MLB Free Agency 2012: All 30 Teams' Biggest Fan Freak-out Rumor so Far

The MLB offseason is often referred to as the “hot stove league,” and for good reason.

Taken literally, hot stove refers to the winter months when baseball fans are huddled in front of a warm, cozy fire in the dead of winter, imagining the upcoming season and how their favorite team will fare in the upcoming months.

It’s also a time when the MLB offseason literally turns into another league, but this time it’s not the players themselves participating, it’s the owners and general managers who are playing. General managers can make or break their team’s destiny for the coming year and beyond by the decisions they make in the offseason, and for that reason, the “hot stove league” is in many ways just as important as the MLB regular season.

Trades and free agent signings are the main topic of discussion around warm, cozy fires for baseball fans, wondering about which players their particular teams covet, who they might be enticing with a free agent offer, and which players they may decide to go after via trade. For the most rabid of baseball fans, the hot stove league is what keeps them going during the harsh winter months.

Inevitably, each MLB offseason also brings transactions that make fans cringe (Barry Zito, anyone?), and they hope beyond hope that their particular team isn’t guilty of making that mistake.

With all of the speculation regarding where players are headed and various prognosticators who give their “expert” opinions on where players may end up, we at Bleacher Report decided to take a look at the worst-case scenario for each team—that one big rumor about a particular player that has them completely freaked out.

Note: While the title suggests we’re only talking about free agent rumors, we will also look at scenarios involving possible trades and possible non-signings as well.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Signing Free Agent Pitcher Roy Oswalt

There are just a couple of top-tier free agent pitchers on the open market this offseason, chief among them Mark Buehrle and C.J. Wilson. However, former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Oswalt is also a free agent, and rumors had the Arizona Diamondbacks showing interest at one point.

D-Backs fans couldn’t possibly want to see GM Kevin Towers follow through with signing Oswalt. The D-Backs are loaded with top-tier pitching prospects in Jarrod Parker, Tyler Skaggs, Pat Corbin and Trevor Bauer, and all of them will be impacting the big club within the next year or two.

Signing Oswalt, who is coming off a season in which back issues sidelined him for over two months, would certainly get in the way of at least one of those prospects, and with a rotation that already features Ian Kennedy, Daniel Hudson and Josh Collmenter, pitching does not appear to be an immediate need.

Atlanta Braves: Signing Free Agent Jose Reyes

With the Atlanta Braves trading pitcher Derek Lowe to the Cleveland Indians and ridding themselves of $5 million of his salary, combined with rumors that the Braves are interested in trading both Jair Jurrjens and Martin Prado, some are speculating whether or not the Braves are attempting to clear salary space in an effort to sign free agent shortstop Jose Reyes.

While the Braves are definitely in need of a shortstop for the 2012 season, they already have a stud shortstop prospect in Tyler Pastornicky who should be ready for the majors by the start of the 2013 season. Signing Reyes to any long-term contract makes no sense whatsoever.

There is no question the Braves are hesitant in bringing Alex Gonzalez and his sub-.300 on-base percentage back, but there are certainly other temporary and much less expensive options at shortstop that they can explore, acting as a bridge to Pastornicky.

Baltimore Orioles: Trading Center Fielder Adam Jones

There are certainly times when trading one of your top players makes sense, especially if that player can bring back value that could bear fruit for years to come. However, there are also times when trading your star player makes no sense whatsoever, and in the case of the Baltimore Orioles, trading center fielder Adam Jones would be one of those nonsensical deals.

CSNBaltimore.com columnist Rich Dubroff recently explored the possibility of trading Jones, who is coming off a stellar season during which he was one of the lone bright spots for the O’s. With a line of .280/.319/.466 along with 26 doubles, 25 home runs and 83 RBI, Jones has established himself as the current face of the Orioles franchise. For a team that has now suffered through 14 consecutive losing seasons, hopefully GM Dan Duquette will realize that Jones is the type of player that a team can be built around, and together with Matt Wieters and Nick Markakis, Duquette already has several pieces in place.

