Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Yeah I know, the Yankees will buy them all. blah blah blah.
Now that we got that out of our system, ESPN has a list of the free agents:
ANGELS
Eric Owens and Scott Spiezio
I don't see either making a huge FA splash. Owens is a nice little player, I guess. I'm not very high on Spiezio.
ORIOLES
Tony Batista, 3b; Albert Belle, of; Hector Carrasco, rhp; x-Deivi Cruz, ss; Scott Erickson, rhp; x-Brook Fordyce, c; x-Pat Hentgen, rhp; x-Kerry Ligtenberg, rhp; B.J. Surhoff, dh.
Batista is an interesting player. I don't see too many teams out there that need a FA 3rd basemen though. Maybe the Twins? I doubt it.
The only other one that interests me is Ligtenberg. The team has the option for 2004. If I'm them, I keep him. If not, I think he is an interesting guy to look at for any number of teams. Toronto would be on the top of my list for teams interested in him.
RED SOX
John Burkett, rhp; Bill Haselman, c; Todd Jones, rhp; x-Derek Lowe, rhp; Dave McCarty, of; Robert Person, rhp; x-Jeff Suppan, rhp; Mike Timlin, rhp; Todd Walker, 2b.
Derek Lowe is under a team option, so I am going to bet that the Sox pick up that option. Todd Walker is going to test the market, but I am going to bet that he doesn't get anything near what he thinks he deserves. The rest I wouldn't go near, so the question in Walker. Coming off a good offensive year, asking for too much money. I see the Texas Rangers in his future, although I would not be shocked to see the Yankees go after him, should they decide to move Soriano either to the outfield or trade him. George is just dumb enough to do this, thinking he can beat the Red Sox one more time.
WHITE SOX
Roberto Alomar, 2b; Sandy Alomar, c; Bartolo Colon, rhp; Carl Everett, of; Tom Gordon, rhp; Tony Graffanino, ss; x-Esteban Loaiza, rhp; Scott Sullivan, rhp; xy-Frank Thomas, dh; Jose Valentin, ss.
If I'm the Chisox, I resign Roberto Alomar. Colon is going to be a prize for a lot of teams. The Yankees will make a push for him, though if I remember New York reports the feeling about him on the team is mixed, so they might not go as hard after him as many think. I think Colon is looking at the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers or Rangers. Everett is going to want too much, though he probably gets a contract from a team like the Orioles who need some pop. The team has the option on Loaiza and they will pick that up quicker then a bum eyeing a dollar on the street. Thomas has a dual option - he can leave or the team can make an offer - and I am going to guess he leaves. He'd be an interesting player on the market. I wouldn't be surpored to see him in San Fransisco or Oakland.
INDIANS
Jason Bere, rhp; x-Ellis Burks, dh; Terry Mulholland, rhp; Mark Wohlers, rhp.
I wouldn't want any of them on my team. I am guessing that Burks sees some interest, but not a lot.
TIGERS
Shane Halter, 3b; Dean Palmer, dh; Matt Walbeck, c.
The Durham Bulls have better options.
ROYALS
Brian Anderson, lhp; Kevin Appier, rhp; Mike DiFelice, c; Jason Grimsley, rhp; Raul Ibanez, of; Curtis Leskanic, rhp; Alan Levine, rhp; Jose Lima, rhp; Graeme Lloyd, rhp; x-Brent Mayne, c; Thomas Prince, c; Joe Randa, 3b; Michael Tucker, of; Rondell White, of; Jamey Wright, rhp.
The Royals are going to be interesting. I would hope the owner puts a little more money into the team, but you can't bank on that. Appier isn't going to be signed, and I am guessing he ends up on a team like Pittsburgh who is looking for a steady veteran arm. Grimsley has talent but no brain, but he should end up in a middle market team like Cincinnati. Leskanic will have a lot of lookers I think. I actually wouldn't mind seeing the Yankees make a move for him. He's got stuff if he's healthy. I wouldn't go near Lima with a ten foot poll, but whoever does better have a huge park because he is a fly ball pitcher - so maybe he gets a small deal with a team like the Mets or Dodgers. I doubt it though. Lloyd has really fallen, but I would like the Royals to keep him. Tucker and White are the same player - a 4th outfielder on a good team. Randa will get a few looks, but he isn't anything special to me.
