| Market Analysis |
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| Written by Troy Chuinard | |
| Saturday, 01 December 2007 | |
It is quite obvious that this free agent market is one of the thinnest. With very few impact players available, it is going to be hard for organizations to improve their teams by scouting other talent. However, what teams fail to realize is that there are other players who can make a difference besides Johan Santana, Tori Hunter, and A-Rod.
Given that teams are going to have to look for big names in other places, one particular athlete that has stood out this off-season is Japanese superstar Kusoke Fukodume. With a career on-base percentage of just under .400, there is no question that Fukodume would be considered a valuable asset to any major league ball club. His left-handed presence at the place would pose a threat to any opposing pitcher, and scouts have classified him as a combination of Ichiro and Hideki Matsui. Reports have indicated that the Chunichi Dragons will not be offering Fukodume a contract this off-season, and as a result he may decide to travel across seas. With very few hitters remaining on the off-season shopping list, Fukodume may be able to land a highly lucrative contract. While we are talking about the Japenese market, it is absolutely necessary to bring up pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. While performing in Japan, Kuroda put up sensational numbers, compiling 103-89 career record and posting an ERA of 3.69 over 11 seasons. His fastball is believed to be around 92-94 mph, and he also throws a biting forkball. Scouts have stated that he would be perfect in the middle of the rotation for any team. It appears that the Cubs, Diamondbacks, Royals, and Mariners all have a strong interest in the Japanese fire baller. Now to the American availability. After Carlos Zambrano and Mark Buehrle both signed contract extensions this season, Curt Schilling was the top target of many teams. After Schilling signed with the Red Sox, Carlos Silva became one of the most attractive free agents, and given his numbers that isn’t saying too much. Though Silva has been considered a workhorse with exceptional durability, left handed hitters are batting .311 against him. Though he did put up a respectable 13-14 record with a 4.19 ERA in one of the toughest divisions in baseball, it is highly unlikely that he lands a deal with an American League ball club. Analysts believe that Silva would be better-suited in a National League ball park. After seeing Ted Lilly significantly progress after the switch this past season, Silva may be able to win 15-20 games with the right team.
Outfielders Corey Patterson, Kenny Lofton, Darin Erstad, Geoff Jenkins, and Milton Bradly are also available. You also can’t forget about Aaron Rowand, who is coming off of a career year and will definitely be in contact with several clubs. The Los Angeles Dodgers are said to have been in discussions with Rowand, who is seeking somewhere in the realm of $13 million a year. Some of the less-wealthy organizations are looking to trade away their superstars for emerging prospects as well. Teams have been throwing out offers for Carl Crawford and Miguel Cabrera, and both the Devil Rays and Marlins are not afraid to trade away these players if they are given the right package in return. With the winter meetings coming up next week, expect several deals to go down.
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