Offseason needs for NL, AL teams

By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published November 2, 2008 at 6 a.m.

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Baseball’s offseason begins this week. The annual general managers’ meetings begin today in Dana Point, Calif. A look at what each team wants to do in the offseason:

Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images

Milwaukee isn't expected to retain left-hander CC Sabathia.

NL CENTRAL

CUBS want to re-sign free-agent RHPs Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood and CF Jim Edmonds. Quality left-handed reliever needed for bullpen balance.

REDS’ plan for patience means no free-agent bidding, although they would like to re-sign RHP David Weathers, INF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr. and possibly LHP Jeremy Affeldt.

ASTROS need depth in rotation behind RHP Roy Oswalt. Brad Ausmus’ free agency and J.R. Towles’ struggles leave need behind plate. Jury out on CF Michael Bourn.

BREWERS will make offers but don’t expect to retain free-agent LHP CC Sabathia and RHP Ben Sheets, which has them looking for lower-price rotation replacements and a closer.

PIRATES plan to step up youth movement and hope to add prospects for two remaining veterans with value on roster — 2B Freddy Sanchez and SS Jack Wilson.

CARDINALS re-signed RHP Kyle Lohse but need another starter if they don’t retain RHP Braden Looper. RHPs Chris Perez and Jason Motte could close, but they need veteran guidance.

Photo by Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Philadelphia must decide an a potential multiyear deal for pitcher Cole Hamels, the World Series Most Valuable Player.

NL EAST

BRAVES are faced with surgeries for RHP John Smoltz and LHP Tom Glavine, which could end their careers, and Tim Hudson is out until August after elbow surgery, meaning they need at least two starting pitchers.

MARLINS have 15 arbitration-eligible free agents, which won’t fit the payroll. 2B Dan Uggla has run-production abilities and could bring prospects while freeing up budget. 1B Mike Jacobs already has been dealt to Kansas City for reliever Leo Nuñez.

METS lost closer Billy Wagner for 2009 with late 2008 surgery. They’ll look to sign either RH closer Francisco Rodriguez or LHP Brian Fuentes to fill Wagner void, and add middle relievers.

PHILLIES have 10 arbitration-eligible players and seven potential free agents, including OF Pat Burrell, plus the questions of potential multiyear deals for LHP Cole Hamels and 1B Ryan Howard.

NATIONALS are looking for run-producing outfielder and have shown strong interest in Rockies’ Matt Holliday. There has been speculation of a management split and possibility president Stan Kasten will take similar role in Toronto.

Photo by David Zalubowski/Associated Press

Colorado figures to use Matt Holliday in a deal to add pitchers to the rotation and bullpen.

NL WEST

DIAMONDBACKS have to replace free-agent 2B Orlando Hudson and LHP Randy Johnson. With Conor Jackson, Eric Byrnes and Chad Tracy all capable of playing first base or left field, the hope is one of them can be used to fill need.

ROCKIES won’t sign LF Matt Holliday or 3B Garrett Atkins long term, and they figure to use them in deals to add pitchers who fit in No. 3 starter role or higher and add depth to bullpen that will miss free-agent closer Brian Fuentes.

DODGERS want to re-sign LF Manny Ramirez and SS Rafael Furcal, and if they come up short, they have to find replacements. They also could decide to let RHPs Brad Penny and Derek Lowe leave, but then would need rotation help.

PADRES have been shopping SS Khalil Greene, who two years ago was considered long-range cornerstone. Lack of available help in farm system and limited budget make improving roster a challenge.

GIANTS have to find a cleanup hitter. Bengie Molina is productive but needs to be down in lineup so he doesn’t bring offense to a halt when he is on base. They have arms and could deal for young, impact bat.

Photo by Barry Gutierrez © The Rocky

The Tigers most likely will have to scratch left-hander Brian Fuentes, a prime free agent, off their wish list.

AL CENTRAL

WHITE SOX SS Orlando Cabrera, 3B Joe Crede and INF Juan Uribe are free agents. Alexei Ramirez will move from second to shortstop, with Chris Getz taking over at second, but Josh Fields no longer is considered third base answer.

INDIANS have to rebuild league’s worst bullpen, starting with a closer. They could move SS Jhonny Peralta to third, but that merely switches need to middle infield. Search continues for run-producing outfielder.

TIGERS have to sort out a bullpen that needs a closer, but they aren’t expected to expand payroll budget, which rules out RHP Francisco Rodriguez and most likely LHP Brian Fuentes, two prime free agents.

ROYALS acquired 1B Mike Jacobs from Marlins to fill need for an impact bat. They are looking to move OF Mark Teahen to add pitching. RHPs Gil Meche and Zack Greinke are a start for rotation, but at least one more arm must be found.

TWINS have young nucleus in place but need to add bullpen depth. RHP Pat Neshek (strained elbow) is expected to be ready for spring training. LHP Jose Mijares could be late-inning factor, but a veteran middle reliever would be welcomed.

Photo by Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Boston needs to re-sign catcher Jason Varitek.

AL EAST

ORIOLES have only one starter they can depend on — Jeremy Guthrie — putting them in need of a veteran arm or two to help stabilize while prospects develop.

RED SOX are ready to give Jed Lowrie the shortstop job, putting pressure on management to unload Julio Lugo and $18 million he is guaranteed over next two seasons. CF Coco Crisp also will be shopped. Need to re-sign C Jason Varitek.

YANKEES’ failure to advance to postseason has ownership ready to shell out bucks in search of pitching help, and bidding will start with CC Sabathia, with the possibilities of A.J. Burnett and Ben Sheets also.

RAYS have five starters 27 or younger, with farm system ready to add the likes of David Price, Jeff Niemann, Wade Davis and Mitch Talbot, which gives them quality options in looking to add a run-producing outfielder.

BLUE JAYS’ bust on Frank Thomas last year leaves them looking for a DH, which will start with talks about Jason Giambi. Shortstop and catching remain major voids, but there is not much to offer in trade.

Photo by Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez is expected to be a prime free-agent target.

AL WEST

ANGELS have two key free agents — RH closer Francisco Rodriguez and 1B Mark Teixeira. Rodriguez will be a prime target. But with Scott Boras as Teixeira’s agent, Angels figure to back off unless his asking price drops.

A'S have re-signed 2B Mark Ellis and now are looking for a run-producing bat, which GM Billy Beane said is affordable in light of payroll cuts in recent years. 3B Eric Chavez’s shoulder continues to be a concern. SS Bobby Crosby is available.

MARINERS hired Jack Zduriencik as GM whose first challenge is hiring a manager. Then comes challenge of rebuilding organization from bottom up. LHP Erik Bedard and RHP Carlos Silva, last year’s addition, can be had.

RANGERS pitching staff has been atrocious in all areas, which has become a focus for club president Nolan Ryan, a Hall of Fame pitcher, who wants to see better mental approach to mound work.

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