Kuzul

With Billy Wagner keen on retiring after the 2010 season, Frank Wren knew he would find himself this off-season once again shopping for bullpen arms.

Even with stellar rookie seasons by Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel out of the bullpen, Atlanta will seek at least one veteran arm to help out in late innings, as well as mentor the talented yet young relief corp.

Since the 2007 off-season, when the Braves traded for Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano, Atlanta has been known around Major League Baseball for having outstanding bullpens. With Kimbrel and Venters coming off their rookie seasons in 2010, who will Frank Wren nab this off-season to help them out?

Begin Slideshow

This is the final part of a series of articles outlining the decisions that the Cubs will need to make this offseason. You can read part four by following this link.

Jim Hendry has already said that he’s more concerned about making “two or three really good moves” than relying on the splash factor of one move. So, for those of you looking at the big name free agents with large price tags, or even a potential trade for Adrian Gonzalez, don’t get your hopes up too high.

Instead, look for the Cubs to get guys that fit the team and their budget. In all likelihood, one of those moves will be acquiring a first baseman and the other one or two will be adding some pitching, either in the rotation, the bullpen, or both.

At first base, the North Siders will be looking for someone who exhibits power from the left side and is good enough with the glove to lessen the impact of Aramis Ramirez’s fading defensive abilities and Starlin Castro’s growing pains.

Although one of the best left-handed sluggers over the past decade, Adam Dunn’s fairly high asking price, his defensive shortcomings, his type A status, and the almost certainty that the Nationals will offer arbitration, the overall cost in dollars, defense, and draft picks is just too high for serious consideration. I’m sure the team will do (or has already done) their due diligence on the off chance that he isn’t offered arbitration and his price tag comes down, but they’ll be concentrating elsewhere.

Adam LaRoche, Lyle Overbay and Carlos Pena are the most likely free agent targets, each with some pop from the left side and at least an above average glove. Of course, each player has more than their share of strikeouts, but Overbay and Pena draw some walks to offset that.

Depending on his asking price, Aubrey Huff should also get a look, although he isn’t as known for his defense as the prior trio and is the eldest among the four (by one month over Overbay). I’m sure the Cubs would love to have a season of 35 doubles, 26 home runs, 83 walks, and only 91 strikeouts from their first baseman, but the Giants will probably make a very good push to keep him.

On the trade market, there’s absolutely no reason to not inquire on what collection of players it might take to land Adrian Gonzalez. With his Gold-Glove-caliber defense, 30 to 40 home run power, high walk totals, and his $6.2 million 2011 salary, he’s too great of a bargain to not look into. But it’s the cost in players in return, which teams like the Red Sox might drive up, that makes the proposition less likely.

Another player the Cubs have been linked to recently is the Rangers’ Chris Davis, a young left-handed hitter with great power, experience playing both corner infield positions, and some glaring plate discipline issues. It’s certainly an intriguing possibility, reuniting hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo with one of his former students, and leaving the option open to move Ramirez to first, should the need arise. Although there has been little mention of this trade since the story broke, I could see it happening.

If the Yankees decide to sign another outfielder (Carl Crawford or Jayson Werth, perhaps), then don’t be surprised if the Cubs become linked to Nick Swisher, son of former Cubs catcher Steve Swisher. Although he had a significant dip in walks last season, Nick had always drawn a ton of walks and has continued to hit around 30 doubles and 30 home runs each season.

If the Cubs are instead looking for someone to take a flyer on to compete with (or in a reserve role behind) Tyler Colvin at first base, then you might see names like Hank Blalock, Eric Chavez, Brad Hawpe, Eric Hinske, Mike Jacobs, or non-tender candidates Willy Aybar, Dan Johnson, and Casey Kotchman bandied about.

There are a number of ways that they could go with starting pitchers, but I fully expect the Cubs to look into both Jon Garland and Javier Vazquez. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see them take a chance on one of Erik Bedard, Jeremy Bonderman, Jeff Francis, Kevin Millwood, Brad Penny, Jarrod Washburn, Brandon Webb, Chris Young, or (if he’s non-tendered) Chien-Ming Wang.

Of that bunch, I find Garland to be far and away the most likely to end up with the Cubs. That’s not to say that he will or that the others won’t, but he has put together a pretty nice resume since being traded from the Cubs to the White Sox, including eight solid years with the South Siders and a very nice season with the Padres in 2010. Also, he might not demand quite so much money as the other options, making the potential negotiations go smoother and quicker.

