67 replies to this topic

[Yaz4Ever]

Jayson Stark has compiled the following list of available free agents. Looking through, I see several of "our beloved 25."

The All-Unemployed Team

STARTING ROTATION: Clemens, Pettitte, Suppan, Batista, Marquis.

BULLPEN: Gagne, Keith Foulke, Octavio Dotel, David Riske, Jose Mesa, Russ Springer.

1B: Huff, Ryan Klesko, Hillenbrand, Nevin, Daryle Ward, Doug Mientkiewicz, Darin Erstad.

2B: Belliard, Loretta, Mark Bellhorn, D'Angelo Jimenez.

SS: Don't ask.

3B: Huff, Hillenbrand, Aaron Boone, David Bell, Jeff Cirillo.

LF: Bonds, Floyd, Shannon Stewart.

CF: Lofton, Jay Payton, Steve Finley, Erstad, Bernie Williams.

RF: Nixon, Jeromy Burnitz, Didn't You Used to Be Sammy Sosa.

CATCHER: Rod Barajas, Javy Lopez, Doug Mirabelli, Sandy Alomar Jr.

DH: Huff, White, Young, Bonds, Nevin, Didn't You Used to Be Juan Gonzalez.

Link

Obviously, Dotel is now off the list as he has signed with KC, who Stark suggests could actually become a force this season or next with their moves during the Winter Meetings and the advent of their two promising young players (Gordon and Butler).

Other than Bonds, Clemens, and PettiTTe, I don't see any real difference makers out there. Stark mentions how the trading has been slowed and quotes Kenny Williams as saying that there are still a lot of Free Agents on the board. Will any of the above guys being signed be a catalyst for a flurry of trades to happen? Honestly, I don't see anything that suggests that to be the case.

One non-free agent name I keep hearing as being available that I'd LOVE to see the Sox pursue is Rocco Baldelli. I don't expect to be able to work out a deal with a divisional rival, especially the Rays considering the relationship between our two teams, but I'd love to see Rocco come home to play for the Sox.

Edited by Yaz4Ever, 07 December 2006 - 10:20 PM.

[TomRicardo]

One non-free agent name I keep hearing as being available that I'd LOVE to see the Sox pursue is Rocco Baldelli.  I don't expect to be able to work out a deal with a divisional rival, especially the Rays considering the relationship between our two teams, but I'd love to see Rocco come home to play for the Sox.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The Red Sox already have a crowded outfield. Why make it more crowded?

I understand Baldelli can be a step from Coco Crisp but we are going to have to pay a lot and then trade Crisp.

Edited by TomRicardo, 07 December 2006 - 10:38 PM.

[Yaz4Ever]

The Red Sox already have a crowded outfield.  Why make it more crowded?

I understand Baldelli can be a step from Coco Crisp but we are going to have to pay a lot and then trade Crisp.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Tom, I don't disagree with you at all. I don't see it happening at all. I'm just saying I'd love to see it happen. Kind of how I'd like to see Halle Berry and Angelina Jolie fight over me in a pit of jello. As for it making the outfield more crowded, Rocco would immediately jump to the top of the must-keep list along with Manny while we sort out the others - Crisp, WMP, Drew, imho.

By the way, we can apparently remove Bonds' name from the list as well, as ESPN is now reporting that he and the Giants have a 1-year, $16M deal in the works.

Edited by Yaz4Ever, 07 December 2006 - 10:44 PM.

[SoxFanPJ]

Source: http://www.usatoday....-canceled_x.htm

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

FWIW Boomer was on the radio the other day, basically said that he is feeling good, just got back from a safari/hunting trip and is going to start working out soon. Sounds like his plan was to go to ST and decide how he feels and if he wants to do it again.

[TheYaz67]

Ummm.... Barry Zito? Not that the Sox are interested, but someone will consider him a "difference maker" and pay him accordingly.

[reggiecleveland]

Ummm.... Barry Zito?  Not that the Sox are interested, but someone will consider him a "difference maker" and pay him accordingly.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There is a lot of panicked noise in the media following the Jays that they HAVE to sign Zito.

[mabrowndog]

EDIT - The updated list (12/13/06) is here.

