Look out for these low-priced, high-quality free agents
Posted: Friday November 29, 2002 12:15 AM
Updated: Monday December 02, 2002 7:15 PM
Need a platoon player? Greg Colbrunn hit .368 against left-handed pitching last season. Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
By Jacob Luft, CNNSI.com
If you are the type who likes to shop at Macy's the day after Thanksgiving, then this Hot Stove season isn't for you.
If you would rather wait for a good flea market or garage sale, though, you will feel right at home, because bargains are what this offseason shopping spree will be all about.
Sure, the few big-ticket items on the market -- Jim Thome, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, etc. -- will get big money. But that's not where the winners and losers of this offseason will be determined. It will be the teams that can sort through the rubble of low-priced, useful veterans who will milk this offseason for what it is really worth -- high value at rock-bottom prices.
Thanks to MLB's cries of poverty and new collective bargaining agreement, it is a buyer's market already. The floor will drop even lower after Dec. 20, when a flood of non-tendered free agents are expected to join the market in a move of pseudo-collusion by the owners.
That means it will be a good time for contenders to round out their rosters with talented veterans, much like Seattle did last season with Ruben Sierra ($1.9 million) or San Francisco with Reggie Sanders ($2.25 million) and Benito Santiago (2 years, $3.75 million), and Oakland with Scott Hatteberg ($1 million).
Those were nice deals -- for the clubs, if not the players. Expect more of the same on a much larger scale this time around. Here is a look at a few current free agents (in alphabetical order) who are worth keeping an eye on as possible steals:
Juan Acevedo, RHP: The name doesn't do much for casual fans, but look at the numbers: 28 saves, 2.65 ERA, 1.22 WHIP in 74 2/3 innings. He wants to cash in on the big save total, but if nobody bites on his demands, expect him to sign for a very reasonable rate.
Greg Colbrunn, 1B: Let's get something straight -- this guy can flat out hit. He has produced when given a chance, as evidenced by a career batting average of .291. His OPS was 1.004 in 171 at-bats in 2002, and it was .928 in 329 at-bats in 2000. If nothing else, he makes a nice platoon player, having hit .368 against lefties last season.
Deivi Cruz, SS: He was adequate with the Padres in 2002, hitting .263 with seven homers, 47 RBIs and 15 errors in 151 games. Two years ago, he hit .302 with a slugging percentage of .449 for the Tigers. He made only $600,000 last year. It shouldn't take much more than that to sign him.
Chad Fox, RHP: He's a health risk, having missed all of last season with an elbow injury, but he was outstanding in 2001 (80 strikeouts in 66 2/3 innings).
Ron Gant, OF: Talk about cheap. The former 30/30 man signed for a minor-league deal with the A's last year and figures to do the same this time. Where else are you gonna find 15-20 home runs with a near-.500 slugging percentage at this price?
Tom Gordon, RHP: Considering the glut of free-agent, right-handed relievers, signing a healthy Gordon might be better than paying a hefty price for guys like Roberto Hernandez, Ugueth Urbina or Ramiro Mendoza.
Marquis Grissom, OF: His days as an impact everyday player are over, but he can still hit left-handed pitching. Last year, 11 of his 17 homers came in only 133 at-bats against southpaws.
Todd Hollandsworth, OF: The former Rookie of the Year is becoming something of a journeyman. His best fit recently was in Colorado, where the thin air seemed to resurrect his batting stroke. Overall, he had a decent year with a .284 average and 16 home runs in 2002 and might be worth a flyer.
Mark Loretta, INF: He makes contact, gets on base and can play all over the infield. What's not to like? He was the odd man out in the Brewers' infield last year, so now he is looking for a team that will give him a shot at a starting job.
John Mabry, 1B-PH: If you are looking for evidence that Oakland GM Billy Beane is a genius, look no further than his acquisition for this career journeyman. Mabry slugged .523 in 193 at-bats for the A's after a midseason trade from Philly, re-establishing himself as one of the game's top pinch-hitters/reserves.
Alex Ochoa, OF: So he never became the star five-tooler that scouts thought he would, but his versatility makes him a top reserve. He can field all three outfield positions well, with an outstanding throwing arm, and won't kill your lineup if forced to play every day. Ochoa made $2.75 million last year, but won't come anywhere near that in 2003.
Steve Trachsel, RHP: The human rain delay quietly has put together 1 1/2 seasons of quality pitching. Since the 2001 All-Star break, he is 20-14 with a 3.17 ERA for the Mets. He will be more expensive than the others on this list, but quality starting pitching is worth the price.