As far as potential trade targets go, they may talk with the Rays about the availability of Wade Davis, Matt Garza, Jeff Niemann, and James Shields, but your guess is as good as mine about starting pitchers they might trade for.

To bolster the bullpen, I’m sure the team would be interested in re-signing Kerry Wood, but he would need to be willing to take a pay cut off of his $10.5 million salary in 2010. Other targets could include Grant Balfour, Chad Durbin, Frank Francisco, Jason Frasor, J.J. Putz, Jon Rauch, or Takashi Saito, depending upon their demands and whether or not some of them (Balfour or Francisco) are offered arbitration.

The only other free agent that I could see the Cubs signing is not a pitcher or first baseman, but a second baseman. Although such a move is pure speculation on my part, I believe that Orlando Hudson would be a great addition.

Hudson plays great defense, can hit well for a second baseman, provides a little bit of speed on the basepaths, and may have a somewhat modest salary seeing as he’s never earned more than $6.25 million in a season. Such a move obviously means that one or both of Jeff Baker and Blake DeWitt would be sent on their way, but the signing of a player like Hudson could be a move that makes the Cubs’ 2011 playoff chances seem like less of a long shot.

Finally, there is one last way that the Cubs might add a player. With one spot open on their 40-man roster and the Rule Five Draft approaching, there is the possibility that the team could take a chance on someone left unprotected in another organization. Since I expect the North Siders to sign at least one free agent, I would be surprised to see them fill the last spot on their roster with a player eligible for the Rule Five Draft, but it could happen.

Just make sure to keep an eye out this offseason. The moves that end up having the biggest impact on this team might not be those involving bigger names.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

While 2009 ended with a World Series championship, 2010 ended in disappointment.

While the Texas Rangers celebrated in front of their home crowd and were heading to their first World Series championship in franchise history, the 2010 offseason was beginning for the New York Yankees.

The Yankees and their 200 million dollar payroll, began their offseason earlier than expected.  Now multiple uncertainties surround this team, with some of the greatest players in franchise history becoming free agents.

It’s sad to write, but even the almighty Yankees can’t be the best every year. Only most of the time.

As the Yankees get back to the drawing board, and look to re-tune for 2011, here are the 10 biggest offseason questions facing this team.

Sit back relax and enjoy.

Let’s play ball. 

Begin Slideshow

The 2010 season reached its conclusion and that can only mean one thing: The hot stove season is underway!

How will your team upgrade this offseason?

An integral part of any team is its closer. Look no further than the World Series champion Giants, a team that had a lights out postseason from closer Brian Wilson. It was an essential key to their success.

Having a reliable closer makes it so much easier on fans and coaches alike. A shaky closer can raise any manager’s blood pressure.

If you’re a fan of the Mets, Angels, Blue Jays, Rays, White Sox, Nationals, Marlins, Braves or Red Sox, pay attention.

Here are the power rankings for the top 10 free-agent pitchers that have the ability to be solid closers in 2011.

Begin Slideshow

Believe it or not, the 2011 MLB season is just around five months away, and one of the rising topics in  many circles is where exactly some of the free agent relievers are going to wind up, or what is going to happen to them prior to spring training.

I picked out 10 guys who are sure to draw attention—some more than others—as we slowly move along the MLB offseason.

You’ll notice that two teams in particular (Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox) are the most active teams with a bevy of players they are either getting rid of, and/or considering.

Let’s take a look at who I have, and if there is a name you want to throw out there, do so below in the comment section.

Begin Slideshow

Cubs nation was buzzing a bit last week—not because of a potential Adam Dunn signing or because they managed to trade Kosuke Fukudome for a bucket of balls, but because Jim Hendry hinted at the Cubs potentially taking a look at former closer, and fan favorite, Kerry Wood.

Wood was let go following the 2008 season, when he was replaced as the setup man following the trade for Kevin Gregg.

It was considered a mistake at the time, with Hendry giving away a pair of key role players, and class acts, in Wood and Mark DeRosa before replacing them in the clubhouse with Milton Bradley.

Wood signed with the Indians that winter on a two-year deal. His numbers were unimpressive, including an ERA over six in 2010, playing for a very poor squad in Cleveland.

However, Wood’s career may have been revived after a trade to the Yankees. Many were unsure as to how Wood would perform in a crucial situation after playing with only the Cubs and Indians in his career. The fireballer rose to the occasion for New York, posting an unbelievable 0.69 ERA over 26 innings in the regular season, including 31 strikeouts.

