2012 MLB Free Agents: 4 Late Signings Who Will Save Their Teams

There is not a lot left on the free-agent market, but there are a few players still available who could push a team over the top.

Roy Oswalt is the most coveted free agent left on the market, but given what he will cost and his injury problems, he seems to not be worth the trouble.

Several players on the market can be had for cheap. All these guys still have the ability to come in and do a job when called upon.

Teams are constantly looking for ways to improve and as general managers get a better idea of their roster, it would not be surprising to see a few teams start to chase some of these players.

These are four players who could save whatever team with whom they sign.

Vladimir Guerrero

Guerrero will swing at anything, is not really great on base paths and is a liability in the field, but he can still hit.

His numbers last season in Baltimore were not great, but he was in top form for Texas in 2010. There is no reason to think that in the right situation he would not be able to put up something similar.  

Of course, at this point in his career he should only be used as a designated hitter, which limits his job opportunities. He is basically a mercenary with a bat.

Guerrero is not a good long-term option, but he could be the perfect replacement for a team that needs some extra pop.

Javier Vasquez

Vasquez is probably a safer bet than Roy Oswalt. The Texan is obviously more talented and offers a bigger return when healthy but may not be the best choice.

Teams struggle to find fourth and fifth starters who can come in and keep games close. Vasquez can do just that.

He will not impress anyone with his stuff, but he can eat innings and provide a reliable presence in the bottom of a rotation.

Vasquez was solid with the Marlins last season. He can give any team in the playoff hunt enough quality starts to make him a worthwhile investment.

Arthur Rhodes

Rhodes has been around forever. At 42, he and Mariano Rivera can probably trade stories about playing for Casey Stengel and what it was like to pitch at Forbes Field.

Both can also still get the job done out of the bullpen despite their advanced years.

Rhodes is currently unemployed, but it is probably only a matter of time before some team with a shaky bullpen comes calling.

An All-Star at 40 years old, Rhodes was one of the best relievers in baseball from 2008 to 2010.

Last season was not Rhodes' best, but he should still have enough to provide stability to a faltering bullpen.

There are not a ton of pitching options around and Rhodes is one of the few out there who can be counted on to get an out when it matters most.

Barry Bonds

There is no way Barry Bonds should be allowed near any team contending or even close to contending for a playoff spot.

However, he could easily save the season for some team in doldrums during the summer months.

If Jamie Moyer can still pitch at 49 years old, then Bonds can probably still hit the ball at 47. There is no doubt he is probably still in the batting cage every day just waiting for one last shot.

The Houston Astros, San Diego Padres or any other team that is irrelevant by June 1 might as well take a chance on him.

Even if Bonds flames out, at least he will have put the club back in the national spotlight and moved some extra tickets.

He can save a bad team from having a completely forgettable season. Of course, any move for Bonds would need the approval of his probation officer first.