Third Basemen
Casey Blake (Dodgers) - Joe Crede should have been the first player listed here, but because of his back, Blake is left as the only sure thing among available third baseman. Unfortunately, that sets him up for becoming one of the worst investments of the winter. Blake has had a nice year, but he's 35, he's below average defensively and he doesn't hit right-handers very well. He's going to get a multiyear deal even though he could quickly become a liability as a regular. At least there is the plus that he's an option at the outfield corners as well as first and third. That would make a useful, if overpaid, bench player once his time as a regular is up. The first team to offer him three years could well land him. The Dodgers probably would prefer to have him back, but ideally, it'd be a one-year deal for them. The White Sox, Twins, Brewers, Astros and Indians could also figure into the bidding.
Prediction: Astros - three years, $18 million
Joe Crede (White Sox) - Just two months after appearing in his first All-Star Game, Crede's career is at a crossroads. Back woes that have hampered him for several years have apparently brought his season to an end, and he's gone from looking at perhaps $30 million for three years as a free agent to probably settling for an incentive-laden one-year deal. As a 25- or 30-homer guy and a Gold Glove-type third baseman when he's completely right, Crede does have significantly more upside than Blake. A team with viable fallbacks would be smart to sign him and hope for 130 games of quality play. The Brewers, Twins, Astros and Dodgers fit that description. It's unclear right now whether or not the White Sox will try to keep him.
Prediction: Dodgers - one year, $7 million plus incentives
Other free agents: Mike Lamb (Brewers), Fernando Tatis (Mets), Ramon Vazquez (Rangers), Rich Aurilia (Giants), Aaron Boone (Nationals), Russell Branyan (Brewers), Chris Gomez (Pirates), Morgan Ensberg (Indians), Corey Koskie (FA), Scott Spiezio (FA), Abraham Nunez (Mets), Terry Tiffee (Dodgers), Howie Clark (Twins)
Everyone here is a backup, so the trading post should be the market of choice for the teams truly looking to upgrade at third base this winter.
U.S. & World
Options
Hank Blalock (Rangers) - $6.2 million club option, $250,000 buyout
Wes Helms (Marlins) - $3.75 million club option, $750,000 buyout
Yes, Blalock has disappointed again, but in this market, retaining his services at $6.2 million should be a no-brainer. That's especially the case because since he's missed so much of the last two seasons, he doesn't figure to bring back any draft-pick compensation if he leaves as a free agent. The Rangers should be able to exercise the option and trade him if they want to move on. . Helms isn't getting $3.75 million from anyone next year. He falls in line behind Aurilia on the list of free agents.
Trade candidates: Matt Brown (Angels), Chone Figgins (Angels), Ty Wigginton (Astros), Jack Hannahan (Athletics), Jose Bautista (Blue Jays), Omar Infante (Braves), Bill Hall (Brewers), Jamie D'Antona (Diamondbacks), Andy Marte (Indians), Adrian Beltre (Mariners - limited NTC), Jorge Cantu (Marlins), Dallas McPherson (Marlins), Melvin Mora (Orioles - NTC), Kevin Kouzmanoff (Padres), Hank Blalock (Rangers), Willy Aybar (Rays), Joel Guzman (Rays), Edwin Encarnacion (Reds), Garrett Atkins (Rockies), Jeff Baker (Rockies), Ian Stewart (Rockies), Mike Hessman (Tigers), Josh Fields (White Sox), Wilson Betemit (Yankees)
Wigginton was shaping up as a non-tender candidate before his huge August. The Astros aren't satisfied with his play at third base, but they might keep him around anyway. Unfortunately, he's about to become too costly to be employed as anything other than a full-time player. . Trading Hall for a similarly overpaid starting pitcher could be one way for the Brewers to fill a gap in their rotation. Kevin Millwood or Jarrod Washburn might make sense. . Beltre could be pursued by the Giants, White Sox, Twins, Dodgers or Brewers. Although he has the Dodgers in his no-trade clause, he indicated that he'd welcome a return to Los Angeles.
