Post by Rays GM (forbz) on Nov 24, 2014 11:35:43 GMT -5
*Bold Predictions mean they most likely wont happen, so dont jump down my throat if you disagree
1. The Philadelphia Phillies sign both Rusney Castillo and Yasmany Tomas - Someone would argue that there could be just as much of a pressing need at SP as OF and with 5 or 6 holes throughout the whole lineup, the top two IFAs this year might get very pricey and risky for Oren to hold onto his money through FAs this winter. We do know Oren is willing shell out big money for a player he likes (I.E. Kershaw last winter)and I see both Castillo and Tomas gfetching between 15-20M, this would leave Oren with atleast $30M to fill a formidable rotation behind Matt Moore going into April.
2. David Price signs with the Kansas City Royals - Over his first full year in ODC, Natty has quickly realized the pains of trading in this league. Veto after veto trying to trade for Kimbrel eventually lead to Natty moving on and watching the top closer move on to San Fransico. Why I think Price will end up in Kansas City is because Natty has shown he's willing to sign a big names just as he did with Ellsbury last year. I know what your thinking, and why would Natty want to use up 50% of his cap on two players (projected cost of Price is $30-$35M), but Natty seems to be building his team through his own system and bringing in star players such as Ellsbury and Donaldson as the core to build his team oaround. Bringing in Price to head a young developing rotation could be a nice move for Natty.
3. The Brewers do not make a big signing this winter - With $48M in cap, it is hard to believe Nick will not try to bring in a few pieces to give Jose Abreu some help. I think Nick will sell off his cap during this Free Agency period, when cap has its most value. $48M could bring and abundance of young talent, something Nick has done a great job with since entering the league season and I believe it continues. If he signs a big name, there are still just too many holes to consider him a playoff contender. Even Bolder Prediciton - Tsack trades Winker and Moran to the Brewers for some cap space
4. Cub Corp overpays for the Panda - Wait a minute? Did I just say cub corp overpays on something? This may be my boldest prediction yet. But the fact of the matter is that Greg simply has no other big need outside of 3B and who knows how long it will be till Sano makes it to the show. Psych has built his team so well that giving Panda money this seaspon will be no set back, and Sandoval's production will be worth his weight (literally). My prediciton is that Pysch the magnificent gives Panda 20M a year and then pawns him off after the season like a cheap rag doll. Honorable mention prediction is he does the same thing but Hanley instead of Panda, whomever he likes more.
5. Brent's FA signings are the reason he wins the ALC this year - 4 years of hard work will finally pay off for Brent. Stockpiling of pitcher after pitcher will be no different this year. The twins GM has over $40M to play with and I could see him bringing in both Tillman and Porcello as well as some small signings in the OF such as Rasmus Fowler or Beltran. I also think he brings back Wieters with his hometown discount and solidifies himself atop an American League Central which is currently up for grabs as we move into FA considering how many holes each of the rosters have. With Hunter pence again leading his offense and a deep rotation I think this could finally be Brent's year.
1. The Philadelphia Phillies sign both Rusney Castillo and Yasmany Tomas - Someone would argue that there could be just as much of a pressing need at SP as OF and with 5 or 6 holes throughout the whole lineup, the top two IFAs this year might get very pricey and risky for Oren to hold onto his money through FAs this winter. We do know Oren is willing shell out big money for a player he likes (I.E. Kershaw last winter)and I see both Castillo and Tomas gfetching between 15-20M, this would leave Oren with atleast $30M to fill a formidable rotation behind Matt Moore going into April.
2. David Price signs with the Kansas City Royals - Over his first full year in ODC, Natty has quickly realized the pains of trading in this league. Veto after veto trying to trade for Kimbrel eventually lead to Natty moving on and watching the top closer move on to San Fransico. Why I think Price will end up in Kansas City is because Natty has shown he's willing to sign a big names just as he did with Ellsbury last year. I know what your thinking, and why would Natty want to use up 50% of his cap on two players (projected cost of Price is $30-$35M), but Natty seems to be building his team through his own system and bringing in star players such as Ellsbury and Donaldson as the core to build his team oaround. Bringing in Price to head a young developing rotation could be a nice move for Natty.
3. The Brewers do not make a big signing this winter - With $48M in cap, it is hard to believe Nick will not try to bring in a few pieces to give Jose Abreu some help. I think Nick will sell off his cap during this Free Agency period, when cap has its most value. $48M could bring and abundance of young talent, something Nick has done a great job with since entering the league season and I believe it continues. If he signs a big name, there are still just too many holes to consider him a playoff contender. Even Bolder Prediciton - Tsack trades Winker and Moran to the Brewers for some cap space
4. Cub Corp overpays for the Panda - Wait a minute? Did I just say cub corp overpays on something? This may be my boldest prediction yet. But the fact of the matter is that Greg simply has no other big need outside of 3B and who knows how long it will be till Sano makes it to the show. Psych has built his team so well that giving Panda money this seaspon will be no set back, and Sandoval's production will be worth his weight (literally). My prediciton is that Pysch the magnificent gives Panda 20M a year and then pawns him off after the season like a cheap rag doll. Honorable mention prediction is he does the same thing but Hanley instead of Panda, whomever he likes more.
5. Brent's FA signings are the reason he wins the ALC this year - 4 years of hard work will finally pay off for Brent. Stockpiling of pitcher after pitcher will be no different this year. The twins GM has over $40M to play with and I could see him bringing in both Tillman and Porcello as well as some small signings in the OF such as Rasmus Fowler or Beltran. I also think he brings back Wieters with his hometown discount and solidifies himself atop an American League Central which is currently up for grabs as we move into FA considering how many holes each of the rosters have. With Hunter pence again leading his offense and a deep rotation I think this could finally be Brent's year.
