Guy Guyerson

Johnny Damon (Red Sox) - Previous prediction: Red Sox - five years, $47.5 million Until the postseason, Damon figured to get the biggest contract of any offensive player this winter. Now, it?s almost certain to be Konerko instead, and with the Yankees reportedly only having limited interest, the market for Damon could be quite a bit weaker than expected. The Red Sox would like to have him back, but for three or four years rather than five. Also interested could be the Diamondbacks, Cubs, Nationals, Angels, Dodgers and Orioles. Prediction: Red Sox - four years, $40 million Hideki Matsui (Yankees) - Previous prediction: Yankees - three years, $27 million The Yankees have only until Nov. 15 to re-sign Godzilla, and unlike three years ago, Matsui seems interested in getting the best possible deal this time. Still, it?s likely that something will be worked out. If he does leave, the Mariners, Dodgers, Angels, Padres, Red Sox and Cardinals could be among the teams that pursue him. Prediction: Yankees - three years, $33 million Brian Giles (Padres) - Previous prediction: Astros - two years, $18 million Giles has turned down $21 million for three years from the Padres and appears likely to get at least a three-year, $27 million contract. For 2006 and 2007, he?s about as good of a bet as any other free agent. However, he?ll be 37 by the time 2008 rolls around. The Cardinals, Mariners, Dodgers, Red Sox, Indians, Yankees, Cubs and Astros may be in the hunt. Prediction: Mariners - three years, $27 million Jacque Jones (Twins) - Previous prediction: Orioles - three years, $15 million Jones turns 31 in April, but unlike most of the rest of the second-tier outfielders, he?s not viewed as being on the decline. He?ll probably sign a multiyear deal with one of the clubs that miss out on Giles. The Padres, Cardinals, Mariners, Orioles, Cubs, Marlins, Yankees, Royals, Astros, Rangers, Nationals and Dodgers could look at him. Prediction: Padres - three years, $18 million Juan Encarnacion (Marlins) - Previous prediction: Nationals - two years, $12 million Like Jones, Encarnacion will be more attractive to some teams because of his relative youth. In fact, he might be celebrating a three-year deal when he turns 30 in March. The same group pursuing Jones should be after him. The Cubs and Nationals could be his strongest suitors. Prediction: Cubs - three years, $16 million Preston Wilson (Nationals) - Previous prediction: Cubs - two years, $12 million It?s been several years since Wilson was a plus defender in center, but he still is an option there and he hits enough to play regularly in a corner. The Yankees may consider him -- he could be well below average defensively and still be quite an improvement over Bernie Williams -- but he?s more likely to stay in the NL and play left or right for some team. Prediction: Cardinals - two years, $10 million Reggie Sanders (Cardinals) - Previous prediction: Cardinals - one year, $5.5 million Even though he?s less than a month away from his 38th birthday, Sanders might receive a couple of multiyear offers. Still, the best bet is that he?ll remain in St. Louis on a one-year pact. Prediction: Cardinals - one year, $6.5 million Jeromy Burnitz (Cubs) - No prediction The Cubs declined Burnitz?s $7 million option and are unlikely to re-sign him. Because he?s a fallback option for the teams that miss out on their top choices, he could last a long time in free agency for the third year in a row. Prediction: Astros - one year, $4.5 million Sammy Sosa (Orioles) - Previous prediction: Marlins - one year, $7 million Sosa has no interest in leaving for Japan. Some team will take the chance that he has something left in the tank, even though that hardly seemed to be the case during the second half of last year. Prediction: Marlins - one year, $3 million Richard Hidalgo (Rangers) - Previous prediction: Royals - one year, $4 million The streaky Hidalgo hit just .221 before missing the final two months of last season with a wrist injury, but because of his power, his above average defense in right field and the likelihood that he?ll only require a one-year contract, he?ll be pursued. Prediction: Twins - one year, $4 million Matt Lawton (Yankees) - Previous prediction: Cubs - two years, $12 million Lawton was still a member of the Cubs and was hitting .273/.370/.427 when the above prediction was made on Aug. 15. Since he finished the year at .254/.356/.396 and he now has the steroids suspension hanging over his head, there?s not much chance of him getting a multiyear deal. Still, he?ll probably get a chance to play regularly and bat leadoff for some club. Prediction: Royals - one year, $3 million Other free agents: Rondell White (Tigers), Kenny Lofton (Phillies), Carl Everett (White Sox), Bernie Williams (Yankees), Juan Gonzalez (Indians), Dustan Mohr (Rockies), Terrence Long (Royals), Michael Tucker (Giants), John Mabry (Cardinals), Todd Hollandsworth (Cubs), Ruben Sierra (Yankees), B.J. Surhoff (Orioles), Orlando Palmeiro (Astros), Alex Sanchez (FA), Ben Grieve (Cubs), Brian Jordan (Braves), Eli Marrero (Orioles), Tim Salmon (Angels), Bobby Higginson (Tigers), Jacob Cruz (Reds), Raul Mondesi (FA), Marquis Grissom (FA), Quinton McCracken (Diamondbacks), Roger Cedeno (FA), Ryan Ludwick (Indians), J.J. Davis (Rockies), David Kelton (Cubs), Chris Magruder (Brewers), Gerald Williams (Mets), Larry Walker (Cardinals - Retired)

