcia or Kevin Millwood.
San Diego Padres
The biggest move for them will likely be trying to resign Heath Bell and they could try for a lower level impact bat and hope that their prospects develop like they want them to. I still don't understand why they declined Harang's option because now they will have to fill another rotation spot and Harang pitched well for the Padres.
Colorado Rockies
The Rockies are a weird team that always seems like they have too many good players to not win more, but they have some serious holes and really no starting pitching. I expect that the Rockies will try and find gold with some underrated Starting arms and try for either Ramirez or to trade for a third baseman like Michael Young or David Wright. They have a lot of replacement level players in the everyday lineup and need to change that before they will contend. Young would really be perfect for them as would an upgrade in Left Field with Josh Willingham. I expect them to take some chances on the free agent market for starting pitching and it will be a big part of how their year will turn out, some good players might be Roy Oswalt, Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon or Paul Maholm.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants pitching is arguably the best in all of baseball but they have no offense. If they want to win the division they will need to retain Beltran, have a healthy Buster Posey and find a position for Brandon Belt. They also are going to need a shortstop and could pursue bay area native Jimmy Rollins or the big name free agent Jose Reyes. The Giants are looking to make some moves but they have $44 million tied up in bad contracts and will need to extend Lincicum and Cain soon. Signing Beltran and a decent Shortstop could be all they need to win if Buster Posey can come back healthy. A good backup catcher is key for the Giants and if they keep Beltran then they probably can just stick with an outfield tandem of Cody Ross, Nate Schierholtz and Andres Torres in Left and Center field. If they miss out on Beltran its very possible they will go after Coco Crisp
The Only team I would count out of the Division title would be the Padres because any of the teams could end up winning if things go right for them.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Best Moves for the AL West!
Well I'm gonna start a series of posts about what the teams of each division need to do this off season and I will start with the AL west and conclude with the AL East.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers hadn't even won a home playoff game before last year and now they have won two pennants. The Rangers biggest need is their rotation, 1st base and center field and they have internal options for center and the rotation, they want to have Feliz and Ogando in the rotation next year if Wilson signs elsewhere. The only real need at first is that none of their 1st base options are positive defenders and that hurt them in the world series. It may also be time that they trade Michael Young because at this point he is undervalued as a DH, he can still play 3rd and 2nd but he's not a first baseman and they may be able to get more value out of him than they were able to get from the Rockies last year. I don't know how they feel about Leonys Martins development, but it would be ambitious to hand him the center field duties on opening day. They could also be players for someone like Carlos Pena or Coco Crisp but I don't see them making a lot of moves this off season.
Los Angeles Angels
The best move for the Angels would probably be for them to have not have done all of the dumb moves they have done in the last two years especially the Vernon Wells for Napoli trade which could possibly be one of the worst trades in my lifetime. They have Mike Trout coming up and nowhere for him to play and now they have to figure out where Trumbo and Morales will play next season. The worst part is that they probably would have won the Division last year if they had signed Beltre. the Angels 1-3 rotation is better than anybody else in the AL and they could sign Reyes or Ramirez and if they do I think they would be the favorites to win the Division.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners have a ton of pitching and a lot of prospects and the biggest move they really need to make is to try and get rid of Chone Figgins. Past that their best move would be to find somebody to to play left field and they could pursue any number of unranked free agents to do so. They could go for a platoon LF spot and sign someone like Laynce Nix and have him split playing time with Casper Wells and that's probably the best thing for the Mariners. Next year will probably be a rebuilding year for the Mariners and really they would need Ichiro to bounce back if they want to contend at all. The Mariners do have deep pockets and could be contenders again in the near future.
Oakland A's
There are a number of things that the A's could do to get better but in the end they will not make any moves until their stadium situation is sorted out. A good move along that line could be to try and trade one of their starters to a team loaded with position player prospects like the Royals. They dump Brian Fuentes as well, its not that he's bad its just that they don't need him. They could also try for a reclamation project like Grady Sizemore.
