Class of 2010 Free Agents Who Could Be Playing for Big Contract
By Gavin T., Fantasy Baseball Champ Editor, 01.02.10
In fantasy baseball, it always helps to look ahead and see who could be playing a little harder in 2010 for that big free agent payoff come the end of the season. Some players play hard all the time, but it's undeniable that some play even harder when the end of their contract nears.
Look at last year's players whose contracts were ending at the end of 2009. Those who weren't injured did quite well on the field, and most are now in the middle of doing quite well off the field. Matt Holliday is rumored to be seeking $100 million, while Jason Bay, John Lackey, Bobby Abreu, Chone Figgins, and even Marco Scutaro have done well for themselves.
So who's up in 2010? Joe Mauer, for one. Minnesotans might riot if he's not signed by mid-season, but there's no reason for Mauer to put up some big numbers and let the Yankees and Red Sox bid up his price.
Carl Crawford. Could he steal 100 bases?
Cliff Lee, Josh Beckett, Brandon Webb. All seem like they have the potential to have phenomenal seasons while having the utmost incentive to stay injury-free. CC Sabathia money perhaps?
Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter. It wouldn't hurt to prove to the Yankees brass that they deserve the big contracts they'll certainly get.
Derrek Lee. Stay healthy and he could be in for one final big contract.
Carlos Pena. Incentive to swing for the fences, even if he strikes out 300 times.
Adam Dunn. Ditto.
Jayson Werth. Should take advantage of Citizen Bank Park while the going is good and he'll get paid. If Marlon Byrd gets $5 mil per year, what is Werth worth?
Ted Lilly. Keep him on your fantasy radar.
Huston Street. Even if he's not a closer, set-up men get paid quite nicely as well these days.
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