I promise that I'm not going to spend each day writing about Derek Jeter's free agency.
But I keep having thoughts I think are worth exploring.
Here are the teams without a shortstop under contract for 2011.
| AL E | AL C | AL W | NL E | NL C | NL W |
| Reds | Giants | ||||
| Yankees | Padres | ||||
| Tigers | |||||
| Orioles | |||||
The Giants have all their money going to raises for Lincecum, Cain, DeRosa and Brian Wilson.
As the only lock for non-contention over the next few seasons, the Orioles are an easy 'no.'
The Padres payroll will only be Adrian Gonzalez above league minimum.
The Reds payroll will only go up a few million dollars.
The Tigers are at least a possibility for Jeter, with the payroll space and a lust for veterans. Their need for offense makes them a better fit for an outfielder.
How far would the price for a 36 year old shortstop have to fall before a bubble team finds the money for a superstar? Maybe Hank and Hal are right to play hardball with the Captain?