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2016 MLB thread. THE CUBS HAVE BROKEN THE CURSE! Chicago Cubs are your 2016 World Series champions
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by proshares,
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Meh, they're cool. Black one isn't bad.
- 11,588
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Meh, they're cool. Black one isn't bad.
jumpmanfromdabay
Banned
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Horrible
jumpmanfromdabay
Banned
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Horrible
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Those look more like a fan-made concept than the actual uniform set. A 2012 Marlins hat that a Florida writer got from New Era has a orange/white/blue MLB logo on the back, which those uniforms depicted above don't.
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Those look more like a fan-made concept than the actual uniform set. A 2012 Marlins hat that a Florida writer got from New Era has a orange/white/blue MLB logo on the back, which those uniforms depicted above don't.
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I was speaking in general, being a batting champion doesn't guarantee a Silver Slugger.
Reyes .337/.384/.493/.877 7HR, 44RBI, 101R, 39SB
Tulo .302/.372/.544/.916 30HR, 105RBI, 81R
Numbers are close, while Reyes has the edge in BA and OBP, Tulo has the power numbers plus SLG and OPS. Looking at those numbers it is clear as day who deserves teh Silver Slugger award. People put too much value into "Batting Champion" when all you have to do is have the highest BA, wish that title would go to an award that is more well rounded.
I do agree with you on Cabrera, I know Gonzales had a solid year but Cabrera had better offensive numbers across the board.
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I was speaking in general, being a batting champion doesn't guarantee a Silver Slugger.
Reyes .337/.384/.493/.877 7HR, 44RBI, 101R, 39SB
Tulo .302/.372/.544/.916 30HR, 105RBI, 81R
Numbers are close, while Reyes has the edge in BA and OBP, Tulo has the power numbers plus SLG and OPS. Looking at those numbers it is clear as day who deserves teh Silver Slugger award. People put too much value into "Batting Champion" when all you have to do is have the highest BA, wish that title would go to an award that is more well rounded.
I do agree with you on Cabrera, I know Gonzales had a solid year but Cabrera had better offensive numbers across the board.
Time for the Mets to trade David Wright?
Jim Thome signing not a good fit.
Putting a price on the free agents.
Michael Cuddyer perfect fit for the Phillies.
Mariners appear to have a keeper.
Rumors.
http://[h3]Papi still waiting for Bosox offer[/h3]
8:18AM ET
[h5]David Ortiz | Red Sox [/h5]
The free agent period is officially under way and David Ortiz is surprised that he has yet to receive an offer from the Boston Red Sox.
"I was expecting something would happen before (the exclusive negotiating period ran out), but so many things are going on," Ortiz told WEEI in Boston on Thursday afternoon. "I know everybody has priorities, and to be honest with you, I thought I was one of them.
While Ortiz wants a three-year deal, the Red Sox can sit back and survey the market before committing to a multiyear deal, wrote Nick Cafardo in Sunday's Boston Globe. Ortiz could help his market value if he could convince a National League team that he is an option at first base.
New Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said last week that he has been in communication with Ortiz's representatives. While Papi may be miffed about a potential delay, Cherington may simply be looking to hire a new manager before he turns his attention to the free agent process.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Francona unlikely to land with Cubs?[/h3]
8:03AM ET
[h5]Chicago Cubs [/h5]
Theo Epstein had nothing but nice things to say about Terry Francona last week, but Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune still says the chances of Tito managing the Cubs "is very unlikely."
Epstein spoke with Francona on Thursday in an unofficial capacity and will talk to him again to gauge whether the former Red Sox skipper is the right fit to be Cubs manager. "Clearly he would be at the top of anyone's list as available managers," Epstein said at the time.
Rogers notes that Francona and Epstein remain friends, but Epstein "hopes Francona lands on his feet, not in the manager's office at Wrigley Field."
Pete Mackanin, the Phillies bench coach who grew up on the South Side of Chicago, was the first to meet with Cubs brass Friday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reported.
Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum is expected to meeet with Epstein on Monday.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Zambrano makes winter league debut[/h3]
7:31AM ET
[h5]Carlos Zambrano | Cubs [/h5]
UPDATE: Zambrano made his first start in nearly three months on Sunday in Venezuela, allowing two runs on four hits over 2 2/3 innings, including a home run to Cubs teammate Bryan LaHair.
Zambrano has a full no-trade clause, but has said he'll will waive the clause if the Cubs don't want him back. Big-Z has hinted that he would like to pitch in Florida for new skipper Ozzie Guillen, his close friend.
--
Chicago Cubs righthander Carlos Zambrano is looking to restore his reputation and his market value by pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Zambrano will make his debut Sunday for Los Caribes de Anzoategui and is expected to get nine starts before resting until the start of spring training. Zambrano's decision has the blessing of Cubs' management, writes Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, and will give the team a better gauge as to whether he will still be in a Cubs' uniform on Opening Day.
As of now, few if any teams are likely willing to pick up the bulk of the $18 million salary left on Zambrano's contract. But a strong showing in Venezuela could make some teams willing to fork over a little bit more, especially with pitching at a premium.
While pitching in winter ball carries the risk of injury, Zambrano simply needs the work. He finished with only 145 innings after landing on the disqualified list.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Is Duquette a good fit in Baltimore?[/h3]
7:16AM ET
[h5]Baltimore Orioles [/h5]
The free agency period already is in full swing and the Baltimore Orioles finally have gotten around to naming a new general manager. Former Red Sox GM Dan Duquette, who has not worked in a big league front office since 2002, will take over for Andy MacPhail, according to various reports.
Duquette became a serious candidate after being turned down by several candidates, including Dodgers assistant GM Tony LaCava and D-backs executive Jerry Dipoto.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney wrote last week that the Baltimore job may come with red flags. "The concerns outsiders have about the Orioles is that Peter Angelos interferes in the day-to-day business, and that Buck Showalter is too powerful for the next general manager to walk into the front office and have the kind of influence he needs," Olney wrote.
Enter Duquette, who laid the groundwork for Boston's world championship in 2004. But Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com cautions that Duquette has other issues that makes him far from a fit in Baltimore:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Gordon Edes[/h5]
Is Duquette the answer?
http://[h3]Mets in no rush to deal Wright[/h3]
6:45AM ET
[h5]David Wright | Mets [/h5]
We've been floating trade possibilities about David Wright since July's deadline. Expect the rumor mill regarding the New York Mets third baseman to continue to churn for the next few months, but it is highly unlikely that he will be dealt before spring training, reports Andy Martino of the NY Daily News.
"(Sandy Alderson) would have to totally be bowled over (with an offer)," one National League executive said. Martino adds the Mets could be more aggressive about shopping Wright should the team get off to a slow start in 2012.
In Sunday's Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo wonders if Theo Epstein might be interested in bringing Wright to the Cubs, a scenario that looks more feasible now that the Cubs have parted ways with http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezAramis Ramirez.
Wright may be a face of the Mets' franchise, but if the club re-signs http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes, there might not be enough money left over to keep both of them in Queens for the long term. Wright has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract at $15 million. The club holds an option on 2013 at $16 million, but that is voided if Wright is traded, dminishing what the Mets can get in return.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney had more on Wright in Sunday's blog:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Wright's future
Spoiler [+]
As we've known since May, the New York Mets will listen to trade offers on David Wright. "It only makes sense," one source said.
Of course it does, because Wright will make $15 million next year and has a $16 million option for 2013. The Mets' best chance to get value in return for him is to deal him now. They are not close to winning a division they share with the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. The other team in the division, the Florida Marlins, is expected to spend money this winter.
Keep in mind that Wright will turn 30 next year, and although he's been a good soldier for the organization, at some point he'll want a chance to win. The Mets could trade Wright now -- before he really pushes for an opportunity elsewhere -- and get players who may help them win in 2014 or 2015.
But the X factor in this decision -- in all major decisions, for all teams -- is the club's ownership.
Logic dictates that Wright should be traded now, that the Cincinnati Reds should trade Joey Votto before his trade value disintegrates on Aug. 1, 2012, and that the Phillies weigh all options at shortstop. But Votto is a franchise favorite, and Phillies owner Dave Montgomery is known to really like Jimmy Rollins and strongly view him as a legacy player, an heir to the tradition passed down by Philadelphia greats before him.
There was a lot of sentiment within the San Francisco Giants organization in the last years of Barry Bonds' career that the team would be better off turning the page and moving on. But Bonds was a favorite of Harmon and Sue Burns, the financial powerhouses behind the Giants, so all sentiments from the baseball operations departments were overruled: Bonds stayed with the Giants.
As the offseason progresses, this is worth remembering: A lot of times the major decisions are not made by the guys with the scouting reports and statistical analysis but by the guys who write the checks.
• The Braves will listen to offers for Martin Prado, and given the attention currently being lavished on Michael Cuddyer in the free-agent market, this should make Prado very popular.
An AL official on Prado: "He's like a younger Cuddyer -- and might be a better hitter."
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. As recently as five days ago, the Baltimore Orioles had no plans to interview Dan Duquette, but now he's on the verge of becoming their general manager. On Saturday, some of Duquette's friends in the game were really happy for him, knowing how much he has burned for another chance, and they expect he will hit the ground running. "He knows a lot of people and has a lot of ideas," one NL official said.
The Orioles are zeroing in on a deal, writes Dan Connolly.
2. The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to negotiate with second baseman Aaron Hill, and there appears to be momentum toward getting a deal done.
3. Ruben Amaro's challenge is to make the Phillies better, writes Bob Brookover. Jim Thome felt it was all kind of surreal after agreeing to a new contract with the Phillies.
One official says that the Phillies' interest in Cuddyer is so ardent, so aggressive, that if Cuddyer wants to play with the Phillies, the deal is inevitable; the Phillies will make it happen. The expectation within the industry is that Cuddyer will get at least a three-year deal.
4. As three teams look for managers, they are taking different approaches, writes Nick Cafardo.
5. St. Louis Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt spoke with Rick Hummel about the Albert Pujols negotiations.
6. Ryan Madson is receiving a lot of interest, his agent said.
7. The Chicago Cubs hired a pro scouting director.
8. A communication breakdown impacted Willie Bloomquist's chances of returning to the Diamondbacks, writes Nick Piecoro.
9. Jamey Carroll is among the second-base options for the Colorado Rockies, who are also involved in the negotiations for Cuddyer, sources say.
10. A few days ago, John Boles left the Seattle Mariners.
11. If the Marlins want to reinvent themselves, writes Dave Hyde, they should sign a big name.
12. New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman spoke with C.J. Wilson's agent.
13. The smart money for the Red Sox would be investing in Jonathan Papelbon, writes John Tomase.
14. The time is right for the Minnesota Twins to let Cuddyer walk, writes Patrick Reusse.
15. Johnny Damon and Casey Kotchman could be fits with the Tampa Bay Rays.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• The son of Braves general manager Frank Wren is battling a genetic disease, writes Carroll Rogers. From the story:
• Justin Verlander made a case for pitchers winning the MVP, John Lowe writes.
• Frank McCourt looks like a guy who is leaving L.A. behind, writes Steve Dilbeck. Here are some letters to the editor in the L.A. Times about McCourt's situation.
• Some Chicago shortstops are doing well in the Arizona Fall League, writes Mark Gonzales.
• Drew Stubbs could learn something from how Matty Alou went about his business, writes Paul Daugherty.
• The Bartolo Colon trade by Mark Shapiro remains one of the best, even with the departure of Grady Sizemore.
• The changes for the Cubs will include some for Wrigley Field, Ben Strauss writes. Theo Epstein is following a Dallas Green pattern, writes Paul Sullivan.
Of course it does, because Wright will make $15 million next year and has a $16 million option for 2013. The Mets' best chance to get value in return for him is to deal him now. They are not close to winning a division they share with the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. The other team in the division, the Florida Marlins, is expected to spend money this winter.
Keep in mind that Wright will turn 30 next year, and although he's been a good soldier for the organization, at some point he'll want a chance to win. The Mets could trade Wright now -- before he really pushes for an opportunity elsewhere -- and get players who may help them win in 2014 or 2015.
But the X factor in this decision -- in all major decisions, for all teams -- is the club's ownership.
Logic dictates that Wright should be traded now, that the Cincinnati Reds should trade Joey Votto before his trade value disintegrates on Aug. 1, 2012, and that the Phillies weigh all options at shortstop. But Votto is a franchise favorite, and Phillies owner Dave Montgomery is known to really like Jimmy Rollins and strongly view him as a legacy player, an heir to the tradition passed down by Philadelphia greats before him.
There was a lot of sentiment within the San Francisco Giants organization in the last years of Barry Bonds' career that the team would be better off turning the page and moving on. But Bonds was a favorite of Harmon and Sue Burns, the financial powerhouses behind the Giants, so all sentiments from the baseball operations departments were overruled: Bonds stayed with the Giants.
As the offseason progresses, this is worth remembering: A lot of times the major decisions are not made by the guys with the scouting reports and statistical analysis but by the guys who write the checks.
• The Braves will listen to offers for Martin Prado, and given the attention currently being lavished on Michael Cuddyer in the free-agent market, this should make Prado very popular.
An AL official on Prado: "He's like a younger Cuddyer -- and might be a better hitter."
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. As recently as five days ago, the Baltimore Orioles had no plans to interview Dan Duquette, but now he's on the verge of becoming their general manager. On Saturday, some of Duquette's friends in the game were really happy for him, knowing how much he has burned for another chance, and they expect he will hit the ground running. "He knows a lot of people and has a lot of ideas," one NL official said.
The Orioles are zeroing in on a deal, writes Dan Connolly.
2. The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to negotiate with second baseman Aaron Hill, and there appears to be momentum toward getting a deal done.
3. Ruben Amaro's challenge is to make the Phillies better, writes Bob Brookover. Jim Thome felt it was all kind of surreal after agreeing to a new contract with the Phillies.
One official says that the Phillies' interest in Cuddyer is so ardent, so aggressive, that if Cuddyer wants to play with the Phillies, the deal is inevitable; the Phillies will make it happen. The expectation within the industry is that Cuddyer will get at least a three-year deal.
4. As three teams look for managers, they are taking different approaches, writes Nick Cafardo.
5. St. Louis Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt spoke with Rick Hummel about the Albert Pujols negotiations.
6. Ryan Madson is receiving a lot of interest, his agent said.
7. The Chicago Cubs hired a pro scouting director.
8. A communication breakdown impacted Willie Bloomquist's chances of returning to the Diamondbacks, writes Nick Piecoro.
9. Jamey Carroll is among the second-base options for the Colorado Rockies, who are also involved in the negotiations for Cuddyer, sources say.
10. A few days ago, John Boles left the Seattle Mariners.
11. If the Marlins want to reinvent themselves, writes Dave Hyde, they should sign a big name.
12. New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman spoke with C.J. Wilson's agent.
13. The smart money for the Red Sox would be investing in Jonathan Papelbon, writes John Tomase.
14. The time is right for the Minnesota Twins to let Cuddyer walk, writes Patrick Reusse.
15. Johnny Damon and Casey Kotchman could be fits with the Tampa Bay Rays.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• The son of Braves general manager Frank Wren is battling a genetic disease, writes Carroll Rogers. From the story:
- [Colby] Wren was scoped, scanned, and biopsied. "I could probably do an EKG myself," he says. He was rushed into the emergency room within 20-25 minutes of finishing a football game, twice, so doctors could draw his blood when he was at his most fatigued.
- Even then, tests were inconclusive.
- "It's a real frustrating process," Frank Wren said. "I guess I'm your basic type-A. I think I can fix it. I want to fix it. And [my wife] Terri was the one living it day in and day out, trying to get him from one doctor to the next and get the results. We came up to one dead end after another."
- It finally came to a head the summer before Wren's sophomore year in high school during "Hell Week." On the second day of workouts at football camp in rural middle Georgia, he already was throwing up before the 6 a.m. practice started. Early on in practice, when it wasn't that hot yet, he realized he had stopped sweating.
- Trainers put Wren in an ice bath before heat stroke could set in. His father, who had come along to keep a close eye, drove him back to Atlanta. A frantic call to the neurologist, who then consulted Wren's other doctors, brought word: Wren should see Dr. John Shoffner, a specialist in mitochondrial disease. He was world renown and practicing in Atlanta.
- Three hours in Dr. Shoffner's office and a white board helped finally crack the case. Shoffner wanted to know every symptom, every episode Wren had ever had. His mother consulted more than 100 pages of notes, a time line she kept, and test results. His father came on his lunch hour and left. Wren even dozed off at one point.
- Shoffner had a suspicion it was mitochondrial disease. A muscle biopsy, which took months to process, confirmed the diagnosis.
• Justin Verlander made a case for pitchers winning the MVP, John Lowe writes.
• Frank McCourt looks like a guy who is leaving L.A. behind, writes Steve Dilbeck. Here are some letters to the editor in the L.A. Times about McCourt's situation.
• Some Chicago shortstops are doing well in the Arizona Fall League, writes Mark Gonzales.
• Drew Stubbs could learn something from how Matty Alou went about his business, writes Paul Daugherty.
• The Bartolo Colon trade by Mark Shapiro remains one of the best, even with the departure of Grady Sizemore.
• The changes for the Cubs will include some for Wrigley Field, Ben Strauss writes. Theo Epstein is following a Dallas Green pattern, writes Paul Sullivan.
Jim Thome signing not a good fit.
Spoiler [+]
The Philadelphia Phillies' move to sign Jim Thome makes great sense from a financial perspective -- at $1.25 million, Thome doesn't even have to match his 2011 performance to be a bargain for the team. But from a roster-construction perspective, it's less than a perfect fit.
As you may have heard, the Phillies play in the National League, which continues to resist the tide of progress by allowing pitchers to hit -- or, in most cases, to bunt two or three times before they're subbed out for a pinch hitter. Thome hasn't played an inning in the field since 2007, when he played a single game at first base for the White Sox, and he hasn't played the field even semi-regularly since 2005.
Two years ago, when Thome was traded in August from the White Sox to the Dodgers, he reportedly told Joe Torre that he couldn't play the field at all. He's saying now that a full offseason of preparation would allow him to play some first base, but he's 41 and wasn't a great defender at first when he was 35. It's possible he can handle two games a week over there, but it's not terribly realistic.
If the intention is to use Thome as part of a Ryan Howard replacement solution at first base, he'll need a strong right-handed complement who will start against all left-handed pitchers and against weaker right-handers; the Phillies' reported interest in Michael Cuddyer makes sense, although he has limited experience at first base and hasn't been very good there when he's played it.
But a properly deployed Thome/Cuddyer platoon would almost certainly out-hit the 2011 edition of Howard, and Howard wasn't good defensively before he tore his left Achilles' tendon. If the Phillies manage to assemble that two-headed monster and Thome can handle 40-50 games at first without breaking down, they'll have replaced Howard at a reasonable cost and highlighted just how absurd the contract extension they gave Howard was in the first place.
As you may have heard, the Phillies play in the National League, which continues to resist the tide of progress by allowing pitchers to hit -- or, in most cases, to bunt two or three times before they're subbed out for a pinch hitter. Thome hasn't played an inning in the field since 2007, when he played a single game at first base for the White Sox, and he hasn't played the field even semi-regularly since 2005.
Two years ago, when Thome was traded in August from the White Sox to the Dodgers, he reportedly told Joe Torre that he couldn't play the field at all. He's saying now that a full offseason of preparation would allow him to play some first base, but he's 41 and wasn't a great defender at first when he was 35. It's possible he can handle two games a week over there, but it's not terribly realistic.
If the intention is to use Thome as part of a Ryan Howard replacement solution at first base, he'll need a strong right-handed complement who will start against all left-handed pitchers and against weaker right-handers; the Phillies' reported interest in Michael Cuddyer makes sense, although he has limited experience at first base and hasn't been very good there when he's played it.
But a properly deployed Thome/Cuddyer platoon would almost certainly out-hit the 2011 edition of Howard, and Howard wasn't good defensively before he tore his left Achilles' tendon. If the Phillies manage to assemble that two-headed monster and Thome can handle 40-50 games at first without breaking down, they'll have replaced Howard at a reasonable cost and highlighted just how absurd the contract extension they gave Howard was in the first place.
Putting a price on the free agents.
Spoiler [+]
With http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujolsAlbert Pujols and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5915/prince-fielderPrince Fielder heading the free-agent class, this winter's crop will command significant dollars. However, with many of the free-spending clubs already featuring marquee first basemen, the potential suitors for Pujols and Fielder are thin. The challenge for their agents -- Dan Lozano and Scott Boras, respectively -- will be creating demand when there might be only a couple of teams that are seriously pursuing the All-Star first basemen.
Beyond Pujols and Fielder, there is some depth at shortstop (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4258/jimmy-rollinsJimmy Rollins) and left-handed pitching (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6311/cj-wilsonC.J. Wilson). I served as a general manager for 15 years, and committing big dollars to a free agent is always a gamble. You have to try to balance age, injury history, tools, performance and makeup before making an offer.
