LET THE OFFSEASON BEGIN!

posted 10/30/11 8:24 AM PST
by Jason Martinez

It's that time of year again when teams start to take apart the puzzle pieces and begin to slowly put them back together again in time for Opening Day. My job is to help you keep track every step of the way. I've already finished up Offseason Previews/Team Pages for all 30 teams. Free Agent lists sorted in a few different ways will be out starting today and continue throughout this week. Minor League roster projections should be done in the near future. This offseason will be more exciting than ever for MLBDepthCharts with the digital magazine and website re-design both set to launch as early as January 2, 2012.

While the goal of the re-design is to create a professional-looking website that is easy to navigate, the best part is that it would allow for the displaying of statistics along with plenty of other unique features. The plan is to include 2011 stats on the team pages and player pages through the end of Spring Training. Updated stats and splits for major league players would be displayed during the regular season. Adding updated minor league stats during the season is a possibility, although 2013 is a more realistic timetable. But you never know. If I can sell enough magazine subscriptions and the site gets enough traffic before the start of the season, it could very well happen.

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Major League Free Agent List 2011-12 (PITCHERS sorted by fWAR)

updated 1/27/12 12:09 PM PST
by Jason Martinez

The following list includes major league free agent pitchers only. Players that have signed are listed under the 'OFF THE MARKET' section at the bottom of the page. A list of minor leaguers will also be posted in the near future. For now, you can see a list of each team's 'unofficial' minor league free agents on the team pages.

This particular list is sorted by fWAR, which stands for 'Wins Above Replacement' as defined by FanGraphs.com. Below is a short description. Click HERE for FanGraphs.com's full description.

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Major League Free Agent List 2011-12 (POSITION PLAYERS sorted by fWAR)

updated 1/27/12 10:01 AM PST
by Jason Martinez

The following list includes major league free agent position players only. Players that have signed are listed under the 'OFF THE MARKET' section at the bottom of the page. A list of minor leaguers will also be posted in the near future. For now, you can see a list of each team's 'unofficial' minor league free agents on the team pages.

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Texas Rangers 2011-12 Offseason

last updated 1/23/12

TEXAS RANGERS 2012
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.

*Players on the 40-man roster are indicated in BOLD.
*Players who are injured are indicated with +
*Baseball America '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in GREEN.

'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.

*40-man roster total (39)

PROJECTED 25-MAN ROSTER (*indicates left-handed batter **indicates switch-hitter) 
Starting Lineup 
1 2B Ian Kinsler
2 SS Elvis Andrus
3 CF Josh Hamilton*
4 DH Michael Young
5 3B Adrian Beltre
6 RF Nelson Cruz
7 C Mike Napoli
8 LF David Murphy*
9 1B Mitch Moreland*

Bench 
C Yorvit Torrealba
IF Alberto Gonzalez
OF Julio Borbon*
OF Craig Gentry

Starting Rotation 
1 RHP Colby Lewis
2 LHP Derek Holland
3 RHP Yu Darvish
4 LHP Matt Harrison
5 RHP Neftali Feliz

Bullpen 
CL RHP Joe Nathan
SU RHP Mike Adams
SU RHP Alexi Ogando
MID RHP Koji Uehara
MID RHP Mark Lowe
MID RHP Yoshinori Tateyama
LR RHP Scott Feldman

On the Outside Looking In 
Position Players 
C Luis Martinez
1B Brandon Snyder

OF Engel Beltre BA#5 BP#4

OF Leonys Martin*

C Dusty Brown

C Chris Robinson

C/3B Tommy Mendonca*

1B/3B Mike Olt BA#7 BP#10
1B/OF Brad Hawpe*
IF Luis Hernandez**
IF Greg Miclat**
IF Yangervis Solarte*

Starting Pitchers
RHP Wilmer Font
RHP Neil Ramirez
LHP Miguel De Los Santos BA#10
RHP Roman Mendez
LHP Martin Perez BA#1 BP#1
LHP Robert Ross

Relievers 
RHP Jacob Brigham
RHP Cody Eppley
RHP Mark Hamburger 
RHP Justin Miller