Jim Hendry can fix an old mistake by bringing back Wood.

The Cubs bullpen was a disaster last season, letting several close games get away. Outside of Carlos Marmol and Sean Marshall, the Cubs lack reliable arms in the ‘pen. Wood could be a great mentor to a young pitcher like Andrew Cashner and could present Mike Quade with a right-hander to team with the lefty Marshall in the setup role.

Of course, all of this could be much ado about nothing. While we don’t expect any Blackhawks-type money issues, the Cubs have said on multiple occasions that their payroll will be lower, meaning a guy like Wood could be out of the equation when free agency is in full swing.

A fan favorite and reliable bullpen arm, if brought in at the right price, Wood presents Hendry with an option that he almost can’t afford to pass up.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Not repeating and no longer reigning as champions was not the game plan the New York Yankees had at the start of the 2010 season.

Losing the ALCS to the Texas Rangers was heartbreaking. The Bombers elimination seemed almost unreal, as the Yankees were the stronger ball-club all season long.

The blame-game is in full swing in New York, pointing fingers at Skipper Joe Girardi for his managerial calls and GM Brian Cashman not facing a team of over-the-hill players in time.

Yankees Universe is spoiled and winning it all is the only mark of achievement. Any outcome otherwise is considered a failed season, but this rigid motto is what players sign up for the moment they put on the pinstripes. Call it whatever you want, but it has led the franchise to the most elite status in sports.

What needs to happen in the offseason to get the Yankees back on top in 2011?

Here are the five I want to see happen:

1) Go get Texas Rangers ace Cliff Lee is sure be on the top of Cashman’s list.

Lee just bombed his first World Series start and if he repeats a piss poor, performance maybe he could come cheaper. Not by that much, but Lee is 33 and has had back problems in the past. Regardless, Lee went from a want to a necessity today after hearing some startling news from the Yankees.

First, ace CC Sabathia has to have knee surgery later this week for a small meniscus tear in his right knee; while not serious, it is not comforting news at all. CC is physically enormous standing at 6’7″, weighing 309 lbs and at 30-years-old, which is implementing some serious stress on his body. CC threw 3,903 pitches in 2010, not including spring training. This was a concern when the Yankees signed Sabathia, as the odds were all stacked against him being able to avoid injuries like this one down the road. Finally, Yankees fans got a concrete clarification behind Sabathia’s why postseason struggles just came out of left field. Sabathia waved his option to remain for the rest of his five years in pinstripes.

Secondly, Girardi came clean as to the reason he switched Hughes and Pettitte in the rotation for the ALCS. Everyone was quick to blame the Yankees skipper for another horrible stat-based decision. Then today, the news broke that Pettitte felt off during his final start against the Twins in the ALDS. Smartly, Girardi played it extra cautious by switching him and Hughes to give Pettitte and extra two days off.

Add the above to AJ Burnett’s mental state and Phil Hughes inexperience making the rotation too risky. Get Cliff Lee and all will be ideal again.

2) Renegotiate reliever Kerry Wood’s contract and sign him on for two more years. Wood was a huge reason the Yankees won games in the second half of the season. Wood still throws heat form the mound, has a dominating presence and his experience eludes his confidence. I believe Wood is an inspiration and mentor for Joba Chamberlain, who significantly improved once Wood arrives. Also, god forbid Mariano Rivera becomes mortal, but at 41-years-old, it is going to happen. Wood can help the transition go smoothly from the baseball side during this unthinkable time.

3) Grab a position player that has proven his merit already, but do not spend the money on Tampa Bay Rays Carl Crawford. Crawford will be a fortune to acquire and with all the money going out to resign Jeter, Rivera, Girardi and hopefully Lee the Yankees can go cheaper. Crawford’s personality is something of concern because he can be quite immature at times and not always a team player. Crawford’s hard work after the 2009 season was not for the Rays, but for his pending free agency contract. Obviously any player wants to do his best to get the most money, but you can still be a team player at the same time. New York City will swallow Crawford with the instant celebrity status, which Rays players do not receive in Tampa Bay.

Philadelphia Phillies Jayson Werth would be perfect in pinstripes, but beware of his recent hiring of agent Scott Boras who might shop Werth with too big a price tag. Werth is older, so he will come cheaper than Crawford without a doubt, plus Phillies players are icons at home so he is used to all the craziness. Boras will go right to Cashman and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, as he knows how to drive up the price. Still, even if money wasn’t an object, I truly believe that Werth is a better fit for the Yankees.

