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One of baseball's rising stars recently told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports that he was concerned about the flurry of contract extensions in baseball and the effect it could have on all players.  Free agency, the player argued, helped to make the players union into the powerhouse that it is today.  More extensions around baseball means fewer top players reaching free agency, which leads some to believe that there won't be anyone to drive the top of the market.  However, agent Scott Boras and union chief Michael Weiner don't view the increasing number of contract extensions as a problem.

Weiner says that he only asks that players exercise their Basic Agreement rights and is fine with players taking extensions over free agency when it suits their needs.  Boras has a slightly different take on things, saying that some players don't have the right agent representing them in contract talks with their club.  

“The biggest problem the union faces is that there should be more criteria and practical experience before agents can be qualified to represent players with the decisions at hand,” Boras said. “A large number of players believe that a social relationship is the primary foundation — in other words, ‘I like the guy,’ rather than qualifications."

Rosenthal goes on to note that precautions against deals that are too team-friendly are built into the regulations.  Agents are required to consult with the union when representing arbitration-eligible players or working on a contract that will cover arbitration years.  Meanwhile, agents without arbitration experience must consult with an attorney who has gone through the process before.  That means that Anthony Rizzo's seven-year, $41MM pact – which was widely viewed as a win for the Cubs – had input from the union along the way.

While the money is still flowing in for players with extensions, its hard to entirely dismiss what the open market can do in terms of pushing the ceiling.  Justin Verlander, for example, would have given a bigger boost to David Price if he had waited to hit the open market after the 2014 season and signed for $30MM rather than $25.7MM per year in his extension with the Tigers.  For now, the union is fine with the status quo, but Rosenthal could see things changing if the union feels as though its not getting its fair share of revenue.

A couple weeks ago, Tim Dierkes and I took a look at the hardest-throwing pitchers of the 2014 free agent class and those with the highest ground-ball rates. Both of those trends are highly coveted skills to have as a free agent pitcher, as is the ability to limit walks. With an advanced mention of the small sample size caveat (these numbers could change quickly, especially for the relievers), here's a look at the free agent pitchers who have posted the lowest BB/9 marks of the season thus far…

Starters:

1. Bartolo Colon — 0.38
2. Ervin Santana — 1.12
3. Dan Haren — 1.19 
4. Bronson Arroyo — 1.37
5. Wandy Rodriguez — 1.83 ($13MM club option, $2.5MM buyout)
6. Ricky Nolasco — 2.19
7. Jon Lester — 2.26 ($13MM club option, $250K buyout)
8. Hiroki Kuroda — 2.31
9. Phil Hughes — 2.40
10. Mike Pelfrey — 2.58

Relievers:

1. Casey Janssen — 0.00 ($4MM club option, $250K buyout)
2. Edward Mujica — 0.56
3. Bruce Chen — 0.68
4. LaTroy Hawkins — 1.00
5. Matt Thornton — 1.42 ($6MM club option, $1MM club buyout)
6. Koji Uehara — 1.72
7. Joe Smith — 1.98
8. Derek Lowe — 2.19
9. Chad Qualls — 2.20
10. Brandon Lyon — 2.30

Hiroki Kuroda appears on two of the three lists, as do Mike Pelfrey and Phil Hughes. The latter two, of course, have done little to make themselves appetzing for free agent suitors. Jon Lester, at this point, would appear on all three lists, though his club option seems a sure thing to be exercised.

The same can be said of Casey Janssen, who has yet to issue a walk or blow a save on the season as the Blue Jays' closer. The relief crop listed here is mostly one of veteran hurlers (Lowe doesn't figure to generate much interest), but Mujica presents an interesting case. He's taken his game to a new level this season, posting stellar K/BB numbers and a respectable ground-ball rate after being unexpectedly thrust into the ninth inning spotlight in St. Louis. As I said, these numbers are subject to change quickly, and of course it's tough to recover from a few early bouts of poor command as a reliever. Just ask Fernando Rodney, who likely won't crack this list for the rest of the season.

None of these pitchers currently reside in the Top 10 of Tim's free agent power rankings, although I could see Santana working his way in eventually due to the relative weakness of the free agent class. Haren, too, could find himself on that list with a few solid months of work for the Nats, but he's got some catching up to do.

Last year, nine players received qualifying offers worth $13.3MM.  At least two more would have been likely to receive one had they not been deemed ineligible due to midseason trades.  A qualifying offer, if turned down, enables the team losing the free agent to receive a draft pick as compensation.  We haven't seen a player accept a qualifying offer yet, but the process is still in its infancy.  I've estimated the qualifying offer amount at around $14MM for the 2013-14 offseason.  Below, I've drafted an inclusive list of candidates to receive one after the season.  In today's poll, please check all whom you expect to receive a qualifying offer.  You can click here to view the results.

