Curt Schilling

Just a thought but did you realize that Curt Schilling is arguably the best starting pitcher who will be available via free agency this winter?

You could argue Paul Byrd (15-8 and 4.59 ERA). Maybe you like Kenny Rogers (soon to be 43-years old and only 10 starts this year due to injuries). I could accept Randy Wolf having the potential to be the top starter (though I think by now everyone knows he's made of China).

When you look at what's available - you have to think that Schilling is hands down the best available starting pitcher. This is another reason why I think he'll get a John Smoltz-like deal (one year for $13 million plus an option). This also points out how thin the free-agent market will be this off-season for top starters. Matt Clement or Kris Benson may be the best deals available.

Baseball Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous MLB thoughts and observations.

The Rangers signed shortstop Michael Young to a contract extension that will pay him an average of $16 million a year between 2009 and 2013. This means that the Rangers will actually be paying $24 million for the shortstop position in 2009 and $23 million in 2010 since in those years they will also be paying $8 million and $7 million of Alex Rodriguez's contract as well. When the Rangers traded A-Rod to the Yankees - they picked up $67 million of the remaining $179 million on A-Rod's contract (with $24 million of that $67 million to be deferred money). Seeing that now all the Rangers have to show for trading A-Rod (besides their large bill to help pay for his contract) is Brad Wilkerson (who they got by trading Alphonso Soriano to the Nationals) - you have to wonder if the Rangers would have been much better off in the long run if they had just kept A-Rod instead of trying to dump his salary... Today the Blue Jays unveiled a new - edgier mascot... If you are into fantasy baseball - it must be tough to gauge how to value Red Sox pitchers. You have Curt Schilling who is over 40-years old but who last year went 15-7 with a 3.97 ERA. Just as important statistically last year he had over 200-IP and 183 strikeouts. If you are in a league that counts IP and K's - then Schilling is still a top gun and this year he'll be pitching for a new contract! Then you have Daisuke Matsuzaka who if you believe the hype is the second coming of Pedro Martinez. I wish Dice-K all the luck in the world but how do you value him for fanatsy purposes? I won't even talk about the enigma that is Josh Beckett... I still say that Randy Wolf will have a very good season. In fact - I still say he finishes in the top five for the NL Cy Young Award... Today would have been Moe Berg's 105th birthday. If you want an interesting read - pick up the biography of Berg - The Catcher Was a Spy.