Knuckle Curve » baseball free agents

Sleeper Baseball Free Agents

Stephen Kersey — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:55:48 +0000

Does your baseball team need a few under the radar free agents to truly become World Series contenders? If you aren’t a fan of the New York Yankees, that is probably the case. Here’s a look at some sleeper baseball free agents that can be had this winter.

Justin Duchscherer
Although he’s battled both injury and depression, Justin Duchscherer is a two-time All-Star who could once again reach that level — and he won’t demand a huge contract.

Carlos Delgado
Another guy coming off an injury, Carlos Delgado had 38 homers and 115 homers in 2008. At 37, he may have another year or two of top-level play.

Ryota Igarashi
A pitcher in the Japanese leagues, Ryoto Igarashi has a blazing fastball and very good splitter. He’d help any team’s bullpen right away.

Darren Oliver
Darren Oliver has become an extremely effective reliever. The former starter has been very good over the last two years with the Angels. He’s not a closer but he’s a lefty who can be very valuable in 50 to 60 outings.

Darren Oliver would help your team (Image: Zuma Press)

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Braden Looper Bought Out by Brewers

Stephen Kersey — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 04:55:33 +0000

Starting pitcher Braden Looper was bought out by the Milwaukee Brewers for $1 million this weekend. The other option for the Brewers was to pay Looper $6.5 million next season — but Milwaukee decided against that idea.

The good news for Looper last season is that he led the Brewers in victories with a record of 14-7. The bad news is that he didn’t pitch very well. In fact, he led all of Major League Baseball in runs allowed (123) and home runs allowed (39). The 35-year-old started 34 games and had an ERA of 5.22.

Although he’s coming off a poor year, a team will surely be interested in the free agent. He has pitched at least 175 innings and won at least 12 games in three straight years. In 2008, Looper had an ERA of 4.16.

From 1998 until 2006, Looper was a relief pitcher. He even picked up 103 saves, including 85 from 2003 through 2005. His experience in the bullpen may make him even more alluring in free agency.

Braden Looper - Milwaukee Brewers (Image: Zuma Press)

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Ben Sheets Considers Elbow Surgery

Stephen Kersey — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:01:09 +0000

Ben Sheets, a free agent pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers who starting the 2008 MLB All-Star Game this season for the National League, is considering having elbow surgery that will knock him out of action for the 2009 campaign. The timing of his surgery is obviously a disappointment considering that his free agent stock would drop considerably.

Before this news broke, we had Ben Sheets ranked as a top ten baseball free agent. Last season, Sheets had a 13-9 record and a 3.09 ERA. Over the last five seasons, the 30-year-old hurler hasn’t had an ERA higher than 3.82.

If Sheets has the surgery, he’d be unable to get back on the field for approximately ten months. Not long ago, Sheets was closing in on a contract with the Texas Rangers that would have guaranteed him two seasons. Now, following this news, nothing is guaranteed for Sheets.

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Best Baseball Free Agents Still Available

Stephen Kersey — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 05:41:31 +0000

1. Manny Ramirez
Remaining with Dodgers could still be a possibility.

2. Adam Dunn
Expect Dunn to sign shortly after Ramirez inks.

3. Orlando Hudson
Not generating much interest but could be a steal.

4. Oliver Perez
After missing on Lowe, Mets could come calling.

5. Bobby Abreu
Big name but could have trouble landing big contract.

6. Orlando Cabrera
Solid player who has good years ahead.

7. Randy Wolf
Came on last year and should land hefty deal.

8. Ben Sheets
An injury risk but has a high ceiling.

9. Andy Pettitte
Turned down Yankees but could still go back.

10. Juan Cruz
The best reliever still on the free agent market.

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Official Baseball Free Agent Signings

Stephen Kersey — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:43:49 +0000

Although other deals have been struck — such as Mark Teixeira signing with the New York Yankees — here are the baseball free agent signings that have become official to date.

