MLB Rumors: Where the Top 20 Players Left on the Free Agent Market Will Sign

It's January, and most of the big-name free agents are gone; and with them the big contracts as well. But, nonetheless, there are still some talented players available that could make a difference for a team during the 2011 season.

While some fans may not know these players' names, or get excited when they see their favorite team has signed one of them, these players can still have a major impact for the team they ultimately get signed by (just look at the 2010 Giants with their acquisitions like Cody Ross and Pat Burrell - these guys were 'discarded' by their team and they turned out to be pivotal to the Giants' success).

Most of the players left available this winter are either older players, players who are trying to rebound from major injuries, or both. Thus these players typically sign one or two-year deals with a lower guaranteed salary but heavily incentive based to raise their potential earnings.

The following is the list of what, I believe to be, are the best 20 free agents still available:

Rank	Player
20	Jermaine Dye
19	Alfredo Aceves
18	Andruw Jones
17	Jon Rauch
16	Jeff Francis
15	Orlando Cabrera
14	Todd Coffey
13	Scott Podsednik
12	Chad Qualls
11	Chris Young
10	Jeremy Bonderman
9	Jim Thome
8	Manny Ramriez
7	Brian Fuentes
6	Grant Balfour
5	Johnny Damon
4	Carl Pavano
3	Andy Pettitte
2	Vladimir Guerrero
1	Rafael Soriano

20. Jermaine Dye

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ANAHEIM, CA - MAY 25: Jermaine Dye #23 of the Chicago White Sox takes batting practice prior to the game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on May 25, 2009 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Number 20 on my list is a man who didn't play in all of 2010, and not because he was hurt; rather Jermaine Dye missed the entire 2010 season because he couldn't find work with any team. So how did he make the list? Because he can still hit!

The problem Jermaine Dye faces is that he is a DH. Dye is 100% a DH because he has no ability to play the field anymore and this is bad because the market is flooded with DHs right now. 

What gives Dye a chance to play in 2010? Since there are so many DHs available in the market, price for their services is very low, so the player willing to take the cheapest deal will likely find a home the fastest; and since Dye didn't play all of last year he may be willing to forgo the high salary and just find his way back into the MLB. 

A couple of teams that may still need a DH are the Tampa Bay Rays and the Texas Rangers (although with the Rangers signing Adrian Beltre they will most likely be moving Michael Young into their DH position). 

As for the Rays, they are shedding their best players/biggest contracts left and right so they certainly won't be looking to spend a lot of money on the DH. For Dye to sign with the Rays, he must be willing to take very little money. 

Prediction: Dye still has not signed with a team by the start of the season. He could be a nice mid-season addition if a current DH gets injured though; of course, 2009 may have been his last season in professional baseball - he is 36 years old. 

19. Alfredo Aceves

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NEW YORK - APRIL 14: Alfredo Aceves #91 of the New York Yankees throws to first base against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on April 14, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Alfredo Aceves is another guy, much like Dye, who may be flying under the radar to baseball fans this winter. He's a talented pitcher but he missed almost all of the 2010 season with a bulging disc; and the little he did pitch in 2010 did not turn out well - probably because of the injury he was trying to pitch through. 

In 2009, however, Aceves showed he can be a very valuable man in any bullpen when he posted a 3.67 ERA with a 1.04 WHIP in 108 Innings Pitched for the Yankees. 

Since Aceves is only 28 years old, he should be able to find a team to sign with in 2011. The Yankees have been rumored to be interested in bringing him back, preferably on a minor league deal, and the Colorado Rockies have also been linked to Aceves. 

The problem I have with both the Rockies or the Yankees signing Aceves is both their ballparks play small and allow for a fly ball to carry out; that can be very dangerous, especially when you have a fly ball pitcher on the mound like Aceves. 

Prediction: Aceves will resign with the Yankees on a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. 

18. Andruw Jones

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 16: Andruw Jones #25 of the Chicago White Sox talks to players in the dugout prior to the start of the game against the Kansas City Royals on May 16, 2010 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty I

Andruw Jones isn't the star centerfielder he once was but he still has some value - especially as a platoon role when having to face left-handed pitching (in the second half of the 2010 season, against left-handed pitching, Jones hit .283 with a .386 OBP). 

As an OF who adds a right-handed bat into the line-up, Andruw Jones may make a nice addition for the Phillies (who are very left-handed). Jones has also been linked to the Yankees recently. 

Prediction: Andruw Jones signs with the Yankees and sees limited playing time coming off the bench. 

17. Jon Rauch

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SEATTLE - AUGUST 27: Relief pitcher Jon Rauch #60 of the Minnesota Twins pitches against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on August 27, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Twins won 6-3. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The 2010 season was a tale of two stories for Jon Rauch: in the first half he was dominant (2.53 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) while the second half was not as favorable to him (3.85 ERA, 1.48 WHIP). 

