MLB free agent prospects
Brent Beale
Issue date: 11/13/06 Section: Sports
With the free-agent deadline just around the corner, every team in baseball is trying to budget their payroll, balance the team's checkbook, trying to scrape those extra few dollars to bring in that one missing cog to propel their team into the post-season.
With the later deadline for players to file for free-agency, there was speculation that there would be a smaller number due to teams having longer to re-sign their own players. This is definately not the case, as of November 2 there are 161 total players who have filed. The most intriguing of the 161 is not even in this country yet. Daisuke Matsuzaka the MVP of the World Baseball Classic and 17 game winner from the Seibu Lions will look to get possibly the most lucrative deal this off-season. Insiders believe that his price tag could top the $70 million mark. The usual suspects are looking to open their pockets in order to lure the young right-hander to the U.S. are the Yankees, Red Sox and Mets. Aside from Matsuzaka, there are rumors abound.
The Phillies seem to have keen interest in Alfonso Soriano, waiting to see if they can sign him before engaging in any sort of Pat Burrell talks. If that falls through, they would not have to offer anything more then Gavin Floyd to land Gary Sheffield from the Yankees who want nothing more then to elevate the crowded outfield. Bullpen help by means of hard throwing Danys Baez and Joe Borowski look to be safe bets. Carlos Lee is another option they might want to explore if Soriano falls though before trading for an aging Sheffield.
The Barry Zito sweepstakes may keep the lefty in the Golden State. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have both the payroll space and the need for a front line starter with the uncertainty of Bartolo Colon's health after last seasons shoulder surgery.
The Cubs are another teams who has thrown their hat into the Matsuzaka ring, looking to sure up an oft-injured rotation. All those looking for help at third from Aramis Rameriz might want to find a second option, both sides seem to be relatively close on a deal.
With the later deadline for players to file for free-agency, there was speculation that there would be a smaller number due to teams having longer to re-sign their own players. This is definately not the case, as of November 2 there are 161 total players who have filed. The most intriguing of the 161 is not even in this country yet. Daisuke Matsuzaka the MVP of the World Baseball Classic and 17 game winner from the Seibu Lions will look to get possibly the most lucrative deal this off-season. Insiders believe that his price tag could top the $70 million mark. The usual suspects are looking to open their pockets in order to lure the young right-hander to the U.S. are the Yankees, Red Sox and Mets. Aside from Matsuzaka, there are rumors abound.
The Phillies seem to have keen interest in Alfonso Soriano, waiting to see if they can sign him before engaging in any sort of Pat Burrell talks. If that falls through, they would not have to offer anything more then Gavin Floyd to land Gary Sheffield from the Yankees who want nothing more then to elevate the crowded outfield. Bullpen help by means of hard throwing Danys Baez and Joe Borowski look to be safe bets. Carlos Lee is another option they might want to explore if Soriano falls though before trading for an aging Sheffield.
The Barry Zito sweepstakes may keep the lefty in the Golden State. The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have both the payroll space and the need for a front line starter with the uncertainty of Bartolo Colon's health after last seasons shoulder surgery.
The Cubs are another teams who has thrown their hat into the Matsuzaka ring, looking to sure up an oft-injured rotation. All those looking for help at third from Aramis Rameriz might want to find a second option, both sides seem to be relatively close on a deal.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 8
Alice Blaker
posted 3/12/09 @ 12:47 PM EST
Great article. I agree totally.
Alison Worth
posted 3/16/09 @ 2:51 AM EST
Cheers for writing about this. FYI - here's some more info about watch bones you might like!
Wilma Todhunter
posted 3/19/09 @ 2:42 AM EST
Wait for next writes!
Seeking Rusian Girlfreind
posted 3/24/09 @ 3:20 AM EST
Indeed an informative article.
Nally Wasmuth
posted 4/08/09 @ 1:53 AM EST
Great article. I agree totally.
Graczyk Tout
posted 6/20/09 @ 3:49 PM EST
I have to agree with teh poster above... :/ looks like a lot of hot air to me.
Graczyk Tout
posted 6/21/09 @ 2:26 AM EST
I have to agree with teh poster above... :/ looks like a lot of hot air to me.
Gloria Capel
posted 7/04/09 @ 5:38 PM EST
A think this new storie have some mistakes.
Post a Comment