| By Adam H. Wong |  | By 11-03-2011 |
This winter, not every baseball team is going to be able to break the bank when it comes to acquiring free agents. The Baltimore Orioles, for example, spent $8 million on a rent-a-DH in Vladimir Guerrero in 2011, and while he only was able to put up a .290/.317/.416 with a paltry 13 home runs, he gave the team flexibility with an injury-prone Luke Scott still on the roster. The cost of acquiring Guerrero was steep due to the lack of power bats available on the trade and free agent markets. The $8 million for one year, however, was not a bargain. I liken a bargain deal to those clearance DVD bins found in retail stores. You have to dig deep and shuffle through a giant pile to find something somewhat entertaining.
The Seattle Mariners took fliers on veteran arms such as Chris Ray and Jamey Wright, costing the team nearly $2 million combined. They were both somewhat useful and fairly entertaining.
Bargain free agents are essentially keeping the seat warm for the superstars in the making and stars who haven't yet made their way onto the team. Let's take a look at some of the potential free agents that will have a low impact on franchise wallets, but come with some upside.
David Aardsma, RHP
Aardsma opted to become a free agent on Monday, and according to his Twitter account he hopes that his time here in Seattle isn't over. Realistically, it's over. As Jason wrote, it's an interesting scenario, but being that Aardsma isn't projected to throw a pitch until mid-season 2012 at the soonest, it's very similar to Erik Bedard's situation. That being said, it's not likely that he'll sign for anything close to the $4.5 million he made in 2011. He made that without throwing a single pitch.
Potential landing spots: Brewers, Mariners
Octavio Dotel, RHP
His option was declined on Tuesday, and if St. Louis wants him back they obviously want to pay him less than the $3.5 million he would've been owed. He was more than serviceable on a World Series winning team, but turning 38 will be the biggest factor in reducing his salary in 2012 and beyond.
Potential landing spots: Twins, Mets
Livan Hernandez, RHP
Hernandez's health has been suspect since 2006, and if he decides to test the market, the price will not be very steep, as the Washington Nationals only paid $1.25 million for a year of his services. Reports say that a likely landing spot for Hernandez would be the Marlins, as he resides in Miami during the offseason and certainly has fond memories of his tenure with the organization. Hernandez is still an innings eater and should get a guaranteed deal similar to what he made a year ago.
Potential landing spots: Marlins, Padres
Joel Pineiro, RHP
Stints on the disabled list during both of his seasons with the Los Angeles Angels coupled with mediocre performance, ultimately spells low-risk for inquiring clubs. He signed a two-year, $16 million contract in 2010, and it's unlikely that the Angels attempt to re-sign him this winter. Pineiro put up a 1.3 WAR this season. A.J. Burnett, for the price of $16.5 million a year, put up a 1.5 WAR, so I guess Pineiro was a bargain for the Angels by comparison.
Potential landing spots: Mariners, Rockies, Cardinals
Jamey Wright, RHP
Wright won't bolster any bullpen, but he could eat some innings. He found some success in 2011, but he won't demand more than the $900,000 he made this past year.
Potential landing spots: Angels, Reds, Rockies
Brian Schneider, C
The Philadelphia Phillies backup catcher was Betancourt-ian at best, putting up a .176/.246/.256 in 27 starts behind the dish. He's coming off a two-year, $3 million contract, but at age 34 will more than likely take a pay cut. When he started, over regular catcher Carlos Ruiz, the Phillies were 24-3, so his game-calling might drive up the price, although that is an awfully small sample size and the Phillies pitching staff had a little something to do with that record.
Potential landing spots: Pirates, Mariners
Russell Branyan, 1B/DH
The Angels only spent $1 million on the power-hitting lefty after he was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks, but he never received much of a chance to shine due to the emergence of rookie slugger Mark Trumbo. His health may be a concern, but his innate power is likely to entice a few clubs, albeit on a minor league contract.
