1. Manny Ramirez, OF(Type A FA)
--There has been a contract offer on the table from the Dodgers ever since free agency began. Will he cash in for 3 years or have to settle for 2? There is no guarantee that he won't pull the same stunts once he gets paid just like he did in Boston. Others that have publicly shown interest are the Yankees, Angels, Blue Jays, and Phillies.
Prediction: Angels(3 years, $65 million)
2. Brian Fuentes, CL(Type A FA)
--The former Rockies closer has an offer to go to St. Louis and join famed pitching guru Dave Duncan. He has also said he is interested in pitching for the Angels being a California native.
Prediction: Angels(3 years, $30 million)
3. Derek Lowe, SP(Type A FA)
--He'd be a perfect fit in Queens to be the #2 starter behind Johan Santana being an innings-eater and slotting John Maine in the #3 hole. But, his high price tag might scare off Omar Minaya(reportedly Boras is asking $18 million per year). He has stated he wants a return to Boston, but after the Red Sox sign Teixeira will they have enough money to spend on Lowe? The Phillies also have expressed interest.
Prediction: Mets(4 years, $60 million)
4. Bobby Abreu, OF(not offered arbitration)
--Since being released, there has been nothing much to report on Abreu. The Cubs need an outfielder as do the Mets. He would also be a good fit in Tampa, but he might be too expensive. The White Sox might show interest if they trade Jermaine Dye.
Prediction: Mets(2 years, $30 million)
5. Ben Sheets, P(Type A FA)
--Teams seem to be scared off by his injury past and not willing to commit to a long-term deal with Sheets. The Yankees showed early interest, but the signings of Sabathia and Burnett have taken them out of the race. Teams in his home state of Texas, particularly the Rangers, have shown interest as well.
Prediction: Rangers(3 years, $36 million)
6. Adam Dunn, OF/1B(not offered arbitration)
--After being not offered arbitration by Arizona, it has been widely rumored he will go to the Cubs. He would really fit in as a DH in the AL with the Angels or Rays who are looking to upgrade their offense. The Nationals, with Jim Bowden, are looking for a splash and Bowden has been in love with Adam Dunn ever since he drafted him with Cincinnati.
Prediction: Nationals(5 years, $90 million)
7. Pat Burrell, OF(not offered arbitration)
--His knees have made him really slow in the field, but he can still hit for power despite his amazingly high K rate. Like Dunn, he would be a great candidate for a DH role.
Prediction: Rays(1 year, $15 million)
8. Oliver Perez, SP(Type A FA)
--He was mediocre last season, but pitched well down the stretch. Another Boras client means a big contract.
Prediction: Dodgers(3 years, $45 million)
9. Orlando Hudson, 2B(Type A FA)
--If the Yankees ever do the much-rumored Cano deal to LA, Hudson could land in the Bronx. He is a Type A FA, so if he goes anywhere Arizona gets draft picks.
Prediction: Diamondbacks(2 years, $25 million)
10. Jason Varitek, C(Type A FA)
--Will the Red Sox bring him back as a backup or a starter? It all depends on if they can trade for a young catcher. There really isn't a big market for Tek. Teams showing interest outside of Boston are the Mets, Dodgers, and Marlins.
Prediction: Red Sox(1 year, $10 million)
Re Teixeira, the Angels have dropped out, so it appears Boras is attempting to get the Sox to bid against themselves as with Varitek four years ago.
ReplyDeleteThe Angels' re-signing of Rivera makes Manny redundant, so he won't go there. I venture we see him in NYC somewhere, with the Mets, or with the better fit in the Yankees. I'm throwing up in my mouth right now.
Lowe would be a good fit for the Mets too, as well as many other teams, but there hasn't been much action on his front, and his price is dropping by the day.
Sheets, we haven't heard anything about, and a move to the superior league and to Texas doesn't seem likely for him. He'd turn into Chan Ho Millwood the second he stepped onto the mound. But really, your guess is as good as mine.