Gotta love MLBTradeRumors for goodies like this, their massive list of 2010 free agents-to-be. And from the looks of it, it's not a bumper crop. We're going to be losing Matsui, Damon and Nady. If Austin Jackson is ready to take CF for his own in 2010, we'll need two corner OFs (or one if we get a 1B and move Swisher to a corner OF spot). Here are the interesting names that stick out for me, either due to age or need or both. My comments are in red.
These are players who are eligible for free agency after the 2009 season. The player's 2010 age is in parentheses and Scott Boras clients are bolded. Current free agents who have not yet signed are not on this list.
First basemen
- Nick Johnson (31) Would be nice to bring him back but can he stay healthy?
- Adam LaRoche (30)
Second basemen
- Brian Roberts (32) Love this guy but if Cano's still at 2B, where would he play?
Shortstops
- Bobby Crosby (30) If you like a 0.230 BA and perennially injured SS...
- Khalil Greene (30)
Third basemen
- Adrian Beltre (31) Just thinking if we move ARod to 1B and put Beltre at 3B for defense
- Chone Figgins (32) Lacks the pop of a CI, but would be a great lead-off guy. Can he play SS and bump Jetes to 1B? Will he play CF if Jackson isn't ready? Does he have a Damon-like arm?
Left fielders
- Jason Bay (31) Yes, please, if the Sox don't extend him before he gets to FA.
- Carl Crawford (28) - $10MM club option with a $1.25MM buyout. I can't see the Rays not exercising this option
- Matt Holliday (30) If he can hit in OAK, he'd be welcome in the Bronx. If he can't, stay away!
Center fielders
- Rick Ankiel (30) Certainly intriguing. Want to see him get 600 AB's and then decide. Boras client, so expect him to be overpriced if he has a good year.
- Marlon Byrd (32) Could be a quiet, under the radar signing. Which means it won't happen.
Right fielders
- Vladimir Guerrero (34) Oldest 34 year old since El Duque finished high school. Really, 34 with a straight face? My dad's had both knees wrecked and would be 30 years older and I'm not sure Vlad can beat him down the line. Which means it's exactly who Hank would pine for. But only as a DH at this point.
- Xavier Nady (31) Another Boras client but if he has a solid year, maybe he sticks a bit.
- Jayson Werth (31) I like this guy. Sure he's a platoon, but he is an easy 20/20 guy. I don't know how good/bad his D is, though. Anyone?
Starting pitchers*
- Erik Bedard (31) Oof. He could be wonderful to add as a strong lefty, or he could be out the whole year.
- Rich Harden (28) Droool. See Bedard, change to "righty". Look up "Pure Stuff" and you'll see his picture.
- John Lackey (31) If the Angels can't lock this guy up long term, I'd go all in on Lackey. Not CC levels, but this is a guy to get.
- Brett Myers (29) Except when in Boston, sure.
- *Beckett, Webb and C.Lee have options that are likely to be picked up.
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5 comments:
All I see on that list is a whole lot of old guys. Next year should probably be a quite off season for the Yankees. We'll probably need an outfielder or a first basemen. This list is another reason to sign Tex. Hopefully two of Hughes/ Kennedey/ Aceves stick so pitching isn't an issue. Who are we going to put at SS next year? Jeter needs to move to the OF. Chone is AWFUL. I will shed many a tear if the Yankees sign him. His OBP is nothing special, is SLG is awful, and his SB potential isn't getting any better.
I agree with Rory about Tex. As I have said on other postings,Yanks should spend the money this year and go all out for Tex since the 2010 crop of free agents is pretty scary. Move Swisher to the outfield or as a backup and we are all set.
Lackey and Roberts are the two names on that list that I'd love to have. Unfortunately, Roberts will be a few years too late. Lackey would be great though. Crawford would be a no-brainer as well but I doubt he'll leave Tampa.
Seeing this list makes me feel old.
You should have added "Fragile" next to LaRoche. He's a good fielder and a decent hitter, but I don't think he could handle New York. Other than that, I pretty much agree with everything here.
Werth is a good defensive RF for the Phils. He's a got a strong arm and runs very well. He should hit near the bottom of the line-up against righties but kills lefties. However, i think with more time facing the righties he'll improve his platoon splits this year.
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