TWINS
Mike Fetters, rhp; x-Chris Gomez, 2b; Eddie Guardado, rhp; LaTroy Hawkins, rhp; Denny Hocking, 2b; Jesse Orosco, rhp; Rick Reed, rhp; Kenny Rogers, lhp; Shannon Stewart, of.
Easy Eddie better get resigned by the Twins. Rick Reed should get a decent deal from a team looking for veteran pitching - I would like to see the Devil Rays make him an offer. Rogers would do well to stay in Minnesota, even if it means a little less money. And Shannon Stewart is going to be a monster on the market. I see every team going after him. I am going to guess he ends up on a team like the Mets or Braves. Although I really would like to see the Twins keep him - he was a perfect fit in that team and it would be good for the fans.
YANKEES
Roger Clemens, rhp; John Flaherty, c; z-Felix Heredia, rhp; Jeff Nelson, rhp; x-Antonio Osuna, rhp; Andy Pettitte, lhp; Ruben Sierra, dh; Luis Sojo, 3b; x-David Wells, lhp; x-Gabe White, rhp.
Clemens is retiring. Nelson isn't coming back but should be a decent acquisition for some team. Pettite is going to get one of the biggest contracts in the market for the year, and I only see 3 teams going after him strong; the Yankees, Rangers, and Mets. The rest are all gone - even Wells who the team should not pick up the option.
A'S
Keith Foulke, rhp; Jose Guillen, of; Ricardo Rincon, rhp; x-Steve Sparks, rhp; Miguel Tejada, ss.
They won't sign Foulke because of Beane's theory's. Guillen is a good player and should be resigned, although I can see him getting a decent offer from a high level team. Tejada is going to be a prize. I would not be terribly shocked to see the A's actually make him a good offer, but I'm going to be he goes to a bog market team like the Dodgers (the Mets don't need him but might go after him anyway).
MARINERS
Armondo Benitez, rhp; Pat Borders, c; Michael Cameron, of; Shigetoshi Hasegawa, rhp; x-John Mabry, of; Edgar Martinez, dh; Mark McLemore, ss; Arthur Rhodes, rhp; Rey Sanchez, ss.
Benetiz will get a contract from some poor unsuspecting team, as will Hasegawa. Edgar will be resigned or retire.
DEVIL RAYS
Ben Grieve, dh; z-Travis Lee, 1b; Al Martin, dh; Rey Ordonez, ss; Carlos Reyes, rhp; Terry Shumpert, dh.
If I'm them, I'm not signing any of these guys back, and I wouldn't want any of them on my team.
RANGERS
Juan Gonzalez, of; Rafael Palmeiro, dh; John Thomson, rhp; Ismael Valdes, rhp.
Juan-gone doesn't deserve what he will be asking for, and after the crap he pulled at the deadline I wouldn't offer him a contract, no matter the team or the money. But someone will. The Dodgers need some pop and have the money. Rafael will probably get a decent deal from another AL team, and Thomson would be a nice low end value for a lot of teams. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Rangers sign him back.
BLUE JAYS
Mike Bordick, ss; Kelvim Escobar, rhp; Cory Lidle, rhp; Greg Myers, c.
I wouldn't sign any of them back, although Lidle has some promise and Escobar could be interesting.
DIAMONDBACKS
Carlos Baerga, 1b; x-Miguel Batista, rhp; x-Mark Grace, 1b; Felix Jose, dh; Raul Mondesi, of; Mike Myers, rhp.
Grace retired. Mondesi isn't worth a good contract, though he will get some dough. Could a return to Los Angeles happen?
BRAVES
Darren Bragg, of; Vinny Castilla, 3b; Julio Franco, 1b; Matt Franco, 1b; Roberto Hernandez, rhp; Darren Holmes, rhp; Javy Lopez, c; Greg Maddux, rhp; Kent Mercker, rhp; z-Shane Reynolds, rhp; Gary Sheffield, of.