Trading Jones would only lead to another complete rebuilding process, and more nameless faces that Orioles fans are getting tired of.

Boston Red Sox: Trading for Houston Astros Pitcher Wandy Rodriguez

The Boston Red Sox are clearly in the market for starting pitching, with John Lackey out for the entire 2012 recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Daisuke Matsuzaka out until at least the All-Star break for the same reason.

One rumor has the Sox as one of the teams interested in Houston Astros pitcher Wandy Rodriguez, and just the rumor alone should make Sox fans cringe.

While Rodriguez carries a decent 4.07 lifetime ERA, including four straight seasons with an ERA under 4.00, his interleague ERA is considerably higher at 5.25, having given up 21 home runs in 22 interleague starts.

Rodriguez clearly has a repertoire much better suited for the National League, and with $25.5 million left on Rodriguez’ contract through the 2013 season, the Sox could definitely find a better investment.

Chicago Cubs: Keeping Starting Pitcher Carlos Zambrano

Over the past several seasons now, the Chicago Cubs and their fans have had to put up with the immature rantings and childish acts of starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano.

With a new management team in place, the best thing the Cubs can do is find any willing partner that is willing to take a chance on Zambrano, even if the Cubs have to throw a sizeable chunk of Zambrano’s salary in the deal as well.

After Zambrano walked out on the team last season, the last thing the Cubs need with a new management team in place is any undue strife or lingering resentment.

Chicago White Sox: Trading Both John Danks and Gavin Floyd

The Chicago White Sox are almost a lock not to re-sign free agent pitcher Mark Buerhle, despite Buehrle’s 12 seasons and 161 wins in a White Sox uniform. However, if current rumors persist, the White Sox could be losing a lot more as well.

Starting pitchers John Danks and Gavin Floyd have both been mentioned in various rumors, and if GM Kenny Williams listens to and accepts offers for both of them, the White Sox will be in a whole lot more trouble than they are right now.

The White Sox are counting on Jake Peavy to return to form, and are transitioning Chris Sale to the starting rotation. Even if both pitchers are able to put together successful seasons, losing Buerhle, Danks and Floyd would still be a major blow to a rotation that has no clear ace and will have a whole lot of question marks.

Cincinnati Reds: Trading First Baseman Joey Votto

The Cincinnati Reds were clearly a major disappointment in 2011 after winning the NL Central title in 2010 for their first playoff appearance in 15 years. The Reds didn’t lack for offense however, as starting pitching was the main culprit.

Rumors have the Reds trading first baseman Joey Votto, the 2010 NL MVP. This is going on despite the fact that GM Walt Jocketty has stated on numerous occasions that Votto is not available.

The general consensus has been that Votto will become too expensive for the Reds when his current contract expires in 2013, and that they have a possible replacement in prospect Yonder Alonso. However, Votto has become the face of the Reds’ franchise, along with second baseman Brandon Phillips. Jocketty would no doubt be crucified if Votto left town.

Cleveland Indians: Signing Free Agent First Baseman Carlos Pena

The Cleveland Indians would love to find a first baseman that can provide better production that what Matt LaPorta gave them in 2010, and there are certainly some intriguing high-priced options out there this offseason, namely Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder.

While Pujols and Fielder are likely too expensive for the mid-market Indians, one name that has also popped up in recent rumors is someone who should be avoided as well—Carlos Pena.

Pena, who spent last season with the Chicago Cubs on a one-year, $10 million deal, hit 22 points lower than LaPorta at .225. While his 28 HR and 80 RBI are certainly more than what LaPorta provided, the Indians don’t need an all-or-nothing option at first base, especially if it’s going to cost upwards of $8-10 million per season.

