The sixth annual MLB Trade Rumors Top 50 Free Agents list is here! The entire list of available free agents can be found here, and you can filter by position and signing team with our free agent tracker here.
This year, I'm excited to introduce a new contest that will allow you to test your free agent prediction abilities against those of the MLBTR writing team as well as other readers. After players start signing, we'll have a leaderboard showing the contestants with the best "batting averages" on their picks. Once everyone has signed, the winners will receive sweet prizes. Here are the top 50 free agents for which you'll be making predictions, along with my guesses.
1. Albert Pujols – Cardinals. The Cubs, Blue Jays, Orioles, Mariners, Rangers, Marlins, Nationals, and Dodgers are other potential suitors, but a significant premium would be required to lure away the longtime Cardinal. $225-230MM over nine years seems a fair compromise for the Cardinals and their superstar first baseman.
2. Prince Fielder – Mariners. Fielder has the same potential suitors as Pujols, with the Brewers also a possibility. The Scott Boras client is a tough free agent to place, as there are good reasons for every team to avoid a potential $150MM+ commitment. The Mariners and Cubs are the most likely matches for me. Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik drafted Fielder in '02 with the Brewers, and his team lacks a premium bat.
3. Jose Reyes – Brewers. Reyes is another difficult top free agent to predict. The Nationals, Braves, Phillies, Giants, Pirates, Reds, Twins, Rays, and Cardinals could have a need at shortstop, but not all of those teams can or should spend $100MM+ on Reyes. The Mets will entertain re-signing Reyes, but the Brewers seem more likely to approach Ryan Braun's speculated $120MM price range.
4. C.J. Wilson – Nationals. Wilson's poor postseason may have damaged his stock slightly, but in his defense he racked up 250 innings over 39 starts this season in total and started 37 games in 2010. $100MM is still possible for Wilson, though 78% of MLBTR readers think he'll fall short. Front-of-the-rotation starting pitching is a big need for many teams, including the Nationals, Marlins, Royals, Blue Jays, Yankees, Red Sox, and Cubs.
5. Yu Darvish – Blue Jays. Darvish is not technically a free agent, and in fact he hasn't even decided about being posted at this point. If he does come over from Japan, a $100MM commitment will likely be required. The Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, Nationals, Mariners, and Royals could put in bids, and it wouldn't be surprising to see a few "mystery teams" enter the fray.
6. Edwin Jackson – Marlins. Jackson, a Scott Boras client, could also make sense for the Nationals and several other teams looking for a 200-inning starter with upside. Since Jackson is only 28, Boras could seek a four-year deal.
7. Jimmy Rollins – Phillies. Rollins probably won't find the five-year deal he seeks, but the Phillies have the need and the means to reach a new agreement with him.
8. Aramis Ramirez – Orioles. Ramirez seeks a multiyear deal, and as the best available free agent third baseman he's justified. He could give the Orioles a powerful corner bat on a three-year deal.
9. Carlos Beltran – Red Sox. Beltran is a tough player to place, if the Giants are unable to re-sign him. He's a 34-year-old Scott Boras client who's likely to seek at least three years despite significant injury concerns in 2009-10 and a disinterest in being a designated hitter. It'll take a team with a right field opening and a tolerance for risk.
10. Jonathan Papelbon – Red Sox. I can picture the Red Sox going as high as three years and $39MM to retain Papelbon, though the closer will test the market. A half-dozen teams could seek closers this winter, but the list is short on big spenders and it's been a while since we've had a $40MM+ reliever.
11. Michael Cuddyer – Twins. Cuddyer would fit with the Rockies, Red Sox, or Cubs, but he's spent his entire career with the Twins and may prefer to stay.
12. Mark Buehrle – White Sox. Buehrle is another player who is difficult to picture with another club. The lefty finds the National League enticing, however, and he could join Ozzie Guillen in Miami since the Cardinals don't have an opening.
13. David Ortiz – Blue Jays. Ortiz backed off from his comments about Red Sox drama, and there's a limited market for an expensive player with no ability to play defense. Still, he'd give Toronto's offense a nice boost without requiring more than a two-year deal. That might leave Edwin Encarnacion having to play a significant amount of first base, however.
14. Ryan Madson – Phillies. If the Phillies don't re-sign Madson, and the Red Sox keep Papelbon, who would give Madson big money to close? As a Scott Boras client, Madson could seek a four-year deal with a salary approaching $10MM.
15. Hiroki Kuroda – Dodgers. Kuroda doesn't want to play anywhere else, according to Dodgers GM Ned Colletti.
16. Carlos Pena – Pirates. Pena is a nice fit for the Pirates on another one-year deal, assuming they don't re-sign Derrek Lee.
17. Francisco Rodriguez – Marlins. K-Rod, a Scott Boras client, would like to return to the closing role on a three-year deal. The Marlins would have the opening and the money, if they non-tender Juan Carlos Oviedo.
18. Roy Oswalt – Rangers. Oswalt could return to Texas for a winning team, and he'll require a much shorter commitment than C.J. Wilson.
19. Javier Vazquez – Retirement. There's a strong sentiment that Vazquez will retire, but he'd be in demand if not after posting a 1.92 ERA and 6.05 K/BB ratio since mid-June.
20. Heath Bell – Padres. Bell hopes and expects to return to the Padres, perhaps on the first multiyear deal of his career.
21. Coco Crisp – Giants. Though he posted a low on-base percentage in 2011, Crisp could fill the Giants' need for a center fielder and leadoff man.
22. Hisashi Iwakuma – Twins. The Twins bid on Iwakuma last year when he was posted, and this year they can simply sign him as a free agent.
23. Kelly Johnson – Dodgers. Johnson could provide the Dodgers some offense from second base, though the Blue Jays and Tigers could also be in the mix.
24. Josh Willingham – Reds. As one of few affordable right-handed power sources on the market, Willingham could fit with the Reds, Rockies, Indians, and others.
25. Paul Maholm – Rockies. Though Maholm does not appear to be on the Rockies' radar at the moment, he's coming off a decent season and won't require a huge commitment.
26. Grady Sizemore – Marlins. Sizemore is a classic risk/reward case, and the Marlins don't seem interested in playing it safe this winter.
27. Bartolo Colon – Red Sox. Colon had an excellent comeback season, but he will still have a hard time finding a two-year deal. Perhaps he could take an incentive-based contract and remain in the AL East with the Red Sox.
28. Erik Bedard – Blue Jays. If the Blue Jays hit on a wild card like Bedard and also land Darvish, they'd have a fearsome rotation. Bedard is a healthy free agent for the first time, and perhaps he'll lean toward his native Canada.
29. David DeJesus – Cubs. DeJesus could be an asset for the Cubs at the outfield corners on a one-year deal.
30. Jason Kubel – Dodgers. Kubel could improve the Dodgers' offense as their left fielder, unless they go with Jerry Sands at the position.
31. Ramon Hernandez – Pirates. Hernandez would give the Pirates offense out of the catcher spot, though GM Neal Huntington may balk at giving up a second-round pick to sign him.
32. Jeff Francis – Pirates. Francis is one of many starting pitchers who could add depth to the Pirates' rotation at a reasonable cost.
33. Chris Capuano – Mariners. After subtracting Doug Fister this summer, Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik seems likely to add a piece to his rotation.
34. Tsuyoshi Wada – Orioles. Wada is expected to come to MLB as a free agent, though one question is his ability to handle a full rotation workload.
35. Clint Barmes – Twins. Barmes provided good value this season, and the Twins have a clear middle-infield need.
36. Casey Kotchman – Rays. Kotchman posted a fine 2011 season after signing a minor league deal, but his price should remain reasonable as teams wonder whether he can do it again.
37. Freddy Garcia – Yankees. Even with Sabathia in the fold, the Yankees will need additional rotation depth. Another stint with Garcia makes sense if his price remains reasonable.
38. Aaron Hill – Diamondbacks. Hill's stellar 142 plate appearances for the Diamondbacks this year provided hope he can bounce back in 2012.
39. Johnny Damon – Orioles. Damon probably requires a designated hitter opening, yet his level of offense doesn't justify a full-time spot. He's a difficult free agent to place.
40. Aaron Harang – Angels. Would Harang accept a below-market deal to stay close to home?
41. Jamey Carroll – Tigers. The versatile Carroll fits at the top of the Tigers' order, playing mostly second base.
42. Rafael Furcal – Cardinals. The Cardinals and Furcal are known to have mutual interest in a new deal; he showed promise in his Cards stint this year.
43. Juan Pierre – Reds. Pierre will have to take a more reduced role next year, perhaps under Dusty Baker again.
44. Frank Francisco – Mariners. Francisco was homer-prone this year, but he's still an asset in the late innings.
45. Jason Marquis – Mets. Marquis may have to take a one-year deal with the Mets to realize his goal of playing in New York.
