Marlins Hook Reyes

Like I said, Heath Bell just the first big name to land in Miami this offseason. Second, Jose Reyes, who just inked a 6 year $106 million deal. Also I apologize for not mentioning the Marlins also landed Ozzie Guillen, who should be recognized as a big name acquisition, however he is a manager so I’m just talking about players in this case. Jose Reyes who has had durability issues in the past, played 126 games this past season which isn’t that bad so hopefully he can play at least that many in Miami for years to come. He was the NL batting champ this past season, 5^th in the NL in runs and 6^th in stolen bases. He was probably the most coveted free agent outside of Pujols and Fielder this offseason. The Marlins now have filled a void at 3^rd base as it’s assumed Hanley Ramirez will move their while Reyes takes shortstop, also this will give them a stud leadoff hitter in Reyes. It’s being said that the Marlins are now focusing their attentions on Pujols, which to me is very unlikely of actually happening, but if it did that would certainly shift the dynamics of the NL East. They are also continuing to pursue CJ Wilson and Mark Buherle. The winter meetings are now upon us so we may see them land someone else big soon. This proves the Marlins are definitely committed to spending money and competing this offseason. With Reyes gone from the Mets, as well as virtually everyone else besides David Wright and Johan Santana, look for the Mets to listen to offers for the two remaining vets. Replacing Reyes at short for the Mets will most likely be Ruben Tejada, the young shortstop prospect. The Mets are clearly in a rebuilding phase, and the Marlins are clearly in a reloading phase. Reyes seems to be a risk due mostly to durability, not production concerns, so only time will tell if this is truly a good signing. I guess the Marlins decided they’d rather go big than go home this year.

Brew Crew GM Time

A lot of people are asking what their favorite teams should do, or saying what their favorite teams should do this offseason. I’m going to play a little General Manager here, and try and make some moves for a team. Note I don’t have inside information only what’s provided online and what I can assume so I don’t know exactly how much they are willing to spend or anything like that, but this is what I would do, or something like it for the Brewers. Braun Morgan and Hart from left to right is a solid outfield, no need to do anything there. Weeks at 2B is good and I’d be content with Lucroy behind the dish. Axford closing, and Gallardo, Greinke, and Marcum as my 1-2-3 starters is also fine by me, this is a good framework the Brewers have. Major needs at SS, 1B, 3B, bullpen depth, and maybe starting pitching depth. I don’t really trust Gamel at 1B, and Wolf and Narveson are ok options at the end of the rotation but they could do better. So first of all the Brewers actually have a lot of young arms in the minors that should be ready in the upcoming few seasons. They may be able to give bullpen help this year if needed, so the bullpen isn’t vital to make moves for. At SS I’m looking at Reyes, Rollins, Alex Gonzalez, Betancourt and Furcal. At 1B I’m looking at Fielder, Pujols, Overbay, Pena, Kotchman, and Conor Jackson.  In my opinion they don’t have any key needs in their lineup say leadoff cleanup or whatever, they have some good hitters who can be moved around without too much hassle. So I’d guys I think have the best value not someone to necessarily fit a lineup. Tough decision but I like Reyes (as I cringe with the fear of injury) so I would make him a priority If I don’t get Fielder back. I don’t overpay for any of these guys though so I may have to move down the line. Rollins is not my first choice, he will probably be vastly overpaid, but who knows, so I’d say I’m looking at Furcal. Either way I’m going to get one of these guys. At first I try and Get Fielder, there is more 1B’s I like on the market but he makes my lineup the most dynamic so he’s still priority #1 overall. Now if I miss out on Fielder I’m probably going hard to get Reyes. If that happens I look to Pena at 1B, he gets on base, he has power, he is my second rate Prince Fielder. Pena would command a lot less money, but if I missed on him I would probably go Kotchman. Conor Jackson I think I would sign no matter what. I feel a lot more comfortable with Casey McGehee at 3B if I can put Jackson there if he falters, not to mention Jackson can play 1B, RF, LF too. So here are my two paths. 1. I sign Fielder, then I get Furcal hopefully. I still sign Conor Jackson because he has good value for my team in any case. 2. I sign Reyes, I sign either Pena or Kotchman to play 1B (with Gamel seeing a little time too) and I sign Jackson to give me depth everywhere. 3B I keep my eyes out for trades, I have solid backups everywhere in each situation, so I look to the bullpen if I have more money left. Finally, last concerns, I could use a utility guy, and or setup help, which I do not add in these scenarios but I could. (I would send some bullpen guy down or trade him if I signed setup help, if I add utility guy Gamel probably gets the boot to AAA or trade.) Sample lineups

1.       Furcal, Weeks, Braun, Fielder, Hart, Jackson, Lucroy, Morgan, P

2.       Reyes, Weeks, Braun, Hart, Pena, Jackson, Lucroy, Morgan, P

Bench in either case: McGehee, C. Gomez, Farris, Gamel, Kottaras

Rotation: Gallardo, Greinke, Marcum, Wolfe, Narveson

Bullpen: K. Loe, M. Estrada, B. Kintzler, M. Parra, T. Dillard, J. Axford, Pinero*

*I add Pinero for SP and RP depth, I put him in the bullpen.