Colorado Rockies: Signing Free Agent Left Fielder Milton Bradley

One thing that the Colorado Rockies have always been known for is having high-character players on their team. Rare has been the time that the Rockies have raised eyebrows with a particular signing of a player. That’s why their apparent interest in free agent outfielder Milton Bradley goes completely against the grain.

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times tweeted two weeks ago that the Rockies met with the agent for Bradley, who played in just 28 games last season for the Seattle Mariners before being designated for assignment.

With Bradley’s documented history of abhorrent behavior, why would the Rockies even be interested? The Rockies are clearly looking for outfield help, but Bradley is definitely not the answer.

Detroit Tigers: Trading for Philadelphia Phillies Pitcher Cole Hamels

The Detroit Tigers already have one of the best pitching staffs in the major leagues, with 2011 Cy Young and MVP award winner Justin Verlander, Doug Fister, Max Scherzer, Rick Porcello and an emerging Jacob Turner.

Recent rumors have the Philadelphia Phillies dangling pitcher Cole Hamels as bait, and the Tigers have been mentioned as a possible suitor.

The general consensus is that with the recent deals given to star pitchers Roy Halladay ($60 million through 2013 with $20 million option in 2014) and Cliff Lee ($120 million through 2015 with $27.5 million option in 2016), the Phillies won’t have enough money to pay Hamels beyond the 2012 season.

While having Hamels on the Tigers’ staff would instantly turn them into one of the formidable rotations in the AL, at what cost? Any discussions involving Hamels would clearly start and end with Turner, who is considered one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball. The Tigers would have to throw in at least two other top-tier prospects along with Hamels.

The Tigers already have a great pitching staff, they would be much better served by going after help at second base and third base.

Houston Astros: Failing to Trade Pitcher Brett Myers

With new ownership finally in place and a pending move to the American League West, the Houston Astros are clearly a team in transition. New owner Jim Crane has already dismissed long-time president Tal Smith and GM Ed Wade, and now he will put forth a management team that will have a clear mandate to start the rebuilding process for the Astros, which presumably means cutting payroll to around $60 million.

Starting pitcher Brett Myers represents approximately 18 percent of that salary figure. Myers would be an attractive option for several teams needing an innings-eater, middle-of-the rotation type guy, and at $11 million for the 2012 season, Myers wouldn’t break the bank for several larger market teams.

Kansas City Royals: Signing Free Agent Pitcher Mark Buehrle

Free agent pitcher Mark Buehrle is one of top free agents on the market this offseason, and there are reportedly at least 13 teams interested in Buehrle’s services. One surprise on that list is the Kansas City Royals.

ESPN’s Jim Bowden reported that the Royals were one of the teams interested. What makes this so shocking is that not only are the Royals even interested, but that they would actually even think of committing long-term dollars. Owner David Glass certainly doesn’t have that kind of reputation, and I can only see Buehrle becoming trade bait at some point early on in his contract.

The Royals made a smart deal in trading for Jonathan Sanchez to help bolster a beleaguered pitching staff, and there are certainly other moves that the Royals can make that would be a far more affordable option than signing someone who likely wouldn’t last in Kansas City for the entire length of his contract anyway.

Los Angeles Angels: Signing Free Agent Pitcher C.J. Wilson

The Los Angeles Angels wined and dined free agent pitcher C.J. Wilson last Monday, sitting down for dinner with both manager Mike Scioscia and GM Jerry DiPoto.

The Angels certainly need help, but overpaying for Wilson is NOT the avenue they should pursue. Wilson will be paid ace money by someone, and likely close to $100 million. While Wilson has certainly put forth two excellent seasons as a starter, he is not worth what teams will apparently be ready to give him.

The Angels need offensive help, and have three starters in Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana who are a terrific front three. Wilson would be a nice get, but not at a reported $100 million.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Not Having a New Owner in Place by Opening Day

With the decision by Frank McCourt to finally allow the sale of the Los Angeles Dodgers through bankruptcy court, fans are hoping that the sale can be finalized by Opening Day.