RHP Matthew West

LHP Michael Kirkman BA#6 BP#5

RHP Fabio Castillo
RHP Sean Green 
RHP Greg Reynolds
RHP Tanner Scheppers BA#3 BP#3
LHP Ben Snyder
LHP Mitch Stetter

Major League Free Agents 
Position Players 
C Matt Treanor (11/15: signed w/LAD)
OF Endy Chavez* (12/18: signed w/BAL)

Pitchers 
RHP Brandon Webb
LHP Mike Gonzalez
LHP Darren Oliver (12/30: signed w/TOR)
LHP C.J. Wilson (12/8: signed w/LAA)

Minor League Free Agents 
Position Players 
C Kevin Cash
C Robinzon Diaz (12/23: signed w/LAA)
IF Andres Blanco** (12/16: signed w/WAS)
IF Luis Cruz (11/26: signed w/LAD)
IF Esteban German (12/14: signed w/Seibu Lions)
IF Nick Green (12/8: signed w/MIA)
IF Omar Quintanilla* (1/3: signed w/NYM)
OF Doug Deeds* (1/7: signed w/LAA)
OF Val Majewski*

Pitchers 
RHP Omar Beltre
RHP Manuel Corpas (12/22: signed w/CHC)
RHP Adalberto Flores (11/4: signed w/HOU)
RHP Eric Hurley (12/23: signed w/LAA)
RHP Brett Tomko
RHP Merkin Valdez (1/4: signed w/OAK)
RHP Tim Wood (11/1: signed w/PIT)
LHP Douglas Arguello
LHP Beau Jones (11/8: signed w/FLA)

Lost off Waivers/Traded
C Taylor Teagarden UPDATE 12/1 - traded to Orioles
1B/OF Chad Tracy UPDATE 1/5 - traded to Rockies
RHP Darren O'Day UPDATE 11/2 - lost off waivers to Orioles

TEXAS RANGERS 

OFFSEASON PREVIEW posted 10/29/2011

After the dust settles and the Rangers have had a chance to get over their heartbreaking World Series loss to the Cardinals, they will realize that they're in pretty good position to make it back again very soon. The entire starting lineup returns and that's a good thing. They're not a group of aging veterans. All nine players projected to start on a regular basis are in the prime of their careers and now have a wealth of post-season experience.

If GM Jon Daniels feels an upgrade is necessary, he could pursue a first baseman or outfielder this winter. I think they're fine with Mitch Moreland (.259 BA, 16 HR, 51 RBI) and David Murphy (.275 BA, 11 HR, 46 RBI) at the bottom of the lineup but if they can acquire another big bat without it cutting into the budget for pitching help and without it affecting team chemistry, they will be even scarier to face for opposing pitchers. Moreland and Murphy could be expendable at that point, although having some outfield depth is probably a good idea with the amount of injuries suffered by star players Nelson Cruz and Josh Hamilton over the past couple of years. There's not much help on the way in the upper minors but Leonys Martin is someone who could get some time in center field, especially if free agent Endy Chavez is not re-signed. Julio Borbon, who spent the majority of the season on the DL and in the minors, could also return to fill that role.

Can Holland be the staff ace in 2012?

Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.

For the second consecutive season, the team could lose it's #1 starter to free agency. Cliff Lee left after the 2010 season to sign with the Phillies. Unless a certain Yankees pitcher opts out of his contract in the next few days, C.J. Wilson is expected to be the top pitcher available this season. The soon-to-be 31 year-old could command as much as $75M for five seasons. The question isn't whether the Rangers can afford it. They probably can. But do they feel Wilson is worth out-bidding a team that is willing to pay him crazy money? With the shortage of top-of-the-rotation starters available, we could very well see a team with deep pockets like the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, or Nationals do just that.

