Free Agent List Up to 137...

by initram on Nov 8, 2007 5:01 PM CST

At the time of this writing, the free agent count is up to 137.

Chicago AM Radio (not sure which one) just reported that 17 of those (12.4%) have been identified on the Mitchell report!

So, a question to anyone who may know... and if no one knows it's food for thought and speculation: How can a GM proceed with FA signings and trades without knowing this information? I mean, no GM will ever be able to have all of the information presented to them about each player, but it's their job to have the most important information readily available to them in order to make an informed decision. That said, wouldn't one think that this bit of information is important enough to determine whether or not a player should be pursued?

Not that I need to do this, but for the sake of illustration I will submit this hypothetical situation. Hendry determines that a hole that needs to be filled is the SS position. He has his scouts do all of what they do according to the parameters that meet the Cubs needs, target some players, dwindle that list down to a few and go target them. Presume we jump 4 weeks ahead from now and Hendry offers up a couple of prospects from our organization for said player and we make the deal. A couple of weeks after this, though, said player has been implicated and subsequently gets slapped with a 50-game suspension to start the new season. Not only is this not fair and a waste of resources scouting an alleged cheater, but Hendey also shipped two of our prospects away that he obviously never would have done had he had this bit of information which is available!

That leads to this: do you think that the GMs really do know? Do you think that GMs may be holding out until said report if they don't know?

Some GMs views are given if you look at the MLB Hot Stove coverage and view some of the One-on-One in the "Sights and Sounds" section. Update [2007-11-8 18:8:56 by initram]: This was in a different thread some time back. The intent of this thread is not to discuss the veracity of the Mitchell report and the legalities of suspending players. The discussion at hand was intended to discuss the effect it will have on GMs making plans and acting on them in the 6-10 weeks to come - and then have it all erased. Again, assume these players are implicated and _that these players are suspended_. Whether they should be suspended or should not be suspended is irrelevant.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Another Update

It's 11, not 17. Likely Mike Cameron, Jose Guillen and Barry Bonds are 3.

Also, the FA list looks like it is at 139, dropping the percentage down to just under 8%.

Still, imagine 8% impact on the rest of the league...

by initram on Nov 8, 2007 5:06 PM CST reply actions

Has Neifi filed for free agency?

If so, he's probably another one of them.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 8, 2007 5:12 PM CST up reply actions

Yes, Neifi Has Filed

I see that MLBTR just posted this: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2007/11/11_free_agents.html

The FA Tracker they cited is here (ESPN): http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/features/freeagents

Neifi is on there. Doesn't he have like 30 more games to go on his second suspension? What's the third one for amphetamines?

by initram on Nov 8, 2007 5:27 PM CST up reply actions

I Answered My Own Question...

... and learned a lot more, too (i.e., re-instatement, etc.)

Regarding Steroids:

Under the new agreement, players who fail a test for steroids next season will be suspended 50 games, with the penalties increasing to 100 games for a second offense and a lifetime suspension for a third. A three-time offender could seek reinstatement after two years.

Regarding Amphetamines / Stimulants:

The new agreement also provides testing for amphetamines, a commonly used stimulant that baseball has never tried to detect. The first offense would result in mandatory testing, a second offense would lead to a 25-game suspension, a third offense would result in an 80-game suspension, and a fourth offense would lead to discipline, possibly including a lifetime ban, to be determined by the commissioner.

So, this must have been Neifi's third offense under the amphetamine drug policy, right? That's ok, he'd always have a job with the Reds... ;-)

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/16/sports/baseball/16steroids.html?pagewanted=all

by initram on Nov 8, 2007 5:33 PM CST up reply actions

and

paul byrd.

WhErE's My CuBs?!?!

by tbizzle83 on Nov 8, 2007 7:54 PM CST up reply actions

Byrd Is Not a Free Agent...

... the Indians signed him right away, no?

by initram on Nov 8, 2007 8:50 PM CST up reply actions

They had a club option...

...which the Indians exercized.

Which I think sums up pretty well what clubs think about these allegations -- they may change WHAT they're willing to pay players, but they're not making them UNwilling to pay these players. So I don't know how much the market will be affected.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 8, 2007 9:38 PM CST up reply actions