46. Joel Pineiro – Cubs. Pineiro had great success in '09 in the NL Central, and could be a bargain if he rights the ship.
47. Jonathan Broxton – Mets. Broxton had arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur and loose bodies from his elbow in September and expects to be ready for Spring Training. Though he may not be the Broxton of old, I expect incentive-laden offers to be plentiful.
48. Joe Nathan – Twins. Nathan is excited about free agency, but after so many successful years closing for the Twins he may want to return to the role full-time in 2012.
49. Kerry Wood – Cubs. It's Cubs or retirement for Wood, and there's no reason not to bring him back.
50. Bruce Chen – Royals. As long as Chen's price tag doesn't get excessive, he's a good fit back with the Royals.
Mariners? I LOL’d…just because
Being that they are the worst offensive team in the game, they surely could use a bat like his. But I don’t see it happening.
kj
They don’t operate with Oakland sized payrolls, have a hole in their lineup that you could drive an 18 wheeler through, and the guy who runs the team drafted Fielder.
Now, I can’t IMAGINE why the Mariners are a logical fit, right?…..
I wouldn’t pony up the money he’ll command for that body that is surely a DH in two or three years, but there’s definitely a good logic behind the Mariners and Fielder.
I cant wait to see a King and Prince commercial if the Ms do get him.
There is this player that somewhat kinda sorta basically more or less completely headlines the Cliff Lee package named Justin Smoak. Why such a smart franchise would have fans so willing to sell off such a good pick…I do not know. I am a devout Nationals fan and am less than happy about selling a much more valuable pick, but I do not have a player like Smoak that can make my rotation compete with Halladay, Lee, and Hamels. Seriously, can someone please give Justin a shot, he has only had everyone from BA on down the list banter about his potential…if he gets blocked and somewaht forgotten I will ever less understand the baseball world.
i just wonder who would give prince protection, their lineup is putrid.
How many of these were right last year? I’m too lazy to go back and check
like 9, and the right ones were almost all slam dunk obvious like jeter and rivera.
It was 10. The best on our writing team last year was 12. But that is the beauty of our contest tomorrow…free to play and try to beat us.
Prize?
comment immunity!
Moderator for a day? I’d have too much fun effin around with BleacherCreature…
Really cool prizes, you will see tomorrow.
Death
I want to win!
I meant cake!
You get to decide which rumors come true for the whole season.
I don’t think you got that many right this year. Kerry Wood and Kuroda are slam dunks.
I’ll shoot myself if all we get is Coco Crisp!
Torture!!!
I’ll jump off of the RenCen if all we get is Jamey Caroll.
I agree with almost none of these signings. Pretty bad list in my opinion.
Yeah let’s just say someone’s list is bad without offering any sort of analysis as to why. Nice work.
I don’t think Tim’s choices are all that bad, but the list of available free agents certainly is. Juan Pierre? Clint Barmes? Aaron Hill? All top 50? Egads.
Going to be a busy offseason for trade rumors that’s for sure.
Yeah, I think you hit it right on the head. I can see a lot of starting pitchers changing uniforms via the trade market.
Counterpoint: you stink.
Very little Mets activity, to no surprise here, they have no money to work with. Hopefully (according to this list) the Mets don’t spend too much on Marquis and Broxton and hopefully have enough to offer Reyes a competing deal
What’s the story with Rafael Soriano. I understand everyone including me expects him to remain in contract, but even so, doesn’t it require an official announcement of not opting out?
They don’t need to announce it. He’ll be here, obviously. Unless he wants to make 6 million on another team.
Got it. Fine with it either way, but was curious if an official announcement was necessary.
No announcement’s necessary because his contract is already in place. An announcement would only be necessary should his contract change by him opting out.
Really? Top 50 FAs and the Yankees with their bottomless pit of money re-sign Freddy Garcia? Bad work.
It’s just his opinion, which is only one opinion. If you think the Yankees are going to be involved in more transactions then voice that opinion of your own when the contest begins.
They already resigned Sabathia, this is a weak crop with no good fits for their roster, and they don’t have any real money coming off the books that’s not going to raises for their current roster.
I wouldn’t be shocked if they added Darvish or Wilson, but it’s not “bad work” to assume they stick with the team that had the best record in the AL last year and dive into the stronger FA pool next year.
As top heavy and weak as this class of FA SPs are, Cashman knows he need to upgrade the staff…I’m betting he overpays Wilson or Darvish. Not saying it’s a good move, I’m saying that’s where it probably heads.
I’m willing to bet a fairly sizable amount of money that Cashman pulls off a few trades this off season. I’m not going to speculate on what and where, but he’s already got it all mapped out. Bet on it.
Agreed. He’s not going to bank on the F/A market and get reamed for questionable quality. I’m sure he’s got 2 to 3 targets in his head and prices mapped out for them. Look for indications of his direction at the winter meetings.
Have to remember trades. There are so many scenarios at the beginning of each offseason.
It’s a possibility, but Cashman has shown an unwillingness to part with his top prospects for big name starters, and the Yankees could definitely use a number two to slot nicely in between Sabathia and Nova. They could trade for a modest starter, but Felix Hernandez isn’t coming in without Montero and a lot more and I doubt Cashman would do that for a possible rental.
Felix wouldn’t be a rental, he’s signed for the next 3 seasons.
Not that it matters because the M’s aren’t going to trade him.
IDK – Nunez, Swisher, Montero, and a pitching prospect might get them at least thinking….
Euw. No. A backup infielder, an expensive outfielder who’s only got one year left, one solid prospect who may not even stick at his position? I know the Yankees have some solid pitching prospects, but none of them are close to being enough to get Felix when combined with that package. Unless that pitching prospect is a clone of Pedro Martinez you guys have been developing, I don’t see them touching that deal with a ten foot pole.
The starting point would be Gardner, Montero and two of their top three pitching prospects. Anything less would be an underpay. I’ll be the first to admit that that’s too much to give up for just about anyone, which is why Hernandez is staying put. No one would be willing to part with the haul he should realistically command.
It would get them thinking no. They have no need for Swish for 1 year and no reason to trade Felix with 3 years left on his deal.
he already overpaid for a pitcher today
I’d much rather see the Tigers sign CJ Wilson and trade Porcello AND Turner for a second baseman, than see the Tigers sign Jamey Carroll, and I hope they hang on to both of those pitchers. They need a better 2nd baseman than Carroll.
you wont get anywhere close to fair value for porcello, trading him now could end up a massive mistake.
you’re right and i want them to hold on to Porcello. I think he could develop into more of a #3, since he has shown the ability before.
Gladly trade you Kelly Johnson (after we sign him to a multi-year deal) and Brett Cecil for Porcello and Turner.
i got a couple 2B I’d do that deal for.
– N. Colletti
Detroit’s going to get their preferred guy of Johnson and Hill IMO, likely Johnson. There’s a hole and the money to get it done.
Who runs better, Hill or Johnson? They will sign the one with better speed… Im almost positive.
Johnson has the better speed rating on fangraphs, while Hill has the better baserunning rating. Although I’m not sure of the value of either stat.
Problem – KJ can disappear for flashes and then carry a team for a week. Aaron Hill is past his prime and what not. KJ would be the better choice if someone can work out some consistency in him.
aaron hill has no speed and johnston has average speed.
Well, you got part of your wish.
I think Doug Melvin will make some big moves, but there is no way he will sign Reyes, especially at that money…I can see him targeting Carlos Pena and either CJ Wilson or Aramis Ramirez
What was his offer for Fielder? Reyes is a pretty great fit for their team. Not saying it’s gonna happen, but it’s fairly logical.
shortstop is a better position to build around than 1B, that’s for sure. but a long-term big-money commitment to either player in a market like that is moderately terrifying
I doubt the Brewers will look at Carlos Pena. They have some internal options for First Base like Casey McGehee, Corey Hart, and Matt Gamel. I don’t really see CJ Wilson either. The Brewers have all five of their starters returning next year. Aramis Ramirez could be a possibility if the price is right. Reyes scares me. He’s going to want a lot of money and he’s been injury prone throughout his career.
You have a Casey Kotchman, Adam Laroche in FA that would come cheaply and allow Brewers to fill other holes on team. Just saying. Pena@3m or less for one year would be a worthwhile investment. I think Pena ends up with Pittsburgh.
Adam LaRoche is still signed to the Nationals for 8 mil next year. Carlos Pena will probably get more than 3 mil. He got 10 last year.
I really hope Albert goes somewhere else. Not because I’m a Cards hater or anything, but just because it would be that much more fun to see the best player in the game on a new team and in a new setting.
Is that you Lebron?
notice the miller light logo. Then think about where Miller is brewed. Then figure out why he’d like to see Albert play some where else.
