New York Mets

Last year, on November 6th, 2007, I released my top 50 Free Agents rankings and predictions. You can check out the archive on my old blog if you are interested.This year, a week later than usual, I've again ranked and predicted the destinations for the top 50 free agents of this year's free agent class. 2009 is very top-heavy, and there aren't many sexy names in the bottom 25, but that only made everything that much more unpredictable. Please note I also think the most action this off-season will be made through trades rather than big free agent contracts.

50: Chad Cordero - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim       
Signing Cordero would seem to make sense for LA, who are always looking to upgrade their bullpen. I anticipate they will let their all-star closer K-Rod walk this offseason, and Cordero could close if injury or ineffectiveness would make Jose Arrendondo a libability for the team. Cordero was great with the Nats early in his career, but doesn't really have closer stuff, ala Joe Borowski. He could thrive in a setup role on a good team, and LA seems like a good fit for him. Runner-up: St. Louis Cardinals       

49: Ken Griffey, Jr - Seattle Mariners       
Ken Griffey Jr is approaching his Willie Mays on the Mets days, when a great slugger is reduced to a shell of his former self playing in uniforms that never have, and never will, look right on him. I really have no idea where Junior will end up or how often he'll get the chance to play next year. I am only casting a sentimental vote that Seattle, who has nothing to play for next year anyway, will let The Kid replace Raul Ibanez and finish his career where it all started in The Emerald City. Runner-up: I hope retirement       

48: Rocco Baldelli - Tampa Bay Rays       
There has been some rumors lately of Baldelli leaving St. Petersburg and was even rumored to be coveted by the Red Sox. However, after the organization he was drafted by stood through him during his rehab from his extremely rare medical condition, I would expect Baldelli to have a sense of loyalty to the Rays. Expect him to resign, and hope for a full healthy year. Few remember, but Rocco was a sure-thing before injuries took away most of his speed and stamina. Runner-up: Philadelphia Phillies       

47: Kevin Millar - Los Angeles Dodgers       
It seems for quite some time now, LA has been building their team on veterans with a yearly infusion of a new face from the minor leagues. With Nomar Garciaparra a free agent and Jeff Kent likely retiring, Kevin Millar would fit well with this team. He can play good defense or even platoon with James Loney and provide some "glue" in the clubhouse. Millar only has a few seasons left in his career, but I wouldn't expect a multi-year deal here. There is a chance he'll try to land a full-time gig somewhere, but that seems unlikely. Runner-up: San Diego Padres       

46: Chan Ho Park - Los Angeles Dodgers       
From 1997-2001 Chan Ho Park won double digits games every year as a starter for the Dodgers. Then he signed a monster contract with the Rangers, was Barry Zito-bad, and then fell into relative obscurity until last year when he was able to revive his career with LA. I imagine Park will resign on the cheap, since he has already made over $81 million in his career, and no other team should be stupid enough to offer him anything, since he only pitches well in LA. The Dodgers could use the innings from the pen. Runner-up: Retirement       

45: Brad Wilkerson - Toronto Blue Jays       
I am continually biased toward Brad Wilkerson, who I saw playing in the minors for the Harrisburg Senators. I've always felt he never lived up to the expectations he created mashing balls on City Island and the early promise he showed once he made it to the show. He is still a great fourth option who can hit for power and little else, and is still only 32 years old. Toronto has one of the best outfields in the game, but little depth behind their stars. Wilkerson would be a good fit here. Runner-up: Pittsburgh Pirates       

44: Nick Punto - Cincinnati Reds       
Nick Punto needs to make a career decision this year. He had one good season as a starter but at 31 isn't going to get much better. It would appear to be in his best interest to sign in the super-utility role he has excelled in for Minnesota last season. However, this may be his last chance to get a relatively big contract and an opportunity to prove himself as a starter. There is not a lot of depth at shortstop this year, so he may get that chance. The Reds seem like a good fit here. Runner-up: Kansas City Royals       

43: Jeremy Affeldt - Milwaukee Brewers       
I'll go out on a limb and say its unlikely the Brewers are going to bring back Eric Gagne. That being said, the Brewers will need some bodies in the bullpen and this isn't the best year for those types of pitchers. There are a lot of average starters available, but Affeldt is the one pitcher I think could make a difference in the pen for a team in 2009. His ERA has improved the past two years, and if he stays in the National League, I think that trend will continue. Runner-up: Oakland A's       

42: Damaso Marte - New York Yankees       
Editor's Note: I made this pick before it was news that the Yankees are likely to sign Marte to a three year-deal. I was not scared when they declined his option. Runner-up: New York Mets       

