Batter's Box Interactive Magazine Batter's Box Interactive Magazine Batter's Box Interactive Magazine
Here's a list of the players potentially eligible for major league free agency. I will update this list throughout the offseason when I get the chance; once various deadlines pass, the information will be updated.

Feel free to use this thread to discuss anything free-agent related!


A letter in brackets following a player’s name and position indicates his Elias ranking, which determines free agent compensation in certain circumstances. Players who have the option to terminate their own contracts are not eligible for compensation, and compensation only attaches to players who are offered, and decline, salary arbitration.

PLEASE post any corrections that need to be made, to the thread. Thanks.

Last Updated : 11/4

Notes: x=team option for 2004; y=player option for 2004; z=mutual option for 2004; a=player may terminate current contract. Where options have been declined, the letter should be deleted - please let me know if I have missed any.



American League



Anaheim


Eric Owens of; Scott Spiezio 1b (B).


Baltimore


Tony Batista, 3b (A); Albert Belle, of; Hector Carrasco, rhp; x-Deivi Cruz, ss (B); Scott Erickson, rhp; Brook Fordyce, c (B); Pat Hentgen, rhp; x-Kerry Ligtenberg, rhp (B); B.J. Surhoff, dh (B).


Boston


John Burkett, rhp (B); Bill Haselman, c; Doofus Todd Jones, rhp; x-Derek Lowe, rhp (A); Dave McCarty, of; Robert Person, rhp; Jeff Suppan, rhp (B); Mike Timlin, rhp (A); Todd Walker, 2b (A).


Chicago


Roberto Alomar, 2b (A); Sandy Alomar, c (A); Bartolo Colon, rhp (A); Carl Everett, of (A); Tom Gordon, rhp (A); Tony Graffanino, ss; Scott Sullivan, rhp (B); Jose Valentin, ss (B).


Cleveland


x-Ellis Burks, dh (A); Terry Mulholland, lhp.


Detroit


Shane Halter, 3b; Dean Palmer, dh.


Kansas City


Brian Anderson, lhp (B); Kevin Appier, rhp (B); Mike DiFelice, c (B); Jason Grimsley, rhp (B); Raul Ibanez, of (A); Curtis Leskanic, rhp (B); Alan Levine, rhp (B); Jose Lima, rhp; Graeme Lloyd, rhp; x-Brent Mayne, c (A); Thomas Prince, c; Joe Randa, 3b (A); Michael Tucker, of (B); Rondell White, of (B); Jamey Wright, rhp.


Minnesota


Mike Fetters, rhp; Chris Gomez, 2b; Eddie Guardado, lhp (A); LaTroy Hawkins, rhp (A); Denny Hocking, 2b; Jesse Orosco, rhp; Rick Reed, rhp (B); Kenny Rogers, lhp (A); Shannon Stewart, of (A).


New York


Roger Clemens, rhp (A); John Flaherty, c (C); z-Felix Heredia, rhp (B); Jeff Nelson, rhp (A); Antonio Osuna, rhp (B); Andy Pettitte, lhp (A); Ruben Sierra, dh (B); x-David Wells, lhp (A); Gabe White, rhp (A).


Oakland


Keith Foulke, rhp (A); Jose Guillen, of (B); Ricardo Rincon, rhp (B); Chris Singleton, of [note : can someone confirm this?]; x-Steve Sparks, rhp; Miguel Tejada, ss (A).


Seattle


Armando Benitez, rhp (A); Pat Borders, c; Michael Cameron, of (A); Shigetoshi Hasegawa, rhp (A); John F. Mabry, of; Edgar Martinez, dh (A); Mark McLemore, ss; Arthur Rhodes, rhp (A); Rey Sanchez, ss (C).


Tampa Bay


Ben Grieve, dh (B); Travis Lee, 1b (B); Al Martin, dh; Rey Ordonez, ss (C); Carlos Reyes, rhp; Terry Shumpert, dh.


Texas


Juan Gonzalez, of (A); Rafael Palmeiro, dh (A); John Thomson, rhp (B); Ismael Valdes, rhp (B).