Edited by mabrowndog, 13 December 2006 - 10:02 PM.

[DieHard3]

Here's what I show for remaining free agents by position (* - announced retirement or likely to do so.  # - coming off major surgery and/or injury.  $ - signing reported or pending):

First Base
Jeff Bagwell*, Erubiel Durazo, Shea Hillenbrand, Brian Jordan, Travis Lee, Doug Mientkiewicz, Phil Nevin, Carlos Pena, Eduardo Perez, Randall Simon, J.T. Snow*, Craig Wilson, Dmitri Young

Second Base
Mark Bellhorn, Ronnie Belliard, Miguel Cairo, Chris Gomez, Nick Green, Jerry Hairston Jr., Damian Jackson, D'Angelo Jimenez, Mark Loretta, Zach Sorensen, Tony Womack, Chris Woodward

Third Base
Edgardo Alfonzo, Tony Batista, David Bell, Mark Bellhorn, Aaron Boone, Vinny Castilla*, Jeff Cirillo, Alex S. Gonzalez, Aubrey Huff, Joe Randa*

Shortstop
Manny Alexander, Juan Castro, Jose Hernandez, Tomas Perez, Desi Relaford, Jose Vizcaino

Catcher
Sandy Alomar Jr., Rod Barajas, Sal Fasano, Robert Fick, Todd Greene, Tim Laker, Javy Lopez, Doug Mirabelli, Todd Pratt, Kelly Stinnett, Chris Widger, Vance Wilson

Center Field
Jeff Davanon*, Darin Erstad, Steve Finley, Kenny Lofton, Quinton McCracken

Left Field
Cliff Floyd, Todd Hollandsworth, Ryan Klesko, Ricky Ledee, Terrence Long, Shannon Stewart#, Rondell White, Preston Wilson, Eric Young

Right Field
Jeromy Burnitz*, Jacob Cruz, Richard Hidalgo, Gabe Kapler, Matt Lawton, John Mabry, Trot Nixon, Sammy Sosa, Matt Stairs, Bernie Williams

DH
Carl Everett, Tim Salmon*, Ruben Sierra

LH Starters
Bruce Chen, Shawn Estes#, Ted Lilly$, Mark Mulder, Mark Redman, David Wells, Barry Zito

RH Starters
Tony Armas Jr., Pedro Astacio, Miguel Batista, Adam Bernero, Roger Clemens, Zach Day#, Ryan Drese#, Scott Erickson, Rick Helling, Jason Johnson, Byung-Hyun Kim, Brian Lawrence#, Jose Lima, Greg Maddux$, Jason Marquis$, Joe Mays, Brian Moehler, Tomo Ohka, Ramon Ortiz, Russ Ortiz, Chan Ho Park, Sidney Ponson, Brad Radke*, Victor Santos, Aaron Sele, Jeff Suppan, John Thomson, Steve Trachsel,  John Wasdin, Jeff Weaver, Paul Wilson, Jamey Wright

LH Relievers
Vic Darensbourg, Joey Eischen#, John Foster#, John Halama , Chris Hammond , Mike Holtz, Ray King, Tom Martin, Kent Mercker*#, Trever Miller , Terry Mulholland, Darren Oliver, Mike Remlinger, Arthur Rhodes, J.C. Romero, Scott Sauerbeck, Scott Schoeneweis, Ron Villone

RH Relievers
Antonio Alfonseca, Doug Brocail, Mike DeJean#, Jared Fernandez, Keith Foulke, Ryan Franklin, Jason Grimsley, Dustin Hermanson, Kevin Jarvis, Steve Karsay*, Dan Kolb, Chris Mabeus, Matt Mantei, Brian Meadows, Jose Mesa, Jeff Nelson*#, Troy Percival*, Cliff Politte#, David Riske, Felix Rodriguez, Julio Santana#, Rudy Seanez, Allan Simpson, Pete Walker#, Tyler Walker#, Rick White, Joe Winkelsas*, Esteban Yan

Closers
Eric Gagne#, Eddie Guardado#

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I wouldn't mind it at all if the Red Sox went after Jerry Hairston, he'd be a good utility guy to have and great insurance for Dustin Pedroia. Actually, if healthy, Hairston is probably better than Pedroia. Dustin Hermanson may be the default closer guy and Arthur Rhodes should be signed post-haste. I'm not sure about this list though, because I'm pretty sure BK Kim is NOT a free agent. I could have sworn I read he signed a 2 year deal with Colorado last offseason.

