Bobby Abreu, Adam Dunn, Orlando Hudson, Ben Sheets, Jon Garland, Randy Wolf, Braden Looper, Oliver Perez and Joe Crede are among free agents that still don't have a deal. Spring Training is getting closer all the time. The list also includes Andy Pettitte, Tom Glavine, Garrett Anderson and other. See here for a full list.
Okay, these players must all be getting pretty fidgety. Maybe even desperate. If the Fan was a GM of a really lousy team like the Pirates or the Mariners, here's a thought: Offer them all $5 million for one year. That's right, take them all. Nine quality players for $45 million is a good deal.
They would have to be better than what you already have, right? Why not? You have four starting pitchers, a second baseman, a third baseman, two outfielders/1B /DH guys and a relief pitcher. Heck, the fans would have to like that a lot better than throwing kids out there that aren't ready yet or throwing out a bunch of cheap guys like Bobby Ayala or Jay Payton out there.
For another $1 million each, sign Ivan Rodriguez and Pedro Martinez. Why not? Now you have 11 guys for $47 million. Out of the eleven, if they all come within 80% of their career averages, you win.
This is the equivalent to going to the local dollar store to buy all of next year's Christmas decorations on the cheap. You could make a big promotion out of the whole thing. Make them the Cleveland Indians with Charlie Sheen. It's the Unwanted against the world. Go get 'em, boy, nobody else wanted you.
If the Fan was a GM, that's what he would do. In a heartbeat. All these guys would be better than what you have now, Pittsburgh/Seattle/San Diego. Instant respectability for $47 million. You have to like that.
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