Joe Pawlikowski posted his own top 50 FA predictions and had us re-signing Prince along with adding Aramis Ramirez. I have no idea how we could afford it but it would be awesome if it happened. http://riveraveblues.com/2011/11/predicting-mlb-trade-rumors-top-50-free-agents-58521/
I like Blake if his back is healthy enough to hold up for about 60 starts next season. It seemed like he was on the verge of retirement with all of his injuries he had this year.
I thought it was more Gamel for Escobar centered talks... Escobar was in those rumors but it started off with that Mr Fantasy guy saying Thornton was the centerpiece.
I like the idea of adding Andruw Jones as a RH platoon partner to Gamel if Hart would move to 1B. He rakes LHP, still plays + defense and most importantly would come cheap.
There's plenty of facts that back up how putrid Betancourt is defensively. Now if you don't believe or understand range statistics that's another issue.
You gotta make it worth it for the Cubs because they could just let him walk and collect the comp pick. His option just affects the amount of teams that could trade for him not what they would get in return. But if the Cubs have no intention of offering him arbitration at the end of the season than yes he has a VERY NEGATIVE value.
I lump SS and 3B together into one problem and between those two spots they need to find an answer at the 5th spot in the lineup. You can accomplish that with a 1-2 hitter who drops Rickie down to 5th or by going big on someone like A-Ram.. Logic says A-Ram is highly unlikely so I'm gonna say either Jamey Carroll or Rafael Furcal is the SS we trade for.
Anyone else get the feeling the Brewers are gonna try to get Ramirez after reading Ken Rosenthals article? The quotes about wanting a difference maker and evaluating our payroll flexibility on a case to case basis really makes me think they are kicking the tires on Ramirez. I guess nothing would surprise me at this point.