4) What about keeping Marcus Thames? Thames could mainly be a DH because Jorge Posada will catch some games next season, despite all the hype that he is finished. Posada hits better when he catches, and Thames has been a productive DH right off the bench. Also, Thames can play in the outfield to give guys some more days off to help avoid pre-postseason injuries. For the 2010 regular season, Thames hit 12 home runs (nine as a DH) and 33 RBIs (24 as a DH) in 212 at-bats. In the postseason, Thames hit in clutch situations, hitting .364 in his first 12 at-bats, with one home run, three RBIs and striking out just once. Thames is great in the clubhouse, has the right attitude and works so hard just to help anyway he is asked. Thames should stay in pinstripes for 2011.

5) Hopefully Cashman won’t trade away catching prospect Jesus Montero for some over-the-hill all-star, whose name is big, but skills are good for maybe a half-a-season. Yankees fans have been drooling over Montero for two seasons, just waiting to see if the budding star is the real deal.

The same excitement swirled around outfielder Austin Jackson for even longer, but before he made it to the Bronx, Jackson was the main player in the trade for now Yankees Curtis Granderson. Granderson has been excellent in the second half and overall a solid person, so things worked out in the end. Still, the Tigers had a phenomenal, young outfielder whose athletics expand beyond the baseball field. Jackson was offered scholarships to play Division 1 basketball at Top 10 colleges. Jackson is in contention for the AL Rookie of the Year so stay tuned to see if he wins it.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Free agency. It is what consumes GMs, owners, players and fans during baseball’s offseason.

This free agent market looks to rival that of 2008-09, when the New York Yankees went on a shopping spree scooping up CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, AJ Burnett and Nick Swisher.

Names like Cliff Lee, Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Jim Thorne, Derek Jeter, Josh Beckett, Mariano Rivera, Victor Martinez, Adam Dunn, Jayson Werth, Derrek Lee, Jorge De La Rosa, Brandon Webb and Javier Vazquez are all on the market.

Rivera and Jeter will stay in pinstripes, as they are the face of the Yankees and are vital elements to New York’s allure. Yankees ace Sabathia waived his opt-out clause to stay in New York through 2016.

Same story goes for Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Josh Beckett. Beckett is the leader of the Red Sox pitching staff, which has a lot of young talent that look up to Beckett, which means his recent back problems get over looked.

The same cannot be said for starting pitcher Javier Vazquez, whose second time around as a Yankee was even worse than the first. Neither side should want to continue this relationship because it has not benefited either. Vazquez will get offers; my guess would be mainly from National League teams.

As a Yankees fan, GM Brian Cashman first order of business should be to pick-up the option for Kerry Wood. Wood was the best pick up of the year by Cashman and he has electric stuff out of the bullpen, as well as a nice mentor to Joba Chamberlain whom the Yankees owe at least another season to straighten himself out.

Second priority, at least I hope, is that Cashman goes after Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth. Werth’s attitude, bat and personality are a perfect fit for the Yankees. Werth is a big-game clutch hitter, he can steal bases and would be a nice addition in the outfield next to Curtis Granderson.

A question remains about who would not start, Brett Gardner or Nick Swisher, if the Yankees did get Werth.

Swisher hits power, but Gardner is a pest with his legs as he is fast as hell on the basepaths. Both are known to draw long at-bats and have great eyes at the plate.

Swisher and Gardner sharing time would be a nice option for the Yankees manager to have at his disposal because Werth and Granderson will both start for the majority of the time.

Starting Pitcher Cliff Lee’s arm will be the 2010-11 offseason’s prize for sale. Everybody wants a piece of Lee because he is that good, but he is 32 years old and has suffered from back problems.

The Yankees don’t need another pitching arm of that caliber, but that is not why Lee won’t come to the Bronx. To be honest I don’t think Lee wants to be a Yankee. The Yankees need a bat like Werth to help the aging lineup and a four-man outfield of Swisher, Werth, Gardner and Granderson is solid.

I fully realize that Rays‘ Carl Crawford is a dynamite player and will be coveted by many teams. Crawford in pinstripes doesn’t work for me. Yes, Crawford’s numbers are ridiculously good, but he is young will cost more money and years than Werth. Plus, Brett Gardner is maturing and the Yankees would be dumb to let him go anywhere, just to load up on all-stars.

