As we wait a few more months until the arrival of the 2008 MLB campaign, it’s time we look at what was done in the off-season that may have improved or crippled teams for the future. Yes, it’s time for some more player analysis on some players non-Japanese players that may or may not prove their worth for the upcoming season.
Milton Bradley signed with the Texas Rangers
Bradley has always been a pretty solid player. He’s a career .276 hitter, but hit .313 with the Padres before getting sidelined by an official. He’s never hit more then 20 homeruns and a good reason for that might be because he’s only played more than 102 games once in his career (2004). If he can stay healthy, 25 homeruns and 80-90 RBI doesn’t seem too far out of the equation. At one-year $5 million, 
Luis Castillo re-signs with the New York Mets
For the Mets to offer Castillo $25 million over the next 4 years seems like a bit of a stretch. He’s 32 years old and hits pretty much for average. There’s nothing wrong with average hitters, but at $25 million, why not bring up one of the younger kids to play with Reyes instead and use that money toward next season or at the mid-season trade deadline? In any event, Castillo will probably hit a good average – .301, .296 and .300 the last three seasons – and will play above average defense. A bit pricey in my opinion.
Matt Clement signs with the St. Louis Cardinals
At one-year $1.5 million, the Cards paid for an average pitcher (87-86 career) with a very high earned run average (4.47 career). Clement’s got high walk totals but did strike out 215 batters back in 2002 with the Cubs. He’s never won 15 games and did only play in 12 games last season for the Red Sox. He’s been extremely healthy – more than 30 games played in the last 7 seasons – but his injury last season might be an indicator of his workload. The $1.5 million really isn’t a lot for an average pitcher.
Francisco Cordero signs with the Cincinnati Reds
The Reds didn’t really need a closer but they went after Cordero who happened to be on the market. I guess the Reds brass didn’t feel comfortable bringing in Dave Weathers in the close games – but the question is, why not? He saved 33 of 39 opportunities, had just under a 3.60 era and finished the year with a 2-6 record. Sure, it’s not sparkling, but is it justification for signing Cordero long term (four years) at $46 million? To his credit, Cordero is a very good closer. He saved 44 games last year for the Brewers with an impressive 2.98 ERA. He did, however, blow 7 games, one off his career high 8. Back in 2004 and 2005, Cordero saved 49 and 37 games, blowing just 5 and 8 games. He’s a rock in the bullpen, but an expensive rock at that.
David Eckstein signs with the Toronto Blue Jays
Eckstein hopes to jump start a stagnant Jays offence with his approach to the plate. He’s a career .286 hitter, but did have his best year last season batting .309. He’ll also run on command – only 10 stolen bases last year, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Jays, as a team, had less. Eckstein is entering his seventh pro season and basically stole $4.5 million from the Jays. He’s a solid player, don’t get me wrong – playing pretty much 120 games a season, with a good average and speed – but his pay cheque is going to raise some eyebrows. Since when did the Jays have $4.5 to spend on a shortstop?
Eric Gagne signs with the Milwaukee Brewers
At one time, Eric Gagne was the most dominant reliever in baseball. He was so dominant, in fact, that he was nicknamed “Game Over.” When the Dodgers had a lead going into the ninth, even sometimes the eighth, the game was pretty much over when he entered. Fast-forward to last season – after being traded from Texas – Gagne proceeded to give up 14 earned runs in 18.2 innings, blowing three saves and inflating his ERA to 6.75. Sure, it wasn’t his proudest moment but I still think Gagne’s got something to prove. Before coming over to Boston, Gagne did save 16 of 17 games for the Rangers with a 2.16 era giving up just eight runs in 33 innings. The Brewers decided to take a $10 million dollar chance on him – a bit expensive considering his collapse at the end of the regular season and in the playoffs.
Jose Guillen signs with the Kansas City Royals
Three years, $36 million.
Two words: huge waste.
Guillen has had some monster seasons in the past: 27-104 in 2004, 23-99 last season, but at 12 million a season? Give me a break. Class case of a team paying way too much for something they’ll want to get rid of about 10 games into the season. He’s injured annually but, to his credit, played about 150 games in three of the last four seasons.
Torii Hunter signs with the LA Angels
Hunter is a very good player on both sides of the field. He plays gold-glove defense and definitely has some pop in his bat. He’ll run when needed and has a great smile. Is there something this guy doesn’t have? If not, he can buy it with the $90 million invested in him over the next five years. So long for the Gary Matthews Jr. reign in centerfield. Last season, Hunter hit 28 homeruns with 107 runs batted in, a career high. He’ll finally have a decent lineup so expect his numbers to rise. Good move for both camps. Torii got his payday and the Angels have a centerfielder.
Andruw Jones signs with the LA Dodgers
I’m torn between calling this a rip deal or a bargain for the Dodgers. They need offense, they could use some help defensively and, with Andruw Jones, they filled both voids. However, Jones (30), hits for a very poor average – .222 last season, .263 career – and has pretty much cut running out of his game. He can still hit the ball, 128 homeruns the last three seasons, and can still drive runners home 251 RBI in that span. Eighteen million doesn’t seem like so much – but I just can’t ever justify paying an aging player that much money. He’s earned his share, don’t get me wrong, but that’s just way too much.