Javy Lopez isn't going to get I-Rod money, so he might end up staying. I wouldn't be shocked to see him go to the Dodgers or the Astros though - and I guess the Giants could make a push, because he would be sick in that lineup. Maddux is going to be interesting. I don't know if the Braves let him leave. I wouldn't, but his price may be slightly more then they want to spend. Sheffield is going for a paycheck. I'm hearing the Yankees are going to make a push, which I don't like, and Shef has said he would like to play in New York. My hope - he goes to the Mets instead, who would be stupid not to try to sign him.
CUBS
Antonio Alfonseca, rhp; Shawn Estes, lhp; Doug Glanville, of; Thomas Goodwin, of; x-Mark Grudzielanek, 2b; x-Mark Guthrie, rhp; Eric Karros, 1b; Kenny Lofton, of; Troy O'Leary, of; y-Sammy Sosa, of; Dave Veres, rhp; Tony Womack, ss.
Sosa has his own option. Would he consider leaving? If they had another 90 loss season I would have said yes. But now? I'm not so sure. I think he will stay because I don't see any other team paying him what he is going to want (and yes, I will admit that if he called George it would be likely that he is a Yankee, but I doubt it). How about Sosa on the Mets? Astros? Could you imagine him in Homerun Field? Scary.
REDS
a-Jimmy Haynes, rhp; Barry Larkin, ss; Todd Van Poppel, rhp.
Larkin is done I think.
ROCKIES
Greg Norton, 3b; Darren Oliver, lhp; x-Steve Reed, rhp; z-Chris Stynes, 3b; Mark Sweeney, of; Gregg Zaun, c.
I wouldn't sign any of these guys.
MARLINS
Luis Castillo, 2b; Andy Fox, 2b; Chad Fox, rhp; Lenny Harris, 3b; Rick Helling, rhp; Todd Hollandsworth, of; Mike Mordecai, 3b; Ivan Rodriguez, c; Ugueth Urbina, rhp; Gerald Williams, of.
This will be the interesting team this fall. If they want a fan base back and a new stadium, they sign I-Rod and Urbina, and let the fans know that they are going to try to win it all again. If they even look like they are going to pull a '97 again, I shudder to think of what their fan base will do. Castillo could be an interesting player. I actually think that the Yankees will go after him should they choose to put Soriano in Right Field. He would be a good fit with Jeter.
ASTROS
Brad Ausmus, c; Orlando Merced, of; Dan Miceli, rhp; Brian Moehler, rhp; Ron Villone, lhp; Jose Vizcaino, ss; x-Rick White, rhp.
Ewwwwwwww.
DODGERS
Wilson Alvarez, lhp; Andy Ashby, rhp; Jeromy Burnitz, of; Ron Coomer, 1b; Rickey Henderson, of; x-Brian Jordan, of; Tom Martin, rhp; Fred McGriff, 1b; a-Paul Quantrill, rhp; Robin Ventura, 3b.
I don't think they resign anyone, including Jordan. I think they are going to go hard into free agency. The only player that really interests me is Quantrill, who can cancell his contract and take a chance on the market. He would be a nice fit on the Yankees, Braves or Giants I think.
BREWERS
Dave Burba, rhp; x-Royce Clayton, ss; Keith Osik, c; Eduardo Perez, c; Todd Ritchie, rhp; x-Glendon Rusch, lhp; John Vander Wal, of.
It amazes me these guys are considered major league players.
EXPOS
Wil Cordero, 1b; Vladimir Guerrero, of; Jose Mercedes, rhp; Fernando Tatis, 3b; Todd Zeile, 3b.
The big name here is obvious. Guerrero is going to be difficult. Everything I have heard about this guy leads me to believe that playing in a big city would be horrible for him. He speaks no English, lives with his mother, is very quiet and keeps to himself, and is very aware of his language shortcomings. The New York teams might be causing themselves a ton of problems going after this guy. Having said that, I don't see how he stays in Montreal. I guess that has to be considered the top option, but a team after that? It has to be a place where he can be quiet and keep to himself, without a ton of media pressure, who can also afford him. The Rangers? He could live in Louisiana. I don't know.
METS
Pedro Astacio, rhp; Jay Bell, 2b; Tony Clark, 1b; John Franco, rhp; Tsuyoshi Shinjo, of.
Don't let the door hit you guys!