Wrong you are. I’m a Braves fan; it’s just that none of the players had names conducive to my two favorite things in life, baseball and beer.
Miller Lite is beer?
From a certain point of view.
You people are really missing the point here. I challenge you to come up
with a better baseball & beer name. In the meantime, I’ll take it
over “Raphe” and “ChiefTomahawk.”
Not in Canada, too weak
Labatt’s Blue is any better?
I dont think you can consider Miller Lite to be a legit beer. Try some craft beers like Dogfish, Brooklyn, Ommegang, Victory..
You people are really missing the point here. I challenge you to come up
with a better baseball & beer name. In the meantime, I’ll take it
over “Raphe” and “ChiefTomahawk.”
Love the name, the beer sucks though.
Jason Marquis to the Mets? Are you a troll?
He has always wanted to come back to New York. I used to work with his sister (she’s pretty hot and probably married by now) and I imagine he would like to be close to home. The Met’s are a good fit for a $3.5mm – $4mm deal for a year.
Does his sister have big slobber knockers,hehe
Hahaha!
he’s got the yankees only signing free agent and that’s freddy Garcia seems unlikely to me unless they make a big trade.
Well, they did already sign a free agent for $122MM.
He never actually opted out.
Yes he did
He wasn’t eligible to until after he signed. He didn’t. There’s a difference between being expected to opt out and actually opting out.
He wasn’t eligible to until after he signed. He didn’t. There’s a difference between being expected to opt out and actually opting out.
Who are they going to sign? The Yankees don’t really have any position player holes and there’s very little on the pitching market. They’ll probably have to drastically overpay to get Wilson away from Texas and Darvish may just cost a small fortune.
There’s simply not much on the free agent market of any significant use to the Yankees. People seem to forget this, but despite having boatloads of cash, the Yankees don’t generally go out there and sign a free agent for the sake of signing a free agent. Sure, if they have a hole they need to fill and that hole can be fixed via free agency, they will throw oodles and oodles of money at it, but their biggest problem is the same one as last year, a flimsy rotation, and the market is possibly even worse off than last year for pitching.
Definitely not a lot of good options, but why would the Yankees be worried about over paying Wilson or paying a small fortune for Darvish?
Currently the Yankees have an ace in CC maybe a number 3 pitcher in Nova. If they resign Garcia then they have their number 5. Why not go after Jackson to be their 4th starter? Or try to lure Oswalt to New York. ( I don’t think that one would happen). Still though with that many holes in their rotation to not make some moves this offseason.
Also I think they could use an upgrade of Gardner in left but I’m not seeing who could really do that in this list.
Here’s how you upgrade over Gardner:
Move Granderson to left, move Gardner to center. Defense is improved at both positions and Gardner’s bat plays much better as a center fielder.
So the Jays add Ortiz, Darvish and Bedard. ..hopefully Ortiz can play 2B
Honestly I see absolutely NO way that the Jays sign Ortiz. He doesn’t fit AA’s type of player (someone who has SOME defense and speed), and I don’t see Ortiz coming to Toronto.
Either does EE, and his option was picked up today..
I think the interest in Ortizedepends solely on him being offered arbitration and/or if they sign a higher ranking free agent.
EE was mostly for DHing role though, if they sign Ortiz then it seems like a useless signing.
EE can play first sometimes.. its pretty much been determined that Lind can’t hit lefties
EE and Lind splitting time at 1st with Ortiz DH would certainly make our offense better. I would look to do that if I was AA. There will be some injuries and EE can fill in fine at 1st/DH/maybe even a bit of 3rd base.
I don’t really see it either, and it would kinda suck every time he did something good against the Sox, but I really hope he does end up in Toronto. That would be a pretty nice draft pick to have.
shhhhhhh
No way AA gives the Sox a 1st rounder. Never.
I already said I don’t see it happening, but if Ortiz ends up on the Jays (which is the premise that my statement was based on) AA doesn’t have a choice unless he also signs one of Philips, Pujols, Fielder, or Wilson.
The Reds picked up Phillips option by the way.
In interviews earlier this autumn AA stressed his mode of operation at this time will be trades and not free agency. So, taking his word as truth, Darvish is an excellent possibility being that he’s not a FA. I am also praying AA doesn’t pick up Ortiz: short term gain for long term loss.
Toronto does not need another bat, they need pitching (top to bottom!)
In fact, we may have three 1st rounders, and you can expect AA to hoard them all away. Even with the four sandwich picks.
where is the third coming from?
No team is going to sign KJ without a protected pick
Detroit might. But they may sign someone else too.
I can see the Jays making a move for Phillips.
Fat chance Brewers give Reyes that kind of contract.
Skinny chance
what about all the money they are going to save from Fielder?
Sign Pena and Reyes.
That 15 million turns into about maybe 5 million at the most with other players saleries increaseing.
Well it won’t be the NY Mets, they are broke!
Are these in order of how “good”/how much of an impact the player is? If so, there are some serious delusions surrounding Edwin Jackson and Heath Bell….
Yes, short-term value over the next 1-3 years.
Is Darvish really worth it ? don’t know much about him
His numbers in Japan are incredible, but obviously those numbers never translate as well here. He’ll still get overpaid though because of the weak FA SP market. I’m really torn as to whether or not I would want my team to bid on him…
Right there with you. I’ll celebrate if he signs with my team and breathe a sigh of relief if he doesn’t. Pretty torn.
On a few scouting reports, the guy is a stud, but for some reason doesn’t K a whole lot of batters. With his stuff he should have K rates at about 12K/9IP.
is it wrong that i think that has a lot to do with the type of batters he’s facing… more slapstick single hitters?
He only pitches from the streach.
Is that a good thing?
Perhaps? Honestly, most of the time in 2008, I wished Matsuzaka would only pitch from the stretch. With bases empty, the guy just would never challenge hitters, but he was nearly untouchable from the stretch. If Darvish is anything like that, I’d be cool with him pitching exclusively from the stretch.
Is that common in Japan? Tazawa only pitched from the stretch when he first signed with the Sox.
I don’t know about in Japan, but it proved to be quite popular with Dice K as well (though not entirely of his own volition)
darvish doesn’t pitch exclusively from the stretch
where did you hear that? it’s not true
second choice already got me scratching my head. Fielder ain’t going to the mariners -.-
How many people predicted Cliff Lee to the Phillies? or Werth to the Nats?
fourteen. and only eight were baseball fans
I disagree with that one as well. I’m not naming my pick for him just yet.
Yankees DH?
Nope. I’m actually leaning Angels and I don’t know why.
i wish you’d admit that in all of your comments =D
because they don’t want Vernon Wells to be the highest paid player on the team?
Homerun totals wont decrease at Safeco with the right field porch, and team will be contending in a year or 2 so winning shouldnt be much of an issue, especially adding Prince’s bat to the lineup.
I’ve been touting it for months as a move with some potential. Fielder’s bat and OBP would both play well in Safeco as a left and being an AL team, they can afford to overpay in years and move him to DH later in his career.
Between him and a full year of Ackley, they’d be significantly closer to contending and if Robinson is as useful for them as I imagine he’ll be (Still sad we flipped him for Bedard in hindsight), they’ve taken some major steps toward being a playoff team before Hernandez hits free agency and adding Fielder would complement that well. I’m honestly hoping he ends up there as he just seems like such a good fit for them (And also I don’t want him ending up in Toronto).
Agreed, the M’s can afford him and they can always move Smoak to DH and Carp to LF to make room for Fielder at 1B. Fielder along with a full year of Ackley and Carp and a healthy Justin Smoak would significantly improve the M’s offense.
Fielder to the M’s? Aramis to the O’s?
These guys do want to win, you know.
they also want to make a lot of money..
And they won’t get similar offers from teams like the Cubs or Angels?
why is money from the cubs better than money from the mariners or orioles?
When was the last time the Cubs won a world series again I forgot?
i think you pointed your obnoxiousness in the wrong direction :/
Ready Fire Aim!
Because they have a great front office and plenty of tradition. Wouldn’t you rather play in Chicago? I’m just saying, no way in hell they end up those places. Especially Aramis, he wants to win. And I’m sure Fielder does and he’s surely not going to in Seattle.
Cubs… Win?? LOL
i hate that new logo
I was messing with it on photoshop, lol I like it better than what we have now though…
oh that looks like the new one that they floated around not too long ago
It is, sorta I added the red background and some small other details but looks like we’re stuck with this one, so might as well grab it now to get used to it hahaha
Also, How did you manage to make that logo? He looks great in our jersey
Larry Deluca NY made it more me, he did a great job
Agreed.
Are you really implying that the Cubs are good?
Better than Seattle and Baltimore. I only mentioned the Cubs because they will be a serious suitor for him.
yea because 71-91 is soo much better the orioles 69-93 and seattles 67-95
Interesting list. I don’t agree with a lot of the choices, but that’s just opinion.