I decided to put myself back in the GM's chair to evaluate this free-agent class. The following is my estimate of what I would pay the top 50 free agents if I were a GM of a club that had the budget and need for that kind of player. The players are ranked by their estimated average annual value (A.A.V). I use A.A.V. because that is what the MLB Players Association is most concerned with when evaluating contracts. When the A.A.V. is equal, tie goes to the contract with greater overall value. To get a better feel for the market, I also talked to agents, scouts and execs who will be heavily involved with this offseason's bidding.
You'll notice Japanese phenom Yu Darvish is not included, and that's because there remains some uncertainty regarding whether his team, the Nippon Ham Fighters, will post him and thereby make him available to major league clubs. However, he will be the best right-handed starting pitcher available if he becomes available.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujolshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujolsAlbert Pujols
Analysis: Pujols is the Babe Ruth of this era. Don't be surprised if a team such as the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalsWashington Nationals makes a stealth offer of 10 years at $300 million, but I still think he will return to the Cardinals for less. Agent Dan Lozano's goal is to surpass http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezAlex Rodriguez's 10-year, $275 million extension signed back in 2008 with the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeeshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeeshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeesNew York Yankees. However, with the Yankees, http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxBoston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies not expected to bid, this seems unlikely.
Best fits: St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5915/prince-fielderhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5915/prince-fielderPrince Fielder
Analysis: Scott Boras, who represents Fielder, is all about passing milestones, and he is going to make sure Fielder gets north of the eight-year, $180 million deal he negotiated for http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeirahttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeirahttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeiraMark Teixeira with the Yankees back in 2009. If the Dodgers' ownership transfer is timely, they could shock the baseball world with Fielder joining http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28476/matt-kempMatt Kemp and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6481/andre-ethierAndre Ethier in the middle of their lineup.
Best fits: Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes
Analysis: http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5035/carl-crawfordhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5035/carl-crawfordCarl Crawford's poor performance on the seven-year, $142 million deal he signed with Boston last winter will hurt Reyes' value since the two have very similar offensive profiles. Another issue for Reyes is his nagging hamstring problems. However, that won't stop him from getting six years, because he's the best shortstop and leadoff hitter on the free-agent market.
Best fits: San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle
Analysis: http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4153/aj-burnetthttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4153/aj-burnettA.J. Burnett, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5203/john-lackeyhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5203/john-lackeyJohn Lackey and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3180/jason-schmidthttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3180/jason-schmidtJason Schmidt all were paid in the $16 million range annually, and there is no reason Buehrle won't follow suit. Watch for the Yankees and Nationals to join the White Sox in heavy pursuit.
Best fits: New York Yankees, Washington Nationals
C.J. Wilson
Analysis: The Nationals, Yankees and Royals all should be players for the southpaw, and I could see the Nationals and Royals possibly going as far as six years and $90 million to get it done. The Royals have less than $40 million committed for next year and less than $12 million committed for 2012. And since some of their top pitching prospects stalled a bit this season, they need to fortify their rotation if they want to compete in the American League Central in the next year or two, which is their plan. In the end, I think Wilson will take less to go back to the Rangers or even join the middle of the Yankees' rotation.
Best fits: Washington Nationals, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3971/carlos-beltranhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3971/carlos-beltranCarlos Beltran
Analysis: The average annual value for productive outfielders is pretty clear with players such as http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3728/magglio-ordonezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3728/magglio-ordonezMagglio Ordonez, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3956/jd-drewhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3956/jd-drewJ.D. Drew and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerrerohttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerreroVladimir Guerrero all having, at one point in their careers, signed within the $14 million to $15 million per year range. Most clubs will prefer to offer two years because of health risk, but Lozano (with whom Beltran recently replaced Boras) should get the third year from at least one club. Medicals could become an issue on closing a deal here.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezAramis Ramirez
Analysis: He won't get the overall value he got from his last deal, but he should be paid in the same $14 million range that the Braves are paying http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3006/chipper-jonesChipper Jones.
Best fits: Los Angeles Angels, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6373/jonathan-papelbonJonathan Papelbon
Analysis: He will lead the closers market, and although he won't get http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3240/mariano-riveraMariano Rivera's A.A.V., he will kiss it and will be the most sought-after free-agent closer in this market. I still think the Red Sox and Phillies will be the front-runners, with the Rangers being the dark horse if they don't re-sign Wilson and decide to move http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30149/neftali-felizNeftali Feliz to the rotation.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4258/jimmy-rollinsJimmy Rollins
Analysis: Rollins might be in decline, but that won't stop him from getting a three-year deal with an outside chance of getting a fourth year. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3727/miguel-tejadaMiguel Tejada was paid $12 million annually way back in 2004. And when you consider inflation, Rollins probably will get a bit more than that per year with fewer years on the deal.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3748/david-ortizDavid Ortiz
Analysis: Ortiz has a limited market since he can't play the field, and it's hard to see him signing anywhere besides Boston. He deserves to be paid in the $14 million to $15 million per season range after the year he had, but with his having limited leverage, I see him getting a bit less than that.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28950/hiroki-kurodaHiroki Kuroda
Analysis: Kuroda is going to stay in Los Angeles or head back to Japan. He bought a house in L.A., where his children now are going to school, so I think he will end up signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers. The A.A.V. has to be north of what http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4062/ted-lillyTed Lilly and Randy Wolf got last year, as he's coming off a very good season (3.07 ERA).
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5382/ryan-madsonRyan Madson
Analysis: The closer market is flooded but that won't stop them from getting paid. I see Madson in the $10 million per seaon range based on previous contracts given to the likes of http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5102/brad-lidgeBrad Lidge, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4044/joe-nathanJoe Nathan and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4600/rafael-sorianoRafael Soriano. The Nationals have dangled closer http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30534/drew-storenDrew Storen in the past to try to acquire a center fielder. If they move Storen, they will look to sign a closer.
Best fits: Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6084/heath-bellHeath Bell
Analysis: Bell would like to re-sign with the Padres, and they plan on offering him salary arbitration. However, with his having an opportunity to get a big, multiyear deal, I strongly doubt he will accept. The Twins and Blue Jays would make sense for him, while the Red Sox, Phillies, Rangers and Angels should at least be in the conversation.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4604/michael-cuddyerMichael Cuddyer
Analysis: The best comparables to project this figure include Magglio Ordonez, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3537/bobby-abreuBobby Abreu and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4486/juan-pierreJuan Pierre. The fact that Cuddyer can fill in at first base -- and even second and third in a pinch -- bolsters his value a little.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5842/edwin-jacksonEdwin Jackson
Analysis: Jackson should get a little less per year than Kuroda, but his relative youth means he'll get a multiyear contract. The thing about Jackson is that you get the feeling he still could get better, and at worst he is a solid, mid-rotation starter.
Best fits: Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4575/roy-oswaltRoy Oswalt
Analysis: Oswalt has hinted at retirement in the past, and I bet he'll sign a one-year deal with a contender to keep his options open. He has enough upside that he could be a real difference-maker for a playoff club.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4594/carlos-penaCarlos Pena
Analysis: He'll make less per year than the $10 million he earned in 2011, but he'll get at least a two-year pact. He is a good defender who can crush righties, and is a relatively cheap alternative to Fielder and Pujols.
Best fits: Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5357/francisco-rodriguezFrancisco Rodriguez
Analysis: K-Rod turned off some GMs back in September when he complained about the Brewers' not using him as their closer. His most likely destination is Florida under new Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen.
Best fits: Baltimore Orioles, Florida Marlins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4139/francisco-corderoFrancisco Cordero
Analysis: He has averaged 39 saves per season over the past five years with a 2.97 ERA in that time. He's getting up there in age, but someone will make him a good, one-year offer.
Best fits: Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets
Joe Nathan
Analysis: He struggled in his first year back after Tommy John surgery, but his strikeout-to-walk ratio after the All-Star break was 4.4. Someone will hope to catch lightning in a bottle with this former shutdown closer.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6024/josh-willinghamJosh Willingham
Analysis: A very thin outfield market should allow Willingham to get a two- or three-year deal. He is a below-average defender in left but can hit with power and is a great clubhouse presence.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5181/aaron-harangAaron Harang
Analysis: He had a nice comeback season with the Padres (3.64 ERA), and they would like to sign him back. However, he could price himself out of San Diego, and his fly ball tendencies make him a nice fit in a spacious park such as Comerica.
Best fits: Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6398/paul-maholmPaul Maholm
Analysis: Maholm is a sleeper for someone. He's never reached his potential, but put him on the right team and he could become a consistent 12-13 game winner.
Best fits: Pittsburgh Pirates, Kanas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3786/javier-vazquezJavier Vazquez
Analysis: Vazquez has contemplated retirement, but after the strong second half he had with the Marlins, I think he'll re-up for another year. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4422/jake-westbrookJake Westbrook got $16.5 million over two years last winter, and Vazquez can expect a comparable yearly salary.
Best fits: Florida Marlins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3926/bruce-chenBruce Chen
Analysis: He's an interesting case because he had a good year (3.77 ERA) after a career of disappointment. His range could be anywhere between $5 million and $8 million depending on how much clubs buy into his 2011 performance. He is crafty and left-handed, and should be an upgrade at the back end of several rotations.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5299/coco-crispCoco Crisp
Analysis: Crisp is a high-energy player capable of playing all three outfield positions. He led the league with 49 stolen bases this past season, and despite a low OBP, in the right lineup, he could be a valuable No. 2 hitter for a contending team.
Best fits: Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4243/rafael-furcalRafael Furcal
Analysis: The Cardinals declined his option but would love to sign him back, and the feeling is mutual. A two-year deal between $5 million and $6 million per year with incentives makes the most sense.
Best fits: St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6102/jason-kubelJason Kubel
Analysis: Kubel should get a two-year deal at around $5 million per year that will put him in the Coco Crisp, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5033/marlon-byrdMarlon Byrd, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5799/david-dejesusDavid DeJesus and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3323/johnny-damonJohnny Damon range. There are several teams with whom he fits in well, including a return to the Twins.
Best fits: Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3504/raul-ibanezRaul Ibanez
Analysis: Ibanez might go back to the Phillies if he's willing to take a significant pay cut. Otherwise, he might be a useful stop-gap with the White Sox on a one-year, $5 million deal, which would put him in the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4956/juan-riveraJuan Rivera contract range.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerreroVladimir Guerrero
Analysis: There's another pay cut ahead for Vladimir, and this could be his final season.
Best fits: Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4486/juan-pierreJuan Pierre
Analysis: He's never been a high on-base percentage player, and his defense slipped in 2011. However, he still has value because of his makeup and he still is a threat on the bases. The Twins, White Sox and Dodgers could be landing places at an inexpensive, one-year deal.
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4485/joel-pineiroJoel Pineiro
Analysis: The Brewers and Royals need back-of-the-rotation starters, and Pineiro could fit in nicely with either club at the right price.
Best fits: Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6190/aaron-hillAaron Hill
Analysis: Hill did a nice job for the Diamondbacks down the stretch and should be offered a two-year deal to return at approximately $4 million to $4.5 million per season. His defense was an upgrade for the Diamondbacks, and his bat plays better in the National League.
Best fits: Arizona Diamondbacks
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5404/cody-rossCody Ross
Analysis: The legend of Cody Ross was born in October 2010 and died by the end of 2011. However, he's still a valuable fourth outfielder who can play all three outfield positions.
Best fits: Florida Marlins, New Yotk Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6295/kelly-johnsonKelly Johnson
Analysis: Johnson is a decent, inexpensive solution at second base for the Blue Jays or Dodgers and should be able to command a two-year contract in the $3.5 million to $4 million per season range because of his left-handed power.
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6450/matt-cappsMatt Capps
Analysis: Capps' value took a dive in 2011, just like his performance. Any team that signs him will want to do an MRI of both his shoulder and elbow before signing him. If he's healthy, he should get at least a one-year offer in the $4 million range, and he will have to use 2012 to build his value back up.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Washington Nationals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5372/hideki-matsuiHideki Matsui
Analysis: There is not much left in the tank. Possibly one more year, but he'll have to earn it in spring training.
Best fits: Seattle Mariners, Oakland A's
David DeJesus
Analysis: DeJesus had an extremely disappointing season in Oakland, and it is doubtful the A's are willing to give him another chance in 2012. He is capable of playing all three outfield positions.
Best fits: San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4409/jason-marquisJason Marquis
Analysis: Marquis' career always has been about winning in double digits and pitching 180 innings per season. He's a solid back-of-the-rotation starter who swings a solid bat. He usually starts the season off well, then runs out of gas by the All-Star break.
Best fits: Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5918/casey-kotchmanCasey Kotchman
Analysis: Kotchman is one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball and had a career year at the plate. Not enough power or run production to get paid, but he is a useful player. However, the Rays would prefer to get more offensive production from first.
Best fits: Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3614/derrek-leeDerrek Lee
Analysis: He should return to the Pirates for 2012. He still can pick it at first and hit with some power, but staying healthy is another story.
Best fits: Pittsburgh Pirates
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5469/chris-capuanoChris Capuano
Analysis: A crafty lefty who came back from major arm injuries that sidelined him for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. He won 11 games for the Mets this year. But his health will continue to be a risk.
Best fits: New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5086/mark-ellisMark Ellis
Analysis: Ellis might not have the tools, but he can play the game. An above-average defender who can turn the double play and give quality at-bats. He would be a nice fit for one year for the Tigers.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6038/jeff-francisJeff Francis
Analysis: Another year distanced from an injury, Francis is a winner. The left-hander is worth a gamble for someone willing to give a low base salary with incentives.
Best fits: Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4007/freddy-garciaFreddy Garcia
Analysis: He will provide double-digit wins and 180 innings pitched, and will get overpaid for it. Garcia's value comes during the 162-game schedule; he no longer has the stuff to succeed in the postseason.
Best fits: Florida Marlins, New York Yankees
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5963/frank-franciscoFrank Francisco
Analysis: Francisco should fall into the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4811/grant-balfourGrant Balfour, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5938/jason-frasorJason Frasor and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3985/rafael-betancourtRafael Betancourt range of $3.75 million. The hard-throwing Francisco can set up or close games, having saved 25 for Texas in 2009 and 17 for Toronto in 2010.
Best fits: Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5798/clint-barmesClint Barmes
Analysis: Barmes should end up in the range of the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6218/yuniesky-betancourtYuniesky Betancourt, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6044/jason-bartlettJason Bartlett and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6437/ryan-theriotRyan Theriot deals from last year. He's either a second-division middle infielder or a role player on a championship club.
Best fits: Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4097/ramon-hernandezRamon Hernandez
Analysis: Supply and demand will get Hernandez a job. I think he fits in after http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6390/russell-martinRussell Martin and in the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3401/jason-kendallJason Kendall and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4207/rod-barajasRod Barajas contracts of last year.
Best fits: New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3916/alex-gonzalezAlex Gonzalez
Analysis: He can still catch it at shortstop with power. However, his on-base percentage will continue to be pathetic.
Best fits: Atlanta Braves, New York Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5642/mike-gonzalezMike Gonzalez
Analysis: Gonzalez did a solid job in the Rangers' bullpen and should want to re-sign with them with a chance for another postseason appearance next year. He'll be used more as a left-handed specialist rather than his previous roles as a setup man and closer.
Best fits: Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers
Beyond Pujols and Fielder, there is some depth at shortstop (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4258/jimmy-rollinsJimmy Rollins) and left-handed pitching (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6311/cj-wilsonC.J. Wilson). I served as a general manager for 15 years, and committing big dollars to a free agent is always a gamble. You have to try to balance age, injury history, tools, performance and makeup before making an offer.
I decided to put myself back in the GM's chair to evaluate this free-agent class. The following is my estimate of what I would pay the top 50 free agents if I were a GM of a club that had the budget and need for that kind of player. The players are ranked by their estimated average annual value (A.A.V). I use A.A.V. because that is what the MLB Players Association is most concerned with when evaluating contracts. When the A.A.V. is equal, tie goes to the contract with greater overall value. To get a better feel for the market, I also talked to agents, scouts and execs who will be heavily involved with this offseason's bidding.
You'll notice Japanese phenom Yu Darvish is not included, and that's because there remains some uncertainty regarding whether his team, the Nippon Ham Fighters, will post him and thereby make him available to major league clubs. However, he will be the best right-handed starting pitcher available if he becomes available.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujolshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujolsAlbert Pujols
1B
31
9
$243M
$27M
Analysis: Pujols is the Babe Ruth of this era. Don't be surprised if a team such as the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalsWashington Nationals makes a stealth offer of 10 years at $300 million, but I still think he will return to the Cardinals for less. Agent Dan Lozano's goal is to surpass http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezAlex Rodriguez's 10-year, $275 million extension signed back in 2008 with the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeeshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeeshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeesNew York Yankees. However, with the Yankees, http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxBoston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies not expected to bid, this seems unlikely.
Best fits: St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5915/prince-fielderhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5915/prince-fielderPrince Fielder
1B
27
8
$192M
$24M
Analysis: Scott Boras, who represents Fielder, is all about passing milestones, and he is going to make sure Fielder gets north of the eight-year, $180 million deal he negotiated for http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeirahttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeirahttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeiraMark Teixeira with the Yankees back in 2009. If the Dodgers' ownership transfer is timely, they could shock the baseball world with Fielder joining http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28476/matt-kempMatt Kemp and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6481/andre-ethierAndre Ethier in the middle of their lineup.
Best fits: Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes
SS
28
6
$108M
$18M
Analysis: http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5035/carl-crawfordhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5035/carl-crawfordCarl Crawford's poor performance on the seven-year, $142 million deal he signed with Boston last winter will hurt Reyes' value since the two have very similar offensive profiles. Another issue for Reyes is his nagging hamstring problems. However, that won't stop him from getting six years, because he's the best shortstop and leadoff hitter on the free-agent market.
Best fits: San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle
LHP
32
4
$64M
$16M
Analysis: http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4153/aj-burnetthttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4153/aj-burnettA.J. Burnett, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5203/john-lackeyhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5203/john-lackeyJohn Lackey and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3180/jason-schmidthttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3180/jason-schmidtJason Schmidt all were paid in the $16 million range annually, and there is no reason Buehrle won't follow suit. Watch for the Yankees and Nationals to join the White Sox in heavy pursuit.
Best fits: New York Yankees, Washington Nationals
C.J. Wilson
LHP
30
5
$75M
$15M
Analysis: The Nationals, Yankees and Royals all should be players for the southpaw, and I could see the Nationals and Royals possibly going as far as six years and $90 million to get it done. The Royals have less than $40 million committed for next year and less than $12 million committed for 2012. And since some of their top pitching prospects stalled a bit this season, they need to fortify their rotation if they want to compete in the American League Central in the next year or two, which is their plan. In the end, I think Wilson will take less to go back to the Rangers or even join the middle of the Yankees' rotation.
Best fits: Washington Nationals, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3971/carlos-beltranhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3971/carlos-beltranCarlos Beltran
RF
34
3
$45M
$15M
Analysis: The average annual value for productive outfielders is pretty clear with players such as http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3728/magglio-ordonezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3728/magglio-ordonezMagglio Ordonez, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3956/jd-drewhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3956/jd-drewJ.D. Drew and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerrerohttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerreroVladimir Guerrero all having, at one point in their careers, signed within the $14 million to $15 million per year range. Most clubs will prefer to offer two years because of health risk, but Lozano (with whom Beltran recently replaced Boras) should get the third year from at least one club. Medicals could become an issue on closing a deal here.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezAramis Ramirez
3B
33
3
$42M
$14M
Analysis: He won't get the overall value he got from his last deal, but he should be paid in the same $14 million range that the Braves are paying http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3006/chipper-jonesChipper Jones.
Best fits: Los Angeles Angels, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6373/jonathan-papelbonJonathan Papelbon
RHP
30
4
$52M
$13M
Analysis: He will lead the closers market, and although he won't get http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3240/mariano-riveraMariano Rivera's A.A.V., he will kiss it and will be the most sought-after free-agent closer in this market. I still think the Red Sox and Phillies will be the front-runners, with the Rangers being the dark horse if they don't re-sign Wilson and decide to move http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30149/neftali-felizNeftali Feliz to the rotation.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4258/jimmy-rollinsJimmy Rollins
SS
32
3
$39M
$13M
Analysis: Rollins might be in decline, but that won't stop him from getting a three-year deal with an outside chance of getting a fourth year. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3727/miguel-tejadaMiguel Tejada was paid $12 million annually way back in 2004. And when you consider inflation, Rollins probably will get a bit more than that per year with fewer years on the deal.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3748/david-ortizDavid Ortiz
DH
35
2
$25M
$12.5M
Analysis: Ortiz has a limited market since he can't play the field, and it's hard to see him signing anywhere besides Boston. He deserves to be paid in the $14 million to $15 million per season range after the year he had, but with his having limited leverage, I see him getting a bit less than that.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28950/hiroki-kurodaHiroki Kuroda
RHP
36
1
$12M
$12M
Analysis: Kuroda is going to stay in Los Angeles or head back to Japan. He bought a house in L.A., where his children now are going to school, so I think he will end up signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers. The A.A.V. has to be north of what http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4062/ted-lillyTed Lilly and Randy Wolf got last year, as he's coming off a very good season (3.07 ERA).
