The Hornets appear to be close to a sign & trade for Robin Lopez. This deal would be completed as a 3 team trade, also including Phoenix and Minnesota. New Orleans will also acquire Hakim Warrick in the deal from the Suns. Minnesota will send Wes Johnson and first round pick to Phoenix.
For now, the Timberwolves do not seem to be acquiring any players or gaining any future picks; but this trade would clear cap space for Minnesota (the current favorite to land Andrei Kirilenko).
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Ranking the Western Conference
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Key Additions: Perry Jones (draft), Hasheem Thabeet
Key Losses: NONE
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Key Additions: Steve Nash (s&t), Antwan Jamison (FA)
Key Losses: Ramon Sessions (FA)
3. San Antonio Spurs
Key Additions: Boris Diaw (re-signed), Danny Green (re-signed)
Key Losses: NONE
4. Los Angeles Clippers
Key Additions: Jamal Crawford (FA), Lamar Odom (trade)
Key Losses: Mo Williams (trade), Nick Young (FA), Reggie Evans (trade)
5. Memphis Grizzlies
Key Additions: Jerryd Bayless (FA)
Key Losses: O.J Mayo (FA)
6. Denver Nuggets
Key Additions: Anthony Randolph
Key Losses:
7. Utah Jazz
Key Additions: Mo Williams (trade), Marvin Williams (trade)
Key Losses: Devin Harris (trade)
8. Dallas Mavericks
Key Additions: Chris Kaman (FA), Darren Collision (trade), O.J Mayo (FA), Elton Brand (amnesty bid)
Key Losses: Brendan Haywood (amnesty), Jason Kidd (FA), Jason Terry (FA)
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
Key Additions: Chase Budinger (trade)
Key Losses: Michael Beasley (FA), Darko Millicic (amnesty)
15. Phoenix Suns
Key Additions: Goran Dragic (FA), Kendall Marshall (draft), Michael Beasley (FA), Luis Scola (amnesty bid)
Key Losses: Steve Nash (s&t)
16. Houston Rockets
Key Additions: Jeremy Lin (RFA), Jeremy Lamb (draft), Royce White (draft), Terrence Jones (draft), Jonas
Key Losses: Luis Scola (amnesty), Samuel Dalembert (trade), Kyle Lowry (trade), Goran Dragic (trade), Chase Budinger (trade)
Key Additions: Perry Jones (draft), Hasheem Thabeet
Key Losses: NONE
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Key Additions: Steve Nash (s&t), Antwan Jamison (FA)
Key Losses: Ramon Sessions (FA)
3. San Antonio Spurs
Key Additions: Boris Diaw (re-signed), Danny Green (re-signed)
Key Losses: NONE
4. Los Angeles Clippers
Key Additions: Jamal Crawford (FA), Lamar Odom (trade)
Key Losses: Mo Williams (trade), Nick Young (FA), Reggie Evans (trade)
5. Memphis Grizzlies
Key Additions: Jerryd Bayless (FA)
Key Losses: O.J Mayo (FA)
6. Denver Nuggets
Key Additions: Anthony Randolph
Key Losses:
7. Utah Jazz
Key Additions: Mo Williams (trade), Marvin Williams (trade)
Key Losses: Devin Harris (trade)
8. Dallas Mavericks
Key Additions: Chris Kaman (FA), Darren Collision (trade), O.J Mayo (FA), Elton Brand (amnesty bid)
Key Losses: Brendan Haywood (amnesty), Jason Kidd (FA), Jason Terry (FA)
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
Key Additions: Chase Budinger (trade)
Key Losses: Michael Beasley (FA), Darko Millicic (amnesty)
15. Phoenix Suns
Key Additions: Goran Dragic (FA), Kendall Marshall (draft), Michael Beasley (FA), Luis Scola (amnesty bid)
Key Losses: Steve Nash (s&t)
16. Houston Rockets
Key Additions: Jeremy Lin (RFA), Jeremy Lamb (draft), Royce White (draft), Terrence Jones (draft), Jonas
Key Losses: Luis Scola (amnesty), Samuel Dalembert (trade), Kyle Lowry (trade), Goran Dragic (trade), Chase Budinger (trade)
Monday, July 9, 2012
Knicks Obtain Camby in Sign & Trade Deal
"Camby's contract will be for $13.2 million over three years. The Rockets will receive guard Toney Douglas , center Jerome Jordan , forward Josh Harrellson and second-round picks in 2014 and 2015, according to a league source."