Very interesting choices, I always like to do my own list just for fun, looks like I’ll have to research and submit my list this year. I honestly have no idea how the market will play out, no one ever does, that’s the whole fun of it.
Jonathan Broxton – Mets. Broxton had arthroscopic
surgery to remove a bone spur and loose bodies from his elbow in
September and expects to be ready for Spring Training. Though he may not be the Broxton of old, I expect incentive-laden offers to be plentiful.
Jason Marquis – Mets. Marquis may have to take a one-year deal with the Mets to realize his goal of playing in New York.
Notice how the only ones that may sign with the Mets are washed up= injury riddled has beens?. Thats because the Mets have become a freaking joke in baseball with even bigger clowns in the front office then PT Barnum. no $ and no desire to win equals another freaking frustrating year in Flushing, NY.. Without Reyes there is NO WaY in hell I am paying even $5 bucks to see this ridiculous team full of MLB imposters next year.
And we care, why? If you want to whine about things you know NOTHING about, go call in to Francesa. Write on MMO. Whatever you do, just get the hell out of here.
I agree we are a mess and it looks like things will not change.f we have a payroll of under 100 million that will be very sad
Tim, you have Cherrington going after an all injured list his 1st year with Beltran and Colon? Kind of gutsy there with those 2 and yeah.. They lose 1 round tub of lard in ortiz and bring in Colon to replace him, so I get that, but Beltran, another injury risk stacked.
Why it’s the off season.. We all make predictions reckon’.
The Red Sox are not going to do the Bartolo (Blimp) Colon thing again. Remember this is the guy who told the Sox he was going home rather than pitch out of the BP in the 2009 playoffs. I don’t care how many stem cells they put in his arm. They should have put them in his head….he needs them there more. Colon to the Sox = Not happening.
So let me get this straight, Detroit who will have around 20 million to spend this offseason and was just in the ALCS and Jamey Carrol is their big free agent signing? I know this is just for fun and all that but Dombrowski is agressive and if he has that much money to spend he will get a much bigger name than Carrol.
its called a personal opinion for a reason.
What!?!
Pardon!?
Ramirez to O’s, did you forget about Mark Reynolds?
I think he was moved to first towards the end of the year.
Also, he’s not very good at baseball.
he’s actually pretty good at baseball. He’s just awful at fielding.
Maybe we’re splitting semantics here, but fielding is part of baseball.
I’m not sure I’d even call him “pretty good” at hitting a baseball (110 wRC+), unless you’re comparing him to the overall human population.
110 wRC+ is pretty good. He’s been worth 9.4 WAR in roughly 4.5 full seasons. That makes a solid regular.
edit: maybe solid regular is an overstatement. He’s a good role player
Solid regular, pretty good… yeah, we’re definitely at splitting semantics, here.
Anyway, I think we can agree that Mark Reynolds doesn’t keep you from upgrading. Even if they hadn’t already moved him to 1B.
I don’t disagree.
I C that U agree 😛
I think it’s absurd that you have Colon on the Red Sox. They learned their lesson with this guy in the past. Sure he was good for a couple months last season, but the Sox need a guy they can rely on.
I’d stray away from the Sox if I had a contract anywhere else. The FO is full of scumbags, and the players are lazy.
Sweet, the transfer worked..
They also don’t have nearly enough fried chicken to satisfy his needs.
Or beer.
Actually, from the sound of things, they have PLENTY of beer.
You think the Rangers really let everyone else on this list go and only sign Roy-O? I hope the experts are thinking they trade for pitching…
they’ve certainly got the minor league depth to do it
True but I don’t think Josh Johnson, King Felix, or Kershaw are going anywhere. I’ve maintained all along that the Rangers make a run at Darvish and offer CJ a reasonable sum.
Trade for pitching if you have to…
I’d bet dollars to donuts the Rangers limit signing this offseason and set it up for the 2013 class of Starting Pitching… which is ridiculously deep. More bang for your buck there. (Cain, Hamels, Greinke, Danks, A. Sanchez, and J. Sanchez.
I’d bet on Oswalt AND Fielder for Texas.
Don’t agree with all of these picks, but they’re fun. Thanks for the conjecture and debate, Tim!
Man, either you have THeo and Jed making lots of trades, or you will have the Cubs having a really bad team next year
Who is the 3,4 hitters gonna be? Brian LaHair and Jeff Baker?
And DeJesus adds nothing to the Cubs. THey already have Marlon Byrd. They dont need another marginal starting OFer
the cubs are going to be a bad team next year. on purpose. hendry’s gone, so they actually have a long-term plan now
long term plan will suffer if the near term plan is having Brian LaHair start.
Nobody is going to want to pay top 3 ticket prices to watch Brian LaHair bat 3rd. Cubs arent going to turn into the Royals. THey are a major market team. THey will spend money
sorry you have a good front office now =(
There is zero reason for them to spend any significant money in the next year or two, they just don’t have the core to build off of to compete in the next couple of years, so any money spent now would basically be wasted unless it is spent on a young player who will still be on the team and productive 3-5 years from now.
I do agree with rob though that they do have to get players that are worth fans coming to watch. They just barely surpassed 3 million fans this year.
I would further that. The Cubs were a 91 loss team with a legitimate run producer out their lineup. Without him and Pena, Cubs could easily lose 100 games this season. No front office wants that, especially when you’re part of a support plan for Wrigley renovation. Trades will happen. I hope Theo and his troops consider trading Garza.
I think the Rays bring Damon back if only because they can afford the big time DH’s. Man, would Fielder be nice….
We’re not a very high payroll team and I think our big splash might be Ramon Hernendez but that gives us respectable players at DH and SS. Now if Sean or Reid can learn to be an everyday SS and Kotchman does indeed come back cheap, we got this.
Just need a bit more offense when you can have a rotation of Shields – Price – Hellickson – Moore – Davis
Do you think they would entertain the thought of bringing Carlos Pena back? He may be a fit?
Hate what his AVG would be but I miss his pop and he plays great D at 1B, he also loved it here. Wouldn’t mind him at all.
How much do people expect A-Ram to sign for? I was just thinking we can put him at 1B and Joyce at DH, Guyer in RF. Or bring Kotchman back and try A-Ram at DH. Either way, with the Rays staff, his power alone could put us over the top.
Yeah, Marquis won’t be a Met (or Broxton). I see Nathan as a Met and never rule out Jose!
It’s the most wonderful time of the YEAR!
so many posts! so much space for activities!
wouldn’t mind seeing the a’s go after sizemore on an incentive based deal. they need someone who’s hit more than 5 home runs in a major league season in the outfield, especially since willingham is more than likely gone
“wouldn’t mind seeing the (local baseball team) go after sizemore on an incentive based deal”
2011’s “can he pitch,” ladies and gentlemen.
well…can he?
As always, lots of valid criticisms of my picks in the comments here. Every year there are about five I’d like to instantly change after a hundred of you take a pass and make your points. But, I’m leaving them, for better or for worse. Really excited about the contest.
didn’t the Red Sox learn not to take up veterans who’re over the bump? Example: recent years (Smoltz, Penny, Gagne, etc). If they get CJ Wilson though, that would be an electric rotation:
Wilson
Lester
Beckett
Buchholz
*flip a coin (for the 5th rotation spot)*
If they have a brain, that coin says Aceves on it.
Not that it really matters, but Wilson wouldn’t be their #1 starter.
If it’s Oswalt and Fielder they would almost have to sign Bronxton too. Cause having Oswalt means you have a rotation of Lewis, Holland, Oswalt, Ogando and Harrison/Feliz/Feldman
The red sox lose dice-k and lackey to tommy John and all they sign for a free agent starter is 39 year old Barolo with the frankenstein’d elbow? Highly doubt that
1. Albert Pujols – Cardinals
2. Prince Fielder – Marlins.
3. Jose Reyes – Tigers
4. C.J. Wilson – Nationals
5. Yu Darvish – Yankees
6. Edwin Jackson – Royals
7. Jimmy Rollins – Phillies.
8. Aramis Ramirez – Brewers
9. Carlos Beltran – Giants
10. Jonathan Papelbon – Red Sox
11. Michael Cuddyer – Twins
12. Mark Buehrle – White Sox
13. David Ortiz – Orioles
14. Ryan Madson – Phillies
15. Hiroki Kuroda -Dodgers
16. Carlos Pena – Rays
17. Francisco Rodriguez – Marlins
18. Roy Oswalt – Red Sox
19. Javier Vazquez – Retirement
20. Heath Bell – Padres
21. Coco Crisp – Indians
22. Hisashi Iwakuma – Twins
23. Kelly Johnson – Blue Jays
24. Josh Willingham – Reds
25. Paul Maholm – Marlins
26. Grady Sizemore – Mets
27. Bartolo Colon – Royals
28. Erik Bedard – Blue Jays
29. David DeJesus – Cubs
30. Jason Kubel – Rockies
31. Ramon Hernandez – Rays
32. Jeff Francis – Pirates
33. Chris Capuano – Mets
34. Tsuyoshi Wada – I do not know this man so my random guess says…Rockies
35. Clint Barmes – Twin
36. Casey Kotchman – Pirates
37. Freddy Garcia – Yankee
38. Aaron Hill – Diamondbacks.
39. Johnny Damon – Rays
40. Aaron Harang – Padres
41. Jamey Carroll – Brewers
42. Rafael Furcal – Cardinals
43. Juan Pierre – Dodgers
44. Frank Francisco – Mariners
45. Jason Marquis – Mets.
46. Joel Pineiro – Cubs.
47. Jonathan Broxton – Rangers
48. Joe Nathan – Twins
49. Kerry Wood – Cubs
50. Bruce Chen – Royals
Really? Juan Pierre back to the Dodgers?