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5382/ryan-madsonRyan Madson
RHP
31
4
$40M
$10M
Analysis: The closer market is flooded but that won't stop them from getting paid. I see Madson in the $10 million per seaon range based on previous contracts given to the likes of http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5102/brad-lidgeBrad Lidge, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4044/joe-nathanJoe Nathan and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4600/rafael-sorianoRafael Soriano. The Nationals have dangled closer http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30534/drew-storenDrew Storen in the past to try to acquire a center fielder. If they move Storen, they will look to sign a closer.
Best fits: Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6084/heath-bellHeath Bell
RHP
34
3
$30M
$10M
Analysis: Bell would like to re-sign with the Padres, and they plan on offering him salary arbitration. However, with his having an opportunity to get a big, multiyear deal, I strongly doubt he will accept. The Twins and Blue Jays would make sense for him, while the Red Sox, Phillies, Rangers and Angels should at least be in the conversation.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4604/michael-cuddyerMichael Cuddyer
RF
32
3
$30M
$10M
Analysis: The best comparables to project this figure include Magglio Ordonez, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3537/bobby-abreuBobby Abreu and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4486/juan-pierreJuan Pierre. The fact that Cuddyer can fill in at first base -- and even second and third in a pinch -- bolsters his value a little.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5842/edwin-jacksonEdwin Jackson
RHP
28
3
$30M
$10M
Analysis: Jackson should get a little less per year than Kuroda, but his relative youth means he'll get a multiyear contract. The thing about Jackson is that you get the feeling he still could get better, and at worst he is a solid, mid-rotation starter.
Best fits: Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4575/roy-oswaltRoy Oswalt
RHP
34
1
$10M
$10M
Analysis: Oswalt has hinted at retirement in the past, and I bet he'll sign a one-year deal with a contender to keep his options open. He has enough upside that he could be a real difference-maker for a playoff club.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4594/carlos-penaCarlos Pena
1B
33
2
$17M
$8.5M
Analysis: He'll make less per year than the $10 million he earned in 2011, but he'll get at least a two-year pact. He is a good defender who can crush righties, and is a relatively cheap alternative to Fielder and Pujols.
Best fits: Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5357/francisco-rodriguezFrancisco Rodriguez
RHP
29
2
$17M
$8.5M
Analysis: K-Rod turned off some GMs back in September when he complained about the Brewers' not using him as their closer. His most likely destination is Florida under new Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen.
Best fits: Baltimore Orioles, Florida Marlins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4139/francisco-corderoFrancisco Cordero
RHP
36
1
$8.5M
$8.5M
Analysis: He has averaged 39 saves per season over the past five years with a 2.97 ERA in that time. He's getting up there in age, but someone will make him a good, one-year offer.
Best fits: Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets
Joe Nathan
RHP
36
1
$7.5M
$7.5M
Analysis: He struggled in his first year back after Tommy John surgery, but his strikeout-to-walk ratio after the All-Star break was 4.4. Someone will hope to catch lightning in a bottle with this former shutdown closer.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6024/josh-willinghamJosh Willingham
LF
32
2
$14M
$7M
Analysis: A very thin outfield market should allow Willingham to get a two- or three-year deal. He is a below-average defender in left but can hit with power and is a great clubhouse presence.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5181/aaron-harangAaron Harang
RHP
33
2
$14M
$7M
Analysis: He had a nice comeback season with the Padres (3.64 ERA), and they would like to sign him back. However, he could price himself out of San Diego, and his fly ball tendencies make him a nice fit in a spacious park such as Comerica.
Best fits: Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6398/paul-maholmPaul Maholm
LHP
29
2
$14M
$7M
Analysis: Maholm is a sleeper for someone. He's never reached his potential, but put him on the right team and he could become a consistent 12-13 game winner.
Best fits: Pittsburgh Pirates, Kanas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3786/javier-vazquezJavier Vazquez
RHP
35
1
$7M
$7M
Analysis: Vazquez has contemplated retirement, but after the strong second half he had with the Marlins, I think he'll re-up for another year. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4422/jake-westbrookJake Westbrook got $16.5 million over two years last winter, and Vazquez can expect a comparable yearly salary.
Best fits: Florida Marlins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3926/bruce-chenBruce Chen
LHP
34
2
$13M
$6.5M
Analysis: He's an interesting case because he had a good year (3.77 ERA) after a career of disappointment. His range could be anywhere between $5 million and $8 million depending on how much clubs buy into his 2011 performance. He is crafty and left-handed, and should be an upgrade at the back end of several rotations.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5299/coco-crispCoco Crisp
CF
32
2
$12M
$6M
Analysis: Crisp is a high-energy player capable of playing all three outfield positions. He led the league with 49 stolen bases this past season, and despite a low OBP, in the right lineup, he could be a valuable No. 2 hitter for a contending team.
Best fits: Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4243/rafael-furcalRafael Furcal
SS
34
2
$12M
$6M
Analysis: The Cardinals declined his option but would love to sign him back, and the feeling is mutual. A two-year deal between $5 million and $6 million per year with incentives makes the most sense.
Best fits: St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6102/jason-kubelJason Kubel
RF
29
2
$10M
$5M
Analysis: Kubel should get a two-year deal at around $5 million per year that will put him in the Coco Crisp, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5033/marlon-byrdMarlon Byrd, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5799/david-dejesusDavid DeJesus and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3323/johnny-damonJohnny Damon range. There are several teams with whom he fits in well, including a return to the Twins.
Best fits: Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3504/raul-ibanezRaul Ibanez
LF
39
1
$5M
$5M
Analysis: Ibanez might go back to the Phillies if he's willing to take a significant pay cut. Otherwise, he might be a useful stop-gap with the White Sox on a one-year, $5 million deal, which would put him in the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4956/juan-riveraJuan Rivera contract range.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerreroVladimir Guerrero
DH
36
1
$5M
$5M
Analysis: There's another pay cut ahead for Vladimir, and this could be his final season.
Best fits: Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4486/juan-pierreJuan Pierre
LF
34
1
$5M
$5M
Analysis: He's never been a high on-base percentage player, and his defense slipped in 2011. However, he still has value because of his makeup and he still is a threat on the bases. The Twins, White Sox and Dodgers could be landing places at an inexpensive, one-year deal.
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4485/joel-pineiroJoel Pineiro
RHP
33
1
$5M
$5M
Analysis: The Brewers and Royals need back-of-the-rotation starters, and Pineiro could fit in nicely with either club at the right price.
Best fits: Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6190/aaron-hillAaron Hill
2B
29
2
$9M
$4.5M
Analysis: Hill did a nice job for the Diamondbacks down the stretch and should be offered a two-year deal to return at approximately $4 million to $4.5 million per season. His defense was an upgrade for the Diamondbacks, and his bat plays better in the National League.
Best fits: Arizona Diamondbacks
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5404/cody-rossCody Ross
OF
30
1
$4.2M
$4.2M
Analysis: The legend of Cody Ross was born in October 2010 and died by the end of 2011. However, he's still a valuable fourth outfielder who can play all three outfield positions.
Best fits: Florida Marlins, New Yotk Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6295/kelly-johnsonKelly Johnson
2B
29
2
$8M
$4M
Analysis: Johnson is a decent, inexpensive solution at second base for the Blue Jays or Dodgers and should be able to command a two-year contract in the $3.5 million to $4 million per season range because of his left-handed power.
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6450/matt-cappsMatt Capps
RHP
28
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: Capps' value took a dive in 2011, just like his performance. Any team that signs him will want to do an MRI of both his shoulder and elbow before signing him. If he's healthy, he should get at least a one-year offer in the $4 million range, and he will have to use 2012 to build his value back up.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Washington Nationals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5372/hideki-matsuiHideki Matsui
DH
37
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: There is not much left in the tank. Possibly one more year, but he'll have to earn it in spring training.
Best fits: Seattle Mariners, Oakland A's
David DeJesus
RF
31
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: DeJesus had an extremely disappointing season in Oakland, and it is doubtful the A's are willing to give him another chance in 2012. He is capable of playing all three outfield positions.
Best fits: San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4409/jason-marquisJason Marquis
RHP
33
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: Marquis' career always has been about winning in double digits and pitching 180 innings per season. He's a solid back-of-the-rotation starter who swings a solid bat. He usually starts the season off well, then runs out of gas by the All-Star break.
Best fits: Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5918/casey-kotchmanCasey Kotchman
1B
28
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: Kotchman is one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball and had a career year at the plate. Not enough power or run production to get paid, but he is a useful player. However, the Rays would prefer to get more offensive production from first.
Best fits: Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3614/derrek-leeDerrek Lee
1B
36
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: He should return to the Pirates for 2012. He still can pick it at first and hit with some power, but staying healthy is another story.
Best fits: Pittsburgh Pirates
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5469/chris-capuanoChris Capuano
LHP
33
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: A crafty lefty who came back from major arm injuries that sidelined him for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. He won 11 games for the Mets this year. But his health will continue to be a risk.
Best fits: New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5086/mark-ellisMark Ellis
2B
34
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: Ellis might not have the tools, but he can play the game. An above-average defender who can turn the double play and give quality at-bats. He would be a nice fit for one year for the Tigers.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6038/jeff-francisJeff Francis
LHP
30
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: Another year distanced from an injury, Francis is a winner. The left-hander is worth a gamble for someone willing to give a low base salary with incentives.
Best fits: Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4007/freddy-garciaFreddy Garcia
RHP
35
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: He will provide double-digit wins and 180 innings pitched, and will get overpaid for it. Garcia's value comes during the 162-game schedule; he no longer has the stuff to succeed in the postseason.
Best fits: Florida Marlins, New York Yankees
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5963/frank-franciscoFrank Francisco
RHP
32
2
$3.75M
$7.5M
Analysis: Francisco should fall into the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4811/grant-balfourGrant Balfour, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5938/jason-frasorJason Frasor and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3985/rafael-betancourtRafael Betancourt range of $3.75 million. The hard-throwing Francisco can set up or close games, having saved 25 for Texas in 2009 and 17 for Toronto in 2010.
Best fits: Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5798/clint-barmesClint Barmes
SS
32
1
$3.75M
$3.75M
Analysis: Barmes should end up in the range of the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6218/yuniesky-betancourtYuniesky Betancourt, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6044/jason-bartlettJason Bartlett and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6437/ryan-theriotRyan Theriot deals from last year. He's either a second-division middle infielder or a role player on a championship club.
Best fits: Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4097/ramon-hernandezRamon Hernandez
C
35
2
$7.5M
$3.75M
Analysis: Supply and demand will get Hernandez a job. I think he fits in after http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6390/russell-martinRussell Martin and in the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3401/jason-kendallJason Kendall and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4207/rod-barajasRod Barajas contracts of last year.
Best fits: New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3916/alex-gonzalezAlex Gonzalez
SS
34
2
$7M
$3.5M
Analysis: He can still catch it at shortstop with power. However, his on-base percentage will continue to be pathetic.
Best fits: Atlanta Braves, New York Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5642/mike-gonzalezMike Gonzalez
LHP
33
2
$7M
$3.5M
Analysis: Gonzalez did a solid job in the Rangers' bullpen and should want to re-sign with them with a chance for another postseason appearance next year. He'll be used more as a left-handed specialist rather than his previous roles as a setup man and closer.
Best fits: Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers
Michael Cuddyer perfect fit for the Phillies.
Spoiler [+]
Michael Cuddyer's versatility makes him a hot free-agent commodity.
Michael Cuddyer won't get the most money among the free agents this winter, but he may well have the most suitors. And now in the aftermath of the Phillies' signing of Jim Thome, they are making a hard push for Cuddyer, Jim Salisbury writes.
Which makes complete sense. Think about all that Cuddyer could do for the Phillies next season.
1. He could fill in at first base until Ryan Howard returns from his torn Achilles, or he could remain there all season.
2. Cuddyer could help balance a Philadelphia lineup that has been very left-handed in recent seasons. Last year, Cuddyer hit .311 against lefties with a .992 OPS, which ranked sixth among all major leaguers with at least 150 plate appearances against left-handers.
3. When Howard comes back, Cuddyer could become something of a rover, starting in right or left or giving Chase Utley an occasional day off when Charlie Manuel feels like Cuddyer's defense at second wouldn't be exposed.
Cuddyer could be a human Band-Aid for a manager, patching and pasting when a nagging injury pops up. The downside to carrying Thome is that he can't play a position regularly; Cuddyer would be a perfect complement because there really isn't a position he can't handle for a few innings or a few days.
It should go without saying that Cuddyer would fit in seamlessly in their clubhouse. Cuddyer will have to ask himself, too, after watching old friend Nick Punto win a championship with the Cardinals, about which team gives him the best chance to win -- and playing in Philadelphia would probably deliver him into October, given the Phillies' pitching.
Cuddyer would fit well with almost any team. He'd be perfect for the Phillies.
About Thome: When he was traded to the Dodgers in late August a couple of years ago, he told L.A. GM Ned Colletti that he couldn't play first base at all; he couldn't handle it physically. But that move came in midseason, and in this situation, Thome has told friends he could prepare for the challenge of playing first base once or twice a week, if needed (and really, all the Phillies may need out of him is a few innings here or there).
Utley's hero growing up? Thome. The hitter whom Ryan Howard emulated while coming through the minors? Thome. One of Charlie Manuel's closest friends in the sport? Thome. It's a natural match at the end of what has been a Hall of Fame career.
• The Royals have been talking trade. General manager Dayton Moore is committed to the idea of adding starting pitching for next season, when the Royals' window of opportunity for winning officially opens.
• Dan Duquette has emerged as a serious candidate with the Orioles. I know of about a dozen assistant-level executives who have either declined the opportunity to interview with the team or passed entirely, giving excuses along the lines of, "I have to wash my hair."
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Nationals wanted a team option from Chien-Ming Wang, and the pitcher and his agent wouldn't give it to them.
2. Jed Hoyer says of the Padres job: "I was not looking to leave."
3. Pete Mackanin was interviewed in Chicago. He brings all kinds of experience, writes Gordon Wittenmyer. They threw a lot of questions at him during his interview, writes Paul Sullivan.
4. The Jays re-acquired a pitcher.
5. http://www.stltoday.com/sports/base...cle_6b521f57-1d5f-56e6-9cb9-5dd1988544bb.htmlMike Matheny interviewed for the Cardinals' managerial job.
6. The Braves are willing to trade Jair Jurrjens.
7. The Angels raided the Rangers' front office, as Jeff Wilson writes.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• There is sad news about Bob Forsch. Bernie Miklasz remembers Forsch.
• A really, really smart general manager once said to me that it's a really, really bad idea for anyone in a support role -- athletic trainers, strength coaches -- to be quoted too much. The interview of the day in Boston Friday came from a fired trainer.
Dave Page got a text message from a Red Sox starting pitcher.
• Brewers owner Mark Attanasio sent out a letter.
• Frank McCourt is listening to offers for the Los Angeles Marathon, writes Bill Shaikin.
• The Mets fired some people, as part of some belt-tightening.
• The question is asked: Could the Rays market their team better?
Look, I'm not in advertising and don't know much about marketing. But I'm guessing that the average baseball fan in the Tampa-St. Pete area probably has heard, over the last four years, that there's a really good baseball team in the neighborhood, given the Rays' three playoff appearances and one run to the World Series. The Rays basically get free advertising in their local newspapers and stations and on national networks (like ours). It's not like they're this little hidden gem of a restaurant that nobody knows about.
Everybody knows about them; everybody knew in the last weeks of the regular season that they were making another improbable run to the playoffs. And folks in the Tampa-St. Pete area chose not to attend (which is their prerogative). So no, marketing would not seem to be the issue.
Michael Cuddyer won't get the most money among the free agents this winter, but he may well have the most suitors. And now in the aftermath of the Phillies' signing of Jim Thome, they are making a hard push for Cuddyer, Jim Salisbury writes.
Which makes complete sense. Think about all that Cuddyer could do for the Phillies next season.
1. He could fill in at first base until Ryan Howard returns from his torn Achilles, or he could remain there all season.
2. Cuddyer could help balance a Philadelphia lineup that has been very left-handed in recent seasons. Last year, Cuddyer hit .311 against lefties with a .992 OPS, which ranked sixth among all major leaguers with at least 150 plate appearances against left-handers.
3. When Howard comes back, Cuddyer could become something of a rover, starting in right or left or giving Chase Utley an occasional day off when Charlie Manuel feels like Cuddyer's defense at second wouldn't be exposed.
Cuddyer could be a human Band-Aid for a manager, patching and pasting when a nagging injury pops up. The downside to carrying Thome is that he can't play a position regularly; Cuddyer would be a perfect complement because there really isn't a position he can't handle for a few innings or a few days.
It should go without saying that Cuddyer would fit in seamlessly in their clubhouse. Cuddyer will have to ask himself, too, after watching old friend Nick Punto win a championship with the Cardinals, about which team gives him the best chance to win -- and playing in Philadelphia would probably deliver him into October, given the Phillies' pitching.
Cuddyer would fit well with almost any team. He'd be perfect for the Phillies.
About Thome: When he was traded to the Dodgers in late August a couple of years ago, he told L.A. GM Ned Colletti that he couldn't play first base at all; he couldn't handle it physically. But that move came in midseason, and in this situation, Thome has told friends he could prepare for the challenge of playing first base once or twice a week, if needed (and really, all the Phillies may need out of him is a few innings here or there).
Utley's hero growing up? Thome. The hitter whom Ryan Howard emulated while coming through the minors? Thome. One of Charlie Manuel's closest friends in the sport? Thome. It's a natural match at the end of what has been a Hall of Fame career.
• The Royals have been talking trade. General manager Dayton Moore is committed to the idea of adding starting pitching for next season, when the Royals' window of opportunity for winning officially opens.
• Dan Duquette has emerged as a serious candidate with the Orioles. I know of about a dozen assistant-level executives who have either declined the opportunity to interview with the team or passed entirely, giving excuses along the lines of, "I have to wash my hair."
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Nationals wanted a team option from Chien-Ming Wang, and the pitcher and his agent wouldn't give it to them.
2. Jed Hoyer says of the Padres job: "I was not looking to leave."
3. Pete Mackanin was interviewed in Chicago. He brings all kinds of experience, writes Gordon Wittenmyer. They threw a lot of questions at him during his interview, writes Paul Sullivan.
4. The Jays re-acquired a pitcher.
5. http://www.stltoday.com/sports/base...cle_6b521f57-1d5f-56e6-9cb9-5dd1988544bb.htmlMike Matheny interviewed for the Cardinals' managerial job.
6. The Braves are willing to trade Jair Jurrjens.
7. The Angels raided the Rangers' front office, as Jeff Wilson writes.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• There is sad news about Bob Forsch. Bernie Miklasz remembers Forsch.
• A really, really smart general manager once said to me that it's a really, really bad idea for anyone in a support role -- athletic trainers, strength coaches -- to be quoted too much. The interview of the day in Boston Friday came from a fired trainer.
Dave Page got a text message from a Red Sox starting pitcher.
• Brewers owner Mark Attanasio sent out a letter.
• Frank McCourt is listening to offers for the Los Angeles Marathon, writes Bill Shaikin.
• The Mets fired some people, as part of some belt-tightening.
• The question is asked: Could the Rays market their team better?
Look, I'm not in advertising and don't know much about marketing. But I'm guessing that the average baseball fan in the Tampa-St. Pete area probably has heard, over the last four years, that there's a really good baseball team in the neighborhood, given the Rays' three playoff appearances and one run to the World Series. The Rays basically get free advertising in their local newspapers and stations and on national networks (like ours). It's not like they're this little hidden gem of a restaurant that nobody knows about.
Everybody knows about them; everybody knew in the last weeks of the regular season that they were making another improbable run to the playoffs. And folks in the Tampa-St. Pete area chose not to attend (which is their prerogative). So no, marketing would not seem to be the issue.
Mariners appear to have a keeper.
Spoiler [+]
This year's AFL Rising Stars game proved disappointing, with a number of the best prospects unavailable due to injury and a rough outing from one of the two marquee starters that turned the game into a rout before the first inning was over.
• Seattle Mariners left-hander Danny Hultzen was very impressive in two hitless innings, sitting 91-94 and showing more confidence in a solid-average slider at 79-83 that he was throwing at the inner half to right-handed hitters. He was very aggressive in and around the zone with the fastball, and left-handed hitters were clearly uncomfortable against him. The only negative was his changeup, 76-81 mph, which just wasn't the plus pitch it normally is. Our own Jon "Boog" Sciambi asked me on Twitter last night if I thought Hultzen could pitch in the big leagues in 2011. I wouldn't rule it out. His command is good enough, and we're not waiting on any kind of projection. Hultzen is probably the fourth-best starter in the organization for 2012 after Felix Hernandez, Michael Pineda and Jason Vargas.
• Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole was his own worst enemy in failing to get out of the first inning Saturday night. The critical sequence was against Atlanta Braves first baseman Joey Terdoslavich, who was completely fooled by back-to-back changeups from Cole (unsurprising, as it's his best pitch). So with two strikes, Cole had several options -- tripling up on the changeup, throwing a fastball up above the zone, etc. -- but instead chose perhaps the worst option of all, a 97 mph four-seamer right down the middle of the zone. Terdoslavich can hit a fastball, and in Surprise, where the ball carries really well, he hit it out. Cole's tendency to try to blow the fastball by guys in the zone was the source of much of his trouble in college, but at that point, his coach was calling the pitches. This is pro ball now, and Cole is going to have to come up with his own pitching plan; you can't have a plus fastball (96-98 on Saturday), plus changeup and above-average slider (up to 92), and give up five runs in the first inning on two home runs, hitters' park or not.
• Kansas City Royals right-hander Jeremy Jeffress worked a quick inning, but that was the best off-speed stuff I've seen from him. He's always thrown hard -- hitting 100 in last year's Rising Stars game -- but this year he was 96-98 with a hard slider at 86-87 and very sharp curveball at 78-80. He struck out all three batters he faced, including Bryce Harper and Derek Norris, and only two of his 12 pitches were taken for balls.
• Milwaukee Brewers lefty Jed Bradley was fair, 91-93 with a soft slider at 80-82 -- not as bad as it had been this spring, but still not an average pitch. He threw just one changeup -- his best off-speed pitch as an amateur -- at 84 mph that Robbie Grossman grounded to the shortstop.
• The offensive star of the game was switch-hitting Seattle shortstop Nick Franklin, who drove a fastball from Cole out to deep left-center while hitting left-handed, showing outstanding raw power for a 20-year-old. That remains his stronger side even though he lunges forward before he really gets his hands going. He had an inconsistent day in the field but showed some of the instincts and quick reactions that at least give him a chance to stay at the position long-term. Kansas City outfielder Wil Myers, hitting behind Franklin, hit a couple of balls hard as well, one of which hit shortstop Junior Lake in his weak spot -- the glove -- and went through to left field for a double.
• Seattle Mariners left-hander Danny Hultzen was very impressive in two hitless innings, sitting 91-94 and showing more confidence in a solid-average slider at 79-83 that he was throwing at the inner half to right-handed hitters. He was very aggressive in and around the zone with the fastball, and left-handed hitters were clearly uncomfortable against him. The only negative was his changeup, 76-81 mph, which just wasn't the plus pitch it normally is. Our own Jon "Boog" Sciambi asked me on Twitter last night if I thought Hultzen could pitch in the big leagues in 2011. I wouldn't rule it out. His command is good enough, and we're not waiting on any kind of projection. Hultzen is probably the fourth-best starter in the organization for 2012 after Felix Hernandez, Michael Pineda and Jason Vargas.
• Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole was his own worst enemy in failing to get out of the first inning Saturday night. The critical sequence was against Atlanta Braves first baseman Joey Terdoslavich, who was completely fooled by back-to-back changeups from Cole (unsurprising, as it's his best pitch). So with two strikes, Cole had several options -- tripling up on the changeup, throwing a fastball up above the zone, etc. -- but instead chose perhaps the worst option of all, a 97 mph four-seamer right down the middle of the zone. Terdoslavich can hit a fastball, and in Surprise, where the ball carries really well, he hit it out. Cole's tendency to try to blow the fastball by guys in the zone was the source of much of his trouble in college, but at that point, his coach was calling the pitches. This is pro ball now, and Cole is going to have to come up with his own pitching plan; you can't have a plus fastball (96-98 on Saturday), plus changeup and above-average slider (up to 92), and give up five runs in the first inning on two home runs, hitters' park or not.
• Kansas City Royals right-hander Jeremy Jeffress worked a quick inning, but that was the best off-speed stuff I've seen from him. He's always thrown hard -- hitting 100 in last year's Rising Stars game -- but this year he was 96-98 with a hard slider at 86-87 and very sharp curveball at 78-80. He struck out all three batters he faced, including Bryce Harper and Derek Norris, and only two of his 12 pitches were taken for balls.
• Milwaukee Brewers lefty Jed Bradley was fair, 91-93 with a soft slider at 80-82 -- not as bad as it had been this spring, but still not an average pitch. He threw just one changeup -- his best off-speed pitch as an amateur -- at 84 mph that Robbie Grossman grounded to the shortstop.
• The offensive star of the game was switch-hitting Seattle shortstop Nick Franklin, who drove a fastball from Cole out to deep left-center while hitting left-handed, showing outstanding raw power for a 20-year-old. That remains his stronger side even though he lunges forward before he really gets his hands going. He had an inconsistent day in the field but showed some of the instincts and quick reactions that at least give him a chance to stay at the position long-term. Kansas City outfielder Wil Myers, hitting behind Franklin, hit a couple of balls hard as well, one of which hit shortstop Junior Lake in his weak spot -- the glove -- and went through to left field for a double.
Rumors.
Spoiler [+]
http://[h3]Homecoming for Gio Gonzalez?[/h3]
9:49AM ET
[h5]Oakland Athletics [/h5]
UPDATE: Gonzalez is a South Florida native and will be of major interest to the Florida Marlins, says Nick Cafardo in Sunday's Boston Globe. Gonzalez will be on the radar of numerous teams, including the Red Sox, who need a replacement in the rotation for John Lackey.
- Doug Mittler
--
The Oakland Athletics, reports Ken Rosenthal, are willing to listen to offers on any player on their roster with the exception of second baseman Jemile Weeks.
Last month I spoke of the possibility that Gio Gonzalez's big 2011 could make his prime trade bait if the A's were able to get impact offense or solutions at premium positions in return. Rosenthal lists Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill as among those the A's would at least listen, but points out the club is not looking to deal either pitcher.
Rosenthal notes that catcher Kurt Suzuki could "also be in play," and despite a poor showing in 2011 would certainly draw heavy interest around the league.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Rays could shop Davis[/h3]
9:27AM ET
[h5]Wade Davis | Rays [/h5]
Any discussion of the Tampa Bay Rays' offseason invariably turns to the club's limited financial resources. That has led to talk that the Rays may be forced to deal a starting pitcher, just as they did last winter with Matt Garza.
While the name of James Shields has popped up repeatedly, the more likely candidate to relocate is Wade Davis, says Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
Davis, who has double digits in wins each of the last two seasons, could end being traded for an outfielder or catcher. The righthander is on the hook for $9.1 million over the next three seasons along with a $2.5 million buyout.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Who is in on Madson?[/h3]
9:09AM ET
[h5]Ryan Madson | Phillies [/h5]
Ryan Madson is one of the top relief pitchers on the free agent market this offseason, thanks to his success in the closer's role after starting the year setting up for Jose Contreras. Madson's suitors could include as many as a dozen or so clubs, but the Philadelphia Phillies may be at the top of that list, writes Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.
The Phillies need proven veterans as Madson and Brad Lidge are free agents and the injury status of Jose Contreras a bit up in the air. Philadelphia could also check in on free agents Heath Bell, Francisco Cordero, Jonathan Papelbon, among others.
Madson is from the L.A. area and could potentially see either the Dodgers or Angels as an attractive landing spot, though it's not clear the Dodgers will be willing or even able to spend money and the Halos may be happy with Jordan Walden handling the ninth inning.
The Texas Rangers, who may move Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation, could be a fit for Madson.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Yankees reach out to Wilson, Oswalt[/h3]
9:08AM ET
[h5]New York Yankees [/h5]
While the general thought is the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeesNew York Yankees have already completed their biggest move of the offseason by signing http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4553/cc-sabathiaCC Sabathia to an extension and keeping him off the free agent market, general manager Brian Cashman is still looking for pitching.
In Monday's New York Daily News, Mark Feinsand writes that Cashman spoke Saturday with Bob Garber, the agent that represents both C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt, calling it nothing more than a "basic expression of interest."
Cashman identified Wilson as the top starter on the free-agent market on Friday, but was quick to point out that Wilson isn't necessarily the Yankees top target.
Feinsand reported last week that two of the intriguing targets for the Yankees could be http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle or Oswalt. Buehrle could represent the more feasible option because the Yankees like the fact that he has pitched his entire career in the American League. Oswalt, on the other hand, has spent his career in the National League and wants a multi-year deal despite a history of lower back problems, which might be enough to make the Yanks steer clear, according to Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Who's on first in Texas?[/h3]
8:51AM ET
[h5]Texas Rangers [/h5]
The Texas Rangers used several players at first base last season, including Michael Young, Mike Napoli and Mitch Moreland. Looking ahead to 2012, Moreland appears to be the favorite for regular playing time, but ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett writes that acquiring a big bat to man first base isn't out of the question.
The Rangers, however, have several arbitration eligible players to take care of, including those of Nelson Cruz, Napoli, Elvis Andrus and Matt Harrison, which will take up quite a a chunk of payroll, perhaps leaving the Rangers without the room to make a big for Prince Fielder or even Albert Pujols.
Lesser free agents such as Carlos Pena or Derrek Lee could be considered, but the Rangers may not see either as a worthy upgrade over Moreland, who spent much of last season playing with a sore right wrist.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Does it pay to keep Papelbon?[/h3]
8:47AM ET
[h5]Jonathan Papelbon | Red Sox [/h5]
The epic collapse of the Boston Red Sox was a group effort, and the final glimpse of the lost 2011 season was Jonathan Papelbon allowing a game-winning single to Boston's Robert Andino.
Papelbon is now part of a crowded free agent market for closers, joining a group that includes Heath Bell, Ryan Madson, Joe Nathan and Francisco Rodriguez. And while plenty of changes are expected in Boston this winter, John Tomase of the Boston Herald writes that the Red Sox would be best served by re-signing Papelbon, who had five straight 40-save seasons before collecting 34 in 2011.
While some of the other closers might come at a less expensive rate, the Red Sox would be penny-wise and pound foolish. "Papelbon's history suggests that's the kind of performance he'll provide more often than not. And if that's the case, the Red Sox shouldn't let a few million extra dollars stand in the way," Tomase writes.
Our Keith Law has Papelbon 18th on his list of top 50 free agents:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Jonathan Papelbon - No. 18
9:49AM ET
[h5]Oakland Athletics [/h5]
UPDATE: Gonzalez is a South Florida native and will be of major interest to the Florida Marlins, says Nick Cafardo in Sunday's Boston Globe. Gonzalez will be on the radar of numerous teams, including the Red Sox, who need a replacement in the rotation for John Lackey.
- Doug Mittler
--
The Oakland Athletics, reports Ken Rosenthal, are willing to listen to offers on any player on their roster with the exception of second baseman Jemile Weeks.
Last month I spoke of the possibility that Gio Gonzalez's big 2011 could make his prime trade bait if the A's were able to get impact offense or solutions at premium positions in return. Rosenthal lists Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill as among those the A's would at least listen, but points out the club is not looking to deal either pitcher.
Rosenthal notes that catcher Kurt Suzuki could "also be in play," and despite a poor showing in 2011 would certainly draw heavy interest around the league.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Rays could shop Davis[/h3]
9:27AM ET
[h5]Wade Davis | Rays [/h5]
Any discussion of the Tampa Bay Rays' offseason invariably turns to the club's limited financial resources. That has led to talk that the Rays may be forced to deal a starting pitcher, just as they did last winter with Matt Garza.
While the name of James Shields has popped up repeatedly, the more likely candidate to relocate is Wade Davis, says Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
Davis, who has double digits in wins each of the last two seasons, could end being traded for an outfielder or catcher. The righthander is on the hook for $9.1 million over the next three seasons along with a $2.5 million buyout.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Who is in on Madson?[/h3]
9:09AM ET
[h5]Ryan Madson | Phillies [/h5]
Ryan Madson is one of the top relief pitchers on the free agent market this offseason, thanks to his success in the closer's role after starting the year setting up for Jose Contreras. Madson's suitors could include as many as a dozen or so clubs, but the Philadelphia Phillies may be at the top of that list, writes Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.
The Phillies need proven veterans as Madson and Brad Lidge are free agents and the injury status of Jose Contreras a bit up in the air. Philadelphia could also check in on free agents Heath Bell, Francisco Cordero, Jonathan Papelbon, among others.
Madson is from the L.A. area and could potentially see either the Dodgers or Angels as an attractive landing spot, though it's not clear the Dodgers will be willing or even able to spend money and the Halos may be happy with Jordan Walden handling the ninth inning.
The Texas Rangers, who may move Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation, could be a fit for Madson.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Yankees reach out to Wilson, Oswalt[/h3]
9:08AM ET
[h5]New York Yankees [/h5]
While the general thought is the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeesNew York Yankees have already completed their biggest move of the offseason by signing http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4553/cc-sabathiaCC Sabathia to an extension and keeping him off the free agent market, general manager Brian Cashman is still looking for pitching.
In Monday's New York Daily News, Mark Feinsand writes that Cashman spoke Saturday with Bob Garber, the agent that represents both C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt, calling it nothing more than a "basic expression of interest."
Cashman identified Wilson as the top starter on the free-agent market on Friday, but was quick to point out that Wilson isn't necessarily the Yankees top target.
Feinsand reported last week that two of the intriguing targets for the Yankees could be http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle or Oswalt. Buehrle could represent the more feasible option because the Yankees like the fact that he has pitched his entire career in the American League. Oswalt, on the other hand, has spent his career in the National League and wants a multi-year deal despite a history of lower back problems, which might be enough to make the Yanks steer clear, according to Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Who's on first in Texas?[/h3]
8:51AM ET
[h5]Texas Rangers [/h5]
The Texas Rangers used several players at first base last season, including Michael Young, Mike Napoli and Mitch Moreland. Looking ahead to 2012, Moreland appears to be the favorite for regular playing time, but ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett writes that acquiring a big bat to man first base isn't out of the question.
The Rangers, however, have several arbitration eligible players to take care of, including those of Nelson Cruz, Napoli, Elvis Andrus and Matt Harrison, which will take up quite a a chunk of payroll, perhaps leaving the Rangers without the room to make a big for Prince Fielder or even Albert Pujols.
Lesser free agents such as Carlos Pena or Derrek Lee could be considered, but the Rangers may not see either as a worthy upgrade over Moreland, who spent much of last season playing with a sore right wrist.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Does it pay to keep Papelbon?[/h3]
8:47AM ET
[h5]Jonathan Papelbon | Red Sox [/h5]
The epic collapse of the Boston Red Sox was a group effort, and the final glimpse of the lost 2011 season was Jonathan Papelbon allowing a game-winning single to Boston's Robert Andino.
Papelbon is now part of a crowded free agent market for closers, joining a group that includes Heath Bell, Ryan Madson, Joe Nathan and Francisco Rodriguez. And while plenty of changes are expected in Boston this winter, John Tomase of the Boston Herald writes that the Red Sox would be best served by re-signing Papelbon, who had five straight 40-save seasons before collecting 34 in 2011.
While some of the other closers might come at a less expensive rate, the Red Sox would be penny-wise and pound foolish. "Papelbon's history suggests that's the kind of performance he'll provide more often than not. And if that's the case, the Red Sox shouldn't let a few million extra dollars stand in the way," Tomase writes.
Our Keith Law has Papelbon 18th on his list of top 50 free agents:
- Doug Mittler
Jonathan Papelbon - No. 18
8:18AM ET
[h5]David Ortiz | Red Sox [/h5]
The free agent period is officially under way and David Ortiz is surprised that he has yet to receive an offer from the Boston Red Sox.
"I was expecting something would happen before (the exclusive negotiating period ran out), but so many things are going on," Ortiz told WEEI in Boston on Thursday afternoon. "I know everybody has priorities, and to be honest with you, I thought I was one of them.
While Ortiz wants a three-year deal, the Red Sox can sit back and survey the market before committing to a multiyear deal, wrote Nick Cafardo in Sunday's Boston Globe. Ortiz could help his market value if he could convince a National League team that he is an option at first base.
New Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said last week that he has been in communication with Ortiz's representatives. While Papi may be miffed about a potential delay, Cherington may simply be looking to hire a new manager before he turns his attention to the free agent process.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Francona unlikely to land with Cubs?[/h3]
8:03AM ET
[h5]Chicago Cubs [/h5]
Theo Epstein had nothing but nice things to say about Terry Francona last week, but Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune still says the chances of Tito managing the Cubs "is very unlikely."
Epstein spoke with Francona on Thursday in an unofficial capacity and will talk to him again to gauge whether the former Red Sox skipper is the right fit to be Cubs manager. "Clearly he would be at the top of anyone's list as available managers," Epstein said at the time.
Rogers notes that Francona and Epstein remain friends, but Epstein "hopes Francona lands on his feet, not in the manager's office at Wrigley Field."
Pete Mackanin, the Phillies bench coach who grew up on the South Side of Chicago, was the first to meet with Cubs brass Friday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reported.
Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum is expected to meeet with Epstein on Monday.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Zambrano makes winter league debut[/h3]
7:31AM ET
[h5]Carlos Zambrano | Cubs [/h5]
UPDATE: Zambrano made his first start in nearly three months on Sunday in Venezuela, allowing two runs on four hits over 2 2/3 innings, including a home run to Cubs teammate Bryan LaHair.
Zambrano has a full no-trade clause, but has said he'll will waive the clause if the Cubs don't want him back. Big-Z has hinted that he would like to pitch in Florida for new skipper Ozzie Guillen, his close friend.
--
Chicago Cubs righthander Carlos Zambrano is looking to restore his reputation and his market value by pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Zambrano will make his debut Sunday for Los Caribes de Anzoategui and is expected to get nine starts before resting until the start of spring training. Zambrano's decision has the blessing of Cubs' management, writes Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, and will give the team a better gauge as to whether he will still be in a Cubs' uniform on Opening Day.
As of now, few if any teams are likely willing to pick up the bulk of the $18 million salary left on Zambrano's contract. But a strong showing in Venezuela could make some teams willing to fork over a little bit more, especially with pitching at a premium.
While pitching in winter ball carries the risk of injury, Zambrano simply needs the work. He finished with only 145 innings after landing on the disqualified list.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Is Duquette a good fit in Baltimore?[/h3]
7:16AM ET
[h5]Baltimore Orioles [/h5]
The free agency period already is in full swing and the Baltimore Orioles finally have gotten around to naming a new general manager. Former Red Sox GM Dan Duquette, who has not worked in a big league front office since 2002, will take over for Andy MacPhail, according to various reports.
Duquette became a serious candidate after being turned down by several candidates, including Dodgers assistant GM Tony LaCava and D-backs executive Jerry Dipoto.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney wrote last week that the Baltimore job may come with red flags. "The concerns outsiders have about the Orioles is that Peter Angelos interferes in the day-to-day business, and that Buck Showalter is too powerful for the next general manager to walk into the front office and have the kind of influence he needs," Olney wrote.
Enter Duquette, who laid the groundwork for Boston's world championship in 2004. But Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com cautions that Duquette has other issues that makes him far from a fit in Baltimore:
- Doug Mittler
Is Duquette the answer?
http://[h3]Mets in no rush to deal Wright[/h3]
6:45AM ET
[h5]David Wright | Mets [/h5]
We've been floating trade possibilities about David Wright since July's deadline. Expect the rumor mill regarding the New York Mets third baseman to continue to churn for the next few months, but it is highly unlikely that he will be dealt before spring training, reports Andy Martino of the NY Daily News.
"(Sandy Alderson) would have to totally be bowled over (with an offer)," one National League executive said. Martino adds the Mets could be more aggressive about shopping Wright should the team get off to a slow start in 2012.
In Sunday's Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo wonders if Theo Epstein might be interested in bringing Wright to the Cubs, a scenario that looks more feasible now that the Cubs have parted ways with http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezAramis Ramirez.
Wright may be a face of the Mets' franchise, but if the club re-signs http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes, there might not be enough money left over to keep both of them in Queens for the long term. Wright has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract at $15 million. The club holds an option on 2013 at $16 million, but that is voided if Wright is traded, dminishing what the Mets can get in return.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney had more on Wright in Sunday's blog:
- Doug Mittler
Wright's future
Time for the Mets to trade David Wright?
Jim Thome signing not a good fit.
Putting a price on the free agents.
Michael Cuddyer perfect fit for the Phillies.
Mariners appear to have a keeper.
Rumors.
http://[h3]Papi still waiting for Bosox offer[/h3]
8:18AM ET
[h5]David Ortiz | Red Sox [/h5]
The free agent period is officially under way and David Ortiz is surprised that he has yet to receive an offer from the Boston Red Sox.
