Free Agency: Day 1
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Free Agency: Day 1
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
The big news today, obviously, is that La Salle begins its defense of 14th place in the Atlantic 10 with an exhibition game against Philadelphia University at Tom Gola Arena. But it also happens to be the first full day of free agency, which is the time of year when baseball teams who are worth hundreds of millions of dollars attempt to sign baseball players who are worth millions of dollars under the watchful eye of sports writers who are worth hundreds of thousands of Marriott Points.
We've already paid significant attention to the Phillies' free agency game place, and we will continue to do so in the coming days. The first thing we addressed is the bullpen, because I anticipate that being the first area that the Phillies address. History suggests that the outfield market will be slower to develop as Jayson Werth and Carl Crawford and their representatives pore over their various options, but we will provide a comprehensive look at that in the not-too-distant future. The other potential need I highlighted a few days ago in a story in the Daily News, much to the consternation of the apparently-significant Wilson Valdez fan base, was infield depth. Given the public outcry that resulted from the suggestion that Valdez might not have a 2011 roster spot locked up -- the letters are fine, but the horse head in my bed was a bit much -- I should offer a quick clarification: I like Wilson Valdez. Great defender. Terrific arm. Came up big in some big spots at the plate. Most productive utility infielder they've had over the past few seasons. But he had a .306 on base percentage, and that was 34 points higher than his previous career average. He had a .667 OPS, and that was 27 points lower than the mark posted by Jimmy Rollins, who some suggested benching in favor of Valdez in the postseason. He grounded into 20 double plays, tied for fifth in the NL despite having more than 200 fewer plate appearances than the three players he was tied with. My only point? With Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco and Chase Utley all coming off injury-riddled seasons, the Phillies might look for some infield depth that would provide more offensive punch if called upon as a long-term fill-in.
Anyway, there are a few other key dates to keep in mind as the calendar slides toward Christmas.
Nov. 23 - This is the deadline by which teams must offer arbitration to their own free agents. The main person this concerns is Werth, who is a Type A Free Agent. The Phillies will absolutely offer Werth arbitration, since it is a win-win for them. If he accepts (which he won't, barring a complete collapse of the market), the Phillies get him on a one-year deal. If he rejects and he signs elsewhere, they will get two draft picks, one from the team that signs him, another in the supplemental round. The Phillies could also arbitration to Type B free agent Chad Durbin and preserve the right to get a supplemental pick if he signs elsewhere, but every indication I have received is that is highly unlikely.
Nov. 30 - The aforementioned free agents must accept or decline arbitration by this date.
Dec. 2 - This is the deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players who are still under club control. The Phillies have two such players -- right fielder Ben Francisco and righthander Kyle Kendrick. At this point, I expect both players to get offers. The Phillies could decide to non-tender Kendrick and either re-sign him at a lower price or head into the season with Vance Worley as the No. 5 starter. But even if the Phillies think Kendrick will not end up as the No. 5 starter, he still provides controllable pitching depth, which is valuable.
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Here are ESPN.com's Top Free Agents:
1. Cliff Lee, LHP
2. Carl Crawford, OF
3. Jayson Werth, RF
4. Adrian Beltre, 3B
5. Victor Martinez, C
6. Adam Dunn, 1B
7. Carl Pavano, RHP
8. Jorge De La Rosa, LHP
9. Andy Pettitte, LHP
10. Jake Westbrook, RHP
Here is how they rate the relievers:
1. Rafael Soriano
2. Joaquin Benoit
3. Koji Uehara
4. J.J. Putz
5. Kerry Wood
6. Hisanori Takahashi
7. Grant Balfour
8. Scott Downs
9. Jon Rauch
10. Jesse Crain
11. Frank Francisco
12. Jason Frasor
13. Brian Fuentes
14. Matt Guerrier
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As we relayed to you last night, Jamie Moyer suffered a set-back in the Dominican Republic yesterday while pitching for his winter-league team.
Felipe Alou, the general manager of Escogido, where Moyer was working his way back from the elbow injury that ended his 2010 season in late-July, told the Associated Press that Moyer "threw a pitch and hurt himself. He has a bruise the size of a golf ball at his elbow."
Alou said Moyer will fly to California today or tomorrow to meet with renowned elbow specialist Lewis Yocum, who had helped Moyer develop a non-surgical rehab plan that Moyer hoped would have him healthy and ready to pitch again by spring training.
