MLB: Free Agency Predictions

I know were all neck deep in the NFL season, but for those of you who have forgotten, the baseball off-season has just started. Each and every year the league sees two or three prize free agents that are fought for and sold to the highest bidder. In 2008 it was C.C. Sabathia signing with the Yankees, and last year it was Carl Crawford going to the Red Sox (how much you love that signing now, Boston?). This year, we see three prize free agents that will yield the most money; Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and Jose Reyes. The three of them may not sign until much later in the winter, but let’s take a moment to try and predict where these three All-Stars will play next season. 

Albert Pujols (31 years old, .299 AVG, 37 HRs, 99 RBIs last season)

Among the free agent class, Albert Pujols is the most accomplished of the bunch. Fresh off his second world series victory, Pujols is looking for a huge payday this winter. It was reported today that the Miami Marlins had offered Pujols a 9-year deal worth $255 million, which should be around the contract that Pujols receives. A month ago I thought Pujols for sure would go back to St. Louis, his home for 10 seasons. However, with the retirement of Tony LaRussa and the fact that the Cardinals roster is not earth shattering, I’m wondering whether or not Pujols will return to St. Louis. Pujols is the best player in baseball, but buyer beware: Pujols is 31 and a 9-year contract will see the beginning of the end of his abilities. Much like Alex Rodriguez and Mark Texiera, whoever sings Pujols will be handcuffed by his contract in its later years. 

Prediction: Pujols will re-sign with the St. Louis Cardinals

Prince Fielder (27 years old, .299 AVG, 38 HRs, 120 RBIs last season)

Prince Fielder, in my eyes, is the best free agent of the bunch. Fielder put together an MVP-type season last year as apart of the Brewers playoff run. Fielder, who is only 27 years old, will give whichever team he signs with the majority of his prime years. Unlike Pujols, Fielder may not start to decline until the end of his new contract. Fielder is also a very good fielder despite his size, and is one of the only 275 pound person I’ve ever seen hit a triple. The market will heat up for Fielder once Pujols sets the standard, and look for teams like Texas, Baltimore, Washington and Miami to be in the mix. 

Prediction: Fielder goes to Texas where the Rangers make him a very expensive man 

Jose Reyes (28 years old, .377 AVG, 7 HRs, 44 RBIs last season)

Whoever signs Jose Reyes will be spending alot of money for an injury prone speedster who rack’s up a whole bunch of hits. Before a hamstring injury sidelined him, Reyes was on his way to a potential MVP season in New York last year. I don’t see Reyes returning to the Mets, where the financial trouble is too much to bear. I think its a forgone conclusion that Reyes goes to Miami to team up with Hanley Ramirez on the left side of the infield. 

Prediction: Reyes takes his talents to South Beach

Reyes, Fielder, and Pujols will not be the only prized free agents this winter. C.J. Wilson of the Rangers will most likely get a huge deal from Boston or the Yankees, while japanese hurler Yu Darvish might be the greatest steal of the frenzy. Mark Buerhle may join Reyes in Miami or Pujols in St. Louis. Be sure to stay tuned, because the MLB offseason is one of the only entertaining transaction periods in sports. 

MLB: National League MVP Race

A little while ago we here at The Jockstrap gave our top 5 in the American League MVP race (as of late August). Now, its time to take a look at the National League race; which includes two members of the brew crew, an injured Metropolitan, and a stellar young shortstop from Colorado.

1.) Ryan Braun, Brewers OF (25 HR, 85 RBI, .330 AVG, 29 Steals)

            For years, the Milwaukee Brewers have been good one season, to poor the next. This year, the Brewers are playing great, late season baseball led by outfielder Ryan Braun. Braun, 27, is having his best all around season of his young 5 year career. Batting .330 and driving out 25 homeruns thus far, Braun has the Brewers in the drivers seat of the competitive NL Central. Much like Adrian Gonzalez in Boston, Braun is benefited with hitting in front of another MVP candidate in Prince Fielder, but the threat Braun provides in the lineup and on the base paths (29 steals) has this young superstar in the forefront of the NL MVP race.

2.) Prince Fielder, Brewers 1B (28 HR, 100 RBI, .298 AVG, .529 SLG%)

            Ryan Braun is not the only 27-year-old superstar on the Brewers this season. Prince Fielder, Milwaukee’s first baseman, is having yet another monster season. The 28 homeruns is not a surprise, but Fielders 30 doubles is five short of a career high, and were only at the end of August. Fielder has been the clubhouse leader of the Brewers this season, and its paying off dividends for the team. With free agency looming, Fielder could add on a few more million to that upcoming contract with a shiny MVP trophy after a strong finish this season.

3.) Joey Votto, Reds 1B (24 HR, 84 RBI, .328 AVG, 94 Walks)

            Could Joey Votto win a second straight NL MVP this season? His stats are not as eye popping as they were last season, but the 24 round trippers accompanied with an outstanding .328 batting average puts Votto once again in the conversation. One thing that may be holding Votto back this season is the Reds performance in the pennant race, as they currently stand 13 games back in the division and 13.5 in the wild card. However, with two Brewers at the top of the list, a splitting of the votes between them could allow Votto or any of the other candidates to steal this race.

4.) Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies SS (26 HR, 89 RBI, .305 AVG, .546 SLG%)

            Another season, another strong stat line from “Tulo”. Tulowitzki has been a bright spot on a poor Rockies team this season, on his way to his second career 30 HR season. The .305 batting average is down .10 points from last season, but the 89 RBI’s are right on par with an “average” Troy Tulowitzki season. With the Rockies pretty much out of the pennant race, Tulo can help his own cause by continuing to drive in runs and knock out homers.

5.) Jose Reyes, Mets SS (5 HR, 37 RBI, .336 AVG, 16 Triples)

            Before the all-star break, Jose Reyes was the talk of the country. After missing the majority of last season, there were questions about how Reyes was going to be able to perform and stay healthy throughout a 162 game season. He quickly showed that his caliber of play never wavered. Leading the league with 16 triples, Reyes has been the spark plug for a bad Mets team this season. Despite an injury in the start of the summer, Reyes has remained in the MVP conversation because of his staggering batting average and 35 steals. If it weren’t for that very same injury, Reyes could have been sitting at the top of this list instead of the bottom.

Honorable Mentions: Roy Halladay (Phillies RHP), Matt Kemp (Dodgers OF), Justin Upton (Diamondbacks OF)