(Carlos Silva and Fransisco Cordero are two of the best Pitchers available in the Free agent market)

11/18/07

--Dexter Sports

Though the infield lacks a lot of depth this off-season, the pitching and outfield has a lot of players that could fill roles on many clubs. Lets start off with the outfield.


Left Field

The Best:

Geoff Jenkins- Jenkins, though up in age, could be a great left handed option for many teams. Rumors were that he was heading to Detroit, but since the recent trade for Jacque Jones, Jenkins is still on the market. His arm strength would be an instant bonus, but his hitting will also land him a starting job somewhere. He also has the ability to play first base

Luis Gonzalez- Luis continues the trend of old outfielders, but still has a lot in the tank for 20 homers and 100 RBIs if he stays healthy. It will be interesting to see where he could go.

Bargain deals:

Milton Bradley- Though he will miss most of the beginning of 08, Bradley could be a big boost for a couple of teams, much like he was for San Diego. His Antics might lose him a chance right away, but someone will come calling for him.

Shannon Stewart- The 33 year old Stewart had a decent year in Oakland, and could land as a fourth outfielder or a lead-off guy in many AL lineups. I wouldnt be suprised if he signed a one year deal much like he did with Oakland last year .

Center Field:

The Best:

Torii Hunter - This is a no- doubter. Torii might have lost a step the last few years, but he is still aver capable center fielder. Look for him to land a huge deal in Texas, New York or anyone in need of a center fielder.

Andruw Jones- Once compared to Willie Mays, Jone will get a lot of money for a big market like the Yankees or a non -contender. Rumor has it that we could see him in a Brave uniform again as well

Aaron Rowand- Rowand had a break out year for the phils, proving his power with 27 homers and his fielding ability, winning the 2007 gold glove award. With the Phillies trading center fielder Micheal Bourne to Houston, it suggests that Rowand should be back for 2008. If not, Rowand could land a lot of money from a lot of teams.

Bargain Deals:

Mike Cameron- Though he will be suspended for the first 50 games, and is a risk to sign, I think that Mike Cameron could be a very good fit for some teams late in the year. Look for someone to take a chance on him.

Darin Erstad- Though he is up in age, Erstad is a tough, scrappy and energetic player who can also fill in at first. He could be a number one choice of the bench for a lot of teams

Right Field:

The Best:

Not Applicable- The Right Field Market is one of the worst ever. Cliff Floyd and Shawn Green were the only players that played all of last year, and Trot Nixon was Injured most of it. Preston Wilson could bring power, but with it comes a BUNCH of strikeouts.

Starting Pitching

The Best:

Andy Pettite - It is not suprising that Pettite is pulling the old Clemens trick. They are great friends and have been. Both went to Houston then came back to New York. Now, both are talking about retirement. If we ever figure out if Pettite is coming back, he is one of the front runners in the market. I think his declined option would suggest that he wants more money, because his family has always been based in New York. I wont be suprised if the Yankees pay him out of retirement.

Carlos Silva- This young arm will most likely go to the highest bidder, because he does not have a base team to go back to. The Twins are not willing to pay him. Look for way too much money to be spent on Silva, Just because of the constant need for better pitching.

Freddy Garcia- The Phillies would be smart to bring him back, but since the Lidge deal, we will most likely see Brett Myers back in the Rotation. Garcia could go virtually anywhere and will be a good veteran 3-5 starter.

Bargain Deals:

Kris Benson- Though he was out for all of 07, Benson could be a surprise pickup for the back end of the rotation or as a spot starter . His price would be cheap, since he struggled before his injury.

There are a lot of guys that could prove to be good signings for cheap, including Brett Tomko, Randy Wolf, Rodrigo Lopez, Joe Kennedy and Matt Clement, if your willing to take the chance. Also, Bartolo Colon could be a GREAT asset, if he stays healthy, something he hasn't been able to do since the Cleveland days

Relief Pitchers:

The Best:

Fransisco Cordero- Nobody Knows where this guy is going to land, but he will make a big splash where he does. I think the Brewers have a legit shot at landing him, but look for the Yankees to be in the mix if Mariano Rivera bolts to the Dodgers.(Rivera will not be listed because his pending deal with New York) Other teams include Houston, Los Angeles (Dodgers) and the Giants among others.

Kerry Wood- Though his starting days are over, Wood has developed into a good setup reliever and could become a key component to a lot of bullpens. I think the cubs are not a reach, but other teams could be the Tigers, Cardinals, Mariners, or anyone in search for bullpen help.

Ron Mahay- Who is he you ask? Though Mahay isn't well known, he is the best lefty specialist available, and because of it could receive a bunch of cash, much like Jamie Walker did last year.

Bargain Deals:

David Riske- Though he had a tremendous season last year, I think that Riske will take a paycut to get out of Kansas City. He could be a key to a great back end.

Troy Percival- Though Detroit was not willing to give him a second chance after he blew out his elbow, Saint Louis was and It payed off late in the season. Percival will go cheap, maybe even for a minor league contract, but could end up being a good middle reliever, though he would only be able to pitch an inning at a time.

That concludes the free agent list: Stay Tuned for a Barry Bonds Special, and MORE!