2009 free agent pitching

At MLB Trade Rumors, they're already looking ahead to next year, listing free agents at each position.

Let's take a look at some interesting pitching possibilities:

There's so many starters. John Lackey (angels) and John Smoltz (braves) both have club options that will be exercised. A.J. Burnett (Jays) can opt out of his contract (like A-Rod). Otherwise, there's Jon Garland, Johan Santana, C.C. Sabathia, Pedro, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, Derek Lowe, Oliver Perez, and Ben Sheets for guys who would help. I'm sure I would really want Lowe, Perez, Burnett, Pedro, Mussina, and Garland, all of whom provide a significant risk with little upside. Santana, Sabathia, and Sheets are guys who must be pursued with no reluctance (barring a unforseen injury). Pettitte will want to pitch, and Yankees will re-sign him. The thing is, I don't see the Yankees having a open rotation slot for 2009 with Kennedy, Wang, Pettitte, Chamberlain, Hughes, and maybe Alan Horne. Hopefully, the Yankees get a draft pick for Mussina.

Relievers:
Wow, bull market!

Closers: The great Hoffman (no chance at signing), Isringhausen, Brian Fuentes, Brad Lidge, Joe Nathan, Francisco Rodriguez, and Al Reyes will all be out there. Sign any and our bullpen will be one of the best. My order of preference is (based on performance and money): Rodriguez, Nathan, Fuentes, Lidge, Isringhausen, and Reyes (Hoffman won't leave San Diego).

Set-up men: Rafael Soriano, Damaso Marte, Dan Wheeler, Kerry Wood, and Alan Embree would all be valuable additions to the bullpen, posting ERA's less than 4.00, closer to 3.00, which is better than just about all of the Yankees 'pen last year.



http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/2009-mlb-free-a.html