Let’s start off the new work week with some player movement and more potential new homes for some of the game’s most recognizable names. You probably heard the not so shocking news that Jose Reyes will no longer be the Mets’ shortstop. Everyone knew he was outta there after winning that 2011 N.L. batting title in far less than a Teddy Ballgame fashion. Reyes laid down a bunt for a single and took himself out of the last game to put it out of reach for eventual MVP Ryan Braun. Ya can’t blame him for getting out of the way of Braun, but I can’t see myself doing that. Finish the game. Seventy years ago nearly to the day, Ted Williams went 6 for 8 in a DOUBLEHEADER to risk hitting .400 for the season AND jack it up to an amazing .406. THAT’S playing the game because you’re a ballplayer and that’s what you do!! There’s a great chance there won’t be a .400 in our lifetimes and it WON’T be .407 if there is. Anyway, Hanley Ramirez is the new A-rod in Miami and slides to the hot corner to keep Reyes at short. That’s a helluva combo of power and speed and great D on that left side of the infield.
Teams that could have the biggest changeovers include two of the biggest payrolls. Philly has already turned down Roy Oswalt’s option and longtime shortstop and former MVP Jimmy Rollins is a free agent as well as leftfielder Raul Ibanez and bullpen man Ryan Madson. And Jonathon Papelbon is already there in Philly with his $50 million over the next four years. P-bon came from Boston and they stand to possibly lose unrestricted free agents Jason Varitek, David Ortiz, Erik Bedard, and J.D. Drew as well. They would have overpaid to keep P-bon, and Drew has to go over there to help change that atmosphere. V-tek did o.k. last year, but where was the voice of the captain down the stretch? You can’t always be a silent leader. Bedard is young enough to keep and can be great when healthy for more than a 1 month in a row. Ortiz I think has to be kept. He had a great ’11 with a .309 ave., 29 HR, and 96 RBI, and he can help break in new manager Bobby Valentine.
There are plenty of spare old outfielders/DHs out there on the free agent market. Manny Ramirez has thrown his hat back in the ring and will sit 50 games if someone is brave, or crazy, enough to sign him. I wouldn’t give him the time of day at this point. Nevermind the female fertility drug causing his suspension, he is a big distraction to a club and your younger players don’t need a circus in town. Johnny Damon is looking for a team to continue his quest for 3,000 career hits and his march toward C-town. Yep, I said it, he will end up in the Hall someday. Through most of his career, he played above average outfield, and he only needs 270 hits for 3K and he has been above 140 hits EVERY year since 1997 (had 130). He has over 400 stolen bases, 500 doubles, and 1100 RBI. Other big names include Jorge Posada, Magglio Ordonez, Derek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Jason Kubel, and the I-can-play-anywere Michael Cuddyer. Oh, and don’t forget a sure HOFer and (probably on the first-ballot) Vladimir Guerrero. Vlady finished the season like a gritty veteran in B-more last year for 13 HRs and hit .290. The guy is a gamer and doesn’t need batting gloves either, gotta love that. Plus, he is the only guy with a 30+ game hitting streak AND a 200 hit, 20 HR, 20 SB season under his belt. That’s rarified air. Who knows what else he may have done if not for that crappy carpet he had to play on in Montreal for seven years that took its toll on the knees and back.
Ok fans, that’s some favorite sluggers to watch out for. Next up, the arms. Later fans.