I will have the NL West up soon
Texas Rangers
The Rangers hadn't even won a home playoff game before last year and now they have won two pennants. The Rangers biggest need is their rotation, 1st base and center field and they have internal options for center and the rotation, they want to have Feliz and Ogando in the rotation next year if Wilson signs elsewhere. The only real need at first is that none of their 1st base options are positive defenders and that hurt them in the world series. It may also be time that they trade Michael Young because at this point he is undervalued as a DH, he can still play 3rd and 2nd but he's not a first baseman and they may be able to get more value out of him than they were able to get from the Rockies last year. I don't know how they feel about Leonys Martins development, but it would be ambitious to hand him the center field duties on opening day. They could also be players for someone like Carlos Pena or Coco Crisp but I don't see them making a lot of moves this off season.
Los Angeles Angels
The best move for the Angels would probably be for them to have not have done all of the dumb moves they have done in the last two years especially the Vernon Wells for Napoli trade which could possibly be one of the worst trades in my lifetime. They have Mike Trout coming up and nowhere for him to play and now they have to figure out where Trumbo and Morales will play next season. The worst part is that they probably would have won the Division last year if they had signed Beltre. the Angels 1-3 rotation is better than anybody else in the AL and they could sign Reyes or Ramirez and if they do I think they would be the favorites to win the Division.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners have a ton of pitching and a lot of prospects and the biggest move they really need to make is to try and get rid of Chone Figgins. Past that their best move would be to find somebody to to play left field and they could pursue any number of unranked free agents to do so. They could go for a platoon LF spot and sign someone like Laynce Nix and have him split playing time with Casper Wells and that's probably the best thing for the Mariners. Next year will probably be a rebuilding year for the Mariners and really they would need Ichiro to bounce back if they want to contend at all. The Mariners do have deep pockets and could be contenders again in the near future.
Oakland A's
There are a number of things that the A's could do to get better but in the end they will not make any moves until their stadium situation is sorted out. A good move along that line could be to try and trade one of their starters to a team loaded with position player prospects like the Royals. They dump Brian Fuentes as well, its not that he's bad its just that they don't need him. They could also try for a reclamation project like Grady Sizemore.
I will have the NL West up soon
Top 50 Free Agent predicton
If you haven't seen MLB Trade rumors is having a prediction contest for the top 50 free agents and I thought I would give you mine as well as some justification for each.
1. Albert Pujols- Cardinals
They just built a freaking statue of the guy and who else is gonna pay him? He's a cardinal and always will be. If Epstein wants to make a big splash though he could target Pujols but the Cubs have a lot of holes.
2.Prince Fielder-Cubs
I don't really know if I can justify this that well but where the hell else is Fielder gonna go? Fielder is 4 years younger and will still be in his prime when the Cubs can contend again. He could return to the Brewers if the cubs aren't interested and the Nats and Marlins are also possibilities.
3.Jose Reyes- Milwaukee Brewers
I really have no idea where Reyes will go. He's not going back to the Mets and it seems like all the teams that need him don't want to show him the money. The Brewers have a hole at SS and 3rd and with Fielder coming off the books they will have some more money. I initially said the Angels but they never do anything that makes sense. The Nats, Giants and Red Sox are all possibilities.
4.C.J Wilson- Flordia Marlins
Wilson could end up with a number of teams, but it looks like the Rangers aren't that interested in resigning him unless his price tag is less than $80 million which it wont be. The Marlins have a protected draft pick and want to improve their rotation. Any contender and borderline contender could end up signing Wilson.
5. Yu Darvish- Yankees
Its all about the money and the Yankees have it. If they don't pursue him hard then the field is wide open but the Blue Jays would make the most sense.
6. Edwin Jackson- Washington Nationals
Next best option after Wilson and he is a type B free agent which is a bigger deal for the Nats because they have the first unprotected draft pick of the draft.
7. Jimmy Rollins- Phillies
The Phillies should probably go younger but they will likely retain Rollins. If they part ways the Giants will probably try and sign him.
8. Aramis Ramirez- Tigers
The best 3rd baseman on the market and signing him could make the Tigers a legitimate World Series Contender.
