For those of us that didn't have a rooting interest in the playoffs, the time we've been waiting for is finally here. Time for players to opt out, declare free agency, be traded & change the landscape for the 2009 season. Let's go over some of the names expected out there....
A.J. Burnett
Apparently he'll decide by Monday whether to opt out or not. I didn't think it woudl take this long - I figured he'd opt out at the first possible chance. Not a chance he remains in Toronto but J.P. Ricciardi will probably toss 3 years & $45 million at him or 4 years & $54 million. He'll decline both. I see Burnett wearing pinstripes next year. The Yankees will make yet another pin headed decision by giving him 5 years & 16+ million a season. Then he'll injure his pinky or get a hangnail and miss 2 months. Have fun New York. Don't worry though, he'll have a fantastic season in his contract year.
C.C. Sabathia
The Yankees' #1 target in the offseason and I'm positive he'll turn them down. We're talking about a guy who just built a luxurious dream home in California. Possibly in Los Angeles, but I'm not certain. I see both LA clubs making the pursue but C.C. has made it known he'd like to swing the bat & I expect him to be wearing Dodger Blue next year.
Prince Fielder
Rumor has it they'll listen to offers. ESPN The Magazine says they could trade him for pitching, suggesting to San Francisco for Matt Cain. The Yankees are apparently not interested as they want to keep first base open for the future spot of Derek Jeter. I just don't think the Brewers will get enough, I say he stays until the July trade deadline.
Mark Teixeira
Apparently Scott fucken Boras, who is single handedly ruining the game, wants 10 years and $200 million for Mark. Guess what? Teixeira is not worth anywhere close to that. He's a solid player but he's not Manny Ramirez.
Apparently the Yankees won't pay it either. I say he signs back with the Angels.
Manny Ramirez
He's about to turn down 2 years & $60 million from the Dodgers. He's not about to sign back with them, that's why the Dodgers will land Sabathia. It pains me to say this but I really think he may end up in New York. Yes, I mean as a Yankee. Maybe it's because I'm a homer but let's not pass over the Jays making a run for Manny. He's made it clear that he wants to sign with a team where baseball isn't the be all & end all in that town. It is in New York. Not in Toronto & the Jays will have $15-$20 million to spend after Burnett leaves. Especially if J.P. shipd BJ Ryan out of town.
Jake Peavy
I don't think we'll see it in the next couple weeks but mark my words, Peavy will be an Atlanta Brave next season. And no one in Atlanta will care.
Ken Griffey Jr
Apparently the Reds have next to no interest. That makes you wonder who will take the risk. Could the Mariners take another stab? Maybe the Yankees if they dont get Manny. Griffey will not sign until after all the big boys sign, but it will probably be by some dumbass general manager who doesn't deserve to be a GM.
More to come......