Continuing with the free agents in part 2, as we take a look at the outfield and the pitchers. I was side tracked by The Dead Zone. It happens.
Centerfield: Your captain of the outfield, the man who must cover the most territory and protect ...his house? Just about any outfielder can play centerfield. But only a few are actually good at it. Suffice to say, the trend continues with limited choices.
1. Preston Wilson, 33
The Risk: His stats are bloated due to the fact that he works best in a hitters park. And you know he loves to swing, and miss, quite a lot. His 147 strikes were the most in one season for him since his 187 mark in 2000.
The Reward: He did walk almost 80 times, big wahoo right there. He went for 20-20, almost 100 rbis and a lovely .328 average. I don't know where he hit in the batting order, but given those details, and his ratings, he should be a given for 100 rbis or more. He has quality defense, which is important at this position. He can still run, 28 steals in 33 tries is an indication.
The Answer: Might be the best offensive player here. Even then, don't go nuts on him. Take in to account that his best seasons have been at Coors, the nightmare in Cincy, and Miller Park. He's been normal at Pro Player and Kauffman's. So if you play in a pitcher's park, I would advise against signing him big. Also note he hasn't hit 30 homeruns since his first season with Colorado. He might not be the big power guy you need.
2. Garret Anderson, 35
The Risk: Being of that age, and will be 36 later in the season, it could be very strenuous on him to play an entire season there. He also comes off an average season, his worst since... well, his career worst was in fact 2007.
The Reward: He comes off that kinda season, but it was Louisville and God knows that had to be the worst place for anyone to play last season. He's a professional hitter in every sense, and doesn't take walks nore strike out much. He's got a good glove and still might run on you.
The Answer: A long term deal is the real risk here. For two years, he'll probably be worth a solid amount of cash. You can't really expect big power numbers, he's more of a sweet swinging guy. Hitting .290 is more likely than .261. I'd also expect 20 homeruns and 80 plus rbi's compared to 10 and 66 respectively. But that's just a guess.
3. Carlos Beltran, 30
The Risk: In all honesty, he should be #2 on this list. But here's a couple of things that complicate matters. One is, 2005 and 2007 he was just some bum in the outfield, hitting a combined 30 homeruns and an average under .260. Also an extension of this fact, in SBSL, he has never hit more than 21 homeruns. And the B.O.B. is a nice place to hit. Second fact, his ratings are strong, but not great. His numbers, sometimes solid, sometimes ugly. Fact is, he wanted over 8 million to resign.
The Reward: He can turn out to be a good weapon. He's got the defense, he's got the speed. He's an easy 30-30 guy. He could be a whole hell of a lot of things.
The Answer: But he hasn't been really any close to those things. In 2006, he did hit over .300, but with only 21 homeruns. The man runs the bases with the best of them, 149 steals in three seasons, next to just being caught 27 times. Factor in though, his power isn't eye popping nor is his OBP consistent, making it troubling as to where he fits in the batting order. I don't doubt someone will make the mistake and overpay him. Be mindful of the numbers folks. I admit, I'd like to have the guy, but he's not worth 8 million. Or 7 million. Is he worth 6 ish? 5 ish? You answer that.
4. Milton Bradley, 29
The Risk: Does lack power, consistency, and is another casualty of the poor strikeout to walk ratio.
The Reward: Given the lack of power, his offensive career has been solid. In 2005, he hit only 9 homeruns, but drove in 80. He can run, even though 2006-2007 have been kind of rough. He has good defense. His OBP aside from last season has been strong for a #2 type guy. And like 1-3, this man has a good glove.
The Answer: In 2005, he was an allstar. In 2006, he slumped hitting .253. And in 2007, he logged 506 ab's and missed about 6 weeks with varying injuries. He's mystery in many senses. He hits righties well, but does even better against lefties, thus he's certainly an everyday guy. He doesn't command big bucks, but he could really help someone in need of a centerfielder.
5. The Rest
Alex Sanchez can run some, play a little defense but in the end he just has too many downsides offensively. Ruben Rivera will hit you some homeruns, play some defense, strikeout a lot and steal your best player's shoes. Same stance for Ricky Ledee, just weaker on the defense and probably will have an even crappier batting average. Chris Singleton and Chad Hermansen have met their timely demise. Luis Matos and Mark Kotsay both play here as well, and, they play fantastic defense. Kinda iffy on everything else.