"I was expecting something would happen before (the exclusive negotiating period ran out), but so many things are going on," Ortiz told WEEI in Boston on Thursday afternoon. "I know everybody has priorities, and to be honest with you, I thought I was one of them.
While Ortiz wants a three-year deal, the Red Sox can sit back and survey the market before committing to a multiyear deal, wrote Nick Cafardo in Sunday's Boston Globe. Ortiz could help his market value if he could convince a National League team that he is an option at first base.
New Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said last week that he has been in communication with Ortiz's representatives. While Papi may be miffed about a potential delay, Cherington may simply be looking to hire a new manager before he turns his attention to the free agent process.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Francona unlikely to land with Cubs?[/h3]
8:03AM ET
[h5]Chicago Cubs [/h5]
Theo Epstein had nothing but nice things to say about Terry Francona last week, but Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune still says the chances of Tito managing the Cubs "is very unlikely."
Epstein spoke with Francona on Thursday in an unofficial capacity and will talk to him again to gauge whether the former Red Sox skipper is the right fit to be Cubs manager. "Clearly he would be at the top of anyone's list as available managers," Epstein said at the time.
Rogers notes that Francona and Epstein remain friends, but Epstein "hopes Francona lands on his feet, not in the manager's office at Wrigley Field."
Pete Mackanin, the Phillies bench coach who grew up on the South Side of Chicago, was the first to meet with Cubs brass Friday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reported.
Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum is expected to meeet with Epstein on Monday.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Zambrano makes winter league debut[/h3]
7:31AM ET
[h5]Carlos Zambrano | Cubs [/h5]
UPDATE: Zambrano made his first start in nearly three months on Sunday in Venezuela, allowing two runs on four hits over 2 2/3 innings, including a home run to Cubs teammate Bryan LaHair.
Zambrano has a full no-trade clause, but has said he'll will waive the clause if the Cubs don't want him back. Big-Z has hinted that he would like to pitch in Florida for new skipper Ozzie Guillen, his close friend.
--
Chicago Cubs righthander Carlos Zambrano is looking to restore his reputation and his market value by pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Zambrano will make his debut Sunday for Los Caribes de Anzoategui and is expected to get nine starts before resting until the start of spring training. Zambrano's decision has the blessing of Cubs' management, writes Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, and will give the team a better gauge as to whether he will still be in a Cubs' uniform on Opening Day.
As of now, few if any teams are likely willing to pick up the bulk of the $18 million salary left on Zambrano's contract. But a strong showing in Venezuela could make some teams willing to fork over a little bit more, especially with pitching at a premium.
While pitching in winter ball carries the risk of injury, Zambrano simply needs the work. He finished with only 145 innings after landing on the disqualified list.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Is Duquette a good fit in Baltimore?[/h3]
7:16AM ET
[h5]Baltimore Orioles [/h5]
The free agency period already is in full swing and the Baltimore Orioles finally have gotten around to naming a new general manager. Former Red Sox GM Dan Duquette, who has not worked in a big league front office since 2002, will take over for Andy MacPhail, according to various reports.
Duquette became a serious candidate after being turned down by several candidates, including Dodgers assistant GM Tony LaCava and D-backs executive Jerry Dipoto.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney wrote last week that the Baltimore job may come with red flags. "The concerns outsiders have about the Orioles is that Peter Angelos interferes in the day-to-day business, and that Buck Showalter is too powerful for the next general manager to walk into the front office and have the kind of influence he needs," Olney wrote.
Enter Duquette, who laid the groundwork for Boston's world championship in 2004. But Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com cautions that Duquette has other issues that makes him far from a fit in Baltimore:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Gordon Edes[/h5]
Is Duquette the answer?
http://[h3]Mets in no rush to deal Wright[/h3]
6:45AM ET
[h5]David Wright | Mets [/h5]
We've been floating trade possibilities about David Wright since July's deadline. Expect the rumor mill regarding the New York Mets third baseman to continue to churn for the next few months, but it is highly unlikely that he will be dealt before spring training, reports Andy Martino of the NY Daily News.
"(Sandy Alderson) would have to totally be bowled over (with an offer)," one National League executive said. Martino adds the Mets could be more aggressive about shopping Wright should the team get off to a slow start in 2012.
In Sunday's Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo wonders if Theo Epstein might be interested in bringing Wright to the Cubs, a scenario that looks more feasible now that the Cubs have parted ways with http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezAramis Ramirez.
Wright may be a face of the Mets' franchise, but if the club re-signs http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes, there might not be enough money left over to keep both of them in Queens for the long term. Wright has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract at $15 million. The club holds an option on 2013 at $16 million, but that is voided if Wright is traded, dminishing what the Mets can get in return.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney had more on Wright in Sunday's blog:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Buster Olney[/h5]
Wright's future
Spoiler [+]
As we've known since May, the New York Mets will listen to trade offers on David Wright. "It only makes sense," one source said.
Of course it does, because Wright will make $15 million next year and has a $16 million option for 2013. The Mets' best chance to get value in return for him is to deal him now. They are not close to winning a division they share with the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. The other team in the division, the Florida Marlins, is expected to spend money this winter.
Keep in mind that Wright will turn 30 next year, and although he's been a good soldier for the organization, at some point he'll want a chance to win. The Mets could trade Wright now -- before he really pushes for an opportunity elsewhere -- and get players who may help them win in 2014 or 2015.
But the X factor in this decision -- in all major decisions, for all teams -- is the club's ownership.
Logic dictates that Wright should be traded now, that the Cincinnati Reds should trade Joey Votto before his trade value disintegrates on Aug. 1, 2012, and that the Phillies weigh all options at shortstop. But Votto is a franchise favorite, and Phillies owner Dave Montgomery is known to really like Jimmy Rollins and strongly view him as a legacy player, an heir to the tradition passed down by Philadelphia greats before him.
There was a lot of sentiment within the San Francisco Giants organization in the last years of Barry Bonds' career that the team would be better off turning the page and moving on. But Bonds was a favorite of Harmon and Sue Burns, the financial powerhouses behind the Giants, so all sentiments from the baseball operations departments were overruled: Bonds stayed with the Giants.
As the offseason progresses, this is worth remembering: A lot of times the major decisions are not made by the guys with the scouting reports and statistical analysis but by the guys who write the checks.
• The Braves will listen to offers for Martin Prado, and given the attention currently being lavished on Michael Cuddyer in the free-agent market, this should make Prado very popular.
An AL official on Prado: "He's like a younger Cuddyer -- and might be a better hitter."
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. As recently as five days ago, the Baltimore Orioles had no plans to interview Dan Duquette, but now he's on the verge of becoming their general manager. On Saturday, some of Duquette's friends in the game were really happy for him, knowing how much he has burned for another chance, and they expect he will hit the ground running. "He knows a lot of people and has a lot of ideas," one NL official said.
The Orioles are zeroing in on a deal, writes Dan Connolly.
2. The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to negotiate with second baseman Aaron Hill, and there appears to be momentum toward getting a deal done.
3. Ruben Amaro's challenge is to make the Phillies better, writes Bob Brookover. Jim Thome felt it was all kind of surreal after agreeing to a new contract with the Phillies.
One official says that the Phillies' interest in Cuddyer is so ardent, so aggressive, that if Cuddyer wants to play with the Phillies, the deal is inevitable; the Phillies will make it happen. The expectation within the industry is that Cuddyer will get at least a three-year deal.
4. As three teams look for managers, they are taking different approaches, writes Nick Cafardo.
5. St. Louis Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt spoke with Rick Hummel about the Albert Pujols negotiations.
6. Ryan Madson is receiving a lot of interest, his agent said.
7. The Chicago Cubs hired a pro scouting director.
8. A communication breakdown impacted Willie Bloomquist's chances of returning to the Diamondbacks, writes Nick Piecoro.
9. Jamey Carroll is among the second-base options for the Colorado Rockies, who are also involved in the negotiations for Cuddyer, sources say.
10. A few days ago, John Boles left the Seattle Mariners.
11. If the Marlins want to reinvent themselves, writes Dave Hyde, they should sign a big name.
12. New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman spoke with C.J. Wilson's agent.
13. The smart money for the Red Sox would be investing in Jonathan Papelbon, writes John Tomase.
14. The time is right for the Minnesota Twins to let Cuddyer walk, writes Patrick Reusse.
15. Johnny Damon and Casey Kotchman could be fits with the Tampa Bay Rays.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• The son of Braves general manager Frank Wren is battling a genetic disease, writes Carroll Rogers. From the story:
• Justin Verlander made a case for pitchers winning the MVP, John Lowe writes.
• Frank McCourt looks like a guy who is leaving L.A. behind, writes Steve Dilbeck. Here are some letters to the editor in the L.A. Times about McCourt's situation.
• Some Chicago shortstops are doing well in the Arizona Fall League, writes Mark Gonzales.
• Drew Stubbs could learn something from how Matty Alou went about his business, writes Paul Daugherty.
• The Bartolo Colon trade by Mark Shapiro remains one of the best, even with the departure of Grady Sizemore.
• The changes for the Cubs will include some for Wrigley Field, Ben Strauss writes. Theo Epstein is following a Dallas Green pattern, writes Paul Sullivan.
Of course it does, because Wright will make $15 million next year and has a $16 million option for 2013. The Mets' best chance to get value in return for him is to deal him now. They are not close to winning a division they share with the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. The other team in the division, the Florida Marlins, is expected to spend money this winter.
Keep in mind that Wright will turn 30 next year, and although he's been a good soldier for the organization, at some point he'll want a chance to win. The Mets could trade Wright now -- before he really pushes for an opportunity elsewhere -- and get players who may help them win in 2014 or 2015.
But the X factor in this decision -- in all major decisions, for all teams -- is the club's ownership.
Logic dictates that Wright should be traded now, that the Cincinnati Reds should trade Joey Votto before his trade value disintegrates on Aug. 1, 2012, and that the Phillies weigh all options at shortstop. But Votto is a franchise favorite, and Phillies owner Dave Montgomery is known to really like Jimmy Rollins and strongly view him as a legacy player, an heir to the tradition passed down by Philadelphia greats before him.
There was a lot of sentiment within the San Francisco Giants organization in the last years of Barry Bonds' career that the team would be better off turning the page and moving on. But Bonds was a favorite of Harmon and Sue Burns, the financial powerhouses behind the Giants, so all sentiments from the baseball operations departments were overruled: Bonds stayed with the Giants.
As the offseason progresses, this is worth remembering: A lot of times the major decisions are not made by the guys with the scouting reports and statistical analysis but by the guys who write the checks.
• The Braves will listen to offers for Martin Prado, and given the attention currently being lavished on Michael Cuddyer in the free-agent market, this should make Prado very popular.
An AL official on Prado: "He's like a younger Cuddyer -- and might be a better hitter."
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. As recently as five days ago, the Baltimore Orioles had no plans to interview Dan Duquette, but now he's on the verge of becoming their general manager. On Saturday, some of Duquette's friends in the game were really happy for him, knowing how much he has burned for another chance, and they expect he will hit the ground running. "He knows a lot of people and has a lot of ideas," one NL official said.
The Orioles are zeroing in on a deal, writes Dan Connolly.
2. The Arizona Diamondbacks continue to negotiate with second baseman Aaron Hill, and there appears to be momentum toward getting a deal done.
3. Ruben Amaro's challenge is to make the Phillies better, writes Bob Brookover. Jim Thome felt it was all kind of surreal after agreeing to a new contract with the Phillies.
One official says that the Phillies' interest in Cuddyer is so ardent, so aggressive, that if Cuddyer wants to play with the Phillies, the deal is inevitable; the Phillies will make it happen. The expectation within the industry is that Cuddyer will get at least a three-year deal.
4. As three teams look for managers, they are taking different approaches, writes Nick Cafardo.
5. St. Louis Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt spoke with Rick Hummel about the Albert Pujols negotiations.
6. Ryan Madson is receiving a lot of interest, his agent said.
7. The Chicago Cubs hired a pro scouting director.
8. A communication breakdown impacted Willie Bloomquist's chances of returning to the Diamondbacks, writes Nick Piecoro.
9. Jamey Carroll is among the second-base options for the Colorado Rockies, who are also involved in the negotiations for Cuddyer, sources say.
10. A few days ago, John Boles left the Seattle Mariners.
11. If the Marlins want to reinvent themselves, writes Dave Hyde, they should sign a big name.
12. New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman spoke with C.J. Wilson's agent.
13. The smart money for the Red Sox would be investing in Jonathan Papelbon, writes John Tomase.
14. The time is right for the Minnesota Twins to let Cuddyer walk, writes Patrick Reusse.
15. Johnny Damon and Casey Kotchman could be fits with the Tampa Bay Rays.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• The son of Braves general manager Frank Wren is battling a genetic disease, writes Carroll Rogers. From the story:
- [Colby] Wren was scoped, scanned, and biopsied. "I could probably do an EKG myself," he says. He was rushed into the emergency room within 20-25 minutes of finishing a football game, twice, so doctors could draw his blood when he was at his most fatigued.
- Even then, tests were inconclusive.
- "It's a real frustrating process," Frank Wren said. "I guess I'm your basic type-A. I think I can fix it. I want to fix it. And [my wife] Terri was the one living it day in and day out, trying to get him from one doctor to the next and get the results. We came up to one dead end after another."
- It finally came to a head the summer before Wren's sophomore year in high school during "Hell Week." On the second day of workouts at football camp in rural middle Georgia, he already was throwing up before the 6 a.m. practice started. Early on in practice, when it wasn't that hot yet, he realized he had stopped sweating.
- Trainers put Wren in an ice bath before heat stroke could set in. His father, who had come along to keep a close eye, drove him back to Atlanta. A frantic call to the neurologist, who then consulted Wren's other doctors, brought word: Wren should see Dr. John Shoffner, a specialist in mitochondrial disease. He was world renown and practicing in Atlanta.
- Three hours in Dr. Shoffner's office and a white board helped finally crack the case. Shoffner wanted to know every symptom, every episode Wren had ever had. His mother consulted more than 100 pages of notes, a time line she kept, and test results. His father came on his lunch hour and left. Wren even dozed off at one point.
- Shoffner had a suspicion it was mitochondrial disease. A muscle biopsy, which took months to process, confirmed the diagnosis.
• Justin Verlander made a case for pitchers winning the MVP, John Lowe writes.
• Frank McCourt looks like a guy who is leaving L.A. behind, writes Steve Dilbeck. Here are some letters to the editor in the L.A. Times about McCourt's situation.
• Some Chicago shortstops are doing well in the Arizona Fall League, writes Mark Gonzales.
• Drew Stubbs could learn something from how Matty Alou went about his business, writes Paul Daugherty.
• The Bartolo Colon trade by Mark Shapiro remains one of the best, even with the departure of Grady Sizemore.
• The changes for the Cubs will include some for Wrigley Field, Ben Strauss writes. Theo Epstein is following a Dallas Green pattern, writes Paul Sullivan.
Jim Thome signing not a good fit.
Spoiler [+]
The Philadelphia Phillies' move to sign Jim Thome makes great sense from a financial perspective -- at $1.25 million, Thome doesn't even have to match his 2011 performance to be a bargain for the team. But from a roster-construction perspective, it's less than a perfect fit.
As you may have heard, the Phillies play in the National League, which continues to resist the tide of progress by allowing pitchers to hit -- or, in most cases, to bunt two or three times before they're subbed out for a pinch hitter. Thome hasn't played an inning in the field since 2007, when he played a single game at first base for the White Sox, and he hasn't played the field even semi-regularly since 2005.
Two years ago, when Thome was traded in August from the White Sox to the Dodgers, he reportedly told Joe Torre that he couldn't play the field at all. He's saying now that a full offseason of preparation would allow him to play some first base, but he's 41 and wasn't a great defender at first when he was 35. It's possible he can handle two games a week over there, but it's not terribly realistic.
If the intention is to use Thome as part of a Ryan Howard replacement solution at first base, he'll need a strong right-handed complement who will start against all left-handed pitchers and against weaker right-handers; the Phillies' reported interest in Michael Cuddyer makes sense, although he has limited experience at first base and hasn't been very good there when he's played it.
But a properly deployed Thome/Cuddyer platoon would almost certainly out-hit the 2011 edition of Howard, and Howard wasn't good defensively before he tore his left Achilles' tendon. If the Phillies manage to assemble that two-headed monster and Thome can handle 40-50 games at first without breaking down, they'll have replaced Howard at a reasonable cost and highlighted just how absurd the contract extension they gave Howard was in the first place.
As you may have heard, the Phillies play in the National League, which continues to resist the tide of progress by allowing pitchers to hit -- or, in most cases, to bunt two or three times before they're subbed out for a pinch hitter. Thome hasn't played an inning in the field since 2007, when he played a single game at first base for the White Sox, and he hasn't played the field even semi-regularly since 2005.
Two years ago, when Thome was traded in August from the White Sox to the Dodgers, he reportedly told Joe Torre that he couldn't play the field at all. He's saying now that a full offseason of preparation would allow him to play some first base, but he's 41 and wasn't a great defender at first when he was 35. It's possible he can handle two games a week over there, but it's not terribly realistic.
If the intention is to use Thome as part of a Ryan Howard replacement solution at first base, he'll need a strong right-handed complement who will start against all left-handed pitchers and against weaker right-handers; the Phillies' reported interest in Michael Cuddyer makes sense, although he has limited experience at first base and hasn't been very good there when he's played it.
But a properly deployed Thome/Cuddyer platoon would almost certainly out-hit the 2011 edition of Howard, and Howard wasn't good defensively before he tore his left Achilles' tendon. If the Phillies manage to assemble that two-headed monster and Thome can handle 40-50 games at first without breaking down, they'll have replaced Howard at a reasonable cost and highlighted just how absurd the contract extension they gave Howard was in the first place.
Putting a price on the free agents.
Spoiler [+]
With http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujolsAlbert Pujols and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5915/prince-fielderPrince Fielder heading the free-agent class, this winter's crop will command significant dollars. However, with many of the free-spending clubs already featuring marquee first basemen, the potential suitors for Pujols and Fielder are thin. The challenge for their agents -- Dan Lozano and Scott Boras, respectively -- will be creating demand when there might be only a couple of teams that are seriously pursuing the All-Star first basemen.
Beyond Pujols and Fielder, there is some depth at shortstop (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4258/jimmy-rollinsJimmy Rollins) and left-handed pitching (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6311/cj-wilsonC.J. Wilson). I served as a general manager for 15 years, and committing big dollars to a free agent is always a gamble. You have to try to balance age, injury history, tools, performance and makeup before making an offer.
I decided to put myself back in the GM's chair to evaluate this free-agent class. The following is my estimate of what I would pay the top 50 free agents if I were a GM of a club that had the budget and need for that kind of player. The players are ranked by their estimated average annual value (A.A.V). I use A.A.V. because that is what the MLB Players Association is most concerned with when evaluating contracts. When the A.A.V. is equal, tie goes to the contract with greater overall value. To get a better feel for the market, I also talked to agents, scouts and execs who will be heavily involved with this offseason's bidding.
You'll notice Japanese phenom Yu Darvish is not included, and that's because there remains some uncertainty regarding whether his team, the Nippon Ham Fighters, will post him and thereby make him available to major league clubs. However, he will be the best right-handed starting pitcher available if he becomes available.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujolshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujolsAlbert Pujols
Analysis: Pujols is the Babe Ruth of this era. Don't be surprised if a team such as the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalsWashington Nationals makes a stealth offer of 10 years at $300 million, but I still think he will return to the Cardinals for less. Agent Dan Lozano's goal is to surpass http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezAlex Rodriguez's 10-year, $275 million extension signed back in 2008 with the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeeshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeeshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeesNew York Yankees. However, with the Yankees, http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxBoston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies not expected to bid, this seems unlikely.
Best fits: St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5915/prince-fielderhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5915/prince-fielderPrince Fielder
Analysis: Scott Boras, who represents Fielder, is all about passing milestones, and he is going to make sure Fielder gets north of the eight-year, $180 million deal he negotiated for http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeirahttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeirahttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeiraMark Teixeira with the Yankees back in 2009. If the Dodgers' ownership transfer is timely, they could shock the baseball world with Fielder joining http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28476/matt-kempMatt Kemp and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6481/andre-ethierAndre Ethier in the middle of their lineup.
Best fits: Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes
Analysis: http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5035/carl-crawfordhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5035/carl-crawfordCarl Crawford's poor performance on the seven-year, $142 million deal he signed with Boston last winter will hurt Reyes' value since the two have very similar offensive profiles. Another issue for Reyes is his nagging hamstring problems. However, that won't stop him from getting six years, because he's the best shortstop and leadoff hitter on the free-agent market.
