<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>If you think baseball's big-dollar splurge is nutty this offseason, well, you ain't seen nothing yet. Consider that many executives think this year's class of free agents is among the worst in recent history. Imagine what is to come in future years for the likes of Miguel Cabrera, who will be eligible for free agency after the 2009 season and may become baseball's next $200 million player."There will be a market correction, inevitably, but I don't think it'll come next year," said one NL GM. "A lot of the teams that bid high and came up short, like the Phillies, will still have money to spend next winter. I don't think the money will stop flowing until 2008, at the earliest."Some other players who will benefit from baseball's explosion:Carlos Zambrano, Chicago CubsThere is wide-ranging speculation on what Barry Zito will get in this market in the next few weeks, with executives guessing somewhere from $75 million to $100 million. But whatever Zito gets, Zambrano could -- and should -- ask for more, considering that at 25 years old, he's younger than Zito, and more dominant. If he were to opt for free agency next fall, he would be the focus of the biggest bidding war for a pitcher in baseball history. The <u>Red Sox</u> might be looking to replace Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, the <u>Yankees</u> will have tons of money to spend with Randy Johnson and others set to drop off their payroll, and the <u>Mets</u> will still need a frontline-type starter. All of the big-market teams will be in play, plus the <u>Cubs</u>.So Chicago would be well-served to hand a blank check to Zambrano now, before Zito signs, because whatever seems outrageous now will look like a bargain next fall.Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle MarinersSigned for $11 million in '07, Ichiro has averaged more than 225 hits per season in six years since landing with Seattle. And he's a plus defender with speed. If J.D. Drew can get a deal of more than $70 million, Ichiro may get something in the area of $50 million.Andruw Jones, Atlanta BravesHe's been part of our major league consciousness for so long that we sometimes forget he's not even 30 years old yet. There are concerns about Jones' conditioning, and whether he'll be able to continue as a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder. But he's improved as a hitter, driving in 257 runs in the last two years, and unless he shows real physical regression next season, Jones will draw whopper offers from Boston or some other large-market team next fall, especially now that Vernon Wells has signed.Jake Westbrook, Cleveland IndiansHe is steady and reliable and will get a surprisingly lucrative deal in next year's market, perhaps something north of $50 million over four years.Jason Jennings, Houston AstrosThe Astros traded for Jennings, and now they need to sign him. Like Westbrook, he could be in line for something along the lines of $50 million to $60 million.David Eckstein, St. Louis CardinalsAfter the 2004 season, he was the top shortstop who didn't get the kind of big deals landed by Orlando Cabrera ($32 million) and Edgar Renteria ($40 million). But he continues to show that despite his unorthodox throwing motion, he can be among the most productive and reliable shortstops in the game -- and then there are the championship intangibles that he adds. Could be in line for a payday of more than $25 million next fall, when he is scheduled to hit the market.Jermaine Dye, Chicago White SoxHe'll be the 2007 version of Carlos Lee, as a righty-hitting corner outfielder and RBI machine, but he's more attractive, for a couple of reasons. First, he's a much better outfielder than Lee, and secondly, he's won a World Series MVP. He figures to get an eight-figure salary, for four or five years, if he stays healthy next season.Joe Nathan, Minnesota TwinsHe makes $5 million in '07, and his $6 million option for '08 is a no-brainer, given the rocketing cost of relief pitchers. He could hit the market at more than $10-$12 million annually, if he stays healthy.Other players with contractual options for '08 that now look like no-brainers, considering the current market: Michael Young ($5 million), Bobby Abreu ($16 million).</div>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Dec 25 2006, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Carlos Zambrano, Chicago CubsThe <u>Red Sox</u> might be looking to replace Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, the <u>Yankees</u> will have tons of money to spend with Randy Johnson and others set to drop off their payroll, and the <u>Mets</u> will still need a frontline-type starter. All of the big-market teams will be in play, plus the <u>Cubs</u>.So Chicago would be well-served to hand a blank check to Zambrano now, before Zito signs, because whatever seems outrageous now will look like a bargain next fall.</div>Sign him now, or lose him to the Yankees.
