The Type A Free Agent
compensation rules that have kept players like Juan Cruz and Orlando Cabrera
from signing with teams this offseason may be changed. MLB and the Players
Union have had discussions suggesting that Type A Free Agents may resign with
their original clubs and waive the stipulation that they cannot be traded
before June 15. In effect, borderline Type A Free Agents would then be a part
of sign-and-trade deals.
Teams have decided in some
cases that their 1st round draft pick is more valuable than a free
agent like Cruz, Cabrera, Orlando Hudson, and Jason Varitek. This caused a few
players to resign with their original teams, or to just accept arbitration,
like Darren Oliver with the Angels.
Elsewhere, Albert Pujols has
opted out of the World Baseball Classic (Dominican Republic), for insurance
reason; former Met and current San Diego Padre closer Heath Bell lost 25 lbs
by playing Wii Fit; and the Atlanta Braves are closing in on a 1-year, $4.5 million
deal with Tom Glavine to be the fifth starter.
Till next time.
