jpup's Blog
Pat Burrell has signed a reported 2 year deal for 16 million with the American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays. That is substantially lower that what Burrell made the last few years. I think we are seeing the market finally correct itself. It's a great deal for Tampa. Pat the Bat is a good hitter and fits well.
The Chicago Cubs signed OF Milton Bradley for a reported 3 years 30 million dollars. Bradley is a very, very good bat if he can stay healthy. The Cubs just cemented their status as favorites in the Central again. I think they already were, but this will give them the need left handed bat against right handed pitching.
The real question with this signing is that they are expected to put Bradley in right field. Bradley is not much with the leather and the Cubs already have questionable defense in the outfield with Alfonso Soriano in left and Reed Johnson or Fukudome in center. The Cubs offense should be enough to overcome the defense, but this is the Cubs and they are not known for having good luck. I wish them the worst. BTW, Bradley was my number one target this offseason for the Reds. They desperately need offense.
Rumors are out that Oakland is about to land Jason Giambi on a 1 year deal. Bobby Abreu, Adam Dunn and others are still to be had. Dunn wanted to play in Chicago and I think he is more of a sure thing than Bradley, but he can't play right field. I keep expecting the Dodgers, Angels, or Giants to get him for about 4 years and 50 million. Never count out Jim Bowden when it comes to Dunn, but I can't see why anyone would want to play there until they get some pitching.
Derek Lowe's agent Scott Boras told the Mets that it would take 16 million per to sign him. That isn't going to happen. The Mets have offered 3/36 for the right hander. I haven't heard much on Ben Sheets other than Texas, but he would be the guy to get on a 2 year deal for 10 or 12 million. Word is that John Smoltz is already throwing breaking balls from the mound, so he is out there and Boston or Atlanta are the most likely places for him to land. Andy Pettitte has been offered 10 million for 1 year by the Yankees, but he's holding out for more. If I am the Yankees, I hold my ground. I don't see anyone giving him more than a 1 year deal.
Manny Ramirez still hasn't signed and after today it appears that everyone was tired of waiting. He's been linked to the Dodgers and Giants. The Giants would be wise to go younger and sign Dunn IMO. SF is too far away from winning to get someone as old as Manny. Manny was a great fit in LA and the Dodgers need him. Why hasn't he signed? He should eventually.
6 weeks until Spring.
# 1
ChaseB @ Jan 5
I'm surprised Burrell signed so much below what he made the last few years, but he did go to school in Miami, so maybe it was a hometown discount.
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