Postseason thus far and predictions, Yankees Free Agent Futures

There have been a few surprises thus far in the postseason. For one, I did not envision the Cubs playing such bad baseball. They are absolutely pathetic. I also didn't envision the Dodgers would play good baseball, especially since they were coming from the worst division in baseball with the worst record of any other contender. Based on what I have seen so far: here are my postseason predictions:

NLCS: Phillies versus Dodgers
ALCS: Red Sox versus Rays

World Series: Red Sox versus Phillies
World Series Champs: Red Sox

Yes, I said it. The Red Sox will win the World Series again. How is that for unbiased blogging? The Angels might even get swept by them in this series. The Angels and the Rays are very similar teams. They both have good bullpens, starting pitching, and defense. But they both lack offense. That is where the Red Sox will have the overwhelming advantage. The Red Sox are the only team in the ALDS that knows how to work a count. Rays, Angels, and even White Sox players are free-swinging. That is why the Yankees and the Red Sox games are always so long and competitive. Both teams have the best offenses with the most discipline. The White Sox do not have the starting pitching to beat the Rays. I realize that I am contradicting my previous post. But the Rays have them numbered in that category.

Here are the players the Yankees will need to decide on in this offseason:
Free agents: Abreu, OF; Chad Moeller, C; Pettitte, LHP; Rodriguez, C; Mussina, RHP, Giambi.

I'll start with Abreu. I think Abreu is the most likely to re-sign of these players. He has performed well every year. He has also hit in the clutch situations where A-Rod has not. He was our only good postseason player the past couple of years. He also has very good speed and is a pretty good fielder. If Cashman is smart, he will re-sign him.

Moeller will get either a really small contract or nothing at all. He is not great, but the Yanks might want him just in case Posada has injury problems again. Then again, it also matters who else is on the free agent catcher market.

I feel like the decision to bring Pettitte back lies more on his shoulders than the Yankees. While this wasn't the best season for him, the sentimental side of the Yankee organization wants to bring him back for the new stadium. So if Pettitte decides to not retire, the Yanks will most likely re-sign him.

Mussina will most likely retire. He was finally able to reach the elusive 20 win season that he has missed a few times throughout his career. Like most players, Moose wants to end on a high note. I don't think he would want to come back and have a bad year where Yanks fans remember him in the same light as Al Leiter.

Pudge will most likely not come back. Maybe if he were as much of an offensive presence as the Yankees were hoping for at the deadline then he might come back. Pudge knew that this was a half a season deal. I can see many teams wanting his services. He is a solid defensive player who may hit better away from New York. Maybe the Rays will want him as a backup to Dioner Navarro. I can see him on many different teams.

I highly doubt the Yankees would pick up Giambi's $22 million option. Maybe if he were to negotiate a lower salary, the Yanks would consider having him back. Despite his being overpaid, I like Giambi as a player. He isn't a batting average player. But he is the kind of guy who can deliver that homer or even a single, as he proved throughout the '08 season, in clutch situations. He does lack on defense, although he is very good at scooping the ball. Cashman has stated that he would like to have a first baseman play first base, not someone from another position who is looking to step up. That kind of rules out my Damon playing 1st suggestion. It really matters who is available on the market. I doubt the Angels don't re-sign Teixeira since he is their best hitter. If he doesn't come back to the Yanks, it will most likely be due to his high salary. Using that logic, there aren't many teams that would want Giambi since he is getting older and he costs a lot. I think the best match for him would be with the Seattle Mariners. While I do not doubt that Giambi likes New York, he seems out of place here. I think about the days when Giambi was a beast in Oakland.

He lives in Las Vegas in the offseason, so he obviously likes the West Coast. And, the Mariners face the A's a lot since they are AL West rivals. Giambi kills his former club, so they would be a good match.