However, FOX Sports is currently doing all they can to delay the process. A judge on Tuesday delayed a hearing between FOX and the Dodgers to decide the sale of future television rights. FOX contends that any future deal would violate its rights under an existing contract with the Dodgers, further pushing back any potential sale.

Miami Marlins: Signing Free Agent Shortstop Jose Reyes

The Miami Marlins have certainly been one of the most active teams this offseason in terms of who they have been pursuing. Albert Pujols and Mark Buerhle have already visited South Florida, and C.J. Wilson is due to visit Miami this week as well.

Also in the mix is free agent shortstop Jose Reyes. Reyes was reportedly offered a six-year, $100 million contract by the Marlins and is mulling his options.

Is Reyes worth the money? Yes, however, Reyes’ hamstrings have been a major issue in recent years, and landed him on the disabled list twice during the 2011 season. While I love the fact that the Marlins are willing to spend in order to make a splash at their new stadium in April, giving $100 million to a man with a recent bad history of injuries just doesn’t sit well.

Milwaukee Brewers: Signing Free Agent Shortstop Rafael Furcal

The Milwaukee Brewers could well be losing the most productive first baseman that has ever played for them, and while ESPN’s Jim Bowden thinks there still could be a chance for the Brewers to sign Prince Fielder, the odds are slim.

The Brewers also have need for an upgrade at both shortstop and third base as well, and while they may be one of the teams highly interested in free agent Jose Reyes, they have also inquired about Rafael Furcal as well.

At 34 years of age, Furcal has suffered through a rash of injuries over three of the last four seasons, only registering one 100-game season during that span.

Furcal’s agent, Paul Kinzer, is trying to justify signing Furcal to a three-year contract, saying that despite his injury history, he’s still one of the top shortstops in the game.

"He's been hurt the last few years some, but so have the other top shortstops,” Kinzer said. “And nobody out there has his playoff experience. He might miss a few games through the year, but when he's on the field he's a difference maker."

He might miss a few games? Um, I’d say missing 278 games over the past four seasons is more than just a few. Brewers GM Doug Melvin needs to pass on Furcal.

Minnesota Twins: Signing Free Agent Outfielder Josh Willingham

The Minnesota Twins have never been major players on the free agent market, preferring instead to build via their farm system and prudent trades here and there. However, after a 99-loss season and a change back to the old, with GM Terry Ryan, the Twins are desperately looking for answers to turn things back around again.

A recent rumor has the Twins interested in free agent outfielder Josh Willingham. Willingham put up career numbers last season with 29 HR and 98 RBI. However, the Twins already have outfield options in Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel who would easily provided just as much production as Willingham, and both are career Twins.

Does it really make any sense to let either Cuddyer or Kubel go in order to sign Willingham, who brings essentially the same exact production?

New York Mets: Letting Go of Third Baseman David Wright Via Trade

With all of the news surrounding New York Mets free agent shortstop Jose Reyes, New York Mets fans have something else to worry about—the possibility of losing third baseman David Wright via trade.

Losing both Reyes and Wright would be absolutely devastating for a Mets fan base that already plays second fiddle to the Yankees in Gotham, and while they would likely get promising prospects, the entire identity of the Mets would be stripped away by losing both of their most famous stars.

New York Yankees: Signing Free Agent First Baseman Albert Pujols

According to many non-New York Yankees fans, the hated Yankees have more money than God, and will sign anyone who is available. That may not entirely correct.

Rumors were swirling about Yankees GM Brian Cashman meeting with the agent for free agent first baseman Albert Pujols. However, the reality is that Cashman was indeed meeting with Dan Lozano, however Lozano also represents quite a few other players who just happen to be free agents as well.

The Yankees are very happy with current first baseman Mark Teixeira, so there should be no reason for Yankees fans to start raising holy hell, or for non-Yankees fans to once again curse the power of the almighty dollar.