PHILLIES
Terry Adams, rhp; x-Rheal Cormier, rhp; x-Jose Mesa, rhp; Kevin Millwood, rhp; Dan Plesac, rhp; Todd Pratt, c; Kelly Stinnett, c; Turk Wendell, rhp; x-Michael Williams, rhp.
Millwood. Yankees? No. I am going to bet on the Mets. He will then go 10-14 with a 5.78 ERA for the year. Silly Mets fans.
PIRATES
Jose Hernandez, ss; Patrick Meares, 2b; Jeff Reboulet, 2b; x-Pokey Reese Jr., 2b; Reggie Sanders, of; Matt Stairs, of; Julian Tavarez, rhp.
Nothing here is exciting. Reese, should the team not pick up the option, could be interesting.
CARDINALS
Miguel Cairo, 2b; x-Chris Carpenter, rhp; x-Mike DeJean, rhp; Cal Eldred, rhp; x-Jeff Fassero, rhp; Joe Girardi, c; x-Sterling Hitchcock, rhp; Steve Kline, rhp; Lance Painter, rhp; Orlando Palmeiro, of; Eduardo Perez, of; Russ Springer, rhp; Garrett Stephenson, rhp; Brett Tomko, rhp; x-Fernando Vina, 2b; Chris Widger, c.
That's the whole team! They won't pick up Hitchcock's options (I wouldn't), Kline will never be allowed back into the stadium alive, Stephenson might be resigned. I say they go after a big pitcher in the market and rid themselves of these guys.
PADRES
Rod Beck, rhp; x-Trevor Hoffman, rhp; Keith Lockhart, 2b.
I can think of 26 teams that would like Hoffman. They would be wise to pick up the option.
GIANTS
Rich Aurilia, ss; Marvin Benard, of; Alberto Castillo, c; Jose Cruz Jr., of; Andres Galarraga, 1b; Jeffrey Hammonds, of; Dustin Hermanson, rhp; a-Robb Nen, rhp; Sidney Ponson, rhp; Benito Santiago, c; J.T. Snow, 1b; Timothy Worrell, rhp; Eric Young, 2b.
Aurillia blows, Cruz Jr. will never be allowed back on the field. Nen can cancel his contract, but will he? I think no. Ponson should be resigned, and if not he becomes a very good pitcher on the market. Worell is a good bullpen guy, and if they can't keep Nen they better keep him - or vice versa.
So, that's it. The big names look to be:
C: Ivan Rodriguez and Javy Lopez
My prediction - I-Rod stays in Florida and Lopez goes to the Giants
1B: Rafeal Palmiero and Frank Thomas
My prediction - the Twins! Now wouldn't that be interesting! And Thomas goes to the Red Sox!
2B: Todd Walker and Luis Castillo
My prediction - Castillo goes to the Yankees (if, and only if Soriano moves) and Walker gets too big a contract with the Red Sox.
SS: Miguel Tejada
My prediction - Dodgers.
3B: Tony Batista
My prediction - I have no idea.
OF: Vlad, Sheffield, Everett, Shannon Stewart
My prediction - Vlad stays in Montreal, Sheffield goes to the Mets, Everett gets an ugly deal from the White Sox and stays, and Stewart stays with the Twins.
Pitchers: Millwood, Colon, Nen, Hoffman, Urbina, Escobar, Pettite and Maddox
My prediction - Millwood goes to the Mets, Colon goes to the Orioles (yes the Orioles, who try to turn it around and make the playoffs as Angelos tries to outspend George), Nen stays, Hoffman stays, Urbina stays, and Pettite goes to the Rangers. Greg Maddox becomes a Yankee.
As for the Yankees, what I would like to see is Godzilla go to center, Bernie go to left, and Soriano go to right, and then we sign a 2B like Castillo. As for the pitchers, we will have Mussina, Contreras, Lieber, and Weaver. George is definately going to buy a big pitcher if those are the top 4 he is working with, so that is why I am thinking Maddox.
Should be interesting.
Now that we got that out of our system, ESPN has a list of the free agents:
ANGELS
Eric Owens and Scott Spiezio
I don't see either making a huge FA splash. Owens is a nice little player, I guess. I'm not very high on Spiezio.
