Well, today is the first day after the World Series, which means that players are now eligible to file for free agency. Of course some big names filed. Barry Bonds, Nomar Garciaparra, & Frank Thomas. What’s been covered elsewhere is the fact that with the new rules from the CBA, you are no longer restricted in talking to your own free agents. Used to be if you didn’t offer them arbitration by Dec 7, you couldn’t resign them until next May 1. That no longer exists. The exclusivity period still exists, so for the moment only a player’s current team can talk contract. That ends Nov 11th, and Nov 12th is when anyone can talk $ with anyone else.
A couple of former Rangers filed for free agency. Not that I think we should really make a move on any of these guys, I’m just pointing it out from a “Former Ranger” standpoint – I try and keep track of where these guys go:
Filing for Free Agency today (the 28th):
Aaron Fultz (Phillies)
Ricky Ledee (Mets)
Doug Mirabelli (Red Sox)
Rudy Seanez (Padres)
Frank Catalanotto (Blue Jays)
Royce Clayton (Reds)
Some other former Ranger player movement in the last week or so:
10/03 – Nationals released Pedro Astacio & Ryan Drese
10/05 – Victor Santos efa from Pirates
10/11 – Phillies released Julio Santana
10/12 – Padres waived Manny Alexander
10/13 – Ken Huckaby efa from Red Sox
10/23 – A’s released D’Angelo Jimenez
Here are all the 2006 Ranger players eligible to file for free agency (Jerry Hairston was already placed on waivers back on the 11th, and a quick thought on them by me.
Adam Eaton (might get resigned to an incentive laden contract)
Carlos Lee (most likely will not be back, unless he goes for less $)
Eric Young (probably not back, I wouldn’t mind having him as some sort of coach though)
Gary Matthews (better be back)
Jerry Hairston (won’t be back)
Kip Wells (if back at all, as a non roster invite in spring training)
Mark DeRosa (would like to have him back)
Rod Barajas (likely won’t be back)
Vicente Padilla (wouldn’t mind having him back, but not for 4 years. 2 plus option, maybe)