Free agency/trade news
When players change teams, it changes more than expected won-loss records. Player performance can be impacted, both on the team that lost the free agent, as well as the team that got the player. With that in mind, we will be posting interesting tidbits in the off-season for those who are interested.
Keep in mind that there are new rules which make it easier for a free agent to re-sign with his current team without the formerly enforced deadlines. This should make for some later signings and interesting winter meetings.
Notable free agents declaring this week:
Barry Bonds, SF. The Giants still insist that Barry may very well play out his career in San Francisco, but some American League team may want him to DH for them. There are several teams who could be interested, especially if Barry can manage 22 home runs in 2007 and break the record.
Alfonso Soriano, WAS. As expected, the former Washington Nationals player, fresh off his first 40 HR/40 SB season, is out hunting for a big contract. He’ll get one for sure, probably favoring teams that will let him go back to butchering ground balls at second base.
Jason Schmidt, SF. Schmidt’s fastball is not what it once was, and he’s 33 years old, but he’s still one of the top free agent pitchers out there. Look for him to sign with a contending, big market team.
TRADE RUMORS:
Gary Sheffield is not happy that the Yankees picked up his 2007 option with the intention of trading him. That chip on his shoulder might be just what he needs to have a monster year, if his wrists hold up. Brian Cashman will not even consider trading him to Boston, but he could wind up a lot of other places.
OTHER NEWS:
Frank Thomas is leaning towards signing a new two-year deal with the Athletics. That’s a great move for Oakland if they can keep the Big Hurt around. He’ll continue to mash there, but I expect a better overall average and slightly fewer HRs in 2007. His batting average was weighed down by a horrendous start this season.
Bad news for the Twins- Francisco Liriano is not responding well to physical therapy, and may require off-season surgery after all. We’ll see if he will be able to return in 2007 or not.