If Wilson leaves, the team is left with a group of pitchers who made great strides in 2011. And like the lineup, they're in their prime and now playoff battle-tested. Derek Holland won 16 regular season games while posting a 3.95 ERA in 195 innings. His game four masterpiece in the World Series (8.1 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 7 K) proved that he can be an ace. The 25 year-old could get that chance in 2012. Alexi Ogando may have faded a bit down the stretch and struggled as reliever against St. Louis, but there's no question that he was one of the more dominant pitchers in the majors through his first 18 starts of the season (10-3, 2.72 ERA). Lefty Matt Harrison, who came into the season with a career 5.39 ERA in 225.1 career innings, won 14 games and posted a 3.39 ERA. Colby Lewis reached 200 innings for the second consecutive season and also won 14 games.

That quartet gives the Rangers good reason not to overpay for Wilson. If they fill the remaining spot in-house, Scott Feldman and Michael Kirkman would be the top candidates while top pitching prospects Neil Ramirez and Martin Perez could have an outside shot to win the spot early in the season. One scenario that hasn't been discussed lately is moving closer Neftali Feliz to the rotation. Unless they can acquire another All-Star caliber closer to take his place, it's highly doubtful that it happens.

Their post-season struggles aside, Mike Adams and Koji Uehara were two of the better setup men in baseball in 2011. However, they weren't good when it mattered most and that has to worry the Rangers. Lefties Mike Gonzalez and Darren Oliver are free agents, leaving the team with a huge void in that area. There aren't too many interesting names joining them on the market, meaning the Rangers will likely try to re-sign at least one of them. It also means other teams will be pursuing them aggressively. Hard-throwing Mark Lowe had a solid season and should remain an important part of the 'pen. Feldman could also play a key role if he's not in the rotation.

•UPDATE 11/15 - Daniels told MLBTR today that they are 'very open' to moving Feliz to the rotation if they aren't able to land a starting pitcher through free agency.

•UPDATE 11/21 - Former Twins closer Joe Nathan agreed to a two-year deal.

Offseason Needs: Left-Handed Reliever

Potential Position Battles: TBD

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St. Louis Cardinals 2011-12 Offseason

last updated 1/14/12

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 2012 
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.

*Players on the 40-man roster are indicated in BOLD.
*Players who are injured are indicated with +
*Baseball America '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in GREEN.

'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.

*40-man roster total (39) 

PROJECTED 25-MAN ROSTER (*indicates left-handed batter **indicates switch-hitter) 
Starting Lineup 
1 SS Rafael Furcal**  
2 RF Carlos Beltran**
3 LF Matt Holliday
4 1B Lance Berkman**
5 3B David Freese
6 CF Jon Jay*
7 C Yadier Molina
8 2B Daniel Descalso*

Bench
C Tony Cruz
1B Mark Hamilton* 
IF Tyler Greene
IF/OF Skip Schumaker*
OF Erik Komatsu*

Starting Rotation
1 RHP Chris Carpenter
2 RHP Adam Wainwright 
3 LHP Jaime Garcia
4 RHP Kyle Lohse
5 RHP Jake Westbrook

Bullpen 
CL RHP Jason Motte
SU RHP Eduardo Sanchez BA#7 BP#6
SU LHP Marc Rzepczynski
MID RHP Fernando Salas
MID RHP Kyle McClellan
MID LHP J.C. Romero
LR RHP Mitchell Boggs

Projected Disabled List
Position Players
IF/OF Allen Craig BA#5 + UPDATE 12/6 - likely to miss 4-6 months (knee surgery)

On the Outside Looking In 
Position Players 
C Bryan Anderson*

3B Matt Carpenter BP#8

3B Zack Cox*

IF Pete Kozma

OF Adron Chambers* BP#10

OF Shane Robinson

C Luis De La Cruz
C Koyie Hill**
C Steven Hill
C Cody Stanley*
C Robert Stock*
1B Matt Adams*
2B Kolten Wong*
SS Ryan Jackson
IF/OF Eugenio Velez**

Starting Pitchers 
RHP Maikel Cleto
RHP Brandon Dickson
RHP Adam Ottavino
RHP Tyrell Jenkins BA#4 BP#2
RHP Joe Kelly BA#10
RHP Shelby Miller BA#1 BP#1
RHP Trevor Rosenthal
LHP John Gast
LHP Kevin Siegrist