2nd Base Mark Grudzielanek (Cardinals) - Previous prediction: Cardinals - two years, $5 million With Craig Biggio signing an extension with the Astros on the final day of the regular season, Grudzielanek is the only free-agent second baseman sure to enter next year as a starter. The Cardinals will attempt to re-sign him and should be successful. Other potential suitors include the Mets, Red Sox, Twins, Royals, Diamondbacks, Devil Rays, Rangers and Rockies. Prediction: Cardinals - two years, $6 million Other free agents: Tony Graffanino (Red Sox), Mark Bellhorn (Yankees), Bret Boone (FA), D?Angelo Jimenez (Reds), Miguel Cairo (Mets), Deivi Cruz (Giants), Luis Rivas (Twins), Damion Easley (Marlins), Marlon Anderson (Mets), Frank Menechino (Blue Jays), Fernando Vina (Tigers - Retired?), Joe McEwing (Royals), Roberto Alomar (Retired) Short Stop Rafael Furcal (Braves) - Previous prediction: Diamondbacks - five years, $40 million Furcal seems sure to get more than $8 million per year now, and the Diamondbacks probably won?t be involved, as they believe Stephen Drew will be able to avoid a move off shortstop. The Cubs and Mets are likely to be among the strongest bidders. I still don?t see the Braves putting enough money on the table to keep him. Prediction: Cubs - five years, $47.5 million Nomar Garciaparra (Cubs) - Previous prediction: Cubs - one year, $6 million plus incentives Garciaparra now seems open to trying positions other than shortstop, but the market for third basemen figures to be pretty weak and left field might not be an option right now. Since it looks like the Cubs want to go in a different direction, most anything could happen here. The Twins, Diamondbacks, Braves, Dodgers, Marlins and Brewers may be interested. I wouldn?t be completely shocked to see him join the Orioles as a third baseman, with Melvin Mora moving to the outfield. Prediction: Diamondbacks - one year, $6 million Alex Gonzalez (Marlins) - Previous prediction: Marlins - three years, $17 million The elbow injury that cost Gonzalez most of the final month of the season will likely impact his wallet, too. He?s a better bet for the long-term than Cristian Guzman was a year ago, but he might have to take a one-year deal to rebuild his value. That would give the Marlins a better chance of keeping him. The Braves and Twins could be interested. Arizona would also be an option if he?s willing to accept a one-year deal. Prediction: Marlins - two years, $10 million Other free agents: Neifi Perez (Cubs), Rich Aurilia (Reds), Abraham Nunez (Cardinals), Royce Clayton (Diamondbacks), Alex Gonzalez (Devil Rays), Jose Hernandez (Indians), Pokey Reese (Mariners), Jose Vizcaino (Astros), Desi Relaford (Blue Jays), Ramon Martinez (Phillies), Lou Merloni (Angels), Alfredo Amezaga (Pirates), Rey Sanchez (Yankees), Manny Alexander (Padres), Rey Ordonez (FA)

