2008-2009 potential Free Agents

[justanewguy]

I forgot about Ibanez.

I think the Cubs would rather have a lefty hitter that sucks defensively than an average hitter who plays an excellent RF. Ibanez makes a LOT of sense for that team.

That, or they can trade Derrek Lee for James Loney.

That's not meant to be serious, I'm just obsessed with the idea of James Loney being traded.

Pat Burrell will stay in Philadelphia.

Milwaukee won't resign CC. They'll sign someone like Randy Wolf, if even that. I've got a feeling the Brewers will go back to being the Brewers in 2009.

And I'm willing to put money, even with scant odds, that Manny does NOT stay in Los Angeles. Ned isn't going to sign an aging outfielder to 4 years.

I'm VERY curious about what the White Sox might try to do this offseason. They weren't even expected to compete this season, let alone win the division, so I'm thinking their cruise control/rebuilding plan was thrown out of whack. They've got a lot of talent, especially with their pitching, and could make a serious championship run in 2009, but not unless they improve on the aging core of Dye/Konerko/Thome...

That could be the most interesting team to watch in the offseason, along with the Yankees and Dodgers.

[BINGLEBOP]

I actually agree with you on Manny. He's going to go wherever he gets paid the most. "I just want to go home and spend some time with my family. I want to see who is the highest bidder. Gas is up and so am I."

Poor middle class Manny.

[Jeffy25]

Then where will Manny go?

[BINGLEBOP]

The Everett Aquasox. I don't know... I doubt anybody pays "his" asking price, and Scott Boras isn't known for having clients that sign very early. At the same time, taking Manny's age into account, waiting for the market to settle and wait for others to sign (Teixeira for example) might not help him that much since there are a limited number of teams that would be interested in him at that price.

[justanewguy]

I see Manny going to the Yankees or Mets. They have the money and aren't afraid to sign long deals for older players.

I bet Manny would be more than willing to stay in Los Angeles, actually, even for slightly less money than he'd get in New York. But... the Dodgers won't sign the guy. They won't sign anyone to a huge deal unless it's a pitcher. It's just the way they are. And Manny would value 4 years over 2 or 3, and I certainly don't blame him.

If you're taking 4 years at $20M per (somewhere in the Yankees/Mets neighborhood) over 2 years at $20M per (the Dodgers likely offer, if any), you're not a moneygrubber, you're just being smart, or at least human.

[justanewguy]

I doubt anybody pays "his" asking price,

Really? Why not?

I see him being snatched up at whatever price "he" wants, probably even more. He's not THAT old, 4 years will only put him around age 40, and he's still hitting like a machine.

Also, the Yankees and Mets both badly need that kind of weapon.

I bet he gets every penny he wants.

[BINGLEBOP]

If you're taking 4 years at $20M per (somewhere in the Yankees/Mets neighborhood) over 2 years at $20M per (the Dodgers likely offer, if any), you're not a moneygrubber, you're just being smart, or at least human.

Definitely, who wouldn't want the added security of the extra two years of a contract like that? It would be bad business sense to turn that down. Too early to tell, but if I had to choose today, I agree on seeing him on the Yankees. I've just read over the years how he grew up a Yankees fan and wanted to play for them, and for some reason with all the extra money the Yankees will have to spend, they might end up making a play for him.

[BINGLEBOP]

Really? Why not?

I see him being snatched up at whatever price "he" wants, probably even more. He's not THAT old, 4 years will only put him around age 40, and he's still hitting like a machine.

Also, the Yankees and Mets both badly need that kind of weapon.

I bet he gets every penny he wants.

That depends what his asking price is. At $25 million per season? I doubt it. Around $20 million per season? I could see that happening... I would just see teams bidding for Teixeira for those numbers before they go after Manny, depending on position needs.

[HoustonGM]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...ml?eref=si_mlb

The Dodgers appear willing to meet or come close to superstar free agent Manny Ramirez's annual salary target but are strongly disinclined from acceding to his wish for a deal of five or six years, people familiar with the club's thinking tell SI.com.

One person who's spoken to Dodgers people suggested that the team is considering proposing a contract that may come close to matching Alex Rodriguez's record $27.5-million average annual salary but on a much shorter term, perhaps only two years. That person hinted he could see the Dodgers even exceeding A-Rod's salary, as long as the length of the deal was to their liking.

[JeepGuy63]

And sadly, none of them end up in Oakland.

[metsguy234]

Manny- 36-year old Manny- wants a 5 or 6 year deal?

LOL!

[HoustonGM]

Manny- 36-year old Manny- wants a 5 or 6 year deal?

LOL!

It's not all that crazy in this day and age. He's going to get at least 4.

[JeepGuy63]

It's not all that crazy in this day and age. He's going to get at least 4.

Not from the Dodgers. Two maybe.

[EVEN11323]

I just hope the Twins will stay away from the mediocre players who they think could have a good year. The last couple of years with those guys have been horrible. I wouldn't mind bringing back Casey Blake to play 3rd and possibly a new SS.

[TheNamelessPoet]

texeria to the Red Sox