It never ceases to amaze me at how short-sighted the mainstream sports media is when it comes to predictions.

If a team was bad the previous year, logically it should be bad once again, right?  Or if the Mariners sign Adrian Beltre, they'll be much improved.  That's how the media see's it and I find it particularily  amusing.

Johnny Damon had a great year in 2005.  So that means that of course he'll sign with Boston or whomever this off-season and he'll do as well, right?   Yeah... Right.

What motivates most people?  Money.  It's no different for baseball players.

Jaret Wright, JD Drew, Adrian Beltre, Carl Pavano and the list goes on from last winter.  I hope you didn't have these guys on your fantasy baseball team this year.  Nor do I hope your favorite MLB had these players.

Rarely will you find a player who gets a long-term contract, who doesn't take the next season off, or end up injured.  Paying through pain is a lot tougher when you're not a free agent at the end of the year.

Did you know Nick Johnson is a free agent after the 2006 season?  Like Mr. JD Drew, I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that Johnson will not fall victim to injury next season.  Fantasy baseball'ers, this is your call to action!

If you're curious on players who will raise their game next year, look no further than this lovely list of 2006 MLB Free Agents.

Back to our friend Johnny Damon.  Next year I'm thinking 115 games, .261BA, 6HR's, 9SB.

Here's hoping your favorite MLB team or fantasy team doesn't have Damon, Kevin Millwod, Rafael Furcal or Billy Wagner in 2006.