2009 MLB Free Agents

11/03/08 5:09 PM EST
'Tek, Pudge top free-agent catchers
Veterans headline list of backstops who could be on the move

By Robert Falkoff / MLB.com

In four seasons of a five-year span from 2003-07, either Ivan Rodriguez or Jason Varitek caught in the World Series. Rodriguez was behind the plate for the champion Marlins in 2003 and the Tigers in 2006. Varitek earned two rings with the Red Sox in 2004 and 2007.

Now it's time to find out which teams feel the strongest about the notion that Varitek or Rodriguez could again be part of a trip to the World Series.

Rodriguez and Varitek are the headliners on this year's list of free-agent catchers and the trickle-down effect won't be fully under way until it is determined whether the Yankees and Red Sox, respectively, decide to take a stab at bringing back Rodriguez and Varitek.

With Jorge Posada recovering from arthroscopic shoulder surgery, Rodriguez joined the Yankees for the final two months of the 2008 season. General manager Brian Cashman has said he does not intend to pursue a free-agent catcher. That could change, however, if Posada doesn't show encouraging signs when he begins a throwing program on Dec. 1.

Varitek, the captain of the Red Sox, is coming off a tough year offensively, but teammates refer to Varitek as the heart and soul of the club. Red Sox officials will have to evaluate how much they may want to spend on Varitek, who earned $10 million in 2008 and turns 37 in April of next season.

Behind Rodriguez and Varitek, there's a cluster of free-agent catchers that may be better suited to being part of platoons or full-fledged backups. Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein recently made the comment that "there's not a lot of elite catching out there."

Head of the class

Varitek, Type A: .220, 13 HRs, 43 RBIs; Made Major League debut on Sept. 24, 1997 with the Red Sox and has spent all 11 seasons in Boston. Last contract: 4 years, $40 million. Comment: If Varitek and agent Scott Boras are amenable to a short-term contract, it would increase the odds of Varitek remaining a fixture at Fenway Park.

Rodriguez, Type A: .276, 7 HRs, 35 RBIs; Played 18 seasons in the Majors for Texas, Florida, Detroit and the Yankees. Last contract: 4 years, $40 million. Comment: At 37, Rodriguez may not have as much pop in his bat as he once did. But he remains an attractive option among this year's free-agent catching class. If the Yankees eventually show concern about Posada's ability to throw from behind the plate, Rodriguez might still be a viable candidate to return. If the Yankees pass, it's expected that a number of clubs would be interested, provided the price is right.

Gregg Zaun, Type B: .237, 6 HRs, 30 RBIs; Played 14 seasons in the Majors with Baltimore, Florida, Texas, Kansas City, Houston, Colorado and Toronto. When the Blue Jays picked up the option on Rod Barajas in late October, Zaun was thrust more prominently into the free-agent mix. Last contract: 2 years, $7.25 million. Comment: Although his final numbers didn't look good in 2008, Zaun is a professional hitter who swings from both sides of the plate and is still capable of giving some club both production and clubhouse leadership.

On the market

Paul Lo Duca (Type B, Nationals), Javier Valentin (Reds), David Ross (Red Sox), Toby Hall (White Sox), Henry Blanco (Cubs), Johnny Estrada (Nationals), Adam Melhuse (Rockies), Vance Wilson (Tigers), Chad Moeller (Yankees), Brad Ausmus (Astros), Paul Bako (Reds), Josh Bard (Padres), Michael Barrett (Padres).

Ready to buy

The Astros like the progress made by Humberto Quintero, but still aren't sold on him as a starting catcher. J.R. Towles got a look last year and will have to earn his way onto the Opening Day roster.

Florida got an offensive boost from John Baker after he joined the Marlins on July 9 and hit .299 the rest of the way. Baker could be the favorite to start in 2009, but needs defensive improvement. Veteran Matt Treanor is still around for catching depth.

The Reds gave Ryan Hanigan an extended look last season and Hanigan hit a respectable .271. If Cincinnati officials aren't convinced Hanigan can handle everyday duty, they'll turn to the free-agent market or a possible trade.

Window shopping

The Padres (veteran backup), Blue Jays (veteran backup), Tigers (veteran, short-term) and Mariners are among clubs that could be looking for free-agent catching bargains.

2010 class

The Orioles' Ramon Hernandez ($8.5 million club option with a $1 million buyout); the Indians' Victor Martinez ($7 million club option with a $250,000 buyout); the Giants' Bengie Molina.
Robert Falkoff is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/04/08 10:00 AM EST
Teixeira cream of the crop at first base
Free-agent slugger expected to draw heavy interest, get big deal

By Jim Molony / MLB.com

DANA POINT, Calif. -- Opinions differ on how much money he'll get and where he'll wind up, but there seems to be no disagreement as to the top position player in this year's free-agent crop: Mark Teixeira.

The leading first baseman on the market is head and shoulders above the rest of the class for numerous reasons, including these: He's only 28 years old and he's a switch-hitter who hits for both power and average.

Teixeira is hitting free agency at a time when his career numbers are on the upswing -- this season saw him record a career-high .410 on-base percentage and was the third consecutive in which he's improved that number. The two-time Gold Glove winner also remains an excellent fielder.

Will he return to the Angels? Or head east to Boston or New York? Or will the sentimental pick and his favorite team growing up, the Baltimore Orioles, pull off the surprise of the Hot Stove season?

The Yankees, who didn't pick up the $22 million option on Jason Giambi, are interested in Teixeira.

The Red Sox are also eyeing Teixeira, which tells you something about his value since Boston already has an outstanding first baseman in Kevin Youkilis. But Youkilis can also play third, and with third baseman Mike Lowell coming off hip surgery, adding Teixeira makes even more sense.

Head of the class

Teixeira, Type A: .308 average, 33 homers, 121 RBIs. He's spent six years in the Major Leagues and over the past five seasons he has never hit fewer than 30 homers or driven in fewer than 100 runs. Last contract: Two years, $15.4 million. Comment: Teixeira's agent, Scott Boras, will get top dollar for his client, but if Teixeira maintains his level of performance, he'll be well worth it.

On the market

Rich Aurilia (Giants), Aaron Boone (Nationals), Sean Casey (Red Sox), Tony Clark (D-backs), Nomar Garciaparra (Dodgers), Giambi (Yankees), Doug Mientkiewicz (Pirates), Kevin Millar (Orioles), Eric Hinske (Rays), Daryle Ward (Cubs) and Richie Sexson (Yankees).

Ready to buy

The Giants would like to upgrade at the position with more power but aren't expected to get into the bidding for Teixeira.

If the Angels are unable to re-sign Teixeira, they will be looking for a replacement. Kendry Morales returns as an option if nothing materializes outside the organization.

Nick Johnson's frequent stints on the disabled list have the Nationals stepping up the search for a first baseman, preferably on who is left-handed with power.

Window shopping

The D-backs (veteran backup), Padres (veteran backup) and Mariners are clubs that could also be looking for a free-agent first baseman.

2010 class

The Mets' Carlos Delgado, Giambi, Baltimore's Aubrey Huff, Robb Quinlan of the Angels and Pittsburgh's Adam LaRoche could be free agents after the 2009 season.

Jim Molony is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/04/08 10:00 AM EST
Thin market at second base
Grudzielanek, Hudson highlight free-agent crop

By Mike Scarr / MLB.com

For clubs looking to the free-agent market to improve at second base, the pickings will be slim, because it is not a bountiful crop.

Mark Grudzielanek is the highest rated player at the position, while Orlando Hudson likely will intrigue a general manager or two and command a big salary, but beyond that, it is journeymen and aging veterans.

The impending retirement of Jeff Kent takes him out of the running, but the future Hall of Famer would add some power at the position if the 40-year-old (he'll be 41 by Opening Day) decides his surgically repaired left knee is up to an 18th season.

But 23 home runs shy of 400 probably is not enough of a lure for Kent, who strongly indicated 2008 was his last season.

That leaves veterans Ray Durham, Alex Cora and Juan Uribe as a group of veterans who still can be productive, while a handful of others project more as backups than starters.

Needing help at the position are the Dodgers, as well as National League West rivals San Diego and Arizona, which likely will not re-sign Hudson.

Next year's market won't be exceedingly deep either, so teams looking for a serious upgrade at second base over the next two seasons will have to explore the trade market.

Head of the class:

• Orlando Hudson, Unrated: .305, 29 doubles, 41 RBIs; Service time: six-plus years; Last contract: one year, $6.25 million; Played for: Blue Jays and Diamondbacks. Comment: The three-time Gold Glove winner excelled defensively, but he broke a bone in his left wrist and was limited to 107 games.

