2012 MLB Free Agency: Every Team's Top FA Target They WON'T Reel in

The World Series is mercifully over, and for fans of those 29 teams that didn't win, the offseason is a time of hope and change.

Every team will be looking to upgrade and have their eyes set on a few of the prizes from the free agent market.

Problem is, the market is limited, and a number of teams will pursue the same players.

Every team has a target, but not all will be successful.

Here is every team's free agent target that they won't be successful in signing.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Hiroki Kuroda

The Diamondbacks' downfall in the playoffs was a lack of quality arms in their rotation.

Before the trade deadline, they pursued Kuroda to no avail. This offseason, they will again be unsuccessful, as Kuroda appears likely to remain with a coastal team.

Atlanta Braves: Alex Gonzalez

The Braves are a very solid team that got more than their fair share of injuries down the stretch.

They don't really need to upgrade anywhere significantly, but retaining their shortstop is a priority. Unfortunately, in the limited market, there are a number of teams who will be willing to overpay for Gonzalez, which will ultimately lead to his departure from Atlanta.

Baltimore Orioles: Carlos Pena

The Orioles aren't likely to make any huge moves in the offseason, but they will probably try a few budget signings.

Pena is out in Chicago, but is going to attract more interest than the Orioles could really afford.

Boston Red Sox: CJ Wilson

With CC off the market, the top pitching free agent is CJ Wilson. Everyone who needs an ace will be after him, and the Red Sox are no exception.

The Sox need a good deal of pitching, but Wilson has the kind of attitude that doesn't lend himself to the Red Sox mentality. My gut says Wilson will spurn all financial advances and return to the Rangers.

Chicago White Sox: Aramis Ramirez

Aramis Ramirez is a free agent, and logic would dictate he'd really test the waters. The White Sox can't be content with Brent Morel at third, and a hop to the South Side would appear simple.

However, Ramirez will probably try to get himself into position to win a ring in the next few years, ruling the Pale Hose out of the running.

Chicago Cubs: Albert Pujols

The crown jewel, Albert Pujols.

He's likely to command nearly $300 million in the open market. The Cubs have Theo Epstein brimming with unbridled enthusiasm to make a big move. Stealing their biggest rival's best player would be quite an opening act, but Albert isn't going to oblige.

Despite any rumors, he's going to stay with the Cardinals.

Cincinnati Reds: Edwin Jackson

The Reds don't need any hitting; they have plenty. But what they do need is pitching; they have a very inconsistent rotation.

Now, adding another inconsistent pitcher might not be the best idea, but it would be practical.

Too bad Jackson, after winning a ring, will probably stick with the Cardinals if they let him.

Cleveland Indians: Grady Sizemore

The Indians have already declined Grady Sizemore's option, but that doesn't mean they don't want to keep him.

Sizemore will feel spurned by Indians and look for greener pastures elsewhere in the baseball world.

Colorado Rockies: CJ Wilson

Another team that needs pitching are the Rockies. They'd love to get their hands on Wilson, but Wilson isn't going to come quietly.

The Rockies would need to blow Wilson away to gain his services, and I don't see them forking out the cash necessary to do so.

Detroit Tigers: Kelly Johnson

The Tigers infield offense is inconsistent at best.

Kelly Johnson is a powerful second baseman that could really boost the Tigers chances; however, attaining him might be difficult considering the dearth of talent available at the second base position this year.

Florida Marlins: Carlos Beltran

The Marlins are moving into a new stadium and a need a solid, well-known player to help them sell tickets.

Carlos Beltran would be an interesting acquisition, but will opt for a better supporting cast.

Houston Astros: Mark Buehrle

It's really hard to see the Astros going after any big name players. They'll probably take a stab at a veteran starter like Buehrle.

Buehrle, like many, would rather pursue a future with a winning team, and won't be persuaded to join a failing franchise like the Astros.

Kansas City Royals: Ramon Hernandez

The Royals are in decently good shape considering their usual predicament. They do need a regular catcher, and Ramon Hernandez could be an interesting target.

The market is very thin on the catching end, and Hernandez is more likely to end up a back up on a successful team.

Los Angeles Angels: Jose Reyes

The other big free agent is Jose Reyes. He isn't going to come cheap, commanding at least $100 million for six years.

The Angels have the cash, but might not have the panache to land Reyes. Many teams will be bidding for his services, and the Angels won't come out ahead in the end.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Prince Fielder

The Dodgers are finally starting to turn themselves around from a financial standpoint. Once they can find a bit of cash, they could make a big play for Prince Fielder.

James Loney is gone, and they need a first baseman, but they aren't quite going to have the cash necessary. The Dodgers' first priority should be to retain Matt Kemp and Andre Either, and after that, they won't be able to pay for Fielder.