Oakland Athletics: Trading Starting Pitcher Gio Gonzalez

We all know that the Oakland Athletics are having major issues right now, and we’re not just talking about their offense.

With the uncertainty of their stadium situation, and the uncertainty of whether or not they will be allowed to relocate to the San Jose area, the A’s are unequipped to financially compete with the other big dogs in the free agent market. While GM Billy Beane has been able to work magic in the past, the reality is that the A’s just have trouble attracting the top-tier talent that’s available.

That’s why it makes absolutely no sense to trade starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez. Gonzalez is the ace of the A’s staff, and is not eligible for free agency until 2016. Seems to me it makes more sense to hang on to their best player and wait for their financial situation to change. If the A’s are allowed to relocate and they can build a new stadium in San Jose, they’ll have the financial wherewithal to keep Gonzalez and attract a better caliber of talent.

Philadelphia Phillies: Not Signing Free Agent Shortstop Jimmy Rollins

If there is any one player who has been the face of the Philadelphia Phillies’ franchise over the past decade, it is shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

With all of the talk lately about where Rollins will end up, fans would be up in arms if Rollins were to sign elsewhere. Yes, the Phillies are poised to win now, and with their recent signing of closer Jonathan Papelbon, they are clearly in win-now mode.

However, is there any better option than Rollins? FanGraphs still rates him as one of the better defensive shortstops in the league, and while he may not quite provide the production seen in earlier years, there just aren’t many better options out there than the man who wants to stay in Philly and finish his career there.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Trading Center Fielder Andrew McCutchen

The Pittsburgh Pirates won more games in 2011 than at any time since 2004, and while it was their 19^th straight losing season, progress was clearly made. And much of that progress was centered around their best all-around performer, center fielder Andrew McCutchen.

McCutchen, who put up a line of .259/.364/.456 with 23 homers, is clearly the best player on the Pirates roster. However, recent rumors, most recently reported by ESPN’s Keith Law, indicate that the Pirates are at least willing to listen to offers regarding their star center fielder.

Um, listening is one thing. Actually trading their one biggest commodity after an encouraging season is another.

San Diego Padres: Trading for Chicago White Sox Right Fielder Carlos Quentin

The San Diego Padres suffered through a miserable season, losing 91 games and finishing last in the NL West. Much of the blame can be laid on an anemic offense, which was second-to-last in the NL in runs scored and dead last in team batting average (.237).

A recent rumor has the Padres looking at trading for Chicago White Sox right fielder Carlos Quentin. While Quentin would certainly help in providing some offense, much of that offense would suffer playing half his games at pitcher-friendly Petco Park, and Quentin has had a constant struggle staying on the field, missing the final month of last season alone with a sprained shoulder.

In addition, the Padres would have to pay a steep price in prospects, arguably the strength of the Padres’ organization. Quentin could certainly provide punch, but the Padres are clearly building for the future, so a Quentin deal would mortgage that future.

San Francisco Giants: Trading Starting Pitcher Tim Lincecum

A couple of weeks ago, Jon Paul Morosi of foxsports.com wrote an article about the possibility of the San Francisco Giants trading Tim Lincecum.

While the article itself was not a suggestion that the Giants actually trade the two-time Cy Young Award winner, it was more a “what if” type of article. Nonetheless, just the mere mention of trading Lincecum set off a flurry of tweets and many other articles. I even wrote a piece regarding the wisdom of trading Lincecum.

Giants fans should really calm down. Lincecum isn’t going anywhere. It was merely a look at how the Giants could benefit if they traded Lincecum.

Welcome to the Hot Stove League, where ramblings become rumors in a nano-second.

Seattle Mariners: Signing Free Agent First Baseman Prince Fielder

When it comes to the subject of Prince Fielder, there are many people with varying opinions on the true value of Fielder, and just how much help he can actually provide over the life of a long contract.

