Your 2008 Free Agent Class

[AmarilloRed]

I thought we will all be talking soon enough about what is available in free agency, so I though I would start a thread about what we could expect to get in free agency. I copied all this from the list on mlbtraderumors.com. I will continue to update this list on a semi-regular basis as much as I can. I am pretty sure we can take Adam Dunn off this list before too much longer,though.

2008 MLB Free Agents

Presenting...your 2008 free agent class.

Of course, some of these players will be signed or retired before reaching free agency. I've changed the post to categorize them by position; the player's 2008 age is in parentheses. If I saw someone as a possibility at more than one position I put them at both. I'll keep this post updated throughout the season and make it a permanent sidebar link.

Updated 10-16-07

Catchers
Brad Ausmus (39)
Michael Barrett (31)
Ramon Castro (32)
Jason Kendall (34)
Paul Lo Duca (36)
Jorge Posada (36)
Jose Molina (33)
Yorvit Torrealba (30)

First basemen
Sean Casey (34)
Tony Clark (36)
Adam Dunn (28) - $13MM club option for '08
Darin Erstad (34) - $3.5MM club option for '08
Scott Hatteberg (38) - $1.85MM club option for '08
Ryan Klesko (37)
Mike Lamb (33)
Doug Mientkiewicz (34)

Second basemen
Luis Castillo (32)
Damion Easley (38)
Marcus Giles (30) - $4MM club option for '08
Tadahito Iguchi (33)
Mark Loretta (37)
Kaz Matsui (32)
Jose Valentin (38)

Shortstops
David Eckstein (33)
Cesar Izturis (28) - $5.45MM club option for '08
Tomohiro Nioka (32)
Alexei Ramirez (26)
Juan Uribe (29) - $5MM club option for '08
Omar Vizquel (41)

Third basemen
Pedro Feliz (33)
Mike Lamb (32)
Mike Lowell (34)
Alex Rodriguez (32) - Has ability to opt out of contract after season

Left fielders
Moises Alou (42) - $7.5MM club option for '08
Barry Bonds (43)
Milton Bradley (30)
Adam Dunn (28) - $13MM club option for '08
Cliff Floyd (35) - mutual option for '08
Luis Gonzalez (40)
Geoff Jenkins (33) - $9MM club option for '08
Reggie Sanders (40)
Shannon Stewart (34)
Brad Wilkerson (31)

Center fielders
Milton Bradley (30)
Mike Cameron (35)
Darin Erstad (34) - $3.5MM club option for '08
Torii Hunter (32)
Andruw Jones (31)
Kenny Lofton (41)
Corey Patterson (28)
Alexei Ramirez (26)
Aaron Rowand (30)

Right fielders
Bobby Abreu (34) - $16MM club option for '08
Milton Bradley (30)
Kosuke Fukudome (31)
Shawn Green (35) - $10MM club option for '08
Jose Guillen (32) - $9MM club option for '08
Geoff Jenkins (33) - $9MM club option for '08
Trot Nixon (34)
Reggie Sanders (40)

DHs
Barry Bonds (43)
Mike Piazza (39)
Sammy Sosa (39)
Mike Sweeney (34)

Starting pitchers
Tony Armas (30) - $5MM mutual option for '08
Kris Benson (33) - $7.5MM club option for '08
Paul Byrd (37) - $8MM club option for '08
Shawn Chacon (30)
Roger Clemens (46)
Matt Clement (33)
Bartolo Colon (35)
Josh Fogg (31)
Casey Fossum (30)
Freddy Garcia (32)
Tom Glavine (42)
Livan Hernandez (33)*
Jason Jennings (29)
Joe Kennedy (29)
Byung-Hyun Kim (29)
Brian Lawrence (32)
Jon Lieber (38)
Kyle Lohse (29)
Rodrigo Lopez (32)
Greg Maddux (42) - $8.75MM player option or $11MM club option for '08
Eric Milton (32)
Tomo Ohka (32)
Russ Ortiz (34)
Odalis Perez (31) - $9MM club option for '08
Andy Pettitte (36) - $16MM player option for '08
Kenny Rogers (43)
Curt Schilling (41)
Carlos Silva (29)
Julian Tavarez (35) - $3.85MM club option for '08
John Thomson (34)
Brett Tomko (35) - $4.5MM mutual option for '08
Steve Trachsel (37) - $4.75MM club option for '08
Koji Uehara (33)
Jeff Weaver (31)
David Wells (45)
Kip Wells (31)
Randy Wolf (31) - $9MM club option for '08
Jamey Wright (34)
Jaret Wright (32)

Closers
Armando Benitez (35)
Joe Borowski (37) - $4MM club option for '08
Francisco Cordero (33)
Octavio Dotel (32) - $5.5MM mutual option for '08
Eric Gagne (32)
Todd Jones (40)
Al Reyes (37) - $1MM club option for '08
Mariano Rivera (38)
Bob Wickman (39)

Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (29)
Antonio Alfonseca (36)
LaTroy Hawkins (35)
Jorge Julio (29)
Joe Kennedy (29)
Scott Linebrink (31)
Troy Percival (39)
David Riske (31) - $2.85MM club option for '08
Julian Tavarez (35) - $3.85MM club option for '08
Mike Timlin (42)
Luis Vizcaino (31)
Kerry Wood (31)

[Degenerate39]

The only one's I would be interested in are:

Kerry Wood
Randy Wolf
Carlos Silva maybe
Curt Schilling maybe
Matt Clement (Mainly an Incentive deal)
Bartolo Colon (Mainly an Incentive deal)

[Redsnake]

My list would have to be

Michael Barrett (31)
Alex Rodriguez (32) - it's wish list :D
Matt Clement (33)
Francisco Cordero (33)
Scott Linebrink (31)
Kerry Wood (31)

[AmarilloRed]

The only one's I would be interested in are:

Kerry Wood
Randy Wolf
Carlos Silva maybe
Curt Schilling maybe
Matt Clement (Mainly an Incentive deal)
Bartolo Colon (Mainly an Incentive deal)

The Dodgers have declined Randy's option already. He has had injury problems, so I would consider giving him him a 1 year deal with incentives.

[AdamDunn]

Kerry Wood (31)
David Riske (31)
Curt Schilling (41)
Scott Linebrink (31)
Freddy Garcia (32)
Kosuke Fukudome (31)
David Eckstein (33) (if we can trade Gonzo somehow)
Mike Cameron (35)

The only reason I'm not interested in the rest of the SP FA is because of the cost. Best just to raise or trade for SP than to sign FA.

[GoReds33]

The only one's I would be interested in are:

Kerry Wood
Randy Wolf
Carlos Silva maybe
Curt Schilling maybe
Matt Clement (Mainly an Incentive deal)
Bartolo Colon (Mainly an Incentive deal)I like this list, except Randy Wolf. I think I would add to the list Linebrink, and Kerry Wood.

[steig]

I would take a good look at Jeff Weaver for a 3 year deal at most.

[GoReds33]

I would take a good look at Jeff Weaver for a 3 year deal at most.No! No! No! Please no. I couldn't take Jeff Weaver. Last year he either got a complete game, or was absolutly terrible. A good pitcher needs consistency.:)

[Degenerate39]

No! No! No! Please no. I couldn't take Jeff Weaver. Last year he either got a complete game, or was absolutly terrible. A good pitcher needs consistency.:)

Sounds like Lohse

[GoReds33]

Sounds like LohseYeah, an older, as expensive Lohse. He's not our missing link.:)

[AmarilloRed]

Top 3 Japanese Free Agents

I asked JapanBall's Bob Bavasi for his thoughts on the Top 3 Japanese Free Agents who may come over to MLB this winter. He kindly obliged, providing a couple of paragraphs on each. His summaries are below.

1. Kosuke Fukudome, Dragons. Left-handed hitting outfielder from the Dragons in Nagoya. Can play any outfield position, but probably best in right. A solid, no-nonsense type player, with a terrific glove and sound arm, he’s the best Japanese position player in either league. Absolutely no secret about this guy.