[mabrowndog]

I'm not sure about this list though, because I'm pretty sure BK Kim is NOT a free agent. I could have sworn I read he signed a 2 year deal with Colorado last offseason.

Well, you're right and wrong. He's not a free agent. But the contract was one year + a $2.5M option for 2007. I missed that the Rockies had picked it up last month. THanks for catching it, I've edited the list accordingly.

[DieHard3]

Well, you're right and wrong. He's not a free agent. But the contract was one year + a $2.5M option for 2007. I missed that the Rockies had picked it up last month. THanks for catching it, I've edited the list accordingly.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wow, didn't realize you put that together by hand; very impressive, and thanks. I thought it was just something you'd found on another site. Pretty darn good deal for the Rockies for a guy who's shown he can handle the thin air of Coors. He actually had an ERA two runs lower at home than on the road.

[mabrowndog]

Well, it wasn't completely by hand. I just truncated the SoSH Wiki Free Agents page, deleting those who've signed.

[Lucen]

Cross Batista off the list. Rotoworld says he signed with Seattle for 3/24.

Rotoworld

[SoxFanSince57]

The Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday added some organizational depth by signing outfielder Matt Stairs.

The 38-year-old Stairs hit a combined .247 with 13 homers and 51 RBIs in 117 games for Texas, Kansas City and Detroit in 2006.

ESPN[

Edited by SoxFanSince57, 12 December 2006 - 07:59 PM.

[MikeGreenwell]

It looks like the David Wells trade is destined to become another example of Kevin Towers fleecing Theo. Not only is has Wells' agent now come out and said that he plans to pitch next season and the Padres. Giants, and Backs all reportedly all expressed interest, but Towers is already starting to lick his chops over the idea that the Padres will pick up two draft picks (like I mentioned a few weeks ago, Wells was a Type A free agent) if he signs with someone else:

http://www.mercuryne...ts/16219191.htm

David Wells plans to pitch next season and the Giants are ``right at the top of his list,'' his agent said.

``It's serious from David's point of view,'' agent Gregg Clifton said. ``He has a strong relationship with (Giants Manager) Bruce Bochy. He sees the Giants as a great opportunity.''

http://www.signonsan...1s13padres.html

Although Wells' agent has said the Giants and others are candidates, Towers said he believes the Padres are still Wells' first choice.

“One of those other clubs could come in and overwhelm (Wells) with an offer he can't refuse, and he can go elsewhere, and we can get another draft pick,” Towers said.

A month of David Wells plus two drafts picks for George Kottaras? That'd be a steal for the Padres. Even if they re-sign Wells, trading Kottaras for the last month of Wells and the right to not have to give up one of their own 2007 picks to the team that Wells ended 2006 with is a pretty sweet deal -- especially given Kottaras didn't even make last month's Baseball America Top 10 Sox prospects list and the list included several of the Sox's 2006 first round and first round supplemental picks.

[xjack]

It looks like the David Wells trade is destined to become another example of Kevin Towers fleecing Theo. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Theo would have looked petty if he didn't take the best offer available for Wells. The guy is near the end of his career and wanted one more chance to win a ring. It was the right thing for the Sox to do, even if Towers did, again, "win" the trade.

Aside: Is Matt Stairs really only 38? He looked 38 when he played for the Sox

[The Gray Eagle]

I'm not clear on the Wells thing. In the other thread, EV lists him as Type B, so he would only get SD one pick, I thought. And they must have offered him arb, or they'd get none. So Wells rejected arb, correct? But I thought he only wanted to play near his ancestral homeland of San Diego.

If the Sox had kept him, what number pick would we have possibly have picked up, assuming he would turn down arb from us?

