Offseason Report: Pitchers

Everybody needs pitching. EVERYBODY. No team can ever be good enough at that position. That is why this is another big off season for Major League Baseball. There is a solid group of starting pitchers up for auction. In a struggling economy with so many competitive teams gearing up for next year, it will be interesting to see how GM's across the league handle free agency. For a short preview, here is a list of the top free agents (in no particular order):

• John Lackey - Not a flashy pitcher, Lackey will get the job done. He makes them hit it where your players are standing. On occasion, this will lead to a bad inning or two. The big thing with Lackey is postseason experience. He had posted a 3.12 ERA over 14 games. Looking for a veteran to stand next to your ace, this is your guy.
  
• Joel Pineiro - This might be considered a risky pick by some analysts. Pineiro put up good numbers last year and looks to put up solid back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2002-2003.
  
• Jason Marquis? - Yes, that is a correctly placed question mark. Jason Marquis? He was the old man on a talented Cubs pitching staff less than 2 years ago. However, he looked was the ace of the Rockies for the first half of the season. We won't talk about the second half, but he is still sought after by several teams at this point.
  
• Mike Gonzalez/Rafael Soriano - The Braves are on the verge of losing two TALENTED relief pitchers. Mike Gonzalez looks to move into a closer role, Soriano's position, whether or not it is with the Braves. Soriano will be a closer, but where? These two will get paid wherever they go.