Written By: Adam Sarson
Considering the slow start to the baseball off-season, we have been hit with an avalanche of news in the past few days. Bigger names such as Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu have finally been signed, and at bargain basement prices. With that said, there are still a number of free agents yet to be signed. Whether your team is looking for a power stick, a good contact hitter, a defensive whiz, or another pitcher for the rotation, there is something for everyone still left on the market. Let's take a look at the official Sports Hype 101 rankings, first with the position players. Tomorrow, we'll have a part two, looking at all the pitchers left on the market.
1. Manny Ramirez, LF
2008 Team: Boston Red Sox/Los Angeles Dodgers
2008 Salary: $18,929,923
Key 2008 Stats: .332 avg/37 hr/121 rbi/.431 obp/.601 slg
Rumored Asking Price: $25 million per, for at least three years.
Rumored Teams of Interest: Dodgers, Giants
What We've Heard: By far the best hitter left on the market, Ramirez has not garnered the type of interest around the league that he and super-agent Scott Boras expected. They originally rejected a 2-year/$45 million offer by the Dodgers and more recently, rejected a 1-year offer at $25 million. The original rumor was that Boras was trying to negotiate a 6-year pact for the 36-year old Ramirez, but that clearly isn't happening. The Giants have dipped their toes in the Ramirez waters, but aren't expected to be serious threats.
What We Expect: With Manny, you never really know. He could potentially hold out until he gets what he thinks is fair, and with Boras leading the way, that is a very real possibility. But in the end, we expect that he'll sign with the Dodgers, on some sort of two-year deal.
2. Orlando Cabrera, SS
2008 Team: Chicago White Sox
2008 Salary: $10,000,000
Key 2008 Stats: .281 avg/8 hr/57 rbi/19 sb/.978 fp/
Rumored Asking Price: $5-$6 million
Rumored Teams of Interest: Oakland, Toronto
What We've Heard: It's been a tough off-season for Cabrera in terms of offers. The Giants were supposed to be interested, but they signed the overrated Edgar Renteria instead. The Jays were rumored a while ago to have interest in Cabrera, especially after Rafael Furcal turned them down to remain a Dodger, but that scenario doesn't seem likely. Oakland is an interesting fit, as it would give them somebody who doesn't swing for the fences everytime he steps to the plate. They currently have the China Doll, Bobby Crosby slated for the shortstop position, and with his injury situation, it seems like the perfect scenario.
What We Expect: Cabrera is a great fit with Oakland. He gives them more balance in their order, and good defence as well. With Crosby likely to go on the DL at some point, this is a move that could make things a lot more interesting in the AL West. Expect this deal to get done.
3. Orlando Hudson, 2B
2008 Team: Arizona Diamondbacks
2008 Salary: $6.25 million
Key 2008 Stats: .305 avg/8 hr/41 rbi/.982 fp
Rumored Asking Price: ???
Rumored Teams of Interest: Hudson has been linked to almost every team in the MLB.
What We've Heard: The market has been surprisingly quiet for Hudson, known as one of the best defensive second basemen in the league. His numbers fell off a little in the field last season, but he is a three time Gold Glove winner, and his offense appears to be rounding into form. Both New York teams would like to have him in their lineups, but they would need to swing trades for that to happen, which doesn't seem likely at this point. That could leave Hudson with the option of signing with a perpetual bottom feeder such as the Nationals or the Royals.
What We Expect: This is the toughest one of them all to call. Hudson should have a contract for next season already, but with teams apparently set at second base, Hudson appears to be in a holding pattern. Should the Mets be able to move Luis Castillo (good luck), or the Yankees with Robinson Cano, there seems to be a fit with those teams. The Dodgers are also interested on some level. As of right now, we expect him to sign with either the Dodgers or Nats, but that could change with any middle infield trades that happen in the next few days.
Other Big Names Without A Deal
Ivan Rodriguez, C: Another Scott Boras client, Rodriguez is planning to use the upcoming World Baseball Classic as a tryout for potential teams.
Nomar Garciaparra, INF: Garciaparra's injury plagued career continued last season, but there is some mild interest around the league. Expect him to take a deal which allows him to be primarily a bench player, with some spot starts here and there.
Richie Sexson, 1B: Once one of baseball's most feared sluggers, Sexson has fallen on hard times. There have been a few sniffs from all over, but nothing serious. Expect a minor-league deal, with a spring training invite for Sexson.
Ray Durham, 2B: Recently rejected an offer from the Nationals, and is said to be considering retirement.
Joe Crede, 3B: Trying to get back from an injury plagued season, the Giants and Twins have shown the most interest.
Moises Alou, LF: Haven't heard much about Alou all winter, but that's usually the case with him. Everybody writes him off for retirement, and then he makes a team out of spring training.
Garret Anderson, LF: Scott Boras is trying to find him a deal, but nothing as of yet. With Abreu in Anaheim, that door is officially closed. Seattle is said to be interested, but only if they can't get Ken Griffey Jr. signed. He will have a deal, just not sure where yet.
Luis Gonzalez, LF: Several teams have kicked the tires, most recently being the Atlanta Braves. Much like Alou, everyone is writing him off, but don't be so quick.
Jim Edmonds, CF: Had a mini-resurgence late last season with the Cubs, and will likely land a spring training invite. The Braves have shown recent interest.
Ken Griffey Jr., OF: According to several sources, Griffey will likely sign a deal with the Seattle Mariners, and will be announced next week.
Frank Thomas, DH: He can't play first base anymore, so that cuts his options in half. Retirement and a trip to Cooperstown are likely for the Big Hurt.
Nomar Garciaparra, INF: Garciaparra's injury plagued career continued last season, but there is some mild interest around the league. Expect him to take a deal which allows him to be primarily a bench player, with some spot starts here and there.
Richie Sexson, 1B: Once one of baseball's most feared sluggers, Sexson has fallen on hard times. There have been a few sniffs from all over, but nothing serious. Expect a minor-league deal, with a spring training invite for Sexson.
Ray Durham, 2B: Recently rejected an offer from the Nationals, and is said to be considering retirement.
Joe Crede, 3B: Trying to get back from an injury plagued season, the Giants and Twins have shown the most interest.
Moises Alou, LF: Haven't heard much about Alou all winter, but that's usually the case with him. Everybody writes him off for retirement, and then he makes a team out of spring training.
Garret Anderson, LF: Scott Boras is trying to find him a deal, but nothing as of yet. With Abreu in Anaheim, that door is officially closed. Seattle is said to be interested, but only if they can't get Ken Griffey Jr. signed. He will have a deal, just not sure where yet.
Luis Gonzalez, LF: Several teams have kicked the tires, most recently being the Atlanta Braves. Much like Alou, everyone is writing him off, but don't be so quick.
Jim Edmonds, CF: Had a mini-resurgence late last season with the Cubs, and will likely land a spring training invite. The Braves have shown recent interest.
Ken Griffey Jr., OF: According to several sources, Griffey will likely sign a deal with the Seattle Mariners, and will be announced next week.
Frank Thomas, DH: He can't play first base anymore, so that cuts his options in half. Retirement and a trip to Cooperstown are likely for the Big Hurt.
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