Could This Series Impact Vladimir Guerrero's Future in Anaheim?

Angels owner Arte Moreno, speaking to reporters before Game One of the Division Series, said that contrary to sabermetric theory, he believes that some players possess an "X factor" that enables them to succeed in clutch situations. He also talked about the need for players whom you would want in a "foxhole," especially in the postseason.

Which again raises the question:

Will the Angels sign Vladimir Guerrero long-term?

The Angels are certain to exercise Guerrero's $15 million club option for next season, and the industry-wide assumption is that Moreno will attempt to sign him to a contract extension this winter.

Guerrero, 32, qualifies as a foxhole guy, frequently playing hurt and sacrificing for his team. He does not, however, qualify as clutch, at least as far as the postseason is concerned.

In 70 career plate appearances in the postseason, Guerrero's batting average/on-base/slugging line is .203-271-.350. Contrast that with Alex Rodriguez, who is widely perceived to be an October flop, yet has a career line of .279-.361-.483 in 166 postseason plate appearances.

Guerrero, as we saw in Game One, can barely move on the basepaths. He might require surgery on his right knee at the end of the season. Angels Manager Mike Scioscia plans to use him exclusively as a designated hitter in this series.

The Angels could decide that they would prefer to invest long-term in first baseman Mark Teixeira, who is four years younger than Guerrero, a Gold Glove defender, and a switch-hitter with power.

Besides Teixeira, the team's potential free agents include closer Francisco Rodriguez, right-hander Jon Garland, and outfielder Juan Rivera. The Angels are likely to decline the $14 million club option on left fielder Garret Anderson, but they could seek to re-sign him for a lower salary. They also figure to explore a contract extension on right-hander John Lackey, on whom they hold a $10 million club option.

Yankees' Cano: Yes or no?

Trading second baseman Robinson Cano certainly is an option for the Yankees; virtually every club with a need at the position has expressed interest.

Cano, however, finished strong after adjusting his stance and setup in mid-September, and some with the Yankees believe that he will be more at ease in 2009, saying he tried too hard this season to justify his new four-year, $30 million contract.

The problem for the Yankees is that they need to acquire two starting pitchers, and the top of the free-agent market is thin. CC Sabathia might prefer to go to the West Coast and/or stay in the National League.

Some baseball people question whether A.J. Burnett possesses the right makeup for New York. Derek Lowe might command a contract too large for the Yankees' liking at age 35.

Thus, trading Cano for a starting pitcher might be necessary.

Padres: No rush to move Peavy

The Padres likely will wait to explore the trade market for right- hander Jake Peavy until after Sabathia, Burnett, and Lowe sign their free-agent contracts. As each new deal is signed, Peavy's deal will look even more reasonable.

Peavy is signed for $56 million over the next four seasons, with a $22 million option or $4 million buyout for 2013. He holds a full no-trade clause through 2010, and the Padres would need to consult with his agent, Barry Axelrod, to determine the teams to which Peavy would approve a trade.

The Padres finished the season with a payroll of approximately $70 million. GM Kevin Towers says he expects that number to be lower next season, but not as low as the $40 to $45 million range that some have speculated upon.

The team is leaning toward exercising outfielder Brian Giles' $9 million option rather than paying him a $3 million buyout. Giles turns 38 on Jan. 20, but the Padres recognize that they cannot buy an outfielder with a .398 on-base percentage on the open market.

J.J. knew

The Brewers' J.J. Hardy is realistic about his future with the club, knowing he likely will be traded to make room at shortstop for Alcides Escobar, one of the game's top shortstop prospects.

In fact, Hardy recalls being impressed by Escobar the first time he saw him, when Hardy was rehabilitating a shoulder injury at the Brewers' Spring-Training facility in Arizona in 2004.

"(The Brewers) had brought over a ton of new kids from the Dominican and Venezuela, all 16 and 17 years old," Hardy says. "I picked out Escobar out of all the guys. I didn't even know he was a shortstop. But he was having fun, smiling, laughing. I gave him bats and gloves. The next thing I knew, he was the shortstop who was going to take my job."

Hardy, though, should be in demand. He led National League shortstops with 74 RBI, ranked fourth among all shortstops in on-base/slugging percentage, and was third overall at short in the plus-minus defensive rankings at Bill James Online.

Byrnes a questionable fit in Arizona

The Diamondbacks almost certainly will consider trading outfielder Eric Byrnes, but some club officials believe that the team's fade after a 21-9 start was attributable, in part, to Byrnes' hamstring troubles.

Byrnes struggled while trying to fight through his injuries and did not play after June 30. "The team's identity was defense and baserunning," one club official says. "With him out, the team's overall defense and baserunning went down."

Still, Byrnes could be the odd-man out next season, depending upon whether the Diamondbacks re-sign Adam Dunn or make other moves. His contract would be an issue in trade discussions: Byrnes possesses a no-trade clause and is owed $22 million over the next two seasons.

The final word

Speculation persists throughout the industry that Pat Gillick will abandon plans to retire as Phillies general manager and remain for one more season.

Gillick's response?

"No."

This article originally published on FOXSports.com.

Read more of Ken's columns here.