2. Hiroki Kuroda, RHP, Hiroshima Carp. This fellow is probably a number three or four starter in the big leagues. Was 12-8 this season in 26 starts with a 3.56 ERA. A free agent last year, he decided to stay in Japan by signing a four-year deal with the Carp, but with a clause therein that allows him to test the waters when he so desires. He’s probably going to do so now. The Carp just announced that his arm was okay after a medical exam in the United States. If you're looking for more info on Kuroda, check out this post at East Windup Chronicle.

3. Masahide Kobayashi, RHP, Chiba Lotte Marines. This closer was the number one draft pick by the Chiba Lotte Marines in 1999. He may be the best available reliever on the free agent market, though he has not made the sort of overtures about wanting to leave Japan as the other two. During the recent playoffs in Japan, his manager, Bobby Valentine, noted that Kobayashi keeps "looking better every time out.” True enough, and a reason I like him.
A couple of people have talked about signing free agents from Japan, so I thought I would add 3 players who are considered the best this year.

[timbok]

Lot of old guys in the free agent market this season.

[The Cowboy]

i cant believe latroy hawkins is 1 year younger than antonio alfonseca.. it shocks me actually..

[roundboy22]

Top 3 Japanese Free Agents

3. Masahide Kobayashi

Maybe they could pay him in hotdogs.;)

[Will M]

The Reds need another starter, a solid reliever & IMO a catcher.

Ramon Castro is the only FA catcher who interests me.

There are several relievers who could help the Reds:
Kerry Wood, David Riske & Masahide Kobayashi are the ones I would target.
I think Rivera will stay with the Yankees.
I think Cordero will get more money & more years than he is worth.
Linebrink's numbers are in decline. I would pass on him.

In terms of starters I would make a huge 1 year offer to Schilling.
If rejected the rest of the free agents starters are a weak lot.
Lieber could be worth a shot.
Colon and Clement would be ok on an incentive laden contract but I would explore the trade market first.

[MasonBuzz3]

from what I'm hearing up here in NE Ohio, it seems like the Indians are not likely to pick up Paul Bryd's option. Even with the HGH stuff, would anyone like to see Bryd in a Reds uniform?

[AmarilloRed]

from what I'm hearing up here in NE Ohio, it seems like the Indians are not likely to pick up Paul Byrd's option. Even with the HGH stuff, would anyone like to see Byrd in a Reds uniform?

Paul Byrd's 2007 season: 15-8, 192 1/3 IP, 239 hits, 4.59 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 27 hr allowed, 28 walks, 88 strikeouts, and a .301 BAA for a 36 year old pitcher. It might be worth it to give him a 1 or 2 year deal with incentives. He gives up a lot of hits, and allows quite a few Home runs. Still he won a number of games, and had a pretty good ERA. It might be something to look into.

[*BaseClogger*]

- We do NOT need a catcher... None of those guys are upgrades over David Ross
- Please, please, please, do not say you want to bring in David Eckstein
- Back before I thought we would pick up Adam Dunn's option, I felt that Shannon Stewart would be a great candidate to be brought in to take over the duties as the leadoff hitter, especially since he is from Cincinnati. Is there any way we could still make room for him because he would be a great fit at leadoff and probably not all that expensive...

[Will M]

- We do NOT need a catcher... None of those guys are upgrades over David Ross
- Please, please, please, do not say you want to bring in David Eckstein
- Back before I thought we would pick up Adam Dunn's option, I felt that Shannon Stewart would be a great candidate to be brought in to take over the duties as the leadoff hitter, especially since he is from Cincinnati. Is there any way we could still make room for him because he would be a great fit at leadoff and probably not all that expensive...

We DO need a catcher. Just not as desperatly as we need pitching.
Look up backup catcher in the dictionary and you see a picture of David Ross. Valentin is not good defensively and his offensive numbers are in decline. I would be thrilled if we let Valentin go and could upgrade the position.

There are potential catchers available by trade.
Ramon Hernandez of the Os.
Shoppach of the Indians.
The Mariners have a rookie catcher. Could we get Johjima from them in a trade?

[Orenda]

Id like to see them target Aaron Rowand and move Griffey. He had a big year offensively and he can still run them down in center. It would improve your defense immensely with some form of a Rowand/ Hamilton/ Dunn/ Hopper combination and hope you get enough offensive production from Hamilton and Rowand to make up for Griffey's absence. They need some relief, I might take a chance on Wood or Riske, and go after a Silva or Freddy Garcia to eat some innings as your 3rd starter. That would be quite a difference from what we are used to.

[AmarilloRed]

Southpaw Relievers

Let's take a look at the available free agent relievers this winter. The number following the player is his 2008 age.

Jeremy Affeldt (29) - There seems to be a growing sentiment that Affeldt will get paid decently this winter. He's had a big-time walk problem in recent years and didn't correct it in '07. A low hit rate kept his ERA under 4.00...he could be a bust. He made $1.25MM in '07 but could get some kind of silly three-year Scott Schoeneweis deal.

Joe Kennedy (29) - Interesting year for Kennedy, who pitched for Oakland, Arizona, and Toronto. He made 16 starts for the A's. He walked more than he struck out. If there's a positive, it's that he allowed only 9 HR in 110 innings.

Ron Mahay (37) - Mahay was part of the Teixeira deal, and he pitched well for both clubs. Like a lot of these guys, his control is poor. But he only allowed 4 HR in 67 innings and posted a 2.55 ERA (again on the strength of a low hit rate). He made $1.2MM this year.

Trever Miller (35) - He was very good in '06 but his command slipped this year en route to a 4.86 ERA. He made $1.3MM.

J.C. Romero (32) - The Phils picked him up after the Red Sox released him, and he did a nice job with a 1.24 ERA in 36 innings. But his success was owed to an absurdly low and unsustainable hit rate of 3.72 per nine innings. Romero still walked a ton of hitters, as is his custom. Romero's agent has talked to the Phils but isn't optimistic. He should get at least $2MM per year from some team.

Ron Villone (38) - He wasn't really much worse than any of these other bums.

There are others to consider as well, vets like Mike Myers and Eddie Guardado. There's no reliable Jamie Walker type here, but Mahay may be the best of the bunch. Any team that gives a three-year deal to any of these types probably doesn't know what it's doing or has too much money to spend.

It doesn't look like there is very much to the Southpaw reliever market. We might have more luck with the right-handers.

[AmarilloRed]

Giles Released, Snelling Claimed

Some odds and ends to catch us up in the minor-moves department:

* ESPN reports Marcus Giles was released by the Padres after an abysmal .229/.304/.317 in 420 at-bats. They declined his $4MM club option and bought out his contract for $500,000. He joins the 2B free agent market on the lower end of the talent spectrum.

Not sure there is anything here, but hopefully he can turn things around in the future.

[Degenerate39]

Giles Released, Snelling Claimed

Some odds and ends to catch us up in the minor-moves department:

* ESPN reports Marcus Giles was released by the Padres after an abysmal .229/.304/.317 in 420 at-bats. They declined his $4MM club option and bought out his contract for $500,000. He joins the 2B free agent market on the lower end of the talent spectrum.

Not sure there is anything here, but hopefully he can turn things around in the future.

I'd rather have Brian Giles on the bench. He kills at Cincy

[GoReds33]

Giles Released, Snelling Claimed

Some odds and ends to catch us up in the minor-moves department:

* ESPN reports Marcus Giles was released by the Padres after an abysmal .229/.304/.317 in 420 at-bats. They declined his $4MM club option and bought out his contract for $500,000. He joins the 2B free agent market on the lower end of the talent spectrum.

Not sure there is anything here, but hopefully he can turn things around in the future.Marcus Giles is a good player, but not what we need. He would just be another infielder that would take up a spot on the bench. I personally don't think he's worth it.