Id love for the Mets to spend for a pitcher like Zambrano or Westbrook should they hit the market. Dye would be another possibility with Shaun Green and Moises Alou's contracts both set to expire unless we pick up their options. Wouldn't even mind seeing the Mets eat a bit of salary to trade Wagner and sign Joe Nathan...Then again, I can keep dreaming cause theres no way we'd ever pull off a haul like that.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Dec 25 2006, 06:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Dec 25 2006, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Carlos Zambrano, Chicago CubsThe <u>Red Sox</u> might be looking to replace Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, the <u>Yankees</u> will have tons of money to spend with Randy Johnson and others set to drop off their payroll, and the <u>Mets</u> will still need a frontline-type starter. All of the big-market teams will be in play, plus the <u>Cubs</u>.So Chicago would be well-served to hand a blank check to Zambrano now, before Zito signs, because whatever seems outrageous now will look like a bargain next fall.</div>Sign him now, or lose him to the Yankees.</div>Here we go again, Vilma!! HE'S NOT JOINING THE YUCKIES
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KyleOrton18 @ Dec 25 2006, 08:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Dec 25 2006, 06:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Dec 25 2006, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Carlos Zambrano, Chicago CubsThe <u>Red Sox</u> might be looking to replace Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, the <u>Yankees</u> will have tons of money to spend with Randy Johnson and others set to drop off their payroll, and the <u>Mets</u> will still need a frontline-type starter. All of the big-market teams will be in play, plus the <u>Cubs</u>.So Chicago would be well-served to hand a blank check to Zambrano now, before Zito signs, because whatever seems outrageous now will look like a bargain next fall.</div>Sign him now, or lose him to the Yankees.</div>Here we go again, Vilma!! HE'S NOT JOINING THE YUCKIES</div>Sure sure. He will if yall let him hit the market. :whistling:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Dec 25 2006, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Andruw Jones, Atlanta BravesHe's been part of our major league consciousness for so long that we sometimes forget he's not even 30 years old yet. There are concerns about Jones' conditioning, and whether he'll be able to continue as a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder. But he's improved as a hitter, driving in 257 runs in the last two years, and unless he shows real physical regression next season, Jones will draw whopper offers from Boston or some other large-market team next fall, especially now that Vernon Wells has signed.</div>I would HATE to see Jones go to the Red Sox. Him, Drew, Manny, and Ortiz would be the bash brothers in that hitters' ballpark.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Dec 26 2006, 02:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Dec 25 2006, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Andruw Jones, Atlanta BravesHe's been part of our major league consciousness for so long that we sometimes forget he's not even 30 years old yet. There are concerns about Jones' conditioning, and whether he'll be able to continue as a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder. But he's improved as a hitter, driving in 257 runs in the last two years, and unless he shows real physical regression next season, Jones will draw whopper offers from Boston or some other large-market team next fall, especially now that Vernon Wells has signed.</div>I would HATE to see Jones go to the Red Sox. Him, Drew, Manny, and Ortiz would be the bash brothers in that hitters' ballpark.</div>That would be something. A modern day version of Murderer's RowOr maybe the Cubs get him, and we have Lee, Ramirez, Soriano and him jacking balls, and maybe in a couple years Murton will become a masher too
[quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='79024' date='Dec 26 2006, 02:14 AM'][quote name='KyleOrton18' post='79001' date='Dec 25 2006, 08:38 PM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='78986' date='Dec 25 2006, 06:23 PM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='78985' date='Dec 25 2006, 05:22 PM']Carlos Zambrano, Chicago CubsThe <u>Red Sox</u> might be looking to replace Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, the <u>Yankees</u> will have tons of money to spend with Randy Johnson and others set to drop off their payroll, and the <u>Mets</u> will still need a frontline-type starter. All of the big-market teams will be in play, plus the <u>Cubs</u>.So Chicago would be well-served to hand a blank check to Zambrano now, before Zito signs, because whatever seems outrageous now will look like a bargain next fall.[/quote]Sign him now, or lose him to the Yankees.[/quote]Here we go again, Vilma!! HE'S NOT JOINING THE YUCKIES[/quote]Sure sure. He will if yall let him hit the market. :whistling:[/quote]You want to make a bet on this Vilma, please?? Some one has to wear an embarrising sig. Only problem is I don't know how to make GFX
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KyleOrton18 @ Dec 26 2006, 10:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Dec 26 2006, 02:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Dec 25 2006, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Andruw Jones, Atlanta BravesHe's been part of our major league consciousness for so long that we sometimes forget he's not even 30 years old yet. There are concerns about Jones' conditioning, and whether he'll be able to continue as a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder. But he's improved as a hitter, driving in 257 runs in the last two years, and unless he shows real physical regression next season, Jones will draw whopper offers from Boston or some other large-market team next fall, especially now that Vernon Wells has signed.</div>I would HATE to see Jones go to the Red Sox. Him, Drew, Manny, and Ortiz would be the bash brothers in that hitters' ballpark.</div>That would be something. A modern day version of Murderer's RowOr maybe the Cubs get him, and we have Lee, Ramirez, Soriano and him jacking balls, and maybe in a couple years Murton will become a masher too</div>Cubs wouldn't be as bad. It's not as much of a hitters park as Fenway is. Plus the Yankees wouldn't have to face it all too often.
