Quote:
Originally Posted by Boltfan
If CJ is going to get 90 milllion over 6 years or something stupid I do agree we can let him go. I would rather sign Prince Fielder or Pujols if a big free agent is to be had or just spent some money locking up the current team long term. Feldman, Lewis, Ogando, Harrison and Dutch Oven is a pretty damn good rotation with 4 of the 5 starters in their 20's.
|
As between Fielder and Pujols, I think Pujols is the better value. Fielder looks like he has the sort of body that will begin to break down. He's an awfully big man. And the two of them should be cheaper in terms of what we expect to see in the pitching market because both Boston and New York seem set at first. I could see the Mets making a run, but why would those guys want to go there unless it's just money.
CJ Wilson I think CJ might actually get more than 90 over 6 years. Both Boston and NYYs are desperate for pitching. And Sabathia can leave the Yankees, too. So they don't really have any choice. They've got to pay whatever it takes to sign either Sabathia or CJ, and probably both. Boston will drive up the price unless they commit to rebuilding, which is not likely to taken well in Beantown. I've heard projections for him as low as $12M per year. I just don't see how that can be accurate given the market. My guess is he gets $110 or so for six years from NYY.
Some of the other folks that Texas might take a look at:
Kerry Wood Probably stays in Chicago, but Texas is one place that might tempt him.
Hiroki Kuroda Could probably be had for a far a fair bit less than CJ, but will still be expensive. Very likely a target of both Boston and NYY, too. May be the CJ/CC Derby consolation prize.
Hasashi Iwakuma No word lately on where he's headed, but Texas could put their hat in the ring. There is no posting fee this year since the posting fee was paid last year by the A's. And as I recall they were interested then.
Mark Buehrle Word is he wants to go to St. Louis, but he Poujols leaves who knows. Again, there may be competition from the Yankees or BoSoxs. But at his age, you might get a lesser pitcher than CJ, but still a good one. 3 years $33 million? 4 years at $40?
Yu Darvish No word on whether he leaves Japan this year or not, last I heard, but I hear the Rangers are interested if the price doesn't to too high, but I suspect it will. Frankly, it's the perfect year for him to come with both Boston and the Yankees in desperate need of pitching. But no telling how big the posting fee will be on this guy. Probably will top the $19M on Iwakuma from last year. That might scare off Texas.
Roy Oswalt Philadelphia has an option, but he's starting to show wear and tear. But if he goes, he's a Yankee/BoSox target. Lots of folks say Philly won't pickup the option. I'm not sure. I think that they might.
Edwin Jackson Looks like a real possibility to me. Decent middle of the rotation guy. Eats innings. Versatile. Generally healthy. Adds a right handed starter. Relatively cheap. 3 years at $40 or 4 at $50? Along with Buehrle (or perhaps the two Japanese pitchers Iwakuma and/or Darvish if he comes)would be my number one target for a starter. Probably the most likely guy to be pursued here outside of Poujols and Wood.
CC Sabathia Weight and age are an issue, but either the Rangers, BoSox or the Rangers should gladly plunk down $140 for five years. Is it a gamble? Yes. Do we really have any better choices? Not really.
Poujols/Fielder Hard to know if Texas will really come across with the necessary money for Poujols. I'm not sure that I see them spending the amount that I think it will take. But you never know. I think he could get $240 or 250 for eight or nine years.
Fielder will brings probably 60 - 75% of that. He's a poorer fielder and a slow runner. And though he has yet to be injury prone, he's like his father. A real big body that could begin breaking down. I'd guess Fielder gets 6 years at $150.
At those prices, I'd pay the extra and get Poujols.
Jonathon Papelbon Huge long shot here. But if the Rangers loose CJ and are convinced that Feliz can be a starter, I suppose it's possible. But the price will be high. And they don't seem the sort of team to pay for a aging closer in free agency. And frankly, I don't know if they're sure that Feliz can be a starter. But if Papelbon could be had at a reasonable price, it give Nefi a full season to work out the kinks of starting. But I wouldn't be surprised to see him get 3 years at $35 - 40M or 4 years at $50M. And I just don't see paying that much for a closer when we've already got one.
What say the assembled multitudes?