Best fits: San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle
Analysis: http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4153/aj-burnetthttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4153/aj-burnettA.J. Burnett, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5203/john-lackeyhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5203/john-lackeyJohn Lackey and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3180/jason-schmidthttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3180/jason-schmidtJason Schmidt all were paid in the $16 million range annually, and there is no reason Buehrle won't follow suit. Watch for the Yankees and Nationals to join the White Sox in heavy pursuit.
Best fits: New York Yankees, Washington Nationals
C.J. Wilson
Analysis: The Nationals, Yankees and Royals all should be players for the southpaw, and I could see the Nationals and Royals possibly going as far as six years and $90 million to get it done. The Royals have less than $40 million committed for next year and less than $12 million committed for 2012. And since some of their top pitching prospects stalled a bit this season, they need to fortify their rotation if they want to compete in the American League Central in the next year or two, which is their plan. In the end, I think Wilson will take less to go back to the Rangers or even join the middle of the Yankees' rotation.
Best fits: Washington Nationals, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3971/carlos-beltranhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3971/carlos-beltranCarlos Beltran
Analysis: The average annual value for productive outfielders is pretty clear with players such as http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3728/magglio-ordonezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3728/magglio-ordonezMagglio Ordonez, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3956/jd-drewhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3956/jd-drewJ.D. Drew and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerrerohttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerreroVladimir Guerrero all having, at one point in their careers, signed within the $14 million to $15 million per year range. Most clubs will prefer to offer two years because of health risk, but Lozano (with whom Beltran recently replaced Boras) should get the third year from at least one club. Medicals could become an issue on closing a deal here.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezAramis Ramirez
Analysis: He won't get the overall value he got from his last deal, but he should be paid in the same $14 million range that the Braves are paying http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3006/chipper-jonesChipper Jones.
Best fits: Los Angeles Angels, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6373/jonathan-papelbonJonathan Papelbon
Analysis: He will lead the closers market, and although he won't get http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3240/mariano-riveraMariano Rivera's A.A.V., he will kiss it and will be the most sought-after free-agent closer in this market. I still think the Red Sox and Phillies will be the front-runners, with the Rangers being the dark horse if they don't re-sign Wilson and decide to move http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30149/neftali-felizNeftali Feliz to the rotation.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4258/jimmy-rollinsJimmy Rollins
Analysis: Rollins might be in decline, but that won't stop him from getting a three-year deal with an outside chance of getting a fourth year. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3727/miguel-tejadaMiguel Tejada was paid $12 million annually way back in 2004. And when you consider inflation, Rollins probably will get a bit more than that per year with fewer years on the deal.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3748/david-ortizDavid Ortiz
Analysis: Ortiz has a limited market since he can't play the field, and it's hard to see him signing anywhere besides Boston. He deserves to be paid in the $14 million to $15 million per season range after the year he had, but with his having limited leverage, I see him getting a bit less than that.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28950/hiroki-kurodaHiroki Kuroda
Analysis: Kuroda is going to stay in Los Angeles or head back to Japan. He bought a house in L.A., where his children now are going to school, so I think he will end up signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers. The A.A.V. has to be north of what http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4062/ted-lillyTed Lilly and Randy Wolf got last year, as he's coming off a very good season (3.07 ERA).
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5382/ryan-madsonRyan Madson
Analysis: The closer market is flooded but that won't stop them from getting paid. I see Madson in the $10 million per seaon range based on previous contracts given to the likes of http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5102/brad-lidgeBrad Lidge, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4044/joe-nathanJoe Nathan and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4600/rafael-sorianoRafael Soriano. The Nationals have dangled closer http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30534/drew-storenDrew Storen in the past to try to acquire a center fielder. If they move Storen, they will look to sign a closer.
Best fits: Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6084/heath-bellHeath Bell
Analysis: Bell would like to re-sign with the Padres, and they plan on offering him salary arbitration. However, with his having an opportunity to get a big, multiyear deal, I strongly doubt he will accept. The Twins and Blue Jays would make sense for him, while the Red Sox, Phillies, Rangers and Angels should at least be in the conversation.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4604/michael-cuddyerMichael Cuddyer
Analysis: The best comparables to project this figure include Magglio Ordonez, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3537/bobby-abreuBobby Abreu and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4486/juan-pierreJuan Pierre. The fact that Cuddyer can fill in at first base -- and even second and third in a pinch -- bolsters his value a little.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5842/edwin-jacksonEdwin Jackson
Analysis: Jackson should get a little less per year than Kuroda, but his relative youth means he'll get a multiyear contract. The thing about Jackson is that you get the feeling he still could get better, and at worst he is a solid, mid-rotation starter.
Best fits: Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4575/roy-oswaltRoy Oswalt
Analysis: Oswalt has hinted at retirement in the past, and I bet he'll sign a one-year deal with a contender to keep his options open. He has enough upside that he could be a real difference-maker for a playoff club.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4594/carlos-penaCarlos Pena
Analysis: He'll make less per year than the $10 million he earned in 2011, but he'll get at least a two-year pact. He is a good defender who can crush righties, and is a relatively cheap alternative to Fielder and Pujols.
Best fits: Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5357/francisco-rodriguezFrancisco Rodriguez
Analysis: K-Rod turned off some GMs back in September when he complained about the Brewers' not using him as their closer. His most likely destination is Florida under new Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen.
Best fits: Baltimore Orioles, Florida Marlins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4139/francisco-corderoFrancisco Cordero
Analysis: He has averaged 39 saves per season over the past five years with a 2.97 ERA in that time. He's getting up there in age, but someone will make him a good, one-year offer.
Best fits: Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets
Joe Nathan
Analysis: He struggled in his first year back after Tommy John surgery, but his strikeout-to-walk ratio after the All-Star break was 4.4. Someone will hope to catch lightning in a bottle with this former shutdown closer.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6024/josh-willinghamJosh Willingham
Analysis: A very thin outfield market should allow Willingham to get a two- or three-year deal. He is a below-average defender in left but can hit with power and is a great clubhouse presence.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5181/aaron-harangAaron Harang
Analysis: He had a nice comeback season with the Padres (3.64 ERA), and they would like to sign him back. However, he could price himself out of San Diego, and his fly ball tendencies make him a nice fit in a spacious park such as Comerica.
Best fits: Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6398/paul-maholmPaul Maholm
Analysis: Maholm is a sleeper for someone. He's never reached his potential, but put him on the right team and he could become a consistent 12-13 game winner.
Best fits: Pittsburgh Pirates, Kanas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3786/javier-vazquezJavier Vazquez
Analysis: Vazquez has contemplated retirement, but after the strong second half he had with the Marlins, I think he'll re-up for another year. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4422/jake-westbrookJake Westbrook got $16.5 million over two years last winter, and Vazquez can expect a comparable yearly salary.
Best fits: Florida Marlins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3926/bruce-chenBruce Chen
Analysis: He's an interesting case because he had a good year (3.77 ERA) after a career of disappointment. His range could be anywhere between $5 million and $8 million depending on how much clubs buy into his 2011 performance. He is crafty and left-handed, and should be an upgrade at the back end of several rotations.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5299/coco-crispCoco Crisp
Analysis: Crisp is a high-energy player capable of playing all three outfield positions. He led the league with 49 stolen bases this past season, and despite a low OBP, in the right lineup, he could be a valuable No. 2 hitter for a contending team.
Best fits: Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4243/rafael-furcalRafael Furcal
Analysis: The Cardinals declined his option but would love to sign him back, and the feeling is mutual. A two-year deal between $5 million and $6 million per year with incentives makes the most sense.
Best fits: St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6102/jason-kubelJason Kubel
Analysis: Kubel should get a two-year deal at around $5 million per year that will put him in the Coco Crisp, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5033/marlon-byrdMarlon Byrd, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5799/david-dejesusDavid DeJesus and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3323/johnny-damonJohnny Damon range. There are several teams with whom he fits in well, including a return to the Twins.
Best fits: Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3504/raul-ibanezRaul Ibanez
Analysis: Ibanez might go back to the Phillies if he's willing to take a significant pay cut. Otherwise, he might be a useful stop-gap with the White Sox on a one-year, $5 million deal, which would put him in the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4956/juan-riveraJuan Rivera contract range.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerreroVladimir Guerrero
Analysis: There's another pay cut ahead for Vladimir, and this could be his final season.
Best fits: Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4486/juan-pierreJuan Pierre
Analysis: He's never been a high on-base percentage player, and his defense slipped in 2011. However, he still has value because of his makeup and he still is a threat on the bases. The Twins, White Sox and Dodgers could be landing places at an inexpensive, one-year deal.
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4485/joel-pineiroJoel Pineiro
Analysis: The Brewers and Royals need back-of-the-rotation starters, and Pineiro could fit in nicely with either club at the right price.
Best fits: Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6190/aaron-hillAaron Hill
Analysis: Hill did a nice job for the Diamondbacks down the stretch and should be offered a two-year deal to return at approximately $4 million to $4.5 million per season. His defense was an upgrade for the Diamondbacks, and his bat plays better in the National League.
Best fits: Arizona Diamondbacks
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5404/cody-rossCody Ross
Analysis: The legend of Cody Ross was born in October 2010 and died by the end of 2011. However, he's still a valuable fourth outfielder who can play all three outfield positions.
Best fits: Florida Marlins, New Yotk Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6295/kelly-johnsonKelly Johnson
Analysis: Johnson is a decent, inexpensive solution at second base for the Blue Jays or Dodgers and should be able to command a two-year contract in the $3.5 million to $4 million per season range because of his left-handed power.
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6450/matt-cappsMatt Capps
Analysis: Capps' value took a dive in 2011, just like his performance. Any team that signs him will want to do an MRI of both his shoulder and elbow before signing him. If he's healthy, he should get at least a one-year offer in the $4 million range, and he will have to use 2012 to build his value back up.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Washington Nationals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5372/hideki-matsuiHideki Matsui
Analysis: There is not much left in the tank. Possibly one more year, but he'll have to earn it in spring training.
Best fits: Seattle Mariners, Oakland A's
David DeJesus
Analysis: DeJesus had an extremely disappointing season in Oakland, and it is doubtful the A's are willing to give him another chance in 2012. He is capable of playing all three outfield positions.
Best fits: San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4409/jason-marquisJason Marquis
Analysis: Marquis' career always has been about winning in double digits and pitching 180 innings per season. He's a solid back-of-the-rotation starter who swings a solid bat. He usually starts the season off well, then runs out of gas by the All-Star break.
Best fits: Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5918/casey-kotchmanCasey Kotchman
Analysis: Kotchman is one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball and had a career year at the plate. Not enough power or run production to get paid, but he is a useful player. However, the Rays would prefer to get more offensive production from first.
Best fits: Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3614/derrek-leeDerrek Lee
Analysis: He should return to the Pirates for 2012. He still can pick it at first and hit with some power, but staying healthy is another story.
Best fits: Pittsburgh Pirates
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5469/chris-capuanoChris Capuano
Analysis: A crafty lefty who came back from major arm injuries that sidelined him for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. He won 11 games for the Mets this year. But his health will continue to be a risk.
Best fits: New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5086/mark-ellisMark Ellis
Analysis: Ellis might not have the tools, but he can play the game. An above-average defender who can turn the double play and give quality at-bats. He would be a nice fit for one year for the Tigers.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6038/jeff-francisJeff Francis
Analysis: Another year distanced from an injury, Francis is a winner. The left-hander is worth a gamble for someone willing to give a low base salary with incentives.
Best fits: Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4007/freddy-garciaFreddy Garcia
Analysis: He will provide double-digit wins and 180 innings pitched, and will get overpaid for it. Garcia's value comes during the 162-game schedule; he no longer has the stuff to succeed in the postseason.
Best fits: Florida Marlins, New York Yankees
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5963/frank-franciscoFrank Francisco
Analysis: Francisco should fall into the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4811/grant-balfourGrant Balfour, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5938/jason-frasorJason Frasor and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3985/rafael-betancourtRafael Betancourt range of $3.75 million. The hard-throwing Francisco can set up or close games, having saved 25 for Texas in 2009 and 17 for Toronto in 2010.
Best fits: Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5798/clint-barmesClint Barmes
Analysis: Barmes should end up in the range of the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6218/yuniesky-betancourtYuniesky Betancourt, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6044/jason-bartlettJason Bartlett and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6437/ryan-theriotRyan Theriot deals from last year. He's either a second-division middle infielder or a role player on a championship club.
Best fits: Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4097/ramon-hernandezRamon Hernandez
Analysis: Supply and demand will get Hernandez a job. I think he fits in after http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6390/russell-martinRussell Martin and in the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3401/jason-kendallJason Kendall and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4207/rod-barajasRod Barajas contracts of last year.
Best fits: New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3916/alex-gonzalezAlex Gonzalez
Analysis: He can still catch it at shortstop with power. However, his on-base percentage will continue to be pathetic.
Best fits: Atlanta Braves, New York Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5642/mike-gonzalezMike Gonzalez
Analysis: Gonzalez did a solid job in the Rangers' bullpen and should want to re-sign with them with a chance for another postseason appearance next year. He'll be used more as a left-handed specialist rather than his previous roles as a setup man and closer.
Best fits: Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers
Beyond Pujols and Fielder, there is some depth at shortstop (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4258/jimmy-rollinsJimmy Rollins) and left-handed pitching (http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6311/cj-wilsonC.J. Wilson). I served as a general manager for 15 years, and committing big dollars to a free agent is always a gamble. You have to try to balance age, injury history, tools, performance and makeup before making an offer.
I decided to put myself back in the GM's chair to evaluate this free-agent class. The following is my estimate of what I would pay the top 50 free agents if I were a GM of a club that had the budget and need for that kind of player. The players are ranked by their estimated average annual value (A.A.V). I use A.A.V. because that is what the MLB Players Association is most concerned with when evaluating contracts. When the A.A.V. is equal, tie goes to the contract with greater overall value. To get a better feel for the market, I also talked to agents, scouts and execs who will be heavily involved with this offseason's bidding.
You'll notice Japanese phenom Yu Darvish is not included, and that's because there remains some uncertainty regarding whether his team, the Nippon Ham Fighters, will post him and thereby make him available to major league clubs. However, he will be the best right-handed starting pitcher available if he becomes available.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujolshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4574/albert-pujolsAlbert Pujols
1B
31
9
$243M
$27M
Analysis: Pujols is the Babe Ruth of this era. Don't be surprised if a team such as the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/wsh/washington-nationalsWashington Nationals makes a stealth offer of 10 years at $300 million, but I still think he will return to the Cardinals for less. Agent Dan Lozano's goal is to surpass http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3115/alex-rodriguezAlex Rodriguez's 10-year, $275 million extension signed back in 2008 with the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeeshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeeshttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeesNew York Yankees. However, with the Yankees, http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/bos/boston-red-soxBoston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies not expected to bid, this seems unlikely.
Best fits: St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5915/prince-fielderhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5915/prince-fielderPrince Fielder
1B
27
8
$192M
$24M
Analysis: Scott Boras, who represents Fielder, is all about passing milestones, and he is going to make sure Fielder gets north of the eight-year, $180 million deal he negotiated for http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeirahttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeirahttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4937/mark-teixeiraMark Teixeira with the Yankees back in 2009. If the Dodgers' ownership transfer is timely, they could shock the baseball world with Fielder joining http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28476/matt-kempMatt Kemp and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6481/andre-ethierAndre Ethier in the middle of their lineup.
Best fits: Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes
SS
28
6
$108M
$18M
Analysis: http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5035/carl-crawfordhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5035/carl-crawfordCarl Crawford's poor performance on the seven-year, $142 million deal he signed with Boston last winter will hurt Reyes' value since the two have very similar offensive profiles. Another issue for Reyes is his nagging hamstring problems. However, that won't stop him from getting six years, because he's the best shortstop and leadoff hitter on the free-agent market.
Best fits: San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle
LHP
32
4
$64M
$16M
Analysis: http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4153/aj-burnetthttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4153/aj-burnettA.J. Burnett, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5203/john-lackeyhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5203/john-lackeyJohn Lackey and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3180/jason-schmidthttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3180/jason-schmidtJason Schmidt all were paid in the $16 million range annually, and there is no reason Buehrle won't follow suit. Watch for the Yankees and Nationals to join the White Sox in heavy pursuit.
Best fits: New York Yankees, Washington Nationals
C.J. Wilson
LHP
30
5
$75M
$15M
Analysis: The Nationals, Yankees and Royals all should be players for the southpaw, and I could see the Nationals and Royals possibly going as far as six years and $90 million to get it done. The Royals have less than $40 million committed for next year and less than $12 million committed for 2012. And since some of their top pitching prospects stalled a bit this season, they need to fortify their rotation if they want to compete in the American League Central in the next year or two, which is their plan. In the end, I think Wilson will take less to go back to the Rangers or even join the middle of the Yankees' rotation.
Best fits: Washington Nationals, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3971/carlos-beltranhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3971/carlos-beltranCarlos Beltran
RF
34
3
$45M
$15M
Analysis: The average annual value for productive outfielders is pretty clear with players such as http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3728/magglio-ordonezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3728/magglio-ordonezMagglio Ordonez, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3956/jd-drewhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3956/jd-drewJ.D. Drew and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerrerohttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerreroVladimir Guerrero all having, at one point in their careers, signed within the $14 million to $15 million per year range. Most clubs will prefer to offer two years because of health risk, but Lozano (with whom Beltran recently replaced Boras) should get the third year from at least one club. Medicals could become an issue on closing a deal here.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, San Francisco Giants
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezAramis Ramirez
3B
33
3
$42M
$14M
Analysis: He won't get the overall value he got from his last deal, but he should be paid in the same $14 million range that the Braves are paying http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3006/chipper-jonesChipper Jones.
Best fits: Los Angeles Angels, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6373/jonathan-papelbonJonathan Papelbon
RHP
30
4
$52M
$13M
Analysis: He will lead the closers market, and although he won't get http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3240/mariano-riveraMariano Rivera's A.A.V., he will kiss it and will be the most sought-after free-agent closer in this market. I still think the Red Sox and Phillies will be the front-runners, with the Rangers being the dark horse if they don't re-sign Wilson and decide to move http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30149/neftali-felizNeftali Feliz to the rotation.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4258/jimmy-rollinsJimmy Rollins
SS
32
3
$39M
$13M
Analysis: Rollins might be in decline, but that won't stop him from getting a three-year deal with an outside chance of getting a fourth year. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3727/miguel-tejadaMiguel Tejada was paid $12 million annually way back in 2004. And when you consider inflation, Rollins probably will get a bit more than that per year with fewer years on the deal.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3748/david-ortizDavid Ortiz
DH
35
2
$25M
$12.5M
Analysis: Ortiz has a limited market since he can't play the field, and it's hard to see him signing anywhere besides Boston. He deserves to be paid in the $14 million to $15 million per season range after the year he had, but with his having limited leverage, I see him getting a bit less than that.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/28950/hiroki-kurodaHiroki Kuroda
RHP
36
1
$12M
$12M
Analysis: Kuroda is going to stay in Los Angeles or head back to Japan. He bought a house in L.A., where his children now are going to school, so I think he will end up signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers. The A.A.V. has to be north of what http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4062/ted-lillyTed Lilly and Randy Wolf got last year, as he's coming off a very good season (3.07 ERA).
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5382/ryan-madsonRyan Madson
RHP
31
4
$40M
$10M
Analysis: The closer market is flooded but that won't stop them from getting paid. I see Madson in the $10 million per seaon range based on previous contracts given to the likes of http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5102/brad-lidgeBrad Lidge, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4044/joe-nathanJoe Nathan and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4600/rafael-sorianoRafael Soriano. The Nationals have dangled closer http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/30534/drew-storenDrew Storen in the past to try to acquire a center fielder. If they move Storen, they will look to sign a closer.
Best fits: Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6084/heath-bellHeath Bell
RHP
34
3
$30M
$10M
Analysis: Bell would like to re-sign with the Padres, and they plan on offering him salary arbitration. However, with his having an opportunity to get a big, multiyear deal, I strongly doubt he will accept. The Twins and Blue Jays would make sense for him, while the Red Sox, Phillies, Rangers and Angels should at least be in the conversation.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4604/michael-cuddyerMichael Cuddyer
RF
32
3
$30M
$10M
Analysis: The best comparables to project this figure include Magglio Ordonez, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3537/bobby-abreuBobby Abreu and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4486/juan-pierreJuan Pierre. The fact that Cuddyer can fill in at first base -- and even second and third in a pinch -- bolsters his value a little.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Minnesota Twins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5842/edwin-jacksonEdwin Jackson
RHP
28
3
$30M
$10M
Analysis: Jackson should get a little less per year than Kuroda, but his relative youth means he'll get a multiyear contract. The thing about Jackson is that you get the feeling he still could get better, and at worst he is a solid, mid-rotation starter.