Paul Konerko (White Sox) - Previous prediction: White Sox - four years, $40 million $40 million over four years seemed realistic a couple of months ago. Now it appears likely that Konerko will get at least $60 million for five years. The Angels and Red Sox are supposed to be the top competition for the White Sox, but my guess is that Boston won?t be the strong suitors most expect. The Angels will probably put the best offer on the table, and since Konerko lives in Arizona, a team on the West Coast is appealing to him. Prediction: Angels - five years, $65 million Frank Thomas (White Sox) - No prediction The White Sox bought out Thomas? $10 million player option last week, making the 37-year-old a free agent. The team is expected to tender an offer to keep him, but since he?s still recovering the fractured ankle that caused him to miss the second half of the season, the arbitration deadline might come into play here. The Athletics, Mariners, Twins, Yankees, Angels and Orioles could be interested in Thomas as a DH. There?s a better chance of him remaining with the White Sox if Konerko leaves. Prediction: White Sox - one year, $3 million plus incentives Erubiel Durazo (Athletics) - Previous prediction: Yankees - one year, $2.5 million Durazo, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, should have the same list of suitors as Thomas. Because it?s so uncertain whether he?ll be ready for the start of the year, he?ll probably be a late signing. I don?t claim to have much of an idea where he?ll go. Prediction: Yankees - one year, $2.5 million Rafael Palmeiro (Orioles) - Previous prediction: Retirement Palmeiro has been silent since the season ended, which could be taken as a sign that he will choose retirement. If he chooses to come back, he?d be more of an option for an NL club than either Thomas or Durazo. Still, teams won?t be lining up for him. Prediction: Retirement Kevin Millar (Red Sox) - Previous prediction: Orioles - one year, $3 million While the Red Sox shouldn?t have been playing him against right-handers, Millar did hit a respectable .283/.371/.440 in the second half of last season. He still might be just adequate enough to be a starting first baseman for a team. He could be an option in Baltimore, Oakland, Houston or Minnesota. Prediction: Orioles - one year, $2.5 million Other free agents: Doug Mientkiewicz (Mets), Scott Hatteberg (Athletics), Travis Lee (Devil Rays), Jeff Conine (Marlins), Olmedo Saenz (Dodgers), J.T. Snow (Giants), John Olerud (Red Sox), Matthew LeCroy (Twins), Daryle Ward (Pirates), Eduardo Perez (Devil Rays), Julio Franco (Braves), Mark Sweeney (Padres), Robert Fick (Padres), Calvin Pickering (Royals), Josh Phelps (Devil Rays), Brad Fullmer (FA), Jack Cust (Athletics), Greg Colbrunn (Rangers), Dave Hansen (Mariners), Mike Kinkade (Indians), Scott Spiezio (FA), Jose Offerman (Mets), Carlos Baerga (Nationals), Wil Cordero (Mets), Lenny Harris (Marlins)

