Jonathan Papelbon: If Heath Bell is the Cadillac of closers, Papelbon is the station wagon. Closers are always hard to come by, and the fact that Papelbon is seen as such a commodity further proves what a dearth of talent there really is at the position. Granted, Papelbon has performed on much grander stages than most other MLB closers, including Bell, but he lacks strategy. He is that annoying kid you knew in elementary school who would throw anything as hard as he could and not even think about it. If it works, he’s an incredible power pitcher. If it doesn’t work, he’s still an intimidating presence due to his willingness to be nasty and mean, but an intimidating presence that’s easy to hit. http://sbpress.com/2011/11/mlb-hot-stove-report
Jon Heyman reports that the Giants are no longer going to try to re-sign Carlos Beltran. Because when you add an .809 OPS outfielder like Melky Cabrera and take away a .910 OPS outfielder like Beltran, your severe offensive problems are all better. Oh, I don’t know. I’m just being mean. I’m sure they have their reasons. Spending money on someone like Jose Reyes could be a reason. We don’t know. The point is, Beltran is now going someplace else. Probably Boston, if everyone who thinks they know a little bit about this sort of thing can be believed. http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/11/08/the-giants-arent-going-to-try-to-re-sign-carlos-beltran?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Roy Oswalt: 9-10, 3.69 ERA, 1.33 WHIP - The Phillies declined his $16-million option after getting 16 wins and 36 starts from him. Concerns about his back pain could scare some teams away. Oswalt missed six weeks and hinted at retirement. Oswalt may also want remain close to home in Mississippi, which might make the Rangers a sensible fit if they lose Wilson. http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/article/1019347--mlb-free-agency-fire-up-the-hot-stove
Albert Pujols: .299 BA, .541 OPS, 37 HR, 99 RBI - Pujols has been the biggest free agent all year and remains so after winning his second World Series title. At 32, Pujols has already earned $104 million in 11 seasons, but enters free agency in a year when many of the big markets don’t have openings at first base. It would be difficult to imagine the Cardinals not retaining him even if takes them well over $20-25 million per year to do so. http://www.metro.us/newyork/sports/article/1019347--mlb-free-agency-fire-up-the-hot-stove
The Phils have seven free agents and decisions will have to be made on all of them. Many of them, like shortstop Jimmy Rollins, left fielder Raul Ibanez,closer Ryan Madson, former stellar reliever Brad Lidge, and starting pitcher Roy Oswalt, have played a particularly large role in the club's past success. The two others, catcher Brian Schneider and pinch hitter/first baseman Ross Gload, are more easily replaceable and less likely to stir up debate over the next couple of months. There is also the question of age and injury, particularly when it comes to third baseman Placido Polanco. There is strong sentiment, and seemingly getting stronger, that the Phils will look to find someone suitable to either A] platoon with Polanco at third base or B] replace the steady but oft injured Polanco all together. This would allow the team to either use the 36 year old infielder as a versatile play anywhere utility player or possibly deal him to a team looking for a second baseman. Remember it is as a second sacker that Polanco achieved his greatest fame and there are more than a few teams looking for reliable middle infielders this off season. http://rays.scout.com/2/1126354.html
After a disastrous September, the Red Sox face the question of how significant a roster overhaul they should enact. While it is possible that they might keep the majority of the 2011 roster intact while seeking to address some acknowledged holes (right-handed hitting outfielder, starting pitching), the team could also consider trading a key roster member. And since the end of the season, there has been plenty of speculation about whether the team could move Kevin Youkilis. In 2011, the third baseman had his worst season at the plate, hitting .258 with a .373 OBP in 120 games, numbers that were dragged down as he fought off various injuries. In 2010, his season also ended abruptly in August when he tore a muscle in his thumb. The third baseman has averaged just 111 games a season in the last two years. Still, Youkilis had been a significant part of the Boston offense for the previous three years, hitting above .300 over that time with an average OBP of .404. http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2011/11/06/hot-stove-could-the-rockies-pursue-a-trade-for-kevin-youkilis
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