• Mark Grudzielanek, Type B: .299, 24 doubles, 24 RBIs; Service time: 13-plus years; Last contract: one year, $4 million, plus 2008 option; Played for: Expos, Dodgers, Cubs, Cardinals and Royals. Comment: Grudzielanek recorded his 2,000th career hit, but he was limited to 86 games due to injuries. He was placed on the disabled list on Aug. 2 with a right ankle sprain and did not play again in 2008.

• Ray Durham, Unrated: .289, 35 doubles, 45 RBIs; Service time: 14 years; Last contract: two years, $14.5 million; Played for: White Sox, A's, Giants and Brewers. Comment: Durham turns 37 at the end of November, so his days of being an everyday second baseman are behind him, but he was able to turn his numbers back to their career norms after a down year in 2007.

On the market:

Mark Loretta, Alex Cora, Damion Easley, Felipe Lopez, Tadahito Iguchi, Pablo Ozuna, Nick Punto, Ramon Martinez and Jeff Kent.

Ready to buy:

• The Padres signed Iguchi last season, only to lose him to injury, and they plugged the hole with Edgar Gonzalez and Matt Antonelli. San Diego could use a veteran buy.

• The Diamondbacks will need to fill the void left by the imminent departure of Hudson, who would like to re-sign with the D-backs, but the club has very little money to offer to free agents this winter.

• The Dodgers have second base open amid a number of positions on the ballclub. When Kent went down, rookie Blake DeWitt stepped in, but the Dodgers are uncertain of him as a long-term solution.

• The Indians are looking for an upgrade over the platoon of Asdrubal Cabrera and Jamey Carroll, but Cleveland only has about a $20 million total they can add to the payroll while spreading that over as many as five positions.

Window shopping:

Brewers, Cardinals, Marlins, Mets, Orioles, White Sox and Yankees.

2010 class:

Marlon Anderson, Ronnie Belliard, Jamey Carroll, Jose Castillo, Mark DeRosa, Adam Kennedy, Omar Infante, Aaron Miles, Placido Polanco, Brian Roberts and Freddy Sanchez (has 2010 option).

Mike Scarr is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/06/08 10:30 AM EST
Hot corner looks like bargain basket
Blake leads group that could bring big rewards at little risk

By Robert Falkoff / MLB.com

Manny Ramirez wasn't the only key acquisition made by the Dodgers prior to the July 31 Trade Deadline. Throw Casey Blake's name into that conversation, too.

Five days before Ramirez came aboard, Los Angeles dealt with the Indians for Blake, who proved to be a stabilizing force as the Dodgers fought off the D-backs in the National League West and blew by the Cubs before finally being stopped by the Phillies in the NL Championship Series.

Blake held down third base in good shape and was a positive clubhouse presence. That makes the 35-year-old one of the more intriguing possibilities on this year's list of free agent third basemen.

Blake has been one step shy of the World Series in each of the past two seasons. Clubs looking for help at third will try to project whether Blake could be the same type of glue performer who factored into the playoff equation for both Cleveland and Los Angeles.

It's not certain whether the Dodgers will expend resources on a free agent third baseman. Manager Joe Torre has said he sees Blake DeWitt, who finished the season at second base, as a third baseman for the future.

Joe Crede will be another to watch in the third-base crop. Crede was plagued by a bad back in the second half of the season and missed a significant portion of the final two months with the White Sox. When he's healthy, Crede has demonstrated an ability to show pop at the plate and play a stellar third base.

While the market for third basemen isn't loaded with marquee names, there could be some value among veterans with solid track records. This isn't a group that figures to break any budgets, so clubs might be able to add significant pieces without an exorbitant amount of financial risk.

Head of the class

Blake, Type B: .274, 21 HRs, 81 RBIs; Played 10 seasons with Toronto, Minnesota, Baltimore, Cleveland and the Dodgers. Last contract: 1 year, $6.1 million. Comment: It's no coincidence that Blake has played in October the past couple of years. Count on him for a solid day's work both at the plate and in the field. Quiet, unassuming and productive -- the kind of consistent guy that a manager loves.

Crede: .248, 17 HRs, 55 RBIs; Played all nine MLB seasons with the White Sox. Last contract: 1 year, $5.1 million. Comment: Crede is a clutch hitter and a hard-nosed player who helped the White Sox win it all in 2005. But he has to prove the back issues won't resurface. He has played just 144 games combined over the past two years and the durability aspect can't be overlooked.

Hank Blalock, Type B: .287, 12 HRs, 38 RBIs; Played all seven seasons with the Rangers. Last contract: 5 years, $15.25 million with a $6.2 million club option for 2009. Comment: The Rangers are expected to pick up the option. Having Blalock on a one-year deal would give Texas flexibility and could make the often-injured slugger more attractive as a trade candidate. Another guy who can hit, but health is the big concern.

Rich Aurilia: .283, 10 HRs, 52 RBIs; Played 14 seasons with the Giants (two stints), Mariners, Padres and Reds. Last contract: 2 years, $8 million. Comment: If teams don't come after Aurilia early, look for the Giants to get back into the mix. San Francisco general manager Brian Sabean calls the versatile Aurilia a "tremendous asset" to plug holes.

Nomar Garciaparra: .264, 8 HRs, 28 RBIs; Played 13 seasons for the Red Sox, Cubs and Dodgers. Last contract: 2 years, $18.5 million. Comment: The former All-Star may retire because of mounting injuries. He appeared in just 55 games last season.

On the market

Willie Bloomquist (Mariners), Aaron Boone (Nationals), Russell Branyan (Brewers), Craig Counsell (Brewers), Mark Loretta (Type B, Astros), Mike Lamb (Brewers), Chris Gomez (Pirates), Pablo Ozuna (Dodgers), Ramon Vazquez (Rangers), Juan Uribe (Type B, White Sox).

Ready to buy

The Indians didn't see what they wanted as Andy Marte tried to make a case for himself as the third baseman of the future. Marte hit just .221 in a career-high 80 games for the Tribe in 2008. Cleveland is therefore expected to explore the free-agent market or look for a trade to solidify third base.

Milwaukee declined Counsell's $3.4 million option, but the Brewers have expressed interest in continuing talks about a return at a reduced price. Counsell played a lot at third base last year after Bill Hall didn't gain control of the everyday duties. With the situation in flux, the Brewers are expected to take a hard look at the third-base market.

The Twins aren't inclined to move Michael Cuddyer back to third at this juncture, so they'll be looking for a power bat at third base.

Pittsburgh's Andy LaRoche got a shot at the third-base job last year, but hit just .166 after joining the club. Neil Walker is a top prospect, but management isn't sure he's ready yet for the grind of an entire Major League season.

Window shopping

Dodgers (if DeWitt were to stay at second base); Giants (especially if Aurilia moves on); Rangers (need defense); White Sox (with Crede and Uribe on the market).

2010 class

Adrian Beltre (Mariners), Chone Figgins (Angels), Chipper Jones (Braves), Melvin Mora (Orioles), Ty Wigginton (Astros).

Robert Falkoff is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/07/08 10:00 AM EST
Veteran talent leads shortstop class
Free agents include proven options like Renteria, Cabrera

By Mike Scarr / MLB.com

There is not a game-changer in the offseason free-agent shortstop class, but there is value.

The only catch will be to somewhat disregard their birthdates, as all of the top players in the group are at least 31, with Omar Vizquel the elder statesman, turning 42 by next April.

At the top of the list of free-agent shortstops is Orlando Cabrera, who just turned 34. Cabrera often gets ignored on the subject of players at the position, especially when the conversation turns to power, but he's a solid defender and a decent bat in the lineup. Cabrera also has a pair of Gold Gloves to his credit, the most recent in 2007 with the Angels.

A curious note about Cabrera is that each time he's arrived on a new team, it has reached the playoffs. After spending his first seven seasons in Montreal, Cabrera was part of a multiteam deal that landed him midseason 2004 in Boston. The Red Sox won their first World Series. The following year, he signed with the Angels, who advanced to the American League Championship Series, and this past winter he was traded to the White Sox, who won the AL Central.

Edgar Renteria came over from Atlanta in a trade and struggled initially with the Tigers, but he performed better in the second half, hitting .254 before the All-Star break and .296 after. But his .270 average was still 52 points lower than the number he posted for the Braves in 2007.

Before Manny Ramirez arrived in Los Angeles at the end of July, the offensive catalyst for the Dodgers was Rafael Furcal. The problem was it lasted a little more than a month and the club wasn't the same after the shortstop went on the disabled list with a lower back problem that required surgery. Then Manny arrived.

As for Vizquel, it is tough to include him in the group as he may opt to retire, but with a record 2,654 games played at shortstop and currently being the second-most to Ken Griffey Jr. in career hits with 2,657, he gets a mention.

