Complete List of Free Agents in 2006

[General]

Trade candidates: Barry Zito (Athletics), Kerry Wood (Cubs), Mike Hampton (Braves), Kip Wells (Pirates), Derek Lowe (Dodgers), Odalis Perez (Dodgers), Ted Lilly (Blue Jays), Jason Marquis (Cardinals), Brian Lawrence (Padres), Bronson Arroyo (Red Sox), Joel Pineiro (Mariners), Mike Maroth (Tigers), Vicente Padilla (Phillies), Jose Contreras (White Sox), Gil Meche (Mariners), Kyle Lohse (Twins), Eric Milton (Reds), Joe Kennedy (Athletics), Sidney Ponson (Orioles), Brandon Backe (Astros), Jae Seo (Mets), Jason Davis (Indians), Mark Hendrickson (Devil Rays), Ryan Drese (Nationals)

If it nets them a quality young starter and a bat, the A’s shouldn’t be afraid to part with Zito a year before he becomes a free agent. … Wood is probably going to stay with the Cubs with most of his trade value gone. He might find himself closing, though. … Now that they’re finally on the hook for his salary, the Braves would surely love to part with Hampton, who is due $43 million from 2006-08. They’d have to kick in some money to do it. … The Dodgers may seek to move either Lowe or Perez in order to keep Jeff Weaver.

Non-tender candidates: Gil Meche (Mariners), Shawn Chacon (Yankees), Josh Fogg (Pirates), Tomo Ohka (Brewers), Zach Day (Rockies), Joe Kennedy (Athletics), Ryan Franklin (Mariners), Josh Towers (Blue Jays), Tim Redding (Yankees), Dewon Brazelton (Devil Rays), Victor Santos (Brewers), Darrell May (Yankees), Kurt Ainsworth (Orioles)

Meche has an ERA right around 5.00 once again, so the Mariners might decide there are better ways to spend $2.5 million. … Chacon was certainly going to be non-tendered by the Rockies, but the Yankees have to be leaning toward keeping him after his recent performance. … Fogg and Franklin seem like especially good bets to be let go by their current teams. Kennedy is more likely to be traded by the A’s than non-tendered.

Top 2006 free agents: Barry Zito (Athletics), Mark Buehrle (White Sox)*, Mark Mulder (Cardinals), Jason Schmidt (Giants), John Smoltz (Braves)*, Jon Garland (White Sox), Mike Mussina (Yankees)*, Kerry Wood (Cubs)*, Andy Pettitte (Astros), Adam Eaton (Padres), Kelvim Escobar (Angels), Jason Marquis (Cardinals), Brad Radke (Twins), Kip Wells (Pirates), Greg Maddux (Cubs), John Thomson (Braves), Ted Lilly (Blue Jays), Randy Wolf (Phillies), Wade Miller (Red Sox), Vicente Padilla (Phillies), Tim Wakefield (Red Sox)*, Cory Lidle (Phillies), Jaret Wright (Yankees)*, Gil Meche (Mariners), Orlando Hernandez (White Sox), David Wells (Red Sox), Woody Williams (Padres), Paul Wilson (Reds)*, Sidney Ponson (Orioles), Chan Ho Park (Padres)

2007 options: Buehrle - $9.5 million ($1 million buyout), Smoltz - $8 million, Mussina - $17 million ($1.5 million buyout), Wood - $13.5 million mutual option ($3 million buyout), Wakefield - $4 million, Wright - $7 million ($4 million buyout), Wilson - $5.15 million ($850,000 buyout)

[General]

Relief Pitchers

B.J. Ryan (Orioles) - Ryan isn’t going to reach last year’s total of 122 strikeouts, but that’s mostly because the Orioles haven’t gotten him as many innings while using him in the closer’s role. With 81 Ks in 53 1/3 IP, his strikeout rate is even better than it was in 2004. Because he’s four years younger than Billy Wagner and seemingly quite a bit more durable, he should get a bigger contract than any other reliever this winter. The Orioles will do everything then can to keep him. Expect the Yankees and Red Sox to at least investigate bringing him in, and the White Sox and Mets are among the teams that could make him offers. Prediction: Orioles - four years, $34 million