I'll be honest, when I first saw "$13.2 million" I was shocked (even spread out over the three years). But an average salary of $4.4 million per season is actually good value for what Camby brings to the table. His rebounding, defense, and veteran leadership will surpass any value Josh Harrelson, Toney Douglas, and Jerome Jordan would've provided this season combined. Those two 2nd rounders were "sweetners" and the only real incentive for Houston to play ball; but despite their low superficial value, I think those two picks (and the "cash" which is really just New York having to pay all of Toney Douglas' salary) was the point where New York overpaid for Marcus Camby.
Regardless, Camby adds depth to the Knick's frontcourt and will primarily serve as Tyson Chandler's backup (an upgrade over Jared Jeffries). I wouldn't mind bringing back Jeffries for the veteran's minimum to serve as our 3rd big; but the front office needs to shift their focus onto finding a 3rd string PG and wing players who can fill out the roster and who are committed on the defensive side of the ball.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Best Bargains and Worst Contracts In Sports
Every sports fan has heard of Eddy Curry's contract that was signed back in 2005, $60 million over six-years with the New York Knicks, and thankfully it has come to an end. We are using the term "contract" very loosely here, by definition it requires "both sides for receive consideration." Curry only appeared in 222 of a possible 492 games and never appeared in the playoffs. Additionally, his contributions during his two best seasons in New York only helped produce 0.6 for the team (according to advanced statistics) and the final three seasons he's managed to produce minus 3.9 wins. So this agreement should be more accurately called a gift: the Knicks "donating" to Eddy Curry, which have now ended. It's time we examine other humorously ridiculous contracts. Which contract in sports rivals Eddy Curry's in comedic value?
Upon investigation, Barry Zito is clearly baseball's version of Eddy Curry: a parasite that keeps on sucking dollars out of its host's pockets. Giants fans are feeling the same frustration, anger, and pure disgust that Knicks fans felt for six seasons. Zito has a contract that similarly seems to never die. At least Knicks fan have rid themselves of Curry and his massive price tag; finally enjoying success and players living up to their contracts (so far). Unlike Curry, Zito is still milking millions from his team, owed $46 million over the next two seasons and even a potential 2014 option that could vest*. The total contract signed back in 2006 is valued at $126 million over seven years. It would be a stretch to call Zito's performance over that stretch average. An under .500 record and ERA** approaching 5 are numbers worthy of being released or sent down to the minors in most cases. Somehow San Francisco managed to win a championship despite their handicap, of course their highest paid player was not a member of the World Series roster.
It's hard to have a contract as catastrophic as Eddy Curry's in the NHL, simply because their salary cap system does not allow it. In simple terms, each year the NHL establishes a salary cap and a salary floor, the floor being approximately $16 million the cap. More importantly, no one player's annual salary can exceed 20% of that year's assigned salary cap. Despite these restrictions, the Tampa Bay Lighting did everything in their power to try and top the Knick's in terms of myopathy. The team signed Vincent Lecavalier to an eleven-year, $85 million contract back in July of 2008. That's an average salary of almost $8 million a season, a figure that is by no means as mind-boggling as others mentioned in this article; but within the context of the NHL, is equally absurd. The contract was front-loaded*** so the first three seasons Lecavalier has been earning $10 million annually. He was the highest paid player in both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, and this year is only topped by Brad Richards ($12 million from the Rangers). To give a sense of just how high this amount was, let's see the highest theoretical amount a player could earn under the NHL's salary cap rules: 09-10: $11.36 million, 10-11: $11.88 million, 11-12: $12.86 million. So Lecavalier was essentially given a "max contract". This is term commonly used in NBA free agency; but only when discussing the contracts of the league's elite players such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Vincent Lecavalier's production has been far from elite. In fact, last season, he finished tied 49th among NHL players in goals scored and 71st in total points-- not the type of production you expect from the league's highest paid player, in only the second year of an ELEVEN year deal.