ORIOLES
Tony Batista, 3b; Albert Belle, of; Hector Carrasco, rhp; x-Deivi Cruz, ss; Scott Erickson, rhp; x-Brook Fordyce, c; x-Pat Hentgen, rhp; x-Kerry Ligtenberg, rhp; B.J. Surhoff, dh.
Batista is an interesting player. I don't see too many teams out there that need a FA 3rd basemen though. Maybe the Twins? I doubt it.
The only other one that interests me is Ligtenberg. The team has the option for 2004. If I'm them, I keep him. If not, I think he is an interesting guy to look at for any number of teams. Toronto would be on the top of my list for teams interested in him.
RED SOX
John Burkett, rhp; Bill Haselman, c; Todd Jones, rhp; x-Derek Lowe, rhp; Dave McCarty, of; Robert Person, rhp; x-Jeff Suppan, rhp; Mike Timlin, rhp; Todd Walker, 2b.
Derek Lowe is under a team option, so I am going to bet that the Sox pick up that option. Todd Walker is going to test the market, but I am going to bet that he doesn't get anything near what he thinks he deserves. The rest I wouldn't go near, so the question in Walker. Coming off a good offensive year, asking for too much money. I see the Texas Rangers in his future, although I would not be shocked to see the Yankees go after him, should they decide to move Soriano either to the outfield or trade him. George is just dumb enough to do this, thinking he can beat the Red Sox one more time.
WHITE SOX
Roberto Alomar, 2b; Sandy Alomar, c; Bartolo Colon, rhp; Carl Everett, of; Tom Gordon, rhp; Tony Graffanino, ss; x-Esteban Loaiza, rhp; Scott Sullivan, rhp; xy-Frank Thomas, dh; Jose Valentin, ss.
If I'm the Chisox, I resign Roberto Alomar. Colon is going to be a prize for a lot of teams. The Yankees will make a push for him, though if I remember New York reports the feeling about him on the team is mixed, so they might not go as hard after him as many think. I think Colon is looking at the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers or Rangers. Everett is going to want too much, though he probably gets a contract from a team like the Orioles who need some pop. The team has the option on Loaiza and they will pick that up quicker then a bum eyeing a dollar on the street. Thomas has a dual option - he can leave or the team can make an offer - and I am going to guess he leaves. He'd be an interesting player on the market. I wouldn't be surpored to see him in San Fransisco or Oakland.
INDIANS
Jason Bere, rhp; x-Ellis Burks, dh; Terry Mulholland, rhp; Mark Wohlers, rhp.
I wouldn't want any of them on my team. I am guessing that Burks sees some interest, but not a lot.
TIGERS
Shane Halter, 3b; Dean Palmer, dh; Matt Walbeck, c.
The Durham Bulls have better options.
ROYALS
Brian Anderson, lhp; Kevin Appier, rhp; Mike DiFelice, c; Jason Grimsley, rhp; Raul Ibanez, of; Curtis Leskanic, rhp; Alan Levine, rhp; Jose Lima, rhp; Graeme Lloyd, rhp; x-Brent Mayne, c; Thomas Prince, c; Joe Randa, 3b; Michael Tucker, of; Rondell White, of; Jamey Wright, rhp.
The Royals are going to be interesting. I would hope the owner puts a little more money into the team, but you can't bank on that. Appier isn't going to be signed, and I am guessing he ends up on a team like Pittsburgh who is looking for a steady veteran arm. Grimsley has talent but no brain, but he should end up in a middle market team like Cincinnati. Leskanic will have a lot of lookers I think. I actually wouldn't mind seeing the Yankees make a move for him. He's got stuff if he's healthy. I wouldn't go near Lima with a ten foot poll, but whoever does better have a huge park because he is a fly ball pitcher - so maybe he gets a small deal with a team like the Mets or Dodgers. I doubt it though. Lloyd has really fallen, but I would like the Royals to keep him. Tucker and White are the same player - a 4th outfielder on a good team. Randa will get a few looks, but he isn't anything special to me.
TWINS
Mike Fetters, rhp; x-Chris Gomez, 2b; Eddie Guardado, rhp; LaTroy Hawkins, rhp; Denny Hocking, 2b; Jesse Orosco, rhp; Rick Reed, rhp; Kenny Rogers, lhp; Shannon Stewart, of.