41: Juan Cruz - Chicago White Sox       
Juan Cruz had one of his best statistical seasons for the Diamondbacks last year and will be looking to cash in this year. The Diamondbacks have a ton of bullpen depth, and losing Cruz won't have much of an impact on their team in 2009. The White Sox bullpen was good last year, but I would imagine they'll try to sign an arm for middle relief/set-up this offseason. Then again, if Cruz pitches like he did in 2005 with Oakland (7+ ERA), we'll have a long list of fun Ozzie moments to look forward to. Runner-up: Milwaukee Brewers       

40: Jason Varitek - Houston Astros       
And so it ends. My gut feeling is somehow, someway the Red Sox will resign Varitek. But my head tells me there is no way that is going to happen in a Scott Boras world. Houston is a team that doesn't really expect anything from their catcher offensively, Brad Ausmus has been able to have a career because of that belief. Tek would provide better defense and even a little more pop than the incumbent. Tek could make Houston's young starters better and be a role model in the clubhouse and community. Best wishes. Runner-up: Boston Red Sox       

39: Odalis Perez - Washington Nationals       
DC's Finest are years away from contending and continue to make puzzling front office decisions, from draft picks to contract extensions. For this team to resemble anything respectable in 2009, they will need to fill their starting rotation with dependable arms to help take the burden off their young starters. Perez makes sense here, if nothing else if he an affordable veteran who can eat some innings for the Nationals. Runner-up: Pittsburgh Pirates       

38: Brad Penny - Milwaukee Brewers       
Why change the status-quo too much, right? If you are going to lose one spectacular when healthy but always an injury risk-style pitcher, just sign another to take his place. There is no doubt Brad Penny can be great, just two years ago he finished second in Cy Young voting. Milwaukee is going to lose both Sabathia and Sheets this off-season, and will need to go after an ace on the cheap. Penny shouldn't command as much as the top tier starters in this year's class. Runner-up: New York Yankees       

37: Eric Hinske - Philadelphia Phillies       
Eric Hinske is another super-utility style player who is available as a free agent. Hinske has played well for the past two seasons with Boston and Tampa Bay, and the former rookie of the year is still only 31 years old. I could see him moving to the National League after spending his entire career in the AL East. Philadelphia, which lacks depth in the infield and outfield positions, would be a terrific fit for Hinske, who hit 20 homeruns last year for Tampa Bay. Runner-up: Tampa Bay Rays       

36: Jon Garland - Pittsburgh Pirates       
The buzz around the Hot Stove is that the Pirates are dying for a veteran starter to sign a low cost, multi-year deal. Ha, which team isn't right? Anyway, I think Garland fits the bill here, he has pitched on winning teams for most of his career and would be able to help teach the young Pirates pitchers the right way of doing things. He could benefit from a switch to the National League, instead of the offense-heavy American league. Garland has won double-digit games every year since 2002. Runner-up: Milwaukee Brewers      

35: Braden Looper - Cleveland Indians       
Looper is another solid if not spectacular reliever who is available this offseason. After a career year in 2004 with the Mets, Looper has been consistent but never great the past three years with St. Louis. Cleveland will need to add some arms in the bullpen, and Looper makes sense since he won't be needed to play a significant role. I have him rated pretty high here based on my prediction, I think a change of scenery to the American League will help Looper regain some confidence. Runner-up: Boston Red Sox       

34: Mark Grudzielanek - Arizona Diamondbacks       
Grudzielanek is an underappreciated 2nd baseman, a career .290 career hitter who made just $4 million last year with Kansas City. He would fit as a cheap, veteran leader for the Diamondbacks, who need more professional hitters to surround their free-swinging young stars. There is always an outside chance that, at this point in his career, Grudzielanek could accept a utility role with a contender. Runner-up: Boston Red Sox   

33: Ivan Rodriguez - Boston Red Sox       
As mentioned earlier, I do not anticipate the Red Sox resigning Varitek. However, I also don't expect them to go into 2009 without a veteran backup plan no matter if they trade for another backstop or not. It's scary to think about how much the pitching staff might suffer under the offensive-minded Pudge, but if he is willing to accept a one year deal, it could be a good deal for both sides. Runner-up: New York Mets       

32: Paul Byrd - San Francisco Giants       
Byrd will get offers to stay in Boston as well as return to Cleveland, but I have a feeling he'll switch over the National League on a two-year deal with San Francisco. Byrd will be able to provide syringes, I mean, experience and stability to the back-end of the San Francisco's starting rotation. Still at effective pitcher at 38, Byrd pitched great down the stretch last season after it was learned he was tipping his pitches in early 2008. Runner-up: Pittsburgh Pirates       