I didn't consider any player still on a rookie contract for this list. Of course Jeremy Lin would be the easy choice making around $700k; but I found a more intriguing example after analysis of free agent deals and extensions. Kyle Lowry is by far the best bargain in the NBA today. During a time where max contracts are being handed out by the bunches, Lowry's deal with the Rockets only pays him $5.75 million this season. He is putting up gaudy numbers in the first half of the season: 15.6 ppg, 7.6 apg, 5.3 rpg, to go along with 2 steals and 2 threes. Based on these numbers, any fan will agree that not only is he the biggest steal in the league, but it's outrageous that he isn't playing in the All-Star game this weekend. Lowry does everything a point guard should do, plus more, for this Rockets ball club. When they've need him to score, he lights it up: 32 points (7-8 from 3 point range) against the Jazz just last weekend; or dish out 18 assist and only score 2 points (both on free-throws) like we saw back on New Year's Eve, when they need him to distribute. On top of all the counting stats and eye-popping numbers, a lot of his value doesn't show up in the box score: leadership, poise, and the toughness he shows taking numerous charges despite his size and position on the court. Before the 2010 season Kyle Lowry was a restricted free agent. Lost in the drama of LeBron's "Decision" and formation of Miami's Big 3, the Rockets matched Cleveland's 4 year $23 million offer sheet, retaining his services. Clearly we see why Daryl Morey was eager to keep this dynamic player-maker.
Claude Giroux is the complete opposite of
*Vest-
**ERA- Earned Run Average
***front-loaded=
Upon investigation, Barry Zito is clearly baseball's version of Eddy Curry: a parasite that keeps on sucking dollars out of its host's pockets. Giants fans are feeling the same frustration, anger, and pure disgust that Knicks fans felt for six seasons. Zito has a contract that similarly seems to never die. At least Knicks fan have rid themselves of Curry and his massive price tag; finally enjoying success and players living up to their contracts (so far). Unlike Curry, Zito is still milking millions from his team, owed $46 million over the next two seasons and even a potential 2014 option that could vest*. The total contract signed back in 2006 is valued at $126 million over seven years. It would be a stretch to call Zito's performance over that stretch average. An under .500 record and ERA** approaching 5 are numbers worthy of being released or sent down to the minors in most cases. Somehow San Francisco managed to win a championship despite their handicap, of course their highest paid player was not a member of the World Series roster.
It's hard to have a contract as catastrophic as Eddy Curry's in the NHL, simply because their salary cap system does not allow it. In simple terms, each year the NHL establishes a salary cap and a salary floor, the floor being approximately $16 million the cap. More importantly, no one player's annual salary can exceed 20% of that year's assigned salary cap. Despite these restrictions, the Tampa Bay Lighting did everything in their power to try and top the Knick's in terms of myopathy. The team signed Vincent Lecavalier to an eleven-year, $85 million contract back in July of 2008. That's an average salary of almost $8 million a season, a figure that is by no means as mind-boggling as others mentioned in this article; but within the context of the NHL, is equally absurd. The contract was front-loaded*** so the first three seasons Lecavalier has been earning $10 million annually. He was the highest paid player in both the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, and this year is only topped by Brad Richards ($12 million from the Rangers). To give a sense of just how high this amount was, let's see the highest theoretical amount a player could earn under the NHL's salary cap rules: 09-10: $11.36 million, 10-11: $11.88 million, 11-12: $12.86 million. So Lecavalier was essentially given a "max contract". This is term commonly used in NBA free agency; but only when discussing the contracts of the league's elite players such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Vincent Lecavalier's production has been far from elite. In fact, last season, he finished tied 49th among NHL players in goals scored and 71st in total points-- not the type of production you expect from the league's highest paid player, in only the second year of an ELEVEN year deal.
I didn't consider any player still on a rookie contract for this list. Of course Jeremy Lin would be the easy choice making around $700k; but I found a more intriguing example after analysis of free agent deals and extensions. Kyle Lowry is by far the best bargain in the NBA today. During a time where max contracts are being handed out by the bunches, Lowry's deal with the Rockets only pays him $5.75 million this season. He is putting up gaudy numbers in the first half of the season: 15.6 ppg, 7.6 apg, 5.3 rpg, to go along with 2 steals and 2 threes. Based on these numbers, any fan will agree that not only is he the biggest steal in the league, but it's outrageous that he isn't playing in the All-Star game this weekend. Lowry does everything a point guard should do, plus more, for this Rockets ball club. When they've need him to score, he lights it up: 32 points (7-8 from 3 point range) against the Jazz just last weekend; or dish out 18 assist and only score 2 points (both on free-throws) like we saw back on New Year's Eve, when they need him to distribute. On top of all the counting stats and eye-popping numbers, a lot of his value doesn't show up in the box score: leadership, poise, and the toughness he shows taking numerous charges despite his size and position on the court. Before the 2010 season Kyle Lowry was a restricted free agent. Lost in the drama of LeBron's "Decision" and formation of Miami's Big 3, the Rockets matched Cleveland's 4 year $23 million offer sheet, retaining his services. Clearly we see why Daryl Morey was eager to keep this dynamic player-maker.
