Top Targets of the '09 Free Agent Class...

"The Big Fish" - Alex Rodriguez

Despite being limited to just 124 games due to injury in 2009, Rodriguez posted yet another 30/100 season. It took a monster 2-HR, 7-RBI game on the last day of the season in Tampa Bay to achieve the feat making it 12 consecutive seasons for the Bronx Bomber. Priced at $39 in the '08 rankings, Rodriguez was a payroll casualty of the Homestead Grays at the end of the season. With 5 teams currently hanging vacancies at the 3B position (Ball Smashers, Homestead Grays, The Screwballs, WinOrLoseHitTheBooze, YBombers) it's a safe bet that Rodriguez will attract top dollar heading the free agent class.

Projection - YBombers: 3 years @ $45

The YBombers have been coveting Rodriguez from afar, desperately trying to pair him with fellow Yankee slugger Mark Teixeira all season and it's about to happen.

"The Franchise Outfielder" - Nick Markakis

Coveted by at least half the league prior to the '09 season, Markakis was shipped around during the season and despite posting a stellar season, was dismissed by a bloated and overbudget WinOrLoseHitTheBooze team. Markakis, who ONLY turned 26 earlier this week, hit .293 this season with 18 HR and 101 RBI but saw his walk total drop from 99 in '08 to 56 in '09, even with 47 more AB in '09.

Projection - Homestead Grays: 4 years @ $25

With Matt Kemp set to lose his RF eligibility for 2010, and be limited to a strict CF position, there's suddenly a log-jam in the middle of the OF for the Grays with fellow CF's B.J. Upton and Curtis Granderson also signed. Something's got to give and Markakis could be bought with the money saved should one of those three CF's be traded.

"The prototypically injured 5-tool player" - Josh Hamilton

Just a year ago, Josh Hamilton was being portrayed as Texas' saviour and MLB's next great superstar after smashing his way to the Home Run Derby Title. Now after an injury riddled campaign in which he posted a meager .268/.315/.426 slash line across just 89 games, his star has faded significantly. A mid-season leak about a January relapse and some racy photos of Hamilton and some lady friends at the bar didn't help his situation any. Regardless, Hamilton has the talent to be a legitimate fantasy star, should he stay healthy and should command lots of interest in free agency. Obviously, just not as much as he would have a year ago.

Prediction - The Screwballs: 1 year @ $25

With tons of money to spend and not a lot of offensive firepower under contract, expect The Screwballs to make a big splash. Although likely to make several thrifty moves, don't be surprised to see the team pursue at least one legitimate top tier talent with over $100 in payroll still available. The Degenerates (Hamilton's 2009 team) might make a push to retain his services at a cheaper rate after declining his $31 option at the end of the season. The Master Batters may also be interested, but may be forced to spend their limited resources elsewhere.

"The Legitimate Ace, Derailed By Injury" - Brandon Webb

After making 30+ starts in 5 straight years, Webb's age 30 season came to an abrupt halt after his first start of the season against Colorado. Webb lasted just 4 innings, getting tatooed for 6 ER. He would be placed on the DL after the game, but was never able to make it back to the mound and subsequently had season-ending arm surgery in August. Webb posted the 6th highest point total among all pitchers in the 2008 season when he went 22-7 with a 3.30 ERA and 183 K's, good for 725.50 points (roughly 160 points behind league leader C.C. Sabathia). There was some debate during the season whether the D'Backs would exercise Webb's $8.5 million contract option or instead opt to buy him out for $2 million. Arizona picked up the option days after the World Series ended and Yahoo Sports says that both Webb and the D'Backs expect him to be "full-go" for Spring Training.

Projection - Eric Byrnes Joints: 1 year @ $15

After being heavily invested in Webb last year (1st pitcher taken in 2 leagues), Eric Byrnes Joints shouldn't be afraid to get burned again on this one, it's time to re-invest at a discounted price. Unfortunately, Webb will be returning to an Eric Byrnes-less team in 2010, so he'll need to find

Brian... I McC-"Ran Out of Ideas" - Brian McCann

All lame jokes aside, this Hotlanta backstop isn't a typical player who makes it to the free agent market. Just 25 years old, McCann has hit .293 over 2123 career AB.. a pretty impressive feat for a young catcher. He finished 4th amongst all catchers with 451 points in 2009 trailing only Joe Mauer (581), Victor Martinez (555), and Pablo Sandoval (549). His 488 points placed 3rd in 2008, and his 406 points were good for 4th place in 2007. It's safe to say that McCann is one of the most reliable fantasy options behind the plate, and the young American should be rewarded with an expensive multi-year deal.

