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Elf help: If GMs made lists for Santa …
- Updated: November 26, 2016
With Thanksgiving Day behind us, it’s time to write letters. That’s right, letters to Santa. Kids still do that. And there are more than a few general managers who would like to do that, too.
What would GMs ask of Santa if they made their lists and sent them to the North Pole? Every team would like to get a big gift this holiday season, and a few stocking stuffers would be nice, too.
Some of them might even get additional gifts from their parents … er, club owners. So here’s a look at what might be on those wish lists, starting with the defending champs and working through many of the teams trying to catch them.
• Hot Stove Tracker
CUBS
Very merry: Kenley Jansen. Joe Maddon’s bullpen presents bigger questions post-parade than it did this time last year. Not only are Aroldis Chapman and glue guy Travis Wood free agents, but Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop seemingly have taken steps backward.
Top of the stocking: Dexter Fowler. The question is how long of a contract will the Cubs offer their leadoff hitter with Albert Almora Jr. available as the center-field replacement.
INDIANS
Very merry: A healthy Michael Brantley. Like online shoppers, Cleveland executives would avoid the crowds if they knew their left fielder was going to be healthy. That and the presence of top prospect Bradley Zimmer are big upgrades for an outfield that looked lacking in the World Series.
Top of the stocking: Trevor Plouffe. Solid defensively and a right-handed run-producer, the Twins castoff would soften the possible departures of Mike Napoli, Rajai Davis and Coco Crisp by allowing Jose Ramirez to be used in a Ben Zobrist type of role.
DODGERS
Very merry: Chris Sale. He’s the smart watch or virtual-reality glasses of the shopping season. Everybody wants the 27-year-old lefty, who is signed for three seasons. Sale is a fit for the Red Sox, Rangers and Nationals, among others, but he is listed here because of the possibility of a massive trade with the White Sox, who are also shopping third baseman Todd Frazier, closer David Robertson and second baseman Brett Lawrie.
Top of the stocking: Chase Utley. While they’re exploring trades for Brian Dozier and Ian Kinsler, re-signing Utley would allow them to direct more resources to filling holes at closer and third base.
BLUE JAYS
Very merry: Jose Bautista. They seemingly, but not definitely, …