CC Sabathia, SP – NY Yankees – 7 years, $161,000,000
A.J. Burnett, SP – NY Yankees – 5 years, $82,500,000
Ryan Dempster, SP – Chicago Cubs – 4 years, $52,000,000
Francisco Rodriguez, RP – NY Mets – 3 years, $37,000,000
Raul Ibanez, LF – Philadelphia – 3 years, $31,500,000
Rafael Furcal, SS – LA Dodgers – 3 years, $30,000,000
Kerry Wood, RP – Cleveland – 2 years, $20,500,000
Edgar Renteria, SS – San Francisco – 2 years, $18,500,000
Casey Blake, 3B – LA Dodgers – 3 years, $17,500,000
Brian Fuentes, RP – LA Angels – 2 years, $17,500,000
Jamie Moyer, SP – Philadelphia – 2 years, $13,000,000
Juan Rivera, RF – LA Angels – 3 years, $12,750,000
Kyle Farnsworth, RP – Kansas City – 2 years, $9,250,000
Nick Punto, SS – Minnesota – 2 years, $8,500,000
Jeremy Affeldt, RP – San Francisco – 2 years, $8,000,000
Randy Johnson, SP – San Francisco – 1 years, $8,000,000
Willy Taveras, CF – Cincinnati – 2 years, $6,250,000
Cesar Izturis, SS – Baltimore – 2 years, $5,000,000
Mike Lincoln, RP – Cincinnati – 2 years, $4,000,000
Arthur Rhodes, RP – Cincinnati – 2 years, $4,000,000
Ramon Vazquez, 3B – Pittsburgh – 2 years, $4,000,000
Felipe Lopez, SS – Arizona – 1 years, $3,500,000
David Ross, C – Atlanta – 2 years, $3,000,000
Doug Brocail, RP – Houston – 1 years, $2,750,000
Bob Howry, RP – San Francisco – 1 years, $2,750,000
Daniel Cabrera, SP – Washington – 1 years, $2,600,000
Chan Ho Park, RP – Philadelphia – 1 years, $2,500,000
Alan Embree, RP – Colorado – 1 years, $2,250,000
Mike Hampton, SP – Houston – 1 years, $2,000,000
Horacio Ramirez, SP – Kansas City – 1 years, $1,800,000
Russell Branyan, 3B – Seattle – 1 years, $1,400,000
Joe Nelson, RP – Tampa Bay – 1 years, $1,300,000
Mark Loretta, 2B – LA Dodgers – 1 years, $1,250,000
John Bale, SP – Kansas City – 1 years, $1,200,000
Adam Everett, SS – Detroit – 1 years, $1,000,000
Jorge Julio, RP – Milwaukee – 1 years, $950,000
Tony Clark, 1B – Arizona – 1 years, $800,000
Joey Gathright, CF – Chicago Cubs – 1 years, $800,000
Greg Norton, LF – Atlanta – 1 years, $800,000
Aaron Boone, 3B – Houston – 1 years, $750,000
Jason Michaels, OF – Houston – 1 years, $750,000
Trever Miller, RP – St. Louis – 1 years, $500,000
Mike Lamb, 3B – Milwaukee – 1 years, $400,000

Which players are the best of the remaining free agents? Here are the best of the baseball free agents still available.

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Sleepers – Baseball Free Agent Sleepers 2009

Stephen Kersey — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 05:24:02 +0000

Jerry Hairston Jr.
Although he hasn’t had too impressive of a career, Jerry Hairston, Jr. was surprisingly good in 2008. With the Cincinnati Reds, Hairston hit over .320 and also swiped 15 bases in 80 games. At 32, he’s still young enough to be productive. A team may get lucky and get another big year from him after signing him for cheap.

Rocco Baldelli
Once upon a time, Rocco Baldelli was a big time MLB prospect. Now that he’s a free agent, some team is going to take a gamble on him that may just pay off. He should be available to the highest bidder since the Tampa Bay Rays no longer appear interested in keeping him.

Trevor Hoffman
After a bitter divorce from the San Diego Padres, Trevor Hoffman is free to sign with another team. With as much as closers have made this offseason, it’s safe to say Hoffman will be offered a fair amount of money. He’s 41 years old but he was good enough last year to prove he should have at least another year of good pitching left in his arm.

Luis Ayala
Although the New York Mets found out the hard way that Luis Ayala isn’t good enough to be a closer, he actually had a good stretch for New York before bombing out at the end of the season. Ayala also never had an ERA worse than 3.20 in his first four big league seasons before 2003 and 2007. As a non-closer in the bullpen, Ayala is a solid option.

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Top Ten Baseball Free Agents Still Available

Stephen Kersey — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 09:25:51 +0000

1. Manny Ramirez
Could Ramirez be heading to the Giants?

2. Derek Lowe
The Mets are after Lowe.

3. Adam Dunn
Dunn might replace Ramirez in Los Angeles.

4. Milton Bradley
The latest rumors have the Cubs most interested.

5. Oliver Perez
Expect the Mets to retain him.

6. Pat Burrell
The Phillies look to be moving on.

7. Orlando Hudson
Sleeper of the free agent market.

8. Bobby Abreu
Breaking down but still a solid player.

9. Ben Sheets
Risky signing but could reward.

10. Randy Wolf
Could quietly be steal of the offseason.

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Baseball Free Agents List – 2008

Stephen Kersey — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:05:41 +0000

With the Philadelphia Phillies crowned the World Champions of Baseball for winning the 2008 World Series, the next order of business for most teams in Major League Baseball is to start figuring out who to target in free agency. Who are the free agents in baseball? Look at the below list for a full rundown of who is available on the market.