9. Carlos Beltran- Red Sox
Best Outfield bat available and the Red Sox are going to probably want more production than Josh Reddick can offer.
10. Jonathon Papelbon- Red Sox
While they may have wanted to make Bard the closer, they really wont have much of a choice other than to sign him. If bard fails as the closer then who would they turn to?
11. Michael Cuddyer- Phillies
The Phillies are disappointed with how they finished the season and a powerful Right handed bat that can play a number of positions will be very helpful.
12. Mark Buehrle- White Sox
Buehrle's agent says that he is open to playing anywhere but I don't believe him. However if he is serious then he could be of real interest to the Yankees.
13. David Ortiz- Red Sox
While some suggest that the Yankees could pursue him, that's not happening and the Red Sox will need to retain his powerful bat.
14. Ryan Madosn- Phillies
He's been with the Phillies his entire career and he will be there full time closer and look to cash in.
15. Hiroki Kuroda- Dodgers
He could help any number of teams but he dosen't want to play anywhere else.
16. Carlos Pena- Dodgers
They would like to pursue Pujols or Fielder but they don't have the money. Pena has a good glove and a powerful bat and could really help the Dodgers in a weak division.
17. K-Rod- Jays
The Jays have a protected Draft pick and despite attitude problems he could help a Jays team that is looking to contend in the next few years.
18. Roy Oswalt- Rockies
The Rockies need pitching and nobody seems to think that Oswalt will be able to stay healthy
19. Javier Vazquez- Retires
He could play for any number of East coast teams but I think he will hang up his cleats on a high note.
20. Heath Bell- Padres
He wants to stay a Padre and said that he will accept arbitration if offered.
21. Coco Crisp- Giants
He wants to stay on the west coast and the Giants are a good fit for him.
22. Hisashi Iwakuma- Twins
The Twins really need pitching and they bid on him last year. He would be a good fit for the Twins but if he doesn't sign with them then any number of teams could sign him.
23. Kelly Johnson- Jays
Look for him to be resigned by the Jays, but otherwise I think the Tigers would be the best fit for him.
24. Josh Willingham- Indians
He is the lesser version of Carlos Beltran and could end up with any number of teams. However the Indians had little offense last year and they could either part with Fukudome or move him to center field. The Reds are a really good possibility if they will pay for him.
25. Paul Maholm- Royals
The Royals need pitching and will probably be stingy about their prospects.
26. Grady Sizemore- A's
A's will look to catch Sizemore's old stuff. Sizemore will get hurt though.
27. Bartolo Colon- Jays
Colon will look to show that last year wasn't just a flash in the pan and the Jays will hope to get another 160+ solid innings out of the former Cy Young winner.
28. Erik Bedard- Red Sox
Good starter if he can stay healthy and the Sox are going to need Starting pitcher.
29. David Dejesus-Cubs
Good complementary piece for the Cubs. Mets are another possibility.
30. Jason Kubel- Twins
Its either Kubel or Cuddyer and Kubel is cheaper for the Twins.
31. Ramon Hernandez- Pirates
Pirates need a catcher and I would not be surprised if they traded for someone like Cervelli in addition to this signing.
32. Jeff Francis- Royals
Royals probably shouldn't create anymore holes in their rotation and he did pitch 183 innings for them last year. Any number of teams could give him a look though.
33. Chris Capuano- Pirates
Good depth for a team that really needs to upgrade its pitching.
34. Tsuyoshi Wada- Mariners
Don't really know the guy but the Mariners or Dodgers make sense.
35. Clint Barmes- Twins
The Twins need a solid contributor in the middle infield until they figure out what to do with their younger players and Barmes works well for that.
36. Casey Kotchman- Rays
The Rays would love to retain Kotchman and he would like to return if they can pay him. If the Rays move on then he could end up any number of places.
37. Freddy Garcia- Yankees
He wants to return and the Yankees want him back. He will be in the Rotation or long releif.
38. Aaron Hill- Arizona
Hit very well for Arizona and they want to retain him.
39. Johnny Damon- Orioles
Veteran leader for a team that needs it. Could very well be retained by the Rays
40. Aaron Harang- Red Sox
The Sox need to rebuild their rotation and Harrang was good for the Padres last year.
