Monday, December 15, 2008

Where are you Going: MLB Free Agents?

I took a look at some of the big names in free agency. Here's my predictions on where they will go.

1) Mark Teixiera: He is as consistent as you can get. If you can handle his April swoons, Teixiera is a Top-7 First Basement. But is there anyone out there willing to give him the $25 million he wants? I think someone will step up and give him the money. The Red Sox need another big bat with David Ortiz/Mike Lowell starting to fall. The Orioles and (gulp) the Nationals are also in the mix. Maybe even the Yankees even jump in? I think the only logical place is where he was last year, in Los Angeles(or Anaheim, whatever it calls itself).
Prediction: Angels sign him after the holidays.

2) Manny Ramirez: Your guess is as good as mine. No one knows how much he wants, how long he wants it for, or where he wants to play. There's a number of teams who would love to stick Manny in the middle of their order, but could you even trust him? What if he takes a big deal and just stops playing? There is so many ways this situation could play out. I think the Dodgers make the most sense, because the city loved him and he ignited them into a postseason birth last year. It seemed like the situation just fit. But, do they want to give him a long-term deal?
Prediction: Manny signs a three-year deal and ends his career as a Dodger.

3) Adam Dunn: I love Adam Dunn. I know he strikes out a ton and I know the .245 batting average looks ugly, but he gets on base all the time and hits 40 homers every season. What I like about Dunn even more is the fact that he produces when it counts. But there doesn't seem to be much interest in him. He might need to take down his asking price just a tad.
Prediction: Reunites with former GM Jim Bowden and becomes a National

4) Pat Burrell: He's another tough one to gauge and I feel like the down economy has hurt his value. But you can pencil Burrell in for 30 HRs, 90 RBIs every season. It's just a matter of withstanding the streaks and slumps. I think he'll be one of those guys that are the last to sign (It won't be with the Phillies though). Will the Mets step up and grab him? How about the Braves? I'm going to go with a wild card on this one
Prediction: The White Sox pay up for him. They got rid of Griffey, Swisher, and almost Dye. And Ken Williams love big home run hitters.

5) Derek Lowe: Many teams would covet one of the more underrated starters in baseball, but I think it will come down to a battle between the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees. Ironically, these are the three teams that have the most money in baseball. The Yankees have already spent a ton this offseason, so they might be set at pitching. The Mets are going to have to sign a starter sometime, because they have two spots to fill. But I don't see Lowe going there. I think he goes back to Boston. He won 21 games one year with them! It seems like a good fit at this time.
Prediction: Boston offers a similar contract to the Mets, but Lowe chooses his former team.

Others:
Ben Sheets-I think he winds up a Met. But I'm also going to throw the Cubs out there. They always pluck these type of guys from free agency.
Oliver Perez-He'll be one of the last standing. How about the Braves?
Bobby Abreu-White Sox want him, but I am going to go a different direction and say he joins the Braves.
Brian Fuentes-No, he won't be a Met. With the Cubs losing Kerry Wood, I think Fuentes winds up in that bullpen.

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