Price Per Head Overview As the Breeder’s Cup betting continues and the World Series wraps up, it is time to start thinking about the winter free agent market for MLB. After one of the most competitive World Series in many years, baseball will now focus on shifting around the top players and starting one team on the path to the 2012 World Series. Some of the bigger free agent names will be staying put this winter, but others will be on the move. As baseball fans settle in for a long winter’s nap, here are some of the names that they will be seeing on MLB trade blogs. Prince Fielder – 1st Base The pay per head baseball fans in Milwaukee have nothing to worry about as it is unlikely that the Brewers will allow Prince Fielder to leave. Fielder and the Brewers indicated that there was not a lot of talking between the sides during the season, but Fielder indicated a strong desire to stay in Milwaukee and the Brewers know that it needs Fielder if it wants to make another playoff run. Albert Pujols – 1st Base This situation is not nearly as cut and dry as the Prince Fielder situation. Albert Pujols had a Reggie Jackson-like performance in the World Series and has earned a raise. The problem is that Pujols has indicated a contract amount that would pay him $30 million per year. The Cardinals have indicated that it does not feel any baseball player is worth that, and any preliminary talks between the two sides have been unproductive. C.C. Sabathia – Pitcher The bet online baseball fans in New York are used to being the team that attracts free agents and not the team that has to fight to keep free agents. The Yankees need Sabathia in its starting rotation but Sabathia has not indicated whether or not he wants to stay a Yankee. Jose Bautista – Outfield/3rd Base Jose Bautista suddenly burst on to the scene as a power hitter in 2010 when he hit 54 home runs. Prior to that, Bautista was an average hitter at best. The Toronto Blue Jays are not world famous for opening its wallet for any talent and the fans are still smarting over the loss of pitcher Roy Halladay. The chances are very good that Bautista will be leaving Toronto for Boston, New York or some other contending baseball team. Tim Wakefield – Pitcher Wakefield makes the list because his situation is interesting to look at. He is in his 40’s, he is a knuckleballer and he just eclipsed the 200-win mark. He also wound up being one of the few Red Sox starters that did not get touched by Beergate. The Red Sox needed Wakefield when injuries hit the starting rotation, and Wakefield was there. If Wakefield does not retire, then expect him to be with Boston in 2012. Roy Oswalt – Pitcher Oswalt did not exactly fit in with the whole Phillies’ “Dream Team” staff in 2011. He finished with a 9-10 record and he is probably where the Phillies will start cleaning house to make another run in 2012.