About as likely as another go-around with Milton Bradley.
Why would Jason Marquis be a Met? Because he wants to be? When I was a kid, they never let me catch on Piazza’s off days.
There’s enough crap at the major league level that there doesn’t need to be anymore, and there’s enough talent in the minors that shouldn’t be blocked off by lackluster pitching.
Stop making so much sense.
I don’t understand how Willingham makes any sense for the Reds. Sizemore is the type of player we need, Dusty wants someone who would be a potential 1 or 2 hitter. Also someone who isn’t a butcher on defense. Willingham is basically Jonny Gomes in the outfield and a slightly better hitter.
If we want bad defense out there they will just send Yonder Alonso out there everyday and get a better cheaper bat out of it.
Fielder to the Marlins and Reyes to the Tigers? “I do not know this man” hahaha that was pretty funny
“13. David Ortiz – Orioles”
The new look Orioles. Same as the old look Orioles. I can’t say I’d be legitimately surprised, but there would be no better way for their new GM to come in and immediately say “no, I’m not really all that committed to winning eventually either” short of trading Matt Weiters to the Angels for Vernon Wells and Bobby Abreu (And Mathis would STILL get most of the catching).
I am excited for this contest! Thank you Tim and the rest of the MLBTR crew for coming up with this! I love the offseason just as much if not more than the regular season, anything can happen and it is always fun to wonder who will go where.
Thanks again, only goes to show how great this site is!
1. Albert Pujols – Cardinals
2. Prince Fielder – Cubs
3. Jose Reyes – Tigers
4. C.J. Wilson – Cubs
5. Yu Darvish – Yankees
6. Edwin Jackson – Indians (Tomlin gets traded)
7. Jimmy Rollins – Phillies
8. Aramis Ramirez – Marlins
9. Carlos Beltran – Red Sox
10. Jonathan Papelbon – Rangers (Wilson leaves, Feliz converts to a starter)
11. Michael Cuddyer – Twins
12. Mark Buehrle – White Sox
13. David Ortiz – Angels
14. Ryan Madson – Nationals
15. Hiroki Kuroda -Dodgers
16. Carlos Pena – Red Sox (DH)
17. Francisco Rodriguez – Tigers
18. Roy Oswalt – Rangers (Yankees if Darvish lands somewhere else)
19. Javier Vazquez – Marlins
20. Heath Bell – Phillies
21. Coco Crisp – Brewers
22. Hisashi Iwakuma – Twins
23. Kelly Johnson – Blue Jays
24. Josh Willingham – A’s (Red Sox if Beltran doesn’t land there)
25. Paul Maholm – Rockies
26. Grady Sizemore – Giants
27. Bartolo Colon – Dodgers
28. Erik Bedard – Twins
29. David DeJesus – Rockies
30. Jason Kubel – Jays
31. Ramon Hernandez – Rays
32. Jeff Francis – Pirates
33. Chris Capuano – Mets
34. Tsuyoshi Wada – Who is he?
35. Clint Barmes – Braves
36. Casey Kotchman – Padres
37. Freddy Garcia – Twins (yes, teammate of Colon again)
38. Aaron Hill – Diamondbacks
39. Johnny Damon – Rays
40. Aaron Harang – Padres
41. Jamey Carroll – Brewers
42. Rafael Furcal – Cardinals
43. Juan Pierre – Phillies (they need speed on the bench)
44. Frank Francisco – Jays
45. Jason Marquis – Mets
46. Joel Pineiro – Mariners
47. Jonathan Broxton – Marlins
48. Joe Nathan – Twins
49. Kerry Wood – Cubs
50. Bruce Chen – Royals
so far the best list i’ve seen with the exceptions of big papi(the angls have too many dh/1b)and c.pena.
The Braves never get any love on these lists 🙁 I guess we don’t exactly need it this year but still.
Kubel to the Dodgers? naw
but i like the kelly johnson to dodgers prediction. if the Jays dont keep him(i think they will), he’d be a great fit in LA
Do you really think the Cubs are going to let Carlos Pena and Aramis Ramirez go (combined 54 homers, 173 RBIs) without replacing them with something other than what they’ve currently got on the roster (Jeff Baker, Bryan Lahair?). That would almost guarantee a 100-loss season. Obviously, Ramirez is gone, but the Cubs will make more noise in free agency than you are projecting here, even if they are looking to the future.
Yes. They replace him with Ryan Braun. Maybe sign a bench bat like Andruw Jones.
Prince alone would almost equal the value of those two.
Meant to say Prince Fielder, whoops. But Ryan Braun would be pretty good for them, too.
lol
They might not be looking to pick people up through free agency and looking more at trades.
Edwin Jackson as the 6th best FA. lol Way too high
aw, i missed the Oswalt prediction. I love it. perfect fit with the Rangers
except that a number of pundits don’t think he’ll move to the AL
Wilson to the Cubs? Madson to the Nationals? K-Rod and Reyes to the Tigers?
Some of you are flat-out smoking something crazy.
The Nationals bullpen is pretty great as it is. I doubt their looking to bolster it with ex-Phillies.
Why couldnt you see wilson to the tigers, or reyes to the tigers?
Madson to the Nationals gives them the flexibility to trade Storen for Span. It isn’t completely out there.
If it’s Chicago green, Canadian black, Zacataxas purple or Mexican Brown, could any of you any of you good folks spare an old-age pensioner a toke?
If it’s Chicago green, Canadian black, Zacataxas purple or Mexican Brown, could any of you any of you good folks spare an old-age pensioner a toke?
The Nationals definitely will be out there to spend, but they’re not buying a closer when they have Drew Storen who they won’t give up for anything.
With Justin Smoak and Mike Carp on the Mariners’ roster, I think it’s crazy to think they’re even going to be a player in the Prince Fielder sweepstakes.
The only teams who will make an offer to Prince are the Cardinals (if Pujols leaves), the Brewers and Cubs, Orioles, Nationals, Angels, Rangers and Blue Jays. Everyone else either has a 1B in place, has a prospect they see developing there, or lacks the money to even consider entering the running.
Fielder to the Blue Jays? Sorry, no. Jays miniscule payroll would not even allow the team to feed Fielder, let alone give him a salary.
Fielder to the Blue Jays? Sorry, no. Jays miniscule payroll would not even allow the team to feed Fielder, let alone give him a salary.
Please dear God no Juan Pierre, all we need is another useless outfielder that Dustrag can decide to play everyday instead of Chris Heisey!!
I was curious how Juan Pierre fits in, other than that he was a decent leadoff hitter like 10 years ago.
You forgot to say, “Amen.” So your prayer isn’t likely to sit too well with God. He isn’t the Tooth Fairy, you know. Serve you right if you got Juan Pierre.
While I question you knowledge about God and not saying amen not sitting well with God…I am quite sure your expertise on Fairies is quite extensive so thanks for your input.
Angels are only gettin Aaron Harang? Im done……
Why is Ryan Doumit not on this list?