Head of the class

Cabrera: Type A; .281, 33 doubles, 57 RBIs, 16 E; Service time: 10 years; Last contract: 4 years, $32 million; Played for: Expos, Red Sox, Angels and White Sox.
Comment: Solid all-around shortstop who tends to be overshadowed by flashier players. Cabrera hit .293 as the White Sox leadoff hitter.

Renteria: Type A; .270, 22 doubles, 55 RBIs, 16 E; Service time: 12 years; Last contract: 4 years, $40 million (2009 option declined); Played for: Marlins, Cardinals, Red Sox, Braves and Tigers.

Comment: Renteria played in only his second season in the AL in his career in 2008 after coming over from the Braves in a trade for Jair Jurrjens. His year at the plate was better than the one he had in the field.

Furcal: Unrated; .357, 12 doubles, 16 RBIs, 4 E; Service time: 9 years; Last contract: 3 year, $39 million; Played for: Braves and Dodgers.

Comment: Lower back problems that required surgery limited Furcal to 34 games, but he was en route to his best offensive year before going on the DL in early May. He returned late in the season.

Vizquel: Unrated; .222, 10 doubles, 23 RBIs, 2 E; Service time: 19 years; Last contract: 1 year, $5.3 million (2009 option declined); Played for: Mariners, Indians and Giants.
Comment: Vizquel will be 42 next April, he had left knee trouble in spring and his offense has declined over two straight years. But he's the owner of 11 Gold Gloves, second only to Ozzie Smith's 13 for shortstops.

On the market

Juan Castro (Orioles), Alex Cintron (Orioles), Alex Cora (Red Sox), Craig Counsell (Brewers, has 2009 option), David Eckstein (Diamondbacks), Adam Everett (Twins), Jerry Hairston (Reds), Cesar Izturis (Cardinals), Nick Punto (Twins), Luis Rivas (Pirates).

Ready to buy

• Toronto needs a leadoff hitter and could chase a shortstop like Cabrera or Furcal to replace Marco Scutaro.

• St. Louis has no plans to re-sign Izturis, which opens a hole at shortstop. In fact, the middle of the infield could need a facelift if the Cards decide to deal Adam Kennedy.

• Shortstop is just one of the holes the Dodgers will need to fill. The club may attempt to re-sign Furcal, but that depends on what other high-priced free agents it targets.

• Baltimore couldn't find a decent starter among a quartet of shortstops last season and with a void at the position in the organization, the Orioles will be looking.

• For Pittsburgh, it all depends if it finds the right deal for Jack Wilson. If that is the case, the Pirates will likely look for a bargain.

Window shopping

Cincinnati, Detroit, Oakland and San Diego

2010 class

Counsell (if '09 option is picked up), Bobby Crosby (A's), Alex Gonzalez (Reds, has 2010 option), Khalil Greene (Padres), John McDonald (Blue Jays), Scutaro (Blue Jays), Miguel Tejada (Astros) and Wilson (Pirates, has 2010 option)

Mike Scarr is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/11/08 7:02 PM EST
Rogers formally files for free agency
Retirement remains a possibility for left-hander

By Jason Beck / MLB.com

DETROIT -- The last of the Tigers eligible for free agency filed on Tuesday. Whether Kenny Rogers plans to sign on to pitch next year remains to be seen.

Rogers became of one the final players around the league to file when he submitted the necessary paperwork on Tuesday, one of the final few days in which to file.

That does not necessarily mean that the veteran left-hander will pitch in 2009. Players who retire often file if they're eligible. Fellow Tiger Todd Jones, who announced his retirement near season's end, filed earlier.

Rogers, who turned 44 years old on Monday, said near the 2008 season's end that he wanted to wait until the offseason before deciding on his future. He said at the time that if he did pitch in 2009, he wanted to do so in Detroit, where he has spent the last three seasons.

Rogers has not yet responded this offseason to e-mails about his situation. He serves as his own agent, having parted ways with Scott Boras in November before re-signing with Detroit on a one-year, incentive-laden contract.

Tigers president/general manager Dave Dombrowski said Monday that he expected Rogers to file this week, but that they did not know yet whether he plans to pitch next year. The Tigers hold exclusive negotiating rights with Rogers until Friday; Rogers can talk with other clubs before then, but not about financial terms.

Rogers went 9-13 with a 5.70 ERA in 30 starts for Detroit in 2008. He took a 6-6 record and 4.55 ERA into the All-Star break before struggling over the second half, including a 7.93 ERA and 83 hits over 59 innings, resulting in a .339 batting average and .967 OPS allowed.

The Tigers currently have at least two spots undecided in their rotation for 2009. Justin Verlander and Armando Galarraga are all but assured of rotation spots next year, manager Jim Leyland suggested, as is Jeremy Bonderman if he's healthy. Bonderman missed much of this past season following surgery to repair a blood vessel in his throwing shoulder.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/10/08 10:00 AM EST
More than Manny in outfield corners
Slugger the biggest name, but other All-Stars are on the market

By Jim Molony / MLB.com

From 11-time All-Star Manny Ramirez to journeymen looking for another shot, the free-agent pool for corner outfielders this offseason is wide if not overly deep. Even so, teams with plenty of payroll flexibility as well as those with fourth-outfielder funds should be able to find potential targets among the free-agent corner men.

None will attract more attention than Ramirez.

The 36-year-old hit a combined .332 with 37 home runs and 121 RBIs for the Red Sox and Dodgers in 2008 and was the hot topic at the General Managers Meetings in Dana Point, Calif., last week.

During that session the Dodgers presented agent Scott Boras with a contract offer for Ramirez's services reportedly worth $45 million over two years.

Boras, however, expects his client to be recognized with the same length of contract as Barry Bonds once got with a rate of pay similar to that of Alex Rodriguez.

"I did Barry Bonds' contract with Ned [Colletti at San Francisco in 2001] when he was a year older than Manny," Boras said. "Back then, there really wasn't a benchmark. But last year, when we did [Rodriguez's contract], the key negotiating point was that he be paid to the same age that Barry Bonds was paid. And so we have two extraordinary hitters in Bonds and A-Rod that were paid to the age of 42.

"Bonds was a franchise player who literally paid for himself with the people he put in the seats and his historic home run performance. Those players are like Manny Ramirez."

Ramirez is clearly at the head of this class but there are others who deserve mention on the honor roll.

Teams not wanting to jump into the Ramirez bidding have other intriguing possibilities among the latter group, including Garret Anderson, Raul Ibanez, Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu and Adam Dunn.

And that's not even counting a corner outfield possibility like Milton Bradley, a Type A free agent who led the American League in on-base percentage and on-base plus slugging. Bradley (.321, 22 HR, 77 RBIs in 2008) was primarily a designated hitter this year, but he has played all three outfield positions, including 20 games in right field for the Rangers in 2008.

The two-week window to file for free agency, which opened the day after the conclusion of the World Series, closes Thursday. In the interim, only their 2008 teams are able to extend offers to free agents, only two of which have re-upped thus far. At precisely 12:01 a.m. ET Friday, the exclusive negotiating window for teams expires and free agency begins in earnest. At that point, any team can sign any of the 182 players who have filed for free agency.

Head of the class

Abreu, Type A: .296, 22 HR, 100 RBIs. A career .300 hitter, the 34-year-old Abreu has driven in at least 100 runs in each of the past six seasons and seven of the past eight. Last contract: Six years, $80 million.

Comment: Abreu demonstrated in 2008 that he is still a productive player with a potent lefty bat who plays every day and is still above average defensively.

Anderson, Type A: .293, 15 HR, 84 RBIs. A career .295 hitter, the 36-year-old Anderson has averaged 96 RBIs per season over the past 12 years. Last contract: Four years, $48 million.

Comment: Anderson hit .335 in the second half and the Angels have indicated they would like to bring him back in 2009. If not, there are other clubs that could use Anderson's considerable talents.

Burrell, Type A: .250, 33 HR, 86 RBIs. The Phillies left fielder finished in the top 10 in the NL in home runs and walks. Last contract: Six years, $50 million.

Comment: Burrell's never been a big batting average guy (.257 career mark), he's not fast, he strikes out too much and his on-base percentage this season was his lowest since 2004. But he's only 32, he hit 40 points better on the road than he did in Citizens Bank Park in 2008 and with his track record for slugging he could help a club looking for a middle-of-the-order type bat.

Dunn, Type A: .236, 40 HR, 100 RBIs. Only 29, Dunn has hit 40 or more home runs in each of the past five seasons and has driven in 100 or more runs four times during that span (92 in 2006). Last contract: Three years, $31 million.