Toronto


Mike Bordick, ss (B); Kelvim Escobar, rhp (A); Cory Lidle, rhp (A).





National League



Arizona


Carlos Baerga, 1b; x-Miguel Batista, rhp (B); x-Mark Grace, 1b; Felix Jose, dh; Raul Mondesi, of (B); Mike Myers, lhp.


Atlanta


Darren Bragg, of; Vinny Castilla, 3b (A - I’m dyin’ here!); Julio Franco, 1b (C); Matt Franco, 1b; Roberto Hernandez, rhp (B); Darren Holmes, rhp (A); Javy Lopez, c (A); Greg Maddux, rhp (A); Kent Mercker, rhp (C); Shane Reynolds, rhp; Gary Sheffield, of (A).


Chicago


Antonio Alfonseca, rhp (B); Shawn Estes, lhp; Doug Glanville, of; Thomas Goodwin, of; x-Mark Grudzielanek, 2b (A); x-Mark Guthrie, rhp (A); Eric Karros, 1b (C); Kenny Lofton, of (B); Troy O'Leary, of; Dave Veres, rhp (A); Tony Womack, ss (C).


Cincinnati


a-Jimmy Haynes, rhp (B); Barry Larkin, ss (B); Todd Van Poppel, rhp.


Colorado


Greg Norton, 3b; Darren Oliver, lhp; x-Steve Reed, rhp (A); Chris Stynes, 3b (C); Mark Sweeney, of; Gregg Zaun, c.


Florida


Luis Castillo, 2b (A); Andy Fox, 2b; Chad Fox, rhp (C); Lenny Freakin’ Harris, 3b; Rick Helling, rhp (B); Todd Hollandsworth, of (B); Mike Mordecai, 3b; Ivan Rodriguez, c (A); Ugueth Urbina, rhp (A); Gerald Williams, of.


Houston


Brad Ausmus, c (A); Orlando Merced, of; Dan Miceli, rhp (C); Brian Moehler, rhp; Ron Villone, lhp (B); Jose Vizcaino, ss (B); x-Rick White, rhp (C).


Los Angeles


Wilson Alvarez, lhp (C); Andy Ashby, rhp; Jeromy Burnitz, of (B); Ron Coomer, 1b; Rickey Henderson, of; x-Brian Jordan, of (A); Tom Martin, lhp (C); Fred McGriff, 1b (B); Paul Quantrill, rhp (A); Robin Ventura, 3b (A).


Sucktown


Dave Burba, rhp; Royce Clayton, ss (C); Keith Osik, c; Eddie Perez, c (C); Todd Ritchie, rhp; Glendon Rusch, lhp; John Vander Wal, of (C).


Montreal


Wil Cordero, 1b (C); Vladimir Guerrero, of (A); Jose Mercedes, rhp; Fernando Tatis, 5b; Todd Zeile, 3b (B).


New York


Pedro Astacio, rhp (C); Jay Bell, 2b; Tony Clark, 1b; John Franco, lhp; Tsuyoshi Shinjo, of.


Philadelphia


Terry Adams, rhp (B); x-Rheal Cormier, rhp (A); x-Jose Mesa, rhp (B); Kevin Millwood, rhp (A); Dan Plesac, rhp (A); Todd Pratt, c (B); Kelly Stinnett, c; Turk Wendell, rhp; x-Mike Williams, rhp (B).


Pittsburgh


Jose Hernandez, ss (A); Patrick Meares, 2b; Jeff Reboulet, 2b; x-Pokey Reese Jr., 2b (B); Reggie Sanders, of (A); Matt Stairs, of (A); Julian Tavarez, rhp (C).


St. Louis


Miguel Cairo, 2b; Chris Carpenter, rhp; x-Mike DeJean, rhp (A); Cal Eldred, rhp (B); Jeff Fassero, rhp (C); Mike Gallego, 2b; Joe Girardi, c; x-Sterling Hitchcock, rhp; Steve Kline, lhp (A); Lance Painter, rhp; Orlando Palmeiro, of (C); Eduardo Perez, of; Russ Springer, rhp; Garrett Stephenson, rhp; Brett Tomko, rhp (B); Fernando Vina, 2b (B); Chris Widger, c.