The below 2008 baseball free agents are listed in alphabetical order with their position and previous team.

Bobby Abreu, Right Fielder, NY Yankees
Jeremy Affeldt, Relief Pitcher, Cincinnati
Moises Alou, Left Fielder, NY Mets
Garret Anderson, Left Fielder, LA Angels
Tony Armas, Starting Pitcher, NY Mets
Rich Aurilia, First Baseman, San Francisco
Brad Ausmus, Catchers, Houston
Luis Ayala, Relief Pitcher, NY Mets
Rocco Baldelli, Center Fielder, Tampa Bay
Joe Beimel, Relief Pitcher, LA Dodgers
Casey Blake, Third Baseman, LA Dodgers
Hank Blalock, Third Baseman, Texas
Henry Blanco, Catchers, Chicago Cubs
Willie Bloomquist, Center Fielder, Seattle
Milton Bradley, Designated Hitter, Texas
Russell Branyan, Third Baseman, Milwaukee
Emil Brown, Right Fielder, Oakland
Orlando Cabrera, Shortstop, Chicago Sox
Miguel Cairo, First Baseman, Seattle
Sean Casey, First Baseman, Boston
Alex Cintron, Shortstop, Baltimore
Tony Clark, First Baseman, Arizona
Bartolo Colon, Starting Pitcher, Boston

