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Sunday, October 30, 2011

148 players file for free agency

They didn’t waste any time, did they?

Boston Red Sox
Bedard, Erik
Drew, J.D.
Jackson, Conor
Miller, Trever
Ortiz, David
Papelbon, Jon
Varitek, Jason
Wakefield, Tim

Milwaukee Brewers
Betancourt, Yuniesky
Counsell, Craig
Fielder, Prince
Hairston Jr, Jerry
Hawkins, LaTroy
Kotsay, Mark S.
Rodriguez, Francisco
Saito, Takashi

New York Mets
Batista, Miguel
Capuano, Chris
Hairston, Scott
Harris, Willie
Isringhausen, Jason
Reyes, Jose
Young, Chris

New York Yankees
Ayala, Luis
Chavez, Eric
Colon, Bartolo
Garcia, Freddy Antonio
Jones, Andruw
Marte, Damaso
Mitre, Sergio
Posada, Jorge

St. Louis Cardinals
Jackson, Edwin
Laird, Gerald
Pujols, Albert
Punto, Nick
Rhodes, Arthur

Texas Rangers
Chavez, Endy
Gonzalez, Mike
Oliver, Darren
Treanor, Matt
Webb, Brandon
Wilson, C.J.

Mike Emeigh Posted: October 30, 2011 at 05:40 PM | 58 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: business

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1. Monty Posted: October 30, 2011 at 05:55 PM (#3982792)

Wakefield, Tim

I thought the Red Sox had some sort of in-perpetuity one-year option on him or something. I also thought, with somewhat greater confidence, that after this season, his value on the free agent market was roughly zero.

2. Swedish Chef Posted: October 30, 2011 at 06:00 PM (#3982797)

I thought the Red Sox had some sort of in-perpetuity one-year option on him or something.

They renegotiated his contract two years ago.

3. Good cripple hitter Posted: October 30, 2011 at 06:03 PM (#3982798)

He did but after the 2009 season he renegotiated his perpetual 4 million dollar option into a 2 year, 5 million dollar contract.

4. Gamingboy Posted: October 30, 2011 at 06:18 PM (#3982805)

Quick question: Would it be possible for a player to NOT file for free agency (whether by choice or by paperwork error), and if so, what would then happen?

5. Walt Davis Posted: October 30, 2011 at 06:31 PM (#3982813)

Does this mean the Brewers declined Betancourt's option?

6. Swedish Chef Posted: October 30, 2011 at 06:35 PM (#3982815)

Quick question: Would it be possible for a player to NOT file for free agency (whether by choice or by paperwork error), and if so, what would then happen?

I assume he would be free to negotiate with his current club and no others, with little leverage beyond threatening to have a snit. I guess he could always try to sue his incompetent agent.

7. Juilin Sandar to Conkling Speedwell (Arjun) Posted: October 30, 2011 at 06:38 PM (#3982817)

why do Kuroda and Fukudome have asterisks in the full article?

8. Russ Posted: October 30, 2011 at 06:39 PM (#3982819)

The Pirates have only Lee and Ludwick... the harder decisions will be the options to pick up or decline: Cedeno, Doumit, Maholm, and Snyder. Not really an easy decision in the bunch, other than Cedeno.

9. Chris Pummer Posted: October 30, 2011 at 06:44 PM (#3982823)

If I had to guess, the asterisks by Kuroda and Fukudome have to do with arbitration eligibility without accounting for specific clauses in their contracts preventing teams from offering arbitration.

10. Commissioner Bud Black Beltre Hillman Fred Posted: October 30, 2011 at 06:47 PM (#3982825)

Quick question: Would it be possible for a player to NOT file for free agency (whether by choice or by paperwork error), and if so, what would then happen?

