Notes On The Offseason

The baseball offseason has been quite a busy one so far. Players became free agents and were deemed eligible to sign with other teams after the Cardinals won the World Series on October 28th. However, the offseason really kicks off at the MLB Winter Meetings which were held in Dallas, TX December 5th-8th. A few of the big signings that took place at the winter meetings:

• Albert Pujols (1B/DH) - 10 years/254 Million with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim


• Mark Buehrle (LHSP) - 4 years/58 Million with the Miami Marlins


• CJ Wilson (LHSP) - 5 years/77.5 Million with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim


• Jose Reyes (SS) - 6 years/106 Million with the Miami Marlins


• Heath Bell (CL) - 3 years/27 Million with the Miami Marlins

Mr. Pujols and Mr. Wilson seen at press conference at Angels Stadium

As you can see, the Marlins and the Angels had no problem dishing out the cash at the Winter Meetings. The Marlins added an elite Major League shortstop in Jose Reyes, an experienced all-star closer in Heath Bell, and a very reliable & durable left-handed starter in Mark Buehrle.

The Angels were able to reel in Albert Pujols (arguably the best hitter in the game), but it came with a very hefty price tag. 254 Million is a lot to commit to one player, but who says Albert doesn't deserve it? LA General Manager Jerry DiPoto was also able to convince CJ to come play for his hometown Angels. Wilson grew up 15 miles away from Angel Stadium. He turned down a 6 year/99 Million dollar offer from Miami to sign with the team he watched growing up. Albert will play first base for the first 5 or 6 years of his contract, then he will eventually shift to being the everyday designated hitter to prolong his unquestionable and eventual breakdown. CJ gives the Angels a very skilled starter with decent command. The only things preventing CJ from being in the discussion of the top 10 pitchers in baseball are his poor postseason performances. Once he does it when it counts, he'll be a hero in Anaheim.

At the winter meetings, many teams failed to acquire their so called 'offseason targets.' The Nationals missed out on snatching a veteran starter, while Theo Epstein and the Chicago Cubs failed to make a lot of noise.

In other baseball news, the bidding period for Japanese phenom Yu Darvish has ended and the Nippon Ham Fighters of the Nippon Professional Baseball League have until Tuesday to accept the high bid. Other big names still alive in the FA market: Prince Fielder, Edwin Jackson, Jimmy Rollins, and Carlos Beltran. Predictions:

Yu Darvish: Posting: 46 Million. Contract: 5 years/65 Million (BlueJays)

Prince Fielder: 7 years/165 Million (Cubs)

Edwin Jackson: 2 or 3 years with an average value of 11 Million (Orioles)

Jimmy Rollins: 4 years/50 Million (Phillies)

Carlos Beltran: 1 year/13 Million (Cardinals)

Keep going hard my friends,

JT