MLB 2012 Free Agency

image via newsday.com

As we approach the start of MLB's free agency period fans around the nation can't help but think which city this year's free agents will call their home. The 2011-2012 offseason will contain some of the game's biggest stars such as Albert Pujols, Jose Reyes, Prince Fielder, and C.J. Wilson.

My biggest issue with singing these Type A free agents is deciding on how much money to give them. Take Jose Reyes for example. Reyes is already 29 years of age and as Mets fans know, has a history of some serious injuries. Despite his flaws however you could argue that Reyes is the #1 shortstop in the game. However, what has he really brought to the Mets except for one NL East title and one NL Batting Title? It bothers me how the Mets are having trouble deciding whether to bring Reyes back or not. With their current financial struggles the Mets will have a very hard time providing Reyes with the 5 or 6 year $100 mil+ contract that he is looking for. Reyes does provide that excitement that the Mets need at the top of their line-up however since 2006 the team has experienced 5 consecutive losing seasons. My answer for the Mets…DO NOT RE-SIGN JOSE REYES.

Now let's look at Albert Pujols of the World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Pujols is arguably the greatest player to ever play the game. This past season at age 32 he put up a .299 BA along with 37 HR and 99 RBI. Although Pujols' numbers may be impressive it is the intangibles that matter with him. He has led the Cardinals to two World Series within the past 6 years and also led them to multiple NL Central titles. Although he is already above 30 I believe that Pujols is worth signing to a small 3 or 4 year deal. My advice to the Cardinals…RE-SIGN PUJOLS

The final free agent I want to look at is Prince Fielder. At age 31 Fielder finished 2011 with a .299 BA, 38 HR, and 120 RBI, leading the Brewers to an NL Central championship. Although the Brewers took an exit from the 2011 playoffs in the NLCS Fielder arguably led to the team to one of its most successful year. The main goal of the Brewers this offseason is to bring back Fielder. With a line-up of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder and a rotation of Zack Greinke, Shaum Marcum, and Yovanni Gallardo the Brewers have a chance to lead the NL Central for years to come. My advice to the Brewers…RE-SIGN FIELDER.

Now I understand that not everyone may agree with my advice however from my observations of each player and team this is what I could conclude. My lifelong dream is to become a general manager of a professional baseball team and that could have possibly served as the inspiration for this piece. I hope you enjoyed reading.

-Written by Mike Scott

Please follow me on twitter at @mikeandrewscott.

For any further comments/suggestion contact Mike at mas579@drexel.edu