Potential landing spots: Athletics, Tigers, Rays
Magglio Ordonez, DH/OF
In 2011, he signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Tigers, so he's well aware that his age and ability will put limitations on the contract he receives. He's basically 2012's Guerrero, though with his season ending early via injury he may not get to the $8 million guaranteed that the O's gave The Impaler.
Potential landing spots: Athletics, Orioles, Rays
Alex Cora, 2B/SS
Cora is the epitome of the bargain utility infielder. His offense is suspect, but his defense has generally been above average. His biggest draw to a club will be his price.
Potential landing spots: Blue Jays, Rockies
Wilson Betemit, 3B
Betemit is a cheap solution for clubs looking to fill in a void at third base. His knee is a concern, but his career .269/.336/.448 would be an adequate temporary solution.
Potential landing spots: Cubs, Phillies, Mariners
Eric Chavez, 3B
If he doesn't retire he would be a serviceable backup third baseman. The Yankees signed him for $1.5 million last year, but after another injury-plagued season he's not likely to get that kind of guaranteed cash this time around. There have been hints that he'll return to the Yankees if he plays in 2012
Potential landing spots: Yankees
Yuniesky Betancourt, 2B/SS
Betancourt was dropped by the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, and it's hard to imagine that any club would want to actively seek out his services, unless it's at a greatly-reduced price. I can't imagine that any club would pay him more than $2 million a year, mostly because I believe that the world is inherently good.
Potential landing spots: Pirates, Giants
Ronny Cedeno, SS
His recent Gold Glove nomination might be enough to up the price on his services, but the scrappy shortstop's lack of offensive firepower may be negated by his outstanding defense. He's not a regular on a contending club, but is ideal as a backup.
Potential landing spots: Cardinals, Rays, Giants, Pirates
Jack Wilson, 2B/SS
The Mariners sure have had their fair share of shortstops come and go, including Omar Vizquel, Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Guillen, Betancourt, Cedeno and now Wilson. Wilson made $5 million this past season, but isn't going to sniff half that this winter. His age and health concerns are his biggest detriments, and that will probably drive the asking price down, perhaps into the range of no-guaranteed-money.
Potential landing spots: Braves, Orioles, Giants, Pirates, Cardinals
Raul Ibanez, DH/OF
Although it's quite generous to call Ibanez a fielder, if the Phillies don't try to re-sign him he'll be a cheap option for clubs who are looking for a Pat Burrell clone. He might be asking Guerrero or Ordonez rates, but I like to think that most GMs are smarter than that. Ibanez may best fit as a pure DH, so he may be headed back to the American League.
Potential landing spots: Giants, Rays, Orioles, Athletics
Jason Michaels, OF
The Houston Astros had a role player in Michaels, and that's the role he will likely continue playing if he lands somewhere else this winter. He made $800,000 in 2011, and isn't likely to exceed that next season.
Potential landing spots: Blue Jays, Phillies, Indians
Coco Crisp, OF
Crisp ended 2011 tied with Brett Gardner in the AL with 49 stolen bases and performed adequately at the plate, posting a .264/.314/.379 slash line. He flashed some speed he hadn't before, so him landing a short term contract in the $4 to $5 million range isn't out of the question.
Potential landing spots: Giants, Athletics, Indians, Rangers, Nationals, Astros
Willie Harris, UT
Harris is the prototypical utility player, and has never made more than $1.5 million. He also plays the infield, which should increase his value.
Potential landing spots: Mariners, Pirates, Red Sox
David DeJesus, OF
Coming off of a five-year, $13.5 million contract, DeJesus is more than likely seeking a multi-year contract. His less-than-spectacular year with Oakland, however, might hinder his chances at anything more than a one-year deal.
Potential landing spots: Athletics, Mets, Astros
Jonny Gomes, OF
Gomes may be the perfect fourth outfielder, thanks to good power and passable defensive skills. He's never made more than $1.75 million in a season, and his 2011 slash line of .204/.299/.366 isn't going to help him better that.
