Bad Touch: The free agents who could excel in new roles
-Dexter Sports
3:37 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
At this time of the year, it is always the big names that take over the free agent market. We all want to know where C.C., Manny, Burnett, Sheets, and Teixeira are going to land. But what about those unnamed free agents that can make an impact in 2009? So, Who is going to be the Kyle Lohse and Eric Hinske of this year's class? I can't honestly tell you that, but I can predict who I think has the ability to. Here is a breakdown position by position of who could surprise in 2009.
Catchers:
Miguel Olivo- I have mentioned before on the blog on how I feel his could be the best catcher in this free agent market. He might not be a prototypical option, but he comes cheap, and has shown the ability to be an everyday guy in the past. I love his abilility to drag out long at bats. He did it a higher acclipse than Jason Kendall did last season. He also knows how to score runs, even though he has never walked more than 19 times in a season. A team searching for a veteran, such as the Tigers, Red Sox and Marlins, should give him a look.
Brad Ausmus- The man is 40 years old, but he can really handle a pitching staff. He won't hit for average, power, or even hit the ball for that matter, but his leadership behind the mound is obvious. Mike Hampton stands behind the fact that he believes he is the best catcher to work with in the majors. Many have considered him a future big league manager. During the 2004 world series run, manager Jimy Williams leaned on Ausmus. Williams wanted to give him more time off, but couldn't, simply because of the way he handled Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite. I hope a team gives him a look. If not, someone will give him a call to start the managerial career.
First Baseman:
Hank Blalock- Though he has shown a decrease in power since blasting 32 homers in 2004, Blalock could be dangerous when he is healthy. Granted, he really hasn't been healthy since 2006, he could be worth a gamble. Possibly keeping him at DH could be the answer to keep him healthy. It is expected that the Rangers will pick up his option for 2009, but if not, look for an A.L. club to snatch him up.
Rich Aurilia- He was all over the place for the Giants in 2008, but might not be part of plans for the 2009 season. Giants GM Brian Sabean has interest in bringing Aurilia back, but will not talk to him until later in the off-season. If the utility man gets sick of waiting around, Aurilia could sign else where. the 37 year old hit .283 last season. He has quietly put together a decent career, tallying ove 1200 hits in a little over 1200 games played. In order for Aurilia to leave San Fransisco, I would think it would have to be in a more prominent role.
Sean Casey- GM Theo Epstein has already told the lefty that he will most likely not be back for the 2009 season. Casey would be a good sign for any contender. He has a great lockerroom pressence and brings his best effort to the ballpark every game. Casey hit .296 in a full time role with the tigers in 2007 and was a big part of the Tigers World Series run in 2007. If the Yankees lose out on the Teixeira sweepstakes, they could sign Casey to platoon with youngster Shelly Duncan. The same goes for the Baltimore Orioles.
Second Baseman/Shortstop:
Felipe Lopez- The versatile infielder had a good showing after being dealt to the Cardinals in 2009. If anything, he plays great defense and could double as a shortstop. In 43 games he hit .385 with 21 RBIs for the Cardinals (in 100 games, he only had 25 for the Nationals). It would be smart for the Orioles to sign Felipe Lopez to play shortstop next season. I say just offer a one year deal, and see where it goes from there. Baltimore was scouting him heavily before he was dealt to St. Louis.
Mark Grudzielanek- He is technically the best second baseman available, but he has been overshadowed by they hype of Orlando Hudson. The Royals only free agent, Grudzielanek hit .299 in limited time due to injury. In 2007, he put together a campaign that included a .302 average with 132 hits in 116 games. He isnt someone you would want to offer a long contract, but he could make a big impact in 2009. The Cardinals, Mets, Twins and Cubs have had interest in him during the 2008 deadline. I think the Mets could be a good fit if Orlando Hudson falls through.
Third Base:
Russ Branyan- Against lefties, his power is nearly unbeatable. That being said, he will strike out a ton, and fail to produce runs in tight situations. Sixteen of his twenty RBIs are off the long ball. Undoubtedly he isnt an everyday third baseman, but he could fit well in a platoon role, or as an excellent pinch hitter in the National League. He is a hot/cold hitter though, and could frustrate a lot of big league managers.
