I like this list. I think that Ryan Howard should be ahead of Prince Fielder, however, and there are a few guys I'd slide ahead of Upton (maybe A-Rod, maybe Morneau, maybe even the criminally underrated Andre Ethier.)
Excellent arguement you guys made...Longoria does belong in the top 10 I had Longoria initially listed at 12, right after Ryan Howard.
Think about it...Just two years ago, people had Jose Reyes and David Wright in the top 10 of the game. I still think Wright will be back in the conversation next year, but Reyes no more
That's a terrible argument... The issue is that it's the smaller markets such as Pittsburgh and Florida that are against it. The reason being is that there has to be some give and take with the union. There is no way they'd agree to a cap without there being a floor. The issue is that would mean that teams like the Royals and Reds would need to spend at least a certain amount of money which they refuse to do. Having worked in the Royals minor league system I saw first hand how they operate. They and alot of other teams shy away from drafting the big ticket hot prospect that are going to command high dollars. Look at the way the Nationals almost screwed up this Strasburg deal. The guy that owns the Royals is the former CEO of WalMart. Since he took over in 2000 they have been one of the most abysmal franchises in sports. They're finally starting to improve but anybody that thinks guys like Butler and Grienke are Royals for life is nuts. As soon as they become FA's the Royals will insult them with a lowball offer them and let them walk. The same with McCuthcen in Pitt (although more likely to be traded for nothing). MLB sold the Royals to Glass for about 30 million lower than the other bid, the same with Cuban and the Pirates, no reason why he shouldn't have been allowed to buy the team.
^^That's just awsome. So, anyone else feeling deep Yankee baseball withdrawl? I'm suffering here. When do pitcher and catchers report? ---------------- Looks like Halladay is going to be on the block at winter meetings. The Jays claim they want to keep him, but he wants to play in a World Series in the near future. With Mauer on the horizon, do you do a sign and trade deal if you're Brian Cashman? I would. I don't know what I would give up though. Personally, I think Halladay makes a bigger impact on the success of the ballclub than Mauer would. I want Mauer like I wanted Teixeira, but Sabathia, Halladay, Burnett, Pettitte, Hughes/Chamberlain/Kennedy would be sick next year. I'd give 2 of the 3 young guns plus MiLB talent for Halladay. My preference would be to keep Hughes.
hate to piss on your wish list, Alio....but rumor out of Toronto is that the Red Sox could be the frontrunners for Halladay.
I miss baseball. :sad: As for Halladay... one big difference between him and Mauer: Mauer will be entering free agency before his age 28 season, and will cost only money. Halladay will be entering his age 33 season next year, and will cost talent in addition to money. Halladay is a sick pitcher, but I'd pass on that. The Yanks basically have $30M or so coming off the books this year. If they resign Pettitte and one of Damon/Matsui, they're going to be very close to this year's payroll again. I don't see a big money move happening unless the Yanks are a) willing to increase payroll over last year, which is possible, but not likely or b) they don't sign Pettitte or Damon/Matsui.
Yep, I'm hearing the same thing on the internets. Most of these free agent front-runner rumors just end up being rumors, but I'd hate for him to end up on the Sox. If the Yanks could only have 1, I'd definitely prefer Mauer to Halladay. I'd want Felix Hernandez over Doc as well, but I assume he'd cost far more in trade compensation.
Pass on Halladay. He's going to need a new contract in 1 season, he's already 33 years old and he has a significant injury history. He's great, but not worth the investment it would take in players+dollars to bring him in. Fully expect the Yankees to bid heavily for him, however, if only to drive up the price that Boston eventually pays for him. If I'm the Yankees this offseason I look into bringing back Pettitte signing a second tier starter like Randy Wolf or Justin Duchsherer. Both Hughes and Chamberlain should be starting, and adding a little depth will keep their innings manageable. Also, just for the hell of it, I'd call Seattle and see if there's a price on Felix Hernandez. There have been rumors about trading him in the past, if he were actually available I'd pay through the nose (some combination of Cano, Joba and Austin Jackson or Jesus Montero.) The guy is really that good, and still hasn't even hit his prime.
Matsui is now a no-type free agent, thus he is free to sign with any team and they will not be on the hook for draft pick compensation to the Yankees.
BUT GUYS WE HAVE THE JETS WHY WOULD WE NEED THE YANKEES WOOOOOOOOO :breakdance::breakdance::breakdance::breakdance:
