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Remaining Free Agent Starters

By Tim Dierkes [February 6, 2009 at 2:54pm CST]

19 free agent starters remain, with about a week to go until Spring Training. Let's take a look.

Kris Benson (33) - Last we heard from Ken Rosenthal's source, Benson looked so-so in throwing sessions (he had rotator cuff surgery two years ago). The Dodgers and Cardinals appear to be suitors; the Rangers may be out, having signed Jason Jennings.
Paul Byrd (38) - The Red Sox will miss out on a supplemental draft pick, as Byrd intends to sit out the first half and then possibly sign with a contender. He'd prefer the Braves, Rays, or Marlins.
Shawn Chacon (31) - In December, Chacon's agent said he was drawing interest from a few teams. Chacon was released in June after a physical confrontation with Astros GM Ed Wade.
Tom Glavine (43) - He wants to return to Atlanta, but may seek a big league deal worth $2-3MM guaranteed. He had minor elbow and shoulder surgeries in August. The Nationals have been kicked around as a distant Plan B, though they just signed Odalis Perez.
Scott Elarton (33) - He worked out for the Padres, but they declined to sign him. Ditto Steve Trachsel and Brian Lawrence.
Livan Hernandez (34) - Apparently remains on the Padres' radar.
Orlando Hernandez (43) - We learned from Ken Davidoff in November that not only does El Duque want to pitch in '09 after missing all of '08, he wants to close.
Chuck James (27) - James, only 27, was non-tendered by the Braves in December. He had rotator cuff and labrum surgery in September, so he won't be ready until the second half.
Jon Lieber (39) - We haven't heard anything about Lieber all winter. He suggested in June that he was mulling retirement after the season.
Braden Looper (34) - Despite interest from the Orioles, Looper prefers the NL. If the Dodgers sign Randy Wolf, maybe he'll turn to the Pirates.
Rodrigo Lopez (33) - All quiet on the Lopez front; last I checked he was a Scott Boras client. The Braves declined his '09 option. Lopez had Tommy John and flexor tendon surgery in August of '07.
Pedro Martinez (37) - Pedro intends to showcase himself in the World Baseball Classic. The Pirates were involved at one point.
Mark Mulder (31) - Mulder's audition was set for early February. The A's and Brewers were linked to him at one point but subsequent stories made those teams sound less interested.
Sidney Ponson (32) - Aside from settling his grievance with the Orioles in December, we haven't heard much about him.
Kenny Rogers (44) - He's a candidate to retire.
Curt Schilling (42) - When last reached in January, Schilling had been working out but hadn't decided whether to play in '09. The D'Backs were linked to him around that time.
Ben Sheets (30) - Sheets had an agreement with the Rangers called off when his physical revealed the possible need for flexor tendon surgery. He's having the surgery and aiming for a second half return, likely leaving the Brewers without draft pick compensation.
Kip Wells (32) - He didn't pitch well with the Rockies or Royals in '08, and it's been a quiet winter.
Randy Wolf (32) - Wolf is expected to sign with the Dodgers soon.