MLB Free Agency Update By John Ryan Will Ibanez stay in Philadelphia? Werth to Boston? Now that the General Managers meetings have concluded, the free agency activity may start to pick up ahead of the Winter Meetings set for the week of December 6. Other than discussion of an expanded playoff format, the only news to come out of the GM meetings was actually a no response from Phillies GM Ruben Amaro. When asked how the talks for retaining Jason Werth were coming along he talked about the great accomplishments of Raul Ibanez almost completely avoiding the real question. Werth is represented by super star sports agent Scott Boras, who has been reluctant to have any real discussions about his client with any team. It appears that Amaro and the Phillies are moving on immediately without Werth so that they do not get caught without any significant moves to bolster their outfield. The Phillies hold the most chips at this table since they can attract the best available players so it will be interesting to see how Boras plays this hand out. Carlos Quinten One such move has interest targeted on Chicago White Sox right fielder Carlos Quinten. He batted .243, but had 26 home runs and 87 RBI in 131 games played. He started in RF 104 games, was DH 24 games, and pinch hit five times. He struggles against right handed pitchers though and hit 20 of the 26 home runs off of left handed pitchers. He made $3.2 million in 2010 so obviously he will come at a far cheaper price then what Scot Boras is attempting to get Werth. Cliff Lee There has been no meaningful news to report on starting pitcher Cliff Lee, but news out of New York City reports that the management and Derek Jeter are far apart from making a deal. It is not necessarily the price tag per season, but that Jeter wants five+ years on the contract. This is a sure sign that the Yankees are trying every possible angle to free up money to sign Lee to a 5+ year contract. Add in the resigning of Rivera and the Yankees, surprisingly, may not be able to get Lee on their team. That is why it is a dangerous game that Boras is playing with Werth. If the Yankees dropped out of the Lee race, then it would bring in several teams like Boston and Philadelphia back into the Lee sweepstakes and would have an immediate devaluation of what could be paid for Werth. Texas would be the leader for Lee at that point hands down. Red Sox seeking Bullpen help There are at least six teams willing to make real offers for the services of Red Sox short stop Marco Scutaro and this would open up even more money for them to bolster their bullpen. Specifically, the Reds, Cardinals, Padres, and Pirates have big needs at the short stop position and they have the middle relief that Boston would be looking for to setup Bard and the Palpelbon. The addition of Werth and solid middle reliever would immediately make the Red Sox one of the favorites again in the AL East. Zack Greinke isn’t going anywhere There have been some talk that Zack Greinke would be offered in a blockbuster trade, but the reported asking prices are not realistic. Certainly doesn’t hurt to ask in these days where aces are commanding huge trade value. Yet, KC is known for having an abundance of solid AAA prospects, especially outfielders, so it is a bit of a head scratcher to think the Royals would part with a former Cy Young award winner.
 

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