We’re only a couple of weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting in Florida and Arizona. And we’ll be getting into some more team-specific updates once spring training begins.
For now, it’s time for another quick look at what is left of the free-agent market. First, a quick review of the highest-profile, recently-consummated deals.
Prince Fielder, 1B, to Detroit
Maybe we should have seen this coming, as Fielder apparently had a soft spot all along for Detroit, where his dad Cecil played when Prince was just a little boy. In the end, that, and the fact Dave Dombrowski was willing to go for nine years (at $214 million) in the deal sold Fielder, who had been getting a serious rush from the Rangers, Blue Jays and Nationals.
The Tigers amped up their efforts to land Fielder after news of the severity of Victor Martinez’ knee injury became known. Jim Leyland needed another left-handed bat, preferably a big one to provide protection for Delmon Young and others in the batting order, and we’d say Leyland got what he was looking for with Fielder.
Edwin Jackson, SP, to Nationals
Along with Roy Oswalt, Jackson was the last of the frontline pitchers still in the marketplace, and signed just this week with Washington on a one-year deal in the $10 million range. Jackson a Scott Boras client, had earlier not been interested in a one-year deal, but apparently changed his tune when believing it could set him up for a longer-term deal next year. This is the same thinking that other Boras clients Francico Rodriguez (returning to the Brewers) and Ryan Madson (Reds) acted upon when taking their own one-year deals.
More rumors from Washington indicate that GM Mike Rizzo might have been looking to deal another starter, John Lannan, to make room for Jackson, but other sources say Lannan is likely to stay with the Nats because he remains one of their best options to eat innings. Washington suffered from an “innings shortage” last season, and some expect Jackson to become the staff workhorse in 2012.
Carlos Peña, 1B/DH, to Rays
This one caught a few people by surprise, because the Rays had recently signed another 1B/DH, Luke Scott, to a $6 million, one-year deal. But Peña, who posted big numbers at the Trop before moving to the Cubs, returns to his original home. The Rays like his intangibles, especially clubhouse leadership, and think the one-year deal in the $7.25 million range is something of a bargain.
Scott and Peña represent a lot of money to invest in a pair of 1B/DH options, but at least Joe Maddon won’t have to lose any sleep (as he did a few weeks ago) about who might be playing at first, or DHing for the Rays this season.
Next, the ever-dwindling list of still-available, potential impact free agents.
Roy Oswalt, SP
Oswalt remains the highest-profile performer left on the free-agent table. Although he has lost a bit of steam off of his fastball and might no longer be a number one starter, he should still be able to fill the two or three spot in most rotations. The Rangers, considered an early favorite to sign Oswalt before setting their sights on Japanese hurler Yu Darvish, are apparently back in the mix, with the Cardinals also a possibility. They’re both apparently the top two choices for Oswalt, though neither has a high level need for another starter at the moment.
Oswalt already has reportedly turned away feelers from the Indians, Blue Jays and Tigers because of the lack of proximity to his Mississippi home. Conflicting reports from Boston indicate the Red Sox might still have some interest as well, but new GM Ben Cherington is apparently being careful not to go too far beyond the $178 luxury tax threshold.
Oswalt is reportedly seeking a one-year deal in the $10 million range, but sources say various GMs are waiting for Oswalt’s price to drop to the $6 million range before getting interested. We’ll know the Cards are serious if they move Kyle McClellan in trade to make some salary room for Oswalt.
Javier Vazquez, SP
Vazquez has yet to officially retire, as he hinted earlier in the offseason, leading to speculation that he might want to pitch for one more year. But his preferred destination, the Marlins, looks unlikely after Miami added Mark Buehrle, Carlos Zambrano, and Wade LeBlanc.
Vazquez reportedly wanted to stay on the East Coast to be nearer his Puerto Rico home, but the options become much more limited with the Marlins out of the picture. Sources say Vazquez might still get a call from the Red Sox or Orioles, and perhaps even the Yankees (where Vazquez would be unlikely to want to return), with the chances now a bit better than 50-50 that he’ll hang ‘em up.
Johnny Damon, OF/DH
Damon has reportedly received contact from a few National league teams (including the Mets) but likely will land in the AL because of the DH. Sources say Damon, who proved useful for the Rays last season, is seeking a one-year deal in the $5-5.5 million range. While there are a few veteran DH types (Vlady Guerrero, Hideki Matsui, Raul Ibañez and Manny Ramirez) still on the marketplace, Damon would appear to be the best OF/DH option still on the table.
The Tigers, Rays, Orioles and A’s have been in contact, along with both the Mets and Yankees. If Damon is willing to settle for something in the $2-3 million range, the Yankees might become a favorite for his services, where he could split DH duties with Andruw Jones in the Bronx and make a serious, last-ditch attempt at getting another ring.
Kosuke Fukodome, OF
Fukudome could still fit somewhere as a platoon outfielder, pinch-hitter (lots of teams could use a lefty off of the bench), or defensive replacement. In other words, he’ll probably land somewhere despite some of the wildest swings and misses in the majors the past few years. Fukudome does still have a very decent .361 career OBA, which apparently has piqued the interest of the Mets.
Raul Ibañez, OF/DH
Still no takers for Ibañez, although sources say he could be in the frame for the Mets, looking for another lefty bat. And if the Damon situation doesn’t materialize with the Yankees, Ibañez might yet land in the Bronx, where Joe Girardi is still looking for a left-handed option at DH.