MLB Trade Rumors: Zack Greinke, Prince Fielder and Other Big Names on the Move?
Cliff Lee is a Philadelphia Phillie. Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez are Boston Red Sox. Russell Martin is a New York Yankee. Jayson Werth is a Washington National.
Yes, this offseason has been full of big-name players switching teams. But we're not even close to being done yet.
The Los Angeles Angels missed out on Crawford and Lee, so they will almost certainly make some sort of big move before the 2011 season starts. In fact, they are interested in four of the five players on this list.
Meanwhile, the Yankees always have money to spend, and the Rangers are looking for Plan B after getting spurned by Lee.
Let's take a look at five big-name players who could start the 2011 season in a different uniform.
5. Adrian Beltre, 3B
1 of 5
Interested Teams: Red Sox, Giants, Cardinals, Angels
Beltre had a huge year for the Boston Red Sox in 2010, hitting .321 with 28 home runs and 102 RBI.
He was one of the lone bright spots in a disappointing season in Boston.
However, after signing Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford, the Red Sox might not have enough money to bring back the solid third baseman.
If they don't, the San Francisco Giants appear the most likely team to swoop in and sign Beltre.
4. Rafael Soriano, RP
2 of 5
Interested Teams: Rangers, Angels, Yankees
Soriano had a very good year for the Rays in 2010 with a 1.73 ERA and 45 saves.
Now, he may become the consolation prize for teams that missed out on their first choice this offseason.
If the Rangers move Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation, they might be the most motivated to sign Soriano.
3. Matt Garza, SP
3 of 5
Interested Teams: Yankees, Red Sox, Nationals, Cubs
Besides his no-hitter in July, 2010 was sort of a down year for Garza.
But he still posted a very respectable 15-10 record, a 3.91 ERA and 150 strikeouts.
Now, with the Rays in the midst of an apparent fire sale, already losing Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena, Garza is an attractive option for a team looking for a starter.
If he goes anywhere this offseason, my money is on the Yankees.
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2. Prince Fielder, 1B
4 of 5
Interested Teams: Angels, Dodgers, Giants
Fielder had a down year in 2010, hitting .261 with 32 home runs and 83 RBI. He also struck out 138 times.
But with the kind of power Fielder has, there will always be a place for him on several teams.
If the Brewers do trade him before the season, it will almost certainly be to a team on the West Coast.
The Angels are my bet right now.
1. Zack Greinke, SP
5 of 5
Interested Teams: Yankees, Rangers, Dodgers, Angels, Blue Jays, Nationals
The market for a starting pitcher is hot right now after Cliff Lee signed with the Phillies, leaving several teams scrambling for a backup plan.
The best backup plan seems to be Royals starter Zack Greinke, the 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner.
2010 was a step back for Greinke, with a 10-14 record and a 4.17 ERA.
But a change of scenery might help Greinke. The two favorites to land him right now are the Rangers and the Blue Jays.
With a history of anxiety, Greinke probably shouldn't pitch under the bright lights in New York, but both Texas and Toronto would be ideal for him.
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