October 6, 200422 yr Let me start by narrowing down the teams that have a good closer: Braves Cardinals Dodgers Yankees Rangers Padres Then add the Mets, where he wouldn't fit in. Who does that leave as a contender? Lot of money: Giants, Cubs Money but have a closer: Astros, Phillies, Twins On par with us: A's, Brewers, White Sox, Indians With Mesa and Benitez being available, and that many teams potentially bidding, I think we're going to see Mota closing games for sure.
October 6, 200422 yr ever heard of Mariano Rivera for the yanks? 584608[/snapback] Yeah, he said they have a good closer.
October 6, 200422 yr Author ever heard of Mariano Rivera for the yanks? 584608[/snapback] Is he a free agent? I thought he was tied up.
October 6, 200422 yr Is he a free agent? I thought he was tied up. 584620[/snapback] Rivera is signed. http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/news/mlb...s_mlb&fext=.jsp
October 6, 200422 yr Who does that leave as a contender? Lot of money: Giants, Cubs Money but have a closer: Astros, Phillies, Twins On par with us: A's, Brewers, White Sox, Indians 584597[/snapback] Billy Beane won't pay big money for a closer. Plus, they have Dotel. White Sox are looking for a starter first, that is their number one priority. Phillies have that Wagner guy. Astros have Lidge. Last thing Twins need is more pen arms, plus they are the cheapest team ever. Brewers have Kolb. I doubt the Indians make a move. That leaves the Cubs and the Giants. The Cubs have Borowski (the Hawkins experiment didn't work), and I doubt that Armando would want to go there because it is a pressure cooker just like NY. The Giants might be our biggest opponent, and it depends how much they throw at him. I think if it is just a mil or two more he might stay just because he loves it so much here.
October 6, 200422 yr The Indians are raising payroll between 12-20 million to spend on free agents. This was their plan all along, lower payroll, get young guys, then raise it and surround them. But they're focused on a starter.
October 6, 200422 yr Author So in the running: Marlins, Cubs, Giants, White Sox, possibly Indians. I think while the Astros are happy to haveLidge step up they wouldn't have a problem putting him as the setup to Mando if they can find the money.
October 6, 200422 yr Astros DO NOT need a closer. I also doubt the White Sox go for one, they have Marte and Mr. Zero.
October 7, 200422 yr Baltimore has money and wants to have someone besides Julio close. 584619[/snapback] Again, If Peter Angelos gets this deal that guarantee him a minimum revenue, I don't expect the Orioles ever to be a big spender for free agents. There'd be no incentive for him to spend money, just like the Cubs who sell out whether they win 1 game or 162. The Giants, with their debt service payments, won't pay much for a closer. I see only the Phillies, Mets and Indians (capable of adding to payroll and looking to shore up the pitching staff.)
October 7, 200422 yr Sox are out because they want to get someone else. They already have a pretty good closer in Takatsu I think his name is, and Reinsdorf isn't exactly willing to spend the big bucks.
October 7, 200422 yr Author Sox are out because they want to get someone else. They already have a pretty good closer in Takatsu I think his name is, and Reinsdorf isn't exactly willing to spend the big bucks. 584771[/snapback] I'd guess the Sox have more big bucks to spend than we do. Its either Mando or Pavanos and I think they are going to offer Pavs because he goes way back with Loria.
October 7, 200422 yr Sox are out because they want to get someone else. They already have a pretty good closer in Takatsu I think his name is, and Reinsdorf isn't exactly willing to spend the big bucks. 584771[/snapback] I'd guess the Sox have more big bucks to spend than we do. Its either Mando or Pavanos and I think they are going to offer Pavs because he goes way back with Loria. 584796[/snapback] The White Sox will be after Pavano or Big O
October 7, 200422 yr Who thinks Armando will go back to Baltimore? Doesn't San Francisco have Nen and is losing money? Armando will be back in my opinion.
October 7, 200422 yr I don't think the Braves would go after Armando but can't Smoltz opt out after this year. I know he wants to start again too.
October 7, 200422 yr I don't think the Braves would go after Armando but can't Smoltz opt out after this year. I know he wants to start again too. 584832[/snapback] Smoltz' 12 million dollar option has already been picked up for next season.
October 7, 200422 yr i see the giants going after benitez just because he's a cheaper option than Billy Wagner or Troy Percival
October 8, 200422 yr Author I think the Marlins will make a run at him but they're likely to wind up choosing between Benitez and Pavano and I believe they feel as if Mota can close but they have no one to replace Pavano. And even if Pavano leaves, they're likely to use that money to try to get another starter to replace him. I think Benitez would be wise to give the team a hometown discount and come back. He obviously thrived here and I think the Latin environment and the laid-back attitude in Miami helped a lot. But he's likely to get huge offers elsewhere. Think of where the Giants and Cubs would be with decent closers. They'll both make a big run at him. The White Sox could be players as well. Basically anyone but the Astros, Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Padres, Angels, Braves and Red Sox will inquire. Kevin Baxter 10/07/04
October 8, 200422 yr I don't think the Astros are in it because they've got to resign Beltran (which I honestly believe they're going to do now). If 'Mando isn't back here, I have this weird feeling he ends up in Anaheim replacing Percival.
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