2012 MLB Free Agency: Finding the Diamond in the Rough at Every Position

The MLB offseason is where the general managers earn their paychecks. They are essentially hired to find the right player and sign him to fill the right hole on their teams.

However, some teams do not have the luxury of being able to chase after the big names like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox or Philadelphia Phillies. Some teams are reliant on finding that diamond in the rough and have him come up big during the next season.

Because of that, here is a list of one diamond in the rough at each position who will be able to be highly productive for whatever team they play for next year.

Catcher: Ryan Doumit

I know that Ryan Doumit has already signed with the Minnesota Twins, but he was a free agent, and I think that he is going to have a great year next year. Even though he was signed to be the backup to Joe Mauer, I think that he will find playing time and make the most of it.

He only appeared in 70 games last season, but he hit .303 with eight home runs and 30 RBI. I think that if he finds some playing time, he should be our first diamond in the rough.

First Base: Carlos Pena

Carlos Pena might not be returning to the Chicago Cubs next season if indeed they successfully pursue Albert Pujols, but he will be a big contributor wherever he goes. There has never been any doubt that Pena can hit the ball hard, as he has 258 career home runs over 10 seasons.

However, a low average has held him back, except for 2007 in Tampa Bay, when he hit .282 with 46 home runs and 121 RBI. This could happen again, and I think he is a diamond in the rough.

Second Base: Willie Bloomquist

I know that he was very briefly a free agent after he declined the option on his contract and then renegotiated with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, he has the potential to be a very productive member of the Diamondbacks. He can hit for average, but the main reasons that I put him on this list are because he can run very well and play just about every position.

He stole 20 bases last year, and even though he played mostly shortstop last season because of the injury to Stephen Drew, I think he will be able to contribute in a variety of ways at a variety of positions for the Arizona Diamondbacks, which makes him a diamond in the rough.

Third Baseman: Wilson Betemit

When he was traded at midseason to the Detroit Tigers, Wilson Betemit started hitting for a higher average and hit home runs at a higher rate. He ended up with an overall production last year of .285 with eight home runs and 46 RBI. These numbers are a bit lower than what he has put up at different times in his career, but it is very possible that he bounces back.

If he keeps going at the rate he was at the end of the season, he will definitely be a diamond in the rough.

Shortstop: Edgar Renteria

I know that many of you will say that Edgar Renteria is past his prime, but I do not believe that. Yes, he has had a few down seasons, but I think that he could become a productive shortstop for another year.

He hit .251 last season, with five home runs and 36 RBI. Granted, this is not outrageous production, but it is definitely possible that he has one more spark before he retires. He has had a great career, and I think that he could be a diamond in the rough for one more season.

Left Field: Juan Pierre

I know that I am choosing yet another veteran, but I think that Juan Pierre could be a very nice pickup as a leadoff hitter. He hit .279 last year with two home runs and 50 RBI. Those 50 RBI are the second most he has ever had in his career, and in 2010, he stole 68 bases. He only stole 27 last season, but it is obvious that he can still run.

He has often flown under the radar, but he very well could be a great pickup for a team that needs a leadoff hitter and a diamond in the rough.

Center Field: Coco Crisp

Coco Crisp was finally able to return to full-time action this season and reacted pretty well. He hit .264 with eight home runs, 54 RBI and 49 stolen bases. It is also possible that he is able to regain some of the power that he had earlier in his career, when he hit 15 home runs in 2004 and 16 home runs in 2005.

He is still definitely in his prime as well at 32 years old, so he very well could become one of the best diamonds in the rough in this free agency class.

Right Field: David DeJesus

David DeJesus demonstrated that he had power last season, even though his average dropped off. He hit .240 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI. However, his career batting average is .284. Therefore, his average should definitely come up.

If he can keep that power, though, he could be a nice acquisition. Like Juan Pierre earlier on this list, he might not be that stereotypical corner outfielder, but I still think that he could be a diamond in the rough.

Starting Pitcher: Roy Oswalt

I know that he is a big name for a diamond in the rough, but Roy Oswalt tended to be forgotten last season because he was in the Philadelphia Phillies rotation and because of his injury problems. However, he still has potential to be pretty amazing.

He went 9-10 last year with a 3.69 ERA. He has been a very good pitcher throughout his career, and even though he is getting older, I think he would definitely be worth a pickup as a diamond in the rough.

Relief Pitcher: Matt Capps

It is very different to be the closer on one of the worst teams in baseball last season. Matt Capps had a very difficult year with the Minnesota Twins, as he had a 4.25 ERA and blew nine out of 24 save opportunities. However, throughout his career, he has been much better than that, and I still think that he could return to that form very easily.

He could do a very good job at the back end of the bullpen, and he is my final diamond in the rough pick from the free agent class of 2012.