San Diego


Rod Beck, rhp (A); x-Trevor Hoffman, rhp (A); Keith Lockhart, 2b.


San Francisco


Rich Aurilia, ss (A); Marvin Benard, of; Alberto Castillo, c; Jose Cruz Jr., of (B); Andres Galarraga, 1b (C); Jeffrey Hammonds, of; Dustin Hermanson, rhp; a-Robb Nen, rhp (A); Sidney Ponson, rhp (A); Benito Santiago, c (A); J.T. Snow, 1b (C); Timothy Worrell, rhp (A); Eric Young, 2b (B).


Eligible Free Agents with Compensation Rankings | 63 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Mike Green - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 02:45 PM EST (#14260) #
Craig,

Milwaukee as "Sucktown"? This Bud's for you.

Actually, I like Wisconsin, home of Hinske.
_Spicol - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 02:51 PM EST (#14261) #
Sucktown. I laughed right out loud.

Among players mentioned in the Box recently as potential fits for the Jays:
- Jose Hernandez is an A. Cripes.
- John Thomson is a B.
- Miguel Batista is a B.
- Steve Reed is an A.
- Wilson Alvarez is a C.
- There's no compensation for Pat Hentgen or Chris Gomez.
_miVulgar - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 02:59 PM EST (#14262) #
Sucktown wasn't bad, but I was fond of:

Doofus Todd Jones, rhp
Mike Green - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 03:17 PM EST (#14263) #
Spicol,

Steve Reed is an A, and Miguel Batista is a B? I guess that's because Reed is a reliever and Batista is a starter. The CBA does have its problems, doesn't it?
_Wildrose - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 03:36 PM EST (#14264) #
I'm a little surprised Miguel Batista would be a "B" compensation player. The D-Backs declined his option would they also not lose their right to compensation?

On this vein,is the value of retaining your first round draft choice greater than the value of a potential free agent signing? I know J.P. has publicly mused about Latroy Hawkins, but is he worth giving up a first rounder?(He's also on record too not over-spend on relievers)

At any rate a guy like Pat Hengten value increases somewhat because you can sign him without any compensation. I just wonder how much value the Jays place on a high draft choice. Perhaps J.P. will keep his powder dry waiting for non-tendered arbitration players.
_logan - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 03:38 PM EST (#14265) #
I think last year only about 15 free agents were actually offered arbitration, and there were only about seven sandwich picks for type A players in this year's draft. So most of these A & B guys won't have any picks attached.
_Young - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 03:42 PM EST (#14266) #
Gee, not to belittle Escobar and his prowess, but the compensation for FAs need to be overhauled somewhat? How can a team, not that the Blue Jays would mind you, get the same draft pick compesation as the Expos would when they lose Vlad?
Mike Green - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 03:42 PM EST (#14267) #
As I look closer, the rankings really have little to do with market value- Wilson Alvarez is a C, Miguel Batista is a B, and Cory Lidle is an A. Anyways, because Arizona declined Batista's option, no compensation will flow.
_Jacko - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 03:54 PM EST (#14269) #

Wilson Alvarez is a C, Miguel Batista is a B, and Cory Lidle is an A. Anyways, because Arizona declined Batista's option, no compensation will flow.

Wilson Alvarez. Now there's someone worth taking a flier on. I wonder how much he would cost...

I'm a little surprised Miguel Batista would be a "B" compensation player. The D-Backs declined his option would they also not lose their right to compensation?

I thought the D-Backs would still be able to offer him arbitration...

Steve Reed is an A, and Miguel Batista is a B? I guess that's because Reed is a reliever and Batista is a starter. The CBA does have its problems, doesn't it?

"A" compensation for Reed? Even more reason to avoid him...
_Cristian - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 03:55 PM EST (#14270) #
Could a team decline its option on a player and still offer arbitration?
_Spicol - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 03:59 PM EST (#14271) #
As I look closer, the rankings really have little to do with market value

Not little...they have nothing to do with market value.
_Spicol - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:03 PM EST (#14272) #
Wilson Alvarez. Now there's someone worth taking a flier on. I wonder how much he would cost...