Billy Wagner (Phillies) - Wagner, finishing up a contract that has earned him $33 million over four years, reportedly asked the Phillies for a three-year, $24 million extension that included a no-trade clause. The Phillies agreed with the $8 million per year, but they want two guaranteed seasons with an option for a third year. They clearly have the right idea, but in a weak free-agent market, it’s likely that someone will give Wagner $24 million or maybe even $27 million. I see the Cubs and Mets pursuing him. Prediction: Mets - three years, $27 million

Trevor Hoffman (Padres) - Hoffman remains likely to finish his career with the Padres, although he’ll probably want a modest raise after putting together another fine year. He’s currently making $5 million under the terms of a vesting option. Hoffman has converted 72 of his 78 save opportunities since missing most of 2003 with a shoulder injury. He can’t afford to lose much more off his fastball, but at the moment, he’s still one of the best. Prediction: Padres - one year, $7 million with a vesting option for 2007

Ugueth Urbina (Phillies) - The Phillies would have been better off keeping Placido Polanco and turning third base over to him, but Urbina has been solid enough lately. Manager Charlie Manuel seems to like him and GM Ed Wade can never have too many veteran relievers, so if the Phillies can’t re-sign Wagner, it’s possible they’ll bring back Urbina as their closer. The Braves could also use him to close and several teams will see if he’s interested in remaining a setup man. Prediction: Braves - two years, $8 million

Ryan Dempster (Cubs) - A disappointment as a starter once again, Dempster has been excellent since shifting to the pen, posting a 2.72 ERA in 40 2/3 IP and saving 19 of his 21 opportunities. Whether they leave Kerry Wood in the pen or not, the Cubs will make a bid to re-sign the 28-year-old. It will almost certainly take a multiyear deal, as there will be middle-market clubs looking at him as a closer. Prediction: Cubs - two years, $8 million

Bob Wickman (Indians) - Wickman opted to re-sign with the Indians rather than retire last winter. He may choose between the same two possibilities again in the offseason. Even though Wickman made the All-Star team, the Indians should view him as expendable. They have better relievers pitching low-leverage innings. Prediction: Retirement

Tom Gordon (Yankees) - Gordon spoke in the offseason about maybe moving back into the rotation after becoming a free agent this winter, but he’ll almost certainly stay with the Yankees as a setup man or become a closer elsewhere. A reduced workload while closing would probably help him stay away from some of the minor shoulder issues he’s had recently. Although he hasn’t been as dominant as he was last year, Gordon remains an excellent reliever. Still, the Yankees may go in a different direction if they finish in disappointing fashion. Prediction: Phillies: two years, $10 million

Kyle Farnsworth (Braves) - The Tigers offered Farnsworth a contract extension to stay on as a setup man for Troy Percival and traded him when he rejected it. The 29-year-old flamethrower will likely be viewed as a closer by some non-contenders and a setup man by the better teams this winter. His 2.37 ERA this season makes it likely that he’ll get three years and $9 million easy. Prediction: Dodgers - three years, $10 million

Todd Jones (Marlins) - After finishing four straight seasons with ERAs over 4.00, Jones has been lights out for the Marlins at age 37, reestablishing himself as a closer for the first time since the Tigers traded him in 2001. He’s pitching so well that he’ll probably get a one-year deal to remain a closer in 2006, if not from the Marlins then perhaps from the Braves. Prediction: Marlins - one year, $3.5 million

[General]

Bobby Howry (Indians) - Howry not only has a 3.06 ERA in 50 innings, but his WHIP is an outstanding 0.94. He pitched just about as well after returning from arm surgery last year, so a few teams could look at him as a closer this winter. The Indians might turn over ninth-inning duties to him if Bob Wickman departs. Prediction: Indians - two years, $5.75 million

