New Year's Day FA Review

2008-12-30T15:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know I'm slacking but on New Year's I'll give you my opinions on all the FA's that have signed... impressive I know

Keep those comments coming for my mailbag later in the week!

FA Updates- 12/09

2008-12-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

K-Rod to Mets 3yrs 37 mil- I think he panicked and if he had waited would have had a better offer but he'll do well in NY with that team, should be in line for 1 more big payday

Tazawa to the Sox 3yrs for a total of 3 mil is a great signing for the Sox, will start in AA, but be ready by 10'

Casey Blake to LAD- I guess they really did want him back by giving him 3 guaranteed years.

FA Updates- 11/24

2008-11-24T12:49:00.000-08:00

Varitek- Red Sox apparently offered a 1 yr deal today, I think he'll get more than that so this could be a sign he is going to sign elsewhere.

Mussina- Decided to retire, I'm kind of surprised cause he's a bit short of the HOF in my mind so a couple of seasons would have done him wonders.

Tex- No real new news here, still the Halos, Sox, Nats, O's in the bidding, this won't be done til Christmas

Tazawa- Rumored to have picked the Red Sox no matter what money is, should sign in early December

Dempster- signed with the Cubs for 4 yrs 13mil per, I'm shocked that they paid for him but for only 1 good year this is a lot of money

MLB Free Agent Roulette-2009 Predictions

2008-11-16T22:14:00.000-08:00

This is where I think the major FA's will land (I know I'll forget a couple so post them then I'll add them in, along with guys known to be on the trade market (like Peavy))

Took big names off of mlbtraderumors.com list (2009 MLB Free Agents: MLB Rumors - MLBTradeRumors.com)

Tex (Type A)- Everyone says CC will get the most money, don't count me as a believer, with the Yankees, Sox, and yes the Orioles in on this bidding it will be a shoot-out. This could be be scary as when Angelo goes on his love affairs with players (see Tejada) he usually overpays but Theo is no better (See JD and Lugo). I'm going to say the Sox get him but if its not them its the Orioles and not the Yanks. Also they can keep Lowell as a bench bat or eat some salary and trade him to MIN. Prediction: Boston, 10 yrs 190 mil

Manny (Type A)- He'd be a total moron to leave LA, he doesn't like pressure that a real market has, but Boras isn't dumb enough to not use the Yankees to raise the bidding Prediction Dodgers, 3 yrs 72 mil with 4th year option

CC (Type A)- The Brewcrew are going to make an offer but I don't think there is anyway George doesn't get him Prediction Yankees, 7 years 175 mil

Sheets (Type A)- I want to say Boston as they usually take these type of guys and pay them full value but I don't see the spot in the rotation for him. Houston doesn't know what the world re-build means but will they pay him enough. I don't see the perfect fit, and he'll sign late, I'm going to go with a sleeper team here. Prediction Texas, 3 yrs 39 mil

Smoltz (A)- I feel like boosting my % correct # so i added him Prediction Braves, 1 yr. 5 mil

Peavy- Biggest name on the trade market, teams said to be interested are ATL, CHC, LAD. The Dodgers won't want to pay the surcharge SD will ask for so that leaves the CHC and the Braves. I don't know what the Cubs have to trade directly so that would have to be a 3 team deal. And will the Braves pull it off? They seem so far away. Now the Astros don't know the word rebuild and have the chips. Him and Oswalt are friends? Prediction: Houston (Cubs and Red Sox close 2nd and 3rd place)

Varitek (Type A)- Type A...geez the Sox should take the picks and run for joy, makes up for the Gagne disaster (should have been Class A but imploded so badly he went to B) But Sox loyalists want him back but Theo won't go 4 yrs for Tek if he didn't for Lowell...Boras and Theo got creative with the benefits and bonuses last time and will do it again. Prediction Boston 2 yrs 12 mil with 2 option years

Orlando Hudson (Type A)- He's offically done with Arizona, teams interested will be the Blue Jays, Dodgers, Astros and Cardinals. Prediction: Dodgers, 3 yrs 16 mil

Orlando Cabrera (Type A)- idk where the market for underperforming SS that cost picks... I guess Toronto...? Prediction: Toronto 2 yrs 11 mil

