eznark said:
What was the FA market when Matsuzaka came over? I can't really remember but for some reason I think it was mildly better than the current one. So, they both kind of stunk?
From mlbtraderumors.com Top 16 FA of 2007
1. Daisuke Matsuzaka - Yankees. Cashman needs a #1 starter, and not many teams can take on this kind of risk for such a huge amount of money. I think he's a Yankee all the way. Seattle stepping down only increases the chances.
2. Alfonso Soriano - Phillies. Pat Gillick might have some competition from the Mets, but the Phils seem serious about spending big-time money for another superstar level player. Soriano and Howard could provide a ton of Ks and home runs as a tandem.
3. Aramis Ramirez - Cubs. Sportswriters like to spew silly things about how Ramirez didn't "carry the team" when Derrek Lee was out and how he's lazy. Somehow I doubt these minor, partly made-up issues are on Jim Hendry's mind as he negotiates with the 28 year-old third baseman. The contract could run as long as six years.
4. Barry Zito - Padres. We know the Padres aren't particular fond of Scott Boras, but who really is? He might be the best bet for a long-term contract for a pitcher, and the Padres have over $30MM to play with this winter. Peavy/Young/Zito/Hensley looks mighty solid to me.
5. Barry Bonds - Giants. I don't buy the "lack of interest" angle for a second. When a player gets on base 45% of the time, wants a one or two-year deal, and is poised to break a major record, many teams are going to inquire. We all know the negatives: former(?) 'roid usage, the attitude, the age, the defense. But from a strictly baseball sense, the pros outweigh the cons by a long shot. I just can't see the Giants letting him leave after all they've been through together.
6. Jason Schmidt - Mariners. After passing on Daisuke Matsuzaka, I think the Ms will pony up for perhaps the next best option. This is a team that had no problem handing $40MM to Jarrod Washburn. Schmidt is a risky long-term bet but so were Wash and Richie Sexson. Add in the much-mentioned fact that Schmidt hails from Washington state, and we have a match.
7. Roger Clemens - Astros. I think he is up for more, despite the steroid allegations and such. We could all do without the will he/won't he drama this time though. The Red Sox will certainly give him a call as well, but the family arrangement with Houston is pretty sweet. Plus, a Carlos Lee signing could convince the Rocket to give it one more try.
8. Carlos Lee - Astros. Almost seems like a foregone conclusion. Tim Purpura has $30 million to burn, leaving room for one huge bat even if the two 40-something starters return. Lee lives on Drayton McLane's ranch in the spare bedroom or something like that so that's a factor I guess.
9. Gary Matthews Jr. - Cubs. And to think they placed him on waivers back in '01. Plenty of clubs (White Sox, Angels) would like to add Matthews after his career year. While he'll be 33 next year, Sarge Jr. plays a fine center field and will still be an above average hitter for his position even after some regression.
10. Tom Glavine - Mets. It's either Mets or Braves, and the Mets make a lot more sense financially. The newspapers report that a deal could be close, although they have backed off recently.
11. Vicente Padilla - Mets. Minaya may crave a big-name addition to the rotation, but there are only so many to go around. He'll be 29 next year, making him a younger free agent. Bring in Padilla, Sexson, Freel, Dmitri Young, and Ponson and you've got a head start on the All-DUI team. Francisco Liriano, Esteban Loaiza, B.J. Upton, and Rafael Furcal are not available, however. Wow DUIs are popular in baseball now that I think about it.
12. Frank Thomas - A's. Reports indicate that Big Frank and the A's are not too far from an agreement. An Adam Dunn trade could be the backup plan, but right now it looks like Thomas. We should be cautious not to count our chickens before they hatch, as Frank has a rep for chasing maximum dollars.
13. Ray Durham - Giants. The Giants have a lot of free cash, and Ray Ray is coming off his best year yet. Kevin Frandsen would be OK, but Durham would be much preferred.
14. Jim Edmonds - Cardinals. As the price of Edmonds is essentially $7 mil for one year, it'll be hard to cut ties and decline that option. He redeemed himself in the playoffs somewhat.
15. Jose Guillen - Pirates. Not too many teams are in need of a right fielder, but the Bucs could be one if Xavier Nady plays first. Because he lost 2006 to injury, Guillen could provide an affordable power bat on a two-year deal.
16. Akinori Iwamura - Indians. The Phillies and Padres will be in hard on him as well. Iwamura could be one of the best bargains of the offseason. He could play mainly second base for the Tribe but his assistance could be needed on the left side of the infield.