[Bigredfan#1]

Sign Cordero and the Reds are instantly improved!!! I would take a chance on Kerry Wood and Prior if he us available - high risk high reward!!!Those three would make us better!!

[Sean_CaseyRules]

from what I'm hearing up here in NE Ohio, it seems like the Indians are not likely to pick up Paul Bryd's option. Even with the HGH stuff, would anyone like to see Bryd in a Reds uniform?

I would also love to see Byrd in a Reds uniform, even after this whole HGH situation, which I think will all be made clear by MLB and Paul that it wasn't to make him a better ball player, it was for a problem he had. Also who wouldn't want to hear everyone at the ballpark say BYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYRRRRRRRD MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!! when he pitches? lol.

[tigh24]

It has been reported, but not finalized, that the Yankees will offer an extension to Jorge Posada. If the Reds were able to sign Posada to a 2 year deal with a player option for the 3rd year I feel it would be a HUGE pickup in all aspects of the catching game.

[AmarilloRed]

It has been reported, but not finalized, that the Yankees will offer an extension to Jorge Posada. If the Reds were able to sign Posada to a 2 year deal with a player option for the 3rd year I feel it would be a HUGE pickup in all aspects of the catching game.

Yanks To Offer 3/40 To Posada?

Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News has sources indicating that the Yankees plan to offer Jorge Posada a three-year, $40MM contract. However, the manager vacancy will be filled first.

For those afraid of math, the contract would average $13.3MM per season. That would nudge him past Ivan Rodriguez as the game's highest-paid catcher and serve as an 11% raise from 2007's salary. It's a reasonable starting point, but given the season Posada had, he could do better. I said back in June I thought it would take 4/48, but 4/56 seems reasonable now. That fourth year might be a sticking point for Brian Cashman, but I think Posada should demand it.

I doubt Posada will sign for less than 4 years. It would seem reasonable that we would need to pay him 4 years at 14 million for a total of 56 million dollars. I would prefer to pay that money to an ace starting pitcher, myself.

[*BaseClogger*]

-I agree that Ramon Hernandez or Johjima would be an upgrade over Ross, but we would have to give something up in a trade. I was referencing to the FA class since that is what this thread is about.
- Offering Jorge Posada that much money is not a good idea
- Freddy Garcia does not sound like a good idea in GABP
- Do we really need a lefty? We already have Bray and I'm a huge fan of Coutlangus, although I'm not sure why....

[tigh24]

What ace pitcher is there available for that price that will not drop off in the next 4 years? Schilling is too old for 4 years....There is no one in the relief market worth that money either. Catcher is our third biggest need IMO.

[AmarilloRed]

What ace pitcher is there available for that price that will not drop off in the next 4 years? Schilling is too old for 4 years....There is no one in the relief market worth that money either. Catcher is our third biggest need IMO.

You are correct in that.Relief pitching and starting pitching are our two biggest needs, and we have a lot talent with our position players. Both Ross and Valentin are back-up catchers, and we need to get a starting catcher in the off-season. We should pick up a FA starting catcher in the off-season; I just don't think we can afford Posada.

[AmarilloRed]

Brewers To Decline Jenkins' Option

Geoff Jenkins for $9MM? The Brewers prefer the $1MM buyout. Tom Haurdricourt says the Brewers never seriously considered exercising it, though Jeff Sackmann has shown it isn't a no-brainer.

[AmarilloRed]

57 players filed for free agency today. Here is the list:

57 players file for free agency
Major League Baseball Players Association

Arizona
Cirillo, Jeff (3B); Hernandez, Livan (SP); Wickman, Bob (RP)

Atlanta
Franco, Julio (1B); Mahay, Ron (RP)

Chicago Cubs
Wood, Kerry L. (RP)

Cleveland
Nixon, Trot (OF)

Colorado
Affeldt, Jeremy (RP); Julio, Jorge (RP)

Detroit Tigers
Casey, Sean T. (1B); Jones, Todd (RP)

Florida
Benitez, Armando (RP)

Houston
Ausmus, Brad (C); Lamb, Mike (3B); Loretta, Mark D. (INF); Miller, Trever D. (RP); Moehler, Brian (RP); Palmeiro, Orlando (OF)

Kansas City
LaRue, Jason (C); Sanders, Reggie (OF)

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Colon, Bartolo (SP)

Milwaukee
Cordero, Francisco (RP); King, Ray (RP); Koskie, Corey L. (3B); Linebrink, Scott (RP); Miller, Damian (C)

Minnesota
Hunter, Torii K. (OF); Silva, Carlos (SP)

NY Mets
Anderson, Marlon (OF); Castillo, Luis A. (2B); Castro, Ramon Abraham (C); Easley, Damion (INF); Green, Shawn (OF); Lo Duca, Paul (C)

NY Yankees
Mientkiewicz, Doug A. (1B); Posada, Jorge (C); Rivera, Mariano (RP); Rodriguez, Alex (3B); Vizcaino, Luis (RP)

Oakland
DaVanon, Jeff (OF); Stewart, Shannon H. (OF)

Philadelphia
Lieber, Jon (SP); Mesa, Jose (RP); Nunez, Abraham O. (3B); Rowand, Aaron (OF)

Pittsburgh
Armas Jr., Tony (SP)

St. Louis
Cairo, Miguel J. (INF); Eckstein, David (SS); Percival, Troy (RP); Wells, Kip (SP)

San Diego
Barrett, Michael P. (C); Bradley, Milton (OF)

San Francisco
Bonds, Barry (OF); Feliz, Pedro (3B)

Toronto
Kennedy, Joe (P); Stairs, Matt (OF)

Washington
Fick, Robert (1B)

The FA period has started.

[Degenerate39]

I wonder how much Michael Barrett would want. I'd rather have him as the back up Catcher then Javy

[*BaseClogger*]

SHANNON STEWART!!

How about bringing ol' Todd Jones Back?

Is Roy Oswalt still available?

[AmarilloRed]

Free agent lists, Milton files

From the AP:


NEW YORK (AP) — The 100 players who have filed for free agency. Eligible players may file through Nov. 13:<

AMERICAN LEAGUE

BALTIMORE (1) — Paul Bako, c.

BOSTON (4) — Matt Clement, rhp; Eric Hinske, 1b/of; Bobby Kielty, of; Curt Schilling, rhp.

CLEVELAND (3) — Chris Gomez, inf; Kenny Lofton, of; Trot Nixon, of.

CHICAGO (2) — Darin Erstad, of; Mike Myers, lhp.

DETROIT (3) — Sean Casey, 1b; Todd Jones, rhp; Neifi Perez, ss.

KANSAS CITY (3) — Jason LaRue, c; David Riske, rhp; Reggie Sanders, of.

LOS ANGELES (1) — Bartolo Colon, rhp.

MINNESOTA (3) — Torii Hunter, of; Carlos Silva, rhp; Rondell White, of.

NEW YORK (6) — Doug Mientkiewicz, 1b; Jose Molina, c; Jorge Posada, c; Alex Rodriguez 3b; Mariano Rivera, rhp; Luis Vizcaino, rhp.

OAKLAND (3) — Jeffrey DaVanon, of; Mike Piazza, c; Shannon Stewart, of.

SEATTLE (1) — Arthur Rhodes, lhp.

TAMPA BAY (1) — Josh Paul, c.

TEXAS (2) — Jerry Hairston, 2b/of; Sammy Sosa, of.

TORONTO (3) — Sal Fasano, c; Joe Kennedy, lhp; Matt Stairs, of.

———

NATIONAL LEAGUE

ARIZONA (4) — Jeff Cirillo, 3b; Tony Clark, 1b; Livan Hernandez, rhp; Bob Wickman, rhp.

ATLANTA (3) — Julio Franco, 1b; Ron Mahay, lhp; Chris Woodward, ss.

CHICAGO (2) — Jason Kendall, c; Kerry Wood, rhp.