I don't really see Kouzmanoff or Encarnacion leaving. However, the Padres and Reds have enough holes to fill that they'd be foolish to rule anything out. . Atkins is more likely than Stewart to be shipped out by Colorado, but if Stewart could be used in a trade for Erik Bedard or Uggla, the Rockies would have to think about parting with the younger player. . The White Sox are no closer to figuring out what they want to do with Fields than they were a year ago. Both he and Crede could depart the organization this winter.
Non-tender candidates: Jorge Cantu (Marlins), Jose Bautista (Blue Jays), Dallas McPherson (Marlins), Jose Castillo (Astros), Robb Quinlan (Angels), Kory Casto (Nationals), Scott Moore (Orioles), Scott McClain (Giants), Andy Tracy (Phillies), Casey McGehee (Cubs), Mike Cervenek (Phillies)
Cantu as a non-tender candidate seems far-fetched with him nearing 30 homers, but these are the Marlins. Considering that he's still sporting an OPS below 800 in his comeback season and he remains a liability defensively, he's only worth so much. My guess is that either Cantu or Jacobs exits, opening up a spot for McPherson, with Gaby Sanchez perhaps entering the picture by May or June.
2009-10 free agents: Chipper Jones (Braves), Adrian Beltre (Mariners), Troy Glaus (Cardinals), Chone Figgins (Angels), Hank Blalock (Rangers), Melvin Mora (Orioles)*, Ty Wigginton (Astros), Pedro Feliz (Phillies)*, Omar Infante (Braves), Jose Castillo (Astros), Geoff Blum (Astros)
2010 options: Mora - $9 million, Feliz - $5 million ($500,000 buyout)
2010-11 free agents: Garrett Atkins (Rockies), Mike Lowell (Red Sox), Eric Chavez (Athletics)*, Bill Hall (Brewers)*, Scott Rolen (Blue Jays), Jorge Cantu (Marlins), Wilson Betemit (Yankees)
2011 options: Chavez - $12.5 million ($3 million buyout), Hall - $9.25 million ($500,000 buyout)
Shortstops
Rafael Furcal (Dodgers) - Furcal struggled in 2007 and he's been limited to 32 games so far in 2008, but there's not going to be any need for him to settle for a one-year deal this winter. It helps that he was arguably the NL's best player for five weeks before going down with a back injury. Backs are notoriously scary, but there's nothing wrong with Furcal that's expected to require surgery. The White Sox, Tigers, Cardinals, Orioles and Blue Jays would seem to be chief among the teams that could attempt to lure Furcal away from Los Angeles. For what it's worth, Furcal's agent did say earlier this summer that he thought an extension with the Dodgers would have already been worked out if not for the back injury. Furcal's comments since suggest that the Dodgers will be able to get him re-signed given comparable offers.
Prediction: Dodgers - four years, $60 million
Orlando Cabrera (White Sox) - Despite moving to a better ballpark for hitters, Cabrera's OPS is down about 50 points from where he finished at in 2006 and 2007, and he does turn 34 this winter. He's still a very reliable defensive shortstop, and his durability is a definite plus. This will be the seventh time in eight years that he's played in 150 games, and he took part in 141 in the other. Unfortunately, there's just no telling how much longer he'll remain an above average regular. It'd be worth paying him $10 million-$12 million for 2009 and maybe for 2010. Another four-year deal would be a clear mistake.
Prediction: Cardinals - three years, $33 million
David Eckstein (Diamondbacks) - Eckstein should be looked at as a second baseman at this point of his career, but since there is a clear shortage of shortstops available, maybe he'll be able to eek out one more year at the tougher position. Teams with multiple infield question marks like the White Sox, Dodgers, Cardinals and Giants could consider him. The Padres could use him as a stopgap at second.