I believe this happened to Terrell Owens in the NFL; there was some change to the CBA and .... here's the wikipedia:

Although Owens was eager to leave the 49ers, the 49ers asserted that Owens' previous agent, David Joseph, had missed the deadline to void the final years of his contract with the team. The NFLPA and Owens disputed this assertion, contending that the deadline referred to by the 49ers was not the applicable deadline. On March 4, 2004, San Francisco, believing it still held Owens' rights, attempted to trade Owens to the Baltimore Ravens for a second round pick in the 2004 draft. However, Owens challenged the 49ers' right to make the deal. Owens assumed that he would become a free agent on March 3, and did not believe that the earlier deadline was applicable. Hence, he negotiated with other teams in advance of his expected free agency, and reached a contract agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles, whose fan base strongly supported Owens in his desire to play for the team. The NFLPA filed a grievance on his behalf.
Before an arbitrator could make a ruling on Owens' grievance, the NFL and the three teams involved in the controversy reached a settlement on March 16, 2004. The Ravens got their second-round pick back from San Francisco, and the 49ers in turn received a conditional fifth-round pick and defensive end Brandon Whiting from the Eagles in exchange for the rights to Owens. Owens' contract with the Eagles was reported to be worth $49 million for seven years, including a $10 million signing bonus.

11. Dag Nabbit: Sockless Psychopath Posted: October 30, 2011 at 06:50 PM (#3982827)

If BTF going to do one of those guess-where-he-lands contests for this offseason?

12. jmp Posted: October 30, 2011 at 06:51 PM (#3982828)

Does this mean the Brewers declined Betancourt's option?

ESPN has an AP piece that confirms this.

13. Nasty Nate Posted: October 30, 2011 at 07:01 PM (#3982836)

...no CC yet

14. Tripon Posted: October 30, 2011 at 07:12 PM (#3982847)

C.C. has til Monday.

Edit: I don't think C.C. opts out. Nobody will give him as much money as the Yankees has, and I think the Yankees will not let themselves be A-Rod again.

15. jwb Posted: October 30, 2011 at 07:28 PM (#3982852)

Does this mean the Brewers declined Betancourt's option?

If you scroll down on the article, there's a slightly out-of-date list of players with options.

16. Dale H. Posted: October 30, 2011 at 07:40 PM (#3982858)

Maddux accepted arbitration one year rather than leaving through free agency, forcing the Braves to make a financially-motivated move to handle his salary. So if they're offered arbitration (in order for the team to get their compensation picks) this is what happens. If they weren't? I dunno.

17. esseff Posted: October 30, 2011 at 07:43 PM (#3982859)

Would it be possible for a player to NOT file for free agency (whether by choice or by paperwork error), and if so, what would then happen?

Well, he'd still have his arbitration rights, but no hope of a multiyear deal. And the kind of player who might choose to do this -- to remain with his team because he has no prospect of a major-league offer on the FA market -- is likely to end up non-tendered in a month and become a free agent anyway.

The filing is really a pro forma thing; not much news. Even most of the guys who are retiring will observe the formality of filing.

18. Nasty Nate Posted: October 30, 2011 at 07:51 PM (#3982861)

Edit: I don't think C.C. opts out. Nobody will give him as much money as the Yankees has, and I think the Yankees will not let themselves be A-Rod again.

well, the clock is winding down for a new deal

19. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: October 30, 2011 at 08:18 PM (#3982867)

The Pirates have only Lee and Ludwick... the harder decisions will be the options to pick up or decline: Cedeno, Doumit, Maholm, and Snyder. Not really an easy decision in the bunch, other than Cedeno.

They've already indicated that they're going to decline all but Cedeno, who's iffy.

20. Captain Joe Bivens, Pointless and Wonderful Posted: October 30, 2011 at 08:45 PM (#3982879)

Keefe is on the list, right? He has to go to the Marlins.

21. Captain Joe Bivens, Pointless and Wonderful Posted: October 30, 2011 at 08:59 PM (#3982883)

I want the Red Sox to go after Kubel. They need a RH bat. He'd fit nicely.

22. JJ1986 Posted: October 30, 2011 at 09:10 PM (#3982885)

Kubel hits left-handed.

23. cardsfanboy

Posted: October 30, 2011 at 09:11 PM (#3982886)

If BTF going to do one of those guess-where-he-lands contests for this offseason?

