MLB Free Agents 2012: 5 Most Likely Destinations for Mark Buehrle

With the World Series coming to a close, MLB free agency occupies the headlines for America's favorite pastime. 

Teams know that pitching looms large if their hopes of a World Series run are to be fulfilled.

Veteran left-hander Mark Buehrle is one of those free agents that can turn around a pitching staff, and he will draw interest from numerous MLB teams.

Buehrle's consistency on the mound and leadership in the clubhouse would be valuable commodities for both contenders and inexperienced teams in search of a veteran presence.

Read on to see if Buehrle could be pitching in a city near you this spring.



 

5. Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians made significant strides in 2011. 

The Indians finished the season at 80-82 but were AL Central contenders well into the summer. Cleveland's starting pitching faltered down the stretch, finishing near the bottom of the American League in ERA.

The team's ERA was 4.23, which was good for only 10th in the American League. Buehrle's ERA in 2011 was 3.59. In 10 of his 12 seasons, Buehrle had a lower ERA than 4.23.

Buehrle would significantly help an inconsistent rotation with Ubaldo Jimenez and Fausto Carmona. Also, given his familiarity with the AL Central, Buehrle would be an ideal fit in Cleveland. 

4. Cincinnati Reds

Keeping with the Central theme, the Cincinnati Reds are desperately in need of a consistent starting pitcher.

The Reds are just one season removed from a division championship and a playoff appearance.

The Reds finished No. 12 in the National League in ERA. The Reds have the young, offensive talent to compete but lack the consistency in the starting rotation to win consistently over the long haul.

It would behoove the Reds to replace Bronson Arroyo, whose 5.07 ERA hurt Cincinnati more than it helped.

With Buehrle, the Reds have a formidable compliment to Johnny Cueto and instantly become a threat to the Brewers and Cardinals again in the National League Central.

3. New York Yankees

Face it Yankee fans: You were never going to win a World Series with a rotation of Ivan Nova, Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon and A.J. Burnett behind C.C. Sabathia.

The problems with the Yankee front office is that it doesn't need to land the biggest fish to improve. Mark Buehrle would be a nice fit in the rotation for New York. It gets a second left-hander in the rotation, which helps to control left-handed hitters with a short porch in right field at Yankee Stadium. 

Buehrle would provide a solid option in the playoffs, significantly increasing the chances of advancement for a New York team plagued with first-round exits in recent years. He would be a vast improvement over the likes of Colon and Garcia.

Most importantly, the Yankees would have no problem paying the veteran. If the Yankees want to improve starting pitching at a good price, Buehrle is the man for the job. 

2. Boston Red Sox

Wow, was that an ugly end to the season for the Boston Red Sox pitching staff. The infamous September collapse highlighted issues that persisted for Boston throughout the regular season on the mound.

The problems aren't done there. Off-the-field accusations of drinking in the clubhouse have put serious scrutiny on the Red Sox staff.

As a result, a respected veteran pitcher such as Mark Buehrle would be a good fit. The veteran left-hander would instantly bring stability to a team that desperately needs it.

With the news of John Lackey missing the entire season with Tommy John surgery, a hole in the rotation is opened up just for the left-hander. If the new Red Sox management is smart, it will fill that void with Buehrle. 

1. Chicago White Sox

In the end, the most likely destination for Mark Buehrle is in his own back yard: back in Chicago.

There is no reason for the White Sox to let Buehrle walk. He brings consistency to a rotation characterized by inconsistency. He also had the best ERA of all of the starters in the rotation for Chicago.

Buehrle has pitched a perfect game for the White Sox, and he has been the Opening Day starter for years. Being a fan favorite, it would be tough to let a veteran who is still pitching well go to a rival team.

Out of all the free agents for the White Sox, Buehrle is the most likely to return and help manager Robin Ventura in his first season at the helm.