2009 Free Agents

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 hitting possibilities:

There's a decent catcher crop all in their thirties. Kenji Johjima of the Mariners is the only one who is a near lock to be a positive contributor. The Yankees already have Posada, though, and Johjima isn't going to sign to be a backup.
At 1B, the Yankees will lose Giambi, who has a $22 mil. club option that definitely will be declined. Richie Sexson (Mariners), Nomar (Dodgers), and Delgado (mutual option with Mets) might be available, but the big fish is Mark Teixeira (Braves) who the Yankees will die for. He solves the first base problem perfectly, adding a great balanced bat with phenomenal defense. 7-8 years at $20 mil. per sounds like a reasonable prediction.
Second base has a first base candidate in Jeff Kent (Dodgers), and a Gold-Glover in Orlando Hudson (Arizona), but the Yanks got Cano.
Captain Jeter isn't moving, but Orlando Cabrera (White Sox) is going to be a free agent. DEFENSE!!!
Not much for third base because Chipper Jones isn't leaving the Braves and Glaus (B-Jays), Crede (W-Sox), and Blalock (Rangers) are all injury risks. Plus, we got A-Rod.
Carl Crawford (club option w/Rays), Manny Ramirez (club opt. w/BlowSox), Guerrero (club opt. w/Angels), Griffey (club opt. w/Reds), Brian Giles (Padres club opt.) and Rocco Baldelli (club opt. w/Rays) all have the potential to be free agents, if their clubs allow it. Only Baldelli, Giles, and Griffey actually have a chance, though. Other outfielders include Patty Burrell, former Yank Juan Rivera, Jay Payton, Jacques Jones, Raul Ibanez, Casey Blake, and Milton Bradley. Also, our own Bobby Abreu will be a free agent. Depending on next season's performance, the Yanks will either bring him back for one more year, or let him go for two draft picks. Yankees could sign someone to replace him, or bring up a prospect (Austin Jackson?). Baldelli could also be picked up. I don't particularly care for the others (except for the ones with options that will be exercised).


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