Kuzul

I am not a general manager of any MLB team, but I am going to try and play one. 

With the Winter Meetings in the rearview mirror, the MLB offseason winding down, before we know it, pitchers and catchers are going to be reporting to spring training in just a couple of months.

But until then, teams will be looking to improve their rosters.  Whether its via free agency or trading for a player, each team has a need in which they need to fill before the season begins.

It might not be at the most important position, or in the clean-up spot in lineup, but this one move could be the difference between a World Series championship and a disappointing season. 

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about what their favorite team needs to do before next season to become contenders, but this is mine.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Let’s play ball.

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Looking ahead to 2011, many teams will look to improve their roster via free agency or by making a major trade during the off-season.

Teams like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are looking to sign a major free agent, and have their fan bases excited for this upcoming season.  However, the secret to a team’s success isn’t always found by signing the biggest free agent, or trading for a six-time all star.

The difference between a championship and missing the playoffs can be found in the minors.  For some teams, the future of the franchise lay in the hands of the top-rated prospect.  For others, general managers look to use their highly touted prospects as trade bait to reel in a big name to improve their roster, or in some cases, simply to boost ticket sales.

While everyone has their own opinion where Cliff Lee will end up, and have speculated which team Carl Crawford will sign with, these guys aren’t the only players making headlines during this offseason.

Let’s not forget about the Other Guys. 

So from Triple-A last season to the Majors in 2011, here are some big name prospects who will not only be difference makers in 2011, but because of their talent and expectations they are bringing to the show, these top prospects are preventing general managers from making big splashes this offseason, at their respective position.   

Sit back, relax, enjoy.

The winter meetings are set to begin.

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No one on this list needs an introduction. 

If you follow the Yankees, or simply, have been following baseball over it’s magnificent history, the names on this list speak for themselves. 

Although most of these players on this list are Hall of Famers, and while some will fall short of reaching Cooperstown, there is no doubt, they are all Yankee legends. 

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Ready. Aim. Fire.

Contract negotiations between Derek Jeter and the Yankees are well underway with both sides standing pat. 

The Yankees are not willing to offer Jeter a fourth year, and the Jeter camp is insulted with the Yankees initial offer of a three-year, $45 million deal. 

We all know Jeter is going to be a Yankee next season, and for the next couple of years. 

We all know he will be the starting shortstop when the season begins, and we all know Jeter will soon be nearing the end of the line in what will undoubtedly be a Hall of Fame career.   

The battle lines have been drawn and the Yankees are not backing down. 

Jeter enters this war after compiling career lows in a few offensive categories and, for the first time in his career, he does not have the upper hand. 

As Jeter seeks the contract he desires, don’t expect the Yankees to change their stance. 

At the end of the day, Jeter will be a Yankee, but unfortunately for Jeter, it’s going to be under the terms of the Yankees front office. 

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While 2009 ended with a World Series championship, 2010 ended in disappointment.

While the Texas Rangers celebrated in front of their home crowd and were heading to their first World Series championship in franchise history, the 2010 offseason was beginning for the New York Yankees.

The Yankees and their 200 million dollar payroll, began their offseason earlier than expected.  Now multiple uncertainties surround this team, with some of the greatest players in franchise history becoming free agents.

It’s sad to write, but even the almighty Yankees can’t be the best every year. Only most of the time.

As the Yankees get back to the drawing board, and look to re-tune for 2011, here are the 10 biggest offseason questions facing this team.

Sit back relax and enjoy.

Let’s play ball. 

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Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford are the biggest names of a lackluster 2010 MLB free agent class.

In only a matter of weeks, Lee will be re-joined with former Cleveland Indians teammate CC Sabathia in New York, and Crawford will be heading to Hollywood to become a member of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

This will leave the headlines open for players like Jayson Werth, Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko, who will be vying for major contracts, and looking for a team to call home. 

While a lot of the focus is on this year’s free agent class, I’m focusing on players who could possibly be dealt before the season begins.   

That free agent class will be highlighted by a duo of first basemen, Prince Fielder and Adrian Gonzalez, and, if Albert Pujols and the Cardinals can’t work out an extension, he will be the precious prize of 2011.

Let’s look at BJ Upton and 10 other available chips for 2011.

Let’s play ball. 

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This offseason, Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford will be headlining this year’s free-agent class.  Both players will be demanding major contracts, and both players might end up in New York.

Well, Lee will be in the Bronx, but the verdict is still out on Crawford.

For teams that can ill-afford to get the “Big Fish,” they must look at other options—the second-tier players.  Guys that can still contribute, but will be affordable to acquire. 

With the start of the offseason just five days away for the teams that failed to qualify for the playoffs, here are the 10 best “Buy Low” Candidates for this offseason.

You will not agree with all of my selections.  You will mention guys that I left off.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but this one is mine.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Let’s play ball. 

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Doesn’t the photograph of A.J. Burnett say it all?

I think it does (Yankee fans, including myself are used to it). 

Therefore, sit back, relax and enjoy, as you read “AJ Burnett and MLB’s 10 Contending Pitchers Who Do Not Deserve a Playoff Start.”

Let’s play ball.

The playoffs are around the corner. 

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“And down the stretch they come.”

Those words, made famous by horse racing announcer Dave Johnson, should be playing on  loudspeakers in baseball parks all across the country.

With the regular season coming to an end, there are some divisions still up for grabs, and wild cards still to be determined.

While we wait to see which teams will be playing in this “second season,” let’s take a look back at the greatest pennant-race performances of all-time.

While some players buckle under the pressure, these players performed when the lights shined the brightest, and were the difference between a playoff berth, and missing out on a chance at a World Series championship. 

Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Let’s play ball. 

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We all thought the Pirates and Marlins were in dire need of financial help.

We all were wrong.

A few weeks ago, documents were leaked pertaining to the Pirates and Marlins financial situations.

With the news, fans from Florida and Pittsburgh were outraged, and shock waves were felt around the MLB community.

What appeared to be two unprofitable teams simply trying to survive, are anything but. It is yet to be scene if the MLB is in trouble, as another strike is possibly looming.

As I present,10 reasons MLB is facing a labor dispute, we can only wonder what is next for baseball.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Let’s play ball. 

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