2014-15 Hot Stove League Thread

[ShowTyme15]

With the World Series ending I figured we could get this thread started. Should be an interesting offseason for some teams and many players. Use this thread for general discussion, rumors, transactions etc..........

[ShowTyme15]

Free Agent list

http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/ar...news&fext=.jsp

[TeixeiraFanatic]

I think the Cubs will land either Lester or Scherzer and try to bolster the bullpen a little. They have most pieces set in the lineup so getting a front-line starter to go with Arrieta seems like the most sensible thing. I think Cubs will be huge players in Free Agency this year.

Regarding the Cardinals, I really don't see them doing too much. A lot of it depends on how the Front Office foresees the likes of Siegrist/Choate and the rest of the bullpen. Other than that, I'd look for them to make a move for a RH bat that can play 1st to spell Adams against lefties. Cuddyer would be awesome, but I doubt he wants split playtime. If that's the case, or he's too expensive, I'd like to see us go for Morse. Neither of those options seem too likely in my opinion, so they'll probably not do much this year.

[SPTO]

The Jays will probably make a few moves, at least Lind will be gone for sure. I think the main thing to watch out for is if the Jays retain Cabrera or if not, did they make a solid offer? I guess we'll find out in the weeks and months to come. The Jays are said to not be big on the FA market this year and will probably use trades to fill some holes. There's the thought that the Jays will trade either Dickey or Buehrle for a position of need. If that's the case I could expect them to try and get a veteran starter to fill that void at a cheaper price as it's never been AA's preference to start the season with all the young guys but it does seem that's going to be the case.

2B is clearly a sinkhole for this team and I could see them trying to address that for sure though as Izturis has basically become backup fodder due to bad play/injury. The most pressing need is the OF as Rasmus is certainly gone and we don't know what will happen with Cabrera. The worst case scenario is Bautista with a bunch of kids although there are some rumblings the Jays would like to try out Jose Reyes in the OF but most people believe he'd balk at that idea.

[Master Live 013]

We have already won Free Agency with A-Rod coming back. We can stay pat.

[Master Live 013]

On a serious note, here is a short FA power ranking by SBNation.

[ShowTyme15]

Blue Jays re-acquire Liam Hendricks from the Royals for Hector Nessy (Catcher)

Red Sox extend Koji Uehara for 2 more years

Angles Pick up Huston Street's option. Decline Sean Burnett's and return Brian Moran to the Mariners.

Nationals pick up Denard Span's option. Decline Soriano and LaRoche options.

Phillies Decline Mike Adams option

Royals decline Billy Butler's option

Cubs decline Kyuji Fujikawa's option

Mariners Hisashi Iwakuma’s option vests

Dan Haren exercises his player option for the Dodgers

Brewers exercise Yovani Gallardo's option

Cardinals exercise John Lackey's option

White Sox decline Felipe Paulino's option

[Baseballking888]

Braves hire Kevin Seitzer as hitting coach. Focuses on not striking out and putting the ball in play. Blue Jays struck out 6th fewest times in the majors while we had 4th most.

I welcome him. By default, regression and acquiring fewer high K players, the hitting should be better next season.