Diamond in the Rough Free Agents

by David Bloom on Dec 11, 2005 9:01 PM EST

The Stuart Sternberg regime is a couple of months old now, and within that span of time we have seen the organizations with plenty of money to burn make some pretty average players rich beyond their dreams.

The money that was thrown at Burnett after not even being one of the top 30 starting pitchers is kind of ridiculous. I do not blame Matt Morris for looking for a new home after seeing the Cardinals salivate over A.J. Burnett. You add either Morris or Burnett to your rotation you are getting about the same grade of a pitcher.

In a sense, the Rays have some smart people running the organization. Joe Fan may want them to shell out big bucks for a big name. But, these guys seem to have the big picture in mind. Sure, they could have made a trade last week, but with thes likes of Huff, Lugo and Baez signed for just one more year, we have plenty of time to look to move them. Its a long time from now until the trading July 31 deadline.

So, what can the Rays do in the meantime. Well, from my point of view there is still a large collection of names to choose from who could help this team.

Editor's Free Agent Likes/Dislikes

Yes

Definately No

Nomar Garciaparra
Kevin Millwood
Jeff Weaver
Jarrod Washburn
Jason Johnson
Frank Thomas
Scott Elarton
Bernie Williams
Kevin Millar
Ricardo Rincon
Rich Aurilia
Alex S. Gonzalez
Travis Lee
Eduardo A. Perez
Tony Armas Jr
Joey Eischen
Shawn Estes
Todd Hollandsworth
Matt Mantei
Jeromy Burnitz
Todd Greene
Braden Looper
Tino Martinez
Erubiel Durazo
Doug Mientkiewicz
Brad Fullmer
Ty Wigginton
Brett Tomko

Johnny Damon
Reggie Sanders
Mike Piazza
Preston Wilson
Rondell White
Brad Ausmus
Jamie Moyer
Juan Encarnacion
Sammy Sosa
Joe Randa

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Comments

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Remove the following people from the list of those who could help.

Scott Elarton - Absolutely terrible. I wouldn't even want him as an innings eater. We're better off with Hendrickson.

Bernie Williams - Thanks, but no thanks.

Rich Aurilia - His career year is long since past. He's just not worth a roster spot.

Matt Mantei - Going to cost more than his injuries are worth.

Jeromy Burnitz - We don't need an outfielder... and if we did, it wouldn't be him.

Now... guys who I'd really love to see from your list.

Jarrod Washburn - Come to us little Angels... Here's an inning eater with upside.

Ty Wigginton - I love it. Still young. Still has ability.

BigJon

by BigJon @ DRaysBay on Dec 11, 2005 11:53 PM EST reply actions

Wiggy

How is he lasting this long this offseason? He may be streaky, but he's got some big upside.

Also, I wouldn't mind acquiring Randa. He'd be a good Utility hitter...Plus, you gotta love "The Joker"

by Jacob Larsen on Dec 12, 2005 1:20 AM EST up reply actions

Shinji Mori

We won the rights to negotiate with this guy from Japan. I sent my uncle an e-mail who is in Sasebo and keeps up with the Japanese League/Pacific League and he says he matches up to a Jeff Nelson type reliever.

So I guess this is the NDRO maybe getting some bullpen insurance if we do end up trading Baez.

by SeanDubbs on Dec 12, 2005 10:03 PM EST reply actions