Relievers
RHP Chuckie Fick
RHP Lance Lynn BA#6 BP#5
RHP Adam Reifer
LHP Samuel Freeman
RHP Victor Marte
RHP Jordan Swagerty BA#9 BP#11
LHP Nick Greenwood
LHP R.J. Swindle

Major League Free Agents 
Position Players 
C Gerald Laird (11/17: signed w/DET) 
1B Albert Pujols (12/8: signed w/LAA) 
IF Nick Punto** (12/14: signed w/BOS) 
IF Ryan Theriot (1/27: signed w/SF)
OF Corey Patterson*

Pitchers 
RHP Octavio Dotel (12/8: signed w/DET) 
RHP Edwin Jackson
LHP Arthur Rhodes

Minor League Free Agents 
Position Players
1B/OF Nick Stavinoha (11/9: signed w/HOU)
IF Freddie Bynum*
IF Eric Duncan* (11/16: signed w/KC)
IF Donovan Solano (12/2: signed w/MIA)
OF Daryl Jones* (11/9: signed w/CIN)

Pitchers 
RHP Bryan Augenstein (1/25: signed w/TB)
RHP Victor Marte
RHP Cory Rauschenberger
LHP Rich Rundles

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS 

OFFSEASON PREVIEW posted 10/29/2011

In late August, the Cardinals were 10 games out of the Wildcard race and just about everyone paying attention had all but ruled the team out of the playoff picture. But someone forgot to tell manager Tony LaRussa and his team that their season was over. They won 21 of their last 29 regular season games to earn a playoff berth on the last day of the season and then knocked off the NL East Champion Phillies in the NLDS, the NL Central Champion Brewers in the NLCS, and the AL Champion Rangers in the World Series. Many would argue that it has been one of the most exciting two months of baseball EVER. And the Cardinals are a big reason for that.

After all that excitement, Cardinals fans might be ready to relax and focus on something else besides baseball for a couple of weeks. But they'll have to wait. Albert Pujols, who may be the greatest hitter of his era, is a free agent and while many people believe he'll stay in St. Louis, Cardinals fans will have to sweat it out until the situation is resolved. Winning another World Championship doesn't hurt the chances that Pujols, 32 in January, re-signs. The $200M+ contract he is likely to command might hurt their chances. If he is willing to accept a deal that may not be the highest bid but he considers fair, then the future Hall of Famer could very well finish his career with the team that drafted him.

The return of Wainwright solidifies the rotation.

Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.

Re-signing Pujols isn't the only line of business for GM John Mozeliak. After the Cardinals pick up the $7M club option on catcher Yadier Molina, they'll need to decide who their double-play combination will be in 2012. Ryan Theriot, Skip Schumaker, Daniel Descalso, and Tyler Greene are all options and Rafael Furcal would like to return, although he's unlikely to have his $12M club option exercised. The 34 year-old could return at a reduced salary. Post-season hero Allen Craig should have a regular role next season and second base might be the only spot available if Pujols returns. The rest of the lineup appears set with Lance Berkman, Matt Holliday, and World Series MVP David Freese leading the way.

When the team recently exercised Adam Wainwright's club options for the next two seasons, it ensured that Mozeliak won't have to worry about one area of his ball club. Chris Carpenter, Jaime Garcia, Kyle Lohse, and Jake Westbrook are likely to fill out the starting rotation and free agent Edwin Jackson is unlikely to return. Lance Lynn and Kyle McClellan are also around to give the team some starting depth, although both are projected to pitch out of the 'pen. Shelby Miller, who may be one of the top five pitching prospects in the game, now has 16 Double-A starts under his belt and could be ready to join the rotation in 2013.

Jason Motte was another unlikely post-season hero, as he didn't become the team's closer until the last month of the regular season before saving five games in the playoffs. He'll return with a group of young and talented pitchers who will be trying to bridge the gap to him in the 9th inning. Marc Rzepczynski, who had 13 holds after being acquired from Toronto in the Colby Rasmus deal, figures to be the main left-hander out of the 'pen. Eduardo Sanchez (5 Sv, 7 Hld) and Fernando Salas (24 Sv, 6 Hld), who each had success in late-inning roles during the season, figure to be in the mix for setup roles along with McClellan and Lynn. Octavio Dotel also pitched well after coming over from Toronto but there might not be any room for him. He has a $3.5M club option. Another left-hander is probably a must for LaRussa, if he returns as manager (he has a mutual option for 2012).

