It certainly must be a perfect storm. A big name player hits the Free Agent market, a team has money to spend, and the team has a need for that position. Seems simple enough, right? Wrong. Here's a look at some of the stories that made headlines today that shows how hard it is for these GM's:
- Joel Sherman reported that the Nationals would have to make room to pick up a big name contract like Pujols or Fielder. The move, is obviously Adam LaRoche who is due to make $8 millon next season and $10 million in 2013 (with a $1 million buyout). Going to be hard to do with a 1B who batted .182 last year with a -0.2 WAR.
- Joe Capozzi discusses what would happen if Reyes did sign that reported 6 year, $90 million dollar contract with the Marlins. I'm personally not sure what team is looking to pick up the Hanley Ramirez contract of $15-$16 million per for the next 3 years coming off his worst season (granted, injured) and has an average glove. Then again, I'm sure the Red Sox would love to have him back.
- Jon Heyman says the Cincinnati Reds would love to be in on Jair Jurrjens. Plenty of teams would love to be in for a young pitcher who's under team control for years to come, but only a few will have the pieces the Atlanta Braves want.
- Jon Heyman also shows how hard it is to simply meet with a Free Agent. This is how prices get driven up in the market.
Still think its easy to be a GM?