MLBTradeRumors.com's Free Agent Predictions

MLBTradeRumors.com (which has been a huge asset for me in a lot of my research) has posted their Top 50 free agents with predictions for their 2007 teams.

Here are a few quotes regarding players of interest to Padre fans:

3. Aramis Ramirez - Cubs. Sportswriters like to spew silly things about how Ramirez didn't "carry the team" when Derrek Lee was out and how he's lazy. Somehow I doubt these minor, partly made-up issues are on Jim Hendry's mind as he negotiates with the 28 year-old third baseman. The contract could run as long as six years.

4. Barry Zito - Padres. We know the Padres aren't particular fond of Scott Boras, but who really is? He might be the best bet for a long-term contract for a pitcher, and the Padres have over $30MM to play with this winter. Peavy/Young/Zito/Hensley looks mighty solid to me.

16. Akinori Iwamura - Indians. The Phillies and Padres will be in hard on him as well. Iwamura could be one of the best bargains of the offseason. He could play mainly second base for the Tribe but his assistance could be needed on the left side of the infield.

21. Moises Alou - Orioles. Baltimore is a place where Mo can shift between left field and DH to preserve his knees. He led all free agents in slugging percentage but will have a hard time staying on the field.

29. Luis Gonzalez - Giants. Gonzo is the godfather of Bruce Bochy's childen or something like that, so it seems like a good fit. OK, I made that up. But he's old and the Giants love that attribute in a player. Todd Linden may be worth a shot in right but the Giants need some kind of stability in left.

[PRD note: he has the Giants signing both Bonds and Gonzo… that won’t happen but I agree with him on Bonds.]

30. Juan Pierre - Dodgers. There aren't that many center fielders out there, and I don't see Colletti entering '07 with some sort of Repko/Kemp/Drew thing in center. Pierre just seems like a Colletti-type signing to me.

33. Dave Roberts - Rockies. The Rox are going to find a center fielder one way or another. If they miss out on Gary Matthews Jr. Roberts looks like the guy. He's a helpful player but may have a hard time playing above average CF defense and staying healthy.

[PRD note: I just posted the same conclusion over in a Ducksnorts.com discussion thread (#13).]

39. Mark Mulder - A's. Mulder still has friends on the A's and could be a bargain for Billy Beane on an incentive-based deal. The Orioles have been mentioned as well, but are probably the third choice after the A's and Cards.

46. Aubrey Huff - Padres. Some concerned Pads fans think the team could try Russell Branyan as the starting 3B. I think Kevin Towers will go after some kind of "name" player, with Huff as a decent option. Remember, the Padres have quite a bit of money to burn.

[PRD note: I haven’t really considered Huff, but this does make quite a bit of sense even if Huff isn’t plus defender at 3B.]

48. Ryan Klesko - Tigers. In Klesko we have a patient left-handed slugger on the cheap who claims he's finally healthy. Why not throw him a few mil to find out? Obviously the Tigers would do more than just sign Klesko; I think they'll go the trade route this winter.

[PRD note: Klesko will follow the money so he’ll go to Detroit if they want him. But he’s already complained about Petco’s dimensions, how would he like Comerica’s?]