Eliminating Curt Schilling's targets

Curt Schilling released a list of teams he'd be willing to sign with Wednesday. 12 teams that set the internet ablaze; ok, maybe more like a campfire. But a really big campfire. Of course, not all teams were waiting at home by the phone, hoping Schilling would tell them that he might ask them to the prom. Some have dates, while others just aren't that pretty. But how many of the 12 named need him to pin his flower on them?

Here is the list in question:
Indians
Tigers
Angels
Mets
Phillies
Braves
Dodgers
Padres
Diamondbacks
Cubs
Cardinals
Brewers

I think a few can be eliminated fairly easy. The Angels already have a pretty good rotation with John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, Jared Weaver, Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana and Dustin Mosley, along with a few prospects on their way up. No need to spend the money there when they have other areas of concner(cough, A-Rod, cough).

The Braves are going to have a tough time affording Schilling with raises due to Hudson and Smoltz, plus a number of arbitration cases, plus a full season of Teixiera. The Dodgers have a pretty good rotation going in Brad Penny, Derek Lowe, Chad Billingsley, Esteban Loaiza, and Clayton Kershaw coming up. I think they are more likely to make a play for Santana.

The Padres need another top of the line starting pitcher like the Hamburgalar needs another cheeseburger.

The Diamonbacks are in a unique financial position, and may not be able to afford Schilling. Plus, really, do we need Grumpiest Old Men starring Randy Johnson and Schilling? I think not.

The Cubs spent a ton of money this past offseason, and they just spent the money to extend Carlos Zambrano. With Big Z, Rich Hill, Lilly, Sean Marshall, and Jason Marquis clogging the back end with his 7 million, the need and ability to add Schilling is questionable. Especially with ownership in flux.

The Brewers should have some money to burn, but they have a big need in centerfield, where Hall isnt cutting it, and closer, where resigning Cordero becomes a must, to make a serious play for him. They're better off waiting for Capuano to rebound to his 205/2006 self than spending 13 million.

The Cardinals have alot of money commited in their core. We're talking close to 80 million, and that doesnt factor in the need for a new shortstop. While they have an opening atop their rotation, with a new GM in town, I cant see where they'll be serious players.

So that leaves Indians, Tigers, Mets, and the Phillies. Realistically, the Indians probably dont need to spend the money, with Sabathia and Carmona at the top. Byrd and Westbrook are serviceable, and they have a few young options to fill out the back end. If there is a pitcher they need, its a big time closer, as the idea of a closer with a 5 + ERA has to leave fans with the willies.

The Tigers rotation really fell apart in the 2nd half, especially Jeremy Bonderman, who was superb in the first half. You wonder if a veteran leader would have kept that from happening. The Mets September collapse was of epic proportions. The malaise of the players in particular was galling. With Tom Glavine all but gone, they have the money and the spot in the rotation for him. But do they really need another ancient starting pitcher?

The Phillies have the money to burn, and the rotation spot to give. They became media darlings in the 2nd half, as they climbed their way back into the division race, and took it from the Mets. Still that ballpark would not be friendly to a pitcher with Schilling's flyball tendencies.

Its hard to say where exactly he will end up, but my money is on one of those 3 teams.

A-Rod, and the offseason

Clearly, the biggest story this offseason is where Alex Rodriguez goes. A number of teams are considered contenders for his services. The Cubs, Dodgers, Angels, and Mets have to be considered the leaders in the sweepstakes, while darkhorses like the Red Sox and Yankees(never count them out, no matter what they say) remain in the background.

My hunch is that he ends up in Anaheim, despite Arte Moreno's proclamations. For one thing, they met with Scott Boras this week. If you're not willing to pay Rodriguez what he asking for, why bother having a meeting with his agent? Second, the Angels have alot of payroll coming off the books in 2008 and 2009. In 2008 the contract of Bartolo Colon($14 million in 2007), and the financial obligations to Shea Hillenbrand($6.5 million), and Hector Carrasco ($2.75 million) come off the books, freeing up $23.25 million. Assuming A-Rod receives something between 25 and 33 million, thats an extra 2-10 million. In 2009, Garret Anderson and his $12 million freed up(they have a $15 million option with a $3 million buyout, I cant imagine they would exercise it). Plus, Orlando Cabrera's $8 million salary is freed up, and with the Angels farm system being as strong as it is, they have plenty of internal candidates(Brandon Wood, Erick Aybar) to replace him.

The benefits to having A-Rod are plenty. Vlad would have protection in the lineup finally, and given the way the lineup forces the issue, that can only help. The merchandise(jersies and what not) would sell itself, and although there wouldnt be a boost in home ticket sales(where the Angels finished 3rd in the majors), having A-Rod would boost their road game attendance(where they finished 17th in the majors in average road attendance).

So dont be shocked if the Angels are right in the middle of the A-Rod negotiations.