| |
Top 15
Free Agents Update
by Daniel
Paulling
January 6, 2005
A look at the guys I consider the best free
agents of this offseason
1. Carlos Beltran – Scott Boras showed
he had quite some chutzpah by requesting the beginning offer for
Beltran was 10 years valued at 200 million. This is definitely a
large chunk of cash that only a couple of teams could even dream
of offering. The Astros reportedly offered a six year, $96 million
deal, while the Yankees “impressed” Beltran in talks with
him. The Mets are rumored to be quite interested and would definitely
bid greatly for him.
2. Adrian Beltre – The man at third base, Adrian Beltre
signed a five year deal worth $64 million. For that kind of money,
the fans in Seattle want a winner now.
3. Pedro Martinez – The New York Mets locked up Pedro
to a four year, $54 million deal. This is quite a bundle of money
for a 33-year-old, moody starter, unless he pitches well. Moving
from Fenway Park to Shea Stadium should lower his ERA, as well as
the change from the American League to National League (see Clemens,
Roger in 2003 and 2004). Like Beltre, he will face much scrutiny
in the spotlight.
4. Magglio Ordonez – He reportedly got a surgery in
Sweden that has not been approved in the United States just yet
on his aching left knee. His agent Scott Boras, despite Ordonez’s
reluctance to work out, says absolutely nothing is wrong. I am not
quite sure if I can believe Boras, so it is most likely true that
Ordonez’s knee is acting up. Look for a one year deal with
many incentives for Ordonez.
5. Carlos Delgado – The big first baseman has not signed
yet, but reports have it that the Mets and Orioles are interested.
I think the Orioles can slip in and sign him, which would do much
to help the state of their franchise.
6. Richie Sexson – Big Sexy Richie Sexson has signed
with the Seattle Mariners to a very expensive contract. The Mariners
expect lots of production from the 6-8 first baseman, and I don’t
expect them to be disappointed.
7. Roger Clemens – The Rocket has accepted arbitration
from the Houston Astros so it remains to be seen whether or not
he’ll return. If Carlos Beltran signs, then expect Clemens
to return. If Beltran doesn’t sign, well…maybe the anger
from a bad Game 7 in the NLCS will cause him to return. I think
he’s retired though.
8. Russ Ortiz – The Arizona Diamondbacks brought in
Ortiz to help anchor their rotation, though I’m not sure they’re
going to be happy with what they got. At $33 million over four years,
this move isn’t the brightest, especially for a franchise with
debt problems.
9. JD Drew – Another Scott Boras client, another large
paycheck. Drew signed a five year deal worth $55 million with the
Los Angeles Dodgers to man center field in the Chavez Ravine. The
Dodgers have reportedly traded Shawn Green, which might allow the
Dodgers to shift Drew to right field, which wouldn’t be as
stressful for the injury prone, though talented, player.
10. Troy Glaus – The Arizona Diamondbacks once again
splurged on another player, bringing Glaus in for four years worth
nearly $11 million per season. This large sum of dollars is quite
odd, as the D-Backs have lots of deferral money owed and lots of
debt to pay off. On the baseball side of it, if Glaus is healthy
the D-Backs have gotten a good player.
11. Jeff Kent – The Dodgers brought in Jeff Kent, the
career home run leader for second baseman. His numbers tailed off
slightly in his last season with Houston and a move to Los Angeles
should mean an even greater drop off. I like his talents, though,
and I think the move to first base should help him.
12. Nomar Garciaparra – The Cubbies brought Garciaparra
back with an $8 million deal over one year, with incentives to raise
that to $11 million. This is the perfect chance for Garciaparra
to put himself into position to sign a long term deal next season.
13. Jaret Wright – I’m not quite sure what to expect
next season from Jaret Wright, but it probably won’t be a repeat
of last season. The Yankees and Mel Stottlemyre will have a fireballer
on their staff, but will have to work to keep his mechanics together.
14. Carl Pavano – This 29-year-old pitched quite well
last season, winning 18 games with the Marlins. I’m not quite
sure the career 57-58 pitcher will pitch as well as he did this
past season because of the New York media scrutiny, but don’t
forget he pitched quite well in the 2003 World Series.
15. Odalis Perez – I just don’t know why this guy
doesn’t get any recognition. He is an awesome pitcher with
the credentials to be great, but he hasn’t gotten much talk.
The Tigers and Nationals are interested, but the Yankees should
begin pursuit of him and then deal Kevin Brown to the Dodgers or
Phillies and pay much of the contract. Share your thoughts or comments in our forums
|
|