Alex Cora, Shortstop, Boston
Joe Crede, Third Baseman, Chicago Sox
Juan Cruz, Relief Pitcher, Arizona
Ryan Dempster, Starting Pitcher, Chicago Cubs
Brendan Donnelly, Relief Pitcher, Cleveland
Adam Dunn, Left Fielder, Arizona
Ray Durham, Second Baseman, Milwaukee
Damion Easley, Second Baseman, NY Mets
David Eckstein, Shortstop, Arizona
Jim Edmonds, Center Fielder, Chicago Cubs
Scott Elarton, Relief Pitcher, Cleveland
Adam Everett, Shortstop, Minnesota
Josh Fogg, Starting Pitcher, Cincinnati
Keith Foulke, Relief Pitcher, Oakland
Chad Fox, Relief Pitcher, Chicago Cubs
Brian Fuentes, Relief Pitcher, Colorado
Eric Gagne, Relief Pitcher, Milwaukee
Freddy Garcia, Left Fielder, Detroit
Nomar Garciaparra, Shortstop, LA Dodgers
Jon Garland, Starting Pitcher, LA Angels
Chris Gomez, Shortstop, Pittsburgh
Tom Gordon, Relief Pitcher, Philadelphia
Mark Grudzielanek, Second Baseman, Kansas City
Eddie Guardado, Relief Pitcher, Minnesota
Jerry Hairston Jr., Shortstop, Cincinnati
Toby Hall, Catchers, Chicago Sox
LaTroy Hawkins, Relief Pitcher, Houston
Mark Hendrickson, Starting Pitcher, Florida
Matt Herges, Relief Pitcher, Colorado
Livan Hernandez, Starting Pitcher, Colorado
Orlando Hernandez, Starting Pitcher, NY Mets
Eric Hinske, Right Fielder, Tampa Bay
Trevor Hoffman, Relief Pitcher, San Diego
Bob Howry, Relief Pitcher, Chicago Cubs
Orlando Hudson, Second Baseman, Arizona
Raul Ibanez, Left Fielder, Seattle
Jason Isringhausen, Relief Pitcher, St. Louis
Cesar Izturis, Shortstop, St. Louis
Jason Jennings, Starting Pitcher, Texas
Jason Johnson, Starting Pitcher, LA Dodgers
Todd Jones, Relief Pitcher, Detroit
Jorge Julio, Relief Pitcher, Atlanta
Gabe Kapler, Center Fielder, Milwaukee
Mark Kotsay, Center Fielder, Boston
Mike Lamb, Third Baseman, Milwaukee
Jason LaRue, Catchers, St. Louis
Jon Lieber, Relief Pitcher, Chicago Cubs
Mike Lincoln, Relief Pitcher, Cincinnati
Paul Lo Duca, Catchers, Florida
Braden Looper, Starting Pitcher, St. Louis
Felipe Lopez, Second Baseman, St. Louis
Mark Loretta, Second Baseman, Houston
Derek Lowe, Starting Pitcher, LA Dodgers
Greg Maddux, Starting Pitcher, LA Dodgers
Pedro Martinez, Starting Pitcher, NY Mets
Ramon Martinez, Second Baseman, NY Mets
Adam Melhuse, Catchers, Colorado
Kent Mercker, Relief Pitcher, Cincinnati
Jason Michaels, Right Fielder, Pittsburgh
Doug Mientkiewicz, Third Baseman, Pittsburgh
Kevin Millar, First Baseman, Baltimore
Chad Moeller, Catchers, NY Yankees
Greg Norton, Left Fielder, Atlanta
Will Ohman, Relief Pitcher, Atlanta
Darren Oliver, Relief Pitcher, LA Angels
Chan Ho Park, Relief Pitcher, LA Dodgers
John Parrish, Starting Pitcher, Toronto
Jay Payton, Left Fielder, Baltimore
Odalis Perez, Starting Pitcher, Washington
Oliver Perez, Starting Pitcher, NY Mets
Scott Podsednik, Center Fielder, Colorado
Sidney Ponson, Starting Pitcher, NY Yankees
Mark Prior, Starting Pitcher, San Diego
Nick Punto, Shortstop, Minnesota
Horacio Ramirez, Relief Pitcher, Chicago Sox
Manny Ramirez, Left Fielder, LA Dodgers
Dennys Reyes, Relief Pitcher, Minnesota
Arthur Rhodes, Relief Pitcher, Florida
Juan Rincon, Relief Pitcher, Cleveland
Ricardo Rincon, Relief Pitcher, NY Mets
Luis Rivas, Shortstop, Pittsburgh
Juan Rivera, Left Fielder, LA Angels
Ivan Rodriguez, Catchers, NY Yankees
David Ross, Catchers, Boston
CC Sabathia, Starting Pitcher, Milwaukee
Curt Schilling, Starting Pitcher, Boston
Ben Sheets, Starting Pitcher, Milwaukee
Brian Shouse, Relief Pitcher, Milwaukee
John Smoltz, Starting Pitcher, Atlanta
Russ Springer, Relief Pitcher, St. Louis
Mark Sweeney, First Baseman, LA Dodgers
Julian Tavarez, Relief Pitcher, Atlanta
Mark Teixeira, First Baseman, LA Angels
Frank Thomas, Designated Hitter, Oakland
Juan Uribe, Second Baseman, Chicago Sox
Javier Valentin, Catchers, Cincinnati
Jason Varitek, Catchers, Boston
Ramon Vazquez, Third Baseman, Texas
Ron Villone, Relief Pitcher, St. Louis
Daryle Ward, Left Fielder, Chicago Cubs
David Weathers, Relief Pitcher, Cincinnati
Brad Wilkerson, Right Fielder, Toronto
Vance Wilson, Catchers, Detroit
Matt Wise, Relief Pitcher, NY Mets
Randy Wolf, Starting Pitcher, Houston
Kerry Wood, Relief Pitcher, Chicago Cubs
Jamey Wright, Relief Pitcher, Texas

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Frank Thomas Signs with the Athletics

Stephen Kersey — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:07:31 +0000

After clearing waivers, Frank Thomas signed a one-year contract with the Oakland Athletics. We reported soon after Thomas was released by the Toronto Blue Jays that the Athletics had interest in the Big Hurt and the pairing became official on Thursday.

Thomas and the A’s wasted no time, as Thomas was in the lineup for the A’s on Thursday. Oakland responded positively, beating the Minnesota Twins 11-2. Thomas batted cleanup and had two walks and a run scored.

While Thomas is batting just .159 on the season, the A’s are confident that the 39-year-old will be able to turn it around. Last season, Thomas struggled in the first half of the season but shined after the All-Star game. In 252 at bats after the All-Star game, Thomas hit .306 with 12 homers and 52 RBIs.

Thomas seemed happy with his first showing as a new member of the A’s. Said Thomas to the Associated Press: “I didn’t feel out of place. It really felt like I just left. I’m happy to be back. I’m happy to shake the rust off today because they pitched me tough. I’m sure their game plan was not to give in because they knew I missed a whole week, so they threw some sliders and breaking balls and ran the ball in on me. I’m just happy we got a big win.”

Thomas played for the Blue Jays in 2006 and had 39 homers and 114 RBIs, while batting .270.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons from Frank Thomas’ previous stint with the A’s.

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