Considering his age, weight issues and injury history, I think $1MM is reasonable and fair. At that money, he's absolutely worth the risk...I've been targeting him for the Jays since July.

I also brought Steve Reed up as well but if he's an A, forget him.
Mike Green - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:09 PM EST (#14273) #
I haven't seen Wilson Alvarez pitch in years; I remember him as being a medium sized guy. He's apparently now 6'1", 255, and he's only 33, and he did put it together last year at triple A and in the majors. Coach, let's hope the Jays can sign him so he can go at the top of the BB page instead of the tubercular specimens you now have there.
_A - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:17 PM EST (#14274) #
Does this bring Lidle's value down? No one in their right mind would surrender their quality picks and then pay a medicore pitcher 4 million. I also don't see Lidle getting a whole heck of alot through arb because of his second half meltdown (and his first half numbers were pretty shakey too once you get past the W/L).
_Spicol - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:32 PM EST (#14275) #
Could a team decline its option on a player and still offer arbitration?

Cleveland declined Juan Gonzalez' $14MM option in 2001 and offered him arb. He declined it and signed with Texas. Cleveland received compensation.

So, yes, a team can decline it's option on a player and still offer arbitration. That would be dangerous though in that you might still be on the hook for a large contract. It must not happen often. The team would have to be very sure it will win it's arbitration case.
Craig B - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:33 PM EST (#14276) #
Cristian :

Yes, a team can decline an option on a player's contract and still offer him arbitration.
Pistol - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:33 PM EST (#14277) #
Does this bring Lidle's value down? No one in their right mind would surrender their quality picks and then pay a medicore pitcher 4 million. I also don't see Lidle getting a whole heck of alot through arb because of his second half meltdown (and his first half numbers were pretty shakey too once you get past the W/L).

Lidle won't be offered arbitration. When you offer arbitration the least that you can pay a player, if he accepts, is 80% of the previous years' salary. Because of that the Jays won't offer it.
_Ryan01 - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:34 PM EST (#14278) #
Arbitration takes the last 3 years into account. So Lidle would be given a pretty hefty sum if he took arbitration. I think it's a pretty safe bet to say we wont be getting any compensation for him.

Alvarez has stated that he is very appreciative of the Dodger organization and would really like to stay there, and they want him back. Given the outstanding year he had he'd more likely be in the $2-4 million range.
_mchenrmd - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:43 PM EST (#14279) #
I'll give you a cookie if you maintain that list by position rather than by team...

Something like:

3B
Tony Batista (A- BAL)
Vinny Castilla (A - ATL)

Yeah, I'm lazy...
_Spicol - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:46 PM EST (#14280) #
Alvarez has only pitched 160 innings over the past four years, with much of his 2003 success attributed to Chavez Ravine (0.57 ERA in 47.2 IP). Someone may throw some cash at him but I doubt it, not in MLB's new economy.
Craig B - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:47 PM EST (#14281) #
What kind of cookie?
_the shadow - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:54 PM EST (#14282) #
What is the earliest date that teams may sign free agents??
Mike Green - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:54 PM EST (#14283) #
Spicol,

As you probably know, last year Alvarez was lights out in Las Vegas (is that the name of a movie?). It's the polar opposite of Cesar Chavez ravine.

My guess is that, new economy or not, Alvarez gets closer to $4 mil than to $1 mil, whether it be from the Dodgers or someone else.
_Spicol - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 04:59 PM EST (#14284) #
last year Alvarez was lights out in Las Vegas

And? So? Terrmel Sledge was lights out in Edmonton last year. Colter Bean was very good in Columbus and Trenton. Countless players were lights out in the minors last year. Performance in the minors doesn't get you $4MM.
_Jonny German - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 05:03 PM EST (#14285) #
Jose Hernandez was released by the Pirates, so no compensation.

Hey Mr. CBA, how does the timeline go as far as when teams have to offer arbitration by and when players can start signing with new teams?

Another vote for positional breakdown rather than team-by-team. I'm afraid I'm all out of cookies.
Mike Green - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 05:10 PM EST (#14286) #
I had this interchange with Robert at the start of the Marlins-Giants series. Robert disagreed with McKeon's decision to start Cabrera over Encarnacion and Conine. One of my points with him then was that minor league performance does matter.