While Jon Rauch is not a closer, he is still a very capable reliever that teams should not overlook; and his ability to throw many innings over the course of the year can make him even that much more attractive. 

Rauch has mostly been linked with the Orioles this offseason and with the Orioles in need of bullpen help it seems like a perfect fit. 

Prediction: Jon Rauch signs with the Orioles as a middle reliever. 

16. Jeff Francis

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 13: Starting pitcher Jeff Francis #26 of the Colorado Rockies delivers against the San Diego Padres at Coors Field on September 13, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The question with Jeff Francis is: can he stay healthy? If Francis can stay healthy he can be a huge addition to most pitching staffs; but, again, can he stay healthy? It's a big question mark. If he is able to pitch an entire season without an injury it wouldn't surprise me to see Francis post a sub 4.00 ERA while accumulating 15+ wins. With those type of incentives, it may be worth it for a team to take a chance on him.

This offseason, Francis has been linked with the Royals, Nationals, Pirates, Yankees, Mets, and Rockies. All of these teams are in need of some starting pitching but none more so then the Yankees (especially left-handed pitchers if Pettitte retires). 

Prediction: Jeff Francis signs with the Yankees.

15. Orlando Cabrera

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CINCINNATI - SEPTEMBER 12: Orlando Cabrera #2 of the Cincinnati Reds hits a double in the fourth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ballpark on September 12, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Orlando Cabrera has been a solid shortstop for years but his days as a starting infielder are numbered. With the Reds signing Edgar Renteria, it seems that his return to Cincinnati is less likely. 

Cabrera can still put the bat on the ball, with a great contact percentage rate, but his plate discipline is almost entirely gone (his OBP in 2010 was .303). Cabrera is quickly traveling the road of becoming a utility infielder - the problem is, since he has been starting at shortstop his entire career, he doesn't have much experience in other positions. 

Cabrera had been talking with the Reds about a return and he has also been tied to the Yankees and the Giants. 

Prediction: Orlando Cabrera signs with the San Francisco Giants effectively swapping roles, and teams, with Edgar Renteria. The Giants have Miguel Tejada now but he will need days off and Cabrera will be the 2011 version of what Renteria was for the Giants in 2010. 

14. Todd Coffey

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CHICAGO - APRIL 12: Todd Coffey #60 of the Milwaukee Brewers delivers the ball against the Chicago Cubs on Opening Day at Wrigley Field on April 12, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Brewers 9-5. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Todd Coffey comes in at number 14 on my list. The middle reliever has been connected to the Colorado Rockies mostly during this off season but there are plenty of other teams looking for bullpen help. 

Coffey suffered from a thumb injury in 2010, which probably inflated his numbers, and as a groundball pitcher he would be very valuable to the Rockies' organization. 

Prediction: Todd Coffey signs with the Rockies after they miss out on Alfredo Aceves. 

13. Scott Podsednik

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LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 04: Scott Podsednik #21 of the Los Angeles Dodgers plays in the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on August 4, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Scott Podsednik is next on the list and, I have to say, I really like what he brings to the table. For the last two seasons, Podsednik has posted an almost .300 BA (.296 and .297) and he has swiped at least 30 stolen bases. 

Podsednik is the type of player you could insert into the top of your line-up or bring him off the bench as a pinch hitter, defensive upgrade, or pinch runner. With a lot of versatility to his game, Podsednik shouldn't have trouble finding a home for the 2011 season. 

I've heard his name connected with the Angels and the Reds mostly and I think both of these options will be beneficial for Podsednik. 

Prediction: Scott Podsednik signs with the Cincinnati Reds.

12. Chad Qualls

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PHOENIX - JUNE 22: Relief pitcher Chad Qualls #50 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the New York Yankees during the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on June 22, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Yankees defeated the Diamondbacks 9-3. (Pho

Chad Qualls had a really rough 2010 campaign (1.80 WHIP) but when you look at the hit percentage he gave up we begin to question whether he angered the baseball Gods or just pitched with only four defenders behind him. 

Qualls' hit percentage is a whopping 40 percent for 2010; throwing out talent and the defenders behind you, probability tells us this number is astounding and that's a very unlucky guy. 

Look for Qualls to rebound in 2011 and for the team to get him to be very fortunate. Qualls has good stuff and, in my opinion, is probably the biggest bargain available. Since 2006, and excluding the 2010 season, Qualls has never posted an ERA above 3.78 and only once has his WHIP exceeded 1.18 in that time. 

Teams should be trying to acquire his services.

He's been linked to a lot of teams this offseason including theAthletics, Mets, Royals, Mariners, Orioles, Nationals, Pirates, Blue Jays, and Rays. 

