IN LIMBO: LF Garret Anderson, whose contract option for 2009 was declined by the Angels, holds nearly every franchise record for a position player and still has some skill (as shown by his .335 batting average after the All-Star break this season). The Angels will have 15 days after the end of the World Series to negotiate with him.
INF Maicer Izturis (left thumb surgery in August 2008) is expected to recover in time for spring training.
OF Vladimir Guerrero (right knee tendinitis) will consult with team doctors about possible surgery.
RHP Kelvim Escobar (right shoulder surgery in July 2008) is not expected back until midseason 2009.
The expectation in some baseball circles is that the Brewers will offer left-hander CC Sabathia $100 million for four years.
Such a proposal certainly would get Sabathia's attention as he prepares for free agency, but he surely would command a more lucrative deal on the open market.
The Yankees, Angels and Dodgers are among Sabathia's leading possibilities, and each could give him more than four years and $25 million per season.
2008 MLB playoffs
More on the playoffs:
- MLB Playoff Central | Video Central
- Rosenthal: Who will pay for Manny?
- Fan reaction to every series
Sabathia's preference is to play on the west coast, sources say. He might also prefer to remain in the National League, making him an obvious fit for the Dodgers.
However, the Dodgers' intentions are an open question.
The team is facing the losses of several major free agents — left fielder Manny Ramirez, right-hander Derek Lowe, shortstop Rafael Furcal and third baseman Casey Blake.
The Brewers, meanwhile, would demonstrate to their fans that they indeed were serious about keeping Sabathia if they offered him $100 million for four years.
