Andre Ethier: Fodder for Thought

Even a rational Red Sox fan has his white whale. Listen, over the past few months I have given up my personal pipe dream of a Hanley Ramirez reunion with the Red Sox and in his place I have developed a strong liking for Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder, Andre Ethier.

Here's the kicker though - as much as I acknowledge the fact that Ramirez was never coming back to Boston, there lives a strong possibility that Ethier could come to Boston for the right circumstances. Let's just get a couple of things out of the way, first being that he has publicly stated he would love to end his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks playing with Dustin Pedroia. They played together at Arizona State University and are friends. It is a nice gesture.

Secondly, over the summer Sports Illustrated's Jon Heyman wrote an article on Ethier and his displeasure with the Dodgers, stating that he (Ethier) had "Boston in his mind."

This reminds me a lot of the whole Jarred Saltalamacchia thing back when he was with Texas. There were trade rumors that Boston was interested and Salty went on record stating he would love to play here. Fast forward three years and we finally landed him.

The stars could potentially be lining up for an Ethier-to-Boston type of move. Frank McCourt has agreed to sell the Dodgers. This could actually hurt the potential of Ethier coming to Boston. His displeasure with the team stemmed directly back to ownership. However, the Dodgers have taken measures to have suitable replacements for their right fielder (Juan Riveira, Jerry Sands, Tony Gwynn Jr. to name a few.)

There has been rumblings that the team has been looking to move on from James Loney as well, their first baseman. Depending on what the Dodgers view as needs, the Red Sox do have several options they could offer up for Ethier to make a deal work. In my quick glance at the team, the Dodgers have needs in the middle infield as well as possibly the outfield. This could, COULD be a scenario where the Red Sox could base a package around a Jed Lowrie/Ryan Kalish or Josh Reddick deal. The Dodgers ownership might be looking to cut back on some spending while beefing up their offense. A move based in that foundation could be the start of a legitimate trade conversation.

However, on the flip side, the new Dodgers ownership might want to come in with guns blazing. For example, if Mark Cuban buys the team, he could address the needs by adding Pujols, Reyes and C.J. Wilson for the fun of it.

As I stated before, this could be just another pipe dream of mine, but it looks like there is a basis for a conversation to be had. For those unaware - Ethier is only 29. He hits in the .300 range consistently, can average 80 RBI's and 20 home runs and has a career OPS of .843; in other words, he's just the type of player the Red Sox like in right.

Where Pujols Fits

Adrian Gonzalez has ruined the market for Albert Pujols. Its true that the season is very young, but Pujols is not off to a prototypical "Pujols" season. If Adrian Gonzalez performs as expected in Boston and outperforms Pujols then it would be really hard for any team not named the Yankees (a presumed non-factor) to shell out $200 million for his services.

Let's assume that there is no blockbuster mid-season trade that sends Pujols elsewhere and he makes it (as expected) to free agency. The question then becomes, "Who will pay for his services?" The list should be short, right? After much debate with a friend of mine, we narrowed the field down to 7 realistic potential suitors. Surprisingly, neither will be the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees. Having said that, let's examine those teams that would be willing to shell out the coin (presumably) as well as have the desire to make a splash. As for Pujols, I don't get the vibe that he is all to concerned with staying in St. Louis for the sake of staying in St. Louis. Albert wants to get paid and he wants to win. With those parameters, I offer up these potential suitors for the biggest free agent in recent memory:

St. Louis Cardinals

Obviously the Cardinals need to keep him. The loss of Pujols could prove to be a catastrophic hit to the proud franchise. The signing of Matt Holiday was an attempt to show him that they have the willingness to spend the money to build a winning team around him. They have a new stadium that would be a sad sight if half empty. The loss of the power hitting first baseman could set this team back for years to come. Even if they attempted to fill the gap by becoming major players in the Prince Fielder auction, that would be like trying to sell Jo Jo English as a suitable replacement for Michael Jordan. No disrespect to Prince Fielder, but you catch my drift.

Colorado Rockies

This is my dark horse selection for the race. They are a complete team in many regards, but they have an aging first baseman in Todd Helton with a stud, young lineup that includes Troy Tulowitski, Carlos Gonzalez and Ubaldo Jimenez. The Rockies have never been known to be "big spenders" so to speak, which is why I would love, LOVE to see them in the race for Pujols. Can you just imagine it? At Coors Field Pujols would average 60 home runs, 120 RBI's, post easily a .300 average and be a potential triple crown threat every year. The Rockies would instantly be the team to beat for the next 8 years in the National League.

Anaheim Angels

I don't care how you want to spin it, the Angels were big time losers in the free agent market this past season. They did not get Carl Crawford. They did not get Cliff Lee. They were non-factors and were left with doing what the Angels do best, acquiring big, bad contracts. (See Vernon Wells.) This is a team with the resources and the need to make a big splash to become legitimate contenders in the eyes of the Red Sox and Yankees. Being an American League team, this offers Pujols the option of becoming a DH in the later portion of his contract. That might be an attractive incentive.

Texas Rangers

My American League dark horse. The Texas Rangers have built a reputation of winning under the leadership of Nolan Ryan. I love this organization right now. They wanted to shell out big money for Cliff Lee, who is to say they won't do the same to get Albert Pujols? Being an American League team, again, he will have the option of DH'ing in the later years while being thrust into a winning lineup as constituted. He will have protection in the lineup with the likes of Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, and possibly a contented DH in Michael Young (assuming he is stuck there through the 2011 season.) This team would instantly be World Series favorites, hands down.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Once again we have to assume that the McCourts will get the legal issues ironed out by the time the free agent frenzy begins next year. If they do, I'm pretty sure they'll do their best to inject some life into this highly talented lineup that is just under performing. I think you'd see them part ways with James Loney and light a fire under Andre Ethier (a personal favorite player of mine) and Matt Kemp. The Dodgers have fallen off from being considered a real threat in the NL and this would definitely give them back their legitimacy. It would also be a huge market for Pujols to make money in on his own... Pujols, Los Angeles...

New York Mets

I know - they are boring. They are broke. They haven't been viable for at least 3 seasons. That's why I can't rule them out. They're in New York. They may be bought out and suddenly find the cash the be a player again. Its New York. Did I mention that? The Mecca of the free world, Pujols could cash in nicely on endorsements etc being in the Big Apple. In the grand scheme, I find this to be the least likely option, but I would hate to not at least through the Mets in the mix. Lastly...

Chicago Cubs

The hated Cubs. This would vilify Pujols in St. Louis as much as LeBron is vilified in Cleveland. Maybe even more. It would be as if Ted Williams came back from war and decided to put on the pin stripes. Magic Johnson really did desire a trade and wound up playing with Bird in Boston. It would be the biggest smack in the face of the St. Louis Cardinals... but that might not be a concern for Pujols. He wants to get paid and he wants to win. The Cubs have Carlos Pena on a one year deal. They need a shot of adrenaline in their lineup. They have money to burn and a drought to end. They're desperate at this point. Don't sleep on the Cubs. They don't make sense across the board, but they may just overpay for Pujols to lure him away from St. Louis and to show their fanbase that they are trying to end their curse.

The field is wide open. There could be some other clubs that want to make a splash that just don't come to mind. But, based on my assessment and much debate... I think you may see Albert Pujols singing, "The stars at night, are big and bright...." Just like his contract, and his future... as a Texas Ranger. You heard it here first.