While other sports get warmed up, MLB goes into what should be a busy offseason

The 2007 MLB baseball season has come and gone. Before I take a look at what should be a very eventful off season let's talk Red Sox. It was once again another lackluster World Series, but that should take nothing away from the accomplishments of the Sox. They once again had their backs against the wall, down three games to one in the ALCS, and came back to show everyone just how dominant they are. The 2004 championship was about breaking a curse, but this time around it was about putting a stamp on who the best team in baseball is. The Rockies didn't stand a chance against a team who had a great mix of talented vets and youngsters. From the look of things, the Sox have a great chance to be the best in baseball for years to come. Their hitting and pitching are both among the best in baseball, they have an enormously talented young core, not to mention an owner who isn't afraid to open his check book. No matter what any other team in baseball does this off season, Boston should once again be penciled in to take it all in 2008.

The biggest story this off season will no doubt be where Alex Rodriguez ends up. A-Rod's agent announced last night that his client will opt out of the remaining three years on his contract with the Yankees. It's no secret that A-Rod is looking to secure a deal worth thirty million plus a season, which seems somewhat ridiculous. The only thing more ridiculous than what A-Rod will be paid is the fact that a team will pay him the money in hopes of winning a World Series. But the question is, who is gonna pay this much for a guy who's had next to no playoff success, and has a reputation of dividing a club house? The funny thing is, there's probably a few teams lining up. If the Yankees have any sense at all, they'll stay away. After all, haven't they learned their lesson that a team doesn't need an All-Star caliber line up from one to nine to win a World Series? Sure it helps to have a few big bats, but a possible $300 million dollar bat who hasn't proved himself in the post season probably isn't the way to go for the Bronx Bombers. Several teams mentioned as possible suitors include the Cubs, Angels, and Dodgers. I don't expect to see A-Rod in any one of these uniforms next year. He's made it clear that it isn't about winning, it's about money. Expect to see A-Rod sign a similar type of deal that he did close to seven years ago with the Rangers. Big Money, with a mediocre ball club. I wouldn't be surprised to see him sign with the Orioles. Think about it.

Now on to a couple of center fielders who will be looking for big money too. Andrew Jones and Torri Hunter. Jones sure picked a good year to have a .222 bating average. He still managed to get over 100 RBI's but his low batting average may be a sign that his best years are behind him. For his career he has a modest .262 batting average, but not many outfielders can match his athleticism in the outfield. Wherever he ends up, and it won't be with the Braves, someone will overpay. As for Hunter, he's also a multiple time Gold Glover who's had a little more success at the plate for his career than Jones. Hunter has stated that he'd love to stay with the Twins, but their known for being extremely stingy with their money. The Twins are moving into a new stadium soon, and you'd think that they'd want the best possible roster. You'd think that roster would include Hunter. If Vernon Wells can sign a $126 million contract, these two guys should at least equal that, but I see them getting more.

Mike Lowell is smart. In his contract year, not only did he have the best season of his career, but he capped it off to win World Series MVP. So ya know what that means. Mike Lowell is gonna get paid. Lowell has always been a steady hitter with a career .280 average but in his second season with Boston he hit .324 with 120 RBI's. Lowell is 33, so teams will probably offer at best 4 year deals. If the Red Sox don't pay up, I know another AL East team who might have a spot open at 3rd base. And no, I'm not talking about the Devil Rays.

Another big name expected to be on the move is Miguel Tejada of the Orioles. Tejada hasn't been happy for a few years now, and it appears the new management is ready to trade him. If the Angels can't get A-Rod, expect them to make a push. Another team who is could use a bat at shortstop is the Blue Jays, although it might be tough for them to trade with a division rival. Jays GM JP Richardi is desperate as he could be fighting for his job, so expect him to try to swing deal.

The Marlins have said they won't move Dontrelle Willis. The Mets will probably try to get him anyways. Even though he had an off season with a 10-15 record, he's still a hot commodity, so he could easily be sporting a new uniform. And what about baseball best pitcher Johan Santana? The Twins might be smart to move him now if they don't plan on dishing out the big bucks for him when he becomes a free agents. Santana will be demanding A-Rod money when his turn comes around, and I doubt the Twins will be willing to break open the bank. Why not trade him now for a proven arm, a decent bat, and some prospects. I doubt it will happen this year, but ya never know.

Even though the World Series didn't have too much excitement it was a pretty good year. Records were broken, dreams were made, and tears were shed(mostly by Yankee and Mets fans). Baseball's off season is often the most intriguing in sports so it should be fun to see what happens. Enjoy it while it last, Spring Training is only about four months away!
-Joe Osborne