The best news so far this offseason: Tim Wakefield will be back in 2010.
The hot stove league is heating up.
The Red Sox are making moves. The Yankees are planning theirs.
There's a hole at third in Philly.
And, because we can: Yo, Adrian.
Leading Off
It only makes sense that the Phillies will pick up Adrian Beltre to replace Pedro Feliz at third base.
Through former general manager Pat Gillick, the Phillies have a pipeline to the great northwest. Beltre, of course, played the last five years in Seattle, which has provided the Phillies with Greg Dobbs and Jamie Moyer.
Beltre, however, will be the wrong guy to pick up. During the past four seasons, Feliz has been more reliable, playing in 50 more games. He also provides better defense.
The thing is, Chone Figgins is probably the best fit.
Can you imagine what it would be like for National Leaguers to have to pitch to Figgins, Victorino and Rollins at the top of the order?
Chase Utley and Ryan Howard would see nothing but fastballs.
However, Figgins is probably too pricey for the National League champs.
But, the Phillies could sign former Phillie Placido Polanco.
He'll be cheaper than either of the three players and has a higher OPS than each of them over the past four seasons.
Regional Roundup
- Bill Conlin gets all mushy for Pedro Feliz. Ruben Amaro is still looking at Roy Halladay.
- The Nationals could be making Jim Riggleman their official manager.
- The Baltimore Orioles picked up a Minnesota farmhand.
- The Pirates will end spring training in Philly.
Best of Rest
- The Boston Red Sox are bringing back Tim Wakefield. They also picked up the option on Victor Martinez.
- The tabs are pondering Slammin' Sammy's pigmentation
- Mariners officeholders aren't talking about Hideki Matsui.
- Jerry Crasnick talked to 20 general managers about several issues, including which Yankee is leaving; where will John Lackey end up and instant replay.
- What will the Padres do with Adrian Gonzalez?
- The Braves have similar issues with Javier Vazquez.
- Ted Keith looks at the10 riskiest free agents.
The Closer
The Yankees are rumored to be going after Matt Holliday to replace Hideki Matsui or Johnny Damon.
That's the wrong move.
Look, the World Champs have a ton of offense. They don't need any more.
What they actually need is another pitcher.
They have no depth at starting pitching, beyond CC Sabathia.
AJ Burnett has shown he can flame out or his arm can implode.
Andy Pettitte is reliable when he's not retired.
Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain's weaknesses are better hidden in the bullpen.
So if the Yanks don't want to become the Mets they need to keep their eye on the arms race.
And the bats won't matter.
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