41. Jamey Carroll- Tigers
No power but they need a second baseman.
42. Rafael Furcal- Cardinals
Shortstop will return to the world series champions
43. Juan Pierre- Reds
They need a left fielder and Pierre is better than nobody.
44. Frank Francisco- Tigers
Despite some solid late innings the rest of the Tigers bullpen was pretty crappy. Anybody looking for a solid reliever could get Francisco. though.
45. Jason Marquis- Mets
He's a New York guy who wants to play in New York and the Mets need a solid guy like Marquis in their Rotation. Cubs, Rockies and Twins are other possibility
46. Joel Pineiro- Cubs
Epstein will look to capture Pineiro's good stuff on a short deal.
47. Jonathon Broxton- Mets
Look for Broxton to sign with a team that will make him the closer for a year on an incentive laden deal. The Mets seem perfect.
48. Joe Nathan- Twins
In the end I think Nathan will go back to the Twins, but if they don't offer him much or he is really serious about playing for a contender then any team could make a play for him.
49. Kerry Wood- Cubs
Its Cubs or retirement for Wood
50. Bruce Chen- Royals
Chen wants to come back to the Royals where he has had success in their rotation over the last two years. However Chen will want more money than the $2 million he made this year and will want more than a one year deal so if the Royals balk at that then any number of teams will try for him.
1. Albert Pujols- Cardinals
They just built a freaking statue of the guy and who else is gonna pay him? He's a cardinal and always will be. If Epstein wants to make a big splash though he could target Pujols but the Cubs have a lot of holes.
2.Prince Fielder-Cubs
I don't really know if I can justify this that well but where the hell else is Fielder gonna go? Fielder is 4 years younger and will still be in his prime when the Cubs can contend again. He could return to the Brewers if the cubs aren't interested and the Nats and Marlins are also possibilities.
3.Jose Reyes- Milwaukee Brewers
I really have no idea where Reyes will go. He's not going back to the Mets and it seems like all the teams that need him don't want to show him the money. The Brewers have a hole at SS and 3rd and with Fielder coming off the books they will have some more money. I initially said the Angels but they never do anything that makes sense. The Nats, Giants and Red Sox are all possibilities.
4.C.J Wilson- Flordia Marlins
Wilson could end up with a number of teams, but it looks like the Rangers aren't that interested in resigning him unless his price tag is less than $80 million which it wont be. The Marlins have a protected draft pick and want to improve their rotation. Any contender and borderline contender could end up signing Wilson.
5. Yu Darvish- Yankees
Its all about the money and the Yankees have it. If they don't pursue him hard then the field is wide open but the Blue Jays would make the most sense.
6. Edwin Jackson- Washington Nationals
Next best option after Wilson and he is a type B free agent which is a bigger deal for the Nats because they have the first unprotected draft pick of the draft.
7. Jimmy Rollins- Phillies
The Phillies should probably go younger but they will likely retain Rollins. If they part ways the Giants will probably try and sign him.
8. Aramis Ramirez- Tigers
The best 3rd baseman on the market and signing him could make the Tigers a legitimate World Series Contender.
9. Carlos Beltran- Red Sox
Best Outfield bat available and the Red Sox are going to probably want more production than Josh Reddick can offer.
10. Jonathon Papelbon- Red Sox
While they may have wanted to make Bard the closer, they really wont have much of a choice other than to sign him. If bard fails as the closer then who would they turn to?
11. Michael Cuddyer- Phillies
The Phillies are disappointed with how they finished the season and a powerful Right handed bat that can play a number of positions will be very helpful.
12. Mark Buehrle- White Sox
Buehrle's agent says that he is open to playing anywhere but I don't believe him. However if he is serious then he could be of real interest to the Yankees.
13. David Ortiz- Red Sox
While some suggest that the Yankees could pursue him, that's not happening and the Red Sox will need to retain his powerful bat.
14. Ryan Madosn- Phillies
He's been with the Phillies his entire career and he will be there full time closer and look to cash in.