So, no, tearing up Las Vegas will not get you close to $4 million, but tearing up Las Vegas and then pitching very well in the National League as a 33 year old left-handed starter with significant major league experience will get you close to $4 million. Both sets of performance are relevant.
_Ryan01 - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 05:21 PM EST (#14287) #
There is a 15 day period in which potential free agents can file for free agency beginning either October 15th or the day after the World Series ends, whichever is later. After that 15 day period ends players may begin signings with new teams. (They can re-sign with their former teams at any time.

Arbitration must be offered by the club by December 7 in order to recieve compensation (unless the player has already been signed). Players must decide on whether to accept arbitration by December 19th.

A lot of the free agents above are probably not going to be offered arby so we probably wont see a lot of signings until after December 19th when all the non-tenders come out.
_Jonny German - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 05:27 PM EST (#14288) #
Thanks for the info Ryan. Is December also the deadline for offering arbitration to players whose rights you control, i.e. Cliff Politte?
_Jonny German - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 05:27 PM EST (#14289) #
That should say December 7.
_Ryan01 - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 05:33 PM EST (#14290) #
Yes, I believe it is the same date. So we'll find out all of the FA's who can be had without compensation and the non-tendered Free agents are all at the same time.
_Dr B - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 05:43 PM EST (#14291) #
I would be surprised if Cory Lidle was offered arbitration. If he is not offered arbitration then I don't believe their are any compensation picks. Lidle's value is very low because he really wasn't very good last year. His first half was a bit of an illusion too, because he was getting a lot of run support.
I wouldn't mind seeing Lidle come back as a Jay to be quite honest, because he is better than he pitched last year (not-withstanding is exaggerated numbers in Oakland's pitcher's park) and would probably come cheap. You would not offer him arbitration though because he'd simply accept it.

Some interesting names in there. As mentioned Alvarez and Bastista should be looked at (if only briefly, perhaps). John Thomson is said to have been victimised by his home park quite a lot but since he doesn't strike many people out he is not going to be *the answer* (tm). A lot of these players are going to look a lot more attractive when we see how many are offered arbitration. Most of them you would not want to waste a draft pick on.
_Jabonoso - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 06:15 PM EST (#14292) #
If the Mets sign Kelvim, then no first round picks, rigth?
I think that Cory would match perfectly with them a la Traschel...
On an unrelated note Rios made the final team roster for Puerto Rico in the pre-olympics, so two of our best position players will be in this tournament ( he could be playing against Gross ). Quiroz can make the Venezuelan team. Luis Lopez did not make the final cut for PR and Julio Mosquera, another ex jay farm will be catching for Panama.
Pistol - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 06:27 PM EST (#14293) #
If the Mets sign Kelvim, then no first round picks, rigth?

Teams that select in the first half of the draft do not lose 1st round picks when they sign players who were offered arbitration. You'd get that team's 2nd round pick instead, and a sandwich pick.

Mmmmmm, sandwich.....
_Spicol - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 06:31 PM EST (#14294) #
So, no, tearing up Las Vegas will not get you close to $4 million, but tearing up Las Vegas and then pitching very well in the National League as a 33 year old left-handed starter with significant major league experience will get you close to $4 million. Both sets of performance are relevant.

Relevant but of different weights. This is obvious and hope I don't need to explain it further.

As well, the "significant major league experience" part isn't enough to outweigh the "significant history of injuries" part. Pat Hentgen won a Cy Young but he's not going to get compensated in 2004 for that historical performance because he doesn't have the same arm he had in 1996. Ditto for Scott Erickson and others. I suppose we'll see.
Pistol - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 07:57 PM EST (#14295) #
So, no, tearing up Las Vegas will not get you close to $4 million

It all depends on what you're playing. Maybe you hit the jackpot on a high limit slot, or pull a royal flush at a high limit table game.

