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How Are
They Doing? Part II
by Daniel Paulling
July 17, 2004
This past offseason there was a lot of money thrown around at free
agents, but what money has been wisely spent and what has been a
waste so far? Here’s the outlook at a large number of free
agents signed at the halfway mark. Of course, this isn’t a
complete list of every single player, but a close look at quite
a few.
The Big Boys (deals worth 7.5 million or more)
Raul Ibanez (3 years, $13.25 million, Seattle Mariners): Ibanez
was brought to the Mariners because he could hit at SafeCo Field,
something not very common. He has had two solid seasons the past
two years, averaging 21 homers with .294 in his first everyday action.
The 31-year-old came to the Mariners as the person to play LF, and
it has not worked too well. Since leaving the hitter’s paradise
of Kaufmann Stadium, Ibanez’s power and average (11 and .268
respectively) have dropped drastically. Plus, his defensive prowess
has not been that good in the spacious Kingdome. Grade: C. All Star:
No.
Kelvim Escobar (3 years, $18.75 million, Anaheim Angels):
Escobar was signed by the Anaheim Angels, despite a thin track record.
Last year was his best season as he started 26 games and pitched
180 innings with a 4.29 ERA. It seemed a big gamble to sign him
to a big contract, but Arte Moreno did it. So far Escobar has a
3.91 ERA, while only pitching about 6 innings per start. These are
decent numbers, but something a little short of what the Angels
had hoped for. Grade: B. All Star: No.
LaTroy Hawkins (3 years, $11 million, Chicago Cubs): Labeled
one of the “best setup men in baseball” last year, after
two incredible seasons, LaTroy has so far shown more of the same.
He’s thrown 46.1 innings with a 2.33 ERA and 11 saves. He is
now the closer on the north side of Chicago with Joe Borowski sidelined
and has pitched well enough in the role, but its possible the Cubs
might seek a more established closer at the trade deadline (perhaps
Ugueth Urbina). Grade: A. All Star: No.
Tom Gordon (2 year, $7.25 million, New York Yankees): After
watching an overworked Mariano Rivera falter, the New York Yankees
added talent to their bullpen. A strong improvement was Tom “Flash”
Gordon, who quickly established himself as the key setup man in
the Yankee pen. In 50.2 innings pitched, Gordon has an ERA of 1.78.
Grade: A. All Star: Yes.
Bartolo Colon (4 years, $51 million, Anaheim Angels): Coming
off a duo of good seasons and a triumvirate of solid ones, Colon
was hailed as the best starting pitcher on the market. He signed
the largest pitching deal of the offseason, and the results have
not been too good. His ERA is over 6.3 and he has struggled in almost
every start. It seems that Bartolo needs to rediscover how to get
movement on his pitches and possibly lose some weight. Grade: F.
All Star: No.
Eddie Guardado (3 years, $13 million, Seattle Mariners):
After being inserted into the closer’s role, Everyday Eddie’s
ERA dropped and he began to pitch better than he had with the Twins.
Now Guardado fills the closer’s role for the Mariners (Kaz
Suzuki retired) and is doing a good job, as witnessed by his 2.06
ERA in the first half. With the Mariners all but eliminated already
there have been rumors that Guardado might be headed to San Francisco
as part of a July deal. Grade: A-. All Star: No.
Kazuo Matsui (3 years, $20.1 million, New York Mets): Matsui
was greatly hyped this offseason, but his numbers have not translated
very well to the Major Leagues. He’s hitting .270, with a .338
OBP. I expected a better season, as did the Mets. There has been
talk of moving Matsui to second and Jose Reyes back to short, which
would make plenty of sense. Grade C. All Star: No.
Andy Pettitte (3 years, $31.5 million, Houston Astros): Andy
is came off a 21-win season with the New York Yankees but that record
is deceiving as he received a lot of run support, which helped account
for a large number of those wins. This season in Houston (5-2, 4.14),
Pettitte has put together a normal year, even though he has been
injured a little. Grade: B. All Star: No.
Miguel Batista (3 years, $13.1 million, Toronto Blue Jays):
Last year Miguel Batista was one of the reasons the Arizona Diamondbacks
stayed around as long as they did last season; he pitched well both
in relief and as a starter. Miguel has hit his stride seemingly
with a 3.85 ERA in 117 IP. Grade: B+. All Star: No.
