We all know the implications of guys like Albert Pujols, Jose Reyes and Prince Fielder on whatever team they land on. Additionally, we all know that ESPN will talk about those guys until they’re blue in the face in what may or may not be actual reporting. We at Off The Bench thought it’d be a good idea to give a bit of insight into the upcoming offseason with the playoff picture somewhat set with storylines a bit slow for the coming month without mentioning the big names. So, let’s go position by position and see who can have an impact on next years playoff picture for less than $10 million per.
Catcher: Yadier Molina (29) has a $7 MM club option but, with Pujols situation a bit unstable, don’t be too surprised if Molina hits the road and the Cards choose to go with a cheaper catcher like a Kelly Shoppach or trade for John Buck of the Marlins.
First Base: There’s some high quality players here. Carlos Pena (25 homers, .227 average), Michael Cuddyer (18 homers, .284 average), Casey Kotchman (.383 OBP) and Lance Berkman (30 HR, .397 OBP) are all available behind the two big guys. Cuddyer and The Big Puma also have the ability to play the outfield so I’ll list them there. Teams like that loose out on the two big guys may find it more economically savvy to go with one of this crop. Also, the fact 
that there are so many legitimate alternatives could drive the price down on the big guns at the top of this market.
Second Base: Kelly Johnson, and Omar Infante are the only ones that are helpful pieces out of this crop though the Marlins may have found that Infante is better suited as a utility. Side note here is that Next Year (2012 winter) will have a bunch of free agent second basemen. Robinson Cano, and Brandon Phillips will both be free agents.
Third: Eric Chavez may have earned himself a starting spot on someone’s team next year with his play in New York and Aramis Ramirez has a club option for $16MM that I envision the Cubs picking up or working something out. Past that: If your team needs a third basemen, hope they trade for someone if you hope to see them make the playoffs. Wilson Betemit, Jorge Cantu, and Mark DeRosa are just not championship caliber everyday third basemen.
Short: Jimmy Rollins can be had for a bit too much money and Alex Gonzalez is still a legit major league shortstop. I also have to add that I’m skeptical about Rafael Furcal’s ability and work ethic anymore.
Outfielders: Johnny Damon can be had for the $5 MM range and should be signed by someone. In center, Beltran’s overrated and overpriced while I’m intrigued by Grady Sizemore. Grady could sign a one year deal at a low price and really flourish. In Right, we have Fukudome, J.D. Drew, Magglio Ordonez, and David DeJesus: an overwhelmingly underwhelming group who at this stage in their careers should not be handed everyday jobs on teams who want to win big.
DH: Check this: Vlad, Papi, Jason Giambi, Jason Kubel, and 
Jim Thome could all wear different uniforms next year. The Sox would be out of their mind to let Papi walk but, the other guys are the types of pieces that build championship teams.
Starters: Livan Hernandez, Rich Harden, Chris Capuano, Mark Buehrle, Chin Ming Wang, Edwin Jackson, C.J. Wilson, and Dontrelle can all likely be had for under $9 MM per year and are definitely helpful pieces for teams trying to win.
Relievers: Heath Bell (34), Jonathan Broxton (28), Matt Capps (28), Francisco Cordero (37), Jonathan Papelbon (31), Francisco Rodriguez (30), Jose Valverde (34), and Joe 
Nathan (37) could potentially all change teams this winter. That’s almost 1/3 of all Major League teams featuring a new closer. As for the other guys, if you’re really going to get excited about a middle relief free agent addition, you should go for a walk or call the addiction hotline because you really have nothing better to do.
Basically, this post was intended for the reader to get an idea for the types of guys available in the coming winter and get excited for the potential players in your team’s uniform. It’s out of our realm right now to discuss potential landing points for these players, the gears can turn within a fans head any day of the week.
Disease O’ The Day: Do you have priapism?
-Sean Morash