Ramon Vazquez- Finally getting to play nearly everyday for the first time since 2003, Ramon Vazquez showed that he could be a solid hitter full time. Unlike Branyan, Vazquez displayed little to no power. Of his 87 hits, 60 were singles. But Vazquez showed much improvement in getting on base in 2008. He hit 30 points higher and his OBP increased by 65 points. He might not be elite, but could be a great infield bench player, considering he has been a solid fielder throughout his career.
Outfield:
Nelson Cruz- The Rangers might have given up on Cruz a little too early. Cruz, who was acquired in the Carlos Lee deal in 2006, absolutely killed AAA pitching last season. In 103 games, Cruz hit .342 with 37 homers and 99 RBIs with the Oklahoma RedHawks. He even responded to a late call-up, hitting .330 with 7 homers and 26 RBIs in late August. Many believe that Cruz is a Jack Cust type player, that will never fully develop as a hitter. I say, who cares. The guy hit 37 homers. At any level that is something special. And he doesn't play a bad Right Field. I really think he could be the breakout player of the year in 2009. He will get a lot of interest. Anyone offering a major league contract will most likely be the favorite to sign him.
Rocco Baldelli- He hasn't been the same since being diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease, but his swing started to come around since doctors figured out a good dosage of medication to balance the fatigue he faces. Ultimately, he isn't a starter. But his bat could become valuable. The Rays have discussed bringing him back for '09, but would also like to shop the free agent market. The Phillies have also been thought to have interest in Baldelli as well.
Starting Pitching:
There are only two pitchers with major MLB experience and under thirty that have filed for free agency. Both could be a big part of a 2009 rotation.
Jon Garland- Just missing 200 innings for the 5th straight season, Garland yet again showed his ability to eat innings in 2008. For seven straight years he has put up double digit wins, including back to back 18 win seasons in 2005/2006. He isn't a top of the notch starter, but will be a good addition to any rotation. The Mets could add Garland as one of the two starters they hope to bring in for the '09 season.
Mark Prior- Prior is surely the biggest stretch of this post, but I still think he could accumulate something in the Major Leagues. It is hard to believe that Prior is only 27, and hasn't pitched in the majors since 2006. The Padres could bring him back with a minor league deal. I think that a team looking for depth, such as the Astros, Tigers, Marlins, Mets, and Nationals should give him a look. But he is under the radar, and could be the Freddy Garcia of 2009.
Freddy Garcia- Speaking of the man, he could be a good addition to a ballclub. The bad part is that he wants a two year deal. In his three games with the Tigers, he seemed to have regained control of his fastball. He could be a good innings eater, a Greg Maddux type, if he is able to place his pitches.
Relief Pitchers:
Kiko Calero- He hasn't been healthy the last two years, but could still put up decent numbers in a different role elsewhere. If he gets his torn rotator cuff taken care of, expect some teams to at least offer a minor league deal. The kid was nearly unhittable between 2003-2006. The Rotator cuff injury goes all the way back to 2004. He could fill in as a short reliever for a couple of bullpens.
Blaine Neal- After making the AAA roster by walking into a fantasy camp for the Detroit Tigers, Neal has blossomed for the Toledo Mudhens. The one time Florida Marlin reliever went 1-0 with a 1.21 ERA in 38 games before heading to Beijing with the Olympic squad this summer. As the Mudhens closer, he tallied 26 saves and struck out 39 in 37 innings pitched. Neal could return to the tigers, but I would imagine he would demand a spot in their weak bullpen. His story reminds me of Troy Percival a bit. I would like to see him get a shot in the big leagues.
Derrick Turnbow- When his mechanics and head is into the game, he is extremely hard to hit. The hard part, is getting the former Milwaukee closer to hone in on those facts. But he can still throw 97 miles and hour, and has electric stuff. With the right pitching coach, I think he could still be a major success in this league. A team like the Tigers, who need major bullpen help, could bring him in to replace Blaine Neal as the AAA closer. He needs to figure out his control. That is the major issue facing Turnbow. He walked 41 batters in 18 innings pitched at AAA Nashville. He is definitely a project. But his past has shown, when he is on, he is extremely hard to hit. Its all mental at this point for Turnbow.