Prediction: Padres - one year, $4 million
Other free agents: Nick Punto (Twins), Cesar Izturis (Cardinals), Adam Everett (Twins), Alex Cora (Red Sox), Willie Bloomquist (Mariners), Juan Castro (Orioles), Alex Cintron (Orioles), Josh Wilson (Red Sox), Neifi Perez (FA), Oscar Robles (Phillies), Ramon Martinez (Mets)
Punto is batting .281/.340/.390 in 292 at-bats and playing his usual quality defense. It looks like he has a good chance of entering 2009 as a starting shortstop, if not with the Twins then with another team. . Izturis was tolerable offensively early on, but he's down to .247/.307/.292 for the season now. He'll be viewed as a backup this winter. . Everett's shoulder problems may wreck his career. If he's not his old self defensively, then he has no place in the majors.
Options
Edgar Renteria (Tigers) - $11 million club option, $3 million buyout
Omar Vizquel (Giants) - $5.2 million club option, $300,000 buyout
The Tigers seem awfully disappointed by Renteria's play, but he's actually outhit Cabrera. The problem is that his defense has really slipped, and he might belong at third base at this stage of his career. Keeping him at $8 million would still be a viable choice since there's so little with which to replace him in free agency. However, as far as I can tell, the Red Sox are still on the hook for the $3 million buyout of the option under the terms of the deal they made with the Braves. At $11 million, Renteria doesn't seem worth retaining. He needs to find his way back to the NL anyway. . Given that he's unlikely to be offered any starting jobs in the U.S., Vizquel has talked about continuing his career in Japan.
Trade candidates: Erick Aybar (Angels), Maicer Izturis (Angels), Brandon Wood (Angels), Bobby Crosby (Athletics), John McDonald (Blue Jays), Brent Lillibridge (Braves), J.J. Hardy (Brewers), Brendan Ryan (Cardinals), Ronny Cedeno (Cubs), Chin-Lung Hu (Dodgers), Alfredo Amezaga (Marlins), Robert Andino (Marlins), Khalil Greene (Padres), Jack Wilson (Pirates), Joaquin Arias (Rangers), Reid Brignac (Rays), Julio Lugo (Red Sox), Jeff Keppinger (Reds), Clint Barmes (Rockies), Omar Quintanilla (Rockies), Tony Pena Jr. (Royals)
Aybar seems the least likely of the Angels' infielders to go in a trade. With Wood showing definite signs of life in his latest callup, the team would seem to have some decisions to make. However, as fragile as Izturis and Howie Kendrick are (and Aybar may be), it's possible the Angels could simply hold on to everyone and assume that they'll all gets turns. It's what's happened this year. . Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes are the only shortstops with better OPSs than Hardy's, and Reyes is just barely ahead of him. That would seem to give Hardy a great deal of trade value if the Brewers wanted to commit to Alcides Escobar now. However, they could also choose to move Hardy to second and play both or simply give Escobar a few months of Triple-A time.
Greene's value is at all-time low after a season in which he had a 599 OPS in 105 games before irresponsibly breaking his left hand punching a storage chest. The Padres have to be sick of his awful OBPs, but they also can't afford to let him go unless a major talent comes back in return. They might have a better chance if they hold on to him until July. . The Pirates still don't have a replacement for Wilson, making it fairly likely that they'll keep him for one more year. . The Red Sox won a World Series with Lugo at shortstop, but they're better off with Jed Lowrie right now. Unfortunately for them, they'd likely have to kick in at least a third of the $18 million that Lugo is due over the next two years to have a chance of moving him.
Non-tender candidates: Eric Bruntlett (Phillies), Jason Smith (Royals), Angel Berroa (Dodgers), Brian Barden (Cardinals), Tony Pena Jr. (Royals), Cody Ransom (Yankees), Jolbert Cabrera (Reds), Luis Rodriguez (Padres), Brandon Fahey (Orioles), Anderson Hernandez (Nationals), Pete Orr (Nationals), Angel Sanchez (Royals)
Because he's spent so much time in the minors, Berroa technically still isn't going to be a free agent even with his four-year deal finally coming to a conclusion. The Dodgers will decline his $5.5 million option for 2009 and non-tender him.