Milwaukee Brewers: Derrek Lee

The Brewers will need a cheap replacement for Fielder, who is leaving. Derrek Lee is a logical choice, but the Brewers probably won't be pulling him in.

I have a feeling Lee likes to be the veteran on a young team and prefers somewhere more pleasant than Milwaukee.

Minnesota Twins: Michael Cuddyer

The Twins are in free fall and need to find a way to stabilize their team.

Michael Cuddyer has been a regular contributor for a number of years, and keeping him should be a priority.

Cuddyer is probably sick of being in Minnesota and will look for a contender to join before his career comes to a close.

New York Mets: Jose Reyes

Jose is a great player, and the Mets need to keep him as the face of the franchise. However, they can't afford him, plain and simple. Long term, keeping Reyes is the right move, but in the short term, their cash flow can't really afford the shortstop.

New York Yankees: David Ortiz

Big Papi has the opportunity to cross the picket line and join the New York Yankees.

The Yankees need a real designated hitter, and it would seem to be the appropriate move. However, Big Papi isn't going to come cheap and will probably demand to be grossly overpaid for his services.

The Yankees will balk at his cost and let him go elsewhere after special consideration.

Oakland Athletics: Josh Willingham

The Oakland A's are the consummate discount franchise.

They acquired Josh Willingham for a discount last year, and his solid performance has priced him out of the A's range. He'll go elsewhere for brighter lights and a bigger paycheck.

Philadelphia Phillies: Jose Reyes

Another team who needs an upgrade at shortstop are the Phillies.

Jimmy Rollins is aged and on his way out. Reyes is the logical replacement except for two reasons: his cost and the rivalry.

I believe the Mets would do everything in their power to keep Reyes away from the Phillies, and the Phillies also can't really afford another $100 million dollar player.

Pittsburgh Pirates: CJ Wilson

This one is really a long shot already. If the Pirates want to make a big move, they should attempt to make a big signing.

CJ Wilson would be an interesting character on the Pirates, but after tasting the World Series two years in a row, Wilson isn't going to want to go to a rebuilding team for a while.

San Diego Padres: Johnny Damon

The Padres are not big spenders; they like bargains.

Johnny Damon is a solid player who is a bargain. Since he is so affordable, many teams will be after him, and the demand will allow Damon to play where he chooses.

He won't choose San Diego.

San Francisco Giants: Jimmy Rollins

The Giants shortstop situation is paltry, to say the least.

They haven't had a solid shortstop since Rich Aurelia and haven't made a prudent investment at that position since.

Rollins would be a great addition, but is seeking a long-term contract. The Giants are now, rightfully so, terrified of long term contracts and won't be able to match Rollins' demands.

Seattle Mariners: Carlos Beltran

The Mariners have one of the worst offenses in recent history. Any move would be a good one, but the big move they need is out of their reach.

Beltran could DH and play well enough to justify a large contract, but he's running out of time on a championship and the Mariners are years away.

St. Louis Cardinals: Jose Reyes

The Cardinals already won the World Series.

They're getting their best pitcher back for next year; why do they need to do anything?

Well, the acquisition of Rafael Furcal didn't exactly go as planned, and a true shortshop should be in the Cards future.

Reyes will not be that shortstop just because of his price.

The Cardinals will do all they can to keep Pujols, and afterwards, won't be able to commit the type of cash needed to get Reyes.

Tampa Bay Rays: Vlad Guerrero

The Rays will try to make a bargain signing of Guerrero, who I believe will continue playing.

If he does, the Rays will be right in there. I see Guerrero going to a real contender next year, even as a bench player as he tries to get another ring.

Texas Rangers: CJ Wilson

CJ Wilson wants to go back to Texas, and the Rangers want to bring him back. What's the problem, then?

The huge price he will attract on the open market. CJ Wilson is not worth $20 million a year, but that's what will be offered for him. The Rangers will probably reach the point where they refuse to pay exorbitant prices for him.

Toronto Blue Jays: Aaron Harang

The Blue Jays need to solidify their rotation, and Harang is the kind of veteran that could do that. Unfortunately, I don't see Harang heading north of the border.

Instead, I see him signing with the Padres for a healthy discount.

Washington Nationals: Prince Fielder

Last but not least are the Washington Nationals.

They made a big move last year, signing Jayson Werth. While that move hasn't exactly panned out as hoped, they are on the cusp of becoming a respectable franchise.

Signing Prince Fielder could put them over the top, but sadly, he won't be a National anytime soon. Fielder is too sought after, and the Nationals won't be able to get him, even if they can pay his high price.