•UPDATE 11/1 - Dotel and Furcal had their club options declined. Nothing was reported on Molina but there was no chance they weren't going to exercise his club option.

•UPDATE 11/12 - Mozeliak is projecting Descalso as the team's starting second baseman, while he "wouldn't mind" a Descalso-Greene combo in the middle infield.
•UPDATE 12/8 - Pujols has agreed to a ten-year deal with the Angels so the Cardinals will move on without their longtime superstar. Berkman will likely play first base. Craig was penciled in as the starting right fielder but he is expected to miss the start of the season after knee surgery.
•UPDATE 12/10 - Furcal has agreed to return on a two-year deal, likely making it a certainty that Theriot is non-tendered in the next few days.
•UPDATE 12/22 - Carlos Beltran has agreed to a two-year, $26M deal.  

Offseason Needs: None

Potential Position Battles: TBD

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Milwaukee Brewers 2011-12 Offseason

last updated 1/27/12

MILWAUKEE BREWERS 2012 
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.

*Players on the 40-man roster are indicated in BOLD.
*Players who are injured are indicated with +
*Baseball America '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in GREEN.

'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.

*40-man roster total (40) 

PROJECTED 25-MAN ROSTER (*indicates left-handed batter **indicates switch-hitter)
Starting Lineup  
1 CF Nyjer Morgan* 
2 2B Rickie Weeks
3 LF Ryan Braun
4 3B Aramis Ramirez
5 RF Corey Hart 
6 1B Mat Gamel*
7 C Jonathan Lucroy
8 SS Alex Gonzalez 

Bench 
C George Kottaras* 
IF Brooks Conrad**
IF Cesar Izturis**
OF Norichika Aoki*
OF Carlos Gomez

Starting Rotation 
1 RHP Yovani Gallardo 
2 RHP Zack Greinke
3 LHP Randy Wolf
4 RHP Shaun Marcum 
5 LHP Chris Narveson 

Bullpen 
CL RHP John Axford 
SU RHP Francisco Rodriguez 
SU RHP Kameron Loe
MID RHP Jose Veras
MID LHP Manny Parra
MID RHP Brandon Kintzler
LR RHP Marco Estrada

On the Outside Looking In 
Position Players 
C Martin Maldonado
2B/3B Taylor Green* 

3B Zelous Wheeler

IF Jeff Bianchi

IF Eric Farris BA#7

OF Caleb Gindl*

OF Brock Kjeldgaard

OF Logan Schafer*

C Patrick Arlis
C Anderson De La Rosa
C Paul Phillips
C Mike Rivera
1B Sean Halton
1B/OF Travis Ishikawa*
IF Edwin Maysonet
IF/OF Erick Almonte

Starting Pitchers 
RHP Michael Fiers

RHP Wily Peralta BA#3 BP#4

RHP Amaury Rivas BA#10 BP#5

RHP Cody Scarpetta BA#2 BP#2

RHP Josh Butler
RHP Taylor Jungmann (1-12)
RHP Mark Rogers BA#1 BP#1
LHP Jed Bradley (1-15)
LHP Dan Merklinger

Relievers 
RHP Eulogio De La Cruz
RHP Tim Dillard

RHP Santo Manzanillo + UPDATE 11/29 - suffered sprained right shoulder in car accident

RHP Mike McClendon

LHP Zach Braddock

RHP Brian Baker

RHP Darren Byrd

RHP Donovan Hand
RHP Robert Wooten
LHP Victor Garate
LHP Daniel Meadows
LHP Juan Perez

Major League Free Agents 
Position Players 
1B Prince Fielder* (1/24: signed w/DET)
1B/OF Mark Kotsay* (11/15: signed w/SD)
SS Yuniesky Betancourt (12/20: signed w/KC)
IF Craig Counsell*
IF/OF Jerry Hairston, Jr. (12/5: signed w/LAD)