15. Hiroki Kuroda- Dodgers
He could help any number of teams but he dosen't want to play anywhere else.
16. Carlos Pena- Dodgers
They would like to pursue Pujols or Fielder but they don't have the money. Pena has a good glove and a powerful bat and could really help the Dodgers in a weak division.
17. K-Rod- Jays
The Jays have a protected Draft pick and despite attitude problems he could help a Jays team that is looking to contend in the next few years.
18. Roy Oswalt- Rockies
The Rockies need pitching and nobody seems to think that Oswalt will be able to stay healthy
19. Javier Vazquez- Retires
He could play for any number of East coast teams but I think he will hang up his cleats on a high note.
20. Heath Bell- Padres
He wants to stay a Padre and said that he will accept arbitration if offered.
21. Coco Crisp- Giants
He wants to stay on the west coast and the Giants are a good fit for him.
22. Hisashi Iwakuma- Twins
The Twins really need pitching and they bid on him last year. He would be a good fit for the Twins but if he doesn't sign with them then any number of teams could sign him.
23. Kelly Johnson- Jays
Look for him to be resigned by the Jays, but otherwise I think the Tigers would be the best fit for him.
24. Josh Willingham- Indians
He is the lesser version of Carlos Beltran and could end up with any number of teams. However the Indians had little offense last year and they could either part with Fukudome or move him to center field. The Reds are a really good possibility if they will pay for him.
25. Paul Maholm- Royals
The Royals need pitching and will probably be stingy about their prospects.
26. Grady Sizemore- A's
A's will look to catch Sizemore's old stuff. Sizemore will get hurt though.
27. Bartolo Colon- Jays
Colon will look to show that last year wasn't just a flash in the pan and the Jays will hope to get another 160+ solid innings out of the former Cy Young winner.
28. Erik Bedard- Red Sox
Good starter if he can stay healthy and the Sox are going to need Starting pitcher.
29. David Dejesus-Cubs
Good complementary piece for the Cubs. Mets are another possibility.
30. Jason Kubel- Twins
Its either Kubel or Cuddyer and Kubel is cheaper for the Twins.
31. Ramon Hernandez- Pirates
Pirates need a catcher and I would not be surprised if they traded for someone like Cervelli in addition to this signing.
32. Jeff Francis- Royals
Royals probably shouldn't create anymore holes in their rotation and he did pitch 183 innings for them last year. Any number of teams could give him a look though.
33. Chris Capuano- Pirates
Good depth for a team that really needs to upgrade its pitching.
34. Tsuyoshi Wada- Mariners
Don't really know the guy but the Mariners or Dodgers make sense.
35. Clint Barmes- Twins
The Twins need a solid contributor in the middle infield until they figure out what to do with their younger players and Barmes works well for that.
36. Casey Kotchman- Rays
The Rays would love to retain Kotchman and he would like to return if they can pay him. If the Rays move on then he could end up any number of places.
37. Freddy Garcia- Yankees
He wants to return and the Yankees want him back. He will be in the Rotation or long releif.
38. Aaron Hill- Arizona
Hit very well for Arizona and they want to retain him.
39. Johnny Damon- Orioles
Veteran leader for a team that needs it. Could very well be retained by the Rays
40. Aaron Harang- Red Sox
The Sox need to rebuild their rotation and Harrang was good for the Padres last year.
41. Jamey Carroll- Tigers
No power but they need a second baseman.
42. Rafael Furcal- Cardinals
Shortstop will return to the world series champions
43. Juan Pierre- Reds
They need a left fielder and Pierre is better than nobody.
44. Frank Francisco- Tigers
Despite some solid late innings the rest of the Tigers bullpen was pretty crappy. Anybody looking for a solid reliever could get Francisco. though.
45. Jason Marquis- Mets
He's a New York guy who wants to play in New York and the Mets need a solid guy like Marquis in their Rotation. Cubs, Rockies and Twins are other possibility
46. Joel Pineiro- Cubs
Epstein will look to capture Pineiro's good stuff on a short deal.