Claude Giroux is the complete opposite of
*Vest-
**ERA- Earned Run Average
***front-loaded=
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Lin-sanely Deep
With Baron Davis' anticipated return, the singing of J.R Smith, and emergence of Jeremy Lin; the Knicks have a plethora of capable guards on their roster. The backcourt is becoming pretty crowded, and allocating minutes between guys is gonna be a tough call for Mike D'Antoni. Obviously Jeremy Lin has more than earned the starting point guard job and can be penciled in for 35+ minutes a night (excluding blowouts).
The shooting guard position has been the question mark the last two seasons but Landry Fields has become the regular starter due to his versatility and he should keep that spot after the recent relationship he developed with Jeremy Lin.
J.R Smith made his debut today and almost overtook Lin as the Garden favorite. Knocking down threes, pumping up the crowd, and running the floor, Smith is going to provide the athleticism and bench scoring Mike D'Antoni's squad really needs. It may seem like a good idea to insert him into the starting shooting guard spot because of Fields' recent erratic play, but Smith has been a Six Man of the Year candidate during his days in Denver and should thrive in that role (provided he plays substantial minutes off the bench).
Iman Shumpert seems to be the guy who will see the biggest decrease in playing time. Before Lin, Shumpert was the starter and by default getting big minutes. Even with Douglas kept in the dog-house, Shumpert will be the 4th option at guard. The one thing that will guarantee big minutes for Shumpert is his outstanding defense. He will likely come off the bench as a combo guard, throw him in there along side Lin or even have him play some point.
Bill Walker played some huge minutes and knocked down big shots for this team during the recent winning streak. Today he was a late scratch that allowed for the Knicks to activate J.R Smith; and we all saw how that turned out today. Smith will probably take the minutes and shots that Walker has recently had, which puts Walker into a reserve role; not quite Toney Douglas status, but close to it.
The shooting guard position has been the question mark the last two seasons but Landry Fields has become the regular starter due to his versatility and he should keep that spot after the recent relationship he developed with Jeremy Lin.
J.R Smith made his debut today and almost overtook Lin as the Garden favorite. Knocking down threes, pumping up the crowd, and running the floor, Smith is going to provide the athleticism and bench scoring Mike D'Antoni's squad really needs. It may seem like a good idea to insert him into the starting shooting guard spot because of Fields' recent erratic play, but Smith has been a Six Man of the Year candidate during his days in Denver and should thrive in that role (provided he plays substantial minutes off the bench).
Iman Shumpert seems to be the guy who will see the biggest decrease in playing time. Before Lin, Shumpert was the starter and by default getting big minutes. Even with Douglas kept in the dog-house, Shumpert will be the 4th option at guard. The one thing that will guarantee big minutes for Shumpert is his outstanding defense. He will likely come off the bench as a combo guard, throw him in there along side Lin or even have him play some point.
Bill Walker played some huge minutes and knocked down big shots for this team during the recent winning streak. Today he was a late scratch that allowed for the Knicks to activate J.R Smith; and we all saw how that turned out today. Smith will probably take the minutes and shots that Walker has recently had, which puts Walker into a reserve role; not quite Toney Douglas status, but close to it.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
2011 NFL: Surprises & Disappointments
As Wild Card Weekend comes to a close, I decided to recap the major story lines of the 2011 NFL season. It was a year filled with uncertainty, due to the lockout; but once the games got underway we were surrounded by huge surprises and major disappointments.
Out of the 12 teams that earned playoff spots, the three biggest surprises would have to be the Bengals, Broncos, and 49ers.
Although Cincinnati got eliminated in the first round, they far out produced anyone's expectations. Rookie Duo Andy Dalton and A.J Green, along with young pieces like Jermaine Gresham and Jerome Simpson, give the Bengals a bright future in the passing game. Cedric Benson is an unrestricted free agent and it's unclear, due to all his legal troubles, if they will look to resign him. Regardless, backup RB Bernard Scott still has one more season on his rookie contract and will see an increased workload in 2012.
