FTFA:

14. Miguel Tejada - Athletics

42. Coco Crisp - Royals

46. Jim Thome - Athletics

Did submitter even bother to read the article? This is obviously pure speculation, but as an A's fan I'd take a one year rental of Miguel Tejada over the vortex of suck that was Bobby Crosby the last five years. I'm not sure if Jim Thome would be a much better option than Jack Cust, but he probably would fare better than Jason Giambi did in his return to Oakland.

11. Mike Cameron - Padres. The Padres are tight on cash, but bringing back Cameron to play center field makes sense on a one-year deal worth $7MM or so.

*sppppffffffffft*
*snerk*
*BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!*

Not only are the Padres not going to bring back someone who missed out on half a season to 'roids, they're trying to develop their own center fielder with a much more marketable name at a much lower price.

BKITU: 11. Mike Cameron - Padres. The Padres are tight on cash, but bringing back Cameron to play center field makes sense on a one-year deal worth $7MM or so.

*sppppffffffffft*
*snerk*
*BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!*

Not only are the Padres not going to bring back someone who missed out on half a season to 'roids, they're trying to develop their own center fielder with a much more marketable name at a much lower price.

I don't see that happening. The guy is constantly injured. The Padres could throw a replacement player in there and he'd probably perform just as well.

Breaking News: the Pirates just traded their top prospect for a handful of "magic beans."

mjoven1975: FTFA:

14. Miguel Tejada - Athletics

42. Coco Crisp - Royals

46. Jim Thome - Athletics

Did submitter even bother to read the article? This is obviously pure speculation, but as an A's fan I'd take a one year rental of Miguel Tejada over the vortex of suck that was Bobby Crosby the last five years. I'm not sure if Jim Thome would be a much better option than Jack Cust, but he probably would fare better than Jason Giambi did in his return to Oakland.

I"m not sure I like the Tejada thing. He would block Wallace at third for the season in a year when the A's need to develop their young hitters if they want to have any chance to compete with the pitching that emerged this last season.

Billy Wagner to the CUBS?! Oh man. Oh man. Wow.

I find it hard to see Lackey in a Yankee uniform. He just isn't quite right for this team.

KC Royals will continue to be a laughing stock team as long as David "Wal-Mart" Glass is so freakin cheap with payroll (see the Teahan trade this week)

/Royals Fan

Cagey B: mjoven1975: FTFA:

14. Miguel Tejada - Athletics

42. Coco Crisp - Royals

46. Jim Thome - Athletics

Did submitter even bother to read the article? This is obviously pure speculation, but as an A's fan I'd take a one year rental of Miguel Tejada over the vortex of suck that was Bobby Crosby the last five years. I'm not sure if Jim Thome would be a much better option than Jack Cust, but he probably would fare better than Jason Giambi did in his return to Oakland.

I"m not sure I like the Tejada thing. He would block Wallace at third for the season in a year when the A's need to develop their young hitters if they want to have any chance to compete with the pitching that emerged this last season.

I think it depends on whether or not the A's envision Wallace as a full time third baseman. I worry that Wallace has enough range to play third base full time, and I wouldn't mind seeing the A's move him to first base. The A's have some tough decisions to make this offseason. I also would interested in seeing Adam Kennedy return. The guy was solid the entire season and he probably could be had for relatively cheap.

The Yankees are going to resign Matsui. If it's just a choice between him and Damon he wins. He brings a lot of Japanese money to the Yankees. Gardner isn't quite the hitter Damon is but he's better in the outfield at this point in Damon's career. Plus there's still Xavier Nady, most people forget about him because he was hurt so early in the season. That's the only reason Swish became an every day player.

semi-related..
Bill Burr had a great bit on Opie and Anthony last week regarding the "loveable little guys" winning the W.S. He DESTROYS them.. it's awesome and true.
-----------------
back on topic:

I hope that the top 5 teams all spend 400 million next season, and none of the other teams can compete.. eventually leading to a salary cap. (remove Cubs and Tigers)
Yanks, Sox, Mets, Phills, Angels..just buy everyone. Even if they sign them, and put them in AAA.. just buy everyone.

gmikes: The Yanks always get what they want,
The Yanks always get what they want,

But the Sox and Phils,
And a few other teams,
They get what they need.

...didn't they need a world series win?

Top 50 MLB free agents, along with which big market teams are most likely to sign them. No, Kansas City, Oakland, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Florida San Francisco. Not yours

FTFY, Subby.