47. Jonathon Broxton- Mets
Look for Broxton to sign with a team that will make him the closer for a year on an incentive laden deal. The Mets seem perfect.
48. Joe Nathan- Twins
In the end I think Nathan will go back to the Twins, but if they don't offer him much or he is really serious about playing for a contender then any team could make a play for him.
49. Kerry Wood- Cubs
Its Cubs or retirement for Wood
50. Bruce Chen- Royals
Chen wants to come back to the Royals where he has had success in their rotation over the last two years. However Chen will want more money than the $2 million he made this year and will want more than a one year deal so if the Royals balk at that then any number of teams will try for him.
Monday, October 31, 2011
CC IS BACK!
It feels like her never left, probably because he never actually did. Despite all the people who insisted that CC was going to walk (I'm looking at you Bobby Valentine) CC signed an extension with the Yankees for a guaranteed $25 million in 2016 and a $25 million vesting option for 2017. Here is the full contract from MLBTR.
The Yankee Free Agents
Its officially the off season and the Yankees have 8 free agents and unfortunately it looks like CC will opt out and Rafael Soriano will not. The Yankees have also predictably picked up the options for Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano, and while that makes it likely that the Yankees will not pursue Carlos Beltran the possibility does remain that they could sign Beltran and trade Swisher. The Yankees eight free agents are
-Jorge Posada
-Luis Ayala
-Bartolo Colon
-Andruw Jones
-Damaso Marte
-Sergio Mitre
-Eric Chavez
-Freddy Garcia (Type B)
Eric Chavez is leaning heavily toward retirement but has said that if he doesn't retire he would like to come back to the Yankees. This would work very well for the Yankees as he would go back to his bench role, but the Yankees do have internal options and other free agent options and they wont likely wait for Chavez if another player is available. Eric Chavez did finish exactly replacement level and will continue to be a constant injury risk. Its also possible they could bring him back to compete for the job in spring training, but I really think he will end up retiring.
Another valuable bench piece was Andruw Jones who despite his slow start definately was a valuable piece for the Yankees. The only reason Jones would not come back is if he gets a better offer from another team for either more money or more playing time, which is a very good possibility. Jones had the fewest PA/ AB since August debut in 1996 and while there is a good chance he would get some more playing time this season, the Yankees were really finding playing time for him most of the season rather than needing him. If he liked playing with the Yankees then he will be back but there is a good chance that someone who needs him more will offer him more money and/or more laying time.
Bartolo Colon, we all mocked the signing of Bartolo Colon when it happened and called him bullfrog and a has been who was never going to make the team. Then he had a good spring training and made the bullpen, then he got thrust into a rotation spot and minus one hiccup in Texas was absolutely phenomenal and Bart day became my favorite day of the week, culminating in this. Colon faded down the stretch and the guy who had been penciled in to the #2 spot in the playoff rotation was left off the postseason roster altogether. Colon will sign with a team that needs a back of the rotation starter and will make a lot more than the 900,000 he made with the Yankees this year. There is no way the Yankees would bring him back unless CC doesn't sign or somebody gets hurt. Best of luck to you Bart.
Sergio Mitre and Damaso Marte, nothing really needs to be said about these two both are hurt and neither will be back on anything but a minor league deal and I don't either of them will get a major league deal from anyone. Mitre would but his shoulder problem isn't going to invite teams to give him guaranteed money. Luis Ayala on the other hand probably will get a guaranteed contract from somebody, he pitched decently for the Yankees, but I seriously doubt they would offer him anything but the minor league deal they gave him this season.
Freddy Garcia is the only type B free agent the Yankees have and he will only count if he is offered arbitration and declines. The Yankees could do what they did last year with Javier Vazquez and have a pre arranged agreement where Garcia will decline arbitration. The Yankees would love to bring back Garcia as insurance as he could be a good back of the rotation starter and honestly he is a better option than Burnett, but the Yankees need to do more for their rotation than resign Garcia and he could be looking for a two year deal from somebody. The Yankees are loaded with back of the rotation arms and I only think they will bring Garcia back if they can swing a trade for A.J Burnett just like the Braves did for Derrek Lowe.