Tim Tebow. He took over for Kyle Orton and ended up sending Denver to the playoffs as AFC West champs. Tonight he made a phenomenal throw in overtime to knockoff the heavily-favored Pittsburgh Steelers. Tebow and the Broncos head to Foxborrow to take on the Patriots next weekend, looking more different results than their first meeting.
Maybe Alex Smith finally found an offensive coordinator who he can develop a multi-year relationship with. One of the best defenses in the league is augmented by Frank Gore and San Francisco's run game. Alex Smith hasn't been asked to create much offense or be the focal point, which has evidently made him comfortable.
Now we look at a couple of teams who were expected to still be playing football well into January: the Eagles, Jets, and Chargers.
Being eliminated in Week 16 is not what Vince Young predicted when he called Philly the "Dream Team." This team did not meet their expectations by any stretch of the imagination; but the team has decided to retain Andy Reid as head coach and hope for a better showing in 2012. Hopefully DeSean Jackson's contract situation is resolved so he and Jeremy Maclin can return to being one of the most dominant pair of receivers in the entire league. LeSean McCoy was easily the best running back in the NFC this season. If Vick can stay healthy for an entire season, this offense will break records at a scary rate next season. The pieces are there on defense; a stronger commitment from some of their role players, as well as some additions through the draft should make Philly a scary force once again on both sides of the ball.
Out of the 12 teams that earned playoff spots, the three biggest surprises would have to be the Bengals, Broncos, and 49ers.
Although Cincinnati got eliminated in the first round, they far out produced anyone's expectations. Rookie Duo Andy Dalton and A.J Green, along with young pieces like Jermaine Gresham and Jerome Simpson, give the Bengals a bright future in the passing game. Cedric Benson is an unrestricted free agent and it's unclear, due to all his legal troubles, if they will look to resign him. Regardless, backup RB Bernard Scott still has one more season on his rookie contract and will see an increased workload in 2012.
Tim Tebow. He took over for Kyle Orton and ended up sending Denver to the playoffs as AFC West champs. Tonight he made a phenomenal throw in overtime to knockoff the heavily-favored Pittsburgh Steelers. Tebow and the Broncos head to Foxborrow to take on the Patriots next weekend, looking more different results than their first meeting.
Maybe Alex Smith finally found an offensive coordinator who he can develop a multi-year relationship with. One of the best defenses in the league is augmented by Frank Gore and San Francisco's run game. Alex Smith hasn't been asked to create much offense or be the focal point, which has evidently made him comfortable.
Now we look at a couple of teams who were expected to still be playing football well into January: the Eagles, Jets, and Chargers.
Being eliminated in Week 16 is not what Vince Young predicted when he called Philly the "Dream Team." This team did not meet their expectations by any stretch of the imagination; but the team has decided to retain Andy Reid as head coach and hope for a better showing in 2012. Hopefully DeSean Jackson's contract situation is resolved so he and Jeremy Maclin can return to being one of the most dominant pair of receivers in the entire league. LeSean McCoy was easily the best running back in the NFC this season. If Vick can stay healthy for an entire season, this offense will break records at a scary rate next season. The pieces are there on defense; a stronger commitment from some of their role players, as well as some additions through the draft should make Philly a scary force once again on both sides of the ball.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Looking Ahead: Beating the Beasts of the East
 |
| David and Goliath: MLB Edition |
Before the 2011 season even started, everyone knew the AL and NL East was already decided. The Yankees or Red Sox would take the division title (with the "loser" grabbing a Wild Card spot) and the only question in the National League East was how early into the season the Phillies clinched. The Central and West divisions in both leagues are fairly open and each has two or three teams, "equal" in ability, fighting for the spot atop their respective division. Teams like Baltimore, Toronto, and Atlanta would seeminly thrive if they could get out of the East, although the Phillies dyntasy is only a recent creation, the Yankees and Red Sox have dominated the AL East (with minimal distractions from the Rays) for three decades. If you combine the rosters of New York (Yankees), Boston, and Philly you pretty much have 2 full All-Star teams, including pitching staffs and bullpen. Sadly (as a die hard Yankee fan), I think these 3 teams are going to be making some noise the next couple seasons; and we could even see a newly crowned divison leader sooner rather than later.
