MLB Free Agent Report: 15 Pitchers To Watch

Every year the world watches and waits for a guy named Cashman to deal out millions of dollars, guys like Hendry and Epstein to make some savvy business decisions and Colletti and the rest to get what they don't want or think they need.

In the first of my 2 free agent ramblings, I'm going to tell you the pitchers you need to look out for and who I think will be cashing in, or catching the next plane to a new locale.

15. Kerry Wood– 2008 Team-Cubs, Projected 2009 Team-New York Mets

He did himself a big justice by playing well, but with Carlos Marmol waiting in the wings, this has probably been Kerry's last goodbye to Cubs fans. As a member of Cubs Nation, this saddens me, but his time has come and gone. Chicago could tender him a 1-year deal, and he may take it, but I think he starts fresh in New York. A hurt Wagner makes the Mets offer him probably more then he's worth.

14. Salomon Torres– 2008 Team Brewers, Projected 2009 Team–Indians

He's upset over the Gagne situation. He has a year or two left in the tank and he'll take it to Cleveland.

13. Francisco Rodriguez- 2008 Team-Angels, Projected 2009 Team-Angels

If this guy gets some $$$, he'll play like he's your best friend, never letting you down, and striking your opponents down with an unhittable fast ball.

12. Brandon Lyon- 2008 Team-D'Backs, Projected 2009 Team-D'Backs

He won't be closing, but Arizona is too much his home, and in 2009, so will the 8th inning.

11. Trevor Hoffman– 2008 Team–Padres, Projected 2009 Team–Fox Sports Broadcast booth

Bring on Cla Meredith. The man that comes out to "Enter Sandman" needs to take his curtain call. It's been great, well, Mr. Hoffman, you've been great.

10. Brian Fuentes– 2008 Team-Rockies, Projected 2009 Team–Mariners

He had a comeback of sorts, and he'll likely garner a 2 year-$10 Million deal, probably in the A.L. Seattle might take a chance given Putz's recent heath issues.

9. Eric Gagne– 2008 Team-Brewers, Projected 2009 Team–Brewers

With Torres dropping his pants and giving Milwaukee the treatment they gave him, expect them to gamble, and lose, on Gagne for one more year and hope that in 2010, they can snag Mike Gonzalez or Kevin Gregg.

8. Paul Byrd– 2008 Team-Red Sox, Projected 2009 Team–Yankees

Hey, at least he's not Kevin Brown. Expect the Yankees to give up on Sabathia and end up with Byrd and...

7. Andy Pettitte– 2008 Team-Yankees, Projected 2009 Team–Yankees

Yeah, thought there was gonna be a big name, right? Hey Andy Pettite is a great guy to mentor a young group of guys. He's not the Andy of old, but he's still a 3rd or 4th guy and will net you about 13-16 wins.

6. Ben Sheets– 2008 Team-Brewers, Projected 2009 Team–Rays

Yep, those Rays, you know the ones that won't spend money. Kazmir, Sheets, Shields and Garza, with David Price closing games? Can you say the Rays would be the new faces of phenomenal as it comes to pitching staffs. If they don't net Sheets, expect Houston or Toronto to make a play for him.

5. Ryan Dempster– 2008 Team-Cubs, Projected 2009 Team–Cubs

17 wins is worth about what, $12 million a year for 3 years? I think he'll stay loyal to the Cubbie faithful and join them in the "Run to end at 101."

4. Matt Clement– 2008 Team–Cardinals, Projected 2009 Team–Japan

Yep, go Asian Mr. Clement. Go far away to somewhere that I never have to hear your name again.

3. Freddy Garcia– 2008 Team-Tigers, Projected 2009 Team–Mariners

The Mariners will open their arms and Garcia will come home. Mariner Moose misses his Venezuelan home boy. 14 wins for Garcia and a tutor for King Felix.

2. Jon Garland- 2008 Team-Angels, Projected 2009 Team-Mets

Lots of teams will make a play for him and with the Angels going big-(see below for details) Garland is free to cash in.

1. CC Sabathia– 2008 Team–Brewers, Projected 2009 Team–Angels

The big guy goes to help the Angels. Um, no, not god. Carsten Charles Sabathia. You know CC Sabathia, that guy who does that thing and somehow ends up with 17 wins. Expect 20 from him with the Halos. By the way, that's 20 a year for like 6 years.