Other free agents: Mike Timlin (Red Sox), Julian Tavarez (Cardinals), Octavio Dotel (Athletics), Jay Witasick (Athletics), Scott Eyre (Giants), Ricardo Rincon (Athletics), Felix Rodriguez (Yankees), Al Reyes (Cardinals), Roberto Hernandez (Mets), Alan Embree (Yankees), Jason Grimsley (Orioles), Jim Mecir (Marlins), Chris Hammond (Padres), Rudy Seanez (Padres), Jeff Nelson (Mariners), Darren Dreifort (Dodgers), Rick White (Pirates), Dan Miceli (Rockies), Hector Carrasco (Nationals), Paul Quantrill (Padres), Mike DeJean (Rockies), Tim Worrell (Diamondbacks), Scott Sauerbeck (Indians), Matt Mantei (Red Sox), Cal Eldred (Cardinals), Mike Myers (Red Sox), Joey Eischen (Nationals), John Halama (Nationals), Mike Remlinger (Red Sox), Brian Meadows (Pirates), Steve Reed (FA), Mike Stanton (Nationals), Ricky Bottalico (Red Sox), Scott Sullivan (Royals), Jim Brower (Braves), Doug Brocail (Rangers), Steve Karsay (Rangers), Jeff Fassero (Giants), Russ Springer (Astros), Chad Fox (Cubs), Billy Koch (FA), Carlos Almanzar (Rangers), James Baldwin (Rangers), Jay Powell (Braves), Buddy Groom (Diamondbacks), Antonio Osuna (Nationals), Kerry Ligtenberg (Diamondbacks), Al Levine (FA), Rick Helling (Brewers), Terry Adams (Retired?), John Franco (FA)

Timlin figures to stay as long as the Red Sox are fair with him. The Yankees could try to lure him away as a replacement for Gordon. … Dotel is unlikely to be ready for the start of the season after Tommy John surgery, though he may not be all that far behind. A contender (Boston?) will likely sign him to an incentive-laden deal. … My sources are telling me that Dreifort isn’t going to get another $55 million contract.

Options
Eddie Guardado (Mariners) - $6.25 million team option, $4.25 million player option
Braden Looper (Mets) - $5 million team option, $250,000 buyout
Danny Graves (Mets) - $5 million team option, $500,000 buyout
Danys Baez (Devil Rays) - $4 million team option, $1 million buyout
Jose Mesa (Pirates) - $4 million team option, $500,000 buyout
LaTroy Hawkins (Giants) - $3.5 million player option
Shigetoshi Hasegawa (Mariners) - $3.1 million team option vests at 58 appearances

[General]

Antonio Alfonseca (Marlins) - $2.7 million team option vests at 65 appearances
Felix Heredia (Mets) - $2.5 million team option, $200,000 buyout
Glendon Rusch (Cubs) - $2 million-$3.2 million player option
Scott Williamson (Cubs) - $2 million team option, unknown buyout
Akinori Otsuka (Padres) - $1.75 million team option, $200,000 buyout
Keiichi Yabu (Athletics) - $1.5 million team option, $250,000 buyout
Jason Christiansen (Giants) - $1.5 million team option, $50,000-$150,000 buyout
Tanyon Sturtze (Yankees) - $1.5 million team option, $150,000 buyout
Elmer Dessens (Dodgers) - $1.3 million mutual option, $250,000 buyout
Jamie Walker (Tigers) - $1.25 million team option, unknown buyout
Cliff Politte (White Sox) - $1.2 million team option, $100,000 buyout
Dae-Sung Koo (Mets) - team option

Guardado’s shoulder may be hanging on by a thread, but the Mariners are probably going to have to pick up the $6.25 million option if they want to keep him. While it’d be foolish to give him a multiyear contract at this point, there would likely be more than a few teams willing to pay him $7 million or more for 2006. … The Mets will likely try to upgrade from Looper in the closer’s role and $5 million is too much to pay him to act as a setup man. … Graves will have his option declined and he won’t be considered for a closer’s role. … Baez’s option will be picked up. It’s possible that he could be traded. … The Pirates will likely keep Mesa at a reduced salary.

Hawkins has come on of late, but the safe play for him would be to exercise his player option and stay in San Francisco as Armando Benitez’s setup man. … The Cubs should be willing to gamble $2 million on Williamson returning to form, just as they did with Dempster last year. Rusch also figures to return. … Otsuka, Sturtze and Politte are all obvious choices to have their options exercised.

