The Top 25 Free Agents of 1998, Part 2
Ellis Burks is a decent outfielder who, like every other Rockies, has put up inflated stats the last few years as a result of Coors Field. Burks has had an up-and-down career full of injuries, but when healthy he'll provide a good bat in the lineup that will help his team and play a solid right field. At 33 with his history he's not going to get a long-term contract, but there are enough clubs who need a solid outfielder that he'll be in demand. The Giants, who he finished 1998 with, are definitely interested in keeping him. Projected Contract: 3 Years, $16 million.
David Cone may or may not become an official free agent, but if he does, there'll be a lot of offers coming his way. Cone has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the majors. No, he's not Clemens or Maddux, but who is? The danger with Cone is that his recent health history is rather disturbing. He has fought thru a number of injuries in recent years, including a dangerous aneurysm. And he's 35. Still, despite occasional problems, he has pitched over 400 innings for the Yankees over the last 2 seasons with an ERA under 3.50. If he bolts the Yankees, he'll have offers. Projected Contract: 3 Years, $25 million
Henry Rodriguez, like some other 1998 Cubs who got more attention, showed a marked increase in plate discipline last year, leading to the best year of his career. If that increase in discipline is real, Rodriguez may turn out to be a good outfielder over the next few years. Rodriguez shows no signs of ever hitting for average, so if he's going to avoid an ugly out percentage, he will have to be at least as patient as he was in 1998. Rodriguez obviously has real power, but 30 home runs isn't what it used to be. He also seems to be not quite as bad as he used to be in the outfield. He continued to be somewhat injury prone last year, though, and is definitely a risky bet. Projected Contract: 3 Years, $18 million.
Robin Ventura has declined offensively 3 straight years. That is not a good sign. He is still a fine defensive third baseman, but he no longer comes with guaranteed offensive production. Nevertheless, with the major leagues, especially the AL, short on good third basemen, Ventura will be in demand. Jerry Reisendorf says the White Sox want Ventura back, but that may very well mean the opposite. The Mets are thought to be interested in Ventura (Alfonzo would move to second) if they can't sign a second baseman. Projected Contract: 3 Years, $18 million
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