The free-agent market remains fluid, but hardly settled as we approach the five-week mark before pitchers and catchers report to spring training venues in Florida and Arizona.
For this week’s installment, we’ll provide another update of those higher-profile free agents still on the market as of January 20.
1) Prince Fielder, 1B
Developments continue in the pursuit of the biggest free agent left, figuratively and literally. There was some new movement in the last week, with Fielder spending time visiting with Nolan Ryan and the Texas Rangers in Arlington, although sources say that Ryan is unlikely to add both Fielder and Japanese phenom pitcher Yu Darvish (who finalized his deal this week) in megabuck deals.
The Blue Jays, also in the Fielder sweepstakes, appear to be cooling on the idea, too, as Toronto president Paul Beeston indicates the team is probably not willing to offer more than a five-year deal; Fielder is reportedly holding out for a seven-year contract.
A new name to watch in the Fielder sweepstakes is Detroit, which is suddenly desperate to add another bat after news of Victor Martinez’ knee injury that could keep him out for the entirety of the season. Whether that is enough to prompt Dave Dombrowski into a nine-figure deal remains to be seen, although sources say Fielder is now at least a topic of discussion in the Motor City.
2) Roy Oswalt, SP
There was movement on the Oswalt front over the past week, too, as the Rangers, long considered a favorite for his services, might have cooled somewhat after completing the Yu Darvish deal. Oswalt’s price is dropping the closer we get to spring training, which could interest a few new potential suitors. One of those is the Red Sox, who have a need for starting pitching and would make a decent fit at Fenway. New Bosox GM Ben Cherington, however, has spent much of the offseason adding lower-priced parts to the Boston roster, and might balk at a still-pricey addition such as Oswalt.
Also now on the Oswalt radar appears to be Atlanta, which on the surface seems a bit awkward considering how the Braves have been willing to move pitching for offense in the offseason. But if Oswalt’s price continues to drop, the Braves are said to be very interested, as might a few others if this acquisition doesn't become so cost-prohibitive.
3) Edwin Jackson, SP
After Oswalt, Jackson appears to be the next best arm still available in the marketplace. Sources said Yankees president Hank Steinbrenner recently met with Jackson, and the Yankees could remain interested despite adding ex-Dodger Hiroki Kuroda last week. Others say New York is done adding expensive arms and that Jackson’s agent Scott Boras will have to shop Edwin elsewhere.
Boras is reportedly seeking a 5-year deal in the $60 million range for Jackson. With many potential teams already having exhausted their free-agent funds, Boras is going to probably have to drop his price. Toronto is still said to be interested, but would likely balk at the $12 million per year Boras is seeking. At $7-8 million per, Boras might have more suitors. Your move, Scott.
4) Johnny Damon, OF/DH
There is still some tread left on Damon’s tires, and after the Yankees were involved in some roster shuffling last week when moving promising young catcher/DH Jesus Montero to the Mariners in the Michael Pineda deal, there is suddenly room in the Bronx for an experienced DH. Damon posted decent numbers last season in Tampa Bay (which could still re-sign him), hitting .261 with 16 homers and 73 RBIs. Plus, his clubhouse leadership is valued by Joe Girardi.
Sources say there’s a decent chance Damon returns to the Bronx, as he seems a better risk than either Vladimir Guerrero or Hideki Matsui, the latter really slowed lately by bad knees.
A few free agents did get crossed off the list in the last week, and here's a quick recap of those signings.
1) Hiroki Kuroda, SP to the Yankees
Kuroda was viewed by many as a relative bargain in this environment, and the fact he was willing to sign a one-year deal in the $10 million range moved him above Jackson in the queue. The Yankees sure think Kuroda, a ground-ball machine who eats innings, is a bargain. Along with former Seattle flamethrower Michael Pineda, added in trade the past week, the Yanks have revamped their staff, and many like the thought of the fireballer Pineda and the crafty Kuroda back-to-back in the second and third spots of the New York rotation.
2) Carlos Peña, 1B to the Rays
Peña had previously moved from Tampa Bay to Chicago, but returns to the Trop, where he has experienced some of his greatest moments. On a one-year deal in the $7.25 million range, Peña looks a decent bargain, although some still believe his defensive liabilities and penchant for strikeouts makes him a somewhat risky investment.
3) Joel Pineiro, SP, to the Phillies
Pineiro is on the downside of his career and was hit hard on several occasions last year with the Angels. Considering his history of injuries, he was too much of a risk for most teams. But as buy-low depth investment, Pineiro could be a steal for the Phils, who signed him to a minor league contract within the last week.