Free Agents Still Lingering

Let's face it, this has been one of the most intriguing offseasons in recent memory. There have been many interesting storylines playing out in front of the backdrop of a worldwide recession. Now, essentially one week from pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training, there are still several significant free agents on the market. Let's take a look at where they are most likely to end up:

Orlando Cabrera

Cabrera is a decent defensive shortstop with some talent at the plate. He is definitely in decline. He is still of some value, but most likely much less than the $7 mil per he had been looking for.

Most likely suitors:
Atlanta Braves
Oakland Athletics
Atlanta could find a way to fit Cabrera in, but it might not be worth dealing Escobar. Oakland would only be in if the price were right.

Best fit:
Oakland

Juan Cruz

Cruz is a very solid reviever. His biggest issue this offseason has not been lack of talent or teams that could use his services, it is his Type A free agent status. While Cruz certainly pitched like a Type A last year, teams are not willing to give up a first round draft pick, who will have a solid chance of surpassing Cruz 3 years down the road, for a solid reliever who might only help for a season or two.

Most likely suitors:
New York Yankees
Detroit Tigers
The Yankees would be a good fit, but have shown limited interest. The fact that the Yankees wouldn't have as much concern about the draft pick seems to link their name to Cabrera's. Very unlikely the Tigers would make this move, due to the draft pick.

Best fit:
Minnesota Twins


Bobby Abreu

Once said to be looking for a 4 year $56 million deal, Abreu is now anxiously seeking a one-year deal in perhaps the $7 million range. Sadly, Abreu may have to come down even farther to gain serious interest.

Most likely suitors:
Atlanta Braves
Chicago White Sox
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Braves are in desperate need of an outfield bat, but after the acquisition of Lowe, Vazquez, etc. it remains to be seen if they have anymore financial flexibility. The White Sox would most likely have to find a suitor for Jermaine Dye before seriously considering Abreu. This seems unlikely since Dye is vastly overpriced relative to the market. The Dodgers' interest seems to be limited to calling Manny's bluff.

Best fit:
Atlanta Braves

Orlando Hudson

Solid talent, with a couple of strong years ahead of him. Some freak injuries seem to hurt his already sagging market.

Most likely suitors:
Washington Nationals
Los Angeles Dodgers
New York Mets
The Nationals seem interested, but are being very patient looking for a bargain. The Dodgers will only sign Hudson if they miss out on Ramirez or there is an even greater drop in price. The Mets could only make a move if Omar Minaya pulled off a miracle and moved Luis Castillo.

Best fit:
Washington Nationals

Adam Dunn

A controversial figure: despised by traditionalists, embraced by statistical analysts. Dunn could make almost any lineup better, he could also make almost any outfield defense worse. The upside is greater than the downside, but he is still struggling to find a real market.

Most likely suitors:
Washington Nationals
Atlanta Braves
The Nationals will make a move if no one else does. They would be ecstatic if both Hudson and Dunn fell into their laps at an affordable price. The Braves could use his bat, but seem very wary of the Ks and the defense.

Best fit:
New York Mets

Manny Ramirez

Unbelievable talent. Future first ballot hall of famer. Great entertainer. Clutch Hitter. Poor financial decision maker.

Most likely suitors:
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Francisco Giants
The baseball world would be collectively shocked if Manny didn't sign with the Dodgers.

Best fit:
New York Mets