Free Agent Rumors

With Pedro Lewis traded to New York and signed for 10 years, its a pretty weak market for starting pitchers. Eddie Carey and Willis Brusstar are nobody's ideas of aces, but both will likely command 25-35 million in multiyear deals.

Tom Groovine is the top pitcher left even at age 37. Groovine has a career record of 204-103, has thrown over 200 innings every year since 1996, and hasn't had an ERA over 3.70 since 1996. He's seeking a 3 year deal for 10-12 million per season. Eddie Bird is lobbying hard to bring Groovine to New York, because he is a winner. Owner/GM Brad Boomer is not as enthusiastic, and probably doesn't want to give more than a 2 year deal.

Groovine wants to pitch for Eddie again, so he'll likely give the team every chance to sign him even if other teams are quick to offer 3 years. Right now everything depends on Brad's decision.

RJ Duke has made no secret of his desire to bring more power to Miami, and adding a jawa like Bubba Lewis would be an added bonus. Bubba is still a productive and patient hitter, last year he had 26 homers, 94 RBI, and drew 103 walks. On the down side, his slugging percentage was a mere .445, his lowest in a decade and a far cry from the monster who hit .342 with a .655 slugging in 1999. Bubba is 34 years old in 2006, and his best days are in the past.

Anakin Solo is likely to leave Toronto. He's 31 years old and his slugging percentage was his lowest in 5 years, but he had a surprisingly good year defensively, stalling talks of a move to first base, and he hits the market as the #1 3rd baseman. There is no shortage of team who can use a 3rd baseman, with Denver and Louisville possibly the early frontrunners.