2009-10 free agents: Miguel Tejada (Orioles), Khalil Greene (Padres), Jack Wilson (Pirates)*, Bobby Crosby (Athletics), Alex Gonzalez (Reds)*, John McDonald (Blue Jays),
2010 options: Wilson - $8.4 million ($600,000 buyout), Gonzalez - $6 million mutual ($500,000 buyout),
2010-11 free agents: Jose Reyes (Mets)*, Jimmy Rollins (Phillies)*, Jhonny Peralta (Indians)*, J.J. Hardy (Brewers), Derek Jeter (Yankees), Cristian Guzman (Nationals), Maicer Izturis (Angels), Julio Lugo (Red Sox)*, Alfredo Amezaga (Marlins), Eric Bruntlett (Phillies), Ramon Santiago (Tigers)
2011 options: Reyes - $11 million ($500,000 buyout), Rollins - $8.5 million ($2 million buyout), Peralta - $7 million ($250,000 buyout), Lugo - $9 million (vests w/600 PA in 2010)
Outfielders
Manny Ramirez (Dodgers) - The idea of Manny Ramirez getting the four-year, $100 million contract he supposedly desires was borderline insane when he forced his way out of Boston six weeks ago. Now it's merely unrealistic. Ramirez, who seemed to be pretty clearly on the decline in his last year and a half in the AL, has destroyed NL pitching to the tune of a .389/.477/.750 line in 144 at-bats. To be fair, he also had a very good July for the Red Sox. Still, he is capable of being overpowered by mid-90s fastballs these days. He's such a brilliant hitter that he often seems to find a pitch he can drill anyway, but the hard throwers with quality sliders are really tough matchups for him. If he retreats back to playing like he did with the Red Sox in 2007 and in the first half of this year, he isn't worth nearly $20 million per year. However, that's probably what he'll command this winter. A four-year deal seems likely as well. Ideally, he'd have to settle for two years. However, any teams that signed him for that long would be dealing with an unhappy Manny by the beginning of 2010, if not earlier. The Yankees, Mets and Phillies could compete with the Dodgers for him if they decided he'd worth the hassle. Maybe I'm crazy for not having him stay in Los Angeles, but I'm just not positive that the money will be there.
Prediction: Phillies - four years, $80 million
Adam Dunn (Diamondbacks) - Dunn will enter free agency as a 29-year-old with a career OPS right around 900 and maybe five straight seasons of 40 homers under his belt (he's currently at 36). Still, it remains to be seen just who will get involved in the bidding for his servives. No one seemed all that interested in adding him before the trade deadline this winter. The A's, Indians and Padres would seem to be the teams with openings that would most appreciate the power and patience he brings, but they're all long shots to come up with the cash. It'd be interesting to see either the Brewers or Phillies trade their first baseman for a young ace and then sign Dunn to play the position, but that's another unlikely scenario. He's the one top free agent that would seem to have a real chance of landing with the Orioles, Giants or another non-contender, simply because that's where the money is. Another possibility is that he takes a one-year deal, though there's no reason his stock should be any higher after next year than it is now. I have no idea at all what will happen, but I would wager that he doesn't land in Toronto.
Prediction: Indians - one year, $18 million
Bobby Abreu (Yankees) - Abreu also has a career OPS over 900, but that seems about to change, as he'll soon finish a fourth straight season under that benchmark. He's still an extremely reliable player. This will be his 11th straight season with 150 games played and at least an 800 OPS. He has an outside shot at a seventh 100-RBI campaign. His defense is becoming more of a problem. The fear of walls has always been there, but now he's gone from above average otherwise to just average. It's hard to see many teams willing to commit big money to a corner outfielder who lacks more than 20-homer power. The Braves, A's and Padres could really use a bat like his if they want to return to contention next year, but money will be a problem. The Yankees figure to look at him as a fallback. I have him going to the Mets here, but I don't see it as a particularly likely destination. Like so many other free agents, he'll have a better idea of where he's going once the Teixeira, Ramirez and Sabathia situations are sorted out.
