MLB Free Agency

Some thoughts on recent signings.

David Wells, Red Sox - The first thing I thought when I heard this is that the Sox believe that either Pedro, Arroyo, or Pavano will not be in the starting rotation next year. I'm guessing this means Pavano will end up on the Yankees. As for Wells, e-mailer Brian wrote "Why, besides a good postseason record,would anyone want David Wells? He's fat,drunk,and the most out of shape athlete I've seen."

They gave Wells way too much money. He could be good but it's just too big of a risk for that type of investment. Supposedly, he got into shape last year, and he has the type of ego which usually makes players successful in a market like Boston. Then again, fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life.

Jarret Wright, Yankees - The Yanks have been burned by their recent trades for and signings of young pitchers. Wright was a bit of mess in Cleveland, then the Braves straightened him out like they seem to do with all pitchers. It's the right idea for the Yanks to go after a young pitcher, but there's a chance he could follow the Jeff Weaver tradition, I hope.

Woody Williams, Padres - This is the type of signing I like -- a one year deal to a veteran that should bring stability to a staff with good young pitching. And if it doesn't work, it's just one year.

Al Leiter, Marlins - See above post. Another good signing but I thought he would get a better contract than Wells. Maybe the teams with money think he should be a full time announcer.

Denny Reyes, Rudy Seanez, Padres - If I'm a midmarket team, these are the types of players I'd go after. They'll either help you become a winning team, and if they don't, contending teams will give up good prospects for them late in the season. Example: the Astros getting Bagwell for journeyman reliever Larry Anderson.

Matt Mantei, Red Sox - A one year deal so if it doesn't work, it won't kill you. If it does work, wow-- a starter gives the team 6 innings, Timlin and Embree in the 7th, Mantei in the 8th, Foulke in the 9th.

Vinny Castilla, Nationals - Worst free agency signing of this offseason.