Keith Foulke (4 years, $25.5 million, Boston Red Sox): Having
pitched brilliantly for the past five seasons, Foulke raked in the
money this past offseason. He has pitched lights out this season
-posting a 1.57 ERA over 46 innings, with 13 saves in 17 chances.
Grade: A-. All Star: No.
Mike Cameron (3 years, $19.5 million, New York Mets): By
playing a spectacular center field, Mike Cameron established himself
as a gold-glove caliber outfielder. His range, arm, glove, and instincts
are top notch. And that’s why the Mets wanted him. Last year
the Mets were desperate (they even started Roger Cedeno in center)
for somebody to patrol the area, and Cameron ostensibly filled that
need. Unfortunately he hasn’t hit much (.228 but with 14 homers)
and his defense has been less than expected so far. Grade: B. All
Star: No.
Scott Spiezio (3 years, $9.15 million, Seattle Mariners):
Not an entirely great player, Spiezio has put together solid numbers
the past few years. He is one of an aging group of Mariners who
need to be replaced with youth. He’s had a few injuries this
season, and he has not begun to hit his stride. His numbers -- .217
with 9 homers -- leave much to be desired. Grade: C-. All Star:
No.
Carl Everett (2 years, $7.5 million, Montreal Expos): I have
recently watched Everett play in a game on TV, and he actually kicked
a ball for an error. He seemed to have very little range or desire
to be in the outfield. He seems clueless at the plate. I hope that
he can turn it around for GM Omar Minaya’s sake. Grade: D-.
All Star: No.
Miguel Tejada (6 years, $72 million, Baltimore Orioles):
In his first season as a sellout, Tejada has hit .309, with good
power. As the season starts to wind down, he should heat up even
further and produce better numbers, which is actually quite scary.
Grade: A. All Star: Yes.
Gary Sheffield (3 years, $39 million, New York Yankees):
Hampered by a very bad right thumb early in the season, Sheffield
has reclaimed his place in all offensive categories. He has 16 homers
and 59 RBIs to go with a .302 average. These are good numbers for
someone in the number four or five hole. Grade: A-. All Star: Yes.
Javy Lopez (3 years, $22.5 million, Baltimore Orioles): After
setting the record for most home runs by a catcher (42), Lopez left
the Braves and signed with the Baltimore Orioles. As part of a resurgent
Orioles offense (seems odd saying that), he has his .320, but without
as much power as last season. He’s still doing very well and
is once again a good offensive player. Grade: A-. All Star: No.
Arthur Rhodes (3 years, $9.2 million, Oakland Athletics):
After a mediocre season last year, Rhodes signed with the A’s,
to take over the closer’s role. Its been a disaster and Rhodes
does not look like he will ever manage to recreate his sub-2.5 ERA
years. He lost his closer’s role earlier in the season and
the A’s traded for Octavio Dotel to take over that job. Grade:
D. All Star: No.
Vladimir Guerrero (5 years, $70 million, Anaheim Angels):
Probably tired with the constant inconsistency that surrounds the
Montreal Expos, Vlad sold out his old team and joined the Angels.
Vlad has taken a liking to the Angels clubhouse and team. So far,
he has hit .345 with 20 homers, played his normal rangy right field,
and used his cannon arm to it’s best. This was pretty much
a can’t miss signing. Grade A+. All Star: Yes.
Sidney Ponson (3 years, $22.5 million, Baltimore Orioles): Returning
to his former team, Ponson has not pitched well at all. He’s
a 3-12 with a 6.29 ERA as the “staff ace” of the Birds.
His drop off from last year’s numbers are quite odd, but I
don’t know if we can expect an improvement from him. Grade:
F. All Star: No.
Ivan Rodriguez (4 years, $40 million, Detroit Tigers): Ivan
Rodriguez led the Florida Marlins to the World Championship last
season and promptly left town. He joined the 119-loss Tigers and
has begun to help turn them from their losing ways by hitting .369
with eleven home runs. There are multiple escape clauses in hs contract
(for the Tigers), due to Rodriguez’s knack for getting injured.
Grade: A+. All Star: Yes.
Greg Maddux (3 years, $24 million, Chicago Cubs): Maddux
is coming off an injury plagued 2003 season where he compiled “only”
218 innings with a 3.96 ERA. But budget restrictions with the Atlanta
Braves forced Maddux back to his former club, the Chicago Cubs.
Everything hasn’t been the fairy tale that most people have
expected as witnessed by his 4.51 ERA over 111.2 IP. Grade: C-.