Prediction: Chad Qualls signs with the New York Mets. The Mets don't have much money left, and can be outbid, but if that were to happen it would have happened already. I think the new GM - Sandy Alderson - realizes Qualls' hidden value and will jump on the opportunity to sign him; and, in a big ballpark like CitiField, Qualls is going to have a lot of success. 

11. Chris Young

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SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 24: Starting Pitcher Chris Young #32 of the San Diego Padres throws from the mound against the Cincinnati Reds during their MLB game on September 24, 2010 at PETCO Park in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Im

Chris Young is a high-risk high reward free agent. He has had a lot of arm issues the past two seasons (including forearm, elbow, and shoulder injuries) but, if healthy, he is capable of posting a sub 3.50 ERA with a sub 1.15 WHIP.

A few teams have been interested in Young but none more so then the New York Mets. 

Prediction: Chris Young signs with the New York Mets. 

10. Jeremy Bonderman

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NEW YORK - AUGUST 18: Jeremy Bonderman #38 of the Detroit Tigers pitching against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 18, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)

Jeremy Bonderman marks the start of the top 10 free agents left on the market for my list. Bonderman had a solid first half to the 2010 season but faded in the second; I'll chalk that up to lack of stamina since he had two injury plagued seasons in 2008 and 2009. 

If Bonderman can stay healthy, and strong enough to pitch an entire season, the future may hold good things for him. 2010 did show a continuing rise in the percentage of groundballs hit versus Bonderman so his ability to keep runs from scoring his high. It it all clicks for Bonderman, I wouldn't be surprised to see him post a sub 4.00 ERA. 

Bonderman has been connected with mostly the Tigers, his former team, and the Yankees this offseason. While the high groundball rate would be perfect in Yankee Stadium, I'm not sure he'll end up there. 

Prediction: Jeremy Bonderman re-signs with the Detroit Tigers.

9. Jim Thome

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Jim Thome #25 of the Minnesota Twins looks on during batting practice against the New York Yankees during Game Three of the ALDS part of the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium on October 9, 2010 in the Bronx borough of New York Ci

Jim Thome still has some amazing power...a positive; Jim Thome has shown back issues, especially late in the season during August and September...a negative. 

Thome can still be a great DH but between his questionable health and his high asking price, will he find a home? According to reports, Thome, who was paid 1.5 million dollars in 2010, is seeking a significant raise in 2011 to make up for what he felt he earned, but didn't receive, with his 2010 contract. 

He's been mostly tied to the Twins, but only if the price is right, and I don't see that happening. He seems to me like another Jermaine Dye in the making. With a lot of power hitting DHs available, Thome's leverage in negotiations isn't high. 

Prediction: Jim Thome is unsigned by the time the Spring Training starts (unless he is willing to take an incentive based contract - then I see him with the Twins or Rays). 

8. Manny Ramirez

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 14: Manny Ramirez #99 of the Chicago White Sox draws a walk in the 6th inning against the Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular Field on September 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Manny Ramirez still has some value as a DH but his three trips to the DL in the second half of the 2010 campaign doesn't make teams comfortable with giving him a contract. 

Nonetheless, Manny still showed us that he can hit around the .300 mark and still maintains excellent plate discipline with a .400+ OBP. 

As a Boras client, I am expecting Ramirez to do what Adrian Beltre did in 2010: sign a cheaper, one-year deal, with a team to reestablish value and health and look to obtain a bigger contract the following offseason. At 38, Ramirez won't be getting a contract like Beltre got, but he could still obtain a few years if he plays well enough in 2011. 

The Twins, Rays, and Rangers have all been linked with Ramirez and, I think, if Jim Thome doesn't lower his price Manny will be taking his place. 

Prediction: Manny Ramirez signs with the Minnesota Twins

7. Brian Fuentes

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 06: Brian Fuentes #51 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees during game one of the ALDS on October 6, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Yankees defeated the Twins 6-4. (Photo by Elsa

Brian Fuentes had an exceptiona; 2010 season (2.81 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) but most baseball people, myself included, don't believe his production in 2011 will match 2010. Personally, I think Fuentes will post a 3.75 ERA with a 1.25 WHIP, which is still very good and serviceable. 

A lot of teams are interested in Fuentes but he has made it clear that he wants to close in 2011 (thus eliminating possible suitors like the Twins or Red Sox). 

Prediction: Brian Fuentes signs with the Toronto Blue Jays as their closer. 

6. Grant Balfour

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 12: Grant Balfour #50 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on August 12, 2009 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The Angels won 10-5. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The 2010 campaign was a good one for Grant Balfour as he posted a 2.28 ERA with a 1.08 WHIP. Statistical trends suggest his elite skills are still there and that his only risk is a slight rise in his flyball percentage rate. 

I expect Balfour to have another solid season in 2011 - perhaps a 3.00 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP. 

