Aside from Manny Ramirez, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot left on the free agent market. However, if you’re looking for some good low risk, high reward type players, you have quite a few bargains still out there.
Catchers
Gary Bennett (37)
Johnny Estrada (33)
Paul Lo Duca (37) – Type B, not offered arb
Ivan Rodriguez (37) – Type B, not offered arb
There’s nothing here that I would consider an upgrade over Schneider or Castro. I’m not that big on Castro, and I would move him if we could, but mostly because I think Cancel could do the same job for a lot less.
First basemen
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Doug Mientkiewicz (35)
Richie Sexson (34)
Mark Sweeney (39)
Here is where I see a nice opportunity for the Mets. I would love to see Garciaparra added to our bench. I know the Phillies are closing in because they are desperate for some right handed power, but why not just head them off at the pass. I think Nomar still has some magic left in him
Second basemen
Ray Durham (37)
Damion Easley (39)
Mark Grudzielanek (39) – Type B, offered arb
No thanks, I’ll pass… These guys make Castillo look like Honus Wagner.
Shortstops
Orlando Cabrera (34) – Type A, offered arb
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
There’s that Nomar guy again…
Third basemen
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Is there anything this guy can’t do? Come on Omar, sign Nomar! Hey that rhymes…
Outfielders
Moises Alou (42) – Type B, not offered arb
Garret Anderson (37) – Type B, not offered arb
Luis Gonzalez (41) – Type B, not offered arb
Jim Edmonds (39)
Jay Payton (36)
Manny Ramirez (37) – Type A, offered arb
Manny isn’t coming and as far as the other go, no way, no how!
Starting pitchers
Paul Byrd (38) – Type B, offered arb
Orlando Hernandez (43)
Chuck James (27)
Jon Lieber (39)
Rodrigo Lopez (33)
Pedro Martinez (37)
Mark Mulder (31)
Sidney Ponson (32)
Kenny Rogers (44)
Curt Schilling (42)
Ben Sheets (30) – Type A, offered arb
Kip Wells (32)
Wow, could you imagine if we hadn’t sign Oliver Perez? We would have been so screwed… I think it was smart of Omar to sign Freddy Garcia as well as Tim Redding. They both will prove useful this season.
Relievers
Joe Beimel (32) – Type B, not offered arb
Joe Borowski (38)
Shawn Chacon (31)
Chad Cordero (27)
Juan Cruz (30) – Type A, offered arb
Scott Elarton (33)
Keith Foulke (35)
Aquilino Lopez (34)
Will Ohman (31)
Al Reyes (38)
Dennys Reyes (32) – Type B, offered arb
Ricardo Rincon (39)
Rudy Seanez (40) – Type B, not offered arb
Julian Tavarez (36)
Mike Timlin (43)
Ron Villone (39)
Kip Wells (32)
Matt Wise (33)
I was a huge supporter of signing Will Ohman, but lately I’ve warmed up to the idea of sticking with what we have. I have a hunch Stokes and Feliciano are going to have solid efforts this season, and I think Bobby Parnell is going to contribute in a big way at some point this season..
