(Pedro Feliz and Kazuo Matsui could be key Free Agent signings in 2008.)
11/13/07

--Dexter Sports

Though this free agent market has been deemed weak, I will look at some of the best by position to give you a break down of what is left out there. Sure, Alex Rodriguez is most likely a Yankee, and Posada is, there are still plenty of players out there. We can forget about Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera for the most part, so I will not look into these guys

We will Start at First base

The Canidates:

Sean Casey- Casey, who was let go by Detroit is probably one of the most reliable first baseman in the free agent Market. First Base seems to be a weak position in this years market, but a guy like Casey can fill in nicely, especially in a National League Lineup, where his defense would be greatly appreciated

Brad Wilkerson- Wilkerson would be a nice add for a lot of teams, because of his presence at the plate as well as his ability to play the outfield. Wilkerson could fit anywhere, but would be a good player off the bench for any team. Expect a big contract, just because of the demand he will get.

Bargain Deal: Tony Clark: Clark's Glove will not blow anyone out of the water, but his bat is something that can be reckoned with. He could fit on any team and though he should be a bargain, the contract will be boosted because of the lack of help at DH and first base. Aaron Boone could be another bargain deal, because of an oft-injured 2007. I would not be suprised to see him return to a national league team that needs a solid defender at first or a bench/role player

Second Base

The Cream of the Crop:

Kazuo Matsui: I know, I know, he had a great post season, so what? Honestly, out of all the second baseman, Matsui is the best to offer. It would be surprising to see Colorado bring him back, but if not, he could land a lot of money because of his post season. This might be the weakest position of the market, but the whole middle infield is weak. Matsui will still be a good add for a lot of teams looking for a middle infielder

Bargain Deals:

Luis Castillo- You all remember this high flying defensive second baseman who was a catalyst of the 2003 world series don't you? Probably not because he has bounced around the league the last couple years. Again, since the free agent market for second base is low, Castillo could possibly be overpaid.

Third Base:

Though Mike Lowell and Alex Rodriguez are Free Agents, lets look beyond the two powers of free agency, into yet another weak part of the market:

The Best:

Pedro Feliz- The Giants have played him at first base, third base and even outfield, in the quest to see this kid blossom but it just hasn't happened. Though he hasn't been what has promised, a possible change of scenery might just do the trick . Feliz hit 20 dingers last season and had 72 RBIs. anybody who gives this kid a chance could see the next best third baseman in the making

Bargain Deals:

Corey Koskie: Though he sat out most of the 2007 Campaign due to a Concussion, Koskie could become one of the next great DH in the American League. He has expressed continuous desire to return to baseball, and his perfect oppurtunity would come with a small market team. With Bonds currently out of the mix, Koskie could fill that void on an American League roster.

Mike Lamb: Though his name isnt talked about much, Lamb could be a very good compliment to an offense. He hit a very solid .289 last year with Houston, and with talk of them bringing back Geoff Blum, Lamb could decide to go else where for the 2008 season.

Shortstop:

The Good:

David Eckstein: He is the only shortstop in the market that is worth talking about. The former world series MVP could land a lot of money from a desperate team. This is why the tigers went via trade for the shortstop they needed, because nothing really was available, though Eckstein can add a lot of character to a team. I wouldn't be surprised to see him back in Saint Louis, though the cheaper rout would be to move Aaron miles to short.

Bargain Deals:

Going with your teams best minor league shortstop, it will be better that way

Catcher:

The best:

Paul Lo Duca- Now that Jorge Posada is off the list, New Yorks other Catcher is on the hot list. Though a lot of teams are set at Catcher, I think that the market could jump on him. Look for teams that were gunning after posada to jump on the Lo Duca bandwagon. I think that Philadelphia could be in the mix unless they are comfortable with Chris Coste. Others could be Baltimore, Toronto, San Diego and Chicago(AL).

Jason Kendall- Though he isn't the lead-off catcher he once was, for a cheaper price Kendall could be a nice fit on almost any roster. Look for Kendall to land somewhere soon.

Bargain Deals:

Mike Matheny- This guy would be a steal as a backup or a starter because of his defensive ability. He could be a good supplement to a young pitching staff

Jose Molina- he is not as defensively sound as his brother Yadier, and not as offensively sound as Bengie but he could be a nice backup on any roster.

Up Next: I'll look into Starting Pitching, Relief Pitching and the Outfield!

Stay Tuned!