2012 MLB Free Agents: Where Will the Top 20 Starting Pitchers Go?

After witnessing the epic Game 3 performance by Albert Pujols in this year's World Series, one can't help but speculate on the free agent market that lies ahead for the Cards' first baseman. As the game's best player, Pujols has a number of options awaiting him.

He can go back to St. Louis, he can sign away to the rival Chicago Cubs, or he can choose another lucrative opportunity elsewhere. And let's not count out the Yankees and Red Sox as possible destinations. They already have elite first baseman but you never know with those two.

Anyway, Pujols won't be the only player garnering some attention this offseason. Some of baseball's best arms will be available and every team will come a knockin'.  

We may see C.C. Sabathia leave New York. We could see C.J. Wilson pick up a larger contract outside of Texas. And we could possibly see Japanese sensation Yu Darvish make the transition to the majors.

Here are my predictions of where the top 20 starting pitchers will land this offseason.

20) Vicente Padilla

2011 Statistics: 8.2 IP, 0-0, 4.15 ERA, 9 K, 5 BB, 1.38 WHIP

2011 Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

He isn't the best teammate in baseball but Vicente Padilla is looked upon as a viable arm by the Dodgers. During his stint in Los Angeles, Padilla has been used both as a starter and closer by the team. The fact that they inserted him in the closer's role after Broxton's injury showed their trust in the Nicaraguan veteran.

Although his 2011 season was derailed by a nasty neck injury, the Dodgers would be the most likely landing spot for Padilla. And most of all, he'll come cheap for the franchise.

2012 Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

19) Paul Maholm

2011 Statistics: 162.1 IP, 6-14, 3.66 ERA, 97 K, 50 BB, 1.29 WHIP

2011 Team: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates currently hold a team option for Paul Maholm at $9.75 million. He may not warrant that type of cash but declining his final year wouldn't make much sense. Maholm is a decent lefty option and isn't that much off of what he would be making elsewhere. 

2012 Team: Pittsburgh Pirates

18) Bruce Chen

2011 Statistics: 155.0 IP, 12-8, 3.77 ERA, 97 K, 50 BB, 1.30 WHIP

2011 Team: Kansas City Royals

Bruce Chen is one of many pitchers on this list who has revived his career. After turning in a rather pedestrian career, Chen chalked up a 24-15 record over the past two season in Kansas City. He isn't what we call a Cy Young candidate, but Chen has proved he could be useful to a contender next season.

Detroit comes up as a possible destination for Chen. As most teams were, the Tigers were lacking depth in their rotation and did not have a clear #5 starter all year. Chen would give Jim Leyland a veteran presence and a left-handed option in his rotation.

2012 Team: Detroit Tigers

17) Chris Capuano

2011 Statistics: 186.0 IP, 11-12, 4.55 ERA, 168 K, 53 BB, 1.35 WHIP

2011 Team: New York Mets

Just as you will see with Rich Harden, Chris Capuano was nearly acquired by Theo Esptein in Boston. The move fell through, however, leaving Capuano in Queens for the last week of the season.

Now that Theo has jetted to the Chicago Cubs' front office, he may be looking to add this lefty to his rotation. The Cubs are in need of a left-handed starter and could use Capuano as a 4th or 5th guy. 

2012 Team: Chicago Cubs

16) Bartolo Colon

2011 Statistics: 164.1 IP, 8-10, 4.00 ERA, 135 K, 40 BB, 1.29 WHIP

2011 Team: New York Yankees

With the help of his doctor, Bartolo Colon flashed some signs of old Bartolo in 2011. Colon carried a 6-4 record and a surprising 3.20 ERA into the All-Star break. Along with Freddy Garcia, Colon looked like a genius of a pickup by Yankee management.

But as many predicted, Colon simply ran out of gas during the home stretch of the season. Colon, who was looked at as a possible #2 for the Yanks' postseason rotation, didn't even throw a pitch in the playoffs. Bartolo failed to put together a strong finish, however, he did prove he can still pitch in the majors.

