Though the 2009 free agent market is not the deepest it will be interesting to see where each player ends up and who will have the money to spend on the big names.
On Friday, teams will be able to discuss financial terms with these players and in the spirit of the season I have decided to offer my input as to where these players may end up.
Without further ado, the top 50 2009 free agents:
1. CC Sabathia, SP
Without a doubt the best player in the free agent class. Seventeen wins and ten losses over 253 innings in 2008 while leading the Brew Crew to their first postseason since 1982.
Though the Yankees will certainly throw copious amounts of money at him this off-season I don't expect him to fall for it, though a smaller market team will not have the money to swoon him. The most likely destination for the big lefty is near his home on the West Coast.
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers
2. Mark Teixiera, 3B/1B
Tex only beats Manny as number two because of his age, and the likelihood of prolonged quality years left in his bat. The Angels need his bat more than they need another arm, so though the team will make a run at Sabathia as well I imagine they can only afford one of the two.
Though they are waiting until after Friday to put in an offer I doubt it will hinder them, it seems they are just catering to Boras' games.
Prediction: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
3. Manny Ramirez
Scott Boras is not going to get what he expects for Manny, I see this as more of a Carlos Beltran situation. That being said, Manny will fetch big bucks from some team, and the only one willing to offer such money seems to be the team he carried to the postseason.
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers
4. A.J. Burnett, SP
Burnett will have quite a selection of suitors this off-season to select from, however, I expect him to go with his experience and stay in the AL East. The Red Sox and Yankees will pursue him, he is a solid second choice for the Yanks after Sabathia.
Prediction: New York Yankees
5. Francisco Rodriguez, RP
K-Rod's record year does a lot to hide the fact that his numbers have dropped off over the past couple of seasons. The decline will be noted by GM's, but it won't be significant enough to keep teams away. The Mets are the only large market club looking for a closer which makes them the favorite to land the flame thrower.
Prediction: New York Mets
6. Derek Lowe, SP
Lowe has put up consistent numbers from year to year and will reap the rewards this off-season with a big contract, which can only come from a big team.
Prediction: New York Yankees
7. Adam Dunn, OF
Dunn is a solid bat however strikes out too often and is only an average defender at best. I wouldn't be surprised to be surprised at where he lands this season.
Prediction: Washington Nationals
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about 1 month ago
Great article.
The Cubs have already mentioned that they won't be pursuing Bobby Abreu. I remember reading that in a MLB article. I know that he wants to resign with the Yanks. If they do it, I'm not sure.
about 1 month ago
I sure hope Abreu doesn't go elsewhere I'd like to see him back in pinstripes. I mean he's the 3 hitter, they can't afford to lose him.
Oh and if your pitchers are correct, I'd be happy with this rotation:
1. Chien-Ming Wang
2. AJ Burnett
3. Andy Pettitte
4. Derek Lowe
5. Phil Hughes
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