CINCINNATI (1) — Eric Milton, lhp.

COLORADO (3) — Jeremy Affeldt, lhp; Elmer Dessens, rhp; Jorge Julio, rhp.

FLORIDA (2) — Armando Benitez, rhp; Aaron Boone, 3b.

HOUSTON (7) — Brad Ausmus, c; Jason Jennings, rhp; Mike Lamb, 3b; Mark Loretta, ss; Trever Miller, lhp; Brian Moehler, rhp; Orlando Palmeiro, of.

LOS ANGELES (3) — Rudy Seanez, rhp; Mark Sweeney, 1b; David Wells, lhp.

MILWAUKEE (7) — Francisco Cordero, rhp; Tony Graffanino, inf; Geoff Jenkins, of; Ray King, lhp; Corey Koskie, 3b; Scott Linebrink, rhp; Damian Miller, c.

NEW YORK (9) — Sandy Alomar, c; Marlon Anderson, of; Luis Castillo, 2b; Ramon Castro, c; Mike DiFelice, c; Damion Easley, 2b; Shawn Green, of; Paul Lo Duca, c; Aaron Sele, rhp.

PHILADELPHIA (6) — Antonio Alfonseca, rhp; Jon Lieber, rhp; Jose Mesa, rhp; Abraham Nunez, 3b; J.C. Romero, lhp; Aaron Rowand, of.

PITTSBURGH (2) — Tony Armas, rhp; Shawn Chacon, rhp.

ST. LOUIS (5) — Russell Branyan, 3b; Miguel Cairo, inf; David Eckstein, ss; Troy Percival, rhp; Kip Wells, rhp.

SAN DIEGO (4) — Michael Barrett, c; Geoff Blum, 2b; Milton Bradley, of; Doug Brocail, rhp.

SAN FRANCISCO (3) — Barry Bonds, of; Pedro Feliz, 3b; Russ Ortiz, rhp.

WASHINGTON (3) — Tony Batista, 3b; Robert Fick, 1b; D'Angelo Jimenez, 2b.

There are now 100 free agents, and Eric Milton is now a free agent.

[AmarilloRed]

Pettitte: Yankees Or Retirement

Andy Pettitte has made an honorable decision - if he pitches in 2008, it will be for the Yankees. He respects the fact that they awarded him a $16MM player option. Sure, he could decline it and get a bigger multiyear package elsewhere. Many speculated he'd do so. However the extra money isn't a concern for him.

My best guess is that he'll exercise the option. That would be odd, though, a player exercising a player option when it actually represents his true worth.

We can take Pettite off the free agent list. He may yet pitch in 2008, but only for the Yankees.

[*BaseClogger*]

This is Baseball Prospectus's take on the Reds offseason strategy. I would post this in a seperate thread but I'm new and it won't let me... could somebody do it for me?

"Cincinnati Reds
2007 Record: 72-90, fifth place
2007 Attendance: 2.1 million, 13th in NL
2007 Payroll: $69 million, 20th in baseball
Key Free Agents (2007)
LHP Eric Milton
1B/LF-L Adam Dunn (club option exercised)
1B-L Scott Hatteberg (club option)
C-S Javier Valentin (club option)
LHP Eddie Guardado (club option)
Key Free Agents (2008)
RHP David Weathers
CF-L Ken Griffey Jr. (club option)
Key Ready-Now Youngsters
OF-L Jay Bruce
1B-L Joey Votto
CF-L Josh Hamilton
RHP Homer Bailey
RHP Johnny Cueto
Key Long-Term Commitments
RHP Aaron Harang, $10.1M/year through 2010, plus 2011 club option
RHP Bronson Arroyo, $8.1M/year through 2010, plus 2011 club option
SS-R Alex Gonzalez, $5M/year through 2009, plus 2010 club option
UT-R Ryan Freel, $3.5M/year through 2009

What They Should Do: Weak Buy. This might be the kind of club that could surprise some people and win 90 games next year. The offense should be at least league-average, and could be one of the two or three best in the league with some breakouts from the likes of Edwin Encarnacion. A starting rotation of Arroyo/Harang/Bailey/Cueto/Matt Belisle would hold its own. Now that they did the right thing and picked up Dunn's option, the other keys are letting Joey Votto displace Hatteberg at first base and buying a real bullpen.

What They Will Do: Hold. Keeping Dunn is probably an indicator of the direction they are headed."

I don't know if I necesarily beleive I agree with Nate Silver's final assesment...

[AmarilloRed]

Padres Sign Greg Maddux

As expected, the Padres inked third starter Greg Maddux to a fair one-year, $10MM deal. Who says all Scott Boras clients are money-greedy?

Take Maddux off the FA list.

[Stephenk29]

Going off the recent talks about the Reds getting a free agent CF, I thought of this possible scenario. Everyone keeps talking about getting a legitimate Centerfielder this offseason like Hunter or Cameron. I'm kind of surprised no one has mentioned Cory Patterson. He's not the sexiest free agent signing but I think he fills a lot of needs for the Reds.

1. He's an outstanding center fielder with great speed who can cover a ton of ground. With Dunn in left and Griffey in Center he would be a superb option for a guy who can go after it.

2. He's cheap. He would be a much cheaper signing than the big three of Cameron, Hunter, and Rowand. He wouldn't take up all that much salary, which would allow us to still pursue a closer/starter/bullpen what have you. He did have a pretty horrible year last I think he will improve some what. Coming off a year like that he will be extremely cheap. I will admit though I'm not sure if I want to put the future of the Reds CF in Patterson's hands. He will not hurt us on defense though that is for sure.

3. Since our overstocked OF would only get bigger we can now afford to trade away our biggest bargaining chips for real pitching talent. Hamilton is obviously the biggest trait bait to bring in some talent. He is very similar to Patterson actually, but has more upside since he is new in the league. In reality though Patterson is only 27 himself and has some seasoning. An OF of Hamilton, Patterson, and Bruce over the next few years sounds pretty fair to me really. They all have speed, defense, pop in the bat and most importantly youth. Griffey is close to retiring and Dunn can be traded for a some pitching come mid season. I think it would be a decent move on the part of the Reds.

There is not a whole lot of free agents out there that I'm dying the Reds to sign. I think our best bet will be to trade for some pitching with the players we already have. Signing a cheap Patterson allows us to trade some of our current players for pitchers.

I think this would be a step in the right direction of a pitching and defense oriented team. Trying to build a power house offense obviously hasn't worked out to well.

I'm actually just making a case for Patterson for those who want to sign a CF. I don't think it will ever happen and I'm not really all that keen on the idea myself. There are a lot of directions the Reds could go to improve the team, I guess this is one option.

[HokieRed]

Some realistic possibilities: sign Wood and Clement to incentive laden deals, sign Dessens to a minor league contract, talk to Lieber, Seanez, Affeldt.

[*BaseClogger*]

Corey Patterson bats left-handed, and therefore does not make very much sense... Plus, where would he hit in our batting order?

[Stephenk29]

Corey Patterson bats left-handed, and therefore does not make very much sense... Plus, where would he hit in our batting order?

Patterson hits left handed but so does our entire outfield as it is right now. Dunn/Hamilton/Griffey, plus Bruce. Although Patterson's OBS is horrible he has led off in the past for the Cubs and O's. He has the ability to steal about 30sbs a year. We do need someone to lead off. Personally I like Hamilton better in the middle of the order with more RBI opportunities.

...other than leadoff, which I agree with Jay Bruce is not going to happen. 7th or 8th? Does it really matter? We know he's not going to hit 3-5.

Phillips
Encarnacion
Griffey
Dunn
Gonzo
Votto
Patterson
Ross

[Jay Bruce]

For a leadoff man, OBP is the most important stat, as it tells you how often the player avoids an out. Patterson has a .298 career OBP, making him an out-machine. Because of this, he is an awful leadoff man.