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My team leans toward multi-talented offensive players who can steal a few bases, such as Ryan Braun, Chase Headley, Andrew McCutchen, Austin Jackson, and Alex Rios.  I also made sure not to get drawn in by small samples – Josh Willingham has big power, even if he hasn't shown it in May.  Let us know about your strategy in the comments.  Check out the scoring categories in the rules section.  A screenshot of my roster:

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The Cardinals and Red Sox are among the contenders who may be looking for relief help come July.  Others with bullpen issues at least have designs on contending, even if they're under .500.  Here's a look at some relievers who might be available this summer:

• Fernando Rodney, Kyle Farnsworth, Jamey Wright, Rays.
• Jose Veras and Wesley Wright, Astros.
• Ryan Madson, Scott Downs, Jerome Williams, Angels.
• Steve Cishek, Mike Dunn, Chad Qualls, and Jon Rauch, Marlins.
• Kevin Gregg, James Russell, Carlos Marmol, Cubs.
• Huston Street, Luke Gregerson, Dale Thayer, Padres.
• Frank Francisco, LaTroy Hawkins, Brandon Lyon, Mets.
• Darren Oliver, Blue Jays.
• Jesse Crain, Matt Lindstrom, Matt Thornton, White Sox.
• Oliver Perez, Mariners.
• J.P. Howell, Matt Guerrier, Dodgers.
• Tom Gorzelanny, Mike Gonzalez, Brewers.

A few of these teams might hang on as fringe contenders, others could hang on to their better relievers for credibility's sake, and some may prefer to retain those who are under control beyond 2013 such as Cishek, Gregerson, Dunn, Russell, Lindstrom, and Thornton.  Russell, a lefty with the Cubs, could have particular appeal because he is under team control through 2015 and has been successful so far.

Rentals such as Mike Morse, Kendrys Morales, Matt Garza, Scott Feldman, Ricky Nolasco, Edinson Volquez, and Frank Francisco figure to have their names kicked around the trade market this summer, assuming decent performance from the players and a lack of playoff potential from their employers.  More appealing, however, are players who are under team control beyond this year.  Names to watch:

• David Price, Rays.  Price owns a 6.25 ERA on the season, but his struggles with the longball and hits allowed shouldn't last.  However, his average fastball velocity is at a career-worst 93.3 miles per hour.  The Rays remain a legitimate contender, but if they fall back over the next few months and Price's numbers stabilize, there will be a feeding frenzy.  He's under team control through 2015, though only a few select teams could assemble the necessary package of premium young talent.
• Chase Headley, Padres.  The Padres have talked about making a franchise-record offer to retain Headley, which doesn't mean much since their biggest contract was worth $52MM.  If Headley sticks to his word of not negotiating during the season, the Padres must choose between trading him this summer at peak value, or being forced to deal him during the offseason if talks break down.  The Padres could also look to move controllable players such as Carlos Quentin, Huston Street, Luke Gregerson, and Nick Hundley.
• Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins.  The young slugger is under control through 2016.  He's currently on the DL with a hamstring strain, and the Marlins probably won't want to sell low on the biggest trade chip this summer.  The Marlins may weigh trading Kevin Slowey (under control through next year) or Steve Cishek (through 2017).
• Josh Willingham, Twins.  The Twins are only a game under .500, but if they fall out contention, Willingham could command a premium since he is signed affordably through 2014.  The Twins also have appealing, under-contract relievers in Glen Perkins and Jared Burton.
• Andre Ethier, Dodgers.  The Dodgers could look to unload Ethier's contract, which pays $52MM over 2014-17.
• Jake Peavy, White Sox.  Assuming Peavy's back spasms turn out to be a minor issue, the Sox could market him as something close to an ace.  He's signed through next year but can trigger a player option for 2015 by meeting certain criteria.  Alex Rios and Matt Thornton could be popular as well.
• Tommy Hanson, Angels.  If the Angels aren't contending and feel they might non-tender Hanson after the season, a trade makes sense.  Same goes for the Brewers' John Axford and the Padres' Clayton Richard.
• Bud Norris, Lucas Harrell, Wesley Wright, Justin Maxwell, Chris Carter, Astros.  No one seems off-limits on the Astros, though Jose Altuve would be extremely difficult to pry loose.  Norris is under team control through 2015, Harrell through '17.
• Cliff Lee, Phillies.  Lee is under contract through 2015, with a pricey club/vesting option for '16.  He can block trades to 21 teams each season.  If the Phillies decide to blow up the roster, getting a deal similar to Boston's purge of Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, and Josh Beckett could work.  Lee could serve as the Gonzalez piece, with Ryan Howard tacked on to fill the Crawford role.
• Ike Davis and Jon Niese, Mets.  I generally considered these two as building blocks for the Mets before this season, but if they're playing acceptably this summer I wonder if the team might be willing to discuss them.  Daniel Murphy and Bobby Parnell would hold appeal to other teams as well.
• Alfonso Soriano and David DeJesus, Cubs.  Owing Soriano $18MM for 2014 is generally not viewed as a plus, but he is technically controllable.  With a $6.5MM club option for '14, DeJesus is more appealing.  The Cubs could shop Carlos Villanueva, Scott Hairston, and Nate Schierholtz as well.  It's also worth noting that team ace Jeff Samardzija is under control only through 2015, so if the team can't lock him up and things look bleak for '14, they should entertain offers.
• The Blue Jays are 11-21 on the season and appear likely to become deadline sellers.  While controllable players such as Brandon Morrow and Colby Rasmus would draw interest, it seems more likely to me that the Jays will re-tool and make another push for 2014.  If so, dealing controllable players might not make sense.  I feel similarly about the Brewers.
• The most commonly traded controllable players are, of course, prospects.  We may see names like Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt (Rangers), Nick Castellanos (Tigers), Gregory Polanco (Pirates), Matt Davidson (Diamondbacks), and any number of Cardinals arms bandied about in the coming months.

