2007 FA Review － イチロー < ジョーンズ

SI.comより抜粋。
But it's never too early for next winter. Here's a look at a dozen of the most intriguing players who could hit the free-agent market next winter.

Not counting Clemens, of course.

Carlos Zambrano, SP, Cubs
John Smoltz, SP, Braves
Jake Westbrook, SP, Indians
Doug Davis, SP, Diamondbacks
Bartolo Colon, SP, Angels

Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees
It's hard to think that the best postseason closer in history (0.80 ERA) -- one of the best anytime of the year -- will pitch anywhere but in the Bronx in 2008. But his contract is up after '07, and the Yanks have yet to lock him up. Mo is 37, and he has had elbow problems, but he has said he'll pitch three more years. There are older closers out there who aren't half as effective.

Andruw Jones, CF, Braves
Torii Hunter, CF, Twins
Jermaine Dye, OF, White Sox
Carlos Guillen, SS, Tigers

Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners
One of the top defensive corner outfielders in baseball, Suzuki continues to pile up the 200-hit seasons and All-Star selections. You know what you get with Ichiro; a league-leading amount of singles, a good amount of triples, some stolen bases if he wants (he had 45 in '06) and a guy you can put in the leadoff spot every single day. Plus, those marketing opportunities in Japan! The lack of power probably will keep him from making Jones money, but he's got a lot of good years left in him.

Bobby Abreu, OF, Yankees　（ライトイチロー、レフト松井）
The $15 million club option for '08 seems steep even for the Yankees. And with a handful of good outfielders on the market next winter, the Yanks might want to poke around (Ichiro in right, Hideki Matsui in left?). Still, Abreu's patience at the plate and his ability to get on base (.411 career OBP) are attractive, even if his power numbers leave a bit to be desired.

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筆者のJohn Donovanに拍手。
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