Easy Eddie better get resigned by the Twins. Rick Reed should get a decent deal from a team looking for veteran pitching - I would like to see the Devil Rays make him an offer. Rogers would do well to stay in Minnesota, even if it means a little less money. And Shannon Stewart is going to be a monster on the market. I see every team going after him. I am going to guess he ends up on a team like the Mets or Braves. Although I really would like to see the Twins keep him - he was a perfect fit in that team and it would be good for the fans.
YANKEES
Roger Clemens, rhp; John Flaherty, c; z-Felix Heredia, rhp; Jeff Nelson, rhp; x-Antonio Osuna, rhp; Andy Pettitte, lhp; Ruben Sierra, dh; Luis Sojo, 3b; x-David Wells, lhp; x-Gabe White, rhp.
Clemens is retiring. Nelson isn't coming back but should be a decent acquisition for some team. Pettite is going to get one of the biggest contracts in the market for the year, and I only see 3 teams going after him strong; the Yankees, Rangers, and Mets. The rest are all gone - even Wells who the team should not pick up the option.
A'S
Keith Foulke, rhp; Jose Guillen, of; Ricardo Rincon, rhp; x-Steve Sparks, rhp; Miguel Tejada, ss.
They won't sign Foulke because of Beane's theory's. Guillen is a good player and should be resigned, although I can see him getting a decent offer from a high level team. Tejada is going to be a prize. I would not be terribly shocked to see the A's actually make him a good offer, but I'm going to be he goes to a bog market team like the Dodgers (the Mets don't need him but might go after him anyway).
MARINERS
Armondo Benitez, rhp; Pat Borders, c; Michael Cameron, of; Shigetoshi Hasegawa, rhp; x-John Mabry, of; Edgar Martinez, dh; Mark McLemore, ss; Arthur Rhodes, rhp; Rey Sanchez, ss.
Benetiz will get a contract from some poor unsuspecting team, as will Hasegawa. Edgar will be resigned or retire.
DEVIL RAYS
Ben Grieve, dh; z-Travis Lee, 1b; Al Martin, dh; Rey Ordonez, ss; Carlos Reyes, rhp; Terry Shumpert, dh.
If I'm them, I'm not signing any of these guys back, and I wouldn't want any of them on my team.
RANGERS
Juan Gonzalez, of; Rafael Palmeiro, dh; John Thomson, rhp; Ismael Valdes, rhp.
Juan-gone doesn't deserve what he will be asking for, and after the crap he pulled at the deadline I wouldn't offer him a contract, no matter the team or the money. But someone will. The Dodgers need some pop and have the money. Rafael will probably get a decent deal from another AL team, and Thomson would be a nice low end value for a lot of teams. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Rangers sign him back.
BLUE JAYS
Mike Bordick, ss; Kelvim Escobar, rhp; Cory Lidle, rhp; Greg Myers, c.
I wouldn't sign any of them back, although Lidle has some promise and Escobar could be interesting.
DIAMONDBACKS
Carlos Baerga, 1b; x-Miguel Batista, rhp; x-Mark Grace, 1b; Felix Jose, dh; Raul Mondesi, of; Mike Myers, rhp.
Grace retired. Mondesi isn't worth a good contract, though he will get some dough. Could a return to Los Angeles happen?
BRAVES
Darren Bragg, of; Vinny Castilla, 3b; Julio Franco, 1b; Matt Franco, 1b; Roberto Hernandez, rhp; Darren Holmes, rhp; Javy Lopez, c; Greg Maddux, rhp; Kent Mercker, rhp; z-Shane Reynolds, rhp; Gary Sheffield, of.
Javy Lopez isn't going to get I-Rod money, so he might end up staying. I wouldn't be shocked to see him go to the Dodgers or the Astros though - and I guess the Giants could make a push, because he would be sick in that lineup. Maddux is going to be interesting. I don't know if the Braves let him leave. I wouldn't, but his price may be slightly more then they want to spend. Sheffield is going for a paycheck. I'm hearing the Yankees are going to make a push, which I don't like, and Shef has said he would like to play in New York. My hope - he goes to the Mets instead, who would be stupid not to try to sign him.