If you tear it up right in Vegas you can do pretty well for yourself.
Mike Green - Thursday, October 30 2003 @ 10:29 PM EST (#14296) #
With a handle like Pistol, you should be set to do just that.
_Mr. Sinister - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 12:24 AM EST (#14297) #
Octavio Dotel's contract is up, will he be a free agent?, would the Jays pick him up, seems like a great guy for the bullpen, or to be the closer, rumor is that Houston wants to trade Wagner and replace him with Dotel
_S.K. - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 03:34 AM EST (#14298) #
Let's sign Albert Belle!
_coliver - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 07:49 AM EST (#14299) #
Just a thought, and I am about a year too early...

Do you think that Hinske's long term position is going to be third base. I see him as a first baseman in the future--maybe as soon as 2005. Too bad Batista isn't a free agent for next year. He he will sign a one-year deal somewhere.

Any reactions?
_Spicol - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 08:31 AM EST (#14300) #
Really, with his production, Tony Batista shouldn't be anything but a back-up player.

The jury is out on Hinske's long term plan. I think his defensive performance at third this season will dictate whether or not he continues to play there.
_Tassle - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 08:33 AM EST (#14301) #
Quantrill declined his option. How much would it cost to bring him back? He'd be just awesome for the bullpen, and a help to Lopez and Kershner.
_lurker - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 08:36 AM EST (#14302) #
Bringing back Hentgen is a no-brainer. The price will be right, I'm sure he wants to come back, he could be the equivalent of a no.3 starter at best and a no.4 at worst (you know what you're getting barring injury), fans here love him, and his experience will be invaluable to the 3 young guys knocking on the door at Syracuse when they surface.
_Jordan - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 08:44 AM EST (#14303) #
I don't like Hinske for first base, largely because his offensive production is middle-of-the-road for a first baseman but very good for the hot corner. Remember, in his rookie season, Hinske topped all third basemen in EqA -- and that included guys like Glaus, Chavez, Rolen, Koskie and others. 2003 was a lost season, for many reasons -- don't give up on him as a third baseman yet, and wait till 2004 is well underway to see how he handles his third year. His bat will come back and his glove will improve. When Wade Boggs first came up, there was similar talk of putting him at first base because he was just brutal with the glove. But he worked at it and became quite a good third baseman eventually. Suspend your judgment for another year.
_R Billie - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 08:47 AM EST (#14304) #
Quantrill is going to cost you A or B compensation plus a multiyear deal for significant change. Maybe he's worth it but I think this is a career year which he's trying to cash in on. I don't see it happening unless LA doesn't offer arbitration (for fear the arbitrator would look at the numbers and award $4 or $5 million).

Remove LA's homefield and defence from behind him and I think his numbers would look a lot more ordinary (though still solid because of his command). If there's no compensation for him then I completely rethink things. Bring back Quantrill and Hentgen and this time have the offence to back them up.
_coliver - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 08:52 AM EST (#14305) #
Thank you. I will keep an open mind about Hinske at third base. There are times that his defence looks very good...

If anyone needs massive work at defence, it is Phelps. If I were J.P., I would approach Delgado and ask him how much does he need to stay in Toronto after 2004. He probably will take some sort of home team discount but how much is anyone's guess. If he stays, Phelps can keep getting those DH at-bats, but if not, Phelps needs lots of work and experience at first base.
Craig B - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 08:58 AM EST (#14306) #
LA might not tender Quantrill. The minimum they could offer Q in arbitration is $2.7 million, and being LA, they may well think that they can find equal bullpen production out there for less than that, especially since Q is really the third guy in the pen after Gagne and Mota.
Coach - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 08:59 AM EST (#14307) #
Quantrill declined his option. How much would it cost to bring him back?

Way too much. First of all, Q turned down $3.1 million for 2004, so that tells you what he thinks he's worth. Secondly, he must be looking for a three or four year deal, which at his age is a stretch for any team. Finally, he's a Type A player, so in addition to blowing the budget on a setup man, the Jays would have to give up their first-round draft pick as compensation.

I think Paul made a big mistake; he should have exercised his option and had another big year in L.A., while hoping the FA market shifts upward again by next winter.

Bringing back Hentgen is a no-brainer.

