C.C. Sabathia, SP: Yankees. Everyone talks about his West Coast bias and his love for hitting. Well, Mr. Sabathia loves food too. And food costs money. Don't forget we also have a bad economy right now which could make an extra few million seem like the world, especially with the prospect of taxes being raised. Sabathia, who was already offered a 6 year deal by the Yankees at the time of this writing, will take the money, new ballpark, and chance for World Series glory over the chance to bat. Plus, New York has some really nice restaurants.
Mark Teixiera, 1B: Say hello to your new first baseman, Boston. I know I might be reaching but there is now way I see Tex going for the hometown discount and signing with Baltimore or Washington. Boston, needing an impact bat to offset David Ortiz's decline and Manny's absence will make a play for him. Theo Epstein is no dummy. He knows he's going to need offense, especially with Mike Lowell's hip being in question. Shifting Kevin Youkilis to third, putting Tex at first and trading Lowell, or using him as a sub if no deal can be made, will make the Red Sox as strong as ever.
A.J. Burnett, SP: If the Yankees lose out on Sabathia they will open a vault for Burnett. If they lose out on Burnett then Derek Lowe and luring Mike Mussina out of retirement (if chooses to do retire) will be priorities. However, I see Burnett being lured to New York. I think the Yankees walk away with the two top pitchers on the market. Burnett loves the limelight, has World Series experience, and just posted his career best year. He has a little tinge of Carl Pavano on him with his injury history but there is no way he becomes Pavano. Will he miss starts? Yes. Will he be Pavano? Nope. Look for a lot of strikeouts, a lot of angst, and a World Series win in a crucial game for Mr. Burnett as the Yankees regain their form.
Derek Lowe, SP: Welcome back to Boston, Mr. Lowe, we have the same room for you as your last stay. Boston is worried about Schilling. At this point they might be more worried he will try to pitch again more than him retiring. Either way, Schilling is not the same as he was and Clay Buchholz didn't seem ready last year. This means Epstein will probably bring back an AL East vet.
Jake Peavy, SP: Not a free agent but certainly an ace. Peavy has been on the block in San Diego where they might be going through another rebuilding phase after this last one didn't pan out. The Cubs and Braves have been rumored destinations but those deals seem to be falling apart. Where or where can Peavy go? How about Los Angeles? If he doesn't end up in Chicago I see the Dodgers sending some young talent away to make sure they have the ace they badly need. Badly. However, I do think Chicago is the answer for a package starting with Kosuke Fukodome.
Manny Ramirez, OF: 36 years old with a bad attitude and badder bat, and by badder I mean good. Manny doesn't have many choices given his demands for $100 million over 4 years. Most teams would rather offer 1 year, plus an option, or two and an option. I wouldn't want to touch this guy with another teams payroll. He is a powder keg. About the only manager who he can get along with right now is Joe Torre. Stay in LA, Manny, they love acts like yours out there.
More to come in the future...
1 comment:
screw manny. they should do to him like they did to barry bonds. let them ride off into the sunset.
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