Latest Destination Predictions for Each Top Remaining MLB Free Agent
Pitchers and catchers are just about ready to report for spring training, but there are still some important free agents on the market.
Even though they might not be frantic, I am sure that the remaining players are looking for a favorable contract in an ideal location.
Time is running out though, so some of these men will need to perhaps take one-year contracts, hope for a big year and try to cash in on a bigger deal next year.
However, the point remains that these short-term contract offers have to come from somewhere. Let's try to predict where each of the top 10 remaining free agents will finally land.
10. Derek Lowe, Cincinnati Reds
1 of 10Derek Lowe is famous for his sinker. Obviously, because they play in a hitter-friendly ballpark, the Cincinnati Reds would certainly value a pitcher who is able to keep the ball on the ground.
Their starting rotation is pretty well set, but he has successfully pitched out of the bullpen during his career, so it makes sense that he could reverse that transition.
He would need a strong spring training to crack an already strong bullpen, but the idea behind this transaction would make sense.
9. Francisco Rodriguez, San Francisco Giants
2 of 10I know that this one is a little bit out there, but I think that Francisco Rodriguez might not be a bad acquisition for the San Francisco Giants.
In actuality, the Giants have very strong bullpen, and because of that, they have the luxury to take a bit of a risk.
Rodriguez actually owns the record for the most saves in a single season, so he obviously has talent in that arm.
The Giants would not be resting all of their hopes on his arm, but if he can rebound, it could work out really well.
8. Grady Sizemore, Philadelphia Phillies
3 of 10The Philadelphia Phillies already have a high-risk outfield with Delmon Young and Domonic Brown, so in my mind, Grady Sizemore might not be a bad acquisition.
When you make a variety of risky investments, the odds of one of them working out becomes more probable.
In terms of reward, Sizemore used to be a consistent 20-20 threat. For a tiny investment, there is a chance that the Philadelphia Phillies could cash in that.
I'm not saying that would work out, because it very well might not, but it seems like he would fit in with the Phillies portfolio of outfielders
7. Scott Rolen, Kansas City Royals
4 of 10Scott Rolen was one of the best third baseman of the past decade. Obviously, his production has dropped somewhat, but he could fill a few roles for the Kansas City Royals.
Obviously he would serve as a backup third baseman and perhaps backup DH, but he could also provide veteran leadership for a very young team.
The Royals are a team on the rise, and Rolen would be a nice complement to the pieces they already have.
6. Brian Wilson, New York Mets
5 of 10Brian Wilson will be looking forward to a comeback in 2013, and pitching for the New York Mets might be a good place to make that happen.
It would be very surprising to see the Mets compete for the National League East title this year, so Wilson will naturally have a little bit longer leash. That should give him time to get back into his All-Star form.
It is definitely possible that he returns to his dominant self, and this could turn out to be one of the best bargains of the winter if that happens.
5. Joe Saunders, New York Yankees
6 of 10I know that is a little bit of a stretch, but with Andy Pettitte aging, Ivan Nova coming off of a bad season and David Phelps somewhat unproven as a major-league starter, the New York Yankees would be wise to add a little bit of veteran depth.
Joe Saunders has never been outstanding, but he has been a consistent pitcher who is able to get through a solid number of innings and keep his team in the game.
This wouldn't really be a headline move, but it could help the Yankees if anything begins to go wrong.
4. Carlos Lee, Oakland Athletics
7 of 10It seems like Carlos Lee would be a strong option for the Oakland Athletics. He generally has a pretty solid on-base percentage, and he is a very disciplined power hitter.
That being said, his power is decreasing, and he only hit nine home runs last year. However, if he was able to become a full-time DH, it is definitely possible that his power would rise.
Beyond that, he would provide some veteran leadership for the Oakland Athletics who are still a rather young squad.
3. Jose Valverde, Arizona Diamondbacks
8 of 10Jose Valverde met his first success as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, and maybe a return to the team would be a good thing right now.
Obviously, they have J.J. Putz to anchor down the ninth inning, but Valverde could easily pitch the eighth. On top of that, while you never wish for an injury, having another solid option at closer never hurts.
Valverde had a difficult year with the Detroit Tigers last year, so it might not hurt to go back to an environment where he is comfortable.
2. Kyle Lohse, Texas Rangers
9 of 10Kyle Lohse will be somewhat of a consolation prize for the Texas Rangers if they can bring him in.
They missed out on retaining Josh Hamilton, and Zack Greinke ended up heading for the very wealthy pastures of Dodger Stadium. Lohse is easily the best arm left on the market.
He is not overwhelming whatsoever, but he probably fits into the upper middle of the rotation. He wins big games, and ultimately that is what matters.
1. Michael Bourn, Chicago White Sox
10 of 10I know that Alejandro de Aza had a breakout campaign last year, and he is not all that different from Michael Bourn in terms of playing style.
That being said, Bourn is still an upgrade at the position. He has less power, but he also has considerably more speed. He would probably not be a long-term solution at the position because it is highly probable that he will want to reenter the market next year, but the Chicago White Sox are in a great position to compete this year. A little more firepower never hurts that mission.
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