Edgar Renteria (A)- ...or KC Prediction: Kansas City 3 yrs 14 mil

Nomar- If the Red Sox trade Mike Lowell, a reunion actually makes sense, until then I'll put him on a small market team Prediction: Brewers 1 yr 2.4 mil

Casey Blake- When Tex doesn't go to NYY, he will sign the next day. Prediction: Twins 2 yrs 10 mil

Raul Ibanez (A)- Might be the best bargin in FA, I know he's 37, but every time the Sox play Seattle I fear him more than I do some big name sluggers. He'll want to go play for a winner, but prolly stay in the AL for DHing Prediction: Twins 2 yrs 10 mil

Adam Dunn (A)- He won't make 100 mil...well he shouldn't unless a team gets desperate... I still don't think he'll make the 100 mil, but I know the team that will overpay. Prediction: Nationals 5 yrs 90 mil

Milton Bradley (B)- Seems like he's an FA every year, he enjoyed Texas and I think he stays Prediction: Texas 1 yr 7 mil

Garrett Anderson (B)- Will go to a winner, might be good for a NL team for pinch hitting and OF. Prediction: Mets 1 yr 2.6 mil

Mike Cameron (B)- If he doesn't go to the Yanks, either the BrewCrew picked up the option or some team is really really stupid. Prediction: BrewCrew Option (still think he ends up in NYY)

Bobby Abreu (A)- He wants to stay with the Yankees, he's an option at first and with the lack of hitting talent he might get his wish. Prediction: Yanks 3 yrs 30 mil

Ken Griffey Jr. (B)- I honestly don't know... I'm going to take a wild guess, he doesn't fit anywhere well. Prediction San Fran 1 yr 4 mil

Ryan Dempster (A)- I didn't realize he is an FA but he's due to make a big payday. I thought he'd stay with the Cubs but now that he's going to look around I'm not so sure. Cardinals seem like a great fit Prediction: Cardinals 4 yrs 36 mil

AJ Burnett (A)- Does he opt out? I don't know if he wants to pitch in a real market, but he wants to make more money. I think he re-negotiates with the Jays. Prediction: Blue Jays Extension for 4 years 60 mil

Oliver Perez (A)- With all this talent in FA, will he fall through the cracks? I think he does and wishes he had taken the Mets extension. Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers 3 yrs 23 mil

Jamie Moyer (A)- He'll either stay in Philly or go back to Seattle...mark me down for the former Prediction: Phillies 1 yr/4.5 mil

Andy Pettite (A)- He'll pitch for 2 teams or retire, Houston or the Yankees, this decision isn't as easy as one would think, Yankees are the better ballclub, but signing CC, might leave him without a spot. Prediction: Yankees 1yr/8 mil

Mike Mussina (A)- Who will the Yanks have, CC can't pitch everyday? Prediction: Yankees, 2 yrs 14 mil

Derek Lowe (A)- When the Cubs lose out on Peavy and Dempster he's the fallback Prediction: Boston, 3 yrs 22 mil

Randy Wolf (B)- After Houston gets Peavy and Pettite, I'd be shocked if he leaves. Prediction: Houston 4 yrs 29 mil

Brian Fuentes (A)- The Yankees will offer the most but he wants to close, I'm not quite sure who fits unless... Prediction: Mets 4 yrs 30 million

Eric Gagne (B)- If he gets 10 mil again, I'm going to start taking pitching lessons. Prediction: KC Royals 1 yr 3.2 mil

Trevor Hoffman (B)- Is there really any question? Its retire or SD Prediction SD 1 yr 5 mil

Jason Isringhausen (A)- Cardinals are moving in a different direction with Perez, he's a good closer, older, and not expensive... Prediction: Rays 2 yrs 8 mil

Brandon Lyon (B)- I think he'll stay in Arizona. Prediction: Arizona 2 yrs 5.5 mil

K-Rod (A)- So with the Rays and Mets out where do I think K-Rod will go? I just don't think Minaya will swallow at paying a closer that much, and the Rays simply won't. Yanks? he wants to close Angels? That ship has sailed Dodgers? idk if they'll pay that much. So gimme a sleeper team. Prediction Texas 5 yrs 75 million

Junichi Tazawa- Boston has the best chance. Prediction: Boston, i got no idea how much

Pat Burrell (A)- Won't return to Philly, the Mets seem like a good fit
Prediction: Mets 4 yrs 48 mil