The Orioles still want him, just not at $4 million, and I don't think any bridges have been burned there. There's mutual interest in Detroit -- it's Pat's home town, and they desperately need a veteran to help that green pitching staff mature. So it's not clear at all that Toronto is his first choice, or even his second. I'd love to see it happen, but I wouldn't want J.P. to get into a bidding war for a guy who has been healthy for just a half-season after years of arm trouble. The Jays may offer his best chance of being on a winning team, but we can only speculate on what his priorities are; Hentgen controls his own destiny.
Coach - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 09:29 AM EST (#14308) #
If I were J.P., I would approach Delgado and ask him how much does he need to stay in Toronto after 2004

Mike Wilner asked the GM about Delgado's future on The FAN last weekend.

"I don't think we're in any position to sit down with Carlos and talk about next year," J.P. replied, adding that getting Roy Halladay signed to an extension was a more immediate priority. Then he explained that the Jays wouldn't be making an offer to Delgado until they know what the 2005 budget will be, or "until the market changes for us."

So if the team is competitive in 2004, if attendance goes way up as a result, if Rogers then loosens the purse strings, and if Carlos takes a "home town" discount to stay, it could happen. If Delgado wants a Jim Thome-like deal, I think he'll have to go somewhere else.

That would be disappointing, but hardly a disaster. Remember that you don't "replace" a guy like Carlos by going out to get another expensive slugger at first base. The $18 million in payroll flexibility gets spread among several positions. The rotation, the bullpen and the team defence could all be improved, and it's not like you are "losing" his entire production; you "lose" only the difference between him and his replacement.

As much as fans would like an immediate answer to this question, we will have to wait. All I can say is that Delgado won't be back if the SkyDome remains half empty this year. Maybe, if the team gets off to a fast start and there are no epidemic scares, the Jays will become a hot ticket again. If not, and you're looking for someone to blame when Carlos leaves, start with the people who stay home.
_logan - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 11:34 AM EST (#14309) #
Octavio Dotel's contract is up, will he be a free agent?, would the Jays pick him up,

He's not a free agent, and if he was, you can bet that the Jays would not be able to afford him.
robertdudek - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 12:22 PM EST (#14310) #
I haven't seen any rating numbers, but I'd be interesting in seeing what the TV ratings are for the Blue Jays on Rogers Sportsnet compared to the year before. I suspect that the Jays created quite a bit of wealth for Rogers which isn't reflected in the Jays' bottom line.

Attendance will go up - I'm sure we'll crack 2 million but the advertising revenue of RSN could go up faster, which would justify increased payroll.

There are a lot of creative things the Jays could do to entice Carlos to stay and fit his salary into the budget - such as using deferrals and a guaranteed position in the organisation after he retires.
_R Billie - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 01:43 PM EST (#14311) #
Godfrey talked about making arrangements for Carlos to finish his career in Toronto. But that was relatively early in the year and Godfrey's not the GM.

I think it's probably for the best that the Jays wait and see on Carlos. I think the problem is there are still teams out there willing to give crazy long contracts to players in their early 30's. If someone offers 4 or more years that's going to be tough for Toronto to match, even if their offer is competitive in per year dollars.

As much as I'm hoping something can be worked out, I would have to think JP will start making contingency plans for the loss of Carlos as the trade deadline approaches if that hasn't started already. By waiting it's clear that they're willing to lose him if it comes to that.

The class of '05 free agents isn't bad at all so maybe with three drafts under their belt the Jays might be willing to lose a draft pick or two in exchange for key parts.
Mike Green - Friday, October 31 2003 @ 01:59 PM EST (#14312) #
R. Billie, I agree that it's probably best to wait and see on Carlos. I will say this though. If I was going to take a risk in terms of contract length, as opposed to salary, on a player in their early 30s, Carlos would be one of the first players that I would do that for. His consistency, his work ethic and his physical fitness make him a good candidate to be producing well into his late 30s.
_R Billie - Saturday, November 01 2003 @ 11:23 AM EST (#14313) #
I completely agree. I think his career has a chance to have Bonds type of longevity into his late 30's. Still I don't think the Jays are going to be in a position to give him 5 years on a large money deal or possibly even 4 years. All of the young players are going to be due raises by then and after 2004, Hinske and Wells will both be making $6 million, $9 million, and $11 million between them in subsequent years. A lot of the luxury the Jays have with Delgado's $18 million contract being reduced will disappear with their contracts as well as Doc's long term money.