The point of preferring Kottaras instead of a draft pick is that he should be closer to the majors than any draft pick catcher we would've added in June '07, probably by a lot of years. Maybe he'll never make it, but anyone we drafted this coming year wouldn't get here till long after Varitek is gone. Kottaras might be a September callup if he hits well, with a shot at getting up here before that if one of the catchers is DL'ed, again assuming that he hits well.

If Wells signs with SF and we're short a starter at the deadline, maybe we can pick him up for pretty cheap.

That'd be pretty funny, since he'd have to whine about how much he misses Boston and how the Giants should not be petty and need to do the right thing and get him to Boston where he was always happy, because he's at the end of his career and he wants one last chance to get a ring.

[MikeGreenwell]

I'm not clear on the Wells thing. In the other thread, EV lists him as Type B, so he would only get SD one pick, I thought.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Your right, Wells apparently missed the 2006 A list by two spots. I don't know why I didn't notice a few weeks ago, but the USA Today Elias rankings link that I'd bookmarked after following a reference link that someone had posted here was apparently the 2005 rankings, not the 2006 rankings.

One supplemental pick obviously turns the trade much closer to a draw.

If the Sox had kept him, what number pick would we have possibly have picked up, assuming he would turn down arb from us?

The point of preferring Kottaras instead of a draft pick is that he should be closer to the majors than any draft pick catcher we would've added in June '07, probably by a lot of years.

It won't be known until all the free agents sign, but the pick would probably be something in the late 40's or early 50's. I understand the idea that Kottaras might be closer to the majors than any catcher we might draft, but there are plenty of other positions of need where a guy could come quick. Just look at all the 2007 season talk that Bryce Cox (drafted #103 overall) is already generating.

Edited by MikeGreenwell, 13 December 2006 - 03:10 PM.

[mabrowndog]

Updated below

Edited by mabrowndog, 28 December 2006 - 09:36 PM.

[ConigsCorner]

It appears that there are two slots left to fill: closer & defensive bench-OFer. Currently, the bench players include Mirabelli, Hinske, Pena, & Cora. I wouldn't mind signing Damon Hollins for the last slot on the bench. He can play all three OF positions, hits RHed, and he has some power (28 homers & 37 doubles in 675 AB over the last 2 seasons). He was paid just $346K last season.

The bullpen as currently constituted is Delcarmen, Hansen, Timlin, Tavarez, Okajima, & closer TBD. Of course, Delcarmen, Hansen, & Tavarez are not locks to begin the season, so we may see a radically different 'pen in April.

All in all, I can't complain about the additions during this offseason.

[nazz45]

Aaron Rakers would be an interesting guy to take a chance on with a mlc. Pre-labrum surgery, he had a pretty effective splitter, induced a fair amount of grounders, and posted a nice K-rate in the minors, while also having (very small sample size) success at the ML-level. Of course, he's 29 and the post-surgery pitcher could be much different.

But yeah, that's a pretty scarce list of pitchers.

FYI, Adam Bernero signed a ml deal with the Red Sox, I believe.

[HighHeat]

That's a pretty uninspiring list of available 'talent'. Glad the Sox were able to fill most of their needs with premium players instead of picking through that dreck.

As a side note, Victor Zambrano should get a #, 'Dog.

[mabrowndog]

Giles is about to sign a 1-year deal with the Padres, so scratch him off your holiday shopping lists...

Rosenthal

[SoxFanPJ]

Giles is about to sign a 1-year deal with the Padres, so scratch him off your holiday shopping lists...

Rosenthal

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

FWIW

Report on this mornings Scott and BR show 105.7FM/1090am in San Diego, was that Marcus was at the Chargers game with his Brother yesterday, and either talked to the hosts or talked to a source the hosts talked too (they didn't make it clear).

Giles has reportedly said that he agreed to a 1 year $4M dollar deal, with a $4M team option for 2008. Reportedly he also said that he does not want to hit leadoff.

[Fred not Lynn]

As a side note, Victor Zambrano should get a #, 'Dog.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As should Chris Reitsma

[PedroSpecialK]

FWIW

Report on this mornings  Scott and BR show 105.7FM/1090am in San Diego, was that Marcus was at the Chargers game with his Brother yesterday, and either talked to the hosts or talked to a source the hosts talked too (they didn't make it clear).

