Free agency and the offseason has finally begun after one of the most exciting pennant chases, postseasons and World Series ever. The 2011 class does not disappoint when it comes to talent at the top of this list and there are plenty of suitors out there that will be in on the bidding for these high end players.
The Yankees' needs are clear going into the 2012 season. The lineup is pretty much going to look the same after the option on Nick Swisher was picked up. Robinson Cano is obviously back in the fold and CC Sabathia, to the shock of many, agreed on an extension and decided not to opt out of the final four years on his contract. With that being said, the Yankees still need help in their rotation and there just may be a few free agents out there that could help the Bombers win No. 28.
With all of that being said, I have decided to rank the top 15 free agents in the 2011 class, predict what team they will be playing for in 2012 and if they are a fit for the Yankees. It's no surprise that the top free agent is:
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Albert Pujols – This three-time NL MVP and Gold Glove winning first baseman will be 32 at the start of the 2012 season. Pujols is coming off of his second World Championship after the cardiac Cardinals had one of the greatest marches ever to a title. The only manager he has ever played for, Tony LaRussa, shocked everyone after the series and announced his retirement. Is this enough of a reason for Pujols to bolt town? With his buddy Ozzie Guillen managing the Marlins now, will Pujols take his talents to South Beach? My guess is no.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: He stays in St. Louis. He will go down as the greatest Cardinal ever.
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Prince Fielder – The still young 27-year-old first baseman is coming off another stellar season with his 38 home runs, 120 RBIs and a .981 OPS. Teams will be chomping at the bit to land the services of this three time All-Star. It's almost a certainty that his tenure in Milwaukee is over after leading them to the NLCS in 2011, so what hat will he be wearing once he reports to Spring Training?
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: He signs with the Washington Nationals. I have felt that the young Nats with nothing to lose and a boat load of cash will outbid and sell him on Washington. However, I would not be surprised if Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer snatch him up in Chicago.
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Jose Reyes – Reyes showed in 2011 why he truly is one of the most dynamic players in the game. He has 50 stolen base potential every year and he won the NL batting title. The problem is he hasn't played more that 133 games in a season since 2008. Will he leave the Mets for greener pastures?
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: Ultimately I think the price tag is going to fall on Reyes and he is going to fall into the Phillies lap. Boy would Mets fans be mad if that happened.
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C.J. Wilson – He certainly is the best available pitcher on the market. I'm not sold on Wilson's long-term abilities. He has pitched in a division facing the weak lineups of the Mariners and Athletics. Am I the only one that feels this way? He did go 16-7 with a 2.94 ERA in 2011, even with his putrid showing in the postseason.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: Maybe just because he throws lefty and is a starter.
Prediction: It would behoove him to stay in the AL West, but I think the Nats want to make a big splash and they will sign him along with Fielder.
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Jonathan Papelbon – For years the speculation has been that Papelbon would leave Boston once his contract was up, but I'm starting to think otherwise. He's still an elite closer and with him re-signing, it would still give the Red Sox one of the better bullpens in baseball.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: He re-signs with the BoSox
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Carlos Beltran – Beltran had a nice bounce-back season in 2011. He played over 140 games in a season for the first time since 2008 and he produced, batting .300 with 22 home runs and played very well after being traded to the Giants midseason.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: He signs with the San Francisco Giants. I think he's staying put, but watch out for the Red Sox in this chase.
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Jimmy Rollins – Is Rollins the player he once was? No, probably not. Is he still a very good shortstop right now? Yes. He had a nice year in 2011, hitting .268 with 16 home runs, 63 RBIs and he had 30 stolen bases.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: He signs with the San Francisco Giants. I think the Giants are going to make a big splash for offensive help and give Rollins the five years that he is seeking. However, if the Phillies don't get Reyes, they will certainly be in the mix to bringing him back.
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Aramis Ramirez – The Cubs were so bad in 2011, it overshadowed the year Ramirez had. The 33-year-old, third baseman is as consistant as they come. He's not the best third baseman in the league, but it's hard to argue with his production. A .306 average, with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs is nothing to sneeze at, especially with the lineup that he had around him in Chicago.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: He signs with the Florida Marlins. I think Ozzie will get his man here and improve a Marlins team moving into a new stadium.
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David Ortiz – Big Papi will be 36 years old on Opening Day and this DH still has some spark left in his swing. A .953 OPS, .309 average, 28 home runs and 96 RBIs are still excellent numbers in the AL East and that's why when all of the drama clears in Boston, I think they have to bring him back.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: He re-signs with the Boston Red Sox.
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Heath Bell – I will call this section closers row. Heath Bell has an opportunity at 34 years old to get maybe the first and last multi-year big contract of his career, and I think he will score that with a team that is in need of a solid, 40 save a year man.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: The team in need of a solid, 40 save a year man is the team he's already with. He's comfortable in San Diego and I think he stays in San Diego.
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Ryan Madson – Mad Dog is coming off of his first full season as a closer. At 31, I think the Phillies can't afford to lose this guy.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: He re-signs with the Phillies.
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Francisco Rodriguez – K-Rod is back on the market as a closer. After saving 23 games for the Mets, he was traded to the Brewers, where he served as their set-up man. However, he will return to his rightful spot at the end of the game in 2012.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: He signs with the Texas Rangers. There is a lot of speculation out there that he might end up in Florida, but I think Nolan Ryan wants to move Neftali Feliz to the rotation.
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Mark Buehrle – Buehrle is as solid as they come. He is consistant year in and year out and he eats up innings. He's had 11 consecutive seasons of double-digit victories and pitched over 200 innings in every one of those seasons. He is also a defensive wizard at fielding his position. His higher ERA (3.83 career ERA) may concern some teams.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: Yes
Prediction: I think Buehrle is the southpaw the Yankees will sign. He's not the best pitcher on the market, but he is extremely consistant and again the key word being southpaw.
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Roy Oswalt – Oswalt went 9-10 in 23 starts with the Phillies in 2011. He may not be the dominant pitcher he once was, but something tells me there is still some juice left in that 34-year-old tank.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: Yes
Prediction: He signs with the Texas Rangers. I think once the Rangers lose C.J. Wilson, they will sign Oswalt to be the veteran presence in a very young staff. It's also a bonus for Oswalt that he would be returning to Texas.
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Coco Crisp – I like Coco Crisp. He's like that pesky fly that keeps bothering you and won't go away. I say this out of respect. He is a solid, solid ballplayer. His .314 OBP in 2011 was not his best work, but he did swipe 49 bags this season.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: No
Prediction: He signs with the San Francisco Giants. I think he just hops right across the bay.
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Yu Darvish – This is an honorable mention. He is technically not a free agent. If he were, I would rank him higher than 16. However, I have voiced my opinion on Darvish. I think to pay a massive posting fee for an unknown commodity is insane. Everyone says that Darvish is different. He isn't like the other Japanese pitchers that have come to the United States and not lived up to their billing. Darvish is being hyped up just like every other Japanese pitcher. Until he comes here and proves that he can consistantly year in and year out get out Major League hitters, I'm not sold.
Is he a fit for the Yankees?: Yes, I guess.
Prediction: He signs with the Texas Rangers. Just throwing that out there because Nolan Ryan can never have enough pitching.
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