Happy Thanksgiving - 2008!

After finishing a terrible football game on television and in anticipation for our upcoming feast, there are a few minutes to contemplate another MLB off season. And it is a very entertaining off season. Which free agents will land where? What team will really improve their 2009 season outlooks with a big trade or free agent signing? The off season truly is almost as fun as the season itself. Here is a look at some big free agents on the market:

C. C. Sabathia. While stunningly successful in his short stint with the Brewers, there are question marks surrounding Sabathia for the future. First, he is coming off his second straight poor post season. Surely, Sabathia got the Brewers where they needed to go based on his heroic pitching down the stretch. Whether he was spent or not ready for the big stage, he pitched poorly in the short season. Secondly, as has been discussed before in this space, the man is big, with a big frame. The Flagrant Fan has this theory that players with big builds only have an eight year window of high performance (search this blog space for more on the topic). Lastly, he seems hesitant to come to a big east team. Early favorites: Dodgers, Giants, Angels. Oh, one other note: The man likes to hit. A National League team seems likely.

Mark Texiera. The Yankees want him badly as do the Red Sox. It seems only logical that the home of Mickey Mantle should be the place for this big, switch-hitting first baseman to play the bulk of his career. There are many voices out there, however, that seem to indicate he would prefer the West Coast. Early favorites: Yankees, Angels.

A. J. Burnett. Burnett had a fantastic year for the Blue Jays and seemed to dispel the concerns about his health. He kills the Yankees and they, barring signing Sabathia, seem the most likely suitor. The Dodgers seem another favorable possibility with Texas lurking. Favorites: Yankees, Dodgers, Rangers.

Derek Lowe. When Lowe was with Boston, he seemed streaky and unprofessional. He would be horrible at times and brilliant at others. With the Dodgers, Lowe has learned how to throw strikes consistently and the only question seems to be his age (36) and how long to tender his offer. The Yankees don't seem a natural fit due to a below average fielding infield for a sinker ball pitcher. The Giants make sense as do the Dodgers. Early favorites: There do not seem to be any for a really good pitcher. But worry not. He will sign somewhere.

Rafael Furcal. The Giants have expressed interest and since Omar V. will not be back with the Giants, the move makes sense. Here is an idea for the Yankees: Sign Furcal, move Jeter to second (it's time, my friend), and move their current second baseman to left. That sounds like a great idea. Cashman? Early favorites: Giants.

Pudge Rodriguez and Jason Veritek. The Fan thinks both of these players are done with productive years. Neither one seems to be an ideal signing, especially for more than one year. Both want to be the main guy and their performance no longer warrants that frame of reference.