Report: Red Sox Near Deal With Schilling

According to the Boston Herald, the Red Sox are nearing a deal with Curt Schilling. Although the details are not being released, it is believed to be a one year deal, worth about 10 million dollars, with incentives. Similar to what Greg Maddux got, just the incentives probably include innings pitched, strikeouts, and maybe an MVP or Cy Young bonus. Schilling, who turns 41 next week, went 9-8 with a 3.87 ERA this season before getting three wins in the postseason. This is a great move by the Red Sox who can now give Schilling the proper send off. Not only that, but it solves the rotation problem and sets them up with another great chance to take the division. Other than the Red Sox, the Astros, Diamondbacks, Brewers, and Cubs had all contacted Schilling expressing their interest.

Pettitte Declines Option

According to sources, Andy Pettitte has declined his option and is now a free agent. "I have spoken with Brian Cashman, who has reiterated what Hank Steinbrenner said about the Yankees wanting to give Andy all the time he needs to decide about next season," Pettitte's agent, Randy Hendricks, said Monday in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "Accordingly, we are declining to exercise the option for 2008 and Andy will declare free agency in order to free up a roster spot for the Yankees." Pettitte is the new Roger Clemens, meaning he will wait till May on whether to pitch the following season. I expect him to come back, just not with the Yankees. He is a big fan of Joe Torre and Don Mattingly and I think his comments saying it was Yankees or nothing were generated before he became manager. Torre could definitely lobby Colletti to sign Pettitte, and I think they will inform Pettitte of their interest, but give him all the time he needs to make up his mind. Pettitte was 15-9 with a 4.05 ERA for the Yankees this year, including 11-3 after the All-Star break. The Yankees have gotten weaker, and this now might lead to the departure of Jorge Posada, maybe even Mariano Rivera.

Division Breakdown: AL East

The American League East has always been a competitive division, so I expect them to try and improve in any way possible. The Yankees and Red Sox are obviously on top, but that will not stop the Devil Rays, Orioles, or Blue Jays from making a run. Let's see where they stand:

1. Red Sox
The Red Sox are sitting mighty high on top of the baseball world after winning their second World Series in four years. More importantly, they have won two more World Series' since 2000 than the Yankees have. I do not see too big of improvements here, mainly just improving the bullpen and maybe bringing in another starter. They will probably sign Lowell, but if they don't, I do not expect them to trade for a big name. They think very highly of Jacoby Ellsbury and Jon Lester and do not plan to trade either. They will probably trade Coco Crisp, and probably bring in another Japanese pitcher to team up with Hideki Okajima in the bullpen.

2. Yankees
The Yankees lost their manager, coaching staff, and best player in baseball in a single month. Although they brought in Joe Girardi, they still need to make upgrades. I expect them to go big for Miguel Cabrera, and try and sign a pair of young pitchers. They could always trade for Johan Santana, but their is no reason to unload their whole minor league system. They are transforming into a young team again, and should look to bring in younger, developing players to lead this team in the next year or so. For first base, Eric Duncan seems like a good choice to offer the spot to in Spring Training, or else platoon with someone else. Maybe this is wishful thinking on my part, but a lot of teams are successful with sticking with their young players, and I think the Yankees might finally try it out.

3. Blue Jays
The Blue Jays struck out last year in landing proven pitching. Their outfield is weak and they could use a solid reliever to help out the bullpen. Don't rule out an Eric Gagne signing for the Blue Jays. The Canadian would probably take a two year deal to return home. Also, they could trade for outfielder Jason Bay, who happens to be Canadian as well, to play left field. That is setting up a solid outfield with Bay, Wells, and Rios. From there, the pitching market is weak but taking a chance on someone out there is not a bad move. They will not take the division in 2008, but could begin to change the face of the team if they pull off my moves.

4. Orioles
The Orioles need to clean house. They need to trade away just about everything and get a boatload of prospects in return. I mean trade: Bedard, Tejada, Mora, Roberts, Millar, and Hernandez. Build around Nick Markakis, because he is the only one that will get better. It will only be a couple years then that you will be fighting for the Wild Card while the aging Yankees fight to hang on.