1. Albert Pujols – Cardinals
2. Prince Fielder – Cubs
3. Jose Reyes – Giants
4. C.J. Wilson – Nationals
5. Yu Darvish – Orioles
6. Edwin Jackson – Marlins
7. Jimmy Rollins – Phillies
8. Aramis Ramirez – Angels
9. Carlos Beltran – Red Sox
10. Jonathan Papelbon – Phillies
11. Michael Cuddyer – Atletics
12. Mark Buehrle – Mets
13. David Ortiz – Mariners
14. Ryan Madson – Mets
15. Hiroki Kuroda – Dodgers
16. Carlos Pena – Brewers
17. Francisco Rodriguez – Red Sox
18. Roy Oswalt – Rangers
19. Javier Vazquez – Marlins
20. Heath Bell – Padres2
21. Coco Crisp – Nationals
22. Hisashi Iwakuma – ?
23. Kelly Johnson – Rockies
24. Josh Willingham – Orioles
25. Paul Maholm – Red Sox
26. Grady Sizemore – Reds
27. Bartolo Colon – Pirates
28. Erik Bedard – Mariners
29. David DeJesus – Twins
30. Jason Kubel – Athletics
31. Ramon Hernandez – Rays
32. Jeff Francis – Padres
33. Chris Capuano – Mets
34. Tsuyoshi Wada – ?
35. Clint Barmes – Braves
36. Casey Kotchman – Dodgers
37. Freddy Garcia – Twins
38. Aaron Hill – Tigers
39. Johnny Damon – Rays
40. Aaron Harang – Padres
41. Jamey Carroll – Brewers
42. Rafael Furcal – Reds
43. Juan Pierre – Cubs
44. Frank Francisco – Marlins
45. Jason Marquis – Orioles
46. Joel Pineiro – Royals
47. Jonathan Broxton – Blue Jays
48. Joe Nathan – Reds
49. Kerry Wood – Cubs
50. Bruce Chen – Tigers
What you guys think?
LOL the cubs already have enough outfielders, so why in the hell would they waste anything on Juan Pierre?
I think you got some valid predictions, i agree with most of em
I had to live through one year of Juan Pierre. Please, not ever again.
I think we need NPB coverage over here especially with the growing interest in their players. It would be nice to see whatever has all of the front offices sending more scouts over there. Stats are nice, but being able to see some live action would be pretty nice too. Lift that veil of mystery a little bit.
Aramis Ramirez – Orioles – He could give the Orioles a powerful corner bat on a three-year deal. The only thing powerful here would be the “Foul Stench” from writing a check every pay period to this schnook!
Tsuyoshi Wada – Orioles. Who??????!!!!????? What happened to Yu Darvish? Not that I even really wanted him (Yu)! Plus, the Fact Stockstill can’t figure out what days he’s pitching in Japan. Hey at least he got some Saki, Kobe Beef and an interview for the Orioles GM job because of his fine work and attitude!
Johnny Damon – Orioles. He’s a difficult free agent to place. So we’ll stick this “Old Man’ with the Orioles! Why would the fans care?
Boy, I really love this. The Orioles are supposed to be getting some “World Class GM” in LaCava.. and that’s if they (O’s) sign him. Then LaCava is going to be brimming with confidence and cheer and immediately go out and sign three of the biggest “Schnooks” in the Free Agency Market! Gee, Thanks MLB TR, Thank You for Your Support!
Why would LaCava ever leave the penny pinchers of beautiful downtown Toronto for a rum organization like the Orioles?
(Er, I think this part of my post is where I’m supposed to grow a pair and sort of go macho-ignorant, isn’t it? Well, here goes…)
Never gonna happen. Case closed. Seriously, people, give your heads a shake. You can take that to the bank. I guarantee it, carved in stone and written in my own blood on the Shroud of Turin.
I don’t see the Cubs only signing 3 of the people on this list frankly because Theo and Hoyer are under pressure to win especially if you mention them in play for Fielder and Pujols… If they have that type of $ to spend I dont see them not spending it.
hahahah, that’s the mentality that got the cubs into the place they are in now.
Totally agree Jon. The Cubs are just filling gaps right now… every move Theo and Jed are making is with 2015 in mind. The 2012 and 2013 seasons mean nothing… they have no chance to compete.
Theo is not under any pressure to win in the next couple of years.
Theo is not under any pressure to win in the next couple of years.
Don’t really buy Colon to the Sox. That didn’t end well the first time and a majority of the previous management is still there.
1. Albert Pujols – Cardinals2. Prince Fielder – Cubs3. Jose Reyes – Brewers4. C.J. Wilson – Nationals5. Yu Darvish – Rangers6. Edwin Jackson – Marlins7. Jimmy Rollins – Phillies 8. Aramis Ramirez – Orioles9. Carlos Beltran – Giants10. Jonathan Papelbon – Phillies11. Michael Cuddyer – Twins12. Mark Buehrle – Yankees13. David Ortiz – Red Sox14. Ryan Madson – Red Sox15. Hiroki Kuroda – Dodgers16. Carlos Pena – Brewers17. Francisco Rodriguez – Marlins18. Roy Oswalt – Red Sox19. Javier Vazquez – Retire20. Heath Bell – Padres
21. Coco Crisp – Giants22. Hisashi Iwakuma – Twins23. Kelly Johnson – Blue Jays24. Josh Willingham – Red Sox25. Paul Maholm – Tigers26. Grady Sizemore – Marlins27. Bartolo Colon – Pirates28. Erik Bedard – Blue Jays29. David DeJesus – Twins30. Jason Kubel – Athletics31. Ramon Hernandez – Rays32. Jeff Francis – Padres33. Chris Capuano – Mets34. Tsuyoshi Wada – Orioles35. Clint Barmes – Braves36. Casey Kotchman – Rays37. Freddy Garcia – Yankees38. Aaron Hill – Diamondbacks39. Johnny Damon – Rays40. Aaron Harang – Padres41. Jamey Carroll – Brewers42. Rafael Furcal – Reds43. Juan Pierre – Cubs44. Frank Francisco – Marlins45. Jason Marquis – Orioles46. Joel Pineiro – Royals47. Jonathan Broxton – Blue Jays48. Joe Nathan – Reds49. Kerry Wood – Cubs50. Bruce Chen – Tigers
fail
So.. If I can somehow decifer this… The Tigers will sign Maholm and Chen? 2 lefty starters?
I agree, AA will go hard after Darvish being there are no draft picks involved. It will be interesting to see where Darvish ends up, and how successful he is in the states. He is still a ? for me. I think Pujols, and Fielder are team changers, there is a big drop off after them. The teams that pick up the best pitchers in the off season either through trades or free agency will see the most improvement. Most teams don’t trade away good pitchers these days.
Sorry, Slider, have to throw you a curve.
Alex Anthopoulos’ early career as Blue Jays’ GM has been characterized by enormous salary dumps and an obsessive quest for what he refers to as “player moves that represent real baseball value”. Risking $100 million on Darvish would be completely out of character.
If one of two or three big-payroll teams doesn’t sign him, I think Darvish will remain in Japan. All this talk coming out of the Jays’ front office is put forward to keep up fan interest over the off-season. Next season looks like it’s going to be just another fourth-place finish, “player-development” year.
In 2011, Jays had a significant attendance increase. So why spend any money?
Colon going back to the Red Sox is the dumbest prediction anyone has ever made, ever
Checkmate:
1. Albert Pujols – Pirates
2. Prince Fielder – Pirates
3. Jose Reyes – Pirates
4. C.J. Wilson – Pirates
5. Yu Darvish – Pirates
6. Edwin Jackson – Pirates
7. Jimmy Rollins – Pirates
8. Aramis Ramirez – Pirates
9. Carlos Beltran – Pirates
10. Jonathan Papelbon – Pirates
11. Michael Cuddyer – Pirates
12. Mark Buehrle – Pirates
13. David Ortiz – Pirates
14. Ryan Madson – Pirates
15. Hiroki Kuroda – Pirates
16. Carlos Pena – Pirates
17. Francisco Rodriguez – Pirates
18. Roy Oswalt – Pirates
19. Javier Vazquez – Pirates
20. Heath Bell – Pirates
21. Coco Crisp – Pirates
22. Hisashi Iwakuma – Pirates
23. Kelly Johnson – Pirates
24. Josh Willingham – Pirates
25. Paul Maholm – Pirates
26. Grady Sizemore – Pirates
27. Bartolo Colon – Pirates
28. Erik Bedard – Pirates
29. David DeJesus – Pirates
30. Jason Kubel – Pirates
31. Ramon Hernandez – Pirates
32. Jeff Francis – Pirates
33. Chris Capuano – Pirates
34. Tsuyoshi Wada – Pirates
35. Clint Barmes – Pirates
36. Casey Kotchman – Pirates
37. Freddy Garcia – Pirates
38. Aaron Hill – Pirates
39. Johnny Damon – Pirates
40. Aaron Harang – Pirates
41. Jamey Carroll – Pirates
42. Rafael Furcal – Pirates
43. Juan Pierre – Pirates
44. Frank Francisco – Pirates
45. Jason Marquis – Pirates
46. Joel Pineiro – Pirates
47. Jonathan Broxton – Pirates
48. Joe Nathan – Pirates
49. Kerry Wood – Pirates
50. Bruce Chen – Pirates
Congrats. That certainly takes the cake for stupid.
Shutup! It made everyone but you smile a bit. Should have done it with the Yankees…
Thanks. That was funny.