Pitchers
RHP LaTroy Hawkins (12/7: signed w/LAA) 
RHP Takashi Saito (12/12: signed w/ARI) 

Minor League Free Agents 
Position Players 
C Shawn Riggans
1B/OF Jordan Brown*
IF Felipe Lopez**
IF Anderson Machado**
IF Josh Wilson (11/22: signed w/ATL)
OF Brandon Boggs** (11/22: signed w/PIT))
OF Brendan Katin

Pitchers 
RHP Mark DiFelice
RHP Sean Green (1/23: signed w/TEX)
RHP Jim Henderson
RHP Robert Hinton
RHP Justin James
RHP Zack Segovia
LHP Sam Narron
LHP Mitch Stetter (1/23: signed w/TEX)

Lost in Rule V Draft/Traded
•1B/3B Casey McGehee UPDATE 12/12 - traded to Pirates
•LHP Lucas Luetge UPDATE 12/8 - taken by Mariners (Rule V)

MILWAUKEE BREWERS 

OFFSEASON PREVIEW posted 10/17/2011

The Brewers will head into the offseason minus free agent superstar Prince Fielder, leaving one gigantic hole in the middle of the lineup. Although they are expected to try and re-sign the 27 year-old first baseman, Fielder is expected to command well over $100M on a long-term deal and no one is giving the Brewers much of a chance. Whoever replaces him will have big shoes to fill. Internally, former top prospect Mat Gamel is the likely choice although there is talk that Corey Hart could move to first base from the outfield, which would give the team the option of pursuing a corner outfielder. An opportunity to hit behind MVP candidate Ryan Braun in the lineup is a strong selling point for any free agent.

Gamel is one option to replace Fielder at 1B. 

Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.

Finding a replacement for Fielder is likely the top priority but it could be a case where they bring in multiple additions to try and make up for the loss. Shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt is unlikely to have his $6M club option picked up and third baseman Casey McGehee's job is not safe after a very disappointing season (.626 OPS). So the Brewers can potentially go into 2012 with three new starters in the infield to go along with second baseman Rickie Weeks. Ideally, they could also improve defensively after their playoff debacle that earned them nicknames such as the 'Milwaukee Brew-errors'. Nyjer Morgan and Carlos Gomez are likely to share time in center field again while Jonathan Lucroy returns behind the plate.

The entire starting rotation returns and even though offseason acquisitions Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum didn't pitch well in the playoffs, they were a big reason for the team's improvement in 2011. Along with Yovani Gallardo, Randy Wolf, and Chris Narveson, the Brewers' rotation had the 6th best ERA in the National League. And there's some decent starting pitching depth in the high minors, including Michael Fiers, Wily Peralta, and Amaury Rivas. None are future top-of-the-rotation starters but they could probably help out if needed.

While most of the offseason talk will be focused around the lineup and Fielder, the bullpen is also going to need some work. Once the team officially declines the $17.5M mutual option for setup man Francisco Rodriguez, they will have three relievers to replace or re-sign. Veterans Takashi Saito (2.03 ERA, 10 Hld) and LaTroy Hawkins (2.42 ERA, 20 Hld) are both free agents, leaving closer John Axford without much proven help. Kameron Loe figures to once again be in the mix for a late-inning role and Marco Estrada should return in some capacity. There are plenty of other options that have had success in the big leagues but many of them (Manny Parra, Mitch Stetter, Brandon Kintzler) finished the season on the disabled list. With Rodriguez expected to look for another closer's job elsewhere, I'd expect GM Doug Melvin to aggressively pursue a reliable setup man to take his place.

•UPDATE 10/19 - Melvin shot down the idea that Hart would move to first base. So cross that off the list of options for now.

•UPDATE 10/30 - Betancourt and Rodriguez had their options declined for 2012.

