It's been a while since I posted anything here. In fact, we were talking about the MVP award back then. In the mean time, a lot has happened on the transaction front. I've caught myself up, and now, I'd like to offer my opinions on what each team should do going forward. We'll start with the AL East.

Baltimore Orioles - The Miguel Tejada trade signified that they were entering full-scale rebuilding mode, and given the state of their team and those of their division rivals, this should have been done years ago. With the Red Sox set up so well for the next few years, the Yankees not far behind, and the Rays on the way up, the Orioles probably need to set a target data of 2011, which means that 2B Brian Roberts and LHP Erik Bedard make great trade chips right now. When midseason rolls around and teams are looking for bullpen help, the O's should come to the table with Danny Baez, Jamie Walker, and Chad Bradford. [Edit: Baez will most likely miss the 2008 season after elbow surgery.] Of course, all of these trade dumps need to be made with rebuilding the farm system as the goal.

Boston Red Sox - As mentioned above, the Red Sox are set up really well for the next few years. Jason Varitek and Curt Schilling are the only starters that are guaranteed free agents before the end of the 2010 season. Of course, Manny Ramirez can be granted free agency either of the next two offseasons. The Red Sox hold club options for 2009 and 2010 at $20M each. Given the dollar amount, I'd suggest looking into signing Manny to an extension, but he is coming off a pretty mediocre 2007. Let him prove he's still got the power in 2008. If you can't reach an extension next offseason, exercise the first $20M option (is a one-year $20M deal really that risky anymore?). Repeat.

New York Yankees - Coming off last season, there was quite a bit of uncertainty with the Yankees. Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Roger Clemens were all free agents. Four were re-signed, and Yankees' fans nationwide gave out a collective sigh of relief. The Yankees are set up for another postseason run in 2008, but they might want to call up the Orioles and see if any of their relievers are currently available. In preparation for the future, Jason Giambi, Bobby Abreu, Pettitte, Mike Mussina, and Carl Pavano are free agents after the season. Maybe Abreu (and Pavano?) warrant extension talk right now, but given their ages, I'd be willing to hold off until next offseason.

Tampa Bay Rays - Do I think they're ready to compete for a playoff spot in 2008? No, but 2009 might not be out of the question. Most of their position players arrived last year, and 3B Evan Longoria will be joining them this spring, and the rest of their rotation should be joining them soon. For now, sit tight, watch the youngsters, and get excited for the future.

Toronto Blue Jays - Toronto is one of a few MLB teams where I just look at their roster and go, "What's going on here? Could they get any more middle-of-the-pack? Where are the impact players?" Coming back down to earth, Troy Glaus, Vernon Wells, and Alex Rios do all have the ability to make an impact on offense, but Glaus has injury questions and Wells completely fell apart last year. Roy Halladay and A.J. Burnett can make an impact in the rotation, but they have each had their injury concerns in the past. The real question comes down to this: "When you're projected for third in the division, have no large holes to fill to make up the ground, and have several (not young) guys under contract for a few more years, what do you do?" I think it's hard to say "blow the whole thing up" when you're this close. The only sure-fire way I see to improve the team for 2008 is to find the largest (and easiest) hole to fill and get a star-caliber player. I think that means replacing Matt Stairs, Reed Johnson, and Adam Lind in left with someone. Jason Bay wasn't a star last year, but he's a guy worth taking a chance on in this situation (he's also Canadian if that means anything to MLB's Canadian Representative). I'm not sure who they give up for him, but the only other option for a star-caliber LF is that 43-year old HR king involved in a criminal trial.

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I'll be back either tomorrow or Thursday with the AL Central.