Right Field: I always like to think of the RF'er having a cannon for an arm. I think of Vlad, Ichiro, Raul Mondesi back fifty years ago, Jose Guillen, Abreu... just fantastic arms. Instead, this pool offers me memories of Karim Garcia and Terrence Long. Wait, Karim Garcia? Who is.. Karim Garcia?
1. Luis Matos, 29
The Risk: Probably would choke like Eric Chavez against lefties. Hello Juan Uribe again. 151 strikeouts against 46 walks is outstanding!
The Reward: Has a little pop, and if he just faced all righties, he has more pop than people would ever think. He's strong defensively here and in center. Oh, he's freaking fast. Four straight seasons of 50 or more stolen bases.
The Answer: I'll just make a person cry and say that you don't want a guy with an OBP of barely over .300. I was kinda excited about this guy till I saw those numbers. That's heart breaking really. Granted, people really don't care if a man strikes out 150 times or has an OBP of .309 but due consider that one of the premiere lead off men in the game checks in with a career OBP of .372 and has averaged under 39 strikeouts per season in the last four seasons. That man is Ichiro. Luis Matos ain't Ichiro folks.
2. Jermaine Dye, 34
The Risk: He's tough to judge, 2006-2007, he managed only a total of 95 at bats. His OBP was worse than Matos' in his last season as an everyday guy (.297). He won't hit many doubles.
The Reward: The 8 in power suggests he can hit some homeruns. But he's quite rigid elsewhere. At least he'll be rested.
The Answer: His last contract was a minor league deal. Aaaahem. Cough. Get my drift? His defense is average, he doesn't even have the great arm he used to have. He might do some things offensively, but don't burn cash on him. Try food stamps.
3. Mark Kotsay, 32
The Risk: Has been really a bench guy for the last couple of seasons. I don't think he's going to be much of a hitter either.
The Reward: The defense is still there. He can still run too. The last season he saw significant amount of playing time, he did hit .296
The Answer: That was in 2005. Not much power, doesn't look to have much interest judging by past playing time. He has better discipline that you'd find in Terrence Long though.
4. Terrence Long, 31
The Risk: It's been since 2003 since he last had 300 plus at bats. He has limited power, and doesn't plan to walk much either.
The Reward: Mostly the same as for Kotsay, defense and speed. He has a little bit better chance in making contact too.
The Answer: A cheap serviceable veteran, is the most he's worth.
The Rest
Karim Garcia has power, and some defense, but he's not going to be pretty. George Lombard might be worth 300k or a minor league contract, given especially if you're looking at Matos. The guy has good defense, can run, and is about the same worth offensively. He just hasn't played at all since 2003. Ryan Klesko is still around, but don't get excited. Willie Bloomquist might.... do shit. Who wants Willie Bloomquist?
Left Field: You thought right field was bad?
1. Jolbert Cabrera, 35
The Risk: Well, he's 35. And he's Jolbert Cabrera. Who?
The Reward: When someone gave him a chance, he hit .290. He has no power, but he's going to make a lot of contact. Can run sometimes too. Defensively, he's ok. But the kicker is, I could have listed him for every damn position except for catcher and pitcher. He plays everywhere. Now that's exciting.
The Answer: I deem him a guy, don't give a lot, but if you get him, might really do you well at the top of the lineup. Maybe the gem of the positional players. Granted, you'll never find Cabrera #1 in anything ever again... take a snapshot of this article.
2. Eli Marrero, 34
The Risk: Really an OK hitter at best.
The Reward: He plays catcher. He runs well. He has some pop. He plays several other positions. He used to be a brave. Go braves.
The Answer: My bet is he gets signed to be a catcher. Which doesn't surprise me, cause C equally sucks in this pool.
The Rest
Geoff Jenkins has defense, has an arm, has power, and will make you cry with 179 strikeouts. Jacque Jones really fell hard. He could win a platinum glove, steal a lot of bases, strike out a lot, and just in general suck a lot at the plate. I smell reservist. Chad Meyers is better offensively than Jones, and probably even Jenkins, but he has no defense. Rondell White and David Dellucci are still around if you want the joy of someone retiring from your team after 2008.