Holliday Shopping

[TN TITAN Fan In STL]

This is from the stltoday website:

One of the biggest names available in baseball’s free-agent market this winter is Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday, who is expected to apply for free agency within the next week.

The All-Star and former batting champ is certain to draw suitors from both leagues and both coasts. But bargain hunters and penny-pinchers need not try. He’s available to the discerning (read: well-financed) consumer only.

Some franchises that have the need and the financial wherewithal to do some Holliday shopping:

Cardinals • The local club paid a healthy price in prospects to land Holliday, thinking his bat would get them to the playoffs (check) and their culture would win him over long-term (TBD). They have expressed a willingness to spend, especially if it means uniting Holliday and Albert Pujols for years to come.

Boston Red Sox • The Red Sox have publicly stated a desire to re-sign Jason Bay, who already has shown he can excel in the Fenway crucible and is a little more than a year older than Holliday. Still, the Red Sox have the pocketbook to upend any courtship in which they get involved.

New York Yankees • The World Series champs want to get younger in the outfield, though re-signing Johnny Damon is a possibility if they let Hideki Matsui walk. The Yankees appear tepid on Holliday, but agent Scott Boras is known for dragging the Yankees into the discussion to drive price (see: Carlos Beltran).

San Francisco Giants • Already boasting two of the best starters in the league (Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain), the Giants crave an offensive infusion. They have showed a willingness to spend. Word is they are eyeing Bay, but Holliday would radically enhance their lineup and is familiar with the division.

Los Angeles Angels • Jilted by Mark Teixeira last year despite a heady offer of about $160 million, the Angels have a history of splurging on outfielders, from Gary Matthews Jr. to Torii Hunter. Now they have an opening, with the potential need to replace Vladimir Guerrero and that DH option to fit any hitter.

New York Mets • The moribund Mets used nine different players in left field this season and for the trouble got a combined .276 average, 76 RBIs and a paltry 12 homers. The Mets need a jolt, they have the budget, and reports out of Queens have them eyeing Holliday as a fit for their needs, p.r. and otherwise.

Los Angeles Dodgers • Manny Ramirez has a $20-million player option with LA if he wants it, and why wouldn’t he after the season he had? But if he stuns the industry and opts out, that could give the Dodgers license to plunge into the derby for Holliday or Bay as a bat to build that deep lineup around.

Atlanta Braves • The Braves are in need of an outfielder and a bat, and they could find both in Holliday. They expect to be a fringe suitor, however, as reports in Atlanta peg the Braves as reluctant to pay the cost that either left fielders, and especially Holliday, are expected to command.