CUBS
Antonio Alfonseca, rhp; Shawn Estes, lhp; Doug Glanville, of; Thomas Goodwin, of; x-Mark Grudzielanek, 2b; x-Mark Guthrie, rhp; Eric Karros, 1b; Kenny Lofton, of; Troy O'Leary, of; y-Sammy Sosa, of; Dave Veres, rhp; Tony Womack, ss.
Sosa has his own option. Would he consider leaving? If they had another 90 loss season I would have said yes. But now? I'm not so sure. I think he will stay because I don't see any other team paying him what he is going to want (and yes, I will admit that if he called George it would be likely that he is a Yankee, but I doubt it). How about Sosa on the Mets? Astros? Could you imagine him in Homerun Field? Scary.
REDS
a-Jimmy Haynes, rhp; Barry Larkin, ss; Todd Van Poppel, rhp.
Larkin is done I think.
ROCKIES
Greg Norton, 3b; Darren Oliver, lhp; x-Steve Reed, rhp; z-Chris Stynes, 3b; Mark Sweeney, of; Gregg Zaun, c.
I wouldn't sign any of these guys.
MARLINS
Luis Castillo, 2b; Andy Fox, 2b; Chad Fox, rhp; Lenny Harris, 3b; Rick Helling, rhp; Todd Hollandsworth, of; Mike Mordecai, 3b; Ivan Rodriguez, c; Ugueth Urbina, rhp; Gerald Williams, of.
This will be the interesting team this fall. If they want a fan base back and a new stadium, they sign I-Rod and Urbina, and let the fans know that they are going to try to win it all again. If they even look like they are going to pull a '97 again, I shudder to think of what their fan base will do. Castillo could be an interesting player. I actually think that the Yankees will go after him should they choose to put Soriano in Right Field. He would be a good fit with Jeter.
ASTROS
Brad Ausmus, c; Orlando Merced, of; Dan Miceli, rhp; Brian Moehler, rhp; Ron Villone, lhp; Jose Vizcaino, ss; x-Rick White, rhp.
Ewwwwwwww.
DODGERS
Wilson Alvarez, lhp; Andy Ashby, rhp; Jeromy Burnitz, of; Ron Coomer, 1b; Rickey Henderson, of; x-Brian Jordan, of; Tom Martin, rhp; Fred McGriff, 1b; a-Paul Quantrill, rhp; Robin Ventura, 3b.
I don't think they resign anyone, including Jordan. I think they are going to go hard into free agency. The only player that really interests me is Quantrill, who can cancell his contract and take a chance on the market. He would be a nice fit on the Yankees, Braves or Giants I think.
BREWERS
Dave Burba, rhp; x-Royce Clayton, ss; Keith Osik, c; Eduardo Perez, c; Todd Ritchie, rhp; x-Glendon Rusch, lhp; John Vander Wal, of.
It amazes me these guys are considered major league players.
EXPOS
Wil Cordero, 1b; Vladimir Guerrero, of; Jose Mercedes, rhp; Fernando Tatis, 3b; Todd Zeile, 3b.
The big name here is obvious. Guerrero is going to be difficult. Everything I have heard about this guy leads me to believe that playing in a big city would be horrible for him. He speaks no English, lives with his mother, is very quiet and keeps to himself, and is very aware of his language shortcomings. The New York teams might be causing themselves a ton of problems going after this guy. Having said that, I don't see how he stays in Montreal. I guess that has to be considered the top option, but a team after that? It has to be a place where he can be quiet and keep to himself, without a ton of media pressure, who can also afford him. The Rangers? He could live in Louisiana. I don't know.
METS
Pedro Astacio, rhp; Jay Bell, 2b; Tony Clark, 1b; John Franco, rhp; Tsuyoshi Shinjo, of.
Don't let the door hit you guys!
PHILLIES
Terry Adams, rhp; x-Rheal Cormier, rhp; x-Jose Mesa, rhp; Kevin Millwood, rhp; Dan Plesac, rhp; Todd Pratt, c; Kelly Stinnett, c; Turk Wendell, rhp; x-Michael Williams, rhp.
Millwood. Yankees? No. I am going to bet on the Mets. He will then go 10-14 with a 5.78 ERA for the year. Silly Mets fans.
