MLB: 2001 Free Agent Preview Part II

Charles Johnson, C: After hitting over .300 (.304) and over 30 (31) home runs, Johnson will be able to command some big bucks this off season. Also in his favor is the fact that he plays a position that isn’t very deep. After Ivan Rodriguez (Texas), Jason Kendall (Pittsburgh), and Mike Piazza (New York Mets), the catcher position is very sparse. The 2001 season, whether it is with the White Sox or elsewhere will show whether or not last year was the beginning of great things to come or a fluke. Johnson’s 31 home runs were 28% of the home runs he has hit during his 6-year career.

Darren Dreifort, SP: This Dodger starting pitcher epitomizes the scariest word in sports: Potential. In his three years in which he’s pitched over 179 innings, he’s 33-34. Like Johnson, he’ll have to prove his worth, but at least Johnson has something to go on. As I mentioned in the earlier preview, I want the Tigers to go after some of the high caliber SPs, but if history is any indication, then a Dreifort-type is what they’ll end up with.

Alex Gonzalez, SS: This Alex will have to wait and see what the other Alex does before anything comes his way. While he doesn’t post the offensive numbers of the big three at SS, he is a formidable player that should show steady improvement this year and those to follow. Again, where A-Rod goes will decide what interest A-Gonz garners.

Jeffrey Hammonds, OF: Despite a career season in which he hit .335, Hammonds did get the benefit of playing in Coors Field. Hammonds was blistering at home with a .399 average, while hitting noticeably worse outside of Coors with a meager .275. Hammonds has also been tagged as injury-prone. He lived up to the label again in 2000 after playing just 122 games.

Andres Galarraga, 1B: Even as an old man (39), the Big Cat is still putting up big time numbers. His comeback from cancer was amazing and a great thing to see. His current team, Atlanta, is only offering a year contract. This apparently isn’t good enough for Mr. Meow. Um, Andres, how about we take it year by year since you are creeping up on 40. Yes, the numbers are there, but let’s not get ridiculous.

Kevin Appier, SP: A formidable pitcher in the twilight of his career, Appier will attract the losers of the Hampton, Mussina, Neagle, and Dreifort wars. He is part of a handful of second tier pitchers that will receive more than they deserve based on what Hampton and Mussina will likely get. Appier turns 33 this December and was 15-11 with 4.52 ERA last season in Oakland.

Andy Ashby, SP: Like Appier, Ashby will not be heavily pursued until some of the top tier pitchers are snatched up. Coming off a disappointing season in which he was under .500 for the first time since 1997, Ashby will get his money, but could be a stretch if he’s called upon to be a #2 for a team. If he returns to his ’98 form, he will greatly help whoever picks him up this winter.

Tony Gwynn, OF/DH: Gwynn will most likely come over to the AL and be placed the EM (Edgar Martinez) position, err DH! While he hasn’t played over 150 games since 1989, he also hasn’t hit under .300 since 1982. I feel he’ll only be effective as a DH and just how effective is still to be determined. Health and age concerns will plague Gwynn as he seeks more money than he deserves.

Mark Grace, 1B: A more useful Gwynn-type player that will be Mr. Consistent somewhere other than Chicago in 2001. Right now, the Diamondbacks are the front-runners to acquire Grace’s services.

There ya have it folks… I’ll periodically update as things unfold with the players available.