The Indians, Twins, Athletics, Braves, Padres and Giants could find themselves pursuing left fielders this offseason. Here's a preliminary look at which players will be available at the position:
Starting Left Fielders Available In Free Agency
No free agent left fielder will command Carl Crawford money this offseason. Josh Willingham, the top left fielder available, appears to be in line for a two or three-year deal.
Ryan Ludwick could draw interest, though his homer total and OPS have fallen for three consecutive seasons. Raul Ibanez and Laynce Nix also have power, but it's unclear if teams will see them as a viable everyday options. Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer have both have played left field before, although they didn't play much of it in 2011. Similarly, Johnny Damon isn't an everyday defender. Juan Pierre will likely find an everyday job.
Quality Backups
Jonny Gomes, Juan Rivera and Bill Hall are useful bats against left-handed pitching and Wily Mo Pena and Marcus Thames have also had success against southpaws. Scott Hairston, Travis Buck, Willie Harris and Reed Johnson can add value off of the bench. Mark DeRosa and Carlos Guillen spent considerable time on the disabled list in 2011. Pat Burrell would only play for the Giants and the Braves may exercise their club option for Eric Hinske.
Non-Tender Candidates
Luke Scott, Jeremy Hermida, Steven Pearce, Ryan Spilborghs and Delmon Young are all non-tender candidates to one degree or another. Young may be a non-tender candidate in name only after his powerful stint in Detroit.
Thinking Outside The Box
Free agent David DeJesus has played left field before, though not in 2011. Scott Boras clients Carlos Beltran and J.D. Drew could be fits in left field, despite their inexperience at the position. Ryan Doumit could be worth a shot in left field and if might be easier on Grady Sizemore's knees to play left, rather than center.
Other Trade Candidates
Ed Wade and Theo Epstein may hope to move Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano and their generous contracts. Chris Heisey and Yonder Alonso may come up in trade talks as the Reds look to acquire a top starter. Logan Morrison appears to have displeased his bosses at times and could be on the block. The Angels could move Bobby Abreu and clear their outfield logjam. Younger left fielders, such as Josh Reddick, could also be available this offseason.
Check out the full free agent list, as well as our articles on the markets at catcher, first base, second base, third base and shortstop.
I could see the Reds trading Alonzo and Grandel for Shields.
I can see one of those going in a trade for shields, but not both.
I wish someone would take Abreu. We’ll kick in a few million to sweeten the pot. Between Trumbo, Bourjos, Wells, Hunter, Morales, and Trout we should have enough coverage for DH, 1B, and the outfield.
Bill Hall LOL….
For the record, Carl Crawford shouldn’t have commanded Carl Crawford money last season either.
Not sure if Carlos Lee would waive his no-trade clause, but I might swap Derek Lowe for Lee.
Crazy, according to B-R Lee was worth 4.6 wins in 2011, 2.5 offensively and 2.1 defensively. Yeah, I agree with the noise that WAR isn’t the end all say all.
The money is similar for those two vets (Astros would probably split the difference) and the Braves have way too many arms in need of big league starts to not seriously ponder this type of move.
For Lee’s sake, man I hope he’d waive his N/T clause to go to a really good team with a good shot at the playoffs after finishing no higher then third place in his five years at home (er Houston).
Cody Ross can play Left Field! Why is his name never mentioned when these articles about left field are written?
Because he’s Cody Ross.
That’s very interesting! Why didn’t I know that in the first place.
If Young does get non-tendered I’d like to see the Tigers pursue Pierre. Even if he isn’t what he used to be we could use the speed.
Good luck outbidding me there.
Sincerely,
N. Colletti
Considering he’s paying Pierre to play for another team, I doubt he’ll dip his beak there again.
What exactly would you use Pierre’s speed for? He is a poor percentage base stealer (61% last year) so his impact in that area is negative, and he is a poor outfielder. I suppose his speed might be useful in taking extra bases; I am not sure if he is effective that way. But otherwise saying you can use his speed is like saying you can use Burrell’s strength even though he no longer hits home runs.
Out of curiosity would this WS success of the Card’s bench OFs and the failure of Holliday make him a trade candidate?
Does he have a notrade clause, would he waive it?
Return to Colorado would be appropriate to boost his numbers again…he seems sort of cursed in St Louis. Anything bad that can happen to him does.
Once he recovers from getting hit in the nuts by James Loney’s flyball, he should be fine.
Holliday didn’t really have that injury history last year. And while he fought numerous injuries this year, he still played great when he was healthy.
IF Pujols is gone, they need to keep all of these guys. Craig becomes what he should’ve been by this year anyway which is a starting corner OFer…..He’d move to RB and Berkman would move to 1B.
Then I’d look for the Cards to use the $s to make several moves to improve areas…..1st they’d look to still resign Furcal. Then they’d look to improve CF (Crisp?), 2B (maybe an A.Hill?), SP (another LHer a’la Bedard or Maholm, maybe), ‘pen arm (Broxton? Maybe, R.Soriano?)
No mention of Carlos Quentin I know he played RF last year but any RF can play LF and CQ has also played LF for an entire season before… seemed like an odd ommission especially since sox fans feel he is about 99 percent likely to be moved.
Braves could change Eric Hinske with Luke Scott or Ryan Doumit. Those guys would be great additions, how much money would it take?
I’d rather have Hinske over either of those guys.
somebody take Wells!
Wells own wife wouldn’t take him, so I doubt another team will.
Quentin may be the best available power hitting LF. Braves and Phillies have been interested before.
How about Jair Jurrjens, Randall Delgado, Martin Prado, and Matt Lipka for Juan Francisco, Zach Cozart and Yonder Alonso?
no
When I first saw this trade I hated the idea, but after some thought, it seem somewhat beneficial for both teams.
Anyone gonna bite on either Lee or Soriano. Everyone else is young (outside of Abreu). Would be nice to see a boatload of trades, given the poor quality of overall talent available in FA this year.
Those derek lowe diehards will have to follow him to Cleveland, thanks frank wren for unloading a starter that in all respect cost us (Braves) a playoff spot. We have better arms still waiting in the wings, lets go het them ready for a run in 2012.