(Ben Sheets-Milwaukee Brewers)
By MLB Blog Writer: Keith Cousin
Andy Pettitte will return to New York’s starting rotation after signing a one-year, $5.5 million dollar contract plus incentives (like throw 210 innings, don’t call Alex Rodriguez A-Fraud or speak badly about upper management). I kid the Yankees, but seriously, the deal seems perfect for both the Bombers and the southpaw, as a fan favorite returns at about half the asking price, with no long-term repercussions, plus, Pettitte gets the potential to make up to $12 million. This at a time when free agent signings seem fewer as we approach spring training and the economy gets worse (that’s right, even baseball is affected). So as Andy thinks about his new role as #4 starter in arguably the best pitching staff in the American League, let’s take a look at some free agents that are still unsigned, but may have an impact on teams this year:Manny Ramirez: What can anyone say that hasn’t already been said about this enigmatic slugger? If a team can deal with his nonchalant attitude and hi-fives with fans in left field while the play is still live, they’d have one of the greatest hitters in history in the middle of their lineup (.332, 37 HR, 121 RBI last season). The man practically carried Los Angeles to the playoffs on his shoulders last year. If the Dodgers sign him, Joe Torre will certainly have enough dirt to write another book.
Bobby Abreu: They say he might be slowing down a step, but with 6 straight seasons of 100 or more RBI and 20 or more steals (.296, 20 HR, 100 RBI, 22 SBs last year), he’d be a fine addition to any outfield (word has it the White Sox, A’s or Reds may be interested).
Tom Glavine: One of the great left-handers of our time, Tom has amassed 305 wins in his illustrious career. Hampered by a torn flexor tendon in his throwing elbow and pain in his shoulder (both of which were surgically repaired), he remains without a team despite promising to be healthy around the beginning of the season or shortly thereafter. Since he’s not a power pitcher, he might just come back strong and there must be some major league teams that could use him at a reasonable price.
Ben Sheets: This All-Star pitcher has averaged an ERA of 3.24 over the past five seasons (13-9, 3.09 ERA, 1.15 WHP, 158 K last season). The big right-hander suffered from a torn flexor tendon, which is the main reason he’s still on the market.
Ty Wigginton: Here’s one that’s hard to figure. Wiggy can play several different positions, and has averaged 23 homers over the past 3 years (23 homers in only 386 at bats last year). With so many clubs looking for some kind of power and versatility, he would seem like a reasonable gamble (at a bargain basement price).
Other free agents that could certainly make an impact (or at least play for the Nationals) are: Moises Alou, Garret Anderson, Emil Brown, Paul Byrd, Orlando Cabrera, Joe Crede, Juan Cruz, Adam Dunn, Ray Durham, Jim Edmonds, Cliff Floyd, Eric Gagne, Nomar Garciaparra, Jon Garland, Luis Gonzalez, Tom Gordon, Ken Griffey, Jr, Mark Grudzielanek, Eddie Guardado, Eric Hinske, Orlando Hudson, Jason Isringhausen, Jacque Jones, Paul Lo Duca, Braden Looper, Pedro Martinez, Mark Mulder, Jay Payton, Ivan Rodriguez, Curt Schilling (probably retiring), Frank Thomas, Jason Varitek, Brad Wilkerson, and Randy Wolf.
Oh, I kid the Nationals (they won’t be interested)!