MLB Free Agency: 10 Clubhouse Cancers Your Team Should Avoid
MLB free agency 2011 continues with most of the big names still on the market.
Aside from making a big splash by landing Carl Crawford or Cliff Lee, most major-league clubs will be looking to bolster their depth by adding veteran hitting and pitching.
As usual, there are plenty reliable role players available.
There are also a few players who you might want your favorite teams to ignore for one reason or another.
Here's a look at 10 clubhouse cancers who could stir up trouble with their new clubs.
No. 10: Andy Pettitte, Starting Pitcher
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Andy Pettitte isn't likely to go away quietly.
According to reports, Pettitte is looking to stay with the Yankees as he wraps up his career.
At age 38, he has drawn some interest from other MLB clubs, including the Texas Rangers.
Wherever he ends up, don't expect him to relish a potential move to the bullpen if his body continues to break down.
No. 9: Felipe Lopez, Infielder
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After firing agent Scott Boras last year, Lopez eventually found a home in the big leagues and finished the season with the Red Sox.
Boston offered him arbitration but declined to pick up his contract option for 2011, putting him back on the open market.
Despite having decent speed and power, Lopez can't seem to stay in one place for long.
There has to be a reason the versatile infielder has had such a hard time finding a home.
No. 8: Miguel Olivo, Catcher
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Olivo is a very good-hitting catcher who just keeps getting traded.
What does that tell you?
Despite his prowess at the plate, Olivo has been criticized for managing pitching staffs during stops in Florida and early in his career with the Chicago White Sox.
Most MLB teams would rather have a light-hitting catcher who calls a good game than a wannabe slugger.
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No. 7: Carl Pavano, Starting Pitcher
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Even after he put up a solid season in 2010 with the Twins, it's difficult to forget what Pavano failed to do in New York.
During his time with the Yankees, Pavano made a lot of money to spend a lot of time on the disabled list.
Signing a player with a lengthy injury history is always a colossal risk.
Don't be surprised if Pavano fails to live up to his next deal in the majors.
No. 6: Vincente Padilla, Starting Pitcher
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The Dodgers declined to offer arbitration to Padilla, who has been a fairly reliable starter throughout his lengthy career.
Based on comments by his former teammates in Texas, he hasn't always been willing to put forth much effort on the field.
At 33 years of age, he will probably get a decent offer to start somewhere else in the bigs.
Just hope it's not with your favorite team.
No. 5: A.J. Pierzynski, Catcher
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Pierzynski has made a career of making most opposing players absolutely hate his guts.
Along the way, he has put up decent offensive numbers and proved to be very durable.
Just don't expect him to take many pitches at the plate.
He has faced criticism for calling games poorly, making him somewhat of a risky signing.
With his offensive production fading, there is no great reason to take a chance on A.J.
Nobody wants a crabby backup catcher.
No. 4: Brandon Webb, Starting Pitcher
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Webb is getting a lot of attention from MLB clubs as he looks for a place to resurrect his fallen career.
The former Cy Young winner was supposed to return for the Diamondbacks in August or September, but chose not to risk his future and stayed off the diamond.
Without knowing what to expect from him, teams should take a cautious approach.
You have to wonder about a player who always maintained he was more injured than team officials believed.
Webb hasn't pitched since early 2009.
No. 3: Orlando Cabrera, Shortstop
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Not surprisingly, the Reds are letting Cabrera walk instead of picking up his option for next season.
Wherever he has been, the feisty shortstop has quickly worn out his welcome.
Don't expect him to willingly accept a platoon role, even though he would be best suited to playing part-time coming off the bench.
No. 2: Jose Guillen, Outfielder
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The ultimate problem-child in Major League Baseball, Guillen finished last season as a member of the World Series champion San Francisco Giants.
Injuries and dismal performance kept him off the postseason roster, and now he is looking for another home somewhere in the major leagues.
Dealing with Guillen's baggage might have made sense when he was younger, but he doesn't appear to have much left to give.
Jose Guillen, coming to a Triple-A team near you.
No. 1: Manny Ramirez, Designated Hitter
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Manny is about done being Manny.
After another lost season, Ramirez will need an American League to take a chance on his declining numbers.
At this point, he is literally unable to play in the outfield.
Not that he actually wants to.
Ramirez reportedly wants a deal worth around $5.5 million to show he has value as a full-time designated hitter.
There's no reason to throw good money at a player with a perpetual bad attitude.
Somehow, you get the feeling an MLB team will take the bait.
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.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