PIRATES
Jose Hernandez, ss; Patrick Meares, 2b; Jeff Reboulet, 2b; x-Pokey Reese Jr., 2b; Reggie Sanders, of; Matt Stairs, of; Julian Tavarez, rhp.
Nothing here is exciting. Reese, should the team not pick up the option, could be interesting.
CARDINALS
Miguel Cairo, 2b; x-Chris Carpenter, rhp; x-Mike DeJean, rhp; Cal Eldred, rhp; x-Jeff Fassero, rhp; Joe Girardi, c; x-Sterling Hitchcock, rhp; Steve Kline, rhp; Lance Painter, rhp; Orlando Palmeiro, of; Eduardo Perez, of; Russ Springer, rhp; Garrett Stephenson, rhp; Brett Tomko, rhp; x-Fernando Vina, 2b; Chris Widger, c.
That's the whole team! They won't pick up Hitchcock's options (I wouldn't), Kline will never be allowed back into the stadium alive, Stephenson might be resigned. I say they go after a big pitcher in the market and rid themselves of these guys.
PADRES
Rod Beck, rhp; x-Trevor Hoffman, rhp; Keith Lockhart, 2b.
I can think of 26 teams that would like Hoffman. They would be wise to pick up the option.
GIANTS
Rich Aurilia, ss; Marvin Benard, of; Alberto Castillo, c; Jose Cruz Jr., of; Andres Galarraga, 1b; Jeffrey Hammonds, of; Dustin Hermanson, rhp; a-Robb Nen, rhp; Sidney Ponson, rhp; Benito Santiago, c; J.T. Snow, 1b; Timothy Worrell, rhp; Eric Young, 2b.
Aurillia blows, Cruz Jr. will never be allowed back on the field. Nen can cancel his contract, but will he? I think no. Ponson should be resigned, and if not he becomes a very good pitcher on the market. Worell is a good bullpen guy, and if they can't keep Nen they better keep him - or vice versa.
So, that's it. The big names look to be:
C: Ivan Rodriguez and Javy Lopez
My prediction - I-Rod stays in Florida and Lopez goes to the Giants
1B: Rafeal Palmiero and Frank Thomas
My prediction - the Twins! Now wouldn't that be interesting! And Thomas goes to the Red Sox!
2B: Todd Walker and Luis Castillo
My prediction - Castillo goes to the Yankees (if, and only if Soriano moves) and Walker gets too big a contract with the Red Sox.
SS: Miguel Tejada
My prediction - Dodgers.
3B: Tony Batista
My prediction - I have no idea.
OF: Vlad, Sheffield, Everett, Shannon Stewart
My prediction - Vlad stays in Montreal, Sheffield goes to the Mets, Everett gets an ugly deal from the White Sox and stays, and Stewart stays with the Twins.
Pitchers: Millwood, Colon, Nen, Hoffman, Urbina, Escobar, Pettite and Maddox
My prediction - Millwood goes to the Mets, Colon goes to the Orioles (yes the Orioles, who try to turn it around and make the playoffs as Angelos tries to outspend George), Nen stays, Hoffman stays, Urbina stays, and Pettite goes to the Rangers. Greg Maddox becomes a Yankee.
As for the Yankees, what I would like to see is Godzilla go to center, Bernie go to left, and Soriano go to right, and then we sign a 2B like Castillo. As for the pitchers, we will have Mussina, Contreras, Lieber, and Weaver. George is definately going to buy a big pitcher if those are the top 4 he is working with, so that is why I am thinking Maddox.
Should be interesting.
Don't forget the Japanese SS.I never try to predict the FA market. Just far too many variables out there. Some team will throw a ton of money at a player that doesn't deserve it (Walker) and the big-market teams will have a field day. That's about as far as you can take it. My best guess is Tejada to the Mets, then they move Reyes to 2b.Rays will be going after a few of the middle-tier crap players to fill in until some of the prospects are ready. May actually go after Appier to eat innings as a 5th starter. :X Personally, a guy like Sheffield would be huge to stick in the middle of the lineup, but it isn't likely. Which is a shame, because Pinella wants him, and he's made it known he wouldn't mind coming home.
who'dve ever thunk it.
GDB Big Market Team Fans... 
