As pitchers and catchers have now reported for all major league teams, it is fair to say the options for remaining free agents are limited, if existent at all. Sure, a handful of players will land on minor league deals between now and the start of spring training games. That usually doesn't bode well for veterans who are expected to have an impact on a team. This year, players like Johnny Damon, Vladimir Guerrero and Hideki Matsui should be concerned as fits are starting to close up. As I reported yesterday, Oakland has too many outfielders right now, so they will be able to fill their DH need until Manny Ramirez returns from his suspension. The Yankees fortified their bench by making their deal with Raul Ibanez official and agreeing to a contract with INF Eric Chavez, pending a physical. Detroit is an unlikely home due to the signing of Prince Fielder and Tampa Bay brought in Luke Scott to take the bulk of the DH at bats for the Rays.
All three of these players have a chance to be this year's Jermaine Dye. Dye was forced into an early retirement because he wanted a contract nobody was willing to give him. He game off a respectable season (.250, 27, 81 in 141 games for the White Sox) and played hardball. This resulted in the end of his career. This is a tough situation for a major league hitter. None of the three players are the prototypical minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, but it may come down to that or nothing.
The Baltimore Orioles could still be a possibility for one of them. I am sure the Orioles would like someone who can play the outfield, but they may offer a contract because they do not have a full time DH. The Minnesota Twins may be able to squeeze some room on their opening day roster for another of them. Other than that, I can't see another realistic fit that doesn't compromise a team's current construction. Perhaps Detroit adds one of the three to DH; would not be wise to entrench Miguel Cabrera at 3B with no other place to play. Tampa could see them as an upgrade over Scott, but then why did they sign him in the first place?
As far as the National League, there may be more teams interested. But what can any of them provide in terms of playing the field. Jim Thome will play first base for the Phillies this year, his first action in the field in years. But, it is different putting a DH at first base as opposed to running a player in the outfield who has been out there minimally over the past couple of years. While DHing 98 times in 2010, Damon played the outfield 36 times. In 2011, he DHed 135 times and played the outfield 16 times with one game at 1B. Guerrero played 93 games at DH and 2 in the OF in 2009. He DHed 129 games and played 18 in the outfield in 2010. All 137 games he played in last year, he was the DH. Matsui was the DH in all 119 games he played in 2009. He DHed 120 times and played 17 OF games in 2010. Last year, he DHed 110 games and played the OF in 27.
The truth is, more NL teams could use the depth in the OF and off the bench. The problem is no NL team will be able to provide enough playing time to please these players. Perhaps an NL team could use one of them the way the Mets used Gary Sheffield in 2009. Should the Mets take a flyer on one of them? I say why not? Especially since a guaranteed contract is unlikely at this point. Atlanta could be a possibility. How about Milwaukee with the impending suspension of OF Ryan Braun? Could the Dodgers be interested? It was reported that they were speaking with Matsui earlier this offseason. I think the more time that goes by, the more likely an NL team will add one of these players. I still think the Orioles and Twins will be in play, which leaves one forced to play in the NL. If the Orioles or Twins are not interested, that means two will have to play in the NL. Damon, Guerrero and Matsui may have to make a choice, either play the field in the NL like Sheffield or sit out the season like Dye.
All three of these players have a chance to be this year's Jermaine Dye. Dye was forced into an early retirement because he wanted a contract nobody was willing to give him. He game off a respectable season (.250, 27, 81 in 141 games for the White Sox) and played hardball. This resulted in the end of his career. This is a tough situation for a major league hitter. None of the three players are the prototypical minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, but it may come down to that or nothing.
The Baltimore Orioles could still be a possibility for one of them. I am sure the Orioles would like someone who can play the outfield, but they may offer a contract because they do not have a full time DH. The Minnesota Twins may be able to squeeze some room on their opening day roster for another of them. Other than that, I can't see another realistic fit that doesn't compromise a team's current construction. Perhaps Detroit adds one of the three to DH; would not be wise to entrench Miguel Cabrera at 3B with no other place to play. Tampa could see them as an upgrade over Scott, but then why did they sign him in the first place?
As far as the National League, there may be more teams interested. But what can any of them provide in terms of playing the field. Jim Thome will play first base for the Phillies this year, his first action in the field in years. But, it is different putting a DH at first base as opposed to running a player in the outfield who has been out there minimally over the past couple of years. While DHing 98 times in 2010, Damon played the outfield 36 times. In 2011, he DHed 135 times and played the outfield 16 times with one game at 1B. Guerrero played 93 games at DH and 2 in the OF in 2009. He DHed 129 games and played 18 in the outfield in 2010. All 137 games he played in last year, he was the DH. Matsui was the DH in all 119 games he played in 2009. He DHed 120 times and played 17 OF games in 2010. Last year, he DHed 110 games and played the OF in 27.
The truth is, more NL teams could use the depth in the OF and off the bench. The problem is no NL team will be able to provide enough playing time to please these players. Perhaps an NL team could use one of them the way the Mets used Gary Sheffield in 2009. Should the Mets take a flyer on one of them? I say why not? Especially since a guaranteed contract is unlikely at this point. Atlanta could be a possibility. How about Milwaukee with the impending suspension of OF Ryan Braun? Could the Dodgers be interested? It was reported that they were speaking with Matsui earlier this offseason. I think the more time that goes by, the more likely an NL team will add one of these players. I still think the Orioles and Twins will be in play, which leaves one forced to play in the NL. If the Orioles or Twins are not interested, that means two will have to play in the NL. Damon, Guerrero and Matsui may have to make a choice, either play the field in the NL like Sheffield or sit out the season like Dye.
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