I'm going to go a step further in this discussion and list 5 different tiers of where I think teams stand in regards to being able to sign free agents.

 

Tier 1 - Elite Destinations, players want to go to these clubs for a variety of reasons, mainly for the big market, the endorsement opportunities, the money these teams can offer, etc. Winning helps too but is not always essential. This is reserved for prime time.

 

Tier 2 - A step below Tier 1 simply due to the fact that these clubs don't have as much cash to spend on their teams, the market may not be as large and the chances of winning and endorsements could be less as well.

 

Tier 3 - Not ideal places to play, but players will go if the money is right. There are limited endorsement opportunities unless you are "the guy," these teams don't have a history of winning big (at least WS rings)

 

Tier 4 - Any team that doesn't fit the description of tiers 1-3 or the tier listed below. These teams usually get the fringe FA types and you usually won't find them near the playoffs on a consistent basis (exception is the Twins). Moderate payrolls as well.

 

Tier 5 - Are you f***ing kidding me? Why would I want to play there? Enough said.

 

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Tier 1 - Yankees, Red Sox

 

Tier 2 - Orioles, Angels, Cardinals, Cubs, Mets, Dodgers, Mariners

 

Tier 3 - White Sox, Indians, Braves, Rangers, Phillies, Marlins, Astros, Padres, Giants, Tigers, Athletics, Diamondbacks

 

Tier 4 - Nationals, Brewers, Blue Jays, Twins, Reds

 

Tier 5 - Devil Rays, Pirates, Royals, Rockies

Edited November 18, 200520 yr by aboz56

For me its simple, I see who wants me, and where I would fit best.. See the offers, now if San Diego and Colorado are offering similar type money I go with the better living for me and that would be SD.. But if Colorado is offering 4 mil more per year I think I would be stupid not to go to Col, depending on how long the deal is for.

 

Now Personally I would want to stick with the same team that I came up with, you never see this anymore, I think loyality would be rewarded.