Of course, as with all ESPN content, you’ve got to pay for it some way or another. Listed now is Keith Law’s top free-agents starting with the Human Steroid himself, Barry Bonds. His days in San Francisco are over, presumably, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him getting some sort of deal in the American League. Bonds can hit (762 home-runs if you’ve forgotten), but he is a magnet for the media and will be so until he’s retired. Well, here’s the list with my spin.
Barry Bonds - 43 - Left Fielder
When Barry builds it, they will come. When Barry speaks, they will listen. When Barry cries, they will cry, tears of laughter. Bonds is the most preliavent player the list of free-agents this Winter and it’s no surprise teams haven’t given him offers. For starters, he might go to jail. His first court appearance set off a media storm and should he sign with any team - it is sure to follow. The man can still hit, but it’s hard to put one over the fence when you’re behind bars.
Kyle Lohse - 29 - Starting Pitcher
Once a youthful starter in the Twins system, Loshe has bounced to the Reds and finally out of work. His career record isn’t sparkling (60-74) and his era certainly won’t turn any heads (4.83). He is, however, a veteran and he would compliment any staff - as a spot starter or long reliever. I don’t think he has the stuff to pitch more than a few innings as his WHIP is dismal (1.37).
Mike Cameron - 34 - Center Fielder
Any team looking to hire an aging outfielder that can still make plays in the outfield and still has some pop left in his bat - Mike Cameron is looking for work. His average is something I wouldn’t put on my resume (.251 career) but he will run (18 SB last season) and he did hit 21 home-runs.
Brad Wilkerson - 30 - Outfielder / First Baseman
If you remember anything from the 2005 winter talks, it should be that on December 7, Brad Wilkerson, Termel Sledge and Armando Galarraga were traded from the Nationals to the Rangers for Alfonzo Soriano. Wilkerson’s best home-run season came back in 2004 when he hit 32 for the now defunct Montreal Expos but has hit just 46 in the next three seasons, 20 of those coming last season. He’s suited more for a platoon role.
Bartolo Colon - 34 - Starting Pitcher
Since winning the AL Cy Young in 2005, Bartolo hasn’t done anything but age. He’s played in just 29 games in the last two seasons and accumulated a record of 7-13 in that that span. Does he still have stuff left in the tank? As a 4 or 5 he might be able to compete consistantly, but as a 1 or 2, forget it.
Octavio Dotel - 34 - Relief Pitcher
Aging relievers usually have more to give than aging starters or position players. They don’t need to come in for many batters and can expend all their energy on just the tasks assigned. That being said, I still wouldn’t touch Dotel with a 40 foot poll atop a 700 foot ladder. He did save 11 games for the Braves last year, but injuries have kept him from being a consistent option. Clubs could use him to bring along the youngsters, but I wouldn’t feel too comfortable putting him back in a setup role.
Shannon Stewart - 33 - Left Fielder
When Shannon stole 51 bases for the Jays in 1998, he solidified himself as a speed demon. Two years later in 2000, he showed that he could hit for power (21 home-runs) and for average (.319). A career .298 hitter, Stewart should be able to find a home in need of a lead-off man not afraid to run. As long as he’s not asking for a boat load of money he should find a suitor.
Kenny Lofton - 40 - Center Fielder
See Shannon Stewart and add 7 years to his age. If you watched the playoffs you probably already know that the man can still hit, the man can still run and, if Grady Sizemore broke both of his ankles, Lofton would probably fill in nicely at center. At 40, he can be a good mentor for younger kids how to play in the field and approach tough pitchers.
Livan Hernandez - 32 - Starting Pitcher
He’ll be 33 in a month and hasn’t had a solid season since 2005 when he went 15-10 with the Nationals. He was plagued by injuries in 2005, limiting him to 10 games and in two seasons after, he has a record of 20-19 with an era hovering 5.13. Livan’s WHIP and OBA have risen every year since 2006 signaling a downhill spiral in his career. I don’t see anyone signing him, not even as a 4 or 5 seeing as how he’s probably looking for something more than a one year deal.
Armando Benitez - 35 - Relief Pitcher
See Livan Hernandez, add three years to his age. To Armando’s credit, however, he did save 9 of 11 situations last season with a k/bb ratio of 2:1. If Julio Franco’s still playing, I don’t see why Benitez can’t become a situational pitcher.