Giles has reportedly said that he agreed to a 1 year $4M dollar deal, with a $4M team option for 2008.  Reportedly he also said that he does not want to hit leadoff.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

With Brian's collossal dip in SLG it may be feasible to see the other brother in the leadoff spot

[mabrowndog]

list moved 1/18/06

Edited by mabrowndog, 18 January 2007 - 11:43 PM.

[Yaz4Ever]

How in the world is Jason Grimsley not signed????!!! I'd have to imagine that every clubhouse in the majors would welcome him with open arms.

I wouldn't be surprised to see someone (Marlins?) take a shot with Alfonseca and his 11 fingers. He's lost about 30 lbs this off-season and is pitching very well in the Dominican Winter League. Lefties killed him to the tune of a 1.260 OPS last season but that was an abberation as his 3-year split shows him with an OPS against vs lefties at just over .700 (and that includes the 1.260 from last year). In 2005, it was only about .657.

Why haven't the White Sox avoided arbitration with Joe Crede at this point? Is his back that bad? I know he was planning to do the rehabilitation route rather than surgery. Would they make a run at someone like Huff (at a reduced salary from last year, of course) if Crede won't be available? David Bell?

[Bowlerman9]

Why haven't the White Sox avoided arbitration with Joe Crede at this point?  Is his back that bad?  I know he was planning to do the rehabilitation route rather than surgery.  Would they make a run at someone like Huff (at a reduced salary from last year, of course) if Crede won't be available?  David Bell?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Its December. How many teams have avoided arbitration thus far? The Sox havent avoided it with Donnelly or WMP.

Crede will be signed. He will be fine. They wont need to spend 7M on Aubrey Huff as insurance.

[Yaz4Ever]

Crede is the only player the White Sox haven't avoided arbitration with, that's why I asked. I realize it's still early in the off-season, but if they've signed all of their other arb-eligible guys, why not Crede? Is the injury worse than I thought it was? That's what I was asking. I also said that Huff would have to be signed at a reduced salary (which was 6.7M last year), so I wouldn't expect them to pay $7M for insurance either. I also mentioned Bell as a possibility. Not knowing their minor league players very well, I also wasn't sure if they had someone in the wings who could step in for Crede if things were worse with his back than expected.

[Bongorific]

After passing his physical, Jeff Suppan signed the richest contract in Milwaukee Brewers history. That's Jeff Suppan, setting a salary record.

http://sports.espn.g...tory?id=2714039

MILWAUKEE -- NL Championship Series MVP Jeff Suppan signed his $42 million, four-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday after he passed a physical.

The Brewers announced the deal on Christmas Eve, but it was contingent on the physical. Suppan's contract includes a team option for 2011 with a $2 million buyout.

[Pumpsie]

Man, that list looks like a used car lot in Utica. This one's been in a major accident. That one's got a lot of miles on it. That one's got some electrical problems. That one gets poor gas mileage. Kinda depressing to consider buying ANY of them.

[Eric Van]

Crede is the only player the White Sox haven't avoided arbitration with, that's why I asked.  I realize it's still early in the off-season, but if they've signed all of their other arb-eligible guys, why not Crede?  Is the injury worse than I thought it was?  That's what I was asking.  I also said that Huff would have to be signed at a reduced salary (which was 6.7M last year), so I wouldn't expect them to pay $7M for insurance either.  I also mentioned Bell as a possibility.  Not knowing their minor league players very well, I also wasn't sure if they had someone in the wings who could step in for Crede if things were worse with his back than expected.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The only reason you don't know that is that you haven't checked out the tremendous SoSH wiki that explains it all. In fact, even oif Crede were healthy, they'd want to move him to make way for prospect Josh Fields.

[TonyJalaPena]

It sure is nice to be able to spend the way the Sox can. Still, there's a few names on that list that teams without our payroll should have room for.

What's Jerome Williams story? Seems like the Cubs gave up on him awfully fast. After getting sent down in April, he didn't make it back up and they really needed starting pitching too. Anyone have an explanation?

Edited by TonyJalaPena, 29 December 2006 - 05:17 PM.

