Top 50 Free Agents MLBTR

Written by Benny B.

Tuesday, 10 November 2009 06:57

So the World Series from Hell is over & The Curse is Broken (I did take a degree of satisfaction from watching Shane "Shame" Victorino make the final out of the Series and watch him slink back to the dugout). That can only mean one thing: Hot Stove season is heating up. Here's a list of the top 50 free agents according to MLB Trade Rumors and who Tim Dirkes predicts goes where in the NL East.

1. Matt Holliday - Mets. The Mets could grab headlines by signing Holliday to a six or seven-year deal for more than $100MM.

5. Randy Wolf - Mets. The Mets regrettably chose Oliver Perez over Wolf a year ago. As the best available starter aside from Lackey, Wolf is primed to get a three-year deal worth more than $30MM.

7. Jose Valverde - Phillies. One way to shore up a shaky bullpen: sign the best closer available. Few teams are seeking closers, and even fewer have money, so the Phillies should be able to get a relative bargain.

13. Orlando Hudson - Nationals. The Nats coveted Hudson last year. Adding him now would help with their stated goal of improving up the middle.

21. Adam LaRoche - Braves. Did LaRoche's scorching stint with the Braves last year price him out of their range? The Mets, Orioles, A's, Mariners, Giants, D'Backs, and Rangers might also be in the market for a first baseman.

24. Carl Pavano - Nationals. Back to his original organization? Pavano surprisingly managed 33 starts in '09, and his 4.16 xFIP reveals his 5.10 ERA was misleading.

25. Brad Penny - Mets. Penny is just one of many different arms the Mets might consider as they attempt to bolster their rotation depth. No other free agent starter throws harder, so Penny's upside is still tantalizing.

28. Bengie Molina - Nationals. Molina is difficult to place, especially if he demands more than $5MM. With Jesus Flores coming off shoulder surgery, the Nats will probably add a veteran on a one-year deal. The Mets also may sign a catcher.

29. Mike Gonzalez - Braves. Gonzalez should be cheaper than Soriano, and the Braves need some kind of relief signing or acquisition. With available closers plentiful, the Braves could wait around until March in hopes of a bargain.

41. Mark DeRosa - Phillies. I debated flipping the DeRosa-Beltre predictions, as both the Phillies and Twins have a need at third base. DeRosa, a former Penn quarterback, has been linked to the Phils for years.

To say that Holliday would be a huge addition to the Mets would be an understatement. Minaya has made many a big splash in the past so as long as the Mets have the money and the years to give him, they will be in the Holliday sweepstakes. 7 years is not out of the question.
I want no part of Randy Wolf. He would have been good (and wasted) had we picked him up on the cheap last year, and it is being reported that Mets front office want a "do over" with Wolf. Ted Berg puts it best here
The closer Market is flooded this year. So it would not surprise me to see the Phillies pick up Valverde or Mike Gonazalez
I have no qualms with the Mets signing Penny to a short term/high incentive laden deal. But knowing how the Mets, that means they will probably outbid themselves and dish out another Ollie Perez Deal
I like DeRosa A Lot. I have had him on my fantasy team for three years in a row. He is versatile (can play nearly every infield position), athletic and has pop. I wouldn't mind the Mets signing him as insurance in the event they are unable to get a big bat for 1st base or incase Castillo gets traded/injured. I think he would be a huge pickup for the Phillies.

So with rumors already flying back and forth about the Phillies getting into the mix regarding Roy Halliday, and the Mets false report about a three way trade that would send Castillo to the Cubs and Lyle Overbay to the mets, it is gearing up to be a very busy off-season. Let the fun Begin. Oh yea, and Phillie sucks.

Comments (1) Add Comment

...
written by TeamToBeatMike, November 10, 2009

I would love to have Mark DeRosa. I don't know exactly where he fits in our infield and if he would be our starting 3B, however if he was, his ability to fill in all over the field is mightily useful. And he's a Penn Grad to boot, what a guy.