All Star: No.
Luis Castillo (3 years, $16 million, Florida Marlins): Castillo
received a hefty paycheck, most likely due to his work in the playoffs
last season. So far this season, Luis has not done what he is supposed
to, with a .282 batting average and a .348 OBP. For someone hitting
behind Juan Pierre and in front of Mike Lowell and Miguel Cabrera,
that’s extra bad. Grade: C-. All Star: No.
Shannon Stewart (3 years, $18 million, Minnesota Twins):
Since joining the Twins Stewart has been a new man and hoped to
excel in the leadoff spot. This filled a desperate need for the
Twin and might have worked out except for the fact that Stewart
has been injured for much of the season and rookie Lew Ford is filling
in just fine. Grade: B-. All Star: No.
A Few Others (No Monetary Value)
Paul Quantrill (2 years, $6.4 million, New York Yankees):
Pauly has been a great relief pitcher the past few seasons, getting
the ball from starter to Gagne. This year he has been all right
(3.05 ERA in 56 IP), but I expect those figures to get even better.
Grade B-. All Star: No.
Michael Tucker (2 years, $3.5 million, San Francisco Giants):
Tucker was taken away from the Kansas City Royals last year.
He put up some decent stats in one of the best hitter’s parks
in the AL, and many people discounted his value coming to play in
one of the best NL pitcher’s parks; and the skeptics have been
correct. Tucker has hit only 7 homers but with a .272 batting average
since joining the Giants. Grade C-. All Star: No.
Tim Worrell (2 years, $5.5 million, Philadelphia Phillies):
Last season Worrell saved 38 games for the Giants, and this season
he will save a lot fewer, as he gave up the closing job by moving
to Philly to be a setup man for Billy Wagner. He’s done a good
job this season (44.1 innings with a 3.45 ERA with a few saves in
Wagner’s absence) and should continue to put up fine stats.
Grade B+. All Star: No.
John Thomson (2 years, $7 million, Atlanta Braves): Thomson
has worked with pitching guru Leo Mazzone, but the stats haven’t
shown it yet. He’s currently sitting at 6-7 with a 4.82 ERA.
The Braves pitching woes continue, and perhaps not even Leo Mazzone
can fix things this time, but at least Thomson is matching Maddux,
the man he was supposed to replace in the rotation. Grade: C-. All
Star: No.
Vinny Castilla (1 year, $2.1 million, Colorado Rockies):
Signed at a bargain price, Vinny has put up stats (.272, 16, 71)
that should have warranted all star consideration, but didn’t
get anything. Oh, and he brings a great glove to the ballpark. Grade:
B. All Star: No.
Benito Santiago (2 years, $4.3 million, Kansas City Royals):
Santiago was a decent candidate to protect Barry Bonds in the lineup
last year, but the addition of AJ Pierzynski made Santiago expendable.
Amid BALCO controversies, Santiago has hit 6 homers and has not
done much for the pitching staff in KC. The Royals need Santiago
to return from injury and help the young pitching staff. Grade:
C. All Star: No.
Rondell White (2 years, $6 million, Detroit Tigers): White
is oft injured, but he can put up very good stats when healthy.
His best season came in 1997 when he clubbed 28 homers and hit .270
with the Expos, but he rarely plays in more then 120 games. He’s
been healthy this season and has hit .278 with twelve homers. Grade:
B. All Star: No.
Jose Cruz Jr. (2 years, $6 million, Tampa Bay Devil Rays):
The Rice University product Jose Cruz Jr. played well for the Giants
last season until he dropped an easy fly ball in the playoffs. His
overall stats weren’t great, but he did manage to put up decent
numbers. So far he has hit fourteen homers, but with a disappointing
.241 batting average. He’s been pretty streaky and has had
some injuries along the way, but with his glove, Cruz Jr. is worth
the money spent on him. Grade: C+. All Star: No.
Reggie Sanders (2 years, $6 million, St. Louis Cardinals):
In the past seven years, Sanders has played for seven different
teams (Reds, Padres, Braves, Diamondbacks, Giants, Pirates, and
Cardinals since I know you all were wondering), but this time, he
did it right by signing a two year deal. It’s very hard to
tell why this guy hasn’t gotten more attention than he has
in the past, but he hasn’t. So here goes: this season Sanders
has hit fourteen homers with a .257 batting average. Not that great,
but good enough. Grade: B+. All Star: No.