[AmarilloRed]

Gentlemen, start your checkbooks

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Starting today, teams can negotiate with free agents. Until today, teams could only negotiate with their own free agents.

Here's the list via the Associated Press:


NEW YORK (AP) -- The 149 players who filed for free agency (x-pending decision on club option):
AMERICAN LEAGUE
BALTIMORE (3) — Paul Bako, c; Kris Benson, rhp; Corey Patterson, of.
BOSTON (8) — Royce Clayton, ss; Matt Clement, rhp; Eric Gagne, rhp; Eric Hinske, 1b-of; Bobby Kielty, of; Mike Lowell, 3b; Doug Mirabelli, c; Mike Timlin, rhp.
CHICAGO (2) — Darin Erstad, of; Mike Myers, lhp.
CLEVELAND (4) — Keith Foulke, rhp; Chris Gomez, inf; Kenny Lofton, of; Trot Nixon, of.
DETROIT (3) — Sean Casey, 1b; Neifi Perez, ss; Kenny Rogers, lhp.
KANSAS CITY (6) — Jason LaRue, c; Odalis Perez, lhp; David Riske, rhp; Reggie Sanders, of; Mike Sweeney, dh; John Thomson, rhp.
LOS ANGELES (1) — Bartolo Colon, rhp.
MINNESOTA (3) — Torii Hunter, of; Carlos Silva, rhp; Rondell White, of.
NEW YORK (9) — Roger Clemens, rhp; Doug Mientkiewicz, 1b; Jose Molina, c; Andy Pettitte, lhp; Jorge Posada, c; Alex Rodriguez 3b; Mariano Rivera, rhp; Ron Villone, lhp; Luis Vizcaino, rhp.
OAKLAND (3) — Jeffrey DaVanon, of; Mike Piazza, c; Shannon Stewart, of.
SEATTLE (4) — Jose Guillen, of; Chris Reitsma, rhp; Arthur Rhodes, lhp; Jeff Weaver, rhp.
TAMPA BAY (3) — x-Greg Norton, dh; Josh Paul, c; x-Al Reyes, rhp
TEXAS (4) — Jerry Hairston, 2b-of; Sammy Sosa, of; Brad Wilkerson, of; Jamey Wright, rhp.
TORONTO (2) — Sal Fasano, c; Joe Kennedy, lhp.

NATIONAL LEAGUE
ARIZONA (4) — Jeff Cirillo, 3b; Tony Clark, 1b; Livan Hernandez, rhp; Bob Wickman, rhp.
ATLANTA (5) — Octavio Dotel, rhp; Julio Franco, 1b; Andruw Jones, of; Ron Mahay, lhp; Chris Woodward, ss.
CHICAGO (4) — Cliff Floyd, of; Jason Kendall, c; Steve Trachsel, rhp; Kerry Wood, rhp.
CINCINNATI (2) — Eddie Guardado, lhp; Eric Milton, lhp.
COLORADO (10) — Jeremy Affeldt, lhp; Elmer Dessens, rhp; Josh Fogg, rhp; LaTroy Hawkins, rhp; Matt Herges, rhp; Jorge Julio, rhp; Rodrigo Lopez, rhp; Kazuo Matsui, 2b; Mark Redman, lhp; Yorvit Torrealba, c.
FLORIDA (3) — Armando Benitez, rhp; Aaron Boone, 3b; Byung-Hyun Kim, rhp.
HOUSTON (8) — Brad Ausmus, c; Craig Biggio, 2b; Jason Jennings, rhp; Mike Lamb, 3b; Mark Loretta, ss; Trever Miller, lhp; Brian Moehler, rhp; Orlando Palmeiro, of.
LOS ANGELES (7) — Luis Gonzalez, of; Mike Lieberthal, c; Ramon Martinez, 2b; Rudy Seanez, rhp; Mark Sweeney, 1b; David Wells, lhp; Randy Wolf, lhp.
MILWAUKEE (7) — Francisco Cordero, rhp; Tony Graffanino, inf; Geoff Jenkins, of; Ray King, lhp; Corey Koskie, 3b; Scott Linebrink, rhp; Damian Miller, c.
NEW YORK (11) — Sandy Alomar, c; Luis Castillo, 2b; Ramon Castro, c; Jeff Conine, 1b; Mike DiFelice, c; Damion Easley, 2b; Tom Glavine, lhp; Shawn Green, of; Paul Lo Duca, c; Aaron Sele, rhp; Jose Valentin, 2b.
PHILADELPHIA (9) — Antonio Alfonseca, rhp; Rod Barajas, c; Freddy Garcia, rhp; Jon Lieber, rhp; Kyle Lohse, rhp; Jose Mesa, rhp; Abraham Nunez, 3b; J.C. Romero, lhp; Aaron Rowand, of.
PITTSBURGH (3) — Tony Armas, rhp; Shawn Chacon, rhp; x-Cesar Izturis, ss.
ST. LOUIS (8) — Gary Bennett, c; Russell Branyan, 3b; Miguel Cairo, inf; David Eckstein, ss; Troy Percival, rhp; Kip Wells, rhp; Kelly Stinnett, c; Preston Wilson, of.
SAN DIEGO (7) — Michael Barrett, c; Geoff Blum, 2b; Milton Bradley, of; Doug Brocail, rhp; Mike Cameron, of; Rob Mackowiak, of; Brett Tomko, rhp.
SAN FRANCISCO (5) — Barry Bonds, of; Pedro Feliz, 3b; Ryan Klesko, 1b; Mike Matheny, c; Russ Ortiz, rhp.
WASHINGTON (1) — Robert Fick, 1b.

posted by ctrosecrans at 12:22 AM

[AmarilloRed]

2008 MLB Free Agents

Presenting...your 2008 free agent class.

I've categorized them by position; the player's 2008 age is in parentheses. Also Type A or B status is included; otherwise there's no compensation. If I saw someone as a possibility at more than one position I put them at both. I'll keep this post updated throughout the offseason and make it a permanent sidebar link.

Updated 11-21-07

Catchers
Michael Barrett (31) - Type A
Paul Lo Duca (36) - Type B
Yorvit Torrealba (29) - Type B

First basemen
Sean Casey (34) - Type B
Tony Clark (36)
Darin Erstad (34)
Ryan Klesko (37)
Mike Lamb (33)
Doug Mientkiewicz (34)

Second basemen
Marcus Giles (30)
Tadahito Iguchi (33) - Type A
Mark Loretta (37) - Type B
Kaz Matsui (32)
Jose Valentin (38)

Shortstops
David Eckstein (33) - Type B
Cesar Izturis (28)
Alexei Ramirez (26)

Third basemen
Pedro Feliz (33) - Type B
Corey Koskie (35)
Mike Lamb (32)
Alex Rodriguez (32) - Type A

Left fielders
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Cliff Floyd (35)
Luis Gonzalez (40) - Type B
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Reggie Sanders (40)
Shannon Stewart (34) - Type B
Brad Wilkerson (31)

Center fielders
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Mike Cameron (35) - Type B
Torii Hunter (32) - Type A
Andruw Jones (31) - Type B
Kenny Lofton (41) - Type B
Corey Patterson (28)
Alexei Ramirez (26)
Aaron Rowand (30) - Type A

Right fielders
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Kosuke Fukudome (31)
Shawn Green (35) - $10MM club option for '08 - Type B
Jose Guillen (32)
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Trot Nixon (34)
Reggie Sanders (40)

DHs
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Mike Piazza (39) - Type B
Sammy Sosa (39)
Mike Sweeney (34)

