Free-Agent Options Remain After Market Malaise
Stan McNeal - SportingNews.com
Jan 19, 2010
Need a lift from the midwinter blues? Here you go: Only 30 days remain until pitchers and catchers report. Can't wait, can you?
Dozens of free agents are growing impatient, too, for another reason. They're seeking work in a market described as slow by agents and soft by owners. "They'll start to drop off the board soon," Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt says. "As they do, there'll be players who sign for reasonable amounts."
Not just end-of-the-roster filler, either. "Good talent's out there," DeWitt says.
See for yourself by checking out Sporting News' top 10 remaining free agents:
1. Joel Pineiro, SP. Went 15-12 with 3.49 ERA to price himself out of Cardinals' rotation. Best fit: Mets.
2. Johnny Damon, LF. Scored 107 runs with .365 OBP with Yankees, then rejected their two-year offer. Best fit: Braves.
3. Miguel Tejada, SS/3B. Defense has declined but durability, offense still strong. Hit .313 and played in 158 games. Tejada has told reporters he's willing to switch from shortstop. Best fit: Cardinals.
4. Orlando Hudson, 2B. Won Gold Glove and posted .357 OBP for Dodgers after waiting until February to get one-year, below-market deal. Best fit: Cubs.
5. Jermaine Dye, RF. Despite woeful second half (.179 average, seven homers), he still finished with 27 homers -- his fifth consecutive season with more than 25. Best fit: Yankees.
6. Bengie Molina, C. Led NL catchers in RBIs while hitting cleanup for Giants. Has been on verge of deal with the Mets much of the offseason. Best fit: Mets.
7. Orlando Cabrera, SS. Another late signer last offseason who went on to be productive: .284 in 160 games for A's, Twins. Best fit: Astros.
8. Carlos Delgado, 1B. Playing winter ball to show he's recovered from hip surgery. Best fit: Orioles.
9. Vicente Padilla, SP. Playoff standout for Dodgers is among numerous flawed starters available. Best fit: Dodgers.
10. Rick Ankiel, CF. Plus defender but hit only .231 with 11 homers. "The market's starting to pick up for his level of outfielder," his agent, Scott Boras, says. Best fit: Mets.
Stan McNeal is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at smcneal@sportingnews.com.
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