Both the Orioles and the Yankees have been tied to Balfour but the Yankees have said they are unwilling to lose their first round draft pick so they could only acquire him in a sign and trade deal. 

Predication: Grant Balfour signs with the Baltimore Orioles.

5. Johnny Damon

J. Meric/Getty Images

ST. PETERSBURG - JULY 26: Designated hitter Johnny Damon #18 of the Detroit Tigers fouls off a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Tropicana Field on July 26, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Johnny Damon is the most stable DH available - in regards to health - but perhaps the least appealing DH in terms of power. Although he hit 24 homeruns in 2009, Damon was only able to hit 8 in 2010; a response to not playing for the Yankees and missing their hitter-friendly park?

Nonetheless, even if his power does not return, a .275 BA with a .360 OBP and 80+ Runs scored is certainly usable. Damon has been mostly connected with the Rays, Yankees, and Angels. As a Scott Boras client, I don't think his asking price will drop enough for the Rays to sign him. 

Prediction: Johnny Damon signs with the New York Yankees. 

4. Carl Pavano

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 07: Carl Pavano #48 of the Minnesota Twins delivers a pitch in the first inning against the New York Yankees during game two of the ALDS on October 7, 2010 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Carl Pavano has returned. After years of injury and disappointment, Pavano had a fantastic season in 2010 showing off great command while keeping the groundball percentage rate really high. What more could you want? A pitcher who has excellent control and keeps the ball on the ground.

How about a pitcher who has done it consistently, because that is the only thing keeping Pavano from getting signed. Well that and because he wants to be paid more money than he probably should be. 

The Twins and Nationals have been linked to Pavano and the Yankees need a pitcher (but there is no way the Yankees would go down that road again). 

Prediction: Carl Pavano lowers his asking price and re-signs with the Minnesota Twins. 

3. Andy Pettitte

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ANAHEIM, CA - JULY 11: Pitcher Andy Pettitte #46 of the New York Yankees throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on July 11, 2009 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

A consistent pitcher and a very powerful ally in the postseason (given all his past success he has had there) Andy Pettitte comes in at number three on my list. 

Pettitte is consistent but is not bulletproof - especially in health, as he spent two months on the DL with a groin injury in 2010. I'd be concerned that this is going to become more of a trend if he continues to play; at 39 years old it isn't unreasonable to think so. 

Pettitte is deciding between rejoining the New York Yankees for the 2011 season or calling it a career and retire. 

Prediction: Andy Pettitte retires from baseball. 

2. Vladimir Guerrero

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Vladimir Guerrero #27 of the Texas Rangers looks on during batting practice against the San Francisco Giants in Game Four of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.

Number two on the list is Vladimir Guerrero. Guerrero had a rebound year with Texas in 2010 but struggled in the World Series. He also proved he is a full time DH in the World Series when he made two costly errors in Game one when playing rightfield. 

In addition, while his end numbers look good, the second half of the season is more what to expect from Vlad; the first half he was on fire, but the second half he came back to Earth (.270 BA, .305 OBP, 11 HR, 45 RBI). 

Guerrero has been tied to rumors with the Rangers, Rays, and Orioles. The Rangers seem set with Adrian Beltre at thirdbase and Michael Young at DH, so that would leave the Orioles and Rays. 

Prediction: Vladimir Guerrero signs with the Tampa Bay Rays after he lowers his asking price.

1. Rafael Soriano

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 10: Pitcher Rafael Soriano #29 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws against the Texas Rangers during game 4 of the ALDS at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 10, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

And the number one free agent still available is Rafael Soriano. Here's the deal with Soriano:

Positives

• Elite skill set who, since 2006, has only posted a WHIP above 1.10 once and twice is has been below 1.00
• ERA, since 2006, has been consistently been below 3.00
• Has shown in the last two season he can handle being a real-deal closer in the MLB
• 31 years old means he still has some quality seasons ahead

Negatives

• His hit percentage was tiny in 2010 and it will prove tough to repeat = rise in WHIP
• As a flyball pitcher Soriano will do best in a big park
• As a flyball pitcher his control is vital; if he loses his control he'll blow the game
• Health is still a concern for him 

Unlike Brian Fuentes, Soriano has said he is willing to be a setup man in 2011...welcome the Yankees, Red Sox and Rangers to the negotiating table. The Yankees have been tied to Soriano more than the others but they would have to surrender their first round pick in order to sign up (something Yankee GM Brian Cashman continues to say he doesn't want to do). 

Soriano has also been linked to the White Sox, Cardinals, and Angels. 

Prediction: Rafael Soriano will sign with the New York Yankees as their setup man. With the rotation in a mess, the Yankees will need a solid bullpen to subsidize the weak rotation. Soriano would certainly add depth to the bullpen but I don't expect him to be as good as he was with the Rays or the Braves - because of the significantly smaller stadium the Yankees play in.