Not the busiest week we've ever had here on MLBTR, but we heard a lot about some things to be watching for in the offseason. Let's take a look back:
- Let's start with the big trade this week: In a September blockbuster, the Orioles acquired Sean Henn from the Twins for cash. Yeah, it's been a slow week for transactions.
- Chone Figgins has been a popular topic this week. The versatile speedster will be highly coveted this winter, and while he may fit in with a number of teams (really, who couldn't use a .303/.401/.395 line and 40+ SBs?), don't rule out a return to Los Angeles. Figgins certainly hasn't. Ken Rosenthal sat down with Figgins recently, if you'd like more on the situation.
- Another big name on the free agent market will be Jose Valverde. Valverde will test the free agent market this year, though reports that he's actually 15 months older than previously thought might be detrimental to the length of his contract. Lots of teams will be in the market for a closer; however old he really is, Valverde should see a multi-year deal.
- Teams not wishing to pony up for Valverde may find Billy Wagner to be a cheaper (though also riskier) option. Wagner expects to turn down arbitration so he can find a team in need of a closer.
- We heard this week that the Nationals are looking to improve… well, everything. They're looking to add two veteran arms to the rotation, improve the bullpen, and get stronger up the middle. They've asked Cristian Guzman to move to second base in an attempt to help on the last one. Mike Rizzo has his work cut out for him to say the least.
- Josh Beckett's 2010 option vested this week, so he'll be back for at least one more year with the BoSox.
- Meanwhile, another AL East pitcher may find himself looking for a new team this offseason. The Yankees could choose to nontender Chien-Ming Wang as a result of his injury problems. If they do, they could bring him back on a minor league deal to keep him off the 40-man roster while he rehabs. This will be an interesting situation to watch.
- We've heard that the Cards want to re-sign Matt Holliday, but we also heard this week that they'll discuss an extension with free-agent-to-be Mark DeRosa. Is this too risky of a move given his eventual need for wrist surgery? Should they be focused only on Holliday?
- It may just be talk, but Kevin Towers expects the Padres to surprise some people next year. Does the team's crop of young players such as Kyle Blanks, Mat Latos, and Everth Cabrera have some hope for 2010?
- The Pads won't spend much on free agents, but remember that not all successful signings require millions of dollars. Here's a look at some of the best minor league deals from last offseason.
- If you're wondering who's available this offseason, Tim covered the free agent markets for first basemen, second basemen, and shortstops this week. We've also got an update on the Elias Rankings, as well as a look at some borderline Type A/B free agents.
- Tim's Offseason Outlook series this week include the Orioles and Pirates.
