Dustin Pedroia, Renteria, Blake, Howry, Miller, Branyan, and Hampton have all signed or are believed to be signing new contracts within the next week heading into the Winter Meetings. The Boston Red Sox made a bit of a splash by signing the 2008 MVP Dustin Pedroia a contract extension of 6 years and 40.5 million dollars a year, which is quite the bargain. Casey Blake has been on three teams’ radars, but two of which have extended possible contracts of two years in length, but the Twins seem to be the front-runners for Blake’s services if they can muscle up for the third year which would conclude near his 39th birthday. Howry signed with the Giants, Miller signed with the Cardinals, Branyan signed with the Mariners, Hampton signed with the Astros and all were signed for a contract of one year each. Renteria is nearing a deal that would send him to the Giants for two years for 18 million dollars total.
Out of all the free agent signings listed above the best deal would have to be Casey Blake. Blake had a solid year not only defensively but added a .274 average, 21 homers and 81 RBI and a .345 OBP. Blake is a little past his prime, but in an order in Minnesota that features two All-Star players in Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer, I think Blake could have another solid year and at a good price of around 6 million dollars a year.
Out of all the free agent signings listed above the best deal would have to be Casey Blake. Blake had a solid year not only defensively but added a .274 average, 21 homers and 81 RBI and a .345 OBP. Blake is a little past his prime, but in an order in Minnesota that features two All-Star players in Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer, I think Blake could have another solid year and at a good price of around 6 million dollars a year.
MLB Blog Writer: Brandon Walzer