Friday, October 31, 2008

Picking Neds mind.

I have bad feelings about Ned and this upcoming offesason.

After picking through the free agent list and looking at their numbers I have a feeling Ned will make offers to Ray Durham, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Rafael Furcal, Nomar, and Tom Gordon. Tom Gordon's son is in the organization. I can see him in a set up/ closer position. And it doesn't look like we will be able to keep Saito. I'd still offer him 2-3 million though just to see if he accepts. He is still under team control, so it's not like if we don't sign him he can just go to another team. Other intriguing names include: Livan Hernandez, Greg Maddux, Orlando Hernandez, Paul Byrd, and Kerry Wood. Maybe Maddux signs as a bench coach/player. I'd love that. Torre needs all the help he can get.

If he takes the Orlando Hudson/ CC/ Ben Sheets/ Casey Blake/ or any other long term deal (3+ years) then I will be pretty upset. There aren't many players out there that are worth more than 3 years at a time. Jason Schmidt included. He was only worth one year at the rate we paid him. To give him 3 was a sin at that rate was a sin.

My question is... how much do we really need Manny Ramirez? How much of a risk will he be when he hits 40? I think a 3 year deal for 70 million acceptable. And if we can get CC for 4 x 110 I'd go for it. It would be overpaying a little but it is a trend of Neds to overpay to keep the years down.

It seems that whatever hole we try to fill with Blake Dewitt, Ned will have to fill the other via free agency or trade. Options include Casey Blake, Orlando Hudson, Ray Durham, and who else? I've already suggested my best trade idea. Andruw Jones for Eric Chavez. OR Andruw Jones for Luis Castillo. I like either one. I still think Nomar has a place on the team as a supersub/ right hand bat/ platoon option.

Anyway, happy halloween.