5. Devil Rays
It all starts with the outfield. What they need to do is trade Carl Crawford for a star pitcher, and rebuild from there. I mean, move B.J. Upton to third base, move Iwamura to second base, and Brendan Harris to shortstop. Then you have Baldelli in left, Dukes in center, and Young in right field. Then once Johan Santana is dealt, put Kazmir on the market to the teams who missed out on Santana and receive a boatload of prospects in return. From there, lock up Carlos Pena and make a move on one of the free agent catchers. I say either Michael Barrett or Yorvit Torrealba. Gomes deserves another chance at DH, but maybe it would be smart to give a role like that to a veteran, maybe Barry Bonds?

Top 50 Free Agents: 41-50

41. Pedro Feliz, Giants

Although the Giants will go hard for Alex Rodriguez, I expect the Giants to resign him. He is very versatile and good with his glove. And if the Giants do sign Rodriguez, they could always shop Feliz.

Prediction: Giants

42. Paul Byrd, Indians

Despite the HGH speculation, I fully expect the Indians to bring him back. Eight million is a bargain these days especially for a durable veteran.

Prediction: Indians

43. Josh Fogg, Rockies

There will be interest in Fogg, and I think he is finally ready to cash in. He was very effective for the Rockies and I think teams will look for a two to three year deal. I do not think he is on the verge of being an All Star, but he can help out nonetheless.

Prediction: Mariners

44. Scott Linebrink, Brewers

Linebrink proved he was one of the best relievers in the game and will probably test the market for a short term deal. I expect the Phillies, who are desperate for pitching, to be all over him. He never really seemed connected to Milwaukee and could return to San Diego, or go to the weakened Tigers.

Prediction: Phillies

45. Kenny Rogers, Tigers

Many of you are surprised to see him this low, but Rogers can no longer be effective in the Majors. I think the Tigers will bring him back out of good will, and will use him sparingly, but he is better off retiring.

Prediction: Tigers

46. Marcus Giles, Padres

Giles really struggled this year with the Padres and will probably get another one year deal. I expect the Twins to be all over him because he will come at a cheap price, and has the ability to put up good numbers. Their infield is very weak right now, and could get him locked up quick and pursue other needs. Another option is the Rockies, but only if they cannot resign Kaz Matsui.

Prediction: Twins

47. David Riske, Royals

Riske will definitely be leaving the Royals and will go to the market. Since the Tigers lost Zumaya, their pen is very much depleted and I think the Tigers see how far Riske will go in terms of a solid bullpen.

Prediction: Tigers

48. Kaz Matsui, Rockies

Matsui’s career was revitalized in Colorado and I think he plans to stay, but at the right price.

Prediction: Rockies

49. Hitoki Iwase, Japan

The Red Sox will look to improve their bullpen and after the success of Okajima, it would not surprise me if they brought in one more Japanese pitcher to try it out. Iwase is considered one of the best in Japanese history, and would definitely benefit the Red Sox.

Prediction: Red Sox

50. Mike Lamb, Astros

Although there are other options, I expect the Rangers to take a chance on Lamb. He is a decent third baseman and would be more inclined to staying in Texas than going elsewhere. I think this is a good fit for both sides.

Prediction: Rangers

Honorable Mention

51. Kenshin Kawakami, Japan

Kawakami is a free agent and played for Hillman in Japan. The Royals are set to lose a couple free agents and he would be great to bring in and set up for the young relievers.

Prediction: Royals

52. Jason Jennings, Astros

The Rockies are already showing interest because of his success at Coors and because of their success, he might return at a reduced price.

Prediction: Rockies

53. Randy Wolf, Dodgers

Wolf is very injury prone but a team looking for a pitcher might take a chance on him. Mark Shapiro said they will look to improve pitching and I think instead of making a big splash, he might take a chance on him.

Prediction: Indians

Yankees Eye Third Base Replacement

The Yankees are preparing for life without Alex Rodriguez and are examining all options. Many players are available including Scott Rolen, Miguel Cabrera, Miguel Tejada, Hank Blalock, and Joe Crede. There has been speculation that the White Sox would acquire Johnny Damon for Joe Crede, but recent reports suggest they are more interested in Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera will definitely cost them. The Marlins are looking at both Phil Hughes and Melky Cabrera, and that is just a start. They might be able to get Eric Duncan as well, along with a solid young reliever. Cabrera, 24, batted .320 with 34 HR and 119 RBI. He has already won a World Series and is a career .313 hitter with 138 HR. He is definitely the best option because he is young and is someone that can be locked up for the next ten years. On the other hand, his growing weight problem might be a bigger problem in New York. Miguel Tejada will likely be traded this off season and the Yankees may be interested. He has experience playing against the AL East and in Yankee Stadium so adjusting would not be a problem. He is also willing to make a switch to third base and is under contract till 2009. He would not cost as much as Cabrera, and once his contract is up Miguel Cabrera is on the market so they could always take him. I do not doubt the Yankees will land something big-it is just a matter of when and at what cost.

Kazmir On The Move?

Twins pitcher Johan Santana is drawing a lot of buzz and the Twins are expected to get a boatload in return. Although Santana is just a year away from free agency, the list of teams is still growing. The Devil Rays have taken notice to what is going on and plan to shop Scott Kazmir, who is three years away from free agency. I'm sure teams would be interested in a pitcher who put a 3.49 ERA with a team like the Devil Rays, in the American League. We will know more this week as the Winter Meetings go on, but expect the Devil Rays to start dealing pretty soon.

Teams Interested in Sweeney

Mike Sweeney is free agent this season and it is likely the Royals will not keep him. They have Billy Butler who is ready to take over and have other pressing issues beyond Sweeney. Not only is his power down, but the Royals are looking to take a new direction, and Sweeney is not involved in their plans. I think Sweeney will draw interest, but probably at a one year, incentive based deal. He has health problems that have limited him to 134 games over the past two seasons, and his power has been declining as well. I expect teams the Giants to be interested Mike Sweeney since Ryan Klesko is likey to hit the market. Beyond the Giants, the Yankees might look at a one to two year deal for Sweeney while first base prospect Juan Miranda develops. The Rangers would like to move Saltalamacchia back to catcher and if they cannot trade for Millar, could sign Sweeney at a low cost. I think Sweeney is capable of hitting .270 with 15 homeruns, he just needs to be healthy.

Sosa might be done?: Sammy Sosa filed for free agency and said he wants to play in 2008, but for seven million dollars. I think the Rangers are interested in having him back, but at another one year deal, worth 1-2 million dollars with added incentives. Sosa is foolish to think that he could make seven million dollars a year. He hit just .252 with 21 HR and an OBP of .311. Not even the Yankees would pay that much for Sosa's services. I think Sosa is not even worth four million dollars a year. There are teams that would bring him in as a DH, but mostly to fill seats. I see the Royals and Twins as possible suitors, but at a much reduced price. If Sosa does not lower his standards, he might be done.

Fire Sale Coming?

The Athletics have acknowledged that their minor league system is thinning and are looking for solid, young upgrades. Beane worked his magic this year acquiring Jerry Blevins, but he has yet to show his full potential. I think the players he is looking to trade are Dan Haren, Joe Blanton, and Dan Johnson. Haren would be a great fit for the Rockies. They need a proven pitcher and have solid, low-level prospects who are just a couple years away. I do not see many one-for-one type deals, but more Beane digging into the low-levels to find three or four prospects. Beane always finds the best time to trade his players, which is when teams are desperate to find upgrades after failing to make a splash on the market. Trades coming in early December or early January seem most likely, and I think they will dangle one, if not all three of the players. Other teams that could jump in on the sale include the Mets, Diamondbacks, Indians, White Sox, Marlins, Astros, and maybe Cardinals, but only if they fail to make a solid upgrade on the market.

J.D. Drew to Chicago?

