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Free Agent Update

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [June 24, 2009 at 2:37pm CST]

June isn't typically a big month for free agency, but few teams seem willing to make their players available, so we could see clubs turn to the free agent market to add depth for the stretch run. Here are updates on a few of the players who could help contending teams the most:

Pedro Martinez - We heard all about Pedro last week and now we have a list of teams that won't sign him. The Angels, Dodgers and Yankees aren't interested, the Nats and Brewers didn't see him throw, the Rangers think he's too pricey and the Rays only have interest in him as a starter. Could the Cubs or Cardinals offer him a deal?
Ben Sheets - He's not far enough along to be talking contract, but the Rangers have maintained contact with him. The Dodgers, Tigers, Angels and, ironically, the Brewers are among the teams that could use another starter.
Paul Byrd - There's been little reported interest in Byrd, but he says he's ready to go and waiting for calls. Last year he averaged six innings for 30 starts and kept his walk rate under two per nine, so he could be a solid pickup.
Wily Mo Pena - Not the difference maker teams dream about adding, but he has pop and is still just 27. We haven't heard anything since the Mets released him the other day.
Javier Valentin - Valentin, who was released along with Pena, played respectably in a part time role as a catcher in Cincinnati for the past five seasons, posting a .755 OPS in over 400 games.

Comments

With Martinez I think someone should sit down with him and his agent and basically offer him a pro rated $2mm which means he would make about 1.2MM if he started pitching right now plus $1mm in incentives for various things.

If he says no, then let the guy sit by the pool kissing a picture of himself while listening to a self made tape of his own voice saying "Pedro, you are the best, you are the best that has ever thrown a ball" and other such egotistical statements.

I am sick and tired of hearing about him, he reminds me of a baseball version of Peter Forsberg. A lot of talent, a great career but a lot of injuries and a lot of ego.

Posted by: xethicx | June 24, 2009 at 02:47 PM

I think the Cards will of Pedro a deal but it won't be what he wants. I must say though, I am surprised we haven't heard much on Byrd.

Posted by: Cardinals Fan Forever | June 24, 2009 at 02:49 PM

Byrd is an intersting option. Nothing fancy but throws strikes and can get you innings.

If the Brewers are set on not dealing top prospects for pitching....he could be a decent rotation option for them. Byrd in the NL should work out better too than the AL.

Or they should suck up their pride and start talking to Sheets....

Posted by: Hermie13 | June 24, 2009 at 03:16 PM

"suck up their pride and start talking to Sheets..."

About what? About how he probably won't even pitch this season, at the rate he seems to be going? Usually with these kind of guys, no news is bad news. Pretending like he's a viable option at this point yet this season is being rather optimistic.

Posted by: Invader3K | June 24, 2009 at 04:10 PM

How is the Brewers' interest in Sheets ironic?

Anyway, Pedro should be handed 500K guaranteed with 1 million in incentives at the most for innings pitched. If he doesn't like it, the game is going on merrily without you.

Valentin will get picked up somewhere. Oakland, maybe?

Pena needs coaching, and a lot of it.

Posted by: www.homehalfway.net | June 24, 2009 at 04:42 PM

any word on Jim Edmonds?
I suppose the Cards would be tuned in if he was able to do much.

Posted by: Tigerdog | June 24, 2009 at 04:53 PM

The lack of interest in Edmonds and Gruzielanek is very weird, for sure.

Edmonds = A's or Reds
Grudz = Brewers or Giants

Posted by: www.homehalfway.net | June 24, 2009 at 05:12 PM

Just a thought -- Wily Mo could be a cheap attempt for the Reds to get a right-handed bat with some power. He's a known quantity in Cincinnati, so its not like they wouldn't be understanding of just what they were getting -- plus he comes at the league minimum with the Nats paying the rest of the meat and potatoes IIRC.

Posted by: TommyElf | June 24, 2009 at 05:24 PM

"Pena needs coaching, and a lot of it.

Posted by: Michael M | June 24, 2009 at 04:42 PM"

He should sign and be sent to A ball.. Or rookie ball and learn how to hit, and then come back next year.

Posted by: 661dodgerblue | June 24, 2009 at 07:14 PM

If he is rehabing in Texas, as was reported here a few weeks ago, there isnt much to be said.

'How is the Brewers' interest in Sheets ironic?'

Because he left under low-balling terms, cost them a pick with surgery, that theyd paid for, and now they would be crawling back...

Posted by: lakersdodgersyankees4life | June 25, 2009 at 03:04 AM

Irony is like when you lose money on your own budget plan, or when a mechanic gets in an auto accident due to his defunct car.

Sheets coming back wouldn't be ironic, it wouldn't be anything really. Interesting and a tad belittling for Sheets, maybe.

Posted by: www.homehalfway.net | June 25, 2009 at 09:04 AM

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