Teixeira, Manny top list of free agent hitters
Ranking the sluggers from 1-through-20
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The real fun begins on Nov. 14, when free agents are finally free to talk dollars and cents (and hopefully sense) with any team they so choose. Until then, there are options for teams and players to accept or decline and other assorted in-house ducks to align.
Barring any sudden developments, here are the most desirable free-agent hitters of the class of 2008.
1. Mark Teixeira, 1B, Angels. Teixeira is as close to a complete package as will ever enter the free-agent market. At just 29 next April, the smooth-fielding, power-hitting switch-hitter will have at least four or five teams willing to open up the vaults to sign him to a long-term deal.
2. Manny Ramirez, OF, Dodgers. The display Manny put on down the stretch (.396 average, 17 homers, 53 RBIs) and in the playoffs (.520 average, 4 homers, 10 RBIs) proved how good he can be when properly motivated. The question is, how motivated will he be after signing a monster deal this offseason?
3. Adam Dunn, OF/1B, Diamondbacks. At his best, Dunn is a versatile defender (first base and outfield) who has the ability to influence the hitters around him in the lineup with his power (40 homers five years in a row) and ability to get on base (career .381 on-base percentage). At his worst, he's a big guy with a questionable glove who strikes out too much and hits for a low average. The teams who focus on the former will be rewarded.
4. Rafael Furcal, SS, Dodgers. Furcal is a solid defender at a premium position (save a few bad postseason innings) who is the most accomplished leadoff hitter in this free-agent class. His back troubles are worrisome, but he's only 31 and can impact the game in so many ways with his speed.
5. Pat Burrell, OF, Phillies. You know exactly what Burrell brings to the table — 30 home runs, 95 RBIs, a batting average around .255 and an on-base percentage around .380. And, yes, he plays in homer-friendly Citizens Bank Park, but Burrell's numbers aren't park-inflated in the least. Since the Phillies' new stadium opened in 2004, Burrell has 74 homers at home and 74 on the road.
6. Orlando Cabrera, SS, White Sox. Cabrera's not always the most calming clubhouse presence, but he's a hard-worker who is one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball. He's consistent at the plate, but at 34 entering next season, be wary of offering him a long-term deal.
7. Raul Ibanez, OF, Mariners. In a season that went into the tank for the Mariners, Ibanez was again a consistent model of production, batting .293 with 23 homers and 110 RBIs. His on-base percentage the past eight years has been rock solid — between .346 and .358 every season. He'll be 37 next June, and he hasn't shown signs of slowing down, anything more than a 3-year deal would be risky.
8. Orlando Hudson, 2B, Diamondbacks. If you take away his 54-game stint as a rookie in 2002, Hudson's batting average has risen every single year he's been in the majors, from .268 up to .305 last season. Hudson, who will be 31 this December, is a good-not-great fielder with the pop to hit 10 homers and the speed to steal 10 bases.
9. Milton Bradley, DH, Rangers. Bradley wants a long-term deal, which means he'll be looking to stay in the American League where he can DH, at least part-time. His numbers on the road this year were solid but he hit 68 points higher at home and had 10 more homers. At 31 next April, though, Bradley should have several productive years ahead of him.
10. Bobby Abreu, RF, Yankees. Abreu, who will be 35 next season, is nothing if not consistent. His numbers in 2008 — .296, 20 homers, 100 RBIs, 100 runs, 22 stolen bases —were right on target.
11. Jason Giambi, 1B/DH, Yankees. The veteran lefthanded slugger drew attention for his distinctive mustache this summer, but the 32 homers and 96 RBIs he had will mean more as he looks for a place to play in 2009.
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12. Casey Blake, 3B, Dodgers. The prototypical solid veteran, Blake provided the leadership and defensive versatility the Dodgers needed during their second-half push. At 35, Blake can play third base, first base and a corner outfield spot.
Flying on the hardwood, racing on the rink, getting physical on the gridiron, and much more.
13. Joe Crede, 3B, White Sox. He's a good fielder with good power, but he just hasn't been able to stay healthy the past two seasons.
14. Edgar Renteria, SS, Tigers. Both Renteria and the Tigers would probably like to forget the 2008 season. Renteria is just 33 and shortly removed from hitting .332 with the Braves in 2007.
15. Juan Rivera, OF, Angels. He's an interesting option in the outfield. At just 29, he's younger than all but a few free agents. Playing for the Angels the past few years, he's never had a full-time opportunity. In the right situation, he could be a big bargain.
16. Felipe Lopez, 2B, Cardinals. He was outstanding offensively for the Cardinals after they picked him off the Nationals' scrap heap, batting .385 in 43 games with St. Louis. He had the opportunity to show his defensive versatility, too, playing at third base, second base, shortstop, first base, left field and right field.
17. Ivan Rodriguez, C, Yankees. He's not what he used to be, but he's the best of a weak group of free-agent catchers.
18. Garrett Anderson, OF, Angels. It's hard to imagine Anderson suiting up in anything other than an Angels' uniform, but he has the consistency and leadership that would help more than a few clubs.
19. Ken Griffey, OF, White Sox. There's still power in the bat and desire in the heart, though he's probably a better fit as a DH than in center field, where he played while with the White Sox.
20. Rocco Baldelli, OF, Rays. Just one of many great stories with the Rays this season, Baldelli probably won't ever be a full-time starter again, but he proved his value in the postseason with the bat and with the glove.
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