With his injury problems from last season, I can't see the Yankees taking another go-round with Colon. The Yankees have always been weary of injury prone pitchers and Colon is certainly no exception.

I can see Bartolo signing with a potential contender, possibly Cleveland. Colon has previously pitched in Cleveland and the Indians could turn out to be major players in the AL Central next season. 

2012 Team: Cleveland Indians

15) Erik Bedard

2011 Statistics: 129.1 IP, 5-9, 3.62 ERA, 125 K, 48 BB, 1.28 WHIP

2011 Team: Seattle Mariners/Boston Red Sox

Do you know how it feels to be served legal papers by a fan of your arch rival? Well, Erik Bedard does. Before one of his starts as a Boston Red Sox, Bedard was served documents from his ex-girlfriend by way of a lifelong Yankee fan. Sucks, right?

Anyway, Bedard may have been served but he didn't serve the Red Sox in any helpful way. In eight starts with the Sox, Bedard posted a 1-2 record and a 4.03 ERA. 

Now that he is a free agent, he will most likely sign with a team who won't have the resources to reel in a bigger name. Being that the Jays do have some cash and Bedard is Canadian, I can see him going up north. The Blue Jays believe they are contenders and Bedard could be a decent find if he stays healthy.

Eh?

2012 Team: Toronto Blue Jays

14) Freddy Garcia

2011 Statistics: 146.2 IP, 12-8, 3.62 ERA, 96 K, 45 BB, 1.34 WHIP

2011 Team: New York Yankees

Before the start of the 2011 season, the Yankees starting rotation needed some work. Andy Pettitte opted for retirement and left the team scrambling around for two starters. One of their solutions to that problem was Freddy Garcia. 

Luckily for Cashman and company, Garcia turned in a rather pleasant season with his 12 wins and 3.62 ERA. He provided a much needed arm to the thin rotation and was arguably one of the most valuable Yankees. 

And that is why Freddy Garcia will be returning to the Bronx. Unlike his 2011 teammate Bartolo Colon, Garcia was much more consistent and did not fall victim to any notable injuries. Expect Cashman to bring Garcia back as a 4th or 5th starter.

2012 Team: New York Yankees

13) Aaron Harang

2011 Statistics: 170.2 IP, 14-7, 3.64 ERA, 124 K, 58 BB, 1.37 WHIP

2011 Team: San Diego Padres

Aaron Harang had himself a fine 2011 campaign. He won 14 games and posted a respectable 3.64 ERA during his first year in San Diego. Harang's season was a sigh of relief for the big righty, as his prior three seasons in Cincinnati where nothing short of ugly.

As far as where he'll set up shop next season, Harang probably won't be going anywhere. He has a $5 million club option and he has already made it clear that he wants to remain in San Diego. And even if the Padres do not pick up his option, Harang will most likely sign at a small discount.

2012 Team: San Diego Padres

12) Rich Harden

2011 Statistics: 82.2 IP, 4-4, 5.12 ERA, 91 K, 31 BB, 1.43 WHIP

2011 Team: Oakland Athletics

Remember when the Red Sox nearly acquired Rich Harden this past season? Well, Theo Epstein may try to do the same now that he is the Cubs' General Manager. Plus, Harden has already pitched for the Cubs so there is some familiarity here.

There will be a handful of teams taking a flyer on Harden, however, his constant health concerns may have some contenders worried. Now that the Cubs have now entered a rebuilding mode with new upstairs management, Harden would be a sensible pickup to make their rotation somewhat legitimate. 

2012 Team: Chicago Cubs

11) Javier Vazquez

2011 Statistics: 192.2 IP, 13-11, 3.69 ERA, 162 K, 50 BB, 1.18 WHIP

2011 Team: Florida Marlins

I apologize to any Yankee fans who are offended by the image of Javier Vazquez, however, he does warrant some mention.

When Vazquez started the 2011 campaign in Florida, it seemed as if he was still in New York. He racked up a 5-8 record with a 5.23 ERA going into the All-Star break. However, Vazquez completely turned it around in the unofficial second half of the season. He pitched to an 8-3 record while sporting an impressive 2.15 ERA. 

