Over the next few weeks, I’ll be looking at the 2010 free agent class by team. I’ll list all of the free agents along with their Free Agent Status (A/B).
NL Central
Chicago Cubs
Chad Fox
John Grabow – A
Kevin Gregg – A
Rich Harden – B
Reed Johnson – B
Max Potential Picks Added: 6
Of the 2 Type A relievers, only Grabow has an opportunity to come back; the Cubs have been rumored to be working on an extension. Gregg didn’t have a good run with the Cubs and they’ll probably wish him well. There are conflicting rumors on Harden; some say he’s wanted back, but most are saying he’ll be passed over. I would expect that arbitration would be offered, though. I don’t know about Johnson; he’s a good platoon partner for Kosuke Fukudome, but there are better options on the market. Fox will definitely be passed over.
Cincinnati Reds
Ramon Hernandez – B (Option)
Kip Wells
Max Potential Picks Added: 1
The Reds will most likely decline Hernandez’s option and not offer him arbitration; it’s a safe bet that he’ll get a deal with another team, but the Reds won’t want to risk him accepting it. Wells will be with another team, like the past few years.
Houston Astros
Geoff Blum
Aaron Boone
Doug Brocail – B (Option)
Darin Erstad
Mike Hampton
LaTroy Hawkins – A
Jason Michaels
Miguel Tejada – A
Jose valverde – A
Max Potential Picks Added: 7
Tejada has said he’d like to remain in Houston; if he’s not re-signed, he’ll get an arbitration offer. Valverde, on the other hand, has said that he’s testing the market; he’s get the arbitration offer and decline it. Hawkins will probably not be offered arbitration, but the Astros could re-sign him. He’s said he’d like to go back to Houston, but there are plenty of options on the market. Brocail’s option will be declined and I don’t see an arbitration offer on his horizon. The other 5 players will most likely be with other teams, if they are playing at all.
Milwaukee Brewers
Mike Cameron – B
Frank Catalanotto (Option)
Craig Counsell
Jason Kendall – B
Braden Looper – B (Option)
Felipe Lopez – B
Claudio Vargas
David Weathers – B (Option)
Max Potential Picks Added: 5
Milwaukee could bring back Cameron, Kendall, and Weathers; I’m only expecting that Cameron will be back. The other 2 could get arbitration offers. Looper’s option will most likely be picked up, so that’s one less position to fill. Lopez will be let go, since Rickie Weeks will be back (the Brewers have confirmed he’ll be the second baseman next year). Catalanotto’s option will be declined; he’ll get a minor league deal from someone. Counsell and Vargas will probably get minor league deals too.
Pittsburgh Pirates
None
Max Potential Picks Added: 0
There is a lot of work that needs to be done here, but nothing that they can just let walk away (until they tender deals). I don’t expect them to be very active in the market though.
St. Louis Cardinals
Rick Ankiel
Mark DeRosa – A
Troy Glaus – B
Khalil Greene
Matt Holliday – A
Jason LaRue
Joel Pineiro – B
John Smoltz
Todd Wellemeyer
Max Potential Picks Added: 6
Holliday and the Cardinals have both stated they want to work a deal out, but the Cardinals don’t have the financial flexibility of the big market clubs. They’ll work on a deal, offer arbitration, and hope for the best. DeRosa is also expected to re-sign, but I don’t think he’s as necessary as Holliday. I see another arbitration offer here, but he’ll probably decline if. Glaus and Pineiro both will be out of St. Louis and both will not receive an arbitration offer. Of the rest, the only one I see coming back Jason LaRue and John Smoltz. I think they are also long-shots, but it’s still possible.