Also, how did Ed Wade Ruben let Davey Lopes go for a mere 50k? He fires Milt and Lopes and Keeps the worst pitching coach in baseball, Rich Dubee.— Dr. Michael- Dr.Michael - not to mention a moron of a 3rd base coach.
I'm tired of watching Howard's lack of discipline at the plate. The pitchers have finally figured him out, I think. Watch for a down year next season. Gonna be painful to watch unless he smartens up.— dctwmt - I'm sure some wingnut said we should jettison Rollins to start Valdez, but most of us see Valdez as a quality backup defensively, a guy who hit decent when J-Roll was hurt and a guy who we won with when he started at SS. I mean, do we want Bill Hall or Edgar Renteria there, defensively, for 2-3 weeks? No, we don't. I'd bring back Valdez in a heartbeat and tell our very well paid sluggers to hit.— eman
- Poor Ryan Howard... With the exit of Pat Burrell, he's become the target of the player bashers who just bash because one down year. Jeff Francouer migt be a good option... Only thing is if you found watching Pat Burrell flail at sliders down and away very upsetting, you will find yourself even more upset watching Francouer swing at anything. Of course, I'm talking about his Braves days. I'm not sure if he figured out any plate discipline yet.— roque32
- The thing about Howard is that he takes is game very seriously. Remember... He had a fielding deficit. He worked in the off season to get that right. He does strike out a lot but his strike out totals have been decreasing over the past couple of years. He can still work on that more. He also needs to work on his throwing to second base. The last time I had to hold my breath whenever a player made a throw was Steve Jeltz and Juan Samuel :) It's a good thing that Ryan Howard plays first and doesn't need to throw a lot. Maybe that is his problem.— roque32
- The Phils will not sign Beltre.— paolibulldog
- As I look at the free agent outfielders out there, I'm just not impressed. I'd sign Jermaine Dye to a 1-year deal (he can at least pinch hit better than Dobbs!), give Brown and Francisco shots, rebuild the bullpen and use Werth's freed-up cash to pick up a fourth starter.— eman
- Since when did Ed Wade have anything do with Davie Lopes? Rich Dubee should be replace, dang him with Roy Halladay 21 wins, one perfect game,and one no hitter. What is up with Cole looking like the ace we had in 2008 again. As far as Ryan is concern when he come back from the off season I hope he will be better, because you know he only had 31 HR, 108 RBI. Worst is the Chase Utley things lack of playing and off season he had now some time fans want to trade him, you got to be joking. There is none of them I would trade, all of them have the right to not be perfect all the time including the "3 base coach"— cahris
If you are relying on jamie Moyer next year that would be a mistake- Ryan Howard has historic numbers. Historic! Guys like him come into the league once a decade. You don't trade him for prospects hoping they might become half of what he already is.— hawk18
- Will KC take Ryan Howard for Grienke? Then sign Werth and keep Brown in RF...sounds like a winner!— AHash
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Somebody needs to save Jamie Moyer from himself
before he seriously hurts himself -
You had a a nice career Jamie, you won the World Series in your home town,
but you're closing in on 50 - time to call it a day -
trying to get to 300 wins is not worth permanent damage to your arm.— phillydude 
Ok this is craziness. Howard is a stud. You can't hit when they don't throw you a strike. He's trying to do it all himself and needs to learn how to take a walk. I like Werth, but he is a product of this lineup and having runners on base constantly. He'll have success, but are you going to find another team where there are runners on base 50% of your at-bats? And don't give me Valdez...he is a bench player. Good defense, no stick. He is ok with this lineup because we don't need his offense. That being said, don't fall in love with him.— fuss77- Murph-I'd like to see this team consider a multi-position bench guy capable of 300 at bats (or more). Like Willie Bloomquist or Hairston. Yes they need a RH bat, but with the injury history you need someone (actually 2) guys that can hold down the fort should it happen again. And someone that can play multiple spots. Say no to Beltre.....that would be a bad move. He'd strike out 200 times in this lineup trying to match long balls with Howard.— fuss77
- we have to face it--we have no untouchables on the position players. STARS do not strike out 3-4 times a game --and they don't take called 3rd strikes with the tying run on second.— richweb