So where does Javy go next season? I'll say he returns to Florida for a few reasons. For one, he is extremely adamant about pitching in the National League. Again, sorry Yankee fans, but you know why.

Plus, his ties with Ozzie Guillen may motivate team management to bring him back. Guillen managed Vazquez with the White Sox from 2006 to 2008. Although he wasn't exactly great during his stint in Chicago, Guillen did provide support for Vazquez after many questioned his performance.

2012 Team: Florida Marlins

10) Hisashi Iwakuma

2011 Statistics: 201.0 IP, 10-9, 2.82 ERA, 153 K, 36 BB, 1.09 WHIP

2011 Team: Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (Japan)

If any pitcher on this list is considered a wildcard, it has to be Hisashi Iwakuma. Sure, he has built up a respectable career over in Japan. In his 11 seasons there, Iwakuma has racked up a 101-62 record, a 3.32 ERA, and a 1.22 WHIP. But we all know that when Japanese pitchers come to the majors, there is little success to be found.

This isn't Iwakuma's first shot at joining a Major League team. Last season, the Japanese pitcher entered negotiations with the Oakland Athletics. Unfortunately, both sides could not reach an agreement and Iwakuma returned to the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles.

I see the Angels as his possible destination after his talks with Oakland. Like the Athletics, the Angels are also in California. However, the Angels are certainly more equipped ($$$) to bring Iwakuma in.

2012 Team: Los Angeles Angels

9) Ryan Dempster

2011 Statistics: 202.1 IP, 10-14, 4.80 ERA, 191 K, 82 BB, 1.45 WHIP

2011 Team: Chicago Cubs

After posting a sloppy 4.80 ERA, do you think Ryan Dempster can find $14 million somewhere?

If you answered yes, then you must know he currently holds a $14 million player option for next season.

And if you were Dempster, would you pass that up? I hope you said no because he won't find that anywhere else. 

The smart move for Dempster would be to take the option and hope to be traded before next year's deadline.

2012 Team: Chicago Cubs

8) Edwin Jackson

2011 Statistics: 199.2 IP, 12-9, 3.79 ERA, 148 K, 62 BB, 1.44 WHIP

2011 Team: Chicago White Sox/St. Louis Cardinals

Edwin Jackson is a solid starter. Unfortunately, that is all he is. He has some above average stuff but is often plagued by his control problems. At best, Jackson is a #3 in average rotations and a #4 in better ones.

I can see the Nationals dishing out on Jackson. They already showed their commitment to change after overpaying for Jayson Werth, perhaps they do they same here.

Despite some of his inconsistencies, the 28-year-old does display signs of promise. He may end up as a nice complement to a rotation headed by Stephen Strasburg.

2012 Team: Washington Nationals

7) Hiroki Kuroda

2011 Statistics: 202.0 IP, 13-16, 3.07 ERA, 161 K, 49 BB, 1.21 WHIP

2011 Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

Although he'll be looked at by a number of contenders this offseason, Hiroki Kuroda has made his future very apparent. He either wants to remain in Los Angeles as a Dodger or return to Japan if the Dodgers display no interest.

With that being said, the 36-year-old will probably do what it takes to stay in L.A. 

2012 Team: Los Angeles Dodgers

6) Yu Darvish

2010 Statistics: 202.0 IP, 12-8, 1.78 ERA, 222 K, 47 BB, 1.01 WHIP

2011 Team: Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters (Japan)

After seeing how Daisuke Matsuzaka and Kei Igawa panned out, who would want to take a chance on another Japanese pitcher? Perhaps the Rangers.

For one, they're probably going to lose C.J. Wilson. WIlson wants big time money and can find it outside of Texas. Secondly, the Rangers aren't signing C.C. Sabathia despite their interest. He too can find bigger money elsewhere. (The Bronx, cough cough!)

Anyway, Yu Darvish would be next for Texas. He has put up nothing short of video game numbers during his time in Japan and may have what it takes to translate that success into the states. To put his success in Japan into perspective, here are some incredible facts. Since he turned 20 in 2007...

- His highest ERA for a season was 1.88.