Comment: Yes, he strikes out a lot and is probably best suited to be a designated hitter or first baseman, but Dunn also walks a lot (league-leading 122 in 2008) and that combination of power and on-base ability will attract several suitors, particularly those looking for a left-handed slugger -- like the Nationals.

Ibanez, Type A: .293, 23 HR, 110 RBIs. Over the past three seasons the 36-year-old has hit .291 with 77 homers and 338 RBIs. Last contract: Two years, $11 million.

Comment: Ibanez just keeps getting better and better. He finished in the top 10 in the AL in at least 10 categories, including hits, total bases, doubles, RBIs and extra-base hits. He's the same age is Ramirez, if not in his class as an offensive player, but Ibanez can still give plenty of power for a team in need of a potent left-handed hitter.

Ramirez, Type A: .332, 37 HR, 121 RBIs. The 11-time All-Star had a .430 on-base percentage, slugged .601, and had an .430 OBP. Last contract: Eight years, $160 million.

Comment: Ramirez has averaged 36 homers and 119 RBIs per year since 1995. Wherever he lands in '09, consider that team an instant contender.

On the market

Moises Alou (Mets), Emil Brown (Athletics), Cliff Floyd (Rays), Luis Gonzalez (Marlins), Eric Hinske (Rays), Gabe Kapler (Brewers), Jason Michaels (Pirates), Trot Nixon (Mets), Greg Norton (Braves), Juan Rivera (Angels).

Ready to buy

The Angels will either re-sign Anderson or find another corner outfielder. They're set in center with Torii Hunter and in right with Vladimir Guerrero (2009 option was picked up) but they'll want a high-average hitter with some power to play left, a commodity that is not in abundance in the Angels system.

The Reds are looking for a right-handed power hitter to fill the spot created when Dunn was dealt to the D-backs.

The Yankees will likely bring Abreu back for another season in right field, but if they don't they might look at free-agent options, especially as left fielder Hideki Matsui is expected to spend more time at DH in 2009.

The Rays need a right fielder, preferably one with power who doesn't strike out a lot and can run. Then again, what team doesn't want one of those?

With Alou likely headed off to retirement and raising thoroughbred racehorses, the Mets have an immediate opening for a power-hitting left fielder. Adam Dunn, anyone?

Window shopping

Seattle (too early to speculate what new GM Jack Zduriencik might do, but if Ibanez isn't re-signed, the Mariners will need a new left fielder). Washington (a lefty power hitter is on their shopping list, but it's not the priority). San Francisco (just browsing).

2010 class

Jason Bay, Carl Crawford (if option isn't picked up), Jermaine Dye (if option isn't picked up), Guerrero, Matt Holliday, Andruw Jones, Magglio Ordonez (if option isn't picked up).

Jim Molony is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/11/08 10:00 AM EST
Big gap in center-field market
Beyond Griffey and Bradley, top free-agent options are few

By Jim Molony / MLB.com

There's no mistaking the shallow end of the free-agent pool this winter: smack dab in center field.

"It's thin, no question," said one general manager at the GMs meetings last week. "There are a few guys who can help some teams, but I don't see any Carlos Beltrans in there this year."

Beltran, the five-tool talent in center for the Mets, tested the free-agent market four years ago and wound up signing with New York following a high-profile pursuit for his services by the Mets and Astros.

Don't expect that kind of splash from this year's center-field crop.

There are a few big names, such as Ken Griffey Jr. and Milton Bradley, but all come with asterisks.

Griffey, who turns 39 next week, played 32 games in center field for the White Sox in 2008 but is generally considered a corner outfielder at this stage of his career.

Bradley, a Type B free agent who led the American League in on-base percentage and on-base plus slugging, spent most of the 2008 season at designated hitter, and though he's played all three outfield spots, most of his non-DH appearances recently have been in right field.

The rest of the class won't even cost a signing team compensation Draft picks.

The two-week window to file for free agency, which opened the day after the conclusion of the World Series, closes on Thursday. In the interim, only their 2008 teams are able to extend offers to free agents, only two of which have re-upped thus far.

At precisely 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday, the exclusive negotiating window for teams expires, and free agency begins in earnest. At that point, any team can sign any of the 182 players who have filed for free agency.

Head of the class

Bradley, Type B: .321, 22 HR, 77 RBIs. Last contract: one year, $5.25 million.

Comment: Bradley has played more than 450 career games in center, but just 15 since 2005. But he's only 30, he can still hit (he was third in the league in batting in 2008) and gets on base consistently (he put up a league-leading .436 on-base percentage). Contractually, he probably won't break the bank, either. He's just not considered to be an everyday center fielder anymore.

Griffey, Type B: .249, 18 HR, 71 RBIs. The 13-time All-Star drove in 18 runs in 41 games for the White Sox during their drive to the playoffs and went 2-for-10 against Tampa Bay in the AL Division Series. Last contract: nine years, $116.5 million.

Comment: He isn't the player he once was, but he is still a dangerous hitter and could possibly help a team that needs left-handed power. At this stage of his career, however, the best course might be as a designated hitter, with Seattle an obvious possibility.

On the market

Rocco Baldelli (Rays), Willie Bloomquist (Mariners), Endy Chavez (Mets), Jim Edmonds (Cubs), Mark Kotsay (Red Sox), Jay Payton (Orioles), Scott Podsednik (Rockies).

Ready to buy

The Cubs, who used Edmonds, Reed Johnson and Felix Pie at the position in 2008, are looking to add a left-handed-hitting center fielder.

The White Sox did not pick up Griffey's option and are looking to add speed at the top of their power-hitting lineup. They are looking for a center fielder who can get on base and run.

The Yankees were looking at Mike Cameron, but the veteran will stay with Milwaukee, forcing New York to consider other possibilities.

Window shopping

With Bloomquist a free agent, the Mariners may need another center fielder. The Braves and Marlins, depending on how some of their other offseason pursuits pan out, are keeping an eye on center-field targets.

2010 class

Marlon Byrd, Johnny Damon, Coco Crisp, Reed Johnson

Jim Molony is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/10/08 12:00 AM EST
Free-agent market wide open Friday
Ramirez, Sabathia, Teixeira top many clubs' shopping list

By Tom Singer / MLB.com

Players have filed the paperwork, teams have drawn up their wish lists and, in many instances, the silent mating dance has already begun.

And, later this week, the orchestra will join in and baseball's free-agent season will burst into full bloom. Precisely, one minute after the stroke of midnight Friday, interested clubs will be able to start talking money with 182 free agents on the market.

Talking money, or just whispering it. As with any free-agent market, the cream of this one offers the opportunity to get better -- at a heavy price. Or, a little lower on the list, a chance to get lucky.

In either case, buyer beware.

"Finding value with top free agents," said Boston general manager Theo Epstein, "is sometimes hard to do."

The two-week window to file for free agency, which opened the day after the conclusion of the World Series, closes Thursday. In the interim, only their 2008 teams are able to extend concrete offers to free agents, only two of which have re-upped thus far.

St. Louis backup catcher Jason LaRue re-signed with the Cardinals on Oct. 31, and last week, reliever LaTroy Hawkins agreed to a new $3.5 million deal with the Astros.

While some other "lesser" deals could be struck during the remaining days of negotiating exclusivity, the big spenders and big players are merely settling into the starting blocks for early Friday's go-ahead.

Green light, blue chips:

• Manny Ramirez, fresh off his Los Angeles fantasy, may be the most compelling offensive name out there, but first baseman Mark Teixeira will be most in demand.

Other big sticks available belong to Milton Bradley, Garret Anderson, Raul Ibanez, Bobby Abreu and at least two on the Hall of Fame waiting list, Ken Griffey Jr. and Ivan Rodriguez.

• Among starting pitchers, CC Sabathia is expected to set the market others such as Derek Lowe, A.J. Burnett, Ryan Dempster and Oliver Perez will follow.

• Record-setting Francisco Rodriguez headlines an upper crust of closers that also includes Kerry Wood, Brian Fuentes, Brandon Lyon, Chad Cordero and, for the time being, Trevor Hoffman.

Enough stars for you in the free-agent galaxy?

And, just as all the planets revolve around the sun, the free-agency universe revolves around the twin moons of the Yankees and Scott Boras.

Boras represents more than a dozen free agents, but the prominent agent is distinguished not by quantity but by quality.

Boras is front man for both Ramirez and Teixeira, as well as for Lowe and for another whose next move is of tremendous intrigue, Boston catcher and captain Jason Varitek.

The Yankees always have to be respected with a shopping list in their hands. But coming off their first non-playoff season in 14 and approaching the lucrative opening of a new stadium, they are double threats.

The offseason pitchers' market clearly will have to go through Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, committed to overhauling the team's starting rotation. He will be pitching hard for Sabathia and Lowe and so on, down the list.