31: Mark Kotsay - Seattle Mariners       
Kotsay is another veteran who has solid during the end of the regular season and in the postseason for Boston and will look to cash in for 2009. Ideally, every member of Red Sox Nation would love Kotsay to come back and play behind Youk, Drew, and Lowell, but Boston has compiled some pretty impressive depth in the outfield and Lars Anderson may be ready to play 1B by midseason. The Mariners would be a good fit for Kotsay, he could replace Ibanez in the outfield or give stability at first place, allowing Jeff Clement to play his natural position behind the plate more often. Runner-up: St. Louis Cardinals       

30: Edgar Renteria - St. Louis Cardinals       
There is no secret that Rafeal Furcal is the big prize this offseason at shortstop, but I have a feeling Renteria is going to be the best the Cardinals will do this year. Renteria is what he is, and always seems to  play better in the National League, so that's a plus here. If he provides solid defense and league average numbers for the club, they should be back in contention for 2009. Or he'll play like the Renteria of the American League and be consistently booed until traded at midseason. Runner-up: San Francisco Giants       

29: Trevor Hoffman - San Diego Padres       
Editor's Note: News came out that San Diego has withdrawn their offer for Hoffman and he will be pitching elsewhere in 2009. However, I am not going to change my pick, just chalk this one up in the loss column and pretend I never wrote a paragraph about how its great to see such loyalty between player and team in today's sports world. Never happened. Runner-up: Detroit Tigers       

28: John Smoltz - Atlanta Braves       
A lot has been said about where John Smoltz will play in 2009. He has told the media he would be willing to play somewhere else, and last year said he would accept a trade if it was in the team's best interest. However, Smoltz only has a year, maybe two, left in his arm and I can't imagine him finishing it anywhere but Atlanta. Runner-up: Retirement       

27: Oliver Perez - Chicago Cubs       
Although I believe they will resign Kerry Wood, I think the Cubs will struggle to resign some of their other starters, leaving a hole in the middle of their rotation. Enter Oliver Perez, the solid if not spectacular pitcher who is still only 27. Perez has won double digit games for the Mets the past two years, averaging around 180 IP. If he can duplicate those numbers pitching in the fourth spot for Chicago, he'll be a steal. Runner-up: Pittsburgh Pirates       

26: Kerry Wood - Chicago Cubs       
Editor's Note: As with Hoffman, I will not change this pick although its obvious Wood will not sign with the Cubs at this point. Runner-up: Texas Rangers       

TOP 100 - Here is a list of players, in no specific order, that round out my top 100 free agents.
Mark Loretta, Juan Uribe, Bob Howry, Brian Giles, Alan Embree, Brandon Lyon, Dennys Reyes, Eric Gagne, Frank Thomas, Garret Anderson, Greg Maddux, Gregg Zaun, Hank Blalock, Jeff Kent, Joe Beimel, Luis Gonzalez, Miguel Olivo, Mike Cameron, Paul Lo Duca, Salomon Torres, Trever Miller, Scott Podsednik, Adam Everett, Al Reyes, Carl Pavano, Jason Isringhausen, Corey Patterson, Daryle Ward, David Eckstein, Doug Mientkiewicz, Gabe Kapler, Guillermo Mota, Jason Jennings, Jason Michaels, Jay Payton, Jerry Hairston Jr., Jim Edmonds, Juan Rincon, Kevin Mench, Kyle Farnsworth, LaTroy Hawkins, Mark Mulder, Mark Prior, Matt Clement, Mike Hampton, Nomar Garciaparra, Pedro Martinez, Richie Sexson, Sean Casey, Tadahito Iguchi, Darren Oliver, Doug Brocail, Russ Springer, Brian Shouse, David Weathers, Moises Alou, Aaron Boone, Alex Cintron, Alex Cora, Arthur Rhodes, Bartolo Colon, Brad Ausmus, Brendan Donnelly, Casey Fossum, Cesar Izturis, Chad Fox, Chad Moeller, Chris Gomez, Cliff Floyd, Craig Counsell, Craig Monroe, Curt Schilling, Damion Easley, David Ross, Eddie Guardado, Emil Brown, Felipe Lopez, Glendon Rusch, Greg Norton, Henry Blanco, Horacio Ramirez, Jamey Wright, Jason Johnson, Javier Valentin, Joe Borowski, Joe Crede, Johnny Estrada, Jon Lieber, Jose Vidro, Josh Bard, Josh Fogg, Juan Rivera, Julian Tavarez, Keith Foulke, Kenny Rogers, Kenshin Kawakami, Kip Wells, Koji Uehara, Kris Benson, Livan Hernandez, Luis Ayala, Mark Hendrickson, Matt Herges, Matt Wise, Michael Barrett, Miguel Cairo, Mike Lamb, Mike Lincoln, Mike Sweeney, Mike Timlin, Omar Vizquel, Orlando Hernandez, Paul Bako, Ramon Vazquez, Ray Durham, Rich Aurilia, Rodrigo Lopez, Roger Clemens, Ron Villone, Rudy Seanez, Russell Branyan, Scott Eyre, Sergio Mitre, Shawn Chacon, Shawn Estes, Sidney Ponson, Toby Hall, Tom Glavine, Tom Gordon, Tomohiro Nioka, Tony Clark, Will Ohman, Willie Bloomquist