For some teams, like the Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins, signing Fielder might make sense for teams looking to win now. However, for the Seattle Mariners? For the team that has scored the least amount of runs in the American League over the last two seasons, they need a lot more help than Fielder can provide.

For $20-25 million, the Mariners would be much better off finding three or four players that can provide offense than for one man who likely won’t provide the total value that his contract will call for. Fielder’s body type, transition to American League and defensive liability are all pitfalls that will likely show that Fielder will end up being overpaid.

St. Louis Cardinals: Not Signing Free Agent First Baseman Albert Pujols

For St. Louis Cardinals fans, the idea that Albert Pujols could be gone after delivering a World Series championship in 2011 seems ludicrous, however it could very well become fact.

Pujols, who turned down a nine-year, $200 million offer during the preseason, has already been courted by the Miami Marlins, and will likely listen to offers from several other clubs as well. The man who will go down as one of the greatest Cards of all time, next to Stan Musial, is giving Cardinals’ fans an amount of heartburn that they certainly hoped they wouldn’t have to go through so soon after the fruits of victory.

Tampa Bay Rays: Trading Starting Pitcher James Shields

The Tampa Bay Rays have already been involved in much speculation regarding their roster for 2012, and one of the biggest topics of conversation thus far has been the possibility that the Rays are exploring a trade involving starting pitcher James Shields.

Shields, who led the American League with 11 complete games and four shutouts to go with his 16-12 record and 2.82 ERA, has been the subject of trades involving the Cincinnati Reds, the Miami Marlins and the New York Yankees.

The Rays have also been rumored to be dangling starter Wade Davis, and that particular rumor makes a LOT more sense, to be honest.

Texas Rangers: Trading for Chicago Cubs Starting Pitcher Matt Garza

The Texas Rangers recently signed closer Joe Nathan to a two-year contract, opening the door for current closer Neftali Feliz to move into the starting rotation. Even if the Rangers lose starter C.J. Wilson to free agency, they will still have a starting rotation that features Feliz, Colby Lewis, Derek Holland, Matt Harrison and Alexi Ogando, with Scott Feldman waiting in the wings.

Why then, as rumor would have it, would the Rangers be interested in Matt Garza? It seems to me that GM Jon Daniels took care of a major pitching staff issue with the signing of Nathan and moving Feliz to the starting rotation. Daniels would likely be looking to shore up center field and finding another quality bullpen arm rather than making a move to acquire Garza, which would then require other moves to free up a rotation spot.

Maybe it’s me, but why sign Nathan to free up Feliz for the rotation, and then think about another messy trade?

Toronto Blue Jays: Signing Free Agent Designated Hitter David Ortiz

The Toronto Blue Jays are definitely in the hunt for more offense, and while there is some speculation that has Adam Lind moving from first base to DH in order for the Jays to look at signing Prince Fielder, recent rumors have the Jays very interested in signing long-time Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz.

This is not a bash on Ortiz whatsoever, however if a three-year deal is what Ortiz is looking for, as is being reported, the Jays should clearly pass. At 36 years of age, it’s highly doubtful that Ortiz can continue providing quality power numbers which have already been diminished in recent years. At a likely salary of at least $8-10 million per year, it just doesn’t add up.

Washington Nationals: Signing Free Agent Infielder Mark DeRosa

The Washington Nationals recently found out that first baseman Chris Marrero tore a hamstring playing winter league ball in the Dominican Republic, and could likely miss significant time in 2012.

With Adam LaRoche likely to start at first base for the Nats in 2012, they are now looking for a utility infielder/backup first baseman, and recent rumors suggest that former San Francisco Giants infielder Mark DeRosa is on the radar.

This is the same Mark DeRosa who played in exactly 22.5 percent of games in the last two years after signing a $12 million deal with the Giants.

DeRosa likely won’t cost anywhere near that much this time around, but considering his injury history, the Nats would definitely best be served looking elsewhere.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.