MLBPA Investigating Free Agent Market

[tommycash]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3384504

I think this story is a load of bull. You want to know why certain Free Agents are still on the market. Well lets look at Kenny Lofton. Lofton is 41 and he wants a guaranteed contract worth 3 million. Roger Clemens would want at least 20 million and is in an ongoing court case. Bonds would want the same money, and he is being investigated by the government for perjury. Sammy Sosa and Mike Piazza are over the hill, and can't play defense any more. Jose Mesa and David Wells have not been good in a long time. Mesa hasn't been that good since he played in Cleveland. If I were an owner, I wouldn't waste money on over the hill free agents, unless they took a non-guaranteed contract. If these guys really want to play, they need to sign minor league deals. I think the MLBPA is going too far in this case.

[Rounding Third]

Kenny Lofton >> Corey Patterson

I wonder why Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens haven't been signed? I mean really...

I think Free Agents need a manager who is their friend on a team in which they have too much say. Free agents also should play the position of the teams best prospect so that they can get easy playing time.

[tommycash]

I like Kenny Lofton and would rather have him than Patterson, but he wanted some major cash if I remember correctly, to sign with us.

I think these guys would do better without money grubbing agents who want 20 million for an over the hill player.

[Moosie52]

So, every guy who has played major league baseball is guaranteed a job for as long as he wants to play? Sweet. Of course, somebody will probably find an email between two GMs ridiculing some player, and that will be enough to prove collusion.

[HalMorrisRules]

It is something they have done in the past.

Guys, dont read too much into it. Sounds like it is SOP.

[757690]

I like Kenny Lofton and would rather have him than Patterson, but he wanted some major cash if I remember correctly, to sign with us.

I think these guys would do better without money grubbing agents who want 20 million for an over the hill player.

Correct. The Reds tried to sign Lofton first, but he wanted the same deal he got last year, $6M year or he would rather retire. He said it was a matter of pride.
Patterson was the cheaper alternative. As my grandfather always said, you get what you pay for.

Anyway, the only player from last years free agent list I am surprised is still unsigned is Jeff Weaver. He was a poor man's Kyle Lohse, very good, or terrible outing to outing, mostly terrible. If he wasn't such HR pitcher, I would think Jocketty would consider signing him since he did well for him in St. Louis. But then again, Dave Duncan is still in St. Louis.