Another factor is how the new Yankees ownership of Hal and Hank Steinbrenner without “The Boss” in the background any longer with the final say. Let’s see how deep Mr. Steinbrenner’s sons’ pockets are in comparison to dad’s generosity.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

For those who did not have the pleasure of watching Game Two of the ALDS between the Yankees and Twins, one of the biggest story lines was a controversial call in the seventh inning. With one out, two strikes, and Jorge Posada on first base, Carl Pavano threw a tailing fastball on the inside of the plate for what “should have” been strike three.

However, it was called a ball by home plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt, and Berkman promptly hit the next pitch over Denard Span’s head into center for a double and an RBI, giving the Yankees a one-run lead late in the game. Berkman would later score on a Jeter single to go up 4-2. So overall, a big, game-changing mistake on the part of the umpire and another case for replay in baseball, right?

Wrong. Simply looking at this one at-bat does not tell the whole story of the game. Carl Pavano, and then later Kerry Wood, were getting called strikes that were clearly on the outside of the plate (Andy Pettitte was not seemingly getting these similar calls, presumably because he is a lefty. I have no idea). Throughout the game, I wasn’t counting, but Hunter Wendelstedt gave anywhere from 10-15 called strikes that should have been balls in that location. So, for him to call a ball on the inside edge of the plate does not necessarily represent a mistake, but rather represents where his strike zone had been all night in Game Two. Anybody who has played baseball knows that umpires are given this discretion on judgement calls like balls/strikes, and these expanded strike zones aren’t uncommon.

Lance Berkman recognized this, as seen in his post-game comments:

I mean, I felt like it was a ball. I had to swing at it, I had two strikes. It was a tough pitch. You know, I’ve had a lot of people ask me about it, and like it was right down the middle or something. That’s a very borderline pitch. Sometimes it gets called, sometimes it doesn’t. I felt like Hunter was very consistent all night with not giving anything inside. He was giving probably four to six inches off the outside corner, wasn’t giving anything over the inside corner. So that was the strike zone. And I mean, I have been punched out plenty on balls that I didn’t think were strikes, so what the heck. You know, if he had called it, I wouldn’t have been happy about it, but I wouldn’t have been shocked.

Either way, people are going to continue to talk about this as part of the instant replay debate. There are missed calls in baseball (e.g. Golson’s catch in Game One on Wednesday), but in this instance there was no bad call, just a consistent call in an expanded strike zone which is part of the game of baseball. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The Yankees gave the ball to veteran lefty Andy Pettitte in Game 2 of the ALDS. On the mound for The Twins, was former Yankee Carl Pavano. The Twins needed Pavano to come through for them but the Yankee offense was too much for Pavano.

Pettitte went seven innings giving up five hits while allowing just two runs, and just one walk. Pettitte delivered as he always does, earning his 19th victory during the postseason, which is the most all time. 

The Twins got on Pettitte in the second inning when rookie Danny Valencia hit a sacrifice fly to score Delmon Young, giving the Twins a 1-0 lead. The Yankees responded in the fourth inning off an Alex Rodriguez sacrifice fly, scoring Curtis Granderson. The Bombers got one more in the fifth from an unlikely Lance Berkman. Berkman belted an opposite-field home run, giving the Yanks a 2-1 lead.

Pettitte continued to pitch well, and allowed his only other run in the sixth inning on an Orlando Hudson home run. The Twins tied the game at two, but it was only a matter of time before the Yankee lineup came alive. After a controversial pitch that was called a ball, Lance Berkman hit an RBI double, scoring Jorge Posada. Derek Jeter then singled in Berkman, extending the Yankee lead to 4-2.

Pettitte pitched a scoreless seventh, which would be his last inning of work. Kerry Wood entered the game in the eighth inning, resembling the Kerry Wood from his early days with the Chicago Cubs. Wood pitched a scoreless eighth, setting it up for Mariano Rivera.

The Yankees tacked on one more run in the ninth inning off a Curtis Granderson single. Granderson continued his hot hitting going 3-for-4 with an RBI. Mariano Rivera relieved Wood and gave up one hit in the ninth inning, but got out of it without allowing a run. Mo earned the save giving the Yankees a 2-0 lead in the series. 

The Yankees head back home, where 18-game winner Phil Hughes will go head to head with Brian Duensing.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com