Around The Majors With The MLB Community Leaders

Jumping to the East, the big news surrounding the Atlanta Braves is the chatter about Jake Peavy. Brett Kettyle wonders if the Braves are giving up too much in their pursuit for the former NL Cy Young pitcher.

"While I would love to have Jake Peavy as the staff ace this year, I was beginning to wonder whether the Braves would be giving up too much. Originally, the deal would have been for three players, but, eventually, the Padres were expecting at least four players."

How about the Mets? Patrick Murray is starting his outlook on the offseason with starting pitching.

"The biggest need for the Mets this offseason is pitching. The most glaring weakness is the bullpen, but I will start with a look at the starting rotation. You know the saying, "pitching wins championships," and it all starts with the guys who take the hill to begin the game. Consistent quality starts from the rotation can work wonders for the bullpen."

Christian Karcole waisted no time looking ahead, despite the Phillies exciting 2008 World Series victory.

"But what will they do with Burrell, Moyer, Howard, Hamels, Victorino, Werth, and many others? What should that do? Well if you're out there, Ruben, pay attention: I've got the answers."

Washington may not have much hope for next season, but that's a position Tampa Bay has been in the past few years. Rob Kildoo says the Nationals should take notes.

"The true value of players happens early in their careers. Baseball players are attached to a franchise for around six years after their draft. It’s an incredibly complicated process involving terms like super-twos and arbitration, but it’s safe to say that teams get the most value (production versus cost) from the good players they draft. The draft is where a franchise finds hope."

We finally reach the West, where "if" is the word in Colorado according to David Martin.

"The Rockies' needs for this offseason shift drastically depending on the "ifs."

The Colorado Rockies went into the 2008 offseason knowing that they had holes to fill on a squad that went 74-88 and finished 10 games out of first place in the worst division in baseball."

Meanwhile, Anthony Masterson wonders if Aaron Heilman is in the Rockies' plans.

"The Rockies have long been discussed to be in the running for the 30-year-old righty, even going back to trade talks before the 2008 season.  MLB Truth & Rumors on si.com has also mentioned the Rockies as potential suitors. "

Like Wood in Chicago, it looks like the Padres are saying goodbye to their own closer. Eric Gomez looks back on the situation between San Diego and their legendary closer, Trevor Hoffman.

"And while fans bemoan the loss and hold on to great memories of Trevor, pouring feedback onto radio stations, newspapers, and the Internet that can be surmised to a city-wide "Thank You," the Padres coldly remind us that baseball isn't just a game."

Out in the Bay Area with San Francisco, Evan Aczon looks at the entire picture for the Giants, starting with the infield.

"Infield is still a big concern for this team, and Sabean plans on reinforcing it through free agency. They signed Josh Phelps, who can play first and catch in a pinch, to a minor-league deal, But the focus is on bigger fish."

The first free agent to sign with a new team was actually Jeremy Affeldt with the Giants. Andrew Nuschler said it was uneventful for fans, while Danny Penza said it was the start of the Giants' bullpen rebuild.

"San Francisco fans can rejoice. The hometown Giants have solved all their woes by bringing in...drum roll please...Jeremy Affeldt!

***crickets chirping***"

"After spending most of his seven-year career with Kansas City and Colorado, Affeldt will now be looked upon to provide late-inning help and bridge the gap between the Giants' starters and closer Brian Wilson."

There's your look around the MLB thanks to the MLB Community Leaders.

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