Ramon Hernandez (Padres) - Previous prediction: Mets - four year, $26 million Hernandez remains likely to become the highest-paid catcher of the free-agent class, but since indications are that the Mets prefer Bengie Molina, he probably won?t be the first to sign. A return to San Diego isn?t happening, so the Orioles, Astros, Mariners and Diamondbacks could be the top suitors. Because of the prospects they have on the way up, the Dodgers and Angels shouldn?t be willing to commit to a long-term deal with a catcher. Prediction: Orioles - four years, $26 million Bengie Molina (Angels) - Previous prediction: Angels - three years, $11 million It?d certainly be a case of overpaying, but Molina might receive as much as $18 million over three years after turning in his best offensive season. With his price set to be quite a bit higher than expected, the Angels are likely to move on. I think he?ll go to the Mets, but the Orioles and Yankees could be in the running. Prediction: Mets - three years, $16.5 million Mike Piazza (Mets) - Previous prediction: Orioles - one year, $5 million According to Piazza?s agent, there are teams interested in him as a full-time catcher. It?d still make the most sense for him to be a catcher/designated hitter for an American League team. The Orioles seem more interested in bringing in a long-term catcher, but if they miss out on Hernandez and Molina, having Piazza and Javy Lopez rotate between catcher and DH would make sense. The Angels, A?s, Twins, Mariners, Yankees and Blue Jays could be fits. A return to the Dodgers can?t be completely ruled out. Prediction: Angels - one year, $5 million Kenji Jojima (Japan) - No prediction The 29-year-old Jojima would like to be the first catcher to make the jump from Japan to the U.S. That he speaks little English will be a big hurdle because of his need to communicate with pitchers, but Jojima is a very good hitter with an excellent defensive reputation. It?s possible that he?ll be at least as good of a player as Hernandez. The Mariners, Dodgers, Mets and Padres are among the teams that could look to take a chance on him. Prediction: Padres - two years, $12 million Brad Ausmus (Astros) - No prediction Ausmus will either stay with the Astros or play near his home in San Diego. His second-half offensive resurgence might result in him getting another two-year deal. Prediction: Astros - two years, $4 million Other free agents: Todd Pratt (Phillies), Todd Greene (Rockies), John Flaherty (Yankees), Einar Diaz (Cardinals), Paul Bako (Dodgers), Gary Bennett (Nationals), Kelly Stinnett (Diamondbacks), Benito Santiago (FA), Charles Johnson (FA), Sandy Alomar Jr. (Rangers), Wiki Gonzalez (Mariners), Eddie Perez (Braves), Alberto Castillo (Athletics), Greg Myers (FA), San Fasano (Orioles), Mike DiFelice (Mets), Pat Borders (Mariners), Dan Wilson (Mariners - Retired)

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2216645

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2217678

maybe you'll get that day off yet.

ok. Thanks anyway. If you here of anything lemme know please.

Hey, whats the word on Eddie Griffin out there. Is he going to see more touches this yr? He had a great preseason and IMO a better all around player then Wally World.

looks cool. Will check it out more in depth when I get back from work and have more time. Thanks

Wow. What happened? Tennessee dropped to #23 in the AP, #25 in the coaches poll and isnt even listed for the all important BCS Poll. Did u guys have injuries or just not play good?

White sox win the first game 5-3. Joe Crede saved 2 runs with his defense.

Well people can get the poster on ebay and then use a silver sharpie to mimic the sig. Sincve they werent for profit Im sure you had them sign directly To jason instead of just their names.

Well this is like a yankee reject WS. Clemens, Pettite, contreras, el duque, I don't know which way you should go.

Buehrle or Contreras vs Clemens Game 1

You'll develop 1 soon enough. Twinkies always do. To bad they are being stupid on morneu though. He'll injure that elbow again next yr.

Did u get the autographs on a basketball or just a program? Did somebody take pictures of you getting the autographs? Otherwise they will need to be authenticated to be worth anything later.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2188898

Predictions shouldnt have to be assumed by anyone. All you have to do is say "_____ will win the series."

First you never make predictions until AFTEr the series starts and even when u do, u always have to qualify your prediction with an "If". Its never just a flat out selection. Maybe in between your 75 posts a day you could just make a simple statement saying " I pick ____ to win." and leave it at that.

Yes u did say they are dumb. But you get lumped into that category for saying "nah" as if I was wrong and they were right. Like I said you didnt have to be so ignorant and could have just check the fact for yourself.

Angles win game 1. Colon left off roster for ALCS because he is a girly man. Discuss.

Instead of going to my mothers house to get my cards, I decided to use this wonderful thing called the internet. It lets you look things up and get correct answers so you dont have to look ignorant and just dismiss somebody. Don't bother telling me that they were wrong now because you could have typed this into a search engine and found the same results.

I'm sure you'll say this was your prediction for the series but I doubt it very highly since all your other posts were game by game and this was before game 3. Thank You