MLB Rumors: Top 25 Remaining Free Agents and Their Likely Teams
Baseball's winter meetings are still happening, and there are still plenty of free agents available.
The two biggest - pitcher Cliff Lee and outfielder Carl Crawford - remain unsigned, but rumors continue to float around. It was announced today, though, that Carlos Pena agreed to a deal with the Chicago Cubs.
That move changed around matters, and it's possible that both Lee and Crawford could have a ripple effect on what other teams do. As trade talk continues, there remains countless possibilities about who could go where.
So let's have some fun. Time to call my shot, and predict where the top 25 free agents will land:
25. P Zack Greinke, Kansas City
1 of 25
Prediction: Stays with Royals
Kansas City still has him for another two years, but his name has been floated around. A team would have to unload a ton of talent to get him, and the only team that could possibly do that is Texas.
24. 1B Lyle Overbay, Toronto
2 of 25
Prediction: Signs with San Diego
He made just under $8 million in each of the past two seasons. The Padres have been eyeing him and Jorge Cantu.
23. LF Marcus Thames, New York Yankees
3 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Arizona
He hit .288 with 12 home runs and 33 RBIs last year. If he doesn't go here, expect him to head to Japan. The Fukoka Softbank Hawks have expressed interest.
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22. LF Scott Podsednik, Dodgers
4 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Atlanta
He can play anywhere in the outfield, bat leadoff and would come for a cheap price.
21. 1B Derrek Lee, Atlanta
5 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Arizona
The Diamondbacks lost some pop when Mark Reynolds went to Baltimore. Now they regain a little, and for a cheaper price.
20. DH Jim Thome, Minnesota
6 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Baltimore
He hit .283 with 25 homers last year. Texas and Oakland were interested in Thome, who wants to play two more years. He'll give a young Baltimore team a strong leader in the clubhouse.
19. SS Orlando Cabrera, Cincinnati
7 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Baltimore
Cincinnati wants to turn to Paul Janish as their everyday shortstop in 2011. Cabrera signs a one-year deal with O's.
18. RP Scott Downs, Toronto
8 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Boston
The soon-to-be 35-year-old had the lowest walks per nine innings (2.1) of his career in 2009, and has been one of the most reliable relievers in the American League.
17. RP Kerry Wood, New York Yankees
9 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Toronto
He's too expensive to go to the White Sox, and Toronto has an experienced bullpen but no closer, something Wood wants to do again.
16. 1B Adam Laroche, Arizona
10 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Washington
He was a possibility for the Cubs, but they went with Carlos Pena. Laroche has expressed interest in Washington and the two sides are expected to meet.
15. P Chris Young, San Diego
11 of 25
Prediction: Signs with New York Mets
He missed plenty of last season with a strained right shoulder. Talks are heating up between Young and the Mets, according to reports.
14. LF Hideki Matsui, Los Angeles Angels
12 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Oakland
The Angels replace him with Carl Crawford, and he stays within the division.
13. DH Vladimir Guerrero, Texas
13 of 25
Prediction: Stays with Texas
He doesn't get the extended deal he wishes, but expect Vlad to return after Paul Konerko stayed with Chicago.
12. OF Johnny Damon, Detroit
14 of 25
Prediction: Signs with the Dodgers
He could replace Podsednik and already has a relationship with manager Don Mattingly from their days with the Yankees.
11. 2B Orlando Hudson, Minnesota
15 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Chicago Cubs
It was a down year in 2009, but he can still contribute at age 32 and hit anywhere in the lineup.
10. DH Manny Ramirez, Chicago White Sox
16 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Detroit
His options are few, so he elects to stay in the division.
9. RP Brian Fuentes, Minnesota
17 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Boston
General manager Theo Epstein knows he may have to spend big-time to improve the bullpen.
8. P Andy Pettite, New York Yankees
18 of 25
Prediction: Stays with New York
Pettite plays one final year and goes on a farewell tour.
7. P Carl Pavano, Minnesota
19 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Washington
The Nationals have already been players by signing Jayson Werth and now take some pressure off their rotation with Stephen Strasburg recovering from Tommy John surgery.
6. RF Magglio Ordonez, Detroit
20 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Boston
The Red Sox have plenty of left handed batters in their lineup and Ordonez gives them a righty to provide balance.
5. 3B Adrian Beltre, Boston
21 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Los Angeles Angels
After outpricing himself in Oakland, Beltre agrees to a smaller deal. His options are limited now that Michael Young is staying in Texas and Mark Reynolds went to Baltimore.
4. RP Rafael Soriano, Tampa Bay
22 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Los Angeles Angels
He led the American League with 45 saves last year. He wants a 3-4 year deal, and will get just that from the Angels, who are seeking to bounce back from a down 2009.
3. 1B Paul Konerko, White Sox
23 of 25
Prediction: Stays with Chicago
No suspense here. The team announced today that Konerko isn't leaving.
2. LF Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay
24 of 25
Prediction: Signs with Los Angeles Angels
He's been their top priority. No reason to think it will change.
1. P Cliff Lee, Texas
25 of 25
Prediction: Stays with Texas
Chaos will ensue, and the Yankees will cry foul. Texas knows that keeping Lee isn't about just next season, but a matter of credibility with the fans that they'll do what it takes to be a winner.
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