Whether Delgado stays is entirely in the hands of Rogers and Delgado himself. I think Rogers has to commit to at least gradually increasing payroll in 2005 and beyond if they want him long term. Otherwise Delgado's salary will be just as restrictive as it is today with little or no added budget flexibilty in the future.

If the Jays win say 90 games next year then it's entirely possible that management will say now is the time to increase spending with a number of prospects knocking on the door in 2005, especially on the pitching side of things. Let's hope for a better 2004.
Craig B - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 02:58 PM EST (#14314) #
From now on, when I update the page I will post a comment with the changes.

Today... removed Jason Bere and Mark Wohlers from Cleveland's list (both signed NRI deals with Cleveland).
_Scott - Monday, November 03 2003 @ 08:23 PM EST (#14315) #
Hello,

I have a question about Kevin Millwood (type A). He's a free agent, and as far as I know, the Phillies didn't offer arbitration. However, since Millwood was offered arbitration in 2002 by the Braves, I have a feeling that the Phillies are not permitted to offer arbitration.

Can someone explain if the Phillies would get any draft pick compensation?

Thanks,
Scott
Craig B - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 10:25 AM EST (#14316) #
Scott, I will handle that question in a future version of "Ask Craig about the CBA". For now, I'll just say that if that's a rule, I've never heard of it. Lots of players appear to be offered arbitration in consecutive years. I'll check it out though.
Craig B - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 11:54 AM EST (#14317) #
Just for an example or two, Placido Polanco was offered arbitration for 2002 (by St. Louis) and for 2003 (by Philly). Same with Derrek Lee, by Florida in both years, and Orlando Cabrera by Montreal and Carlos Beltran by Kansas City.
Craig B - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 11:57 AM EST (#14318) #
By the way, as I was looking through my arbitration data, I was struck (as I always am) by how poor the players' recent record at actual arbitrations is. Players haven't been above .500 since 1996, and from 1997-2003 are a Tigeresque 19-41.

From 1991 to 2003, the players are just 55-94.
_Ed - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 01:45 PM EST (#14319) #
small correction. Mike Myers is lhp, not rhp.

KEY DATES
Dec. 7 Last date for former club of player who declared free agency under Art. XX B to offer salary arbitration. If Club does not offer, then it loses all rights to negotiate with and sign the free agent until May 1 of the next season.

Dec. 19 Last date for player, who declared free agency under Art. XX B, to accept an arbitration offer of former club. If player rejects offer to go to arbitration, his former club may still negotiate with and sign him until Jan. 8 of next season.

Dec. 20 Last date to tender contracts. (This is when teams "non-tender" players).

... One question: Where did you get the 2003 Elias rankings?
Craig B - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 02:07 PM EST (#14320) #
I got the Elias rankings off the Toronto Sun's website.

CORRECTIONS FOR 11/4

Corrected Mike Myers to lhp - thanks Ed.

Removed letter designations from Vina, Fassero and Carpenter (all options declined by St. Louis) and John F. Mabry (option declined by Seattle - another joke that no one saw).

Removed SUPREME ALL-TIME ALL-EVERYTHING SUPERSTAR Luis Sojo from the Yankees - he's their new first base coach.

I would have removed Russ Ortiz, as his option was picked up by Atlanta, but he wasn't on the original list. Damn ESPN!
Mike Green - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 08:05 PM EST (#14321) #
Felix Heredia declined his 1.7 mil player option for next year. No comment.
_Jonny German - Tuesday, November 04 2003 @ 11:02 PM EST (#14322) #
Waddyaknow, a bitter Mike Green is actually pretty funny. My comment is: Felix is nuts. He had a good year, sure, but the teams that are smart enough to realize he's not a LOOGY are also smart enough to realize that his ratios say he's not worth more than a LOOGY.
Eligible Free Agents with Compensation Rankings | 63 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.