As I Giants fan, looking through that list, I see only one likely free agent signing listed for the Giants, and an unexciting one at that. Jesus F*cking Christ. You would think that management would realize that, with probably the best pitching in the N.L. but probably the worst hitting, there might be some potential for major and immediate improvement by just signing a couple of decent hitters. Other than Pablo Sandoval (and Juan Uribe for the last month or two of the season) nobody in the line-up can swing the bat worth a damn. I mean, Jesus, this is a team that had Bengie Molina of all people, batting clean-up for most of the season, and Aaron Rowand--a guy who shouldn't be in the starting lineup of any MLB team--batting leadoff for half the games, and yet thanks to their pitching they still managed to be in competition for the wild card the whole season. Imagine what impact a couple of free-agent sluggers would have.

It's not like the team doesn't have the money. It's a financially successful franchise. So spend some of it, you bastards, if you expect us to continue to spend $50 for a mediocre seat in your ballpark. I don't want to see another season where the Giants lead the league in 2-1 losses, or where Pablo Sandoval leads the league in solo HRs.

2. John Lackey - Yankees. Last winter's strategy of signing the best two starters and the best hitter available contributed to the Yankees' World Series title.

That made me laugh. I don't know why. The strategy of signing the best players available contributed to winning a World Series... Shocking!

mjoven1975: ...but as an A's fan...

That must suck.

FTFA: 1. Matt Holliday - Mets.

Yes, please! Also a pitcher. Wolf's ok, I'd prefer Lackey. Might be a bit much money though.

I see the Phils at least being in the running for Figgins or Beltre over DeRosa. I also hope they don't spend big money on another closer, but we'll see.

If Damon doesn't resign with the Yanks, I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the south side of Chicago. Sure, his defense sucks, but so did Podsednik's, and Damon's a way better hitter in every way. And also not retarded on the bases.

FishyFred: I find it hard to see Lackey in a Yankee uniform. He just isn't quite right for this team.

Why not? He's a complete asshole with an anger management issue, and it's 95% likely that he's completely juiced up. He's perfect for the Yankees.

I predict that the Jays GM will do fark all to improve the team through free agents completely frustrating Cito for another year before he becomes a consultant. Thus wasting another year with no playoffs.

poisonedpawn78: I predict that the Jays GM will do fark all to improve the team through free agents completely frustrating Cito for another year before he becomes a consultant. Thus wasting another year with no playoffs.

And they'll trade Halladay at the deadline for 40% of what they could have gotten for him last year.

FreakinB: FTFA: 1. Matt Holliday - Mets. Yankees


FTFY

Holliday - Lackey - Damon - 28th!

I predict that Nationals won't sign any of those mentioned as going to them; but especially Molina and Pavano.

you have pee hands: poisonedpawn78: I predict that the Jays GM will do fark all to improve the team through free agents completely frustrating Cito for another year before he becomes a consultant. Thus wasting another year with no playoffs.

And they'll trade Halladay at the deadline for 40% of what they could have gotten for him last year.

Its sadly true.

Who do you think, Yankees, Boston, LA or Phillies?

I think the Yankees want him but would rather just pay cash when hes a free agent. (im calling Doc - Yankees in 2010-11

gmikes: The Yanks always get what they want,
The Yanks always get what they want,

But the Sox and Phils,
And a few other teams,
They get what they need.

Because everyone knows that Boston couldn't have used Texiera. Or that CC and Burnett both fell apart in the playoffs and caused them to fall short of a title again.

Oh wait...

/Doesn't even like the Yankees
//Just gets sick of all the whining

Whats this BS about Chapman to the Red Sox. You know the Yanks will throw truck loads of money at him. How many 21 year old* lefties can through high 90's constantly.

Angry Drunk Bureaucrat: Breaking News: the Pirates just traded their top prospect for a handful of "magic beans."

This just in, "magic beans" has been placed on the DL for the whole season. Out for stalk surgery.

JohnHall: 2. John Lackey - Yankees. Last winter's strategy of signing the best two starters and the best hitter available contributed to the Yankees' World Series title.

That made me laugh. I don't know why. The strategy of signing the best players available contributed to winning a World Series... Shocking!



Finds your sarcasm disrespectful of in-depth analysis.

WTF Indeed: Whats this BS about Chapman to the Red Sox. You know the Yanks will throw truck loads of money at him. How many 21 year old* lefties can throughthrow high 90's constantly.

FTFY

dhudd: I predict that Nationals won't sign any of those mentioned as going to them; but especially Molina and Pavano.

I'd love to see the Nats pick up Chone Figgins and a decent starting pitcher.

Furious Mongoose: The Yankees are going to resign Matsui. If it's just a choice between him and Damon he wins. He brings a lot of Japanese money to the Yankees. Gardner isn't quite the hitter Damon is but he's better in the outfield at this point in Damon's career. Plus there's still Xavier Nady, most people forget about him because he was hurt so early in the season. That's the only reason Swish became an every day player.

