Updates on nine 1. C.J. Wilson, LHP, Rangers - As the top free agent pitcher out there, he will have no shortage of offers. The Rangers have the funds to help him break the bank, but who else? One would think the Orioles, Red Sox, Yankees, Twins, Tigers, and Cardinals will make very competitive bids. The Royals are also contemplating a move. Wilson will be Texas’s Game 1 starter in the playoffs, and could earn himself a few extra shekels with a masterful performance in the postseason.
2. Josh Hamilton, OF, Rangers - He will go back to center field for the playoffs, giving Texas a little bit more firepower in the lineup. David Murphy will play left and Nelson Cruz right. Hamilton is considered a superb center fielder, but he moved to left to preserve his body. Once the playoffs hit, manager Ron Washington is going to play his best.
3. Chris Capuano, LHP, Mets - Nobody has a real answer as to why a Capuano-Red Sox deal couldn’t be consummated. Capuano was at the end of a one-year deal, and the Sox wanted to pick up the rest of the contract to give him a start.
4. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies - When it comes to accountability for Colorado’s miserable season, the shortstop wants it to fall on him. “This is my team,’’ he said. “I need to take these young guys under my wing. I have done it, but I need to do more of it. If that means traveling around this offseason to see them, that’s fine. I need to be more approachable when I am not playing my best. That’s hard for me, because I don’t feel like I deserve to teach or give advice when I [stink]. I can’t get so frustrated, though. Guys who look up to me see that, and it brings the mood of the club down.’’ The Rockies have been a disaster. GM Dan O’Dowd called it “embarrassing.’’ It’ll be interesting to see what changes O’Dowd makes in the offseason.
