MLB Free Agency: David Ortiz and the 12 Best Sluggers Available for 2012
As the 2011 season progresses, there's always talk about the upcoming offseason and free agency.
Even for those franchises in the postseason, there's still some discussion about what they need to do once their year concludes.
As for this coming offseason?
Well, there's some really, really strong names out there, and a few of them ride the long ball as a big part of their repertoire.
So, for the 2012 season, here are 12 sluggers that will be available.
Note: All stats are subject to change
Albert Pujols: 1B, St. Louis Cardinals
1 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .288
Homeruns: 30
RBI: 76
Hits: 124
Arguably the best player of the 21st century, Albert Pujols couldn't get a deal done with the St.Louis Cardinals before opening day.
Well, if the Cards can't manage to re-sign him, imagine how many teams will be chomping at the bit.
Lance Berkman: RF, St. Louis Cardinals
2 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .292
Homeruns: 28
RBI: 76
Hits: 105
Now, let's use the proverbial "what if" scenario and say that Pujols, hypothetically speaking, doesn't re-sign in St. Louis.
Well, that may give Lance Berkman a motive to either go with him, or just sign elsewhere.
St. Louis will be busy this offseason.
Prince Fielder: 1B, Milwaukee Brewers
3 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .305
Homeruns: 27
RBI: 89
Hits: 131
As I'm typing this, the Brewers are currently six games ahead of St. Louis in the NL Central.
A lot of this of course, can be attributed to Prince Fielder.
Although he becomes a free agent, Milwaukee should pay him, give him a keg of beer and some Packers tickets.
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Robinson Cano: 2B, New York Yankees
4 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .306
Homeruns: 21
RBI: 85
Hits: 143
The 2011 Homerun Derby Champion becomes a free agent in The Big Apple this fall.
Who are we kidding? There's no way Robby Cano doesn't remain in a Yankees uniform.
Derrek Lee: 1B, Pittsburgh Pirates
5 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .247
Homeruns: 14
RBI: 44
Hits: 87
The Pittsburgh Pirates had a nice run, but have faltered since the All-Star break.
That said, it appears Derrek Lee could be a part of something special in Pittsburgh for 2012.
For the sake of the Bucco faithful, let's hope he remains a Pirate.
Carlos Pena: 1B, Chicago Cubs
6 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .227
Homeruns: 23
RBI: 67
Hits: 87
There's a lot of questions looming as to what the Cubs are going to do this offseason.
Obviously, there's been speculation with Albert Pujols, so what's going to happen with Carlos Lee?
In any event, someone will have a slugger, as he is very good at jacking bombs.
Kelly Johnson: 2B, Arizona Diamondbacks
7 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .209
Homeruns: 18
RBI: 49
Hits: 86
The NL West first place Arizona Diamondbacks are somewhat of a surprise in 2011.
That being said, retaining Kelly Johnson should be a concern once the season ends. But, with that dismal batting average, don't be surprised if he signs elsewhere.
J.J. Hardy: SS, Baltimore Orioles
8 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .264
Homeruns: 23
RBI: 58
Hits: 95
Baltimore Orioles fans don't have much to cheer about.
So, getting to watch players like J.J. Hardy at least gives them hope for the future. Problem is, if you haven't already guessed, he's a free agent this fall.
Don't get your hopes up Baltimore.
Aramis Ramirez: 3B, Chicago Cubs
9 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .295
Homeruns: 22
RBI: 74
Hits: 131
Despite the Cubs under-performing, yet again, and with a payroll just over $125 million dollars, Aramis Ramirez has lived up to expectations.
Question is whether he remains a Cub with other stud free agents available.
He could be one to follow—a Pujols-type player, thus adding much talent to wherever he goes.
Josh Willingham: LF, Oakland Athletics
10 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .249
Homeruns: 20
RBI: 67
Hits: 88
Arguably the best player on the Athletics roster, Josh Willingham will most likely sign elsewhere this offseason.
The A's are terrible, and are even behind Seattle in the AL West. And, we all know how bad the Mariners have been as of late.
That said, The Bay Area better pay him, otherwise say goodbye.
Michael Cuddyer: RF, Minnesota Twins
11 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .295
Homeruns: 18
RBI: 61
Hits: 124
The Minnesota Twins have been surprisingly disappointing throughout the 2011 season.
Michael Cuddyer however, has been performing very well. And, he's been a Twin his entire career, so the fans love him, as do his teammates.
It's been an unfortunate year for The Twin Cities, but I'd be surprised if Cuddyer signs with a franchise not located in Minnesota.
David Ortiz: DH, Boston Red Sox
12 of 122011 Statistics
Batting Average: .300
Homeruns: 24
RBI: 79
Hits: 121
David Ortiz has been a part of both Boston baseball championships (2004 and 2007).
He's been with the Red Sox since 2003, and can you really imagine him in another uniform?
No.
Plan on him being in Boston, otherwise they lost a big part of their team.
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