Starting pitchers
Tony Armas Jr. (30)
Kris Benson (32)
Shawn Chacon (30)
Roger Clemens (45)
Matt Clement (32)
Bartolo Colon (35)
Josh Fogg (31)
Casey Fossum (30)
Freddy Garcia (32) - Type B
Livan Hernandez (33) - Type B
Jason Jennings (29)
Kenshin Kawakami (33)
Joe Kennedy (29)
Byung-Hyun Kim (29)
Hiroki Kuroda (33)
Brian Lawrence (32)
Jon Lieber (38)
Kyle Lohse (29)
Rodrigo Lopez (32)
Mike Maroth (30)
Eric Milton (32)
Tomo Ohka (32)
Russ Ortiz (34)
Odalis Perez (31)
Andy Pettitte (36) - Type A
Kenny Rogers (43) - Type B
Kazumi Saito (30)
Carlos Silva (29)
John Thomson (34)
Brett Tomko (35)
Steve Trachsel (37)
Jeff Weaver (31)
David Wells (45)
Kip Wells (31)
Randy Wolf (31)
Jamey Wright (34)
Jaret Wright (32)

Closers
Armando Benitez (35)
Francisco Cordero (33) - Type A
Octavio Dotel (32)
Keith Foulke (35)
Eric Gagne (32) - Type B
Bob Wickman (39)

Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (29)
Antonio Alfonseca (36)
LaTroy Hawkins (35)
Jorge Julio (29) - Type B
Joe Kennedy (29)
Scott Linebrink (31) - Type A
Ron Mahay (37) - Type B
Troy Percival (39) - Type B
David Riske (31) - Type B
Mike Timlin (42) - Type B
Luis Vizcaino (31) - Type B
Kerry Wood (31)

Here is an updated post on the remaining free agents.

[Degenerate39]

2008 MLB Free Agents

Presenting...your 2008 free agent class.

I've categorized them by position; the player's 2008 age is in parentheses. Also Type A or B status is included; otherwise there's no compensation. If I saw someone as a possibility at more than one position I put them at both. I'll keep this post updated throughout the offseason and make it a permanent sidebar link.

Updated 11-21-07

Catchers
Michael Barrett (31) - Type A
Paul Lo Duca (36) - Type B
Yorvit Torrealba (29) - Type B

First basemen
Sean Casey (34) - Type B
Tony Clark (36)
Darin Erstad (34)
Ryan Klesko (37)
Mike Lamb (33)
Doug Mientkiewicz (34)

Second basemen
Marcus Giles (30)
Tadahito Iguchi (33) - Type A
Mark Loretta (37) - Type B
Kaz Matsui (32)
Jose Valentin (38)

Shortstops
David Eckstein (33) - Type B
Cesar Izturis (28)
Alexei Ramirez (26)

Third basemen
Pedro Feliz (33) - Type B
Corey Koskie (35)
Mike Lamb (32)
Alex Rodriguez (32) - Type A

Left fielders
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Cliff Floyd (35)
Luis Gonzalez (40) - Type B
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Reggie Sanders (40)
Shannon Stewart (34) - Type B
Brad Wilkerson (31)

Center fielders
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Mike Cameron (35) - Type B
Torii Hunter (32) - Type A
Andruw Jones (31) - Type B
Kenny Lofton (41) - Type B
Corey Patterson (28)
Alexei Ramirez (26)
Aaron Rowand (30) - Type A

Right fielders
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Kosuke Fukudome (31)
Shawn Green (35) - $10MM club option for '08 - Type B
Jose Guillen (32)
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Trot Nixon (34)
Reggie Sanders (40)

DHs
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Mike Piazza (39) - Type B
Sammy Sosa (39)
Mike Sweeney (34)

Starting pitchers
Tony Armas Jr. (30)
Kris Benson (32)
Shawn Chacon (30)
Roger Clemens (45)
Matt Clement (32)
Bartolo Colon (35)
Josh Fogg (31)
Casey Fossum (30)
Freddy Garcia (32) - Type B
Livan Hernandez (33) - Type B
Jason Jennings (29)
Kenshin Kawakami (33)
Joe Kennedy (29)
Byung-Hyun Kim (29)
Hiroki Kuroda (33)
Brian Lawrence (32)
Jon Lieber (38)
Kyle Lohse (29)
Rodrigo Lopez (32)
Mike Maroth (30)
Eric Milton (32)
Tomo Ohka (32)
Russ Ortiz (34)
Odalis Perez (31)
Andy Pettitte (36) - Type A
Kenny Rogers (43) - Type B
Kazumi Saito (30)
Carlos Silva (29)
John Thomson (34)
Brett Tomko (35)
Steve Trachsel (37)
Jeff Weaver (31)
David Wells (45)
Kip Wells (31)
Randy Wolf (31)
Jamey Wright (34)
Jaret Wright (32)

Closers
Armando Benitez (35)
Francisco Cordero (33) - Type A
Octavio Dotel (32)
Keith Foulke (35)
Eric Gagne (32) - Type B
Bob Wickman (39)

Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (29)
Antonio Alfonseca (36)
LaTroy Hawkins (35)
Jorge Julio (29) - Type B
Joe Kennedy (29)
Scott Linebrink (31) - Type A
Ron Mahay (37) - Type B
Troy Percival (39) - Type B
David Riske (31) - Type B
Mike Timlin (42) - Type B
Luis Vizcaino (31) - Type B
Kerry Wood (31)

Here is an updated post on the remaining free agents.

Better take Scott Linebrink and Torii Hunter off that list.

[AmarilloRed]

It is now true that Torii Hunter and Scott Linebrink are now both signed. I see a lot of movement happening now with the free agents, and Wayne better start making some moves. One area in particular is the bullpen. Other teams are signing relievers as fast as they can, and we need to do something soon in this area.

[AmarilloRed]

2008 MLB Free Agents

Presenting...your 2008 free agent class.

I've categorized them by position; the player's 2008 age is in parentheses. Also Type A or B status is included; otherwise there's no compensation. If I saw someone as a possibility at more than one position I put them at both. I'll keep this post updated throughout the offseason and make it a permanent sidebar link.

Updated 11-29-07

Catchers
Michael Barrett (31) - Type A
Paul Lo Duca (36) - Type B

First basemen
Sean Casey (34) - Type B
Tony Clark (36)
Darin Erstad (34)
Ryan Klesko (37)
Mike Lamb (33)
Doug Mientkiewicz (34)

Second basemen
Marcus Giles (30)
Tadahito Iguchi (33) - Type A
Mark Loretta (37) - Type B
Jose Valentin (38)

Shortstops
David Eckstein (33) - Type B
Cesar Izturis (28)
Alexei Ramirez (26)

Third basemen
Pedro Feliz (33) - Type B
Corey Koskie (35)
Mike Lamb (32)

Left fielders
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Cliff Floyd (35)
Luis Gonzalez (40) - Type B
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Reggie Sanders (40)
Shannon Stewart (34) - Type B
Brad Wilkerson (31)

Center fielders
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Mike Cameron (35) - Type B
Andruw Jones (31) - Type B
Kenny Lofton (41) - Type B
Corey Patterson (28)
Alexei Ramirez (26)
Aaron Rowand (30) - Type A

Right fielders
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Kosuke Fukudome (31)
Shawn Green (35) - $10MM club option for '08 - Type B
Jose Guillen (32)
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Trot Nixon (34)
Reggie Sanders (40)

DHs
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Mike Piazza (39) - Type B
Sammy Sosa (39)
Mike Sweeney (34)

Starting pitchers
Tony Armas Jr. (30)
Kris Benson (32)
Shawn Chacon (30)
Roger Clemens (45)
Matt Clement (32)
Bartolo Colon (35)
Josh Fogg (31)
Casey Fossum (30)
Freddy Garcia (32) - Type B
Livan Hernandez (33) - Type B
Jason Jennings (29)
Kenshin Kawakami (33)
Byung-Hyun Kim (29)
Hiroki Kuroda (33)
Brian Lawrence (32)
Jon Lieber (38)
Kyle Lohse (29)
Rodrigo Lopez (32)
Mike Maroth (30)
Eric Milton (32)
Tomo Ohka (32)
Russ Ortiz (34)
Odalis Perez (31)
Andy Pettitte (36) - Type A
Kenny Rogers (43) - Type B
Kazumi Saito (30)
Carlos Silva (29)
John Thomson (34)
Brett Tomko (35)
Steve Trachsel (37)
Jeff Weaver (31)
David Wells (45)
Kip Wells (31)
Randy Wolf (31)
Jamey Wright (34)
Jaret Wright (32)

Closers
Armando Benitez (35)
Octavio Dotel (32)
Keith Foulke (35)
Eric Gagne (32) - Type B
Bob Wickman (39)

Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (29)
Antonio Alfonseca (36)
LaTroy Hawkins (35)
Jorge Julio (29) - Type B
Ron Mahay (37) - Type B
Mike Timlin (42) - Type B
Luis Vizcaino (31) - Type B

Another update on the current free agents.