[quote name='KyleOrton18' post='79048' date='Dec 26 2006, 10:32 AM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='79024' date='Dec 26 2006, 02:14 AM'][quote name='KyleOrton18' post='79001' date='Dec 25 2006, 08:38 PM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='78986' date='Dec 25 2006, 06:23 PM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='78985' date='Dec 25 2006, 05:22 PM']Carlos Zambrano, Chicago CubsThe <u>Red Sox</u> might be looking to replace Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, the <u>Yankees</u> will have tons of money to spend with Randy Johnson and others set to drop off their payroll, and the <u>Mets</u> will still need a frontline-type starter. All of the big-market teams will be in play, plus the <u>Cubs</u>.So Chicago would be well-served to hand a blank check to Zambrano now, before Zito signs, because whatever seems outrageous now will look like a bargain next fall.[/quote]Sign him now, or lose him to the Yankees.[/quote]Here we go again, Vilma!! HE'S NOT JOINING THE YUCKIES[/quote]Sure sure. He will if yall let him hit the market. :whistling:[/quote]You want to make a bet on this Vilma, please?? Some one has to wear an embarrising sig. Only problem is I don't know how to make GFX[/quote]Sure. That IF he hits Free Agency and doesn't sign with the Yankees I'll wear a pro Cubs sign.
[quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='79058' date='Dec 26 2006, 03:56 PM'][quote name='KyleOrton18' post='79048' date='Dec 26 2006, 10:32 AM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='79024' date='Dec 26 2006, 02:14 AM'][quote name='KyleOrton18' post='79001' date='Dec 25 2006, 08:38 PM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='78986' date='Dec 25 2006, 06:23 PM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='78985' date='Dec 25 2006, 05:22 PM']Carlos Zambrano, Chicago CubsThe <u>Red Sox</u> might be looking to replace Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, the <u>Yankees</u> will have tons of money to spend with Randy Johnson and others set to drop off their payroll, and the <u>Mets</u> will still need a frontline-type starter. All of the big-market teams will be in play, plus the <u>Cubs</u>.So Chicago would be well-served to hand a blank check to Zambrano now, before Zito signs, because whatever seems outrageous now will look like a bargain next fall.[/quote]Sign him now, or lose him to the Yankees.[/quote]Here we go again, Vilma!! HE'S NOT JOINING THE YUCKIES[/quote]Sure sure. He will if yall let him hit the market. :whistling:[/quote]You want to make a bet on this Vilma, please?? Some one has to wear an embarrising sig. Only problem is I don't know how to make GFX[/quote]Sure. That IF he hits Free Agency and doesn't sign with the Yankees I'll wear a pro Cubs sign.[/quote]What if the Cubs give him an extension during the season, since you were saying that's not going to happen either. And I'll wear something pro-yankees if he joins the evil empire
[quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='79057' date='Dec 26 2006, 03:54 PM'][quote name='KyleOrton18' post='79045' date='Dec 26 2006, 10:30 AM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='79025' date='Dec 26 2006, 02:17 AM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='78985' date='Dec 25 2006, 05:22 PM']Andruw Jones, Atlanta BravesHe's been part of our major league consciousness for so long that we sometimes forget he's not even 30 years old yet. There are concerns about Jones' conditioning, and whether he'll be able to continue as a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder. But he's improved as a hitter, driving in 257 runs in the last two years, and unless he shows real physical regression next season, Jones will draw whopper offers from Boston or some other large-market team next fall, especially now that Vernon Wells has signed.[/quote]I would HATE to see Jones go to the Red Sox. Him, Drew, Manny, and Ortiz would be the bash brothers in that hitters' ballpark.[/quote]That would be something. A modern day version of Murderer's RowOr maybe the Cubs get him, and we have Lee, Ramirez, Soriano and him jacking balls, and maybe in a couple years Murton will become a masher too[/quote]Cubs wouldn't be as bad. It's not as much of a hitters park as Fenway is. Plus the Yankees wouldn't have to face it all too often.[/quote]GMAB!! Wrigley is a hitters park just as much as Fenway!! It's only 355 down the lines, 368 to the gaps
none of these guys are going to the yankees. Maybe you havent noticed, but the Yankees are ACTUALLY CUTTING their payroll, not increasing it. i bobby abreu going to the angels, garrett anderson aint getting any younger. andruw jones, boy, id sure love that guy in a Giant's uni, but, knowing our luck with FA's from this off-season, he'll end up a Dodger.ichiro would be the best bet for SF, just because of the asian population. this would be the one guy that has a chance of actually joining the yankees.zambrano will be re-signed, no doubt in my mind.jennings will be re-signed for sure, they gave up 2 great specs for him.westbrook, if the Mets lose out on Zito this off-season, he'll go to the Mets.joe nathan, reunion in SF please? jermaine dye, up for grabs.
