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Look for plenty

Ken Davidoff

November 12, 2006

We've gotten to the point that there isn't even a lull between the end of the World Series and the start of baseball's free agency. No, we've been plenty busy, thanks to Gary Sheffield, Daisuke Matsuzaka and clubs that take longer to pick a manager than it takes to grow a watermelon.

But the hot stove kicks off in earnest this week. Starting Sunday, free agents can sign contracts with other clubs. And the general managers' meetings begin Monday in Naples, Fla., as team officials sit down with each other and free agents' representatives and get a better feel for the market.

Each offseason develops its character as the fall changes to winter, but at the outset, this one looks simple: spending orgy. The industry is in great shape, there is labor peace and teams, bless them, want to reward and encourage their fans.

"I do think it's going to be a winter of both surprises and unpredictability," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said. "Given the limited talent available and the resources that teams have, it's going to be a winter of raised eyebrows."

"It could be pretty crazy," Padres GM Kevin Towers said. "It seems like it's a year where there's a lot of clubs that have money to spend ... It looks to be a pretty rough market from the ballclubs' standpoint."

That's why Towers and Shapiro executed an early deal last week, with Padres second baseman Josh Barfield going to the Indians for highly regarded infield prospect Kevin Kouzmanoff.

"People are trying to fill their holes through the trade market because of a fear of where the free-agent market may go," Towers said. "I think you'll see more trades in November and the free-agent class not settling until well into December. From the discussions that I've had with agents, their expectations are pretty high on not only dollars but years."

Shapiro anticipates "very few teams that will be able to fill all of the holes they have."

So here we go. From our local standpoint, you'd think the Mets would be more active than the Yankees, only because they have more holes. But try to think creatively as you follow things, because that's what the teams themselves will be doing.

Behind the times

Gary Sheffield concluded his three years in pinstripes with a virtuoso two weeks, shouting and complaining so loudly about everything that he succeeded in landing with the team that employs his favorite manager (Detroit's Jim Leyland) and getting a two-year, $28-million extension through 2009. Very impressive.

Not as impressive, it seems, were Sheffield's efforts to track down George Steinbrenner. According to multiple sources, when Sheffield tried to bypass Brian Cashman and speak directly with The Boss about his situation, he went to Steinbrenner's old house. The Steinbrenners moved within Tampa about five years ago.

Howard Rubenstein, Steinbrenner's spokesman, confirmed that The Boss never met with Sheffield. Nor was Steinbrenner or anyone in his family aware that Sheffield went to the house, although Steinbrenner did get word that Sheffield waited at the International House of Pancakes The Boss frequents.

Hopefully, when reporting to work for his new team, Sheffield doesn't go to Tiger Stadium.

Pop quiz

Who played Ty Cobb in the 1991 TV movie "Babe Ruth"?

Hot stove stuff

Look for the Diamondbacks to trade starting catcher Johnny Estrada, making room for youngster Miguel Montero. The Phillies and Giants are logical landing points for Estrada.

The Blue Jays tried to trade for the Angels' Adam Kennedy this past season, and now they have reached out to Kennedy as a free agent. Toronto must decide whether Aaron Hill will play at second base or shortstop. If Hill plays second base, Kennedy won't fit.

Speaking of middle infielders, the Braves are shopping Marcus Giles. They nearly traded him to Cleveland for Kouzmanoff.

Even before Alfonso Soriano could discuss dollars and cents with other clubs, he was feeling weighed down enough by his free agency that he changed his cell phone number, thereby thwarting the handful of reporters to whom he gave the number.

J.D. Drew's decision to opt out of the final three years and $33 million of his Dodgers contract surprised nearly everyone in the business. Dodgers GM Ned Colletti had told GMs interested in Drew that he was not available, that the Dodgers intended to build their team around Drew. So much for that.

Two-time former Yankee Jeff Nelson retired in June, but he filed for free agency. What's up with that? "I probably could pitch," said Nelson, who underwent right elbow surgery in May and turns 40 Friday. But "I really didn't miss it that much." Brad Radke also filed, but the Twins are convinced that the righthander will retire. It is easier procedurally to file for free agency and walk away than for the player and team to fill out retirement papers.

Good deeds

Congratulations to Reggie Jackson, Yankees president Randy Levine and Yankees adviser Ray Negron, who were honored Wednesday night by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for their work within the community. Negron's children's book, "The Boy of Steel," the proceeds from which will go to cancer research, hit No. 9 on today's New York Times best-seller list and is set to jump to No. 2 next week.

Pop quiz answer

Pete Rose. Thanks to Rob Edelman of Amsterdam, N.Y., for the suggestion.