Jose Guillen (2 years, $6 million, Anaheim Angels): Trying
to prove that last season was not a fluke, Guillen signed with the
Angels for only two years. So far he’s done a good job proving
that his 2003 season was not a flash in the pan. He has fifteen
home runs at and has hit at a .301 clip in a lineup that desperately
craves offense. Grade: A-. All Star: No.
Jeromy Burnitz (1 year, $1.5 million, Colorado Rockies):
Jeromy has quietly been putting together a good season, albeit in
Colorado. He has a .286 batting average with eighteen homers and
fifty-seven RBIs. He has been the main force in the Rockies lineup,
and with numbers like that, he’s doing a good job. Grade: A-.
All Star: No.
Armando Benitez (1 year, $3.5 million, Florida Marlins):
Many people discounted the ability of Armando Benitez to be a successful
closer due to a tendency to collapse in the clutch. Perhaps he has
not had many clutch performances required yet this season, but he
has put up 29 saves with a 1.00 ERA. Grade: A+. All Star: Yes.
Kenny Lofton (2 years, $6.2 million, New York Yankees): Lofton
has either complained about playing time, been injured, or both
for much of the entire season. This definitely not the Lofton of
old, and his skills have certainly degenerated (this usually does
happen for 36-year-old outfielders), but he still is hitting .297
with a .378 OBP, but that is a good testament to how great he was.
Grade: C. All Star: No.
Juan Gonzalez (1 year, $4.5 million, Kansas City Royals):
Gonzalez has (surprise, surprise!) missed some time this season,
but if he can begin to approach even last year’s statistics,
he should be pretty well off. So far this season he has hit some,
but not too much, and has provided a decent glove in right. Grade:
C. All Star: No.
Danys Baez (2 years, $6.5 million, Tampa Bay Devil Rays):
Prone to blowing save opportunities, Baez has done a decent (17
of 19) job this year as a closer. Also, he’s pitched very well
for a struggling team that desperately needs some arms in the bullpen
(and rotation and minors). Grade: B. All Star: No.
Braden Looper (2 years, $6.75 million, New York Mets): Braden
LaVern Looper has been inconsistent throughout his career, to say
the least. The Marlins replaced him with Ugueth Urbina last season,
and he pitched well enough in a setup role. The Mets made a decent
acquisition here in Looper as a closer. This year he has responded
with a 1.88 ERA while going 18 of 20 in save opps. Grade: B. All
Star: No.
Rafael Palmeiro (1 year, $4.5 million, Baltimore Orioles):
Raffy Palmeiro has been perhaps the best example of consistency
throughout his career. He will usually put up 38 homers with around
100 RBIs and maybe a .270 batting average. This year, however, Palmeiro
is falling behind his career average stats. He has only 13 homers
and a .247 batting average. Look for him to crank up his power production
as questions about his Hall of Fame candidacy come into question.
Grade: B-. All Star: No.
Roger Clemens (1 year, $5 million, Houston Astros): After
“retiring” Clemens returned with a vengeance. He is already
10-3 with a 2.62 ERA. Look for the Rocket to cool off, but he should
continue to being a strong starter despite his showing at the All
Star game. Grade: A+. All Star: Yes.
Jay Payton (2 years, $5.5 million, San Diego Padres): Perhaps
a Coors Field product somewhat last season, Payton has done an acceptable
job at the plate this year, without the power numbers. He has a
.322 OBP, which is what the Padres don’t need, someone who
doesn’t get on base. Grade: C-. All Star: No.
Ugueth Urbina (1 year, $3.5 million, Detroit Tigers): There
was some concern about Urbina who “hadn’t picked up a
baseball since Game 6 of the World Series” until he signed
with the Tigers. He has gotten back into shape and has pitched his
worth with 14 saves on the young season. The Tigers figure to make
Urbina trade bait, so look for him to go soon (perhaps to the Cubs).
Grade: A-. All Star: No.
Mike Timlin (1 year, $2.75 million, Boston Red Sox): Timlin
has been part of the Red Sox’s great bullpen, though his numbers
don’t show his true value. He’s 4-3, but has a 3.57 ERA
over 45.1 innings. Timlin will most likely keep that number there,
and let the innings continue to rise. Grade: B. All Star: No.
(Author’s Note: Special thanks to espn.com for their stats
and salaries on the above players. All stats are going into Sunday,
July 11.)
Feel free to leave comments in the forums or e-mail Daniel at daniel@athomeplate.com.
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