Catcher Brian McCann will join the Braves tonight in Cincinnati to make his season debut against the Reds.  The 29-year-old missed the first month and change of the 2013 season following August shoulder surgery last year.  It's a big year for McCann, who will be eligible for free agency after the season.  Six other impending free agents project to make their season debuts this month: Corey Hart, Matt Garza, Curtis Granderson, Colby Lewis, Francisco Liriano, and Frank Francisco.  After beginning with all that positive news, here's a look at 2014 free agents currently on the shelf:

• Roy Halladay is likely to hit the DL for a shoulder ailment that dates back to April 24th, which he says is different from last year's malady.  The Phillies' righty will fly to Los Angeles this week to be examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum.  Halladay, 36 this month, has an 8.65 ERA in 34 1/3 innings and seems likely to sign a one-year deal in the offseason.
• The Blue Jays' Josh Johnson is on the DL with triceps soreness, and we haven't heard anything about his timetable.  JJ is headed further downward on our 2014 Free Agents Power Rankings, while Halladay is out of the top ten.
• White Sox righty Gavin Floyd has an appointment this morning with orthopedic surgeon David Altcheck, notes Daryl Van Schouwen of the Chicago Sun-Times.  Tommy John surgery is a strong possibility for Floyd, who would then project to miss at least the first month of the 2014 season under his new contract.
• Speaking of free agents signed coming off Tommy John surgery, the Cubs' Scott Baker resumed his throwing program a week ago.  Baker has had some setbacks after the April 2012 procedure.
• Oakland's Coco Crisp had an amazing start to the season, but hasn't played 140 games in a season since '07.  He's on the DL with a strained hamstring.  That's the same injury affecting Baltimore's Brian Roberts.
• Aside from Granderson, the Yankees have future free agents Derek Jeter, Kevin Youkilis, and Joba Chamberlain on the DL.  Jeter, who fractured his ankle last year, will not reveal his target date for his season debut, but the team expects him out until after the All-Star break.  Jeter will face a $9.5MM player option after the season with a $3MM buyout.  Youkilis has a lumbar spine strain, while Chamberlain strained his right oblique.
• The Mets' Johan Santana is out for the season with shoulder surgery, while the Cardinals can't count on Rafael Furcal (Tommy John) or Chris Carpenter (thoracic outlet syndrome) this year.  The Orioles' Tsuyoshi Wada signed a two-year, $8.14MM deal in December 2011, but had Tommy John surgery in May 2012 and has yet to make his big league debut. 
• Dodgers starters Chris Capuano (strained left calf) and Ted Lilly (strained rib cage muscle) both reside on the DL, at a time when they actually had an opportunity to be in the rotation. 
• The Indians' Brett Myers is weeks away from a return to action after suffering elbow inflammation.  Oakland's Chris Young is battling a strained left quad, while the Tigers' Octavio Dotel has elbow inflammation.

If you're a regular MLBTR reader, you'll be familiar with our chats, Week In Review posts and Baseball Blogs Weigh In feature. Here's some more detail on when you'll see our weekly features and exactly what to expect from them:

• MLBTR Chats - Join Tim Dierkes every Tuesday at 2pm CDT to chat about the latest trades, signings and rumblings around the Major Leagues.
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