48. Xavier Nady - Diamondbacks. The D'Backs will probably tender a contract to Conor Jackson, but Nady could still be helpful at first base and left field. He's a Scott Boras client, but he missed most of the season due to Tommy John surgery.

It seems he's a free agent. I don't think the Yanks will sign him especially with Swisher stepping up in his place (read as cheaper).

Cyberluddite: Top 50 MLB free agents, along with which big market teams are most likely to sign them. No, Kansas City, Oakland, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Florida San Francisco. Not yours

FTFY, Subby.

As I Giants fan, looking through that list, I see only one likely free agent signing listed for the Giants, and an unexciting one at that. Jesus F*cking Christ. You would think that management would realize that, with probably the best pitching in the N.L. but probably the worst hitting, there might be some potential for major and immediate improvement by just signing a couple of decent hitters. Other than Pablo Sandoval (and Juan Uribe for the last month or two of the season) nobody in the line-up can swing the bat worth a damn. I mean, Jesus, this is a team that had Bengie Molina of all people, batting clean-up for most of the season, and Aaron Rowand--a guy who shouldn't be in the starting lineup of any MLB team--batting leadoff for half the games, and yet thanks to their pitching they still managed to be in competition for the wild card the whole season. Imagine what impact a couple of free-agent sluggers would have.

It's not like the team doesn't have the money. It's a financially successful franchise. So spend some of it, you bastards, if you expect us to continue to spend $50 for a mediocre seat in your ballpark. I don't want to see another season where the Giants lead the league in 2-1 losses, or where Pablo Sandoval leads the league in solo HRs.

it's silly to leave the Giants out of the talks for Bay, Uribe and Penny. They are going to make a run at Bay and try to keep both Penny and Uribe most likely. and don't be surprised if they go after Holliday too. and while it would be a surprise, it wouldn't be out of the question for them to try vigorously to trade Rowand.

eazye1334: Because everyone knows that Boston couldn't have used Texiera. Or that CC and Burnett both fell apart in the playoffs and caused them to fall short of a title again.

Oh wait...

/Doesn't even like the Yankees
//Just gets sick of all the whining

I'm fairly certain that you all missed the point of this joke. Every team "wants" a rotation of CY starters and Mariano as closer. Every team "wants" ARod, Tex, Jeter in their lineup. But they don't need them; referencing the last seven World Series or even the fact that teams will soldier on without winning the World Series.

The Yankees, however, due to the Yes network and incredible marketing and ticket prices, can afford whatever they want. This year, it led to them getting what they couldn't for years... the ring.

Dr.Knockboots: semi-related..
Bill Burr had a great bit on Opie and Anthony last week regarding the "loveable little guys" winning the W.S. He DESTROYS them.. it's awesome and true.

Red Sox fans are like perpetual self-clowning oven machines

spacechicken170am: I'd love to see the Nats pick up Chone Figgins and a decent starting pitcher.

Where would they put Figgins? He's a much better defender at 3rd than he ever was in the outfield, but they've already got an awesome third baseman.

RockChalkH1N1: But the Sox and Phils,
And a few other teams,
They get what they need.

...didn't they need a world series win?

Didn't they win 3 WS titles between them this decade?

Wettner: 48. Xavier Nady - Diamondbacks. The D'Backs will probably tender a contract to Conor Jackson, but Nady could still be helpful at first base and left field. He's a Scott Boras client, but he missed most of the season due to Tommy John surgery.

It seems he's a free agent. I don't think the Yanks will sign him especially with Swisher stepping up in his place (read as cheaper).

Nady, Matsui, and maybe Damon are gone. With Melky, Gardner, and Swish plus Austin Jackson in AAA. The Yanks will be looking at an outfield of all above average fielders, something they haven't had since 1998.

you have pee hands: spacechicken170am: I'd love to see the Nats pick up Chone Figgins and a decent starting pitcher.

Where would they put Figgins? He's a much better defender at 3rd than he ever was in the outfield, but they've already got an awesome third baseman.

I'm thinking that big giant hole at 2nd but the issue will be paying that much for a 2nd basemen. I really want his bat and speed in our lineup. I think it would compliment the sluggers perfectly. Figgins can play everything but 1st, pitcher, and catcher.

FishyFred: Billy Wagner to the CUBS?! Oh man. Oh man. Wow.

I find it hard to see Lackey in a Yankee uniform. He just isn't quite right for this team.

I said this before - I agree. I think the Yankees will sign Pettite for one more year, and develop Hughes/Joba/Aceves/Wang/etc.

The prize is Halladay, NOT Lackey. Lackey seems to have a personality problem that Cashman-run Yankees are trying to avoid.