Trade candidates: Danys Baez (Devil Rays), Guillermo Mota (Marlins), Jorge Julio (Orioles), Ryan Madson (Phillies), Jeremy Affeldt (Royals), J.C. Romero (Twins), Juan Cruz (Athletics), Justin Speier (Blue Jays), David Riske (Indians), Jesus Colome (Devil Rays), Steve Kline (Orioles), Mike Koplove (Diamondbacks), Trever Miller (Devil Rays)

With Joe Borowski pitching so well and only arbitration eligible, the chances of Baez being moved in the offseason are increasing. Still, he’s more likely to go next July. … Mota stands to make $3 million or more in arbitration, so if he’s not going to close, the Marlins could part with him. … Julio is another pitcher likely to make close to $3 million. He’s been a disappointment since a fast start, so the Orioles could trade or non-tender him. … I’d like to see Madson in Philadelphia’s rotation, but he was turned into trade bait when the club was making a run at Baez in July.

Non-tender candidates: Dan Kolb (Braves), Jorge Julio (Orioles), Luis Vizcaino (White Sox), Joe Borowski (Devil Rays), Seth Etherton (Athletics), Travis Harper (Devil Rays), Kevin Gryboski (Rangers), John Riedling (Marlins), Matt Herges (Diamondbacks), Tim Spooneybarger (Marlins), Chad Harville (Astros), Jeremi Gonzalez (Red Sox), Ryan Vogelsong (Pirates), John Parrish (Orioles), Mike Lincoln (Cardinals), Lance Carter (Devil Rays), Kelly Wunsch (Dodgers), T.J. Tucker (Nationals), Rick Bauer (Orioles), Kevin Walker (White Sox), Scott Downs (Blue Jays), Rob Bell (Devil Rays), Adam Bernero (Braves), Wayne Franklin (Yankees), Ben Weber (Reds), Bret Prinz (Angels), Matt Anderson (Rockies)

Kolb is making $3.4 million this season and that amount can’t be cut by more than 20 percent in arbitration. The Braves will have to let him go. … The Rays are paying Borowski the minimum, but since he is earning $2.3 million under the terms of his two-year deal with the Cubs, it’s still a possibility he could be let go. The Rays would have to pay at least $2 million and maybe $2.5 million to keep him.

Top 2006 free agents: Eric Gagne (Dodgers)*, Mariano Rivera (Yankees)*, Keith Foulke (Red Sox)*, Francisco Cordero (Rangers)*, Braden Looper (Mets), Miguel Batista (Blue Jays), Guillermo Mota (Marlins), LaTroy Hawkins (Giants), Troy Percival (Tigers), Dustin Hermanson (White Sox)*, J.C. Romero (Twins)*, Ray King (Cardinals)*, David Riske (Indians), Justin Speier (Blue Jays), Arthur Rhodes (Indians), Chad Bradford (Red Sox), Ron Villone (Marlins), David Weathers (Reds), Rheal Cormier (Phillies)*, Kent Mercker (Reds)

2007 options: Gagne - $12 million mutual option ($1 million buyout), Rivera - $10.5 million (vests at 114 games finished from 2005-06 or 60 GF in 2006), Foulke - $7.5 million vesting team option, $3.75 million+ player option (something like that anyway; it’s a complicated contract), Cordero - $5 million-$6 million ($500,000 buyout), Hermanson - $3.5 million ($500,000 buyout), Romero - $2.75 million ($250,000 buyout), Cormier - $3 million ($500,000 buyout)


Thanks to Rotoworld.com

[MarinersFan87]

AJ Burnett is going to cost a team a truck load of money, but looking at his recent dominance he is going to deserve it. But if he goes to the Yankees he will be seen as a bust, but leaving Dolphins Stadium is going to hurt any pitcher. Which is why he should come to the lovely Safeco Field.

[love_that_reefer]

Was there a link Senor General?

[General]

It's somewhere in the Rotoworld archives, I don't have a link.