I just started laughing in the library, that was great
Tim, based off your predictions the Braves will not be involved in free agency. Your probably right, the Braves generally do not go after big name free agents and are typically making trades in the off-season. However, I think Clint Barmes is a good candidate. Also, why not go after Jose Reyes? It’s very likely that we could move him over to 3B after this year and then we will still have room for some of our SS prospects.
1. Albert Pujols – Cardinals
2. Prince Fielder – Cubs
3. Jose Reyes – Nationals
4. C.J. Wilson – Nationals
5. Yu Darvish – Yankees
6. Edwin Jackson – Cardinals
7. Jimmy Rollins – Phillies
8. Aramis Ramirez – Angels
9. Carlos Beltran – Red Sox
10. Jonathan Papelbon – Red Sox
11. Michael Cuddyer – Twins
12. Mark Buehrle – White Sox
13. David Ortiz – Blue Jays
14. Ryan Madson – Phillies
15. Hiroki Kuroda – Dodgers
16. Carlos Pena – Mariners
17. Francisco Rodriguez – Mariners
18. Roy Oswalt – Cubs
19. Javier Vazquez – Marlins
20. Heath Bell – Padres
21. Coco Crisp – Nationals
22. Hisashi Iwakuma – Cubs
23. Kelly Johnson – Blue Jays
24. Josh Willingham – Rockies
25. Paul Maholm – Orioles
26. Grady Sizemore – Red Sox
27. Bartolo Colon – Mets
28. Erik Bedard – Nationals
29. David DeJesus – Cubs
30. Jason Kubel – Phillies
31. Ramon Hernandez – Mariners
32. Jeff Francis – Padres
33. Chris Capuano – Royals
34. Tsuyoshi Wada – Dodgers
35. Clint Barmes – Astros
36. Casey Kotchman – Pirates
37. Freddy Garcia – Yankees
38. Aaron Hill – Diamondbacks
39. Johnny Damon – Rays
40. Aaron Harang – Padres
41. Jamey Carroll – Mets
42. Rafael Furcal – Cardinals
43. Juan Pierre – Padres
44. Frank Francisco – Dodgers
45. Jason Marquis – Tigers
46. Joel Pineiro – Marlins
47. Jonathan Broxton – Red Sox
48. Joe Nathan – Mets
49. Kerry Wood – Cubs
50. Bruce Chen – Royals
Wait, so you envision the Red Sox signing both Sizemore AND Beltran?
Sizemore WILL get a starting job somewhere. And no way are we holding on to Papelbon AND signing a guy like Broxton.
yeah why would we, we still have bobby jenks… smh
So the nationals are the NL yankees?
So, all the Cubs get here is David friggin Dejesus? Dejesus christ that would be awful.
Chris, when it comes to “manlihood,” you da man.
Indeed, your post rivals your excessive facial hair for out-and-out ballsiness. There is nothing more macho in this old world than when an individual is willing to risk his mortal soul in order to make a bad pun.
and Joel Piniero… well, there’s the shot in the arm we need.
Yeah, I don’t see the Red Sox bringing in a fatso who got a ‘shot in the arm’ (hence the term) to become good again. Did we think about the whole clubhouse aspect of things before randomly attaching the Boston Red Sox to the end of his name? Didn’t think so.
i think somebody forgot that the cubs got theo and hoyer in the front office and will get bigger names than pinero and dejesus.
The first “big” free agent signing of Epstein’s career was Bill Mueller. He’s not going to go out and start buying up free agents just for the heck of it.
Roy Oswalt to Texas? Interesting, but not flashy. . .
Red Sox fan here and dont really care about predicting other teams.
Red Sox will try and sign two of Bedard, Maholm Capuano,Ortiz,Papelbon, and for RF they will not sign Beltran as they have Reddick or Kalish to start and give a chance.
OR if they traded either or both they would then go after a more consistent player. Cuddyer,Willingham or even Kubel.
Blue Jays fan here, I dont care about your Red Sox.
I’ll be thrilled if the Bucs sign Pena and Hernandez.
Opening day lineup:
LF: Alex Presley
RF: Jose Tabata
CF: Andrew McCutchen
1B: Carlos Pena
2B: Neil Walker
3B: Pedro Alvarez
C: Ramon Hernandez
SS: Chase D’Arnaud (Maybe Yuniesky Betancourt?)
Rotation: Jeff Karstens, James McDonals, Charlie Morton, Kevin Correia, Jeff Francis
Not bad, and maybe Starling Marte will be up sometime.
Im sure i can speak for everyone on here.. we appreciate the time and effort that you took filling out the Pirates line up card.. but no one cares.. NO ONE
Nothing against Prince Fielder.. But this is tough to say but being a Mariners fan.. I dont want Fielder.. Let him sign with the blue jays or some east coast team. I want Jack Z to listen to the fans and not blow big cash on free agents.. Let the Kids play!
I really dont want Seattle to sign Fielder.. actually everyone of your predictions for Seattle is a joke!!
Reyes or Cj Wilson to the brewer, no way. After arbitration the brewers will be about where they were this season finacially, if they add one of them they will be about 100 Million next year, they can’t afford that so Pena or Kotchman coming cheap will be more likely.
No catchers? So, who’s the best catcher? Chris Snyder?
My bad, looks like Ramon Hernandez. He’s prob not a Top 50 overall. Good call, Tim.
Bartolo Colon to the Red Sox has no chance. The last time he was in Boston, he quit on the team and went home to the Dominican because he didn’t feel like pitching out of the bullpen or in the playoffs. LOL, what an a-hole.
Yup. Colon left the Red Sox on extremely poor terms. I highly doubt they’d take another flyer on the guy, even if he was decent for the Yankees last season.
I watched video on him. At first I thought it was just because there were runners on, but he was throwing from the streach in all situations.
That was supposed to be a reply on how I know Darvish pitches from the streach.
Do you really think the Tigers only have a shot at fricken Carroll(Reyes)? They might go after Aramis Ramirez, C.J.Wilson and Mark Buehrle. I could see them landing 2 of these 5 players listed.
As far as the Red Sox go, I think they could use a bit of an upgrade in right field (Reddick was rather streaky last season – also, his trade value may never be higher and if he stays, may be better served as the team’s fourth outfielder). Beltran’s a pretty good fit in Boston if he’s 100%. He’s a proven commodity, would be batting towards the bottom of the lineup, and they do have Reddick and/or Kalish if he falters or gets hurt. Other moves I hope they consider: re-sign Ortiz (only if he agrees to 2-year deal); re-sign Papelbon; sign a dependable veteran pitcher like Mark Buerhle or Edwin Jackson. Rotation: Lester, Beckett, Buchholz, veteran pitcher signing, Aceves. (Dice-K and Doubront as insurance/long men in bullpen) Lineup: Ellsbury, Pedroia, Gonzalez, Ortiz, Youkilis, Crawford, Beltran, Salty, Scutaro. Also: a few decent bullpen arms and a high character veteran backup catcher to replace Varitek.
I’m excited to see what Cherington does with the roster. There is no need for big, splashy signings this winter, but adding a strong, smart, vocal manager and a few leaders to the roster is important.
The Blue Jays??????
Darvish at $100m or more
+ ORTIZ
AND
Bedard?
heck of a lot of money for a fourth-place team
yea but they wont b a 4th place team this year im a phils fan and im saying the jays r taking the wild card
This is so stupid every player is going to one of like 5 teams
Even with new management, I don’t see how the Dodgers can possibly be in the running for Pujols. If they were to sign a mega-deal (which they won’t), it would be for Prince, not Albert.
Prince is definitely not signing with the mariners he is signing with the dodgers or cubs.
why do we need to have a facebook account to enter? That’s stupid. I don’t want a facebook.
i dont undestand the aramis ramirez signing with the orioles. orioles need pitching not another power bat, they can score a lot of runs already.
