End of the Beginning: Yankees’ Win Means Free Agency Begins

The New York Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 7-3, clinching the World Series title for their 27th title.  From the Dodger perspective, the victory signals the official beginning of the offseason, and more importantly the beginning of free agency.  The Dodgers have many looming questions, starting with the rotation.  While the team has expressed interest in retaining Vicente Padilla, that’s not where the market ends.  They must also begin a strong search for an “ace”: some kind of dominant pitcher to take control of a young pitching staff.  Randy Wolf is almost assured of a big contract somewhere else, and with a thin market for starting pitching, the odds of finding this rare ace are not in LA’s favor.  John Lackey is a free agent, but his demands could exceed $100 million over four years.  The team could pursue Roy Halladay through a trade, but that would require top-of-the-line prospects, and the front office has already shown reluctance at the idea of depleting the already pilfered farm system.

For the pitching, the best bet might be either Joel Piniero or Jason Marquis.  The two pitchers are consistent, healthy, and had very strong 2009 campaigns.  The Dodgers could try a high-risk, high-reward pitcher like Rich Harden or Erik Bedard as well.  Those kinds of pitchers usually yield short-term, incentive-laden contracts, though injuries will be a recurring concern.

Second base raises another issue.  Much like Wolf, Orlando Hudson will likely find a big contract for his services.  Ronnie Belliard could be retained, or the Dodgers may look outside at someone like Chone Figgins.  The 2B market is thin, just like the starting pitching market, but there is one appealing item dangling in front of the Dodgers: Dan Uggla.  The Marlins’ second-baseman is due a large raise, and for a small-market club like Florida, they cannot afford him and Hanley Ramirez.  Uggla is a hard hitter, and while his defense lacks the dazzle Hudson brought, it is negligible when coupled with his offensive might.

The Dodgers have many questions, and with the McCourts’ divorce drama, it will most likely shape up for one of the most high-maintenance offseasons yet.  And it starts with Manny Ramirez, who has little time left to make a decision regarding his $20 million option for the 2010 season.

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