Cash is easier to replace than talent. Here is a list of this year's FA SS's
Code:
Player Last Team Pos Age AB HR AVG RBI Status
Drew Sutton Red Sox SS 28 54 0 .315 7 Signed by Braves; Details TBD (Minor League)
Alex Gonzalez Braves SS 34 564 15 .241 56 Signed by Brewers; 1 year, $4MM
Cesar Izturis Orioles SS 31 30 0 .200 1 Signed by Brewers; Details TBD (Minor League)
Rafael Furcal Cardinals SS 33 333 8 .231 28 Signed by Cardinals; 2 years; $14MM
W. Bloomquist Dbacks SS 33 350 4 .266 26 Signed by Diamondbacks; 2 years, $3.8MM
John McDonald Dbacks SS 37 227 2 .229 22 Signed by Diamondbacks; 2 years, $3MM
Jose Reyes Mets SS 28 537 7 .337 44 Signed by Marlins; 6 years, $106MM
Jimmy Rollins Phillies SS 32 567 16 .268 63 Signed by Phillies; 3 years, $33MM
Clint Barmes Astros SS 32 446 12 .244 39 Signed by Pirates; 2 years, $10.5MM
Marco Scutaro Red Sox SS 35 395 7 .299 54 Signed by Red Sox; 1 year, $6MM club option
Pedro Ciriaco Pirates SS 26 33 0 .303 6 Signed by Red Sox; Details TBD (Minor League)
Y. Betancourt Brewers SS 29 556 13 .252 68 Signed by Royals; 1 year, $2MM
H Nakajima* Seibu Lions SS 29 566 16 .297 100 Signed by Sebu Lions(Japan); Yankees posted, no deal
Ryan Theriot Cardinals SS 32 442 1 .271 47 Unrestricted
Edgar Renteria Reds SS 36 299 5 .251 36 Unrestricted
Felipe Lopez Rays SS 31 141 2 .206 11 Unrestricted
Ronny Cedeno Pirates SS 28 413 2 .249 32 Unrestricted, Club Option Declined
Here are the FA 2B
Code:
Player Last Team Pos Age AB HR AVG RBI Status
Kelly Johnson Blue Jays 2B 29 545 21 .222 58 Signed by Blue Jays via arbitration
Jack Wilson Braves 2B 33 214 0 .243 11 Signed by Braves; 1 year, $1MM
Brooks Conrad Braves 2B 31 103 4 .223 13 Signed by Brewers; Details TBD (Minor League)
Aaron Hill Dbacks 2B 29 520 8 .246 61 Signed by Diamondbacks; 2 years, $11MM
J Hairston Jr. Brewers 2B 35 337 5 .270 31 Signed by Dodgers; 2 years, $6MM
Mark Ellis Rockies 2B 34 480 7 .248 41 Signed by Dodgers; 2 years, $8.75MM
Jose Lopez Marlins 2B 27 21 8 .216 21 Signed by Indians; 1 year, $900K (Minor League)
Nick Punto Cardinals 2B 33 133 1 .278 20 Signed by Red Sox; 2 years, $3MM
B. Phillips Reds 2B 30 610 18 .300 82 Signed by Reds; 1 year, $12MM club option
Ramon Santiago Tigers 2B 32 258 5 .260 30 Signed by Tigers; 2 years, $4MM
Jamey Carroll Dodgers 2B 37 452 0 .290 17 Signed by Twins; 2 years, $7MM
Jeff Keppinger Giants 2B 31 379 6 .277 35 Unrestricted
Aaron Miles Dodgers 2B 34 454 3 .275 45 Unrestricted
Carlos Guillen Tigers 2B 36 95 3 .232 13 Unrestricted
I get that with all that went on with the Latos, Marshall and Madsen deals, perhaps a backup IF wasn't the highest priority, But a few of these guys went cheap, and a bunch of them are better options as pinch hitters. Not to mention Valaika, Janish, Negron, Rodriguez already in the system.
Coffey left, and had success. Not a ton of success, but he has had 2 good years in the three since he left. Belisle has been very good in Colorado. rough that first year, then two very good years following that. I hate giving up young LH pitching. hate. it. They take longer to develop, but are usually worth it. As much as everyone loathed Majewski, everyone seemed willing to wait on Bray. Coffey and Belisle were replaceable, because RH relievers grow on trees in the wild. LH's need to be cultivated.
Are we really thinking Wilson Valdez is better than ALL or ANY of the above options? I know, the Reds weren't getting the top tier FA's at those positions, but IMO I'd rather overpay with money on a one year deal than give up talent for the same thing.