MLB Free Agency 2012: The Best Free Agents Remaining at Every Position
By (Contributor) on January 10, 2012
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Some big names have already signed in this free-agent season, but there are still a number of worthwhile players on the market.
There are a number of bargain veterans still available for the frugal shopper. For the teams with deeper pockets, a few high-priced players can still be had for the right price.
Here are the best free agents available at each position.
Starting Pitcher: Edwin Jackson
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Edwin Jackson is a big-time pitcher who just can't find a permanent home.
Over the years, he's already been traded a number of times and can't seem to get a long-term contract.
This might be his year, as a solid performance in the postseason could net him a multi-year contract worth more than $10 million per year.
Relief Pitcher: Brad Lidge
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Injuries are always a concern for Brad Lidge, but if he regains his form, he might be able to prove to the Phillies that he isn't done yet.
Perhaps the Mets should pursue his services and try to resurrect his once-promising career.
Catcher: Jason Kendall
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This position is incredibly thin in the free-agent market.
Jason Kendall didn't even play last year, and yet, he's probably the best catcher available. He's not going to blow anyone away with his numbers, but could be a solid veteran backup for a contender.
First Base: Prince Fielder
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Prince is currently king of the free-agent market.
The buzz from the Pujols signing has worn off, and yet, Prince is still looking for a home. I see him heading to the Rangers once they figure out the appropriate salary for Yu Darvish.
Second Base: Carlos Guillen
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Carlos Guillen is another wily veteran who is without a job.
This position is also thin, but he's a better option than Jeff Keppinger.
Veteran leadership does still have some value.
Third Base: Casey Blake
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Casey Blake isn't the world's best third baseman, but he's still playing.
I expect him to find a two-year deal somewhere, but where is still unknown.
Shortstop: Miguel Tejada
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There aren't any good shortstops available.
It was down to Miguel Tejada, Orlando Cabrera and Edgar Renteria. They all played for the Giants, and they were all awful.
I chose Tejada.
Left Fielder: Ryan Ludwick
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The outfielder market is growing smaller by the day.
Ryan Ludwick is one of the few quality outfielders still around.
He won't command too much money and could probably get a two- or three-year deal worth $5 million per.
Center Field: Yoennis Cespedes
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I think he's being considered a free agent.
No matter what, Yoennis Cespedes is a highly-sought-after player who will get signed. The only question is for how much?
He wants to be treated like a big-name free agent, while a number of teams consider him more like an international prospect.
He will get a multi-year contract, probably with a lot of performance incentives.
Right Fielder: Magglio Ordonez
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Magglio Ordonez is still a right fielder, technically.
He can still hit, and on an AL team where he doesn't have to play the field everyday, he could be a solid asset.
He'll probably receive a one-year deal worth $5 million or so.
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