The quicker this deal gets done the better. It would be preferable if it could get done before the regular season starts.
That way you can break camp with the 25 guys you want, giving Xavier Paul (or someone else) that final bench spot. You also keep a disgruntled player out of the Los Angles locker room.
Here is a look at some teams that could be mentioned suitors or lack a leadoff hitter.
Oakland Athletics: The A's haven't had a true leadoff hitter for a very long time. Billy Beane has been reported to like Pierre. The problem for Oakland is that it has more than likely met its budget. They also have a crowded outfield that includes Jack Cust, Travis Buck, Aaron Cunningham, Ryan Sweeney, Rajai Davis and, oh ya, that Matt Holliday guy.
Seattle Mariners: The Mariners probably don't want to spend any money, and since they are in a re-building stage, they might not be interested in an older veteran. The Seattle outfield is very thin with Endy Chavez and Franklin Gutierrez penciled in as starters, so Pierre would be an upgrade.
Houston Astros: Michael Bourn is the starter in Houston, but let's face it, he's not very good. He hit .229 last year, had an on base of .288 and slugged just .300. Pierre would make that team a lot better.
Colorado Rockies: With Ryan Spilborghs, Seth Smith and Matt Murton figuring into the outfield, Juan Pierre would be an upgrade. I know they could have just kept Willy Taveras, but Pierre is a more consistent player at the plate, even though he's not as good in the field.
Florida Marlins: The Marlins are putting a lot of their hopes on Cameron Maybin, and if he doesn't play well at the Major League level this year, having a Juan Pierre would be nice. Plus, he is very well liked there.
Chicago White Sox: The White Sox have a crowded outfield, but with a lot of uncertainty. Brian Anderson, Jerry Owens and Dwayne Wise are being counted on to step up for a whole season (one of them at least) so getting a guy who's production is certain might be a good idea.
Cincinnati Reds: The Reds just brought Taveras in and have a couple of very young, talented outfielders that they want to give at-bats to in Chris Dickerson and Jay Bruce. I'm not sure this would be the best fit.
Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays certainly don't have a true leadoff hitter, but they don't have a spot in the outfield. Vernon Wells and Alex Rios are not going anywhere, and Travis Snider and Adam Lind are two very talented young outfielders. If the Jays think that one of them might not work out, then bringing in Pierre could be a smart move.
Atlanta Braves: The Braves have too many young outfielders like Jason Heyward, Jordan Schafer, Gregor Blanco, Josh Anderson and Brandon Jones to make room for Pierre. Garrett Anderson and Jeff Francoeur add to the Braves outfield depth.
Texas Rangers: The Rangers might be a very good fit. There's nobody that stands out as a possible leadoff hitter, and Nelson Cruz is a question mark in right field. They could move David Murphy over and play Pierre in left, because that Josh Hamilton guy isn't going anywhere.
Washington Nationals: Just too many outfielders for Manny Acta to deal with already. If Adam Dunn winds up in the outfield (if Nick Johnson is healthy) then you have Dunn, Elijah Dukes, Lastings Milledge, Austin Kearns, Wily Mo Pena and Willie Harris.
Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates have a couple of young outfielders they want to give at bats to, but Pierre is going to be a huge upgrade over Nyjer Morgan and Steve Pearce for the next year or two. The X factor is Andrew McCutchen and how quickly they decide their top prospect will be ready.
Milwaukee Brewers: There's no room for Pierre with Ryan Braun, Cory Hart and Mike Cameron. Tony Gwynn Jr., Trot Nixon and Chris Duffy make for a crowded outfield.
Just thinking the best hope is that the white sox get a good long look at something they like while sharing camelback. But you sure broke it down.
Kuroda was nails today!
Texas: they are trying to find a way to move Hamilton to one of the corner spots. He is an atrocious defender.
Nats: Dunn has been "pensiled" in as the started ar first. Really I just see him as trade bait later this summer. He belongs to an american league team as DH.
Maybe the Dodgers take back a player that no longer has options... none come to mind...
Dusto makes a good point. Finding a team with a player who has a not so good contract and is out of options might help to making a deal. Texas does make some sense. Hamilton to left field and Pierre in center and Murphy in right.
Do they have a contract they are looking to move? Kevin Millwood, anyone?
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/02/out-of-options.html
Here's a list of players that are "out of options".
Marlins have about 10 guys (one name that would be nice is Dallas Macphereson. He would have to stay on roster though, so it would be nice to find someone that fills a current hole for us. If not: we could always just release him)
Why can't we just give Pierre the Andruw Jones treatment. Defer his contract out 50 years (.5 mill per year) and release him. Bobby Bonilla had the same thing happen to him from the Mets. Though his restructured contract included interest!
Joaquin Benoit, Marlon Byrd, Nelson Cruz, Frank Francisco
I'd take any one of those 4 from the Rangers.
Jeff Keppinger from the Reds would be nice to have as well.
It is possible (given the right conditions: deffered contract) that we actually trade Pierre. I just dont think Ned wants to trade him because he still views Juan as a "valuable asset" because of his "grittyness" and world series ring. What a joke!
If Pierre would take a bench role and keep a positive attitude I would see great value in keeping him. I just dont see Pierre accepting that role. Plus 9 million for a base stealer off the bench is a little much.
it would be great if he took a bench role. it would be a nice fit. he won't so now it will have to be the bonilla treatment to get rid of him. i like what dusto said about keppinger from cincy or mcpherson from the fins.
Keppinger would be good, really anybody who takes him will work