After posting the list of 2009 free agents, I have continued to think about a way to identify those players likely to have a breakout season or a return to previous levels of production not seen for a few seasons. Ivan Rodriguez got me thinking about the possibility of a well-established veteran who has played under the terms of a long-term contract and who is about to get the last chance to wrap-up big bucks before retiring. Jorge Posada fit this bill coming into 2007. Pudge does now and does fellow receiver, Jason Varitek.
With the Yankees' game on YES this afternoon, I thought of Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu. Both players fit that bill. Neither has performed near their peak levels for a few years - Giambi across the board and Abreu's power has vanished. I wouldn't be surprised to see either have a resurgence.
Is there anyone else in a similar situation - well-established and playing for their last long-term contract?
Off-Topic:
Since subscribing to XM Radio in December 2005, I have been listening to Buckcherry on Channel 41 - da Boneyard. Until they broke through on pop radio with "Sorry", I had no idea what the band looked like. I just downloaded their music on my phone as I heard different songs on XM.
Here is a video for one of my favorite Buckcherry songs, "Next to You". I love the line, "I've been trying all night long/ I put up with your favorite songs all night."