Molina actually makes a lot of sense for the Nationals -- they need a one-year veteran rental to play every day with injury-recovering Flores as backup. Pavano not so much. I think there's a good chance they'll sign Hudson, though they should have signed him lasty year. What they really need is some relief pitching. Drew Storen may end up being God as a setup man, but there are still massive bullpen holes. I'd also love for them to sign a high end started to be a true ace and help tutor Strasburg and Lannan and the other young guys. Why rent an innings eater bum for a few million (e.g., Livan) when for a few million more you could have a very quality starter?

JohnHall: 2. John Lackey - Yankees. Last winter's strategy of signing the best two starters and the best hitter available contributed to the Yankees' World Series title.

That made me laugh. I don't know why. The strategy of signing the best players available contributed to winning a World Series... Shocking!

Check that: Signing the best players that aren't products of steroids and/or coming off of career years.

Adrian Beltre is the No.9 Free Agent? How old is this list?

RumsfeldsReplacement: Why not? He's a complete asshole with an anger management issue, and it's 95% likely that he's completely juiced up.

Sounds like your classic Schilling/Papelbon/Manny Red Sox star.

jackiepaper: it's silly to leave the Giants out of the talks for Bay, Uribe and Penny. They are going to make a run at Bay and try to keep both Penny and Uribe most likely. and don't be surprised if they go after Holliday too. and while it would be a surprise, it wouldn't be out of the question for them to try vigorously to trade Rowand.

Probably. Uribe showed a lot at the end of the season--he must've batted around .400 the last month or so--and he can play damn near any infield position. I don't see the Giants letting him go without a fight. And yeah, I could see them keeping Penny around, too, expecially since it seems likely that Johnson won't be back.

I'd love to see them get rid of Rowand (or as my daughter and I started refering to him at the end of the season, "Rowand-2," since it rhymes with the count he always seems to start out every AB with, 0-2), but who the hell would want him? He's outstanding defensively, but he's become a huge liability at the plate. Maybe they could could clear some salary and roster space by arranging a special "team-building" skydiving trip for Rowand and Barry Zito.

Bill Frist: RumsfeldsReplacement: Why not? He's a complete asshole with an anger management issue, and it's 95% likely that he's completely juiced up.

Sounds like your classic Schilling/Papelbon/Manny Red Sox star.

I'd throw Youkilis and Beckett in that pile as well.

The signings will be the following:

Pettite to the Yankees for 7.5 million + performance incentives. He'll get 2 more million guaranteed than he did this year.

Damon for 2 years, 10 million a year. The Yankees have Pena and Austin Jackson waiting in the wings.

Lackey might be sniffed at by the Yankees, but if I'm AJ Burnett, I make the push for Halladay next year.

Here's what I'm thinking -

Why NOT sign Nady for a home-team discount 1 or 2 year deal to see how his arm healed up?

Free Agents will be boring part of this offseason. I'm waiting for the trades to go through.

Furious Mongoose: The Yankees are going to resign Matsui. If it's just a choice between him and Damon he wins. He brings a lot of Japanese money to the Yankees. Gardner isn't quite the hitter Damon is but he's better in the outfield at this point in Damon's career. Plus there's still Xavier Nady, most people forget about him because he was hurt so early in the season. That's the only reason Swish became an every day player.

Matsui cannot play the outfield. They won't resign him. Seriously. What do you mean Matsui "brings a lot of Japanese money"? Steinbrenner probably doesn't care and he knows that Matsui is not an everyday player on this Yankee team. He can't play the field.

Damon will probably come back. I wish I could share even your guarded optimism about Gardner's hitting. He's not a bad hitter. He's a terrible hitter. He can't hit worth shiat. He'll be a #8 or #9 hitter for his entire career. I would love to have him in center field every day and Melky in left, but it's just not going to happen.

Swisher had such a great year that he has to be the starting RF. Maybe Nady gets Matsui's roster spot and is the DH on opening day.

spacechicken170am: I'm thinking that big giant hole at 2nd but the issue will be paying that much for a 2nd basemen. I really want his bat and speed in our lineup. I think it would compliment the sluggers perfectly. Figgins can play everything but 1st, pitcher, and catcher.

If he's as good at 2nd as he is at 3rd, that might be a good pickup for them, depending on how high the market for him gets. IMO it would be a little silly for the Nationals to sign a 31 year old to a long expensive contract if that's what it takes, given that he'd probably be declining by the time the Nats are aiming to contend.

FishyFred:

Matsui cannot play the outfield. They won't resign him. Seriously. What do you mean Matsui "brings a lot of Japanese money"? Steinbrenner probably doesn't care and he knows that Matsui is not an everyday player on this Yankee team. He can't play the field.

The Japanese newspaper ads in right field. That's what he was talking about.

Matsui had a great run, but Damon had a career year in HRs, didn't he? Yankee Stadium is designed for him.

Sign Damon and Nady.