Baseball

Finally.

After what seemed like an eternity, especially to the Flushing faithful who suffered through this dismal 2009 campaign, the New York Mets finally made a big time move this offseason when they agreed to terms on Tuesday with free agent outfielder Jason Bay.

I had originally meant to begin this series of articles immediately after the New Year, the better to lend them relevance and immediacy. However, in mapping out the process, I felt it urgent enough to begin now.

I plan to provide, for each projected 2010 Cub and for a few key extra players, profiles with predictive and informative value.

While there is still volatility in all of the rankings, I think the closer rankings are the ones with the most potential to change.  Where does Billy Wagner fit in now that he’s going to be a closer?  Should Carlos Marmol, Bobby Jenks, or Trevor Hoffman be considered a top option?  Where do we value 2009 breakouts David Aardsma and Ryan Franklin?

These are all questions that we’ll try to answer as we take a look at how my rankings currently stand (remember, I’m still fine tuning my projections so keep in mind that these are fluid):

The Colorado Rockies are never going to go after big-name free agents. They will never be in a bidding war with the Yankees and Red Sox for the highest priced players.

Those days are over.

After the failed signings of Mike Hampton and Denny Neagle, whom the Rockies spent nearly $175 million on in 2001, the franchise shifted gears and decided to build from within.

On Tuesday, the New York Mets agreed to a four-year contract with free agent outfielder Jason Bay. According to reports, the deal will pay Bay roughly $66 million.

The pact has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters cite Bay's righthanded power, patience and even surprising speed: he has 66 stolen bases in 80 career attempts and has posted at least two triples in every full season of his Major League career.

Overvalued picks

Joey Votto (Round Two): Despite missing 31 games last season Votto hit .322 with 25 homers and 84 rbi. Votto has the potential for a .320-30-100 season but so does Justin Morneau or Kevin Youkilis who each went in Round Four. Kendry Morales went in went in Round Five and Billy Butler in Round Eight shows one the depth at this position.

Hell, I'm not going to kid myself into believing that I will achieve any of those things in 2010, so why not direct my New Year's resolutions towards my favourite team on earth?

The Mets have signed Jason Bay.

Dismayed that Theo Epstein failed to retain the popular left fielder, but relieved that Brian Cashman has not acquired in him another Johnny Damon, Red Sox Nation releases a long-held breath.

Still, the Red Sox could go outfielder crazy and sieze the available, affordable and vastly superior Matt Holliday.

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Cardinals believe themselves well-positioned to re-sign their goatish protection for Albert Pujols. With their current offer, they would frankly get Holliday for a proverbial song.

This Column Originally Published at GetOutofMyBallpark.com