There's so much random Nats stuff in this week's Cafardo Notes column that I can't figure out where to post it. Remember, Cafardo mostly has his favorite sources, uses the general clip service that other writers use, and engages in his own speculation e.g., who would fit where). At any rate, here are a few quotes relevant to the Nats.
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/articles/2010/11/07/checking_out_the_offseason_marketplace/?page=fullHere’s a look at the best free agents on the market and their possible destinations:
Starting pitchers
1. Cliff Lee, LH — Something you heard a lot after Lee lost twice in the World Series: “Is he worth as much as he’s looking to be paid?’’ Legitimate question. He may ask for five or six years, but a team that gives him that will have to hold its breath, considering he’ll be 33 next season. The Rangers, Yankees, and possibly Brewers, Mets, Tigers, 
Nationals, and Red Sox will make a run at him.
2. Carl Pavano, RH — A good No. 2 or 3 starter. He has gone from enigma to very steady. The consensus is he may get a three-year, $30 million deal. The Twins, Brewers, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Rangers, and Mariners are interested.
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5. Jon Garland, RH — He did a terrific job for the Padres eating up innings and lending stability. He could do the same for a number of teams, such as the Nationals, Brewers, Mets, Astros, or Rockies. A return to San Diego also is possible.
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Relievers
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10. Jon Rauch, RH — Has closed and set up. Versatile and effective will play big in the market.
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Infielders, outfielders
1. Carl Crawford, LF — By all accounts, he’ll be the most sought-after free agent on the market and could demand a six-year, $120 million deal or more. The Angels, Rangers, Mariners, and Red Sox are among the teams that could go strong for him.
2. Jayson Werth, RF — A righthanded bat with pop, and a high-effort player, he should command a hefty deal. Five years and $75 million is plausible for Werth, 31, but the Red Sox may not offer that many years. The Sox, Yankees, Tigers, Angels, Phillies, and several others will get into the bidding.
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4. Paul Konerko, 1B — If he doesn’t return to the White Sox, he is a nice first base option for the Red Sox, Orioles, Rangers, Diamondbacks, Nationals, or Cubs. He doesn’t need more than three years and may take two.
5. Aubrey Huff, 1B — He had a terrific postseason for the Giants, who are trying to bring him back at a reasonable amount, likely for not more than two years.
6. Carlos Pena, 1B — He still provides power, production, and strong defense, but it’s awfully tough to carry his batting average and strikeouts. He may return to the Rays for a year, and is a possible fit for the Nationals if they lose Adam Dunn. Also a fallback for the Red Sox.
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8. Adam LaRoche, 1B — A 100-RBI guy whose option wasn’t picked up by the Diamondbacks. Could draw some interest from the Orioles, Blue Jays, Red Sox, White Sox, or Cubs.
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Others to consider: Jermaine Dye, Rick Ankiel, Melky Cabrera, Brad Hawpe, Troy Glaus, Ty Wigginton, Magglio Ordonez, Bill Hall, Nick Johnson.
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One-dimensionals
1. Adam Dunn, 1B/OF/DH — Baseball people say Dunn is a DH. But he doesn’t like the job. He’d rather play first or the outfield. The A’s, Cubs, or Orioles might give him that opportunity; the Tigers will give him a chance to DH. He’ll get one of the bigger deals of the offseason.
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6. Lance Berkman, DH/1B — Someone would have to buy into his resurgence as a hitter. The Rangers, White Sox, Cubs, and Orioles could all be landing places. You’ll hear some talk about a return to Houston, but I’m not buying it.
Also, his random notes on 9 baseball players / coaches / execs:
Updates on nine
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3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Padres — After the Padres exercised their 2011 option, they met with agent John Boggs and it became evident that they won’t work out a long-term deal. Gonzalez is seeking Ryan Howard/Mark Teixeira numbers, far too rich for the Padres. So Jed Hoyer is about to be bombarded with offers — possibly from the Red Sox, Orioles, and Nationals, to name three. The price won’t be cheap, but if there ever was a player built to hit at Fenway, Gonzalez is it.
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9. Elijah Dukes, former major league outfielder — What a sad story for the troubled Dukes, who owes more than $140,000 in child support for three children with three different mothers. Dukes, who was held in jail after being charged with contempt of court, broke down crying in front of a Hillsborough, Fla., judge. Dukes told the judge he had no home of his own and “I live where I lay my head.’’
On the last one, I'm reminded of the line from The Natural: "I guess some mistakes you never stop paying for."