- He has struck out at least 167 batters per season.

- He has pitched at least 8 complete games per season.

- His highest WHIP for a season was 1.01.

And from Yu's standpoint, the Rangers give him a great chance of accomplishing his ultimate goal. That goal being winning the World Series.

2012 Team: Texas Rangers

5) Roy Oswalt

2011 Statistics: 139.0 IP, 9-10, 3.69 ERA, 93 K, 33 BB, 1.34 WHIP

2011 Team: Philadelphia Phillies

The 2011 season didn't go exactly as planned for Roy Oswalt and the rest of the Philadelphia Phillies. In addition to seeing his team ousted in the divisional round, Oswalt pitched a pretty subpar season by his standards.

The 2011 campaign also revealed his haunting back problems which may raise some concerns. But if you're the Phillies, you have to take a shot at retaining Oswalt. They would continue to boast the best starting rotation in baseball and would definitely be in line for a second chance at a World Series run.

2012 Team: Philadelphia Phillies

4) Mark Buehrle

2011 Statistics: 205.1 IP, 13-9, 3.59 ERA, 109 K, 45 BB, 1.30 WHIP

2011 Team: Chicago White Sox

After spending 12 years in the South Side, Mark Buehrle will now be hitting the open market. The lefty made quite a living in Chicago, racking up 11 straight seasons of at least 10 wins and 200 innings pitched. He also picked up a no-hitter, a perfect game, and a World Series ring as a member of the White Sox.

However, the 32-year-old may not be in Chicago's plans for next season. With White Sox management being so fond of acquiring young talent, they may allow another team to sign Buehrle in exchange for some compensation. So who will sign him?

I'm going to go with the Yankees here. They certainly could use another starter and adding a solid arm in Buehrle could do wonders. He's experienced, he's reliable, and he's poised.

With rumors of the Yanks' brass doubting the talent of C.J. Wilson and Yu Darvish, signing Mark Buehrle would be a cheaper and perhaps a smarter alternative.

2012 Team: New York Yankees

3) C.J. Wilson

2011 Statistics: 223.1 IP, 16-7, 2.94 ERA, 206 K, 74 BB, 1.19 WHIP

2011 Team: Texas Rangers

Regardless of who wins the World Series, C.J. Wilson will be seeking out the big bucks this offseason.

So would he return to Texas? Sure he could. They have the money to retain him. But guess what...? The Red Sox have more of it. 

After their debacle this past season, the Red Sox could press for Wilson. Boston may begin to make some reactionary choices being that they were completely upended. And let's face it, the rotation is certainly an area of improvement for the team. Jon Lester and Josh Beckett ran out of steam, Tim Wakefield may be using a walker, and John Lackey proved he was the worst free agent signing in recent memory.

The Sox could sign Wilson to keep him away from the Yankees and to boost their arms. Perhaps the straight-edge Wilson could also provide some moral support to the team as well. He can teach his fellow pitchers about the disadvantages of drinking during games.

2012 Team: Boston Red Sox

2) Adam Wainwright

2011 Statistics: DNP (Right elbow surgery)

2011 Team: St. Louis Cardinals

Not sure if you were expecting to see Adam Wainwright here. However, he can become a free agent after the World Series. For that to happen, the Cards would have to decline his club option of $10 million going into 2012. But will they? Nope.

Can you blame them? 

2012 Team: St. Louis Cardinals

1) C.C. Sabathia

2011 Statistics: 237.1 IP, 19-8, 3.00 ERA, 230 K, 61 BB, 1.23 WHIP

2011 Team: New York Yankees

If C.C. Sabathia is so content and successful in the Bronx, why would he want to opt-out of an already lucrative contract? Oh yeah, to make more money. However, there is one thing we know about money... the Yankees have it.

It's really tough to see the big lefty going elsewhere. The Yankees can give him the most money, they are always in the hunt, and Sabathia has constantly expressed his pleasure for New York.

I just see this as the second version of the Alex Rodriguez debacle back in 2007. Sabathia will opt-out, only to squeeze some more cash out of the Yanks.

2012 Team: New York Yankees