• Adam LaRoche – the Braves expect him to be gone, doesn’t see like there is much interest on their part to keep him on the team. After the trade that acquired him I thought he was going to stay for a few years…A solid player, if he hits the market should land with no problems.
• Paul Byrd – the guy is pushing 39 and, lets face it, after the way he treated the 2009 season I cannot see him staying in the majors much longer.
• Jason Varitek – New York, anyone?  Well… not the Yanks but the Mets; however, it seems that rumor is dead. Again, another player reaching the end of his career.  While still able to produce, how many games would he be able to pull off behind the plate?
• Tim Wakefield – Surprise!  He’s back with Boston – including 2011!
• José Contreras – 2009 was a bad, bad year for him.  A stint in the minors and a trade from the Sox really didn’t do much to help him find his game.  After 13 losses and 5.42 era can anyone really expect Jose to be hot on the market?
• Aaron Boone – No real “news” here except it was good to see Aaron play a few games after open heart surgery.  I’m expecting retirement.
• Vladimir Guerrero – while having lower output due to DL time here is a many that can produce for a time. He still has a number of years ahead of him and, sure we can debate it, but chances are he will end up in the hall.
• Miguel Tejada – Power down over the last several years (hmmm… a lack of roids?) but good averages. Shortstop anyone?
• Manny Ramirez – Sure he was  sideshow this past year but the man can hit.  I mean HIT. As sad as this makes me to say, his attitude kind of reminds me of Barry Bonds. Any club picking him up has to think about the impact on the locker room.
• Jim Thome – Did nothing in LA…
• Andy Pettitte – He’s in NY, do you really see him going anywhere?
• Johnny Damon – (See above)
• Pedro Martinez – A number of people were surprised to see him go to Philly, and during the series Pedro hinted that his time may be up.  He still can pitch though.
• Ken Griffey Jr. – He has stated he wants to end his career in Seattle, and he is current in talks with the team, but does he want to come back for a 2010 season really remains to be seen.  This man was a pleasure to watch in his time.
• Randy Johnson – Doesn’t look like he is going anywhere except to the bullpen.
• Mark De Rosa – A fan favorite where ever he goes, Mark is expected to stay in the NL (somewhere out east).  09 saw his average drop but Mark is a solid player who would make 3rd baseman when he lands.
• Khalil Greene – What happened to this man?  An impressive play that just fall off the map…

There are a few other notable players on the list (Isringhausen, Smoltz, Ivan Rodriguez) but I need to wrap it up.  From a quick look it sounds like some of the key players will be staying put…  What do you think of the free agent market and will there be any major signings?

On another note – don’t forget the NL Gold Gloves come out today.  I’ll post that later in the evening.

Here is the full list:

The National League Gold Glove winners will be announced on Wednesday, 11/11/2009.

For the record, Triples Alley has a great breakdown on Joe Mauer and if he should have won the gold glove.

While I fully admit I’m a Cubs fan, and the blog will not specifically focus on one time, we do need to talk about the Cubs moving Milton Bradley. As the season came to a close Bradley found himself suspended by the team for his actions on and off the field.  At that point it seemed clear that Bradley would be finding a new home over the off seasons due to a lack of performance, and being an overall dick toward the Chicago fans and team mates.

Going into the GM Meetings there was a rumor going around about Bradley being involved in a 3 way trade that would include Lyle Overbay and Luis Castillo. Another was Bradley going to Tampa for Pat Burrell, as well as Bradley going to Texas for Kevin Millwood.  At this moment, however, all is speculation.  What I found odd, however, was what Jim Hendry, the Cubs GM, has recently stated - Bradley doesn’t necessarily need to be included in the off season moves:

“He’s still with us. He’s on our roster,” said Hendry, during a talk with the media on Monday. “And that’s how you have to go into the offseason.

“Other people have had some major hiccups along the way and come back, and that’s just how you have to look at it. He’s on your roster until proven differently. That’s how we go about it.”

His best season is arguably 2008 where he batted .321 with 22 home runs. While not a horrific player, I’m not a fan of Bradley simply because he is NOT A GOOD PLAYER. His attitude only makes things more difficult for him.

Frankly, I don’t know why any team would want him on their roster.

Jeremey here, new owner of baseballbriefs.com.

I have been a fan of baseball for over 33 years, and a card collector for over 20 years.

My intent is to make baseballbriefs.com into a resource for all things baseball news, commentary, and views.  Eventually the lineup (no pun intended) will include bi-weekly podcasts covering the latest developments in baseball.  I am using this off season, however, to build the site for spring training.  I hope, by that point and time, all will be flowing with ease and the podcasts will be ready for launch.

“Normal” posting will start within the next 48 hours.  Granted, it is the off season, but there are still a number of topics to address.

In the mean time, if you would like to reach me please post a comment or email me at jeremey.fieldstone@gmail.com. I am looking forward to this adventure and I hope if you are a baseball fan that you join me for the ride!