Best fits: Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4575/roy-oswaltRoy Oswalt
RHP
34
1
$10M
$10M
Analysis: Oswalt has hinted at retirement in the past, and I bet he'll sign a one-year deal with a contender to keep his options open. He has enough upside that he could be a real difference-maker for a playoff club.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4594/carlos-penaCarlos Pena
1B
33
2
$17M
$8.5M
Analysis: He'll make less per year than the $10 million he earned in 2011, but he'll get at least a two-year pact. He is a good defender who can crush righties, and is a relatively cheap alternative to Fielder and Pujols.
Best fits: Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5357/francisco-rodriguezFrancisco Rodriguez
RHP
29
2
$17M
$8.5M
Analysis: K-Rod turned off some GMs back in September when he complained about the Brewers' not using him as their closer. His most likely destination is Florida under new Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen.
Best fits: Baltimore Orioles, Florida Marlins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4139/francisco-corderoFrancisco Cordero
RHP
36
1
$8.5M
$8.5M
Analysis: He has averaged 39 saves per season over the past five years with a 2.97 ERA in that time. He's getting up there in age, but someone will make him a good, one-year offer.
Best fits: Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets
Joe Nathan
RHP
36
1
$7.5M
$7.5M
Analysis: He struggled in his first year back after Tommy John surgery, but his strikeout-to-walk ratio after the All-Star break was 4.4. Someone will hope to catch lightning in a bottle with this former shutdown closer.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6024/josh-willinghamJosh Willingham
LF
32
2
$14M
$7M
Analysis: A very thin outfield market should allow Willingham to get a two- or three-year deal. He is a below-average defender in left but can hit with power and is a great clubhouse presence.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5181/aaron-harangAaron Harang
RHP
33
2
$14M
$7M
Analysis: He had a nice comeback season with the Padres (3.64 ERA), and they would like to sign him back. However, he could price himself out of San Diego, and his fly ball tendencies make him a nice fit in a spacious park such as Comerica.
Best fits: Kansas City Royals, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6398/paul-maholmPaul Maholm
LHP
29
2
$14M
$7M
Analysis: Maholm is a sleeper for someone. He's never reached his potential, but put him on the right team and he could become a consistent 12-13 game winner.
Best fits: Pittsburgh Pirates, Kanas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3786/javier-vazquezJavier Vazquez
RHP
35
1
$7M
$7M
Analysis: Vazquez has contemplated retirement, but after the strong second half he had with the Marlins, I think he'll re-up for another year. http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4422/jake-westbrookJake Westbrook got $16.5 million over two years last winter, and Vazquez can expect a comparable yearly salary.
Best fits: Florida Marlins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3926/bruce-chenBruce Chen
LHP
34
2
$13M
$6.5M
Analysis: He's an interesting case because he had a good year (3.77 ERA) after a career of disappointment. His range could be anywhere between $5 million and $8 million depending on how much clubs buy into his 2011 performance. He is crafty and left-handed, and should be an upgrade at the back end of several rotations.
Best fits: Boston Red Sox, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5299/coco-crispCoco Crisp
CF
32
2
$12M
$6M
Analysis: Crisp is a high-energy player capable of playing all three outfield positions. He led the league with 49 stolen bases this past season, and despite a low OBP, in the right lineup, he could be a valuable No. 2 hitter for a contending team.
Best fits: Oakland Athletics, Cleveland Indians
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4243/rafael-furcalRafael Furcal
SS
34
2
$12M
$6M
Analysis: The Cardinals declined his option but would love to sign him back, and the feeling is mutual. A two-year deal between $5 million and $6 million per year with incentives makes the most sense.
Best fits: St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6102/jason-kubelJason Kubel
RF
29
2
$10M
$5M
Analysis: Kubel should get a two-year deal at around $5 million per year that will put him in the Coco Crisp, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5033/marlon-byrdMarlon Byrd, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5799/david-dejesusDavid DeJesus and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3323/johnny-damonJohnny Damon range. There are several teams with whom he fits in well, including a return to the Twins.
Best fits: Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3504/raul-ibanezRaul Ibanez
LF
39
1
$5M
$5M
Analysis: Ibanez might go back to the Phillies if he's willing to take a significant pay cut. Otherwise, he might be a useful stop-gap with the White Sox on a one-year, $5 million deal, which would put him in the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4956/juan-riveraJuan Rivera contract range.
Best fits: Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3576/vladimir-guerreroVladimir Guerrero
DH
36
1
$5M
$5M
Analysis: There's another pay cut ahead for Vladimir, and this could be his final season.
Best fits: Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4486/juan-pierreJuan Pierre
LF
34
1
$5M
$5M
Analysis: He's never been a high on-base percentage player, and his defense slipped in 2011. However, he still has value because of his makeup and he still is a threat on the bases. The Twins, White Sox and Dodgers could be landing places at an inexpensive, one-year deal.
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4485/joel-pineiroJoel Pineiro
RHP
33
1
$5M
$5M
Analysis: The Brewers and Royals need back-of-the-rotation starters, and Pineiro could fit in nicely with either club at the right price.
Best fits: Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6190/aaron-hillAaron Hill
2B
29
2
$9M
$4.5M
Analysis: Hill did a nice job for the Diamondbacks down the stretch and should be offered a two-year deal to return at approximately $4 million to $4.5 million per season. His defense was an upgrade for the Diamondbacks, and his bat plays better in the National League.
Best fits: Arizona Diamondbacks
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5404/cody-rossCody Ross
OF
30
1
$4.2M
$4.2M
Analysis: The legend of Cody Ross was born in October 2010 and died by the end of 2011. However, he's still a valuable fourth outfielder who can play all three outfield positions.
Best fits: Florida Marlins, New Yotk Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6295/kelly-johnsonKelly Johnson
2B
29
2
$8M
$4M
Analysis: Johnson is a decent, inexpensive solution at second base for the Blue Jays or Dodgers and should be able to command a two-year contract in the $3.5 million to $4 million per season range because of his left-handed power.
Best fits: Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6450/matt-cappsMatt Capps
RHP
28
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: Capps' value took a dive in 2011, just like his performance. Any team that signs him will want to do an MRI of both his shoulder and elbow before signing him. If he's healthy, he should get at least a one-year offer in the $4 million range, and he will have to use 2012 to build his value back up.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Washington Nationals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5372/hideki-matsuiHideki Matsui
DH
37
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: There is not much left in the tank. Possibly one more year, but he'll have to earn it in spring training.
Best fits: Seattle Mariners, Oakland A's
David DeJesus
RF
31
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: DeJesus had an extremely disappointing season in Oakland, and it is doubtful the A's are willing to give him another chance in 2012. He is capable of playing all three outfield positions.
Best fits: San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4409/jason-marquisJason Marquis
RHP
33
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: Marquis' career always has been about winning in double digits and pitching 180 innings per season. He's a solid back-of-the-rotation starter who swings a solid bat. He usually starts the season off well, then runs out of gas by the All-Star break.
Best fits: Arizona Diamondbacks, Pittsburgh Pirates
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5918/casey-kotchmanCasey Kotchman
1B
28
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: Kotchman is one of the best defensive first basemen in baseball and had a career year at the plate. Not enough power or run production to get paid, but he is a useful player. However, the Rays would prefer to get more offensive production from first.
Best fits: Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3614/derrek-leeDerrek Lee
1B
36
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: He should return to the Pirates for 2012. He still can pick it at first and hit with some power, but staying healthy is another story.
Best fits: Pittsburgh Pirates
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5469/chris-capuanoChris Capuano
LHP
33
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: A crafty lefty who came back from major arm injuries that sidelined him for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. He won 11 games for the Mets this year. But his health will continue to be a risk.
Best fits: New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5086/mark-ellisMark Ellis
2B
34
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: Ellis might not have the tools, but he can play the game. An above-average defender who can turn the double play and give quality at-bats. He would be a nice fit for one year for the Tigers.
Best fits: Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6038/jeff-francisJeff Francis
LHP
30
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: Another year distanced from an injury, Francis is a winner. The left-hander is worth a gamble for someone willing to give a low base salary with incentives.
Best fits: Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4007/freddy-garciaFreddy Garcia
RHP
35
1
$4M
$4M
Analysis: He will provide double-digit wins and 180 innings pitched, and will get overpaid for it. Garcia's value comes during the 162-game schedule; he no longer has the stuff to succeed in the postseason.
Best fits: Florida Marlins, New York Yankees
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5963/frank-franciscoFrank Francisco
RHP
32
2
$3.75M
$7.5M
Analysis: Francisco should fall into the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4811/grant-balfourGrant Balfour, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5938/jason-frasorJason Frasor and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3985/rafael-betancourtRafael Betancourt range of $3.75 million. The hard-throwing Francisco can set up or close games, having saved 25 for Texas in 2009 and 17 for Toronto in 2010.
Best fits: Los Angeles Angels, Toronto Blue Jays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5798/clint-barmesClint Barmes
SS
32
1
$3.75M
$3.75M
Analysis: Barmes should end up in the range of the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6218/yuniesky-betancourtYuniesky Betancourt, http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6044/jason-bartlettJason Bartlett and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6437/ryan-theriotRyan Theriot deals from last year. He's either a second-division middle infielder or a role player on a championship club.
Best fits: Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4097/ramon-hernandezRamon Hernandez
C
35
2
$7.5M
$3.75M
Analysis: Supply and demand will get Hernandez a job. I think he fits in after http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/6390/russell-martinRussell Martin and in the http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3401/jason-kendallJason Kendall and http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4207/rod-barajasRod Barajas contracts of last year.
Best fits: New York Mets, Tampa Bay Rays
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3916/alex-gonzalezAlex Gonzalez
SS
34
2
$7M
$3.5M
Analysis: He can still catch it at shortstop with power. However, his on-base percentage will continue to be pathetic.
Best fits: Atlanta Braves, New York Mets
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5642/mike-gonzalezMike Gonzalez
LHP
33
2
$7M
$3.5M
Analysis: Gonzalez did a solid job in the Rangers' bullpen and should want to re-sign with them with a chance for another postseason appearance next year. He'll be used more as a left-handed specialist rather than his previous roles as a setup man and closer.
Best fits: Texas Rangers, Milwaukee Brewers
Michael Cuddyer perfect fit for the Phillies.
Spoiler [+]
Michael Cuddyer's versatility makes him a hot free-agent commodity.
Michael Cuddyer won't get the most money among the free agents this winter, but he may well have the most suitors. And now in the aftermath of the Phillies' signing of Jim Thome, they are making a hard push for Cuddyer, Jim Salisbury writes.
Which makes complete sense. Think about all that Cuddyer could do for the Phillies next season.
1. He could fill in at first base until Ryan Howard returns from his torn Achilles, or he could remain there all season.
2. Cuddyer could help balance a Philadelphia lineup that has been very left-handed in recent seasons. Last year, Cuddyer hit .311 against lefties with a .992 OPS, which ranked sixth among all major leaguers with at least 150 plate appearances against left-handers.
3. When Howard comes back, Cuddyer could become something of a rover, starting in right or left or giving Chase Utley an occasional day off when Charlie Manuel feels like Cuddyer's defense at second wouldn't be exposed.
Cuddyer could be a human Band-Aid for a manager, patching and pasting when a nagging injury pops up. The downside to carrying Thome is that he can't play a position regularly; Cuddyer would be a perfect complement because there really isn't a position he can't handle for a few innings or a few days.
It should go without saying that Cuddyer would fit in seamlessly in their clubhouse. Cuddyer will have to ask himself, too, after watching old friend Nick Punto win a championship with the Cardinals, about which team gives him the best chance to win -- and playing in Philadelphia would probably deliver him into October, given the Phillies' pitching.
Cuddyer would fit well with almost any team. He'd be perfect for the Phillies.
About Thome: When he was traded to the Dodgers in late August a couple of years ago, he told L.A. GM Ned Colletti that he couldn't play first base at all; he couldn't handle it physically. But that move came in midseason, and in this situation, Thome has told friends he could prepare for the challenge of playing first base once or twice a week, if needed (and really, all the Phillies may need out of him is a few innings here or there).
Utley's hero growing up? Thome. The hitter whom Ryan Howard emulated while coming through the minors? Thome. One of Charlie Manuel's closest friends in the sport? Thome. It's a natural match at the end of what has been a Hall of Fame career.
• The Royals have been talking trade. General manager Dayton Moore is committed to the idea of adding starting pitching for next season, when the Royals' window of opportunity for winning officially opens.
• Dan Duquette has emerged as a serious candidate with the Orioles. I know of about a dozen assistant-level executives who have either declined the opportunity to interview with the team or passed entirely, giving excuses along the lines of, "I have to wash my hair."
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Nationals wanted a team option from Chien-Ming Wang, and the pitcher and his agent wouldn't give it to them.
2. Jed Hoyer says of the Padres job: "I was not looking to leave."
3. Pete Mackanin was interviewed in Chicago. He brings all kinds of experience, writes Gordon Wittenmyer. They threw a lot of questions at him during his interview, writes Paul Sullivan.
4. The Jays re-acquired a pitcher.
5. http://www.stltoday.com/sports/base...cle_6b521f57-1d5f-56e6-9cb9-5dd1988544bb.htmlMike Matheny interviewed for the Cardinals' managerial job.
6. The Braves are willing to trade Jair Jurrjens.
7. The Angels raided the Rangers' front office, as Jeff Wilson writes.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• There is sad news about Bob Forsch. Bernie Miklasz remembers Forsch.
• A really, really smart general manager once said to me that it's a really, really bad idea for anyone in a support role -- athletic trainers, strength coaches -- to be quoted too much. The interview of the day in Boston Friday came from a fired trainer.
Dave Page got a text message from a Red Sox starting pitcher.
• Brewers owner Mark Attanasio sent out a letter.
• Frank McCourt is listening to offers for the Los Angeles Marathon, writes Bill Shaikin.
• The Mets fired some people, as part of some belt-tightening.
• The question is asked: Could the Rays market their team better?
Look, I'm not in advertising and don't know much about marketing. But I'm guessing that the average baseball fan in the Tampa-St. Pete area probably has heard, over the last four years, that there's a really good baseball team in the neighborhood, given the Rays' three playoff appearances and one run to the World Series. The Rays basically get free advertising in their local newspapers and stations and on national networks (like ours). It's not like they're this little hidden gem of a restaurant that nobody knows about.
Everybody knows about them; everybody knew in the last weeks of the regular season that they were making another improbable run to the playoffs. And folks in the Tampa-St. Pete area chose not to attend (which is their prerogative). So no, marketing would not seem to be the issue.
Michael Cuddyer won't get the most money among the free agents this winter, but he may well have the most suitors. And now in the aftermath of the Phillies' signing of Jim Thome, they are making a hard push for Cuddyer, Jim Salisbury writes.
Which makes complete sense. Think about all that Cuddyer could do for the Phillies next season.
1. He could fill in at first base until Ryan Howard returns from his torn Achilles, or he could remain there all season.
2. Cuddyer could help balance a Philadelphia lineup that has been very left-handed in recent seasons. Last year, Cuddyer hit .311 against lefties with a .992 OPS, which ranked sixth among all major leaguers with at least 150 plate appearances against left-handers.
3. When Howard comes back, Cuddyer could become something of a rover, starting in right or left or giving Chase Utley an occasional day off when Charlie Manuel feels like Cuddyer's defense at second wouldn't be exposed.
Cuddyer could be a human Band-Aid for a manager, patching and pasting when a nagging injury pops up. The downside to carrying Thome is that he can't play a position regularly; Cuddyer would be a perfect complement because there really isn't a position he can't handle for a few innings or a few days.
It should go without saying that Cuddyer would fit in seamlessly in their clubhouse. Cuddyer will have to ask himself, too, after watching old friend Nick Punto win a championship with the Cardinals, about which team gives him the best chance to win -- and playing in Philadelphia would probably deliver him into October, given the Phillies' pitching.
Cuddyer would fit well with almost any team. He'd be perfect for the Phillies.
About Thome: When he was traded to the Dodgers in late August a couple of years ago, he told L.A. GM Ned Colletti that he couldn't play first base at all; he couldn't handle it physically. But that move came in midseason, and in this situation, Thome has told friends he could prepare for the challenge of playing first base once or twice a week, if needed (and really, all the Phillies may need out of him is a few innings here or there).
Utley's hero growing up? Thome. The hitter whom Ryan Howard emulated while coming through the minors? Thome. One of Charlie Manuel's closest friends in the sport? Thome. It's a natural match at the end of what has been a Hall of Fame career.
• The Royals have been talking trade. General manager Dayton Moore is committed to the idea of adding starting pitching for next season, when the Royals' window of opportunity for winning officially opens.
• Dan Duquette has emerged as a serious candidate with the Orioles. I know of about a dozen assistant-level executives who have either declined the opportunity to interview with the team or passed entirely, giving excuses along the lines of, "I have to wash my hair."
[h3]Moves, deals and decisions[/h3]
1. The Nationals wanted a team option from Chien-Ming Wang, and the pitcher and his agent wouldn't give it to them.
2. Jed Hoyer says of the Padres job: "I was not looking to leave."
3. Pete Mackanin was interviewed in Chicago. He brings all kinds of experience, writes Gordon Wittenmyer. They threw a lot of questions at him during his interview, writes Paul Sullivan.
4. The Jays re-acquired a pitcher.
5. http://www.stltoday.com/sports/base...cle_6b521f57-1d5f-56e6-9cb9-5dd1988544bb.htmlMike Matheny interviewed for the Cardinals' managerial job.
6. The Braves are willing to trade Jair Jurrjens.
7. The Angels raided the Rangers' front office, as Jeff Wilson writes.
[h3]Other stuff[/h3]
• There is sad news about Bob Forsch. Bernie Miklasz remembers Forsch.
• A really, really smart general manager once said to me that it's a really, really bad idea for anyone in a support role -- athletic trainers, strength coaches -- to be quoted too much. The interview of the day in Boston Friday came from a fired trainer.
Dave Page got a text message from a Red Sox starting pitcher.
• Brewers owner Mark Attanasio sent out a letter.
• Frank McCourt is listening to offers for the Los Angeles Marathon, writes Bill Shaikin.
• The Mets fired some people, as part of some belt-tightening.
• The question is asked: Could the Rays market their team better?
Look, I'm not in advertising and don't know much about marketing. But I'm guessing that the average baseball fan in the Tampa-St. Pete area probably has heard, over the last four years, that there's a really good baseball team in the neighborhood, given the Rays' three playoff appearances and one run to the World Series. The Rays basically get free advertising in their local newspapers and stations and on national networks (like ours). It's not like they're this little hidden gem of a restaurant that nobody knows about.
Everybody knows about them; everybody knew in the last weeks of the regular season that they were making another improbable run to the playoffs. And folks in the Tampa-St. Pete area chose not to attend (which is their prerogative). So no, marketing would not seem to be the issue.
Mariners appear to have a keeper.
Spoiler [+]
This year's AFL Rising Stars game proved disappointing, with a number of the best prospects unavailable due to injury and a rough outing from one of the two marquee starters that turned the game into a rout before the first inning was over.
• Seattle Mariners left-hander Danny Hultzen was very impressive in two hitless innings, sitting 91-94 and showing more confidence in a solid-average slider at 79-83 that he was throwing at the inner half to right-handed hitters. He was very aggressive in and around the zone with the fastball, and left-handed hitters were clearly uncomfortable against him. The only negative was his changeup, 76-81 mph, which just wasn't the plus pitch it normally is. Our own Jon "Boog" Sciambi asked me on Twitter last night if I thought Hultzen could pitch in the big leagues in 2011. I wouldn't rule it out. His command is good enough, and we're not waiting on any kind of projection. Hultzen is probably the fourth-best starter in the organization for 2012 after Felix Hernandez, Michael Pineda and Jason Vargas.
• Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole was his own worst enemy in failing to get out of the first inning Saturday night. The critical sequence was against Atlanta Braves first baseman Joey Terdoslavich, who was completely fooled by back-to-back changeups from Cole (unsurprising, as it's his best pitch). So with two strikes, Cole had several options -- tripling up on the changeup, throwing a fastball up above the zone, etc. -- but instead chose perhaps the worst option of all, a 97 mph four-seamer right down the middle of the zone. Terdoslavich can hit a fastball, and in Surprise, where the ball carries really well, he hit it out. Cole's tendency to try to blow the fastball by guys in the zone was the source of much of his trouble in college, but at that point, his coach was calling the pitches. This is pro ball now, and Cole is going to have to come up with his own pitching plan; you can't have a plus fastball (96-98 on Saturday), plus changeup and above-average slider (up to 92), and give up five runs in the first inning on two home runs, hitters' park or not.
• Kansas City Royals right-hander Jeremy Jeffress worked a quick inning, but that was the best off-speed stuff I've seen from him. He's always thrown hard -- hitting 100 in last year's Rising Stars game -- but this year he was 96-98 with a hard slider at 86-87 and very sharp curveball at 78-80. He struck out all three batters he faced, including Bryce Harper and Derek Norris, and only two of his 12 pitches were taken for balls.