I'm all up for that. Although a list of all the free agents would get a bit unwieldy, heck even top 50 would probably be somewhat tough to track. But I'll take the first name on the list right now.

Albert Pujols---Cardinals.
Oswalt--Yankees...
Fielder Brewers...that is all

24. Greg K Posted: October 30, 2011 at 09:13 PM (#3982889)

Where is Brandon Webb physically?
Is he pretty much in Mark Prior land now?

25. Jim Wisinski

Posted: October 30, 2011 at 09:17 PM (#3982892)

I'm pretty sure that MLB changed the free agency process fairly recently. It used to be that players had to file for free agency but now everybody that is eligible is automatically made a free agent.

26. Jim Wisinski

Posted: October 30, 2011 at 09:20 PM (#3982893)

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100930&content_id=15257512&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

Here's an article about it, it actually just happened after last season.

Players with six years of playing time will automatically become free agents after the World Series under the new rules. In the past, players had the 15-day period to decide whether to file for the privilege.

27. Captain Joe Bivens, Pointless and Wonderful Posted: October 30, 2011 at 09:27 PM (#3982895)

Kubel hits left-handed.

It seems that you have me at somewhat of a disadvantage.

28. puck Posted: October 30, 2011 at 09:29 PM (#3982896)

Keefe is on the list, right?

Does he have 6 years service time already?

Join Date March 22, 2005 08:18 PM

Hmm...I guess so.

29. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: October 30, 2011 at 09:33 PM (#3982899)

Albert Pujols---Cardinals.
Oswalt--Yankees...
Fielder Brewers...that is all

I'd love to see the Yankees end up with Oswalt so I'm happy to subscribe to this, but is there any reason to think Fielder is going back to Milwaukee?

30. cardsfanboy

Posted: October 30, 2011 at 09:41 PM (#3982902)

I'd love to see the Yankees end up with Oswalt so I'm happy to subscribe to this, but is there any reason to think Fielder is going back to Milwaukee?

None, except that I think this run by the Brewers might open up the purse strings, and I think that if Pujols signs with the Cardinals fairly early that Fielder might want to follow suit. It's also just wishful thinking of course, I always want great players to stay with the team that developed them.

Of course I think the two biggest names in the free agent market this season, will be the Mets and Cubs(although the Mets might have financial problems that prevent this)

31. Silencio Posted: October 30, 2011 at 10:44 PM (#3982926)

Giants signed Javier Lopez to a 2 year/8.5 million deal. All the other relievers on the market just became engorged.

32. Best Regards, President of Comfort, Esq., LLC Posted: October 30, 2011 at 10:47 PM (#3982928)

CC will opt out if he doesn't agree to a new contract before the deadline, but he'll re-sign with the Yankees either way.

33. Best Regards, President of Comfort, Esq., LLC Posted: October 30, 2011 at 10:48 PM (#3982930)

The filing is really a pro forma thing; not much news. Even most of the guys who are retiring will observe the formality of filing.

Well, the reason they do that is on the off-chance they decide to un-retire, they'll be able to sign with any team instead of the team they last played for.

34. Tricky Dick Posted: October 30, 2011 at 11:19 PM (#3982945)

Not really an easy decision in the bunch, other than Cedeno.

Just curious...is it easy because he should be let go, or because he should be re-signed by the Pirates?

35. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past

Posted: October 30, 2011 at 11:19 PM (#3982946)

Well, the reason they do that is on the off-chance they decide to un-retire, they'll be able to sign with any team instead of the team they last played for.

Yes, so they all do, except for one that I know of - Will Clark. Despite a great September, he said he was done, he didn't file, and that was it.

36. Fancy Pants Handle struck out swinging Posted: October 31, 2011 at 12:17 AM (#3982962)

If BTF going to do one of those guess-where-he-lands contests for this offseason?

Order is the way they were listed in TFA. Also, I noticed the Marlins were listed as Miami Marlins. That feels weird...

