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Evaluating the Remaining Free Agents

© Bryan Walker

Of the remaining free agents, there are very few that are worth long term contracts, and most of these valuable players have been signed (Jason Giambi, Moises Alou.) However slow the market is currently, we can expect to see several signed to contracts that are worth more than the player, especially aging bench/utility players.

There are even more players who have been signed to excessive contracts, in light of factors such as recent performances, age, and improvement potential.

This evaluation of free agents ranks them according to what the players remaining should receive based on their current level of play and their anticipated future level of play. The rankings are: 1. Multi-year, high salary deal, 2. Multi-year, medium salary deal, 3. One year deal with a roster spot, 4. Non-roster invitee, 5. No offer. The players will be evaluated by position. Several of the players could move between levels 3 and 4 based on the needs of a particular team. For example, a team with no prospects at second base might sign Randy Velarde to a one year contract since he is still playing reasonably well at the age of 39.

First Base

3 - Ron Coomer – As a 35 year old player with decent power, Coomer could be a backup in case of injury but would be below average as a regular.

Second Base

3 – There are only two players with any upside at this position. Eric Young may improve over his 2001 performance (.333 OBP, .726 OPS.) He has excellent speed and could start for some teams. Donnie Sadler is a young utility player who still has time to improve.

4 – Randy Velarde, Jeff Frye, Mike Lansing

Third Base

3 – Chris Stynes could be a decent young starter for some teams.

4 – Ed Sprague is on the slide, but could still be a solid backup. Bill Speiers and John Valentin might be worth spots, if healthy.

5 – Dave Magadan, Keith Lockhart, Dave Berg

Shortstop

3 – Deivi Cruz is young enough to have potential. Rey Sanchez can still play defense, so he could be a defensive replacement.

5 – Tim Bogar, Gary DiSarcina

Catcher

3 – Carlos Hernandez and Tony Eusebio have adequate numbers for catchers.

4 – Sal Fasano is only 30.

5 – Joe Oliver

Outfield

1 – Juan Gonzalez is still a premium, star player. At the age of 32, Gonzalez could still be a .900+ OPS player for four or five more years, at least.

2 – Reggie Sanders and Matt Stairs are both capable of producing as starters at the age of 34. Sanders still has good speed, but Stairs draws more walks.

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