• Milwaukee Brewers lefty Jed Bradley was fair, 91-93 with a soft slider at 80-82 -- not as bad as it had been this spring, but still not an average pitch. He threw just one changeup -- his best off-speed pitch as an amateur -- at 84 mph that Robbie Grossman grounded to the shortstop.
• The offensive star of the game was switch-hitting Seattle shortstop Nick Franklin, who drove a fastball from Cole out to deep left-center while hitting left-handed, showing outstanding raw power for a 20-year-old. That remains his stronger side even though he lunges forward before he really gets his hands going. He had an inconsistent day in the field but showed some of the instincts and quick reactions that at least give him a chance to stay at the position long-term. Kansas City outfielder Wil Myers, hitting behind Franklin, hit a couple of balls hard as well, one of which hit shortstop Junior Lake in his weak spot -- the glove -- and went through to left field for a double.
• Seattle Mariners left-hander Danny Hultzen was very impressive in two hitless innings, sitting 91-94 and showing more confidence in a solid-average slider at 79-83 that he was throwing at the inner half to right-handed hitters. He was very aggressive in and around the zone with the fastball, and left-handed hitters were clearly uncomfortable against him. The only negative was his changeup, 76-81 mph, which just wasn't the plus pitch it normally is. Our own Jon "Boog" Sciambi asked me on Twitter last night if I thought Hultzen could pitch in the big leagues in 2011. I wouldn't rule it out. His command is good enough, and we're not waiting on any kind of projection. Hultzen is probably the fourth-best starter in the organization for 2012 after Felix Hernandez, Michael Pineda and Jason Vargas.
• Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole was his own worst enemy in failing to get out of the first inning Saturday night. The critical sequence was against Atlanta Braves first baseman Joey Terdoslavich, who was completely fooled by back-to-back changeups from Cole (unsurprising, as it's his best pitch). So with two strikes, Cole had several options -- tripling up on the changeup, throwing a fastball up above the zone, etc. -- but instead chose perhaps the worst option of all, a 97 mph four-seamer right down the middle of the zone. Terdoslavich can hit a fastball, and in Surprise, where the ball carries really well, he hit it out. Cole's tendency to try to blow the fastball by guys in the zone was the source of much of his trouble in college, but at that point, his coach was calling the pitches. This is pro ball now, and Cole is going to have to come up with his own pitching plan; you can't have a plus fastball (96-98 on Saturday), plus changeup and above-average slider (up to 92), and give up five runs in the first inning on two home runs, hitters' park or not.
• Kansas City Royals right-hander Jeremy Jeffress worked a quick inning, but that was the best off-speed stuff I've seen from him. He's always thrown hard -- hitting 100 in last year's Rising Stars game -- but this year he was 96-98 with a hard slider at 86-87 and very sharp curveball at 78-80. He struck out all three batters he faced, including Bryce Harper and Derek Norris, and only two of his 12 pitches were taken for balls.
• Milwaukee Brewers lefty Jed Bradley was fair, 91-93 with a soft slider at 80-82 -- not as bad as it had been this spring, but still not an average pitch. He threw just one changeup -- his best off-speed pitch as an amateur -- at 84 mph that Robbie Grossman grounded to the shortstop.
• The offensive star of the game was switch-hitting Seattle shortstop Nick Franklin, who drove a fastball from Cole out to deep left-center while hitting left-handed, showing outstanding raw power for a 20-year-old. That remains his stronger side even though he lunges forward before he really gets his hands going. He had an inconsistent day in the field but showed some of the instincts and quick reactions that at least give him a chance to stay at the position long-term. Kansas City outfielder Wil Myers, hitting behind Franklin, hit a couple of balls hard as well, one of which hit shortstop Junior Lake in his weak spot -- the glove -- and went through to left field for a double.
Rumors.
Spoiler [+]
http://[h3]Homecoming for Gio Gonzalez?[/h3]
9:49AM ET
[h5]Oakland Athletics [/h5]
UPDATE: Gonzalez is a South Florida native and will be of major interest to the Florida Marlins, says Nick Cafardo in Sunday's Boston Globe. Gonzalez will be on the radar of numerous teams, including the Red Sox, who need a replacement in the rotation for John Lackey.
- Doug Mittler
--
The Oakland Athletics, reports Ken Rosenthal, are willing to listen to offers on any player on their roster with the exception of second baseman Jemile Weeks.
Last month I spoke of the possibility that Gio Gonzalez's big 2011 could make his prime trade bait if the A's were able to get impact offense or solutions at premium positions in return. Rosenthal lists Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill as among those the A's would at least listen, but points out the club is not looking to deal either pitcher.
Rosenthal notes that catcher Kurt Suzuki could "also be in play," and despite a poor showing in 2011 would certainly draw heavy interest around the league.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Rays could shop Davis[/h3]
9:27AM ET
[h5]Wade Davis | Rays [/h5]
Any discussion of the Tampa Bay Rays' offseason invariably turns to the club's limited financial resources. That has led to talk that the Rays may be forced to deal a starting pitcher, just as they did last winter with Matt Garza.
While the name of James Shields has popped up repeatedly, the more likely candidate to relocate is Wade Davis, says Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
Davis, who has double digits in wins each of the last two seasons, could end being traded for an outfielder or catcher. The righthander is on the hook for $9.1 million over the next three seasons along with a $2.5 million buyout.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Who is in on Madson?[/h3]
9:09AM ET
[h5]Ryan Madson | Phillies [/h5]
Ryan Madson is one of the top relief pitchers on the free agent market this offseason, thanks to his success in the closer's role after starting the year setting up for Jose Contreras. Madson's suitors could include as many as a dozen or so clubs, but the Philadelphia Phillies may be at the top of that list, writes Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.
The Phillies need proven veterans as Madson and Brad Lidge are free agents and the injury status of Jose Contreras a bit up in the air. Philadelphia could also check in on free agents Heath Bell, Francisco Cordero, Jonathan Papelbon, among others.
Madson is from the L.A. area and could potentially see either the Dodgers or Angels as an attractive landing spot, though it's not clear the Dodgers will be willing or even able to spend money and the Halos may be happy with Jordan Walden handling the ninth inning.
The Texas Rangers, who may move Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation, could be a fit for Madson.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Yankees reach out to Wilson, Oswalt[/h3]
9:08AM ET
[h5]New York Yankees [/h5]
While the general thought is the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeesNew York Yankees have already completed their biggest move of the offseason by signing http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4553/cc-sabathiaCC Sabathia to an extension and keeping him off the free agent market, general manager Brian Cashman is still looking for pitching.
In Monday's New York Daily News, Mark Feinsand writes that Cashman spoke Saturday with Bob Garber, the agent that represents both C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt, calling it nothing more than a "basic expression of interest."
Cashman identified Wilson as the top starter on the free-agent market on Friday, but was quick to point out that Wilson isn't necessarily the Yankees top target.
Feinsand reported last week that two of the intriguing targets for the Yankees could be http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle or Oswalt. Buehrle could represent the more feasible option because the Yankees like the fact that he has pitched his entire career in the American League. Oswalt, on the other hand, has spent his career in the National League and wants a multi-year deal despite a history of lower back problems, which might be enough to make the Yanks steer clear, according to Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Who's on first in Texas?[/h3]
8:51AM ET
[h5]Texas Rangers [/h5]
The Texas Rangers used several players at first base last season, including Michael Young, Mike Napoli and Mitch Moreland. Looking ahead to 2012, Moreland appears to be the favorite for regular playing time, but ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett writes that acquiring a big bat to man first base isn't out of the question.
The Rangers, however, have several arbitration eligible players to take care of, including those of Nelson Cruz, Napoli, Elvis Andrus and Matt Harrison, which will take up quite a a chunk of payroll, perhaps leaving the Rangers without the room to make a big for Prince Fielder or even Albert Pujols.
Lesser free agents such as Carlos Pena or Derrek Lee could be considered, but the Rangers may not see either as a worthy upgrade over Moreland, who spent much of last season playing with a sore right wrist.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Does it pay to keep Papelbon?[/h3]
8:47AM ET
[h5]Jonathan Papelbon | Red Sox [/h5]
The epic collapse of the Boston Red Sox was a group effort, and the final glimpse of the lost 2011 season was Jonathan Papelbon allowing a game-winning single to Boston's Robert Andino.
Papelbon is now part of a crowded free agent market for closers, joining a group that includes Heath Bell, Ryan Madson, Joe Nathan and Francisco Rodriguez. And while plenty of changes are expected in Boston this winter, John Tomase of the Boston Herald writes that the Red Sox would be best served by re-signing Papelbon, who had five straight 40-save seasons before collecting 34 in 2011.
While some of the other closers might come at a less expensive rate, the Red Sox would be penny-wise and pound foolish. "Papelbon's history suggests that's the kind of performance he'll provide more often than not. And if that's the case, the Red Sox shouldn't let a few million extra dollars stand in the way," Tomase writes.
Our Keith Law has Papelbon 18th on his list of top 50 free agents:
- Doug Mittler
[h5]Keith Law[/h5]
Jonathan Papelbon - No. 18
9:49AM ET
[h5]Oakland Athletics [/h5]
UPDATE: Gonzalez is a South Florida native and will be of major interest to the Florida Marlins, says Nick Cafardo in Sunday's Boston Globe. Gonzalez will be on the radar of numerous teams, including the Red Sox, who need a replacement in the rotation for John Lackey.
- Doug Mittler
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The Oakland Athletics, reports Ken Rosenthal, are willing to listen to offers on any player on their roster with the exception of second baseman Jemile Weeks.
Last month I spoke of the possibility that Gio Gonzalez's big 2011 could make his prime trade bait if the A's were able to get impact offense or solutions at premium positions in return. Rosenthal lists Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill as among those the A's would at least listen, but points out the club is not looking to deal either pitcher.
Rosenthal notes that catcher Kurt Suzuki could "also be in play," and despite a poor showing in 2011 would certainly draw heavy interest around the league.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Rays could shop Davis[/h3]
9:27AM ET
[h5]Wade Davis | Rays [/h5]
Any discussion of the Tampa Bay Rays' offseason invariably turns to the club's limited financial resources. That has led to talk that the Rays may be forced to deal a starting pitcher, just as they did last winter with Matt Garza.
While the name of James Shields has popped up repeatedly, the more likely candidate to relocate is Wade Davis, says Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe.
Davis, who has double digits in wins each of the last two seasons, could end being traded for an outfielder or catcher. The righthander is on the hook for $9.1 million over the next three seasons along with a $2.5 million buyout.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Who is in on Madson?[/h3]
9:09AM ET
[h5]Ryan Madson | Phillies [/h5]
Ryan Madson is one of the top relief pitchers on the free agent market this offseason, thanks to his success in the closer's role after starting the year setting up for Jose Contreras. Madson's suitors could include as many as a dozen or so clubs, but the Philadelphia Phillies may be at the top of that list, writes Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.
The Phillies need proven veterans as Madson and Brad Lidge are free agents and the injury status of Jose Contreras a bit up in the air. Philadelphia could also check in on free agents Heath Bell, Francisco Cordero, Jonathan Papelbon, among others.
Madson is from the L.A. area and could potentially see either the Dodgers or Angels as an attractive landing spot, though it's not clear the Dodgers will be willing or even able to spend money and the Halos may be happy with Jordan Walden handling the ninth inning.
The Texas Rangers, who may move Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation, could be a fit for Madson.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Yankees reach out to Wilson, Oswalt[/h3]
9:08AM ET
[h5]New York Yankees [/h5]
While the general thought is the http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/nyy/new-york-yankeesNew York Yankees have already completed their biggest move of the offseason by signing http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4553/cc-sabathiaCC Sabathia to an extension and keeping him off the free agent market, general manager Brian Cashman is still looking for pitching.
In Monday's New York Daily News, Mark Feinsand writes that Cashman spoke Saturday with Bob Garber, the agent that represents both C.J. Wilson and Roy Oswalt, calling it nothing more than a "basic expression of interest."
Cashman identified Wilson as the top starter on the free-agent market on Friday, but was quick to point out that Wilson isn't necessarily the Yankees top target.
Feinsand reported last week that two of the intriguing targets for the Yankees could be http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/4454/mark-buehrleMark Buehrle or Oswalt. Buehrle could represent the more feasible option because the Yankees like the fact that he has pitched his entire career in the American League. Oswalt, on the other hand, has spent his career in the National League and wants a multi-year deal despite a history of lower back problems, which might be enough to make the Yanks steer clear, according to Wallace Matthews of ESPNNewYork.com.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Who's on first in Texas?[/h3]
8:51AM ET
[h5]Texas Rangers [/h5]
The Texas Rangers used several players at first base last season, including Michael Young, Mike Napoli and Mitch Moreland. Looking ahead to 2012, Moreland appears to be the favorite for regular playing time, but ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett writes that acquiring a big bat to man first base isn't out of the question.
The Rangers, however, have several arbitration eligible players to take care of, including those of Nelson Cruz, Napoli, Elvis Andrus and Matt Harrison, which will take up quite a a chunk of payroll, perhaps leaving the Rangers without the room to make a big for Prince Fielder or even Albert Pujols.
Lesser free agents such as Carlos Pena or Derrek Lee could be considered, but the Rangers may not see either as a worthy upgrade over Moreland, who spent much of last season playing with a sore right wrist.
- Jason A. Churchill
http://[h3]Does it pay to keep Papelbon?[/h3]
8:47AM ET
[h5]Jonathan Papelbon | Red Sox [/h5]
The epic collapse of the Boston Red Sox was a group effort, and the final glimpse of the lost 2011 season was Jonathan Papelbon allowing a game-winning single to Boston's Robert Andino.
Papelbon is now part of a crowded free agent market for closers, joining a group that includes Heath Bell, Ryan Madson, Joe Nathan and Francisco Rodriguez. And while plenty of changes are expected in Boston this winter, John Tomase of the Boston Herald writes that the Red Sox would be best served by re-signing Papelbon, who had five straight 40-save seasons before collecting 34 in 2011.
While some of the other closers might come at a less expensive rate, the Red Sox would be penny-wise and pound foolish. "Papelbon's history suggests that's the kind of performance he'll provide more often than not. And if that's the case, the Red Sox shouldn't let a few million extra dollars stand in the way," Tomase writes.
Our Keith Law has Papelbon 18th on his list of top 50 free agents:
- Doug Mittler
Jonathan Papelbon - No. 18
8:18AM ET
[h5]David Ortiz | Red Sox [/h5]
The free agent period is officially under way and David Ortiz is surprised that he has yet to receive an offer from the Boston Red Sox.
"I was expecting something would happen before (the exclusive negotiating period ran out), but so many things are going on," Ortiz told WEEI in Boston on Thursday afternoon. "I know everybody has priorities, and to be honest with you, I thought I was one of them.
While Ortiz wants a three-year deal, the Red Sox can sit back and survey the market before committing to a multiyear deal, wrote Nick Cafardo in Sunday's Boston Globe. Ortiz could help his market value if he could convince a National League team that he is an option at first base.
New Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said last week that he has been in communication with Ortiz's representatives. While Papi may be miffed about a potential delay, Cherington may simply be looking to hire a new manager before he turns his attention to the free agent process.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Francona unlikely to land with Cubs?[/h3]
8:03AM ET
[h5]Chicago Cubs [/h5]
Theo Epstein had nothing but nice things to say about Terry Francona last week, but Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune still says the chances of Tito managing the Cubs "is very unlikely."
Epstein spoke with Francona on Thursday in an unofficial capacity and will talk to him again to gauge whether the former Red Sox skipper is the right fit to be Cubs manager. "Clearly he would be at the top of anyone's list as available managers," Epstein said at the time.
Rogers notes that Francona and Epstein remain friends, but Epstein "hopes Francona lands on his feet, not in the manager's office at Wrigley Field."
Pete Mackanin, the Phillies bench coach who grew up on the South Side of Chicago, was the first to meet with Cubs brass Friday, Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reported.
Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum is expected to meeet with Epstein on Monday.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Zambrano makes winter league debut[/h3]
7:31AM ET
[h5]Carlos Zambrano | Cubs [/h5]
UPDATE: Zambrano made his first start in nearly three months on Sunday in Venezuela, allowing two runs on four hits over 2 2/3 innings, including a home run to Cubs teammate Bryan LaHair.
Zambrano has a full no-trade clause, but has said he'll will waive the clause if the Cubs don't want him back. Big-Z has hinted that he would like to pitch in Florida for new skipper Ozzie Guillen, his close friend.
--
Chicago Cubs righthander Carlos Zambrano is looking to restore his reputation and his market value by pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Zambrano will make his debut Sunday for Los Caribes de Anzoategui and is expected to get nine starts before resting until the start of spring training. Zambrano's decision has the blessing of Cubs' management, writes Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, and will give the team a better gauge as to whether he will still be in a Cubs' uniform on Opening Day.
As of now, few if any teams are likely willing to pick up the bulk of the $18 million salary left on Zambrano's contract. But a strong showing in Venezuela could make some teams willing to fork over a little bit more, especially with pitching at a premium.
While pitching in winter ball carries the risk of injury, Zambrano simply needs the work. He finished with only 145 innings after landing on the disqualified list.
- Doug Mittler
http://[h3]Is Duquette a good fit in Baltimore?[/h3]
7:16AM ET
[h5]Baltimore Orioles [/h5]
The free agency period already is in full swing and the Baltimore Orioles finally have gotten around to naming a new general manager. Former Red Sox GM Dan Duquette, who has not worked in a big league front office since 2002, will take over for Andy MacPhail, according to various reports.
Duquette became a serious candidate after being turned down by several candidates, including Dodgers assistant GM Tony LaCava and D-backs executive Jerry Dipoto.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney wrote last week that the Baltimore job may come with red flags. "The concerns outsiders have about the Orioles is that Peter Angelos interferes in the day-to-day business, and that Buck Showalter is too powerful for the next general manager to walk into the front office and have the kind of influence he needs," Olney wrote.
Enter Duquette, who laid the groundwork for Boston's world championship in 2004. But Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com cautions that Duquette has other issues that makes him far from a fit in Baltimore:
- Doug Mittler
Is Duquette the answer?
http://[h3]Mets in no rush to deal Wright[/h3]
6:45AM ET
[h5]David Wright | Mets [/h5]
We've been floating trade possibilities about David Wright since July's deadline. Expect the rumor mill regarding the New York Mets third baseman to continue to churn for the next few months, but it is highly unlikely that he will be dealt before spring training, reports Andy Martino of the NY Daily News.
"(Sandy Alderson) would have to totally be bowled over (with an offer)," one National League executive said. Martino adds the Mets could be more aggressive about shopping Wright should the team get off to a slow start in 2012.
In Sunday's Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo wonders if Theo Epstein might be interested in bringing Wright to the Cubs, a scenario that looks more feasible now that the Cubs have parted ways with http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezhttp://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/3853/aramis-ramirezAramis Ramirez.
Wright may be a face of the Mets' franchise, but if the club re-signs http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/_/id/5411/jose-reyesJose Reyes, there might not be enough money left over to keep both of them in Queens for the long term. Wright has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract at $15 million. The club holds an option on 2013 at $16 million, but that is voided if Wright is traded, dminishing what the Mets can get in return.
ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney had more on Wright in Sunday's blog:
- Doug Mittler
Wright's future
Every Met fan should read this.
Spoiler [+]
As the hot stove league kicks into full gear, Mets third baseman David Wright has taken center stage as reports have the Anaheim Angels a potential trade partner. With centerfielder Peter Bourjos rumored to be on New York’s wish list along with a couple of pitching prospects, Mets fans seem to believe Wright, one of the better players in franchise history, is worth significantly more in return.
On Twitter, I’ve asked a number of followers why with answers ranging from “Wright is the Mets Derek Jeter
On Twitter, I’ve asked a number of followers why with answers ranging from “Wright is the Mets Derek Jeter
Every Met fan should read this.
Spoiler [+]
As the hot stove league kicks into full gear, Mets third baseman David Wright has taken center stage as reports have the Anaheim Angels a potential trade partner. With centerfielder Peter Bourjos rumored to be on New York’s wish list along with a couple of pitching prospects, Mets fans seem to believe Wright, one of the better players in franchise history, is worth significantly more in return.
On Twitter, I’ve asked a number of followers why with answers ranging from “Wright is the Mets Derek Jeter
On Twitter, I’ve asked a number of followers why with answers ranging from “Wright is the Mets Derek Jeter
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fantasy411 Mike Siano
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The Giants won.
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The Giants won.
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I think he's terrible. I'm more afraid of the Royals bringing Bruce Chen back than them bringing in Sanchez.
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I think he's terrible. I'm more afraid of the Royals bringing Bruce Chen back than them bringing in Sanchez.
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Sanchez is absolutely NOT terrible. He has improved every year he has been in the Major Leagues, sans last season. Two seasons ago, he was being discussed as the centerpiece of a Prince Fielder trade.
Say you dont like the guy. Say you think Melky's value is higher. But dont say Sanchez is terrible. Hes not.
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