Every Major League Baseball off-season sees a lot of competition for the available free agents. This off- season has been no different, with teams looking to shore up their hitting and pitching elements to make them more competive.

We watched this week as the Rays let go a few of their best starters. Carlos Pena was picked up by the Chicago Cubs. Carl Crawford signed with the Boston Red Sox, with a seven year deal making him the highest paid outfielder in baseball.

Not only did the Red Sox sign Crawford to a record deal but they also picked up Adrian Gonzales in one of the best trades from the Padres. These moves will make the Sox a tough team to beat in the AL East.

The only other player watched closely was the Ranger’s starting pitcher, Cliff Lee. He is by far one of the best pitchers in the league. He was thought to be headed to the New York Yankees, but turned down the evil empire in a move that returned him to the Phillies.

This baseball fan is stunned that the Yankees, who are known for shelling out big bucks to get players, have not landed one young free agent. Of course, they did resign Derek Jeter but Jeter is getting old and his skills are not what they used to be. They sure could have used an ace hitter like Carl Crawford, or maybe even Adrian Gonzales.

The AL East team to watch this next season will be Boston. They bested the Yankees with off season additions and after losing Mark Teixeira to New York, they were not about to lose great prospects again.

Keep an eye on the Phillies in the National League too. They are poised to repeat a playoff berth.

 

Tags: baseball, red sox, chicago cubs, new york yankees, padres, adrian gonzales, carlos pena, carl crawford, cliff lee, phillies, free agents
Categories: Sports