1. Albert Pujols – Cardinals.
2. Prince Fielder – Dodgers
3. Jose Reyes – Brewers.
4. C.J. Wilson – Rangers
5. Yu Darvish – Orioles
6. Edwin Jackson – Marlins
7. Jimmy Rollins – Giants.
8. Aramis Ramirez – Marlins
9. Carlos Beltran – Red Sox.
10. Jonathan Papelbon – Red Sox.
11. Michael Cuddyer – Tigers
12. Mark Buehrle – Yankees
13. David Ortiz – Blue Jays.
14. Ryan Madson – Phillies.
15. Hiroki Kuroda – Dodgers.
16. Carlos Pena – Cubs
17. Francisco Rodriguez – Marlins.
18. Roy Oswalt -Nationals
19. Javier Vazquez -Astros
20. Heath Bell – Padres.
21. Coco Crisp – Reds
22. Hisashi Iwakuma – Twins.
23. Kelly Johnson – Dodgers.
24. Josh Willingham – Braves
25. Paul Maholm – Rockies.
26. Grady Sizemore – Giants
27. Bartolo Colon – Orioles
28. Erik Bedard – Blue Jays.
29. David DeJesus – Marlins
30. Jason Kubel – Twins
31. Ramon Hernandez – Pirates.
32. Jeff Francis – D Backs
33. Chris Capuano – Red Sox
34. Tsuyoshi Wada – Mariners.
35. Clint Barmes – Astros.
36. Casey Kotchman – Rays.
37. Freddy Garcia – Yankees.
38. Aaron Hill – Diamondbacks.
39. Johnny Damon – Rays.
40. Aaron Harang – Padres
41. Jamey Carroll – Twins
42. Rafael Furcal – Cardinals.
43. Juan Pierre – Mets.
44. Frank Francisco – Mariners.
45. Jason Marquis – Mets.
46. Joel Pineiro – Pirates
47. Jonathan Broxton – Brewers
48. Joe Nathan – Mets
49. Kerry Wood – Cubs.
50. Bruce Chen – Royals.
This article is ridiculous because the Cubs have the most money to spend, plus a new GM, and a big market…that almost always equates to a big splash in free agency. And the Cubs get Dejesus, Pineiro, and Wood??? You gotta be kidding me. They’ll get Fielder, not the Mariners
It’s just as tough to criticize someone’s list of opinions as it is to MAKE a list like this…remember that just one trade can completely throw the list into disarray. If your team (like mine, Atlanta) is not even on the list, maybe it’s because they are more likely (to the author) to play the trade market? Guys like Wandy Rodriguez, Jon Danks, and Jair Jurrjens might be on teams’ radars just as much as the Darvish/Wilsons of the world
with Suk-Min Yoon possibly going to post, he would definitely be a top 50 free agent
He may not be under pressure to win….but then again there’s the politics tied to that whole Wrigley field renovation thing. Cubs lost 91 with Aramiz in that lineup. Without him and no productive bats, 100 losses easy. Then what, just miraculously turn it around in 2013, right?
I’m not seeing a whole lot to be excited about in this years pool. I’m thinking the winter meetings are going to be crazy with trades.
While I do agree with you, they’ve got the Twins signing three players out of the top 50. The Twins just don’t do that kind of stuff.
Maybe they resign Cuddy, but after that, I’m not holding my breath.
I would be very surprised if the Twins landed Hisashi Iwakuma after the Tsuyoshi Nishioka experiment. I’d rather see the Twins pursue a pitcher who has actually proven something in Major League Baseball such as Roy Oswalt, Mark Buerhle, or even Edwin Jackson. Iwakuma is just too much of a risk unless a team signs him for less than 5 million a year. IMO
whats with the crush on edwin jackson?
Pujols or Fielder would be a nice fit in Toronto and some good protection for Jose Bautista
Hey, atleast you got one right but its kind of hard to predict where these guys will end up. Phillie struck first signing Papelbon, Texas signed J Nathan and maybe the NY Yankees will wake up soon. Still have the “Winter Meetings” to see what happens.
Happy Holidays ppl !
he got one right?
Why is the leaderboard so messed up…..? I wanna see my ranking.
1. Albert Pujols – Cardinals.
2. Prince Fielder – Mariners. Never gonna happen
3. Jose Reyes – Brewers. No chance
4. C.J. Wilson – Nationals. Rangers will lock him up
5. Yu Darvish – Blue Jays. Could care less
6. Edwin Jackson – Marlins. Most likely the Cardinals
7. Jimmy Rollins – Phillies. Finally a good guess
9. Carlos Beltran – Red Sox. One Less cancer Papolbon add one Cancer
10. Jonathan Papelbon – Red Sox. Phillies will regret signing him and Phillies fans will boo him out out town by mid 2013
11. Michael Cuddyer – Twins.
12. Mark Buehrle – White Sox. He’s going to stay on the South side his entire career
13. David Ortiz – Blue Jays. Hahahahaha
14. Ryan Madson – Phillies. Red Sox
15. Hiroki Kuroda – Dodgers. Don’t care.
16. Carlos Pena – Pirates. He should’ve been traded to Pittsburg, They went from cinderella story to getting Derek Lee and falling off faster then anything possible
17. Francisco Rodriguez – Marlins.He’s washed up
18. Roy Oswalt – Rangers. He’s washed up he will sign with Anaheim probably, but they only like Mexicans
19. Javier Vazquez – Retirement.
20. Heath Bell – Padres.
21. Coco Crisp – Giants. He won’t help or hurt SF
22. Hisashi Iwakuma – Twins.
23. Kelly Johnson – Dodgers.He’s garbage and has never been good.
24. Josh Willingham – Reds. More good then harm
25. Paul Maholm – Rockies.
26. Grady Sizemore – Marlins. Indians
27. Bartolo Colon – Red Sox. Retirement or back to Anaheim as I said before they like Mexicans.
28. Erik Bedard –
29. David DeJesus – Cubs. I sure as hell hope not unless it’s to replace Soriano til he’s released or traded
30. Jason Kubel -Twins
31. Ramon Hernandez -he’s terrible, one catcher worse is Geo Soto
32. Jeff Francis – Pirates.
33. Chris Capuano – Mariners. Won’t help or harm a horrible team
34. Tsuyoshi Wada – Orioles. Wada is expected to come to MLB as a free agent, though one question is his ability to handle a full rotation workload.
35. Clint Barmes – Twins. Barmes provided good value this season, and the Twins have a clear middle-infield need.
36. Casey Kotchman – Rays. Kotchman posted a fine
2011 season after signing a minor league deal, but his price should
remain reasonable as teams wonder whether he can do it again.
37. Freddy Garcia – Yankees. Even with Sabathia in
the fold, the Yankees will need additional rotation depth. Another
stint with Garcia makes sense if his price remains reasonable.
38. Aaron Hill – Diamondbacks. Hill’s stellar 142 plate appearances for the Diamondbacks this year provided hope he can bounce back in 2012.
39. Johnny Damon – Orioles. Damon probably
requires a designated hitter opening, yet his level of offense doesn’t
justify a full-time spot. He’s a difficult free agent to place.
40. Aaron Harang – Angels. Would Harang accept a below-market deal to stay close to home?
41. Jamey Carroll – Tigers. The versatile Carroll fits at the top of the Tigers’ order, playing mostly second base.
42. Rafael Furcal – Cardinals. The Cardinals and Furcal are known to have mutual interest in a new deal; he showed promise in his Cards stint this year.
43. Juan Pierre – Reds. Pierre will have to take a more reduced role next year, perhaps under Dusty Baker again.
44. Frank Francisco – Mariners. Francisco was homer-prone this year, but he’s still an asset in the late innings.
45. Jason Marquis – Mets. Marquis may have to take a one-year deal with the Mets to realize his goal of playing in New York.
46. Joel Pineiro – Cubs. He’s never been that good so he’s a perfect fit
47. Jonathan Broxton – Mets. Broxton
had arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur and loose bodies from his
elbow in September and expects to be ready for Spring Training. Though
he may not be the Broxton of old, I expect incentive-laden offers to be plentiful.
48. Joe Nathan – Twins. Nathan is excited about free agency, but after so many successful years closing for the Twins he may want to return to the role full-time in 2012.
49. Kerry Wood – Cubs. It’s Cubs or retirement for Wood, and there’s no reason not to bring him back.
50. Bruce Chen – Royals. As long as Chen’s price tag doesn’t get excessive, he’s a good fit back with the Royals.
dude you have wayyy too much time on your hands
Just for your information Bartolo Colon ISNT a Mexican, hes from the Dominican Republic. The same goes for the rest of the latino named players such as Kendry Morales, Erick Aybar, Macier Izturis, Ervin Santana, Bobby Abreu, Albert Pujols and Alberto Callaspo. They are all from either the Dominican Republic, Cuba, or Venezuela. There are NO MEXICANS on the Angels. If anything Dan Haren is Mexican-American, but he is half white and Mexican.
don’t go to Vegas with any of those predictions
The giants are going very cheap as Brian Sabean proves again and again that you get retreads and they’ll do the job. My prediction is that The Giants will be in 4th
place. I think ownership needs to fire Sabean and bring in some fire into this organization. The Giants have good pitching but horrible hitting. Brandon Crawford needs more seasoning. You get a guy like Jimmy Rollins or someone up their to lead their offense. Sabean another wasted season looking for a power hitter.
LOL almost every single prediction was WRONG! My guesses were better
exactly GUESSES
Where is Cespedes? Hes gotta be better than Johnny Damon
You all missed these ones:
Pujols – Angels
Wilson – Angels
Swing n a miss!
Swing n a miss!
mlbtr u did a terrible job at predicting u only predicted dejesus correct other than some resigns with the same former teams