2011 MLB Free Agent Predictions: Where Will Cliff Lee and Other Big Names Go?

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Since the offseason has started with the Giants winning the World Series, (uggggh.... sorry this is a rockies fan writing this) we have many free agent rumors and some trades to go on top of it.

There are many notable free agents this offseason. Cliff Lee, Carl Crawford, Paul Konerko, Victor Martiniez, you name it! Here are my picks for the offseason.

Cliff Lee

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Ah, Cliff Lee, the best left-handing pitcher in baseball. The best October pitcher in baseball. A big reason Texas is in the World Series. Unfortunately for Texas fans, Lee will be a free agent this offseason. There are many rumors about him and where he will go.

But we all know what happens when a big name like Lee is a free agent: The New York Yankees will make a big push for him.

The Yankees nearly acquired him from the Seattle Mariners last July before Seattle sent him to division rival Texas, so that tells you New York is interested. They also have a hole in their starting rotation now. They have CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett (who had a tough year), Phil Hughes, Andy Pettitte and Javy Vazquez.

Vazquez probably won't be back, so that opens up a spot for Lee. The Rangers apparently have been reported to match the yankees current offer, but i can see the Yankees offering more. To outbid the Yankees on anyone would be like trying to bathe a cat. It's nearly impossible. Texas will give it a good fight.. but..

Lee signs with the New York Yankees. Hate to say it, but it's true.

Paul Konerko

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Paul Konerko, the starting first baseman for the Chicago White Sox since 1999, won a World Series title with them in 2005 and is the current captain.

Konerko is a fan favorite and the fans would be devistated to see him leave town. Paul has already said he wants to stay in Chicago, and I think he will.

Paul Konerko re-signs with the White Sox

Carl Crawford

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Carl Crawford will be very targeted this offseason by many teams. He's only 29, and already a four-time All-Star. The Rays aren't going to be able to re-sign him, so he'll likely leave town.

Where could he end up? Boston? Los Angeles? Anaheim? Atlanta? Crawford did say he wants to stay in Tampa, but we all know he won't.

The Red Sox need outfield help, BADLY. Their starting outfield in 2010 was Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Cameron and J.D Drew. but Cameron and Jacoby were hurt so they had to resort to Eric Patterson and Ryan Kalish, among others. They will likely be in the mix.

 

but the Angels could be where he ends up. they went from being one of the best hitting teams in the MLB in 2009 to one of the worst with the departure of Vladimir Guerrero and chone Figgins. They have been reported to be in serious talk with Crawford and after playing against the red sox for many years with the Rays, I don't think Crawford will want to turn his back on the rays and their fans and play for a division rival.

 

Crawford signs with the Angels.

Carlos Pena

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Really? It's not just Crawford? Pena too? Man, the Rays will take a hit if both of them leave. However, the Rays do have some money to spend, and I don't see both of them leaving, so that's some good news for Rays fans.

However, the Nationals will be interested if Adam Dunn leaves, and I wouldn't be suprised if Pena signs with Washington if that happens.

Although, I don't see Pena going from a team that just won the AL East with 96 wins to a 69-win team with very little chances to do anything.

Pena re-signs with the Rays.

Adam Dunn

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Adam Dunn is currently talking with the Nationals about a contract extension, but don't assume he will be back in washington. he has a couple of suitors (such as the cubs and white sox) dunn's even said he doesn't want to play designated hitter so that would likely leave any American League team out. The Cubs need a good power hitter and since they play in the national league, are better than washington, and have more money to spend...

Dunn signs with the Cubs

Jorge De La Rosa

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As a Rockies fan, I really hope The Rockies keep De La Rosa. He's a very good strikeout pitcher and gets better every year. He started off great in the 2010 season before getting injured, and hadn't been the same.

But here in Colorado, other than Ubaldo Jiminez, we don't have any other real good starting pitchers on our roster.

we probably won't keep him so we will likely go sign or trade for a starting pitcher like carl pavano.

 

De La Rosa will probably wait until Cliff Lee signs. he is the 2nd best left handed pitcher on the free agent market and whoever misses out on lee in my opinion, will sign de la rosa. since you saw i pick lee to be a yankee...

 

De La Rosa signs with the Texas Rangers.

Jayson Werth

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Werth is the best outfielder not named Carl Crawford that is a free agent this offseason. He could get many suitors with a need in the outfield. Boston or the Angels could get him if either team can't land Crawford, or maybe he stays a Phillie.

The Red Sox have been rumored to really like werth, and they could possibly make a bigger push for him instead of crawford.

I think he could maybe  remain in Philadelphia, but I wouldn't be suprised if he goes to the team that doesn't sign Carl Crawford. My pick is Anaheim to sign Crawford so...

 

Werth signs with the Boston Red Sox

Adrian Beltre

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Beltre just had a career year with the Red Sox last season. hitting .321 with 28 homers. the Oakland Athletics offered him a 5 year contract, but Beltre is a great fit in boston and after losing Victor Martiniez, who will play 3rd base if beltre leaves? Kevin Youklis will have to play 1st or 3rd. not both. they could possibly try again on trading for Adrian Gonzalez, but re-signing beltre would be cheaper, and plus, Fenway Park is better for right handed hitters.

 

Beltre re-signs with Boston

Derek Jeter

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Come on, seriously? do you honestly think the Yankees (of all teams) would let one of their franchise players leave?

 

Jeter re-signs with the Yankees

 

(this was probably the easist pick of all)