I said it already, but I think it bares repeating. Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants for pulling off an incredible World Series win. And what was even more incredible was how many people showed up to personally congratulate the team on the streets of the San Fran. Crowd estimates were somewhere between 200,000 and 1 million people on Market Street and the surrounding avenues. This was a party for the ages, and the Giants and their Bay area fans definitely deserved it. But now we must move on, for the off-season has already begun for the other 29 teams.
There are lots of openings in baseball. Some manager positions have already filled up. The Marlins, Cubs, and Diamondbacks have all retained their interim managers for at least one full year. The Milwaukee Brewers appeared to have chosen Ron Roenicke, former Angels bench coach, to take the reigns in the dugout. The Pirates job is still open, but apparently Clint Hurdle is the running favorite. And my beloved Mets are closer to have their stuff together now that Sandy Alderson has been named General Manager. A skipper is still proving allusive, however.
Rest assured that their are also some ridiculously talented players that as of yet, do not have a home ballpark to go to. Some of the bigger names you'll obviously know. The Yankees have three huge free agents this year in Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte. It's assumed that all three will be back with the Yankees, since only Pettitte played for a short time with another team. But at what cost? Jeter can't troll shortstop forever, and how much will it take to keep the legend in pinstripes, even as just a symbol of bygone legacy? Rivera can still get it done, but should they sign him for 3-4 years? The same goes for Mr. Pettitte. The fact that the Yankees couldn't get it done this year marks a peculiar time for them. Their Hall of Fame stars are getting older, and they might not have the space to keep them around, and put together a World Series team. It's a tough position for G.M. Brian Cashman. I'm sure the Steinbrenner family with throw bags of money around to make it a little easier, though.
Not all big free agents are in, or are bound for New York. Cliff Lee might be, though. But then he might stay in Texas, or maybe go to the Angels, or maybe even Detroit. There are just a few teams who can afford to give Lee the $100 million contract he is looking for. But we've seen surprise teams poke their heads into the money pot several times over the past couple of years. Could the Orioles or Nationals make a unexpected play for the Cy Young winner? It's anybody's guess right now.
There are also some big name hitters on everyone's radar. Jayson Werth of the Philadelphia Phillies might be patrolling right field for a new team next year. But he got his shot in Philly, and he's absolutely adored by the public there, so there is a strong possibility he's not going anywhere. Plus the Phils need a right-handed bat in their lineup, so why let a known guy leave, for an unknown newcomer. The Phils do have some young talent in the outfield with Ben Francisco and Dominic Brown. Should they get a chance to start everyday?
Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena are both probably going to leave Tampa Bay, as that team tries to cut payroll. Maybe they wouldn't have to if people would actually go to their freaking games! But I digress. Pena had a miserable year, having almost as many strikeouts (158) as points in his average (.196). He will most likely only get a one-year deal wherever he goes, just to prove himself. Crawford on the other hand had a great year, doing his normal thing with a great average and tons of steals, while adding some power to his resume. He will get a long-term deal to play, and will probably love getting off of that artificial turf in Tropicana Field. There are tons of contenders for these talented outfielders, since besides Werth and Crawford, the next biggest name is Manny Ramirez. Something tells me not many teams will actually want him in the field next year.
There are many, many others who will hit free-agency in the coming days. Some big names who had an option with their 2010 team, but either turned it down, or were turned down include; Adrian Beltre, Vladimir Guerrero, pitchers Brandon Webb, Chris Young and Jeff Francis. Guerrero especially might return to Texas, but he has never been clutch in the playoffs, so maybe they might go a different route. In addition, the World Series Champion Giants stand to potentially lose Aubrey Huff, Edgar Renteria, Juan Uribe, Pat Burrell, and Jose Guillen. I think Aubrey will get a new deal, but the others, although Renteria and Uribe were instrumental in winning the W.S., might not be back for a repeat run. We'll see.
Paul Konerko had a comeback year with the White Sox. Will he be with them in 2011? There are other 1B options for many teams including the aforementioned Pena, Adam Dunn, Derek Lee and Lance Berkman. Jim Thome and David Ortiz are potentially open for D.H. assignment as well. Victor Martinez wants to catch, but he can play first. And fellow catcher A.J. Pierzynski is also a new free-agent. Solid starters and relievers are also to be had in the likes of Carl Pavano, Ted Lilly, Joe Beimel, Arthur Rhodes, Jon Rauch, Joaquin Benoit, Kerry Wood, Brian Fuentes, Rafael Soriano, and potentially (depending on whether teams pick up their options) Bronson Arroyo, Matt Thornton, Darren Oliver, Jon Garland, and Aaron Harang.
This off-season isn't the strongest in recent memory. There are plenty of opportunities to make teams better, though. Whether with a giant splash, or with precision deals and value pickups that could mean the difference between playing baseball in October, or going fishing. I love the hot stove time of year, so I'm looking forward to this with great anticipation. And don't forget, the awards start coming out in the next week or so. Keep an eye out to see if I was right about anything or not.
As we wrap up this particular post, there are two things I would like to say. First, best of luck to George Lee "Sparky" Anderson, the phenomenal manager of the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers starting in 1970, all the way up until 1995. This three-time World Series Champion, the first man to ever man a W.S. team in both leagues, is in failing health. The 76-year-old was one of my first memories of baseball. I had several Sparky Anderson cards growing up, and while reading his baseball card I first realized that players weren't always called by their first names, and my love affair with nicknames was born. The Hall of Fame Manager is a dynamic personality, who was beloved by players and fans alike. I wish him and his family the best while coping with this terrible disease.
And on a somewhat lighter note, I would like to say that I can't stand Joe Buck. I think he is a terrible play-by-play commentator and I wish Fox had the good sense to get rid of him. However, Fox has no good sense, as evidenced by the scandalous slap-fight they had with Cablevision which kept me, and several other millions from being able to see the N.L.C.S., or most of the W.S. I hate Fox in every possible way. And while I don't hate Mr. Buck, I think he sucks. He's the Michael Bay of baseball commentators. He tries to over-dramatize every possibly outcome as if he is trying to replicate great announcers of the past. It isn't working Joe. And learn how to read. You misread a blurb about the new Harry Potter movie, calling it the Deadly Hallows. You get paid how much to be bad at your job? I might be terrible at writing blogs, but I don't get paid, so suck it. Anyway, have a good day people.
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