Ortiz - Red Sox
Papelbon - Phillies
Pena - Cardinals
Fielder - Cubs
Reyes - Giants
Oswalt - Yankees
Rollins - Angels
Bell - Red Sox
Beltran - Rangers
Jackson - Red Sox
Pujols - Rangers
Wilson - Yankees
Darvish - Red Sox

37. Colonel Lagis Posted: October 31, 2011 at 12:39 AM (#3982975)

Freddy Garcia?

Oh . . . you mean Freddy Antonio Garcia.

38. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: October 31, 2011 at 01:43 AM (#3983013)

Ortiz - Red Sox
Papelbon - Cubs
Pena - Orioles
Fielder - Rangers
Reyes - Giants
Oswalt - Reds
Rollins - Braves
Bell - Red Sox
Beltran - Marlins
Jackson - Nationals
Pujols - Cardinals
Wilson - Tigers
Darvish - Blue Jays

39. Harveys Wallbangers

Posted: October 31, 2011 at 01:57 AM (#3983023)

Someone please help explain why Texas would spend money on Fielder.

Legitimately curious.

40. SteveM. Posted: October 31, 2011 at 02:40 AM (#3983044)

Someone please help explain why Texas would spend money on Fielder

Based on their game with the Eagles, the Cowboys could use him on the offensive line.

41. Fancy Pants Handle struck out swinging Posted: October 31, 2011 at 02:47 AM (#3983050)

Someone please help explain why Texas would spend money on Fielder.

Legitimately curious.

Because they gave 500 PA's to Mitch Moreland, and his sparkly 92 OPS+. And they have money to spend. And they can slide him to DH when (not if) his fielding becomes unbearable.

42. Textbook Editor Posted: October 31, 2011 at 04:35 AM (#3983088)

I'd be genuinely amused at Papelbon in Philly. Hell, if that happens I want the Red Sox to sign Madson *and* Bell, but I would take Madson--who I think could give you 95% of Papelbon's output at maybe 75% of the cost.

43. phredbird

Posted: October 31, 2011 at 04:43 AM (#3983091)

i really wish the dodgers had some way to land fielder. he'd be really big in LA. well, he'd be big anywhere -- snort -- but he'd be REALLY big in L.A.

44. toratoratora Posted: October 31, 2011 at 01:09 PM (#3983171)

Someone please help explain why Texas would spend money on Fielder.

Legitimately curious.

Because they gave 500 PA's to Mitch Moreland, and his sparkly 92 OPS+. And they have money to spend. And they can slide him to DH when (not if) his fielding becomes unbearable.

And also
1-They're from Texas
2-They've been to the series twice in two years, coming heartrendingly short this year. They can trumpet Prince as the player that put em over the top.If nothing else, they can point at the signing and say, "Hey, we tried our damndest." Soothe the fan base.
3-They have this shiny new cable deal, and Prince is a public relations stud. He comes off as one of the funnest players in the game.Everything I've seen says fans like him. Heck, even the press seems pro-Prince. And how can you not like a guy who steals Beast Mode from Monsters Inc.?
4-Holy Gawd, what a lineup they would have.It might just cover for the loss of Lewis.
5-They have gads of money to spend.
6-As noted above, they are competing in the AL with Mitch freaking Moreland at 3rd. Do you think they may just have won the series this year had they a Pujols/Prince instead of Mitch?
7-Did I mention that they are from Texas?

45. toratoratora Posted: October 31, 2011 at 01:54 PM (#3983195)

errr, that should say 1st, not 3rd.

46. Don Lock Posted: October 31, 2011 at 02:13 PM (#3983211)

Can't see Fielder going to the AL to be a dh. No one will spend huge money($20) for a non-position player. It would be a bad choice for him as a player and the team that signed him.

I suspect he would become less valuable each year he stayed in the dugout. Billy Butler is an example of a young dh who hasn't thrived there. Can't think of any under-30 dh who were great at it.

Baltimore fans are suggesting signing the Prince to play 1b and moving Reynolds to dh.Guess how many dh at bats Reynolds had last year? Zero , and asked to avoid the job. He probably knew concentrating only on hitting and sitting for three hours thinking about it would not be good for him personally.

47. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: October 31, 2011 at 02:13 PM (#3983212)

They're just WAG guys. Besides, a lot of signings seem to come out of the blue. Jayson Werth to the Nats?

Anyway, my reasoning was the same as above. Huge upgrade over Moreland. They have cash to spend. Their window is now and over the next few seasons. Gives them a legit cleanup bat over Michael Young. And he can transition to DH as he gets older. And yes, they're Texas.

I didn't know where to put Paps. I don't see him returning to Boston. Don't really see Philly. Overpaying for Paps doesn't seem like Theo's MO, although the Cubs could use some bullpen help. Can't really count on Ed Wade overpaying for relievers anymore. So I guess Cubs although your guess is as good as mine.

48. Karl from NY Posted: October 31, 2011 at 02:15 PM (#3983215)

Keefe is on the list, right?
Does he have 6 years service time already?

Keefe was on the team for the 2005 World Serious so Al you know he has seven years Service Time all ready.

49. JJ1986 Posted: October 31, 2011 at 04:16 PM (#3983404)

Ronny Cedeno's option has been declined.

50. Zonk Won the Mental Acuity Golf Trophy at his Club Posted: October 31, 2011 at 04:42 PM (#3983436)

Ronny Cedeno's option has been declined.

So you're saying there's a Jose Reyes fallback option...

51. Fancy Pants Handle struck out swinging Posted: October 31, 2011 at 05:05 PM (#3983454)

Can't see Fielder going to the AL to be a dh. No one will spend huge money($20) for a non-position player. It would be a bad choice for him as a player and the team that signed him.

Of course he's going to GO as a 1B. But 6-7 years into the deal is another matter entirely. Prince is allready challenged defensively, it really doesn't take a lot of imagination to figure that he might not be able to hack it when he enteres his mid-thirties. And the OPTION of sliding him to DH when that point comes makes him far less risky for AL teams.

I'll note that I originally had Fielder to the Rangers, and Pujols staying with Cardinals, but changed it at the last second...

I didn't know where to put Paps.

Honestly, I have no idea why I picked Philly either. Just seemed like they needed to make a move somewhere though, considering how their season ended.

52. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past

Posted: October 31, 2011 at 10:16 PM (#3983760)

I tend to think players don't want to DH because it stereotypes them as unable to play the field effectively. That constrains their value in future contracts.

53. AJMcCringleberry Posted: October 31, 2011 at 11:00 PM (#3983797)

Jason Giambi exercised his (I think they said $1 million) option. Seems like a good deal for the Rockies.

54. Greg K Posted: November 01, 2011 at 11:28 AM (#3984075)

MLB TradeRumors has a set of predictions up. Some interesting picks. They certainly expect the Jays to be busy listing them as interested in Pujols, CJ Wilson and projected to land Yu Darvish, David Ortiz and Erik Bedard.

I think I might switch in Kelly Johnson for Ortiz, but those three seem reasonable (though really Darvish could end up anywhere)

55. jacksone (AKA It's OK...) Posted: November 01, 2011 at 05:37 PM (#3984357)

Is Papelbon going to be the first closer that signs, or the last? Knowing how much he has wanted to test FA I wonder if he will take his time and end up in a less than ideal situation if Bell and Madson and maybe Rodriguez sign before Paps.

56. Drew (Primakov, Gungho Iguanas) Posted: November 04, 2011 at 02:50 AM (#3986224)

Ortiz - Red Sox
Papelbon - Phillies
Pena - Pirates
Fielder - Rangers
Reyes - Phillies
Oswalt - Yankees
Rollins - Giants
Bell - Red Sox
Beltran - Giants
Jackson - Red Sox
Pujols - Cubs
Wilson - Rangers
Darvish - Red Sox

57. Drew (Primakov, Gungho Iguanas) Posted: November 13, 2011 at 04:26 AM (#3992375)

Fancy Pants and I are 1 for 1.

58. Drew (Primakov, Gungho Iguanas) Posted: November 14, 2011 at 11:18 PM (#3993549)

And probably 1 for 2. =/

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148 players file for free agency

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