Kenny Rogers has signed with Detroit recently, so he can also be removed from the list.

[schmidty622]

Cesar Izturis signed with the Cards

[Will M]

I still would be interested in Lieber on a 1 year deal.

Jason Jennings or Randy Wolf would be interesting on an incentive type deal.

[*BaseClogger*]

Nobody else has mentioned him and I must have skimmed over his name last time- JOHN THOMSON- I'm pretty sure he is a sinkerballer with a strong GB rate...

[hippie07]

Nobody else has mentioned him and I must have skimmed over his name last time- JOHN THOMSON- I'm pretty sure he is a sinkerballer with a strong GB rate...

Seems like he's had a whole host of injury problems and could only make 2 starts last year for the Royals... seems like a pretty big risk - maybe a possibility to add into the mix, but I definitely hope he wouldn't be looked at as "the answer"

[AmarilloRed]

Sources: Padres, Wolf have deal in place
Ken Rosenthal
FOXSports.com, Updated 2 hours ago

The Padres, taking a chance on a pitcher coming off shoulder surgery, have reached a preliminary agreement with free-agent left-hander Randy Wolf on a one-year contract, according to major-league sources.

The deal is pending a physical.

Wolf, 31, did not pitch after July 3 last season with the Dodgers, finishing 9-6 with a 4.73 ERA in 18 starts. He underwent surgery at the end of August, but is expected to be ready by spring training.

Wolf drew interest from the Phillies and Astros as well as the Padres after the Dodgers declined the option on his contract. By signing with the Padres, Wolf can remain in his native southern California.

The Padres' rotation, led by National League Cy Young award winner Jake Peavy, Greg Maddux and Chris Young, again figures to be strong. Wolf is 78-66 lifetime with a 4.73 ERA.

We can remove Randy Wolf from the list.



Red Sox Sign Mike Timlin?

Gordon Edes and Amalie Benjamin of the Boston Globe are reporting that a Red Sox official indicated that the team had re-signed reliever Mike Timlin to a one-year, $3MM deal.

Timlin turns 42 in March. He showed his customary low strikeout rate and good control in 2007. The less predictable part is hits allowed - 10.97 per nine innings in '06, 7.48 per nine innings in '07. Luck plays a big part in that stat.

Mike Timlin is also no longer a free agent.

[AmarilloRed]

2008 MLB Free Agents

Presenting...your 2008 free agent class.

I've categorized them by position; the player's 2008 age is in parentheses. Also Type A or B status is included; otherwise there's no compensation. If I saw someone as a possibility at more than one position I put them at both. I'll keep this post updated throughout the offseason and make it a permanent sidebar link.

Updated 12-05-07

Catchers
Michael Barrett (31) - Type A
Paul Lo Duca (36) - Type B

First basemen
Sean Casey (34) - Type B
Tony Clark (36)
Darin Erstad (34)
Ryan Klesko (37)
Mike Lamb (33)
Doug Mientkiewicz (34)

Second basemen
Marcus Giles (30)
Tadahito Iguchi (33) - Type A
Mark Loretta (37) - Type B
Jose Valentin (38)

Shortstops
David Eckstein (33) - Type B
Alexei Ramirez (26)

Third basemen
Pedro Feliz (33) - Type B
Corey Koskie (35)
Mike Lamb (32)

Left fielders
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Cliff Floyd (35)
Luis Gonzalez (40) - Type B
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Reggie Sanders (40)
Shannon Stewart (34) - Type B
Brad Wilkerson (31)

Center fielders
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Mike Cameron (35) - Type B
Andruw Jones (31) - Type B
Kenny Lofton (41) - Type B
Corey Patterson (28)
Alexei Ramirez (26)
Aaron Rowand (30) - Type A

Right fielders
Milton Bradley (30) - Type A
Kosuke Fukudome (31)
Shawn Green (35) - Type B
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Trot Nixon (34)
Reggie Sanders (40)

DHs
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Mike Piazza (39) - Type B
Sammy Sosa (39)
Mike Sweeney (34)

Starting pitchers
Tony Armas Jr. (30)
Kris Benson (32)
Shawn Chacon (30)
Roger Clemens (45)
Matt Clement (32)
Bartolo Colon (35)
Josh Fogg (31)
Casey Fossum (30)
Freddy Garcia (32) - Type B
Livan Hernandez (33) - Type B
Jason Jennings (29)
Kenshin Kawakami (33)
Byung-Hyun Kim (29)
Hiroki Kuroda (33)
Brian Lawrence (32)
Jon Lieber (38)
Kyle Lohse (29)
Rodrigo Lopez (32)
Mike Maroth (30)
Eric Milton (32)
Tomo Ohka (32)
Russ Ortiz (34)
Odalis Perez (31)
Kazumi Saito (30)
Carlos Silva (29)
John Thomson (34)
Brett Tomko (35)
Steve Trachsel (37)
Jeff Weaver (31)
David Wells (45)
Kip Wells (31)
Randy Wolf (31)
Jamey Wright (34)
Jaret Wright (32)

Closers
Armando Benitez (35)
Octavio Dotel (32)
Keith Foulke (35)
Eric Gagne (32) - Type B
Bob Wickman (39)

Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (29)
Antonio Alfonseca (36)
Kazuo Fukumori (31)
LaTroy Hawkins (35)
Jorge Julio (29) - Type B
Ron Mahay (37) - Type B
Trever Miller (35) - Type B
Luis Vizcaino (31) - Type B

[*BaseClogger*]

Seems like he's had a whole host of injury problems and could only make 2 starts last year for the Royals... seems like a pretty big risk - maybe a possibility to add into the mix, but I definitely hope he wouldn't be looked at as "the answer"

non-roster invitee?

[AmarilloRed]

Andruw Jones has since been signed to a 2 year deal by the Dodgers.

[Degenerate39]

Slim pickins

[AmarilloRed]

2008 MLB Free Agents

Presenting...your 2008 free agent class.

I've categorized them by position; the player's 2008 age is in parentheses. Also Type A or B status is included; otherwise there's no compensation. If I saw someone as a possibility at more than one position I put them at both. I'll keep this post updated throughout the offseason and make it a permanent sidebar link.