•UPDATE 12/5 - Manager Ron Roenicke expects McGehee to be in the lineup, either at third base, or possibly first if Fielder isn't re-signed.
•UPDATE 12/7 - After failing to find a suitable multi-year deal on the free agent market, Rodriguez has accepted arbitration. He'll return on a one-year deal, although he could be shopped to a team in search of a closer.
•UPDATE 12/8 - The team had been reportedly pursuing free agent Jimmy Rollins but he's likely heading back to the Phillies. With limited options remaining, they have agreed to sign Alex Gonzalez to be their starting shortstop in 2012.
•UPDATE 12/12 - Former Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal.

Offseason Needs: First Base 

Potential Position Battles: TBD 

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Detroit Tigers 2011-12 Offseason

last updated 1/26/12

DETROIT TIGERS 2012 
For 2011 Opening Day roster, click HERE. For End-of-Season roster, click HERE.

*Players on the 40-man roster are indicated in BOLD.
*Players who are injured are indicated with +
*Baseball America '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in BLUE.
*Baseball Prospectus '11 pre-season prospect rankings are indicated in GREEN.

'MLBDepthCharts Magazine' includes this roster projection feature but includes additional info, such as player age, 2011 level and stats, 2012 salary and contract info in an easy-to-read, printer-friendly pdf file and excel spreadsheet.

*40-man roster total (40) 

PROJECTED 25-MAN ROSTER (*indicates left-handed batter **indicates switch-hitter) 
Starting Lineup
1 CF Austin Jackson
2 RF Brennan Boesch*
3 3B Miguel Cabrera
4 1B Prince Fielder*
5 DH Delmon Young
6 C Alex Avila*
7 SS Jhonny Peralta
8 LF Andy Dirks*
9 2B Ryan Raburn

Bench 
C Gerald Laird
3B Brandon Inge
IF Ramon Santiago**
IF/OF Don Kelly*

Starting Rotation 
1 RHP Justin Verlander
2 RHP Max Scherzer
3 RHP Doug Fister
4 RHP Rick Porcello 
5 RHP Jacob Turner BA#1 BP#1

Bullpen 
CL RHP Jose Valverde
SU RHP Joaquin Benoit
SU RHP Octavio Dotel
MID LHP Phil Coke
MID RHP David Pauley
MID LHP Daniel Schlereth
LR RHP Collin Balester

Projected Disabled List
Position Players
DH Victor Martinez** + UPDATE 1/17 - likely out for the season (torn ACL)

Pitchers
RHP Al Alburquerque + UPDATE 12/16 - will likely miss half of season (elbow surgery)

On the Outside Looking In
Position Players 

2B Hernan Perez
IF Danny Worth

OF Avisail Garcia

OF Clete Thomas*

C Rob Brantly*
C Curt Casali
C Bryan Holaday
C Patrick Leyland
C James McCann
C Omir Santos
1B Ryan Strieby
2B/OF Matt Young*
3B Nick Castellanos BA#2 BP#2
IF Audy Ciriaco

IF Argenis Diaz
OF Quintin Berry*

OF Jerad Head 
OF Justin Henry*
OF Eric Patterson*

Starting Pitchers 
LHP Duane Below
LHP Casey Crosby BA#6 BP#8
LHP Andrew Oliver
LHP Adam Wilk
LHP Drew Smyly BA#8 BP#7

Relievers
RHP Luis Marte
RHP Jose Ortega BA#10
RHP Tyler Stohr
RHP Brayan Villarreal
LHP Matt Hoffman

RHP Chris Bootcheck

LHP Darin Downs

Major League Free Agents 
Position Players 
2B Carlos Guillen**
2B Will Rhymes* (1/19: signed w/TB)
3B Wilson Betemit** (1/23: signed w/BAL)
OF Magglio Ordoñez

Pitchers 
RHP Brad Penny
RHP Joel Zumaya (1/15: signed w/MIN)

Minor League Free Agents 
Position Players 
C Max St. Pierre (1/18: signed w/BOS)
1B Scott Thorman*
OF Jeff Salazar*

Pitchers 
RHP Enrique Gonzalez
RHP Brendan Wise (11/17: signed w/MIN)
LHP Ramon Garcia
LHP David Purcey (12/9: signed w/PHI)
LHP Brad Thomas