Drafted in the 8^th round of the 2007 draft out of The Woodlands High School in Texas, Taylor Grote is a prospect brimming with potential. Although he didn't accomplish all his goals at Staten Island this past season, Taylor is looking forward to the 2009 season as he is ready to take the next step in his development and his growth . Taylor's a nice dude, and I had a great time interviewing him.

Ashish Skaria: Tell us a little bit about your tools, offensively and defensively.

Taylor Grote: I feel I can be an all-around threat no doubt about it. It is going to take hard work and that is what I am willing to do to get to that point. All around I want to be the total player.

Ashish Skaria:  No doubt you have faced some tough spots this year at Staten Island, as does almost every baseball prospect in their first full year of professional ball. What flaws have you noticed in your swing, and how are you approaching your at bats differently since the start of the season?

 Taylor Grote:  Yes, I had struggles but it is not something I was hoping for. I knew I could most likely expect some. It's part of this game and is something you have to put aside and just move on to the next at bat. My swing was not a problem. It was all in my head and that is the aspect I must learn to deal with.

Ashish Skaria: I also understand that you were a big time wide receiver prospect at The Woodlands High School. Do you feel you made the right choice going with baseball?

Taylor Grote:  I did play some football of course growing up in Texas. I could have played some football at the next level but I decided at a pretty young age baseball was what I wanted to do.

Ashish Skaria: What is the most important aspect of your game that you want to improve on going forward in the Yankees system?

Taylor Grote:  Really just the mental aspect of the game, training my mind and my actions to be the same whether I am 4-4 or 0 for last 20. It is a learning process for a young player, and I will get better with a little bit of time. All my tools are there. It's just a matter of time before I put it all together.

Ashish Skaria: How does it feel playing behind Pat Venditte? Do you think Pat's got what it takes to be a successful relief pitcher in the majors?

Taylor Grote: Pat is a different pitcher obviously, but he is just another guy out on the mound trying to get where we all want to be. The guy has a great work ethic and competes so on those two factors,  I would say sure he can just like anybody that works hard in this game.

Ashish Skaria: Tell us about your day at the ballpark.

Taylor Grote: Well it starts with eating a good meal. Then I take it to the cage to get my routine in, and then I relax and prepare for BP.

Ashish Skaria: Any player you idolized growing up?

Taylor Grote:  Chipper was always the player I loved to watch. Although there was other guys I really liked, Chipper was always the man.

Ashish Skaria: Were you a Yankee fan growing up?

Taylor Grote:  Not really. I liked some of the players [on the Yankees], but they were not my team.

Ashish Skaria: Which player would compare yourself to in the majors today and why?

Taylor Grote: Not sure, but probably a guy like Beltran who can do a lot of things in the game, not just a one sided player.

Ashish Skaria:  Any hobbies in particular we should know of?

Taylor Grote: I love to play golf! It is my thing man; I could play any day anytime!

Here's what we're looking at on the sports scen tonight in New York:

• The Nets face off against the Pacers, trying to rebound from a 2-4 start. Will Devin Harris play? Will Yi (pronounced EE) give us what he did against the Heat? Can Josh Boone make a foul shot? MVN's Nets affiliate, Nets Daily, has more. The site has an easy access to all Nets content.
• On the ice tonight, the Rangers and the Devils square off from the Prudential Center tonight. The Blue Shirts have won nine of ten, and New Jersey is without Marty Brodeur. Kevin Weeks goals against average hasn't been good-an above 2.5 mark- and all signs would point to a Ranger victory. Newsday's Steve Zipay talks more about the matchup on his blog.

Also look out for my first podcast, the Wednesday news desk later today! Some topics to look for on the show:

• Knicks- Spurs recap
• Nets preview
• Hot stove action!