Equally tuned to injecting spark into an aging offense, Cashman is as rabid for Teixeira, an East Coast native who won't have to be paid a premium to be drawn there.

Even before teams can begin to fill in the blanks on their blank checks, the free-agent temperature may be spiked by a young man who has yet to play an inning of organized, much less big league, ball.

But Dayan Viciedo -- due to work out Wednesday for club reps expected to thereafter bid for his services -- is no ordinary 19-year-old.

He is a Cuban emigre whom MLB suddenly declared a free agent Friday, 5 1/2 months following his settlement in Mexico, igniting a frenzy in the front offices of Major League teams needing a third baseman who "was going to be the Babe Ruth of Cuba."

That is one of agent Jamie Torres' descriptions of Viciedo, who had made the Cuban national team as a 15-year-old and at 16 hit .337 with 14 homers. Although Viciedo's subsequent conditioning and commitment have come under questioning, his upside is expected to spur spirited competition.

There aren't many teams with deep enough pockets to compete for Ramirez-- who will be signing his first new contract in eight years off his remarkable 10-week run with the Dodgers (.410, with 21 homers and 63 RBIs in 61 games, including postseason).

Los Angeles GM Ned Colletti isn't saying how he expects his opening offer -- two years for $45 million, plus a $15 million option for 2011 -- to stand up in the open market, saying cryptically, "I've been at it long enough to tell you that I'm not going to tell you what my gut feeling is."

Eight years Ramirez's junior, the 28-year-old Teixeira has about a third of the 30 Major League teams in serious pursuit, not scared off by Boras' quest for Alex Rodriguez coin. The agent entered the offseason talking in terms of 10 years and $200 million.

The Angels, who fell deeper in love with Teixeira during the two months they spent together following his acquisition from Atlanta, aren't hiding their desire to retain him. Angels GM Tony Reagins will also make a play for and may actually have a better chance at Sabathia, a California native who prefers pitching in his home state.

Or, it may simply be some posturing by Sabathia. That would not make the hefty lefty unique. There is a lot of posturing to the opening chords of the free-agent mating dance, which doesn't make it any less fascinating to watch. That floor will soon be crowded.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Here's some guy's ranking of every single Free Agent this year. Vance Wilson is last

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-freeagenttracker111008&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

Past Tigers (let me know if others have been Tigers)

Paul Bako
Gregg Zaun (for about 5 minutes)
Daryle Ward
Ramon Martinez
Luis Gonzalez
Gabe Kapler
Greg Norton
Doug Brocail
Jason Johnson
Trever Miller

That's all I know.

bobrob2004 wrote:

Here's some guy's ranking of every single Free Agent this year. Vance Wilson is last

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-freeagenttracker111008&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

I saw that, it is quite funny about what they say about most of the free-agents!

Like:

20) Edgar Renteria, SS: Lost a step, certainly, though his offensive numbers should pick back up. He had a .290 average on batted balls in play despite nearly the same line-drive percentage.

(ranked 20-- maybe they should keep him one last year.... )

35) Ivan Rodriguez, C: The paucity of catchers increases his value significantly, because otherwise, teams would be more concerned with 18 years of major league squatting.

38) Jason Varitek, C: Has value, but the intimation by Boras that an over-the-hill Varitek deserves Jorge Posada money (four years, $52.4 million) is ludicrous.

(I'd take Pudge back before Tek)

61) Freddy Garcia, SP: Pitched well enough in his September return from surgery, and he should sign a one-year make-good deal to show himself off for one last big contract.

(I still would like to see the Tigers pick him up for low amt with incentives!)

72) Kyle Farnsworth, RP: Another who should improve now that he’s out of the Yankee vacuum, although a trade to Detroit last year didn’t help much.

73) David Eckstein, SS/2B: Shopping himself as a second baseman, so he can look like only a half-wimp on his throws to first base.

82) Kenny Rogers, SP: Decent option if he does decide to play. Second-half ERA (7.93) could scare teams away.

(I'd like him back, but not as a player.......)

83) Moises Alou, OF: Even at 42, he can still rake. When healthy. Which, unfortunately, is never. :haha:

115) Jacque Jones, OF: Plans a comeback after taking almost all of last season off, and with the ability to play all three outfield positions, should get a shot somewhere.

118) Carl Pavano, SP: Hehe. :haha:

125) Julian Tavarez, RP: Hey, he’s always up for throwing at batters, if nothing else.

(watch out if you are a batter! :haha: )

128) Casey Fossum, RP: He could be an effective lefty specialist (.674 OPS vs. .920 against righties)

149) Paul Lo Duca, C: It’s bad when you’re below a bunch of guys recovering from injuries. :haha:

164) Toby Hall, C: He is better known in the White Sox clubhouse for his facial hair than his talent.

(Well, respect the stach...... )

183) Vance Wilson, C: Mr. Irrelevant is a guy who hasn’t played in the major leagues since 2006. Seriously, it is impressive to appear on MLB’s official free-agent list despite missing two full seasons. Wilson probably will retire because of elbow problems, so congratulations are due on this final accomplishment. What a way to go out.

(Sad! Like Brob said.... last place! Even after the facial hair guy!)

As of 11/13/08

	Player	Position	Former Team	New Team	Signing Date	Notes
1.	Delgado, Carlos	1B	NYM	NYM	10/30/08	Club option exercised
2.	Jacobs, Mike	1B	FLA	KC	10/30/08	Acquired for Leo Nunez
3.	Phelps, Josh	1B	STL	SF	11/03/08	Spring training invitee
4.	Bonifacio, Emilio	2B	WSH	FLA	11/11/08	Acquired for Scott Olsen, Josh Willingham
5.	Nix, Jayson	2B	COL	CWS	10/24/08	One-year contract
6.	Blalock, Hank	3B	TEX	TEX	11/07/08	Club option exercised
7.	LaRue, Jason	C	STL	STL	11/04/08	Re-signed to a one-year contract
8.	Olivo, Miguel	C	KC	KC	11/03/08	Mutual option exercised
9.	Redmond, Mike	C	MIN	MIN	10/10/08	Club option exercised
10.	Gonzalez, Carlos	CF	OAK	COL	11/12/08	Acquired for Matt Holliday with Greg Smith and Huston Street
11.	Holliday, Matt	LF	COL	OAK	11/12/08	Acquired for Huston Street, Greg Smith and Carlos Gonzalez
12.	Willingham, Josh	LF	FLA	WSH	11/11/08	Acquired for Emilio Bonifacio
13.	Cameron, Mike	OF	MIL	MIL	11/03/08	Club option exercised
14.	Giles, Brian	OF	SD	SD	11/07/08	Club exercised option
15.	Guerrero, Vladimir	OF	LAA	LAA	10/28/08	Club exercised option
16.	Tatis, Fernando	OF	NYM	NYM	10/30/08	Re-signed for one year
17.	Gregg, Kevin	P	FLA	CHC	11/13/08	Traded for Minor League RHP Jose Ceda
18.	Olsen, Scott	P	FLA	WSH	11/11/08	Acquired for Emilio Bonifacio
19.	Smith, Greg	P	OAK	COL	11/12/08	Acquired for Matt Holliday with Huston Street and Carlos Gonzalez
20.	Street, Huston	P	OAK	COL	11/12/08	Acquired for Matt Holliday with Greg Smith and Carlos Gonzalez
21.	Swisher, Nick	RF	CWS	NYY	11/13/08	Traded with Kanekoa Texeira for Wilson Betemit, Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez
22.	Fukumori, Kazuo	RP	TEX	TEX	10/31/08	Re-signed to a minor league contract
23.	Hawkins, LaTroy	RP	HOU	HOU	11/07/08	One-year contract
24.	Marte, Damaso	RP	NYY	NYY	11/12/08	Three years with club option for 2012
25.	Miller, Justin	RP	FLA	SF	11/01/08	Spring training invitee
26.	Nunez, Leo	RP	KC	FLA	10/30/08	Acquired for Mike Jacobs
27.	Lackey, John	SP	LAA	LAA	10/28/08	Club exercised option
28.	Betemit, Wilson	SS	NYY	CWS	11/13/08	Traded with Wilson Betemit, Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez for Nick Swisher and Kanekoa Texeira
29.	Ochoa, Ivan	SS	SF	SF	10/30/08	Re-signed for one year

Starting at 12:01 Friday morning, teams can sign eligible Free Agents...

11/22/08 12:43 AM EST
Hot Stove roundup: Infielders fill market
Multiple teams looking for upgrades around the diamond

By Mike Scarr / MLB.com

Front-line starters and relievers have captured their share of free-agent headlines, but the market for infielders is equally fluid.