[quote name='KyleOrton18' post='79079' date='Dec 26 2006, 09:23 PM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='79058' date='Dec 26 2006, 03:56 PM'][quote name='KyleOrton18' post='79048' date='Dec 26 2006, 10:32 AM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='79024' date='Dec 26 2006, 02:14 AM'][quote name='KyleOrton18' post='79001' date='Dec 25 2006, 08:38 PM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='78986' date='Dec 25 2006, 06:23 PM'][quote name='Jon_Vilma' post='78985' date='Dec 25 2006, 05:22 PM']Carlos Zambrano, Chicago CubsThe <u>Red Sox</u> might be looking to replace Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, the <u>Yankees</u> will have tons of money to spend with Randy Johnson and others set to drop off their payroll, and the <u>Mets</u> will still need a frontline-type starter. All of the big-market teams will be in play, plus the <u>Cubs</u>.So Chicago would be well-served to hand a blank check to Zambrano now, before Zito signs, because whatever seems outrageous now will look like a bargain next fall.[/quote]Sign him now, or lose him to the Yankees.[/quote]Here we go again, Vilma!! HE'S NOT JOINING THE YUCKIES[/quote]Sure sure. He will if yall let him hit the market. :whistling:[/quote]You want to make a bet on this Vilma, please?? Some one has to wear an embarrising sig. Only problem is I don't know how to make GFX[/quote]Sure. That IF he hits Free Agency and doesn't sign with the Yankees I'll wear a pro Cubs sign.[/quote]What if the Cubs give him an extension during the season, since you were saying that's not going to happen either. And I'll wear something pro-yankees if he joins the evil empire[/quote]
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (iknobaer @ Dec 27 2006, 12:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>i bobby abreu going to the angels, garrett anderson aint getting any younger.</div>The Yankees hold a club option for $16 million in 2008. We'll pull a Sheffield and exercise our club option to trade him for a solid prospect. Turns out, 16 mil for 1 year for Abreu is actually pretty cheap for what guys like him are getting now.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (iknobaer @ Dec 27 2006, 12:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>none of these guys are going to the yankees. Maybe you havent noticed, but the Yankees are ACTUALLY CUTTING their payroll, not increasing it.</div>Andy Pettitte - 16 MilBobby Abreu - 15 MilKei Igawa - 4 Mil w/ 26 Million dollar posting feeMike Mussina - 12 MilAnd they cut what payroll? Sheff and Wright?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (iknobaer @ Dec 26 2006, 11:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>none of these guys are going to the yankees. Maybe you havent noticed, but the Yankees are ACTUALLY CUTTING their payroll, not increasing it.</div>Don't believe that for a second. They only cut payroll last offseason, only to ruin that by taking on the Remainder of Bobby Abreu's contract. Plus Next Offseason, the Yankees have alot of money freed up in expiring contracts with Randy Johnson, Andy Pettitte, Bobby Abreu which right there is about 40 million. They will sign somebody big with that money and we all know it.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (iknobaer @ Dec 27 2006, 02:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>joe nathan, reunion in SF please?</div>Chances of him not getting re-signed.... 0.
Vilma and Venom, you guys are also forgetting that after 2007, 08, and 09, A-Rod can void the reminder of his contract
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KyleOrton18 @ Dec 27 2006, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Vilma and Venom, you guys are also forgetting that after 2007, 08, and 09, A-Rod can void the reminder of his contract</div>He certainly could. :thumbsup:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KyleOrton18 @ Dec 27 2006, 01:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Vilma and Venom, you guys are also forgetting that after 2007, 08, and 09, A-Rod can void the reminder of his contract</div>Odds of A-Rod passing up a guaranteed 25 million a year for the next 3 years.... 0%
