MLB Rumors: With Cliff Lee Signed, Carl Pavano and Top 10 Starting Pitchers Left
Cliff Lee signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, Brandon Webb went to the Texas Rangers, and the Milwaukee Brewers managed to acquire Zack Greinke from the Royals in a trade.
So, with most of the big-name pitchers off the market, teams are looking to fill their rotation spots with middle-of-the-road guys.
The remaining class of free-agent pitchers features some older veterans like Jeff Suppan, some high-risk, high-reward guys like Ben Sheets and some solid, but not spectacular, pitchers like Carl Pavano.
Here's a list of the 10 best free-agent starting pitchers who have yet to be signed.
10. Jeff Suppan
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Suppan is getting old, so whatever contract he signs (if any) will probably be his last.
But, he can still be a serviceable fifth starter.
As long as teams don't expect him to go more than six innings, he'll be fine.
9. Justin Duchscherer
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Duchscherer has a lot of potential if he can stay healthy.
In 2008, Duchscherer was selected to the AL All-Star team as a starting pitcher.
If he stays healthy, he might be able to regain that form.
It's worth a shot, if you ask me.
8. John Maine
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Maine is still young and could be developed into a decent No. 3 starter.
He has a career 41-36 record and an ERA of 4.35.
If he stays in the National League, he could fit in well as a back-of-the-rotation guy.
Maybe the Phillies should take a look at him for their No. 5 slot if they trade Blanton.
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7. Brad Penny
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Penny was having a good year for the Cardinals last year before he went down with an injury.
If given another chance this year, expect the same results from him.
Don't forget, Penny was an All-Star Game starter for the NL back in 2006 and was also an All-Star in 2007.
He's still got some juice left in his tank.
6. Chris Young
5 of 10
This tall right-hander has battled injuries the past couple seasons, but he should be ready to go in 2011.
He's also been an All-Star before, back in 2007.
He's reportedly in contract talks with the New York Mets now.
5. Kevin Millwood
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Millwood is a guy who can eat a bunch of innings for your team.
He led the major leagues in losses last season, with 16, but he's been healthy for the most part during his career.
He pitched a no-hitter in 2003 and made an All-Star team way back in 1999.
4. Ben Sheets
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Sheets has ace material but simply can't stay healthy.
But, if he can manage to stay healthy, he'll reward any team that chooses to sign him.
As we've seen the past few years though, staying healthy is a pretty big "if."
3. Eric Bedard
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Bedard is another injury-risk pitcher.
But, when healthy, he can put up big strikeout numbers.
He's also a top-of-the-rotation guy when he's right.
2. Jeff Francis
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Francis was the ace in Colorado until Ubaldo Jimenez had a huge 2010 season.
Francis has also been sidelined by injuries for most of the past two seasons.
But, if he's healthy in 2011, there's no reason to think he can't post No. 3-like numbers for a playoff contender.
1. Carl Pavano
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Pavano is the best pitcher left on the free-agent market for the 2011 season.
Last season, "The Mustache" posted a respectable 17-11 record and a 3.75 ERA.
The Twins could really use him next year, but it appears unlikely that he'll stay.
Any team that signs him needs to remember his stint with the New York Yankees, where he was injured and largely ineffective from 2005-2008.
But, if he can stay healthy like last year, he can be a good No. 2 or No. 3 starter for a team.
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.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