And it's markedly so in the middle of the infield, where a number of teams are looking to improve, or at least add depth, for the 2009 season.

Included on the list are multiple Gold Glove Award winners Orlando Cabrera and Edgar Renteria at shortstop and Orlando Hudson at second base. Former Rookie of the Year Rafael Furcal is getting considerable attention and former All-Star Cesar Izturis is on the radar.

Not a free agent but a former Rookie of the Year is Bobby Crosby, whose time appears to be running out in Oakland and is likely to have some value on the trade market. Add veterans Julio Lugo and Ramon Vazquez to the list of names that are piquing the interest of clubs and it's likely there will be some new double-play combos to work out come Spring Training.

Suddenly active are the Giants, who largely employed Ray Durham and Omar Vizquel at second and short, respectively, over the last few seasons but have holes to fill at both positions this winter.

The Giants revealed their interest in Hudson for second base Thursday and on Friday indicated they're in the hunt for Renteria. They're also in the chase for Furcal but it's a sizable pack.

The teams reportedly making a run -- A's, Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, Giants and Orioles -- have interest in both Renteria and Furcal while the Cardinals are the possible mystery team that has expressed interest in Furcal.

What has pushed the Giants into the market for a shortstop is the recent uncertainty over Emmanuel Burriss, who may not provide the offensive production the club is seeking from the shortstop position but could slide over to second base if the Giants sign a veteran to play short.

Club brass would not confirm which free agents are on their list but Renteria's agent Jeff Lane went on record to at least say their talking.

"We're actively negotiating, no doubt about it," Lane said.

The situation across the Bay is not so much about filling a void but moving on.

With the A's dramatically changing the complexion of the team over the last year, Crosby, one of the last familiar faces, could be moving soon with the club looking to upgrade in the free-agent market at shortstop.

Oakland has already reviewed Furcal's medical records and appears satisfied his surgically repaired lower back does not pose a problem.

Crosby's numbers have slipped since winning the American League Rookie of the Year in 2004. Injuries have contributed, but Crosby had a full year in 2008 and hit .237, his highest average in three years, while posting an on-base percentage under .300 for the third straight year.

The market is apparently there for Crosby, who will be a free agent after next season, when he will be making $5.25 million. Two teams that might be interested are the Orioles and Cardinals but if the A's are unable to move Crosby, he could be a solution in a utility role.

"If it's Oakland, great. I love playing in Oakland, and I love the organization," Crosby told MLB.com. "But not many guys get to play their whole career in the same place."

Hudson's free agency has opened a hole at second base for the Diamondbacks and they could be looking to Ramon Vazquez for help.

The Diamondbacks made a contract offer to Vazquez, according to a report in the Arizona Republic. The versatile 32-year-old has experience at third base and shortstop as well, and has also played first, which could help the D-backs fill a utility role.

"We're talking," Vazquez's agent, Melvin Roman, said in the Republic while declining further comment.

With Renteria a free agent, the Tigers are in the market for a cost-effective veteran to play short until they can open the job to one of their prospects in 2010, Cale Iorg or Danny Worth.

Lugo fits the description, and a deal with the Red Sox is possible but not imminent at this point. Team president Dave Dombrowski said this week his team has had talks with two clubs, one is believed to be Boston. The other is San Diego and a possible acquisition of shortstop Khalil Greene.

A deal that appeared ready to move earlier in the week has not transpired as the Cardinals and Trever Miller have been unable to come to terms, but a club spokesman has said negotiations continue.

Word leaked Wednesday that the Cardinals were prepared to offer the left-handed reliever a contract pending a physical. Miller had the physical Thursday but a contract has yet to be signed. The club wants a lefty in the bullpen and Miller is reportedly seeking a two-year deal

Another left-hander reliever that is available is Joe Beimel. The Dodgers apparently do not have interest in re-signing Beimel, who is seeking a raise from his $2.045 million salary in 2008 and a multi-year deal.

Hong-Chih Kuo supplanted Beimel as the primary lefty in the bullpen last season for the Dodgers, who are looking to install rookie Scott Elbert as the second left-handed reliever.

As for closers, none is higher on this season's list of free agents than Francisco Rodriguez, who is seeking a five-year deal with speculation setting the figure as high as $75 million.

The Mets have been reviewing Rodriguez's medical records and agent Paul Kinzer said in the New York Daily News he expects to get some face time with the Mets possibly as early as next week.

Five years could be a tough sell for Kinzer and Rodriguez, though, as the Mets apparently are not interested in extending a contract that far in a market awash in closers.

Mike Scarr is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/12/08 10:00 AM EST
Battle for starters begins with CC
Yankees, Angels, Dodgers expected to make serious run at lefty

By Mike Scarr / MLB.com

While it may seem like there is only one pitcher in this offseason's group of free agents, that is hardly the case.

But when the top prize of the Hot Stove is CC Sabathia, it is easy to isolate the big left-hander and identify the rest of the available starting pitchers as "the other guys."

Depending on team depth and overall budget, though, there are varying degrees of value with a range of starters that includes A.J. Burnett, Ryan Dempster, Derek Lowe, Paul Byrd, Oliver Perez and Randy Wolf.

Randy Johnson and Jamie Moyer lead the seniors on tour, a group that also includes John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Kenny Rogers, Curt Schilling, Pedro Martinez, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina and Greg Maddux, though the last two are expected to retire.

But the attention is directed at Sabathia and how high the bidding will go on a pitcher who is expected to fetch at least $100 million. The Brewers have already made an offer to Sabathia believed to be for five years and the $100 million starting line.

Speculation has the high bidder outpacing the $137.5 million contract over six years that Johan Santana received from the Mets last season, still a record deal for pitchers.

The two-week window to file for free agency, which opened the day after the conclusion of the World Series, closes on Thursday. In the interim, only those players' 2008 teams are able to extend offers, and only two free agents have re-upped thus far. At precisely 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday, the exclusive negotiating window for teams expires, and free agency begins in earnest. At that point, any team can sign any of the 182 players who have filed for free agency.

The teams expected to take a serious run at Sabathia are the Yankees, Angels and Dodgers, with the Mets being a possibility. The Brewers are not expected to significantly increase their offer.

Milwaukee's bid was reportedly dismissed at the General Managers Meetings last week, a bid about which GM Doug Melvin said, "It's something this franchise has never come close to offering before."

That the market for Sabathia will be heated is clear. After going to the Brewers from the Indians on July 7, he went 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA. He was 9-0 at one point and tossed five complete games for the Brewers, seven in all.

Beyond Sabathia, though, Burnett is expected to draw attention, with the Yankees, Orioles and Blue Jays showing interest.

Head of the class

Sabathia, Type A: 17-10, 2.70 ERA, 251 K, 253 IP. Service time: eight years. Last contract: two years, $17.75 million. Played for: Indians and Brewers.

Comment: Acquired by Milwaukee in early July, Sabathia helped pitch the Brewers to their first postseason appearance in 28 years. The left-hander received one first-place Cy Young vote despite only pitching a half-season in the National League.

Burnett, Type A: 18-10, 4.07 ERA, 231 K, 221 1/3 IP. Service time: nine-plus years. Last contract: five years, $55 million. Played for: Marlins and Blue Jays.

Comment: Opted out of his contract with Toronto, walking away from $24 million he would have made over the next two years. Reached a career high in victories last season.

The following pitchers are also Type A free agents: Dempster (Cubs), Lowe, (Dodgers), Moyer, (Phillies), Mussina (Yankees), Perez (Mets), Pettitte (Yankees), Ben Sheets (Brewers).

The following pitchers are Type B free agents: Brad Penny (Dodgers), Byrd (Red Sox), Jon Garland (Angels), Johnson (Diamondbacks), Maddux (Dodgers), Smoltz (Braves), Wolf (Astros).

On the market

Bartolo Colon (Red Sox), Shawn Chacon (Astros), Shawn Estes (Padres), Josh Fogg (Reds), Freddy Garcia (Tigers), Glavine (Braves), Mike Hampton (Braves), Mark Hendrickson (Marlins), Livan Hernandez (Rockies), Orlando Hernandez (Mets), Jason Jennings (Rangers), Jason Johnson (Dodgers), Jon Lieber (Cubs), Esteban Loaiza (White Sox), Braden Looper (Cardinals), Martinez (Mets), Mark Mulder (Cardinals), Carl Pavano (Yankees), John Parrish (Blue Jays), Odalis Perez (Nationals), Sidney Ponson (Yankees), Mark Prior (Padres), Horacio Ramirez (White Sox), Rogers (Tigers), Schilling (Red Sox), Julian Tavarez (Braves), Steve Trachsel (Orioles), Brett Tomko (Padres), Jamey Wright (Rangers).

