MLB’s Top Offseason Moves

By Brad Berreman
Love of Sports Correspondent

As the baseball season winds down, there are many big things to watch for during this offseason.

There are big free agents who command big contracts and a few teams that may look to re-make themselves.

Here’s my list of the teams and players most likely to draw headlines before next year.

What To Watch For This Offseason

1. The New York Yankees

It’s no secret the Yankees had a disappointing 2008 season under first year manager Joe Girardi. It just so happens they could have some significant money coming off their payroll this winter, and that could allow them to add some big named free agents. Pitcher Carl Pavano and 1B/DH Jason Giambi seem the most likely free agents not to return in 2009, as each never lived up to the huge contracts they signed. Bobby Abreu could also become a free agent, but he seems likely to return as long as the price is right for both sides. Mike Mussina (who won 20 games for the first time in his career in 2008) is also a pending free agent who could re-sign with the team, sign with another team or even possibly retire. Andy Pettitte could retire as well after a tough 2008 season.

It’ll be interesting to see what moves the Yankees make. Upgrades in the pitching staff, in CF and possibly at 1B all seem very necessary. CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira are two of the higher profile free agents. Will the Yankees make an offer to one or both of these guys? Where does injured veteran Jorge Posada fit in if he can’t play catcher anymore? Will pitcher Joba Chamberlain stay a starter, or will he move back to the bullpen?

These are some of the many questions facing the Yankees as they move to a new stadium in 2009. One thing is for sure with the franchise not winning a World Series since 2000 … there will be changes.

2. Manny Ramirez

Ramirez had a big effect on the Dodgers after the trade deadline, and he should command a big contract on the free agent market. Man-Ram is a guy who marches to his own drum, but there’s no denying his talent at the plate. It’ll be interesting to see who makes a play to sign Ramirez and how long a contract he’ll get since he will turn 36 early next season. My prediction is that the Dodgers will bring him back.

3. The New York Mets

The other New York team also moves into a new stadium in 2009 and could be looking to make a splash in free agency to excite the fan base even further.

Two straight late season collapses may bring some big changes. Closer Billy Wagner will miss the entire 2009 season with an elbow injury, so the Mets could be interested in signing Francisco Rodriguez, who’s a free agent.

The Mets also need to upgrade their entire bullpen. When Wagner missed time in 2008, they were a disaster. Manager Jerry Manuel and general manager Omar Minaya are both going to be back in 2009, so there will be continuity in those two positions.

The Mets probably need to make some roster changes to take the next step, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they make a major trade this winter involving one or more of their marquee players. It’s clear the current mix of players isn’t working late in the season, and something likely has to change if they expect to have some postseason success.  Or if they even want to have a chance to make the playoffs.

4. CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets and A.J. Burnett

The top three free agent starting pitchers available all stand to get big contracts. 

Sabathia helped propel the Brewers to the NL wild card after being acquired via trade from Cleveland in July. He pitched a few consecutive starts on short rest toward the end of the season before it caught up to him in the playoffs. However, CC’s still relatively young and should get a long, lucrative contract from someone. Perhaps the Yankees will be interested. Going back to the Indians could be an option as well, and the Giants or Dodgers could also be interested.

Sheets had a good season in 2008 before missing the Brewers’ playoff series with an arm injury. He’s been fairly injury prone during his career, but the timing of this latest injury could cost him as far as the free agent deal he’ll offered.  Sheets is unlikely to return to Milwaukee, but maybe the Brewers will bring him back if the price is right.

Burnett had a good 2008 season, going 18-10 in 221.1 innings. He’s had injury issues in his career, and that could also affect the free agent offers he gets. Perhaps the Yankees will make Burnett an offer, since his price should be less than Sabathia’s. The Mets could also be interested in Burnett, as they could team him with Johan Santana to form a very good top of the rotation.

5. The Chicago Cubs

The Cubs had the National League’s best regular season record in 2008, only to be swept the Dodgers in the Division Series. There’s some speculation about manager Lou Piniella’s status, but that doesn’t appear to be a major issue since his contract option for 2010 has been picked up.

The Cubs probably need an upgrade in the outfield, with RF Kosuke Fukudome’s late season struggles and CF Jim Edmonds likely to be near the end of his career. Another prominent experienced hitter to go with what they already have is a need.

A major overhaul isn’t really needed on the north side of Chicago, but if they can add a few key parts this offseason they could finally end their playoff struggles. I think players with playoff experience and/or success that play their positional needs would be a priority.

6. Francisco Rodriguez

The Angels closer set a single-season record with 62 saves in 2008, and he’s scheduled to be a free agent this offseason. It remains to be seen how that heavy workload will effect Rodriguez long-term, but he will draw plenty of interest on the free agent market.

The Mets seem like an obvious team that would be interested in K-Rod due to their bullpen struggles and Billy Wagner missing all of 2009, and they’d have the room on the payroll to take on a big contract. Of course, the Angels could also seek to retain him, as they could also afford to take on a big contract.

7. The Detroit Tigers

The Tigers entered 2008 with high expectations, only to finish last in the AL Central. The pitching staff struggled, as injuries in the bullpen and ineffectiveness in the starting rotation plagued the Tigers throughout the season.

Veteran OF/DH Gary Sheffield also struggled with injuries and lacked his usual productivity. Carlos Guillen and Placido Polanco also struggled to stay healthy, which hampered the Tigers’ offense.
Outside of 3B Miguel Cabrera and CF Curtis Granderson, who each had nice seasons, most of the Tigers’ most prominent players didn’t reach the expectations that were set for them in spring training. OF/DH Marcus Thames showed his potential as a power hitter, but he struggled with consistency at the plate.
Manager Jim Leyland has said he’ll return in 2009, but other changes would appear to be coming. Ivan Rodriguez was traded to the Yankees during 2008, and long time closer Todd Jones has announced he’ll retire. Starting pitcher Kenny Rogers also looks unlikely to return in 2009. It remains to be seen if Dontrelle Willis has the ability to be a productive starting pitcher anymore after being demoted to the minors in 2008.

The Tigers could be interested in Francisco Rodriguez in free agency and could overhaul their pitching staff as a whole. Starters Justin Verlander and Armando Galarraga and young bullpen arms Francisco Rodney and Joel Zumaya appear to be safe (Rodney and Zumaya have struggled with injuries), but the Tigers need a definite upgrade in the rest of the pitching staff.