3:37 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
At this time of the year, it is always the big names that take over the free agent market. We all want to know where C.C., Manny, Burnett, Sheets, and Teixeira are going to land. But what about those unnamed free agents that can make an impact in 2009? So, Who is going to be the Kyle Lohse and Eric Hinske of this year's class? I can't honestly tell you that, but I can predict who I think has the ability to. Here is a breakdown position by position of who could surprise in 2009.
Catchers:
Miguel Olivo- I have mentioned before on the blog on how I feel his could be the best catcher in this free agent market. He might not be a prototypical option, but he comes cheap, and has shown the ability to be an everyday guy in the past. I love his abilility to drag out long at bats. He did it a higher acclipse than Jason Kendall did last season. He also knows how to score runs, even though he has never walked more than 19 times in a season. A team searching for a veteran, such as the Tigers, Red Sox and Marlins, should give him a look.
Brad Ausmus- The man is 40 years old, but he can really handle a pitching staff. He won't hit for average, power, or even hit the ball for that matter, but his leadership behind the mound is obvious. Mike Hampton stands behind the fact that he believes he is the best catcher to work with in the majors. Many have considered him a future big league manager. During the 2004 world series run, manager Jimy Williams leaned on Ausmus. Williams wanted to give him more time off, but couldn't, simply because of the way he handled Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite. I hope a team gives him a look. If not, someone will give him a call to start the managerial career.
First Baseman:
Hank Blalock- Though he has shown a decrease in power since blasting 32 homers in 2004, Blalock could be dangerous when he is healthy. Granted, he really hasn't been healthy since 2006, he could be worth a gamble. Possibly keeping him at DH could be the answer to keep him healthy. It is expected that the Rangers will pick up his option for 2009, but if not, look for an A.L. club to snatch him up.
Rich Aurilia- He was all over the place for the Giants in 2008, but might not be part of plans for the 2009 season. Giants GM Brian Sabean has interest in bringing Aurilia back, but will not talk to him until later in the off-season. If the utility man gets sick of waiting around, Aurilia could sign else where. the 37 year old hit .283 last season. He has quietly put together a decent career, tallying ove 1200 hits in a little over 1200 games played. In order for Aurilia to leave San Fransisco, I would think it would have to be in a more prominent role.
Sean Casey- GM Theo Epstein has already told the lefty that he will most likely not be back for the 2009 season. Casey would be a good sign for any contender. He has a great lockerroom pressence and brings his best effort to the ballpark every game. Casey hit .296 in a full time role with the tigers in 2007 and was a big part of the Tigers World Series run in 2007. If the Yankees lose out on the Teixeira sweepstakes, they could sign Casey to platoon with youngster Shelly Duncan. The same goes for the Baltimore Orioles.
Second Baseman/Shortstop:
Felipe Lopez- The versatile infielder had a good showing after being dealt to the Cardinals in 2009. If anything, he plays great defense and could double as a shortstop. In 43 games he hit .385 with 21 RBIs for the Cardinals (in 100 games, he only had 25 for the Nationals). It would be smart for the Orioles to sign Felipe Lopez to play shortstop next season. I say just offer a one year deal, and see where it goes from there. Baltimore was scouting him heavily before he was dealt to St. Louis.
Mark Grudzielanek- He is technically the best second baseman available, but he has been overshadowed by they hype of Orlando Hudson. The Royals only free agent, Grudzielanek hit .299 in limited time due to injury. In 2007, he put together a campaign that included a .302 average with 132 hits in 116 games. He isnt someone you would want to offer a long contract, but he could make a big impact in 2009. The Cardinals, Mets, Twins and Cubs have had interest in him during the 2008 deadline. I think the Mets could be a good fit if Orlando Hudson falls through.
Third Base:
Russ Branyan- Against lefties, his power is nearly unbeatable. That being said, he will strike out a ton, and fail to produce runs in tight situations. Sixteen of his twenty RBIs are off the long ball. Undoubtedly he isnt an everyday third baseman, but he could fit well in a platoon role, or as an excellent pinch hitter in the National League. He is a hot/cold hitter though, and could frustrate a lot of big league managers.