Ready to buy

The Angels are looking to re-sign free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, but the club is also interested in signing Sabathia. Garland is leaving, which opens one spot, and John Lackey can be a free agent after next season.

The Yankees had Mussina and Pettitte to hold down two spots in the rotation last season but could be without both if they do not re-sign Pettitte -- it's unclear whether they want him back -- and if Mussina retires. The club will target Sabathia, Burnett and possibly Lowe.

Milwaukee has two potential holes to fill if it loses both Sabathia and Sheets. But that also could mean room on the payroll, especially given its $100 million offer to Sabathia.

The Dodgers are not bringing back Penny, appear lukewarm to Lowe and are looking at a rotation that currently consists of Hiroki Kuroda, Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley.

The Mets aren't expected to make a serious run at Sabathia, but they may free up money to sign Burnett or another top-tier starter.

Atlanta won't get Tim Hudson back until perhaps August, and Smoltz and Glavine are free agents. The key acquisition for the Braves could come on the trade front in the name of Jake Peavy.

The Astros need help in the rotation and are considering bringing back Wolf. Pettitte could also be an option if he does not re-sign with the Yankees.

The Blue Jays have a sizable hole to fill with the departure of Burnett, whom they will try to re-sign. They are also considering second-tier starters.

Baltimore is looking to start over at a number of positions, and the starting rotation is one of them. They're probably going to make a run at Burnett but may be looking more toward cost-effective veterans.

Window shopping

Boston, Cleveland, Colorado, Detroit, Kansas City, Oakland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, San Diego, San Francisco, Washington, White Sox.

2010 class

Brandon Backe (Astros), Miguel Batista (Mariners), Josh Beckett (Red Sox, has 2010 option), Erik Bedard (Mariners), Jose Contreras (White Sox), Doug Davis (Diamondbacks), Justin Duchscherer (A's), Adam Eaton (Phillies, has 2010 option), Kelvim Escobar (Angels), Mike Hampton (Braves), Rich Harden (Cubs), Tim Hudson (Braves, has 2010 option), John Lackey (Angels), Cliff Lee (Indians, has 2010 option), Jason Marquis (Cubs), Brett Myers (Phillies), Vicente Padilla (Rangers, has 2010 option), Joel Pineiro (Cardinals), Jason Schmidt (Dodgers), Jarrod Washburn (Mariners), Brandon Webb (Diamondbacks, has 2010 option), Todd Wellemeyer (Cardinals).

Mike Scarr is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

11/13/08 10:00 AM EST
K-Rod tops open market's relievers
Single-season saves leader among talented pool of late-inning men

By Jim Molony / MLB.com

Francisco Rodriguez set the standard for closers with his single-season-record 62 saves this year, and the Los Angeles Angels' closer will likely set another standard for relievers this winter as the top closer on the free-agent market.

The 26-year-old right-hander is already drawing attention from coast to coast, and only the Angels can talk salary with Rodriguez before Friday.

Teams that come up short in the bidding for K-Rod can take some consolation in the other bullpen options in the free-agent pool, which includes closers like all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman, Kerry Wood, Brian Fuentes, Jason Isringhausen, Eddie Guardado, Eric Gagne and Brandon Lyon -- as well as veteran setup men like Juan Cruz, Doug Brocail, Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Timlin and Guillermo Mota.

The two-week window to file for free agency, which opened the day after the conclusion of the World Series, closes Thursday. In the interim, only a free agent's 2008 team is able to extend offers to that player, and only two free agents having re-upped thus far.

At precisely 12:01 a.m. ET on Friday, the exclusive negotiating window for teams expires and free agency begins in earnest. At that point, any team can sign any of the 182 players who have filed for free agency.

Head of the class

Juan Cruz, Type A: 4-0, 2.61 ERA in 57 appearances. Last contract: One year, $1.9 million.

Comment: He won't command as much attention as K-Rod, but Cruz, who turned 30 last month, has caught the eye of a number of teams after striking out 71 over 51 2/3 innings in 2008. The hard-throwing right-hander is 10-1 with 158 strikeouts over 112 2/3 innings in the past two seasons, traits that make him one of the best setup men on the market.

Brian Fuentes, Type A: 1-3, 30 saves, 2.73 ERA in 67 appearances. Last contract: One year, $5.05 million.

Comment: The three-time All-Star regained the closer role last season and is already drawing attention from multiple teams, including the Mets, who may want a less-costly option than K-Rod since they're obligated to pay injured closer Billy Wagner $10.5 million next season.

Trevor Hoffman, Type A: 3-6, 30 saves, 3.77 ERA in 48 appearances. Last contract: One year, $7.5 million.

Comment: Last season was first time Hoffman hadn't made the All-Star team since 2005, and his ERA was the highest it has been since 1995 -- his third season in the Major Leagues. Hoffman turned 41 last month, but he is still effective, if not quite as lights-out as he was most of his career.

Francisco Rodriguez, Type A: 2-3, 62 saves, 2.24 ERA in 76 appearances. Last contract: One year, $10 million.

Comment: The problem with career years is, by definition, they only occur once. And yet, even if K-Rod doesn't approach his saves record in 2009, he will remain among the top closers in the game and -- at his age -- figures to have a lot of good years left in that right arm.

Kerry Wood, Type A: 5-4, 34 saves, 3.26 ERA in 65 appearances. Last contract: One year, $4.2 million.

Comment: Wood stayed healthy and delivered 34 saves for $4.2 million last season, a return on an investment that certainly pleased the Cubs. Not surprisingly, they want the right-hander back for another season.

On the market

Jeremy Affeldt (Type B, Reds), Tony Armas Jr. (Mets), Luis Ayala (Type B, Mets), Joe Beimel (Type B, Dodgers), Doug Brocail (Type A, Astros), Chad Cordero (Nationals), Brendan Donnelly (Indians), Alan Embree (Type B, Athletics), Kyle Farnsworth (Tigers), Casey Fossum (Tigers), Keith Foulke (Athletics), Chad Fox (Cubs), Eric Gagne (Type B, Brewers), Tom Gordon (Phillies), Eddie Guardado (Twins), Mark Hendrickson (Marlins), Matt Herges (Rockies), Bob Howry (Type A, Cubs), Jason Isringhausen (Type B, Cardinals), Jorge Julio (Braves), Mike Lincoln (Reds), Brandon Lyon (Type B, Diamondbacks), Kent Mercker (Reds), Trever Miller (Rays), Guillermo Mota (Brewers), Will Ohman (Braves), Darren Oliver (Type A, Angels), John Parrish (Blue Jays), Arthur Rhodes (Type B, Marlins), Juan Rincon (Indians), Ricardo Rincon (Mets), Rudy Seanez (Type B, Phillies), Brian Shouse (Type B, Brewers), Russ Springer (Type A, Cardinals), Julian Tavarez (Braves), Mike Timlin (Red Sox), Ron Villone (Cardinals), David Weathers (Type B, Reds) and Matt Wise (Mets).

Ready to buy

• If K-Rod signs elsewhere, the Angels will make a big push for a front-line closer either via trade or from the free-agent pool.

• No team is looking harder for bullpen help or a closer than Cleveland. The Indians made an offer to Hoffman the last time the right-hander was on the market, and the club might make another pitch for the all-time saves leader.

• The Cardinals have parted ways with Isringhausen, and while they have young options, a veteran closer is a possibility.

• The Mets are eyeing Fuentes and K-Rod, and a closer isn't their only bullpen need.

• The Brewers, with 26 blown saves in 2008, are in the market for back-of-the-bullpen help.

Window shopping

The Marlins, Red Sox, Dodgers, Astros, Tigers, Padres, Cubs, Twins, Giants, D-backs, Padres, Rangers, Mariners and Braves are in the market for relievers to fill one or more holes.

2010 class

J.J. Putz (depending on option status), Hideki Okajima, Billy Wagner, Fernando Rodney, John Grabow and Mike Gonzalez.

Jim Molony is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

12/02/08 2:31 AM EST
24 players offered salary arbitration
CC, Manny, Tex, K-Rod, Burnett, Lowe among those offered

By Mike Scarr / MLB.com

Monday proved to be mostly a day of paperwork and procedure as the deadline for teams to offer their free agents salary arbitration expired at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Players that were extended the offer included CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, Manny Ramirez, Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Ben Sheets, A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe, Oliver Perez, Raul Ibanez, Jason Varitek and Orlando Hudson.

Included among the players that did not make the arbitration roll call were Trevor Hoffman, Bobby Abreu, Andy Pettitte, John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez, Brad Penny, Kerry Wood, Garret Anderson, Rafael Furcal, Edgar Renteria, Adam Dunn and Randy Johnson.