Projection - YBombers: 3 years @ $20

Two teams, the YBombers and The Screwballs both have lots of cash to spend and could benefit from the production of an elite catcher about to enter the prime of his career. There will undoubtedly be interest from McCann's former employer, the Starcity Arms, but this one may come down to someone overpaying for his services. The most likely to overpay a player?? Yosef.

"The Big Texan" - Lance Berkman

The Waco, TX native had somewhat of an off year in 2009 posting a .274 batting average, the lowest since his first taste of the big leagues, a brief 34 game stint back in 1999. Berkman got off to an awful start, hitting below .200 well into May until a 4-for-4 outbreak (all singles) on May 13 @ Colorado, against a struggling Rockies team about to fire their manager. He also struggled through injuries and a corresponding mid-season power drought (1 HR in 109 AB in July and August combined). All things considered his 25 HR and 80 RBI totals, combined with his near identical BB:K rate of 97:98 led Berkman to an OPS of 900+ for the 9th time in 11 years in the big leagues. Remember, Berkman posted 669 points a year ago to finish 7th amongst all hitters in total points so he undoubtedly still has the ability to contribute as a fantasy force and should be a perfect stop gap for a team waiting to develop some younger power hitters.

Prediction - Black Sox: 1 year @ $14

The Black Sox had a league worst 148 HR (45 below 9th place) and 648 RBI (72 below 9th place) in 2009 so they are in desperate need of a power injection and a healthy Lance Berkman at a bargain deal could be a perfect fit.

"Sleeping Speedster" Jose Reyes

After being selected 6th overall by the YBombers in the Inaugural Draft prior to the season, Reyes was easily one of the biggest disappointments of the 2009 season, playing in just 36 games due to hamstring injuries. Highly effective when healthy, Reyes finished 6th in points in 2007 (696) and 2nd in points in 2008 (686). Injuries are the biggest concern here, as Reyes had problems early in his career with leg injuries as well. Bidders beware and make sure to proceed with caution until his health becomes clear. His agent was quoted in the NY Daily News as saying "He's not 100%, obviously, at this point, but he looks great." Setbacks are always a possibility (as his 2009 owners can attest to), but Reyes appears to be on track to be recovered in time for spring training.

Prediction - Master Batters: 1 year @ $20

There are plenty of teams with openings at SS, and a few with serious ties to Reyes in the past. I expect the bidding to come down to three: the Black Sox, the Master Batters and the Starcity Arms with the Master Batters willing to go the extra mile. The Black Sox offence needs pretty much everything except speed, so they should be focused elsewhere while the Starcity Arms will likely prefer to invest in healthier free agents.

Jake "The Snake" Peavy

Another legitimate ace whose 2009 season was derailed by injury, Peavy (when healthy) does it all. He owns a career 95-68 record, and has a career 9.02 K/9 IP over 1350+ career innings along with a 3.26 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. Some will argue his career splits (ERA roughly a full run lower at the friendly confines of Petco Park in San Diego) indicate that his ERA will be on the rise with his new team. Personally I'll take the potential ERA hike, offset by the added motivation of pitching for a contender and the support of a much stronger offense.

Prediction - Homestead Grays: 3 years @ $20

Lacking a 2nd "Ace" to pair with young hurler Zack Greinke, and substantial rotation depth, expect the Homestead Grays to pull in at least one significant free agent to add to their rotation. Peavy just might be that guy: super talented, and perhaps available at a slight discount coming off an injury.

"Lights-Out Closer" - Mariano Rivera

Some thought The Sandman might consider calling it a career after helping solidify NY's 27th World Series Championship earlier this month, but that doesn't look like a realistic option at this point. Instead, TGM owners will have a chance to bid on his services and if he can be acquired at significantly less than his original MLB.com value, adding a closer like Rivera could help bolster the staff of any team in the league. Perhaps that will be the problem, if as many teams are interested as they should be, the bidding might get a little bit out of control. Look for some teams to drop out and focus on the younger and potentially cheaper Francisco Rodriguez.

Prediction - WinOrLoseHitTheBooze: 1 year @ $20

Expect Rivera to re-sign with the 2009 runner-up to again anchor the bullpen for another strong title run in 2010.

"Fading Superstar" - David Ortiz

Big Papi, was more like Tiny Papi for the first two months of the 2009 season combining for just 1 home run through the end of May. His power resurfaced throughout the summer and Ortiz finished with a respectable 28 HR and 99 RBI but a very mediocre .238/.332/.462 slash line. At least it was slightly better in the second half (.258/.350/.516), which is a positive indication going into 2010.

Prediction - YBombers: 2 years @ $18

Ortiz provides similar value to Lance Berkman, an immediate power injection from a veteran on the wrong side of 30. Not the best investment long-term, if Ortiz can be had for a price in the mid-teens, he could provide some immediate dividends. Expect the following teams to be the most serious in bidding for his services: the Black Sox, Eric Byrnes Joints, YBombers.