We already looked at the top 5 pitchers on the free agent market, so lets look at the top 5 hitters.
Manny Ramirez - Manny is looking to cash in after a great run with the Dodgers. Will someone give him a 4 year, $100 million deal? Will he go back to his hometown of New York City? The best right-handed hitter of his era, will be in high demand. Ultimately, I don't see either NY team paying him the amount per year that he wants because of their pitching issues. The Dodgers are on the record for a 2-3 year deal at $25 million per year. The one team no one is talking about that could swoop in is the Angels. Manny loved LA and he could DH some with the Angels. The Angels probably will move away from Teixeira if the negotiations drag and could instantly upgrade their biggest weakness (the ability to hit in the postseason). Prediction: Angels - 4 years, $88 million
Mark Teixiera - He will be the hitter in the highest demand this off-season. He is a switch-hitting RBI machine who also is a Gold Glove first baseman. While the Angels would love to keep him, his agent Scott Boras likes to drag out negotiations and the Angels have already stated they wont wait long. I expect the Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles as the main suitors. Teixiera has said in the past he would love to play for his hometown O's (he is from Annapolis, MD). While the Yankees will probably offer the most money, the O's will make a strong push to bring him home. If the O's allow him to go to one of their rivals, then it would be a major blow. Prediction: Yankees - 7 years, $155 million
Adam Dunn - This one name not being bantered about a whole bunch for a guy that hits 40 HR's every year. His low batting average and below average defensive skills could be the main reason. He is a run producer with power so he will get paid. He is the only player to hit 40 HR's every year since 2004 in the majors. He is an AL player so he should draw most interest from teams in that league with the ability to DH him. Prediction: Indians - 5 years, $75 million
Orlando Hudson - Another player whose sum in more than the parts. He is a gamer who also is one of the best defensive second baseman in the majors. While he doesn't have above average power or speed, he is a complete player. His injuries the last two years could spark concerns about his durability. The White Sox and Mets seem to be the most logical destinations. The White Sox have a need and can slide Alexi Ramirez over to shortstop. Prediction: White Sox - 4 years, $40 million
Pat Burrell - The Phillies were supposedly after Matt Holliday, but with news that he was traded to Oakland yesterday, the World Champions will focus on re-signing him. A few teams will be looking for some offense at LF this off-season and could drive up the price on Burrell. The Angels, Mets, Yankees, Indians, and Phillies will be in play depending on where Manny ends up. Prediction: Phillies - 4 years, $48 million
Lets see what happens. I hope I am right on a couple of them.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
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2 comments:
Word on the street is that if the Dodgers are able to sign Manny, they won't be able to re-sign Furcal which would leave SS open. Any thoughts on who muight fill that vacancy?
I would think they would go to a FA for that. Chin-Lung Hu might be an option, but the more likely route would be a Edgar Renteria type FA for a couple of years. Also, Orlando Cabrera is a FA. I think Cabrera might be the best fit since he is a better hitter and defender.
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