Prediction: Mets - two years, $28 million
Pat Burrell (Phillies) - Burrell's six-week slump has turned what seemed to be a career year into just another typical season for the slugger. Burrell has been right around 30 homers, 100 walks and a .500 slugging percentage each of the last four seasons. His OPSs ranged from 890 to 902 in 2005-07, and he's not far out of that area now with two weeks to go. At 32, Burrell could be viewed as still in his prime. However, his skill set doesn't typically age well, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him suddenly lose it in his mid-30s. A three-year contract would be appropriate. Burrell would likely prefer to stay on the East Coast, perhaps with one of the New York teams if not the Phillies. The Braves could really use his power.
Prediction: Braves - three years, $40 million
Milton Bradley (Rangers) - Bradley has led the AL in OPS for most of the year, but if wants a chance at that title and the batting crown, he'll need to get back into the Texas lineup. He's at 473 plate appearances, leaving him 29 short of the season total he needs to qualify. Bradley had 175 at-bats over the first two months, 131 during the next two and now 73 so far through August and half of September. That he's managed to avoid major injuries is good news, but this will be another year in which he's been limited to fewer than 130 games. Outside of 2004, when he had 516, he's never had even 400 at-bats in a year. Bradley's season hardly qualifies as a fluke, and at 30 years old, he's still clearly in his prime. However, the durability and attitude issues make giving him a long-term deal an extremely risky move. Something like $24 million for two years would probably make more sense than $36 million for four years in this case. With the DH spot available, he will be a better choice for AL teams.
Prediction: Rays - three years, $30 million
Raul Ibanez (Mariners) - Ibanez has certainly had one of the most unusual careers of any player in the last 20 years. He showed no real signs of becoming a useful major leaguer until age 29, and he didn't have his first 300-at-bat season until he was 30. At age 34, he hit 33 homers after hitting 16 and 20 the previous two years. Now he's had probably the best year of his career at age 36, and he's in line for his biggest contract ever. Ibanez is a major liability in left field at this point of his career, and he needs to be a first baseman or DH going forward. It will be interesting to see how far the Mariners go to try to re-sign him when they'd almost certainly be better off with two more draft picks. The Yankees and Mets are possibilities here, and I could see the Angels taking a long look at him if they fail to retain Teixeira.
Prediction: Angels - two years, $20 million
Juan Rivera (Angels) - Perhaps the biggest sleeper in free agency, Rivera has just 285 at-bats over the last two years, but that doesn't figure to prevent him from landing a multiyear deal this winter. With 12 homers in 242 at-bats this season, he's proven that his power hasn't disappeared following a 2007 season wrecked by a torn ACL. He hasn't hit for average at all (.244, .279 OBP), but that's likely in part because he's had to take on such a limited role. Some team will sign him to play regularly in left or right and likely get 25 homers out of him next year.
Prediction: Mariners - two years, $11 million
Jim Edmonds (Cubs) - Edmonds still has a nifty .254/.375/.558 line for the Cubs, but he hasn't played at all against lefties and his recent struggles have resulted in him doing some sitting against right-handers as well. He's now a below average defensive center fielder, and durability remains a major concern. Any team that thinks about signing him as a regular needs to have a pretty good fallback plan in place. If Edmonds wants to stay in the NL, something that seems fairly likely, he'd make sense in Atlanta, Florida or Cincinnati. Also, he'd be useful in Arizona as Eric Byrnes insurance. The Cubs should move on and either give the job to Felix Pie or trade Pie for a better veteran.
Prediction: Reds - one year, $6 million
Barry Bonds (FA) - Potentially a more valuable hitter for 2009 than any other free agent. However, his trial is due to begin on March 2.
Prediction: San Francisco federal court - 15 charges
Rocco Baldelli (Rays) - The Rays declined to pay $4 million on April 1 for the right to keep Baldelli for 2009 and preserve the team's 2010 option on his services. If they had the same decision now, it'd be interesting to see what they'd choose. Baldelli has impressed offensively in 57 at-bats since returning, but he's made just three starts in the outfield and he hasn't been able to overtake Cliff Floyd to become the DH against right-handers. Baldelli's mitochondrial disorder hasn't gone away, but it is being managed. The results have been encouraging enough that several teams will probably look to gamble on him this winter. The Red Sox could attempt to bring the Rhode Island native in as a replacement if they trade Coco Crisp, while a team like the Orioles or Mariners could offer him as much playing time as he can possibly handle. Also, a return to Tampa Bay is possible if loyalty wins out.
