(Not So) Free Agents

The last few entries have covered the Reds future if they stick with what they have and don't go after any free agents, however there are a few players I'd like to see the front office sign. As far as starters go the market is as thin as ever, Kyle Loshe may fetch close to $8 million, so in order for the Reds to find a guy to bridge the gap between Aaron Harang and, well, everyone else, they might have to take a flyer on somebody. Now this risk can be a calculated one, there are starters out there who are ready to return to respectability. I'll give you a name and the chances of that player becoming a Red. Andy Pettitte is the biggest name, but if he returns it will probably be with the Yankees. Chances Pettitte will be a Red in 2008: 0%. Kris Benson is coming off rotator cuff surgery and was never really as good as is contracts anyway. Chances he will be a Red 5%. Randy Wolf could be ready to return to form and if he does I would like him behind Bronson Arroyo, but only for about $5-6 million which probably won't happen. Chances he'll be a Red 10%. Jason Jennings might be an affordable option, but is there too much of a reason for that? The former first round pick has disappointed all but one season and found it hard to get an out in the NL Central last season. Chances he'll be a Red 5%. Matt Clement would be another low risk (possibly) high reward type player. It's yet to be seen what the market will yield for a guy like Clement but he would most likely be affordable for the Reds. Though he hasn't pitched a full season since 2005, Clement does have a decent track record when healthy. If the price is right I'd like to see the Reds go after him. Chances he'll be in Cincinnati 10%. Carlos Silva has the control anyone would want in a starting pitcher (171 walks in 945 career innings) and he is the youngest starter on the market. Silva boasts a career era of 4.31 in the superior American League. There are two strikes against Silva; his price tag ($40 million for four years) and the fact that he gave up 38 home runs in 2006, hello GABP. Chances Silva will be a Red 15%, chances they'll look into him 95%. Freddy Garcia is another guy who has underachieved the last couple seasons, which is good for the Reds. In this market Garcia will probably fetch slightly less than Silva, but could turn out to be the better choice. Like Silva, Garcia has great control, but might find it difficult pitching in a matchbox. Garcia also has a short, but very successful playoff history. Chances he'll be a Red 15%. The best news about this free agent pitching market for the Reds is that Eric Milton is on it. Tomorrow I'll be looking at free agent relievers.