The Cubs have an opening in their outfield and are looking for a left handed power hitter. They are assessing the situation with Felix Pie and will probably look to trade Jacque Jones, despite a potent second half. The Red Sox may look to trade Drew after putting up low power numbers, and the Cubs make most sense because Drew has had success in Chicago, and his contract favors the club he is with. Drew is set to make fourteen million dollars annually till 2011, but the club may opt out of the final two seasons if he spends 35 days on the disabled list in either 2009 or 2010 with injury related to his right shoulder, or if he finishes the season on the DL and cannot play outfield the following season. If Pie struggles, the Cubs could move Drew to center and play Matt Murton in right field. Personally, I am against this trade. I believe if the Cubs platoon Pie and Jones in center, and play Murton in right or go after free agent Kosukue Fukudome, it would keep a spot open for top outfield prospect Tyler Colvin. Colvin will probably start the year at Triple-A, but won't be with the club till 2009, barring injury.

Lincecum to Devil Rays?

The Giants are ready to field offers for their young pitchers, and in return, are looking for a center fielder. The newly named Devil Rays, now Rays, are the perfect fit because they have a crowded, yet capable outfield, and are looking for pitching. It is possible we could see Tim Lincecum traded to the Rays for Carl Crawford. Lincecum, 23, was 7-5 with a 4.00 ERA and 150 K while Crawford batted .315 with 11 HR, 80 RBI, and 50 SB. The Giants may look for an outfielder with more power, maybe Nick Markakis, but that is unlikely. Crawford is a career .296 hitter whose OBP comes out to .331 over six seasons with the Devil Rays. Not only that, but it would be an inexpensive trade and would allow them to still go after Alex Rodriguez. I know most Giants fans are probably against this, but this is definitely the right move. Lincecum was very inconsistent and put up a lot of walks every time he went out. Not only that, but you have Zito, Cain, Lowry, Correia, and probably a free agent in a rotation now backed by Crawford, who will provide more scoring opportunities batting at the top of the order, especially if they sign Rodriguez. I do not see this happening at the GM Meetings this week, but probably around the Winter Meetings.

Dodgers Interested In Pettitte?

According to MLB Rumors correspondent Thomas Reiss, the Dodgers are making it known that they are interested in a short term deal for Andy Pettitte. Maybe this is Joe Torre's work, but I think Pettitte and the Dodgers are a good fit. Pettitte was 15-9 with a 4.05 ERA this season for the Yankees, and is just 35. He would benefit from a two year deal, worth 23-26 million dollars. He would have a great defense behind him, and a solid bullpen backing him up. Most importantly however, he would be under the guidance of Joe Torre. I'm sure Pettitte is waiting to see what happens with Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada, so we will not know if he opts out till the Yankees solve those problems. It would be hard for any 35 year old to turn down sixteen million dollars for one year, but Pettitte has always been beyond the money, going where he felt most comfortable. I see him taking a pay cut and walking from the troubled Yankees to a team on the rise, like the Dodgers. Although he has said he will retire if he does not exercise his clause with the Yankees, I doubt that is the case because of the Dodgers interest.

White Sox To Trade Crede?

The White Sox are desperate to make upgrades, and it all begins with finding a center fielder. Although there have been reports suggesting they are seriously interested in Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand, it has been confirmed that the White Sox are interested in a Crede for Johnny Damon swap. With that trade, the Yankees acquire the third baseman they need while the White Sox solve one of their outfield positions, and clear the way for third base prospect Josh Fields. Don't rule the White Sox out of the running yet however. They could always move Damon to left and make a big offer to Hunter or Rowand. Another possibility is trading Jon Garland, who has one year worth 12 million dollars left on his contract. He has been so consistent and effective that past couple years that it will take a lot to acquire him, but no one is sure what they want in return for Garland. They could send him, cash, and a minor leaguer to the Angels and acquire Chone Figgins and maybe Ervin Santana. The Angels would get a proven pitcher to add to their already solid rotation while clearing a spot for Brandon Wood, if not Alex Rodriguez. While the White Sox would get a utility infielder that they could position at short, second, or even left field. They would also get a pitcher who probably needs a change of scenery and would benefit a switch to the South Side. Williams has no problem trading some of his best players, so things should get interesting this week.