Teams that excluded all of their free agents from the arbitration offer were the Yankees, Rays, Cubs, Cardinals, Phillies, Braves, Orioles, Marlins, Nationals, A's and Giants.

At issue is compensation.

Teams that offer their free agents salary arbitration get Draft picks in return if the player signs elsewhere, and the number of picks is based on the player's rating. According to a statistical study by Elias Sports Bureau, free agents are rated either A or B.

A team that loses a Type-A free agent gets two compensatory Draft picks: the signing team's first-round pick if it is below the first 15 picks in the Draft, as those are protected, and a supplemental pick between the first and second rounds. If the signing team has a pick in the first 15 slots, the team that loses the free agent will get the signing team's second-round selection and the sandwich pick.

Compensation for losing Type-B free agents is a supplemental pick.

Teams that do not offer salary arbitration to free agents who sign elsewhere get nothing in return.

The upside for the team is the additional draft pick or two, but they are also on the hook for at least a one-year contract at market value, which will likely be a bump from what the player earned the previous season.

Players have a deadline of 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 7 to accept arbitration, but can still negotiate with their former team, even if they decline the offer. If the player accepts arbitration, the two sides can negotiate a deal, but will go before an arbitrator if no agreement is reached.

It was a bit of a surprise move by the Yankees, who were expected to offer arbitration to either Abreu or Pettitte. The club remains open to the idea of bringing the players back for 2009, and Abreu and Pettitte, both Type-A, would like to return.

"By doing [this], we chose to go a different direction, not offer the arbitration, and we'll still stay engaged with the entire free-agent market, including those two players," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.

Jason Giambi, the retired Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano, Sidney Ponson, Type-B Ivan Rodriguez, and Chad Moeller were also not offered arbitration.

The Yankees are looking to improve their starting rotation and one target is Sabathia. The Brewers included the left-handed ace in their arbitration offers along with Sheets and Brian Shouse, while declining an offer to Eric Gagne.

Sabathia and Sheets are both Type-A free agents, while Shouse, a left-handed reliever, is Type-B. As the top free-agent pitcher in this offseason's class, Sabathia is unlikely to accept arbitration, but Sheets and Shouse are less clear.

"Your goal is to try to re-sign your guys, and [extending arbitration] gives you a chance to re-sign your guys to one-year deals," said Brewers GM Doug Melvin. "I think all of the players are still looking to get multiyear deals when they are free agents, and by us offering arbitration, it shows we still have some interest in the players.

Three other clubs with top-tier free agents that also took the step of ensuring at least compensation for loss were the Dodgers, Angels and Blue Jays.

The Dodgers had extended to Ramirez last month a two-year deal worth a reported $45 million before withdrawing the offer. By offering Ramirez arbitration along with Lowe and third baseman Casey Blake, the Dodgers stand to net as many as five Draft picks if all sign elsewhere. Blake is a Type-B.

Dodgers Type-B free agents who were not offered arbitration were Joe Beimel, Jeff Kent, Greg Maddux and Brad Penny, while the Dodgers also declined arbitration to unrated free agents Chan Ho Park, Nomar Garciaparra, Mark Sweeney, Jason Johnson, Gary Bennett, Pablo Ozuna and Furcal.

"You go into it knowing there's a chance the player will accept, with the mind-set that one, two, three will say, 'You know what? I'll come back on a one-year deal,'" said Dodgers GM Ned Colletti. "We'd be happy to have any of them back for one year."

The Blue Jays opted to get something in return in the event they lose Type-A free agent Burnett, while the Angels could seriously restock their farm system with the extension of salary arbitration to four players.

Top on that list is Teixeira, who was the highest-rated free agent by Elias this year. But the Angels also hedged their bets with Type-A's Rodriguez and Darren Oliver, and Type-B Jon Garland. Unrated free agent Juan Rivera was not offered arbitration.

One omission was Anderson, a Type-B who had an $11 million option for 2009 and has been with the organization since 1990.

Another long-tenured veteran could be set adrift, as the Padres made the expected move of declining salary arbitration to Hoffman, a Type-A.

There has been no dialogue since the team pulled it's one-year, $4 million offer from the table last month, but Monday's move means the Padres can still negotiate with Hoffman. It also means they won't be bound by the market rate for an upcoming season that will likely see them trim significantly from the payroll.

In addition to offering arbitration to Type-A Varitek, the Red Sox extended the offer to right-handed starter Paul Byrd, a Type-B free agent. Varitek isn't expected to accept the offer.

Not extended arbitration were pitchers Bartolo Colon, Curt Schilling and Mike Timlin, catcher David Ross, infielders Sean Casey and Alex Cora, and outfielder Mark Kotsay.

Renteria, a Type-A, is being courted by the Giants, but Detroit was not interested in the possibility of a compensatory Draft pick when the flip side could mean bringing the shortstop back for at least the $9 million he made in 2008.

The Tigers also declined arbitration to unrated free agents Kenny Rogers, Kyle Farnsworth, Freddy Garcia, Casey Fossum and Vance Wilson.

Likewise, the Rays did not offer arbitration to any of their unrated free agents: Eric Hinske, Rocco Baldelli, Cliff Floyd and Trever Miller.

The Twins offered arbitration to Type-B left-hander Dennys Reyes, but declined making similar offers to Adam Everett, Eddie Guardado and Nick Punto, who were all unrated.

The Cardinals declined to offer arbitration to pitchers Russ Springer, a Type-A, and Braden Looper and Jason Isringhausen, both Type-B's. Also excluded from arbitration were unrated free agents Mark Mulder, Juan Encarnacion, Felipe Lopez, Cesar Izturis and Ron Villone.

"The big thing for us is we want to remain flexible and also look at what we feel might be the best way to improve this team," Cardinals GM John Mozeliak said. "The one thing that I was cautious about was, if we decide to offer arbitration, there is a chance they might have accepted."

In addition to Wood, the Cubs declined salary arbitration to right-hander Bob Howry, both whom were Type-A free agents. Jim Edmonds, Daryle Ward and Henry Blanco were non-compensatory.

The Orioles declined to offer arbitration to any of their unrated free agents -- Kevin Millar, Jay Payton, Juan Castro and Alex Cintron -- but are considered serious bidders for Teixeira.

The World Series champion Phillies did not offer arbitration to Pat Burrell, Jamie Moyer, Tom Gordon and Rudy Seanez. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has said that the Phillies would like to bring back Moyer.

For second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, the salary arbitration offer by the Royals was nice, but the veteran said it's nearly 100 percent that he won't accept.

"Not that I wouldn't want to come back there. It's not that I had a problem with anybody there. It just comes down to my situation and my career where it's at right now," Grudzielanek said. "I'm going to be a little spoiled here and try to go to somebody who has a little bit more opportunity to push to the [World] Series."

Smoltz, a Type-B, became an unrestricted free agent, as Atlanta also declined arbitration to Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, Will Ohman, Greg Norton, Julian Tavarez, Elmer Dessens and Jorge Julio.

Earlier on Monday, Hampton signed a contract with Houston that is pending a physical examination. The Astros declined to announce their decisions on arbitration until Tuesday.

Perez was the lone Mets player to receive arbitration, while Moises Alou, Damion Easley, Luis Ayala, Tony Armas Jr., Orlando Hernandez, Ramon Martinez, Trot Nixon, Ricardo Rincon, Matt Wise and Martinez were not.

The Nationals did not offer arbitration to unrated free agents Aaron Boone and left-hander Odalis Perez, while the A's declined arbitration to Alan Embree, Keith Foulke, Frank Thomas and Emil Brown. Embree and Thomas are Type-B's while Brown and Foulke are unranked.

The Mariners offered arbitration to Type-A Raul Ibanez, but not to unrated utility players Willie Bloomquist and Miguel Cairo, while Arizona included relievers Juan Cruz and Brandon Lyon with Hudson in their arbitration offers, but not Tony Clark and David Eckstein.

Left without arbitration offers by the Marlins were Type-B free agents Luis Gonzalez, Arthur Rhodes and Paul Lo Duca, and unrated free agent Mark Hendrickson, while the Giants declined arbitration to Rich Aurilia and Omar Vizquel.

The Rangers extended arbitration to Type-B Milton Bradley, but not to pitchers Jason Jennings and Jamey Wright, nor infielder Ramon Vazquez.

The Reds offered salary arbitration to reliever David Weathers. There was no word if the Reds offered arbitration to any of their eight remaining free agents, including utility player Jerry Hairston Jr. and reliever Mike Lincoln.

Mike Scarr is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

12.

Neal, Blaine

P

DET

COL

NRI

Minor league free agent

Sorry to see him go to Colorado as a non roster invitee. He is a good pitcher!

He woulda been a good closer.

What the hell is Detroit doing?!!!?