I saved Jorge for last. Jorge Posada is A True Yankee and despite a sour year he had some good moments and could get some Major league offers from a number of teams. Its also very possible that Jorge will choose to retire or he could accept a job as a coach or a scout. I don't want think to end like it did with Bernie Williams, but only Jorge knows what he is going to do. Jorge had some really great moments this year and I hope he can take those and end his career on a high note.
Chris Dickerson, Greg Golson and Justin Maxwell are not free agents but they are likely to be released as they are all out of options and none of them are arbitration eligible. Dickerson or Maxwell could be retained by the team but it would only be as a 5th outfielder who will likely get almost no playing time.
-Jorge Posada
-Luis Ayala
-Bartolo Colon
-Andruw Jones
-Damaso Marte
-Sergio Mitre
-Eric Chavez
-Freddy Garcia (Type B)
Eric Chavez is leaning heavily toward retirement but has said that if he doesn't retire he would like to come back to the Yankees. This would work very well for the Yankees as he would go back to his bench role, but the Yankees do have internal options and other free agent options and they wont likely wait for Chavez if another player is available. Eric Chavez did finish exactly replacement level and will continue to be a constant injury risk. Its also possible they could bring him back to compete for the job in spring training, but I really think he will end up retiring.
Another valuable bench piece was Andruw Jones who despite his slow start definately was a valuable piece for the Yankees. The only reason Jones would not come back is if he gets a better offer from another team for either more money or more playing time, which is a very good possibility. Jones had the fewest PA/ AB since August debut in 1996 and while there is a good chance he would get some more playing time this season, the Yankees were really finding playing time for him most of the season rather than needing him. If he liked playing with the Yankees then he will be back but there is a good chance that someone who needs him more will offer him more money and/or more laying time.
Bartolo Colon, we all mocked the signing of Bartolo Colon when it happened and called him bullfrog and a has been who was never going to make the team. Then he had a good spring training and made the bullpen, then he got thrust into a rotation spot and minus one hiccup in Texas was absolutely phenomenal and Bart day became my favorite day of the week, culminating in this. Colon faded down the stretch and the guy who had been penciled in to the #2 spot in the playoff rotation was left off the postseason roster altogether. Colon will sign with a team that needs a back of the rotation starter and will make a lot more than the 900,000 he made with the Yankees this year. There is no way the Yankees would bring him back unless CC doesn't sign or somebody gets hurt. Best of luck to you Bart.
Sergio Mitre and Damaso Marte, nothing really needs to be said about these two both are hurt and neither will be back on anything but a minor league deal and I don't either of them will get a major league deal from anyone. Mitre would but his shoulder problem isn't going to invite teams to give him guaranteed money. Luis Ayala on the other hand probably will get a guaranteed contract from somebody, he pitched decently for the Yankees, but I seriously doubt they would offer him anything but the minor league deal they gave him this season.
Freddy Garcia is the only type B free agent the Yankees have and he will only count if he is offered arbitration and declines. The Yankees could do what they did last year with Javier Vazquez and have a pre arranged agreement where Garcia will decline arbitration. The Yankees would love to bring back Garcia as insurance as he could be a good back of the rotation starter and honestly he is a better option than Burnett, but the Yankees need to do more for their rotation than resign Garcia and he could be looking for a two year deal from somebody. The Yankees are loaded with back of the rotation arms and I only think they will bring Garcia back if they can swing a trade for A.J Burnett just like the Braves did for Derrek Lowe.
I saved Jorge for last. Jorge Posada is A True Yankee and despite a sour year he had some good moments and could get some Major league offers from a number of teams. Its also very possible that Jorge will choose to retire or he could accept a job as a coach or a scout. I don't want think to end like it did with Bernie Williams, but only Jorge knows what he is going to do. Jorge had some really great moments this year and I hope he can take those and end his career on a high note.
Chris Dickerson, Greg Golson and Justin Maxwell are not free agents but they are likely to be released as they are all out of options and none of them are arbitration eligible. Dickerson or Maxwell could be retained by the team but it would only be as a 5th outfielder who will likely get almost no playing time.
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