Prediction: Red Sox - one year, $4 million
Other free agents: Mark Kotsay (Red Sox), Moises Alou (Mets), Jay Payton (Orioles), Jacque Jones (FA), Luis Gonzalez (Marlins), Craig Monroe (FA), Emil Brown (Athletics), Kenny Lofton (FA), Daryle Ward (Cubs), Scott Podsednik (Rockies), Corey Patterson (Reds), Brad Wilkerson (Blue Jays), Shannon Stewart (FA), Gabe Kapler (Brewers), Jerry Hairston Jr. (Reds), Victor Diaz (Mariners), Jay Gibbons (Brewers), Kevin Mench (Blue Jays), Chris Duffy (Pirates), Paul McAnulty (Padres), Chris Snelling (Phillies), Bobby Kielty (Twins), Justin Huber (Padres), Trot Nixon (Mets), Jason Lane (Red Sox), Jeff DaVanon (FA), Rob Mackowiak (Reds), Jose Cruz Jr. (FA), Brady Clark (Mets), Todd Linden (Indians), Joe Borchard (Braves), Tike Redman (Orioles), Luis Terrero (Orioles), Nathan Haynes (Rays), Jason Tyner (White Sox), Jason Ellison (Rangers), Chris Aguila (Mets), Alex Escobar (Nationals), Joe Thurston (Red Sox), John Gall (Marlins), Timo Perez (Tigers), Nook Logan (FA), Juan Encarnacion (Cardinals)
Kotsay has lost a step, but with absolutely no other sure things out there for center fielders, he should be able to land another starting job. . Alou has no hope of staying healthy as an outfielder, but the fact remains that he's hit .342 in 377 at-bats when he's been able to suit up the last two years. He hasn't committed to retirement yet. . Besides maybe the forgotten Kenny Lofton, everyone else here looks like a fourth outfielder at best. Not a one of them is worthy of a two-year deal. . Encarnacion's career is almost certainly over because of the eye injury he suffered last year.
Options
Ken Griffey Jr. (White Sox) - $16 million club option, $4 million buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (Angels) - $15 million club option, $3 million buyout
Garret Anderson (Angels) - $14 million club option, $3 million buyout
Mike Cameron (Brewers) - $10 million club option, $750,000 buyout
Brian Giles (Padres) - $9 million club option, $3 million buyout
Carl Crawford (Rays) - $8.25 million club option, $2.5 million buyout
Wily Mo Pena (Nationals) - $5 million club option, $2 million player option
Cliff Floyd (Rays) - $2.75 million club option, $250,000 buyout
Jason Michaels (Pirates) - $2.6 million club option
Crawford's option is an automatic, and Guerrero's should be. The Angels may want to take steps to free up money for Teixeira and K-Rod, but Guerrero at $12 million is simply a no-brainer. . Griffey is hitting .239/.330/.326 in 92 at-bats for the White Sox, and his 787 OPS for the Reds was also nothing to write home about. The White Sox will decline his option and likely make little effort to re-sign him. I could see Griffey becoming the Braves' left fielder or maybe even returning to Seattle next year. However, I also wouldn't be shocked if he decides 20 years in the majors is enough. (Wow, does that sentence make me feel old.)
It's been my assumption since the moment the four-year, $48 million deal was signed that Anderson's 2009 option would be declined. However, what if he goes and picks up a couple of big hits in a World Series won by the Angels? The team might yet find it difficult to move on. . In such a barren center-field market, Cameron is a bargain at $10 million, even if it is twice what he's making this year. While I'd like to see what Weeks could do in center, the Brewers have to exercise the option. . Giles at $6 million is another easy call, even if he did upset the Padres by not accepting a trade last month. He's still their second-best position player. . Pena figures to exercise his player option to stay in Washington. He'll be a fourth outfielder initially, but it's not as though he's likely to do better elsewhere. . Floyd's option is cheap enough that the Rays could keep him and still look for ways to upgrade at DH. . Michaels might be offered a smaller deal to stay with the Pirates as a reserve.