Updated 12-10-07

Catchers
Damian Miller (38)

First basemen
Sean Casey (34) - Type B
Tony Clark (36)
Darin Erstad (34)
Ryan Klesko (37)
Mike Lamb (33)
Doug Mientkiewicz (34)

Second basemen
Marcus Giles (30)
Tadahito Iguchi (33) - Type A
Jose Valentin (38)

Shortstops
David Eckstein (33) - Type B
Alexei Ramirez (26)

Third basemen
Pedro Feliz (33) - Type B
Corey Koskie (35)
Mike Lamb (32)

Left fielders
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Cliff Floyd (35)
Luis Gonzalez (40) - Type B
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Reggie Sanders (40)
Shannon Stewart (34) - Type B
Brad Wilkerson (31)

Center fielders
Mike Cameron (35) - Type B
Kenny Lofton (41) - Type B
Corey Patterson (28)
Alexei Ramirez (26)
Aaron Rowand (30) - Type A

Right fielders
Kosuke Fukudome (31)
Shawn Green (35) - Type B
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Trot Nixon (34)
Reggie Sanders (40)

DHs
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Mike Piazza (39) - Type B
Sammy Sosa (39)
Mike Sweeney (34)

Starting pitchers
Tony Armas Jr. (30)
Kris Benson (32)
Shawn Chacon (30)
Roger Clemens (45)
Matt Clement (32)
Bartolo Colon (35)
Josh Fogg (31)
Casey Fossum (30)
Freddy Garcia (32) - Type B
Livan Hernandez (33) - Type B
Jason Jennings (29)
Kenshin Kawakami (33)
Byung-Hyun Kim (29)
Hiroki Kuroda (33)
Brian Lawrence (32)
Jon Lieber (38)
Kyle Lohse (29)
Rodrigo Lopez (32)
Mike Maroth (30)
Eric Milton (32)
Tomo Ohka (32)
Russ Ortiz (34)
Odalis Perez (31)
Kazumi Saito (30)
Carlos Silva (29)
John Thomson (34)
Brett Tomko (35)
Steve Trachsel (37)
Jeff Weaver (31)
David Wells (45)
Kip Wells (31)
Jamey Wright (34)
Jaret Wright (32)

Closers
Armando Benitez (35)
Octavio Dotel (32)
Keith Foulke (35)
Bob Wickman (39)

Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (29)
Antonio Alfonseca (36)
Kazuo Fukumori (31)
Jorge Julio (29) - Type B
Ron Mahay (37) - Type B
Trever Miller (35) - Type B
Luis Vizcaino (31) - Type B

Livan Hernandez might be someone to look at with his IP and 19 quality starts. He does give up a lot of hits and walks, but he seems able to pitch around it. He would make a good #3 or #4.

[AmarilloRed]

2008 MLB Free Agents

Presenting...your 2008 free agent class.

I've categorized them by position; the player's 2008 age is in parentheses. Also Type A or B status is included; otherwise there's no compensation. If I saw someone as a possibility at more than one position I put them at both. I'll keep this post updated throughout the offseason and make it a permanent sidebar link.

Updated 12-13-07

Catchers
Johnny Estrada (32)
Damian Miller (38)
Miguel Olivo (29)

First basemen
Sean Casey (34) - Type B
Tony Clark (36)
Darin Erstad (34)
Ryan Klesko (37)
Mike Lamb (33)
Doug Mientkiewicz (34)

Second basemen
David Eckstein (33) - Type B
Marcus Giles (30)
Alexei Ramirez (26)
Jose Valentin (38)

Shortstops
Sorry, there's pretty much nothing here.

Third basemen
Morgan Ensberg (32)
Pedro Feliz (33) - Type B
Corey Koskie (35)
Mike Lamb (32)
Dallas McPherson (27)

Left fielders
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Emil Brown (33)
Cliff Floyd (35)
Luis Gonzalez (40) - Type B
Willie Harris (30)
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Jason Lane (31)
Kevin Mench (30)
Reggie Sanders (40)
Shannon Stewart (34) - Type B
Brad Wilkerson (31)

Center fielders
Mike Cameron (35) - Type B
Willis Harris (30)
Jason Lane (31)
Kenny Lofton (41) - Type B
Corey Patterson (28)
Alexei Ramirez (26)

Right fielders
Emil Brown (33)
Shawn Green (35) - Type B
Geoff Jenkins (33)
Jason Lane (31)
Kevin Mench (30)
Trot Nixon (34)
Reggie Sanders (40)

DHs
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Mike Piazza (39) - Type B
Sammy Sosa (39)
Mike Sweeney (34)

Starting pitchers
Tony Armas Jr. (30)
Kris Benson (32)
Shawn Chacon (30)
Roger Clemens (45)
Matt Clement (32)
Bartolo Colon (35)
Chad Durbin (30)
Josh Fogg (31)
Casey Fossum (30)
Freddy Garcia (32) - Type B
Mark Hendrickson (34)
Livan Hernandez (33) - Type B
Jason Jennings (29)
Kenshin Kawakami (33)
Byung-Hyun Kim (29)
Hiroki Kuroda (33)
Brian Lawrence (32)
Jon Lieber (38)
Kyle Lohse (29)
Rodrigo Lopez (32)
Mike Maroth (30)
Eric Milton (32)
Tomo Ohka (32)
Russ Ortiz (34)
Odalis Perez (31)
Mark Prior (27)
Kazumi Saito (30)
Carlos Silva (29)
John Thomson (34)
Brett Tomko (35)
Josh Towers (31)
Steve Trachsel (37)
Jeff Weaver (31)
David Wells (45)
Kip Wells (31)
Jamey Wright (34)
Jaret Wright (32)

Closers
Armando Benitez (35)
Octavio Dotel (32)
Keith Foulke (35)
Bob Wickman (39)

Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (29)
Antonio Alfonseca (36)
Kiko Calero (33)
Shawn Chacon (30)
Chad Durbin (30)
Kazuo Fukumori (31)
Mark Hendrickson (34)
Jorge Julio (29) - Type B
Ron Mahay (37) - Type B
Trever Miller (35) - Type B
Luis Vizcaino (31) - Type B
Kip Wells (31)
Matt Wise (32)

The non-tenders released a lot of players into free agency, so I updated the list today.

[AmarilloRed]

2008 MLB Free Agents

Presenting...your 2008 free agent class.

I've categorized them by position; the player's 2008 age is in parentheses. Also Type A or B status is included; otherwise there's no compensation. If I saw someone as a possibility at more than one position I put them at both. I'll keep this post updated throughout the offseason and make it a permanent sidebar link.

Updated 1-11-08

Catchers
Johnny Estrada (32)
Damian Miller (38)

First basemen
Sean Casey (34) - Type B
Tony Clark (36)
Ryan Klesko (37)
Doug Mientkiewicz (34)

Second basemen
Jose Valentin (38)

Shortstops
Sorry, there's pretty much nothing here.

Third basemen
Morgan Ensberg (32)
Pedro Feliz (33) - Type B
Corey Koskie (35)
Dallas McPherson (27)

Left fielders
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Luis Gonzalez (40) - Type B
Kevin Mench (30)
Reggie Sanders (40)
Shannon Stewart (34) - Type B
Brad Wilkerson (31)

Center fielders
Kenny Lofton (41) - Type B
Corey Patterson (28)

Right fielders
Shawn Green (35) - Type B
Kevin Mench (30)
Trot Nixon (34)
Reggie Sanders (40)

DHs
Barry Bonds (43) - Type A
Mike Piazza (39) - Type B
Sammy Sosa (39)
Mike Sweeney (34)

Starting pitchers
Tony Armas Jr. (30)
Kris Benson (32)
Shawn Chacon (30)
Roger Clemens (45)
Bartolo Colon (35)
Josh Fogg (31)
Casey Fossum (30)
Freddy Garcia (32) - Type B
Mark Hendrickson (34)
Livan Hernandez (33) - Type B
Jason Jennings (29)
Byung-Hyun Kim (29)
Brian Lawrence (32)
Jon Lieber (38)
Kyle Lohse (29)
Rodrigo Lopez (32)
Mike Maroth (30)
Eric Milton (32)
Tomo Ohka (32)
Russ Ortiz (34)
Odalis Perez (31)
John Thomson (34)
Brett Tomko (35)
Steve Trachsel (37)
Jeff Weaver (31)
David Wells (45)
Jaret Wright (32)

Closers
Armando Benitez (35)
Octavio Dotel (32)
Keith Foulke (35)
Bob Wickman (39)

Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (29)
Antonio Alfonseca (36)
Shawn Chacon (30)
Mark Hendrickson (34)
Jorge Julio (29) - Type B
Jose Mesa (42)
Trever Miller (35) - Type B
Akinori Otsuka (36)
Rudy Seanez (39)
Aaron Sele (38)
Ron Villone (38)

There has been some movement in signing free agents lately, so I released the latest list.