Free agency kicked off last Friday, with the first big move being the Yankees' reported $14o million, six year offer to CC Sabathia. The Bombers remain the odds-on favorite to acquire the services of the hulking lefthander and he'd instantly give them a big game ace. Look for CC to eventually sign a deal a couple million more than the one handed to Mets ace Johan Santana last winter.
Meanwhile, the Winter Meetings are a couple weeks away. We know the drill by now...expect more action before and after the meetings than during.
Jake Peavy is another name being thrown about. The Braves were closing in on landing "Peav" but balked at including top pitching prospect Tommy Hanson. From where I sit, I don't get the Braves' reluctance. Peavy would give them the ace they need. Hanson looks very good, but he's an unproven kid. I still think the Braves are a potential match for Peavy, but at this point you'd have to think the Dodgers could emerge as a favorite. How about this deal...James McDonald and Andre Ethier for Peavy. That would help both teams out. If it happens, the Dodgers would have a devastating front four of Billingsley, Peavy, Kershaw and Kuroda. Wow.
The bidding for Mark Teixeira has yet to get underway. Many insiders believe the Yankees' focus on pitching will keep them out of the bidding. The Angels should do all they can to lock up Big Tex as they need his bat. Look for the Red Sox to make a move at Tex as well. In fact, if I'm Theo Epstein, I make acquiring Teixeira a priority.
The closers market is suddenly flooded, with Trevor Hoffman and Kerry Wood being cast aside by their former teams. The Mets, Tigers, Indians and Brewers have the biggest need for a stopper at the moment. Look for the market's biggest name, Francisco Rodriguez, to eventually sign with the Mets. I see Hoffman heading to Cleveland, Wood to Texas and Brian Fuentes to the Brew Crew. Two other closers that might move via trade include Bobby Jenks and Jose Valverde.
Manny Ramirez has already said he's going with the highest bidder. So far, the only interested suitor appears to be the Dodgers. Look for other teams, namely the Yankees and Angels to put out feelers, but expect that Man-Ram stays in LA.
Blockbuster trades? As usual, this requires some 'leap of faith" speculation since we usually don't hear a whisper about surprising trades until they happen. I'll take a shot. My guess is that Prince Fielder gets traded just before spring training....to Tampa Bay for Scott Kazmir.
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