Tim Kurkjian runs through some of the top storylines to watch this offseason for his latest article on ESPN.com. Here's a breakdown of some of the topics discussed…
- Kurkjian believes the Yankees will let Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui walk this winter and will "consider" free agents Jason Bay and Matt Holliday.
- Kurkjian also thinks Holliday is "perfect for Fenway Park," and someone who will be pursued if the Red Sox aren't able to reach an agreement with Bay.
- The McCourts' divorce could have a serious impact on the way Los Angeles does business this offseason. As Kurkjian writes, "The Dodgers need to acquire at least one topflight starting pitcher, but there is already speculation that they will not have enough money to re-sign left-hander Randy Wolf."
- The Cubs won't be able to trade Milton Bradley without picking up most of the two years, $20MM left on his contact.
- The Yanks are likely to re-sign Andy Pettitte for at least one year.
- Kurkjian spoke to one MLB general manager who thinks Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman has "a ways to go before he's ready to pitch in the major leagues, phyiscally and emotionally."
- The Angels are expected to be aggressive in trying to re-sign Chone Figgins, but he'll have plenty of other suitors. Kurkjian lists the White Sox and Orioles as possibilities. We've heard the Cubs might also have interest.