Baltimore, the worst team (record-wise) in the American League, has a lot more talent than their record reveals. Buck Showalter took over this team last season and really seemed to influence the chemistry in the locker room and raise the team morale, but that rejuvination seemed to desipate as the wear-and-tear of the 2011 season began to surface. There has been a tougher division, past or present, than the AL East since the turn of the milenium, dominated by the high salary caps' of Boston and New York. The Orioles have a ridiculously good young hitting core though. Matt Weiters was an All-Star this year behind the plate and may finally begin to show signs that he can live up to all the hype that surrounded him as a top prospect. The team has a good model in place, as they are building the roster up the middle (Catcher- Middle Infield-CF). A few weeks ago, on July 18th, Baltimore locked up J.J Hardy to a 3 year extension (worth $22.5 million) and back in 2009 the front office was able to also extend Brian Robert's contract (4 years, $40 million). Although the team recently shifted Roberts to the 60-day DL, he still started of 2011 with a hot bat and great speed. Hopefully the second baseman can finally rid himself of this injury bug and return to his All-Star form. With Hardy at short and Roberts at second the middle infield will be one of the best up and coming duos in the entire league, a tandum with great speed, range on defense, and rare power for their respective positions. The last piece is in center field, Adam Jones (who came over from Seattle back in 08 during the Erik Bedard trade), is arbitration eligible in 2012-2013. Right now he is only making $3.5 million and that number will surely go up if he hits the open market, so it's important for Baltimore to keep him happy and willing to commit to staying with the Orioles. Jones has the ability to bat in the leadoff spot or also be a threat in the middle of the lineup; I think the Orioles, with their young core, are going to go with a speed over power mentality, meaning Hardy/Roberts will bat 1 and 2 (in either order) with Jones 3rd. I like moving Mark Reynolds to first base and due to his high strike out rate I would bat him 6th, a postion where RBIs will be plentiful but the K's wil be less costly. The young stud Matt Weiters can hold down the 5th spot, taking pressure off Reynolds and racking up the RBIs. Nick Markakis, the teams best hitter and sole veteran, should bat clean up and can have a MVP-type season if the top of the order stays healthy and matures. Felix Pie may not be in the team's plans long term but with Luke Scott on the DL I think they should start Pie in the "Brett Gardner role" (a true CF bringing his speed and skill set to LF, and batting 9th as a "second lead off man"). Pie 9th will be a tough out and if he can work out his personal issues and cool down the attitue maybe the Orioles can commit to him for the future. All that is left in terms of batting is the 7 and 8 hole (manned by the team's DH and 3B). I would let the young Blake Davis try and hold his own at 3rd, even though he's a short stop and move Nate Reimold to a platoon at DH until Vlad is a free agent in 2012. Unless the team finds a very attractive trade offer or free agent, this looks like the future batting order; rotate around Pie (LF/DH), Reimold (LF/DH), Reynolds (1B, DH, 3B), and Blake Davis (3B) to find a combination that works and allows eahc guy to mature into his own role. With the trade of Derrek Lee ($7.25 million) and expiring contracts of Vladimir Guerrero ($8 million) and Luke Scott ($6.4 million); the Orioles will have a combined $22 million off the books just from those 3 guys, enough to go out and spend on a veteran bat to be everyday guy at LF or 3B. In terms of the pitching staff: Mike Gonzalez ($6 million) and Jeremy Guthrie ($5.75 million) are the two biggest names off the book (adding $12 million the $22 million previously noted, totaling $34 million of cap space from 5 "dispensile" free agents to-be). Potential FA targets at SP include: Brandon Webb, Chris Young, Hiroki Kuroda, Freddy Garcia, Javier Vazquez, Jon Garland, Aaron Harang, Rich Harden, Scott Kazmir, Oliver Perez, Brad Penny, and even Roy Oswalt. For a complete list of all 2012 free agents, click here: MLB Contracts. If they can snag one or two veteran pitchers on the cheaper end that could really improve this roster until their pitching prosects develop. Zach Britton can be a solid middle of the rotation guy, and they should look to re-sign their "ace" Jeremy Guthrie. Combining this with the potential signings of Hideki Matsui at DH, Ryan Ludwick or Raul Ibanez in LF, and Eric Chavez or Aramis Ramirez at 3B would really firm up their chances of knocking off the mighty Yankees and Red Sox.
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