Ramirez Hits the Top
While several of the big timers’ names have been circulating continuously throughout the Major League Baseball season roundup these past few weeks, including All-Star Manny Ramirez, there are many more outfielders who are playing for spots on the major teams during this free-agent pool. But while Ramirez, who had a .332 average with 37 home runs and 121 RBIs for the Red Sox and Dodgers in 2008 is at the top of the list, there are many others, according to MLB.com, that are potential head hunters for teams with a little less pocket change.
Head of the class
Abreu, Type A: .296, 22 HR, 100 RBIs. A career .300 hitter, the 34-year-old Abreu has driven in at least 100 runs in each of the past six seasons and seven of the past eight. Last contract: Six years, $80 million.
Comment: Abreu demonstrated in 2008 that he is still a productive player with a potent lefty bat who plays every day and is still above average defensively.
Anderson, Type A: .293, 15 HR, 84 RBIs. A career .295 hitter, the 36-year-old Anderson has averaged 96 RBIs per season over the past 12 years. Last contract: Four years, $48 million.
Comment: Anderson hit .335 in the second half and the Angels have indicated they would like to bring him back in 2009. If not, there are other clubs that could use Anderson’s considerable talents.
Burrell, Type A: .250, 33 HR, 86 RBIs. The Phillies left fielder finished in the top 10 in the NL in home runs and walks. Last contract: Six years, $50 million.
Comment: Burrell’s never been a big batting average guy (.257 career mark), he’s not fast, he strikes out too much and his on-base percentage this season was his lowest since 2004. But he’s only 32, he hit 40 points better on the road than he did in Citizens Bank Park in 2008 and with his track record for slugging he could help a club looking for a middle-of-the-order type bat.
Dunn, Type A: .236, 40 HR, 100 RBIs. Only 29, Dunn has hit 40 or more home runs in each of the past five seasons and has driven in 100 or more runs four times during that span (92 in 2006). Last contract: Three years, $31 million.
Comment: Yes, he strikes out a lot and is probably best suited to be a designated hitter or first baseman, but Dunn also walks a lot (league-leading 122 in 2008) and that combination of power and on-base ability will attract several suitors, particularly those looking for a left-handed slugger — like the Nationals.
Ibanez, Type A: .293, 23 HR, 110 RBIs. Over the past three seasons the 36-year-old has hit .291 with 77 homers and 338 RBIs. Last contract: Two years, $11 million.
Comment: Ibanez just keeps getting better and better. He finished in the top 10 in the AL in at least 10 categories, including hits, total bases, doubles, RBIs and extra-base hits. He’s the same age is Ramirez, if not in his class as an offensive player, but Ibanez can still give plenty of power for a team in need of a potent left-handed hitter.
Ramirez, Type A: .332, 37 HR, 121 RBIs. The 11-time All-Star had a .430 on-base percentage, slugged .601, and had an .430 OBP. Last contract: Eight years, $160 million.
Comment: Ramirez has averaged 36 homers and 119 RBIs per year since 1995. Wherever he lands in ‘09, consider that team an instant contender.
On the market
Moises Alou (Mets), Emil Brown (Athletics), Cliff Floyd (Rays), Luis Gonzalez (Marlins), Eric Hinske (Rays), Gabe Kapler (Brewers), Jason Michaels (Pirates), Trot Nixon (Mets), Greg Norton (Braves), Juan Rivera (Angels).
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