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Wednesday January 23rd, 2013

Micheal Bourn is seeking a contract worth 15 Million Dollars plus per year. Since 2008, he has averaged 50 SB a year. He has steadily improved his offensive game. He is a guy who would help most ball clubs as a Lead Off hitter.

By Jordan Gluck (Prospects/Baseball Operations Correspondent) Follow @JGluck777

The offseason is winding down right with the availability of Free Agents and the budgets of many MLB teams. The talent on the open market is not what it was a few months ago but there is still some risk/reward players in the pool along with Bourn, Lohse, and Marcum. There are certain clubs with some dollars to spend but most are to their cap or don’t see the value. Here I present to you my top 10 Free Agents who can help propel a team to more wins or be used by subpar clubs as viable trade chips as Trade Deadline Deals.

1. Michael Bourn (30) (Braves) – the clear-cut best player left on the market but with budgets near filled up it will be interesting to see how Scott Boras works his magic. There is no doubt the tender is hurting him as it hurt Soriano and Laroche.  He can play CF and has blazing speed.   (Texas)

Michael Bourn Highlight Reel in 2012 – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised

Kyle Lohse was 16-3 with an NL Best .842 Win PCTG in 2012 – with a Career best 2.86 ERA.

2. Kyle Lohse (34) (Cardinals)- the best pitcher left on the market only lost three games last year and appears to have more left in the tank. Unfortunately for him he was tendered and has seen little Interest because of that. (Mariners)

3. Shaun Marcum (31) (Brewers)- I am surprised that he is still available as he does have the talent to be a high 3 starter. If he is healthy I believe he might be the steal of the offseason. (Rockies)

4. Joe Saunders (31) (Orioles)- a low-end – 3 high-end 4 pitcher with decent control and no amazing stuff. He should sign soon and is sought after but for the right price. (Orioles)

5. Kelly Johnson (30) (Blue Jays)- he has been the quietest free agent of the offseason and is no longer needed by Alex Anthopoulos due to the services of Emilio Bonifacio. He can be an average to below average Second Baseman and should find a home. (Cardinals)

6. Brian Wilson  (30) (Giants)- “Blackbeard” has serious injury issues and if they are not fixed soon his career maybe nearing an end. If and that’s a big if he can come back and be healthy he is a major force in the back of the Pen. (Royals)

7. Jair Jurrjens  (26) (Braves)- this is a boom or bust all the way!  I believe the injuries have really taken a toll but he’s worth it on a Minor League contract. (Marlins)

8. Alex Gonzalez (35) (Brewers)- he missed most of the season last year due to injury and should be ready for 2013 opening day. I don’t think he will get a starting offer – but he would be best suited for a team with a below average SS and where he can be a part-time stopgap. (Mariners)

9. Jose Valverde (34) (Tigers)- the slowest pitcher (time per pitch) is certainly feeling the effect of his terrible Post Season. I think he can be a nice pickup for about 2-3 Million and provide decent value. (Pirates)

10. Freddy Sanchez- (35) (Giants) injuries have plagued the former batting champ although he has two more rings to add to his resume. I believe he can be an intriguing sign for a team and set himself up for a decent salary with a good year. (Twins)

Others: Matt Capps, Rod Barajas, Juan Cruz, Scott Hairston, Jonathan Sanchez, and Travis Hafner.

Each day we are counting down to spring training and opening day. I will be providing a TON of prospect coverage in the coming weeks and am thrilled for another MLB season.

From 2008-2011, Brian Wilson was one of the top closer in the Majors with 163 Saves. He Saved 48 Games with a 1.81 ERA only 3 years ago in 2010 for the World Champ Giants. He went through TJ Surgery for a 2nd time in April of 2012 – who will give him a chance?

*** The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com or their partners.***

A big thank-you goes out to our ‘Prospects/Baseball Operations Correspondent’ Jordan Gluck for preparing today’s featured article.  Jordan wants to be a MLB President of baseball operations one day. He has grown up in south Florida all of his life after moving there when he was two months old. Jordan grew up a FLORIDA Marlins fan but lost his devoting allegiance when they moved to Miami.  He is a senior in high school and will be going to college next year. He will have a heavy focus on roster evaluations, prospects, and the business of baseball!  You can follow Jordan on twitter  Follow @JGluck777

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