Trade candidates: Terry Evans (Angels), Gary Matthews Jr. (Angels - full NTC), Reggie Willits (Angels), Rajai Davis (Athletics), Chris Denorfia (Athletics), Matt Murton (Athletics), Josh Anderson (Braves), Gregor Blanco (Braves), Tony Gwynn Jr. (Brewers), Brian Barton (Cardinals), Chris Duncan (Cardinals), Felix Pie (Cubs), Andruw Jones (Dodgers - full NTC), Juan Pierre (Dodgers - limited NTC), Jason Repko (Dodgers), Delwyn Young (Dodgers), Dave Roberts (Giants), Randy Winn (Giants - limited NTC), David Dellucci (Indians), Franklin Gutierrez (Indians), Jeremy Reed (Mariners), Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners - limited NTC), Jeremy Hermida (Marlins), Josh Willingham (Marlins), Marlon Anderson (Mets), Endy Chavez (Mets), Elijah Dukes (Nationals), Willie Harris (Nationals), Austin Kearns (Nationals), Brian Giles (Padres - full NTC), Matt Stairs (Phillies), Marlon Byrd (Rangers), Frank Catalanotto (Rangers), Nelson Cruz (Rangers), Jonny Gomes (Rays), B.J. Upton (Rays), Coco Crisp (Red Sox), Ryan Freel (Reds), Matt Holliday (Rockies), Willy Taveras (Rockies), David DeJesus (Royals), Joey Gathright (Royals), Jose Guillen (Royals), Mark Teahen (Royals), Brent Clevlen (Tigers), Magglio Ordonez (Tigers), Ryan Raburn (Tigers), Gary Sheffield (Tigers), Marcus Thames (Tigers), Michael Cuddyer (Twins), Jason Kubel (Twins), Jason Pridie (Twins), Brian Anderson (White Sox), Jerry Owens (White Sox), Melky Cabrera (Yankees), Brett Gardner (Yankees)
Finding a taker for half of Matthews' deal might be the key to the Angels' hopes of retaining Teixeira and K-Rod. Perhaps the Cubs or Reds will be interested if properly subsidized. Matthews is owed $33 million over the next three years. . The Braves have no need for both Anderson and Blanco. One of the two should have a significant role in next year's outfield. The other should find himself in another organization or back in Triple-A. . The Dodgers are in the same boat with Pierre as the Angels are with Matthews. Pierre, though, is owed $5.5 million less over the next three years. That should help their chances of moving him. As for Andruw, I can't imagine him being traded unless he shows up in camp in great shape and puts together an impressive March. . The Giants wouldn't seem to need Winn with Fred Lewis and Nate Schierholtz capable of handling the corners, but they'll probably keep him anyway. Worse, they may even extend his deal.
Further antagonizing an already disgusted fanbase probably isn't the right route for the Mariners at this point. Trading Ichiro would make some sense, but it's not like they actually need to free up the money and there's reason to believe he'll still be a quality player when the team is ready to contend again. He figures to stay. . The Marlins seem to be down on Hermida at the moment and might consider moving him before Willingham, even though he's the younger player by five years. . I doubt trading Dukes is high on the Nationals' list of priorities, but there's always the possibility that an off-the-field incident will change that in a hurry. . Upton shouldn't go anywhere, but if he keeps frustrating the Rays with his lack of hustle, there's a slight chance that something could happen. He's one player the Giants would have to be willing to surrender Matt Cain to get.
There's no way Holliday is going to sign an extension while he's one year away from free agency, and the Rockies may have to get what they can for him this winter. Perhaps that's Cano from the Yankees, Hunter Pence from the Astros or Kendrick and a prospect from the Angels. . The Tigers could free up money to add more pitching if they dealt Ordonez or Sheffield. Sheffield's contract will be tough to move, but Ordonez probably has some positive value. He's due $18 million for 2009 and potentially $30 million combined for 2010 and 2011. . If the Twins want to continue to play Carlos Gomez and Denard Span regularly, then they wouldn't have room for both Cuddyer and Kubel. However, they could simply send Gomez to Triple-A for more seasoning next year. . Cabrera just turned 24 in August, but the Yankees might be ready to write him off anyway. He hasn't been given a start since returning to the majors.
