Kuzul

Although spring training is just under way, there are still a number of quality free agents available who could have a big impact with a team. The latest news yesterday was the huge contract that Michael Bourn signed with the Cleveland Indians. Bourn is one of the most dangerous leadoff hitters in baseball, and in spite of a relatively down year for him, he still hit .274 with 42 stolen bases. Bourn was perhaps the top free agent still available, and his signature arguably turns the Indians into serious contenders for their division. Even with the signing of Bourn, there are many talented players still unsigned, primarily with pitching. Here are the latest talks on a few of the top players:  Kyle Lohse Lohse had an incredible 2012 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, going 16-3 with a 2.86 ERA, 109 WHIP and 211.0 innings pitched. Lohse turned down the ...

Major League Baseball’s non-waiver claim trade deadline is still well over two months away; however, the Milwaukee Brewers—per usual—have wasted no time in vocalizing their needs and interests within the trade market.After watching long-time first baseman Prince Fielder walk through free agency last January and grimacing at 26-year-old replacement first baseman Mat Gamel tearing his ACL earlier this month, Brewers general manager Doug Melvin reportedly searched the free-agent market for a veteran first baseman to help provide depth. Reports indicated that Melvin contacted 37-year-old first baseman Derrek Lee a few days back, though a potential contract never came to fruition. Now, it seems Melvin could shift his attention to the trade market. MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds voiced his opinion about a move that could fix Milwaukee’s current situation at first base. What he said was rather surprising. Reynolds claimed ...

Since free agency began in 1976, the New York Mets have had some hits and misses. Some players, like Carlos Beltran, proved to be good, while others didn't do as well.Whether by statistical underperformance, ego problems or injury, whomever was GM at the time really screwed up when they tabbed these people. With the midpoint of the offseason upon us, here are the 10 worst free-agent signings in team history. Be wary, though, some moves will surprise you. Begin Slideshow

When the Milwaukee Brewers offered Francisco Rodriguez arbitration, they thought it would be a smart move. I understand that the team wanted to get compensation for the reliever, but unfortunately it ended up backfiring on them.Not only did the Brewers lose out on a draft pick, they are now on the hook to pay a setup man $13 million. The team also missed out on the chance to sign other relievers such as Octavio Dotel and LaTroy Hawkins, both who would have been much cheaper options. Dotel signed a one-year deal with the Tigers for $3.5 million, while Hawkins agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the Angels. Keep in mind Hawkins had a 2.42 ERA with the Brew Crew just this past season.  Rodriguez, who complained all last season about wanting to close, accepted arbitration because he obviously was unable to a find a team to pay him ...

Relief pitchers in general, and closers in particular, have repeatedly proven to be terrible investments in free agency. Nevertheless, every offseason sees millions upon millions of dollars thrown at closers, particularly when they’ve put up stats like the cream of this year’s crop:   Jonathan Papelbon After saving 30-plus games for six-straight seasons in the pressure cooker that is Boston, Papelbon has certainly proven that he has the mental toughness to handle the closer’s job. He also recovered well from a down year in 2010 to post a dazzling 0.933 WHIP this season (along with cutting his blown saves from eight to three). Papelbon is only 30, so he should have several good years ahead of him. Boston may opt to shell out for his services, but wherever he lands, he’s in for a big payday.   Heath Bell Despite rampant speculation to the contrary, San Diego opted to hang ...

As we head into the dog days of August, Jays fans are just now starting to get excited over the prospects of this team.Usually around this time of year, it's the lull in the schedule where teams usually just try and play out the string until September, but for the Jays, things look completely different.The Jays are fighting game in and game out, and are 57-55 in 102 games this season. The team was expected to maybe win at most 75 games this season, so they are definitely ahead of expectations.If the Jays had the ability to close out games with more ease, they could likely have seven-10 more wins than they do this season.But with that said, the Jays are expected to fall out of contention soon as they remain 11.5 back in the wild card and 12.5 back in the AL East. Their playoff hopes are fading fast, ...

Every baseball season, at least a few "name" players switch teams via trade.These players are known to even the most casual of fans because they have appeared in All-Star Games and competed for major awards in the past.At the time of the trade, their level of skill can fall into any number of categories.  Many are former stars and heroes who now find themselves in the fading light of their careers; still in search of that elusive World Series ring. Lance Berkman and Kerry Wood were dealt separately to the Yankees last year in an attempt to reach that goal.Some are players still in the primes of their careers whom rebuilding or poor teams can no longer afford to hold onto. Dan Haren, Roy Halladay, Matt Holliday and Victor Martinez have been traded recently for similar reasons. Fewer are rising stars who likely have their best years in front of them, ...

If there's one thing you can say about the New York Mets, it's that they're consistent. Consistently bad that is. After a 5-4 loss to the Colorado Rockies last night at Citi Field, the Mets fell to 4-7 and have just one win in their last seven games. Their 3-1 start to the season seems like a distant memory right now. And there's no shortage of problems. Their starting rotation, without Johan Santana, has produced just four wins in 11 starts this season. R.A. Dickey and Chris Young are both tied for the team lead with one win apiece. Mike Pelfrey, the team's No. 1 starter by default, sports an ugly 10.80 ERA in three starts. Jon Niese has pitched well at times, but is this year's version of Oliver Perez. He's been able to shut down opposing teams with an excellent curveball, but just cannot avoid the big inning. In last night's start, Niese ...

The National League East is a division that was dominated by the Braves for years, but the Phillies are now top dogs. That is not to count the Braves out, however, as they have a wealth of young talent and a solid pitching staff.The Marlins are another young team that continues to get better each season, and could be a contender sooner rather than later, while the Nationals seem ready to open up their wallets, as they inked Jayson Werth to a huge contract in the off season and made a run at Cliff Lee. The Mets will look to begin rebuilding, as they have a ton of money coming off the books next season, so a number of young players could get a look this season.So here is a position-by-position preview of the NL East, as we turn our sights to opening day later this week.Begin Slideshow

With Francisco Rodriguez's talent and lack of competition on the Mets, he seems like a lock to be the NY Mets' closer this year and rack up plenty of saves.  He certainly has a lot to prove.  Professional athletes who have run into negative press frequently, use success on the field as a way to earn their way back into the good graces of the fans and the media. He has come to camp in good shape and appears poised to have a stellar rebound season. So why should you steer clear of him when picking a closer this year? I do believe K-Rod will start the year as the closer and do an excellent job out of the pen.  Even though I expect the Mets to perform poorly this year, there will still be plenty of save opportunities.   The Mets have no interest in K-Rod beyond this year.  They also will be wary of any ...