Lost in Rule V Draft/Traded
IF Gustavo Nuñez** UPDATE 12/8 - drafted by Pirates (Rule V)
RHP Ryan Perry UPDATE 12/9 - traded to Nationals

DETROIT TIGERS 

OFFSEASON PREVIEW posted 10/16/2011

General Manager Dave Dombrowski made a splash last offseason by signing Victor Martinez, one of the top hitters on the free agent market, and Joaquin Benoit, one of the top relievers. But his late-season acquisitions of starting pitcher Doug Fister (1.79 ERA in 70.1 IP w/ DET) and left fielder Delmon Young (8 HR, 32 RBI w/DET; 5 post-season HR) were just as important, helping the Tigers run away with the division and eventually fall two wins shy of the World Series. So what does Dombrowski have up his sleeve for this offseason?

There are some holes to fill, especially in the bullpen. One very important role can be filled by exercising the $9 million club option on closer Jose Valverde, who was a perfect 52-for-52 in save opportunities in 2011. Should be an easy decision, in my opinion. Aside from Benoit and Valverde, manager Jim Leyland lacked reliable options late in the game. Al Alburquerque looked like he could be that guy early in the season but he battled injuries and lost the strike zone late in the year. David Pauley, who also came over in the Fister deal, wasn't nearly as good as he had been with the Mariners early in the season. Ryan Perry and Daniel Schlereth still have a ton of potential but the Tigers could target another setup man to pair with Benoit.

Can Raburn be the everyday 2B for the Tigers?

Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.

One area that probably doesn't need to be addressed is the rotation. Justin Verlander is one of the best, if not the best, starting pitchers in the game. Fister, Max Scherzer, and Rick Porcello make up a solid middle of the rotation and top pitching prospect Jacob Turner is getting closer to making an impact in the big leagues. The 20 year-old struggled in three big league starts but had a fine minor league season (3.44 ERA, 131 IP, 117 H, 35 BB, 110 K in 20 starts between AAA/AA). Bringing in another veteran as insurance is a possibility but it's unlikely to be a top priority.

The lineup remains very good, especially with the return of Brennan Boesch (.283 BA, 16 HR, 25 2B in 115 games), who missed the last month of the season and the playoffs because of a torn thumb ligament, and a full season of Young at the other outfield corner. Miguel Cabrera continues to be one of the best hitters in baseball and Alex Avila and Jhonny Peralta were two of the better hitters in the league at their respective positions. Austin Jackson strikes out too much (181 K) for a leadoff hitter and doesn't get on base nearly enough (.317 OBP) but he's only 24 and the Tigers will hope that he can improve enough to remain in that spot.

Third baseman Brandon Inge, who hit well over the last six weeks of the season, including a 7-for-21 performance in the playoffs, is signed for another season. Considering that he was designated for assignment earlier in the season before clearing waivers and accepting a minor league assignment, I can't imagine they go to Spring Training with Inge as the only option. Wilson Betemit, who posted an .871 OPS after he was acquired from Kansas City in mid-July, could be re-signed to share time at the hot corner. Another option would be to move Peralta to third base and pursue a shortstop. The Tigers will also have to decide if Ryan Raburn can be the full-time second baseman. The 30 year-old utilityman has posted a .900+ OPS in the second half of each of the past three seasons. He should find his way into the lineup against left-handed pitching, regardless, but they could shop for a second baseman if they don't think he can handle an everyday gig.

•UPDATE 10/28 - Valverde had his 2012 club option exercised.

•UPDATE 11/17 - The team has agreed to terms with free agent catcher Gerald Laird to be the backup for Avila. So don't expect to see Martinez behind the plate at all next season.

•UPDATE 11/30 - Infielder Ramon Santiago has been re-signed to a two-year deal. He'll likely see most of his time at second base but he can also play shortstop and third base.
•UPDATE 12/7 - Reliever Octavio Dotel, who was very good in the post-season with the Cardinals, has agreed to a one-year deal. He'll be in the mix for the 7th inning setup role.

Offseason Needs: Third Baseman

Potential Position Battles: TBD 

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