Non-tender candidates: Mark Teahen (Royals), Marlon Byrd (Rangers), Matt Diaz (Braves), Jonny Gomes (Rays), Gabe Gross (Rays), So Taguchi (Phillies), Willie Harris (Nationals), Jason Repko (Dodgers), Nelson Cruz (Rangers), Cory Sullivan (Rockies), Ryan Langerhans (Nationals), Rajai Davis (Athletics), Jeff Salazar (Diamondbacks), Shane Costa (Royals), Mike Morse (Mariners), Luis Montanez (Orioles), Chip Ambres (Padres), Dewayne Wise (White Sox), Reggie Abercrombie (Astros), David Newhan (Astros), Alex Romero (Diamondbacks), Jeff Fiorentino (Orioles), Laynce Nix (Brewers), Brett Carroll (Marlins), Sam Fuld (Cubs), Buck Coats (Blue Jays), Yordany Ramirez (Astros), Cody Haerther (Cardinals), Jason Perry (Braves), Adam Loewen (Orioles)
Teahen's OPS has slipped from 874 in 2006 to 763 last year and 708 this year, but the Royals will probably invest the $4 million or so it will take to keep him. They could play him at third and shift Alex Gordon to first. . A move to non-tender Byrd seemed a lot more likely six weeks ago. He's currently sporting an 844 OPS and playing regularly. . The Braves should keep Diaz as a fourth outfielder and likely will. . It's amazing that Gomes has lasted this long in Tampa Bay. I still think he'd put up solid numbers as a regular, but he probably won't have that opportunity at the beginning of next year. . The Phillies hold a $1.25 million option with a $150,000 buyout on Taguchi. If declined -- and it likely will be -- he'd be arbitration eligible.
2009-10 free agents: Matt Holliday (Rockies), Vladimir Guerrero (Angels), Carl Crawford (Devil Rays)*, Jason Bay (Red Sox), Magglio Ordonez (Tigers)*, Rick Ankiel (Cardinals), Jermaine Dye (White Sox)*, Mike Cameron (Brewers), Johnny Damon (Yankees), Xavier Nady (Yankees), Hideki Matsui (Yankees), Brian Giles (Padres), Randy Winn (Giants), Coco Crisp (Red Sox)*, Gary Sheffield (Tigers), Austin Kearns (Nationals)*, Andruw Jones (Dodgers), Jayson Werth (Phillies), Reed Johnson (Cubs), Wily Mo Pena (Nationals), Jody Gerut (Padres), Geoff Jenkins (Phillies)*, Marlon Byrd (Rangers), Ryan Freel (Reds), David Dellucci (Indians), Dave Roberts (Giants), Darin Erstad (Astros), Frank Catalanotto (Rangers)*, Endy Chavez (Mets), Matt Stairs (Phillies), Marlon Anderson (Mets)
2010 options: Crawford - $10 million-$$11.5 million ($1.25 million buyout), Crisp - $8 million ($500,000 buyout), Ordonez - $15 million vesting ($3 million buyout), Dye - $12 million mutual ($1 million buyout), Kearns - $10 million ($1 million buyout), Jenkins - $7.5 million mutual ($1.25 million buyout), Catalanotto - $5 million ($2 million buyout)
2010-11 free agents: Brad Hawpe (Rockies)*, Magglio Ordonez (Tigers)*, David DeJesus (Royals)*, Michael Cuddyer (Twins)*, Jose Guillen (Royals), Jason Kubel (Twins), Eric Byrnes (Diamondbacks), Willie Tavares (Rockies), Marcus Thames (Tigers), Willie Harris (Nationals)
2011 options: Hawpe - $10 million ($500,000 buyout), Ordonez - $15 million vesting, DeJesus - $6 million ($500,000 buyout), Cuddyer - $10.5 million ($1 million buyout)