Potential landing spots: Twins, Nationals, Rays
The list of potential bargain free agents goes on, as this is just a cross section of the complete pool. The best thing about these players is the low impact they have on any team's payroll. It isn't make-or-break when it comes to signing these players, so franchises don't have the inherent risk as with players like Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder.
One thing for which to watch is a player such as Johnny Damon, Guerrero or a number of the free agent relievers. The longer the winter continues without a deal, the more the price comes down. Damon saw that occur last winter.
Adam H. Wong can be reached via email here. Follow him on Twitter here.
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Comments
The following 6 comment(s) for this article are shown below:
| 1. By: rjfrik on 11-04-2011 00:24:11 Sign me up for Wilson Betemit. That's the number one free agent on this list. |
| 2. By: Rudolf on 11-04-2011 09:37:17 Dotel, Pineiro, Branyan, Betemit are alright. This is the Walmart of DVD bins. In Malaysia. |
| 3. By: aerichner on 11-04-2011 10:06:12 Yup, Betemit stands out. Is 2 years/4 million per season too much? too little? Some will argue to go with Liddi and Seager but Liddi isnt ready (or maybe even good enough) and Seager can stay with the big club in the Adam Kennedy/Luis Rodriguez role without a problem. I dont go to sleep dreaming about Wilson Freaking Betemit in a Mariners' uniform but if the price is right I like him on a 2 year deal (with a mutual option for a 3rd, maybe) |
| 4. By: jgstecker on 11-04-2011 11:17:45 I'd add Jamie Moyer and Omar Vizquel to the list as well - both guys would be fits here. I think Betemit may cost a little too much. It depends on how you see his role with Seager around. Either him or Willie Harris could be useful bench pieces, but only if Figgins is gone somehow. |
| 5. By: maqman on 11-04-2011 14:10:38 Moyer is getting too much good press lately. He's always been his own agent and he's good at getting what he's worth and he lives in San Diego now, not Seattle. He won't be as cheap as some may think. I could live with Seager for a season at 3B, one of our farm hands might be ready after next season. I've liked DeJesus for some time but he's on the downhill slope now. |
| 6. By: malcontent1 on 11-05-2011 01:05:01 I'm a little confused here by the exclusion of: Chris Snyder C, Age 31 in 2012 Solid offense (.237/.341/.412 since age 25) and relative young age would probably earn him what he made last year (6.25M) but for the fact that he only played 34 games due to injury. Nate McLouth OF, Age 31 in 2012 Injuries have kept McLouth from performing at his previous All Star levels since joining the Braves and McLouth (31 next season) will be looking for an opportunity to reestablish his value next year after having his 10.65M option rejected. Aaron Hill 2B/3B, Age 30 in 2012 The Diamondbacks rejected his 8M option despite the .315/.386/.492 over 33 games for them. Maybe not a true bargain, but he'll likely produce better than Vlad's .290/.317/.416 while playing solid defense at 2nd for less than 8 million. Kelly Johnson 2B/LF, Age 30 in 2012 Posted a solid line for the Blue Jays with .270/.364/.417 but has been a bit Jekyll and Hyde through his career. His erratic performance could keep him affordable as well. Jose Lopez 2B/3B, Age 28 in 2012 Seemed to be sleep walking the last 2 seasons until finally showing a spark (.273/.296/.597 after returning from minors 8/14) could be had for as little as a minor league invite after being released by the Rockies and demoted by the Marlins. Chris Capuano, Age 33 in 2012 Not much more than a back of the rotation innings eater here, but certainly better than Livan Hernandez and unlikely to top 2 million as a free agent. Jonathon Broxton, Age 28 in 2012 How much would a reliever with a career K/9 of 11.5 and 84 career saves who isn't even very close to 30 cost? KRod got over 10 million per year, so did Brad Lidge, Jonathon Papelbon, and Francisco Cordero. Of those, only Francisco Rodriguez and Jonathon Papelbon were as successful (or moreso) at as young an age. However, due to the fact that Broxton spent most of 2011 on the DL recovering from elbow surgery, it's unlikely he will be able to sign for even the 7 million he made last year. |
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