One of the big questions that was floating around the winter meetings last week is what are teams going to do with over priced stars? Verlander, Holliday, Kershaw, Pujols, Kemp, Tulowitzki, Braun, Bautista, Upton, A Gon, Lee, Lincecum and Fielder were a few of the names up for debate. After sorting through all the whispers and speaking with some owners directly here is our best prediction early in the process.
Certain to go: Pujols (38) Lincecum (24) and Lee (25)
Albert may once have been worth this price tag but those days are behind us. Spruce traded for the expiring contract in hopes of a title run but a gimpy foot derailed those hopes. Hard to imagine one of the new teams taking him on at that price so all signs point to Albert being a key free agent up for auction. Like Albert Cliff Lee is an aging star on a team with budget issues its almost certain he will end up back in free agency but may end up costing around the same price.
Likely to go: Adrian Gonzalez (26), Kemp (33) Braun (33) Holliday (25) Verlander (26) Fielder (27)
Adrian just has not lived up to the power potential of his earlier years and Kemp is riddled with injury risk, but despite what seem like obvious drops Kurt is a true wild card. Holliday and Verlander may not make it to free agency but we would be surprised if they are on Spruce's Roster come the spring. Braun and Fielder are the most intriguing names on this list. Just too many question marks surround and steroid less Braun to risk 15% of your salary. The only reason Fielder is on this list is because Joey's salary currently sits at a whopping $262 making some moves necessary. Fielder could be moved via trade or shopped for some less expensive talent.
Likely to Stay: Bautista (31) Kershaw (41) Upton (27)
Despite the astronomical salary for Kershaw his game 7 performance has earned him the price tag and manager Joey's love. Hard to see him moving. Bautista almost certainly would have been gone had he stayed with Gregg but after giving up a cheap young piece to get him Andrew will almost certainly keep him. Upton is a question mark and has perhaps the worst contract/value ratio of anyone on this list (outside of Lincecum) but his Andrew's lack of offensive talent will force him into paying the bad contract for at least another year.
Certain to Stay: Tulowitzki (33)
Another high risk high reward player but after giving up budding superstar Mike Stanton to get him Tulo will be staying put at SS for the Saberbeans. Hard to imagine him going for any less on the open market at such a scarce position.
Reporting From The Winter Meetings,
-Geter Pammons
Braun is staying a source says
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