[Yaz4Ever]

Thanks, EV. I'll have to check the wiki

We can take Aaron "Basketball Jones" Boone off the list. He signed with the Marlins.

[DieHard3]

I'm still on the Dustin Hermanson bandwagon. I know he's got a big question mark with staying healthy, but didn't he finish the season active and isn't he healthy right now? They could ride Hermanson as closer out of the gate until he breaks down, at which point hopefully Hansen or Delcarmen would be ready to slide into the role sometime around mid-July or so.

[Rudy Pemberton]

I know Aaron Boone hasn't been good for several years, but it seems weird that Hillenbrand gets $6.5M and Boone gets $925K.

Hermanson is interesting, but can the Sox even promise him a roster spot? I would guess they might want a reliever who is a bit more dependable at this point; and Hermanson probably wants guaranteed money. If he doesn't get it, probably a good name to revisit in a month.

Edited by Rudy Pemberton, 29 December 2006 - 08:53 PM.

[Carroll Hardy]

I know Aaron Boone hasn't been good for several years, but it seems weird that Hillenbrand gets $6.5M and Boone gets $925K.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's even more weird that the Florida Marlins - they of the 2006 <$15M payroll that now face almost doubling that already just to retain Dontrelle and Henry Aaron II for 2007 - would be the team with the luxury of paying $925K to a veteran 3B who ostensibly will not have a starting job in 2007.

The Marlins don't generally make a habit of paying veterans ~$1M to sit on the bench. I do not see him taking time from Aaron II, Uggla, or HRam.

Unless...may not be able to keep both Dontrelle/Aaron...and one of those has just had his value trashed...naah

I'm not sayin', I'm jes sayin'...

[Yaz4Ever]

It appears that Huff is going to the Orioles in a 3-year deal according to ESPN radio. I didn't hear any further details, but that eliminates one of the only guys on that list that would be of interest to most MLB teams.

[Fenway Frank]

Interview with Roger's agent, Randy Hendricks, in today's Houston Chronicle...

source: http://blogs.chron.c...ent_discus.html

[SoxJox]

Has anyone heard any recent news on Trot Nixon? I've heard VERY little. Only a brief snippet during the Winter meetings about possible interest from the Pirates, and some vague recollection (Fox Sports?) saying Oakland might be interested.

[baggy5]

Has anyone heard any recent news on Trot Nixon?  I've heard VERY little.  Only a brief snippet during the Winter meetings about possible interest from the Pirates, and some vague recollection (Fox Sports?) saying Oakland might be interested.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've heard nothing more than the Pirates giving some thought to signing him to play right field in place of Jeromy Burnitz. With Dave Littlefield in charge, signing Trot could get done sometime in early 2009. He makes Chuck LaMar look like Monty Python.

Edited by baggy5, 11 January 2007 - 05:10 PM.

[JimmyEngland]

Has anyone heard any recent news on Trot Nixon?  I've heard VERY little.  Only a brief snippet during the Winter meetings about possible interest from the Pirates, and some vague recollection (Fox Sports?) saying Oakland might be interested.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A month ago, the Pirates contacted outfielder Trot Nixon, 32, who has not topped 13 home runs since hitting 28 for the Boston Red Sox in 2003. But Littlefield still has not made a contract offer, and Nixon has been negotiating this week with two other teams.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Allen Ariza at PhillyBaseballNews reports that the Phillies were/are interested in Trot.

[86spike]

Take Jason Johnson off the list.

According to Yahoo Sports, he's headed to Japn to the Seibu Lions. Matsuzaka to Johnson... that's quite a drop-off.

[502 to Right]

I would be willing to bet Trot Nixon is holding off making a commitment until the J.D. Drew situation gets worked out. If Drew's contract doesn't get done, I would expect to see Trot back with the Sox.

[Rudy Pemberton]

The Drew situation should be resolved in a day or two, I'm sure.

The Drew saga is becoming the baseball equivalent to "The Chinese Restaurant" Seinfeld episode.

[mabrowndog]

LIST MOVED TO END OF THREAD

Edited by mabrowndog, 05 February 2007 - 08:02 PM.