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GM Meeting and Free Agents

© Bryan Walker

With the General Manager meetings this week and free agents able to negotiate at the end of the week, teams are now laying the groundwork to acquire new players to fill out the rosters for 2001. The teams ready to wheel and deal will find a large number of pitchers ready to negotiate. Here is a list of the top available pitchers and potential suitors.

TOP FREE AGENT STARTERS LEVEL 1 These two pitchers are the two aces in the free agent market. They would be the number one pitcher for almost any team (except Boston, New York Yankees, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Arizona, who already have aces.) However, the teams that need an ace starter the most can't afford them. Apart from the teams that already have an ace, the teams with the finances to get them are Cleveland, Detroit, Mets and Colorado. Mike Mussina: Reportedly chased by the Yankees, Cleveland, Boston and Detroit.

Mike Hampton: Wants to stay in the National League. That leaves Atlanta, Mets and L.A. If the Phillies get into the free agent market as they claimed, Hampton would be a good place to start.

LEVEL 2 These guys are not aces, but they are very good. All three would perform well as the number two man in the rotation. Most teams could afford these if they wanted.

Darren Dreifort: Dreifort is a solid pitcher. Being a ground ball pitcher, he will work extremely well with a good infield. If Colorado wants to get a pitcher, Dreifort would be the best fit. Cleveland is also very interested.

Andy Ashby: Last season not withstanding, Ashby is very good. Give him some time to get comfortable and he’ll produce. After his 2000 performance, most teams have been scared away. However, a team with tight finances could sign him to a reasonable contract and get a good pitcher. Look for the Mets, Colorado, Chicago White Sox, and Baltimore to make bids. Denny Neagle: He's the second best lefty starter available. He could be the number one on many teams, but could possibly go back to Cincinnati.

LEVEL 3 Castillo and Gardner do not have a great history, but did perform well this past season. Their success could be a turning point or a career year. Take your pick. These two would fit well in Chicago, Philadelphia, Toronto and Detroit.

Frank Castillo: He had an extremely good 2000. He is a number three starter at worst.

Mark Gardner: Here's another surprise. He was very effective in the second half. Again, he's a number three who had a good season.

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