Ramon Vazquez- Finally getting to play nearly everyday for the first time since 2003, Ramon Vazquez showed that he could be a solid hitter full time. Unlike Branyan, Vazquez displayed little to no power. Of his 87 hits, 60 were singles. But Vazquez showed much improvement in getting on base in 2008. He hit 30 points higher and his OBP increased by 65 points. He might not be elite, but could be a great infield bench player, considering he has been a solid fielder throughout his career.
Outfield:
Nelson Cruz- The Rangers might have given up on Cruz a little too early. Cruz, who was acquired in the Carlos Lee deal in 2006, absolutely killed AAA pitching last season. In 103 games, Cruz hit .342 with 37 homers and 99 RBIs with the Oklahoma RedHawks. He even responded to a late call-up, hitting .330 with 7 homers and 26 RBIs in late August. Many believe that Cruz is a Jack Cust type player, that will never fully develop as a hitter. I say, who cares. The guy hit 37 homers. At any level that is something special. And he doesn't play a bad Right Field. I really think he could be the breakout player of the year in 2009. He will get a lot of interest. Anyone offering a major league contract will most likely be the favorite to sign him.
Rocco Baldelli- He hasn't been the same since being diagnosed with a mitochondrial disease, but his swing started to come around since doctors figured out a good dosage of medication to balance the fatigue he faces. Ultimately, he isn't a starter. But his bat could become valuable. The Rays have discussed bringing him back for '09, but would also like to shop the free agent market. The Phillies have also been thought to have interest in Baldelli as well.
Starting Pitching:
There are only two pitchers with major MLB experience and under thirty that have filed for free agency. Both could be a big part of a 2009 rotation.
Jon Garland- Just missing 200 innings for the 5th straight season, Garland yet again showed his ability to eat innings in 2008. For seven straight years he has put up double digit wins, including back to back 18 win seasons in 2005/2006. He isn't a top of the notch starter, but will be a good addition to any rotation. The Mets could add Garland as one of the two starters they hope to bring in for the '09 season.
Mark Prior- Prior is surely the biggest stretch of this post, but I still think he could accumulate something in the Major Leagues. It is hard to believe that Prior is only 27, and hasn't pitched in the majors since 2006. The Padres could bring him back with a minor league deal. I think that a team looking for depth, such as the Astros, Tigers, Marlins, Mets, and Nationals should give him a look. But he is under the radar, and could be the Freddy Garcia of 2009.
Freddy Garcia- Speaking of the man, he could be a good addition to a ballclub. The bad part is that he wants a two year deal. In his three games with the Tigers, he seemed to have regained control of his fastball. He could be a good innings eater, a Greg Maddux type, if he is able to place his pitches.
Relief Pitchers:
Kiko Calero- He hasn't been healthy the last two years, but could still put up decent numbers in a different role elsewhere. If he gets his torn rotator cuff taken care of, expect some teams to at least offer a minor league deal. The kid was nearly unhittable between 2003-2006. The Rotator cuff injury goes all the way back to 2004. He could fill in as a short reliever for a couple of bullpens.
Blaine Neal- After making the AAA roster by walking into a fantasy camp for the Detroit Tigers, Neal has blossomed for the Toledo Mudhens. The one time Florida Marlin reliever went 1-0 with a 1.21 ERA in 38 games before heading to Beijing with the Olympic squad this summer. As the Mudhens closer, he tallied 26 saves and struck out 39 in 37 innings pitched. Neal could return to the tigers, but I would imagine he would demand a spot in their weak bullpen. His story reminds me of Troy Percival a bit. I would like to see him get a shot in the big leagues.
Derrick Turnbow- When his mechanics and head is into the game, he is extremely hard to hit. The hard part, is getting the former Milwaukee closer to hone in on those facts. But he can still throw 97 miles and hour, and has electric stuff. With the right pitching coach, I think he could still be a major success in this league. A team like the Tigers, who need major bullpen help, could bring him in to replace Blaine Neal as the AAA closer. He needs to figure out his control. That is the major issue facing Turnbow. He walked 41 batters in 18 innings pitched at AAA Nashville. He is definitely a project. But his past has shown, when he is on, he is extremely hard to hit. Its all mental at this point for Turnbow.
