Top 10 Free Agent Prediction

Cliff Lee

Most would consider Lee a dominant starter in any context despite his falling apart in the World Series which should make him the most expensive and most sought after free agent this off season. This race seems to be a for gone conclusion between one of two destination, New York and Texas. However recent news has involved the Washington Nationals and eve the Red Sox according to some reports even if it’s just to raise the price for the Yankees. Prediction: New York Yankees.

Carl Crawford

Crawford will be close behind Lee in terms of teams interested and dollars spent because he’s both young and still developing power if he moves to the right ballpark. Earliest reports have Crawford going to either the Angels, Red Sox or Yankees, and as hard as it may be for Rays fans to grasp I don’t even think they’ll make Crawford an offer this off season and have already groomed Desmond Jennings to be his replacement. Don’t count out the tigers in this conversation either as Detroit plans to make a strong push for Free Agents this off season. Predictions: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Jason Werth

Crawford may be a little faster but Jason Werth is not far behind Crawford in any category other than that. Look for the Werth market to pick up after Crawford signs as he is a little older and may not demand the dollars that Crawford does. The Red Sox appear to be the front-runner for Werth as they have already contacted his agent and may view him as a better alternative that Mike Cameron. They also may realize that if they sign Crawford they will be too left handed heavy in the outfield. Werth would provide them the power right-hander that they have lacked since Bay and Ramirez. Other teams interested are those listed above for Crawford. Prediction: Boston Red Sox

Adrian Beltre

Beltre should draw interest from a number of clubs and those clubs will most likely be scared away by his price tag and his inability to produce in years outside of his contract seasons. Teams interested should include the Angels, Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers. I really see this negotiation starting and ending with how selfish Scott Boras wants to be with the years on this contract. Someone will definitely pay 10-14 Million for his services but not for 5 or 6 years and that’s where they’ll lose most of the interested teams. Prediction: Boston Red Sox

Victor Martinez

V-Mart is the best catcher on the market and with Alex Avila behind the plate in Detroit they have moved in as the front-runners. V-Mart was very displeased with the fact that the Red Sox did not really negotiate with him during the regular season; the Orioles have also been looking to make a splash and may have him platoon with Matt Weiters between first and catcher this season. Prediction: Detroit Tigers

Rafael Soriano

Again Rays fans it seems as though you will lose out on another high priced talent because of the front office and lack of ticket sales but Tampa desperately needs to keep him due to no foreseeable replacement at all. Teams interested will be anyone looking for a lock down closer or reliever. The Red Sox will no doubt try to convince him that a middle relief role will suit him but teams like Anaheim, Chicago (AL) and Arizona need a closer so expect them to be involved. Prediction: Tampa Bay Rays

Adam Dunn

Dunn has a three year offer already from the Nationals on the table but don’t be surprised if they pull that off the table soon because it has been pushed to the side for so long. Other teams interested will be both Chicago franchises, Boston if Beltre does not return and Arizona as well is in need of a first basement. Prediction: Chicago Cubs

Vladimir Guerrero

Guerrero’s option for 9 million was declined by the Texas Rangers earlier this off-season and his defensive abilities have really hit a wall but this guy can still hit the baseball hitting at a 300 clip with over 100 RBIs this past season. Teams interested are those in the AL in need of a DH type, look for the Rangers to comeback into the hunt and the Rays to kick around the idea. Prediction: Texas Rangers

Paul Konerko

Konerko to the loser in the Dunn sweepstakes is a forgone conclusion, if Beltre doesn’t return to the Sox keep them on the back burner but Arizona is the front-runner and favorite. Prediction: Arizona Diamondbacks.

Mariano Rivera

He’s the 10^th best but his location along with Jeter’s may be forgone to the Yankees. Some other teams will make good offers to him but the Yankees will be hard pressed to let him go. Prediction: New York Yankees.